Opus One 2005

It was unfortunate that I was disappointed when I tried Opus One.  It was just as AMAZING as I had imagined, but I couldn't justify paying $129 for 375ml (half- bottle). Respectfully, in my opinion, there are wines under $80 that are just as good and possibly better (listed below).  I know that I may be comparing "apples to oranges," but when you're on a budget...

Celani Family Tenacious Napa Valley 2006, 2007 - Cabernet Sauvignon $64
Shafer Relentless Napa Valley 2007 - Syrah $60
Orin Swift Papillon Napa Valley 2007 - $70 

Opus One is produced and bottled by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe De Rothschild, Oakville, California. It's a classic Bordeaux style blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec.  Wine Advocate 95 points.

$259  

Overall: 96 (Excellent - A Must Try!) 

Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA

If you ever visit Delaware there are two places you ought to explore: Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, MD.  Rehoboth Beach is just ridiculous, littered with "touristy" shops, fantastic restaurants, clothing stores, more shops and Dogfish Head Brewpub!  If you could care less about the hundreds of shops scattered throughout, then just go for the beer.  They have pages of brews on tap and the fried calamari is amazing - lightly battered and full of flavor, served with banana peppers. 

Before this trip, I have tried several Dogfish Head varieties and I love them all.  I would suggest that before you try the 120 minute IPA, that you try the 60 minute and 90 minute IPA first.  You're not going to like or remotely appreciate the 120 unless you enjoy the other ones too.  If you aren't a fan of IPA's there are other varieties that I'm sure you'll enjoy.  Try the Raison D'Etre, it's a belgian-style brown ale brewed with raisins - it's smooth, dark, rich, with a hint of sweetness.   

$11.99 (12 oz. bottle)

Overall: 96 Excellent (A Must Try!)

My Mom and I at Dogfish Head Brewpub, Rehoboth Beach, DE



Drinking 120 minute IPA



The Glenlivet 12 - Single Malt Scotch

In my opinion, it is important to find a store that has patient, knowledgable and friendly staff when you are learning to become enthusiasts in wine or bourbon or scotch.  Over the years, I wouldn't have stumbled upon so many amazing bottles of wine had it not been for Rishi, Swetang, and the owners of Morgan & York.  I also wouldn't have continued with my curiosity into bourbon and scotch territory had it not been for my friend Adam and the owners of Stadium Market.

A few months ago, we were over at my friend Tom's house.  He was showing a group of us his scotch collection, Oban and Laphroiag.  That "showing" sparked my curiosity even more.  I figured if I liked bourbon, I should like scotch too.  I stopped by Stadium Market and Vernon suggested that I try The Glenlivet 12 (Wine Enthusiast 90 points).  I bought a 50 ml bottle and I liked it so much that I have bought 2 more (50 ml) bottles.  Of course it's more cost-effective to purchase a fifth, but I'm holding out for Oban 14.  

The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, and The Macallan are all from the Speyside region. 

$37    

Overall: 92 (Very Good)

  

        

Ardbeg Uigeadail - Single Malt Scotch

The richness and complexity of Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced 'Oog-a-dal') is intense and I love it.  I am facinated with the perfect marriage of sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavors. It is from the Islay region which is known for heavier, more smoky scotch varieties.  There are eight distilleries and each have their own unique expressions.

Bowmore and Laphroaig (pronounced La-FROYG) are also from the Islay region.  For a beginner like me, I will try Laphroaig 10 next. 

I was lucky to find a 50 ml bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail. It's always a risk on trying new things especially higher quality wines, bourbons and scotches without "breaking the bank."  The greater challenge is hoping that the money you spent was worth it.  The six dollars I spent was worth it.  In fact, I will definitely invest in a 750 ml bottle next time. 

$79

Overall: 98 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

     
                     

Rich J.C. Korean Restaurant - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Rich J.C. is our favorite korean restaurant in town!  When we're craving home-made korean food this is the place we go and as "creatures of habit" we always order the same dishes.  We enjoy the dolsot (stone bowl) bi bim bop - it's white rice topped with bean sprouts, spinach, carrots, bulgogi beef, white radish served in a heated stone bowl.  The kimchi jjigae is kimchi stew comes with or without ramen, pork or tofu or chicken, kimchi and is also served in a heated stone bowl.

If you enjoy spicy foods, the dok boki (made with rice cakes) is a must try.  All in all, the food is great and for the price - it won't disappoint.  An added bonus - the owners are friendly and over the years have developed a frequency card for their customers.  If you're wondering what the J.C. stands for... you'll just have to stop by sometime to find out!

