Dear Friends,
This happens to me a lot: it's time to order wine at a dinner party and all heads turn to me. Why? Because I'm lucky enough to work in the wine industry and live in beautiful Sonoma County, California. That seems to mean I'm the "expert." The truth? I know a little about some topics, and a lot about my favorite wines and food pairings -- and I do love to share what I know!
How 'bout you?
I hope so! After all, the goal of Sips is to share as we learn, so you can be the expert at your next dinner party. And, we're counting on you to share with us...
Happy sipping!
Tammy Boatright
President, Windsor Vineyards
Contents
Our Favorite Wine Country Destinations
If you're planning a Northern California trip (and as a wine lover, why wouldn't you?!), be sure to visit these 3 must-see sites:
- Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. We never tire of strolling through these spectacular giant redwoods - one of them is 1400 years old, and many are nearly 300 feet high! Take an easy walk along the Discovery Trail and have a look at the famous Icicle Tree! (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450)
- Mount Tamalpais State Park. You can do it all here: camping, biking, rock climbing, and "geocaching" for trendy treasures. There's even a gorgeous outdoor mountaintop theater with a great show every spring. (www.mttam.net)
- Windsor Vineyards Tiburon Tasting Room. Come see us and taste the best in the bottle from Windsor Vineyards! Visit us online for tasting hours and directions.
We've seen a lot - but not everything! Let us know what you recommend by clicking here!
For more about our winery, visit our FAQ page.
What Makes the Aromas?
"Floral aroma." "Hints of tobacco." "Slightly fruity in the nose." We've all heard them - and more. So what gives wines all these aromas? Here's what the experts tell us:
Grapes and Terroir. Grapevines have many of the same aromatic compounds as other plants. That's why some wines smell like roses or oranges. Terroir also creates aromas. Warm climates bring out fruit and spice scents, and harsh climates make every aroma more intense. And as the fruit ripens, aromas can change from citrus to tropical fruit, or cherry and plum to raisin and even chocolate.
Fermentation and Aging. Grape skins, yeast, and oak barrels have an impact on scents, too. The skins add fruitiness, and yeast affects a wine's creaminess. Oak can be so strong that many wines are never fermented in barrels. Oak usually adds vanilla, smoke, or toastiness to white wines, and tea, bacon, or tobacco to the reds.
But You're the Final Judge. You may smell a heavy earthy aroma in a wine, and a friend may smell blackberries. The array of possible aromas is matched only by the descriptions themselves. Make up your own, if you like, and tell us what they are by clicking here. Don't be shy! The accepted list already includes "wet dog" ...
To learn more about wine - and receive a pair of great wines every month -
join our wine clubs.
Everybody Loves Dessert: A Sampling of Delicious Dessert Wines
Spring vacations are fast approaching, and the kids are dreaming of sweets. But why should we grown-ups miss out - especially when there's so much great dessert wine to choose from? Here are some of our favorites:
- Port. This is a deep, dark purple wine that's so velvety, thick and sweet, one sip will make you grin like a kid and say "Mmm!" right out loud! And if that's not enough for you, try it with chocolate - but be sure you're sitting down!
- Cream Sherry. For a tamer taste, sherry is silky-rich and delicious. And be sure to wander past the children's table to grab some of their ice cream and cookies for a terrific sherry pairing.
- Muscat Canelli. This one's got the best of both worlds. It has a marvelous sweet fruit aroma like raisins and oranges, and it also gets the highest possible dessert complement: it goes great with chocolate!
Try one or more this season with your favorite dessert - and raise a glass to sweet treats for everyone! And be sure to send us your suggestions by clicking here!
Wine makes a great gift - visit our Gift Center for food & wine baskets, accessories, gift certificates, and more!
A Luscious Dish with Little Effort: Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb
with Potatoes
Try this one with a bottle of our 2004 Pinot Noir - your guests will love it!
- 18 cloves garlic (to taste)
- 1 (750-ml) bottle dry red wine, such as Windsor Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 18 cloves garlic (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons dried rosemary
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 (8-pound) leg of lamb, bone in and trimmed of fat
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 3 tablespoons
- 6 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Mash and chop half the garlic cloves. In a shallow pan, combine wine, 1 cup lemon juice, chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons oregano, and 2 tablespoons rosemary; season with salt and pepper. Add lamb, turning to coat. Cover, and marinate in refrigerator overnight.
- In a mortar and pestle, crush 6 cloves garlic and the remaining oregano and rosemary. Remove lamb from marinade, and pierce lamb with a paring knife in 10 to 12 places. Rub garlic mixture over lamb, pushing the mixture into the incisions. Transfer to a large roasting pan, and pour 3 tablespoons olive oil over lamb, rubbing to coat.
- Mash and chop remaining 6 cloves garlic, and toss with potatoes.
- Place potatoes around lamb in roasting pan.
- Drizzle remaining 1/4-cup olive oil and remaining 1 cup lemon juice over potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to oven, and roast for 3-4 hours (20-30 minutes per pound), or until meat thermometer reads 150 degrees F(for medium).
- Remove from oven, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Note: Remember, the roast will continue to cook and its internal temperature will continue to increase as it sits, so remove the meat 10 degrees cooler from the oven than you want to serve it.
Visit our website for more recipes and great wine pairings - and send us your
favorites by clicking here!
The Perfect Pinot Noir - With A Perfect Price
This magnificent Pinot Noir is one of our favorites! It's deeply colored with intense aromas of black cherry and plum. A delicate, spicy note is woven through ripe red fruit flavors. Its velvety-texture is perfect with grilled chicken, salmon, or a Portobello mushroom burger - but for the best pairing of all, serve it with a slow-roasted leg of lamb and potatoes, and you'll be the toast of the table! And if you order by Friday, April 28th, we can take 15% off your order. Normally $264, on sale for $224. You'll save $40 per case! Please enter promo code 3875060 at check out to receive your discount.
Call your Windsor Personal Wine Consultant now at 800.289.9463, and select all your favorite wines from our complete wine collection.
Set Sail with Us to the Caribbean!
We've just booked our next Wine Lover's Cruise - and you're invited! Join us for a glorious week of luxurious living, breath-taking island visits, and a wine experience you'll never forget! Our very own winemaker Toni Stockhausen will offer a Wine and Food Pairing seminar for creating the perfect meal every time. We'll also sample the finest wines from all over the world, and learn the best ways to store and cellar them back home. Our last cruise sold out in two weeks, so don't wait! For more details and to register, click here today. We'll see you on board!
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Direct To You With FREE Personalized Labels!
Windsor Vineyards is the ONLY top award-winning winery that lets you put your "message on a bottle". Call for details about adding your company logo. Plus, we ship right to your door - easy! See all of our designs - or create your own - on our Personalized Labels page.
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