Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 wine review by (PB)

Nice deep hue with a bouquet of dark berry with loads of herbal spice and cedar. Palate--Dark plum and solid berry foundation. This is a $10 Cab so you don't expect the world obviously. But all in all this is a solid wine for the price. (I read another review of this wine which was not flattering; description sounded like a flawed bottle though

--it happens!) Raise a glass!

Chateau Haut Barrail Medoc 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Blueberry and graphite notes on the nose

Medium bodied and nicely textured

Dark berries, cedar, and graphite layered on the finish

Summary:

Here's a good value Bordeaux that's 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.  It has nice fruit qualities and a graphite edge that delivers balance and finesse.  While it could cellar, I'm sure, go ahead and enjoy it young with a nice meal.  Expect to pay around $18, and raise a glass!

Chateau Musar 1994 wine review by (PB)

Bricky hue with daffodil bouquet and some light cherry. Palate--A slight sparkle on opening with subdued flavors all around, slightly bitter with cherry remnants. This wine was given to me and it is a first for ma as it is from one of the premier vintners of Lebanon. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon blend for which this Lebanese wine is famous. The wine was low in the shoulder of the bottle as it had been seeping which is why it was oxidized. Never-the-less, it was a treat. Raise a glass to Dan and Roxanne!

Chateau LaGrange Clinet 2005 wine review by (PB)

Blueberry and mint fragrance on opening with a sweet dark berry fruit with rustic earthy touches. Palate--Good structure with old world berry palate, oak, leather, a mite chewy with rustic finish and more berries. This is a previously tasted wine which was promising so I bought another and laid it down another year. But this was better earlier than it is now. I like to follow lower level Bordeaux from good years--and they don't get much better than 05 but this one is on its way out. Still plenty of drink-ability to it but was at its peak a year ago. Around $10-12 this is a solid Bordeaux and I'll try later vintages and compare them. For now raise a glass of something else.

Bodega Monteviejo Festivo Torrontes 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Incredibly fragrant nose of sweet floral and white peach notes

Light bodied and sleek on the palate

Crisp citrus and mineral finish

Summary:

Don't miss what's happening with the Torrontes grape in Argentina.  These are fragrant, light wines at bargain prices.  For $10 or so, this wine will suprise you with its fragrant nose and clean texture.  It's guaranteed to put you in the mood for Summer.  In fact, I recommend this wine as an aperitif to sip on a warm afternoon.  Raise a glass!

Ramey Syrah Sonoma Coast 2007 wine review by (PB)

Dark garnet tomato hue with thick bouquet of rich berry fruit and cigar box goodness with a touch of menthol or eucalyptus. (On opening there was a distinct presence of meat. but that has dissipated on breathing.)

Palate--Rich textured, big fruit palate with pleasure filled balance. Mid palate there's a subtle hint of baked wood with a bready undercurrent and a toasty oak and charcoal finish that keeps on going. This is a BIG bold fruit forward quaff with the popular palate that will appeal to the masses of budding oenophiles.

It is purely coincidental that(NW)just posted a Ramey Cab. I am grilling Loin Veal chops and wanted something hefty to stand up to the charcoal (none of this gas grill business) and the Italian rub I am putting on the chops. This will be a nice pairing.

At $32 this is a splurge and a nice one at that. Raise a glass!

Ramey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Black cherry, anise, and earthy notes on the nose

Full bodied and moderately firm texture on the palate

Nicely integrated dried currants, roasted herbs, and smoky cedar on the finish

Summary:

For Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a very good, refined, classy style.  I don't get too worked up over the style debate surrounding Napa Cab, because with the incredible variety of well made wine there's a place for almost anything.  Big, high alcohol Cabs don't scare me off and the austere, old-world styles are also welcomed at my table.  I mention this because Ramey somehow strikes the middle ground beautifully, with good fruit and rich texture while being somewhat refined and restrained.  Let the debate continue but know that some wines reside in the middle and, well, they're worth seeking out.

Pair this one with roasted meat or stew and enjoy sipping through the evening.  Expect to pay around $45 or so, and raise a glass!

Campo Delle Piane Boca 1985 Wine review by (PB)

Brown hue on the rim yet with fresh bouquet of sweet cherry rising on what seemed like a classic Tuscan licorice, fresh grape, and a hint of pipe tobacco. This is however a Piedmont creation of Nebbiolo.

Palate--Lively, with a touch of tartness on a cherry foundation, complex layers of whimsical fruit with nuances of all kinds of goodness.

This was a special treat opened by the courtesy of our gracious hosts. Again wine is special--and this one will stay in the memory banks! Raise a glass D and R!

St. Urbans-Hof Bockstein Ockfen Mosel Riesling Kabinett 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bright lemon and pear notes on the nose

Medium bodied and lively on the palate

Flavorful layers of stone fruit, honey, and mineral notes on the finish

Summary:

This is a beauty!  It combines richness and big flavor while staying light and lively.  That's the magic of a good Riesling Kabinett from Germany.  Known to be extremely versatile with food, this wine has excellent acidity and a low 8% alcohol content.  Expect to pay around $20, and raise a glass!