2014 Wine Time: Grapes are ripening...& kickstarting a Swerl

Hello all.

Yes, it is that time again. Recent reports are for an early grape harvest, and Bacchus is asking us to figure out our 2014 wine plans by end of this week. We had a few intrepid chroniclers (Frank, Charmaine, Chris & Vangie) at the recent barrel tasting/grape ordering event. Comments from Frank & Chris below. 

Homework Assignment: Please weigh in on the 2014 plans, even if to second one (or all) of the suggestions, by reply email.

Frank's comments: Of the wines I tasted, the ones I would suggest to the club (i.e., not too much $) were: 

• Super Tuscan of 64% Sangiovese, 24% Cab, 8% Sarah and 2% Primitivo 

• GSM of approximately equal G & S, and slightly more Mourvedre (about 34-35% if I remember correctly) 

I checked with Dominic and he said he could get the Mourv though it wasn't on the price list

I'm partial to the second since the last GSM we did turned out so tasty, but it has been awhile since we made our Super (Bowl) Tuscan.

Chris concurred: I agree with Frank. Both our Super Tuscans and GSM have been great wines. Of the two we tasted, the Tuscan was the biggest (although none were too big) but both were pretty well made.

My 2 centemes: I'd be up for either a GSM or Super Tusc this year, but I do especially like the idea of lots of Mourvedre, in a blend of Syrah & Grenache, with a bit of Cinsault (or even Carignane) if available. Some of the Bonny Doon Cigare Volants have added the latter two to their Rhône-style cuvées.

Chris also relayed a handy wine & chees pairing guide link.
holykaw.alltop.com/how-to-pair-your-wine-and-cheese-infographic?tu2=1  
Frank opined that the best wine and cheese pairing is more wine.

Swirlin'
Lastly, Mike Dikas, a tennis friend and inventor from San Carlos, has been working the past couple of years on making the world safe for in-glass wine aeration. Swerl is his latest development. He's made a number of refinements from the original prototype and has an active kickstarter campaign going with a lot of product incentives. Give it a look: http://kck.st/1l8GD5X