Relaxing on our deck

We spent most of the day cleaning and doing odd jobs around the house. After an afternoon shower, I decided to open a really good bottle of Shiraz from one of our wine club deliveries. I chose Dunham Cellars, 2005 Shiraz.

It's a full-bodied wine with a dark berry taste. I enjoyed it on the deck with some cheese & crackers. Everyone was gone, so I was alone...in peace & quiet. It was wonderful.

We found this winery in Walla Walla, Washington when we celebrated my birthday last year. It was the last winery we visited on Sunday as we were leaving town. I think it was the best wine we had all weekend long.

Dunham Cellars describes this Shiraz as dense, dark fruit & rich spice that shows off this unique estate of Dunham Cellars once again. I agree...it is dark & spicy & most of all, delicious.

Lava Cap Mourvedre

We returned from a spring break ski trip on Tuesday night. I decided to grill filet mignon on Wednesday. (In Texas it is already warm enough to grill) I planned to open a white steak wine, but changed my mind. Instead we had Mourvedre. Of course, I love all Lava Cap wines, just like this one.

Lava Cap
Mourvedre
2005 ReserveEl Dorado, CA

Nice smooth red wine, not too fruity, not to dry. We had filet which probably would have been better with a Cab, but the Mourvedre was great with the steak. Although this is not as full a wine, it is smooth with rich flavor.

Lava Cap describes this wine as follows.
Mourvedre is a fine Rhone variety usually used for blending. When grown under optimum conditions, it stands on its own bright fruit, a gentrly richness and soft, supple tannins. This wonderful wine is a perfect accompaniment for Mediterranean-style food such as grilled lamb and sausage. Serve cool

Oak Lane Chenin Blanc

We joined a local wine club that allows us to try their wine tasting each Thursday night for free. Wine Styles is the local store & you might have one in your area. Steve & I had fun at our first one. Each month we also get 2 bottles of wine from different wineries. It's fun to try something new from a wide variety of vineyards. We're also looking forward to their monthly pick-up party where wine members get to taste wines they are considering stocking in the store. Hopefully we will make the April party.

The first wine we tried at home from our wine club is Oak Lane's Chenin Blanc blend with Sauvignon Blanc. It's a nice wine that I could enjoy on a summer afternoon. Just enough fruity taste to keep drinking.

Oak Lane
Chenin Blanc-Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Stellenbosch, South Africa

For centuries, Oak Lane has been the majestic BEau Joubert entrance. It symbolizes the historic & long-standing dedication to creating award winning wines, demonstrating a rare combination of early drink ability & longevity.

A crisp, medium-bodied dry white wine made in a new world style. Enjoy now or cellar under optimum conditions.