Ponzi Willamette Pinot Noir 2010 sponsored wine review by (PB)

The Pinot masters at Ponzi sent this wine to us to put up our thoughts so here goes: classic light watermelon hue with aromas of bright cinnamony cherry brimming with sweet spice notes.

Palate--vibrant, zippy cherry juice with cranberry back bitters and spicy red fruit with a cherry smoke finish.

Ponzi defined Oregon Pinot and if I'm not mistaken was the Wine Spectator's #1 wine of the year in the not too distant past. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong...)

This is NO scheme, but the real deal; a good Pinot will run you $35 which is not cheap but if you compare this to Burgundy it's practically a steal so raise a glass!

2007 Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Rich and delightful Blueberry, Cherry, Leather and Spice
Palate: Playful!  This Chianti Rufina has full body with and acid-tannin balance that dances in your mouth.  It is as easy going as it it light on its feet.  But this is not some amateur.  It plays all around your mouth with the practiced ease of Gene Kelly and Danny Kay on stage.
Finish: Plum fruit on the finish with herbal hints of rosemary and oregano.  Italian to the core!
Overall: This is an amazing bottle of 2007 Chianti from the Nipozzano vineyards of Frescobaldi.  I paid about $25 for this at the local store.  It is an expertly crafted and immensely enjoyable Italian wine that shows class, elegance while remaining accessible and inviting!  Magnificent!

Raise a Glass!

Domaine Gouron Chinon 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant raspberry on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Plum and flint notes on the finish

Summary:

Chinon is a town and surrounding wine appellation in France that produces terrific Cabernet Franc. This wine from Domaine Gouron shows the textbook red fruit and flinty characteristics that represent this region. It's a good buy for around $18 or so.

The wines of Chinon are remarkably balanced and elegant, so don't overlook them. Raise a glass!

Eberle Vineyard Selection Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant black cherry and currants on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Mixed berry notes and spice on the finish with a cedar hint

Summary:

This wine is nicely balanced with fragrant fruit and spice. It's easy drinking and should pair well with a variety of dishes. For $20, raise a glass!

Columbia Crest "H3" Horse Heaven Hills "Les Chaveaux" 2010 wine review by (PB)

Nice black cherry to garnet hue with a bouquet full of ripe blackberry with a charcoal edge, light chocolate covered cherries and dark fudge.

Palate--Bold structure with ripe dark fruit, charred oak, more fruit and a finish of smokey oakey and ripe plum which hangs on a good bit.

This wine has a lot going on from beginning to end. It is a blend of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA grapes with 80% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Syrah. The Syrah really comes out even though it is the minority grape. As usual Columbia Crest makes pleasing wines at various price points and this is no exception. At $12 you get a lot and if you like the fruit forward, "fruit bomb" sorts of creations, you'll love this. Raise a glass to another CC creation!

Cline Zinfandel 2011 wine review by (PB)

Nice rich black cherry hue with good Zin nose of solid black berry and wild forest floor or brambly goodness with a touch of cocoa.

Rigid foundation with good acidity, rather intense borderline jammy black berry that is really good for a wine at this price point.

Cline makes this front line Zin as their table Zin and is my go to Zin over the years as it is almost always reliable. I have reviewed numerous vintages of this wine so check out the blog if interested.

I paid under %8 for this at Sam';s Club and its a decent Zin and a value wt this price point so raise a glass!

Erath Oregon Pinot Noir 2010 wine review by (PB)

This Oregon Pinot is a very light colored cherry hue with light sweet chery and strawberry bouquet. Slight rose petal and spice notes make this endearing.

Palate--If I didn't know better (screw cap closure) I would say this wine is a touch corked. It is uncharacteristically austere with tight red beerry flavor with shallow strawberry hints. There seems to be a tea suggestion in the finish as well as a smokey ending.

This is not what I was expecting; the aromas was quite nice but the palate just seems muted and out of whack. This runs around $18 though I think I paid $14 which is disappointing. Erath does better than this; if this wine is not "off"raise a glass of a something else.

Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford-- Napa Valley 2010 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with distinct bouquet of grass and wet hay with guava paste.

Palate--Rigid acidity with forthright flavors of lemon and guava. Finishes bitter with some grass on the end.

