Newman's Own - A Legacy Worth Celebrating

I have been trying to decide how best to remember the gentleman and legend, Mr. Paul Newman. As it happens, I've had a few bottles of Newman's Own wine kicking around, just begging to be reviewed. So to honor the man, the philanthropist and the actor, I decided to throw a Newman's Own party. A little corny, I know, but what can I say?

THE SET-UP
I invited about twelve friends who were either Newman fans or just along for the free booze and grub. In lieu of background music, we fired up the DVD player and played a continuous loop of my four favorite Paul Newman films--The Sting, The Long Hot Summer, The Hustler and A New Kind of Love.

THE MENU
I tried to keep it simple and I wanted to use as many Newman's Own products as I could:

Chicken and shrimp skewers marinated in the Lemon Pepper Marinade
Beef skewers marinated in Steak Sauce
Potatoes, onions, peppers tossed in Balsamic Vinaigrette and roasted
Tossed salad with classic Italian dressing

Chips and Salsa for snacking
Bowls of Spelt and Honey Wheat pretzels
Lots of NO popcorn placed strategically near the TV

Newman's Own Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
House cocktail - The Fast Eddie (vodka and NO Lemonade with perfect rounds of thinly sliced red chile peppers floating in it... a real kick in the pants!)

Assorted NO cookies and organic k-cup coffee for dessert

THE TASTING
Before the eating and official boozing began, I decided to hold a quick, mini wine tasting to get everyone's thoughts on the wines. I'm always a little skeptical of celebrity wines, but I did my due diligence and found that Newman's Own wines are produced by Three Thieves.

Newman's Own Chardonnay - Very lush and fragrant with scents of ripe tropical fruits... mainly pineapple. Lush and full on the palate as well. More tropical fruit woven with bright pear, golden apple and a thread of creamy vanilla oak lending flavor to its viscosity, all tempered by enough acidity to provide a crisp finish. Chardonnay haters thought it was too fruity and too creamy, but otherwise it was well received and a true indication of its worth--there was not a drop left at the end of the evening.

Newman's Own Cabernet Sauvingon - Bold and berry filled, this cab suprised all of us with its layered intensity. Rich and warm with scents of macerated berry, spice and sweet tobacco. Dried berries, plums and cassis round out the flavor profile and add a certain chewiness to the texture. This wine begs for a fire in the fireplace and bowl of stew in hand. Like Mr. Newman, this cab was adored by all.

Both the Cab and the Chard are quintessentially California wines. All sunshine and smiles. Infinitely like-able. You can find them at many large grocery chains as well as Cost Plus World Market in the $10 - $13 range.

October 26, 2008

Newman's Own - A Legacy Worth Celebrating

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