The Wine Cask Blog

Revanna St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-29T17:44:00.002-05:00

Tasting notes:

Fragrant nose of plum, currant, and roasted herbs

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Long, polished finish of ripe fruit, herbs, spice, and chocolate woven together beautifully

Summary:

This wine is a real treat. At $125, it's not an everyday wine nor should it be because it requires some time and attention to explore all the depth and layers. It will likely cellar for several decades but if you like to drink them young then go for it. It opens up nicely and has a persistence that really stretches out the finish.

The 2007 vintage in Napa Valley produced a lot of excellent wines. This one delivers all the goods, and believe it or not, is less expensive than its small production competitors. Raise a glass!

Beringer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-29T17:32:00.004-05:00

Tasting notes:

Aromatic black cherry with light herb and cedar notes on the nose

Full bodied and finely textured on the palate

Finishes smoothly with more black cherry along with licorice and toasty oak

Summary:

I like how harmonious this wine is at 10 years of age. It's drinking beautifully.

Expect to pay around $35 if you can track this down. Pair with the finest roasted or grilled meat, and raise a glass!

Castorani Piccio Syrah 2009 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-28T18:06:00.004-05:00

Lighter than a Syrah should be; bouquet of pleasant milk chocolate with black berry underneath.

Palate-- basically berries on a chewy foundation; not much going on; thin texture and basically plonk.

This was a $6 Syrah so I didn't expect much at all and that is was I got. Pass on this puppy...

Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-22T19:24:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Explosive ripe dark berries and chocolate on the nose

A palate that's full bodied richly textured

Long, dense finish of dark fruit, black licorice, and chocolate

Summary:

Excellent wine! This Cabernet has it all. In it's youth, there's lots of fruit and great texture. Drink it now for that explosive flavor or let it lie down for a few years to see what happens.

It's a signature Napa Valley style with dark fruit and dense layers. I was fortunate to grab a case at $40 per bottle when the anticipation of the 2007 vintage was causing the '06 wines to sit around for a bit too long. If you can still find this in a shop or on a restaurant list, grab it. Make sure to really bring it up in temperature and give it plenty of air if it's served from the cellar. And drink it with steak or grilled portobello mushrooms. Then raise a glass to a signature Cab!

Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-22T19:15:00.004-05:00

Tasting notes:

Ripe plum, anise, and some cedar on the nose

Full bodied and finely textured on the palate

Long, silky mocha and dark fruit finish

Summary:

I was served this wine blind, compliments of PB of The Wine Cask Blog, and I was blown away after seeing the label. Here's an example of wine that has aged perfectly. PB put this in his cellar at least six years ago after having paid $13 for it. He was hopeful that it would age well after tasting a bottle on release. Well, it didn't age well- it aged perfectly. We couldn't believe how good it was.

I've consistely experienced this with Sebastiani Cabernets. They really seem to get rich and smooth with intermediate term cellaring and I recommend you drink them around 8-10 years old. Thanks to PB for this cellar treasure, and make sure to also read his post below of the same wine.

Raise a glass!

Saxon Brown 2006 Syrah Parmalee Hill Owl Box Block wine review by (PB)

2012-01-21T19:57:00.003-05:00

This Sonoma Valley Syrah is deep blackish garnet hue with aromas of fudge laden cinnamon, and deep spiced plum that is ripe and full.

Palate--rich fudge, fruit bomb with espresso, fruit and lingering hyper fruit finish.

(NW) served this blind to me and I pegged it as an 05-08 Syrah. A nice, big fruity treat that will run you around $30 so raise a glass!

Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-21T19:51:00.002-05:00

Solid opaque, black cherry hue. Bouquet of big blackberry jam and touch of cedar and cigar box.

Palate: Big, integrated, cedary, blackberry jam with mocha touch and chocolate finish.

I have aged this since its release when I bought it for $13 and this is a great example of a big pay off if you have the patience to lay down a wine that you believe has potential a few years down the road. This one paid off! It was a delicious and wonderful wine. Raise a glass.

M. Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 1996 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-21T19:42:00.003-05:00

Bricking hue;
Bouquet: Slight stewed cherry fruit,and fresh cherry still hanging on in spite of some age.

Palate: spicy, big cedar, peppery flavor with cherry foundation

This was a nice aged Chianti that was on its way out but still delightful. Probably ran around $28 when released. Raise a glass!

Domaine de Courteillac Bordeaux Superieur 2005 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-15T20:00:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Fragrant blackberry, cedar, and licorice on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Long finish of black raspberry, tobacco, cedar, and some mint

Summary:

Alright, here's one of those Bordeaux bargains you probably have to read about to find. It's unlikely that you'll be able to stumble upon this one. It's a sleeper of a wine, with a Bordeaux Superieur designation and made primarily from Merlot.

Good Bordeaux has such great balance and depth, and it's great to find these qualities for $16 especially considering this is from the expensive 2005 vintage. I wish I had a case or two of this socked away. In a blind tasting, you'll fool people who think this is a much more expensive and prestigious wine. Grab it if you can find it, and open it any time in the next ten years to serve with the finest meal you can prepare at home.

Raise a glass!

La Candelaria Cubo Seleccion La Mancha Tempranillo 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-15T19:53:00.002-05:00

Tasting notes:

Sweet aromas of red licorice and vanilla extract on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Smooth finish of candied cherry, milk chocolate, and maple syrup

Summary:

Here's a Tempranillo that's way too sweet and seems to be overly oaked. The fruit is masked by the sweetness. I had a difficult time getting past this. Knowing how good some of the Tempranillo is coming out of the various regions of Spain, I cannot recommend this wine. Take a pass and save yourself $12. Raise a glass of something that tastes like fruit!

Bodegas Matarrendonda Juan Rojo Toro 2006 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-13T19:46:00.004-05:00

Tasting notes:

Big nose of sweet berry pie, licorice, and spice

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Rich, layered finish of more berries, licorice, and spice

Summary:

Here's a very appealing wine from the Toro region of Spain. This region produces some big, powerful wines made from a local clone of the Tempranillo grape. While possessing ripeness and obvious oak influence, this wine has a bright future in the cellar as it continues to come together. Pair it with roasted meat, sauteed vegetables, or cheese. Keep Toro wines on the radar, and grab this one at $22 or so. Raise a glass!

Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir 2010 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-13T19:35:00.002-05:00

Tasting notes:

Fragrant strawberry and cherry on the nose

Soft and medium bodied on the palate

Rhubarb finish with a somewhat odd plastic note

Summary:

I had big hopes for this new release after the delicious 2009. While it has good aromas on the nose, it also has a bit of an odd plastic note on the finish. It could be a "bad bottle" that I have but it doesn't have the musty taint of a corked wine.

With that said, you don't even need to gamble with the 2010 vintage if you grab all the 2009's you can find before they're gone. There's really no comparison as it's a much better wine and a great value a $13. Raise a glass of last year's release!

Duval LeRoy Brut Champagne Review by Billy

2012-01-08T22:33:00.003-05:00

Nose: strongly floral with scents of honey-butter and citrus underneath
Palate: strong firm bubbles that prick and prod your mouth. Very dry with strong grapefruit-acid backbone that pushes through the spritely bubbles with a slide-tackle
Finish: quickly dissipates except for the extreme dryness that lingers, begging for another sip.
Overall: I bought this Champagne for less than $20 at a local wine store. Its strong acid core and extreme dryness make it a great inexpensive pairing with meals. Raise a glass!

Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne Grande Reserve Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Wine Review by Billy

2012-01-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

Nose: Citrus notes on top of Hay and dry crackers
Palate: Small lazy bubbles that laze around the mouth. Dry. Good Structure. Firm with lemonny zest.
Finish: Grassy Hay finish with some citrussy floral hints that taper off fairly quickly
Overall: I paid about $15 for this champagne. This is incredibly affordable for a French sparkling wine. It has the character of a Champagne that blows away most similarly priced American sparking wines. It is austere while retaining a celebratory core. For an any-time occasion with or without food you should raise a glass ofLouis Bouillot Perle de Vigne Sparkling!

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2006 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-08T16:57:00.002-05:00

This Alsatian is a pretty golden hue with bouquet of orange and tropical fruit with a light kiss of vanilla.

Palate--Flaccid first impression with loads of tropical fruit, gentle spice and a touch of minerals. It actually has more acid than the first impression reveals finishes with a sense of tropical fruit.

