Well that was a long day!
From Flagstaff we covered 525 miles with a few rain showers and high heat. Route 66 in New Mexico is a bit less picturesque than Arizona.
We are settled into Tucumcari New Mexico for the night with an early departure planned. The red rocket (named Gertrude) has been pleasant to drive, though she hates low RPMs and air conditioning.
No pictures to post as they are all on the DSLR, will get them done tomorrow.
Sleep time.
Just landed in Gallop after an early start. All good, though it is HOT!
End of a great first day.nThe 308 handled itself beautifully despite 114F temperatures, sea level to 7200 feet and a few rain storms.
We are safe and sound in Flagstaff and all involved (including the as yet unnamed GTB) needed rest.
The trip should be 2500-2600 total miles, with all the detours, and we knocked off ~300 today. On tap for tomorrow is the Grand Canyon and then off to Albuquerque.
To finish, a few pics.
We are past Kingman and on Route 66. Amazing drive so far with a stop at Hoover Dam!
Car is exactly as expected, minus radio not working, idles great, drives even better.
Mrs CWG is landing in 90 and we are about to roll. First stops:
Ferrari-Wynn at the Wynn resort to get two official hats
Hoover Dam
Flagstaff, Az.
Since I was a child I have always loved the famous song by Bobby Troup, “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66.” The thought of traveling along the road to all those cities interested and nagged at me.
Well many years later I have decided to throw common sense and reason to the way side and drive it.
Over the next few days final preparations are being done before the trip begins, stay tuned.
When I hear Napa Cab my taste buds get started. Yum. This one is dark in color with a slightly sweet nose with some cherries and dark fruits coming through. On the mid pallet the wine starts out with varietal cherries coming through but ending quickly. The finish is on the lighter side of medium with not a lot of complexity. I was kind of disappointed in this wine, especially for the money. I found it thin and not terribly complex. I would give it an 88 or so. Not bad, but not fabulous either.
From the LCBO web site:
NAPA CREEK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 VINTAGES 643437 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 18.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.2% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: California, USA By: Bronco Wine Company
Release Date: Jan 8, 2011
Tasting Note
A youthful and promising Napa Cab. Offers up a wallop of cassis, red and black plum, blueberry, raspberry, dark chocolate, vanilla and coffee. Dry, yet exuberantly flavourful, this wine is wonderfully plush and concentrated, sporting ripe tannins and a silky texture. Cellar 2-3 years or enjoy tonight with an herbed steak cooked rare. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2010)
This wine came to us from the Vineland wine of the month club. The wine is pale in color with a nose of candied fruits. On the mid pallet the wine is sweet with some apricots and honeysuckle coming through. The wine is on the lighter side of medium in length and the sweetness does not live on overly long. According to the write up that came with the wine it is 15% alcohol and LCBO sugar code 2. It definitely is sweet. It has an almost Riesling like flavor. As a Riesling I would say it’s about a Spatlese in flavor. We paired the wine with a pan fried snapper with a chili pepper on it and it went reasonably well. I would give this wine an 87-88. Not entirely to my tastes but not undrinkable either. At the winery this sells for $18.20 and for my money I’d be looking elsewhere.
I’ve had this one in the cellar for quite a while and opened it with great expectation. On the nose the wine displays some varietal cherries on the nose but quite mild. The wine is dark in color with no discoloration on the edges (which might indicate I had kept it too long) On initial opening the wine is dominated by a strong alcoholic presence. This eased as it breathed but was still there. There were some nice black berry tastes but quite mild. All in all this wine is past it’s prime sadly. The distinctive fruit flavors are long gone. Guess the review was right.
Previously from the LCBO Web site:
PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Barossa, South Australia Tasting Note: Lithe in texture, not a huge wine but beautifully focused, aglow with blueberry, currant and subtle bay leaf and spice flavors that persist with refinement through a long, harmonious finish. Drink now through 2010. Score – 90. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2004) 605741 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 Oct 28th 2006 release Featured 10/28/2006
I tasted this one at the Salut wine festival at the Brickworks. Dark in color with lots of black berries coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet are some lovely blakc berries to match the nose along with some smooth velvety textures on the medium length finish. This is an impressive wine with Niagara’s dominant tannins and terroir well under control. I would give this a solid 89. I want to get a full bottle to do a more thorough review. For the money, this is a good deal!
