Interesting orange hue with aromas primarily of sweet Chinese 5 spice, and gentle raspberry.
Palate--Vibrant acidity, a light citrus note in the mid palate, tart raspberry, a lighter finish but nice.
This rosé, made from the pride of Spain (the Tempranillo grape), is a well made food worthy rosé. Tonight I will have it with Brats, four cheese tortellini, salad and fresh garden string beans sauteed in butter.
I found this for $9 marked down from $18. Raise a glass at $9!
Deep purple as expected from this grape with aromas Slight hint of ruby red grapefruit, gentle fruit above the rim not characteristic of the grape, subdued but very nice ripe berry fruits, plum and savory yet sweet spices.
Palate--Absolutely silky texture, with seductive tannins that grow while on the palate. Lots of dark and mixed berries fighting to get out; needs time to come around and open up. Fleeting finish but c'mon, read below...
Mclaren Vale is one of Australia's great wine regions and they produce gazillions of tons of grapes which means BIG production which is why they can offer this wine for the ridiculous price of $6 at Trader Joes. It is not classic Shiraz but it's a great price so...
Should improve over the next 2 years and be a value wine to be grabbed. Raise a glass!
Beautiful crystalline magenta hue with lovely aromas of sweet red berry, then more mature darker red fruit with plum and a hint of mocha and cinnamon.
Palate--Bold presentation with loads of minerality on the first impression, rigid acidity, ample plum and pie cherry underneath.
This is from the Castillon a sub region of Bordeaux and is really well made and should be holding for a number of years beyond In fact it will only improve for the next 3-5 years, If you have the discipline buy several and lay a couple down for the future and I believe you will be rewarded.
Pairing this tonight with strip steak grilled with charcoal. At $45 retail, found it on sale for $15 and it is a bargain so raise a glass.
Bright tart cherry with an nice citrus beam even if a bit unusual, with a note of mandarin orange!
Palate--Steely front with the same citrusy mid palate with cherry notes and citrusy finish that lingers.
Tavel is the only area in the Rhone Valley of France which has made a quality Rosé for decades. When the world was producing nothing but "Plonk" in many countries Teval made a lovely wine which iit is to this day. It has Character, finesse, structure and is well worth seeking out. At the $10 price point at Trader Joe's.
I will pair it with my chinese dinner and it will be great so raise a glass!
Palate--Relaxed tannins with nice fruit forward rich berry presence, ripe plum in the middle and a lasting finish that keeps on giving.
Columbia Crest is the highest point on the breathtaking glaciated Mt. Rainier. My name happens to be recorded in the book at the summit having been as climber back in the 80's. Living there for about 3 years we loved the majestic vista, Rainier Nat'l Park and this was all before the Silicon Valley migration to seattle.
Columbia Crest Wines have established themselves as reliable value producing wines that you can buy without hesitation. This is no exception. At the $12 price point raise a glass!
Bouquet is rather lighter than usual with pronounced strawberry bouquet, with chilled tomato juice notes, and spices.
Palate--Nice fruity front withagain strawberry notes with savory spices, a twinge of dark cocoa in the finish.
It's been a while since I have had Four Vines Zinfandel and I always enjoy them. At the $12 price point it's a no brainer! Raise a glass...
Purple deep hue in center of bowl with a tinge of bricking at the rim. Aromas of raw beef, in the bowl with unique minced meat nuances, and more but needs to open. Smoked mushrooms,...
Palate--Mature structure with sophisticated tannins, nice balance with acid and structured, around fruit that eludes me!
This will be a nice pairing with my strip steak (charcoal grilled) for my bride and our 51st anniversary. Funny thing is I bought this recently at a Sam's Club and thought it was $10. It was in the wrong bin and I was surprised to see my receipt at home for $25. But even at that, this is a very nice wine, and worth every bit of qhat I paid for it so "Raise a glass!"
Lighter golden hue with aromas of Cantaloupe, musk melon with a squeeze of lime juice on top with sweet vanilla pudding on the edge.
Palate--Vibrant mouth feel, nice acidity with loads of zesty fruit, lovely structured wine with a nice mouth feel and finish that lingers.
The Languedoc region of France is a reliable producer of all manner of the wines they ship and they are always a very nice value. This is no exception.
Serve this chilled at pool side, with cheeses and crackers, or pair it with a variety of seafoods and French onion soup as I am having tonight. At $13, this is a definite raise a glass!
Opaque, garnet hue with aromas of subtle milk chocolate, cherry berry, strawberry licorice.
