January's Featured Corks & Caps
Clif Winery 2006 Climber Red
Another find from the folks at Clif Family Winery. The 2006 Climber Red is the 2006 release of the 05 award winning Climber that comes in at an outstanding $17.00. What is great about the Climber is that it is a California Wine. I guess I am a little biased towards American wines.
We have featured their wines in the past and they have become a favorite due to the great taste and even better price, not to mention the wine maker Sarah Gott is an accomplished triathlete. The Climber Red Wine 2006 is a blend of 32% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 4% Petite Sirah. Most of the grapes come from their Somerston Vineyard on the far east of the Napa Valley.
Deep purplish-red color is an indicator of the fruit aromas you’ll find in this wine. Dark fruits abound in the nose get your attention as soon you raise your glass towards the nose. Blackberry, raisin and black cherry are the most abundant in this wine. There is also a tad bit of oak floating in and out of the fruit aromas. Intense fruit on the palate continues the theme. Blackberry & black cherry, followed by pepper and cocoa on the mid-palate lead into the finish leave a little "spice" in the back of the throat. It’s big, a little bold and young but very tasty. If you are into fruity wines this is a great wine .... plus at $17.00 it is slightly cheaper then a box of Clif Bars!!!
This would make a great wine with a cookout. Meat and cheese were a great compliment … it almost makes me want to make a big bacon cheeseburger to go with it!
Wine: Clif Family Winery – The Climber
Variety: Red Blend
Blend: 32% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 4% Petite Sirah
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 14.7%
Price: $17.00
2008 Clif Winery 2008 Climber White
The 2008 Climber White is a blend mostly made up of Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Lake County, Lodi and Monterey that makes up this 08 white. the climber White has base that provides floral and tropical notes that would be more enjoyed on a warm summer evening after long ride or run. The focus on fruit starts on the nose and rolls throughout the palate from the first sip to the final. With a crisp acidity and the taste of fresh oranges or tangerine it felt like "summer" even though I am looking out the window watching the snow.
The blend is 88% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscat, 3% Riesling, 3% Chardonnay, 2% Chenin Blanc
I enjoyed The Climber 2006 Red Wine, and The Climber 2008 White Wine ranks right up there with it. I am usually a "red guy" over a white but the Climber 2008 White is a pretty well balanced blend, but definitely tastes like a Sauvignon Blanc. I am not the only one that likes it. Check out these accolades from the pros:
- Wine Specator: 87
Food & Wine Magazine: California’s Top Wines for $15
- Less
Connoisseurs Guide To Wine: 87 Points, Good Value
Wine: Clif Family Winery – The Climber White
Variety: White Blend
Blend: 88% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscat, 3% Riesling, 3% Chardonnay, 2% Chenin Blanc
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.4%
Price: $14.00
Avril Bieres de table
This month’s beer is another Belgium just a little different “flavor”. The low ABV saison/farmhouse is wonderfully refreshing certified organic beer.
Avril Bieres de table (or Table Beer in English) are not the heavy hitters Belgium is so famous for. They are light in alcohol and enjoyed at the family dinner table or in our case relaxing in the evening after a long ride or run, similar to the Climber White above. They are central to Belgian beer culture and are how Belgians learn to appreciate beer.
Most people relate beer quality with a high ABV; a confusing richness and complexity; and an obscure, “catchy” or unpronounceable name. "High dollar" beers have almost become a genre themselves that feature 9% tripels and 12% quads and strong darks. And while these ABV figures are low for wine, they are very high for a beer.
Avril pours a bright orange/yellow and smells lightly of citrus, apples, spices and you can pick up on a touch of yeast. The taste is clean, crisp and refreshing. We enjoyed the Avril paired with hot pepper hummus (brought out the spices) and with some mild chesses. It's not as complex as a regular saison such as their Dupont, but very satisfying.
The Avril is remarkably drinkable and flavorful for a 3.5% beer with a lot of complexity for such a seemingly stripped down style. The low ABV allows me to open a bottle alone and enjoy it all without getting “bombed” or to enjoy in in the afternoon without being slowed down and tired.
Available in 750ml cork finished bottles at finer beer and wine stores.
