Guest Blogger Laura Diaz Reviews La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 2001

Today we are proud to introduce you to Laura Diaz who guest blogs the 2001 La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva with us! Welcome Laura and Raise a Glass!

Laura's Review:
One of the finest and highest rated Rioja wines with an exquisite taste The power of high quality wine has gone further than expected, especially in La Rioja, Spain.

La Rioja wine has broken through geographical and often tense political boundaries between La Rioja and the Basque Country where the wine is jointly produced. To our delight, it has given a common identity to this Spanish region as they share the success of their wine. And now, La Rioja Alta winery has produced one of the finest and highest rated wines, with a profound and complex character that cannot be missed!

La Rioja Alta 904 Gran Reserva 2001 is a delectable wine produced from Tempranillo grapes (90%) from 40 year-old vines located in Briñas, Villalba and Labastida that are perfectly complemented by a 10% touch of Graciano vines from Melchorón and Rodezno Briones vineyards, all of which belong to the DOC of La Rioja. In February 2002, the wine was transferred to the self-made, 4 year-old American oak barrels being racked through the traditional barrel-to-barrel method for 4 years, every 6 months. The wine was bottled in June 2006 and has been maturing in the company's cellars for over six years. In order to preserve maximum organoleptic components, the wine was subject to a gentle filtration, which can produce few sediments with age.

Now is a perfect time to acquire this fiercely anticipated red wine from La Rioja. It is worth the effort of purchasing it simply for its exclusive quality and extraordinary taste, but it will also be a great acquisition for any wine cellar as it will continue to evolve for 5 to 6 more years, and has great drinkability until 2040.

SIGHT: Ruby red, with a slight garnet rim. Very bright, has thin and elegant tears.
SMELL: Fresh, vibrant, with fine notes of candied fruit, spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness with a hint of coffee and chocolate mint.
TASTE: Solid structure, round and sweet elegantly polished tannins. Silky, soft and durable aftertaste. ALCOHOL: 12.5% °
SERVE: Serve at 17 ° C, / 62.5 ° F, decanting recommended
PAIRING: Red meats, Añejo or other semi-soft cheeses, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota

Beringer "Knight's Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 wine review by (PB)

Nice black cherry pigmented hue with a bouquet of cedary blackberry, cigar box, and green pepper with another coating of ripe black fruit.

Palate--Cedar and spice front with integrated deep dark berry fruit and baked bread with a finish of briary dark berry fruit.

I found this on close out for under $12 at a local supermarket: sells for closer to $30. I bought the only two bottles that remained. It is a fine example of Cabernet Sauvignon with integrated flavors and solid structure that should hold this wine for another decade but peaking in another 3-5 years.

At any rate, bargains like this are always a treat so raise a glass to the hunt!

I will pair this with a grilled venison rib-eyes tonight--the pay out for a frigid butchering of this Maine deer shot in January.

Renwood--Clos Rene--Viognier (Veauta Vineyard) 2009 wine review by (PB)

Lightly golden hue with a bouquet of a tropical fruit smoothie with vanilla and a hint of banana, ripe pineapple and all kinds of luscious exotic fruit.

Palate--A razor sharp foundation supports an edgy and a bit tight beam of tropical fruit, with a nutty under layer carries through in the finish.

This single vineyard, Amador Co. varietal may be past its prime but is still drinkable.

I paid $9 for it and bought it on the basis of it being a single vineyard varietal but...a bit dubious! I'd probably pass on this wine.

Solane Santi Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore2010 wine review by (PB)

Pungent bouquet of licorice, sweet cherry, earthy spice and a touch of cedar.

Palate-- Nice flavors you would expect with a bold acidic structure, cherry, slight touch of raisin,


This is a great food wine for your favorite Italian cuisine and many other foods. $8 on sale which is a great deal so raise a glass.

Read previous posts concerning the "ripasso" process of wine making!

E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone White 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Aromatic melon and floral notes on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Layered finish with honeycomb and stone fruit on the finish

Summary:

Here's a white wine I recommend when you want to venture into Rhone wines from France. It's primarily made from Viognier with a few other grapes blended in. Typically priced anywhere from $10-15, it's a good value wine and distinctively different than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for example. Raise a glass!

Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Merlot 2009 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry presentation with a bouquet of dark berry and plum fruit with a slightly vegetal touch. Hints of cedar and cigar box.

Palate--vibrant lively acidity with loads of solid blackberry fruit and plum. Finishes with a slightly spicy fruity ending.

Tasted this the day after I reviewed Sebastiani's Merlot from the same vintage and region. Both are quality wines and this one I grabbed for $12 which is half of its reference price.

A nice wine a good value at $12 so raise a glass!

Sebastiani Merlot (Sonoma Co.) 2009 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with really nice bouquet of ripe blackberry and spruce tree with plum and cigar box notes and a touch of dark baker's chocolate.

Palate--Delicious, black berry and plum fruit bomb with integrated flavors and structure. Drinking peak this is a great example of Sebastian's wonder working power of their wines at all price points.

I paid $10 for this and I will pick up more. I paired it with spicy venison chili and it was awesome so raise a glass.

Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 wine review by (PB)

Rich dark berry hue with nice aromas of rustic cherry and dark berry fruit with cigar box hints or cedar caraway notes. Very nice!

Perfectly integrated with beautiful structure and zesty, evergreen laced with blackberry and cherry.

Normally price around $26 I found this on sale for half price at a state liquor store. I will be grabbing several more bottles next week as I pass through this state.

(NW) of this blog and our wives had this fine wine on a trip to Italy a few years ago. What other beverage is the carrier of memories, smells and visions of fine world class art and history like a good bottle of wine. Raise a glass to this absolutely peaked wine which should be solid for a couple more years!

Espiral Vinho Rose wine review by (PB)

Pretty pink with a touch of orange in the hue and a tantalizing, cinnamony, strawberry bouquet and candy apple to boot!

Palate--Wonderfully sparkling with summery fresh strawberry fruit juice in a beautiful package that even has a lingering presence.

This would be so stinking good on a hot summery day or even a cool autumn eve on the porch. It is tasty, balanced, lively and we shall pair it with fresh Maine Lobster in just a few minutes. Oh yeah,
and at $5 ( a Trader Joe's value) you just cannot go wrong so raise a glass!!!

Cline Zinfandel 2009 (an over the hill wine) review by (PB)

Always a well rounded Zin at the $10 price point, this one is basically over the hill. Slight bricking at the rim, with pruney aromas--classic of an over aged red--
Palate--Raisins/prunes, with hints of blackberry remnants.

I bothered to blog this when I would otherwise write it off as a wine that is gone as it might be helpful when you also get a wine that is beyond is peak.

Cline typically makes solid Zins so look for a younger one and raise a glass!

Celestin Blondeau Cuvee des Moulins Bales Sancerre 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant lemon and mineral tones on the nose

Light bodied and nicely textured on the palate

Citrus finish with a touch of dried herbs and nice length

Summary:

This wine is easy to enjoy. It's flavorful and deftly balanced, with a good citrus beam that supports some other nuances that give it complexity.

Sancerre is classic Sauvignon Blanc territory in the Loire Valley of France. These wines are expressive and balanced generally making them more versatile than the zippy New Zealand style that jumps out of the glass.  Enjoy especially this Summer when the days are long and warm. Expect to pay around $20, and pair with light, fresh food. Raise a glass!  

La Fiera Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Cherry and grape notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Harsh finish with a heavy bite

Summary:

There's a lot of great value Italian wine, but this isn't one of them. While only $8 it's hard to hold it to a   high standard, but the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo category is full of good choices at modest prices.

Grab something different and avoid this paint thinner in a bottle.

Comique Revolution "Cut the Fluff" 2010 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with bouquet of light summer aromas which do appear to be honeysuckle and white melon pleasant.

Palate--big summery fruit flavors with solid acidic foundation.

Chill this wine right down and enjoy it on a hot summer day. At the sub $6 price point how can go wrong? So raise a Summer glass!

Columbia Crest H3 (Horse Heaven Hills) Chardonnay 2009 wine review by (PB)

Vanilla twinged tropical fruit in a gentle gold presentation.

Palate--This 4 year old Chardonnay is perfectly peaked right now! This is a creamy, butter textured wine with integrated flavors of mandarin orange,baked honey, and a slightly bitter finish that keeps delivering ripe tropical fruit and green apple on the very end.

Many Chardonnays tend to fade quickly after 3 years but this one is luscious, with a seductive mouth feel and if you see one laying around soon, grab it, it will be a bargain. At $12 you won't find a better Chard out there so raise a glass!

Holman Ranch Carmel Valley Chardonnay 2010--Sponsered wine review by (PB)

Nice golden hued Chard with an awesome bouquet sporting loads of honeysuckle on the rim and orange blossom mixed in. Creme Brulee, ripe pineapple and tropical fruit compote. Very nice!

Palate-Racy acidity with mouth filling flavors of honey, ripe citrus, tropical fruit salad, and a finish that hangs on with Chardonnay goodness.

This wine is the last of the wines I was sent from the good folks at Holman Ranch and somehow I unwittingly saved their best for last. This is their $28 offering and since I commented on their previous wines that I thought they were a bit overpriced, this Chardonnay is under priced--if anything--for what you get.

It is crisp, and will pair well with food which I shall do in a few minutes coupling it with steamed little neck Clams and sauteed bay scallops. But it is also the kind of wine that would be great with a chill on it (not too much) and enjoyed on the porch enjoying a nice summer day so raise a glass or a case of this value Chardonnay from Carmel Valley!

Brunello Di Montalcino La Lecciaia 2004 wine review by (PB)

Slight bricking at the rim;
Bouquet of subdued earthy sweet cherry underneath baked cherry pie with cedary presence.

Palate--Overwhelming initial blast of huge cedar and spruce--like biting into an evergreen branch; with air, it mellows yielding cedar, earthy cherry with robust foundation and pleasantly ripe tannins. Finishes pleasantly and lingering suggestion of tangy black cherry.

I loved this wine! Classy and bold, full of mouth filing textures and flavor. I have an 03 waiting in the wings and I can't wait! I paid about $40 which is a nice price for such a wine. Raise a glass.

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!