Not really known for its forest, the Barossa Valley has always been fertile ground, not only for vines, but also for innovative, driven winemakers who feel compelled to mark the Australian landscape in their passing. David Powell is just such a winemaker. Founded in 1994, Torbreck began with a few sections of dry-grown old vines. Near lifeless, he nurtured them back to health and was rewarded with small parcels of fruit that he made into wine. Over time, he increased his access to grapes and then land and today makes a range of wines taking full advantage of the entire Barossa Valley. The winery and this wine itself are named for the Torbreck forest in Scotland, where David spent several years working as a lumberjack.

 

The 2006 Woodcutter's Shiraz was sourced from six sub-regions of the Barossa. The wine was aged for 12 months in large, neutral French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Giving it an impressive 92 points, Robert Parker said "it has an attractive array of pepper, spicy blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry muffin aromas. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine delivers gobs of meaty, full-flavored blue and black fruits to accompany its forward, easy-going personality. Drink this incredible value over the next 4-6 years." We found it had deep plum and currant aromas with lovely black cherry and light spice flavors. While the alcohol level is a heavy 14.5%, it didn't come across as hot at all, and made a terrific pairing with steak on the barbie.

 

TORBRECK WOODCUTTERS SHIRAZ 2006, Barossa Valley Australia $19.97 (regular $22.95) 

The Wall Street Journal's top Chilean Sauvignon Blanc pick two years in a row, La Playa Sauvignon Blanc is just what we need for the dog days of summer! La Playa, named for Chile's magnificent Pacific coastline, is a consistent favorite with the critics. This pale yellow-green wine has an intense and floral nose, with aromas of lime and pineapple. On the palate, it is fresh, well-structured and shows a lively acidity, with a long, pleasant finish. Crisp and light, it has a light mineral taste and a very delicate finish. The vineyards of Vina La Playa occupy some of the Colchagua Valley's most desirable acreage, on the western shores of Chile's Tinguiririca River. With near-perfect growing conditions, Colchagua has been described as "The Next Napa" (Wine Enthusiast, March 2002). Don't believe them? Give some a try tonight - easy and enjoyable.

 

LA PLAYA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007, Colchagua Valley Chile $8.97 (regular $10.95)

Jimtown Store is nestled in the vineyards of the Alexander Valley, one of Sonoma County's premium wine growing regions. It has been a landmark since 1895, when it served as the general store, post office and meeting place for the locals.

 

In 1989, former Silver Palate partner, John Werner, and his wife, Carrie Brown, chanced upon the store on a visit from New York. Soon after learning it was for sale, the couple bought Jimtown. John and Carrie immediately set out to revive the abandoned landmark to its former glory, and added a few twists of their own.

 

Jimtown was fashioned into a celebration of Americana. The one-acre property includes a large general store, a renovated migrant worker's cottage, designed by noted San Francisco architects Richard Fernau and Laura Hartman, and two large barns used as storage for antiques. Jimtown is also a culinary oasis tucked away in a small corner of Alexander Valley, famous for selling fabulous gourmet food items made from locally grown produce in their really cute café and enormously successful catering business.

 

One of our favorite Jimtown creations is a combo of two classic Mediterranean ingredients. Pureed kalamata olives and dried mission figs are blended with just a touch of rosemary and oil. A little salty and slightly sweet, the tapenade complements pork, lamb, or chicken as a marinade ingredient or condiment. It is also delicious with any pungent cheese or salty cured meat. We love Fig & Olive Spread on a crusty baguette with creamy, young, and sweet Gorgonzola (Verde Dolce) or Taleggio and sliced Prosciutto di Parma.

 

JIMTOWN FIG AND OLIVE SPREAD $4.97 7 oz (regular $5.99

GORGONZOLA (Verde Dolce) $12.97 lb (regular $13.99)

 

 

The second great match made in cheese heaven

 

Taleggio (tah-LEZH-oh) is another Italian cheese to serve with this great Jimtown fig and olive spread. We refer to it lovingly as an "old" favorite. Taleggio is a creamy, cow's milk cheese produced in Lombardy. It has a straw-white interior with a semi-soft texture and a slightly salty, nutty and earthy flavor. As far as we're concerned, Taleggio is not talked about or eaten nearly enough here in the States. It is truly one of the world's great eating cheeses. It is also a terrific melting cheese. Roast new potatoes with a fruity extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and fresh rosemary. Place the hot potatoes in a beautiful serving bowl and toss in a couple handfuls of grated Taleggio: pure heaven.

 

TALEGGIO CHEESE $10.97 lb (regular $12.99)

I often take our large beer selection for granted, but a recent visit with a good friend from California pointed out one of the wonders of our shelves. Anchor Steam is hard to come by in southern Cal, but we've got easy access to its creamy malty flavors here. The Anchor Brewing Company has been making beer in San Francisco since 1896. Before refrigeration, resourceful California brewers made a hybrid beer that produced a lot of carbonation, so much so that casks of the beer hissed as if steam were escaping from the tapped keg, hence the name. The deep amber color and thick creamy head house numerous tiny bubbles that rise up as you enjoy a glass. Smooth and slightly toasty, there's a warm rich flavor and a tiny hint of fruit on the finish. Hey, if I can describe it in wine terms, it must be good, right? Enjoy.

 

Due to shipping limitations, we are unable to sell this item online, but you can order it via email and we will hold it for you to pick up in our store.

 

ANCHOR STEAM BEER $10.49/six-pack

 

A vine grows in Brooklyn

 

E-tongue passes the taste test

That's all for this week. If we may be of any further service, please stop by our store at 9965 Gross Point Road in Skokie (for directions, click here), visit our website at http://www.schaefers.com, give us a call at 847-677-WINE (9463), 800-833-WINE (9463), or click here to contact us.