Chapter 55: ENJOYING WINE DURING THE PANDEMIC

Greetings and Salutations! I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and Happy 4th of July holiday with your loved ones! With the COVID-19 reported cases continuing to increase, I will confess that this 4th of July celebration locally was much more muted and contemplative than usual, with the spectrum of the nasty, infectious virus still lurking. I guess that overly optimistic participants in Memorial Day and early June get togethers, unfettered bar traffic and protest marches without socially distancing weren’t immune from COVID-19. Who knew?

In any event, this danged virus will apparently continue its reign of aggravation for the next few months, at minimum. Hopefully we can all make smarter choices to protect the elderly, the compromised, our friends, our families, and ourselves.

However, despite the limits such as the closing of our favorite watering holes, the cancellation of great wine events such as the Taste of Howell Mountain event in June and the restrictions on dining out and travel, there are still plenty of choices for my fellow wine sleuths. Foremost on my list is the dawning of the Zoom virtual tasting that many clever wineries have initiated and participated in. I have even managed to organize my own Zoom tasting by reaching out to to a friend at a great but still largely unknown winery and bringing new friends and potential customers with me. Also, there are many “live” tastings on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube from your favorite vineyards that, while certainly not the same as being present at the winery, give you the feel and information as being part of a wine tasting with the winemakers, owners and other principals of wineries. Several wineries come to mind with respect to their regular virtual events, such as Hall/Walt/BACA, Frank Family Vineyards, Far Niente and Belle Glos Wines, just to name a small few.

Participating in a Zoom virtual wine tasting is actually much simpler than the uninitiated might think. You can use your search engine for “Zoom software” and then download the necessary software without cost. Next, you need to make sure your computer has both a microphone and a camera. Virtually all laptops have these features built in, so if you are either by yourself or with your significant other, then a laptop with a reasonable sized screen may suit your needs just fine. All a clever sleuth needs from there is a tasting package from the winery hosting the virtual tasting, normally offered at a discount from retail from farsighted vintners, and his or her favorite wine glass.

However, if you wish to have a larger group to participate with you in a socially-responsible manner, then a larger high definition screen and a simple HDMI cable can supercharge the event, as illustrated in the photo above. I utilized the microphone and camera in my laptop and then used the speakers and the larger screen, and without question each participant really enjoyed the event since both the pictures and sounds of the Zoom tasting were really brought to life using the larger screen. The pictured event above was hosted by Kevin Buckler, President of Adobe Road Winery, and afforded the participants a rare and remarkable opportunity to hear the great Andy Beckstoffer, he of the storied Beckstoffer vineyards, discuss his philosophy on maintaining and improving the most storied acreage in Napa Valley while also sharing some terrific Napa Valley history and lore. At the same time, Adobe Road Winery’s tasting pack for the Zoom tasting included multiple vintages of ARW’s Beckstoffer Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon, and even a barrel sample or two of the storied juice!

As this Chapter is being written, many wineries have reopened to the public, so perhaps the heyday of Zoom tastings and regular social media programming from your favorite wineries may be on the wane, but somehow I have a feeling this new dynamic isn’t yet passe. If you haven’t tried one, I strongly encourage you to round up your wine buddies and enjoy the benefits of a Zoom tasting. You can enjoy your current friends, meet similar-minded new friends and quite possibly learn something about your favorite wines directly from the owners, the winemakers or their friends.

And without further delay, here are this Chapter’s recommended wines!

Value Wine No. 1: Muriel Fincas de las Villas Crianza 2016

The warmth of early summer in Texas has forced its presence onto the scene, one is reminded that serious grilling season is nigh upon us! Whether your home grill favorite is burgers, dogs, ribs or chicken, a delicious Red from the Rioja Region of Spain is an excellent choice to pair with spring and summer fare. If you are not familiar with the nuanced, delicious Reds from Rioja, you are in for a treat. With a Rioja Red categorized as a Crianza, a Reserva or a Gran Reserva, you are certain to receive an aged, elegant bottle of mostly Tempranillo–and with a remarkable value, particularly when compared to Napa Valley Big Reds or even Zinfandels from Sonoma Valley or Paso Robles. This month, our featured Value Wine is the Bodegas Muriel Fincas de la Villa Crianza 2016. The Rioja nomenclature of “Crianza” confirms that the Bodegas Muriel 2016 is aged for a minimum of two years. The Bodegas Muriel Crianza 2016 is a polished and balanced wine, with a flavor profile of dark cherry and dried fruits, with a classic forest floor hint and a satisfying, lengthy finish. It would pair beautifully with a juicy burger with Muenster cheese on top. This lovely Rioja Red was bestowed with an impressive 90 rating by Wine Spectator and at a suggested retail of only $17, it fits right into our definition of a Value Wine! Bargain bin price and 90 WS rating–what are you waiting for, wine sleuths? Cheers!

Value Wine No. 2: Olema Chardonnay Sonoma County 2018 by Amici Cellars

A strong Value Wine for our white fans is the Olema Chardonnay Sonoma County 2018 made by Amici Cellars. Widely available (I have found ample supply at my local Total Wines for $15) this Olema Chard has overtones of nectarine and green apple with a hint of vanilla. Not overly oaked or buttery, the Olema Chardonnay Sonoma County 2018 has nice, bright fruit and acidity which will complement seafood, pasta with a cream sauce and even grilled chicken. Despite its modest retail price, the Olema offering is suitable to offer and serve up to fellow wine enthusiasts. As an example, I served this Chardonnay to clients for a holiday party and to a non-profit group as an example of how great wines don’t have to cost a fortune, in both cases to rousing accolades. The experts, you ask? James Suckling laid an impressive 92 rating on this California Chard, opining: “This is a really delicious offering of dried peaches and pineapple with cream and light vanilla undertones. Medium to full body. Lovely praline undertone to it. Bright and fruity.” Since none of us know how long we are going to continue to be subject to social distancing, limitations to bars and restaurants and other restrictions, I highly recommend a purchase of stash of the Olema Chardonnay Sonoma County 2018! Let’s face it, it’s a hell of lot more fun than hoarding toilet tissue!

Bonus Value Wine: Clos de los Siete Uco Valley 2017

Lovers of Big Reds still enjoy their bold wines even during the heat of summer weather. And with grilling and BBQ season in full bloom, finding a great Value Wine to pair with burgers, ribs, and spicy sausages is always a great quest. Does your humble Wine Bargain Sleuth have a find for you, my friends: the Clos de los Siete Uco Valley 2017 Malbec blend from Mendoza, Argentina! Deep, rich flavors of roasted cherry, plum tart and dried savory herbs are supported by firm acidity and tannins, so said the experts at Wine Spectator, who also saw fit to bestow a strong 91 rating on the Clos de los Siete Malbec!. A rounded, smooth, hearty blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot, the Clos de los Siete 2017 will stand up to whatever your grillmeister can pair this Big Red with. James Suckling assessed this Argentinian Big Red thusly: “A red with plenty of ripe fruit, offers an expressive nose of cedar, spice box, floral notes and black fruits. Full body, velvety tannins and a fresh finish,” while awarding a stellar 95 rating. My take is that this is a lot of great juice for the price point, with ample red fruit yet balanced with a solid tannin structure a smooth, lengthy finish. Widely available with 22,000 cases imported, the suggested retail of $20 can be lowered by $4-5 with some careful sleuthing. Looking for a true Value Wine that drinks like a Worth a Splurge Big Red? This is your wine!

Thought for the Day: America

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  

Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence

May we all do our part to extend these truths to all people.

Until next time, Cheers to each of you!

© The Wine Bargain Sleuth 2020—All Rights Reserved