Twisted Pig 2006 Pinot Grigio

i had to buy this one for two reasons: the name and the price ($7.99). this one was worth the price, although it wasn't spectacular. on the nose, grass and lemon with hints of minerals. not much to the aroma. very subtle. and on the palate it was similar. lemon, citrus, green, a little mineral. a little sweetness. the wine was a bit tight, but very drinkable. a nice one for every day with snacks on the deck. at this price, i would consider it again. it isn't as good as barefoot pinot grigio at this same price point. and it won't compete with those really good pinot grigio's. but it will quench that summer time thirst.

Yellow Tail 2006 Riesling

the baldwinegeek has been hearing it from the comely brunette that there were not enough white wine reviews. i will be rectifying that to some extent as the warm weather descends upon us. i do enjoy the reds more than the whites, but nice light gulpable wines have their place in my heart during the summer. on to the tasting…this crabby grape cheap ($6) had lemon and lime aromas. flavors of lemon and a spicy flavor. a bit too sweet for my tastes, but not bad. this would pair well with aisian food.

Rodney Strong 2006 Charlottes Home Sauvignon Blanc

rodney strong is one of those wine producers that you can count on to consistently produce good, affordable wines. this sauvignon blanc is no exception. aromas of citrus, specifically lemon, mineral and some melon are followed by tastes of nice ripe pears and a somewhat spicey, crisp, mineral finish. nice wine for that outdoor deck watching the world go by kind of day. nothing spectacular, just a good drinkable white wine that sells for the nice price of about $10-12.

Syrah/Shiraz Double Header

sorry for all the reviews on the syrah/shiraz side of things. i have quite a few in my cellar right now from a wine festival purchase. the double header?…four vines 2005 syrah from paso robles, ca and jacob's creek 2005 reserve shiraz from barossa valley australia. these two make for an interesting comparison. the california syrah had a nose of plum and hints of menthol. there was also a heat due to the alcohol content of 15%, which i wasn't to crazy about. on the palate it was very full bodied with blackberry, licorice and spice…and a little too much alcohol burn. this would be a much nicer wine if it weren't for the higher alcohol content. $about 18 for this one. the jacob's creek shiraz had a similar nose of plums and spice without the alcohol heat. on the palate, very intense blackberry and spice notes, followed by a velvet vanilla flavor. also around the $18 price. this wine would easily lay down for the next 5-10 years and have something to show after that time. if you want bold, in your face taste with a big alcohol kick, go for the four vines. i would prefer the alternate and go with a little more subtle complex taste of the shiraz. cheers!

Zaca Mesa 2005 Z Cuvée

one of the baldwinegeeks favorite santa ynez valley vineyards is zaca mesa. the 2005 z-cuvée is a rhone-inspired red blend of 48% mourvedre, 29% grenache, 20% syrah, and 3% cinsaut. the blend changes from year to year and these folks know how to do it right. i'll revisit some of their other wines later this summer. on to the review. on the nose, blackberry earth and spice. taste the blackberries right away along with herbs and earth and a nice black licorice finish which is nice and long and sexy. this is a bold, plush wine that will go with everything from pizza with mushrooms to lamb. i would try this with a nice filet and grilled mushrooms. layers of flavor. beautiful wine for about $18.

Yalumba 2006 Eden Valley Wild Ferment Chardonnay

this is a very nice chardonnay from australia if you can get past the long name. if you like oaked chardonnays, this one is for you. nose of citrus, and toasted nuts. on the palate, bright lemon and creamy fruit, and some stone and mineral notes. nice long finish. all for the nice price of $12-14.

The Other 2006 White Blend

this wine, from peirano estate vineyard in lodi, california is an interesting mix of 65% chardonnay, 25% sauvignon blanc and 10% viognier. on the nose, pears and a subtle spicey oak. on the palate, peaches and pears and a soft slightly buttery mouth feel with a long finish. very nice with a chicken and vegetable medley. and the price is nice as well…$10-12. good warm weather white that will pair well with many of your light summer foods.

Trapiche 2005 Syrah

into the nice price wine. this syrah goes for around $11. not in the crabby grapes "cheap" territory, but close. nose of spice and red currants. on the palate, red plums and some tobacco, licorice and black pepper notes. very drinkable. not one you would want to lay for a while, it is ready now. well worth the price.

Peter Howland 2002 Shiraz

this shiraz was very interesting. and once again, a bottle i may have opened too early. fortunately i have a second bottle which i will keep in the cellar for a few more years and see how it compares. the nose had a black pepper, earthy and almost tar like note to it. i was ready for a huge tasting wine. i was only slightly disappointed. the flavor was very complex. hints of dark fruit and of pepper. medium tannins and earthy finish. i felt like it could have been much bigger and i guess i will have to wait a few years to find out, although i am revisiting this after it has been open a day or two. $30.

Cheers!

it is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend; one's present or future thirst; the excellence of the wine; or any other reason.
latin saying