Kronick Wino

2005 Les Copains from Paso Robles - Wine Access Deal

Monday, November 17th, 2008 | Wine Access | No Comments

It never rains in California… Can you hear the lyrics? No wonder such great wines come out of that region of the world. Every time I see the words ‘Paso Robles’, I get super excited. Why? Because some of the MOST phenomenal Syrah and Syrah blends (in my mind) are coming out of there. Not to mention the Pinots and Chardonnays. Needless to say I was ecstatic when today’s Wine Access email touts today’s Rhone-style blend out of California.

Today’s deal comes right out of said locale in the western part of Paso Robles:

2005 Les Copains out of James Berry Vineyard in Paso Robles, CA.

WineAccess Direct offers limited production wines, direct from the source
Just $36 per bottle, with free shipping on 6 or more. (Reg. $43/btl - 14% off)

Even Robert Parker rates this wine a 93! Get you hands on some now, as there are only 95 cases left!

Ok, so what does it taste like?

This is a rare Rhone-styled blend from California that offers unusual restraint and balance– lingering fresh berry flavors but alcohol below 15%. You get a very smooth fruit flavors of blueberry and blackberry, with a side note of earthy mineral flavor and floral notes of violet. The wine portrays decent acidity in a medium to full-bodied, lush, fruit-driven style with the oak clearly pushed to the background. A great bistro selection for all your small dishes and cheese plates. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

Remember though, in order to get your hands on these awesome bottles, you have to sign up!

I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Tags: California, Paso Robles Wine, Rhone-style, Syrah Blends, Wine Deals

Gourmet Truffle Cake and Tart Sampler @ Wine.Woot

Thursday, November 13th, 2008 | Wine.Woot | 1 Comment

Folks, it happened, they changed their deal in the wine section already this week! I guess the Mumm Napa 3-pack sold out quickly, which one can expect from such a great deal. So instead, you know what you can get?? Yeah, CAKE and SWEETS!! MMM……. and right in time for the holidays.

Gourmet Truffle Cake Sampler and Tart Sampler

Don’t wait for those last pounds to be shaven before diving your fork into one of these babies! Consider the added sugar a power boost to your workout the next time you’re at the gym. I’ll be running for WEEKS off the energy from one of these! Bon Appetit!

Tags: cakes, cheesecake, desserts, entertaining, gourmet, holiday sweets, samplers, tarts, wine, Wine.Woot

Cooking Time Out - Chipotle Chicken & Dumpling Soup

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 | Cooking | No Comments

Most Sundays, I typically find myself with lots of down time in the late afternoon. No one going out, nothing to do, until I am parusing the cooking section at Barnes & Noble, and find a book ALL ABOUT CHIPOTLE!! Wow, someone knew I was out there and this book was waiting for me. So I found a recipe and spent the remainder of the day collecting what I would need, and this is what i got:

Boiled up some Carrot, Celery, Onion, garlic, thyme, and 6 cups Chicken Broth.

I cup up a whole chicken, but only used the thighs and wings (mostly skinless) with the bone-in for the meat.

The star of the soup mix - McCormick’s Grill Mates “Cinnamon Chipotle Rub”…… omg, YUM!

Next I made little chipotle thyme dumplings to be used in the soup later.

Technically, you’re supposed to strain the vegetables and whatnot and just reserve the liquid, but look at how good those carrots and celery would be to EAT! So I just put it all back into the pot, minus the chicken.

Once I shredded the cooked chicken from the bone, I added it back to the soup / stock mix and brought it to a simmer. I then took my 16 little dumplings and placed them on top of the soup. covered and let steam / simmer for about 10 min.

BEFORE

AFTER

So tasty! Like giant Matza balls or something, but spicy!

Tags: Chipotle, Cooking, dumplings, McCormicks Grill Mates, recipes, Soup