Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) 2009 wine review by (PB)

Very nice rich looking dark cherry berry hue with aromas of ripe blackberry and cigar box inside the glass with some nice cedar in a chocolate liqueur. Interesting.

Palate--Steely front with lush blackberry flavor, and a very subtle but definite vanilla finish.

Geyser Peak takes me back several decades to when I was just starting to learn about wine. They have been around a long time and I drink this fond recollection and therein lies the uniqueness and joy of wine. It's more than a beverage; it's an experience, a memory, an occasion to celebrate. So raise a glass and do just that!

Fonseca *LBV Port (unfiltered) 2007 wine review by (PB)

Deep black cherry hue with aromas of dark cherry with sweet spice and ripe stewed prunes.

Palate--Luxurious thick texture in the mouth with swelling flavors of stewed prunes, rich sweetness and lingering richness hanging on. This is a lot of wine for $20 and is awesome with dark chocolate.

*Don't confuse Vintage Port with Late Bottled Vintage Port. For an explanation see previous posts on LBV and don't forget to raise a glass!

Coppola "Rosso & Bianco Shiraz 2011 wine review by (PB)

Inky dark hue that stains the sides of the glass.
Aromas of Deep dark berries with Asian spices and licorice-like notes.

Palate--Bold, fruit laden front palate with rich, textured foundation and loaded with dark berry fruit with a touch of smoke on the finish.

We received an awesome touch of summer today so I had to grill and I was just in the mood for a fruit bomb. I went to the local supermarket and grabbed this Shiraz from a generally very solid producer. I paid $12 for it and I am enjoying. It will go well with our BBQ'd chicken and a return to summer. Raise a glass!

Murphey-Goode Pinot Noir 2011 wine review by (PB)

Shimmering light cherry hue with aromas of tart raspberry and cherry

Palate--A very minerally front with spicy raspberry and cherry with a hint of chocolate covered cherries.

Ends with a touch of smoke on a short finish. At around the $15 price point, it's a little steep but if you can find it around $11, I'd say raise a glass.

Novelty Hill "Royal Slope White" Stillwater Creek Vineyard" 2010 wine review by (PB)

Delicate pale yellow hue with aromas of vanilla, ripe apple, sweet perfumed and slightly powdery bouquet with the presence of a tropical fruit melange.

Palate--Very structured and well integrated wine with exotic fruit none of which I can really put a single ID on. I was stumped as to the composition of this wine as was my wife. Turns out it is a blend of 2/3 Viognier then Roussanne, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This explains the bouquet and why I couldn't put my finger on a specific fruit(s) on the palate. Perhaps this is why this wine, which sells for $19, was reduced at a state store to $10.

At $10 this Washington State wine (Columbia Valley) is a really nice wine and quite delicious and I would raise several glasses if I had more at that price!

Joseph Drouhin "Laforet" Chardonnay (Bourgogne) 2012 sponsored wine review by (PB)

Nice lemon yellow with a bouquet of vanilla and citrus with creme brulee to boot.

Palate--Vanilla and tropical fruit with a citrusy beam and a nice balanced foundation with a racy acidity.

Finishes with a ripe pineapple note.

This is a delicious and affordable Chard at the $18 price point. It is more "new world" in style than I would have thought which isn't a bad thing as far as I'm concerned. Both of the "LaForet" I have sampled (see previous review on the (Pinot Noir) are quite nice and a decent value so raise a glass!

Cooper Mountain Vineyards Cooper Hill Pinot Noir 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Cherry and ruby red grapefruit on the nose

Light bodied on the palate

Herbal notes with pomegranate on the finish

Summary:

This is quite a light and delicate Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Interestingly, after drinking only half the bottle one evening, I put it in the refrigerator overnight and found it was better the second day the bottle was open. While that isn't particularly surprising for lighter and more acidic wines, it was especially obvious with this wine. It seemed more relaxed and integrated but still showed freshness.

Take this as a recommendation when you're looking for a light red. Grab a bottle for $15, and raise a glass!

Campo Viejo Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2005 wine review by (PB)

Solid black cherry hue still showing vestiges of purple youthfulness in this nearly 9 year old wine.

Bouquet is brimming with cherries from the glass with cigar box goodness on spicy cherries.

Palate--Integrated,with tart pie cherry flavors on a structured, mature wine with plenty of age left on it. I'm not even convinced this is at its peak. Finishes quickly but maes you want to go back for more.

