Alamos
Amano
Argiolas
Basa
Big Tattoo Red
Borsao
Botromagna
Casa Julia
Christian Mouiex
Cipresso
Cline
Columbia Winery
Covey Run
Cristalino
Domaine d'Andézon
Eyzaguirre
Gravina
Ironstone
Lucignano
La Vieille Ferme
Marques de Monistrol
Monte Antico
Onix
Pietraserena
Promessa
Ramirana
Rex Goliath
Solanera
Stonehedge
Toscolo
Stonehedge
Umberto Cesari
Viña Alarba
Wirra Wirra
Zeni
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Two Brothers 2002 Big Tattoo Red
This red from Colchagua, Chile's, Central Valley offers value at a great price.
The nose is full of black pepper,
while on the palate there are notes of wild cherry, cocoa, and earth.
There is a touch of aging in American oak that gives this red blend a flirty vanilla hint.
Don't miss out on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Syrah (40%) and Merlot (10%).
Retail price $9. Tasted October 22, 2003.
One of the best red blends under $10 earning three out of three
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California: Rex Goliath 47 Pound Rooster 2001 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Here's a little contradiction in terms: good, inexpensive pinot.
Pinot Noir is a very high maintenance grape desiring a long, slow, cool growing season.
Many places in the world cannot offer pinot noir the conditions it loves,
consequently when planted in these places it tends to ripen too fast and have a "hot"
component that tastes like alcohol.
With this said; I found Rex Goliath Pinot Noir to lack that aggressively "hot" flavor.
It possessed those adjectives used to describe pricier pinots.
The nose is perfumed and earthy, on the plate there are bright flavors or raspberries and strawberries.
The mid-palate has a touch of cola. The acid and tannins were smooth.
I was impressed with the quality of this wine for the price,
especially considering it is a varietal that despises warmer/hot weather.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
Surprisingly well made earning two out of three  .
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California: Rex Goliath NV Central Coast Merlot
That's right you read it right, Non-Vintage, a blending of several different years.
What an ingenious idea!
This bottle is 88% merlot and 12% malbec, which is another Bordeaux varietal.
The palate is soft, smooth, and candied, like toasted caramelized vanilla.
There is a touch of acidity, which helps balance the roundness of the wine.
The idea that a producer dare create a NV wine is brilliant in my opinion,
it leaves room to be consistent and room to completely different.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
A great inexpensive bottle of "New World" style merlot earning one  .
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California: Rex Goliath NV Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
This bottle is 100% cabernet sauvignon and has the structure that put cabernet on the map.
I found the fruit to be rich and dense with notes of cassis and black cherry.
The acidity makes it perfect for food, yet it has a delightful smoothness that hints of California.
The tannins are smooth with notes of white pepper.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
A great buy for under $10 earning one .
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California: Stonehedge Winery 2001 Chardonnay
This bottle of chardonnay contains some top quality juice, including about 10%
Sleepy Hollow grapes from Monterrey's famous vineyard.
I found the flavor to be tropical with notes of pineapple, lime zest, and apricots.
The mid-palate and finish possess toasty notes of roasted nuts, a true "Domestic Style" offering.
There is a subtle, pleasing, hint of mineral, which I suspect comes from the Sleepy Hollow fruit.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
An inexpensive chardonnay with tasteful use of American Oak,
earning two out of a possible three .
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California: Stonehedge Winery 2001 California Merlot
In a sea of fruity, smooth, uneventful merlots, this inexpensive wine stands out like a beacon.
The blend is about 83% merlot and the remainder is a mix of carignane, carnelian, and zinfandel.
The merlot gives the wine a juicy, ripe canvas,
while the notes of cassis, leather, chocolate, and mint entertain your tongue.
The acidity and tannins structure are smooth and soft.
This is a fruit-forward merlot, with respectable structure and spice.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
The price and uniqueness earn this little gem two out of a possible three .
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California: Stonehedge Winery 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
A blend of about 83% cabernet sauvignon and the remaining 17% being petite sirah and merlot.
The fact that this wine is aged for only six months in American Oak allows the true fruit flavors to shine through.
There are notes of blackberries, plums, mint, and white pepper on the finish.
For an inexpensive California Cabernet, this wine offers a great value for the money.
You've got to admire the folks at Stonehedge, they're creating great, inexpensive wines, and they're
not worried about blending outside of the norm.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
Price and quality earn this wine two out of three .