I expected a lot more out of this but wound up with more frog than leap. For $15 or higher--take a pass and go whip up some frog legs!

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2011 wine review by (PB)

Apple and pear with citrus and slight melony notes in the bouquet.

Palate--Wild acidity with substantial apple and lemon flavors; note-- the acidity i this wine may leave your tongue bleeding. (I love acidic whites but holy cow...)Short and fleeting finish.

I have been focusing on Pinot Grigio this year following the lead of (NW's)wisdom in focusing on a particular grape each year. I wasn't eager to do so because my limited experience with the grape is generally lack luster and blah. This Italian from Delle Venezie is a good example of what I mean.

I paid $13 on sale from $15 and I paid about $8 too much. I thus far found only one Pinot Grigio (Murphy Goode)worth a second look and found it for $8 on sale.

In fairness, it should be noted that I focus on the lower end price point seeing that is what most people drink so don't write of the grape--yet.

Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Inviting nose of dark berries and black licorice

Full bodied on the palate

Raspberry, gamy notes, and spice on the finish

Summary:

One of the ways to summarize this wine is to say that it's very Cabernet-like. It has the dark fruit and black licorice profie of many good wines that accurately express the varietal.

Beaulieu Vineyards makes many Cabernets, and this one is the basic Napa Valley bottling that runs $20 or so. I found it for $15 and grabbed a couple bottles because it's an easy go-to wine for the Cabernet crowd. Pair with a good meat dish, and raise a glass!

Louis M Martini Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Co) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Fairly intense black cherry hue with aromas of bold black berry, cassis, and sweet dark berry jam.

Palate--biting tannins with solid black berry fruit in big supply with a hint of blackberry jam and a touch of smoke on the ending.

This wine is just too young to be drinking right now. Shows promise for a few years down the road but this is not their best!

I snagged 3 bottles for $12 which is below the normal price point of around $18 or so. At $18 I would have been disappointed; at $12, Lay it down and then raise a glass!

Cougar Crest Viognier 2009 wine review by (PB)

Ever so light straw with tantalizing bouquet of sweet fruit loaded with green melon, green apples sunny fruit melange!

Palate--Gloriously bracing acidity that is razor sharp with nice creamy texture and a veritable fruit salad in your mouth. It finishes quite long with a touch of vanilla cream.

This Walla Walla Valley (Washington State)creation from the grape of the Rhone Valley in France would be lovely with a butter soaked Maine lobster but it is a really nice summer aperitif as well all by itself. I pad $13 for this wine normally priced at $20 so I wish I had bought more! Raise a glass.

Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel Resalte Ribera del Duero Crianza 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich wild berries and licorice on an expressive bouquet

Full bodied and dense on the palate

Long, layered finish of dark fruit, licorice, espresso, and a balsamic woody note

Summary:

This is an excellent wine from the Ribera del Duero region in Spain. It's dense and flavorful with a long, layered finish. Made from 100% Tempranillo, it showcases the modern style from Ribera del Duero.

Don't overlook this region of the world when selecting big, structured red wines. Spanish wine lovers need no reminder of this, but it helps to understand that the range of styles produced from Tempranillo may be more broad than any other grape in the world. Ribera del Duero is a region where some of the powerful and dense versions are made. Expect to pay around $35 for this on retail shelves. Raise a glass!

Hogue Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Berries, currants, and a plastic note on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Simple finish with dark fruit and roasted notes

Summary:

This wine, at $9, is priced right but it carries and odd plastic note. It has been better in the past, and many other Hogue wines are really nicely done. Take a pass on the Cab for 2011!

Michele Chiarolo Barbera D'Asti 2010 Superiore Le Orme wine review by (PB)

Bright cherry hue with earthy bouquet of sweet cherry and port like nuances with slight raisin. Nice.

Palate--Supple foundation with zesty mouth feel with nice fruity cherry presence and a funky kind of forest floor favor that is often a good quality trait of certain Italian wines.

I paid $13 for this Barbera and its what you would expect at that price point; a sound wine that will pair well with some pretty hefty foods or is tasty all by itself so raise a glass.

Holman Ranch Pinot Noir Rose 2011 (Carmel Valley) sponsored wine review by (PB)

Watermelon juice hued rose with a big bouquet of sweet candy like cherry and strawberry and cream with a tinge of apple; very nice!

