Tarima Monastrell on Maui: A Gourmet Cheese Shop's Wonder Wine

If you've been a customer of Guava Gouda and Caviar for any length of time, you probably already know that we are especially fond of Spain and it's Culinary offerings,  the wine of Spain especially.  In recent years,  there's been an extraordinary amount of a new wine on the shelves.  Not new in that it's just been discovered, but new in that it has until now, not made it to the shelves of the commercial markets here in the USA, at least not with any popularity.  The Monastell grape, is not only difficult to grow, but it's yields are inconsistent and therefore difficult to rely on. Despite the challenges,  winemakers are constantly discovering ways to improve blending and production and the Taramina is an example of how these winemakers are able to create delicious wine at unbelievable prices.  The Taramina is a big wine, without the big price. It is generous and hearty and the tannins are controlled and come off the palate with soft intention. The subtle complexities in the wine make it enjoyable over dinner or as a cocktail.  We recommend decanting and swirling and getting the most out every drop. 

Cohn Creek Anthology: A Cabernet Loved by all @ Guava Gouda and Caviar

Did you know that the word "Napa" is actually a Native American word meaning, plenty? Well for today's modern wine world I understand the implication completely, however, it is a bit bewildering, wondering what may have been wandering, on leg or root, through those hills and valleys some 300 years ago?  Whoever they were and whatever they were doing, I doubt they were sipping on any juice with the power and prestige that the Anthology has to offer.  Anthology, is a Greek word, and whenever I hear, read, or recite the words, "is a Greek word,"  I hear the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding explaining all things Greek, and how "there are only two kinds people in the world, Greeks, and those people that want to be Greek."  Well, falling into neither of those categories, just leaves me a fan of the word, Anthology: meaning a collection of literary or artistic work, and that is the inspiration behind the wine. No, not the Greeks, for I doubt there is any wine produced in Greece with the ability to display such rich lively complexity on the palate as this Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend -  it's so American!  An American Anthology of the best grapes grown in the Napa Valley.  Have yourself a spiritual experience discussing this wine, its inspirations, and its place in today's wine drinking world;  make it even more passionate, and do it with a sexy Greek with a thick accent!  Delicious. Did we mention, we mention at Guava Gouda and Caviar we are especially fond of Greek accents?  Well any accent, actually. 

A Zinfandel that Snuggles Up to Maui's Best Gourmet Cheese Shop

This masculine zinfandel is a choice for any dinner table this holiday!  The Contra Costa Valley, a warm sunny region in the northern part of the central coast of California, is known for it's ability to birth generous and complex Zinfandel.  Neyers has expressed this special place brilliantly.  For you Zin lovers that adore the big black fruit, you will pleased with ripe lively blackberry bursting in your mouth.  But you won't be too overwhelmed because there's a nice minerality up front filtering the fruity and giving of floral and herb notes.  You'll definitely be ready for a second breath of this big boy!