Trader Joe's Late Harvest Moscato 2009 (Paso Robles) wine review by (PB)

Gentle golden color with bouquet of mandarin orange, stewed peach, with an under note of alcohol.

Palate-- this is minerally, with prominent stewed or stone fruit flavors with decent acidity and a finish that lingers.

The get a grip factor is that this was $4.99 at TJ's in Pasadena. This is not your typical desert wine but you're not paying a typical price for it either. Is it worth $5? In a word--YUP!

At this price, you can have a lot of fun so raise a glass!

What to do with "off" wine?

Sometimes you get a bottle of wine that is just "off".  It doesn't smell or taste the way it should.  I recently opened a bottle of 2007 Kim Crawford Marlborough Dry Riesling that I picked up in the bargain bin at a local wine store.  Upon opening it I noticed an uncharacteristic and unpleasant odor.  I tasted it just to be sure and yep, it's bad.

This is a screw cap wine.  This kind of enclosure drastically reduces the frequency of "cork taint" or TCA.  But the reality is that any wine can go bad and sometimes does.  It might come from the winery (cellar taint) or just from being exposed too often to temperature extremes, or from leakage or any number of other reasons. 

If you are confident the wine is bad, save the unused portion and return it to the wine store where you got it.  Most will accept it back for store credit.

You can also choose to pour it out and open another bottle.  If you're unsure the wine is bad, have someone else try it.  You might not care for the flavor (which is OK) but the wine may not be bad.

The important part is to not drink something you don't like. 
Raise a Glass!

446 Chardonnay 2010 wine review by Billy

Nose: white flowers and a citrus zing

Palate: soft mouth feel that embraces with melon roundness, lime citrus around a steely core.

Finish: long and lingering cut grass and more lime.

Overall: I paid about $12 for this at a local wine store.  I bought it because of the QR code on the back label. The melon notes keep it round and refreshing rather than biting.  The acid keeps it firm and able to hold up during a meal.  This is a very nice and affordable California Chardonnay for under $15.  Raise a Glass!

Piattelli Malbec 2009 Premium wine review by Billy

Nose: wonderful cherry, plum, earth and leather aromas. Complex but round and inviting.

Palate: nice balance of plum fruit and earthy tannins. Good structure means this Argentinian Malbec is firm but not overpowering.

Finish: lingering cherry at the back of the mouth finishes nicely.

Overall: A friend brought this bottle over for us to share and it was a delightful gift.  The 100%Malbec from Argentina was made by Italians and the careful crafting shows.  This red wine from 2009 shows character and grace with big fruit flavors and earthy sophistication.

Raise a Glass!

Livernano's Josephine Toscana 2003 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant currants and savory spices on the nose

Full bodied and earthy on the palate

Moderately dense finish of dark berries, spice, and earthy notes

Summary:

Classic Tuscan!  This wine from Radda in Chianti has a nice overall flavor profile with dark fruit, savory spices, and earthy edges.  It's a super-Tuscan made from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from the Livernano estate in the heart of Chianti.  If you've ever been there, you'll taste the scenery in every sip of this wine.  Expect to pay $17 or so and pour generously with hearty pasta and veal dishes.  Raise a glass!

Fisher Napa Valley Unity Red Wine 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Tightly packed notes of currants and loam on the nose

Full bodied and firm on the palate

Moderately tannic, firm finish with currants, loam, and cedar

Summary:

I'm not sure this wine will ever really open up.  It's tightly packed and loamy, with some currant showing through.  Made in an austere style for Napa Valley, this Cabernet Sauvignon might reward intermediate term cellaring but doesn't show much in its youth.  For $45, it's a wine that you shouldn't just grab off the shelf and pour for company that same night.  Take a pass to the less expensive Cabernet aisle and select a wine from our previous reviews on this site.

Cavicchioli Lumbrusco Dolce wine review by (PB)

Grapey hue with lovely little aromas of fresh grapes not unlike Gamay.

Palate--A touch of sparkle in the mouth with simple but lovely bright cherry/berry flavors.