Palate--highly structured foundation with great acidity, strawberry juice galore with cherry notes.

Roses used to be the red-headed step child of the wine world but no more. More and more roses are being made as credible wines and this is one potent rose.

This will stand up to some substantial dishes not normally associated with a rose pairing.

But such a creation will cost you at $22 but ya know, why not start out with a nice rose as a benchmark and work from there. Chill this down for an awesome summer quencher and raise a glass.

Solane Santi Valpolicella Ripasso (Classico Superiore) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Cherry red hue with classic bouquet comprised of touches of dried cherries, evergreen spice, and a slight asparagus hint.

Palate--Salty impression with edgy acid structure, burnt wood, subdued red fruit with cinnamon red hots (candy) finishing with smokey oak.

Ripasso is a method of wine making using the previously vinified grapes from which Amarone is made. Ripasso's normally run in the mid teens and above so this one at the $8 price point was a nice find. See my other reviews of this wine from different vintages and raise a glass.

Rocca Del Olmo Barbera D'Asti 2010 wine review by (PB)

Medium garnet hue with good aromas of fresh red summer berries and cherry accompaniment.

Palate--Pleasant structure,with amazingly forthright cherry berry flavors that are much better than the price point of this wine would suggest. Barbera like Montepulciano are easy drinking, fruit forward wines that are just pleasant by themselves or make a good accompaniment to all kinds of food.

Barbera is widely planted and is the go-to wine of many Italians who live in the Piedmont region, home to the famed Nebbiolo grape. This one cost me a pittance and if I remember correctly somewhere in the $6 range. I read some "reviews" of this wine where it was panned; not sure what they were drinking but THIS wine is a summer stock up wine for the patio and porch and pizza so raise a glass!!!

Holman Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (Carmel Valley) [Sponsored wine review] by (PB)

Pale green with aromas of solid Sauvignon grassiness with touches of Granny Smith apples and nice notes of vanilla.

Palate--Tart first impression with razor sharp acidity. Subdued melon, grapefruit and very tart green apple finishing with a hint of vanilla a touch of bitters and more light apple.

This is a typical Sauvignon Blanc that will cleanse your pallet of any sort of pallet clinging fat, butter or grease produced from grapes from the Carmel Valley.

I love really acidic whites but even for my preference this one is a bit over blown eclipsing the essence of the fruit that is there.

At the $20 price point this is inflated from the more balanced and finessed S. Blancs for the half the price.

Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Lightly fragrant pomegranate and pepper on the nose

Light bodied and delicate on the palate

Finishes with raspberries and dried herbs

Summary:

This is a very delicate Pinot Noir, with one of the lightest colors I've every seen. While delicate, there's certainly some character and a good backbone. Enjoy early in the evening with appetizers, and you'll be amazed how quickly the bottle disappears. For $22, this is a good bet in the Oregon Pinot category and it's widely distributed. Raise a glass!

Marques Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 wine review by (PB)

Nice black cherry hue with a bouquet of black cherry and loads of pungent cedar.

Palate--Front of steely,bready flavors with mid palate of bold black cherry and a touch of cola. Finishes with a slight linger of dark fruit and a hint of smoke.

Years ago I stumbled onto this Chilean wine and was wowed by it. I was paying around $12 for it and it was always great. Now it runs around $18-$20 and is still a solid example of Cabernet Sauvignon. For years I followed Concha Y Toro as they were one of those reliable producers who just did it right!

This is classic Chilean Cabernet and is still a fairly decent value so raise a glass!

Sun Garden Riesling 2011 wine review by (PB)

Pale straw with gentle aromas of sweet mixed tropical fruit.

Palate--Lacking the kind of bold acid foundation I like in my white wines, it has enough to carry off the sweet, off dry loveliness of the Riesling grape. Nice simple flavors of stone fruits and tropical fruit compote with a quick finish.

This wine in the blue bottle is a German creation from the Nahe. Makes a good summer aperitif chilled down though I will be serving it with baked cod with a Dijon/jalapeno/honey glaze with toasted buttered panko crust.

Found at the $10 price point, raise a glass!

The Tractor Guy Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) 2009 wine review by (PB)

Cherry colored hue with aromas of strong strawberry and candied cherries with touches of smoke, cocoa and spice.