This 6 year old Alsatian wine is fading a bit but is still drinking well right now. It runs about $20 but I grabbed a case when they were on close out at $10. Raise a glass!

Terra Unica Reserva 2002 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-07T17:26:00.003-05:00

Slightly bricking hue with light candied licorice and dark berries.

Palate--tight berries, a little course with slight spice/cedar? Finishes with a fleeting bitter berry ending.

I reviewed this wine in April of 09. It is still holding but should be drunk now. I paid $8.50 for this recently and its OK but nothing special.

Hogue Cellars Genesis "Meritage" 2007 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-06T17:17:00.004-05:00

Dark berry laden bouquet contained in a solid black cherry hue. Robust aromas of a mix of dark berries exploding through a slightly tarry, slightly musty veil of tobacco.

Palate--Tough as nails structure with coarse tannins and a bready under layer. At the moment I am ambivalent about this wine. It should definitely breathe a while.

This is a blend from Columbia Valley (Wa.) consisting of Merlot 49%, Cabernet Sauvignon 44%, Malbec 6%, and Cabernet Franc 1%. Admittedly I have been fighting a whopping respiratory infection which might be skewing my taster but this wine, as has often been my experience with these blends of 4 or more grapes tend toward clunkiness. Rather a non-descript drinkable wine but Ican't pin it down.

I'll breathe it a while and see if my opinion changes!

Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008 Wine Review (NW)

2012-01-03T21:22:00.002-05:00

Tasting notes:

Spicy plum and cherry on the nose mixed with savory earth and leather aromas

Medium bodied and finely textured

Fresh plum and cherry finish with some herbs

Summary:

All right, here's a great deal. For $10 or less, this is a can't miss wine. It has all the charming earthy qualities you'd expect from an Italian red wine along with a fresh fruit profile and great texture.

I've had great success with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo over the years and it's certainly one of the best red wine values in the world. Interestingly, I ordered this Masciarelli wine because I remember it was good last time I tasted it but it's been quite a few years. I'm really impressed with this estate bottled wine for under $10. Buy a case and make it your "house wine" this year. It will stir conversation with your guests, no doubt.

Raise a glass!

A great find wine store if you're in Maine by (PB)

2012-01-02T16:39:00.002-05:00

Maine north of Portland is a veritable wine black hole where higher tier wines can be found with any regularity. Well, eureka! Freeport Maine--the home of LL Bean has a "new" place called Bow Street Market. While it's off the beaten path (it's on Bow Street--go figure) and has one of the better selections I have found in Maine. But don't be fooled by the supermarket variety selection in the main shopping area. Go into the wine room and that's where the treasures wait!

No it's not expansive and you won't find your $1200 Grand Cru but you can snag a Mouton if you like but better--it has a great selection of the "hard to find" wines (in Maine) in the $25 on up price point.

And if Paula T. is around be sure to tell her you read about her place on the WCB and then raise a glass!

Sebastiani Merlot (Sonoma County) 2007 wine review by (PB)

2012-01-02T16:28:00.003-05:00

Solid, slightly opaquish, (yes I made that word up) garnet hue with big bouquet of sweet tomato and impressive blackberry foundation with a hint of blueberry and an ever so slight of suggestion of milk chocolate and violet floral notes.

Palate--fully integrated with a streak of tart fruit and cherry hints, mature tannins, with a solid structure to hold this wine for several years. Slightly chewy finish of lightly smoked berries. This wine is about as good as it will get so drink a bottle and lay another away and compare them in a couple years. Wine Spectator gave this wine 83 points; they missed this one by 5 or 6 points!

I paid $10 for this wine marked down from $19. Unfortunately I grabbed only 1 bottle and the store is in another state or I would buy several more and lay them down just for fun. Raise a glass!

Perrier Jouet "Fleur De Champagne" Brut 2002 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-31T16:53:00.002-05:00

Amber hue with streaming, fine, pin-prick bubbles with nutty notes.

Palate--Bone dry, crisp acidity, very light and nuanced with a certain elegance and green apple notes. Most remarkably, this Champagne has a finish that just hangs on and on.

Champagne lovers might cringe at my review of this wine. this is a premier bubbly that runs in the $100-$140 price range. Needless-to-say this wasn't on my dime. Billy of this blog has a thing for Champagne and any self-respecting oenophile would say the same. But my palate just has some kind of a blank when it comes to Champagne. I enjoy it, don't get me wrong but I just can't come up with all the nuances and appreciation for bubbly that I can for still wines. So, this is not the review you want to look at if you have some serious coin to blow on a sparkler from France. In the words of Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry) "A man's got know his limitations!" Raise a glass and thanks "Billy!" Anytime!!!

G. H.Mumm "Cordon Rouge" wine review by (PB)

2011-12-31T16:32:00.002-05:00

Straw hue with streaming, pin-prick bubbles giving off a slightly nutty bouquet.

Palate--Hazelnut front with harsh bubbles and very fleeting flavor with a quick finish.

This is the wine poured in the movie Casablanca with the Bogey at his best. This was also my first Champagne which I opened with a sword under the tutelage of my son "Billy" of this blog, on a recent trip to Minnesota and kept all my digits intact!

This Champagne run anywhere from the low $20's to the mid $40's. Personally, I'd rather spend the money on a good domestic sparkler like Mumm's Brut Prestige but that's just me! Raise a glass--TONIGHT!

Heath Wines Southern Sisters Reserve Shiraz 2004 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-31T16:21:00.002-05:00

This Barossa Valley Shiraz has a deep garnet presentation with deep blackberry, spice and cocoa with a touch of eucalyptus, tomato jelly and spiced mocha Starbucks drink. Seriously!

Palate--Dense, full bodied--ya think--with deep rich intense dark berry, rich tannins, and a fruit bomb presence that is immense, interesting and really really tasty.

This is my daughter's-in-law go to wine which we shared on a pre-Christmas visit to the Minneapolis area.

This Shiraz will run $19 but it's a lot of wine for that price so raise a glass.

Smith Woodhouse Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-31T16:16:00.002-05:00

Gentle, elegant sweet red fruit aromas with touches of cassis and prune.

Palate--Very soft presence with nice elegant raisiny flavors and a surprise hint of red chili peppers. Unusual and delightful.

At $25, a nice treat so raise a glass!

Chateau Faugeres 2004 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-31T16:06:00.002-05:00

Nice intense black cherry hue with cola, cigar box, spicy blackberry and plum bouquet.

Palate--Silky tannins, tight black cherry fruit; needs to breathe and warm up (my cellar is at 52 degrees.) After breathing, this wine opens to a perfectly ready blackberry and plum quaff with supple structure. This is nice example of a Merlot based St. Emilion Grand Cru. This wine will hold for another 10-20 years.

I had this wine in 2007 and was so impressed with it at such a young age decided to buy another and lay it down. It was only $28 but frankly I enjoyed it more in its infancy. Raise a glass to a new year, to our 7th anniversary as a blog and to a hopeful New Year.

The Wine Cask Blog Seven Year Anniversary! (NW)

2011-12-31T10:25:00.003-05:00

We're seven years old today! After posting nearly 2,500 wine reviews over the past seven years, our wine journey is still just beginning.

This blog has had a singular mission of consistently reviewing wines for the benefit of our readers. The three of us who author this site estimate that we've recorded tasting notes on approximately 5,000 wines, half of which appear on these pages. We deliberately post reviews on a wide variety of wines as this is a direct reflection of our enjoyment of wines from all over the world. We are all students of wine who enjoy how wine is the confluence of history, geography, cuisine, and people. We hope this site is helpful to you on your wine journey, and we look forward to another great year ahead.

Raise a glass!

2011 wine Surprise of the year or perhaps decade! by (PB)

2011-12-27T17:45:00.004-05:00

Darker caramel colored hue with aromas of caramel, stewed apricot and other stone fruits with a sweet presence of dried fruit.

Palate--Totally even keeled with solid flavors of stone fruit and a slight caramel with a balanced sweetness on a supple foundation with a lingering finish of creamy dried peach/apricot.

Now sit down! I have been studying wine longer than a lot of people reading this have been alive and this is no mistake. Friends of ours (D and L) met us at another friend's house for dinner. He pulled out this wine because they had received it when he and his wife were dating and they just forgot about it. So he thought he would bring it and "share it." His wife was against the idea surmising it would be undrinkable. She SHOULD have been right but as you read, this was extraordinary. This wine should have been barely drinkable when it was at its prime! Ready???