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California: Stonehedge Winery 2001 Sauvignon Blanc
Again, another creative blend from Stonehedge.
This wine is 91% sauvignon blanc and 9% chenin blanc.
The chenin blanc adds another dimention to the blend offering sparks of tangerine and honey.
The palate is rich with citrus, melon, and floral notes.
The fruit is rich and the acid ample.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
Those experts in the "Under $10 Whites" category should
definately give this bottle a try it earns a respectable two out of three .
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Washington: Columbia Winery Cellarmaster's Riesling
I was wow'ed by this wine.
The nose was floral, on the palate there were notes of honeycomb, white flowers, and peaches.
Elegant and rich, this wine is a steal for the price.
With a touch of residual sugar, the finish lingered like a lover's kiss.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
Perfect for turkey or sipping on the porch earning three out of a possible three  .
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Washington: Columbia Winery Cellarmaster's Gewürztraminer
Washington state is very suited for this cooler climate grape.
This little bottle was very spicy with notes or allspice and cloves
and rich with notes of green apples, honeysuckle, and apricots.
There is a touch of residual sugar, giving the wine a full mouth feel.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
A great pick for spicy Thai or Vietnamese food earning three out of a possible three .
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Washington: Covey Run 2001 Syrah
An incredible value.
The juice is deep and rich with ripe black-fruits, smoke, dried meat, and chocolate notes.
The acid stands up to the fruit well.
The tannins are a bit gripping.
If you're into finding the under $10 gems then this bottle is for you.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
You'll love the quality and love the price even more, earning two out of three .
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Washington: Covey Run 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
A great inexpensive Bordeaux blend from Washington state.
There is about 17% cabernet franc blended into this bottle of wine,
with the cab and merlot splitting the remaining 83%.
Cabernet franc always adds wonderful spicy notes and long white peppery finishes to a blend.
This wine offers fruit forward ripeness, spicy notes, and sultry tannins.
A surprising little bottle of inexpensive red wine, offering cocoa, plum, smoke, and mint.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
Pacific rim meets Bordeaux earning three out of three .
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Washington: Covey Run 2000 Merlot
A smooth merlot with ripe, fruit forward flavors and
a touch of structure a touch of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc.
The acidity is appealing and complimented the plum, cherry, and toasted vanilla flavors.
Washington produced wines are evolving and every year they become more polished and more mature.
Retail price $8. Tasted October 5, 2003.
This very inexpensive wine is a great value earning two out of three .
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Wirra Wirra 2001 Scrubby Rise Red
is an inexpensive meaty red with plenty of spice and wild cherry flavors.
A faint smokeyness and leather show themselves in the acid charater,
while cherry flavors keep the rest of your tongue busy.
Retail price $9. Tasted August 20, 2003.
One red star for a red star .
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Argiolas 2001 Costamolino
comes from the enchanging island of Sardina.
This wine is 100% full bodied vermentino, with a rich fruit mid-palate.
The ample acidity is balanced perfect with the flavors of lillies, almonds, fig, and a
smidge of orange zest.
It comes on strong, yet ends elegant.
A great value for the bargain hunter looking for a nice summer quaffer,
or a distinct white that will stand up to any lighter food you set it next to.
Retail price $8. Tasted December 3, 2002. Solid choice at one
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Borsao 2002 Primizia
"Two Buck Who?" Lets be frank.
If you want the best inexpensive of red wine around you've gotta be talking about Borsao.
(I had to show you the corporate artwork for this little beauty.)
It's 75% garnacha and 25% tempranillo.
The garnacha is smooth, non-tannic, fruity, and the tempranillo is spicy, giving the fruitiness some
interesting attributes.
It's not just well made, it is extremely inexpensive.
I imagine there are a few others out there like it, but this is the one that stands out the most in my mind.
All in all, Borsao is an all-purose, everyday,
wine, for when you want to enjoy what you're drinking, but have a budget.
Retail price $7. Tasted April 28, 2003.
It's a suprising little wine, two .
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Spain: 2001 Basa Rueda is mostly Verdelo with a splash of Sauvignon Blanc blended in. This wine is very zesty and
refreshing with cool hints of apple and a crisp citrus finish. This is one of my favorite summer wines. It is
very approachable and works well with food because of its balanced acidity.
Retail price $10. Rated April 28, 2003. This wine earns one .
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Spain: Viña Alarba 2002 Old Vine Grenache
There is something about an old vine bottle of wine that is nearly guaranteed to be sultry.
