Orlando Dining Districts

Great news to hit home here in Orlando, Florida.  A new dining campaign was recently launched to promote some of the great dining districts, restaurants and local chefs.  It couldn't be said better on the home page of the new site.

"Whether you're here for business, for pleasure or a bit of both, Orlando offers everything you expect from a major city, including several distinct dining and entertainment districts, each one with a character and an atmosphere all its own."

It's taken a few years to get to this point however I'm proud to be surrounded by some amazing establishments serving up creative delicacies.  With the vast selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, I can't forget to mention the available wines and wine knowledge amongst our local talent.  It's so much why I love sharing my personal wine favorites on this blog.

Please visit the site and get out there and enjoy these great places whether you're local or here for a visit.  OrlandoDistricts.com

$168,000 Bottle of Wine!

The most expensive wine ever sold directly from a winery will go on sale this week, from Australian vintner Penfolds. The limited edition release of the 2004 Penfolds Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon is priced at $168,000 a bottle.  Only 12 left...you better hurry!

Read more then let me know what you think.

Penfolds $168,000 Bottle

Whistler Wines, Shiraz '05 $52

Barossa Valley, Australia

While staying at Whistler Bed & Breakfast, I was told to enjoy a bottle from the owner's cellar for dinner that night. After earlier tastings at nearby wineries, along with a sample of the '09 Whistler Shiraz, I came to feeling this winery had something special to offer. As I perused through the racks filled with many Whistler wines and vintages, it became slightly overwhelming..." what should I pick?" Tasting notes on everything were close at hand to help in my confusion however I finally convinced myself to stop analyzing and just pick one. After process of elimination and the fact that a beautifully made cheese platter tray along with dinner were moments away, the '05 Shiraz was the one! Now keeping in mind, reserve vintages of Shiraz and other varietals were available yet something led me to that wonderful year for wines worldwide, 2005.

Tasting the '09 Shiraz earlier in the day, I was ready to throw down an amazing write up on its flavors, but the '05 was as good and better probably from a little TLC in Chris' cellar, one of the owners who along with his brother and family run this lovely winery.

Being kept on French Oak for 2 years gave me the impression this winery wants to take their time and deliver a great wine and that was clearly evident. Aromas of warm cherry pie, ripe blackberries and subtle toasted oak setup for what was to be a delicious, well balanced wine.

The flavors overall were so smooth with soft tannins and great fruit flavors of jammy blackberries, cocoa and hints of vanilla. A medium spice characteristic in Shiraz was present however not an overpowering peppery flavor as I've tasted in other Shiraz wines. Having this with mild cheeses and salami made for a great start to the evening. I brought the bottle to dinner where we had a grilled calamari with chorizo appetizer then a main course of duck confit.

Simply a perfect wine and knowing that the '09 is just as amazing would have me coming back for more. Unfortunately there isn't distribution in the USA as of now. You may be able to write the winery, Whistlerwines.com (ask for Jayne) and see if they can ship. In the end, if you ever have a chance to stay in The Barossa Valley, their B&B offers pleasant accommodations accompanied by wonderful wines and some of the nicest people. Don't forget to visit with their family of orphan kangaroos on the property.

Altovinum Evodia, Garnacha $10

Calatayud region, Spain

This wine was brought to my attention during a recent wine tasting at a new neighborhood wine store. As wine reps were pouring their wines, this somewhat lonely bottle was set by the register, where guests were making purchases. Without knowing its price, I proceeded to try it and I was immediately intrigued. I therefore bought 2 bottles for home and this tasting is from home vs. the wine store, where my palate became worthless yet pleasantly happy.

With a warm leather aroma followed by bright berries and hints of slate, the wine gave off true characteristics of a Garnacha from Spain. I've been told, although Garnacha from Spain and Granache from France are the same varietal, each country's region where these grow are distinctly different from the varied growing conditions. I guess you could say they've each established their own personalities.

The flavor profile brought out fruit forward, dark cherries with subtle hints of cocoa. Blackberries and dark ripe stone fruits fulfilled the predominate flavors as well. I'd say this is a medium body wine with smooth tannins. Very easy to drink yet not lacking character.

As a side note if you're into these French wines; Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhône, Grenache is the primary varietal in theses. Of course that can adjust from year to year.

So for $9.99, I think this is a great find. If you're in Orlando,FL where I bought this, check out Czerwinski's Wine & Cheese shop in the Delagio shopping center. Very nice people!

Buzzard Tree, Barbera '05 $11

Paso Robles, CA

To find a 2005 vintage today, for under $30 is a bit difficult and to be honest, I was surprised finding this wine. I was even more surprised how amazing it was for this price point! It drank so smooth with subtle tannins, fragrant aromas and yummy flavors as well.

On the nose it first seemed peppery yet that diminished after 10 minutes in the glass. Dark cherries with hints of dried herbs and subtle floral blended perfectly. With a medium body the flavors of warm dark berries and toast balanced nicely. It almost gave me a subtle flavor of baked bread but I guess that's not so appropriate in the wine tasting dictionary...or is it?

The wine has 5% Cab. Sauv. and is aged in French oak for 24 months. The finish was silky smooth showing soft tannins and overall a very pleasing tone on the tongue. This paired excellent with a homemade pasta and smoked Roma tomato marinara I made. Drink now as I'm guessing it's at it's peak. Thanks again to my friends at the Wine Barn for the recommendation.