Concha Y Toro Marques Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Black currant and coffee on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Dense finish with dark chocolate, coffee, sage, and blackberry

Summary:

This wine is always good, year in and year out. The 2012 drinks like a polished Cabernet that costs much more than the $20 you'll likely pay for this. Chile is still a value, for sure. It has dense fruit and integrated layers that give it depth and persistence. Pair with meat dishes and enjoy. Raise a glass!

Laurent Tibes Les Camuizelles Carignan 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich and concentrated nose with spicy red currant and black cherry

Full bodied on the palate

Finish fades a bit with plum, spice, and sage

Summary:

I picked this up on an excellent closeout sale for just $5, as it normally runs around $20. It's drinking nicely, although just beginning to fade a bit. Carignan is the featured grape from this producer in France. Enjoy while the fruit flavors are still in tact. Raise a glass!

Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2014 Wine review by (PB)

Purple hue with bright aromas of spicy cinnamon, candy apple red coating, subtle notes of milk chocolate, gentle grape,(go figure) strawberry and a touch of raspberry. Wow! This may be the best bouquet of Nouveau in memory!

Palate--light and lively red berries with strawberry note and a minerally steely finish. This is well made with discernible structure that outshines many wines made to last a lot longer than this drink-it-now, quaffing delight.

At $10 this is an experience celebrated the world over on this third Thursday of November and this is one of the best Nouveau's in the last decade. Put a slight chill on it or take it at room temp--especially if you live in Maine or Buffalo. Don't over analyze it, just drink it and enjoy--Le nouveau est arrivé!

Jean-Francois Merieau Le Bois Jacou Gamay 2012 wine review by (PB)

Daffodil, lots of spices, white pepper hint, with big "tequila" aroma, with cherry,strawberry fruit, and grapefruit! (unique)

Palate--subdued fruit with big white pepper and spice flavor, on a steely finish.

Wow--this "Touraine" Gamay I would ever have guessed was a Gamay. Unlike any Gamay I have ever had. Quite puckery tannins, bracing structure and should be an interesting pairing with my broiled cod in a tomatoey light sauce.

Expect to pay around $16 for this and I am glad I bought it as it is a truly unique experience so raise a glass!

Beaujolais Nouveau is coming!!! wine alert by (PB)

Remember this Thursday (Nov. 20) Beaujolais Nouveau is released all over the world. Nouveau is made from the Gamay grape and sent to market only 6 weeks after harvest! It is fresh, straightforward, and simple wine drinking at its best. In France, it is the cause for a national celebration observed annually on the third Thursday of the November with the wine being out for sale at the same time around the globe. It will cost you around $10 and Georges Duboeuf is the ubiquitous negociant although other "brands" should be fine.

If you happen to find a "Beaujolais Villages" Nouveau plan to spend another couple bucks.

At any rate--if you are into wine at all, you need to be a part of this annual ritual joining millions the world over drinking the same thing on the same day world wide so: Raise a Glass!

Buehler Chardonnay (Russian River) 2012 wine review by (PB)

Pale gold hue with aromas of apple and pear, melon and creme brulee with sweet vanilla bean.

Palate--a citrus beam runs right down the middle with mouth watering acidity, tropical fruit, vanilla ; made in the oakey style. The finish of this economical Chard hangs on for a good while.

I paid $11 for this which is a value for a Russian River Chard. It's juicy, well made and solid value making me want to say, "Buehler? Bueheler?. I will pair it with chicken and rice this evening which is chicken baked on top of rice soaking in mushroom soup so raise a glass.

Chusclan "Les Genets" 2012 wine review by (PB)

Cranberry jelly hue with aromas that are rustic, with a touch of forest floor, fresh cherry and cherry cream.

Palate--Lively mouth feel with vibrant acidity that makes my mouth watering, leaving a moderate wake of tart red fruit and a fleeting finish.

This blend of 5 Rhone grapes is predominantly Grenache which is what carries the day. This sells at a $17 price point but you can find it for a good bit less if you hunt. It's an interesting blend and a good food wine for which I say, "Raise a glass!"