Palate--Full flavored big Pinot Noir with robust structure and wild cherry/strawberry fruit with a finish of light smoke and oak.

I paid $14 for this Pinot marked down from $22. It is one of those wines bottled under another label other than the real producer. It's a lot for wine for $14 and a raise another glass kind of wine!

14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 wine review by (PB)

This Washington State, Columbia Valley Cab has a medium black cherry hue with a bouquet of classic chocolate fronted black berry and cherry fruit with nice cedar notes.

Palate--Big cocoa front with tasty dark berry and bread flavors mid palate. This is a solid Washington state Cab that reminds me a lot of Columbia Crest's Le Chevaux Cabernet.

It's hard to beat Washington state cab at the price point these usually sell at ($12). Delicious! Raise a glass and buy more!

Clancy's Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot 2009 wine review by (PB)

Hefty cherry/garnet hue with aromas of vegetal Cabernet, spice, blackberry and notes of mint.

Palate--bold presence with zippy dark fruit, forest floor with more coarse berries with a gentle finish.

Peter Lehmann knows how to do Shiraz and produces some great ones year after year. I'm not a huge fan of this particular blend (roughly 1/3 of each grape)preferring straight varietals of each grape but that's just me.

This wine sells around the $14 price point and is decent enough for the price. I'll be serving it with some grilled venison steaks and should be a solid pairing. Raise a glass!

Protos "Tinto Fino" 2009 wine reivew by (PB)

Garnet hue with enticing aromas of bright berries, undertones of light cigar box with a purity that one expects of a much more expensive wine.

Palate--Perfectly ripe tannins with bold, fruity berries with spicy nuances that defy the price point of this remarkable Tempranillo (aka Tinto fino)!

This lovely super value wine is from the Ribera Del Deuro and cost me--sit down--$8! It's name PROTOS means "First"! In this case, its no exaggeration!

If you see this wine at twice the price, buy it. It's delicious and drinking gloriously. At this price I WILL be picking up more--if its still around. Raise a glass!

Soter Vineyards Willamette Valley North Valley Pinot Noir 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant raspberries with mineral tones on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Red berry layers with cherry and some herbal notes on the finish

Summary:

Soter delivers a nice, balanced Pinot Noir here. 2009 was a challenging vintage for some producers in Oregon, but this wine show the grace and class that the region has become known for.

Expect to pay $30 for this bottle, which is a fair market price rather than a bargain wine. Pair with lighter dishes and give the wine plenty of air. Raise a glass!

Benziger Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Chocolate and mixed berries on the nose with a herbal undertone

Full bodied on the palate

Plush finish with dark berries and licorice

Summary:

I've been impressed with the relative value in Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County lately. This basic level wine from Benziger is really quite nice, especially for $18 or so. It's rich but not sappy and has well integrated layer. I'm stocking up. So raise a glass!

The Diving Rod Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Nice garnet to black cherry hue with characteristic varietal aromas of slightly vegetal, big cedary fruit.

Palate--robust tannic structure with a touch of mocha and subdued dark fruit. Finishes quickly with a touch of cedar.

This is Marc Mondavi's creation--YES those Mondavi's--nephew of Robert (I think) and son of Peter Sr. The wine lists for $20 but I grabbed it for $13.

I would call it a $13 Cab but have had many better cabs at the $10 price point. For what its worth!

Cristom Willamette Valley Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Smoky red berries intertwined with floral notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Long finish of cherry, red berries, and herbs

Summary:

This wine is always a favorite Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. It has an amazing, smoky fruit bouquet that sets it apart from other wines. Because of that, a number of interesting food pairings are waiting to be discovered. Expect to pay around $30 for this bottle, and make sure to share it with some friends. Raise a glass!

Holman Ranch Pinot Gris (Estate Grown) 2011 Carmel Valley Sponsored wine review by (PB)

Straw hued with aromas of pungent sweet ripe pineapples and creme brulee.

Palate--Fresh bright fruit with vibrant palate cleansing acidity and a clean finish.

This is bright wine that would pair well with any buttery dish--I'm thinking lobster but then I AM from Maine.

This runs $20 which is a bit steep for this varietal but certainly a solid well made wine. Raise a glass!