I bought this 1.5L bottle to make Sangria and thought I would review it straight up as well. This is a lovely Summer wine that would be awesome chilled down served in a fun little glass to enjoy with all manner of appetizers or all by itself enjoying a great summery day.

At $10 for the 1.5L it is a great little buy so raise a glass!

DaVero Falco Consumnes River Vermentino 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes (2009 label shown above, 2010 wine reviewed):

Fragrant spicy pear on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Rich finish of citrus and apples with a nice beam of acidity

Summary:

Here's an extremely small production Vermentino from California.  While DaVero doesn't make much of this wine, it's a beauty that demonstrates the potential for this Italian varietal in California.  There's a lot of expressive fruit flavor with nice acidity and an overall pleasing profile.

I purchased this at the winery for $22 and opened it with family the following evening.  Raise a glass!

Pancake Cellars Big Day White 2011 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with big fruity bouquet of ripe stone/tropical fruit and touches of vanilla.

Palate--Vibrant acidity--a good start!--with nice summer fruit in abundance with peach and apricot at the end.

This is a Trader Joe's wine from Paso Robles and blended from 7 different grapes. I tend not to like such wines as they come off as what they are; a hodge-podge of non-descript juice. BUT--I actually like this wine so don't be dissuaded by the hokey label.

Chill this puppy down for a hot summer quencher/aperitif and at $7 you can raise a glass or two. It would also pair quite well with a variety of foods from Asian to seafood.

Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon wine reveiw by (PB)

Garnet hue with big blackberry and plum aromas that are overcrowded by green vegetal aromas. Alcohol is way overboard.

Palate--Soft, even plush tannins,on a velvety foundation with bready fruit, subdued dark fruit and a charcoal, woody finish. WOW!

After a really poor start on the nose, this Chilean varietal from the Maipo Valley is nothing like what I was expecting after smelling it. In the mouth, this Cabernet is nearly sensual and seductive with strong Cabernet flavors but an elegant texture.

I found this lone bottle on closeout at a local supermarket for $12. I'm glad I grabbed it. This wine used to be a favorite of mine about 5 years ago. It was always a good value and solid. I just eased away from Chilean wines but this may bring me back. Raise a glass!

Qupe Roussanne 2007 wine review by (PB)

Pale golden hue

Loads of creme Brulee with elusive fruit notes--melon?

Palate--Citrus front with a razor edge acidity and long lasting fruity finish.

(NW) of this blog grabbed this on one of our recent hunting trips (wine hunting that is) and it delivered all the way around. Rousanne is typically not a varietal wine grape but a mixing grape in numerous Rhone style white wines.

This one was juicy and well made with sturdy presence all around. My first thought would have been--This is a Chardonnay--and I wondered why this fine grape hasn't been more widely produced as a varietal. I'm still wondering.

At any rate, it was delicious on a hot summer day with a skirt steak salad under a shade tree. About $35--a nice summer treat so raise glass.

Chateau De Manissy Rose (Cuvee Des Lys) Tavel 2011 wine reveiw by (PB)

Beautiful watermelon juice hue that shimmers.

Bouquet is very light due to the chill on the wine; Fresh raspberry/cranberry fruit up front with a slight eraser odor.

Palate--Juicy fresh summer fruit described above with a structured foundation and a minerally finish.

Roses used to be soda pop wines that the wine appreciating public wound not drink. About the only notable region of the world producing a rose of any mention was Tavel, (Rhone) France. Today however, roses are being produced in many parts of the world with some real care and thus the wines are growing in popularity--and price... Expect to pay in the mid-teens and above for a rose with some real wine character if not a sense of place. Raise a glass

Over The Edge Pinot Noir (Marlborough) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Looks nearly rose-ish on the pour and yet rather dark in the glass.

Bouquet is rather straight forward with primarily big strawberry aromas and other light berry scents.

Palate--Wowing presence with loads of vibrant red fruits and immense burst of all kinds of spices and wonderful complexity. Cinnamon and glorious fruit laden Chinese spices with a touch of smoke on the finish and a lingering reminder of fat-laden berry Pinot from New Zealand can be.