Bogle Pinot Noir 2012 wine review by (PB)

Light raspberry bouquet with gentle spices and a touch of chocolate covered cherries.

Palate--Understated, fruit flavors, with an overly acidic foundation, a fleeting finish of faded fruit leaves my mouth underwhelmed.

Bogle has been producing some real values wines of late but this California sourced Pinot just doesn't do it. I'd let this one go by the wayside.

Sierra Batuco Pinot Noir Reserva 2011 wine review by (PB)

Lighter ruby hue with aromas of spicy and bright raspberry/cherry

Palate--Initial impression of band aids with subdued tart, acidic red fruit with a slight band aid finish.

Who! This is not a good beginning but since it is Pinot Noir I have experienced this before and it disappears with some airtime. We shall see!

This wine is flawed and will be returned where I will receive a refund without issue. Any reputable store will do this; just be sure the wine is flawed and not just a wine you don't care for!

Ghost Pines Red Blend 2012 wine review by (PB)

Deep black cherry hue with aromas of chocolate covered red fruit, with loads of red berry and blueberry hints, plenty of rustic spice, tart red raspberry.

Palate--Supple texture solid structure, bold, full bodied, berry fruit with hints of cocoa, and a finish that leaves your mouth tingling.

This is a Gallo partnered production sourced from grapes of Sonoma, Napa, and San Joaquin Counties. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. I am always leery of such blends as few makers can do them well not ending up tasting like a confused stew of grapes; Beaulieu's "Tapestry" is one such stand out. When I first smelled this taht is exactly what I thought--Confused... But with some air, the wine comes together with the Zinfandel winning out and while I am not crazy about the bouquet, the proof is on the palate and this is a downright, interesting and tasty creation. I will be pairing it with grilled rib-eye and will be perfect.

Thanks to my long time birthday partner, hunting partner (sort of) and 4 wheeler partner for this birthday gift! Raise a glass and BTW it is available at Sam's Clubs though I am not sure of the price.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Tropical fruit bouquet with coconut and lime

Full bodied on the palate

Finishes with melon, citrus notes, and some creamy oak

Summary:

Here's a rich, round style of Chardonnay from Columbia Crest in their highly reliable Grand Estates line. This one has really soft edges but just enough acidity to keep it honest. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Expect to pay $11 or so, but I've seen prices from $8 to $13 recently. Raise a glass!

Perez Cruz Carmenere Limited Edition 2012 wine review by Billy

Nose: light notes of plum, cherry and a hint of mushroom
Palate: Firm tannins and moderate acids play with each other until the tannins win. Strong characteristics of loam and charcoal. Pleasant dry mouth feel.
Finish: Vegetal and long but subtle.
Overall: We paid $26 for this at a local wine shop. We also decanted it for 30 minutes or so before tasting it. This wine is 100% Carmenere grapes from the Maipo Alto region of Chile. The grapes are hand picked and the winery practices sustainable farming.

I am not a fan of 100% Carmenere wine.  But a very engaging wine store aficionado, RJ from Wine Republic in Excelsior, MN, persuaded us to try it.  He was a good advocate for the varietal and an engaging fellow.

This wine is well made and structured. But the Carmenere grape simply does not have enough character to create an amazing wine by itself. The nose has some teasing tempranillo and merlot hints but the fruit is obliterated in the mouth by the overwhelming taste of the "terroir". This terroir is akin to a spoonful of dirt dumped on your tongue.

For the money, go with a couple bottles of French Merlot blends or Old Vines California Zinfandel or even a middle level Cabernet. The French history of the Carmenere grape is evident in its potential for complexity but sometimes complex is just difficult.

Still, it was good to engage with a local wine shop owner who has opinions and is willing to go out on a limb to encourage patrons to try something new.

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

Substantially pigmented rich, dark cranberry jelly hue with aromas of over the top vegetal bouquet on opening that gives way to big, dark fruit, ripe plum, baker's chocolate. loads of forest floor and cedar with more fruit behind.

