2010 13th Street Red Palette – Vintages 249458 – $14.95 – I always get excited when you can get something special from the Vintages section under that $20.00 mark. This one is no exception. This wine is a perfect way to experiment with yourself on the effects that air has on a bottle of wine. Most red wines benefit from a little exposure to air before consumption. The Red Palette is a blend of mostly Merlot and Gamay Noir. One problem I have encountered with many Gamay’s (and Pinot Noir while we’re talking about it) is that right out of the bottle they have an earthiness to them that makes the wine almost taste like dirt. If you open the Red Palette and drink it right away this may be the case, don’t worry this does get better and becomes an excellent wine with no more than 30 minutes left with the cap off.
I also had a chance to speak with someone from 13th street who gave me instructions on how to really enjoy this wine. If you are able to save some after the initial opening of this wine, put the cap back on, place it in the fridge, the next day take the bottle out of the fridge before you want to drink it and enjoy it on the second day. The extra day with the exposure to air buries any heavier earth notes and lets the plum flavours of this wine sing with joy once it’s released from the bottle.
Megalomaniac Homegrown Riesling – LCO 183061 – $12.95 – This is another exceptional white wine from Megalomaniac. This is also a perfect pairing with the Red Palette I also reviewed. While the Red palette is like wrapping your tongue in a beach blanket of red fruit this would be the equivalent of drinking a lightning storm. The bright vibrant/slightly sweet almost honey like flavours of this wine are balanced perfectly with a nice acidity that does not leave you with a sugar coating in your mouth. I love wines like thie because it is easier to pair with food. After you are done trying this Riesling go back a few weeks and try the Narcissistic Riesling (Vintages) from Megalomaniac as well.
If you get a chance to try any of these wines please email me at andrewinereview@gmail.com or follow me on twitter @andrewinereview.
Just a reminder that I have a decanter courtesy of Kacaba, email me for more details!
