McManis Family Vineyards, Merlot, 2003

From the bottle, this merlot is vinted from grapes grown in the California (specifically between the San Joaquin & Stanislaus rivers). This merlot is 14.1% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Frys Food & Drug

What did I pair it with: Various meats and cheeses

Appearance: Plumish purple with a ridge of legs that slowly moves down the glass.

Smell: Ginger, Asian spices, butterscotch, oak.

Palate Entry: Very nice entry of oak and smooth buttery tannins, with nuances of cherries and plums.
Mid Palate: The tannins increase to expand the mouth feel, brining forth more of the sour cherries.
Finish: The finish is quick, but balanced, almost reversing the mid palate, leaving one with the taste of light oak and cherries.

Price: $8.99
Quality rating: 90/100
Value rating: 50.56/60

Takeaway: I fully expected this wine to be a let-down, after reading a few reviews on the 2003, but I found the wine to be far closer to the 2002 vintage, which was rated a 90 by Wine Enthusiast – if this particular bottle isn’t a fluke, buy it by the case; it was a great value, even if it were to cost twice as much. Looking at the McMannis website after the fact, it would appear that I agree mostly with their winemaker; buy this one people.

Col Di Sasso, Cabernet Sauvignon & Sangiovese (Tuscana IGT), 2002

From the bottle, this cabernet & sangiovese blend is made from grapes grown in the southern Tuscan region of Italty (and is a IGT). This blend is 12.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Various meats and cheeses

Appearance: Very dark purple, with twinges of red that catch the light while swirling.

Smell: Heavy on the cherries, with a light floral undertone that is almost lost due to it being a bit hot.

Palate Entry: Cherries and bitter tar start the palate out.
Mid Palate: The tannins disappear pretty quickly, drying the mouth with a taste of dried prunes and cherries.
Finish: The finish is nearly unperceivable, merely a continuation of the mid palate, carrying over only a bit of dried fruit.

Price: $8.49
Quality rating: 85/100
Value rating: 48.39/60

Takeaway: I wasn’t very impressed with this blend, as I am a bit fan of both cabernet, sangiovese, and their combinations. However, it was under $9, which does make it more of a value wine. It is quaffable, but wouldn’t be the first bottle served at a dinner party for me…maybe a 2nd or 3rd.

El Paseo, Tempranillo, 2003

From the bottle, this tempranillo is produced from grapes grown in the Eastern region of Valencia, Spain, just off the coast of the Mediterranean. This tempranillo is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Monchego

Appearance: Deep ruby red w/ fairly light legs.

Smell: Cranberry, mint, and leather w/ a hint of anise.

Palate Entry: Mild cherries and sour, dusty blackberries.
Mid Palate: The tannins get more sour, though the complexity disappears.
Finish: The finish leaves a dusty sour fruit after-taste, but is otherwise quick.

Price: $7.99
Quality rating: 87/100
Value rating: 49.76/60

Takeaway: This wine is pretty good, especially when paired with a cheese capable of reducing the acidic bite. At $8, it is a definite buy – have it the next time you jump into those tapas!

Rancho Zabaco, Reserve Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley), 2001

From the bottle, this reserve Zinfandel is vinted from grapes grown in Sonoma county California (primarily Dry Creek) in the “zin zone”, which from my personal experience, holds true. This zin is 14.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Costco

What did I pair it with: Wingstreet wings

Appearance: Purplish red and some really long legs.

Smell: Licorice, spice, and everything nice; cloves and white pepper stand out.

Palate Entry: Dusty spices start out slowly, with a subdued cherry undertone.
Mid Palate: The tannins continue to dry, while expanding the mouth feel.
Finish: The finish is a bit sour, but is fairly lengthly.

Price: $15.49
Quality rating: 91/100
Value rating: 48.73/60

Takeaway: The last time I had the ’01 reserve was in ’03, when it had more berry influences; currently it seems to be in a transition stage, where I would expect it to develop an “older” nose with more spice and less fruit – it is still good right now, but if you have a bottle, wait another 1-2 years for a more mature wine.

Christian Moueix, Bordeaux (Merlot), 2001

From the bottle, this Bordeaux is made from grapes grown in the Bordeaux region of France. Though there isn’t information of the specific makeup, it does say Merlot, but probably has a little cab sauv and maybe some cab franc. It is 13% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Costco

What did I pair it with: variety of fresh deli meats and cheeses

Appearance: Deep garnet red and thick legs.

Smell: Smells a bit hot, with notes of raisin and cherries.

Palate Entry: Dusty grapes start on the tip of the tongue.
Mid Palate: Sour cherries and hints of raisin begin to fill the mouth.
Finish: The tannins are light, but dusty. The finish is pretty quick.

Price: $7.00
Quality rating: 82/100
Value rating: 48.14/60

Takeaway: For a $7 wine it is pretty good, though I doubt I’d rush out to buy another bottle – for the price, I’d rather get an Argentinean Malbec of some sort. If you’re just looking for a simple table wine though, for a 2nd/3rd bottle at a large feast, it’ll do.