Here is a listing of wines reviewed on this blog organized in reverse chronological order.
It’s a fun way to see how I feel about wines over time. No, I am not infallibly consistent. In fact, I’m fallible to a fault. That’s one element of the “fun” part.
Actually, it is an interesting chronicle of what I have tasted (OK, drunk– I mean consumed). All right, maybe it’s just interesting to me. Oh forget it– here is the list. If you like something, I suggest you go back to the original posting as there may be a recommended food pairing.
Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2009 ($18). This is a starter wine from Priorat from a very respected producer. Tasty dark fruit that finished with a slightly acidic edge. Although simply fine, I did not find this effort to be as strong as the 2007. It was however a nice opening act to the Martinet Bru. Rated **1/2 February 25, 2012
Mas Martinet Viticultors – Martinet Bru Priorat 2007 ($30). An excellent dose of concentration, dark fruit and earth in a beautiful expression of the marriage between Garnacha and Syrah found here. All of that preceded by a worthy nose filled with floral and spice aromas. And this from a vintage that is generally considered to be not considered to be the best (e.g. Very Good vs. Excellent). In a good vintage this would probably be priced much higher. This is a neat effort from winemaker Sara Perez that’s worth seeking out. Rated ***1/2 February 25, 2012
Chateau Fuisse Julienas Domaine de la Conseillere 2009 ($15). From producer J.J. Vincent, this has juicy red fruit bordering on tartness. Emergent sage and lavender notes give us a nicely rounded experience. But we really don’t need to think too hard about this one. Just pop the cork and make-believe you’re sitting in a Parisian cafe with your best girl or one of your bro-chachos. An easy drinking Beaujolais, serve slightly chilled. Rated ** February 22, 2012
Darioush Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 2008 ($58). Sourced from Darioush estate vineyards in Napa Valley, Oak Knoll and Mount Veeder, aromas of herbs and earth filled our glasses. Blended with 5% merlot to complement the 95% cab franc, it exhibits concentration of flavor and appropriate complexity, to make the case to justify its price tag. If you could imagine throwing back a chocolate-raspberry parfait with some black tea and a touch of black pepper, that would begin to describe the experience. With a long finish accompanied by firm tannins, this was even better than I recalled. Not exactly a “best buy”, this was still good enough that our evening was very enjoyable indeed. Rated *** February 20, 2012
Beaulieu Comte de Tastes 2009 ($14). Sensual aromas rose from my glass. All soft, dark fruit and chocolate on the palate, this opened with an almost fennel-cherry pie character on the nose. With a healthy concentration, this producer delivers another nicely balanced Bordeaux at a reasonable price again. Given the softness of the tannins, this is drinkable now, yes, but so much better for the bottles that I can marshal the patience to wait 3-5+ years. A Bordeaux Superieur comprised of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Rated **1/2 February 14, 2012
Dacapo Majoli Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato 2010. The first time I have had this varietal, Ruchè (alternately known as Rouchet). Although a somewhat obscure varietal, it stood out from the pack of wines we tasted that day (including many a Barolo) with its uniquely aromatic nose. But though it lacks the intensity of nebbiolo, it is simply an accessible wine with a freshness that brings a smile to my face and is made for drinking now. **1/2 February 12, 2012
Dacapo Barbera D’Asti Sanbastian 2009. A more classically styled Barbera with good fruit and acidic structure. This is the bread and butter wine that will keep this winery running. **1/2 February 12, 2012
Dacapo Cantacucco 2009. This is a wine that Paolo Dania referred to as a “joke”. By this, I think he meant that the blend of 80% Pinot noir and 20% Nebbiolo is such an odd pairing that only a wine geek would love it. OK, the joke is on me– I loved this for pushing the envelope. I loved it better for what it brought. I don’t believe that the Pinot by itself would carry the day. But the Nebbiolo gave this wine that extra oomph and tannic structure. This is a great food wine– I want a bottle of this for my next fettuccine in truffle cream sauce. *** February 12, 2012
