wine is life

14 Hands 2009 Hot to Trot Red Blend

2011-12-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

this nice red blend comes from washington state. it is predominantly merlot, with some cabernet sauvignon, syrah & petit verdot. it sells for the very nice price of about $10-12. we tried one of their whites some time back and enjoyed it, so this was a no brainer for us. and i love red blends. the nose had lots of blackberry and sweet jammy black cherry notes. the palate was a nice juicy mouth full of blackberry and black cherry notes. this is not a big, bold red. more fruit up front and very soft tannins and some great mocha and toast notes in the finish. great to just sip on a chilly evening, or with your favorite stew or meat dish.

Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Syrah 2009

2011-11-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

cakebread is one of those wineries that you hear about and want to try based on reputation. we recently had the opportunity to try a couple of their wines. the syrah sells for about $55, which is a bit pricey for me. the nose has black cherry, some nice violet notes, and some nice earthy notes that i like. the palate had blackberry, plum, black pepper and more of the earthy notes i usually associate with syrah. lots of tannins in this at the beginning, so open it up and let it sit for a while. nice long finish of fruit and smoky earth. nice wine. didn't blow me away. i guess i expected a little more based on the price and reputation.

Palaia Vineyards Lemberger 2006

2011-11-02T15:38:00.000-04:00

while living in new york, we had many opportunities to visit many of the local wine trails along the hudson river valley. palaia vineyards is one that is definitely worth a visit. along with a very fun atmosphere, including live music, their wines are well worth it. the lemberger, grown at the sweet clover farm, is native to eastern europe. the grape is known as the pinot noir of the east. the nose has earth, spice and gooseberry characteristics. the palate is very much like pinot noir, with a more delicate flavor profile. lots of black cherry, raspberry, earthy notes and some black pepper spice. the wine sells for $16 at the vineyard. lemberger grapes are also grown in washington state, colorado, ohio and virginia. if you can find it, it is well worth a try.

Las Rocas Garnacha 2008

2011-10-31T17:06:00.000-04:00

i wrote about this grenache a year ago and recently revisted the 2008 vintage. nice way for me to re-enter the blog page after a couple month off. this will still work as a nice thanksgiving wine and is still value priced at about $10-12. the 08 version has many similar characteristics that the 07 did. a nose of raspberries, smoke and spicy pepper. soft and easy on the palate with nice black cherry, smoky mocha, and spice. very easy drinking wine that will add to the thanksgiving flavors and won't put a huge dent in your wallet.

Rubicon 2004

2011-09-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

it has been a long time since i have blogged. 9/11 is a good place to make a fantastic statement about american wine and a celebration of life! this wine was a gift from a rep at rubicon estates from a wine festival in cincinnati. it has been laying for quite a few years and the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 and the celebration of a new chapter in the life of myself and my wife,the comely brunette, seemed a great time to uncork a really nice bottle of wine. this is a napa standard and is smooth as silk and exquisite! a nose of blackberry, black cherry, some smoke and a little violet. on the palate more sour black cherry flavors, vanilla, black currant and a little smokey note. so smooth with subtle tannins, this could have easily been left in the bottle for several more years. but today it was excellent! this bordeaux blend sells for about $100. CHEERS!

wisdom

2011-08-06T23:51:00.000-04:00

it has been a long time wine geeks! seems that life has caught up with me and the work schedule has been too hectic. i am still enjoying the grape, but not as much as i would like! cheers. hope to be posting more soon.

Graham's 10 Year Tawny Port

2011-06-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

this isn't really port season for me but i had opened this bottle a while back intending to write about it a bit sooner. i really enjoy a good port and this one was not bad for the price range of about $30, but i was left wanting a bit more. the nose was loaded with spicy apple, some floral notes and a little cocoa. the palate is where i was a bit let down. most ten year ports seem to have a lot more caramel and candied fruit. this one was a lot smokier than i expected. flavors of tart raspberry and a great deal of the nutty flavors that were okay, just different than i was used to. it did have a nice vanilla finish.

Pierre Chainier 1749 Sauvignon Blanc 2009

2011-06-06T12:38:00.000-04:00

this little beauty for the patio comes from france and is pleasing to the palate and to the wallet. selling for about $12, 1749 is not for fans of the big grapefruit flavored sauv blancs from new zealand. it is far more delicate and actually easier to drink by itself. the nose has some light citrus, tropical fruit and slightly floral notes. the palate on this one is light and crisp with nice citrus flavors. there is also a little floral note and some earthy stony notes in the finish. excellent by itself as a patio pounder, this white is also a nice wine to try with asian foods or a nice summer salad.

Benmarl Winery DeChaunac 2008

2011-06-02T09:53:00.001-04:00

i visited benmarl winery in the hudson valley region of new york a while back and wrote about their proprietor's reserve. this red is a hybrid and is a very hearty grape that is grown in the northeastern u.s. and canada. the folks at benmarl do a nice job and have some very nice wines. the dechaunac has a nose of red fruit and lots of earth. i love a good earthy smell in a red wine. the palate had cherry and more of the earthy notes as well as a nice vanilla finish. this is a great red meat and pasta wine that sells for about $12.

Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rosé 2010

2011-05-30T11:42:00.000-04:00

i was fortunate to try a rosé that was to my liking at my local wine store. this one sells for the nice price of $11 and is sourced from 5 different grape varieties; grenache, cinsault, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and mourvedre. it has a beautiful salmon pink color and has a nose of citrus and spice. the palate is loaded with raspberry, strawberry and a little melon and finishes with mineral and pepper notes. good complexity that appeals to a red wine lover like myself. definitely works as a warm weather quencher but try it with asian food or that friday night pizza.

Parducci Mendocino County Petite Sirah 2007

2011-05-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

this is my 500th blog entry and i went to a trusted winemaker for a really nice red at a good price. parducci has a nice portfolio of wines. this one is no exception. the nose is loaded with cherry and blackberry, as well as some nice spice notes. the palate is big, bold and loaded with tannins so decanting is definitely needed. the flavors of blackberry, black cherry, spicy black pepper and some nice dark chocolate. this is a great food wine. try it with a grilled steak or hearty stew. we enjoyed this with a chicken/mushroom with vegetables and rice and it worked very well. sells for about $10-15 depending on where you are. (more expensive here in new york unfortunately)

Delle Venezie Giovello Pinot Grigio 2010

2011-05-25T12:22:00.000-04:00

this white is another possible patio pounder. selling for about $10, it is very light bodied. the nose has some peach and floral notes, along with a little citrus. the palate is very light, with lemon and mineral flavors and maybe a little floral there too. i was not overly impressed with this one because it was so light on the palate that it left me wanting more. if you are looking for a white wine that is very subtle, give this one a try and let me know what you think.

Saurus Pinot Noir 2007

2011-05-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

i think this is the first pinot noir i have tried from patagonia, argentina. never thought i would be talking about a pinot from argentina, and really liking it. the nose has some nice vanilla and berry aromas, along with just a subtle hint of earth. the palate is a nice, light mixture of cherry and floral violet notes. a little earth and some slightly spicy flavor in the finish rounds out this subtle beauty. a nice price of $17 on this one makes it a worthwhile wine to try. excellent wine for salmon (a go to with most pinot noir) or chicken in mushroom sauce.