Palate--Bold, full bodied,vibrant, rich intense berries and other dark fruits with a sharp cocoa beam with a lengthy finish of spices, subdued fruit and rustic meadow flavors.

Concha Y Toro and I have had a relationship since the mid 70's. They were a big part of my early wine exploration and they have only continued to make their mark in the world wine arena. This is a classic Chilean Cab and Concha Y Toro does Cab WELL! No matter the price point of any particular varietal, their wines are generally super values and this is no exception.

I can't remember what I paid for this but seems to sell for around $15. At this price point, it is a BIG wine and lot for the money so grab some and reward yourself laying a few bottles down for a few more years and you won't be disappointed so raise a glass!

Oreana Petit Merlot 2010 wine review by (PB)

Hefty pigmented deep black garnet hue with great bouquet of ripe plums, rich blackberries, licorice, forest floor, and and edge of cocoa. Wow!

Palate--Big bold fruity, ripe blackberry, black cherry laced with a mocha edge and spices galore with a finish that lasts and leaves a creamy fruit finish.

The wine is a blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot and Oreana believes they are the only people in the country to do such a blend.

Okay--Here's a great lesson about tasting rooms at wineries: I had this wine on site in Santa Barbara, Ca. in September. The wine was previously opened (we were the first patrons of the day being there rather early although questioning this I was assured that their wines were kept under nitrogen which preserves the wine's freshness after opening. Never-the-less the wine was way too warm served I would guess close to 80 degrees the ambient temp of the room. I didn't care for this wine at all especially with a price tag of $30 or so but I wanted to take something back with us and this was unusual so I grabbed a bottle.

I just opened it with a friend who is a Merlot devotee and he loved it as did I. This is NOT the wine I tasted at the tasting room. I am glad I brought it back to Maine and raised a glass. Only wish I had more as this wine is till quite immature and will benefit from 3 more years in the bottle. Again I say raise a glass!

Ravenswood "Besieged" (Sonoma County) 2013 wine review by (PB)

Pigmented, dark garnet with aromas of deep pomegranate, blackberry, Plum, blueberry,

Palate-- Big, 30 megaton fruit bomb with rich, deep black berry and dark plum with heavy flavors and plenty of wood; big spicy flavors and black tar.

This is a blend of 5 grapes I believe from the Ravenswood clan who have a great reputation for well crafted wines. It is well made and a big wine with a lot going on. I paid $14 for this wine and its a nice quaff on its own but with the right food, its a tasty addition so raise a glass.

Dr. Loosen Riesling 2012 wine review by (PB)

Pale lemon hue with aromas of creamy sweet mandarin orange,tropical fruit galore with a powdery creme brulee and sweet pie spices abounding.

Powerful assaulting tropical fruit compote with a moderate acidic foundation leaving a thickish cream coating on your tongue. Gentle cinnamon and Chinese five spice garnishes the melange of ripe sun kissed citrus, leaving a finish that is all too quick but making you want to dive into the next mouthful. At 8.5% alcohol, you can afford to go back and raise another glass of this German Mosel.

My wife and I boated down the Mosel River for our 25th wedding anniversary and were astonished by the slope of some of the vineyards. Being so steep it seemed a worker might have to "rope up" to prevent from stumbling which wouldn't stop until they reached the river. The Wine Spectator gave this a 91 point rating and its all of that. At the $10 price point it also received the W/S "Best Value" rating so if see this bottle of this under appreciated grape, snag several, put a light chill on it and raise a glass with friends!

Marchese di Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Opens with backberry and black cherry on the nose with hints of tobacco

Full bodied on the palate

Black currant, balsamic, and dense spicy notes on the finish

Summary:

This is very good wine, dense and interesting. I've sampled most of the recent vintages, and this one is probably the most approachable on release. Give it some air and it's one to enjoy with a hearty meal and good friends. Raise a glass!

