Frei Bros. Zinfandel Reserve "Dry Creek" Sonoma 2012 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with nice aromas of understated wild blackberry with rustic spices and sweet dark fruit.

Palate--Dried dark berries on top of lively wild blackberries with solid Zin flavors that keeps you pouring the bottle empty.

I think I paid around $15 for this Zin which is a nice one and a solid example of the varietal so raise a glass!

Lofthouse Vineyard Bay and Barnes Block Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Tasting notes:

Lemon-lime and quince on the nose

Medium bodied with bright acidity on the palate

Fresh, acidic finish of grapefruit, lime, and herbal notes

Summary:

Add this one to the rotation! It's the first time I've had this wine, and I was a bit skeptical because there are already so many good New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs to choose from in my neck of the woods. I like because it's bright and lively but also shows a depth of flavor and persistence to the finish that's impressive for $11. Look for it at Wegman's or your local wine shop. Raise a glass!

Serie Riberas Concha Y Toro "Gran Reserva" Cabernaet Sauvignon 2012 wine review by (PB)

Deeply pigmented Black cheery garnet hue with aromas green peppers, sweet ripe blackberries, and plum with a touch of blueberry and cedary spice.

Palate--Foundational varietal dark fruit berry flavor with anise, vanilla cherry cream, and finishes with some smokey oak. This drinks better after 24 hours but should be rewarding for a couple more years in the cellar.

I think I paid $13 for this which is a bargain and a half. Wine Spectator gives this wine 91 points. I concur so raise a glass!

Bodegas Francos-Espanolas Rioja Bordon Reserva 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Spicy currant and aromatic, woody balsamic notes on the bouquet

Medium bodied on the palate

Red fruit, dry earth, and moderately tannic on the finish

Summary:

This is a nice wine. It's a bit more woody than a typical Rioja from Spain, but with that said Rioja is a region that is showing a variety of styles emerge beyond the classic profile of soft red fruit. It should compliment a variety of dishes, particularly barbecue. Expect to pay in the mid-teens- the average price I've seen is $16. Raise a glass!

Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2006 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Gorgeous sweet cherry and spice on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Dense finish that's earthy with red berries, tobacco, and spice

Summary:

Excellent wine! I could have waited longer with this one, but it didn't disappoint with a few years of cellaring. It has an amazing nose that's fragrant and full of power, emanating from the glass with remarkable strength and purity. It's also extremely dense with a long finish that's classic Brunello.

The wine was released at $50, and was listed at number four on the Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2011. I mention that because it generally means you won't find it sitting on store shelves anywhere. If you happen to source a bottle, give it plenty of air and plan to linger over this wine. Raise a glass!

19 Crimes 2012 "Red Wine" wine review by (PB)

Brilliant ruby hue with aromas of dark berry, ripe plum, cigar box, and sweet spice with a touch of chocolate cake.

Palate--Light mouth feel, sturdy construction with forth right flavors of sharp black berry, blue berry, and cocoa nuances.

This Aussie red is a Shiraz blend. Shiraz is also known as Durif in case you ever see that on a label and wonder what the heck it is. The weight of this wine and mouth feel is sound with a lighter expression for a Shiraz which I attribute to the blend of Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Wine Spectator gave this wine 89 points and Best Value designation. I paid $10 for it but tends to run a couple bucks more. Either way, a pleasant and easy drinking wine so raise a glass!

Chateau St. Jean Le Petite Etoile Vineyard Fume Blanc 2012 wine review by (PB)

Pale straw hue with big bouquet of grassy perfumy, lemony citrusy, sweet pineappley, hard candy!

Palate--Like a thick flannel comforter on the tongue this Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River (single vineyard) has finessed but pronounced varietal flavors, flinty with bold citrus flavors, and grassy wildness,with a touch of cream.

The late Robert Mondavi is credited with the label Fume Blanc which is just another name for the Sauvignon Blanc grape but at the time, Sauvignon Blanc was unknown in this country as the French wines made from Sauvignon blanc weren't necessarily mentioned on the label. In Mondavi's genius, he marketed this "new" wine as Fume Blanc--pronounced Foo-may blawn--and the rest is history.

