Wine by mail: Tobin James (and gifts from friends) + 2nd Month in MN

It's been 2 months since the move. I miss spring time in California, miss family, miss friends....

But you can't rehash the past in your head if you want to move forward. Move forward, and make a new life.

In the beginning of the month of April, I started a new job... Which is why I haven't been posting! I am a Business Manager for a Power sports Store. It's kinda a foreign language at times - car talk. Vin and Model Numbers, Contracts. The Accounting is probably the language that comes the easiest. But the staff is friendly (I think that is the Minnesota way.


We received a large and awesome shipment from Tobin James which virtually restocked our wine fridge. AND we received a package of snacks/goodies from our good friend (and drinking buddy!) that consisted of all our usual favorites.

Fresh and Easy Haul! Tortillas, granola, crackers, PISTACHIOS , and One Huge Hunk Chocolate Bars

Our wine fridge is actually bigger now. We took a road trip to PA to see the in-laws and attend a bridal shower and co-Bachelor/Bachelorette party for some of the Husbands College Buddies (actually they go back to Middle School)... My inlaws picked us up some wine from Grovedale (did a review of that winery awhile back...) so I am excited to pop open a bottle from there as well. We will be getting our Quady and Eberle shipments soon too. It's soooo nice getting wine by mail! A taste of home!


The trip was good. I was starved for human contact! Despite working, and seeing people everyday, it's SO <i>different</i> to see people you actually know, and to have that kind of connection/communication.

The weather is getting back to normal here too. We had a snow storm on May Day, [yes, May 1st]. 13 inches, power outages, transformers blown, and trees down.  If that isn't preparing me for winter, I don't know what will.

In contrast, today is 57, sunny, and green green green. The dogs are soaking it up and happy.

Its hard, sometimes. When the weather is gloomy, it kinda makes you gloomy too. I started taking B12 to help with fatigue but it's also helped with my depression (yes I was very homesick). I still am homesick but it's far more manageable.

Groceries are more expensive here. So are oil changes. Hair cuts are about the same, but massages are way cheaper. Gas is cheaper. Dairy is cheaper.  It's interesting to see the economics of where you are at, and the price fluctuations based on demand.

It's also discouraging to find limited availability of Almond Milk or  Coconut milk that doesn't come in a can, hydrogenated oil free tortillas, and a decent spice selection (does no one use just straight basil? so many herb blends!).  There are no Starbucks, no gold cards. Just Caribou, and local Prairie Wind Cafe [Prairie Winds does make a good roast that is not bitter, but is strong, with nutty, full body flavor!]. In some ways it's a whole new world.

But people are genuinely friendly here.  And it's an active community. People are always outside, walking, running, bike riding, walking their dogs. And they are friendly. Which isn't so much like California (everyone there seems to mind their own).

So it's give and take. But we are settling. And I can't complain, life is still good.

Wine: Indian Island

We had a wine night via FaceTime with some friends back home this past weekend. It was nice to catch up, and after 5 minutes the screen falls away, and you feel like you are back in the living room of your interior decorating savvy wino comrades.

On our end, the husband and I were drinking Indian Island Frontenac Gris. Granted, this would be a fantastic summer wine but its still skirting 40 degree highs with wintry mixes of snow and rain here.

The Frontenac Gris was peachy, juicy, fruity, with subtle notes of apples. It would make an outstanding white sangria (throw some strawberries, grapes, and raspberries? My mouth is watering thinking about it!). Indian Island is a Minnesota wine, made in Southern Minnesota.

This was an easy drinking wine. I paired it with some Gorgonzola crackers, dry roasted pistachios, and a few hours of laughing, laughing, and laughing.

Vino Travels: Wine Tasting on the Royal Caribbean

The Wine Tasting class on the Royal Carribean consisted of 4 wines all LaFite Barons De Rothschild Reserve Speciale Bordeaux wines.

They. Were phenomenal. I did enjoy them all. Truly. But I think my tastes are very easy to please, that is to say, I also enjoy all food as well.

