Chappellet (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 wine review by (PB)

Dark purple to black cherry hue with big aromas of fresh blackberry, blueberry and ripe plum. Suggestion of menthol, cedar.

Palate--Supple tannins, mouth filling extracted dark berry fruit with mid layer of tar, and more plum with a touch of bread and in the words of my wife, "Andie's Mints". Finish lingers a bit with some charcoal.

This is a big ripe extracted Napa Cab with a lot going for it but it is still a bit young. It is structured, deliciousness right now but will come into its own in a about 3 more years. It isn't cheap--$40-$50 but is a nice treat! This reminds me of Caymus' Cabernet and is just what pure Cabernet should taste like. Thanks Thomas! Was an awesome compliment to boneless Rib-eye on the grill. Raise a glass.

Girard Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Wild berries, bramble, and smoky notes on the nose

Full bodied and dense

Dark plum, black tea, and herbs layered on the finish

Summary:

I always enjoy finding a good Petite Sirah. When made well, it's a varietal that shows incredible density and depth along with a bit of rustic charm. This wine is a stellar example from Girard, and it has interesting layers that evolve in the glass with some time. Pair with red meat or a hearty sauce, and give it plenty of air. For $25, this is fairly priced and easy to recommend. Raise a glass!

Cellers Can Blau Montsant 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Ripe dark berries and toasty oak on the nose
Full bodied on the palate
Blackberry and licorice on the finish

Summary:

This is a nice wine every time I've sampled it. The 2011 has bold fruit and a robust, modern profile. It's made from Mazuelo, Syrah, and Grenache in an up-and-coming region in Northern Spain. For $13, you can't go wrong. Raise a glass!

Domaine Virginie Thunevin 2009 wine review by (PB)

Significantly bricked hue with really enticing cherry/berry bouquet with sweet cigar box notes and daffodil blooms.

Palate--*Understated, subdued,a bit clunky with slightly bitter fruit, and a minerally finish.

I paid $12 marked down from $17 for this Grand Vin De Bordeaux. Quite surprising that this wine should be on its way out. Drink yesterday! I will be serving it with my slow braised, smoked pork hocks with a risotto bed of velvety goodness. *Paired with the dinner I mentioned this wine was extraordinary! A super value, and makes one appreciate the absolute stellar pairing quality of old world style. Not only did the wine come alive, but the meal as well. Ahhh WINE! Yes, Raise a glass!!!

This rainy, chilly, Maine day off will not get me down! I expect this to pair really well with my dish so I am saying Raise a Glass to this almost over-the-hill old world style!

St. Urbans-Hoff Reisling 2012 (Old Vines) wine review by (PB)

Very gentle yellow with aromas of powdery tropical fruits with a citrus foundation.

Palate--Mouth filling flavors with nicely balanced acidity. Delicious blend of rich, sweet melange of all sorts of world fruits and a touch of bitters and lime rind.

St. Urbans-Hoff are producing some excellent Rieslings. This grape is one of the more under appreciated grapes in the world. This is an excellent aperitif chilled down for a summer on the porch or an excellent pairing with spicy food, oriental, Asian, or Indian food. I paid under $14 and I will buy more so raise a glass!

Barone Ricasoli Brolio 2009 wine review by (PB)

Rich deep black cherry, cranberry hue with aromas of blackberry and cherry underneath with loads of cigar box and nice spices.

Palate--Integrated tannins with nice flavors that are balanced and a structure that is still killer. Rustic, berry prominence with all kinds of spices. This is a Tuscan favorite that is probably close to peak but will hold for 2 more years. I paid $15 for it on sale from $25 and bought several bottles. Super value--raise a glass!

Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva 2009 wine reviw by (PB)

Ruby hue with a touch of age on it yields aromas of rustic forest floor and cherry fruit with a unique note of camphor. Eucalyptus emerges overpowering the bright sweet cherry.

Palate--Good mouth feel with vibrant flavors of zesty subdued, old world fruit with a conglomeration of green lichens, ferns and that touch of camphor/eucalyptus. Interesting.

This wine is comprised of Grenache and besides the cherry, I would not have called it a Grenache. If you enjoy the "aged" taste of wine, this will suit you just fine. Expect to pay around $12 but a shop proprietor may be dumping it realizing it is headed south.

J. Lohr Monterey County White Reisling 2012 wine review by (PB)

Nearly floral, spicy, citrusy, powdery, with ripe pineapple.

Palate--Luscious, minerally, nicely structured foundation with really nice flavors of lemon/lime?, apple, and summer fruit.

This is a lovely, refreshing wine; a fine example of New World Riesling and a great wine to throw a chill on while sitting on the sun drenched porch. I paid around $10 for it and will buy MORE so raise a glass!
(*Obviously label shown is for another year.)

Sharecropper's Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 wine review by (PB)

Really young purple hue with loads of cocoa aromas underneath of which is nice spicy blackberry with notes of fresh grape and a tantalizing layer of mint or eucalyptus.

Palate--Mouth filling fruity flavors of rich blackberry with a rustic edge, edgy structure, a touch of chocolate commingled with dark berry and plum.

This Columbia Calley Washington State Cab is typical of the region. As soon as I smelled it I know what it was. I paid $15 for it and it was a decent wine so raise a glass!

Marques De Caceres Riserva 2008 wine review by (PB)

Ruby hue with aromas of sweet spices, dill, and caraway brimming with light red fruit.

Palate--Rather unremarkable light black cherry fruit with a touch of spice and a touch of bitters with a fairly quick finish. Nice foundation that is both supple and vibrant. *Loads of plummy fruit with nuances of tar.

I really had higher expectations for this reserve Tempranillo from a reliable and noted producer. Instead I got an average red wine. Can't remember what I paid but I believe it was on sale for around the $17 price point. It's OK but that's about it.

Two full days later--I poured the remainder from the fridge; It had take that much time to open and it was a much fuller, bigger, wine than when opened. I would upgrade this to "Raise a glass!" But make sure you aerate this and breathe it as long as you can before quaffing!