Palate--Clean cherry and berry flavors with rigid acidity, mid-palate savory spices and cocoa, finishing with a black licorice ending.
This is one of my favorite budget Montepulciano D'Abruzzos and never disappoints. It goes with all kinds of Italian themed dishes but I served it with my wife's special dinner of boneless rib eyes on the charcoal and hardwood grill. It was perfect. I grabbed this for $9 at my favorite wine shop in Portland, Maine and will return tomorrow to see if I can score any more. Raise a glass!
Purple/garnet hue with aromas of nice sweetish red/purple flowers, violets, with a savory yet sweet spice note overlying it all.
Palate--Decent first impression, with relaxed tannins and structure. Notes of Berry beams down the middle, with nuances that remind of numerous fruity, Italian wines, but honestly not much of *Zinfandel.
I am having this with indoor pan grilled Bratwurst--due to heavy rains, sauteed onions and green peppers on top and it will be great!
*Primitivo is the genetic "parent" of what we know as Zinfandel. Zinfandel was unique to the United States although S. Africa and Australia now produce Zinfandel as I understand. I have never seen one however.
My wife bought this for me for Father's Day and I believe it runs around $16. Raise a glass!
Palate--Cranberry driven first impression with a sweet tartness, andsome stern minerality.
I'm not sure about this wine as a matter of preference. It is a decent enough summery kind of wine chilled down well, and reminds me of Beaujolais Nouveau in the sense that it can be quaffed without having to parse every nuance of the grape but rather just enjoy it with friends.
I am going to have it with charcoal grilled venison burgers and we'll see what happens. For around $9 its worth a try.
Palate--Silky textured, sweet prune, currant, raisin, lingering, lovely mouth filling dark prune flavors with a lasting finish that reminds you what you were just blessed with.
This is a great treat my wife gave me for Father's Day and it is wonderful! Since most normal human beings cannot afford "Vintage Port" LBV is a great way to experience a close proximity to Vintage Port. This is thickish, balanced, complex and glorious in its presentation.
For a splurge of $35 enjoy it all by itself or try it with strawberries or dark Chocolate and Raise a Glass!
Very pale gold hie with aromas of tropical fruit, melon, green apple, and oil.
Palate--Very slight "spritzig" (sparkle) with balanced flavors of tropical melange and gentle sweet baking spice.
I LOVE Riesling! People will say it is SWEET but it is actually FRUITY! Sweet means there is unfermented sugar remaining in the wine which is not the case.
Another Trader Joe's bargain at $6 grab some, chill it down and serve it on the deck, patio, pool-side all by itself or with fruit and light cheeses. Raise a glass!
Deep purple hue with aromas of Rich dark berry, plum and black berry and savory spices.
Big first impression with rich, ripe jammy berry fruit, well structured, youthful, tasty and savory. Finish lingers a while with rich dark berry goodness and blackberry pie.
Reviewed many times because it is such a value wine from Trader Joes. At $10 for an AVA Cab is a bargain and Corvelia is super so raise a glass!
Deep dark plum hue with aromas of berry fruit tart, with baking spice Washington State cherries.
Palate--Relaxed structure, almost lazy but not, big spicy front with berry in the middle.
Hmmm, not sure what to make of this. First--the label is eye catching and fun! I love Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and maybe its youthfulness is getting in my way. Not in a bad way, just ambivalent. I am going to guess the structure of this will make this an exceptional food wine, so I withhold judgement *until I get my charcoal grilled lamb shanks of the grill.
*My cumin laced grilled lamb shanks was spectacular with this wine! Or should I say this wine was spectacular with my lamb shanks?
Whatever; at $9 for this bottle, it was a perfect pairing and made you want more of everything. So, raise a glass!
A rather dark hue for Pinot Noir with aromas of strawberry and bright red fruit.
Palate--Nicely constructed even if a bit harsh, with a big lip smacking foundation, decent fruit and some sweet/savory spices.
Bogle is reliable and a value wine producer. At $7 for this wine on closeout (more likely to see it upwards of $10-12). Reviewed previously, so compare. Raise a glass!
Palate--Balanced front with masterful structure, brimming with stewed pears, vibrant chinese five spice, with a lingering finish, and lovely integrated acidity making it a very powerful, food friendly quaff.
The Russian River AVA of Sonoma is one of the best America has to offer of this iconic varietal. I will be putting it through its paces with tonight's spicy shrimp, and polish sausage pasta.
At the $20 price point, Raise a glass!