Dacapo Vigna Dacapo Barbera d’Asti DOC Superiore-Nizza 2009. Fuller bodied and more fruit forward than the Sanbastian. It did not seem to have the same level of acidity as its sister Barbera. And though bigger, it was no less delicious. **1/2 February 12, 2012
Dacapo TRE 2006. A blend of Merlot-Barbera-Nebbiolo, all of these came through. This is attributable to the fact that the wines are separately vinified fermented and barrel aged which make sense given that each varietal has a distinct maturity point. After 18 months the three varietals are blended before bottling and then held for another year in bottle before being released on the market. Dark fruit, softness, acidity and tannin. A lovely finish. I did not get to see the bottle fully develop as Paolo had just opened it. But what I tasted I enjoyed immensely. *** February 12, 2012
Camaraderie Washington State Cabernet Franc 2006 ($16) 12.5%. A whiff of Kiwi shoe polish and dark earth. Shoe polish? Yes, kind of like when you get kicked in the teeth– “”Hey, what is that sme– OOOOOF!!” I could stop right now and that would be enough. Next comes an explosion of dark berries and savory herbs finishing candy like with a little green bell pepper on the finish. On retasting the open bottle on the second day, the wine took on another more polished dimension, the green bell pepper, now replaced with a little black pepper and the whole package perfectly balanced with nuanced tannins and acidity that underscored the fruit on the lengthy finish. At almost 6 years of age, this is drinking just fine right now, but it will still be good 2-3 years from now if you can stand to let it sit unopened. It’s a knock out. Rated *** February 10, 2012
Barwick Estates Pemberton Pinot Noir 2010 ($12). Forget what you may think of Australian wines. This in no Yellow Tail. Who are these guys? A translucent liquid with hints of all spice and florals on the nose. Alluringly pretty red fruit which served as an entrée to a sort of earthiness. Aye, mate, that sounds familiar– a quick perusal of the back label tells me that yes, this is Pinot, but there is 7% Shiraz. I’m not a varietal purist– I’m not proud. Balanced between the fruit, soft tannins and juicy acidity. I have paid much more for Pinots this good. I love the way this wine makes my tongue feel. Grab this when you see it. But beware, when I went to buy more of this, the price had gone up beyond the NGW $15 threshold. Still worth it. Rated *** February 8, 2012
Calina Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($12). A lead pencil brambly quality on the nose. But the dark blueberry-like fruit lacked the brightness that I normally hope for– it seemed a bit overwhelmed by the oak treatment. The wine finishes with some drying tannins and seems to lack balance as a result. There are better values out there. Rated *1/2 February 1, 2012
Sharpe Hill Ballet of Angels White (N.V.) ($10). According to the winery’s web site, this is a “secret blend of 10 grape varieties”. Secret? Are you kidding me? This is Connecticut wine, folks– let us know what is in the bottle. Your secret is safe with us. Anyway, notes of apricot and peach with a viscous mouth feel, pleasant acidity reminiscent of key lime pie on the finish. Not overly complex, but still a lovely wine to have with Asian cuisine in the middle of this or any week. Rated ** February 1, 2012
Château Haut-Beauséjour Saint-Estephe 2009. In 1992, Jean-Claude Rouzaud, oenologist and president of Champagne Louis Roederer, acquired and combined two Cru Bourgeois vineyards in the heart of the Medoc’s prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation: Chateau Picard and Château Beauséjour. Together, these properties make up what is now called “Château Haut-Beauséjour.” Yes, this is a bit young but what a nice wine to start off our evening. Dried fruit followed by chocolate on the finish. This will get better with time. Rated *** January 29, 2012
Chateau Lanessan Haut Medoc 2001– The Lanessan vineyard has belonged to a succession of eight generations of the Bouteiller family since the 18th century. A young woman, Paz Espejo, took over the management of Château Lanessan from Hubert Bouteiller in August 2009. This change is a result of the Bouteiller family’s stated ambition to inject new life into this fine property. But this is a wine made before the shake up. Just beginning to show its age with the beginnings of a tinge of garnet on the edge. Still delicious with an undeniable intensity. Undeniably fragrant French bouquet. Sweet spices measured up well to the our dinner. Rated *** January 29, 2012
