Conde de Valdemar Rioja Reserva 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Plum, cherry, and smoky notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Smooth layers of plum and tobacco on the finish, nicely integrated

Summary:

A style debate has ensued in the Rioja region of Spain lately with some wines showing an obvious modern, extracted style and others a more reserved, subtle style.  This wine is squarely in the more reserved, subtle camp which is considered the traditional style.  It comes across like a smoky Pinot Noir, and with the extending aging done in barrel at the winery it has a smooth and well-integrated profile.  I recommend it as a great example of a classic Rioja, and suggest you enjoy this with a good pork chop or something subtle in flavor. Expect to pay $20, and raise a glass!

Four Vines Maverick Amador County Zinfandel 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Big spicy red berries on the bouquet

Full bodied on the palate

Red berries and plum with some vanilla and pepper on the finish

Summary:

Here's a good, spicy, rich style of Zinfandel.  It's jammy, but not overly so.  Four Vines has a nice line up of Zinfandel and the "Maverick" is often available for around $20.  Enjoy with comfort food on a cool Autumn evening.  Raise a glass!

Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 wine review by (PB)

Nice black chery hue with aromas of poultry seasoning, cranberry fruit and sweet Twizzlers with spice.

Palate--A bit hot on the palate with good bright red fruit.

This wine was drunk too young. From the awesome vintage in Napa of 07, the cabs are lengthy and made for some longevity. I paid $17 for this wine and it was well crafted under the direction of Christian Moeuix--the French wine maker and his team in Yountville.

I paid $17 for this I think but it sells for considerably more. If you have one give it another 2-5 years and should be worth the wait. Raise a glass.

Pasqua Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2010 wine review by (PB)

Light cherry hue;

Light cherry and basil aromas, with tart cherries underneath, maybe a note of cocoa and cedar or spice.

Palate--Fruity, light bodied but big flavored cherry with a touch of smoke on the finish.

Trader Joe's value wine at $11 so always raise a glass.

Sepp Moser Gruner Veltliner (Gebling) 2007 wine review by (PB)

Pretty golden hue with large bouquet of crisp apple with vanilla and light citrus notes at the end with a slightest touch of honey.

Palate-- Brightly acidic with a very light "spritzig" (fizz, off dry and very fruity highlighting apple and vanilla notes.

Gruner is the signature of Austria. I have not had a great number of them and some tend to have what I can only describe as an "oily" note in the bouquet which is off putting. This Gruner is actually quite tasty and refreshing.

I paid $5 for this close out wine and its a nice bargain at that price. Do some experimenting and grow beyond the Chards, Chenins and Sauvignon Blancs. There's a big world of wine out there just waiting for your admiration. Raise a glass to new horizons in the glorious world of wine!

Rosemount Estate Balmoral 2002 Syrah Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Earthy spiced tobacco and plum and wood smoke.
Palate: Incredibly smooth.  Silk wrapped around tight acid core.  Firm tannins are pleasant.
Finish: Soft finish with lingering pitted cherry flavors and .
Overall: I paid $23.50 for this 2002 Australian Syrah (Shiraz).  This was a substantially discounted price (almost 50%).  The wine comes from the McLaren Vale in Australia.  This 2002 Balmoral Syrah is still tight and young even after 10 years in the cellar.  This is a beautiful example of the exquisite elegance of Australian Syrah (aka Shiraz) done well.  Raise a Glass!

Quarles Harris Vintage Porto 1994 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant wild berries and prunes on the nose

Full bodied and densely packed on the palate

Dark, dense finish of stewed berries, anise, and pepper

Summary:

It's incredible how youthful this Port tastes at 18 years of age!  The flavors are still rich and the core is dense.  I wish I had a case to stretch out over the next decade or more.

Actually, this was poured by PB of this blog with dessert after an Italian feast.  The dessert was panna cotta with fresh berries and the pairing was perfect.  If you have this wine, enjoy anytime over the next quarter of a century.  If you're looking to purchase this wine, the release price was $55 and a few internet prices show $60-80.  Raise a glass!

Velenosi Quattro Mani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Simple cherry and herbs on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Plum and smoke notes on the finish

Summary:

This is a simple Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.  It has some basic fruit character but is not as good as many of the others.  These red wines from Italy are great values in general, so put your $10 toward a different one and you'll likely be pleased.  

