Category Archives: Wine Tasting

Viognier and Cab Franc Dinner

10 Wednesday Feb 2010

Posted by in Photos By: Bob Young, Things To Do, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


At The Buzz on 09 February, we were treated to a great night of Viognier and Cabernet Franc and a wonderful dinner that was pared extremely well with the wines. Personally, I think this was one of the better parings.

I just want to personally thank Christy and Tommy (Pictured) for having this event and Debbie, the one with the awesome kitchen skills and the great talent to match the wines and the food presentations. As my supervisor at duPont used to say, “You done good!”

When we arrive, the tables had this delicious Table Treat of Mascarpone and Chive with Lemon Juice Dipping Sauce. Debbie served it with Pita Chips and Crackers. It hit the spot.

Then for an appetizer, we had Spicy Sausage Wonton Stars. Great choice with the Viognier.

Then a great Mediterranean Salad.

And the dinner. Beef Cartonnade with Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli. Mmmm … Mmmm … Good!

The dessert. Mangos and Blueberries in Prosecco Sauce.

And now the wines we had. I will list them in the order they were served. The Number in parenthesis (20) represents my score out of 20. Robin and I do these ratings separately, so we don’t really know what the other had scored a particular wine. This series of wines was really interesting – we were extremely close.

2008 Fujishin Viognier (19). (Snake River AVA) Vanilla, pine and lychee on the nose. Low acidity. 14.2% alcohol.
2007 Les Jamelles Viognier (18). Smooth with peaches and floral. High acidity. 13% alcohol.
2008 Loredonna Viognier (19). Heavy apricot and very smooth. Well balanced. 13.5% alcohol.
2006 Vin du Bois Viognier (15). (Snake River AVA) Paper and pencil lead. Desert sage. Washes out and very light on taste. A bitter end. Almost a chardonnay taste. This wine just misses the mark 11% alcohol.
2006 Samur Champigny Cabernet Franc (19). Smoky cedar on the nose. Black cherry. I’m thinking Grilled Pork or a well marbled Rib-Eye grilled. 13.5% alcohol.
2006 Terra Nativa Cabernet Franc (19).(Snake River AVA) Fondue. The Idaho terroir comes roaring through on this wine. This went extremely well with the Beef Cartonnade with Baked Cauliflower and Broccoli. 12% alcohol.
2002 Ironside Cabernet Franc (20). Brown tinge on the edge. Good age. Wood lumber mill on the nose and a mellow raisin taste, as one would expect. This was a delicious wine and went very well with the Mangos and Blueberries in Prosecco Sauce.

So there you have the evening. Don’t just take my word for these wines. Try them yourself. My opinion is just a guide. Cheers!

"the Buzz" – wine and Food

14 Thursday Jan 2010

Posted by in Things To Do, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


So another night of awesome food and awesome wines at the Buzz on 12 January. And for you Treasure Valley Wine Society folks, on 30 January from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, the TVWS is having a mixer at “the Buzz”. With a membership it is free! Wine! Appetizers! Fun! And Conversation!

On the 12th, we started out with a good Jalapeno Cranberry and Cream Cheese dip that went very well with the crackers provided.

And then there was a great Broccoli Slaw.

And I don’t know where Debbie got the recipe for these Crab and Shrimp Cakes, but they were the Hit of the Night, so far as I am concerned. But then, I do like my seafood. Especially crab cakes that have some crab in them and not all filler! You outdid yourself on these, Debbie, and there are some Chefs and restaurants in Boise that need to take your preparation to heart! These went great with a 2008 Walnut Block Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand that we had. We also had a Walnut Block Reserve Sauvignon Blanc that did not really impress me. Oh well, that’s why there are more than one wine made.

Then Debbie also provided a Beef and Pork Chili with Spicy Cornbread Muffins that was really good and contrasted the cold, rainny, yukkie night outside. Top it with Green Onion and Cheddar Cheese and you have a dinner entre that will “stick to your ribs”. We had a 2007 Les Jamelles Merlot and a 2007 Leese Fitch Merlot that went extremely well with this chili.

