Wine Tasting: 2006 Roshambo "Scissors"

I have been in the wine club for Roshambo since I first visited them in early 2006 - I just absolutely love their concept and the consistency of their wine. Their best marketing concept is the "Rock, Paper, Scissors" trio that they release (almost) every year. "Rock" and "Paper" are generally red wines (although some years "Paper" has been a dessert wine) while "Scissors" is a single varietal white wine or white wine blend. This year, it's a blend - and I think it's one of their best ever. Medium bodied for a white wine and absolutely perfect for the warmer weather we are starting to enter into here in NorCal. Lovingly softens the spice of any spicy food with it's great fruit-forward flavor. Strong hints of apple and pear with subtle hints of melon combine with a less that subtle hint of honey to create an absolutely wonderful "San Francisco Summer" drinking wine (for those not in the know, San Francisco summers are actually September/October). Took the strong heat out of the spicy chicken veggie slaw I made this evening for dinner, which I will post the recipe for tomorrow.

Wine Tasting: LongSword Accolade Sparkling Chardonnay

OK... this sparkling wine was just so divine I ended up drinking the whole bottle... sorry :). Wonderful notes of pear and apple with a slight bit of residual sugar. It has a bit of a dry finish, which is quite nice given the sugar content. This pairs extremely well with spicier foods... totally takes the heat out. It is from LongSword Vineyards in Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon, so the only way to get it is directly from the winery. The winemakers are just this lovely couple who really care about making wine that is designed for everyday drinking - wine that is not designed for perfection of the varietal, but for fun, friendly, accessible drinking. Highly recommended!