I paid $13 for this special at a state store; normally sells for $20. I just had it with cheese and crackers and will serve it with butternut squash raviolis with a sage butter. Raise a glass!

Spalletti Chianti Classico Riserva 2010 wine review by (PB)

Medium garnet hue with aromas of rustic red berry with fresh wild cherry underneath though subtle with a touch of mint.

Palate--Nice Sangiovese varietal flavors of forest floor, tart cherry, and a finish of oak.

I paid $15 for this on sale from $28. It's a good example of the grape and the region with a nice sturdy foundation and flavors so raise a glass at $15.

Bodegas Ordonez Triton Tinto de Toro 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bouquet that's bold with dark berries and cocoa

Full bodied on the palate

Juicy dark berry finish, slightly tannic, with coffee and spice

Summary:

This is a lot of wine for $14-a value Tinto de Toro for sure. Made from Tempranillo, wines from this region of Spain are generally modern and full bodied. Prices are starting to creep up, so value wines like these are a good find. I recommend you seek this one out because it tastes like the $30 wines on the same shelf.

Give this wine plenty of air because it is moderately tannic and sharp. I usually pour young reds through an aeration device into the glass rather than take the trouble of decanting. Decanting is often more ceremonial than anything else.  Enjoy with flank steak over a bed of greens, and raise a glass!

Castle Rock Pinot Noir (Sonoma) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Slightly aged but brilliant garnet hue with aromas brimming with bright red strawberry/raspberry/cherry fruit! Subtle cherry cream and hints of spice finish off this classic Pinot bouquet.

Palate--Plush textured, and full of Pinot flavor with exciting acid and brilliant cherry/berry front with smokey oak and fruit finish.

There's nothing complicated about this $10 Pinot but it is delicious and a steal at this price point so it goes without saying--Raise a Glass!

Truchard Zinfandel Carneros (NAPA) 2010 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with Blackberry aroma and a nice touch of sage, and a gentle touch of mint on the edge.

Palate--This is a bold Zin with a sturdy foundation to carry the big rustic blackberry flavors with a smokey finish.

I paid $15 for this on a "super buy" from an out of state store. It normally runs around $28. I am not positive that I have ever had a Carneros Zin but this one is certainly enjoyable. I love it at the $15 price point; at close to $30 I'm not so sure. But I will raise a glass tonight but still not sure what dinner plans will be.

Snoqualmie Riesling Winemaker's Select 2012 wine review by (PB)

Pale gold hue with nice aromas of tropical fruits with an "oily" note that I find typical of many Rieslings and Gruners with vanilla cream and a touch of wood.

Palate--Zippy acidic foundation, off dry and fruit filled with lite stone fruit and tropical fruit salad. Even liners a bit.

You'll find this wine at the $8 price point and it is always a great buy! Year after there is a constancy and with the acidity, this wine will work with heavy buttery fare, lobster, or chilled as an aperitif. This is an automatic buy and I will be pairing it with fried Mahi-Mahi so raise a glass!

Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford (Napa Valley) 2006 wine review by (PB)

Sturdy magenta hue with slight opacity:

Aromas--Fresh ripe berry rising from the glass; black berry, and mint with twinges of black licorice, an under layer that is subtle but awesome cherry cream with dark fruit with rustic berries and a touch of cinnamon at the edges.

Palate--Mature tannic foundation, with big black berry fruit with touches of extracted ripe plum, a bit of smokey oak and a finish of more fruit.

I saw this in a local roadside produce shop for $25. Knowing that it would be difficult for me to find anything like this in my parts and knowing the price was a great value, I grabbed it. If you can find it expect to pay more like $35. Glad I grabbed it; this is solid Napa and typical of BV Cabernet. At this price point, I may have to grab the other one I think I saw. I will pair it with charcoal grilled Delmonico steaks. Raise a glass!

Domaine de la Chanade "Les Rials" Loin de l'Oeil Sur Lie Vin de Pays des Cotes du Tarn 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant floral notes and pear intertwined on the bouquet

Medium bodied on the palate

Lightly sweet fruit finish with honey and floral notes balanced by just enough acidity

Summary:

Without a doubt, this is my wine of the Summer! It tastes great, has an interesting profile, and is easy to sip on a warm day. Best of all, it's only $10. In fact, I bought a case on sale for $8.