When you find 50 year old vines for under $10, it seems too good to be true.
Viña Alarba is dense and smooth.
It has a mysteriousness about it that can only be from the extracted, jammy, old vine juice.
The sultry flavor of minerals peak through on the mid-palate.
Let'um shop the cheap California rack, that means there will be more Viña Alarba for us.
We've got 50 year old vines at the price of a
mass produced white zin; being "in-the-know" couldn't be any better.
Retail price $8. Tasted April 3, 2003.
Old vines, quality, and price earn it three .
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Spain: Castaño Solanera 2000 Monastrell
comes to us from the Yecla DO in Spain.
The monastrell, or mordevre as the French call it, is inky, spicy, and so interesting.
In the glass the color is very violet.
Forget the big fruit bombs from Australia, this wine is big and it has lots of structure.
The fruit is incredibly ripe with plum, cassis, and boysenberries.
There are hints of mint, dried fruit, and coffee on the mid-palate.
The finish is sexy, with smooth tannins.
The acidity allows this wine to be paired with food that can hold up to a big red.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 10, 2003.
Dazzling and inky earning two .
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Ónix 2001 Priorat
comes to us from the very up-and-coming area in Spain, southwest of Barcelona.
There is a new mind set in Priorat in which quality wines with complexity and value are
being produced at all price levels.
This great little bottle of red wine is an interesting blend of equal parts grenache and cariñena.
The grenache is fruity and smooth, adding depth to the wine with flavors of wild cherries, plums, and licorice.
The cariñena adds spice and flavors of rosehips.
The tannins are soft and the finish is a little zesty from the acidity.
Retail price $9. Tasted April 28, 2003. A reliable choice at one .
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Argentina: Alamos 2000 Malbec
This is a cab-drinker's malbec. This wine is big and rich with black cherries, currents,
chocolate, and velvety mouth-feel tannins.
The color is strikingly violet with a slightly smokey finish.
The structured and acidity accents the big fruit rounding out this wine in an impressive way.
If you're a cab-drinker who's looking to try out something new, this is a great wine.
Retail price $10. Tasted March 28, 2003. We give this wine two .
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Spain: Masia Monistrol Cava NV Brut
has light white flowers and a touch of lime zest on the nose.
On the palate Masia Monistrol is very light, zesty, with notes of fresh baked bisquits, lime,
and honey .
The mid-palate has a pronounced, interesting mineral zip that carries to the finish.
The price can't be beat for the quality.
Another value priced sparkling wine that takes the guilt out of drinking bubbly,
just because you feel like drink bubbly.
Retail price $8. Tasted September 1, 2003.
A steal earning one .
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Marques de Monistrol NV Brut
is a true gem, a buy-the-case wine, a god-send for the bride-to-be.
I would expect to pay upwards to $20 for a bottle of this quality.
The cuveé of Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada, is still done in the strictest, traditional
method.
The winery itself has an ancient past with vast architectural and agricultural history.
The nose has white flowers and a touch of mushroom.
It has bright, zesty fruit flavors, accompanied by hints of honey.
The finish is a tickle of flavor that reminds you that under all that bright,
zesty fruit is a little bit of creaminess.
Retail price $8. Tasted May 7, 2003.
A magnificent bottle of bubbly with two .
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Spain: Cristalino NV Brut
is another fantastic inexpensive Cava.
This makes for great "champagne toasts" and quality mimosas.
If you're looking for California fruitiness and Champagne quality, look no further than
Cristalino, Brut.
The nose has gardenias and honey roased nuts.
This Cava's bubbles lasted throughout the evening showing off it's quality.
Tropical fruit flavors, honey, a touch of lime, and hints of bakery-yeastiness,
with a tangy finish.
This bottle of sparkling is a surprise!
Retail price $8. Tasted June 5, 2003.
A steal earning one .
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Cristalino NV Brut Rose is mouth-watering zesty as its
raspberry, key lime, and white flowers burst in your mouth.
The finish is a touch mineral and a touch yeast.
It's inexpensive and so quaffable.
I like to drink it on hot summer evenings with grilled chicken.
It is incredible with sushi.
Cristalino Brut Rose quality is worth having a few stashed
and the price makes it easy to pop one any time or any reason.
Retail price $8. Tasted June 5, 2003.
Raspberry and zesty with two .
