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    Zingaro Zinfandel Add
    Zaca Mesa Z Three Add
    William Hill Merlot Add
    Wines are recomendations only and may not be carried by this store.

    Zingaro Zinfandel

    Attributes:
    Producer:

    Zingaro
    Region:

    Mendocino County, United States
    Varietal:

    Zinfandel
    Bottle Size:

    750 ML

    2003: CGCW Rating: 84
    Acidity:

    soft
    Flavors:

    berries, herbal

    2001: WineSpectator Rating: 86
    Acidity:

    tangy

    2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84
    Flavors:

    herb flavors, plum

    2000: Tastings Rating: 85
    Body:

    full-bodied
    Complexity:

    rich
    Texture:

    strong

    2000: Tastings Rating: 85
    Compliments:

    elegant
    Flavors:

    oak, raspberry, rhubarb

    1999: WineSpectator Rating: 80
    Body:

    light

    1999: CGCW Rating: 84
    Flavors:

    herbal, tart cherry

    1997: WineAdvocate Rating: 73
    Body:

    light-bodied
    Flavors:

    dried berry, earthy, plum

    Food Matches:
    Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Soft Pungent Cheese
    Fruits & Nuts: Citrus Fruits
    Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Clove, Mint, Oregano, Pepper (black, white, green)
    Pasta & Grains: Lasagna, Pasta with Peppery Mushroom Sauce
    Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Game Birds, Herb Marinated Chicken, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey, Spicy Chicken Dishes
    Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Game, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Hamburgers, Lamb Stew, Minestrone, Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
    Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
    Spicy Food: Beef Stir Fry
    Vegetables: Lentils, Tomato

    Zinfandel:

    One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

    Zaca Mesa Z Three

    Attributes:
    Producer:

    Zaca Mesa Winery
    Region:

    Santa Ynez Valley, United States
    Varietal:

    Dry Red Table Wine
    Bottle Size:

    750 ML

    2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 86
    Acidity:

    tart
    Body:

    medium-bodied
    Compliments:

    elegant
    Flavors:

    cherries, flowers, smoke

    2004: CGCW Rating: 88
    Complexity:

    deep
    Fruit:

    sweet

    2004: Tanzer Rating: 88
    Acidity:

    fresh
    Complexity:

    suave
    Flavors:

    mocha, raspberry, red berry, spice, vanilla
    Fruit:

    fruity, sweet

    2004: WineSpectator Rating: 88
    Flavors:

    blackberry, mineral, sage, wild berry
    Texture:

    round

    2003: WineAdvocate Rating: 90
    Body:

    full-bodied
    Complexity:

    deep, layered, nuanced, rich
    Flavors:

    blackberries, cherries, earth, tar

    2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 92
    Compliments:

    delicious
    Texture:

    fleshy

    2003: WineSpectator Rating: 86
    Flavors:

    cherries, spicy
    Fruit:

    concentrated

    2003: WineAndSpirits Rating: 93
    Complexity:

    complex
    Texture:

    chewy, dense

    Food Matches:
    Cheese: Soft Pungent Cheese
    Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
    Sauces: Red Wine Sauce

    Santa Ynez Valley:

    In Santa Barbara County, this was the set, and location of shooting for the movie "Sideways". Located in the central coast of California, the region runs east to west along the river surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Rafael Mountains. The very cool temperatures on the coast become progressively warmer as the valley moves inland.

    William Hill Merlot

    Attributes:
    Producer:

    William Hill Winery
    Region:

    Napa Valley, United States
    Varietal:

    Merlot
    Bottle Size:

    750 ML

    2003: CGCW Rating: 87
    Complexity:

    simple, supple
    Compliments:

    well-made

    2001: WineSpectator Rating: 86
    Flavors:

    black cherry, cola, currant, herb, oak, spice

    2001: CGCW Rating: 85
    Fruit:

    concentrated, ripe

    2000: WineSpectator Rating: 86
    Flavors:

    black cherry, chocolate, currant, plum, toasty oak

    2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87
    Acidity:

    soft
    Complexity:

    rich
    Flavors:

    blackberry, herb flavors, plum, spicy

    2000: CGCW Rating: 85
    Acidity:

    soft
    Flavors:

    oak
    Fruit:

    sweet
    Texture:

    smooth

    1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84
    Flavors:

    herb flavors, red and black currant

    1999: CGCW Rating: 84
    Flavors:

    herbal
    Texture:

    diluted, thin

    Food Matches:
    Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
    Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs
    Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Casseroles / Hot Dish, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
    Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
    Vegetables: Beans, White, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Tomato

    Merlot:

    (mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.


    Napa:

    This tiny strip of land just north of San Francisco is home to America’s most prestigious wineries. Its climate is ideal for viticulture. Ironically, it was deemed too ideal for some vintners, who have moved their vineyards from the valley’s flat plain to the hills in the east and west, adhering to the idea that grapes that struggle to grow yield better wine. The climate, soil, and individual wineries are enormously varied, so it’s impossible to identify a singular trait of Napa wines. In addition, nearly every noble grape is grown here, although Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the primary grapes. In the past, Napa’s wines have alternated between extremely fruity and fat to lean and subtle. Today the best Napa wines have achieved a balance between these extremes. Many are made to be drunk young and have abundant ripe fruit; others can be initially hard and tannic, but soften over four or five years to perfumed, cedary fruit. White Napa wines are excellent with fresh-grilled fish and chicken, but can also cope with more spicy and creamy flavors. Many Napa reds will overwhelm delicate cuisine, but rich red meat and cheeses do make good companions.

    Mexican Lasagna

    Rated

    Ingredients

    1 large onion, chopped
    1/2 green pepper, chopped
    2 tsp (10 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    1-1/4 lbs (568 g) lean ground beef
    2 tbsp chopped jalapeño pepper
    2 cups tomato sauce
    1-1/2 cups (375 ml) low-sodium beef broth
    1 tbsp flour
    Salt to taste
    6 small flour tortillas, cut into three strips each
    3 tbsp (45 ml) finely chopped cilantro (optional)
    2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

    Preparation

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

    2. In a large pan, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and green pepper and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.

    3. Add the beef and cook until brown. Stir in the jalapeño, tomato sauce, and half of the beef broth. Cover and let simmer.

    4. In a bowl, gradually mix the flour with the remaining beef broth; add to the beef mixture. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, add the cilantro, and stir well.

    5. Fill a casserole dish with the sauce, cheese, and tortillas in alternating layers, beginning with a thin sauce layer and ending with a cheese layer. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until heated through.

    Yield

    Makes 6 servings

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