From the LCBO web site:
KACABA VINEYARDS MERITAGE LCBO 101477 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, Red Wine 12.8% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Kacaba Vineyards
Tasting Note
deep ruby colour; cassis, black fruit, vanilla and spice aromas; dry, medium body; dark fruit and pepper flavours, good length
From the winery’s web site:
2006 Meritage – (LCBO# 101477) $16.95 per bottle / $203.40 per case A blend of 50% cabernet franc and 50% cabernet sauvignon. Purplish in colour with aromas of earth, chassis, cedar and leather. The palate offers plenty of plum and blackberry flavours with a touch of mocha and beetroot on the finish. – Mike Lowe – Pulse, Wine pick of the week
I previously review my visit to the winery and was impressed. When I was over in the LCBO I saw this one and grabbed it. To be honest I thought at the time I was grabbing the one I tasted. Turned out to be not … The one I tasted was a single vineyard premium wine. This one is more of a blend of numerous vineyards. The wine is semi golden in color. Not too dark. I find chards really give themselves way in their color. On the mid pallet the wine has some smack on varietal chard flavours and out of the bottle there are noticeable alcohol hints. It’s slightly creamy, slightly buttery with some oak. This is a middle of the road chard. Very food friendly. The finish is on the lighter side of medium in length. I would give this wine an 89. We paired it with a pan fried pickerel. It went extremely well. Now on the value side I think there are much better wines for the money such as the Wente Morning Fog . And compared to the one we tasted at the winery this is a much milder wine.
From the LCBO web site:
HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2007 VINTAGES 68817 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 35.20
Wine, White Wine 14.4% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Hidden Bench Vineyards
Release Date: Nov 27, 2010
Description
David Lawrason, at Wine Align, gave this wine a score of 90, while his colleague, John Szabo, M.S., gave it a 92. (www.winealign.com, Sept. 2009)
Tasting Note
This comes on like a great Montrachet. Lovely buttery hazelnut, toasted golden apple and pear scents contribute to the elegant aroma. On the palate, rich toasty apple, lemon zest, minerals and buttery finesse merge magically. Score – 91. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, 2009)
Check LCBO stock
Fifth Leg recently had a launch party here in Toronto so I stopped by. This wine is pale in color with a grassy nose. Surprisingly the Semillon was unnoticeable in the bouquet. On the mid pallet the wine is smack on the nose with some citrus, and mild zest coming through. A little grassy but not overly strong. This is a milder sauv blanc. The finish was on the lighter side of medium. It would be a very food friendly wine. I was surprised how little the Semillon did for this wine. To the point I’m not sure why they bothered. I would give this wine an 88. It’s a pleasing simple wine. Now for the money you can get much better deals that I personally enjoy more. The Robertson and any number of the Chilean sauv blancs I’ve blogged about in the past. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the wine, I just don’t think the value equation is there …
From the LCBO web site:
DEVIL’S LAIR FIFTH LEG SEMILLON SAUV BLANC LCBO 212613 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Still Table Wine, White Still Table Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1
Made in: , Australia By: Devil’S Lair Vineyard
Tasting Note
Pale straw verging on water white; vibrant and fresh on the nose with vivacious tropical fruit character; crisp and zingy with mouth watering citrus and tropical fruit on the finish.
Check LCBO Stock
I tasted this wine at the Salut wine event at the brickworks. This wine is dark in color with loads of dark berries coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine unfolds in the mouth with tons of dark berries, cherries, cassis and the like. On the long finish the wine is bruiser with strong tannins coming through that build nicely in the mouth. Lots of oak but not overwhelming. Some mocha too … This is a BIG cab franc the way Niagara can do very WELL!! Man this is yummy. Don’t pair this with any mild food or you won’t be tasting ANYTHING but the wine. Can you tell I was impressed? I would give this a solid 90-91. Yumm …
From the Winery’s web site:
$44.95 per bottle / $539.40 per case
* BRONZE – WINE ACCESS CANADIAN WINE AWARDS 2010
* BRONZE – ALL CANADIAN WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010
On the nose tobacco leaf notes are balanced by ripe blackcurrant, spices and toasty oak. The palate is a complex and intense mix of plums, black cherry, mint and chocolate-coated coffee beans. This wine can be enjoyed now but also will improve with cellaring.
I had this one at the iYellow Pinot event. I had not heard of the Meunier so I was interested to try it. Garnet in color with a nose very similar to pinot noir with some rustic notes coming through but little to no earthy smells. On the mid pallet the wine is smooth, well balanced with the oak and tannins well under control. If you were to compare this to a pinot noir it is a well made one. None of the distinctive “barn yard” smells or flavors or earthyness coming through. This would be a VERY food friendly wine. I would give it a solid 89. $17.95 which for my tastes is a good deal!
From the winery’s web site:
Product Description
Much like its very close cousin Pinot Noir, this dark cherry coloured Pinot Meunier expresses a lacy, youthful, complex berry character underpinned by a solid tannin structure and a bright seam of acidity. Our winemaker Brian Schmidt is embracing this variety as it is far more reliable and consistent that its often “psycho” mirror image, Pinot Noir. Brian is very happy with this inaugural offering but as is his nature he is far more interested in pushing the envelope, “exploring the potential of this unique varietal within the dynamic frame of Niagara.”