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Ramirana 2002 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
A very white-Bordeaux style wine from Casablanca Valley.
The nose is citus and palate is crisp with light grapefruit and lime zest.
The fruit is focused and ripe, no grass clippings found here.
Ramirana Sauvignon Blanc balances out in the end with ample acidity and good finish.
I love the price, if you wanted to buy domestic juice at this quality you'd pay 50% more.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 19, 2003.
Another great Chilean white one .
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Ramirana 2002 Reserve Chardonnay
is an impressive Casablanca Valley offering.
I liked the bright nose and found the mint on the front of the palate to be refreshing.
The use of oak is light, which creates a light toasted flavor.
The finish has a good balance between acidity and lingering tropical fruit flavors.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 19, 2003.
A "New World" style chardonnay that can stand its own in
the domestic crowd earning one .
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Ramirana Maipo Valley Carménère Reserve 2002
is quite spicy on the nose with notes of fresh picked herbs.
The palate has ripe blackberries and raspberries, while a spicy backdrop carries the mid-palate.
The finish is bright with wild cherries and rich with toasted caramel.
A spicy wine with smooth moves.
I'm a fan of carménère and
find the quality and price of this bottle of wine can't be beat.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 19, 2003.
Great fruit and spice earning one .
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Ramirana Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001
has a very interesting intersection between "New World" and "Old World" styles.
There was a touch of eucalyptus-spearmint on the front of the palate as the mid-palate developed into
ripe black cherries, cassis, and toasted vanilla.
The finish gave us a sultry zip of white pepper.
I'm impressed for the price.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 19, 2003.
Interesting, well made, and inexpensive, earning two out of three .
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Chile: Ramirana Maipo Valley Merlot Reserve 2001
has lots of Bordeaux structure.
It had enough acidity and tannins to hint that it was a more "Old World" style merlot.
I liked the clean black cherry flavors on the front palate and the toasty finish.
A smooth red with great quality for the money.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 19, 2003.
A tasty merlot with a great price earning one .
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Chile: Ramirana Maipo Valley Syrah Reserve 2001
has a beautiful color when poured into the glass.
This Chilean red is very Rhône Valley style with its
plum and toasted spices.
There's a touch of tomato skin on the mid-palate.
Classic and polished, this is a great bottle of syrah for the money.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 19, 2003.
An elegant syrah with great depth and fruit earning two out of three .
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Italy: Amano Apulia Primativo 2001
Amano means "hand made," which hints at the quality of this affordable wine.
There is dried flowers on the nose.
The palate is spicy, with tobacco, clove, and dried herbs.
The fruit is plum and blackberries and the finish is very smooth, with a touch of black peppery tannins.
The acidity makes this the perfect wine for pizza.
Having a dinner party on a budget?
Amano Primativo is the perfect wine to please the crowd.
Retail price $9. Tasted September 8, 2003.
A spicy gem that makes you take notice earning two out of three .
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Promessa Rosso Salento 2002
is a contribution by well known oenologist Mark Shannon of Amano Primativo fame.
This is a blend of 85% Negroamaro and 15% Primitivo.
This very spicy, rich wine has notes of plum, violets, anise, tobacco, and licorice.
The tannins compliment the spicy nature of the wine.
Retail price $9. Tasted September 8, 2003.
Price and quality earn this wine one .
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Italy: Promessa Negroamaro 2002
is made from a native grape to the Apulia region.
The flavors on are light and fruity, with notes of roasted nuts and spices, plums, and cherries.
A touch of structure with a smooth finish.
A great inexpensive bottle of wine from old vines and low yield vineyards.
Retail price $9. Tasted September 8, 2003.
A great everyday wine earning two .
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Umberto Cesari Poggio 2001 Rubicone Estate Sangiovese
Traditional style Chiani with its spicy, racy acidity and tannins.
The structure in this wine is very balanced with ripe fruit off-setting acidity and tannins.
There is a creamy, smoothness that comes from aging the wine in older, large oak vats.
The palate has black cherry, green bean, and black pepper.
I've tried many, many inexpensive Italian wines over the years and I must admit that this little
bottle of wine was a surprise for the money.
Not too much acidity, not too tannic, and very ripe fruit to keep the whole thing interesting.
Retail price $9. Tasted September 2, 2003.
A solid bottle of wine for the money with one .
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Toscolo 2000 Chianti
is a tasty Tuscan red in an apealing price range.
The fruit is ripe, earthy, and spicy.