If that's not enough, it's made in Southwestern France from an ancient wine grape that's rarely used today. This domaine has helped to resurrect this now exotic varietal- Loin de l'Oeil- and for good reason. With results like this, it never should have been lost to time. Chill it down and enjoy it on a warm afternoon. Raise a glass!

Terra D'Alige Tatone MontePulciano D' Bruzzo 2010 wine review by (PB)

Nice black cherry hue with some heft to the pigmentation. Aromas of a deep, intense melange of spices, deep licorice and fruit with forest floor and more evergreen--WOW!

Palate--supple tannins with delicious dark berries, rich textured with a finish that is tart and mouth watering.

Montepulciano is one of my favorite every day kind of wines. Even at the lower price points of $8 they tend to be just great, easy drinking, red wines that pair with everything Italian and tomoatoe based, dishes


I paid $12 for this wine marked down from $16. At $16 this would have been a nice wine; at $12 it's a buy more kind of wine! Buy and raise a glass!!!

Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines (Sonoma Co) Zinfandel 2012 wine review by (PB)

Cranberry hue with aromas of brambly fruit somewhat subdued.

Palate--A subtle touch of licorice, under somewhat subdued rustic blackberry.

I have had some really stellar value productions of this wine in past years but this one seems off a bit. Nothing flawed about it, just really low key.

I paid $13 for this wine reduced from $16 and I would let this wine go at either price point.

I see this wine getting some strong reviews from a lot reviewers but I'm not seeing it in my bottle. In fairness, I'll give it another shot if I get the chance. Why don't you and let me know what YOU think!

Chakalaka "Spice Route" 2010 wine review by (PB)

Deeply pigmented opaque black cherry hue with aromas of deep blackberry, tar, spices and dark fruit.

Palate--Weighty presentation with loads of luxuriant dark fruit and a prominent charred wood presence. Finishes with more charred wood. Seems to have simplified from what it was about 20 hours ago when I opened it.

This is a blend of 6 different grapes. Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignane, Tannat, Durif and Grenache. I am typically not a fan of blends that try to mix more than 3 maybe four grapes although Beaulieu does it well with their Tapestry line. This is actually pretty well done even if it may not be my favorite style. I seemed to keep going back to the bottle and it was excellent with my pizza.

I paid $16 for this which was a good price and it is a different experience. South Africa seems to still be searching for identity. I hope they get it figured out as there is a lot of potential there but they might want to commit to what they think they are good at and stick with it. I jsut get the sense they are trying to live up to someone's idea of wine instead of what they have. At any rate--raise a glass!

Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Black cherry and dark berries on the nose

Full bodied  on the palate

Nicely textured on the finish with fruit that's layered with toasty oak and a hint of mint

Summary:

This is a nicely made Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. It's fruity and well rounded, with good texture and well integrated layers on the finish.  I'm often asked for a good value Cabernet out of California, and I tend to recommend a handful of Sonoma County bottlings including this one.

Rodney Strong wines have been consistently good of late, so look for the label. Expect to pay around $16, and enjoy with a grilled steak. Raise a glass!

Vina Alberdi 2005 Rioja Wine Review by Billy

Nose: deep and lovely tobacco and cherry
Palate: easy drinking even balance of warm tannins and black cherry
Finish: warm and long with tea, tobacco and cherry through and through
Overall: this is a lovely 2005 100% Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. It is showing age in the glass with brick red hues near the edge. It has a fantastic nose that is deep and rich. The mouth feel is quicksilver with passion. The finish is aged and wise and long. The bottle cost me $15 at the local wine shop.

Thomas Goss Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 McLaren Vale wine review by (PB)

Young purple hue with aromas of fresh dark berry fruit away from the glass changing to spicy dark berry with cedar notes and green overtones and some tarry hints.

Palate--Hefty on the palate--big, somewhat harsh with solid fruit, a nice beam of black cherry/berry with a lingering finish and smokey wood to end. An immature wine that is going to some time to come around. I would love to taste this in another 5-8 years but should last considerably longer than that. Australia is a place to watch in the years to come for this varietal. Great things might be coming down the pike.