Beaulieu Comtes de Tastes 2002– The estate is owned by Guillaume de Tastes. It comprises 25 acres of vineyards in the Entre-de-Mer which is the large region between the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. The terroir is a combination of limestone and clay with south-facing sloping exposure. 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Earthy, savory and lovely fruit. Rated **1/2 January 29, 2012
Château Clément Saint Jean Medoc 2009 ($15) 13.5%. Tasted twice, I was prepared to rate this at **. Very tight on the entry. But as it opened up and let me in, my excitement grew. Aromas of cinnamon and cassis began to emerge along with redolent hints of fertile earth. The red and dark fruit began to gyrate. And the finish, with a dark chocolate component, seemed to linger just a but longer. Not a fruit bomb, this is an old school approach. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, that casts its spell before you can spell Delicious. With chewy tannins, this is t-t-t-t-tasty. I might be a little bit generous here, but… it’s better than **1/2 and in the final analysis, this stuff is Fergalicious. Rated *** January 25, 2012
Kokomo Pinot Noir Peter’s Vineyard Gopher Hill 2009. Think elegant evening gown, a little bit of that Funky Music, playing in the background. Red fruit and acidity for structure. Erik Miller is proud of not being a one trick pony in his winemaking– not getting complacent chasing after Parker Points. But are we are seeing development of a house style here? Lip smacking deliciousness left me looking for more. Rated *** January 12, 2012
Gustafson Dry Creek Mountain Vineyard Estate Zinfandel 2007. This blew out some notes of black licorice and earth. Dark fruit– not your typical Zin. Despite this, the wine is not over-extracted. It had a richness that simply lingered on the palate. A great finish. Rated ***1/2 January 12, 2012
Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2010 ($10). I’m not a gimmicky wine-label kind of guy. But after this wine, I may have to reconsider. The faint aroma of lychee filled my glass. Or is that the label speaking to me? Perhaps. But with a little bit of ripe apple-like roundness on the mid-palate balanced by soft star-fruit like acidity and a minerally edge on the finish, this is an easy wine to like. A great party wine that folks will remember for the label and for what’s behind the label. Yeah, it kicked my glass! Rated **1/2 Janury 11, 2012
Chateau Puy Arnaud Maureze, Cotes de Castillon 2005. 100% Merlot goodness from Bordeaux. Old world restraint coupled with good fruit from an excellent vintage. Aromas of herbs and dark fruit and a long finish. What came between the aromas and the finish was even better. Rated *** 1/2 January 6, 2012
Vina Mayor Secreto Ribera del Duero Reserva 2003. 100% tempranillo. In stark contrast to the Puy Arnaud, this is a big wine done in a new world style full of lashings of dried fruit coupled with oak and moderate tannins and a lasting finish. Aged 18 months in 225L French oak barrels and aging in bottle for 18 months minimum. Rated *** January 6, 2012
Santa Ema Merlot 2008 ($9). A touch of toasty oak and earth on the nose serves as the calling card for this new world merlot. Yet, it’s not all about fruit. We get black olive, vanilla notes, acidity provides structure. Did someone say rack of lamb? Maybe I’m just hearing voices… Rated **1/2 January 4, 2012
Domaine des Entrefaux Juveniles Crozes-Hermitage 2008 ($12) 12.5%. This 100% syrah was specially produced for the Juveniles Wine Bar in Paris. One of my suppliers got their hands on some cases of this from what they refer to as “a small, ambitious importer”. A hint of saffron and herbs mixed with a cedar forest like quality on the nose. Alternating notes of sun-dried tomato, black pepper and tart fruit. The palate pushes toward an acidic finish. Although there are some interesting flavors here, the lack of balance is disappointing. Now, some folks reading this might actually like this wine. And while this is not my favorite style, there are still reasons to savor this experience. So don’t take my word for it– I say, take this girl for a spin with the top down and then tell me why I am wrong. Still if I had to choose this or a big overripe Shiraz– I’m driving this one home. She is not like every other girl on the block…Rated * 1/2 December 28, 2011
