Send Me Free Wine

Crandall-Brooks, Merlot (Napa Valley), 2002

2006-07-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, this Merlot is yielded from grapes grown in Napa Valley California, vinted and bottled in Santa Rosa CA and is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Cost Plus

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Very dark red, almost black.

On the nose: Though pretty light, I do get hints of perfume (alcohol & flowers) and white pepper.

Palate Entry: the palate takes its cue from the nose, not offering up much of anything.
Mid Palate: Some tannins strike the mid-tongue, zinging me a bit, with some vegetal flavors starting to show.
Finish: The finish is dry, unexpressive, and easily forgotten.

Price: $10.99
Quality rating: 82/100
Value rating: 45.55/60

Takeaway: This wine wasn’t overly flawed, it was simply overly boring. Was it balanced? Yes. Was it complex? Not at all. If you enjoy simple wines, this one is okay, though it didn’t express any of the varietal character known to some of the more opulent Napa merlots that I’ve grown to love. If paired with a simple dinner of sharp cheeses and French bread, this wine will hide itself well, otherwise, skip it.

Chateau Ste Michelle, Syrah (Columbia Valley), 2002

2006-07-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the Syrah is harvested from grapes grown in Columbia Valley California and is 13.9% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Fry’s

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Murky purple with flashes of crimson as I swirl; it appears to already be developing sediment as well.

On the nose: Light pepper and vegetable overtones.

Palate Entry: The entry is almost imperceivable; it isn’t hot, sweet, tart, or anything that one normally picks up – simple beginning
Mid Palate: The tannins finally show up mid palate, bringing with them a hint of berries and cherry.
Finish: The finish hits the back of the mouth, and is actually longer than I would expect it to be, given the simplicity of the entry and mid palate.

Price: $7.99
Quality rating: 85/100
Value rating: 48.76/60

Takeaway: I’m hesitant to bad-mouth the wine because it isn’t bad, just very simple; in a word, it is quaffable. If you’re eating something equally simple, like a meatball sandwich, then this wine will do fine, especially at the price point. There are better wines at this price point, to be sure, but I turn my nose at it just because of the simplicity.

Ironstone Vineyards, Obsession, 2004

2006-06-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the Obssession is sourced from Symphony grapes grown throughout California. This unique grape is a blend between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris; it is 12.0% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Cost Plus

What did I pair it with: Spicy BBQ wings

Appearance: Pale straw w/ flashes of gold (it has the look of a New Zealand sav blanc).

On the nose: What a fruit bomb! Honey, grapefruit, orange blossoms, and pear.

Palate Entry: It begins like it smells, with a touch of honey and citrus zing.
Mid Palate: The acidity remains constant, adding an additional layer of deciduous fruits.
Finish: The finish is light, and crip, like a honeydew mellon drizzled in honey-lemon sauce.

Price: $5.00
Quality rating: 93/100
Value rating: 56.50/60

Takeaway: I am in love with this wine; if my wife weren’t so wonderful and pregnant, I’d run away to Vegas to have Elvis marry us. Seriously, I do not think it is possible to find a better summer white wine for a better price; it drinks young so drink up!

Wines to drink in 2006

2005-12-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

Now, I don't write-up every wine I taste, and so invariably a lot of gems ultimately slip through the cracks. In the event that I skip over a few wines, or simply don't have a pen and paper handy when I'm drinking, below is a sample of what I have slated to pour in '06 (more or less in the order I want to consume them):

Chateau Paradis Casseuil, Bordeaux, 2004
B.R. Cohn, Zinfandel, 2002
Columbia Crest: Two Vines, Shiraz, 2002
Corbieres, Les Duex Rives, 2004
Crandall Brooks, Merlot, 2002
Geyser Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002
Selby, Zinfandel (Old Vines), 2002
Terra D' Oro, Zinfandel, 2003
Bridlewood, Syrah, 2000
Callaghan Vineyards, Zinfandel, 2003
Chateau Labegorce, Margaux, 2001
Chateau Ste Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon (Canoe Ridge Estate), 2001
Cline, Syrah, 2002
Cosme Palacio y Hermanos, Rioja, 2001
J, Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley), 2003
Los Vascos, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003
Luna, Canto, 2000
Merryvale, Syrah (Napa), 2002
Michel Lynch, Bordeaux, 1999
Morgennhof Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000
Q, Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma), 2002
Robert Mondavi, Private Selection: Syrah, 2002
Selby, Merlot (Sonoma County), 2002
Selby, Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley), 1999
Valiano, Chianti Classico, 2001
Vieux Chateau Haut Beard, Bordeaux, 2000
Villa di Capezzana, Carmignano: 80% sangiovese, 20% cab, 2000
William Hill Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001

Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Shiraz Cabernet Monastrell, 2003

2005-12-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

From the bottle, this shiraz / cabernet / monastrell blend is sourced from grapes grown in the Jumulla region of Southern Spain. This intriguing blend is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Costco

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Flashy garnet red, with a slight cloudiness.