"Windows on the World Complete Wine Course" by Kevin Zraly --Sponsored Book Review by (PB)

When I was asked if was willing to review this book I sighed a bit because my first thought with most new non-fiction works is, "C'mon it's been said and done a hundred times over already..." But.............I resigned myself to doing it and I'm glad I did.

This is a comprehensive wine "course" set out in 8 classes that are wonderfully illustrated, eminently practical and set up to make you a wine expert--depending on your retention of the information. The only thing it lacks is the years of tasting experience which can only be garnered over a long period of time and money. (smile)

From the beginning of explaining the phenomenon of taste it takes you through--do it yourself--exercises which will help you understand the different "tastes" and textures of wine. The appendix also includes wine paring suggestions that are actually helpful!

But here is where this book stands apart from all other books I have in my library: It incorporates the technology of the day utilizing your smartphone and Microsoft tag codes (think, QR-like codes) which you scan with your phone and it takes you to an appropriate video with the author teaching and showing right before your eyes.

At the end of the book there is an appendix which has a library of these codes which when scanned give the proper pronunciation of all kinds of foreign words. I was most excited about this feature and most disappointed when it didn't work on my iPhone. After trying to find out why, Microsoft discovered that "someone" didn't follow instructions properly and so while they work with Android and Samsung smart phones, iPhone does not support these particular codes. Note--the video work well with my iPhone; the vocabulary pronunciation does not.

I have numerous books on my shelf about wine and I have been studying wine for over 30 years yet this is a great addition to my resources. Now to get an updated version which supports the iPhone for ALL the tag codes!

This book is available on Amazon for $10 soft cover and less than $20 for hard! If you have a wine lover who is interested in more than just drinking, this is one book they really need!

Vistamar "Sepia" Pinot Noir Reserva 2010 wine review by (PB)

Cherry hue with unique aromas of tarry sweet spice with a touch of bubble gum and sweet fruit juice and a "bottle stink" that goes away with a half an hour of airtime!

Palate--Unique palate with big spicy almost burnt flavors which are endearing with a bitter mid palate and yet it all works to an integrated fruity Pinot core.

This Chilean varietal cost me $11 and its a keeper even if a little odd. So raise a glass to another Chilean winner!

Sommavite Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 wine review by (PB)

Light ruby hue with aromas of wild cherry from afar and all kinds of inseparable aromas of spicy herbs, cedar, licorice and more.

Palate-- tasty, hints of wild cherry fruit, bitter unsweetened chocolate mid palate, gentle tannins, rigid acidity and a finish that is a bit abbreviated yet pleasant while it lasts.

I am tasting this right out of the bottle and it is at cellar temperature so it needs to warm up a bit and it needs to air out. *I'll update this after a while.

Plan to serve it with carbonara with homemade linguine in my brand spanking new kitchen!

I paid $20 for this at Trader Joe's and had to grab a couple bottles just because a $20 Brunello is unheard of and the 2006 vintage was a great one on top of that. Right now, it isn't anything special but as I say that remember a Brunello of this year should start around $45 and go up from there. If it doesn't improve it's still a decent valuer so raise a glass!

*After warming up a bit and breathing this wine opened into a full profile wine. Nice!

Vinosia Rajamagra Taurasi 2002 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Dense, dark plum and blueberry notes on the nose with spicy accents

Full bodied on the palate

Dark chocolate and dark fruit on the muscular and rustic finish

Summary:

This is an excellent wine, made from the Aglianico grape in the tiny Taurasi region of Southern Italy.  The wine is powerful and expressive, with great length and rustic edges. At 10 years of age, it still tastes incredibly fresh and youthful.

I paid $40 for the bottle, which is a few dollars below the normal retail price.  I was doing some research on Italian wine regions that are under-represented globally and couldn't pass up the chance to taste this wine.  There's so much good wine produced in Italy that this could be a life-long pursuit, of course.  If you see a wine from Taurasi, check it out.  If you happen to find this one, it's worth the money.  Raise a glass!

Tensley Santa Barbara County Colson Canyon Syrah 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Vivid notes of rich blueberry, blackberry, and herbs on the nose

Full bodied and firm on the palate

Wild berries, spice, and intensity on the finish

Summary:

Vivid and intense are two words that sum up this wine.  The fruit is vividly expressed in the bouquet and on the finish.  The persistent layers of dark fruit are intense.

Tensley makes very good vineyard-designated Syrah in Santa Barbara County, CA, and I recommend this one as a strong expression of the style of Syrah produced in this region.  This one was a nice find at a restaurant with some colleagues.  The retail price is approximately $40.  Raise a glass!

