It’s a La Nina year… as was last year.
Because of lower than normal temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, we Californians are experiencing an extremely dry, mild Winter.
Take this last weekend (Please!)…
It was F-ing beautiful outside.
Clear skies.
Not a drop of rain.
Highs in the 70’s.
And it’s the end of January!
It’s days like these when you just have to take advantage of the situation.
It’s days like these when you have to break out the grill.
It’s days like these when you’ve gotta have a barbecue.
But first…
The wine!
La Crema 2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Color: Golden yellow.
Nose: Vanilla. Oak. Lemongrass. Toast.
Taste: The La Crema has a rich mouthfeel. There’s some good green apple fruit on the palate, rounded out with some fluffy whipped cream. It’s got a nice mineral driven finish.
Score: The La Crema runs for $16 at Trader Joes. I give it an 89+. This should be your go-to under $20 Chardonnay for get-togethers. This wine is a crowd pleaser.
Next…
Valreas 2009 "Cuvee Prestige" Cotes du Rhone Villages
The Valreas is a Southern Rhone blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah.
Color: Dark burgundy.
Nose: Leather. Blackberries. Jerky.
Taste: This wine gives a nice burst of cherry and plum up front with a touch of rubber and fine tannins. There is a mid-palate of cranberry that transitions to a citrus finish. This is a food friendly wine with some fantastic acidity.
Score: 87. For six bucks a bottle (or something like that), you should give it a try at your next barbecue.
Now, to the food…
I tossed some broccolini with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. I grilled it over low heat.
Deconstructed Turkey Guac Burger, Grilled Broccolini, and some Pickles
I topped this turkey burger with a lot of the stuff I throw in my Killer Guacamole. It’s got a nice slice of onion, tomato, and roasted red bell pepper. I mashed the avocado with salt, pepper, and a touch of mild deli salsa. On top, there’s a dab of salsa and diced chiles.
F-ing dope!
Look…
I’m not saying that I’m happy with the lack of rainfall so far this Winter…
But…
There’s nothing like a January Summer.
Stay Rad,
Jeff
Tags: Jeff, La Crema 2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Stay Rad, Valreas 2009 "Cuvee Prestige" Cotes du Rhone Villages
Stay Rad 
March 13, 2013 at 9:57 am |
Where can this be purchased? any availability in the Chicago area? Thank you!
March 13, 2013 at 7:18 pm |
La Crema has a pretty big distribution. If you can’t find it in your local grocery store, check out their website. I’m pretty sure the Cotes du Rhone is a Trader Joe’s exclusive. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near by, you may want to do some searching online.