I paid $14 for this Cab and will serve it with grilled flank steak and chimichurri sauce so raise a glass!

Mittelbach Tegernseerhof Rose 2013 wine review by (PB)

This Austrian Rose has a bright bouquet of subdued red melon and a touch of raspberry.

Palate--Nice burst of "zippy" fruit with a peachy aftertaste and a palate cleansing acidity.

I paid $15 for this Austrian rose which is about $5 too much. It's a decent, lively rose that tastes great chilled down on hot summer day, but there are SO many great roses today at the $10 price point that this is not worth the price. If you see it for about 2/3's less grab it, chill it and raise a glass. Otherwise try something else.

Rocca Delle Macie "SaSyr" 2011 wine review by (PB)

Purple to cranberry hue with aromas giving the classic Sangiovese bouquet on first whiff but then there is a blast of fresh fruit like candy apple cherry (the hard red coating on candied apples) with a rear guard of sweet herbs. This is a distinctive and enticing bouquet!

Palate--It tastes a little confused to me with the Sangiovese (60%) fighting with the (40%) Syrah. There's a nice sense of pie crust with residual baked-on cherry juice on it, red berries, and a touch of dried red fruit. Finish lingers a bit.

I had this wine several vintages ago and didn't care for it. It wasn't a bad wine at all it's just one of those preference things. I like Sangiovese when it's a blend if its with Cabernet Sauvignon, but not so much with Syrah. That's just me. This wine has a lovely bouquet though.

I see this around for anywhere from $9 on sale to $13. Just a word of warning--in these summer months, unless you have a temperature controlled cooler, don't drink this at room temperature unless your house is air conditioned and kept fairly cool. This wine changes dramatically as the temperature rises and the alcohol begins to engulf all else. This is true of any red wine and heat so don't be afraid to throw it in the refrigerator for 1/2 before you drink it and then raise a glass!

By the way Rocca Delle Macie is pronounced ROH-kah DELL-eh mah-CHEE-ah!

Gascon Colosal "red blend" 2012 wine review by (PB)

Intensely pigmented with a dark tomatoey red, opaque hue.
Aromas of gigantic black fruit and loads of "stuff" going on! Tar, bold evergreen and spice, cigar box and more ripe berry fruit lurking underneath it all. Wow!

Palate--Again, gigantic immense bold deep, dark berries with thickish, rich texture. Finishes with a lingering dark fruit with some charred oak.

This "red blend" is Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec and Syrah stand out to me but candidly I do not have a lot of experience with Bonarda.

I paid $9 for this $16 wine marked down. This is definitely an upper teens value so raise a glass and enjoy it with something with plenty of heft!

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Big nose with dark berries, roasted notes, and cedar

Full bodied on the palate

Long, layered finish, complex with dark berries and earthy notes

Summary:

If you have this wine stashed away, open it and enjoy! It's drinking beautifully right now at eight years of age. It's immensely flavorful and has a nice complexity to it that drives the finish. Well made and expressive, for sure. Expect to pay around $30 if you happen to see it in a store. Thanks to Ken and Emily for supplying this one over a Summer dinner on the porch. Raise a glass!

Famille Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Wild berries and bramble on the nose

Full bodied and well textured on the palate

Dark berries, dried herbs, and resinous notes on the finish

Summary:

Here's a widely available wine that's a great value and versatile with food. I found this at Trader Joe's for $9, and poured it with some grilled meat and vegetables on a week night. Made from Grenache blended with Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault, it delivers nice flavor and depth. For my money, Cotes du Rhone wines from the Southern Rhone valley in France continue present some of the best red wine values in the world. Raise a glass!

Bridlewood Monterey County Pinot Noir 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Fragrant red fruit bouquet on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Silky texture on the finish with red fruit, spice, and caramel notes

Summary:

Here's a nice, elegant Pinot Noir at a good price. It's a relatively simple style, but it's harmonious and pleasing to the palate. Expect to pay around $12, and pour with anything from salad to lamb chops. Raise a glass!