But now, top that dinner off with a scrumptious slice of Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake and glass of a Hungarian Merlot, and you have completed a Feast For A King, or Queen.

So there you have another fascinating evening of Wine With Dinner at “The Buzz”! Contact the “the Buzz” – look in the Sidebar or on Facebook – and get on their mailing list for these parties. Well worth it. I don’t think the 30 January event will be as “in depth” as this, but I bet it will be as every bit as good. See you there. Cheers!

The Buzz

30 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in Food, Restaurants, Things To Do, Wine and Food, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


From the Buzz Coffee and Cafe, I received this information. These events are excellent and well worth the time to go. You will like the experience! Get on their mailing list and keep up with their events.

Dear Bob and Robin,

Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being our customer. We look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year. We would like to invite everyone to join us at The Buzz on New Year’s Eve to celebrate. We will start at 7 PM until 9 PM with the great music of the Entertainers while enjoying some fun Prosecco cocktails or wine. After the musical event we will continue to ring in the new year with some board games and appetizer specials through the night. So bring along your favorite game or play one of ours and join us for a relaxing count down to 2010.

We will be closed on January 1 but will reopen on January 2nd and will have our regular Saturday night wine tasting and music. The featured artist this week will be Wendy Matson and she will be playing from 7 PM until 9 PM. If your plans on New Years Eve do not bring you by, hopefully we will see you for our first wine tasting of 2010.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Fiesta Bowl, or the next wine club on Tuesday Jan 12 or Wednesday Jan 13 at 6:30. (Wine club for January will feature Merlot and Savignon Blanc). Also our Zin and Chocolate night will be Jan 27. For questions or reservations email buzzwine@cableone.net or call (208) 344-4321.

All the best to you and your family in 2010,

Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

"The Buzz" – Italian Wines, Part II

09 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in Food, Things To Do, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


All I can say, if you have never been to one of these Wine Dinners, you are missing a huge part of the wine experience in Idaho!! The wines we tried, from lowest ranked to highest (0-20), were:

Zonin Insolia (13)
Fratelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzio (16)
Sella and Mosca Vermentino (18)
Il Trullo Primitivo (18)
Moscato d’Asti (18)
Zonin Iperion (19)
Taurino Salice Salentino (20)

The dinner selections, and Debbie did another outstanding job with finding, preparing and then matching the courses, were:

This was an exciting evening and I really do hope that you plan to attend the next dinners. At $15.00 per person – yes the prices are going up in January – you can’t beat this Night Out! Contact “The Buzz” for more information. Look in the Sidebar for their logo and click for more information. Cheers!

Old Wine – Is It Drinkable?

06 Tuesday Oct 2009

Posted by in Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


If you are wondering if that bottle of 1945 Bordeaux in your cellar will go with the dinner you are preparing, then you need to read this from the latest issue of The Juice. It is interesting and essential information for those who cellar wine.

Question:
My parents have several bottles of wine that have been around for years. Is there a source I can consult as to the quality of these wines given the passage of time? I am looking for some sort of resource that gives the average life span for specific years, types of wines, and brands. Thanks!

Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW:
Many people have suggested that wine labels should have an expiration date, but while I sympathize with the desire to know if a wine is past its best drinking date, the circumstances are not analogous to food products. With jam, ketchup, or cereal, and certainly highly perishable packaged items (seafood, meat, eggs, etc.), a guideline has been established to provide consumers with a date after which the product may no longer be healthy or safe to consume. In other words, past that expiration date, the foodstuff may have seriously deteriorated or even spoiled.