Wilson Family Winery Diane’s Reserve Zinfandel 2006 ($48) 16%. I was given an allocation of this a couple of years back when I still a member of the Wilson wine club. I remember thinking when I first had it that it was just a bit too strong and the fruit a bit too ripe and concentrated. So, the two remaining bottles of the stuff got cellared. Time could only help it, I thought. An abundance of berries with a touch at times of peppery spice. The perfume was not particularly impressive, though it was pleasant enough. The finish had sufficient structure to support the front end fruit. I think that with a little further development in the bottle, this may get better. The issue I continue to take with this wine is that the heavy concentration of fruit and the high alcohol level lead to a loss of elegance. It is still a very good wine– but I wonder what could have been if there had been just a little more restraint… Rated *** December 24, 2011
Beau Pere Cellars Merlot 2008 ($12). Back to the Napa Valley today we have a nice little wine with a fair amount of complexity for its $12 price tag– and a merlot to boot. A perfume of sweet spice, earth and butterscotch filled our glasses. Drinking beautifully now, dark fruit, soft tannins and velvet-like on the palate. Rated **1/2 December 22, 2011
L’Ameillaud Vin de Pays Vaucluse 2010 ($8). This blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Carignan is another winner from Vaucluse . Slightly funky wet stone notes dominate the nose to start. But these soon yield to savory herbal notes hinting at sage and thyme and spices. On the palate, these vibrant herbal elements are carried forward to complement the blackberry and blueberry notes that lead to an almost stone-like minerally finish. If you want to taste what terroir is about this is a very approachable example showing off the impact on flavor of the clay, limestone and alluvial soils found in the vineyard. Nicely balanced by the tannins and acid, this is a crazy good value at this price. Rated **1/2 December 13, 2011
Bussola Ca’dellaito Ripasso 2007 ($18). The smell of mushroom and earth enraptured from the first sniff. And then the fruit, glorious friggin’ fruit, dances an insistent tongue tango wrapping its sensuous acidic leg around your torso before you realize that you don’t quite know how to tango. So you fake it– the payback on the back-end is so worth it. This a very nicely balanced cuvee of Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella with a nice finish and is a real steal at this price. Rated ***1/2 December 10, 2011
Argiano Non Confunditur 2009 ($17). Less insistent on the nose than the Bussola. Less fruity and more savory. Yet it pushes forward with a momentum all its own. This Tuscan Beauty takes you to that dark back corner of the club where magical and sometimes strange things can happen. Emergent dark fruit from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah stays with you. Tannins round this out. Having tasted prior vintages of the Argiano Non Confunditur, I can say that I enjoyed this as much as the 2007– maybe a little bit more. I am also pleased to see that they have backed away from the screw tops used for the 2008 vintage. Rated *** December 10, 2011
Les Traverses de Fontanes Vin de Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($12) 13.5%. Although not particularly aromatic, this little biodynamically farmed beverage says, “Drink me in the afternoon before you get really serious about your wine. Still there are undeniable notes of underbrush and herbs d’ Provence. But they do not overwhelm. Is less more? The Limestone and clay soils that yield this fruit do come through. Light to medium bodied on the palate with red cherry notes, it’s simple, yet pleasantly simple in a girl next door kind of way– freckles and all. Medium tannins and a clean, yet short to medium finish. Rated ** December 9, 2011
Estezargues Côtes Du Rhône Villages Signargues La Granacha 2009 ($10) 14.5%. You could do much worse than this little gem. Savory herbal notes layered on top of luscious red fruit. A bit tight at the start but then revealing its true character as it opened to reveal a touch more fruit. Supple tannins and supportive acidity make this one you keep coming back to and makes this an easy bottle to drain. As befits a 100% Grenache wine, this is terrific with Manchego. A great value to boot. Rated **1/2 November 30, 2011