Hedges CMS Columbia Valley Red Wine 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Mixed berry notes on the nose

Full bodied and rustic on the palate

Harsh finish, heavily tannic, with flat berry and roasted notes

Summary:

I've enjoyed this wine in the past, but the 2011 is not very good. It's an untamed, harsh wine that even with plenty of breathing probably won't develop. Unfortunately, take a pass, save your $14, and check back for the 2012.

Wine tasting and the impact of medications by (PB)

If you visit our blog frequently you see that I have not posted very much if at all for some time. The reason being I am on medication for an issue and the particular medication messes up my ability to "taste" properly. It's important to note to your self when you are on any kind of medicine--even over the counter--meds as they may have an impact on your taster's ability to do its job.

With over 10,000 views a month on this blog, I am cautious not to impugn a wine carelessly realizing I may be unnecessarily creating diminished sales for a particular producer. For this reason there are all kinds of wines I have never posted my reviews simply because I did not trust the condition of my palate at the time of tasting. An upper respiratory infection (ie., a cold) can have a similar effect on your abilities even before your cold manifested itself with symptoms.

Tip off--if you are drinking a wine that you are at least familiar with the particular grape if not the wine and /or producer and it really seems "ucky" ask someone else to taste it and see if they think it tastes "OK." Sometimes my smeller is in fine shape but then I taste the wine and either the taste is off (eg. bitter when I know the type of wine is not generally bitter, or tart, or sour, or just tasteless or even the mouth feel is rather nasty.) Don't assume the wine is bad--it may be you! One good check is to try a wine with which you are very familiar; if it's kind of blech, forgo your wine experience until you're off the meds. Then raise a glass with confidence!

Carmen Reguengos Alentejo 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Nose opens with red currant and raspberry

Medium bodied on the palate

Dry finish with red berries and herbs

Summary:

From Portugal, this Alentejo is a pleasant, dry food wine. It shows good fruit backed by just the right amount of acidity and a dry finish. Don't expect it to jump out at you, rather simply enjoy it with a good meal. For $12, raise a glass!

Domaine Du Salvard Cheverny 2011 wine review by (PB)

Hue is a very pale nearly rose looking, with an orange tinge to it.

Bouquet--Just beneath the tightly wound raspberry fruit is a note of asparagus green and ash. Underneath that is a layer of sweet spice though gentle.

Palate--Finessed structure with fruity foundation of sour strawberry and red raspberry hints. Well made it is easy to drink and interesting.

This Loire red is a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. I grabbed it because I don't believe I have ever seen this blend but then again I have never had a Cheverny.

I will be pairing this a pasta bed on which rests asparagus and shrimp in a lovely cream sauce. The gentle flavors of this dish should work well with this wine.

I paid a hefty $19 for this bottle which is about as high as you will see it anywhere. If you are looking for a unique wine experience to broaden your horizons *I would pay the price again. If not, I would wait until I could find it for $15 or less. *Raise a glass!

Paco & Lola Albarino 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Apple and citrus on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Floral and apple with light acidity on the finish

Summary:

Albarino is a great Summer white. From the Rias Baixes region of Spain, it delivers full flavor and good acidity. This one is not quite as zippy as some, but it shows class and a well-rounded appeal. Expect to pay $12 or so.

I recommend you start with this well chilled, and enjoy it outdoors with appetizers as it warms up a bit in the bottle. Raise a glass!

Bonterra Zinfandel (Mendocino) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Nice garnet hue with a staunch vanilla bean beam in the nose with blackberry fruit.

Palate-- Integrated with decent structure, wild blackberry flavors, a hint of that vanilla and some rustic touches.

Grilled BBQ'd chicken with it, finishes quickly but pleasant enough. At the $10 price point raise a glass!

Chappellet (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 wine review by (PB)

Dark purple to black cherry hue with big aromas of fresh blackberry, blueberry and ripe plum. Suggestion of menthol, cedar.

Palate--Supple tannins, mouth filling extracted dark berry fruit with mid layer of tar, and more plum with a touch of bread and in the words of my wife, "Andie's Mints". Finish lingers a bit with some charcoal.

