Cortijo Rioja 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fresh raspberry and herbs on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Finishes with strawberry jam and herbs

Summary:

Here's a simple Rioja that shows some freshness but is one dimensional. Take a pass on serving this as a dinner wine. For $10 or so, it will make a nice red sangria.

Ken Forrester Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc Reserve 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fresh, vibrant citrus nose

Light bodied and crisp on the palate

Flavorful finish of lemon, fresh apricot, and some hazelnut

Summary:

Fresh and flavorful, this wine packs it in. With good acidity to drive the finish, there's a lot to like here on a warm evening with a piece of fish or some scallops. Normally priced at $15, mix up your white wine rotation with this South African value. Be sure to read the back label. And raise a glass!

Beckman Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley Cuvee le Bec 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Smoky blackberry and lavender on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Rich, layered finish of black cherry, menthol, and chocolate on the finish

Summary:

An interesting Rhone-style blend, this wine is made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Counoise. It opens nicely with a range of flavors and has good texture. Drink it young, and pour it with rich food or to sip on its own. Expect to pay $17 or so. Raise a glass!

Montes Alpha M Santa Cruz 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant, ripe, wild berries and cherry complimented by coffee notes on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Beautiful layers of tea, wild berries, cedar, and chocolate on the finish

Summary:

This is an outstanding wine and I've been wanting to try it for a while. It's considered to be one of the great wines of Chile. I had the good forture of grabbing a bottle on closeout for $40, and at this price I'd buy a lot more. The problem is, the wine usually retails for $90.

The 2004 is drinking incredibly well, probably at its peak. It has ripe fruit and lots of layers, all of which are beautifully integrated and harmonious. A real treat for sure.

Pour this with good friends and enjoy the richness and length that will compliment a wide variety of fine dishes. Savor the moment, and raise a glass!

Joel Gott Zinfandel 2008 wine review by (PB)

Nice purple black cherry hue with big Zin berry bouquet yet lacking in the tell tale "brambly" wildness that normally comes with classic Zins. A touch of leather in the nose leads to a nice mouth feel.

palate--Big "sweet" balanced nearly jammy blackberry fruit with slight dark chocolate and fennel on the finish.

This is a tasty Zin and should be even better in two more years. I paid $14 for it so raise a glass.

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2009 wine review by (PB)

Nice powdery citrus and tropical fruit aromas

Palate--Tasty, acidic, balanced, nice fruit with baked caramel note. This is the Trader Joe's offering and a big value.

Previously reviewed; raise a glass at $9

Dona Paula Malbec 2010 wine review by (PB)

Nice simple berry bouquet with herbs and a touch of celery.

palate--Big berry presence with solid foundation; Full bodied with bold flavor.

This is a big wine with a sweet herbal presence and is quite nice for the price of $13.

Raise a glass of this decent Malbec.

Owen Roe Ex Umbris Syrah 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Ripe, jammy berries and chocolate on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Rich plum and currant finish with cream and spice

Summary:

This wine is big and bold, yet polished and classy. It has ripe fruit and a remarkable texture that brings it all together. At $27 it's a great example of the world-class Syrah that can be produced in Washington state. Drink with a rich meal and enjoy the last glass after dinner.

Raise a glass!

Casa Silva Colchagua Valley Carmenere Reserva 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fresh dark berries and green pepper notes on the nose

Full bodied and firmly textured on the palate

Dark berries and currants with some vegetal and oak notes on the finish

Summary:

I saw some good reviews of this wine, but I disagree. This wine has too much of a vegetal note and the oak is poorly integrated in an attempt to add richness and depth. Carmenere has become a specialty of Chile, but it can be tricky to produce at the lower price points and can easily result in my description above. For $10-12, I recommend a Chilean Cabernet or Merlot instead, and there are many good ones. Price isn't everything, but the Carmerere bottled at $30 and up is typically excellent and memorable which suggests that this grape will continue to thrive in Chile. I'll be on the lookout for a better value Carmenere, so stay tuned. In the meantime, raise a glass of a great value Cab from Chile instead!

Darioush Napa Valley Signature Shiraz 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich wild berries with cocoa and charcoal notes on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Heavy tannins, dark berries and subtle notes of clove and pepper

Summary:

My tasting notes finished with: nice, rich, stylish, and sturdy. Darioush is known for its big, bold Cabernets which I've had a number of times. This was my first opportunity to sample the Shiraz. I was impressed how stylish this wine is rather than simply an attempt at a highly extracted red. It should cellar well, too. At $68, it's no steal but it tastes great. Raise a glass!

Rosenblum Sauvignon Blanc "Vinter's Cuvee" 2008 wine review by (PB)

Light golden hue with a sweeter fruit profile with only touches of straw and grass and a touch of aged ripeness in the fruity guava paste.

Palate-- Citrus front with vanilla notes on more lemon-lime.

