Joel Gott Zinfandel 2008 is a terrific value

Rest in peace, Geraldine Ferraro. Although I disagreed with many of her positions and opinions, I admired the brilliance and mostly nonpartisan tone of her arguments. Her courage in remaining in public service and public dialogue while struggling with the cancer that eventually took her life underscored her commitment to her  ideals.

Regarding my comments on political issues, I recently received an interesting clipping and a commentary  from Joe K.  The gist of his note and the article was: I should refrain or take a noncommittal stance, giving both sides of the story. I’m curious about your opinion and would truly enjoy a response at chjonmc@yahoo.com. I have received three such notes since the column’s inception and scores supporting some of my opinions. I do realize it is much easier for most folks to be supportive rather than to criticize. Thank you, Joe, for your comment and enclosure.

Now for some inexpensive but valuable food/wine selections. Campo de Borja de Almira los Dos 2009 is a Grenache-syrah blend.  Bright, deep crimson with loads of fresh sweet fruit, black cherry and blueberry riding a balanced, completely dry frame with a smooth texture;  88 points, $8.50/bottle; goes with grilled meats and pizza

Castle Rock Petit Sirah 2008 also likes pizza, or pair it with jerked spicing. Deep purple with coffee, ripe berries and Asian spice aromas. Opens on the palate to plums, blackberries and cherries riding a balanced tannin frame through a fairly long, clean finish, $9.50.

Joel Gott Zinfandel 2008 is a terrific value at under $140/case or $12-plus/bottle. Gott has the Zin blender’s touch and he works with many growers throughout California.  This is label specific.

I just sampled at a tasting in Ocean City, Md. The quality of this blend is superior to more expensive 2008 single-vineyard offerings by Gott whose commentary I synopsize: “Head trained wine from Lodi and Amador provides intensity and structure, Napa gives it power, depth and complexity while cool climate Sonoma added the classic zin aromatics of pepper and anise.” In addition to the pepper and anise I found plenty of cherry, pomegranate, oaken and plum aromas. On the palate, strands of berries and perfumed spicy oak balanced with enough tart acid to give a nice long, bright finish; 91 points.

Juan Manuel Burgos Anan Ribera del Duero Nacimiento 2008 may be the best Tempranillo I’ve tried, priced under $20; 89 points; blackberry, leather and floral nose.

I would be remiss, though, to recommend it over the 2001, 91 points, which is available for $28. Paying up for a well-cellared bottle, $1 per year is well worth the price. Wise guys and gals who love a well-made Tempranillo would buy one of each to sample, then get a case of six each, for now and later. The 2001 shows black currants, cherries, roast meat, spice, espresso and dried herbs.  This wine is at its drinking peak now through 2013. By the way, I have found Burgos Ribera always gains rating in the bottle. Don’t drink it young.

Slightly off the wine track but worth the ink is a brief of an article I read recently in the daily meal: “5 Foods to Boost Your Metabolism.” You can find it in its entirety here: www.thedailymeal.com/5-foods-boost-your-metabolism.

Kelley Aronica, a nutritionist, claims that turmeric, cayenne and other peppers, ginger, cinnamon and caffeine are ideal for boosting your metabolism. She also includes several yummy recipes. Kelley is a proponent of eating very small quantities every three or four hours. I found her an informative read. The recipes, whether they work or not on the metabolic front, were delicious.