On the nose: Barnyard, white pepper, cherry, and faintly hot spiced prunes.

Palate Entry: It is dry from the very beginning, with a gripping tannins; not much fruit.
Mid Palate: The tannins expand the mouth feel, turning somewhat bitter (tar and earth).
Finish: The finish is moderate, with the tannins lingering on the tongue for 5 seconds or so.

Price: $7.30
Quality rating: 87/100
Value rating: 50.35/60

Takeaway: This is a pretty solid wine, especially considering bargain pricing. If you like wines with a strong mouth feel, you’ll like this, though do be certain to pair it with food – parmesan reggiano and some milk chocolate would have been a fun mix, to offset the bitter and smooth out the tannins.

Callaghn Vineyards, Mourvedre, 2003

2005-12-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

From the bottle, this mourvedre is made from grapes grown in the vicinity of Elgin, Arizona. It was grown in the Buena Suerte vineyard and is an astounding 16.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Callaghan Vineyards tasting room

What did I pair it with: Meats and cheese

Appearance: Deep ruby red w/ unbelievable legs.

Smell: Spiced raisins and fig.

Palate Entry: Asian spices pave the way for a silky smooth cassis.
Mid Palate: Chalky dryness expand the mouthfeel nicely, bursting with red berry fruit.
Finish: The finish is void of tannins, but lenghtly. Like this wine’s legs, it takes its time.

Price: $19.00
Quality rating: 92/100
Value rating: 48.63/60

Takeaway: I was really impressed with this wine; mourvedre is not a common stand-alone wine, but if you get a chance to try it, have a glass. Callaghan continues to impress me.

Hayman & Hill, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), 2001

2005-11-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

From the bottle, this reserve cabernet is made from grapes grown in the Napa Valley region of California. This cabernet is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Fry’s

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Crimson purple, with decent legs.

Smell: Light on aromas; bright cherry and asian spices are the most notable.

Palate Entry: It begins with a slightly alcoholic cassis.
Mid Palate: A good mouthfeel rounds with firm tannins bring life into the wine.
Finish: The finish is merely an extension of the mid-palate, and is quick, but the tannins do remain.

Price: $11.99
Quality rating: 83/100
Value rating: 45.67/60

Takeaway: There are better cabs out there for this price point; I was disappointed that an ’01 Napa reserve cab would be this bland…skip it.

Unti, Syrah (Dry Creek), 2002

2005-11-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

From the bottle, this syrah is made from grapes grown in the California (specifically in Dry Creek Valley). This syrah is Rhone-styled and is 14.8% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Costco in Santa Rose, CA

What did I pair it with: Various meats and cheeses

Appearance: Very dark purple with deep purple legs – the wine has teeth!

Smell: Barnyard, coffee, earth, and cola.

Palate Entry: It starts out with sour strawberries and white pepper
Mid Palate: Then the tannins kick in…the wine is still too young to tell what’s going on because the tannins are masking the fruit and spices I think I’m tasting
Finish: The finish was pretty tannic, but is long and drying.

Price: $24.95
Quality rating: 87/100
Value rating: 45.50/60

Takeaway: This wine is pretty tannic and very dry, but not overly complex. It does pair very well, but isn’t a good stand-alone wine at this age. Another few years should do it well in the maturation process, to smooth out some of those tannins and bring the mid-palate forward. Overall, it could be interesting in a few years, but isn’t much of a value play.

McManis Family Vineyards, Merlot, 2003

2005-10-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

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

2005-10-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Robert Karl, Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley), 2000

2005-09-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, this Cabernet is sourced from grapes grown in partner vineyards out of Columbia Valley Washington. This is more of a Bordeaux blend: 77% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, and 5% cabernet franc. It is 13.6% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Monchego cheese and char siu duck

Appearance: Thick reddish brick color and heavy legs.

Smell: Sour berries, cassis, and tobacco.