Regaleali Nero D'Avola 2008 wine review by (PB)

Cherry red hue with wild cherry fruit wafting from the glass at a distance. Deeper n the glass aromas morphs to a tart cherry with subtle hints of licorice.

Palate--Slightly tart fruit with integrated tannins and sharp acidity with a smokey finish that gives way to more fruit.

The Sicilian Nero D'Avola grape is one of my favorite easy drinking economy wines that will pair well with all sorts of Italian foods (as well as others) and cheeses.

I paid $10 for this end of vintage wine and it's a solid one so raise a glass!

Querceto Chianti Classico 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich and spicy notes of black cherry and blackberry on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Dark fruit finish with good length and notes of savory herbs

Summary:

More and more Chianti Classico wines are taking on a dark and extracted style, and this one shows those qualities.  The fruit is dark and the texture is rich, accented by savory herbs and spice.  It should stand up to rich food and be considered a reliable buy at $13 or so.  The Chianti Classico Riserva by Querceto is another one to look for as an alternative- priced a few dollars higher.  Raise a glass!

Cusumano Nero d'Avola Sicilia 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Red currants and herbs on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Moderately tannic finish with wild berries and herbs

Summary:

This is a good, simple, and somewhat rustic wine from one of the noteworthy producers on the island of Sicily.  For $10, this is a "you get what you pay for" wine.  It doesn't merit a lengthy review, but it's worth recommending as an introduction to the Nero d'Avola grape.  Serve with hearty Italian fare or homemade pizza, and raise a glass!

Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Tightly packed aromas on the nose of coffee, blackberry, and anise

Full bodied and firmly textured on the palate

Intense, tannic finish with long layers of dark fruit

Summary:

This wine is incredibly intense and tightly packed.  The dark fruit flavors are accompanied by other layers that are slow to open with air and decanting.  If you have some of this wine stashed away, keep it there.  I'd recommend opening one up in another five years to see how it's doing.  

There's no denying this wine is well made and built for the long run.  Just don't order it at a restaurant and expect an open-textured and ripe Cabernet.  The retail price is $45.  Raise a glass!

Guy Saget Marie de Beauregard Vouvray 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Very expressive nose of tropical fruit

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Sweet layers of fruit, honey, and ginger with some underlying acidity that keeps it fresh on the finish

Summary:

While Vouvray comes in a variety of styles from dry to sweet, this one is big and a touch sweet- on the more opulent end of the scale.  Made from Chenin Blanc, there's a lot of fruit to appreciate here along with some honey and spice.  It's a well made wine and one that is easy to enjoy.  Expect to pay around $18, and raise a glass!

Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva 2007 wine review by (PB)

Light on the hue showing some age with pronounced mature light cherry bouquet with light spice and slight celery aromas.

Palate--Utterly matured wine with supple texture and luscious dried cherry and mixed dried spice notes.

This is a delicious $11 Sardinian wine. Absolutely peaked, drinking marvelously and will probably fade in the next 12-20 months but may still drink beyond that. Wines and their aging have surprised me!

Pairing it with grilled chicken breasts and roasted garden veggies. Raise a glass!

The New York Times Book of Wine sponsored book review by Billy

Nose: new book smell.  Glorious.
Feel: easy to pick up, hard to put down.
Finish: lasting.
Overall: From time to time we at The Wine Cask Blog review items other than the beverage in the bottle.  This is one of those times.  Our friends at Sterling Publishing (a B&N subsidiary) sent us two books to review.  I am reviewing The New York Times Book of Wine  (amazon link here) edited by Howard Goldberg.

In short, I love this book.  It is a collection of essays and articles curated from the New York Times' collection that started in 1972.  Each article is fun and expresses something of the wonder of wine.  Because these are short articles (rarely more than 3 pages) the book lends itself well to quick, easy reading.  You can pick it up, say, while waiting for your dinner host to come back from the grill outside, and get through a single chapter.  You can read several while waiting for your decanted bottle to breathe.

There are recipes.  There are rants against the pretentiousness of wine review language.  There are homages to favorite bottles, memorable experiences and unexpected finds.

Two in the collection stood out for me.  The first, "Big and Beautiful: Lafite for 12" is an enchanting article about a family who found an imperiale of 1986 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild in their father's cellar after his passing.  The article is a loving story of the meal they created around the immense bottle of wine (yes, they opened it!) to honor their father.  It is warm and enchanting.