Not only was it a Vendange White Zinfandel, Autumn Harvest(I have a hard time even putting those words down here)but it was vintage 1995.

All I can say is this was a complete anomaly, and utterly extraordinary. It was probably released at the $6 price point. (The 1994 was rated an 81 by the Wine Spectator on their 100 point scale)

At any rate--I was blown away and once again wine provides adventure and surprise like nothing else so raise a glass in the new year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah from the WCB

2011-12-24T16:05:00.002-05:00

Tonight there will be reunions of friends and family all over the world because of Christmas. For all the celebrations remember that without Jesus Christmas would only be "mas!" And without Adonai, the miracle of Hannukah would be nothing but folklore.

So tonight, focus on the One who really matters; the One who turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana. Whatever it was, recorded history noted that it was extraordinary which is to be expected from the One whose birth changed the world and the eternity of all who believe. Raise a glass to Immanuel--which means God with us!

Di Majo Norante Ramitello 2008 Wine Review (NW)

2011-12-23T17:37:00.004-05:00

Tasting notes:

Stewed plums, cranberry sauce, and smoky notes on the nose

Full bodied and silky on the palate

Savory finish of dried herbs and sour plum

Summary:

Here's an interesting wine that's a bit off the beaten path. Made from 80% Montepuciano and 20% Aglianico, this wine is produced near Molise, Italy, along the Adriatic Sea. It has some exotic notes on the nose and a savory finish, with good acidity that's food friendly. Expect to pay around $14, and raise a glass!

Pine Ridge Vineyards Napa---Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-22T18:30:00.003-05:00

Intense black cherry hue with a bouquet of wonderful raspberry cream bonbons with milk chocolate nuances.

Big flavorful hyper-berry Cabernet fruit, a little cocoa with a nice smokey finish. It is textured with finessed construction. Superior Cabernet.

This was a really nice Cab and my review doesn't do it justice. This is my second Cab from Napa Ridge as I do not see Pine Ridge in my neck of the country (Maine). These are splurge wines for sure. At $50 you need to know if you're getting what you pay for and I liked this Cab even better than the previously reviewed Stag's Leap District Cab only because it is a bit more ready to drink. Still both cabs, at this young age are extremely enjoyable so raise a glass--you deserve it!

Remember that Christmas dinner of turkey or goose is NOT a white wine fowl. Big, bold red wines that will hold up to the many strong flavors of Christmas fare. Treat yourself and have a merry Christmas!

Pine Ridge Vineyards Napa--Stag's Leap District--Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-19T16:57:00.003-05:00

Intense blackish, dark garnet hue that leaves pigment adhering to the glass.

Bouquet--Big ripe black berry and plum with slight currant notes, cigar box and a hint of spice with chocolate covered cherries.

Palate--bold rich, plush dark berry and ripe plum with a blast of chocolate on opening that subsides as it breathes. Tannins are immature yet so drinkable finishing with an espresso and tar finish with a finale of smoke.

Disclosure--This wine was provided to the WCB to participate in a virtual wine tasting with other wine bloggers and the wine makers. (More on that later)

This wine retails for $80 and is a serious Cabernet. It will only improve with some time but is drinking well right now and is delicious. If you have the means, drink one now and lay another down for another 5-10 years. You won't be dissappointed as you raise a glass!

Chimney Rock Elevage Stags Leap District Napa Valley Red Wine 2007 Wine Review (NW)

2011-12-18T22:09:00.007-05:00

Tasting notes:

Fragrant mix of berries and spice on the nose

Full bodied and finely textured on the palate

Smooth finish with nice lingering layers of spicy black cherry and cedar

Summary:

Beautifully made, this wine has class and finesse in the way it reveals its nice fruit layers. It's a well-integrated and refined style that's easy to enjoy. The blend is Bordeaux-like with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from the Stags leap District in Napa Valley. Pair with grilled meat or roasted vegetables.

Expect to pay around $85, but don't be surprised if you have trouble finding it. A lot of this wine gets socked away in restaurant cellars. Raise a glass!

Ferngreen Sauvignon Blanc 2011 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-12T16:33:00.002-05:00

This Marlboro New Zealand creation is pale straw with immense grassy, guava paste nose with a lime foundation.

Palate is full of citrus, cut grass, lemon/lime, with solid acidity that finishes well with a long lasting S. Blanc flavor.

Trader Joe's value wine at $8 and if you love really grassy S. Blanc this is a classic NZ offering. This would make a great wine to introduce the grape-type to someone who wonders what S. Blanc tastes like. It may be too much for some but I loved it so raise a glass.

Bodega Pravada Malbec 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-12T16:28:00.003-05:00

Deep black cherry hue with red berry fruit on a blackberry nose.

Palate--Supple texture with a slight bitterness mid-palate that is endearing. It has a quick finish but tasty, ample berry pie fruit.

At $6(sale) this is a nice drinking wine so raise a glass.

"Josh" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-12T16:20:00.002-05:00

Decent ruby/garnet hue with nice aromas of big dried fruit and plum bouquet with nice cedary spice and vegetal herbal nose.

Palate--Nice berry front with sound structure that is well balanced and drinking well right now but will improve for a few more years.

I paid $15 for this wine though you can probably find it for a buck or two less. It is made the solid folks at Joseph Carr as their second label. It is a nice example of the grape and is a lot of wine for the money. This will more than likely make my top ten of 2011 so raise a glass!

Bubbly for the Holidays (Sparkling Wine Sampler) by NW

2011-12-11T19:32:00.005-05:00

At this time of year, I get a lot of questions about bubbly for the holidays. People want to make sure their gatherings are festive, and rightly so.

If you haven't noticed lately, there's good sparkling wine made in all corners of the world now. Let me give you a few suggestions:

For traditional non-vintage Champagne (the real stuff from the Champagne region of France), I like Veuve Clicquot Brut. It's classy and well made, and something about that fashionable yellow label makes a party feel extra special. This wine has tight bubbles and lots of nuances from bright fruit to roasted nuts. Also at the $40 mark, Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut is a good choice. Both of these wines are widely distributed.

For something from California instead, I like Domaine Chandon Brut. This is also a non vintage wine that is fairly widely distributed. It runs about $17, which is fairly priced. As a bargain alternative, though, grab a bottle of Korbel Brut which is often priced around the $10 mark. It's one of the best sparkling wines from California in this price range.

If you'd prefer to go off the beaten path a bit, check out Gruet Brut from New Mexico. That's right- New Mexico. A beautiful non-vintage Brut that's well made year after year, this is my current favorite in the value category. I buy it for $11 on a regular basis.

A lot of people enjoy discovering Cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy and can't wait to introduce their friends to these wines. Unfortunately, Prosecco is seldom very good but Cava is really on the rise. Ask your local wine merchant if they stock any, and I'm sure you'll get an enthusiastic introduction to several wines that won't break the bank. Expect to pay in the teens.

Regarding other lesser known bubbly, the sparking Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France can be excellent and priced around $20. The only problem is that it's harder to find. Australia also produces and exports some nice sparkling wine at value prices. In fact, Barefoot Bubbly Brut is a terrific value at only $8 or so.

Lastly, consider the sweeter sparkling wines made from Moscato and Brachetto in Italy. I always have these on hand because they're a lot of fun and much more versatile than people realize. They're not just for washing down chocolate torte. Moscato d'Asti runs between $10 and $20. My favorite is Nivole from Michele Chiarlo. Brachetto d'Aqui is a little less common, but you're sure to at least find Rosa Regale from Castello Banfi for $15 to $20.

Raise a glass of bubbly!

Bogle California Petite Sirah 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-12-11T17:10:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Dense nose of dark plum and black currants

Full bodied and firmly textured on the palate

Slightly rustic finish but also richly layered with currants, blackberries, tar, and spice

Summary:

I summarized this wine in my notes as: a good value wine, strong personality, slightly rustic, and flavorful. It had been several years since I tasted this wine, and I'm impressed with this 2009 offering. At $11 or so, stock up. And raise a glass!