Palate Entry: Dry from the start, with an old world taste to it – that cabernet franc really comes through.
Mid Palate: Tannins are light, but expand the mouth feel, introducing the taste of coffee bean. Finish: The tannins are still light, but very drying – it was a good match with oily meat.

Price: $20.00
Quality rating: 90/100
Value rating: 47.50/60

Takeaway: This is the third time I’ve had the wine, and it seems to be on the decline, but for such a balanced wine, I think it is in a tweener stage – if I had another bottle, I’d hold it for another 3-5 years and try it again. For the money, I’d probably look into something else, but don’t discount future vintages of Robert Karl; it has been historically pretty good.

Los Cardos, Malbec, 2004

2005-08-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, this Malbec is created from grapes grown 1,000 meters above sea level in the Mendoza region of Argentina (quite possibly the best place in the world for Malbec). It is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Coscto

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Deep purple with flashes of crimson.

Smell: Barnyard, coffee, a hint of raspberries and raisins.

Palate Entry: It starts a bit bitter and tart...a bit pungent.
Mid Palate: Sour berries and bitter coffee.
Finish: The finish is a bit sharp, but is short.

Price: $6.00
Quality rating: 80/100
Value rating: 48.33/60

Takeaway: This wine was a bit better when it was first released; it hasn’t fallen apart, but is probably in a ‘tweener stage where the wine temporarily becomes somewhat bland and unbalanced. It will probably still be a little hot a year from now (note the raisin smell), but should be softer and more rounded. In the meantime, if you happen to open a bottle, have it with something buttery, to cut through the bitterness…overall, this one isn’t as good as previous years, but is still a drinkable bargain at $6.

MacMurray Ranch, Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast), 2002

2005-08-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, this Pinot Noir is produced from grapes grown along the Sonoma coast of California (a popular place for Pinot these days). It is 13.9% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Epicurean

What did I pair it with: Garlic parmesan tilapia

Appearance: Opaque, light reddish brown, with the legs of a near 14% alcohol wine.

Smell: Strawberry rhubarb pie with a cup of coffee

Palate Entry: Whisperingly light at first, like eating strawberries with the tip of one’s tongue.
Mid Palate: Sour cherries and a darker acidity pull in the tongue to a semi-pucker
Finish: The zing of the acidity remains a full 10 seconds after sipping, though the taste of the cherry zing leaves far before that.

Price: $16.00
Quality rating: 88/100
Value rating: 47.13/60

Takeaway: This is the first California pinot I’ve had in a while that actually tasted like one. It was delicate, light, and for the alcohol content, very well balanced. A better transition from palate entry to finish would have probably pushed the wine into the 90s; I look forward to trying some future vintages, so long as “Sideways” hasn’t pushed up the price too much. If you like pinots that taste like pinots, you won’t be disappointed; if you like bigger pinots, have a Syrah.

Kendall-Jackson, Vinter's Reserve Chardonnay, 2003

2005-08-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the Vinter’s Reserve Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown all throughout California (though it tastes as though the grapes are practically a single vineyard…very nice). It has been aged in small oak barrels (primarily French) and is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Costco

What did I pair it with: Spicy BBQ wings

Appearance: Pale straw, with light legs

Smell: Mango, oak, and a toasty apple.

Palate Entry: Mangos and apple open up immediately
Mid Palate: A slight honey-citrus zings the back of the tongue
Finish: Lovely crisp oak finish, with a continual lingering of the mid palate citrus

Price: $8.89
Quality rating: 90/100
Value rating: 50.62/60

Takeaway: The wine magazines are right; Kendall-Jackson has really turned a corner. This inexpensive chardonnay will likely be my own everyday white over the next year.

2005 trip to Sonoma & Napa

2005-08-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

We just returned from an annual trip to the Sonoma and Napa regions of California. While I’d love to recant on all the tasting rooms and various wines I sampled, it becomes very difficult, especially given the hectic schedule; taking detailed notes on all those wines would be a near impossibility. Thus, I instead decided to provide a sample of some of the wines we purchased and when we’ll be tasting them again.

On our last trip I was particularly enamored with the 2001 Syrahs and those 2001 cabernets that had been released; this time around I fell in love with many of the zinfandels (though I still bought more cabernet than anything)…now I can’t wait until next year!