Condes de Albarei Rias Baixes Albarino 2013 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Citrus and hints of apple on the nose

Light bodied on the palate

Abbreviated finish with citrus notes

Summary:

There's a lot of good Albarino out there from the Rias Baixes region of Spain, but this one is a bit flat. It doesn't have the brightness and full flavor palate that has come to characterize these wines. Take a pass.

Sierra Batuco Carmenere "Reserva" 2011 wine review by (PB)

Intense deep garnet hue with aromas of over the top herbal, green bouquet that overwhelms the sweet raspberry and and dark berry fruit.

Palate--Supple tannins with peppery big berry fruit on an immature foundation that will benefit from another year or two of laying low in your cellar.

I like this wine a lot as I envision what it will be in another couple years. It is drinking pretty good right now but the person with patience will be glad they waited for this one to come around.
Chile has come into its own sometime ago as a world class wine producing country. Their Cabernets tend to be excellent even at the entry level end of the spectrum. With their humongous bottle production they can sell great wines at bargain prices. This Maule Carmenere has a bold future and at $11 buy some to lay down and a few to enjoy on the way to becoming a big wine! So raise a glass!

Truchard Zinfandel (Carneros) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Opaque ruby hue with solidly spiced out berry aromas with spicy, peppery tomato jelly.

Palate--black pepper notes on the front, with spicy red berry and plum fruit on a hefty structure. Finishes with a bit of charred oak and smoke.

This is the second Truchard Zin I have had and while this lists at the $30 price point, I buy it at a state store when they run a "super buy" on it meaning I pay around half the price.

It is a hefty Zin and a nice example of the grape. At $15 I would buy more, at full price I think I would pass. At any rate, at this price
raise a glass for sure!

Banfi Centine Toscana 2011 wine review by (PB)

Opaquish garnet with aromas of spicy red cherry-berry fruit with a hint of cocoa.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity with edgy, eye opening structure, short lived tart berry flavor and a fleeting finish.

This Tuscan is a blend of 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. James Suckling formerly of the Wine Spectator gives this a glowing review and a score of 91 points on a 100 point scale. Having followed Mr. Suckling for years I respect his critiques highly but I am having a hard time seeing what he sees. This is a tasty and certainly a perky wine--what I call eye-opening structure--and in fairness, I will let this air out for a while.

With air my conclusions remain the same. I bought this on sale for around $10 which is certainly fair so raise a glass!

Z 52 Zinfandel 2010 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with Zinfandel brambly aromas of ripe raspberry and dark berry.

Palate--classic Zin profile with easy to drink structure, nice full flavor and balanced presentation with a subtle cocoa finish.


This Lodi sourced Zin is a nice example of the grape. It is well made and sells for around $13 although I found it for $8 and wished I would have a bought a few more bottles.

Learn from my mistake and raise a glass!

Banfi Chianti Classico 2011 wine reivew by (PB)

Purple hue with aromas of sweet spiced apple rings and cherry fruit with cigar box bouquet.

Palate--Slight stewed tomato front with chewy tannins and rigid acidity. Salty foundation with dried cherries underlying it all. Finishes quickly with a touch of pencil lead and rustic lichens.

This inexpensive Chianti Classico from the storied family of Banfi is okay as an informal accompaniment to pizza or tomato based pasta recipes. It is not striking my fancy at the moment however but that's just me.

I think I grabbed this on sale for under $10 when the avg. price seems to be around $13. It's hard to go wrong with Banfi wines so this may not be my preference tonight but its a decent, well made wine so raise a glass!

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2012 Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Fig, Plum and Smoky Tar

Palate: Plush tannins and medium acid make a delightful front-of-mouth play like a new lover's kiss; all exploration and some fumbling around to find the right fit.

Finish: More fleshy plum and prune flavors on the finish combine with forest mushroom notes for an earthy, autumn finale.