The Rioja is an often overlooked region of the world which produces some spectacular--and pricey--Tempranillo wines. If you haven't delved into the world of this grape, you don't have a complete wine education. Campo Viejo in particular produces wines at 3 different price points at least, and each one tends to be well done.

I will pair this with braised beef shanks and risotto made from the braising liquid. I suspect it will be awesome.

I paid $13 for this gem marked down from $20. Wish I had bought more. Raise a glass for sure!

Castello Banfi Tavernelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Dark chocolate, anise, tobacco, and black currant on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

More dark chocolate, coffee, and blackberry on the finish

Summary:

Castello Banfi's Cabernet Sauvignon, Tavernelle, shows muscle and power. It has dark, rich flavor with some earthy Tuscan edges. With loads of dark fruit and chocolate, it will pair well with red meat and hearty dishes. The retail price runs in the $35 range. I recommend this wine, so raise a glass!

J. Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011 Sponsored wine review by (PB)

On the pour this Pinot looks like strawberry juice coming out of a spigot; a pretty cherry hue.

Bouquet--Gentle fruity cherry above the glass with a perfumy, spiced cherry in the bowl.

Palate--slightly tart, cherry with a mineral hint on the front with a somewhat austere foundation with bracing acidity.

This wine was sent to the WCB with the complements of the folks at Dreyfuss, Ashby and Co. Joseph Drouhin, the mega French wine negociant, sources this wine from various sites making this one of the very approachable and affordable Burgundies that a person of normal means can obtain. What is interesting is for the aspiring oenophile to compare a Pinot Noir like this to a new world Pinot noting the differences in style. My wife loved the bouquet and the finish; it really is a very drinkable wine and we found ourselves going back to refresh our pour and, oops, the bottle is gone.

This Bourgogne Pinot is priced at $21 and when you think of Burgundy, think, "Wow!" Raise a glass to the grape that holds millionaires in bondage to its seductive ways and now available to we, the common people!

Matua Pinot Noir (Marlborough) 2011 wine review by (PB)

On the pour this looks like a rose; in the glass it has a fresh light cherry hue with a bouquet that is vibrant with sweet candy cherry gum away from the glass; down in the swirl, you get loads of fruity spiced cherry.

Palate--Pure cherry fruit juice on a foundation of solid structure with loads of Pinot flavor, and a slightly smoky touch on the finish.

New Zealand produces some first rate Pinot Noirs quite distinct from the Burgundy style. They are fresh, fruity, and easy to down. This is a nice value wine; I paid $11 for it on sale from $15. Drink it with joy and raise a glass!

Casillero Del Diablo – White Versus Red Guest Blog and Review by Lisa Pearson

image via http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Casillero_del_Diablo.JPG

From time to time, The Wine Cask Blog will post guest reviews from other bloggers.  They may be industry insiders or casual afficianiados.  We present here Lisa Pearson's Casillero Del Diablo white and red reviews.  We hope you enjoy!

Casillero Del Diablo translates into ‘The Devils Cellar’. If that is the case, then the devil is harboring an alcoholic punch behind fruity flavors down in the cellar. Never an understatement, this wine is as bold as its namesake. Masked with an interesting market campaign that plays to our naturally taboo souls, does this wine live up to expectation? Moreover, which are you going to buy, one of the whites or a red? Which has the better health benefits? Which one is going to impress on those nights with a guest-filled house?

In the White Corner

As with all wines, a nice white Casillero Del Diablo, drunk in moderation, is going to be good for you. With simply one glass a night, a consumer can greatly improve their way of life. A research phenomenon has concluded that moderate wine drinkers have less chance of losing eyesight with age and an increased chance of surviving a heart attack.

Chardonnay

Casillero Del Diablo Chardonnay is the perfect medium bodied wine to accompany a creamy pasta dish. With pineapple and citrus flavors mixed with peach, and a hint of vanilla, it is a light and fruity alternative to its red wine counterparts. At tastings, however, it seems to become a love it or hate it kind of drink, supposedly because of the intense nature of the taste.

Sauvignon Blanc 

A zesty, dry white wine, the Sauvignon Blanc goes down great with simple dishes, such as thick cut bread and rich, mature cheeses. This peach, citrus fruit and gooseberry-tinged wine is a magnificently easy drink. It is elegant and well rounded on the palate, balanced with crisp lemon notes and a beautifully refreshing acidity.