With wine, it is far more complicated. While the overwhelming majority of wine is intended for near-term consumption (within a few years of release), a certain number may actually improve with lengthy cellaring. A wine that is decades old may be even more desirable than a young vintage! Unfortunately, there is no truly reliable guide or chart which predicts the evolution of all wines since this depends on a myriad of factors including the specific wine/producer, vintage and storage conditions. However, for the world’s classic wines (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Piedmont, Tuscany, Vintage Port and some others) you can consult the websites of well-known reviewers who usually give their personal opinions regarding “ready to drink by” dates.

So there you have it. Cheers!

Snake River AVA Saturday Events

03 Saturday Oct 2009

Posted by in Local Markets, Things To Do, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


I am truly sorry for the lateness of this post! For events like this a good practice is 3 – 5 days in advance. For wine dinners I would say at least 7 – 10 days. But here are the articles. Hope you make them before the BSU Football game. Maybe pick up some wine to help UC Davis make it through the evening? Oh well!!

3-Horse Ranch Vineyards
Invites you to join us at
“HarvestFest”
this Saturday Oct. 3rd

Location: 1065 Winding Creek Road (Old State St.), Eagle, ID
Time and Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
What to Bring: $20 along with a healthy thirst! (for adults over the age of 21, kids are free)
Attire: Seriously? It’s Idaho need I say more? (although it is outdoors so layer it up)
For More Information: 208.938.3010 or zach@willowcreekgrill.com

Willowcreek Grill and Eagle Magazine bring a signature event to Eagle. Bag Pipers will kick off the festivities, and the event will feature local food, beer, wine, music and fashion until 9:00 p.m. Some of the area’s favorite bands including Audio Moonshine, Tina and the Big Belt Buckle Band and Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles will get the crowd rocking to their own brands of blue grass, rock and folk.

There will be a fall feast of Brats, grilled onions, grinders, and of course Willowcreek’s signature Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayonnaise. The “Fest” food will be as fresh and local as they can make it. Seven breweries will be on hand pouring their signature fall brews and 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards will serve a selection of their finest wines.

A special twist that HarvestFest will bring is an element of fashion–models for local boutiques Coco Couture, Mimi Marie, Club and Ruby Lou will present the latest styles for fall in fashion shows that will run throughout the day and into the night.

Tickets are $20 and include tasting of each one of the featured beers and wines. Additional beverages are available for $3.00 each and food items range from $3.00 to $5.00. Raffle tickets for a variety of prizes will also be available for purchase.

And we also received this from Cinder Wines.

Harvest is here!
Come visit
Cinder Winery!

Don’t miss
the most exciting time of the year
to observe winemaking
with Cinder…

We’re right in the middle of harvest and would love for you to stop by and see the grapes being transformed into wine. Over the next 2-3 weeks there will be a lot to see as we bring grapes into the Urban Winemakers Cooperative. We have our tasting room open every Saturday from Noon-5pm, so please drop by and bring a friend. You can sample the wines of Cinder, Vale and Syringa….plus get a glimpse of the harvest or “Crush” activities. One of the coolest things to see are the red wines fermenting and it will only last a few weeks.

Here is a Map To Our Winery, The Urban Winemakers Cooperative

We hope to see you on a Saturday soon and enjoy some great wines from the Snake River Valley with you!

-Joe & Melanie

Our mailing address is: Cinder Wines 907 E. Washington St. Boise, Idaho 83712
Newsletter: Subscribe to Cinder Wines Newsletter.
Our telephone: (208) 433-9813

So there you have two Fall events that you can attend! Support Idaho Products!! Cheers!

News From The Davis Creek Winery

06 Thursday Aug 2009

Posted by in Food, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


I received this from Davis Creek today. Good information to a fantastic winery.

