This wine is so rich and concentrated, it’s like drinking a Merlot in Zin clothing. Intense cherry cola, ripe plum, toasty coconut and sweet blueberry wash over your tongue, kinda leaving you wondering where the Merlot went.
... Read More »Everyday
Wine reviews for everyday drinking and enjoyment.
Wine reviews: A to Z 2007 Riesling Oregon and A to Z 2008 Pinot Noir Oregon
A to Z, a winery whose clever slogan is “aristocratic wines at democratic prices”, is a partnership of some of the best talent in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. If you’ve tried (and enjoyed) wines from Penner Ash, Rex Hill or Chehelem, you’ll love what’s in bottles ... Read More »
Wine review: Milbrandt 2007 Traditions Merlot Columbia Valley
Gawd… this is yet another fabulous example of delicious Washington State Merlot. Butch and Jerry Milbrandt came from a long line of families who “worked the land” and they planted grapevines in 1997. But it wasn’t until 2007 that they launched a brand with their name on it. ... Read More »
Wine review: Dry Creek 2009 Dry Chenin Blanc and 2006 Mariner
Dry Creek Vineyards isn’t one of those jump up and down, shouting “look at me!” wineries. They thankfully haven’t gone down the animal-on-the-label road nor have they succumbed to posting promotional drivel on Facebook and Twitter. They’re thoughtful, consistent and course-stayers ... Read More »
Wine review: Apothic Red Wine 2008 California
One word: Delicious. If you’re one for lovin’ on sweet-ish, juicy smackin’, full-bodied reds, RUN, don’t walk, to pick up this bottle.
... Read More »Wine review: Kim Crawford 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Overwhelming flavors, reminiscent of sucking on a key lime. Grapefruit and green herbs rush up the nose and onto the tongue. The acidity is almost too present — the wine isn’t as balanced or as smooth as other vintages.
... Read More »Wine review: Los Alamos 2009 Malbec Mendoza
A darling of the critics for a few years now, this Los Alamos Malbec from Argentina’s Mendoza region has one great thing going for it: It costs under $12, sometimes even under $10.
... Read More »Wine review for World Cup: Indaba 2009 Chenin Blanc South Africa
Perhaps you’re looking for a refreshing white wine to guzzle with World Cup matches? This South African Chenin Blanc (aka “Steen”) scores well in the extreme value department, as well as the deliciousness.
... Read More »Wine reviews: 2006 Dead Letter Office Shiraz and Pillar Box White 2008
Unless you’re a rabid fan of wine critic Robert Parker (who loves them), you may not know these wines…but you should. Made by a winery called Henry’s Drive in Australia, owner Kim Longbottom paid a visit last week (as many Aussies are wont to do in their wintry off season) to show ... Read More »
Corporate wineries: The best of the worst
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wines produced by massive corporations, but as I’ve harped on before, the little guys generally make better wine, displaying more heart and soul. Both attempt to produce income but corporations exist solely to do so. So I already have a ... Read More »
Sam’s Club releases its own wine label: Infinite 2008 Spanish Red
I suppose it was bound to happen. That partytrain known as wine sales had to arrive in Generica, stopping at the Sam’s Club station. Like the last guy at a party to realize his fly is open, Sam Walton’s masterminding crew has released its own private wine retail label. I should’ve ... Read More »
Wine review: Errazuriz 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Aconcagua Valley
Chile is just now getting to the point where they produce good cabernets. I’ve enjoyed their white wines for as long as I can remember but their reds always wallowed in green pepper and asparagus… and not in a good way with dollop of hollandaise. Errazuriz, a winery founded in 1870 by ... Read More »