Overall: I purchased this at the local wine store for about $9.00. This Malbec comes from Mendoza Argentina and is a big bodied wine with some nice structure for a very affordable price. If you're tired of the fruit bombs but still too timid to try something more subtle, this 2012 Santa Julia Reserva Malbec may be just the ticket. It has the flavor to stand up to big meals and the plushiness to be enjoyable as an evening treat.  Raise a glass!

Mariana Vineyards "Sierra Foothills" Cabernet Franc 2010 wine review by (PB)

Dark garnet hue with aromas of sweet tobacco, cigar box notes, with candied dark berry fruit with solid notes of cedar and black licorice.

Palate--dark blackberry cream suggestion on a foundation that will benefit from another 4 years of cellaring. Tight flavors and young tannins bode well for a vibrant future. Finishes with a thin beam of red berry and strawberry fruit.

Cabernet Franc is one of the classic blending grapes of Bordeaux used in melding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This single vineyard varietal is interesting and unique. It was a gift from a dear friend, and a great gift it was. Raise a glass.

La Merika Pinot Noir (Central Coast) 2012 wine review by (PB)

Very light pale watermelon juice red hue with aromas of Candied apple hard cherry coating aroma with strawberry with gentle spice and a touch of bright fresh cherry.

Palate--A burst of wood before the fruit, then woody, spicy thin strawberry and I mean "thin" berry fruit finishing with a little more wood.

I paid $14 for this Pinot Noir which seems to be at the top of the range for this wine. It has a lot of wood in it; I would say too much but I think that is more a matter of preference. I tend to like "some wood" in many of my wines but this is bit over the top obscuring the gentle fruit that is there. My verdict is you have to be the judge of what you like.

Chateau Lestage Listrac-Medoc 1982 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Cigar box aromas, mushrooms, and earthy notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Finishes with silky texture, showing faded currant and ash notes

Summary:

A good friend and neighbor arrived for dinner with this already decanted and ready to pour. It was a surprise for sure and a real treat to revisit the 1982 Bordeaux vintage with this well-made Cabernet and Merlot blend. The flavors are muted and more earthy than fruity, but it's still hanging on and showing harmonious integration and good texture. If you have some, drink it now and don't wait. This is its last act.  If you see some act auction or on-line, expect to pay $50 or so. Raise a glass!

Foris Pinot Gris "Rogue Valley" 2012 wine review by (PB)

This Oregon state white has a bouquet that knocks your socks off full of tropical fruit, with a a hint of vanilla cream pushing apple, melon notes.

Palate--Out of the gate super flavorful with a velvety texture which separates this from lower end Pinot Gris. This is brimming with glorious, sweet fruits on an off dry foundation. Finishes with a nice solid beam of apple! This is a lot of wine fro the $13 I paid for it.

I paired this with a fried calamari and mussels appetizer. Sword fish is on tap for the main course. There is no doubt on this one but raise a glass!

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2012 wine review by (PB)

Medium black cherry hue with a bouquet of spicy, almost cedary, with subtle fudgey notes at the edges of the glass. Big berry nose setting off the fruit potential fruit bomb.

Palate--Big bold presence on the palate with big gobby dark berries, mocha, bitter chocolate, with a strange mid-palate and a smokey finish.

This Boekenhoutskloof, S. African Syrah is quite different than our domestic Syrahs. It is big and bold like ours but the rest of it lets you know you're not drinking a domestic Syrah.

I paid $11 for this and I'm not sure if I like it or not. It might just be better with food--we'll see.

With my pairing it was indeed a better quaff; some wines are just great by themselves and others just go better with food. If you're in a fruit bomb kind of mood, you love Syrah and you want one with a change of pace, try the South African variety and raise a glass!

Sebastiani Merlot 2010 wine review by (PB)

Lovely garnet hue with impressive aromas of bold red berries, a clear beam of dill with some smoke and spicy black cherry with strawberry fruit.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity with integrated structure, and a perfumy mid-palate with a very metallicy almost "fishy" like accent. A day later this is a beautiful fully integrated, prime drinking Merlot with more woody, chocolate and mocha notes.