Werewolf Pinot Grigio 2009

2011-05-20T14:18:00.000-04:00

never thought i would be writing about a wine called werewolf. this one comes to us from romania of all places, and sells for the nice price of $7. the question is, does it have a bite? the nose is not very big, with nice pear and citrus aromas. a little mineral in there too. the palate has pears and citrus (lemon), some nice, slightly effervescent qualities, and low acidity. good everyday summer patio pounder. i was pleasantly surprised with this one. summer salads and light fish dishes for this one.

Brazin Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2008

2011-05-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

i really like a good, chewy zinfandel. this one from lodi california is right in my wheel house. selling for about $16, brazin is well worth a try. the nose has lots of black cherry and blackberry, some nice spice and vanilla and some mocha. the palate is very big and bold, with blackberry, plum and cocoa. there is some nice black pepper and some subtle earth notes. this is a chewy, full bodied zin with a long finish that begs for spicy red sauce pasta or a good steak. at this price it is very hard to pass up.

Chateau du Rouët Cotes de Provence Rosé 2010

2011-05-16T12:53:00.000-04:00

a good rosé is always a difficult thing for me to find. it isn't a varietal that i am too crazy about so when i find one i like, i get pretty excited about it. i tried this french rosé at my local wine merchant recently and liked it well enough to purchase a bottle. it is a blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah and maybe that had a great deal to do with why i liked it so much. the wine sells in the $10-12 range and has a nose of rose petals, red berries and a little dusty spice. the palate has lots of strawberry, some earthy herbal notes and some spice. the finish has some good floral notes. this should be slightly chilled, but not as much as you would a white. it needs a little more warmth to bring out some of the earthy floral flavors. good sipper on a warm day.

Roc des Moulins White Bordeaux 2008

2011-05-11T10:27:00.000-04:00

i have been on a bit of a white wine roll lately. this white bordeaux is right in line with all the other very nice warm weather patio pounders i have tried recently. you should definitely look for some of these if you enjoy a refreshing white wine on a warm day. the white bordeaux's are excellent and usually you can find a good variety at friendly prices. this one sells for about $10 and has a nose of melon, citrus and some earth. the palate has some nice tropical fruit, melon, and the old world nice earthiness that is so appealing to me. great all by itself or with some nice hard cheeses or a seafood salad. cheers!

Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2009

2011-05-08T14:26:00.000-04:00

more warm weather patio pounders? with temperatures getting into the 70's, i say yes! this lovely white comes from langtry estate in california, north of napa. the wine is 100% sauvignon blanc. the nose has some nice tropical fruit and citrus, as well as some mineral aromas. the palate is loaded with pineapple and guava. there is also some grassy flavors and some nice earthy, mineral notes. the wine is fresh and crisp and is perfect for sipping while enjoying warm weather and the foods that go with it, like salads and light seafood. sells for about $10.

Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2007

2011-05-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

more warm weather food wine with this unoaked chardonnay from the willamette valley in oregon. i love a good unoaked chard. it really shows off the flavor of the grape. this wine is a very nice expression of the chardonnay grape with a nose of melon, apple and pear. the palate has lots of green apple and melon flavors, some mineral and slightly earthy notes, and a clean, crisp finish. excellent with chicken or seafood. sells for about $16 in the ny area. look for it online direct from the winery for about $10. well worth the price.

Henry Brochard Sauvignon Blanc 2010

2011-04-29T16:59:00.000-04:00

warmer weather is upon us in the northeast, and that means patio pounders! i lean on the white wines more in the warmer months for their refreshing capabilities. this one from france is good for that reason and priced right at about $15. the nose is citrus, apple, mineral, and a little more citrus. the palate has lots of tropical fruit flavors (guava, grapefruit peel, lemon), some nice mineral notes, and a little gooseberry. snappy and tart on the tongue with a crisp finish, this one is great by itself, but also works with any lighter summer foods.

Stoutridge Vineyard Merlot 2008

2011-04-27T17:53:00.000-04:00

after a little hiatus i am back with another wine from this new york producer. the merlot from stoutridge is made with grapes from long island. it is 90% merlot and 10% cab franc. it sells for about $26 and is like all their other wine, made in the old world style, unfiltered and unfined. the nose has some nice blackberry, earth and an interesting mint note. the palate is very interesting, with funky earth, lush blackberry and plum, and some nice soft tannins. awesome sipping wine! works with red meats or chicken as well. this wine is unfortunately can only be purchased at the winery. if you make it to new york and visit the shawangunk wine trail, it is well worth your time and money.

Keesha Rosé 2008

2011-04-20T13:01:00.000-04:00

i am always searching for decent rosés' and i think i found one in this little $10 gem from california. it is a blend of mostly zinfandel, (which may be why it appealed to me), along with pinot noir, syrah, and petite sirah. the nose has some nice tropical notes as well as some floral aromas. the palate is a little bolder than many of the rosés' i have tried. lots of cranberry and a little bit of floral (rose petal). this is definitely dry and it has a nice finish. could be a nice food companion, but give it a try alone first. it was excellent as an after dinner glass!

Bortoluzzi Pinot Grigio 2008

2011-04-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

the wife and i dined at an italian restaurant recently and shared this bottle with our meal. we both ordered chicken dishes and the wine was perfect with both. selling for about $15, this italian white has a nose of mangos, some slight citrus, and nice mineral aromas. the palate was full of tropical fruit and had some very nice, crisp minerality. very nice acidity and decent finish. this is a definite food wine and will be one to visit if you like a good patio pounder for the upcoming warmer weather.

Stoutridge Vineyard Seyval Blanc 2008

2011-04-18T18:26:00.000-04:00

when ever we have visitors or friends who like to taste wine, we always make a stop at stoutridge vineyard in marlboro, ny. stoutridge is located on the shawangunk wine trail. they produce some really nice wines from grapes that are native to new york. all are made in old world style and are unfiltered and will age quite a while. (we have a couple bottles of their whites that are now 10 years old and are excellent). their seyval blanc is lower in alcohol (12.5%) and has a nose of citrus, a little apple, honeysuckle and some earth notes. the palate is a very interesting combination of the same characteristics that you find on the nose. there is a zing on the tongue that almost makes you feel like you are drinking champagne. lots of citrus and honeysuckle notes. i got some nice earth notes too. good wine for seafood (i think lobster or shrimp would be best). sells for about $15.

Home Grown Family Harvest Red 2008

2011-04-17T09:05:00.000-04:00

a traditional california field blend of syrah, barbera, and petite sirah at about 1/3 of each. the wine is a field blend, which means all three varietals are harvested at the same time. they try to time the harvest to get the maximum out of each varietal since they don't all ripen at the same time. they are all blended together right away. this wine sees no oak, which can be a good thing. the nose has blueberry and black cherry, with a little herbal aroma (grassy) thrown in. the palate is a fruit forward, juicy mix of black cherry, black raspberry, licorice, and a little chocolate. a little tannic at first, decant this one for a bit. after a good decanting this red is silky on the tongue and the flavors of the fruit are more pronounced. enjoy this one all alone, or if you must, have it with meatloaf, other red meat dishes, or italian foods. sells for about $12-15.

