Food and wine in May

My new article "Flavors of the Mediterranean" was posted to snooth.com today along with the recipe and wine pairings. This is a very easy recipe that will easily convince your guests that you spent hours in the kitchen preparing it. If memory serves, it was about 45 minutes from start to finish. I urge anyone looking for a new spin on chicken or just a lover of olives in general, to give it a try.

Also, with the end of May at hand, I thought back to a number of wonderful wines that I tried throughout the month. Each one represents a great value compared to its cost. The tasting notes can be found below.

Lastly, look forward to my travels to Cape may, NJ in June. I'll be hitting one of the best vacation spots in the north-east and reporting back on the best places to stay and eat. I know I'm looking forward to it and so should you.

On to the notes...

• 2003 Trespass Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (5/26/2010)
  The nose showed sour berry, wild blueberry, powdery cinnamon and a tiny bit of nail polish remover. On the palate, it was full bodied and caressing with creme de cassis, dark chocolate covered cherry and a hint of sour clotted cream. Big long dark fruit finish that kept me wanting more. What a treat, the only bad thing about this bottle was that it was my last one. (93 pts.)
  


• 2004 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (5/8/2010)
  No detailed notes but second time with this bottle and once again I'm very impressed. Once of the best values in cali cabernet. Very classy, black currants and floral perfume. The palate was elegant and smooth with a long finish. I wish I had more or at least the time to have really sat with this to get a better tasting note. (93 pts.)
  


• 2007 Domaine du Grapillon d'Or Gigondas - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas (5/22/2010)
  The color is red verging on purple. The nose shows toasty wild berries with spice cookie but no undergrowth as my last tasting showed. The palate is full and silky smooth with blue, black fruit and cinnamon. A bit of perceptible heat yet very fresh. The finish shows lavender and dark fruits.
  
  A highly enjoyable glass of wine. (92 pts.)