Garnet hue with purple highlights and aromas of rather "grapey" bouquet which is unexpected from a Merlot or actually ANY wine that is not made for guzzling or is plonk.
Palate--Understated, but with red berry fruit with spices at the edges, and not the "grapey" presentation it gave in the nose. Still not very "Merlot" like.
This is a Trader Joe's offering and even at $7 it is fleeting barely drinkable though the uninitiated would never notice. If you don't mind plonk, there is worse but this is not characteristic Merlot. Pass...
Grapey color and grapey bouquet with a slight apple aroma.
Palate--Effervescent on the palate with bright, grapey, cheery, flavors with a very quick finish.
Lambrusco is a very playful, uncomplicated, easy to drink red wine with low alcohol content (8.5%) and is wonderful chilled down and served with light appetizers or all by itself llpool side or just enjoying a Summer day. I think I paid around $9 for it and it is simple, lively and refreshing so raise a glass!
Palate--Heavy on the palate, loads of luscious dark berry fruit, with loads of zesty spices that are both savory and yet sweet. Finish is a touch coarse but it works!
I found this today at a local Walmart on closeout at $7. What a steal! I only bought 4 bottles but should grab the rest. Raise a glass!
Very pale straw hue with aromas of classic Sauvignon Blanc grassy bouquet, with light lemon/lime undertone aromas and perhaps light melon but the grassy bouquet is over powering.
Palate--Green melon first impression with a somewhat flabby structure but grassy S. Blanc flavors are strong and solid with a slightly bitter ending but lingering notes of grass.
Central France is the home of the Touraine and the Loire Valley. This producer makes lovely super value wine around the $8 price point at trader Joes. I have never had this particular bottle by them and it is another nice value if you like Sauvignon Blanc. It is surprisingly "new world" in its make up and I won't bore you with the blah blah blah wine speak. Branch out and see what you think. Chill it down first and raise a glass!
I am pairing this tonight with home-made asparagus soup... which is a particularly challenging pairing so we shall we see what happens.
Palate--It is a bit tart, with mouth watering acidity, stingy cherry fruit with those same spices you get in the bouquet.
Now first the "get a grip" factor. Nebbiolo can cost you into the $20-$40 range and higher and they are quite lovely. This Trader Joe's regular is under $10! Is it the classic Nebbiolo profile? Not if you mean voluptuous fruit, no, but with food friendly, mouth watering acidity, yes; Old world structure, yes, an eye pleasing shimmering ruby red in the glass, yes, and will it go with lovely tomato based pastas as well as Pizzas, ravioloi.s etc., yes.
So for Pete's sake, if you see these, grab them and enjoy them for what they are--a nice value wine! Raise a glass!
Thin Pinot hue with aromas of strawberries, ash and spice.
Palate--Juicy structure with more structure than flavor; solid acidity, austere Pinot flavors but what's there is tasty. Finishes better than it starts.
I could write a book on Robert Mondavi and the legacy he left to Napa Valley and the country of wine as a whole. When he passed, Mondavi wines changed. They "may" still produce elegant, desirable wines but I am now at an income level where I probably couldn't afford them even if I wanted them.
At any rate this is a $7 dollar Pinot Noir sourced from California and it is to be passed on. My wife grabbed it on sale which I am glad she did as I have not had a Mondavi wine in many years. I STILL haven't had a Mondavi wine... Pass on this.
Deep purple hue with aromas of ash, and tart plum.
Palate--Velvety texture, with spicy red fruit, cherry and a touch tannic, with black olives galore.
This blend of Grenache and Syrah is from the Cotes Du Roussillon Villages where they just tend to turn out value wines.
I am not crazy about this one and for the tag of $16 I was hoping for more. I will pair it with charcoal grilled rib eyes and we'll *see how it goes...
*It was "ok" with my steak but not exceptional...
Solid ruby hue with aromas of blackberry pie, spice.
Palate--First impression is a bold, juicy, fruit filled wine that is drinking at peak. It is fleeting in its presence but what's there is solidly Zinfandel.
I have had this very wine several times and I will review my previous reviews of it when it is much younger.
I paid $9 for this 6 year old Zin and has much life left in it so raise a glass.
Palate--A rather relaxed yet nicely structured first impression with gentle if not playful red fruit trifle, with a strong beam of those spices right down the middle.
This Piedmont (Italy) grape called Dolcetto, are derived from various vineyards in the region. It is a grape that doesn't get the respect it deserves being over shadowed by the great Nebbiolo and the more forward, Barbera. I would liken it to "Chenin blanc" in the white wine world in that it gets little respect but deserves so much more. The advantage of this is that it is a relative bargain.