Holman Ranch Pinot Noir (Estate Grown) 2010 *Sponsored wine review by (PB)

Classic light Pinot hue which on opening has a bouquet of big pie cherry aromas with subtle strawberry underneath riding on a touch of cocoa with a suggestion of grapefruit or citrus.

Palate--This is a super fresh, crisp, focused Pinot with a big beam of fresh red fruit and a rear palate hint of grapefruit (unusual for Pinot Noir) with a touch of smoked wood finishing with a touch of oak. Just plain enjoyable!

*The good folks at Holman Ranch located in the Carmel Valley of California sent this to the WCB for enjoyment and a sampling of their wares. It runs about $33 and is of the caliber of a solid Pinot Noir you would expect at this price point. Holman Ranch was unknown to me until now as I do not see this wine in my part of the country. The Carmel Valley AVA (American Viticultural Region)is the 13th oldest and basically the smallest of all the California AVA's with only 300 or so vines in the ground. Needless-to-say production levels of the Carmel wineries tend to be quite low which is unfortunate for the consumer.

I have several other wines from Holman Ranch to share with our followers, so visit often to see the rest and Raise a Glass!

Carlisle Bennett Valley Cardiac Hill Syrah 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Intense and ripe notes of wild berries on the nose accented by spice

Full bodied on the palate

Finishes with ripe fruit layers woven with cedar and mineral tones

Summary:

This is a very good wine that's ripe and polished. It shows nicely integrated layers that are intense and persistent. While delicious now, it will also taste great for another decade. Made in extremely small quantities, you'll be fortunate to find this on a restaurant wine list. The retail price on release was $45.

California Syrah is achieving new heights, and from areas as diverse as Bennett Valley, Santa Barbara County, and Napa Valley. Add this one to the list of can't miss bottles. Pour alongside flavorful cuisine and hearty meat dishes, and raise a glass!

*Cantina Zaccagnini Monte Pulciano D'Abruzzo 2009 wine review by (PB)

Nice ruby hue with intensity, and a bouquet that is quite good with some mysterious elements to it. It has a front of wonderful, tart pie cherries with a floral hint and a slight greenness reminding me of daffodils with a here again, there again note of milk chocolate.

Palate--This wine delivers varietal balanced fruit with solid structure and an all around delicious and inexpensive example of the grape and the terroir.

I see this wine for $17 most places but found it at Sam's Club for under $12. Look for the piece of vine affixed to the label! This is a really nice value and I will be getting more so be sure to raise a glass!

*Another vintage of this wine was my wine of the year pick a few years back so I always keep an eye out for subsequent vintages.

Sommavite Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 wine review by (PB)

*Cedary, nearly minty and a touch floral Sangiovese with a lighter than usual (for Brunello) dark berry aromas all of which border on elegant and finessed.

Palate--Bright, balanced, bready, bold fruit presence with more berries than cherries with a plummy finish.

This Brunello is a bit simple for what it can be but it is well made, delicious and a Trader Joe's bargain at the $20 price point. Brunello's usually start at the $30 and up price point and that is for a young Brunello. For this age and this price it is super value and a "buy more" wine so raise a glass and enjoy!

*I just opened this wine and will only get better with some air!

VEO Grande 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Mild Cherry, Licorice and Oak.
Palate: Mild and easy going in the mouth.  Very basic tannin and acid structure. Not complex.  Smooth and easy to drink.
Finish: Soft and quick.
Overall: This 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Calchagua Valley in Chile defines an easy drinking wine.  It has little complexity but it is smooth if simplistic in its execution.  But here is the kicker; this wine is typically sold for under $10.  It is a great drink-any-time with anything wine for that price.  It is a buy-a-case to have on hand for unexpected guests or when you just want to pour a glass without any guilt.  Its simplicity will pair as well with figs and cheese (pictured) as it would with pizza and popcorn or even munching on dry Cheerios.

Raise a Glass!

Greg Norman Shiraz 2009 (Limestone Coast) wine review by (PB)

Deep dark garnet with aromas of jammy black fruit, somewhat floral notes with subtlest hint of cocoa and lighter berries.

Palate--Bold presence with pleasant tannic structure and loads of ripe fruit. A touch chewy but also seems not to be holding up well which is surprising for the young age of this wine.

