After Christmas

Had a fun Christmas and spent time with family.

Bought some wine for my brother. Tried to keep the price per bottle in the $10 to $15 range. Here is what I bought. Shopped at the Wine Library.

Spice Route Chakalaka 2011 $15.98 Have not had this vintage but this wine is a great Rhone style blend from South Africa.
Wyatt Chardonnay 2012 $9.98 Wyatt are California wines with sourced grapes. Doug Polaner puts the wine together. A Parker fav, I have enjoyed thier wines in the past. Have not tried this wine.
Puig Parahy George 2010 $13.97- Southern France blend that I have had in previous vintages and it is a good value. 2010 was a good year in Europe.
Vina Olabarri Gran Reserva 2005 $15.98 A Spanish Rioja. Highly rated but I have not tried.
Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2012 $10.98 Charles Smith makes all types of eclectic wines in Washington State and his wines are reasonable and good. I have this wine in previous vintages. #51 in the WS top 100 for 2013. A great value for an interesting wine.
Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais 2011 $11.98 I am enjoying Beaujolais's again and 2011 was a very good year. Have not had this wine but since it is not a cru the price was right. It is estate bottled.
Guigal Cote du Rhone red $11.98 One of my favs from the Rhone valley in France.
The Curator White $9.98 A South African blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Look interesting and South African wines are good values these days.
Dante Robino Malbec 2010 $9.98 Argentina Received a good WA review and the price was right. I am not a big Malbec fan but many people enjoy it as it easy drinking.
Chateau la Cardonne 2009 $15.98 A vg Bordeaux that is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon. I have had this several times and really like it.Great value.
Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $9.98.  I find many New Zealand SB's to be good but generic. Babich is always a good wine and the 2013 should be fresh. Remember Southern hemisphere wines are 6 months ahead of us in their vintages so the 2013's are out now.

Wine buying and drinking should be fun and you do not need to spend a fortune.

Made grilled butterflied leg of lamb last night. Marinate the lamb in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and wine vinegar for a half an hour and throw it on the grill. Cook until it is the done to how you like it. Serve it with grilled eggplant and sauteed baby bok choi and grilled potato wedges. Microwave baking potatoes until almost done. Then cut into quarters the long way (wedges). Dip in olive oil and grill for about 4 minutes on each side.
Drank a Chalone 2010 Pinot Noir that I received on Christmas. The wine was  great and it was a nice simple meal.

Looking to plan a trip this winter. Anguilla is on the short list again. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

The New Year is coming up. Is going out on New Years Eve the thing to do again these days?

Enjoy.