B.R. Kohn, Zinfandel, 2002 – tasting in 2006
Selby, Zinfandel (Old Vine), 2002 – tasting in 2006
Unti, Syrah, 2002 – tasting in 2006
Cline, Syrah, 2002 – tasting in 2007
J Vineyards, Pinot Noir (Russian River), 2003 – tasting in 2007
Selby, Merlot (Sonoma County), 2002 – tasting in 2007
Selby, Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley), 1999 – tasting in 2007
Provenance, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002 – tasting in 2008
Dry Creek Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma), 2001 – tasting in 2009
Husch, Cabernet Sauvignon (La Ribera Vineyards), 2001 – tasting in 2010

Laurent Miquel, Saint Chinian, Syrah Reserve, 2000

2005-08-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the Saint Chinian is produced from grapes harvested in the Languedoc region of France. It has been aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: A gift

What did I pair it with: Pre-dinner tasting

Appearance: Deep, dark, reddish black with brown hues

Smell: At first it was heavily barnyard, though with about an hour of aeration it began to shows signs of spice and mushrooms.

Taste: The tannins are light, but given the lovely velvet spices, wooden licorice and slow sour cherry finish, it makes up for the lack of tannins.

Price: $10.00
Quality rating: 87/100
Value rating: 48.50/60

Takeaway: This is the fourth time I tried the wine, the last time about a year ago. This wine is probably a shade past its peak, but is still pretty good, and would match well with fine cheeses.

McWilliams (Henwood Estate), Chardonnay, 2003

2005-07-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the McWilliams is produced from grapes harvested in South Eastern Australia. This chardonnay is 13.5 percent alcohol by volume and should be good with grilled salmon steak or rosted chicken.

Where did I find it: Fry’s.

What did I pair it with: Assortment of nuts and cheeses

Appearance: Light golden yellow

Smell: Honeydew melon

Taste: Dried toast and vanilla

Price: $11.69
Quality rating: 86/100
Value rating: 47.28/60

Takeaway: This wine was slightly surprising, though perhaps I’ll now put more stock into the Sidney Wine Show competition trophies – if you like toasty chardonnays, you’ll like this. It wasn’t overly oaky, just enough to malolactic fermentation to ease the bite. At this price, it isn’t shabby. Drink up!

Pavilion, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002

2005-07-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the Pavilion is obtained from grapes harvested on the north coast of California. This cab is 13.8 percent alcohol by volume and should be good with most meats.

Where did I find it: Purchased at AZ Wine

What did I pair it with: Burgers and chicken

Appearance: Deep ruby red with firm legs.

Smell: Pruny currant and licorice spices.

Taste: Nice mouth feel, albeit a short one – bone-dry berries are the defining characteristic.

Price: $11.99
Quality rating: 84/100
Value rating: 46.17/60

Takeaway: Though not as good of a stand-alone wine as I would like, it did pair pretty well with both the burgers and the chicken, so if you prefer to drink wine with meats, this will do. Otherwise, skip it for something less expensive.

Liberty School, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002

2005-07-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the cabernet is a California designation (same as Hawk Crest), meaning that it is made from grapes harvested from anywhere in California. This cab is 13.8 percent alcohol by volume (same as Hawk Crest) and also like Hawk Crest is produced under a label known for making very good wines [Caymus makes Liberty School and Stag’s Leap makes Hawk Crest].

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Bunless bacon cheeseburgers

Appearance: Plum red w/ murky pink edges

Smell: A bit hot on the nose, with slight hints of pepper and cherries

Taste: Sour berries and light tannins zip through the mouth, leaving a stinging feeling on the tongue that one expects more with a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, but not with a moderately priced Cabernet.

Price: $12.49
Quality rating: 82/100
Value rating: 45.0/60

Takeaway: If I could blend the berry taste of Liberty School and the tannins/mouth feel of Hawk Crest, I might end up with a wine worth buying again. This one falls a bit short – though the label doesn’t say, I’m fairly certain that the California designation means not from Napa/Sonoma…the grapes really do taste second rate.

Hawk Crest, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002

2005-07-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the cabernet is a California designation, meaning that it is made from grapes harvested from anywhere in California. This cab is 13.8 percent alcohol by volume and should be an agreeable table wine.

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Chicken Parmesan

Appearance: Deep red with brownish hues

Smell: Light dusty spices and a hint of cherries.

Taste: The tannins are medium, the mouth feel is decent, and the finish is dusty dry – however, there wasn’t anything particularly distinguishing.

Price: $10.49
Quality rating: 85/100
Value rating: 47.27/60

Takeaway: This wine might just need to age, giving up very little on the nose and palate, though for a Stag’s Leap wine I wasn’t very impressed. There are better California cabernets out there for under $10.