[From Left to Right] Bordeau Blanc, Bordeaux Rouge, Medoc, Pauillac

This class was very neat because it reinforced the principle of French Wine making being regional (ie Champagne is made in the Champagne Region of France, where as California "Champagnes" are Sparkling wines). The idea is universal to all the regions. I haven't really sampled French wines before, but it was refreshing to discover I like them just the same as the local wines in California. 

I adored the Bordeaux Blanc. It just had this light sweetness to it, but still had the body of a Sauvignon Blanc ( 60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc).

It really did matter, as far as the order of the tasting. As it went on, we continued to a light red, the Bordeaux Rouge( 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet. This one was lighter, not so many tannins, and heavy berry notes.

The Medoc was a medium wine, (60% Cabernet, 40% Merlot), with more chocolate notes, and a richer, dryer finish.

We finished with the Pauillac, ( 75% Cabernet, 25% Merlot), which was rich with tannins and did invoke a pucker to the mouth. It had deeper spice notes to the nose, but still had berry aromas as well. 

When we circled back to the  Bordeaux Rouge, you could immediately taste  why it is important to graduate the drinking of wine. I had never really though about it before. 

I mean, why would you drink a muscat, then follow it up with a Sauvignon Blanc? Or a Chardonnay? I did that, when we returned home and found it very distasteful. Your whole mouth needs to be re-primed, your palate cleansed, in order to do that.  It's much easier to switch between darker reds, then to jump back and forth, but truthfully, you will alter the taste of each wine depending on what was last on your palate. 

We also had a cheese platter with dried fruits and nuts. Brie, Gouda, and some other exceptionally delicious cheese that I didn't know what it was.

I would drink these wines again. I think they all have their own attributes that make them delicious. The Pauillac was very heavy on the tannins and was not my favorite. But it was the favorite of our party, I believe.

Cheers to enjoyable wine, and learning new things. *Clink, Clink*

Vino Travels: Caribbean Cruise

Earlier this year we went on a Caribbean Cruise with my Husband's family to celebrate my grandparent-in-law's Birthdays!

It was my first cruise, and a lot of fun. There was a lot to do, and see, and experience (while sea sickness was part of it...). It was wonderful spending time with my in-laws and getting to know his (big!) family better. I come from a small family, and being welcomed to such a fun and loving bunch was really very endearing.

And now I shall share some culinary  treats from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - the Liberty was the ship we sailed on.

 

After arriving on the boat, we met family for Drinks while waiting to depart to sea.  We ordered Japanese Collins  which were a Collins made with Midori Melon. Our of this world! 

 Soon we were Champagne toasting an Au Revoir to the US and saying Bonjour to blue seas

The champagne [and chocolate covered strawberries] was a DELECTABLE gift from our Aunt and Uncle. Really kicked off the trip as we set sail!  Thank you again!

 This was my starter, one of the evening dinners. A smoked chicken breast and apple salad. It was light and delicious!

 Seafood ravioli. Because you have to have it at least once.

We smuggled out own assortment of Wines to drink in private quarters with the rest of the family.

[Twisted Merlot, WoodBridge Cabernet and Pinot Noir, Stone Cellars Chardonnay, Columbia Crest Cabernet]

This was hands down my favorite Starter - it was a puff pastry topped with a purreed artichoke and eggplant paste, with roasted red peppers, and topped with Arugula. Most excellent, and delectable!

**More in the Caribbean Cruise posts: Rum Tasting in Belize, Wine Tasting, Cozumel Dining and Shopping Strip!

Recipe: Garlic, Red Pepper, and Olive Oil pasta Dressing

I had been seeing a recipe floating around Pinterest, something about lemon, olive oil, and garlic coated pasta.

So I put my own spin it: minced caramelized onions and garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme sprigs, kosher salt, pepper, all sautéed in olive oil.


I omitted the lemon since the husband isn't a fan... And added onions because who doesn't love caramelized onions?

Also, we added some shrimp and I threw some dethawed frozen peas in for more greens... And topped with Parmesan Cheese!