Granted, these white wines may not be for the fashionistas or be likely to be served at an art exhibition, but are staple wines for any wine-rack. Fairly priced, with consistent tastes, these whites are certainly never wines to be ashamed of presenting. Despite this, Casillero Del Diablo’s white options seem to have a rather lackluster love or hate consistency with consumers. 

In the Red Corner

Casillero Del Diablo holds its own in the powerful red wine market and is an essential addition to any alcohol-infused barbecue. Despite recent studies that have shown that drinking wine can have an adverse effect on hair, there are now remedies to address hair loss, if this is a problem for you,  and it's unlikely moderate drinking will affect your hair.  Red wine is generally considered to be the healthiest wine option as it has all the health benefits of white wine, plus many more thanks to the antioxidants in the red grape skins that help reds to achieve their richer tastes.  Antioxidants are key to relieving stress and fighting disease, giving red wine a stand out feature that is not found in white wine, reducing the risks of illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. This is why doctors often recommend one small glass of wine a night as part of a healthy, balanced diet. 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense nose with a strong fruit base that is likely to make those not used to the power of a good wine wince at the scent. Having said that, it hits with a jammy fruit and prune juice sensation. It is full-bodied and velvety with a smooth finish, filled with blackcurrant flavoring and an almost dark chocolate cheekiness. It must be the first choice for barbecues and all roast red meats, whether that is a summer steak in the garden or a roasted lamb shank in the evening. This is a sumptuous treat that is best enjoyed in a bigger glass for more of the Devil’s splendor.

Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a softer tasting red that the wine masters describe as being more feminine and easy drinking, producing a smooth taste with an equally persistent finish. Matched perfectly with oily fish, a great grilled tuna steak, or equally as well with white meats, it is a perfect addition to any feast given its easy drinking and lighter nature.

Despite the endearing play on the name that implies it may become a cliché, Casillero Del Diablo comes stylishly presented with a well-designed logo. It holds the attention of the wine market with a consistently edgy taste that is both powerful and memorable in both nose and mouth. It is not a cheap looking wine that will look out of place in either a grand dining hall or a humble dining room. Casillero Del Diablo is a fine choice whether you prefer the whites or the reds, but the reds just seems to have that something extra, something devilishly charming about them.

It is a wine for simple enjoyment. A truly magnificent wine. 

Coppola Syrah-Shiraz 2005 "green Label" wine review by (PB)

Big jammy blackberry and sweet chocolate berry cream candy with spicy vegetal nuances.

Palate-Mature tannins, solid acidic backbone with loads of blackberries and a hint of smoke on the finish.

This was on sale for $12 and its a nice, "fruit bomb" kind of wine which if in your in the mood for one--and I am--is just sheer pleasure on the quaff.

I will pair this tonight with chicken-fried moose cube steaks and sage butter pasta (gluten free) so raise a glass as there is a definite nip in the air here in Maine!

Rex Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant cherry and pomegranate on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Rich finish, almost a creamy element to it, with cherry and spice

Summary:

A good Pinot Noir is always a special treat. What sets this apart is an unexpected creaminess yet lightness. It's this texture and weight nuance that makes this wine so enjoyable. From the Willamette Valley in Oregon, this one's a keeper. Expect to pay around $30 which is fair. Raise a glass!

Santi Vigneti di Monteforte Soave Classico 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Nice citrus nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Lemongrass and floral notes on the finish

Summary:

This is a nice example of Soave Classico, if a bit less complex than some. The citrus notes are nicely offset by floral notes, and the acidity is just right. Soave Classico is primarily made from Garganega in Northeast Italy. Expect to pay $15 for this, and raise a glass!

Pascual Toso 2004 Malbec wine review by (PB)

Absolutely solid, opaque deep magenta hue with aromas, rich sweet fruit deep dark red berry bouquet with an under-layer of gentle "Toll House" semi-sweet chocolate with cherry bleeding through.

In the mouth is the sensual texture of a thickish foundation--that's right I said "thickish," (get your own blog and you can use your own weird adjectives)with a pronounced mid-to rear palate flavor of cedar laced with red berries.

This wine was opened when a friend brought it over wondering about an 07 Malbec that originally sold for around $8. He thought his first bottle was pretty good and wanted to know what I thought. (Several bottles were given to him from a lady he had done some contracting work for.)

I had reviewed a bottle of this same wine (different vintage)back in 2008 I think and thought it was pretty "Meah."

