Concha Y Toro Puento Alto Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Blackberry, cocoa, and earthy notes on the nose
Full bodied
Incredibly long finish of roasted coffee, cocoa, and currants

This wine has become incredibly harmonious and well integrated with some bottle age. It's just about perfect right now, so if you have the 2005 go ahead and enjoy it. The nose is fragrant and the finish is long and nicely layered. At Christmas dinner with PB of this blog, it was perfect with prime rib and all the trimmings.

Sadly, the bin is running low on Don Melchor from the early 2000's. Back then, prices were in the $30s and $40s for one of Chile's greatest wines. I used to buy as much as I could. Now, unfortunately, recent vintages of this wine retail for $75-90. I'm done buying it, but if you want to pay up for "the Don", it won't disappoint. Raise a glass to PB's generosity and the great Cabernet of Chile!

Maison Sichel Sauternes 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Apricot, honey, and spice on the nose
Full bodied  and rich on the palate
Nice layers on the finish of orange marmalade, apricot, and vanilla

Summary:

Good Sauternes is always a treat. PB of this blog surprised us with this bottle for a night cap on Christmas. Needless to say, it was emptied pretty quickly. With fragrant apricot and just enough weight, it complimented an assortment of pies and other treats for dessert.

The price on this wine is in the $40 range. I recommend it, if you can find it. Raise a glass!

Yalumba Viognier 2012 wine review by (PB)

Hue--medium golden with bouquet of hard to pin down sweet fruit, perhaps melon or cantaloupe, Lychee, hints of vanilla and touch of citrus.

Palate--Surprisingly dry as dust with rigid acidity that chokes out the fruit. I need to let this warm up and breathe!

This Aussie Viognier (pronounced Vee Oh NYAY) is not as floral as most I have had and is a bit over the top being very angular and not well integrated. This is the "Y" series which is their table wine at the $11 price point. For what is out there and what this wine can be I would pass on it.

Trenel Beaujolais Village Nouveau 2013 wine review by (PB)

Pretty garnet to fuschia hue with tantalizing bouquet of powdery rose pedals, ripe banana, and something else sweet that defies description.

Palate--Minerally front, mouth watering acidity, subdued fruit, and a beam of Gamay and subtle strawberry with more minerals on the finish.

This is certainly the most interesting Nouveau I have had this year. The bouquet is the best part but this is a food wine with it's acidic foundation.

I will be pairing this with a french onion tart and it should do nicely. For the full story on Nouveau wines, please see our other entries. I paid $12 and is a nice experience and more than what I expect from Nouveau so raise a glass!

Alamos Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich dark berries on the nose
Full bodied on the palate
Wild berries, cocoa, and a touch of mint on the finish

Summary:

Alamos, produced by Catena in Argentina, has been known for good, value priced Malbec for many years.  Recently, the Cabernet Sauvignon is even better than the Malbec. This 2012 is an exceptional value at $10 or less. I paid just $8 and have seen it priced similarly in many places. Highly recommended, so raise a glass!

Man Vinters Chenin Blanc 2011 wine review by (PB)

Gentle pale gold with bouquet of powdery tropical fruit with a touch of vanilla.

Palate--Mouth filling tropical fruit compote with racy acidity,and a lively finish that makes your mouth "zing!"

Chenin Blanc (which is a grape not a cheap white wine) is the signature grape of the lively Vouvrays of France. This one however comes from S. Africa where Chenin Blanc (known locally as "Steen")has been one the South Africa's consistent wines over the years. It is usually quite inexpensive (I paid less then $8 for this one) and they are generally super value wines as is this one. Chill it slightly and then enjoy it by itself or with food. I will pair this tonight with what we call "Country Scramble" which is grits, over the top of homemade biscuits, topped with fried ham, gravy from the drippings, and fried or scrambled eggs as you prefer. It is superior comfort food especially with the sub-zero temps we have been enduring here in Maine and the Chenin blanc with this acidity, will cut right through the creamy, buttery grits without killing the gentle tastes of the dish.

Whatever you do with this wine, enjoy it, it's a nice one and raise a glass!

Four Vines "Truant" Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 wine review by (PB)

Black Cherry hue with a bouquet of rich blackberry and spice with an ever so subtle note of bacon fat.

Palate--Really extracted, maybe even an over-ripe fruit bomb with tons of rich blackberry jammy goodness and nearly velvety tannins. Finishes with a decent dark berry jam finish.

The Four Vines company makes multiple varieties of Zinfandel. I grabbed this one because I had never seen this particular label and it was only $10.

I am a big Zin fan and I liked this with its big jam foundation and all. It's not for everything but I am pairing this with a grilled venison steak and polenta. The jamminess may not be ideal for the pairing but it doesn't matter when you love what you're drinking and eating. For $10, I will be Truant again! Raise a glass!