This is a luscious Merlot from the always outstanding wines of the famous Sebastiani family. This Sonoma wine runs for around $13 and it is a GREAT value so raise a glass!

Girasole Vineyards Zinfandel 2010 wine review by (PB)

Light hue of cherry juice with a nice bouquet of cranberry, pomegranate, sweet cocoa and brambly/spicy notes with complicated fennel/licorice and dried cherries. One of the best Zin bouquets I have smelled in ages!

Palate--Relaxed presentation on the palate with nice Zinny flavors that are robust with nice zesty structure, dried, red fruit and dried fruit finish.

This is one nice wine for under $10! I have been disappointed with the Zins that are out there these days so this one is an exciting find. And if you happen to see it for around $14 it is still a nice find! All of which means Raise a glass!

L'Oca Cuica Brunello di Montalcino 2006 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Expressive nose of cherry, earth, and licorice

Full bodied on the palate

Long finish with currants, forest floor, and spice

Summary:

This Brunello is very good, with a lot of density to the flavors that are still emerging at eight years of age. Made from 100% Sangiovese, it shows a nice balance of fruit and earthy notes. Now that Brunello is firmly established as one of the leading red wine regions of Italy, prices are routinely high. At $35 or so, this one is a relative bargain. Raise a glass!

Symington "Altano" (Douro) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Heavily pigmented black cherry and garnet hue with aromas of rich, sweet "port-like" suggestions accompanied by rich dark berry and raisin and a subtle stewed tomato influence.

Palate--Nice rich flavors of slightly tart and balanced ripe berries with a friendly presence on the palate with touches and finishes of spicy red berries.

The Douro is the home of the great port wines we so love and the fruit in this ultra-value wine from Portugal reminds you of what a port wine might taste like if it wasn't fortified to stop fermentation leaving that gloriously thick and sweet desert wine that comes in so many iterations.

This wine is selling for $9-$11 and it is a must buy. The Wine Spectator gives it a hearty 91 and it lives up to its score. Grab several of these and enjoy for the next couple-4 years and raise many glasses!

Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2009 wine review by (PB)

Black cherry hue with wonderful bouquet of slightly spiced cherries, dried tomatoes, fresh cherries above the glass, rustic overtones and a hint of fennel.

Palate--Fruity stewed tomato hints with bright cherry and forest floor notes with spices finishing with a touch of smoke.

I believe this is my last bottle of a NH state liquor store "power buy" where I bought it for the ridiculous price of $10 ( you'll see it as high as $25). This is a previously reviewed wine that just gets better and better. Compare my review to previous reviews!

I will pair it with Italian sausage in a customized marinara sauce with homemade angel hair pasta. This is a bargain so raise a glass!

Cristom Willamette Valley Mt. Jefferson Cuvee 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Smoky cherry and plum on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Finishes with raspberry, dried herbs, and more smoky notes that provide complexity

Summary:

This wine is always intriguing and enjoyable. It consistently has an alluring smokiness that gives it complexity along with the red fruit and herb core. The 2011 tastes great now and will be good drinking for the next few years. Give the wine plenty of air, and enjoy with lamb or anything roasted or grilled. Prices are typically in the $30 range, which is fair for a well-made Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Oregon. Raise a glass!

Chateau Machorre 2005 wine review by (PB)

Nice vibrant garnet hue with some opacity.

Aromas--Rich dark berries with a subtle note of age combined with ample rustic spices and cigar box notes.

Palate--refined tannins, nice berry foundation with intense, lively foundation with a solid beam of mature fruit and a nice old world finish.

I have been cellaring this for a while as I bought several bottles when I realized what a bargain price it was.

This is what I wrote in August of 2012: "Should hold for a couple more years and might even improve a bit but either way it is worth raising a glass!"

I paid $9 for this Bordeaux from the fabled vintage of 05. What a steal! So Raise a glass!!!

La Granja 360 Verdejo-Viura 2013 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with ample aromas of sweet apple, vanilla and loads of tropical fruit.