St. Innocent Pinot Noir Villages Cuvée 2009

2011-04-13T20:07:00.000-04:00

nothing like a good willamette valley pinot noir to go with a salmon dinner. the comely brunette and i enjoyed this on recently after having it recommended by my local wine store (thanks pete!). i stray from the budget wines every once and a while and this one is a bit more than i usually spend. it retails for about $35, but it can be found quite a bit cheaper than that on-line. the nose has lots of cherry, strawberry, floral notes and some spice. the palate is a delicate blend of cherry and red raspberry, with some nice floral notes and a beautiful spicy, peppery finish. the wine definitely needed to be decanted first for about an hour. well worth a try if you can find it. it is popular and sells out quickly.

Warwick Valley Winery Cabernet Franc 2009

2011-04-12T12:11:00.000-04:00

this is my second posting for this new york winery on the shawangunk wine trail. a definite winning effort from the folks at warwick valley. this red sells for about $16 and has aromas of black cherry, some smoke, black currant and a little oak. the palate is fruit forward with black currant, more black cherry, some nice cigar notes, and some slightly earthy flavors. the wine is very light on the palate and has a medium length finish. good pizza wine or try it with some italian fare.

Two Oceans Merlot 2009

2011-04-07T20:09:00.000-04:00

once again i am visiting a wine from south africa. and once again, i am impressed with the flavor and the price. south africa is one wine region that is really starting to turn out some nice wines. this merlot sells for about $9 and is definitely worth a try. the nose has nice fruit aromas of strawberry and some earthy notes. the palate has blackberry, black cherry, some nice chocolate and some smokey earth notes. i also got a little green pepper note in the finish. this is a good wine with red sauce pasta dishes and hard cheeses. or try it after dinner with some dark chocolate.

Foxglove Chardonnay 2009

2011-04-06T12:10:00.000-04:00

unoaked chardonnays like this one are so appealing for one reason. you can taste the fruit, not the oak. the nose has lots of citrus, honeysuckle and apple. this also sees no malolactic fermentation, which takes out the buttery mouth feel. what is left is a beautiful expression of crisp fruit. lots of lemon, pear, honey and a nice zesty finish. this chardonnay sells for about $16 and is worth every penny. makes a good patio pounder or try it with some salmon, a salad, cheese or shrimp.

Chateau Petit Courret 2009 Bordeaux

2011-04-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

i have to admit it is difficult for me to not open a bordeaux when i only pay about $10 for the bottle. no sense laying it down for several years when i can go pick up another bottle if i like it well enough. this one falls into that zone. the nose was a not too over the top with nice red and black cherry notes, some cocoa and earth notes. the palate was a nice black cherry, slightly dusty earth and some spice notes. potential on this one is very much there if you have the patience to wait several years for this one to improve. because of the soft tannins, this is good with most red meat dishes.

Bastide du Claux Malacare 2006

2011-03-31T12:40:00.000-04:00

today i celebrate blogging for 3 years! i chose a special wine that was given to me by my daughter after she returned from a trip to paris. i am not sure about the price or if the wine is available in the usa. it is a blend of 40% syrah, 30% grenache noir, 30% carignan, and comes from the rhone region of france. i have had this bottle cellared for a couple years. after opening, i decanted it based on initial taste. the nose had lots of black fruit, some smoke and some earth, and floral aromas of violets. the palate was very tannic at first, so i decanted the wine for about an hour. the flavors were blackberry, some black currant, lots of anise/black licorice, and some slightly earthy notes. the wine was much better on its own than with the light dinner we enjoyed. it would work well with veal or beef dishes or some nice hearty cheeses. if you can find this, give it a try. it is quite tasty. cheers!

Pucela Viura Sauvignon Blanc 2009

2011-03-29T12:23:00.000-04:00

i've been trying quite a few european wines lately and spanish wines have always interested me. i usually go for the reds, so this white was a bit off the beaten path for me. but i am always looking for a nice, inexpensive patio pounder. this one definitely works, selling for about $8. a fifty/fifty blend of viura and sauvignon blanc, the nose had green apples, some citrus, and a little minerality. the palate was very crisp and had lemon peel, citrus and some green apple flavors. the wine finished with some nice length. nice wine by itself or with seafood, salad or chicken.

Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

2011-03-28T13:42:00.000-04:00

when most people think of california cabernet sauvignon, their first thought is napa. but sonoma also has some very nice cabernets, and many don't cost a small fortune. this one falls in that category, selling for about $14. the nose has loads of fruit, with cherry and bramble fruit, along with some spice (sage) and some nice earth notes. the palate has lots of black cherry and black currant, some earth and finishes with some chocolate notes. easy tannins and a long smooth finish. pairs well with stews, lamb, veal, or a spaghetti and meatball with peppers and onions in vodka sauce. great value red!

Fleur du Cap Chenin Blanc 2008

2011-03-25T11:46:00.000-04:00

south african chenin blanc are really making a statement. this is a new one for me and has some really interesting characteristics. selling for about $11, this very nice white has a nose of melons, peaches, some butterscotch and some interesting earthy, meaty notes. the palate is creamy and lush, with peaches, guava, honey and earthy notes. really interesting to get the earth notes like this in a chenin blanc. surprising but nice. very good wine for seafood, sushi, spicy asian food, or just enjoy it on its own.

Warwick Valley Chardonnay 2009

2011-03-22T12:08:00.000-04:00

new york produces a wide variety of wines. the shawangunk wine trail has become a favorite place for the comely brunette and i to find new wines from the empire state. this chardonnay, with grapes from the finger lakes district, is a nice find at a good price of $14. the nose had lots of melon and apple, maybe a little peach, and some toasty vanilla. the palate is a combination of pear, peach, a little melon and some apple, along with nice vanilla and some nutty flavors. this wine has a rich, buttery mouthfeel because of the malolactic fermentation. try it with stuffed clams or shrimp.

Masciarelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2007

2011-03-18T09:27:00.000-04:00

bargain hunters will love this red from italy. selling for about $9, this wine is 100% montepulciano from southern italy. the nose has lots of ripe red fruits (cherry and currant), some earth notes and tobacco. the palate is loaded with red currant, cherries, some nice touches of violet and finishes with tobacco and black licorice. lots of complexity for a wine at this price level. good with sausage and rice or other somewhat spicy meat or pasta dishes.

Cortes de Cima Chaminé 2008

2011-03-16T14:17:00.000-04:00

we enjoyed this red blend recently at a local restaurant that features foods and wines from portugal. the wine sells for about $12 and is worth a look if you like something that really works well with food. the blend is 49% syrah, 45% aragonez (tempranillo), 2% touriga nacional, 2% trincadeira, 1% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot. nice red berries on the nose, along with some smoky notes. on the palate, good body, nothing too overpowering, with nice red raspberry and currant, some smoke and spice, with supple tannins and a medium length finish. worked well with the filet i had and will work with veal or nice red sauce pasta dishes.

Man O'War Sauvignon Blanc 2009

2011-03-14T12:45:00.001-04:00

new zealand has gotten a reputation for their very nice sauvignon blancs, and this one, selling for about $11, is fairly typical of this new zealand varietal. the nose has lots of tropical notes, some nice herbal and grassy aromas. and a little touch of spice. the palate is very crisp, with lots of guava, grapefruit and some mineral notes. this is followed by a spicy finish. this will work well with a variety of lighter foods, with seafoods or aisian fare. i would look for this to be a nice summer patio pounder as well.