Jacob's Creek, Shiraz (Reserve), 2001

2005-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the reserve Shiraz is sourced from grapes harvested in Southern Australia (presumably Barossa valley). This shiraz is 14.5 percent alcohol by volume and should be good with red meats.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Fry’s (on sale)

What did I pair it with: Burgers

Appearance: Crimson with brown hues and good legs

Smell: A little hot, with underlying notes of leather and cassis.

Taste: It doesn’t taste hot (thankfully) – it has a good mouthfeel, spicy, sour cherry tannins, and a mostly dry, dusty finish.

Price: $7.00
Quality rating: 84/100
Value rating: 49.14/60

Takeaway: Part three of the Australian Shiraz tastings…the wine is pretty simple and a little hot on the nose, but certainly not undrinkable (especially when considering the price). If you’re just starting out, or really love decent wines at low prices, then this wine is for you. However, if you have more discriminating tastes (or a really sensitive sniffer in this case), there are better wines out there to quaff.

Rosemount Estate, Shiraz (Diamond Label), 2003

2005-07-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the diamond label Shiraz is sourced from grapes harvested in South Eastern Australia. This shiraz is 14.0 percent alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Fry’s

What did I pair it with: Fried Chicken

Appearance: Purplish cranberry red, with decent legs

Smell: Slightly caustic cherries and peppery prunes

Taste: A bit overblown, which makes the palate confusing. I get some sour cherries and peppery notes, but they are mostly masked by the burn of alcohol.

Price: $7.20
Quality rating: 80/100
Value rating: 46.94/60

Takeaway: Another in the non-bottom-label Australian Shiraz series…this one was disappointing though. The heavy alcohol smell/taste might have matched up better with stronger foods, but I don’t think I’d care to pair this wine with much of anything. For a few more dollars, you’ll get much better quality on the Wolf Blass.

Wolf Blass, Shiraz (President's Selection), 2002

2005-07-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, the President’s Selection Shiraz is made from select grapes harvested in South Australia. This shiraz is a hefty 15.0 percent alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Costco

What did I pair it with: A brick of mozzarella

Appearance: Deep red, almost black, with thick legs

Smell: Bouquet of butterscotch, sandalwood, pepper, and smoked meat

Taste: Initial taste of anise and cherries gives way to juicy, jammy tannins and what I can only describe as pot roast – the finish is shorter than I would have liked, ending on a note of freshly ground pepper.

Price: $12.99
Quality rating: 90/100
Value rating: 48.85/60

Takeaway: I love the value plays; I recently purchased several slightly higher-end Australian shirazes from the main producers (Wolf Blass, Jacob’s Creek, Rosemount Estate), hoping to compare to both the lower end and higher end shirazes from the Barossa Valley -- it was better than I was expecting, and now can't wait to try the Gold label. A 90 quality at $12.99 is a buy in my book; a few flaws kept it from getting a higher score, but that didn’t stop us from finishing the bottle!

Terraza de Los Andes, Alto Malbec, 2003

2005-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec is made from grapes harvested in the Mendoza region of Argentina (3,500 ft elevation); it is 13.5 percent alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Cost Plus

What did I pair it with: Beef pinwheels

Appearance: An opulent purple, with flashes of crimson and light legs.

Smell: White pepper and prunes

Taste: Sweet berry spices (not sugary), light on the tannins, and a dry finish.

Price: $7.99
Quality rating: 86/100
Value rating: 49.26/60

Takeaway: The majority of the Malbecs coming out of Argentina are value wonders! An 86 quality may not turn too many heads, but when it costs $8, then it should. If you’re a fan of lighter tannin reds, you should be buying high quality Argentinean Malbecs hand over fist.

Trinchero, Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001

2005-06-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, this Trinchero cabernet is made from grapes harvested from all over California (US). By percentage, they come from 51% Lake, 17% Monterey, 15% Santa Barbara, 10% San Luis Obispo, and 7% Napa. From the best I can tell, it is pretty close to 100% cab with 13.5 percent alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Fry’s Food and Drug Store.

What did I pair it with: a plate of various cheeses

Appearance: A deep garnet red color with heavy legs

Smell: Dusty blackburrant and cedar aromas.

Taste: It starts with sour cherries and smooth tannins, creating a decent mouthfeel, ending with short, dry, chalky finish.

Price: $9.79
Quality rating: 84/100
Value rating: 47.11/60

Takeaway: All in all, this wine isn’t half bad. Granted, 2001 was an incredible year for California cabs, so it is difficult to say if the quality will show through in other vintages. Is it worth $10? Sure. Are there better cabs out there for $10? Yes.