Borgianni Chianti 2007 wine review by (PB)

Bright cherry red hue with nice, sweet Luden's red cherry cough drops from afar. Into the glass is spicy cherry with forest floor and red fruit with ample cedary notes.

Palate--Integrated flavors of spice laden cherry with a rustic mid palate, refined tannins, and a quick finish. Subsequent tastes yield a less impressive tasting experience. (Breathing may improve this which I will update if that is the case.)

This is a classic Chianti with unmistakable terroir. I plan to have it with a "Lou Malnatti's" pizza imported from Chicago by my mother-in-law as a birthday present. Maine isn't actually known for its pizza...

I paid $10 for this marked down from $20 and I grabbed it because of the vintage as 2007 was a great year for Tuscany. At $20 I would have been disappointed; at $10 it's "raise a glass" and happy New Year from the WCB!

Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Champagne Review by Billy

Nose: Slate and steel nose with undertones of toast and hazelnuts.
Palate: Exquisite balance with raspberry, pear and pluot astride a steel pony galloping through a vanilla field. Small soft bubbles play all in the mouth and delight.
Finish: Lingering fruit finish with some citrus flower hints.
Overall: I paid $60 for this amazing Rose Champagne on sale at a local wine store.  It is the highlight of the evening. Rose Champagnes are difficult to do well.  But this Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial is a beautiful example of the Rose done well.  You owe it to yourself to try this at least once.
Amazing.

Bollinger Special Cuvee Champagne New Year's Eve Celebration Review by Billy

Nose: Honey and Lemon with herbs.
Palate: Bitty tight bubbles create texture rather than force attention on themselves. Crisp caramelized creme brulee.  Bright apple acids and mineral flavors. Lovely layers.
Finish: Finishes quickly
Overall: I picked this up on sale for $60 for our new year's eve celebration. The mullti-layered construction of this Champagne is uniquely delightful.  It is rich and soft creme underneath a bright citrus zest and mineral introduction.  A simply wonderful way to kiss the old year goodbye.

Montebuena Cuvee KPF Rioja 2010 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Red currants and herbs on the nose
Medium bodied on the palate
Red berries and pepper

Summary:

Here's a good medium style of Rioja from Spain and a good value to boot at $11. It has nice red fruit and herbs at its core with a peppery finish. Because of its versatility, open this wine with just about anything. It's also a stock-up-for-that-New-Year's-Eve-party kind of wine. Have plenty of red wine like this on hand, and read PB's post below for bubbly. Then raise a glass!

New years is coming and what do I pop? Wine advice from (PB)

I have been studying wine for over 3 decades and I can still become overwhelmed at the choices out there in even a half way decent wine store. Let me try and give you some reassurance and practical help when it comes to the vast ocean of wines now filling the world's shelves. Let me reduce this to some helpful hints:

1. If you feel intimidated in the wine aisle at your local grocery store, relax, so does practically everyone else!

If you are desiring to take a bottle of wine to someone's house for New Years, unless you happen to KNOW that your host or hostess has a decent acumen about wine, again relax, your host or hostess wouldn't know the difference between a Veuve and a Barefoot sparkler. What to do or not to do?
2. DON'T bring a bottle of a highly advertized wine you saw on TV or read in a magazine. Advertising costs big money and that money has to be recouped in the product which means you will be paying a lot for the advertising of a wine which may be marginal but has great ad presence. Also avoid any wine that is below $7. (Yes there are exceptions to this depending on the state or part of the country where you live.) You can get some decent wine for under $10 if you happen to live in California, Oregon or Washington.)

3. Don't spend a lot of money on a wine thinking it will impress your peeps. They won't know the difference.

4. Please remember that Champagne is a geographical region of France--it is NOT a wine that pops when you remove the cork. Unless the wine is from Champagne, France it is sparkling wine, not Champagne.

5.Spain is producing some great sparklers for a low price called "Cava" and Italy the same with what is called Prosecco. California produces many "sparkling" wines.

6. My favorite quality sparkling wine that is an exceptional value is Mumm's Brut Prestige and will run you from between $15--a great price-- to about $21, the typical price. Freixenet (pronounced "fresh-a-net") out of Spain is another pretty reliable, tasty sparkler for around $10.

Remember you can always e-mail us and we'll try to get back to you in a timely manner.

So have fun, remember the consequences of over indulging in ethanol, and be wise in your approach to the new year.

J. Lohr Syrah (South Ridge) Paso Robles 2011 wine review by (PB)

Deep dark black cherry hue with a bouquet of black raspberry and lush berry spice with tar and hints of baker's chocolate.

Palate--A Full bodied, big, bold, fruit bomb with ripe plum and blackberry that is surprisingly integrated (for such a young wine) with supple mature tannins and nice bitter dark chocolate, a touch of oak and a fruit finish that hangs on for sometime with a little twinge of blueberry near the very end.

