Wine Stories - Paydirt, Paso Robles
Going For Broke label
Patrick McNeil always brings non-traditional artistic expression to the wines he works with. An entrepreneur on the business side of wine, he was previously behind the design and marketing of The Prisoner, among others. Now with winemaker McPrice Myers, he has his own memorable brand on the market, Paydirt. The label on the current Going For Broke blend is part of a larger work of art, with another piece of the puzzle appearing on a different bottling, Reckless Abandon. Perhaps there will be additional wild-eyed labels in the series, and exciting red blends to match!
Paydirt Going For Broke 2013 - A mouthful of a red blend, with Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. A juicy balance of dark berries, medium tannins, some peppery spice, a taste of The Dirt of Paydirt, and a pleasantly lingering finish. $30
Art on the wall of Paydirt
Wine Forum Of Oklahoma - Picks From The Grand Tasting
The Wine Forum of Oklahoma took place last weekend in Stillwater, with wine education sessions and the grand tasting. I tried forty-six wines in the big white tent on the Oklahoma State University campus. Here are the standouts:
- Stoller Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 - A delicious wine from the Dundee Hills of Oregon. Sweet spice, raspberry, and tart earthiness. $45
- Elyse C'Est Si Bon Naggiar Vineyard 2011 - C'Est Si Bon means "It's so good". This Rhone style blend, primarily Mourvedre and Grenache, delivers. $28
- Gerard Bertrand Cuvee Thomas Jefferson Cremant De Limoux Brut 2012 - History of Limoux in southern France traces back to the sixteenth century. Excited bubbles, with flowery sweetness. $18
- Canard Vineyard Zinfandel 2011 - Rich and ripe fruits, with spices and vanilla hint. A big, thick-necked Zin. $45
- Spann Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2011 - A pleasantly smooth and round wine, for drinking alone or lighter dining. $27