Ferrari-Carano Califoria Fume Blanc 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-12-11T17:04:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Bright aromas of lemon and minerals on the nose

Light bodied and crisp on the palate

Lively and crips finish with some grapefruit and good acidity

Summary:

This is a good choice on the "wine by the glass" list at restaurants. It's lively and has good acidity, pairs well with food, and is reliable. Fume Blanc is just another way of saying Sauvignon Blanc, as it refers to the French wines made from this grape in Pouilly-Fume. The retail price runs about $13. Raise a glass!

Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2005 Wine Review (NW)

2011-12-05T20:26:00.002-05:00

Tasting notes:

Inviting nose of currants, watermelon, tobacco, and sandalwood

Full bodied on the palate

Earthy, savory finish of plum, spice, and vanilla

Summary:

For Brunello, this is an elegant, aromatic style of wine. While it's still coming together and could cellar a while, it tastes great after it breathes in the glass. Give it plenty of air and enjoy with regional Italian cuisine such as rabbit pappardelle or wild mushroom risotto.

This wine has a list price of $45, but I've seen it priced lower. Raise a glass!

Vietti Perbacco Langhe Nebbiolo 2008 Wine Review (NW)

2011-12-03T16:07:00.002-05:00

Tasting notes:

Pretty nose of cherry, milk chocolate, and herbs

Medium bodied on the palate

Cherry and dried herb layers on the finish as it tapers nicely

Summary:

My first thought was: a baby Barolo. Crafted from the Nebbiolo grape that is used to make Barolo, this wine is a Langhe bottling from Vietti with the proprietary label name of Perbacco. It has a pretty bouquet on the nose like so many wines from this region of Italy. It's not a particularly complex wine, but it tasted nice and complimented an assortment of Northern Italian dishes with ease. Expect to pay around $25.

Raise glass!

Argento Malbec 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-12-02T16:57:00.003-05:00

Beet juice hue with bouquet of dark berry,

Palate--stewed fruit front, silky tannins, rich presence with solid berry flavor.

The wine is better than the review notes; for $10 at Trader Joe's raise a glass!

Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-28T17:42:00.004-05:00

Deep black cherry hue with big aromas of rich blackberry, licorice, cedar, cocoa and violets with a nearly floral bouquet.

Palate--Pure Cabernet presence, integrated, silky tannins,bold fruit and lingering finish.

I can only imagine this in another 10 years but is really good NOW. I bought this online for $20; Raise a glass.

Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Cabernet (Rutherford) 2005 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-28T17:35:00.003-05:00

Cherry-black cherry hue with cigar box, cedar, licorice and cocoa aromas.

Palate--relaxed yet bold, with classic Cab flavors and slight green pepper, spice with blackberry and cherry fruit that lingers.

A classic Napa offering from this reliable producer.

Friends brought this with them to our Thanksgiving feast and it was a perfect pairing for all the spice and strong flavors a typical turkey brings with it. It is drinking well now but would improve for another couple years. At the $20 price point raise a glass to delicious!

Cuvee Michel Leon Gewurztraminer 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-28T17:24:00.002-05:00

Nice gold hue with fragrant tropical fruit and sweet spices.

Palate--Sweet, floral, tasty with nice aftertaste that lingers a bit.

This Alsatian wine was excellent--before tasting it. The bouquet is flattering and I was expecting a lot in the mouth but this wine is a good example of the importance of structural balance. It is terribly deficient in acid making the whole wine a rather unpleasant experience. It had so much promise but is flaccid and leaves one wanting to dump it.

I paid $10 for it at Trader Joe's but pass it up!

Chateau Cote Montpezat Cuvee Compostelle Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-26T19:34:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Big nose of black currant, coffee, and dark chocolate

Full bodied on the palate

Tannic finish with dark plum and roasted meat along with more coffee notes and baker's chocolate

Summary:

There's a nice roasted quality to this wine along with dark fruit, coffee, and dark chocolate. It's powerful and flavorful, with the kind of tannic finish that suggests aging potential.

This wine is a Merlot blend that retails for around $20. Pair with hearty stew or braised meat. And raise a glass!

Kinton Santa Barbara County Syrah 2006 Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-26T19:26:00.004-05:00

Tasting notes:

Beautiful crushed blackberry and blueberry on the nose with some spice accents

Full bodied and richly textured

Long, dark fruit finish with chocolate, fig, and pepper accents

Summary:

I continue to discover great Syrah from Santa Barbara County, California. This wine has the big, bold fruit characteristic of the appellation, accented by spice, chocolate, and pepper. It's drinking beautifully right now at five years of age, and will probably taste great for another five. Don't miss what's going on in this region.

I paid just $16 for this bottle, although it was discounted a bit. Put in a roast and raise a glass!

Domaine De Chateaumar Cuvee Bastien Grenache 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-24T17:32:00.002-05:00

This Cotes Du Rhone has a garnet hue and a bouquet of fresh strawberry juice and light spices with cinnamon.

Palate--Unique velvety texture with stiff acid, bread, yet a bit tight on fruit. Quite unique and at the price point of $15, this is a nice, and fruity wine.

Peter Michael Les Pavots Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-20T19:14:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Beautiful nose of dark berries, mocha, and black licorice

Full bodied and lush texture on the palate

Long, smooth finish of amazingly well-integrated layers of dark berries, currants, and mocha

Summary:

What a treat! This wine has it all- amazing fruit and complexity along with great texture and a long finish. It's incredibly well polished.

One of the great red wines of California, this Cabernet consistently sits a top the list of acclaimed wines from the well-followed critics. To some people, it's a great splurge with a list price of $175. To others, it's a great bargain compared to the cult wines of Harlan, Colgin, Byrant Family, and Screaming Eagle. Whatever your view, it's a great wine and the 2006 bottling should please the palate for some years to come. Pair with the finest grilled meat and raise a glass!

Thanksgiving Day Wines- Stress Free! (NW)

2011-11-20T18:48:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving requires a lot of planning, cooking, timing, and logistics with family and friends. Don't add wine stress to the ocassion as well. Understand that a lot of wines will work just great with the big meal, especially if it's a relatively traditional turkey day meal. Let me walk you through some ideas.

My first advice is this: if you have a big casual group of people make sure to have several wines including at least one red and one white. Seriously, how much time is spent actually sitting at a dining room table and how much time is spent standing in the kitchen, roaming around the house, leaning up against the wall in a crowded family room watching the Detriot Lions, or listening to your distance cousin talk about the economy on the back patio. In this situation, have both a red and white on hand- and plenty of it. I recommend California Cabernet Sauvignon or "Meritage" blends, California Syrah or Petite Sirah, and Washington state Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

For white wine, you could reach for a moderately oaked California Chardonnay for the mainstream popularity but let me provide a couple other suggestions in keeping with the American wine theme. Ask your local wine merchant about their selection of Oregon Pinot Gris, Washington state Riesling, New York Riesling, or California producers of Rhone white wines varietals such as Viognier and Roussanne. My first pick out of these would be Oregon Pinot Gris.

In a smaller gathering and a more formal meal, serve a red wine at the table that's versatile. My top pick is still Cabernet Sauvignon with a little bit of age on it. Even more specific, I'd go for a Sonoma County wine or a Napa Valley producer who's focused on a more refined Cabernet style. Other wine regions such as Paso Robles, CA, Columbia Valley, WA, and Walla Walla, WA, also produce Cabernets and Cabernet blends that are fitting. In the spirit of a uniquely American holiday, serve American wine. There are plenty of other opportunities to open your Bordeaux.

You might be surprised that my top pick isn't Pinot Noir, but I find that all the wonderful subtleties of a good Pinot are washed away in the Thanksgiving day meal.

In any case, don't take wine and food pairings too seriously on Thanksgiving so that it adds to your stress level. With the variety of flavors involved and the number of side dishes that grace most tables, versatility is key. I will be pouring a beautiful Cabernet, probably with a few years of bottle age. Maybe several of them. Now raise a glass!

Jaillance Cremant de Bordeaux Cuvee de l'Abbaye Brut NV Sponsored Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-20T18:33:00.003-05:00

Tasting notes:

Interesting nose of white flowers with citrus in the background

Medium bodied on the palate with tight bubbles that dissipate quickly

Almond and apple notes on the finish

Note:

This wine was provided complimentary in exchange for a review.

Summary:

Here's a nice alternative to expensive French Champagne. Made from Semillion, this French sparking wine boasts a similar fruit, floral, nutty profile to the wines of Champagne.

My only complaint is the bubbles. I tasted this along with four others and we all remarked that the bubbles were nice and tight but dissipated too quickly.