The acidity is a bit forward, but fruit flavors of plum, raspberries, and currants, coupled with a
touch of cocoa-like tannins, balance the wine out pleasantly.
Pairs well with grilled beef, lamb, and tomato based pasta sauces.
An everyday wine with quality and value.
Retail price $8. Tasted September 8, 2003. Table wine for any night earning one  .
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Lucignano Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2000
has been a consistent producer year after year.
Grown in one of the lesser know areas of Toscana, Chianti Fiorentini,
Lucignano proves that a bottle doesn't always have to have a roaster on its
neck to be a great bottle of Chianti.
Lucignano is a $10 bottle of Chianti that drinks like a $20 bottle.
The nose is very strawberry and the wine has notes of brighter fruit on the palate.
More strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, new leather, and mushrooms prevail on the palate.
The wine has great acidity and structure.
The tannins leave you with a pleasant white pepper feel.
Buy it while you can because this vintage will be gone soon.
Retail price $10. Tasted May 4, 2003. We give this wine two .
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Pietraserena Poggio al Vento 2001 Chianti
is an impressive Chianti in the lower price category.
It is ruby in the glass with violets on the nose.
The fruit is blackberry, blueberry, and toasted vanilla with chewy tannins.
The acid structure is cutting, like dried herbs and sharp cheese,
but the ample fruit balance the tannins and acidity so that the
wine can be sipped on its own or served with grilled meat, pasta with peppers or tomato sauce,
or spicy recipes that need a wine that can hold up to the strong flavors.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 13, 2003.
A great bottle earning one .
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Italy: Cipresso 2001 Chianti
is a smooth drinking Chianti with lots of deep, ripe fruit flavors and interesting texture.
The use of malolactic fermentaion, forgives this wine of the typical
hard edge that Chiantis usually posses.
Even with its smoothness, Cipresso has a lovely tannin finish that balances the ripe
black cherry, blackberry, and earthy flavors that sweep the palate.
Whether you're sitting down with a glass to relax or serving it with dinner,
this is a great bottle for the money.
Retail price $10. Tasted July 30, 2003. Quality and price earn it .
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Italy: Monte Antico 2001 Rosso is 100%
sangiovese and is one of the best value wines on the market today.
This wine has a lovely deep violet color and is surprisingly fruity with just the right
amount of acidity. Black cherry and violets prevail in the wine.
It is appropriate for your favorite meal or for just sipping on it's own.
If you haven't tried this inexpensive gem, make it a point to pick one up the next time
you're shopping. This wine earns an extra star for being such a great bargain.
Retail price $9. Tasted May 4, 2003. We rate this wine with two .
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Italy:
Italy: Fratelli Zeni Soave Classico 2000
is a step up in quality from many Soaves I've tasted.
The nose is very flora from the 85% Garganega.
On the palate, the wine is rich in flavors such as melon, honey, green apple, and grapefruit.
The acidity gives this wine a crisp, clean balance.
The finish dazzles your tongue a little.
Retail price is $9. Tasted August 20, 2003.
Solid little thirst quencer at one .
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Guerrieri Rizzardi Soave Classico DOC 2002
is lovely and classic.
It is floral, honey'ed, with hints of white peaches and minerals.
It is very smooth and light, yet rich on the mid-palate.
The finish has a snap of acidity that is asset usually found in Soave Classicos.
Pair this wine with fish, chicken, salads, and vegtable dishes.
Retail price $9. Tasted September 9, 2003.
Light and classic worthy of one .
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Spain: Casa Castillo 2001 Monastell
is one of the most juicy, textured, wines I've tasted at this price point.
The wine is inky and extracted.
The wine has vanilla, berries, and ripe black cherries on the palate.
The mid palate has structure with cocoa and white pepper.
The gripping tannins balance out the wine giving the jammy fruit flavors a compliment.
Where Finca Luzon was huge, jammy, and smooth because of the merlot,
Casa Castillo is huge, jammy, and textured because of the conscentration of monastrell.
Retail price $10. Tasted June 23, 2003.
Another great Spanish Red with two .
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Spain: Finca Luzon Merlot Jumilla 2001
The color of this wine so violet that you'll want to drink it out of an ample wine glass
to swirl and enjoy the intoxicating fumes and contemplate the hue.
The nose is big, with aromas of sugar cookie dough.
The blend is merlot and about 15% monastrell, or as the French call it, morvedre.