This wine was showing its age but at this point is interesting. Drink NOW!

This was $7 and I suspect this was due to its age and someone realizing it was on its way out. Look for something else.

Aalto Ribera del Duero 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant black licorice, black currant, and some cream on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Finely textured and juicy finish of dark berries accented by dark chocolate

Summary:

There are pure flavors in this wine that are intense and extracted. The dark berries, currants, and black licorice present a modern style and one that showcases the potential intensity of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grape. From the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, this wine is produced from a highly acclaimed winemaker and retails for $45 or so. It compliments grilled or roasted meat nicely. Raise a glass!

Chateau Machorre Grand Vin De Bordeaux 2005 wine review by (PB)

Big spicy sweet fruit rising from glass with a hue that is definitely showing it's maturity. Get you nose deep in the glass for firm cedar, herbs.

Palate--Subdued fruit with robust cedar wood, light charcoal, slightly chunky tannins and a light smokey finish.

I paid $8 for this reduced Bordeaux (normally $15) and I'll grab 3 more to lay down another year. It is probably peaked based on the color at the rim but another year might yield something worth the wait. Classic Bordeaux so raise a glass.

Secco Bertani Valpolicella Valpatena (Ripasso) 2008 wine review by (PB)

Nice garnet color; Sweet cherry wafting with port-like, dark berry and prune presence with loads of glorious spiciness.

Palate--This wine is so relaxed I want to doze between tastes. Supple texture flavors of dried cherry-berry with amazing balance for such a young wine.

Finish is a touch quick with woody presence.

I've had several vintages of this wine and this is the best of any I have had. It's bit more expensive than the average ($19) but Ripasso's always are and are worth the little extra. Raise a glass!

Eola Hills Pinot Gris 2009 wine review by (PB)

This Oregon white is straw colored with powdery tropical fruit bouquet with a whiskey-like note on the nose. Vanilla touches and citrus continue.

Palate--Cinnamon sweet pie spices but a little flaccid though. Vanilla comes through with tropical fruit galore.

I was lovin this until the dull lack of acidity rather killed it for me. It's not a bad wine at all, it is merely my preference that a wine has a razor edge to it. But all in all its a good example of the wine. For around $12 raise a glass.

La Vieille Ferme 2008 (Cotes Du Luberon) wine review by (PB)

This oft reviewed wine is always a decent bargain with some years better than others. This This lightly tinged Rhone Valley blend is Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc, and Roussanne grapes.

The bouquet is filled with tropical fruit with emphasis on ripe pineapple and a touch of lemon curd.

Palate--Tasty, dry, fruity melange of the fruits above and more. A nice acidic base makes it a good food wine but is fruity enough to se3rve chilled as an aperitif.

This is generally available for around $7and frankly, at this age I didn't expect it to be holding as well as it is. But it is drinking perfectly now and at this price point is a great buy. I will use a cup of it in my risotto tonight, and will be serving braised smoked pork hocks with the risotto. However I will pair a Sicilian Nero D'Avola with the meal. Raise a glass!

Lost Block Pinot Noir 2008 wine review by (PB)

Tyrell's Wines produces this screw cap finished wine which is bricking (means it has a re-brown color to it, with coffe in the nose. Very unusual...
Palate--Old wine flavors, subdued red fruit, lingering stewed fruit finish. Clearly over the hill.

The reason I blogged this is precisely because it is a crew cap and not a cork. This is pretty much whatyou might expect of a "corked" wine and yet this is not closed with a cork.

At 4 years old, this wine should not be drinking this way. Something happened in the process of bottling that oxidized this. So make sure you note that even with a screw cap, wine can be ruined elsewhwere in the process!

Cellar Molandro Besllum Montsant 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Big aromas of spicy cherry and herbs on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Pomegranate, lots of spice, and some resinous notes on the long finish

Summary:

Rich and spicy with a long finish, this Spanish red offers a lot of character at a bargain price. At $15 or so, this wine is a great value and a demonstration of well integrated oak and spice unlike the wine reviewed below.

I planned to buy more, but am having trouble finding it. Obviously I wasn't the only one who enjoyed this wine. From the Montsant region of Spain, it's made from Grenache, Carignane, and Syrah. If your wine merchant still has some, grab it. Pair with an assortment of tapas- and raise a glass!

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

Tasting notes:

Sweet aromas of vanilla extract and red licorice on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

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

Summary:

I had a chance to try this wine a second time as I study the red wines of Spain. Once again, I'm disappointed with this wine after reading a good review highlighting its full flavor and value price. At $12 or so it's not expensive, but there are many other wines from Spain in this price point I'd reach for instead.

The problem with this wine that I mentioned last month is that it's over oaked which masks the real fruit character. This isn't often a problem with Tempranillo from Spain, but I can see it creeping onto the scene as winemakers try to cater to an international style of oak accents with their base level wines. Tempranillo is grown all over Spain and produces a variety of styles, but I've learned you need to be choosy in the value category. Especially lately. Raise a glass of something else!