This is a big ripe extracted Napa Cab with a lot going for it but it is still a bit young. It is structured, deliciousness right now but will come into its own in a about 3 more years. It isn't cheap--$40-$50 but is a nice treat! This reminds me of Caymus' Cabernet and is just what pure Cabernet should taste like. Thanks Thomas! Was an awesome compliment to boneless Rib-eye on the grill. Raise a glass.

Girard Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Wild berries, bramble, and smoky notes on the nose

Full bodied and dense

Dark plum, black tea, and herbs layered on the finish

Summary:

I always enjoy finding a good Petite Sirah. When made well, it's a varietal that shows incredible density and depth along with a bit of rustic charm. This wine is a stellar example from Girard, and it has interesting layers that evolve in the glass with some time. Pair with red meat or a hearty sauce, and give it plenty of air. For $25, this is fairly priced and easy to recommend. Raise a glass!

Cellers Can Blau Montsant 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Ripe dark berries and toasty oak on the nose
Full bodied on the palate
Blackberry and licorice on the finish

Summary:

This is a nice wine every time I've sampled it. The 2011 has bold fruit and a robust, modern profile. It's made from Mazuelo, Syrah, and Grenache in an up-and-coming region in Northern Spain. For $13, you can't go wrong. Raise a glass!

Domaine Virginie Thunevin 2009 wine review by (PB)

Significantly bricked hue with really enticing cherry/berry bouquet with sweet cigar box notes and daffodil blooms.

Palate--*Understated, subdued,a bit clunky with slightly bitter fruit, and a minerally finish.

I paid $12 marked down from $17 for this Grand Vin De Bordeaux. Quite surprising that this wine should be on its way out. Drink yesterday! I will be serving it with my slow braised, smoked pork hocks with a risotto bed of velvety goodness. *Paired with the dinner I mentioned this wine was extraordinary! A super value, and makes one appreciate the absolute stellar pairing quality of old world style. Not only did the wine come alive, but the meal as well. Ahhh WINE! Yes, Raise a glass!!!

This rainy, chilly, Maine day off will not get me down! I expect this to pair really well with my dish so I am saying Raise a Glass to this almost over-the-hill old world style!

St. Urbans-Hoff Reisling 2012 (Old Vines) wine review by (PB)

Very gentle yellow with aromas of powdery tropical fruits with a citrus foundation.

Palate--Mouth filling flavors with nicely balanced acidity. Delicious blend of rich, sweet melange of all sorts of world fruits and a touch of bitters and lime rind.

St. Urbans-Hoff are producing some excellent Rieslings. This grape is one of the more under appreciated grapes in the world. This is an excellent aperitif chilled down for a summer on the porch or an excellent pairing with spicy food, oriental, Asian, or Indian food. I paid under $14 and I will buy more so raise a glass!

Barone Ricasoli Brolio 2009 wine review by (PB)

Rich deep black cherry, cranberry hue with aromas of blackberry and cherry underneath with loads of cigar box and nice spices.

Palate--Integrated tannins with nice flavors that are balanced and a structure that is still killer. Rustic, berry prominence with all kinds of spices. This is a Tuscan favorite that is probably close to peak but will hold for 2 more years. I paid $15 for it on sale from $25 and bought several bottles. Super value--raise a glass!

Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva 2009 wine reviw by (PB)

Ruby hue with a touch of age on it yields aromas of rustic forest floor and cherry fruit with a unique note of camphor. Eucalyptus emerges overpowering the bright sweet cherry.

Palate--Good mouth feel with vibrant flavors of zesty subdued, old world fruit with a conglomeration of green lichens, ferns and that touch of camphor/eucalyptus. Interesting.

This wine is comprised of Grenache and besides the cherry, I would not have called it a Grenache. If you enjoy the "aged" taste of wine, this will suit you just fine. Expect to pay around $12 but a shop proprietor may be dumping it realizing it is headed south.

J. Lohr Monterey County White Reisling 2012 wine review by (PB)

Nearly floral, spicy, citrusy, powdery, with ripe pineapple.

Palate--Luscious, minerally, nicely structured foundation with really nice flavors of lemon/lime?, apple, and summer fruit.