1313 South University Rd. A2, MI
734.769.2288
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 11-9pm
Closed Sunday

Quality of Food: 87
Quality of Service: 100
Value: 90
Atmosphere: 80
Overall: 89 (Very Good) 

Naeng Myun- Cold buckwheat noodles in beef broth! YUMMY!!! Great in the Summer.

Soon Tofu Jigae (tofu stew) fantastic!

Yook Gae Jang (my wife's favorite!)

Closed on Sundays

1313 South University Rd - A2, Michigan

Banchan(side dishes): Moo (korean radish) kimchee, soy bean sprouts, & pickled yellow radish 

Duk Boki (spicy korean rice cakes) 

Fried Rice Noodles with Seafood, super delicious!

Duk Mandoo Guk (Rice cake & dumpling soup), Duk Boki, Yook Gae Jang.  It is a tradition to eat Duk Mandoo Guk to celebrate the New Year.

Dolsot Bi Bim Bop with gochujang (korean red chili sauce)

Woodford Reserve Maple Wood Finish

My friend Adam and I have been buying each other "drinkable" Christmas gifts for several years.  We have been on a wine exploratory journey since we were roommates in Grand Rapids and that was many years ago.  Along with myself, he was also a "victim" to my Klinker Brick mishap as I have mentioned in an earlier post.

In Twenty Eleven, Adam ventured into bourbon territory via Blanton's and introduced me to it.  Over the year he had been enjoying Woodford Reserve, Makers 46, Blanton's and Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.  I knew his "bourbon" palate needed a challenge so when I saw this (pictured below) at Stadium Market I knew it would be the perfect Christmas gift.

"Aged in toasted maple wood barrel - resulting in nuances of maple, honey, and cinnamon."

$98

Morgan & York - Ann Arbor, Michigan

To paraphrase Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz - "There is no place like Morgan & York."  I have been enjoying Bordeaux and Burgandy wines, "sliced-to-order" cured meats, amazing cheeses, "the best I've ever had" caramels and full sour pickles ever since I discovered M & Y.  This is one of my favorite places in Ann Arbor.  There's really no place like it.  Just show up and you'll also be impressed.     

Morgan & York is owned and operated by Matt Morgan and Tommy York.  Their staff is both friendly and knowledgable about all of their specialty foods and wines.  I guarantee for those who are enthusiasts of wine, beer, bourbon, scotch, cheeses, coffee, sweets and so forth - you will fully appreciate the quality and impressive selection of their products.  They also do event catering, help arrange private wine and cheese parties, and have wine tasting classes.  Don't wait too long...

1928 Packard Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
p.734.662.0798 f.734-769-9770
Morgan & York Facebook

Hours:
Mon-Sat: OPEN 7:30AM (for coffee), 9AM for everything else. CLOSE 9PM.
Sun: 10AM - 4PM.

Quality & Variety: 98
Quality of Service: 100
Value: 98
Atmosphere: 100
Overall: 99 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

The best caramels I've ever had.

Prosciutto di Parma

Note: pictures taken with permission from the owner.

Stadium Market - Ann Arbor, Michigan

In my opinion of the numerous liquor stores in Ann Arbor, Michigan - Stadium Market is the best.  They have a MASSIVE collection of liquors and if you can't find what you're looking for - they will find a way to order it for you.  Stadium Market is owned by brothers Victor and Vernon.  They are both very knowledgable in the products that they sell, including bourbon and scotch whiskey.  I have had the pleasure of meeting them both and they have been instrumental in helping me learn more about bourbons (Jefferson's Reserve, Blanton's, Woodford Reserve, etc) and scotch whiskies (Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Oban 14, etc).  

They even have Macallan 25 in stock! (After seeing Richard Gere drink Macallan 25 in the movie Arbitrage, I was ecstatic when I saw this at Stadium Market).

1423 E. Stadium Blvd - Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am -12am, Saturday 10am - 12am, Sunday 10am - 11pm
734.761.9650
stadium.market@gmail.com
stadiummarketcatering@yahoo.com
Stadium Market Facebook

Quality & Variety: 98
Quality of Service: 93
Value: 90
Atmosphere: 100
Overall: 95 (Excellent - A Must Try!)
***The Quality of Service is inconsistent, when owners are present: 100

Ann Arbor - Michigan

Great selection of Scotch, Bourbon, etc.

No one in town has a better variety of minis

Note: Pictures were taken with permission from the owner.

Project Wine Corks

Three years ago I decided to collect corks from wines that I've had the pleasure of enjoying.  I went to several vintage shops around Ann Arbor to find the perfect frame for my wine corks, but could not find the "perfect" one.  Last spring my wife and I took a weekend trip to Saugatuck, Michigan.  Holding true to form and to my wife's dismay, I perused EVERY wine shop in the area.