Columbia Crest H3 (Horse Heaven Hills) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 wine review (PB)

Nice deep black purple Syrah-like hue with crazy fruit jumping out of the glass on the pour.

Bouquet of Mint jelly with chocolate touches and great spice with blackberry and currant.

Palate--Super relaxed tannins and bold flavors of tar and berries with huge heavy mouth feel. Lingering finish!

This is a ridiculous value wine worth buying a case and cellaring. $12.50 a bottle and its a lot of wine. raise a case of this ultra-value wine!

Blason de Bourgogne "Montagny 1er Cru" 2009 wine review by (PB)

Nice big vanilla, Chardonnay nose with ripe pineapple and tropical fruit.

Palate--Steely, light lemon with fleeting finish.

For $9 this is a decent wine so raise a glass!

Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Currants and leather notes open on the nose

Full bodied and savory on the palate

Finishes with blackberry, cherry, and licorice

Summary:

I like this wine because it's rustic and charming. It has a nice mix of fruit and savory qualities that typifies Sangiovese-based Tuscan reds from Italy. It's also a great bargain at $13. Serve with pasta bolognese- and raise a glass!

Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Spicy plum and blackberry aromas on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Rich, layered finish of spicy berries and currants

Summary:

This wine is remarkably good every year, and the 2009 has it all. It combines richness and ripe fruit with a spicy character that's neither heavy or too sweet. For Zinfandel fans, here's a benchmark wine priced at $22 or so. A classic food pairing is barbecue, but don't be afraid to serve this with a variety of dishes. Raise a glass!

Cune Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant aromas of strawberry and raspberry on the nose with resinous notes

Full bodied and dense on the palate

Long finish of plum, leather, and spice

Summary:

This Rioja is aging beautifully. It tastes great now but could likely last a long time. It's packed with flavor, has good acidity, and a resinous streak suggesting the integration of oak.

The 2001 label is shown above, but is identical to the 2004 in this review. Made from 85% Tempranillo along with Graciano and Mazeuela, it's a Spanish wine worth looking around for. Lesser known that the flagship Cune Imperial, it's priced right at $36. Serve with short ribs and raise a glass!

Petite Rousse Syrah 2006 wine review by (PB)

Deep dark purple hue with bouquet of deep black cherry, nearly pure but many cooking orders.

Palate-- Big flavors of dark berry but a very strange feel on my tongue and a sharp presence with saliva stimulating tartness. $11.

In an earlier vintage of this Paso Robles wine I enjoyed this big Syrah. My taster may be suffering though the effects of a virus so this should be considered an unreliable review!

Villa Antinori Toscana 2007 wine review by (PB)

Deeply pigmented black cherry hue to the rim with a bouquet of Sangiovese fruit but a somewhat sweeter impression. Sweet cherry is what you get from a distance with slight tobacco and dark berry notes.

Palate--Varietal fruit up front with slight dark berry rear (Syrah?) Good tannic structure but slightly chewy yet yielding a nice silky texture. (This is Antinori's value priced Super Tuscan blended of 60% sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah.

This is drinking well but will hold for several years. At $21 its a bit over priced but still a decent wine, just not a great value. Raise a glass.

Epicuro Nero D'Avola 2009 wine review by (PB)

Nice black cherry/garnet hue with big cherry aromas with sweet candy cherry notes.

Palate--gentle tannins, integrated,sweet cherry fruit foundation with a nice cherry finish. Sicily means Nero D'Avola and this is a very nice wine for the price.

This is another "Trader Joe's value wine for $9 and worth buying several bottles if you like Nero D'Avola and why wouldn't you? Raise a glass and buy more.

Pierre Andre Bourgogne Pinot Noir Reserve 2009 wine review by (PB)

Bright cherry aromas and strawberry notes.

Palate--Tightly wound, strawberry with a little white pepper with a good front presence but fleeting.

I bought this at Trader Joe's for around $12 I think. It seems to list elsewhere for considerably more. It's just Okay.

Caretaker Wines Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2009 wne review by (PB)

Solid garnet hue with strawberry bouquet that is pure strawberry fruit.

Palate--Solid acid foundation with simple but pure strawberry fruit flavor. This is uncomplicated and a good example of the grape at his value price point of $10.

This is yet another Trader Joes $10 selection and a decent value. Raise a glass!

Four Vines "OVC" Zinfandel 2009 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with bouquet of jammy blackberry fruit with a brambly spicey foundation.

Palate--Relaxed presence with nice spicey berry Zinfandel flavors of some depth. Straight forward and a good example of the grape. Finishes with some some smokey oak and for $10 I call it a value wine.

Raise a glass as I will tonight with venison chili topped with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese and garlic bread. Ahhhhhhh...

Revanna St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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!!!