This is a lovely, refreshing wine; a fine example of New World Riesling and a great wine to throw a chill on while sitting on the sun drenched porch. I paid around $10 for it and will buy MORE so raise a glass!
(*Obviously label shown is for another year.)

Sharecropper's Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 wine review by (PB)

Really young purple hue with loads of cocoa aromas underneath of which is nice spicy blackberry with notes of fresh grape and a tantalizing layer of mint or eucalyptus.

Palate--Mouth filling fruity flavors of rich blackberry with a rustic edge, edgy structure, a touch of chocolate commingled with dark berry and plum.

This Columbia Calley Washington State Cab is typical of the region. As soon as I smelled it I know what it was. I paid $15 for it and it was a decent wine so raise a glass!

Marques De Caceres Riserva 2008 wine review by (PB)

Ruby hue with aromas of sweet spices, dill, and caraway brimming with light red fruit.

Palate--Rather unremarkable light black cherry fruit with a touch of spice and a touch of bitters with a fairly quick finish. Nice foundation that is both supple and vibrant. *Loads of plummy fruit with nuances of tar.

I really had higher expectations for this reserve Tempranillo from a reliable and noted producer. Instead I got an average red wine. Can't remember what I paid but I believe it was on sale for around the $17 price point. It's OK but that's about it.

Two full days later--I poured the remainder from the fridge; It had take that much time to open and it was a much fuller, bigger, wine than when opened. I would upgrade this to "Raise a glass!" But make sure you aerate this and breathe it as long as you can before quaffing!

14 Hands "Hot to Trot" Red Blend 2011 wine review by (PB)

Cranberry-garnet hue with aromas of sweet cream candy with pleasant notes of Chinese 5 spice, white pepper and red berries.

Palate--Nice first impression cherry cream and red berry fruit and a finish that actually lingers a bit.

According to the 14 Hands web site, this is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and "other select varieties." Normally these hodge-podge blends of 4 or more varieties give you a hodge-podge of confused flavors, structure, and a not too pleasant experience. But I kind a like this if in the right mood which I am at the moment.

This wine runs around the $12 price point and I'm not sure I'd grab it at that but only because there are so many other choices for the same or less price point.

Never-the-less, I'll give it a "raise a glass!"

(If interested check out my review on the 2009 example of this wine.)

Querciabella 2008 (Chianti Classico) wine review by (PB)

Black cherry to ruby hue

Bouquet--spicy earthy cherry with loads of menthol, cherry cream, chocolate covered cherries and more sweet spices with black licorice.

Palate--Structured gentle front-presence and then kicks it into overdrive with edgy tannins, rustic cherry flavors with sweet cherry finish and a hint of menthol.

A gift from (NW) of this blog, always takes me back to our trip to Tuscany several years back. What beverage does this? Seems to run around the $30 price point and gives a glorious sample of the charm and complexity of a good Chianti Classico. I will be making some kind of Italian cuisine tonight on a chilly Maine day in late April and now it will be perfect Raise a glass for sure!

Argyle Willamette Valley Brut 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Asian pear aromas on the bouquet

Medium bodied on the palate with fairly substantial bubbles

Apple and vanilla with yeast notes on the finish

Summary:

Argyle has a strong track record of producing high quality sparkling wine. This is a vintage Brut from 2007 that's drinking beautifully right now. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, it shows a nice fruity profile that's bright, lively, and with substance.

For an all-American bubbly, in this case from Oregon, you can't go wrong here. Well made, priced around $20, and vintage- it's easy to recommend. Raise a glass!

Bodegas Ordonez Tineta Ribera Del Duero 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Wild berry notes on the bouquet

Full bodied on the palate

Tannic finish, fairly firm, with berries, plum, and charcoal accents

Summary:

Rustic and firm, this one just needs some time. Set it aside for a couple years and it should help round out the sharp edges. From the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, this wine is made from 100%  Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). Expect to pay around $16.

I recommend it, but not without some patience. Raise a glass!

Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Corbieres 2011 wine review by (PB)

Lighter ruby hue with aromas that are quite similar to Pinot Noir; spicy raspberry and fresh cherry juice with cinnamon notes.