Expect to pay around $19 for this wine and pair it with a festive atmosphere, exciting appetizers, and good friends. Raise a glass!

Jaillance Clairette Imperiale Cuvee Imperiale NV Sponsored Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-20T18:21:00.004-05:00

Tasting notes:

Delightful pear notes on the nose

Medium bodied and lightly bubbly on the palate

Soft and pleasant finish of sweet tropical fruit

Note:

This wine was provided complimentary in exchange for a review.

Summary:

I always appreciate versatile wines. This bubbly is moderately sweet but still light. It's versatile and fun to drink. Produced in France from Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains and White Clairette, it resembles a Moscato d'Asti from Italy with it's slightly sweet frame and just 7% alcohol.

The suggested price is $19. Pair it with light appetizers or serve it with a fruity dessert. And raise a glass!

Thanksgiving and wine (repost)

2011-11-19T13:42:00.002-05:00

A Thanksgiving Day meal with friends and family provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy nice wine. Because so much fuss is made over food and wine pairings in general, I find people get a little stressed out about what to serve guest on this special day. Fortunately, many wines have a much broader range than they get credit for. With that in mind, I have some basic suggestions that might help.

If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides, a number of red wines can work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wines. This is especially easy if you are able to provide you guests with two wine glasses and allow them to pour and sip as they like. Simply place the bottles on the table and allow your guests to discover the different pairings as they please.

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. Which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. This year, I'll be offering one red and one white to try something different.

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food. To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine. Something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before coffee.

Georges Du Boeuf Beaujolias Nouveau 2011 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-19T11:15:00.003-05:00

The color of this wine is simply beautiful! It is gently garnet in the center of the bowl with a simply artistic pinkish-purple hue at the rim. I just want to stare at it.

Bouquet--Perfumy, powdery, young fruit filled loveliness with cinnamon overtones.

Palate--A relaxed Nouveau with a slightly chewy tannic back bone (unusual for Nouveau)with a structurally solid acid foundation. Fresh young fruitiness of bright fermented grape yet with a note of unfermented fruit ending with a real finish.

When I smelled this wine before tasting it, I was taken back to the best Nouveau in my memory which was 2005. This wine is really close!

We have written each year about the "event" that this wine is world wide being released on the third Thursday of each November. It is meant to be consumed within a year and better within 9 months or so of release. It is simple, straightforward quaffing wine and yet this is so well made that it would stand up to numerous cheeses and dishes.

Always around $10, definitely don't miss this Nouveau and raise a glass!

Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 Bouchard Aine & Fils wine review by Billy

2011-11-17T22:42:00.001-05:00

Nose: Strong nose of grape and currant. Fruity.
Palate:Thin mouth feel, some tannic character with an acid snap emerging at the back of the tongue
Finish: Lingering vegetal finish at the back of the mouth.
Overall: Beaujolais Nouveau is the celebration of wine harvested this year. The gamay grapes were picked just a couple of weeks ago. Then they were pressed, vinified and put into bottles to ship to stores all around the world this year. This Beaujolais Nouveau was in a grape on a vine a mere 10 weeks ago. Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 is a celebration of wine. As such, the liquid in the bottle and in your glass is a great big HOORAY for wine. It is a fast wine. A fruity wine. It is not complex. It is not subtle. It is wine from grapes freshly picked this year. Enjoy this wine tonight and maybe tomorrow. I paid $10 for this celebratory 2011 wine at a local wine shop. Raise a Glass!

Send us your Thanksgiving Wine Queries!

2011-11-16T16:12:00.003-05:00

We'd be happy to help you with your Thanksgiving Day wine selections. Just shoot us an e-mail at serona@gmail.com and we will field your question in a timely manner.

Remember don't just automatically think--poultry = white wine--especially NOT for a traditional Thanksgiving spread. Let us help you raise a glass!

Columbia Crest (Grand Estates) "Amitage" Red Blend 2008 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-14T17:23:00.004-05:00

Suggestions of dried cherries with a touch of licorice, nearly floral fruit, with sweet herbs.

Palate--Super steely front with bready fruit that is a bit austere and probably needs to open. Gentle tannic structure and a finish that has potential. I'll update this review after the wine opens some.

From the Washington State producer who always produces solid wines, I saw this unfamiliar name--Amitage--in a store recently and had to give it a try.

It is a blend of Merlot (64 percent) with portions of syrah (19 percent), cabernet franc (7 percent), cabernet sauvignon (5.5 percent) and malbec (4.5 percent). Blending this many grapes in inexpensive wines tend to be a disaster giving a generic wine production that is, at best, confused. But Amitage is another Columbia Crest value wine. At $10-$12, it is easy to drink, tasty and well made. Let's raise a glass to yet another CC success!

Duplin (Carolina) Pink Magnolia wine review by (PB)

2011-11-09T17:00:00.002-05:00

Rose hue awkward bouquet of sweet Cinnamony fruit suggesting apricot.

Palate--sweet on the flabby side, fruity with a very weird aftertaste.

This was given to me and it hails from North Carolina. Magnolia is the Scuppernong/Muscadine grape and gives ample demonstration that just because something can be made into wine doesn't mean it should.

North Carolina actually produces some pretty decent wines although they don't seem to be distributed too widely. Whatever you do, don't judge N.C. wines on this review of this grape. This wine is basically awful but it is another varietal I can add to my list of grapes I have tasted.

CalNaturale Mendocino Organic Chardonnay 2009 Sponsored Wine Review by (PB)

2011-11-07T16:56:00.004-05:00

Lemon and orange marshmallow "circus peanuts" aromas with of touch of vanilla.

Palate--sits with lively acid, and a fairly shallow flavor foundation but straight forward and pleasant enough especially if chilled. Finishes quickly.

I tasted this along side a 2004 Chablis "Millesime" (Simon et.Febvre)which has more depth but the CanNaturale is a better value! At an extended price of around $10.50 for a standard bottle, the CalNaturale stands its ground.

Candidly though, they both present as wines at that ubiquitous price point of $10. So the competitive edge goes to this "certified organic" Chard for its handy outdoor friendly Tetra Pak for that trip to the beach, or hike through the woods to the lean-to for the evening. Raise a glass or Bota bag as the case may be...

CalNaturale Paso Robles French Camp Vineyard Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Sponsored Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-06T20:01:00.010-05:00

Tasting notes:

Red berries and spice on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Finish of raspberry and currants accented by cinnamon

Summary:

Note: this wine was provided complimentary in exchange for a review.

I was surprised by this wine on several fronts. First off, it's a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles packaged in a carton. That's a first for me. Second, it's a pretty decent wine that doesn't taste like it's poured from a carton. Most certainly it's the type of Cabernet Sauvignon that's typically produced in Paso Robles, with red fruit and spice. I was impressed that it confirms this sense of place. Additionally, I was surprised that it's made from certified organic grapes. Interestingly, many wines are certified organic and even more wineries practice organic farming but are not certified. I'm surprised this hasn't gained more legs in the marketing of wines over the years. It's still uncommon for a wine to promote the word "organic" on the package as this wine does.

Now, what about that carton? Well, here's the deal: if you're picnicking, camping, backpacking, or traveling this is a great format. The wine is sold in a Tetra Pak carton, made primarily from paper. The plastic screw cap is easy to use and provides a reassuring seal for a partially consumed carton. I've used this format several times before- on a picnic and on a backpacking trip. It's such perfect packaging for this type of activity that I'll probably continue to use these outdoors. Honestly, I probably wouldn't open this at home though. I'd rather pour from a traditional wine bottle.

This wine is offered in a one Liter package for $12.99 and a 500 ml package for $6.99. Raise a glass, or carton, or plastic cup!

This is (PB) who also received this wine for review. My notes were so similar to (NW's)there was no point in duplicating his review. Ditto's!

CalNaturale Mendocino Organic Chardonnay 2009 Sponsored Wine Review (NW)

2011-11-06T17:37:00.006-05:00

Tasting notes:

Vibrant green apple aromas on the nose

Light bodied on the palate

Crisp finish with citrus notes and a trace of vanilla

Summary:

Note: this wine was provided complimentary in exchange for a review.

In general, I found this wine pleasing enough and easy to drink, but certainly simple. It's a lighter style of Chardonnay for sure, with prevailing apple and citrus notes. The notes on the package describe a toasted oak finish, but I'd suggest that's barely evident. In fact, this drinks more like a naked Chardonnay (one that's never encountered oak).

