An expensive wine tasting and an upcoming album by Eilen Jewell

I attended a Keenan Winery tasting at Veritas Wine Room here in Dallas on 4/21/11. The reds, mainly what I drink, were pricey to very expensive. The o8 Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District was rated 88 by Robert Parker and was very good in the $30 range. The 06 Napa Valley Merlot rated 89 by Robert Parker was good in the mid $30 range. The 07 Cab Franc (100%) rated 94 by Robert Parker was quite good in the upper $50 range. Then came the really pricey ones, first the 07 Napa Valley Mernet (50/50 merlot & cab sav) rated 98 by Robert Parker was vey good but it was priced right at $100! The final one, the 06 Cab Sav Reserve Spring Mountain District rated 90+ by Robert Parker which I liked the best priced just over the mid $90 range.

The host was Travis James from Avante Beverages who also hosted the Blackburn Wine tasting previously with very good wines more in my price range. I was told by a wine provider a few years ago that wine pricing is perceived value. I, for one, cannot perceive any wine to be worth $100 or anywhere near that price. No one I enjoy wines with does either. I prefer finding a wine like the 08 SXS South Australia Shiraz at World Market for $10! That's just one man's opinion.

Now to the new album soon to be released (June 28th) by Eilen Jewell-Queen of the Minor Key. Those of you who have followed this blog know she is a favorite of mine. I have had the opportunity to hear the album in it's entirety and it is spectacular. If you have an opportunity to see the woman live, take it; you won't be disappointed!