The fun thing about this recipe is that it is so versatile: you don't need pasta to make it happen. I recreated it again with a cup of cous cous, added sautéed chicken breast, and ate it over romain lettuce.

Healthy. Flavorful. Light. And totally doable any time!

Recipe:
1 onion minced finely
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and Cracked pepper to taste
1-2 sprigs of thyme
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil


Sauté together until onions are caramelized.

After pasta is drained, or cous cous is ready *, coat evenly with the olive oil dressing and serve with some grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Recipe: Nutty Irishman

I love a good mudslide, so I took what I had on hand and made it a little bit... Nutty:

Ingredients:
3-4 ice cubes
3-4 scoops vanilla coconut ice cream *
1-2 shots baileys Irish cream
1 cup vanilla almond milk **

Blend ingredients until desired consistency is reached.

Swirl in chocolate syrup, as much or little as desired.

Enjoy said nightcap/desert.

* Any Vanilla icecream will do, soy, coconut, dairy, almond, lactaid. Gelato. Yogurt. I am pretty sure you can't do wrong.

** Don't have vanilla almond milk? how about coconut milk? Soy? Rice? Dairy is cool. Just throw in a dash of vanilla extract. But it wont be nutty! 

Recipe: Fried Chicken Tenders with Oven Fries

I love chicken tenders. They cook quickly, they are delicious and usually lean. Unless you fry them.

Then they are just out of this world!

Ingredients for fried chicken:
16-20 breast tenders

Breading:
1 cup flour
1 cup almond meal
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon turmeric (or less, beautiful color and flavor)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Dash cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dredge:
1/2 cup half and half
1 egg
Salt ad pepper to taste

Frying:
1 cast iron skillet
Peanut oil

Heat your skillet in medium heat, filling the pan with about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of peanut oil.

Whisk your dry ingredients together in a pie plate. Whisk the wet ingredients together. Coat the tenders in the half and half and milk mixer and with tongs*, dip into the flour mixture.

When the oil is hot (you can drop a bit of the flour mixture in to see if it sizzles), drop in 4-5 dipped and coated tenders.

Cook for 8 minutes on one side, then 5 minutes of so on the other. Pull out with tongs when it's golden brown and smells to die for. Lay out on a wire rack over a paper towel lined baking sheet.

Sample as needed. Repeat until you have fried up all your tenders.

This crust is light and crunchy with the perfect amount of seasoning. The tenders are moist inside, and the fried crust makes a delectable crispy shell around the chicken. I think the almond meal really contributes to the crunchy exterior. Yummy!



Oven fries:
3-4 Yukon gold potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic crushed and minced.
Special Shit Seasoning* or seasonings o taste of salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne

Cut potatoes into strip, leaving skin on or peeling it off. Your preference. Mince garlic. Lay out on a foil lined baking sheet. Coat with olive oil and sprinkle seasoning. Mix with hands to evenly coat, then lay potato strips out in an even layer. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes depending how hot your oven gets. Remove, and enjoy.


Sweet and Spicey dip
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon Siracha
1/2 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)

Thyme
Ground black Pepper
Dash of Tabasco/cayenne pepper sauce

Combine ingredients in a bowl. Dip fries or chicken into.

*frying is so much easier if you have 2-3 tongs for each statin (dipping, dredging, and frying removal).
**Special Shit is a seasoning by Big Cock Ranch, that is good on everything.

Wine: Tobin James Ballistic Zinfandel

Nothing gets you back in the swig of things like a good Zinfandel- one of my favorite varietals.

We waited a week or so for the wine to settle (wine that has traveled shouldn't be opened for awhile) then I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to have a glass of home, of California, and a taste of my honeymoon.

Wine, a movie, and small bowls of snacks (wheat thins, chocolate chips, and fresh and easy sea salt crackers) mixed with a bunch of cozy throws and puppy cuddles is a good night.

The Zinfandel had a strong berry nose, and was full of spice and leathery notes. It still probably should of rested more, some notes were a little too leathery. Nonetheless, the rich, warm peppery berries that characterizes a zin were there. Maybe that's just what makes this zin, "ballistic".