I'm impressed that this wine is made from organic grapes. Interestingly, many wines are certified organic and even more practice organic farming but are not certified. I'm surprised that this hasn't gained more legs in the marketing of wines over the years. It's still uncommon for a wine to promote the word "organic" on the package as this does.

Now, a note on the package. This wine is sold in a Tetra Pak carton, made primarily from paper. The plastic screw cap is easy to use and provides a reassuring seal for a partially comsumed carton. I've used this format several times before- at a picnic and on a backpacking trip. It's such perfect packaging for this type of activity that I'll probably continue to use these for outdoor activities. Honestly, I probably wouldn't open this at home though. I'd rather pour from a traditionale wine bottle.

This wine is offered in a one liter package for $12.99 and a 500 mL package for $6.99. It's decently priced. Raise a glass, a carton, or a plastic cup filled with this go-anywhere Chardonnay!

Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2007 wine review by (PB)

2011-11-02T17:55:00.002-04:00

Intense black cherry hue with nice bouquet of cola/root beer and cherry with dried cherry and the slightest hint of black licorice that fades.

Palate--Integrated flavors of a wine drinking at its prime but will last several more years. Fruit filled with slight note of cinnamon initially, well balanced with firm yet elegant tannins and an all around good wine.

The previous vintage of this wine made my wine of the year a couple years back; this is a solid wine at less than $14 from Sam's Club. Raise a glass, if you like fruity yet structured classy wine that is affordable.

Sebastopol Hills Pinot Noir (Sonoma) 2010 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-31T17:35:00.002-04:00

Pretty bright cherry hue with nice Pinot aromas of gentle cocoa and str4awberry with candy cherry lifesavers with a base of mulling spices.

Palate--Crisp, pure, fruity strawberry, with cinnamon touch and solid Pinot flavors. this is a lot of wine for the $12 I paid at Trader Joe's. Raise a glass of a nice straight forward Pinot Noir.

Robert Biale Napa Valley Thomann Station Petite Sirah 2005 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-29T20:15:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Huge nose of crushed dark berries, currants, and tar

Full bodied on the palate

Rustic finish of dark berries and herbs

Summary:

Here's a big, muscular Petite Sirah that's just softening up a bit now six years after harvest. It's rustic and tannic but dark and complex. If you have some, it's good that you waited to drink this. But don't wait too long or the fruit could fade. It's showing some big aromas of crushed berries right now that really drive this wine. Go ahead and enjoy!

I paid $20 for this on a close-out deal, but the release price was $55. It's an extremely small production wine at just over 300 cases or so from an excellent producer. Raise a glass!

Melini Borghi d'Elsa Chianti 2010 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-29T20:08:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Cherry and violets on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Silky but simple finish of cherry and dried herbs

Summary:

I'm a bit disappointed with this wine. It received some critical acclaim as a value priced Chianti that stands out from the pack, but I just don't see it. It tastes like every other Tuscan wine in the under $10 category. There's nothing that stands out, save perhaps the somewhat silky finish. Expect to pay around $9, but raise a glass of something else.

La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-29T19:58:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Rich, ripe nose of tropical fruit

Full bodied and richly textured

Long, incredibly smooth finish of pear, pineapple, and vanilla

Summary:

This wine is all about the texture: rich and smooth. It has plenty of fruit to round it out, but you won't find a more richly textured Chardonnay at this price. Expect to pay around $17.

Of course, the debate about oaked versus unoaked Chardonnay always seems to enter when discussing a wine like this. I favor oaked Chardonnay because it's one of the white grapes that interacts best with oak. Can it be overdone at times? Well, of course. But so many other popular white grapes do better in steel tanks. If I want that style, I simply reach for something other that Chardonnay.

Raise a glass to La Crema!

Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-29T19:51:00.002-04:00

Tasting notes:

Cherry and strawberry notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Silky finish of spicy plum and vanilla

Summary:

It's nice to discover a good value Pinot Noir. This one delivers a red fruit profile along with a silky texture for just $15 or so. I found it for $12 on sale. Roast a whole chicken with vegetables- and raise a glass!

Chateau Grand Vin De Leoville Las Cases 1996 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-24T17:54:00.003-04:00

Intense black cherry to the rim.

Bouquet--Dried fruit with slight prune notes with sweet floral, red fruit with a maple/cocoa and then peppermint presence. I was astounded!

Palate--Thickish, satiny dried dark fruit, black cherry, superior, young and amazing!

The 3rd wine served to me blind by (NW) of this blog and I was so spell bound by what I was smelling that I almost lost consciousness. Every swirl of the glass revealed yet another fragrance. My notes do not do this wine justice.

Having no categories and certainly no experience with a wine of this caliber the dried fruit, first made me think Amarone! But this was no Amarone. The texture, the elegance, the wowing presence then lead me to my closest experience to such a wine which for me meant Brunello. But this was no Brunello.

This wine has made me a believer in Brodeaux. Explanation--in what sounds down right heretical in the world of wine, my experience to some upper tier Bordeaux of the Classified growths has greatly disappointed me over the years of my study.

From Haut Brion, Batailley, a 1975 Leoville LasCases that was stored poorly and a few more, my view of Bordeaux has been that they are overpriced, over-hyped wines that sell at greatly inflated prices because of good marketing, their history and the ignorance of the rich who can afford them. Give me a good California Cabernet for my money. But now this.

This could mean the end to any illusion of retirement I may have been working toward. (NW's)wife paid $175 for this in 2003 but think more along the lines of $350 now. What a wine, and a memory. Bordeaux I believe! Thanks (NW). Thanks Spin!

Churchill's Agua Alta Porto 1992 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-24T17:41:00.003-04:00

Pretty purple presence with loads of sweet fruit. (Not sure why that is all I wrote down in my notes)

Palate--prunes with pleasant, elegant flavors, sweet and velvety with gobby berries and cream and more dark berries and a finish that doesn't really finish.

This Port still looks like it is infant in its youthfulness. There isn't a hint of age at 19 years of age. It will last decades!

This was the desert wine (NW) served with an assortment of cheeses and dried fruit. The bottle could have easily been emptied it was so delicious. Raise a glass!

Le Vieux Donjon 2004 Chateau Neuf Du Pape wine review by (PB)

2011-10-24T17:27:00.002-04:00

There is already some bricking at the rim of this wine meaning it is showing some age so I put it at at around 10 years old.

There was a slight stink which I am equating with Grenache and a prominent peppery aroma pointing to Syrah and Mourvedre. As it sits in the glass there is slight chocolate and licorice with more licorice than chocolate later. Then notes of dried strawberry fruit-leather follow.

Palate--Black Pepper and bold presence trailing to a fleeting chocolate note which was not present on subsequnet tastes. then strawberries on forward.

I was pretty sure this was from the Cotes Du Rhone region of France which is known for their blend of GSM--Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre and of course that is what it was. I was surprised that it was as young as it turned out to be.

Wine Spectator gave this wine 94 points. It was a NICE wine so raise a glass!

Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-24T17:19:00.002-04:00

Dried cherry bouquet, uncomplicated, straightforward. (So why did it baffle me?)

Palate--Dried red fruit, slight licorice, rustic, quick finish.

Served to me blind on a weekend blow by at (NW's) of this blog, this was the second wine in a series of 4 he served. I was stumped when asked what I thought it was and yet reading through my tasting notes, without having seen the wine much less tasting it, just from my notes I would have said Sangiovese! Brain cramp?

At any rate, Querceto in Greve Italy has nothing but GREAT memories as we stayed with (NW) and his wife at Vignamaggio in Greve a few years back. It is a working winery in the heart of Tuscany and the birth place of Mona Lisa. This is the wonder of wine; a liquid in a glass that can evoke memories and special times like they were yesterday. This wine wasn't super but it was a great trip down memory lane.

Grifone Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-24T17:12:00.002-04:00

Nice garnet hue with lovely earthy dried cherry Sangiovese aromas.

Palate--Bright first impression with slightly chewy tannins that lend to an impression of heft but this is a light, flavorful example of Chianti Classico with dried red fruit and a gentle finish.

This is a $5.99 Trader Joe's Italian selection and is a great value so raise a glass!