I think my bottle may have been a victim of poor shipping or storage as it seems to hold a lot of promise but seems tired and a bit awkward. If you have a couple I would definitely open one and check it. The decide if it merits another year.

I paid $12 at Sam's Club. I'll reserve judgement given the confusing presentation.

Numanthia Termes 2004 wine review by (PB)

Rigid lightly opaque ruby and black cherry presentation with aromas of earthy berry with spicy backbone. It is slightly rustic with a hint of age but with intriguing evergreen notes.

PALATE--nearly silky structure that is well integrated with toasted bread mid palate and bold dark berry foundation. Finishes fairly quickly but with nice mild fruit on the end.

This is Numanthia's every man's wine being in the affordable range of mid $20 to $30. It is comprised of 100% Tina De Toro grape. I have have had several of these through the years and they definitely need a few years on them to enjoy.

Will have it with (NW) of this blog with roasted whole chicken and root vegetables. Raise a glass to Bodega Numanthia!

Septima 2009 Malbec wine review by Billy

Nose: Plum, tar and rosemary
 
Palate: Excellent balance in the mouth with warm feel, gentle but firm tannins and solid acid structure.

Finish: Cherry and more plum with some green pepper and grassy notes.

Overall:  a delightful 2009 Malbec from Mendoza Argentina.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 wine review by (PB)

Bold black cherry hue with a nice Washington State bouquet of chocolate, a hint of black tea, with luscious, dark chocolate covered cherries and slight suggestion of Spruce.

Palate--big chocolatey front with solid blackberry and plum with laid back tannins.

This is just another delicious, straight forward, easy drinking cab from the reliable producers at Columbia Crest. Finishes with a slight touch of smoke and tea.

It is amazing how gentle and supple this wine is already drinking. Better yet, I paid $7.50 for it in New Hampshire which is the price I saw it for on my way back from Los Angeles. If you can find this wine at this price, this is a buy-a-case kind of wine that is drinking great now and will be good for another 5-8 years. So raise a glass as I will when I grill my chicken-fried Moose cube steaks in a few minutes!

Sepp "Gruner Veltliner" 2009 wine review by (PB)

This Gruner has a nice gentle golden hue with aromas of tropical fruit, powdery vanilla and a touch of "grease."

Palate-- A touch sour front impression with crisp acidity yielding a mix of tropical fruit, and tart Granny Smith apple with a candied note to itreminding me of bubble gum. There is a fresh hint of clean light wood with a lingering citrus note.

Gruner Veltliner is the signature grape of Austria and offers a vibrant, acidic white that will pair well with buttery seafood which I will be trying tonight with fresh mussels in a garlic wine sauce.

I paid $10 for this Austrian clean white and worthy of raising a glass!

Alain Jaume & Fils Grand Veneur Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Big nose of berries and fig with garrigue aromas

Full bodied on the palate

Plush finish with dark berries and sage

Summary:

What makes this wine noteworthy is the fact that it's big and modern but still retains the garrigue dry herb aromas and nuances that make Cotes-du-Rhone wines so charming. If you haven't spent much time exploring the wines of the Southern Rhone in France, then start with this one. The overall quality has been amazing for the past decade and the basic Cotes-du-Rhone such as this offer excellent value. Expect to pay in the $17 range, and raise a glass!

Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich dark berries and black licorice on the nose

Full bodied and plush on the palate

Finishes with layered dark berries and oak nuances

Summary:

Along with the Trapiche Malbec, this is another winner! In fact, I haven't come across a bad wine from the "Broquel" label in the Trapiche line of wines from Argentina. This Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to please with ripe fruit and licorice on a full-bodied core with nice, rich layers to finish. Retail prices are typically around $15, which is a nice value. Raise a glass!

Betts & Scholl Black Betty Shiraz 2009 wine review by Billy

Nose: Big blueberry, plum and spicy leather
Palate: Silky smooth with gentle tannins and soft acid core.
Finish: Medium length with plum
Overall:  This 2009 Australian Shiraz comes from the Barossa valley.  At least that is where Betts & Scholl bottle it.  This dark red wine is fruitier and less spicy than other Shirazzes from Barossa. This is possibly because of the wine maker's affinity for Grenache.  And yet the result is an incredibly easy drinking and easily approachable shiraz with big fruit and a soft feel.  I paid about $17 for this at the local wine store.