The wine is saturated blueberry and boysenberry, flavors on the tongue with
an ample dose of cocoa.
The finish has a touch of vanilla and a zip of black pepper.
The acidity and tannins are prominent, but the big fruit, the acid and tannins are very balanced.
You gotta love a monastrell blend!
Retail price $10. Tasted August 24, 2003. Shining brightly with three .
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Muga 2001 Rosé
I searched for weeks to find an inexpensive rosé for summer.
One was too light, like mineral water, one as too fruity, like drinking Hawaiian Punch,
yet another was pretty good, but 50% more than I would pay for it.
The Muga Rosé was just right with its key-lime and clove and floral finish.
It is nice and fruity on the front end and very long and clean on the end with ample
acidity to do the job. The price ain't too bad on the wallet either!
Retail price $10. Tasted June 4, 2003.
We give this rosé two .
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France: Domaine d'Andézon 2001 Côtes du Rhône
The nose reminds me of black cherry hard candy.
On the palate there is a myriad of ripe, juicy black fruits, licorice, and violets.
The acidity offers great balance.
This bottle of wine tastes like it is from the Northern Rhône with its elegant syrah base,
but is really from the Southern, warmer regions of the Rhône Valley.
The finish is lingering as the black fruits sing a final note.
Those of us looking for exceptional wine at great prices always look to the Rhône Valley.
This bottle shines as a perfect example of that particular quality and value.
Retail price $10. Tasted September 25, 2003.
An exceptional red earning two out of three .
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California: Stonehedge 2002 Petite Sirah
Go ahead . . . have another slice of blueberry pie.
That the flavor sensation you're tasting when you drink Stonehedge Petite Sirah.
It's so extracted and inky, you dare not drink it over your priceless Persian rug
and forget about your teeth staying white.
It is as inky as it is fruity.
The berry flavors bursts through on the nose and carries over to the palate.
There are subtle splashes of licorice, blackberry, black pepper, and clove are
present underneath a veil of blueberry.
The acidiy is ample enough for pairing this wine with food.
The mouth-feel has soft tannins.
The acidity and soft tannins balances the wine, making it more than just a "fruit-bomb."
Probably the best inexpensive petite sirah I've tasted in years.
Retail price $8. Tasted June 4, 2003. Go ahead . . . have a third slice .
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France: Christian Mouiex 2000 Merlot Bordeaux
Jump on the Bordeaux bandwagon at a fraction of what the collectors are spending.
The 2000 vintage of Bordeauxs are phenominal, from the mass produced, inexpensive, drink 'em young wines to the high-end first growths.
Christian Mouiex 2000 Bordeaux is primarily right bank fruit, i.e. 100% Merlot
and shows Old World style complexity and structure.
This is not your typical Cali-fruit bomb merlot.
There's a bit of vanilla, earth, smokeyness, ripe wild and black cherries, and a hint of cedar.
The tannins are gripping and the acidity is perfect.
This is a well structured wine.
The best Bordeaux you'll ever drink?
I hope not.
It is worth having a few bottles around, especially if you desire
an Old World style red, made from fruit grown in a stellar vintage.
Retail price $9. Tasted May 23, 2003. Price and quality earn it two .
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California: Ironstone Symphony 2002 "Obsession"
is one of the most unique wines I've tasted in this price range.
The symphony grape was a varietal created at U.C. Davis and released in the early 1980s,
by crossing muscat and grenache gris.
This grape can be produced as a still or sparkling wine.
Ironstone has choosen the sparkling option for their delightful, refreshing, fruity, wine.
The nose is reminescent of a flower garden lined with honeysuckle.
The wine is slightly sweet and slightly effervescent.
It has a rich mouth-feel and tropical fruitiness and spice-cake,
which is followed by clean acidity and a zip of bubbles.
Because of it's sweetness, Ironstone Symphony Obsesson would pair well with
Indian, Thai, Mexican, or any spicy-hot fare.
If you have an unwavering white zin drinker on your guest list, offer this wine instead.
White zin drinkers love this wine.
It has the sweetness of white zindandel, but you can actually assess complimentary adjectives to this wine.
(Don't be alarmed, wine drinkers who are in-the-know love this wine too!)
Retail price $8. Tasted May 25, 2003. Try it, you'll like it .
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Chile: Casa Julia Sauvignon Blanc 2002, Maipo Valley
This Sauv Blanc has a great floral nose.