I am pairing it tonight with my wife's home made "Italian sausage and kale" soup with homemade cheese bread. At $9 this is a definite raise a glass!
BTW--Put a nice chill on it and enjoy it pool side with appetizers of all sorts!
Palate--Fruity front, a somewhat "clunky" structure but decent fruit comes through with a decent finish that might be better than the original presentation.
A somewhat confused if non-descript attempt at making a red blend with who knows what grapes... Fetzer has such a prestigious name that I am afraid they are grasping at bulk, cheap wines in order to stay profitable. I hope I am wrong. At $10 I would pass on this.
Palate--Gentle spritzig (sparkle) on the tongue with a nice beam of balanced citrusy, sweet fruit, with a very dry finish.
This Portuguese white wine is a non vintage creation and is inexpensive and ever so nice to quaff with a nice chill on it.
I may have paid $6 for this Trader Joes offer and it is a lovely summer sparkler for pool side, light appetizers. How can you resist at this price. Raise a glass!
Lovely purple hue and a dark black bowl with lighter savory and yet sweet spiced apple and mixed berry fruit.
Palate-- Bright red berry fruit and, wait for it, grapey nuances, with nice structure and a hint of red grapefruit. Finishes quickly with lip smacking tannins and a jellied berry compote.
This is a mash up of numerous Argentinian grapes for an interesting blend that will pair with a variety of more robust cheeses, BBQ'd chicken, pizza and red sauce pasta.
A the $10 price point it is a change from the usual and is worth a peek so raise a glass.
Truly gorgeous magenta-crimson hue with aromas of blackberry compote, mocha above the rim and a sweet bright red fruit I cannot put my finger (or should I say "nose" on).
Palate--A pleasant tartness out of the gate but is mitigated by the ample blackberry fruit in the mid palate. It held up well to my charcoal grilled rib-eye for my wife for Mother's Day.
Benziger Family has been doing wine well for a long time and this $17 Cab actually has some Cabernet characteristics. For the $10 I paid for it, I'd do it again so raise a glass!
Nice garnet hue with aromas of gentle red berry and cinnamon nuanced bouquet.
Palate--Slightly "sweet" first impression but this is NOT a sweet wine. It is a well made inexpensive Cabernet that stands out for its care in structure.
If you read the previous review a bout $10 price point Cabernets this may confuse you and understandably so. Yes this is another $10ish Cabernet and yet it is actually froman AVA named "Lodi." This in itself puts it above all the myriad "California" Cabernets. Lodi being a much more narrowed region for the terroir to express itself in these grapes and it shows.
I would buy this wine again even though it is a cheap $10 Cab. So, raise a glass!
Palate-Plum on the front palate, with spices and finishes with a fairly weak but fruity berry finish.
Another "California" generic Cabernet that is in a field of gazillions of such wines. This is no more a good example of Cabernet Sauvignon as the myriad other $10 Cabernets that flood the fields of cheap wine.
If you follow my blog and understand my vast experience of wine for over 40 years it might seem like I sing the same song over and over and over with respect to the vast majority of wines I review. You would be correct. This is the result of having a limited budget, on a fixed income, so I focus on the $10 price point wines which is what most people buy. You will never experience or understand the particular grape varietals and how distinct and glorious they can be. Because you have to be willing to pony up the price.
A $10 Cabernet, or Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay or --fill in the blank-- is going to have the same basic profile regardless of where it is from. Yes there are exceptions but exceptions are exceptions because they are "exceptional." [You can quote me on that!] :)
Inky dark black hue with huge aromas of blackberry and plum, gentle sacory spicing--needs to breath.
Palate--Bold youthful presentation with gigantic fruit bomb flavors, silky tannins, and so much fruit you almost overload...almost! :)
This (crianza) Tempranillo wine is from the Valdelayegua vineyard then aged for 12 months (which is what "crianza" means).
*I will add notes when this has had time to open. I paid $15 for this gem though it lists at $25. I am serving it with charcoal grilled chicken. It is a wonderful pairing and wished I would have bought a case!
*This is a majestic Tempranillo, expertly crafted and wonderfully presented. I am fortunate to have found it. Raise a glass!
Palate--sophisticated first impression with bold fruit profile and numerous iterations of red berry and some black berry as well. Finishes with a lod of savory spice once it opens, and lingers for a good bit.
