Mamacork Blog

Since my girlfriend Lisa is the big white drinker of the family, I had her taste this with me.  

Her first instinct was a bit dry and flat, but after it opened up a bit, it became fruitier with a hint of oak.

My first impression was kiwi and pineapple, but again with a woody undertone.  It is both sweet and dry at the same time, which made for a nice evening sipping wine.  

To me it would be perfect with a heavier meal of pasta, or a rich cut of meat.  It could also be paired well with a nice dish of seared sole or halibut.

All in all, we both enjoyed this wine.

Rate: 3.9 

Hailing from Napa Valley, this wine with the very cool label is all that one would expect it to be.  With a fruity nose, and a bit woodsy, the first taste goes down smooth.  

It’s very mellow and has a sweet berry flavor but finishes strong at the back of the tongue.

It’s a simple, yet elegant Merlot, which is not usually a wine I would select to drink with dinner, but I would pick this one again.

Rate:  4.1 

Thankfully my Mamacork shipment made it all the way up here to Portland. This month shipment features wine from McDowell Valley Vineyards in Ukiah, CA, in the heart of Mendocino county.

Known for it’s Syrah, i’ve decided to sample the Grenache Noir this evening. On first sip, it’s got a very mellow but hearty taste that slowly makes it’s way to the back of your tongue. Bursting with berry flavors, the subtle hint of black pepper creapes into your senses as you follow the first sip with 2 and 3 more.

Excellent wine, deep red coloring.Ok now, after I’ve had 4 or 5 more sips of this delicious wine, it’s opened up a bit and it’s a very smooth wine. Gentle now on the palate and oozing with great taste.

Overall Rating: 4.0 (out of 5)

Um….first word….”wow”.  Upon smelling a berry nose, I took a sip and it just slid across my tongue.  This is a fantastic wine, extremely smooth.  It has a smoky finish to it as well.  

I would highly recommend this fantastic Syrah from McDowell. This would go great with just about anything, either fish or pork would pair well.

Overall Rating: 4.4

Just opened this bottle tonight to do my taste test.  This is definitely a bold wine.  It’s strong, and yet lean at the same time.  It sits with you as you sip it and taste the jammy of the Zinfandel grapes.  It’s a very smooth wine and an excellent blend of some of my favorite grapes.  (see Snapmama’s comments below). 

This would be great with a pork tenderloin on the grill.

Overall Rating:  4.0 

Upon receiving this months shipment, I was informed that there is some special history behind the Coro Mendocino blend from McDowell Valley Vineyard… so special I just had to share!

This blend was created a few years back by the growers of Mendocino County who wanted to create a blend that preserved the unique heritage of the area, and thus the Coro was born. Coro is a word meaning “chorus” in Italian, a word that they decided represented the harmony between the winemakers of the region. This is FIRST TIME in US history that winemakers from a specific region have set rules to distinguish a blend from their area, much like the Europeans have done for decades. The wine must be made entirely from Mendocino county fruit, and must contain a blend of predominantly Zinfandel (between 40-70%) and a percentage of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Sangiovese, Grenache, Dolcetto, Charbono, Barbera, or Primitivo. Any ONE of these varietals not to exceed Zinfandel as majority component and max of 5% out of vintage. Each of these wines must receive a juried trademark of approval and carries a signature trademarked package, just like the Coro blend from McDowell.

I would love to tell you more, but I think I will leave it to the lovely Tom Elkjer. Fin out what he has to say about the ultra-premium Coro Mendocino blend in this great Appellation America article.

Can’t wait to hear feedback from the Mama’s on this very special blend from our friends at McDowell.

A while back, Lisa and I went to a great little “gay” owned wine bar up here in Portland called Everyday Wine.  I am always open to trying new wine’s and the one that was recommended to me was Owen Roe Abbot’s Table 2006.  This wine is fantastic.   I’m a blend girl when it comes to my red’s and this one is a blend of 9 different grapes.  

The predominate grape is Zinfandel, but includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot and Syrah.  Then, if that wasn’t enough, winemaker David O’Reilly added Blaufrankish, Sangiovese, Petite Syrah and Malbec…all from vineyards in Washington and Oregon.  I am a big fan of this wine and encourage all my fellow mama’s to try it!
Tara 

Ladies! And friends of the Ladies!

I thought you might enjoy this read from one of my favorite bloggers - Tom Wark @ Fermentation.

Seriously, have a gander and share your thoughts. Oh yes, and, get your tasting notes up here so we can dispel the myths!

Cheers,

Mamacents #2 Tasting Notes (all the way from Portland):  Okay ladies.  I LOVE THIS PINOT.  And i’m in Oregon saying that, the region made famous by it’s Pinot’s.  I opened this and didn’t want to share.  It’s deep red, it’s bold, it stays with you, it warms you up, it gives you a big hug and a wet sloppy kiss, just like my golden retriever Alex.  She likes to lay next to me when I do my wine tasting, in case I happen to spill a glass or her tail gets too close to the coffee table.  She’s there to lap it up because she knows how good it is.  Yes, this is a new favorite of mine.  Fabulous wine. 

Overall Rate:  4.99999

Mamacents #2 Tasting Notes (all the way from Portland): This wine was from November but I’m finally getting around to tasting it. First sip: It filled my mouth with the citrus flavor and sat on the back of my tongue as I swallowed. 2nd thru 10th sips:  In between i read the tasting notes on their website.  Starfruit and Kiwi….really.  Having recently been introduced to a starfruit by my pal Brendon, i totally get it.  The nose: Not as fruity as I would have anticipated for a Sauvignon Blanc, also drier than I anticipated. This is a nice surprise for an SB. This one will stay with you for a while. But the legs on this one…very cute.

Overall Rate: 3.5 (only because i like mine a bit sweeter)