Apollo Creek Pinot Noir 2009

2011-03-11T13:03:00.000-05:00

this is a first for me. a wine from moldova. formerly a part of the soviet union, moldova is now a separate nation and has a rich wine growing history. this one sells for about $8 and is a very light bodied, dry wine. the nose has berries and some slight earthy notes. the wine took a little time to bloom after opening, so if you try this, decant it first. the palate had lots of berry flavors, including strawberry, raspberry, a little cherry and an interesting green pepper note in the finish. only a little earthy flavor in this one. interesting and very subtle, i will have to revisit this one in the future, and look for more wines from this country, as they export quite a bit of it. we enjoyed this with salmon and salad dinner.

Gamble Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009

2011-03-10T12:16:00.000-05:00

i have written about gamble before. their paramount red blend was an exceptional wine. this sauv blanc is far different from many i have tried. and that is a good thing. selling for about $13, this is a white that has a nose of pineapple, peach, tropical fruit, and some floral notes. the palate is a beautiful mix of tropical fruit. i picked up some guava, pineapple, and a little bit of coconut in the finish. there are also some nice apple and mineral flavors. the wine has a beautiful creamy mouth feel and crisp finish. we enjoyed this with some breaded chicken, roasted red potatoes, and sauteed vegetables.

Apothic Red 2009 Winemaker's Blend

2011-03-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

if you are in search of a good red blend, look into this one from california. it sells for a good price, about $14, and is loaded with flavor. the blend is zinfandel, syrah and merlot. the nose is very big and compelling, with vanilla, black cherry, some spicy nutmeg and dark chocolate. the palate offers up loads of fruit flavor, with black cherry and plum, some vanilla and a little earthy flavor. not too overpowering in tannins and a full, juicy feel on the tongue. this one was enjoyed with beef wellington and pan seared asparagus and mushrooms.

Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda 2008

2011-03-02T19:17:00.000-05:00

this is only the second bonarda i have tried. this one, from altos, falls in the same price range (about $10) and is also from argentina. they were also very similar in comparison to each other. this one had a nose of black cherry, some mint, and a little earth. the palate had some light tannins and lots of fruit. plums, boysenberry, licorice and some cocoa. this is another nice every day red. good with beef dinner or pizza.

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Meritage 2004

2011-03-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

red bordeaux blends like this one are almost always a pure joy for me. kendall-jackson does this one right. i had this one cellared since 2008 and brought it out to celebrate the comely brunette's birthday. a worthy bottle for celebration. it is a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot and 1% cabernet franc that sells for about $18, it has the nose and flavor that appeal to my senses. the nose has black fruits, cocoa, some nice earth notes, and a little floral violet. the palate has blackberry and plum, licorice, some dark chocolate, hints of tobacco and some spicy sage. this is a beautiful wine with firm tannins and full mouthfeel with a finish that is long and elegant. great all by itself, try this with veal or hearty stews.

Il Bastardo Sangiovese 2008

2011-02-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

i have to admit, i bought this one solely because of the name and the label. and the price was right too. selling for about $8, this tuscan wine is actually quite nice. the nose had some cherry and blackberry, a little earth and some light spice notes. the palate had most of the same, with blackberry and cherry flavors and just a little earth. the tannins were medium and the finish was long and fruity. this is a good pizza or pasta wine, especially at this price. this won't knock your socks off by any means. it is a fun, easy drinking every day table wine.

Chateau La Croix du Duc 2009 Bordeaux

2011-02-23T17:52:00.000-05:00

2009 bordeaux's are getting rave reviews for good reason. sometimes it pays to let them get some bottle time, like this one. this is mostly merlot, about 90%, with the rest split between cab and cab franc. selling for about $10-12, la croix du duc has some really nice aromas of earth, blackberry, and some chocolate. the palate was not yet fully developed, perhaps a little too young to drink it. there were hints of what is to come, with black currant and coffee, and subtle earth and some cedar. but mostly it was just not as pronounced as it probably will be in a few years. so if you have a place to store wine, pick up a couple of bottles of this and wait patiently. i think you will reap the benefits with time.

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2008

2011-02-22T07:44:00.000-05:00

i wrote about a couple of varietals (chenin blanc and merlot) from this south african producer a while back and had the opportunity to try their sauvignon blanc recently. for a maker of wines at this price range ($8), these folks know how to do it right. i have not had anything from indaba that has been disappointing. the sauv blanc is no exception. the nose had citrus, some pineapple and a little spicy pepper. the palate was an interesting combination of citrus and spice. nothing like the new zealand grapefruit bombs. this had a juicy mouth feel and a little zing in the finish. good summer time patio pounder. try it with seafood or sushi.

Domaine du Chateau d'Eau Sauvignon Blanc 2007

2011-02-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

i tried this nice suavignon blanc from france recently. when compared to some of the grapefruit heavy new zealand styles, this one is very nice. it sells for about $12 and has a nose of cirtus and tropical fruit, with some slightly grassy notes and a little floral aroma. the palate was somewhat grassy, with tropical fruit undertones. nice mineral notes and a crisp, elegant finish. this is a great wine for sushi and other seafood or fish dishes.

Oxford Landing Viognier 2008

2011-02-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

the comely brunette and i enjoyed a valentine dinner of crab cakes, red potatoes and asparagus with this beautiful viognier from australia. selling for about $9, this white has an expressive nose of stone fruits, minerals, some nice floral aromas and a little musky note. the palate is full and slightly creamy in the mouth with peach and mineral flavors, followed by some very interesting floral notes. think of lily of the valley. the wine ended with a very crisp finish. a wonderful complement to our meal. try this one the next time you have seafood on the menu. you won't be disappointed.

Vino de Eyzaguirre 2008 Merlot

2011-02-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

here is another recent find at a local wine shop from chile for under $10. (easy to spot this one as the bottle is wrapped in burlap). i know many people shy away from merlot these days. but you really need to give this one a try. nice nose of berry and earth, with some hints of leather. the palate is a mix of plum and black currant, with some excellent earth and tobacco flavors coming through in the finish. medium tannins and soft mouth feel make this one a worthy wine for a variety of foods, but try it by itself too. i will definitely give this a return visit, especially at this price.

Enotria Barbera 2006

2011-02-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

enotria, which means 'the land of wine' is an off shoot from the graziano family of wines. this label is dedicated to varieties from the piemonte region of italy. the barbera sells for about $15 a bottle and does very well in the medocino region of california. this is a fairly bold red and will go well with many foods, including pizza. the nose has nice cherry and red raspberry notes, some earth and sweet tobacco, and just a hint of violet. the palate is medium-bodied with tart cherry and plum, and raspberry flavors, nice earth notes, and some cedar. all in a wine that delivers boldness with nice, soft tannins. this is a very nice wine and at this price, a real steal. i highly recommend giving this one a try.

Paumanok Merlot 2005

2011-02-07T18:22:00.002-05:00

it is always fun to try new wines in different areas of the country. since relocating to new york, i have been able to try some wines from the area that are very nice. this merlot is definitely in that category. the wine has a little bottle age on it and stands up very well. the nose has lots of black cherry, some nice earth and a little cedar. the palate was fruit forward with bing cherry and some plum dominating. after a little air, the flavor profile changed a bit with some nice earth and dark chocolate flavors. good food wine. try with some nice cheese, chicken or meat dishes, or maybe a pasta with red sauce. sells for about $20.