This was a $20 wine on sale for $16. Sheer enjoyment; raise a glass!!!

Astoria Sparkling Moscato Lounge wine review by Billy

Nose: citrus and stone smells
Palate: sweet orange flavors in the mouth and a mouth-coating honeydew sweetness.  The bubbles are soft and gentle but provide a nice counterpoint to the sweetness and prevent the wine from becoming cloying.
Finish: gentle orange blossom finish.
Overall: Lazy bubbles meander to the top of the glass. This Italian sparkling wine is a blend of Prosecco and Moscato grapes.  I paid about $10 for this at a local wine store.  It is a nice sweet wine that is great in the summer and with spicy meals. 

 Raise a Glass!

Babich Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with pronounced aromas of grass and guava paste. Citrus foundation with tropical fruit; nice!

Palate--Mouth watering, razor sharp acidity with vibrant lime, ripe pineapple hint and a lingering finish.

This is classic New Zealand S. Blanc and because of its racy acidity it may be too much for some but I love it. I paid $13 for it on sale from $16 so raise a glass!

Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 Wine review by (PB)

Solid cherry hue with great cherry bouquet with sweet cocoa, some wood and steal. Awesome!

Palate--Perfectly integrated with cherry, tobacco, loads of herbs and balanced complexities that a harmonious and drinking superbly. Delicious!

I grabbed this from one of my favorite stores out of state and paid $19 for it. I wish I had several more as this is drinking perfectly and will hold for several years.

This is Chianti Classico from the great 07 vintage in all its glory and is worth seeking out. For the money it is a grand deal so raise a glass!

Casa LaPostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Cuvee Alexander "Apalta Vineyard" wine review by (PB)

Deep, black cherry/garnet hue to the rim, nearly inky in appearance.

Bouquet--Cherry black cherry up front but soon eclipsed by vegetal notes of green pepper, cedar and perhaps some licorice.

Palate--Bold, stern wine that is immature yet showing what it's made of. The fruit is subdued by the other complexities and is utterly angular with a chewy tannic foundation.

This is a good example of a wine that is going to be really NICE but needs a few years to allow all the separate elements to come together in complimentary fashion. This is a Chilean Cab which sells for around $22 or higher. I found this one lone bottle in a close out bin for $11.50. I wish I had another to lay down for another 5 years as this should be one powerful Cabernet! Raise a glass in a few more years!

Simonnet-Febvre Chabils 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bright apple and melon on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Tart finish with good acidity, citrus and mineral tones

Summary:

Chablis is remarkable wine!  Made from Chardonnay, it can exhibit tropical fruit and apple along with a tartness and acidity like no other Chardonnay in the world.  Top Chablis can age for several decades in the cellar, but this wine is meant to be enjoyed young.  It's extremely versatile with food and with the setting, so don't be afraid to pop the cork and pour this any time.  Expect to pay around $18 or so, and raise a glass!

Bodegas Ondarre Rioja Reserva 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich, stewed black cherry and berries with spice on the nose

Medium bodied and silky on the palate

Ultra-smooth finish with fine-grained texture, dark plum, smoky notes, and vanilla

Summary:

Integrated, relaxed, and smooth, this wine is drinking beautifully right now.  Rioja, made from the Tempranillo grape, has the ability to show elegance, rich flavor, and silky texture when done well.  Here's a real treat for under $20.  In fact, this is an extraordinary bargain at $16 which is what I paid.  Grab it if you find it because this vintage is probably sold out in a lot of places.  Raise a glass!

Santa Cristina 2009 wine review by (PB)

Gripping dark black cherry hue with intense Sangiovese bouquet of rich cherry, a touch of cocoa, daffodil and spice.

Palate--Artisinally made with rich varietal fruit, slightly sour pie cherry, and Tuscan all the way. Cabernet/Merlot lends a bit of the intense color I suspect.

One swallow and this wine continues to a nice finish.