Syrah IS always, or at least should be, a gigantic fruit-filled block buster and this value wine from J. Lohr ($12)is a solid example of the grape. If you're in the mood for a palate assault, Syrah is a fairly reliable wine. If you're pairing it with food, make sure you're going to put something robust and bold to stand up to it. And then Raise a glass!

Louis Jadot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2000 wine review by (PB)

Intense golden hue

Bouquet--Definitely oxidized notes with only the slightest hint of fruit remaining.

Palate--mouth watering, acidity with baked caramel and toffee showing its age and dry as dust. Lingering aged finish.

This wine is well past its prime which is a bit surprising given the exceptional vintage; a burgundy such as this could go for several decades.

(Billy) of this blog contributed this to our pre-Christmas feast warm-up with appetizers. Even in such a state there are elements of what this wine once was. Selling at considerably over-the-$100-price, it is disappointing and yet a treat none-the-less adding more data and experience to my wine adventures. Raise a glass this Christmas day to the ONE for whom we celebrate!

Chateau St. Michelle Dry Riesling 2012 wine review by (PB)

Straw hue with bouquet of lemon and then lime with sweet ultra ripe powdery pineapple perhaps with loads of citrus. (The bouquet is so floral that I would have thought it was a Viognier.)

Palate--With a slight spritzig (sparkle) this wine is both delicious and mouth titillating. It is brimming with loads of bright summer fruit with a slightly creamy finish and an after taste that reminds me more of Champagne than Riesling. Tropical fruit hangs on in the end making this a vibrant, lush wine with plenty of back bone. This really is a DRY Riesling so don't mistake the ultra fruity beam make you think it is sweet.

I paid $8.50 for this and wish I had bought a lot more. This is a really nice wine a super value so raise a glass or 12.

J. Lohr Chardonnay "Arroyo seco" Monterey 2012 wine review by (PB)

Light straw hue with bouquet of lemon and a touch of lime.
Palate--unusual front blast of cinnamon which is there for moment and then gone. A rigid beam of acidity with vanilla pudding and oak. Finishes with some longevity.

J. Lohr is a solid winery typically producing well made wines at all it's price points. I paid $10 for this is Los Angeles and it's a value for sure so raise a glass!

Domaine Pral Beaujolais Nouveau 2013 wine review by (PB)

Cherry hue with an amazing bouquet of sweet red candy and a flowery bouquet with an amazing "something" which eludes my sensory vocabulary.

Palate--This was not what I was expecting; first impression is quite acidic almost to the point of puckering,with a really short presentation of sparse red fruit--strawberry--ending quickly even as it began the same. This is a big disappointment. The bouquet is wonderful, enticing and filled with sweet fruit but doesn't deliver in the mouth. Perhaps it will improve with breathing and warming up a bit from cellar temp which at the moment is about 54 degrees.

I paid $12 for it and it was worth the education as I have never had a "Domaine" Beaujolais Nouveau. I have one other "Domaine" Beaujolais which I will compare a later time. *The jury is out on this one; it is definitely not the typical highly fruity, easy to guzzle Nouveau. I will pair it with homemade French Onion soup.

Obviously label pictured is not for the 2013 but is the same in all other ways.
*After letting it breath and pairing it with dinner, my assessment remains that it was not a very pleasing Nouveau.

Bliss Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 wine review by (PB)

Purple to garnet hue with nice big bouquet full of blackberries and spice with a presence of stewed tomatoes.

*Palate--First impression was not what I expected. A bit tart with subdued fruit and a clunky lack of identity leaving a finish that is somewhat bitter. (*Frankly--rather plonky...)

*Caveat: I am fighting a chest cold and it may be that this is an utterly unfair review in light of an "off palate" due to seasonal viruses. I am leaving it posted so that others who have had this wine recently might confirm or debunk my assessment. Chime in please! And remember that one's palate may be tainted a day or two before a cold has even expressed symptoms. Probably better to give benefit of doubt.

Bundle up if you're in the northern climes as I am. T'was 19 below zero this morning and the day's high barely made it above zero. Raise a glass.

Lanciola le Masse di Greve Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Beautiful earthy and savory notes on the nose with currants and leather

Full bodied and dense on the palate

Long finish of dark berries, currants, and spices

Summary:

This is a big, expressive Chianti Classico Reserva. While delicious now, it should also cellar well for another decade. I paid $23, which is a few dollars below list price. Absolutely delicious, so raise a glass!

Brancott Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Spicy cherry on the nose

Light bodied and fruity on the palate

Good layers of strawberry, spices, and herbs on the finish

Summary:

Are you looking for a good value Pinot Noir? This is one of the few at only $12 or so. Because the grape tends to be difficult to cultivate and ripen, it isn't one of those grapes that can grow and be produced on the cheap just anywhere.

Brancott Estate is a value wine producer in New Zealand, where the light bodied Pinot Noirs can have lots of fruit flavor and crisp minerality when done well. Enjoy with fresh and light dishes. Raise a glass!