Santa Rita Medalla Real Single Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($12). This is what I look for in a Cab Sauvignon. Pretty cherry flavors layered over some herbal elements and the smell of autumnal forest and sweet spices. In my own bizarre way, this reminded me of the way that Ricola cough drops approach the whole fruit-herb thing. Only this is not a freaking Ricola. From the start the aromas announced that this was going to be good in the same way that Renaissance trumpeters announced the arrival of the crown prince to the ball: ”I may not be king— yet. So I am free to go about the village wenching and drinking.” Drinking and wenching indeed. Cherries and Herb. (I wish I could say Peaches and Herb– but that would be so wrong.) Years ago, I had my first Santa Rita wine. I remember loving that little discovery. This one brought me back to that moment. With a touch of graphite on the fine finish, it would be silly not to buy more of this. I don’t know whether this will age as the tannins are quite fine. But, who cares– drink this now. Rated **1/2 November 23, 2011
Hito C21 Ribera del Duero 2008 14% ($13.50). My wine merchant turned me onto this little gem of a wine. Initially, a whiff of mint and cedar box mixed with earth. This reminded of a tart cherry pie with a savory crust and a touch of spiciness on the finish. Restraint up front and softly acidic and gently tannic on the back end, this is a balanced and classically styled wine that is big on terroir and distinctively appealing. Rated **1/2 November 16, 2011
Michel Glassier Cercius Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2009 ($14). Full of earth and dark spicy fruit with a pinch of dusky sour cherry, this wine kept my tongue clicking with its savory edges. The name Cercius, a Latin word, refers to the North-Northwest winds that sweep over the vines in the village of Visan on the northern end of Vaucluse. With moderate tongue-coating tannins, and aged for 6 months in concrete prior to bottling, this blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah softly whispers, “The cold days ahead are made for us.” Rated **1/2 November 9, 2011
RdV Vineyards Rendezvous 2008 ($55) 14.5% alc. In drinking this wine, I am of two minds. On the one hand, the wine showed complexity, evolution and longevity during the course of the evening as we sipped this over a 4 hour period. On the other hand, there were elements in the flavor profile that are not amongst my favorites. In the end, although showing considerable complexity, it is about taste, and we must recognize it for what it is–a good wine, verging on the very good. Initially, although the nose was not particularly big, I was impressed by rose petals, but those notes quickly dissipated and migrated to the darker side turning at points meat-like and smokey punctuated by some sweet spices. In the mouth, it exhibited a deep concentration generous with palate teasers that were, at turns, spicy, savory and bramble-like. Moving to the long finish filled with espresso notes, I found some grippy tannins that were stronger than the acidity. In some respects, this reminded me of the Ruffino Modus (a Super Tuscan of which I am not a great fan), but this has much greater finesse. Would another 5+ years in the bottle help this. My gut says yes. Make no mistake, this is a food wine through and through. Is it good value? Better values abound in this price range. Still there is enough to say about this wine, that I would like to see what these guys do in future vintages. Rated ** 1/2 November 6, 2011
Les Chemins de Bassac Isa Rouge (Vin de Pays des Côtes de Thongue) 2007 ($13). I get excited when I drink a wine like this humble Vin de Pays. Probably because my expectations are set low based on prior sub par experiences with such wines. And yet this surprised from the first sniff of earth and minerals blended with sweet spices. It is made with a panoply of organically grown varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvédre, Pinot Noir, Syrah. Seriously– Pinot Noir AND Syrah? Can you do that? These guys did. But what came next was the best surprise of all– juicy red plums and cherry and pomegranate notes– not sweet, but not unripe either. Finishing with some bitter chocolate notes, the tannins and acidity made the fruit dance on my tongue in a joyful ceilidh of flavor– a little bit rustic, but a whole lot of fun. And while I sipped at this one all by my lonesome tonight, it’s the kind of wine that makes you long for a kiss from that special someone. This little baby from Côtes de Thongue is worth searching out. Rated **1/2 November 3, 2011
Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills (H3) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($11). Very shallow nose with a slight grapey dustiness. Simple ripe cherry flavors. On the finish there are tannins to lend structure. On a retasting the next day, I found that some herbal flavors started to emerge. But from my perspective, the wine is flawed because of its lack of acidity. Ms. R says, “This is bringing nothing to the table. I can see teenagers drinking this and getting off on it.” I hate to admit it– I have created a Frankenstein. But in the end, I agree with her assessment if not her sentiments. Turn my nose up at it if offered to me? No. Buy it again? No. Rated * 1/2 October 28, 2011
Olivier LeFlaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles 2009 ($15). On the nose we get some clean florals leading to flavors of apricot and quince. Mineral sensations finish this off with a pleasing citrus-like acidity. In summary, a nice quaffing and tasty white that is great to serve with a simple appetizer. Rated ** October 19, 2011
Maculan Brentino 2008 ($11.50). Today’s wine is a far more affordable Bordeaux style blend from Veneto, in Northern Italy. 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, this little wine surprised with its finesse. Fruit, yes, but not so much to overwhelm. But let’s start at the beginning. Medium bodied and with a hint of sweet spice on the nose that the belies bright cherry and pomegranate flavors. It seemed more Cab than Merlot. The tannins, while soft, still lent support to the overall experience of the wine, though it was the acid that brought the right amount of balance. The finish, though medium in length, was still satisfying. Rated ** 1/2 October 12, 2011
Gretzky Estates Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($9). This has a candy-like quality on the nose with a hint of something chocolate as well. This is new world, fruit forward, ripe red cherry with pomegranate bits, quite drinkable, easy and a little fleshy. A sweet spiciness on the finish with a little peppery sensation that catches in the throat every few sips. Acidity adds backbone but the tannins were too soft to make this truly interesting. Forget about aging this– it is built for drinking right at this moment. This is better than merely good, but is definitely not in the very good category. Good value for the dollar. Rated ** 1/2 October 5, 2011
Buehler Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($15). Normally this is available for $20 or more. But my wine guys offered me a good deal on this at just a few pennies below $15. How could I say no? As I started to drink this, I felt compelled to sip and then gulp this beauty. It was just drinkably good. Then I stopped myself and thought, “What the hell is going on?” Hints of cocoa on the nose. A healthy respect, but not deference to the fruit. Yes, black fruit– insistent black plum, black cherry and cassis. The wine has an herbal quality that straddles between the fruit and the acidity and ever so tenuously chalky tannins. I felt this wine even had a touch of wood mushroom mutating kaleidescope-like into maduro tobacco on the longish finish. This is a wine that I could sip all night long. I did. I will again. If you can get this for $20– jump on it. If you can get it for $15, buy a case and a half. Just remember to ease up on the gulping and sip this beauty– if you can. Rated *** September 27, 2011
Celler El Masroig – Sycar Red Montsant 2004 ($13.50). As I was perusing the racks at one of my local suppliers the other day, this one caught my attention. Not because it had great reviews. It had none, other than some generic tasting notes from the wine merchant’s staff. But, Montsant is a favorite appellation of mine and at $13.50 from a 7-year-old vintage, it was hard to pass up. According to Espavino, the 2004 vintage in Montsant is considered an excellent vintage– though I did not know that at the time. This wine, like most wines from this part of the world is a blend, in this case, Syrah 50%/Carignan 50%. Thanks to the syrah in the blend, this starts off with earthy notes leading to brooding black fruit blending with a hint of chocolate and a tempting ripeness and jamminess. If that were all, the wine would be just OK. But the carignan steps in to deliver a punch of acidity and brightness that conspired with a peppery finish offset by sweet tannins. This is a wine of its place at a good price. Rated ** 1/2 September 21, 2011