Palate--Very steely front with nice mouth feel with cleansing acidity and more minerals with subdued green apple, ,melon, and citrus notes.

This is a blend of these two Spanish grapes and is a nice aperitif or I am serving with it my baked cod. It is BIG on flavor and minerally goodness with a palate cleansing acidity. I paid around $10 I believe and it is a solid "raise a glass" kind of wine!

Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011 wine review by (PB)

Black Cherry hue with aromas of bold,stinky dark berries and some funky, off aromas of damp basement. There is a slight suggestion of pomegranate and musty cigar box.

Palate--Unique first impression of inky, solid fruit with nice chocolate tinged berry beam mid palate, and a tasty little "something" that again is unique on the finish.

Okay this is certainly a weird example of the grape and especially from the folks at BV. But it's not corked and its not even "bad" it is just unique; I suspect breathing will straighten it out!

After some more time it takes on the traditional aromas you'd expect but this is still a stand out wine. I paid around $15 for it and I'd buy a case if I could; raise a glass while I get my NY strip Steak off the grill!

Vigne A Porrona "Toscana Rosso" 2011 wine review by (PB)

Medium garnet hue with aromas of forest floor, bright cherry, menthol and cigar box.

Palate--True Tuscan, rustic, flavors of sturdy Sangiovese with steally notes and a touch of dark berry. Finishes with graphite.

This is a blend of Sangiovese, the signature grape of Tuscany and some Syrah. I paid $11 for it and it is a great buy. A decent wine with a clear sense of place so raise a glass!

San Felice Chianti Classico 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Nose opens with cherry accompanied by earthy notes

Full bodied on the palate

Decent depth on the finish with cherry, red currant, and herbs

Summary:

This is a fairly straight-forward Chianti Classico at a reasonable price of $15 or so. It has a profile of red fruit with some savory notes that create depth and richness. In fact, as a young non-reserve wine it's better than the San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 which I recently had. Enjoy with hearty Italian fare, and raise a glass!

Santa Barbara Winery "Petite Sirah" 2010 (Santa Barbara County) wine review by (PB)

Youngish looking deeply pigmented cranberry jelly colored hue;

Aromas--sweet berries out of the glass, big, robust, dark berry fruit with licorice note and a rustic, cigar box, forest floor in the swirl.

Palate--Engulfing, fruit bomb that assaults your palate with a rigid acidic foundation befitting such a big wine. There is a tart beam of mouthwatering pomegranate mid palate and all this just on opening. Delicious!

I just returned from Santa Barbara visiting several tasting rooms which is where I grabbed this bottle. I think I paid around $30 for it and was pleasantly surprised of how good it was when I got home. There is a strange phenomenon that I experience at tastings and that is that usually nothing tastes wowing. The wines I had on this trip were WAY too warm which is a wine snob thing, it's a chemistry thing! Alcohol is a very volatile chemical which means it vaporizes easily sending molecules of its substance into the air and into your nose! When a wine is served too warm, the alcohol can easily overwhelm the other chemical components of the wine and leave you less than impressed. I only bought two wines on this trip and this one in particular I didn't even taste at the winery tasting room. I bought it because I just knew that it woulod probably be good.

For any of our winery readers, please note the above; it is a real concern. You want to show case your wine not discourage people from buying it to state the obvious.

Well done Santa Barbara Winery and raise a glass!

Joseph Drouhin Chorey-les-Beaune 2007 Wine Review (NW)

The four wines below were served by PB this past weekend as part of an incredible wine dinner. Best meal of the year!

Tasting notes:

Red currants with spicy notes on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Finishes with red berries, dry earth, and spice

Summary:

Here's a good, dry, and elegant Chorey-les-Beaune from Burgundy. It's ready to drink now and shows a nice balance of fruit, dry earth, and spice. Paired with a variety of appetizers and cheeses, it will transport you to a small village in France. Expect to pay $25 for the pleasure. Raise a glass!