The second, "Buried Treasure in Baltic Has Vintage Taste" is the story of a diver who finds a sunken ship wreck and a treasure of old but still drinkable Champagne.  We're talking early-mid 1800's Champagne.  The story has all the adventure of finding sunken treasure and the care of the subject that someone who honors both antiquities and magnificent sparkling wines can conjure.

There are many articles packed into the book.  Like I mentioned above, it is easily accessible for a casual wine enthusiast.  Yet it has a depth that will please the oenophile on your gift list.  I highly recommend this book.

Domain Gouron Chinon 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Interesting notes of eucalyptus, graphite, and blackberry mingle on the nose

Medium bodied and firmly textured on the palate

Finishes with a good beam of acidity layered with anise, plum, and graphite

Summary:

Chinon is a French wine region worth exploring.  The reds are fragrant, medium bodied wines made from Cabernet Franc that delivery fruit and acidity often accompanied by some graphite notes.  This one is particularly well made and delivers integrated flavors and aromas that will pair well with veal, lamb, or roasted vegetables.  I paid $15 although typical prices seem to hover closer to $20.  Raise a glass!

Falkenburg Riesling "Spatlese" (Late Harvest) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Sweet tropical spicy fruit and green melon aromas wrapped in a light greenish straw hue.

Palate--Juicy tropical fruit with slight apple/melon notes that drinks easily and enjoyably. I would prefer a higher acid level but this was acceptable.

This Mosel German wine is a "Pradikat" wine meaning it has a "title"--Spatlese--which pertains to its level of sweetness. The "title's run according to an increasing level of residual sugar: Kabinet, Spatlese, Auslese, Berrenauslese and Trokenberrenauslasen.

Generally speaking the price of the wine also rises with the particular title from left to right. This wine was surprisingly inexpensive at $9. It is the perfect accompaniment to Chinese food, cutting right through even that crazy hot Chinese mustard! For a difficult spicy foo like middle eastern, Vietnamese, Chinese etc. this is a good paring! Raise a glass.

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2006 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

A restrained nose of cherry and earthy notes

Full bodied and firmly textured on the palate

Long finish of cherry, leather, and spice layers that shows depth and density

Summary:

This wine has good depth and density that suggests cellaring potential.  Right now, it's still quite restrained and closed.  The bouquet hasn't opened on the nose and as a result, it needs considerable air.  If you pop the cork, decant it and let it breath for several hours before dinner.  Otherwise, tuck this one away and sit on your $50 investment.  Wait 5-10 years, then raise a glass!

Louis Jadot Macon-Villages Chardonnay 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fruity apple notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Finishes with apple, citrus, and mineral notes

Summary:

Stylistically, this is right up the middle.  It has nice fruit qualities and good acidity to back it up.  Widely available, consider this a go-to white Burgundy when you need something reliable and value priced.  It runs around $15 and should prove to be versatile with food.  Raise a glass!

Roederer Estate Brut Sparkling (NV) Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Creamy lemon and cracker notes with softer truffle layers underneath.
Palate: Medium bubbles, incredibly dry, with a strong, firm acid core makes you stand up and take notice.  Big lemmony citrus feel that pervades your entire mouth.  Wow.  Big flavors and feel here.
Finish: Softer tropical flavors are gentle after the citrus explosion in your mouth.  A nice complement.
Overall: This is a California sparkling wine that is a delightful American alternative to Champagne.  It is big, big, big.  The elegance of the scents in the nose play against the giant feel and flavor in your mouth and then the finish gently massages you down and ready for another sip. I paid about $25 for this at the local wine store.  I paired it with a late night snack of lemon cake, Cheddar and Gorgonzola cheeses.  Raise a glass of this excellent sparkling American wine, the Roederer Estate Brut from the Anderson Valley. 

Latour Marsannay Rouge 2009 wine review by (PB)

Light ruby hue with the lightest touch of spicy cinnamon, a hint of chocolate and strawberry fruit.

Palate--slightly tart with tight strawberry with a raspberry note but everything is pretty well balanced so it works.

This Beaune (Burgundy)wine is made from what else--Pinot Noir. It is a light version of the grape being more subtle and a bit more acidic than domestic Pinots. I will pair it with veal scallopini in a port Dijon reduction sauce with home grown sweet corn.

I paid $20 for this bottle out of state which is at the top of the range for this wine but I'm glad I grabbed it. French Pinot, at least this one, isn't as fruit forward as our domestic Pinots. Still, it makes me realize just how good our domestic Pinot's have become! Raise a glass!