This is one of those nice surprises. Aged very well and still holds a solid, peaked level of maturity especially for a wine that was produced as your basic table wine. So if you happen to find one of these buried in a bin somewhere in your local wine haunt, snag it and open it with confidence. It's a really nice surprise for the money and the age so raise a glass! Thanks T.St.G.!

Armand Roux Verdillac 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Pineapple, Lime and Water Cracker
Palate: Lovely, spry mouth feel with a fantastic acid core and steely back that will slice through butter and cream leaving you fresh and ready for another bit of anything you have in front of you!
Finish: Granny Smith Apples give way to apricots and mint in a long lasting finish.
Overall: What an absolutely wonderful discovery!  I paid $9.99 for this at a local wine shop where it was recommended by the clerk.  I paired it after dinner with a creme brulee and it was magnificent.  It is a steal at this price.  This French Sauvignon Blanc is young, easy to drink and has all the nascent complexity and elegance of a more expensive white French Bordeaux.

Raise a Glass!

Roncier (NV) Red wine review by (PB)

Purple cherry hue with aromas that seem pinot noir-like blended with Grenache. There are earthy notes, light spice and a touch of white pepper.

Palate-Lighter strawberry and raspberry confused with an awkward mouth feel and an overall clunky confused taste with an unpleasant reminder on the finish that you just wasted some money.

I was shopping for a Burgundy and grabbed a higher end bottle and saw this for $11. I figured what the heck, you never know. You might just find a great bargain; maybe an overproduction of wine bottled under an uninformative label. Well not so; I think the names were changed to protect the guilty. This is a wine to be passed up.

Jackson-Trigg Proprietor's Reserve Vidal Ice Wine 2007 wine review by (PB)

Pretty golden hue throwing off enticing aromas of ultra sweet, mandarin oranges, hints of pineapple, and a slight toasted sugar glaze of Creme Brulee and aromas reminiscent of Botrytis--the "helpful" mold that makes the Sauternes and other late harvest dessert wines so wonderful.

Palate--Velvety filling texture with nicely balanced apricot nectar front, great acid foundation to balance the sweetness, and and a lush tropical fruit finish that lasts a loooong time afterwards. 10-15 minutes later I am still tasting this awesome wine.

This was a gift from friends and what a treat this is. It will cost you around $20 for a 375 ml bottle and its worth every penny so raise a glass!

Viu Manent Malbec Reserva 2012 wine review by (PB)

Purple and watermelon hue with aromas of sweet spicy Thanksgiving "spiced apples" without the cinnamon; a touch of mint emerges later with more sweet candied dark berry notes. Reminds me of a big Grenache which is odd for a Malbec.

Palate--Intense, bold, espresso roast and dark fruit with intensity and bold mouth feel. Finishes with a lingering fruit berry presence.

One of the better Malbecs I have had especially at this price point ($10). (It can be found for as low as $8 which is a steal!)

This is a BIG wine, fruit forward, young and will only continue to get better for another 2 years. Raise a glass!

Sterling Vintner's Collection "Meritage" 2010 wine review by (PB)

Pretty garnet/cherry hue with aromas of spicy black berry, and a touch of sweet chocolate.

Palate- On opening there was an up front blast of prominent cinnamon (red hots candies)which disappeared quickly on breathing. Now 24 hours later the wine is full of blackberry sweetness and spice reminding me of a zinfandel more than a Bordeaux blend. But it is tasty, drinks well, has character and structure with a slightly lingering finish.

For $9 this is a nice value wine but DO pay attention to the vintage as each vintage differs in the blend they use. This one is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot with some other blending grapes. Back in the 70's Sterling Vineyards was one of the up and coming wineries back when I was cutting my teeth on oenology. They since seemed to have made a business decision along the way to make wines in the popularly priced priced range of $10 rather than the higher end of other California wineries. They are not the winery they were back in the day but occasionally they put out a good value like this one so raise a glass! Thanks Tom!

Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Napa Valley Reserve 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Currants and dark berries on the nose

Full bodied and dense on the palate

Finish of berries, earth, and tobacco

Summary:

This Bordeaux-style blend from Beaulieu in Napa Valley has been a consistent winner in recent years. Made from the classic noble blending grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, it shows weight and depth and flavor from front to back. It can also cellar.

PB, Billy, and I had a recent Wine Cask Blog tasting opportunity at a gathering in Maine. We have some history with this wine, so it was nice to taste the 2009 together.

Expect to pay around $45, although prices can vary widely in my experience. Don't forget to put something on the grill, then raise a glass!

Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Lemongrass on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Fairly long finish of grapefruit and lime with an herbal touch

Summary:

Here's another nicely put together Sauvignon Blanc from Cloudy Bay. It has structure, class, and good flavor. The bottle was emptied pretty quickly during our Wine Cask Blog gathering on a sunny afternoon at a lake house in Maine.

Still one of the leaders in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc category, this wine is getting a bit expensive at $30 or so. Find it on sale, and raise a glass!

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2010 wine review by Billy

Nose: lemon flowers melon
Palate: soft and even with great structure and floral notes.
Finish: citrus and flowers and slate.
Overall: awesome.  Chateau Montelena put California Chardonnay on the map when in 1976 they took 1st place in the Paris Tasting, beating out the well known French Chardonnays.  The quality of Montelena's craft remains to this day with a delightfully crisp chardonnay. This amazing California Chardonnay runs about $50.

Ecco Domini Moscato 2011 wine review by (PB)

Nice pretty golden hie with aromas of sweet, tropical fruit salad.

Palate--disappointingly flaccid, licking acidic foundation to carry the sweetness which orders on cloying but not quite.

This wine would be appreciated by consumers who basically "don't like wine" but tend to like "soda pop wines" like this one. Pass on this and try another; at its best, it is gloriously refreshing, fruity and very drinkable especially chilled down as a summer aperitif.

Matua Valley Pinot Noir (Marlborough) 2011 wine review by (PB)

This New Zealand Pinot has a lovely bouquet of bright candied cherries with cherry cream bon-bons and strawberry notes loaded with sweet spices.

Palate--brightly acidic with tart cherry and red berry flavors with a beam of smoke down the center. Finishes with a little bit of a flat ending.

Its been a while since I have had a NZ Pinot and this is a tasty one. It is a bit too warm right now and needs to be cooled down a bit where it will only improve. I believe I paid around $15 for it and its a nice pinot for the price so raise a glass!

Viu Manent Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2012 wine review by (PB)

Garnet hue with a unique bouquet which, if I were tasting this blind would be tempted to think it a white wine and a S. Blanc at that! This bouquet has a spicy/grassy green peppery front with sweet berry fruit away from the rim.

Palate--This is not your typical Chilean (Colchagua) Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a green front with spicy light berry flavors which defy the grape. If I were tasting this blind I would be stumped.

The label's tasting notes bear no resemblance to reality but don't let that distract you from trying this wine. The folks at Viu Manent know how to make Cab Sauv. and while this one is atypical, I like it and is intriguing! At $ raise a glass! And for my friend Tom, a budding oenophile, I totally understand your comments "if" this was even the same wine you were talking about, but again, while atypical, it is a solid wine with much to commend it! I say, raise a glass!

Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 wine review by (PB)

Cherry hue with aromas of spicy wild dark red berries.

Palate--Nice up front presence of cherry/berry fruit, supple tannins, zesty structure and a unsweetened, bitter baker's chocolate finish with a cherry touch.

This Mendocino Zin produced by the Shelton wine folks is tasty, friendly and a pretty nice Zinfandel. I haven't had many Zins from Mendocino, in fact I don't remember any at all. But I will remember this one and at the $20 price point it's a decent buy so raise a glass!

Beaulieu Vineyards Chardonnay (Carneros) 2008 wine review by (PB)

Rather intense golden hue with aromas in the bouquet of caramelized pineapple and a classic "over-the-hill" aroma that white wines tend to get when they are ready to be buried.

Palate--This wine is showing its age in both the bouquet and the palate which can be a mixed bag. This wine has a racy beam of acidic fruit that tastes baked and beyond its prime and yet its a bit interesting. If I was counting on a classic Carneros Chard I would be disappointed and even considering returning it. When I bought it I inquired about the possibility and like all good wine shops, they should (and always have)stood behind any wine that is corked or beyond a reasonable age.

This wine is going back. Sure I only paid $8 for it when this wine would normally go for closer to $20 but a wine that you don't want to drink because it is decrepit is not a bargain at any price.

Raise a glass of a younger version; you'll love it!

Altamura Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 wine review by Billy

Nose:  big juicy berries and cherry, 
Palate: amazing balance and superb structure.  Lovely soft mouth feel, juicy berries, young tobacco
Finish: long sweet cherry tobacco 
Overall: delectable, amazing.  PB, NW and I got together for a wine tasting extravaganza and this bottle was one of the features.  It is a beautiful Napa Cab with deep juicy flavors and soft complexity.  This wine ran us $85 or so.