Hugel & Fils "Gentil" Alsace 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bouquet of Asian pear with honey accents

Medium bodied on the palate

Silky finish of stone fruit, floral notes, and good acidity

Summary:

It's seems this wine is always good and easily approachable. It's well balanced and has a nice flavor profile, all for $14 or so. Paired with roasted fig "bruschetta", it disappeared quickly as part of an intermediate course between red wines. Raise a glass!

Chateau Leoville-Barton St. Julien 2002 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Opens with a beautiful nose of berries and tobacco

Full bodied on the palate

Rich and intense finish of black currant, spices, and tobacco with good length

Summary:

Excellent wine, and one of my favorite reds from Bordeaux! It's fully integrated and harmonious with a style that's pure Bordeaux classic. The release price was around $50 but expect to pay $100 now if you see it available.

We paired it with grilled, sliced sirloin over a bed a greens. Fabulous, of course! Raise a glass!

Dow's Vintage Port 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

The nose opens up with layers of pepper, plum sauce, and hints of charcoal

The palate is full bodied and dense

The finish is incredibly dense, with prune, dark berries, and touches of anise and spice, all with amazing length

Summary:

This is an excellent Port. In its youth, it's the best I've ever tasted. It shows amazing length and is already seamlessly integrated, youthful, and dense. If you don't see this collecting dust in your local wine shops, it's because it received a perfect 100 points from Wine Spectator. For $80 on release, rest assured, all the bottles are collecting dust- but in wine cellars all over the world.

We drank this young with some dark chocolate and almonds because, well, carpe diem. /What a way to finish out the dinner. Raise a glass!

Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2012 wine review by (PB)

Pale straw with aromas of vanilla, sweet apple pie and pie spice, with a tangy citrus beam.

Palate--A mouth full of lemon lime with spicy notes and vanilla on the finish,. An Acidic structure that is razor sharp and will perfect with our Labor Day Lobster dinner on the porch.

Lobster is running $5.99 a pound which is rather high for this time of year but we'll enjoy it with fresh local sweet corn and we'll definitely raise a glass with this $12 Alsatian delight.

Robert Hall Syrah (Paso Robles) 2011 wine review by (PB)

Black Cherry hue with aromas of mulled blackberries with Christmas spice, and a touch of cherry cream.

Palate--Tightly wound at the moment with woody smokey presence and austere plum and dark berry fruit.

I don't remember what I paid for this but I am sure I bought it because it was on sale. Reference price seems to range about the $18 mark so I probably found it for $12 or so. Tasting on opening was not impressive but it clearly needs to breathe. The review that follows is after it has opened up which may be helpful to see these reviews before and after.

After breathing-- pretty much the same with the addition of a definite beam of cocoa running down the middle. This was a disappointment of a Syrah; nothing remarkable or memorable so while it was "ok" I'd give it a pass!

Fetzer Crimson Pinot Noir 2011 wine review by (PB)

Ruby hue with tantalizing aromas of sweet raspberry syrup, candy apple coating, sweet spices,

Palate--Steely front with vigorous light cherry and raspberry with a palate scraping acidity and a gentle finish of light red berries.

I don't remember what I paid for this but it seems to sell for $8-11. When I started my wine obsession in the mid 70's Fetzer was one of California's premier names for producing value wines with sturdy rigor. I don't see the name out in my neck of the woods which is one reason I grabbed this one. Fond memories of the Fetzer name and this wine is an honorable production fitiing of the Fetzer name.

At this price you shouldn't expect much but this is a value Pinot and even at this price point is a good example of the grape so raise a glass!

Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja Reserva 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Spicy plum and berries with hints of earth on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Rich finish of dark berries, currants, and some savory, earthy tones with good length

Summary:

Here's a very good, rich and well knit Rioja from Spain. It's a great value if you can find it in the low teens. I actually paid just $12 for this. Considering it's a 2005 that tastes youthful and leaning toward the modern style, I think it will drink well now and for years to come. Enjoy with a hearty meal, and raise a glass!

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!