This is a great wine for the price made by the master Antinori. I paid $9 and it is well worth half again as much.

Raise a glass to this classic Italian!

Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2010 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Leather and blackberry
Palate: Nice feel of rich tobacco and plum  Very soft acids and tannin that only hint they are there.
Finish: Too quick and short..
Overall: We were sent this bottle free of charge to review.  Special thanks to Megan Carroll of Allison+Partners for providing the samples to The Wine Cask Blog. This is a very accessible wine with a nice nose and a rich mouth feel.  It is an easy entry into more complex wines for the casual drinker. Raise a Glass!

Trinchero Sauvignon Blanc 2011 wine review by Billy

Nose: fig, oak & pineapple
Palate: smooth, soft acids, with pear and apple flavors
Finish: bright finish of grass and green grapes.
overall: shared the bottle with NW.  I picked up two on a BOGO sale for $25.  Serve this well chilled.  It is light and easy drinking.  Overall it is an average Sauvignon Blanc.  If you want an easy drinking summer white, this is ok.  If you're looking for a killer Sauvignin Blanc at a similar price, go for the Marlboro New Zealand wines.  Raise a glass

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne NV Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Lively, bubbly nose of green apple and lemon

Medium bodied on the palate

Good acidity and tartness on the finish with fresh fruit and floral notes

Summary:

Here's one of the classic non-vintage Champagnes.  The bubbles are intense and persistent on opening, and the flavors are fresh and inviting.  Enjoy as an aperitif, with appetizers, or as a late night toast as I did with Billy of The Wine Cask Blog and our wives.  Thanks for the treat, Billy!

Expect to pay around $40, which is right in the range for good non-vintage Champagne from the classic Champagne houses.  And raise a glass!

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2006 wine review by (PB)

Pretty gentle to stronger lemon yellow Hue

Vibrant bouquet of cantaloupe, melon with solid mandarin orange and a touch of stone fruit with a hint of pineapple Lifesavers!

Palate – awesome structure with vibrant acidity carrying wonderfully ripe mandarin orange. A beam of oh-so slight citrus and prominent apricot with a ripe apricot finish that lingers.

I have had several bottles of this wine finding it on closeout for $10 when it runs twice that or more.

This is now at absolute peak perfection from all the ones that I judged it against of the same year. Worth seeking out but drink it NOW and raise a glass!

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Pear and tropical fruit notes on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Rich finish of stone fruit and spice with a touch of vanilla

Summary:

This wine packs in lots of flavor, with ripe fruit notes accented by spice and vanilla.  If you like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you should give this wine a try.  It's a bit less acidic and has rounder edges than a Sauvignon Blanc, but it still has the bright fruit character.  Expect to pay around $15 and raise a glass!

Domaine Galevan l"Esprit Devin Cotes du Rhone Village 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Big, spicy cherry and raspberry on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Long, dense finish with spicy dark fruit, fig, and spice

Summary:

This wine is an excellent Cotes du Rhone Village, possibly the best I've ever had.  It tastes like a Chateauneuf du Pape with dense fruit and spice layers that deliver intensity and a depth of flavor.  I paid $20, which is a good price.

Serve with hearty food, like roasted meat with rich sauces.  Raise a glass! 

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir Reserve 2009 real time wine review by (PB)

Brightly cherry hued Pinot with more pigmentation than many Pinots.

Bouquet--Gentle strawberry and slight "Chinese 5 spice" aroma and a touch of dusty raspberry as it warms up.

Palate--Pretty sedate for a Pinot with only hints of varietal characteristics. Mouth feel is a little awkward and the flavor that is there is fleeting. Finishes with a touch of smoke but the little fruit that is there does linger for a time.

This Pinot Noir is made in Argentina--the land of Malbec--and if they are serious about venturing into this finicky grape they have their work cut out. Many of the reviews I looked at after writing this up gave this wine 88 points of 100. With all due respect, this wine is more like an 80. Bosca has had one solid Pinot with the 2005 vintage according the Wine Spectator giving it an 89. They did not review the 09.