Shannon Ridge in my limited experience with their wines has a nice blend of structured wines and a talent of blending all sorts of grapes. This is a melange of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Sirah. It tends toward a slightly confused presentation but is never-the-less tasty. Listed at $20, I found this for $9.
Having it with our Sunday night pizza and it will be perfect so raise a glass at the $10 price point.
Very pale straw hue with scant aromas of "oily" tropical fruit, and not much of it.
Palate--Flabby, structure, subdued flavors of some tropical fruit but seriously lacking.
I paid $5.50 after discounts and sale of an otherwise price tag of of only $7. Is it drinkable? Yes. But... if you aren't familiar with Riesling and how glorious it can be, you want to avoid this effort. Washington state can do very nice Riesling but this is not one of them. And the fact that it is over 4 years old doesn't help its cause.
Palate--Rich, intense, baked bread under a rich layer of deep brooding dark berries. Finishes with a gentler presence of cherryberry but it's fleeting. Nicely structured and endearing.
This $14 Zin was marked down to $9 and I am always on the hunt for solid but affordable wines. This is pretty decent for the price and it will pair excellently with my homemade venison chili. Raise a glass!
*Lodi as one of many California "AVA's" [American Viticultural Areas] giving it a special (higher) status. The designation "Old Vines" is to suggest that because the vines of these grapes are generally close to 100 years old or greater, They have been stressed through weather, fires, etc. which at least in theory gives the grapes and the wines more "character" of the area called "Terroir."
I am not going to even review this properly since it is a total loss! I just noticed it is not even a "Vintage" Zin. It is sourced from California Zinfandel grapes and that's about as far as this wine goes being "Zinfandel" like.
It is fairly awful so pass it up. I do not know what they were thinking as they cam produce some pretty decent wine. This is NOT one of them. Even at $7 it is a LOSER. Caveat Emptor!
Palate -- Light weight Pinot, fruit, steel, and well, not much else to commend it.
This is a cheap California Pinot that is not typical for Mark West. You would never know what you drinking even with an experienced palate. Is it drinkable? Well yeah, but then most things are. While this isn't offensive, it isn't a good example of what is one of the most prestigious rapes in the world. For the same price ($13) there are numerous an Oregon Pinot's that out shine this by far.
Palate-- Watery texture, with forward dark cherry-berry fruit, and a touch of savory spice. Finishes better than it starts but is just "meah."
Clos Du Bois (pronounced "Do-Bwah") was one of the early California wineries I cut my teeth on some 45 years ago when beginning this lovely journey through viticulture. Clos du Bois can make some nice wine. This isn't one of them.
Palate--Fruity dark berry with a savory foundation. Mouth feel is a bit clunky and finishes quickly.
Charles Smith can make good wine. But that takes time and selection etc. This is called House Wine I am guessing because it is a generic kind of red wine that you might see on a typical chain restaurant. But in a restaurant a glass of this might cost you as much $10 whereas the whole bottle costs around $10.
It's what you would expect out of a $10 Cabernet. I will have it with charcoal broiled chicken smothered in BBQ sauce.
Pallet-- lovely acidity, A bit of an old world flare, hint of milk chocolate rear pallet and what you taste up front is what lingers on.
*Bricking--A a red wine ages it oxidizes and begins to take on a brownish tint first noticeable at the rim when tilted under good lighting. This is a characteristic of an aging wine is not a flaw. Some people love it, (I happen to be one of them) others do not. It does mean that the wine should be drunk fairly quickly...
I was not familiar with the producer of this very nice Pinot Noir. It is quite different demonstrating "terroir" and the appeal of "single vineyard wines. They also tend to cost a good bit more.
This was served by my daughter on a recent visit and runs around $35.
Palate--Lively structure with a balanced presentation of fruit and body, very nice savory spiced cherry/berry fruit with a fleeting finish.
This Spanish blend of 40% Tempranillo, 25%Syrah, 25% Garnacha, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is well made and for the money $7, I mean you really cannot pass this up. Raise a glass!
Lighter golden hue with aromas of vanilla pudding mixed citrus, and a melange of tropical fruit.
Palate--Ample fruit forward goodness with loads of exotic fruit from sunny climes; lemon, lime, ripe pineapple and ripe green melon.
Bought on sale for around $8 this is a really well made Chard that is structured nicely with a nice acidic foundation. I paired it with baked chicken thighs, in a savory rub. Raise a glass!
Deep garnet purple hue with aromas of light red berries with a gentle baking spice nose
Palate--A lively sparkle sets off a subdued but celebratory front palate with a cherry mid palate and a quick finish. A very FUN wine!