Santa Cristina Sangiovese 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-18T17:00:00.002-04:00

Black cherry hue with a little bottle stink on opening, earthy cherry opening to candy apple aromas.

Palate--Bright and medium in body and a little quick but needs air. It opens well with pure Sangiovese bouquet with pure cherry and well made; a very good food wine.

This was a blind grab so to speak knowing nothing about it except whose name was on the label. "Antinori" one of the major families of Tuscan wines for ages who makes great wines. This is a blend with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. I paid $9 for this and it will be contender for my top ten of 2011 so raise a glass!

Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2010 (Mosel) wine review by (PB)

2011-10-18T16:56:00.002-04:00

Pale straw in color with vanilla fruit and a touch of pineapple.

Palate--Slightly sweet presence with back bone of lemon and sour apple. I would like more acidity but it it is adequate and easy going down. Serve with a little chill on it and at $8 raise a glass.

Ramey Sonoma Coast Syrah 2007 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-13T21:52:00.004-04:00

Tasting notes:

Interesting pepper, mocha, and wild berries on the nose

Full bodied and firm on the palate

Long finish of plum, herbs, and pepper

Summary:

Here's the deal: California Syrah is one of the most overlooked wine categories on the planet. Why? Because all the best producers manage to deliver big, intense wines that are not sweet and cloying but rather structured and firm with at least some reference to signature Northern Rhone Syrah from France. I can't speak to the $10 wines, but once you decide to spend $30 or more on a California Syrah you enter a world of well made, small production wines that are every bit "artisanal". I mention these prices only to help provide some framework- it's no exact science. Generally, you should look for notes of pepper and good acidity in addition to the ripe fruit that makes up a good Syrah.

Ramey is known for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but David Ramey's line up of Syrah is incredible. He's one of the great producers for sure. I enjoy wines from all over the world, record notes on hundreds of wines a year, and spend little time "following" winemakers or even wineries. There's too much to explore. With that said, Ramey is one of the great wineries of California that's hard not to appreciate.

This bottle runs about $35 and is worth hunting down. Drink it now or lay it down for ten years. In fact, this type of Syrah will taste great at fifteen years based on my experience. Most people wouldn't know that off hand because it's rarely discussed in the wine press alongside Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.

Every year, among my 500 wines or so that I taste, I choose two specific types of wine to focus on in order to gain more insight. For 2011, one of those is California Syrah. I've recorded notes on roughly 30 different wines in this category. It's a category that has fallen flat with consumers in recent years and that's just a shame. In the Pinot Noir world we live in, take a step away from the herd. And raise a glass of Syrah!

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2006 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-10T20:27:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Notes of black cherry and dark chocolate on the nose

Full bodied and savory on the palate

Long, savory finish of dark fruit, herbs, and espresso

Summary:

This is a very good Brunello that should age well. It's dark, savory, and complex, with a long finish. Give it some time and it will be a special treat with a hearty meal. Expect to pay around $50. Raise a glass!

Monte Tondo Casette Foscarin Soave Classico 2007 Wine Review (NW)

2011-10-09T18:28:00.004-04:00

Tasting notes:

Lemon, apricot, and mango on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Ultra smooth and finely texured with apple, almond, and hints of vanilla

Summary:

Here's a beautifully crafted Soave Classico from the Veneto region of Italy. It dances between tropical layers and an underlying tartness, but the real charm is the texture. The wine is ultra smooth and finely textured, just caressing the palate.

Soave is based on the Garganega grape and can contain several other white grapes of various proportions. It's one of the great white food wines of Italy that has suffered brand damage in the past as the term was used generically and not regionally. Expect to pay around $18 for this, and raise a glass!

Pasqua della Valpolicella Amarone 2007 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-08T13:27:00.001-04:00

Mature garnet presentation with ever so slight signs of aging at the rim.
Bouquet is full of cherry with deep heavy forest floor and spicy moss. Wow!

Palate--Integrated, bread with cherry fruit and a rear layer of creamy milk chocolate with layering and a loooong lingering cigar box, fruit finish.

This wine will be in my final Top Ten wines of 2011 to be sure. It is a Trader Joe's $19 steal and I will be buying more to be sure. Absolutely a must buy and a great value! Raise a case!

Buehler Zinfandel 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-08T13:15:00.002-04:00

Lighter medium purple/garnet hue with big berry bouquet that is full of Zin.

Palate--A little chewy with some chocolate and nice berry flavor. Solid zinfandel presentation but quite disappointing.

This wine sells at around the $20 price point and I have had numerous zins at the $10 price point that are as good. For the price I would pay a few more dollars and get a nice Rosenblum single vineyard!

Il Casale Soave Classico D.O.C. 2009 Sponsored Wine Review By Billy

2011-10-07T22:18:00.002-04:00

Nose: Honey and Apricot on the nose. Soft flowers.
Palate: Spice. Soft and even balance of acid and sugars.
Finish: Green melon and hay. Slow and elegant.
Overall: This wine was sent to us at The Wine Cask Blog for review by the good folks at the Soave Consortium. This wine is made of the Garganega grape and comes from the Soave region of Italy. Overall, this easy drinking white is a very easy drinking wine that has wonderful flavors. We sampled it immediately on opening where the nose was delightfully strong. After some exposure to the air, the flavors and feel in the mouth had settled down and evened out. The softness of the wine is quite elegant. It is supple and embracing. This makes it a very accessible wine that pairs nicely with fruit and cheeses or other light snacks. It retains its flavors without tapering off which is delightful in such an easy-drinking white wine.
Raise a glass to Il Casale 2009 Soave Classico.

Casata Monticello Dolcetto D'Asti 2007 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-04T16:09:00.002-04:00

Bright ruby hue with a staid bouquet.

Palate--Dried cherry, thin, closed, marginal even at $8. Pass on this one!

Chateau Malmaison 2006 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-04T16:01:00.002-04:00

Black cherry hue with some depth, and rising fruit aromas of blueberry, cigar box and black berry from the glass.

Palate--The wine is tart with chewy tannins, rough edges, tight fruit and harsh. I aerated it and breathed it more--which did help some but is still too young. there is good potential here but it needs to be in a cellar a few more years. Classic Bordeaux style and 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I saw this at one of my favorite haunts for $18 and since 2005 was such a great year for Bordeaux, I figured it should be really good. Baronne Nadine Rothschild is involved with this wine so certainly has a good pedigree but needs more time.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-04T15:55:00.002-04:00

Green herbal front with medium blackberry on the bouquet.

Palate--Bread,, medium fruit, blackberry with plum notes.

This needs another year and will drink even better. Not the best Columbia Crest has done but at $8, always a good value wine. Raise a glass!

Gnarly Head "Authentic Red" wine review by PB

2011-10-04T15:48:00.002-04:00

So deep it looks like Syrah in the glass but smells like Zinfandel all the way with espresso and black berry aromas.

Palate-- Big and bold, again Zinfandel all the way with robust, sweet, rich textured, butter chocolate and loads of fruit. Holy cow!

Get a grip factor--This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot but from the smell and taste, I would say that besides Zinfandel, they must have merely waved the other grapes over the vat. This is thoroughly Zinfandel and here is the real get a grip factor--I just had a Buehler Zin rated at 91 points by the big boys and I liked this wine as much, and perhaps even more. I paid $7.50 for this wine and 3 times that for the Buehler. Seek it out and raise a glass!

Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Pesquera 1991 Ribera Del Douro wine review by (PB)

2011-10-02T17:08:00.005-04:00

Medium garnet hue with a slight stink and nice cream and cherry-berry bouquet.

Palate--Complex mature wine with cinnamon, herbs and anise; a tasty wine.

This was the third wine (NW) served me up blind. I put it at a wine of upwards of 15 years...so I was of by 5--can't win them all.

The Ribera Del Douro is dedicated to the Tempranillo grape and this is a fine example of how well they can mature and how wonderfully complex they can present. (NW) thought he paid around $38--another treat and we raised a glass or two!

Lewis Vineyards "Alec's Blend" Napa 2007 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-02T16:48:00.004-04:00

Deep and darkly pigmented black cherry hue right to the rim of the glass.

Bouquet is full of rich black berry, plum and cocoa with vanilla note.

Palate--Rich mocha, with intense depth, full bodied with loads of "stuff" waiting to be released in the treaure trove of complexity; white chocolate emerges a little later.

This is a young, immature plush wine of immensity that finishes with lasting espresso and blackberry jam.