I believe this bottle of wine easily beats most domestic sauvignon blancs in its price range.
It is very balanced with perfect acidity for food,
a clean grapefruit-citrus palate and a touch of richness finishing off with a subtle peach kiss.
This bottle is value price under $10!
Retail price $8. Tasted June 5, 2003. Price and quality earn one .
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Spain: Eyzaguirre 2000 Merlot
is wonderfully structured following with a smooth gently tannic finnish.
The nose is very fruity with a big blackberry notes.
The wine explodes in your mouth with flavors of blackberies, vanilla, and cassis.
I think this producer and winery are charming with their fabric covered bottles, plus
the quality of the wine are worth checking out for your everyday consumption.
Retail price $9. Tasted July 10, 2003. We give this wine one .
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Eyzaguirre 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
has a European style that embraces its soft tannins and approachable acidity.
Eyzaguirre does a cabernet well, showing juicy black fruit flavors, a touch of cedar, and
mint.
This is a well done inexpensive wine that works well as an "everyday wine."
There aren't many cabernets in this price range with this kind of rich fruit flavors and
appealing balance.
Retail price $9. Tasted July 10, 2003. We give this wine one .
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France: La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rouge 2001
is one of the best inexpensive wines I've tasted.
Made by the Perrin Brothers from Chateau de Beaucastel.
This grenache, syrah, cinsault blend has all the elements of a good wine.
The fruit is clean, with good acid structure.
The grenache is smooth, the syrah gives it some zip, and the cinsault follows up with some
bright fruit flavors.
There is a hint of raspberry, bitter chocolate and earth on the palate.
It won't be the best bottle of wine you'll ever drink, but it is very enjoyable for
your everyday consumption.
This Côtes du Rhone is as good as many wines from the same region costing much more.
Retail price $7. Tasted September 2, 2003. Earning one .
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La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Blanc 2001
I loved the elegance and complexity of this wine.
The quality was very surprising.
This blend of grenache blanc, ugni blanc, and roussane creates a wine that would be
worth of any light meal and any dinner guests, no matter the level of sophistication.
While the Rouge was very clean and straightforward, the Blanc is interesting and complex.
I found this bottle to have a frangrant nose, tropical fruit on the palate and a long, pleasing finish.
In fact, as I drank this wine, I picked the bottle up numberous times, thinking that I'd missed some
secret on the label that explained why its lovely mouth-feel, exotic floral hints, refreshing acid structure,
and lingering creamy finish was so darned inexpensive!
Retail price $7. Tasted July 23, 2003. Shining brightly with one .
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California: Cline Oakley Vin Rouge 2001
is primarily a mordevdra, and carignane blend, there are small amounts of syrah,
alicante bouschet and cinsaut in the wine also.
Fruit forward, with ample acidity, and nice mouth-feel tannins, this inexpensive blend is a
great find.
Cline Vin Rouge is interesting as a Rhône Valley red with earthy, spicy, leather, ripe cherry, and tomato skin flavors.
I've found that the good people at Cline have done a great job with all their wines from the everyday bottles,
such as the Vin Rouge, Vin Gris, and Vin Blanc, to their high end, collectable zinfandels.
Retail price $7. Tasted June 5, 2003. A star in its class .
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Cline Oakley Vin Blanc 2001
is primarily pinot gris, viognier, and marsanne.
There is a pinch of this and a dash of that from several other varietals.
Each grape brings its own personality to this wine.
There are grapes that add lush, exotic flavors, grapes that add zesty acidity, grapes that add
body and texture, and grapes that add fruitiness.
The Cline Vin Blanc is elegant, fruity, smooth, round, yet has nice acid, has a soft, and pleasant
finish.
There are flavors of melon, fig, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and lycees.
This everyday white can pair nicely with its red counterpart, Cline Vin Rouge, at a party, event, or wedding,
or be enjoyed as your everyday wine. It is cool enough to serve to your wine nerd friends.
Retail price $7. Tasted June 5, 2003. A star in its class .
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Italy: Botromagna 2001 Gravina is an elegant wine
from Apulia made with
60% Greco and 40% Malvasia.
I fell in love with this wine. This crisp, refreshing white wine can be described in
terms of flowers, gardenias to be exact. This wine is an elegant change of pace.
Not only is it very graceful with its flavors of white flowers, but it also has wonderful structure, with
acidity, perfect for food.
Retail price is $9. Tasted May 30, 2003. We give this wine two .
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