Catena, Malbec, 2002

2005-06-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, Catena Malbec is grown from berries in the Mendoza region of Argentina and is 13.8% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: N/A

What did I pair it with: Good company and the city lights of Phoenix

Appearance: A dark purple, with heavier legs than the Los Cardos.

Smell: Very barnyard and soil notes

Taste: Sour cherry tannins, raisiny character, and a quick, almost reverse finish

Price: $20

Quality rating: 86/100

Value rating: 45.50/60

Takeaway: At the same rating as the 2002 Los Cardos Malbec, the decision on which to buy should be rather simple. Coupled with the even better quality of the 2003/2004 vintages, it becomes even more obvious. For the money, Catena doesn’t quite stack up, but if you have this wine already, drink up, you won’t be disappointed.

Los Cardos, Malbec, 2002

2005-06-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, Los Cardos Malbec is grown from berries in the Mendoza region of Argentina and is 14% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Costco.

What did I pair it with: a spicy, shredded beef salad

Appearance: Medium bodied purple, with flashes of velvet.

Smell: Bright cherry, barnyard, earth

Taste: Prune, chocolate, and cherry tannins, with a quicker finish than later vintages of this wine.

Price: $6 Quality rating: 86/100

Value rating: 51.33/60

Takeaway: If you have a 2002 Los Cardos Malbec, drink it now. Why? Because it is fading. The 2003 and 2004s seem to be still holding up, with more complexity than the 2002 – for the money, this is still a pretty good deal, but I doubt you’ll find too many 2002s on the market.

Ravenswood, Old Vine Zinfandel, 2002

2005-06-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel is made from grapes harvested from Sonoma County, and is 14.5% alcohol by volume. Interestingly enough, it isn’t 100% Zinfandel, but instead is 95% Zin, 4% Carignane, 1% mixed blacks – the wine is aged 24 months in French oak and is supposedly cellerable for 10 years.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Costco.

What did I pair it with: a spicy, shredded beef salad

Appearance: An inky purplish red, with heavy legs.

Smell: Caustic cherries and prunes

Taste: Light sour cherry tannins and raisin notes, with a chalky finish.

Price: $11.99
Quality rating: 82/100
Value rating: 45.17/60

Takeaway: The California (less priced) designation was actually better than this higher end Zinfandel; the wine did get better after an hour opening up, but was by far the worst of the three reds tasted during the evening.

Rosemont Estate, Show Reserve Chardonnay, 2003

2005-06-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, Rosemont Estate’s Show Reserve Chardonnay is made from grapes harvested from preferred blocks in Hunter Valley, Australia and aged in French and American oak barrels for 11 months; it is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased at Albertson’s.

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Pale golden in color, with no legs to speak of.

Smell: Apple and pear

Taste: Crisp apple opens up the palette, followed by slightly lingering citrus notes, ending with a simple oak finish.

Price: $8
Quality rating: 84/100
Value rating: 48.18/60

Takeaway: This chardonnay is somewhat simple, but is still quite refreshing on a hot summer evening. At $8, it is of comparable quality to the previously reviewed Callaghan Ann’s Cuvee, making it a pretty good deal. Better chardonnays exist at this price-point, but not too many. Drink up.

Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's Cuvee, 2003

2005-06-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

From the bottle, Ann's Cuvee is made from grapes harvested in Cochise County, Arizona (US). By percentage breakdown it is 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Gris, and 33% Malvasia. This is a red wine drinker's white wine, with plenty of character and a hefty 14.5 percent alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Purchased on a recent wine trip to the high deserts of Elgin, AZ

What did I pair it with: Salmon

Appearance: Light golden in color, with the long legs you'd expect with 14.5% alcohol

Smell: Pears and wisps of smoke

Taste: Smoked fruit in a bottle, this is an unusual one (in a good way). It starts with that hint of smoke from the nose, easing into the fruitier pears/mangos that I would expect from a Callaghan white, ending in a quick citrus finish.

Price: $19
Quality rating: 85/100
Value rating: 45.13/60

Takeaway: Arizona wines are getting better. This wine was actually better for us in the tasting room than it was at dinner, but that is bound to happen from time to time. A value rating of 45.13 is less than I would expect from a near $20 wine (48 or so would be closer), but I'll be sure to taste the 04's when they come out, as I'm sure the quality trend will keep on rising.