Raise a Glass!

A to Z Pinot Gris 2011 wine review by (PB)

Light straw hue with a big bouquet of all kinds of fruit; ripe honeydew melon, a touch of ripe apple all sitting on top of a foundation of a tropical fruit melange with floral notes.

Palate--Delicious full bodied white fruit all over the palate that is hyper-fruity with a different fruit everywhere you turn. The structure is a touch weak for my preference in the acid arena where I like my whites to cut my tongue but this is adequate. A strong green apple finish that has some length to it.


This Oregon Pinot Gris is crazy tasty and what is amusing is that I grabbed this wine in a hurry thinking it said "Pinot Noir." I paid $14 for it and I'm not disappointed that it wasn't the Pinot Noir after all. The great folks at the Wine Spectator gave this their "Best Value" rating and 88 points; absolutely!

Raise a glass to this tasty Pacific Northwest delight! I will be pairing it with homemade French Onion soup with loads of mozzarella baked on top!

Rocca Barolo 2006 wine review by (PB)

Ruby hue with large cherry bouquet wafting into the air. Forest floor, cedar and earthiness with occasional suggestion of cocoa.

Palate--Cherry fruit with a definite cocoa mid palate nearly overwhelmed by rustic flavors of cedar or spruce. Tannins are surprisingly chunky and still need some time to mature. For a wine with this age on it, it is still immature.

Pleasant with some depth and power; just needs more time. I was given this as a gift and I believe it runs around $35. Barolo's are pricey but almost always worth the extra cost. Save your pennies and treat yourself and someone special!

(NW) of this blog was supposed to be joining us for dinner but Maine winter has interfered.

I will pair this with a Moose/Venison ragout and home made paperadelle and of course I'm raising a glass!

Castelvecchio Il Breccolini Toscana 2006 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich blackberry and black cherry on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Richly layered finish of spices, pine, berries, and licorice woven together

Summary:

There's a lot going on in this wine. It's rich and dense with great layers. Made from Sangiovese, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, it's a modern style super-Tuscan that will compliment hearty Tuscan fare and bistecca. Drink it now or let it rest for a few more years- either way it will be great. Interestingly, prices are all over the board on this one so do a little shopping to find a deal. While the "list" price is $50, it for sale as low as $18 in my area. Raise a glass!

Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 wine review by (PB)

The color of this relatively young wine says it is peaked and heading south; a very slight cola beginning to come through an otherwise garnet hue.

Bouquet--One of my favorite reliable inexpensive Chianti's that has something special going for it, yields wonderful macerated cherry fruit with all kinds of great forest floor nuances, cigar box with cocoa and other fragrances; really nice!

Palate-- silky presence with mature tannins, a mid palate bitterness with somewhat tight mature fruit. Finishes with stewed fruit.

This favorite is further along than I would have guessed; drink NOW and enjoy mature Chianti!!!

I paid $16 for this and consider it a value wine with fond remembrances! Raising a glass to my favorite and only Valentine!

Piper Sonoma Brut sparkling wine Sonoma County (NV) wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with aromas of hazel nut, light vanilla, sweet tropical mixed fruit.

Palate--Lively bubbles with a fresh, balanced fruity presence with light citrus notes and nutty after taste.

This sparkler is well made with pure flavors with an off dry to dry foundation.

This is our valentine's Day sinner aperitif. At $15 or so, raise a glass!

Mercedes Eguren Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with bouquet of very steely berry fruit with licorice touches,and a note of mustiness.

Palate--Loads of berry fruit with a second layer of tart black raspberry.

This is a strange wine to me and I would not have ID'd it as Cabernet Sauvignon but probably a Malbec. Finishes with a light hint of smoke.

In my 35 years of wine study I have not had MORE than a handful (if that) of Cabernet Sauvignon from Spain.

The good folks at the Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 points when they tasted it back in 2011. I'm not feelin that...I paid $9 fro this yet had a release price of $18. Honestly I don't quite know what to make of it.

I paired it with raclette grilled venison tenderloin medallions served with 3 distinct sauces. It worked well but I'm still not sure. I have a second bottle I will cellar for a while and give it another shot.