This is just a simple, casual wine with lots of delicious if simple freshness that will do well with anything pool side, lighter fare and lighter cheese and crackers. I am going to serve this with grilled salmon for my wife and a grilled bratwurst for myself. Not the class pairing for sure but I believe it will work. I think I paid perhaps $6 for this fun inid of party wine so raise a glass!
Palate--Mouth watering acidity with a silky texture and a big fruit filled presentation of ripe dark berry. On the rear there is another blast of big dark brooding berry which is again very nice! Finishes a bit quickly.
I saw this today at the local grocery store on sale for $10. James Suckling scored this $10 Malbec 90 points but I hadn't noticed that until I got home. I was doubly glad I grabbed it as Mr. Suckling is one of my reliable palates from my many years as a Wine Spectator devotee.
I am grilling Bratwurst right now and this will be very nice with it. Of course beer is another great pairing with Brats but ya like what ya like so raise a glass!
Palate--Striking first impression of steely red berry cherry fruit with notes of strawberry, with lip smacking structure and a finish that is quick but tasty.
Previously reviewed recently, I grabbed a bunch of these on close out at Walmart for $7!
C'mon, at this price you cannot NOT want to try this and even at the normal $10 price point Bogle just tends to be reliable regardless the varietal so raise a glass!
Lovely darker purple hue with aromas of understated black berry fruit, sweet black cherry/berry fruit on top, youthful fruit nuances with a hint of savory spice that will probably be accentuated as this wine matures.
Palate--Nice first impression with balanced structure of loads of luscious mouth watering fruit, silky tannins, youthful acidity, but overall a very drinkable wine right now! Finishes a bit quickly but c'mon, see below!
I found this wine today at Sam's club and since it was a Cab from an actual *"AVA" called LODI, for $10 I had to give it a try. See * below; it will help you be a smarter shopper for inexpensive wines!
*I have explained numerous times but it bears repeating. An AVA is an "American Viticultural Area" which means it is a particular (relatively small area of a locale that has achieved a certain reputation/standards that put it above a wine that is generically from a large geography like a state! So a wine that says simply "California" on the label means that the grapes came from somewhere/ anywhere in California. But jhis says "LODI" which is a relatively small area in California from which the grapes came. Rule of thumb--and it is a GOOD rule, a wine from a smaller region eg. the State of California vs. this particular locale in California will be better quality overall. (There are exceptions but...)
I paid $10 for this Cab from Lodi and it is a nice value wine for the price so raise a glass!
This fine wine is from the "Rare Wine Co. Historic Series Madeira. I opened it today as today is "Patriot's Day" in America for those who live in New England where the Revolutionary War began.
Madeira was one of the common wines enjoyed by the Founding Fathers and this is a special one given to me by my wife a while back. It is unique!
Beautiful Brown crystalline tint with orange hues in the mix.
The Bouquet: A glorious melange of sweet burnt orange peel, toffee, baked molasses and more!
Palate--Powerful yet elegant flavors of brown sugar, baked orange, baking spices on a foundation of acidity which carries it all superbly! Finishes with a lingering, beauty of roasted almonds and more baked orange peel.
A special wine that comes at a price of $75 more or less! A real treat so raise a glass! And may the Lord forgive America for it's wretched godlessness today.
Palate--Big first impression loaded with dark berry fruit, savory spices, bold structure, with a cherry berry finish with more ash.
I love Zinfandel and while I prefer Sonoma Zins, I love Lodi for all its expressions and value Zins which abound. This Bogle I pay any where from $7/bottle as what I paid for this one on a closeout at Walmart to $12 in the local grocery stores. It is always well made, reliable and a nice value for the price so raise a glass!
Yes, I review this a bunch for reasons explained in a previous post(s). CF. if interested...
Palate--Bright, lively acidity with lush stone fruit, slight vanilla nuance and steely finish on a creamy rear palate.
It was a lifetime ago that I visited St. Michelle with my wife as we were living in the Seattle -Tacoma area well before the silicon valley migration. It is a spectacular winery located in a spectacular, scenic topography and perfect for the outdoor sportsman who loved fishing, back-packing and mountain climbing. (My name is in the registry on the summit of Mt. Rainier at "Columbia Crest" the very peak of the 14,410 foot glaciated behemoth.)
At a bargain price of $10, this is a must buy Chardonnay which I will be pairing tonight with my wife's Kale, white bean and parmesan soup. Raise a glass!