Espiral Vinho Rose wine review by Billy

Nose: light nose of candied fruit
Palate: slight sprtiz, off dry in the mouth. Decent acid gives a good backbone, body and structure. Light and fruity notes in the mouth.
Finish: lingering and fruit finish is crisp.
Overall: we paid only about 7 dollars for this at a local store.  A great Portuguese rose that is inexpensive and easy going.

Champalou Vouvray 2007 wine review by (PB)

Pale gold with bouquet of sweet powdery stone fruit, with some age on the nose, ripe melon.

Palate--razor sharp acidity on a relaxed front that deceives you into thinking "this is going to be flaccid and then WHAM--tongue cutting acid. Interesting flavors of mixed summer fruit with a note of white pepper that is fleeting. Some other fruit flavors that are really nice but I cannot put a name to them.

I was leery buying this in light of the age but knowing the particular store I also know they stand behind their wines. If it is over the hill, they would gladly refund your money. They assure d me it was fine and they were certainly right.

I paid $8 I think and that is deeply discounted from $12-$16 elsewhere. I will raise more glasses of this Chenin Blanc from the land of Chenin but don't hold onto it; it is peaked right now!

Pine Ridge Chennin Blanc + Viognier 2012 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with lovely bouquet of sweet pear on opening but changing quickly to citrusy fruit with lemon/lime and grassy notes that smell like S. Blanc.

Palate--Slightly sparkling with a nice beam of lemon grass with racy acidity, off dry, with a minerally touch and finishing with a lasting reminder of fruit cocktail.

I actually reviewed this wine in the 2011 vintage and (NW) of this blog reviewed the 2009. We liked those as well! Check them out and see how the wine has varied over the vintages.

At $11 (although I see it as high as $16) this is a nice white summery wine and I will pair it with grilled pork chops with a Dijon and fruit glaze so raise a glass!

Trimbach Alsace Pinot Blanc 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bright apple and lemon on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Silky finish of apple and citrus with good acidity

Summary:

Good, uncomplicated, bright and youthful still, even though the wine is five years old. The bottle was emptied very quickly with some house guests. Trimbach wines from the Alsace region of France are hard to beat for reliability and versatility. Pour this with just about anything and enjoy. The retail price should run around $15. Raise a glass!

Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Black cherry, berries, and aromatic cedar notes on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Silky tannins with a  long finish of cherry, berries, earthy tobacco, and spices

Summary:

Beautifully mature, this wine is seamlessly integrated with flavor and texture. It has depth and intensity that unfolds naturally with Tuscan fare such as pasta with wild boar ragu.

I've had a number of vintages of this wine, and it always pleases. Made from 100% Sangiovese, Brunello is one of the great red wines of Italy. Prices have cooled off in recent years and this wine sells for $35-40. Raise a glass!

Bogle Essential Red 2010 wine review by (PB)

Deep garnet hue with bouquet of mixed spicy dark berries, sweet red fruit,touch of vanilla cream.
Palate--Soft structure, solid rich berry flavor with a subtle suggestion of chocolate.

This is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon,Syrah and Petite Sirah and comes off as more of a haphazard confused hodge podge of fruit. In spite of that, it is made in the popular style and would probably be enjoyed by most people. I just find it a bit overworked, tired and boring. As I scanned some of the other reviews on line it seems I am right about it being liked by most people. So, I'm not being a wine snob, I am being discriminating. When you've drank 1000s of wines you tend to learn a few things about style, repetition and what some call a sense of "place."

This is a wine made to cater to the palate of the vast majority of wine drinkers. That's not a bad thing. I'm just saying that if you want a tasty red wine that goes down easy this is a good wine. If you want a wine of real style and character, this is not it. At $11.50 you decide!

Artezin Zinfandel 2010 wine review by (PB)

Garnet hue with bouquet that is a touch unique for a Zin; the elements are there with a slightly wild berry front and something I can only liken to a wheaty aroma.

Palate--robust structure with a pepper blast up front followed by a solid beam of jammy blackberry with a touch of smoke on the finish.

This is made by the folks at Hess who tend to do most wines they produce well. The finish is lingering as I write this.

I paid $12 for this Mendocino Zinfandel, and honestly I have mixed emotions whether it gets a "raise a glass" or not. On second thought I could really pass on this wine. See my recent review of Cline's California Zin and raise a glass of that!!!