Sandeman 10 Year Tawny Port

2011-02-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

i love a good port and for some reason it is more enjoyable to me when the weather is cold. i love the way it warms me from the inside. sandeman makes a really nice port and you can spend a little or quite a bit, depending on how old a tawny port you are willing to buy. the 10 year is a good place to start as it sells for about $30. the nose has lots of ripe fruit and vanilla, candied fruit and raisins. the palate has more of the candied fruit and some nice butterscotch, vanilla and nutty flavors. excellent by itself, but try this with some blue cheese or chocolate!

San Giuseppe Veneto Pinot Grigio 2009

2011-01-31T18:30:00.001-05:00

this italian pinot grigio sells for about $12 and is worth a try. we enjoyed this over a couple of days with a couple of different foods; first with cheese, hummus and crackers, and then with salad and tuna. worked very well with both. the nose had some nice floral notes as well as some citrus aromas. the palate was light and refreshing, nothing too big or over the top as you would expect from an italian pinot grigio, with flavors of citrus, mineral and some light floral notes. crisp finish is very food friendly.

Prospero Winery Tapestry Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

2011-01-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

prospero winery in pleasantville, new york imports their grapes for their cabernet from california. the wine sells for about $8 a bottle and is a very nice every day red. the nose has black cherry and raspberry notes, along with some smoke, toasted oak and earth. the palate has subtle tannins and lots of raspberry and dark chocolate flavors. i also got some slightly musty, earth and spice along with a little oak. the wine only spends about 10 months in french oak so the flavor of the grape really shines through. it is winter so this will work well with those stews or roasts that are on the menu.

Chateau Haut Maginet Bordeaux 2009

2011-01-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

this is a white bordeaux and was purchased at my local wine storre for about $12. the blend is 60% sauvignon blanc, 20% muscadelle, 20% semillon. this is an excellent food wine. the nose was citrus, floral, and some earthy aromas. the palate had lots of the sauvignon blanc characteristics of citrus flavors. lemon peel, some melon and a little bit of that french earth. mineral notes and a nice clean finish make this a perfect food wine. try it with any seafoods, sushi or lighter meals.

Kiona Vineyards 2004 Cabernet/Merlot

2011-01-19T17:43:00.001-05:00

washington state winery kiona is a new find for me thanks to a recommendation from a local wine store. this bordeaux blend has a 'new world twist' with the following grapes: 72% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc, 5% merlot, 2% syrah, 1% sangiovese. this wines sells for about $10 a bottle and tastes like a much more expensive wine. the nose has lots of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry notes. there is also some nice earthy aromas and a cedar finish on the nose. the palate is full of dark fruit. blackberry, black currant, and blueberry. nice inky notes as well as some nice oak and earth flavors. this is well worth your dollar and goes well with pasta and red sauce or a good steak. try it with some blue cheese and crackers.

Lenore 2007 Columbia Valley Syrah

2011-01-15T10:13:00.000-05:00

washington state cult winery corvidae makes some really nice wines. their syrah is priced right at about $15 and is a real find. the nose has red fruit, smoke, and earth notes. the palate has lots of dark fruit. black currant, blueberry, and black raspberry. then the terroir makes its presence known. lots of ash, earth and smokey notes come through. this wine definitely needs some air before you drink it. the tannins are fairly bold when the wine is first opened. decant or pour a glass and walk away for an hour. then enjoy it by itself or with a hearty stew, ribs, or a burger.

Castillo de Molina Chardonnay 2009

2011-01-13T18:29:00.000-05:00

chilean wines are on the rise and this chardonnay, although it is not on the same level as those from california, is worth a try. especially at the price of under $10 a bottle. nothing over the top about this one. nice nose of tropical fruit, some green apple, a little vanilla and some oak. the palate has lots of nice topical fruit notes, with more of the vanilla and apple from the nose, and a little mineral bite. there was a little oak on the palate, and it had a full, slightly creamy mouth feel. perfect for scallops, other seafood, or with a veggie pizza.

Piccolo Cru 2007 Napa Valley

2011-01-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

this red blend comes from paoletti vineyards in napa. the blend is 42% cabernet sauvignon, 38% malbec, 14% merlot, and 6% cabernet franc. the price is about $20. i don't know if this particular vintage is still available but bases on some research i did, other vintages will be a similar bordeaux blend. the nose is very big with the first aroma that i picked up being an inky, almost like a sharpie marker note. this is followed by black currant and black cherry, spice and some cedar. as the wine opened up i got some musty notes too. the palate had lots of fruit, with black raspberry and black cherry, some spice and some cedar. finished with black licorice flavors. tannins were pretty big at the start but began to soften some. this worked well with the leftover red meat and smashed potato dish we had from a couple nights ago. bold enough to stand up to other medium spiced dishes too. excellent red blend.

Chateau Montlun Bordeaux 2009

2011-01-06T12:24:00.002-05:00

i normally would wait to open up a bordeaux that is this new, but the meal the comely brunette and i were having begged for something french and earthy. and with this one selling for about $9, it was a no-brainer. a blend of merlot, cab and cab franc, it has a nose of earth, smoke and black fruit. the palate is beautifully subtle with flavors of blackberry and black cherry, mixed with earthy tones and cedar notes. nice smokey undertones and a long finish. excellent with the steak, mushroom and smashed potato dish we enjoyed. this is a really nice wine at this price and worth getting a few extra bottles to lay down for a few years.

Tall Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

2011-01-04T12:24:00.000-05:00

wow! a new year is here and it seems like forever since i have written anything. i didn't drink very much wine over the holiday, choosing to have other adult beverages for the most part. but this cab was one that i had while dining with family. it comes from south africa and as you know i have written about some very nice wines from this part of the wine world recently. and this one is also a keeper, especially when you consider the price is under $10. the nose is full of black fruits and a little spice. i got a little bit of earth on the nose too. the palate is very fruit forward, with blackberry and black cherry, with spice and a little bit of red licorice. very easy drinking red that goes well with barbeque, pizza, burgers and cheese.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.

~ Benjamin Franklin

14 Hands 2008 Merlot

2010-12-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

to merlot or not to merlot. so many people i talk to just don't want to get back into this classic grape, which is too bad. there are many very nice merlots out there, including this one from washington. 14 hands sells for about $10 and is 82% merlot, and the other 18% is a mix of grenache, cab, cab franc and syrah. because of those other grapes mixed in, it gives you an interesting nose and palate. it is a fruit forward, easy drinking red that has a nose of cherry and blackberry, some spice and a little earth. the palate is mostly cherry and a blackberry. i got some subtle spice and nice earth flavors too. nice and full on the palate with soft tannins and a velvety finish, this will work with pizza, grilled meats, milder cheeses, or pasta dishes. nice red for every day drinking.

Salneval Albariño Rias Baixas 2009

2010-12-21T12:13:00.000-05:00

it has been a while since i have tried an albarino. to this point i have been most impressed with this little know grape from spain. and this continues with salneval. selling for about $13, this white has a nice citrus and herbal nose, with a little floral aromas too. the palate is crisp and clean, with flavors of citrus (mainly lime) and pear. there is some nice mineral notes and a hint of some mint in the finish. this one will work with seafood and chicken, veggie pizza, or with a nice salad. i tried it with cheese and crackers for a late evening snack. well worth a try, and it will be a very nice patio pounder when warm weather returns.

