Murphy Goode Liars Dice Zinfandel

Attributes:
Producer:

Murphy Goode Estate Winery
Region:

Sonoma County, United States
Varietal:

Zinfandel
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 86
Flavors:

cedar, earth, raspberry, rhubarb, toasty oak, vanilla, wild berry

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86
Body:

full-bodied
Complexity:

rich
Flavors:

berries, earthy
Fruit:

good concentration

2001: WineAdvocate Rating: 88
Body:

medium body
Flavors:

jammy, peppery, ripe cherry, spicy

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88
Acidity:

lively, tangy
Fruit:

fruity

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 88
Flavors:

coffee, dill, licorice, toasty oak, wild berry
Fruit:

juicy, sweet

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87
Texture:

smooth

2000: Tastings Rating: 89
Compliments:

elegant
Flavors:

cherry, cola, herb flavors

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 81
Flavors:

currant, raspberry, spice

Food Matches:
Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Soft Pungent Cheese
Fruits & Nuts: Citrus Fruits
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Clove, Mint, Oregano, Pepper (black, white, green)
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna, Pasta with Peppery Mushroom Sauce
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Game Birds, Herb Marinated Chicken, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey, Spicy Chicken Dishes
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Game, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Hamburgers, Lamb Stew, Minestrone, Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Spicy Food: Beef Stir Fry
Vegetables: Lentils, Tomato

Sonoma:

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.


Zinfandel:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Avignonesi Desiderio

Attributes:
Producer:

Avignonesi
Region:

Vino da Tavola Rosso, Italy
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2003: WineAdvocate Rating: 90
Flavors:

candied, cherries
Fruit:

juicy

2001: WineAdvocate Rating: 94
Complexity:

rich
Flavors:

berry, cinnamon, sandalwood, vanilla
Fruit:

ripe, sweet

2000: WineAdvocate Rating: (90-91)
Body:

solid
Compliments:

classic, elegant, tasty
Flavors:

blackberries, cassis, graphite, mineral, sage
Fruit:

ripe, sweet

1997: Tanzer Rating: 90
Compliments:

elegant
Flavors:

mocha, plum, ripe fruit, tar, vanilla

1996: WineAdvocate Rating: 88
Complexity:

rich
Flavors:

cherries, chocolate, coffee, new oak

1996: Tastings Rating: 90
Body:

medium-bodied
Complexity:

supple
Texture:

chewy

1995: Tanzer Rating: 89
Acidity:

fat, fresh
Body:

light
Flavors:

licorice, nuts, raspberry, smoke
Fruit:

concentrated, juicy, ripe

1995: WineAdvocate Rating: 88
Body:

medium-bodied
Flavors:

black cherry, spice, toasty oak

Food Matches:
Red Meat: Sausage
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce

Merlot:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.

Francis Ford Coppola 'Director's Cut' Cabernet Sauvignon

Attributes:
Producer:

Francis Ford Coppola
Region:

Alexander Valley, United States
Varietal:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Bottle Size:

750 ML

Food Matches:
Cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Provolone
Fish or Shellfish: Sea Bass
Herbs & Spices: Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme
Poultry & Eggs: Game Birds
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Game, Kidney, Roast Beef, Sausage, Variety Meats or Organ Meats, Veal Carpaccio
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Potatoes, Roasted Mixed Vegetables

Cabernet Sauvignon:

(cab er nay saw vee nyon)—This highly adaptable grape grows almost anywhere it is relatively warm, but the best wines come from the Burgundy region of France (where it is a noble variety), California, and Australia. It became famous through the red wines of the Médoc district of Bordeaux and is now grown in Washington, southern France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make wines that are high in tannin and medium- to full-bodied. Usually identified as having black currant or cassis flavors, the grape can also possess vegetal tones when the grapes are less than ideally ripe. The best wines are rich and firm with great depth, and are often aged for fifteen years or more. Because it is highly tannic, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other less-tannic grapes such as Merlot.

Lasagne

Rated

Ingredients

1/2 lb sweet Italian sausages
1/2 cup water
1 lb ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
4 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tbsp plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 cups Tomato Sauce For Lasagne
1 lb ricotta cheese
1 lb fresh pasta dough, cut for lasagne
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Preparation

1. Prick the sausages all over with a fork. Put in a frying pan with the water. Cover, bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Uncover, prick the sausages again with a fork and cook until the water evaporates, turning the sausages to brown. Drain on paper toweling.

2. Combine the ground beef, 1 of the beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the salt, pepper, crumbs and 1 tbsp of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well and shape into 2-inch meatballs.

3. Brown the meatballs on all sides in the same skillet in which the sausage cooked.

4. Add the sausages and meatballs to the tomato sauce, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

5. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, remaining beaten egg and 2 tablespoons parsley.

6. Remove the sausages from the tomato sauce and slice into thin rounds. Remove the meatballs, cut into quarters and slice into thin pieces.

7. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

8. Cook the lasagne in boiling salted water until barely tender. Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with the olive oil to keep from sticking.

9. Cover the bottom of a 9 X 12-inch glass baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce. Cover with a layer of lasagne noodles, then all the ricotta mixture, another layer of lasagne, then three quarters of the mozzarella. Combine the sausage and meatball slices and spread over the cheese. Sprinkle with about 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan.

10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and cook for 15 minutes longer. Let sit for 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with the remaining tomato sauce on the side.

Yield

Serves 10 serving

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 10 serving
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 463 Calories from Fat: 224
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Total Fat 24.94g
38%  
Carbohydrates 29.63g
9%  
Dietary Fiber < 1g
0%  
Saturated Fat 11.95g
59%  
Calories 463.32kcal
23%  
Cholesterol 101.94mg
33%  
Protein 29.13g
48%  
Sodium 724.13mg
30%  
Calcium
12%  
Iron
3%  
Vitamin A
11%  
Vitamin C
4%  
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.