Cline Zinfandel 2011 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with solid spice berry and brambly berry goodness in the bouquet.

Palate--rather intense, full rich berry flavors on a nice structure with a fleeting but delicious finish.

This Sonoma sourced Zinfandel priced at the $10 point is just a reliable example of really good Zinfandel and why Zinfandel is the one grape which America can call its own. This is just good drinking and a really nice example of the grape so raise a glass!

Montes 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Rich earthy nose, dark pulpy cherry and plum with herbal chocolate

Palate: soft tannin and more dark cherry flavors with good balance that doesn't bite.

Finish: herbs and cinnamon on the medium-long finish.

Overall: A solid Cab from Chile.  I paid about $13 for this wine at a local store.  It opened well after breathing.  Paired with simple baked ziti and Italian garlic bread.

Dinastia Vivanco (Crianza) 2008 wien review by (PB)

This Rioja Tempranillo is a lovely black cherry hued wine with some depth and a solid garnet rim.

Bouquet initially reminded me of a nice Grenache but as it opened fairly quickly with aromas of cherry and red berry and a touch of rustic spice or forest floor.

Palate--First impression is a mature, integrated wine with supple tannins and lovely balance. All the "flavors" of the bouquet are present with an intermittent blast of black pepper and a beam of red fruit lingers in the end.

The Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 points and ranked it as #59 on its 2011 top 100.

I think I paid around $15 for it and its a nice Tempranillo to say the least so raise a glass!

Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bold, earthy nose of dark berries

Full bodied and dense on the palate

Sturdy finish, densely layered with dark berries and tobacco

Summary:

This is a dense and earthy wine made from Sangiovese that offers the perfect compliment to hearty Tuscan fare. It also has weight and structure that suggests it will drink well for many years to come. Expect to pay around $35.

It was a real treat with dinner during a night on the town with an anniversary couple! Raise a glass!

Souverain Merlot (Sonoma) 2008 Wine review by (PB)

Garnet hue with good blueberry and blackberry bouquet with light spiciness and light cedar.

Palate--Soft style with a gentle structure but brimming with big bold berries, smooth tannins and fully integrated. Finish hangs on a whole as well making this a really tasty Merlot.

I paid $9 for this but sells for $20 normally. I liked it a lot so raise a glass!

Conundrum California White Wine 2010 wine review by (PB)

Gentle golden hue with a bouquet loaded with fruity aromas of mulled tropical fruit, pineapple, ripe orange, pie spices, and host of other sweet aromas.

Palate--Well structured,with a nice acidic foundation to carry the off dry melange of tropical fruit filled goodness. Finishes with a pleasant, fruity Riesling-like ending.

So what exactly IS Conundrum? It is a blend of numerous grapes, which seems to be guarded as to what is there.

I would guess there might be a strong presence of Gewurztraminer, and Riesling with perhaps Chenin Blanc, Viognier and maybe one of the Rhone style blending grapes being grown in California.

This is a delicious chilled summer wine, well made and is awesome all by itself. But will handle the buttery Maine Lobster I'll be eating in a moment. It tends to run around the $20 price point and is a nice enough treat so raise a glass!

Couny-Dutheil Chinon Rose 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Strawberry and cherry on the nose

Medium bodied with graceful texture on the palate

Floral and red berries with good acidity on the finish

Summary:

This is the first Chinon Rose I've ever seen, so I made sure to grab a bottle. In short, I'll be going back for more.

Chinon is the classic Cabernet Franc region in France where this grape shows endless charm with medium weight, flinty accents to the fruit, and good acidity. And that's the red wine. As far as this rose is concerned, it's every bit complementary to the red. It shows lighter touches but beautiful layers and good acidity.

Chill it down and enjoy! I paid $15, which was marked down a couple bucks. Raise a glass!

Guy Allion Les Mazelles Val de Loire Sauvignon 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bright apple and lemon on the nose

Light bodied on the palate

Well textured finish of citrus and mineral notes

Summary:

Here's a nice, bright Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley in France- the original home for this varietal. The wine is lively and finishes with good texture. Serve chilled on a Summer day and this bottle will disappear quickly.  Expect to pay $12 or so. Raise a glass!

Le Poule Blanche 2010 wine review by (PB)

Light straw hue with fruity bouquet of green melon, and tropical fruit.

Palate--Racy acidity sets off this blend of Chradonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier from the Languedoc-Roussillon. Pretty straight forward with plenty of solid tropical fruit and good mouth feel.
Will make a good food wine or all by itself with a decent chill on it. At $12 or less, raise a glass!