Zaca Mesa Viognier 2008

2010-12-19T09:45:00.000-05:00

i wrote about the 2006 vintage of this very nice white some time ago and mentioned that this 2008 vintage scored 90 points in a wine magazine. after trying it i would agree that this was better than the 06. the nose had tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and some slightly smokey aromas. the palate had nice white peach and melon flavors, and a little citrus. not too much minerality and the finish was crisp and clean. sells for about $18 and works with chicken, sushi, or lighter seafood dishes.

Justin Monmousseau 2007 Chinon

2010-12-17T12:07:00.000-05:00

as big and bold as the last wine i wrote about (gamble family vineyards red blend), this red goes to the opposite end of the spectrum. this wine is from the loire valley in france and is 100% cab franc. french wines tend to be subtle and are very food friendly. this one is definitely in that category. the nose has strawberry, tobacco, some inky aromas, violet, a little oregeno and some leafy green notes. the palate is subtle raspberry and currant, with earthy, musty, forest berry and fig notes. think about old books in a basement. but very subtle tastes that work with salmon, chicken, milder cheeses. sells for about $15 and is worth a try.

Gamble Family Vineyards 2005 Paramount Red

2010-12-16T11:50:00.000-05:00

i had the good fortune to win a magnum of this at the cincinnati wine festival a year ago. it is a blend of 35% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 30% cab franc, and 3% petit verdot. this is a beautiful napa valley bordeaux blend from a smaller producer. the 750ml bottle retails for about $60 and is well worth a try if you can get a bottle. lay it down for a while and open it for a special occasion. the nose has dark fruits and lots of leather, earth. and a little licorice. the palate reflects the terroir with lots of tobacco, leather, earth, chocolate and some slightly minty flavors, mixed in with blackberry and cassis. silky tannins and a long, finish round this out nicely. a big, beautiful red that works with red meats, red sauce pasta, hearty stews, or all alone by a fire when the weather tells you to stay indoors.

Helix by Reininger Pomatia 2005

2010-12-13T18:24:00.000-05:00

this red blend was something i tried in april of 2009 and have cellared since that time. selling for about $20, this is one very nice wine. the nose has lots of currant, which is followed by some coffee and pencil lead. i picked up some dark chocolate notes too. the palate is big and chewy with plum, black raspberry and currant flavors. there is also some real nice earth, cedar and pencil lead on the palate as well. the tannins are not overpowering and the finish is long and lush. this one works well with italian fare, red meat dishes, or maybe some good hearty soups or cheeses.

St Francis Red 2005 Red Wine

2010-12-12T08:36:00.002-05:00

at the suggestion of my sibling, shorty, i picked up a bottle of this red blend from sonoma. the blend is 58% merlot, 25% syrah, 9% cab franc, 6% cab, 2% zinfandel. the nose had some nice red fruit and spice and a touch of chocolate. the palate was a bit heavy on the spice at first but it mellowed into a nice fruit forward taste as the wine opened up. lots of raspberry and red currant, some plum and spice. there was a little earth and some chocolate notes. this one will work with pizza, pasta, grilled foods or a stand alone glass by itself. sells for about $10.

2006 Alpha Estate Axia Florina Red Blend

2010-12-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

i tried this one some time ago at a wine tasting and purchased a bottle. it has been laying for a few months and i was having some pizza for dinner and thought this would go well. this wine is a blend of 50% syrah and 50% xinomavro, which is a bordeaux style grape that is grown extensively in greece. the wine had a nose of dark berry, spice and a little pepper. the palate was well balanced with flavors of plum, blueberry, spicy clove and vanilla. not to large and complemented the veggie pizza quite well. it sells for about $15 and i would also drink this with red meat dishes and pastas.

Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2008

2010-12-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

always a fan of kendall-jackson wines, i picked this one up at a recent wine shopping trip. i have had the vintner's, but never had the grand reserve. this one sources grapes from both monterey and santa barbera and sells for about $15. the nose had some nice tropical fruit aromas as well as some nice floral and spice notes. the palate had plenty of nice pineapple, tropical fruit and spice notes, along with honeysuckle, butterscotch and a little lemon zest. nice, long, creamy finish. try this one with some chicken or salmon.

Graziano Zinfandel 2006

2010-12-05T10:22:00.000-05:00

there is nothing like thanksgiving leftovers and a nice zinfandel to go with them. this one from mendocino county sells for about $14 and has just enough body to go well with all the flavors of thanksgiving, even if it is several days later. the nose had lots of cherry and a little licorice and some earth. the palate was a juicy explosion of plums, raspberries, spice, dark chocolate, a little coffee and some earth. the tannins were medium and the wine had a nice long finish. perfect for the spicing of a leftover turkey dinner. try this with a hearty stew or just sitting by a fire with a glass on a cold winter day. you won't be disappointed.

Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2009

2010-12-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

i am returning to south africa for this enticing chenin blanc from winemaker bruwer raats. this wine sees no oak, thus the 'original' title. the nose is grassy, with lemon peel and melon notes. the palate is somewhat like a sauv blanc, with some tropical fruit notes (minus the new zealand grapefruit flavor), some nice peach, mineral notes, and honeysuckle, all in a really nice crisp finish. sells for about $13-14 and if you like sushi, this wine is perfect for that. this could easily replace some of the slightly more expensive sauv blanc patio pounders that i like so much.

Urban Uco Malbec 2008

2010-11-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

i tasted this argentinian malbec in the summer and picked up a bottle for both the taste and the price of $11. it is always great to find a really nice wine at this price point and this one is a keeper. the nose is boysenberry and black raspberry, with some licorice notes. the palate was big and chewy, with black raspberry and more boysenberry. the wine spends only a little time (3 months) in oak so it is very fruit forward, but there is some nice floral and licorice notes as well as a little earth in the flavor that really makes the wine more interesting. had this with pizza, and it will work with red meat dishes too.

Edmeades 2006 Mendocino County Zinfandel

2010-11-28T09:17:00.000-05:00

the thanksgiving wine for the wife and i was this zinfandel from california. we actually had this same wine last year but it was the 2007 vintage and was quite nice. always good to find a wine that works well with all the different tastes of the holiday feast. nice nose of black cherry and spice. a little bit of cedar and floral aromas in there too. the palate had juicy raspberry and cherry flavors. the wine was very soft on the tongue. i got some smoke, spice, a little floral violet and cedar in the flavor profile as well. sells for about $15. very nice zin at this price.

DiStefano 2005 Sogno

2010-11-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

this $16 blend of 98% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon comes from the columbia valley in washington and has a very nice nose of red fruits and some typical cab franc aromas of herbs, mostly thyme, and a little cedar. the palate is loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors, and is followed by some herbal and vanilla notes. i also got some interesting minty flavors at the end. nice tannins and complexity to this red. stews, pasta and red meat dishes with this one.

Glorioso Crianza Rioja 2006

2010-11-25T10:27:00.001-05:00

i had this spanish red laying down since march, a purchase made at my local wine shop. and i don't remember whether i had tasted it first or if it was a recommended wine. i do know that i paid about $12 for it. the nose had plum, tobacco, and a little vanilla. the palate was lighter than i expected it to be. flavors of cherry and tobacco with some leather and slightly spicy herb. the finish was a little short with light tannins. not bad but left me wanting a little more. it could have needed a little more bottle time based on the nose. good red pasta or pizza wine.