August 2008 August and September Events at Davis Creek Cellars

Dear Bob & Robin,
As the summer comes to a close and with harvest just around the corner, we are coming up on events season. Davis Creek will be at multiple tastings and celebrations during the months of August and September so check out a few of them if you can. If you are unable to attend, you can still find us at the Capital City Public Market in downtown Boise on Saturdays, Evenings at Edwards on Tuesday nights off Hill Road in Boise, and of course at our tasting room in Marsing. We will also be having a release party for our new vintage of Tempranillo and Malbec August 28-30. We will be releasing our UP A CREEK! Syrah in September, but that date is yet to be decided. Watch our website for the UP A CREEK! release date! Cheers! from the Davis’s at Davis Creek Cellars

Basque Wine Fest: August 14 from 5:30 to 9pm

Hosted by the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, this annual tasting events takes place on Grove Street between Capital and 6th Street. Tastes wines from local wineries and distributors as well as various tapas from restaurants on the Basque Block. Contact the Basque Museum and Cultural Center for tickets and details at 343-1285.

Eagle Food and Wine Fest: August 21 and 22

Gala Dinner and Tasting at Stueckle Sky Center, August 21 from 6:30-11:00pm: Enjoy an evening at the BSU Stueckle Sky Center featuring 6 local wineries (including Davis Creek), a live and silent auction with proceeds to benefit Meals on Wheels and The Landing Community Youth Programs, and a dinner featuring Idaho wines. Food and Wine Festival at Merrill Park, August 22 from Noon-6pm:Wine tasting, Live Music, and a Chef’s tent featuring local wines and restaurants in Merrill Park in Eagle. For tickets and information visit http://www.eaglechamber.com or call 208-939-4222

New Release Weekend: August 28-30

Time to come out and taste our latest vintage of Tempranillo and Malbec!!!Our 2007 Tempranillo is sold out and the 2007 Malbec is not far behind it! We will be pouring our 2008 Two Vineyard Cuvee Tempranillo and our 2008 Pontin Vineyard Malbec for the first time! Come out have taste of our newest wines and enjoy light appetizers at the tasting room all weekend.

Basque Cooking Class at the Orchard House: August 30

A cooking class featuring Davis Creek Cellars 2008 Tempranillo (among other wines) and the Basque Market of Boise. Enjoy wine tasting while learning how to make various tapas and paella from the pros.Contact Kris and Sherry at the Orchard House for details and reservations at 208-459-8200.
(Note: Any of the Boise Foodie Guild interested in this? A great opportunity and we might be able to get a couple of tables!!)

Chefs’ Affaire: September 10 from 6:30-11pm

A Chefs’ Affaire takes place at the Centre on the Grove featuring local wineries and chefs. The evening concludes with a lively auction of local dining packages. Each package is different, but many of them include having a chef come to you home and prepare a dinner for you and you friends! The proceeds from the event go to the Idaho Food Bank. For tickets, call 208-336-9643.

Taste of Idaho at Qwest Area: September 12 from 10am-5pm

Enjoy wine and food sampling from local wineries and restaurants. Since this is an Idaho Preferred event, all food and wine must be from Idaho! There will be an Idaho Chef Competition and cooking demo’s going on during the event as well. This is a great event to sample the bounty of Idaho Agriculture! Tickets will be available at the door.

Davis Creek Cellars, 429 Main Street, Suite 101, Marsing, ID 83639

Silver City Wine Weekend

17 Wednesday Jun 2009

Posted by in Things To Do, Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ 1 Comment



So you say you need some time away from the big city? You need to see the part of the world where the deer and the antelope play? You need peace! You need quiet! Don’t want to answer the telephone? Or watch the TV? Or listen to the radio? You want to see how laid back Idaho really can be? Then here is where you need to be —

Silver City Wine Weekend
July 10 & 11, 2009
Where: The Idaho Hotel in Silver City, Idaho

Friday Evening– Wine Tasting at 7 PM:

Bring two bottles of wine – same or similar varietals, different vintner or a different year vintage & food bite to pair with and share with all!

6 PM – Happiness Hour (a little surprise for those who make early!) Please “BYODG” bring your own decorated glass!

– You must be 21 years old to attend –

–
Saturday – Wine Dinner and special tour.
A special dinner paired with wines to compliment each entree.
$30 – includes tax and gratuity.
Dinner starts at 7 PM.