Thankfully, I found what I was looking for - ALL these years!  I purchased the "perfect" frame at the Wine Sellers of Saugatuck and have been working to finish it ever since.         

Photos taken by my wife

Frank Family Vineyards

Elegance in a glass or in a mug, whichever vessel you decide to drink this from - will exert the same qualities of the bottle from which you've poured.  Frank Family 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple in color with aromas of chocolate espresso, sweet black fruit and a touch of spice.  It's pure elegance.  The complexity of layers cannot be described well enough, it's a must try.  

Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon is 94% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot, and 3% petit verdot.  It is produced and bottled by Frank Family Vineyards - Calistoga, California.  The 2007 vintage was my favorite. Wine Enthusiast 90 points. 

$47 

Overall: 94 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel

Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel will forever be in my top 10 wines.  It could be my every day wine.  I was introduced to this bottle by Rishi from International Beverage Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  My first experience was terrible, but it was entirely my fault.  I had poured the bottle into a decanter and thought the wine would "open up" after a couple of days.

Every vintage is as good as the last.  It is produced and bottled at the Klinker Brick Winery in Acampo, California.  This is a very fruit forward wine, deep and rich with earthy, chocolate nuances.  It has won several gold medals at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.  I believe this is a great bottle to break out for guests who are just trying wines for the first time or for those who have no idea what Zinfandel is.  Overall, it's a treat for everyone!        

$17

Overall: 92 (Very Good)

   

Beau Vigne Juliet

We met at The Wine Seller on Plymouth & Nixon in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  This is a bold and elegant cabernet sauvignon from Stag's Leap Ridge - Napa Valley, California.  It is bottled and vinted by Beau Vigne Winery.

The 2009 vintage is 81% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 2% petit verdot, and 2% cabernet franc.  I had the opportunity to enjoy the 2007 which was 100% cabernet sauvignon.  Both vintages were amazing! This is one of my favorite "special occasion" wines.  It's certainly a crowd-pleaser, but I would keep this for yourself and break out a less expensive wine.  Wine Advocate 91 points.  

$58 

Overall: 94 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

Pepperwood Grove (and the END of Kraft)

I'm sure you're wondering about the title of this post and why I would choose to talk about this 5 dollar bottle.  Pepperwood Grove Merlot (picture below) was my "gate-way" to Yellow Tail.  Then the journey began onto more amazing bottles of cabernet sauvignon (Beau Vigne Juliet, 2009), pinot noir (Penner Ash, 2009), merlot (Duckhorn Three Palms, 2005), Syrah (Shafer Relentless, 2009) and red blends (Orin Swift Papillon, 2009).

During this experimental era in 2005, The Fresh Market planted its roots 5 miles from my apartment in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  You could sample almost anything they had in the store.  My friend Adam and I loved to sample their cheeses.  We were introduced to Mimolette, Parrano, and Dubliner cheeses.  It was then I stopped buying Kraft.  

    

   

INTRODUCTION

Hello and Welcome to CheesyGrapes!  The name of this blog is a combination of my two favorite things: cheese and wine.  All photos are taken by me unless otherwise noted.  

There will be three main things I will focus on.  

• Restaurants & Stores that I would recommend to my friends, family and strangers.
• My Reviews and information that I have learned from researching on wines, beers and a bit on bourbon & scotch whiskey (since I'm just getting started on appreciating them).
• Cheeses (what's good,where to find them, and what pairs well with them)

I will be rating restaurants & stores based on 4 criterias:

1. Quality of Food (stores will be rated on quality & variety of products)  
2. Quality of Service - must be consistent with each returning visit & staff must be knowledgable about their products.
3. Value - the cost must match the quality & overall experience
4. Atmosphere - this is subjective

Wines, Beers, Bourbons, Scotches & other food products will be rated on an overall score of Taste & Value.  

My Rating Scale will be out of 100:
94-100: Excellent (A Must Try!)
87-93: Very Good
80-86: Average
73-79: Poor (Not worth your time or money)
73 and Below: Terrible

I will also provide my overall score which will be the average of the 4 criterias.  Please feel free to leave a comment or two.  I am always looking for ways to improve my blog (as I am still learning) and would love to hear about your dining/shopping experience!     

Thank you for reading. If you have time, please check out my recipe blog (link below).  

Leo
cheesygrapesrecipes

P.S. You can Follow me @Cheesygrapes on Twitter and/or Cheesygrapes Facebook Page.

Taylor Grey Photography - wedding day 4.19.2009