Palate--Perky structure with mouth watering acidity, bright and tart raspberry/cherry fruit with steely notes.

This surprised me and if I had been tasting it blind, I would have thought this was pinot noir.

The grapes of the Corbieres are Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. I am not sure of the blend here but tastes heavy on Grenache to me. At any rate--I paid $11 for this lighter bodied red and I'm raising a glass here on Patriot's Day for the residents of Maine and Massachusetts!

Les Fees Brunes Crozes Hermitage Syrah 2009 wine review by (PB)

Jellied cranberry hue with aromas of dark berry fruit with lovely dill accents and black licorice.

*Palate--Subtle blackberry notes with a bit of a coarse structure,with white pepper notes. Finishes unremarkably.

Produced by Jean-Luc Colombo this is 100% Syrah from Cornas.

I am paring with a roast duckling with an orange sauce and should be just fine.

I paid $20 for this and candidly I'm not real impressed but in fairness, I may be coming down with something so my palate may be off a bit. As it stands, I would give this a pass.

*Update on above review: This wine has had a couple hours to breathe and we have finished with dinner. The wine was so much better with our roast duckling than by itself. It was in fact, not coarse with dinner, it was more complex than it seemed when tasted by itself and the bottle is gone. I could have gone back and simply edited my original post but I believe this serves to teach in the process of the whole wine experience. I am FAR from a novice in the world of wine. So I want this to show how an opinion of wine can change--legitimately--with a change in circumstances and time. So after the fact I have to say this was a very nice wine and a definite "Raise a glass" kind of wine. Old world vs New world--Viva Le Difference!

Hillgate Zinfandel 2011 "Lake County" wine review by (PB)

Garnet hue with aromas of pungent blackberry with a brambly overtones, with a suggestion of rose petal underneath with a touch of mint.

Palate--Tasty, rustic blackberry fruit with a foundation of brambly forest floor. A touch of bitters and dark berry finish;

I saw this on my way to the register with my "real" wine purchases and since I haven't had a Lake County Zin I thought I would grab this $10 wine. I was not inclined to recommend it but after two days, (you read that right)it really opened up and is a nice value for $10 so raise a glass!

Cesari Amarone della Volpolicella Classico 2008 wine review by (PB)

Slight opaque garnet with aromas of sweet cherry,sweet spices and earthy notes with a bold bitter sweet fudge nose on opening with caraway notes.

Palate--Supple body with integrated fruit, fresh cherry with slightly sour pie cherry flavors with a rustic edge.

I paid $25 for this which is decent price. The amarone process is unique and you should Google it or read one of my early posts on this blog about the process.

This is a classy wine and one we will pair with a grilled sirloin. This is delicious so raise a glass!

Le Berceau Blanquette de Limoux wine review by (NW)

Tasting notes:

Lemon, apple, and white pepper on the nose

Medium bodied with tightly knit bubbles on the palate

Apple notes with a tartness on the finish

Summary:

This is a good value bubbly, interesting and well made. It's a Blanquette de Limoux from France, which is made in the traditional method similar to Champagne but from the Mauzac grape.

It has nice, gripping acidity and tartness combined with bright fruit flavor and dense bubbles. For a light aperitif, this is a good choice. It's a crowd pleaser and won't last long once it's open. I recommend it, especially for the $15 price tag it carries. Raise a glass!

Lugana Cento Filari 2012 (Cesari) wine review by (PB)

Lightly golden presentation with aromas of big citrusy front, sweet floral orange blossoms with vanilla pudding and loads of summer fruit.

Palate--Fruity lemon and lime explosion with racy acidity and long finish of bright citrus compote with hints of vanilla.

This wine with the stellar name of Cesari on the label hails from the Veneto region (Cavion Veronese) specifically and is a nice palate cleansing fruit grenade that will complement my homemade ricotta ravioli with a rich buttery lobster cream sauce.

I paid $26 for this and all because of the Cesari name! I liked it for sure but when I spend that kind of money I want something special. This was Good, VERY good and enjoyable, but special? Not so much. I will pass only because of its price! I have had equally as good for $10 less.