Beronia Crianza 2007 ($13). A little smokiness on the nose to start that transitioned to, and I mean this in a good way, Smith Bros. cherry cough drops. I know, this is supposed to be “medicine”, but we ate these things like candy back in the 4th grade and I simply love that smell. This is another example of how personal wine is and why even after having tried a wine previously, I can still find a new taste sensation and a remembrance of my personal history in a wine bottle. This vino hits all the pleasure centers on my tongue. It has a pleasing viscosity. On the palate, there are savory elements, leaving an almost tarragon like sensation mixed with blackberry in the back of the mouth. Finishing with acidity and softly elegant tannins and a lingering desire for another sip. You could spring for the $20+ Reserva from Beronia, and that would be great, but for $13 this is one you should not pass up. Rated **1/2 September 15, 2011
Ruffino Modus 2007 ($37). Modestly priced (by Super Tuscan standards) this blend of 50%Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot, wine pours out in a dark robe. Earthy and leathery notes as well as dark bitter chocolate and espresso mixed with unripe black plum/blueberry flavors intermingle on the palate. While this wine had a long finish, I found its extraction heavy to distraction. Whatever the vinification manipulations employed, it appears that the character and freshness of the Sangiovese fruit was sacrificed to the more brooding flavors absorbed from the small oak barriques used in the aging of this wine. To quote Ms. R, “It’s good, but not for THAT price!” Given her economical style of expression, I should just let her write these reviews. Rated ** September 4, 2011
The Wine Advocate’s Antonio Galloni gave this 87 points in August of 2009 complaining that “some of the Aglianico character is overpowered by the oak treatment”. Interesting comment– I did not see this on the first two tastings, though it was a bit more prevalent on the third tasting. So perhaps bottle variation is playing a role here. Still, I don’t think that this is a fatal flaw. In fact, it added a nuance to the wine that I found pleasing. Nicely balanced and food friendly. Find this and at this price and you should stock up. Maybe all it needed was another year in the bottle. Eventually, others will catch on and you don’t want to be caught short. In fact, I flirted with a *** rating for this wine. But it did not have the nose, complexity or finish to support that rating. But a terrific value at this price point. Rated ** 1/2 August 31, 2011
Laetitia Arroyo Grande Valley Estate Chardonnay 2009 ($15). Initially, this screamed out NEW WORLD to me. On the nose, soft and oaky, almost popcorn-buttery in style. A mélange of tropical fruits dominated by mango and papaya and a barely perceptible hint of allspice on the almost viscous finish. And it does have just enough acidity to keep it interesting. If you like this style, you will enjoy this wine. Although it is more attractive than the Santa Ema Chardonnay I have rate previously, it gets the same rating. Rated ** August 24, 2011
Second tasting: Even though I decanted the wine this time, my initial impressions were the same as on the first tasting. However, the magic of a good food pairing should never be underestimated. This budget beauty started to sing. A little more about this wine: it is a predominantly grenache based wine from the Southern Rhone. 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 10% Marselan. The wine never sees the inside of an oak barrel– it’s all about stainless steel and cement cuves*– which helps explain the more pronounced acidity I picked up in the two tastings as well as the minimalism of tannic structure. And yes, with only 13% alcohol and at $11 a bottle, I am buying more of this juice! I don’t mean to gush, but this wine is all about delivering value. Though my heart wants to go higher, my head says hold the rating to ** 1/2 May 13, 2011