This was gift from a bud who was to find out today whether he had cancer in his lung or not. He did NOT which in my world where everyone I know who is checked for cancer seems to always be positive, this is great news so the wine will be linked in my mind to GREAT news. How can you go wrong with that? Raise a glass!

Cercius 2010 wine review by (PB)

Youthful purple hue, dry cherry and interesting subtle strawberry with a chalky? curtain. (Seriously, even I don't know exactly what I mean!)

Palate--Some steel out of the gate with chewy, hot tannins and good fruit but all out of balance. However--decanted and given 2-3 hours and this is a down right solid, enjoyable wine--just immature.

Plenty of dusty cherry and a fine bean of strawberry that is unexpected in this 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah Cotes Du Rhone blend. It definitely needs to be decanted though. I paid $14 for this wine with a future so raise a glass!

Acre Chardonnay (Russian River) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Pale golden hue with a buttery lemon and tropical fruit bouquet with accents of melon, and vanilla cream.

Palate--Nice structure with a crisp, mouth cleansing acidic back bone full of Chardonnay flavors that are ridiculous when I tell you the price of this Trader Joe's exclusive wine.

Try $8 and then grab a case! Russian River is one of the premier AVA's (American Viticultural Association)and Chards from this region tend to start in the mid-teens and head up from there. TJ's has a couple of Russian River Chards in this price range and each one is true Chardonnay and a great value so raise a glass!

Ecco Domani Moscato 2011 sponsored Wine review by (PB)

Lightly straw-hued presentation with a bouquet that will knock your socks off!
Fragrant, sweet tropical fruit with green apple and stone fruit, orange blossom, and a crazy presence of "Chinese 5 spice" (if you cook like I do, you know the unique sweet spice well!)

Palate--Sweet, but not cloying with stone fruit and beautiful tropical fruit with an acidic touch to carry it all well.

I was not expecting much from this Italian varietal even though I tend to really like Moscatos. But this is one of the best I have had. Italy grows a lot of Moscato and plans to expand that in the near future.

This is a great example of value wine. You take a grape that is not real well known, construct it well and you get a nice quaff. This will pair excellently with difficult to pair foods like oriental or Indian but is amazing as an aperitif in the Summer sun or picnic. Chill it well for drinking by itself for a refreshing dose of joy or serve it closer to cellar temp (55 degrees) to get the full appreciation of this nicely made wine. It runs $8-$10 so raise plenty of glasses of liquid summer!

Shafer Relentless Napa Valley 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Big, expressive nose of blackberry, black currant, and bacon fat

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Long, fine grained finish of black raspberry, spice, dried herbs, and chocolate layers

Summary:

Here's a big, expressive wine and it's delicious.  There's dense layers of fruit and a really amazing, fine grained texture.  Relentless is a beautifully made blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah that runs about $60.  Open a bottle with good friends and a good meal.  Raise a glass!

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley wine review by (PB)

Nice blood to cherry red hue with vibrant aromas of deep blackberry with lighter notes of licorice and a touch of chocolate and tar. On the end is an unexpected earthiness with herbal nuances.

Hot presence a ripe black cherry and ripe tomato front with bold tannins and a smoky oak finish.

This wine is bold but rather course and full of heat. I decanted it for several hours but is just too immature to fully appreciate. Lay it down for another 5 years at least!

I paid $30 for this and now am sorry I opened it but I am sure will pair well with my grilled prime rib so raise a glass--of something more economical.

Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc 2011 "Private Selection" wine review by (PB)

Light straw hue with classic "grassy" S. Blanc aromas with guava paste, citrus and light melon.

Palate--Light honey with sharp acidity that will cut your tongue, lemon rind.

Pleasant lightly fruity/grassy finish that lingers.

This is a food wine that will cut through the heaviest grease or butter you can throw at it.

My wife paid $8 for it so try it with a nice Maine lobster with dripping butter and say, "Raise a glass!"

Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2003 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Abundant aromas of dried apricot, honey, and spice on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Rich, layered finish with lots of spice on top of sweet fruit and toffee

Summary:

Excellent wine!  It has big flavor, just the right weight, and a long, long finish.  Of course, it's still a bit young for a Sauternes as these dessert wines from Bordeaux can cellar for many decades in the bottle.

Every so often, I like to open Sauternes at the end of a good meal.  It's delicious to sip on its own or with some light dessert or fruit.  The good ones aren't cheap, though.  This was released at $60 and goes for a bit more than that now.  Raise a glass!

Catena Malbec 2009 wine review by (PB)

Purple hue of intensity that stains the glass.
Bouquet--dark blackberry with tar and deep spice
Palate--Rich dark berry fruit with supple texture, bracing acidity and firm tannins.
Slight bitter edge that will soften with age and lingering deep dark berry and smoke finish.
I paid $18 for this Malbec from the family whose name is Malbec.
Too immature to enjoy fully but in a couple more years it should explode and improve for many more years ahead.
So, Raise a glass!

Four Vines Zinfandel "Dusi Vineyard' 2008 (Paso Robles) wine review by (PB)

Nice garnet/ruby hue Bouquet--blueberry liqueur; with classic brambly, wild berry, spicy fruit with a touch of dark fudge on the end of the varietal bouquet. Palate--Nice big fruit bomb,(meant positively here) with touches of baker's chocolate at mid palate and a woody, charcoaly lingering--and I mean lingering--berry finish that goes on and on and on! Foundation is still a little chewy. I grabbed this on a trip to Minneapolis this past winter paying around $38 if I remember. I had not seen this Zin anywhere in my neck of the woods so I brought it home with me. This is solid Zinfandel with good structure. I am noticing that Sonoma Zins and Paso Zins seem to differ in the amount of pigmentation that ends up in the glass. (Sonoma Zins seem to be nearly black at this level where the Paso Robles Zins are much lighter in their presentation. But "lighter hue"--at least this one--does not mean lighter in structure, weight etc. This one delivers in a big way despite what might look like a wimpy start. If you love Zin, you'll love this so raise a glass!

Chemin des Olivettes 2009 wine review by (PB)

This Coteaux du Languedoc has a sexy bouquet of sweet cherry and blueberry notes with some spicey herbs. Palate--Soft tannins with supple fruit and black pepper beam

down the middle. I paid $11 for this and is a quality representation of Rhone wine even at this price point. Well made and affordable so raise a glass!

Dom Perignon vintage 2000 Brut Champagne review by Billy

Nose: Lemon flowers with yeast and warm crust notes.  After some time this amazing champagne opens up with additional layers.  At the end of this review I tasted again and pear, peach and honey are very evident smells that delight and tantalize.
Palate: Perfect, delicate, tiny bubbles that emerge from the wine, prickle your palate, then dissipate.  Extraordinarily creamy texture.  Gentle but firm acid. Some pear notes that are subtle.
Finish: short-medium finish with notes of grapefruit.
Overall:  I got this bottle as a gift several years ago.  Today I saw a bottle at the local wine store priced at $186. The character of the grape varietal that this is made from (chardonnay and pinot noir grapes) are very evident - especially the Chardonnay grapes.  They enhance this Dom Perignon 2000 with their unique character.  This was a very special day for me so we decided to celebrate with the Dom.  It is served alone but we have some chocolate, cheese, caprese salad, macadamia nuts, raspberries, cherries and croccantini crackers to munch.  Remember, if you have any kind of special wine or champagne, pick a night to open that bottle and enjoy!

Some additional "uncorking" photos are below.  This was my first ever bottle of Dom Perignon so I was very excited!

TWCB's Billy retrieving the bottle of Dom from the wine refrigerator where it was stored at 50 degrees for several years. Tonight is the night!

After removing the foil from around the top of the bottle (it was GLUED ON!) this is what you see.  Nicely branded cork stop / cage. Removing the cork cage reveals...

The Dom cork with the legendary crest.  Nice touch. Now for the best part...

Poured into a Dom Perignon Flute.  What a thing of beauty.

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!