True Myth – Truly Delicious

By Joy Neighbors

With autumn comes our desire for heavier meals and wines with more structure. True Myth offers two wines that can make those earthy, substantial meals sing.

TrueMyth is part of the Niven family legacy located in Edna Valley in Paso Robles region of central California.

Paragon Vineyard

The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in the warmer Paso Robles region and showcase the diversity of San Luis Obispo County.

The Niven family owns and farms 50% of all Chardonnay grown in Edna Valley. Paragon Vineyard was established in 1973, and is home to the oldest continually producing Chardonnay vines in the region. This vineyard has been producing for more than 40 years.

True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Earthy berry aromas tempt you to take a sip, which leads to the full flavors of blackberries, cherries, and cola with a hint of cocoa. Hints of cedar and smoke linger in the mouth – a perfect autumn wine. This full-bodied Cab pairs well with steak, meaty ribs, or venison. Suggested retail - $24

True Myth Chardonnay 2014

This classic Chard opens with apricot and peach on the nose. The wine is well-balanced, and crisp. Tropical fruit and a hint of vanilla tease the palate while the finish is reminiscent of salted caramel. Serve with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Suggested retail - $18

Great Wines at an Affordable Price - Josh Cellars Wine Review

Joseph Carr

It all began in 2005 when sommelier Joseph Carr decided to start his own winery focusing on California wines crafted from small growers from Napa Valley, California’s North Coast and Carneros. Carr’s dream was to create sophisticated small-batch wines.

Josh Carr

Then in 2007, Carr began working with Tom Larson whose grandfather owned the land where the winery is now located. The two men worked together to create a second label: Josh Cellars.

Named in honor of Carr’s father, Josh, the juice was again sourced from several California winegrowing regions to craft well-balanced wines that are approachable and budget-friendly.

Chardonnay 2014 Vintage

The 2014 Chardonnay was a delight! The aroma of fresh melons and tropical fruits comprised the nose while the flavors of luscious peaches, melons and crisp apples tantalized the mouth; smooth vanilla notes rounded out the wine.

The Chard grapes came from Mendocino and Monterey counties, and winemaker Wayne Donaldson fermented the juice in oak before cold stabilizing it. The wine was then transferred to 30% new French oak and stirred on the lees. Excellent served with grilled pork. (Retails for under $15.)

Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Vintage

A perfect summer sipper! Notes of honey locust on the nose with hints of peaches and apricots. The tangy flavors of pineapple, melon and apples dance on the tongue with a twist of lime on the finish. Pairs wonderfully with chicken and olives.

This Sauv Blanc was crafted from grapes grown in the Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino regions. The grapes were pressed, and allowed to cold settle for 24 hours before cold stabilization to retain the aromas.

 

The 2014 vintage was awarded 92 points at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition in 2015. (Retails for under $15.)

2015 Wine Brand of the Year

Josh Cellars also produces a bold Cabernet and a brooding Merlot that I have tried and love, plus a Pinot Noir and Legacy Red I have yet to try. Josh Cellars is producing outstanding, well-balanced wines for a great price. Pour a glass and see what you  think. 

Cheers!

~ Joy

4 Reasons To Celebrate National Drink Wine Day

Punch Bowl Cards

Tomorrow, February 18, is National Drink Wine Day in the U.S. It’s an annual celebration that gives us a chance to tout the health benefits of wine, pay tribute to wine’s enhancement of food and lifestyle, and provides the perfect reason to enjoy a glass. Here are four reasons to get your wine happy on tomorrow.

1) Wine Provides Health Benefits

A glass of wine a day has been proven to increase heart health, help in weight reduction, boost immunity, decreases blood clots and reduce forgetfulness.

2) Wine Is Popular

Wine is very popular in the U.S. with two-thirds of the population reporting that they drink occasionally, and 40% say they take at least one drink a week. The top five wine drinking states are the District of Columbia, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

3) You Have a Special Bottle Waiting

You probably already have some wine stashed away for a special occasion. Well, today’s the day. Grab that bottle you’ve been waiting to try and enjoy it tonight.

4) It’s Time To Spread the Love

Wine has played a part in our lives for more than 6,000 years. We’ve used it to mark those occasions of historical and life significance; we toast christenings, baptisms, and other religious events with it, and we share a bottle for special days like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays.

You can celebrate the day with a glass of red or white, sweet or dry. The main point is to simply enjoy a glass of vino! If you’re located a larger city, check out Local Wine Events to see what’s planned, or keep up with events on the Drink Wine Day FaceBook site.

There are over a dozen days designated for wine celebrations this year, including Mulled Wine Day on March 3, Malbec World Day on April 19, National Moscato Day on May 9, National Chardonnay Day on May 23, National Wine Day on May 25, National Cabernet Day on August 29, and National Champagne Day is December 31.  

So raise your glass in a toast to National Drink Wine Day, and to Robert Louis Stevenson who noted that “Wine is bottled poetry.” Indeed, it is!

~ Joy

16 Wine Trivia Questions in Honor of National Trivia Day

National Trivia Day was Monday, January 4, but I just couldn’t pass up the chance to delve into some wine trivia as a way to celebrate the New Year.

Test your wine knowledge and see how many of the answers you know.

Amphora

1. When were the first wines produced?       

       

Around 6600 B.C.

2. In the ancient world, what type of vessel held wine?         

An amphora

3. How long does it take for a grapevine to produce grapes?

Three to five years 

4. How many grapevines make up an acre?  

Around 400

Grapevines

5. One ton of grapes will make how many cases of wine?    

 

Around 60 cases or 720 bottles

6. How many grapes are in a bottle of wine?

600 – 800 grapes

7. How much wine is in a single barrel?   

              

60 gallons, 25 cases or 300 bottles

Grapes

8. How many pounds of grapes does one bottle contain?     

About 2.8 lbs

9. A vintage wine is crafted from how many year’s harvests? 

One year

10. A non-vintage wine includes grapes from how many harvests? 

Two or more years blended together

Corkscrew Patent

11. When was the corkscrew first patented?

1795 in England

12. What temperature should white wine be served at? 

49-55º Fahrenheit

13. What temperature should red wine be served at?  

60-68º Fahrenheit

14. How many calories are in a 5 ounce glass of dry red wine?

About 110

15. What is the difference between a sparkling wine and Champagne?

Sparkling wine is any effervescent wine not grown in the Champagne region of France.

16. What are the top three U.S. states for wine consumption?        

California, New York, and Florida

Alright, you've earned a glass of wine.  Cheers to the New Year!

~ Joy