Adelaida Recess Red 2007. More of an everyday wine and thankfully priced for the everyday. Rated ** May 13, 2011
Adelaida Pinot Noir HMR Estate 2007. Pinot from Paso? Yes, this is grown in one of the cooler lots on the estate. Showing good fruit and balance. Rated *** May 13, 2011
Adelaida Syrah Viking Estate 2007. Showing the richness of syrah, but still balanced with still prevalent tannins. I would wait on this one for a few more years. But when it’s ready watch out. Rated *** 1/2 May 13, 2011
Adelaida Zinfandel 2006. Red berry flavor profile with an acidic backbone supporting the fruit. Far from flabby, this is a nice wine I would be happy to drink most any time. After tasting the Pinot and the Syrah this one really woke up my taste buds. Rated ** 1/2 May 13, 2011
Denner Dirt Worshipper 2008. 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier. Concentration, complexity, balance. Shame that the Wine Spectator also liked it enough to give it a 97 point rating. At $45, you’re already too late to get some. Rated *** 1/2 May 13, 2011
Lone Madrone Barfendel 2007. Seriously bad name, seriously good juice. This one you can still buy. Rated *** 1/2 May 13, 2011
Kokomo Winery Grenache Rosé 2010. Now this may not be the greatest Rosé ever, but with its floral components combined with hints of strawberry, etc., etc., here’s the bottom line: if a woman could Jizz in Her Pants over a wine, then this would be the one for Ms. R. Rated ** but she would say that I’m being reserved with this review. Ok—any wine that can spark a great evening deserves another half point just for the Jizz factor. Re-rated ** 1/2 May 6, 2011
Kokomo Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Peter’s Vineyard Winemakers Reserve 2008. This one keeps getting better and better each year. I think that Erik’s partnership with Randy Peters is providing him access to great fruit and it shows. The acid is pronounced but not overwhelming. Typical for Kokomo—but the red fruits shine through along with other flavors and aromas. A few years in the bottle and I will be the one doing the jizzing! Rated *** May 6, 2011
Kokomo Winery DCV Zinfandel, Timber Crest Vineyard Winemakers Reserve 2008. Nice cherry flavors combine with an herbal component that is reminiscent of eucalyptus with an herbal overlay (thyme?). I confess, I liked this better at the winery than I did at home in Connecticut a few days after receiving a recent shipment. Given the Malbec experience, I’m thinking that the stress of shipment must be affecting the wines when they travel cross country (a topic for another post), so I’m going to let this these rest longer before pulling corks. Still, I don’t find this to be as strong as the Mounts Zinfandel that Erik puts out as well. That’s the one I am looking forward to drinking. Rated ** ½ May 6, 2011
Kachina Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2009. Can you say “ohr-GAH-hom!” This wine was matched beautifully with a simple poached shrimp on a salted tortilla chip with…was that a mango sliver and a cilantro dressing? Can you say the word “orgasm” with a mouth full of this pairing? Rated ** ½ add another ½ for the pairing if you must. But I’ll stick with a rating of ** 1/2 May 6, 2011
Kachina Vineyards Charbono 2009. This is a varietal otherwise known as bonarda. Typically, this is a blending grape, but here, it produces a strongly colored wine that exhibits surprisingly approachable fruit without the expected tannins that normally accompany a wine that looks like this. Rated ** May 6, 2011
Kachina Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Port 2005. Nice ruby color with an elegant mouth-coating of plum-like fruit balanced by good acidic structure. Even Ms. R, a person who despises dessert wines, liked this one. Perhaps it was the chocolate truffle pairing. Rated *** May 6, 2011
D.H. Gustafson Family Vineyards Estate Rosé of Syrah 2010. This one reminded me of some of the Burgundian Rosés I’ve had in the past. This baby qualifies for the LPR award (Liquid Pants Remover)! Ms. R agrees. Rated ** ½ May 6, 2011
sybaritesauvage 
i do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this specific issue
Not sure which issue you are referring to, but thank you!
I hope that you enjoy reading the blog and will come back often to check out what’s happening in the Land of the Sybarite Sauvage.