Vino Travels: Day 3 on the Road

We got up pretty early and finished out trek across Colorado into Nebraska.

This time of year, Nebraska was not scenic at all. That was disappointing. There was an upside: LLAMA FARMS! I saw at least three, which was super neat.

Other attractions? Dinosaur Museums [ oh how I wanted to stop and go to one!], & Wild Turkeys [Gobble Gobble!]

We made it to Iowa which was a much quicker drive, and far more scenic with lovely snow coverings and finally made it to Minnesota about 7:30 pm Pacific Time.

The view from our hotel room

on the road again

Someone was sleepy

Hark! Snowfall!

The next morning, home sweet home

** I used the iPhone Apps: Aviary & Travelgram to document our trip.

Vino Travels: Day 2 on the Road

Driving for over 12 hours is exhausting, but I can't complain; the Husband is doing all the driving because he doesn't approve of how I drive.

[Grumble]

This drive was scenic and lovely.  The drive through Nevada was quick, quicker through Arizona, and we stopped in Utah for a staple Western Lunch: In n Out burgers.

We stayed on the road until we reached Golden, Colorado, a full day of driving, the dogs exhausted, but so much beauty seen in driving through the states instead of flying over them.

Wine: a Month of it.

Moving is Chaotic. Drinking wine is not.

Okay, it can be when you are trying to clear your wine fridge.

So I am presenting to you the wine I have been drinking for the past month to empty said wine fridge. It is a sad time for me; I like to be fully stocked with special wines from wineries we have visited. The bright side? I get to refill the fridge once we are all settled in.... [insert mischievous smile here].*

Alapay Late Harvest Viognior - Pineapple and Apricot notes similar to a moscato, Avila Beach, CA

Fancy Schmancy Chimays

Cypher's Phoenix - Syrah, Paso Robles CA

Tobin James Sangiovese & Zinfandel, Paso Robles CA **

We already drank the Sangiovese, Saving the Zinfandel for our first night in our new home.

**Gifts from my Husbands Coworkers, year subscription included!

Girl talk nights over wine were much needed.  This night included sharing a bottle and a half and talking til 2:00 am. 

Col Di Sasso Cab Sav & Sangiovese Blend (Excellent!)

Big Kahuna (Fresh & Easy , 2.99 comparable to 2 buck Chuck) Shiraz

Alban Vineyards Reva 2008 Syrah was actually a rare find at a local Liquor Store [Old Doc's].

Alban Syrah's usually sell out as soon as they are stocked. It really helped that I was skimming the enire store by chance and found it. It is  the most expensive  wine I have purchased [At 89 dollars] but it was a Christmas gift to my husband; his favorite wine maker. We opened this bottle to celebrate our new beginnings. It was a true Syrah and aging had done it well. I can see what all the fuss is about ***

Ah, the 2008 lace. DeLorimier makes outstanding reds (award winning). This was one of the first wineries we stopped at on our trip up the California and Oregon Coast the summer of 2009. In 2010, my would-be in laws joined us in revisiting this winery and became members. 5 years later we drank this bottle, rich and syrupy, but not too sweet.

For me, wine holds memories of the tastings, of good times with loved ones, and a sensory experience (aromas and tastes). My wine fridge is really a sentimental vessel that takes me back to these shared times, these memories.  

The best part of emptying my fridge? Sharing the wine with Friends and family, and knowing new memories are to come.

*Dear recycled wine bottles; I know I drank more of you, and if you are not on this list, I am terribly sorry. I still enjoyed you, but simply forgot to photograph you.
**Gifts from my Husbands Coworkers, year subscription included!
*** 50 Shades of Grey Author EL James names Alban Vineyard  wines in her book series (in Fifty Shades Darker, chapter Six). It's kinda cool to be able to say you enjoyed drank fancy pants wine; We adore the Roussanne though I can't recall if we have had the 2006 Estate Roussanne that was named in the book (Alban Estate Grenache 2006 was also named). Now to get my hands on a La Grande Annee Rose 1999 Bollinger Champagne, though the price has inflated due to the books release and popularity.