Ramirez de Velazco Malbec 2008 Reserva

2010-11-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

thanks to our good friend vic, the wife and i were given this bottle of malbec from argentina, which we have had laying down for a year or more. we recently opened it to enjoy as an after dinner treat. the nose had lots of black fruit and spice notes, as well as some vanilla. the palate was loaded with bramble fruits of blackberry and black raspberry, followed by some plum and dark chocolate flavors. a little tannic at first, this red opened up nicely and was a very enjoyable wine. sells for about $15 and will work with lots of spicy pasta and red meat dishes. or enjoy it all by itself like we did.

Castle Rock 2007 Syrah

2010-11-19T10:51:00.000-05:00

syrah lovers will like this one from the columbia valley in washington. selling for about $10, you can expect a very nice quality wine. the nose has nice raspberry and cherry notes and some spicy earth too. the palate is wonderfully jammy with more raspberry and cherry flavors, followed by some spice and some nice firm tannins. i got a nice licorice note in the finish too. excellent value wine that will work with a wide variety of foods from spicy dishes to red meats.

Vivir, vivir Ribera del Duero 2008

2010-11-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

i had this tempranillo from spain recently. it sells for about $15 and had a nose of raspberry, vanilla, coffee, and some slightly earthy note. the palate was just a little thin. maybe more time in the bottle was necessary. flavors of cherry and raspberry, along with some vanilla and oak. the tannins were there but the finish was a bit light. i was expecting more than i got from it. as i said, maybe it was just not ready to be opened. not a bad wine, just left me wanting more.

Harmony Hills Refrain 2007

2010-11-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

ohio winery harmony hills makes some very nice wines. refrain is a 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. usually these are both grown on the winery property in bethel ohio. but the 2007 freeze did a number on the cab franc, so the grapes were imported from the west coast. the result was something a little different, but still quite nice. nice nose of black cherry, blackberry and earthy leather. the palate was more of the blackberry, some black cherry and some nice earth and leather. nice tannins and excellent finish. sells for about $14 and works well with hearty stews and pastas.

A by Acacia 2007 Red Blend

2010-11-09T12:53:00.000-05:00

i tried this red blend from pinot noir maker acacia some time ago. i purchased a bottle and laid it down until this week. the price was nice at about $10, and the blend was interesting; 90% syrah, 5% grenache, 4% mourvedre, 1% viognier. worth a look see based on the blend alone. the nose has nice strawberry and cherry notes. some clove and vanilla also come through. the palate is a nice mix of plums, blackberries, vanilla, and spice followed by some mocha and earthy flavors. this is nice now but could also lay for a while. and at this price you could pick up a couple extra bottles and do just that. this wine begs for stews on cooler weather days.

Kinkead Ridge River Village Cellars 2006 Syrah

2010-11-06T17:02:00.000-04:00

ohio winery kinkead ridge is in ripley, ohio near the ohio river, east of cincinnati. they make some excellent wines and this syrah is no exception. this is under the river village cellars label which is their lower priced, every day wine label. the nose was dark fruit (black cherry, blackberry), some spice notes and that wonderful earthy note i love so much in syrah. the palate had plums and blackberries, followed by spice and earthy flavors. beautifully silky on the tongue, this is a must try wine if you can find it. the winery sells out fairly quickly as they have a very big fan base. count me in as one of them. this one sells for about $12.

Longhop Shiraz 2006

2010-11-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

longhop shiraz from australia is a wine i tried some time back at a tasting at my local wine shop. i enjoyed the tasting so much that i bought a bottle to lay down. i opened it up to find exactly what i remembered from the original tasting. beautiful nose of dark fruits, like black cherry, blackberry and blueberry. there are also some tar and earth notes in the nose too. the palate has a nice burst of fruit up front, with black raspberry and black cherry leading the way. more nice earth flavors and some coffee and smokey tar on the palate too. this lovely red sells for about $15. try it with pizza, you won't be disappointed.

Maryhill 2008 Winemaker's Red

2010-10-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

i am always intrigued with red blends. when they are priced in the under $15 area, like this one is, you catch my attention fully. and when it is good like this one, i am very pleased because i found a go to bargain. maryhill red is a blend of 40% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 20% syrah and 10% cabernet franc. the nose had cherry, some plum and some spice, along with a little earth. on the palate, lots of tart cherry and soft tannins. the wine gave me the impression that it might benefit from some more bottle time. nice chocolate, earth tones and spice were also evident in the finish. we had this with some pizza, and it would work with red sauce pasta dishes or red meat as well. very good wine at an even better price.

Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2008

2010-10-27T15:30:00.000-04:00

had dinner with the family at a local restaurant chain before my recent move. i was ordering salmon so a pinot noir was my first choice for wine. never tried this one before and it flies in the face of the typical hard to read chateau this or that from france. fun name. so i said why not!? selling for about $8, it was hard to believe that this is really in that price range. the nose was cherry and floral, with some spice notes and vanilla too. the palate was fruit forward, with more cherry and some violet and spice notes. also has some nice earthy flavors that are usually present in french pinot noirs. this went very well with the salmon i had and will be a definite try at home bargain wine. well worth a look by you pinot noir lovers out there.

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2008

2010-10-25T10:42:00.000-04:00

apologies for the lack of posts recently. relocated to a new state and had no computer access. the comely brunette and i enjoyed this go to white with a fresh salad with tuna. selling for about $12-14, kendall-jackson has always been a producer that we can go to for quality wines at reasonable prices. the chardonnay has a nose of mango and peach, a little citrus and some light spice notes. the palate was smooth and creamy with lots of mango and pear flavors. there was also some nice spice and a little green apple. not an overly oaked chardonnay, which is a good thing in my book.

Foris Flyover Red 2008

2010-10-18T12:08:00.000-04:00

my first experience with flyover red happened many years ago, and it was fascinating. it has been a favorite of mine for some time and i always try to keep a bottle or two in stock. it is a bordeaux blend of 55% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. the blend changes from year to year so it is always worth checking out because it is never quite the same. the nose has lots of dark fruit and cocoa, with some earth and a little cigar thrown in. the palate was a bit tight and young. flavors of black cherry, plum, coffee and leather. i was actually surprised that the 08 was already on the shelf, as the folks at foris usually hold there flyover back a few years. this is worth buying two and laying one down for a few years. and at the nice price of about $13, it is worth it.

Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

2010-10-14T17:38:00.000-04:00

my last south african bottle has officially been opened. unfortunately it probably should have been laid down for several years as it has plenty of aging potential, and it is still tasting a bit young. thelema is also from the stellenbosch region and is from one of the highest elevation vineyards in south africa. the nose has lots of black cherry, blackberry and spice. i also got some eucalyptus aromas. the palate is a little tight and tannic at first. it opens nicely after the wine sits in the glass for a bit. nice black currant and blackberry flavors, with smoky cedar, mint and earth tones in the long finish. this one sells for about $40 and has definite aging possibilities. if you are into the point rating system, this one has consistently scored 90 points or better in wine spectator for 11 years. i enjoyed this with spaghetti with steamed veggies over the top. it will work with any red meat or stew as well.

