Winesday with The Wine Shop – Saldo
Dan and Ellen O’Connell at The Wine Shop in Koloa. Photo courtesy of The Wine Shop.
Tasting Kauai is happy to partner with the O’Connells for Winesday with The Wine Shop. Owners Dan and Ellen O’Connell are a delightful couple whose passion for wine is infectious, their knowledge is vast, and the service is friendly. Their beautiful store carries everything from wine and spirits to gourmet foods and sweet treats. Check in with Tasting Kauai every Wednesday to learn about their favorites. ¡Salud!
Does the name Dave Finney ring a bell? Probably not, but his wines certainly will. He is the brainchild and winemaker extraordinaire behind wines made by Orin Swift. Orin Swift is not actually a person, but Orin was David’s father’s middle name and Swift his mother’s maiden name. He is known for making amazing wines with very cool labels: The Prisoner, Palermo, Papillon, Mercury Head, Saldo, D66, and Machete … the list goes on.
This week, we share with you a luscious Zinfandel called Saldo. The grapes are sourced from some of the best Zin growing areas that California has to offer. Old vines seem to be the key to producing a great tasting Zinfandel. The 2010 Saldo is nothing short of spectacular. It has a deep, deep ruby red color and the nose has hints of black and blueberry spice. When you sip the wine over your palate the true Zinfandel characteristics come alive. These unique flavors include cherries, Loganberry, and plum pudding with a hint of white pepper and leather.When you have a wine with so many flavors, you just want to sit with friends and enjoy it all by itself. If you were to pair this wine with a meal it would surely go well with barbecue ribs, barbecue chicken or even blackened ahi Cajun style. Great sides like baked beans and lively coleslaw would be the ticket to compliment the feast.
See you at The Wine Shop!
Aloha,
Dano and Ellen O’Connell
The Wine Shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. On the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m., they host monthly wine tastings. For more information call 808-742-7305 or visit www.thewineshopkauai.com. The shop is located just across the street from the Koloa Post Office.