Mionetto Sergio Italian NV Sparkling wine review by Billy

Nose: beautiful layers of crackers, then subtle vanilla and gunmetal
Palate: Nicely dry and firm.  Bubbles are barely there providing some tingly tongue but no effervescent assault. Soft citrus flavors merge with a wet metal mineraliness to give character and flavor.
Finish: Floral finish.
Overall: I paid $15 for this at the local wine store.  This Italian bubbly is mostly Prosecco (70%) grapes blended with some other varieties to produce this sparkling white. I am enamored with this wine.  It avoids the cloying feel of many prosecco wines and instead delivers a beautifully complex nose, a firm, dry mouth feel and an enchanting finish.  I served this with a late night snack of olives, gorgonzola cheese and baklava. Raise a glass!

Cantina Zaccagnini 2008 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with pungent dried cherry/berry fruit with dried herbs and a minerally spiciness that is pronounced and unique.

Palate--Super relaxed satiny texture, with the same flavors as in the bouquet.

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is one of the dependable easy drinking, fruity Tuscan wines that are readily available at a reasonable price point. This one tends to run around $13-$16 and it's always delightful, so raise a glass!

Seghesio Zinfandel (Sonoma County) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry to garnet hue with big aromas of ripe, nearly jammy blackberry with lovely touch of cinnamon as you pull away from the glass.

Palate--Silky presence with big mouth watering blackberry fruit in abundance.
Finishes with a bit of smoke and light fruit.

Seghesio is one of the leading producers of Zinfandel and they have been producing big Zins and high scoring Zins for years. For the $17 I paid for it, it's a decent enough wine but the more "normal" price point is around $22 and up.

For the mid $20's I would rather go with one of the numerous choices of Rosenblum's Single Vineyard gems. That's just preference so raise a glass to one or the other or better yet--BOTH!

Neyers Carneros District Chardonnay 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Peach and nectarine aromas on the bouquet

Full bodied and nicely textured on the palate

Finishes with golden apple, honey, and vanilla with good acidity

Summary:

This Chardonnay is beautifully crafted, stylish and balanced with full flavor and good texture.  It's neither the big, buttery style nor the trendy naked style.  You could pair this with a lot of different dishes or just enjoy it on its own.  Prepare for it to disappear quickly, though, as it's easy to drink.

I don't see this distributed widely where I live, but I ordered it online for $22.  Raise a glass!

Sepp Moser Sepp Gruner Veltliner 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Apple, white peach, and a touch of balsam on the nose

Medium bodied and crisp on the palate

Finishes with good acidity, notes of apple and minerals

Summary:

Here's a good Gruner Veltliner for a Summer afternoon.  It has fruit character and a nice beam of acidity, which is a hallmark of Gruner Veltliner from Austria.

Paired with scallops over pasta, this wine hit the spot.  Expect to pay around $14, and raise a glass!

Chateau Machorre 2005 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with presence;

Bouquet--Loads of minty eucalyptus on a subdued spicy dark berry fruit frame.

Palate--A hint of frontal cocoa but quickly fleeting leaving a pure beam of old world black cherry fruit in this Bordeaux Superior from the fabled vintage of 05. Decent finish that hangs on a bit.

This previously reviewed wine impressed me so I bought 3 more bottles to lay down and see how it progresses. (See my previous reviews) You'll see I talk about cedar which emulates both mint and eucalyptus which is why I sometimes use all three to describe the same basic smell or taste. This time around it is clearly the latter and you'll notice the disappearance of any reference to chunky or rough tannins. I review this without reference to previous reviews so while its only been about 5 months since the last review, the tannins have subdued (ie., matured). This is a really nice example of Bordeaux at this price point--$9--and is a value! Raise a glass!

Acrobat Pinot Gris 2010 King Estate Winery wine review by (PB)

Light straw hue with big and wonderful Notes of Citrus, vanilla, lime, and minerals or wet stones.

Palate-- Presents with lovely edgy acid foundation which I love in a white wine. The flavors of this wine are equally bold with loads of perfumed mixed fruit that reminds me of Viognier only less floral.

Admittedly I have always shied away from this grape for no good reason and now I shall not do that again! This is wonderfully full wine and at $12 is an awesome change from my usual 4 white wines. I paid $12 for this and would buy more in a minute so raise a glass!

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!