Appellation: Niagara Escarpment
Varietal: 100% Pinot Meunier
Alcohol Percent: 13.0%
LCBO Sugar Code: 0
Residual Sugar g/L: 9.4 g/L
Brix at Harvest: 22.1 oBx
Total Acid g/L: 6.60 g/L
Cases Produced: 525
Drinking Through: Now – 2015
Oak Treatment: 4 months
Service Temp.: 15 – 17 oC
Bottle Size(s): 750ml
Decanting: 15 minutes using the “slip” method
down the inside of the decanter side wall.
Pale in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine is slightly sweet, very varietal. The finish is on the lighter side and does not linger. This is a mild riesling. Not a lot going on but not a bad riesling either. Quite food friendly. I would give it an 88 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
REIF RIESLING VQA LCBO 111799 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 11.95
Wine, White Wine 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Reif Winery Inc.
Tasting Note
Pale straw colour; Aromas and flavours of citrus, lime, ripe pear and apple fruit: Dry, light – medium-bodied.
Check LCBO stock
I’ve not been to the Kacab winery yet, driven past it a number of times, but got the opportunity to taste their wines at the Salut Wine Festival at the Brickworks. I have to say I was impressed. This wine is typical ruby in color with a varietal nose. On the mid pallet this wine is rustic as usual, with some earthy notes. The wine is medium in length on the finish with a nice bit of tannins with oak under control. I was impressed. I would give it an 89. $22 at the winery, not in the LCBO unfortunately. I will have to get a bottle to do a more thorough review. Seemed like it would be quite food friendly!
From the winery’s web site:
Aromas ripe cherry, cocoa, anise and rich baking spices. Plush flavors of cherry, plum and pomegranate meld with hints of delicate tea leaf. A pinot noir with such wonderful presence and mouthfeel.
I last reviewed the 2008 non Classico version of this wine and quite enjoyed it. I figured the Classico ought to be even better … Dark in color mild on the nose with some browning near the edges of the wine. On the mid pallet this wine is surprising undistinctive. Not even as bold as the non Classico. Some dark berries coming through, little no oak. The finish on the wine is on the lighter side. It is a food friendly wine, but honestly there is not a lot going on. I was thoroughly disappointed. Now it’s possible the bottle I had was not good, but it wasn’t bad either. Wasn’t corked. nothing aweful about it, just nothing good either. Stick with the non-Classico one for my $$s. I’d give it an 88 or so. $16.95
I had this one at the iYellow Pinot event. The wine is pale in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet are some slight mineral tastes along with a bit of citrus. It is slightly tart on the finish, on the lighter side of medium. This wine starts out quite bland but it does build in the mouth. I would give it an 88. Again a very food friendly wine, but not a lot of depth to it for my tastes.
From the LCBO web site:
MISSION HILL PINOT BLANC FIVE VINEYARDS VQA LCBO 145094 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
This is a VQA wine
Made in: British Columbia, Canada By: Mission Hill Vineyards Inc.
Tasting Note
clear, straw colour with green flecks; pineapple and pear with a hint of hazelnut; dry, medium body; creamy round fruit flavour with balanced acidity, medium finish with a touch of spice
I had this one at the iYellow Pinot event. Ruby in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some dill along with some sour cherries. On the finish the wine is quite tart and builds in the mouth. For me this wine is too young. Some time in a decanter or aging might help it some and it might become more integrated. I would give it an 88 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
ROSEWOOD ESTATES PINOT NOIR 2008 VINTAGES 112177 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 20.00
Wine, Red Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD This is a VQA wine
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Rosewood Estates Winery
Tasting Note
A first look at the 08 Pinot with cherry, earth, spice and cedar aromas. The palate reveals nice cherry, raspberry and vanilla to go with charred oak and spice. Enjoy! Score – 3 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rick VanSickle, www.winesinniagara.com, Undated)
This wine is dark in color with lots of black berries and some oak coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by classic cab sauv flavors, deep rich cherries, some oak and big and bold in the mouth. The wine is long in finish with some nice dry tannins, some bold pallet coating flavors lingering nicely in the mouth with some nice dry pucker power! The oak is there and noticeable but not out of control. This is shall I say it again … a big wine. Pair this up with hearty rich meats or you won’t taste much of anything but the wine. This is a well made cab. I would consider it one of the best Chilean cab sauv’s I’ve had in a while. I’d give it a 90-91. Given the price I’d run out and grab some. The strong tannins would indicate this ought to keep for a little while too.
From the LCBO web site:
ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 VINTAGES 606764 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: , Chile By: Vina Sena S.A.