Saturday & Sunday
Breakfast Buffet 8:30 – 10:00 AM. $8.50.

Hotel rooms start at $75 per night, stay for two nights only $125 (regular room) – Wine weekend only.

Hotel and Dinner Reservations are required.

For more Information & Reservations call
Jerri at: 208-863-4768 or at the Idaho Hotel: 208-583-4104.
email: Jerri-nelson@hotmail.com

Sooooo, Cheers! And see you there! Always a great weekend!

"The Buzz" – California Wines

10 Wednesday Jun 2009

Posted by in Wine and Food, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


A great night at The Buzz on 09 June and tasting California wines. Once again, they did a fantastic job on the dinner and matching the wines. Here are some photos of the dinner. The wines are listed below. Enjoy! We did!

The Wine List
7 Daughters, White Blend 13.5% alcohol $15.00 (16)
Jade Mountain Provencale 14.5% alcohol $18.00 (17)
Bennet Chardonnay 13.9% alcohol $18.00 (17)
Louis Martini Sonoma Select Cabernet Sauvignon 13.9% alcohol $12.00 (15)
Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 14.5% alcohol $20.00 (16)
Forre Petit Syrah 14.6% alcohol $15.00 (18)

And the winner is? The envelope please …………….. Forre Petit Syrah!!! We saved a little to try with the Cheesecake along with the Zin. The Petit Syrah went far better with this cheesecake. Cheers!

Buzz Wine and Coffee News

21 Thursday May 2009

Posted by in Food, Things To Do, Wine Dinners, Wine Tasting

≈ Leave a comment


2999 N Lakeharbor Lane – Boise, Idaho 83703

We hope that the first great BBQ weekend of the year finds everyone healthy and happy. If you, your friends, and your families are looking to spend some quality get together time this weekend here are some suggestions to make it easier on you. We have a great selection of BBQ or Patio wines at reasonable prices. Also, if you are looking for a dish to take to an event, or make it easier on yourself, the Buzz Pasta Salad, Baked Beans, or Santa Fe Cheesecake are available for pick up. Call and order early for Sunday or Monday events 344-4321. We will be open regular hours Sunday and Monday.

May 22 and May 23
Join Gregg from Ferreus as we learn about and enjoy some French wines; Routas. Gayle Chapman will offer some incredible music to accompany food and wine. On Saturday Night we will feature an entree that will pair nicely with the wine. Wine tasting each night begins at 6, with the music beginning at 7. Hope to see you there.

Sheridan Academy Benefit Night
On June 2 we will donate 20% of all food and wine sales starting at 5PM to Sheridan Academy. This is a nonprofit school here in Boise servicing children from all walks of life. We will have wine tasting and dinner specials. Come by and join in a night-out during the week and help a good local cause. Reservations not required

For any reservations or questions please call 344-4321 or E-Mail at Buzzwine@cableone.net. Don’t forget wine makes memorable graduation and wedding gifts.

From all of us at Buzz Coffee and Wine we hope that you have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Sincerely,
Cristi and Tom Takeda
Buzz Coffee and Wine

Kids Club
Saturday May 23 at 2:30 will be our next Kids Club Tasting event. We will focus on hot dogs.This is an educational event for the kids and they don’t even realize it. Reservations are required Buzzwine@cableone.net
or 344-4321.

June Wine Club
In June we will turn our attention to California wines. Debbie has a stunning menu planned and we will learn about California and California wines. Reservations are being accepted for June 9 at 6:30PM. Cost is $10.00 per person. Seating is limited.

Quarterly Dinner
Our Quarterly dinner will take place June 21. Two seatings one at 5 and then at 7:30. Reservations being accepted now. Cost is $25.00 for a five course dinner and ten different wines. Great Father’s Day outing.