Again served to me blind, it reminded me of a young (2006) "Don Melchor" from Concha Y Toro but my first impression was a gargantuan, superior Syrah. Made by the famous "Lewis" winery it is 70% Syrah with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot.

If you want a Lewis wine--you'll pay for it! this one runs in the $50 range but it was (NW's) pocket so raise a glass and say "Yeah baybay!"

Truchard Roussanne 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-10-02T16:31:00.004-04:00

This Carneros (Calif.) is a medium gold in the glass has a pronounced tropical fruit and pineapple that smells "old world." Underneath the forward grangrances there is subtle peach.

Palate--This wine has a sharp acidity, is off dry with solid tropical fruit flavors.

(NW) served this to me blind--as usual--and I believed it to be an old world style perhaps Alsatian Gewurztraminer with a little age on it. It is, as its name reveals is the grape "Roussanne" which is typically a blending grape in numerous white French wines. This wine runs around $17 and is a nice wine so raise a glass.

Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 Wine Review (NW)

2011-09-30T20:00:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Nice aromas of cherry and earth on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Long, savory finish of dried herbs and spice

Summary:

Chianti Classico wines have improved dramatically over the past decade. They are richer, more full bodied, and more complex. This wine is no exception as it delivers full flavor and a long, savory finish. Pair it with hearty fare- perhaps Italian! I paid $17 at a local wine shop. Raise a glass!

Meritxell Palleja Nita Priorat 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-09-30T19:53:00.002-04:00

Tasting notes:

Aromas of currants on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Tannic and somewhat bitter finish of sour plum and herbs

Summary:

This wine is a little too tannic and bitter. Unfortunately, I don't think it will settle down much with cellaring. It's a blend of Grenache, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from the Priorat region of Spain. While Priorat produces some amazing wines, take a pass on this $24 bottle. Raise a glass of something else!

Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir 2004 Wine Review (NW)

2011-09-24T19:24:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Black cherry with hints of anise and cedar on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Long, silky finish of red fruit and cedar

Summary:

This Pinot Noir has good complexity and a silky texture, which are the two things that define the best of the varietal. Merry Edwards is a highly regarded producer who's wines have a reputation of drinking really well with a few extra years of bottle age. I would take this a step further and suggest that most good California Pinot Noir can sit in the cellar for at least a few years and do very well.

Expect to pay around $50 for this wine, and raise a glass!

Lockwood Vineyard Pinot Noir Monterey 2007 "Block 7" wine review by (PB)

2011-09-24T14:12:00.003-04:00

Beautiful crystalline, very light cherry color on the pour that intensifies amazingly once in the glass. This wine is brimming with classic Pinot aromas of strawberry and light hard cherry candy and the slightest touch of spice.

Palate--This wine has depth with a cinnamon front impression with big flavors of bright fruit and some weight with a little tannic edge even. Once you swallow and the fruit subsides after about a minute, there is a surprising green apple finish. Amazing!

I paid $13 for this great wine marked down from $18. If I had only known at the time I would have bought several more!

I paired it with grilled Tuna steaks with a caper and olive oil/lemon vinaigrette sauce. Raise a glass!

Marchesi De Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni Toscana 2007 wine review by (PB)

2011-09-24T14:04:00.003-04:00

Dark black cherry hue showing off its serious frame. Sweet cherry is drifting from the bottle from afar with nice cigar box, tobacco and tar bouquet with a touch of eucalyptus.

Palate--Unctuous, rustic cherry and a touch of licorice on a foundation that is textured and a little chewy on opening. Its muscular frame needs time and air. There is a nice lingering, long finish.

I paid $17 for this and bought about 8 bottles it was so good! I have two left that I will leave cellar if I have the discipline. Raise a glass!

Cesari "Mara" Caraion Veranese 2008 wine review by (PB)

2011-09-20T13:20:00.002-04:00

This is classic Valpolicella Ripasso made by one of the multi-generational giants of the Italian wine industry.

It has a dark black cherry hue with a bouquet of big deep ripe dark berries with fresh grape hints underneath; cinnamon is prevalent in balanced subtlety with bright and dried cherries as it opens.

Palate--Bold velvety tannins with big fruit forward pleasure with good integration for such a young wine. Finishes with more dried red fruit.

At $17 this is a lot of wine and just delicious so raise a glass!

Ulrich Langguth Riesling 2010 wine reveiw by (PB)

2011-09-20T13:17:00.002-04:00

Light golden hue with beautiful apple pie spices and green apple fruit.

Palate--Sweet presence at the front with light citrus feel and minerals with decent acid balance and pleasant drinking.

At Trader Joe's this wine is $7 which is worth raising a glass!

Darioush Caravan Napa Valley Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

2011-09-18T14:37:00.003-04:00

Tasting notes:

Espresso, dark berries, and plum on the nose

Full bodied and firmly textured on the palate

Long finish of dark chocolate and dark berries

Sumary:

Caravan is a label owned by Darioush who is known for big and bold styles of Cabernet Sauvignon. I would describe this as just a bit more reserved than that top bottlings but with a dark and brooding style that is true to the varietal. With fairly firm tannins, it should benefit from age. Expect to pay $35 or so, and raise a glass!

Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2009 Wine Review (NW)

2011-09-18T14:22:00.004-04:00

Tasting notes:

Beautiful cherry and red berries on the nose

Medium bodied and finely textured on the palate

Sleek and silky finish with cherry and herbs

Summary:

The Penner-Ash Pinot Noirs from Oregon have quite a loyal following. While a number of single vineyard bottlings are available, this is the base level Willamette Valley that runs about $45. It has a great texture that's smooth and silky, and should prove to be a good pairing with a variety of dishes. Raise a glass!

Bonny Doon Vineyard Syrah Le Pousseur 2004 Wine Review by Billy

2011-09-17T20:33:00.001-04:00

Nose: big jammy berries, jasmine, basil
Palate: big mouth feel, peppery with good firm backbone
Finish:cherries and a tannic mouth feel that lingers
Overall: I bought this originally for a camping trip because I wanted a Syrah/shiraz with screw cap. I got two bottles. While camping, any wine tastes good. So I waited to review it until I could try it with a proper meal. Overall this is a good entry point for Syrah. The big, jammy, fruit forward red wine pairs well with hearty pastas. We served it with steamed asparagus, a marinara sauced spaghetti, olives, caprese salad and asiago bread. I paid $16 for this at a liquor store near a state park.
Raise a glass!

Plan Pegau Selectionne Lot #2007 wine reveiw by (PB)

2011-09-10T10:17:00.002-04:00

Black cherry hue showing a little age at the rim; fruity aromas wafting from the glass at a distance--very nice.

Bouquet of cherry/raspberry fruit with black pepper

Palate--Tart first impression, a little chewy, tight cherry fruit and the tartness of raspberry.

After 2 hours in the decanter this wine improved markedly. It is a decent Rhone blend and paired well with our grilled rib steak, grilled fingerling potatoes, sweet corn and garlic bread. I paid $8 for this which is why I snagged it as I see it for considerably more. All in all, raise a glass and don't overlook the importance of breathing some wines!

Primus 2006 wine review by (PB)

2011-09-09T15:41:00.002-04:00

Deep dark black cherry hue with huge deep plum and cedar bouquet.

Palate--A big fruit bomb with loads of cedary fruit that is tasty but a little hot.

Needs another year or two to mature and it should be pretty decent.

This is a Bordeaux type blend ( Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Syrah from Chile. I usually see this for the low teens but I bought this at $8. For the price it has a decent future but not ready now.

Napa River chardonnay 2009 wine review by (PB)

2011-09-05T16:03:00.002-04:00

Reviewed previously, straw hue with vanilla cream and light citrus.

Palate--lovely balanced acid, lemon,vanilla pudding, with mouth watering juiciness.

This is a ridiculous Trader Joe's value wine at $7. Buy several, put a slight chill on it and enjoy it solo, or with buttery sauced foods, or seafood.
Raise a glass!

Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc De Noir winre review by (PB)

2011-09-03T16:32:00.002-04:00

Blush wine on appearance with nutty Macadamia nut aromas on top of a touch of benign fruit.

Palate--fine bubbles, with dry slight mineral touch and light citrus notes.

Chill it down and it's a typical $12 sparkler which is refreshing on a hot summer day.

Raise a glass or not; there are better values out there.