Villa Mt. Eden Monte Rosso Grand Reserve Zinfandel

Attributes:
Producer:

Monte Rosso Vineyard
Region:

Sonoma Valley, United States
Varietal:

Zinfandel
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2001: CGCW Rating: 85
Body:

full-bodied
Flavors:

berries
Fruit:

ripe

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 77
Flavors:

jammy, stemmy, tea
Texture:

fleshy

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86
Acidity:

soft
Compliments:

tasty
Flavors:

black currant, chocolate
Fruit:

sweet

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 82
Complexity:

simple

2000: WineAdvocate Rating: 85
Body:

medium-bodied
Flavors:

cherry, wild berry

2000: CGCW Rating: 89
Acidity:

high in acidity
Flavors:

cherry, earth, herbs, mineral, spice

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 85
Flavors:

cherry, lead pencil, plum, raspberry, vanilla

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88
Flavors:

berries
Fruit:

concentrated, huge
Texture:

round

Food Matches:
Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Soft Pungent Cheese
Fruits & Nuts: Citrus Fruits
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Clove, Mint, Oregano, Pepper (black, white, green)
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna, Pasta with Peppery Mushroom Sauce
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Game Birds, Herb Marinated Chicken, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey, Spicy Chicken Dishes
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Game, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Hamburgers, Lamb Stew, Minestrone, Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Spicy Food: Beef Stir Fry
Vegetables: Lentils, Tomato

Sonoma:

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.


Zinfandel:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Four Vines 'Old Vine Cuvee' Zinfandel

Attributes:
Producer:

Four Vines Winery
Region:

California, United States
Varietal:

Zinfandel
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 87
Complexity:

supple
Flavors:

jammy, pepper, raspberry
Fruit:

ripe

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 88
Aromas:

berry aromas
Compliments:

elegant, well-balanced
Flavors:

black cherry, spicy, wild berry
Fruit:

ripe

2002: CGCW Rating: 82
Acidity:

soft

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83
Flavors:

berries, mocha
Fruit:

ripe

Food Matches:
Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Soft Pungent Cheese
Fruits & Nuts: Citrus Fruits
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Clove, Mint, Oregano, Pepper (black, white, green)
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna, Pasta with Peppery Mushroom Sauce
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Game Birds, Herb Marinated Chicken, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey, Spicy Chicken Dishes
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Game, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Hamburgers, Lamb Stew, Minestrone, Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Spicy Food: Beef Stir Fry
Vegetables: Lentils, Tomato

Zinfandel:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.


California:

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.

Fife 'Mendocino Uplands' Zinfandel

Attributes:
Producer:

Fife Vineyards
Region:

Mendocino County, United States
Varietal:

Zinfandel
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2004: CGCW Rating: 86
Flavors:

beef, berries

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 76
Acidity:

tart

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86
Acidity:

soft
Flavors:

berries, herb, prunes, sour

2002: CGCW Rating: 88
Flavors:

berries, chocolate, oak
Fruit:

ripe

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 89
Acidity:

bright
Flavors:

anise, blackberry, cherry, coffee, cola, spice
Fruit:

ripe

2001: WineAdvocate Rating: 87
Acidity:

crisp, lively
Body:

medium-bodied
Compliments:

elegant
Texture:

smooth

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 88
Aromas:

floral
Compliments:

delicious
Flavors:

black cherry, blackberry, herb, juniper berry, tar

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 92
Body:

full-bodied
Flavors:

bitter, black pepper, chocolate, cranberry, raspberry
Fruit:

juicy, ripe

Food Matches:
Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Soft Pungent Cheese
Fruits & Nuts: Citrus Fruits
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Clove, Mint, Oregano, Pepper (black, white, green)
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna, Pasta with Peppery Mushroom Sauce
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Game Birds, Herb Marinated Chicken, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey, Spicy Chicken Dishes
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Game, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Hamburgers, Lamb Stew, Minestrone, Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Spicy Food: Beef Stir Fry
Vegetables: Lentils, Tomato

Zinfandel:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Sweet Potato-Apple Bake

Rated

Ingredients

6 sweet potatoes or yams
3 firm, tart apples
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
Salt to taste (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F

Scrub sweet potatoes or yams and cut into chunks or slice into 1/2-inch rounds, peel, core and slice the apples. Place sweet potatoes and apples in a baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, cinnamon, ground cloves, and mix well.

Drizzle oil and spices over potatoes and apples. Mix gently to coat potato-apple mixture evenly with oil. Cover dish and bake in preheated oven 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until tender. You will probably find that this dish doesn't need any salt, but feel free to add some to taste.

Yield

Serves 6

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 6
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 40 Calories from Fat: 41
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Total Fat 4.51g
6%  
Carbohydrates < 1g
0%  
Dietary Fiber < 1g
0%  
Saturated Fat < 1g
3%  
Calories 40.17kcal
2%  
Cholesterol < 1mg
0%  
Protein < 1g
0%  
Sodium < 1mg
0%  
Calcium
0%  
Iron
0%  
Vitamin A
0%  
Vitamin C
0%  
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.