Tasting Note
Dense, layered, thick fruit; very concentrated, intense, and lengthy, cellar for 2-3 years. Drink: 2010-2012. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2010)
Check LCBO stock
I’ve had this one in the collection for a while now. Dark in color, starting to discolor slightly around the edges of the wine. Showing it’s age a bit. On the nose are lovely varietal plums coming through. On the mid pallet this is a fruit forward, California style Merlot with plums in spades, some chocolate/mocha and a hint of tannins. The finish is on the lighter side of medium with a little bit of pepper coming through. The flavors fall off quickly in the mouth. This is a VERY food friendly wine and it has held it’s own well. I’m not sure if it would keep a whole lot longer. For the price this was a good wine. I would give it a solid 90!
From the LCBO web site:
BALLAST STONE MERLOT 2006 Currency Creek South Australia Ballast Stone is not a name chosen lightly. In the 1800s ships used ballast stones to keep them seaworthy. When they arrived in Australia the stones were off-loaded to make room for goods such as grain and wool. The Ballast Stone winery buildings were constructed with the stones left behind. Filled with plum blueberry and cherry aromas this dry flavourful full-bodied and ripe wine is an excellent choice for your cottage barbecue. 127555 $16.95
Featured 8/29/2009
The wine is pale in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet this wine is a smack on varietal California style chard. Some lovely vanilla, some caramel, some nice apple, and some oak coming through. On the medium length finish the wine is very well done with the taste lingering nicely. This is a very food friendly middle of the road chard. Not too buttery, not too creamy, just right for enjoying with food. We paired it with pan seared Ahi tuna with a peppercorn crust and it went ok. I think a Dry Riesling or a Sauv Blanc would have gone better. This is the first time we have done Ahi tuna so I went to Natalie’s food and wine pairing for guidance. I would give this wine a solid 90 and would buy it again. Yumm …
From the LCBO site:
BERINGER FOUNDERS ESTATE CHARDONNAY LCBO 534230 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 18.95
Wine, White Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1
Made in: , USA By: Beringer Vineyards
Tasting Note
Bright gold colour; spicy, toasty vanilla and tropical notes on the nose; full-bodied on the palate with forward apple citrus fruit and vanilla notes; well-balanced with a long finish.
Serving Suggestion
Roast pork loin, grilled salmon, roasted poultry, or cornish hen stuffed with wild rice.
This is another of those unique white grapes of Italy I don’t know well. So I had no idea what to expect. This is always an interesting experience. The wine is pale in color with citrus hints coming on the nose. Reminded me a bit of a sauv blanc albeit a milder one. On the mid pallet the wine’s flavors match the nose … Citrus comes through with minerality shining through on the lighter side of medium finish. There’s some slightly tart flavors coming through as well. Sugar is well under control as are oak and alcohol. This wine is very food friendly, well made and elegant. Not an overly robust wine but good none the less. I’d give it an 89. Very pleasant.
From the LCBO Web site:
TERENZUOLA VERMENTINO 2009 VINTAGES 205823 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, White Wine 13.4% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Liguria, Italy By: Terenzuola
Tasting Note
The Colli di Luni is a tiny appellation whose vineyards almost literally cling to the sides of the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Vermentino grape probably has its origins in Italy, and is still grown primarily there today. This wine has a lovely floral nose, with hints of linden flowers. Vibrant citrus, peach and lime on the palate, with continuing floral notes, combined with a nice minerality. Enjoy this robust white alongside roast pork with quinces, or a flavourful tapenade. (VINTAGES panel, June 2010)
Deep inky in color with a nose of blueberries. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose well with blueberry jam coming through with some sweetness but nothing too extreme. On the medium finish the wine has some firm tannins a slight bit of bitterness. Lots of dry pucker power builds on the finish as it coats the pallet. This is a well made smooth Malbec with a bit of attitude to boot. I would give it a solid 89-90. Very nice wine.
From the LCBO web site:
LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY VINEYARD MALBEC 2008 VINTAGES 166298 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.00
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: , Argentina By: Puerto Ancona S.A.
Tasting Note
Ripe and polished, with lush layers of raspberry, blueberry and fig fruit that glide over alluring spice notes, with well-integrated grip. The long, creamy finish shows a floral hint that helps add length. Drink now through 2010. Smart Buy. Score – 90. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Nov. 30, 2009)
day 3
Nice early start, sunny and cooler (80s). Even with the sun in our eyes it is a magical start, with the understated growl of Gertrude and the backside of Tucumcari in the review mirror.
Amarillo TX was disappointing for route 66, poor signage and massive neglect/run-downed.
Aim is to hit Oklahoma City early afternoon to meet up with another Ferrari owner, then head to Tulsa for the night.
A few pictures (one cannot roadtrip with one stop at Mickey d’s)