Gaetano D'Aquino Chianti Riserva 2009 wine review by (PB)

Garnet hue with earthy, rustic cherries.

Palate--Chewy, earthy, harsh dried cherries on a rather nasty foundation with a touch of smoke on the finish.

The 2007 vintage of this Trader Joe's selection was one of my wine values of the year. At $6 it was hard to beat. This particular vintage is the kind you want to pass up at any price.

Ravenswood Zinfandel (Old Vine) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Nice magenta hue with blackberry aroma and an over-powering presence of alcohol in the nose.

Palate--Awkward berry fruit up front, harsh, biting,and too warm. With a chill down in the fridge it improves as far as the alcohol overwhelming everything else but this Zin which runs around $10 should be passed over.

Rosenblum Rockpile Rd Zinfandel (Rockpile Road Vineyard) 2006 wine review by (PB)

Surprisingly aged looking presentation with browning at the rim! Ridiculously awesome raspberry and strawberry bouquet on opening which disappears with some airtime. Now what remains is big mocha black raspberry/black berry and cigar box with a melange of exotic spices and a trace of fresh raspberry right on the end of a glorious bouquet!

Palate--Plush mouth feel with big thick extracted hyper-fruity and jammy blackberries and wild spicy foliage. Nice berryful finish.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! THIS is why I drink wine. This wine is peak right now and yet the flavor does not reveal any aging commensurate with the wine's color. By the color I would say drink this NOW; by the palate I would say drink this wine now but it should be outstanding for another couple 3 years.

At any rate-- this Rosenblume single vineyard Zin will set you back about $35 but oh my oh my, you are worth it! I will be enjoying this with a grilled thick T-bone split with my wife and grilled new potatoes with fennel pollen. I am delirious with anticipation! Raise a glass--YES!

Masciarelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2011 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry to garnet hue with bouquet of cherry, slight rose petal, dill and spicey licorice.

Palate--Lovely fruity, cherry and licorice touches with solid structure, and a beam of nice bright fruit mid-palate with a nice texture. Finishes a little quick but a nice all around Montepulciano and a great food wine.

I paid $11 for this wine after many years of shunning the Masciarelli label. For some reason I don't recall, I had associated this wine with cheap red wines that have earned the designation "plonk." Strangely this was all based on the proximity of this wine to the plonk wines.

After reading a review of another vintage of this wine by (NW) of this blog I spied this and thought I would give it a shot. Hey we all do stupid things in our lives right? I prejudged this wine and ended up finding a value so raise a glass!

Empty Nesters (NV) wine review by (PB)

This beautiful wine presents with a slightly ambered golden hue and a bouquet brimming with fresh apple fruit and a hint of sweet spice.

Palate--First impression is boy this is really sweet but then a supercharged acid foundation rears up and suddenly you say, boy this is a dry wine and then you swallow and you think, this is just ridiculously side kicking good with fruit in big supply with a a great balance of sweetness and acid. Finishes with a nice Granny Smith kind of appley ending.

OK, you cannot buy this wine; it is home crafted apple wine friends of our made and it is outstanding! Sorry to tease you but this is SO good it deserved a place on the WCB so we are raising a glass or three! Thanks Jane and Roger, Mike and Bee. Well done--no really, WELL DONE!

Duplin Carolina Red Reserve 2010 "wine" review by (PB)

Pale watermelon hue presentation with interesting sweet aroma I can't identify.

Palate--Really sweet, grapey, candy and nothing more.

This is made by Duplin Vineyards of North Carolina and if you ice this wine down and you don't like real wine, this might be just the fit for you. It is what I would call soda pop wine and on a hot summer day like today it might be enjoyable in small quantities at pool side.

Better yet--use this as the base wine in a nice Sangria, and raise a glass.

Chateau Serilhan St Estephe 2009 wine review by (PB)

This "Left Bank" Bordeaux presents with a deep dark garnet hue.
Bouquet--Dark berry, cassis, loads of cedar with an earthy presence. Underneath the bold initial bouquet is a candy sweet hint of fresh grape.

Palate--Awesome first impression not nearly as tannic as I was expecting with a deep heavy supple mouth feel. I'm lovin it! Rich, deep big black berry and ripe purple plum and a light foundation of cocoa which is changing with air.

I just opened this wine an poured it through an aerator into my glass. It is wonderful now and will get even more wonderful with some breathing.