2006 Ruffino Modus

When deciding what to pair with tonight’s meal, I knew I had to go somewhere Italian. Personally, I have had a mix bag with Italian wines. For me, I haven’t had great success until I get in to the higher price point levels, which doesn’t’ bode well for Monday night everyday drinking.

For tonight I picked up a 2006 Ruffino Modus, which is a Tuscan blend consisting of 50% Sangiovese 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. I have had this wine in the past, while a different vintage, I remember enjoying it. I know I have paid $25 dollars for this bottle previously, but tonight it was on sale for $15, good deal.
I decided to decant the bottle for about 2 hours before drinking. The aromas from the wine were fantastic, dark crushed berries, a little anise, and cedar wood, with a little earthiness funk coming through at the end. I was excited by the bouquet coming from the glass, but was quickly disappointed in the taste. The flavors fell a little flat, an initial lovely taste of berries and anise, but really nothing across the mid palate, and little to no finish. An acceptable wine to eat with, but if it was at $25 dollars, a definite pass, there are better bottles out there at that price point, but at $15, give it a try to see what you think . Who knows, we all taste things differently.
Summary: Score 84



Tonight’s meal I made a braised beef ragout with San Marzano tomatoes and rigatoni pasta accompanied by a mixed local green salad.

2008 Juan Gil Monastrell - Jumilla, Spain

Tonight, I am going to review a wine that I have gone back to over and over again for the last few months. I really love Spanish wine, I have had more luck with good bottles of wine from Spain than anywhere else. This example of what Spain can with its varietals seem to rarely disappoint. Tonight’s selection is: a 2008 Juan Gil, it is 100% Monastrell from Jumilla Spain.

This is a lush, rich, beautiful example of what Monastrell (known in France as Mourvedre) can be. First impressions, it opens up with beautiful aromas of crushed blackberries and cassis. The weight is medium to full bodied and a beautiful inky color, the flavors continue to be consistent of the aroma of dark fruit finishing with some nice spice notes, and long lingering flavors of berries and firm tannins. It is a great wine and a great value at 15 dollars, a definite buy. Rating: 92

For dinner tonight I prepared a boneless butterflied leg of lamb. I encrusted the lamb with rosemary and thyme from my garden. I served it with wilted baby spinach with shallots and butter. I got home late from book club tonight, so I am only cooking for myself, I don't think Lamb would be Erin's first choice for dinner, but I think Hayden would have liked it. I am thinking of including a recipe tab for the future, I have to figure out how I want it laid out, let me know if its something anyone would be interested in.