Rudi Schultz Syrah 2007

2010-10-09T14:37:00.000-04:00

a have two more wines from south africa that i would like to write about. first is this beautiful syrah from winemaker rudi schultz. i love a good syrah and this one will now occupy a place near the top of my list of go to syrahs. selling for about $35 (but do some searching and you can save about $5), this 100% syrah has a nose of black cherry, raspberry and some nice earth tones. the palate is more black cherry, along with blackberry and some nice cocoa powder. nice earthy flavors and some tar and licorice in this one too. excellent red if you like a full bodied red with lots of flavors and medium tannins and a long finish. break out the steak, hearty stew or the red pasta dish for this one.

Rustenberg Estate John X Merriman 2007

2010-10-06T18:55:00.000-04:00

this evening finds me with another very nice bordeaux blend from south africa. rustenberg JXM is a blend of 48% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 3% cab franc, and 3% malbec. the wine comes from the stellenbosch appellation and sells for around $30. if you search a little you can find it for a few dollars less. the nose is black currant, licorice, and a little floral. the palate is plum and cherry, with firm tannins and lots of nice tobacco and licorice in the mid-palate. nice full, long finish with some spice and earth. this is a very nice wine begging for two things; more time in the bottle and a juicy steak dinner. these south african wines have been very impressive.

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2006

2010-10-04T19:13:00.000-04:00

sorry for the shortage on the postings, travel time got in the way. waiting for me when i arrived at home this evening was this red blend from south africa. this is a bordeaux blend of 41% cabernet sauvignon, 36% petit verdot, 10% cab franc, 9% merlot, and 4% malbec. if that doesn't get you interested, then you are not a red wine fan. the nose is loaded with black currant, spice, some earth and a little leather. the palate has blackberry and licorice flavors with some black cherry and plum also. the tannins are not too overpowering and the wine finished very nicely with some earth and tobacco notes. excellent wine for this weary traveller. my palate was not quite up for subtle flavors and this red satisfied the need for something a little bolder. great all by itself, but try this with red pasta or a nice steak. sells for about $20.

Beyond Sauvignon Blanc 2009

2010-09-27T20:03:00.000-04:00

this is the last white from the south african wines i have been writing about. cooler weather is starting to arrive which means more reds. beyond is from the costal region known for their white wines. this one sells for the nice price of about $11. if you are a sauv blanc drinker, this is worth a try. the nose is citrus and a little melon. nice mineral notes on the nose too. the palate has lots of lime up front, followed by some interesting green pepper notes. it finishes with crisp mineral notes and some nice herbal flavors. good with many different foods, but i enjoyed by itself after dinner.

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2009

2010-09-23T11:45:00.000-04:00

south african reds are interesting, to say the least. this one has been getting quite a bit of press lately. i tasted this some time back at my local wine store and got the opportunity to revisit it recently. this is not your typical shiraz. this is a semi-sweet red that begs for a cheeseburger or a pizza. the nose has lots of blueberry, blackberry and a little chocolate. because this wine spends little time in oak (30% of the wine spends 5 months in american oak) the palate is extremely fruity. fruit bomb comes to mind. lots of red raspberries, juicy blackberries and hints of chocolate. jammy! jam jar is just that, a jam jar full of fruit flavors. looking for a way to get into red wines? this might serve you well. sells for about $10.

Kanonkop Kadette 2008

2010-09-20T18:49:00.000-04:00

we are back to the south african wines with this beautifully complex red blend from the stellenbosch region. this wine is a blend of 50% pinotage, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, and 10% cabernet franc. nice bordeaux blend with the added twist of the always interesting pinotage grape. the nose had lots of dark fruit, like black cherry and blackberry. some nice licorice, smoke and tar aromas also. the palate is big and juicy, with flavors of blackberry and plum. nice tar, smoky cedar and earth flavors in the mid-palate and into the finish. i enjoyed this with grilled burgers. sells for the really nice price of about $14. buy two and lay one down for a couple years.

Ercavio Blanco 2009

2010-09-17T20:37:00.000-04:00

a brief break from the south african tour for this warm weather white from spain. not much warm weather left if you are in the northern tier states, but this one is a nice light wine. the nose is pears, a little floral, and some green apple. the palate is crisp and light , with granny smith apples and pears along with some nice mineral notes. slight tropical note as well. i would refer to this one as sauv blanc light. good with salads, light fish and seafood, or as a patio wine all by itself. sells for about $10.

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2009

2010-09-12T09:16:00.000-04:00

the south africa wine tour continues with this rosé. mulderbosch is known primarily for their white wines, but don't let that stop you from trying this one. while i am not a big fan of rosé, i do find one every now and again that peaks my interest as this one did. the nose is very floral, with rose petals followed by red berries and some nice spice notes. the palate was strawberry and floral with the rose petals showing again. there was also some nice spice and a little earth in the finish. this sees no oak and is a real bargain for around $11-12. try with seafood, salad, veal, or turkey burgers.

De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc 2008

2010-09-09T06:58:00.000-04:00

back into south africa for another very nice white wine. de morgenzon is dutch for 'the morning sun'. this is a boutique winery in the stellenbosch region of south africa. chenin blanc guru teddy hall is the wine maker. selling for about $30, this wine has a nose of apple, apricot, some floral aromas, and spice notes. the palate is very pretty, with pears, tropical fruit, and toast up front. this is followed by some nice orange blossom and honey at mid palate and some grassy minerality in the finish. excellent food wine. i am thinking shrimp or tuna on the grill, summer salads, or a lightly spiced asian dish. search around for this one and you will probably be able to find it for less than the suggested retail price of $30. well worth it. excellent wine.

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2008

2010-09-05T18:34:00.000-04:00

a little side trip out of south africa for this exquisite chardonnay from napa valley. if you know anything about wine history or recent wine oriented movies, then this winery is no stranger to you. chateau montelena was the winery featured in the film 'bottle shock' about the judgement of paris where the u.s. made a huge statement in the world wine industry. montelena's chardonnay was voted the top white wine in a blind tasting in 1976. i must admit to not being a huge fan of overly oaked california chardonnay, but this one completely knocked my socks off. some of the wine spent some aging time in stainless in this vintage and it really makes the fruit flavor pop. the nose had white peach, pear, some apple and nice floral aromas. i don't normally mention color but this one was very intense gold. the palate was more of the peach flavor, along with pears, citrus, spice and some orange blossom in the finish. very full mouth feel and the finish lingered for quite some time. be prepared to drop a few dollars on this as it sells for about $50. you can shop around a bit and find it cheaper. pick one up and lay it down for a couple years. excellent for a special occasion.

Excelsior Chardonnay 2009

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

so far the south africa tour has been quite a pleasurable one and this next wine keeps up the tradition. selling for the nice price of about $10, excelsior is a chard that sees very little oak. in fact only 25% sees oak for the limited time of 3 months. in my mind this is a good thing. i am not a big fan of the overly oaked chardonnays on the market. it spoils the real taste of the grape. the nose is not huge, with some tropical fruit, apple, and a little spice and floral notes. on the palate, lots of pears, green apples, spice and mineral flavors. this was really nice with the chicken pesto dish i had. i would also try this with lightly spiced asian food and meaty fish. 3 for 3 in the value aspect and in taste category. and the south africa journey will continue…