This week’s selection:
Winery: Louis Martini
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Price Paid: $12.49 (normally $17.99)
Vintage: 2007
Area: California, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 13.9%
Purchased: Meijer (On Sale)
Overall: A very good old school Cab with a lot going for it for the money. I had this on two occasions, once with steak and then later with a Burger (made from Buffalo meat) when in Colorado and it went well with both. I'm going to buy a few bottles of this while it is on sale.
Reviews
From the K & L Wines website – http://www.klwines.com/
2007 Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #1049353
90 points from Robert Parker: "I am also including their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma, a 290,000-case blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest the other Bordeaux varietals. An exquisite value, this is a seductive, fleshy, fruity wine with excellent texture, body, and balance. Lots of cassis as well as silky tannins characterize this top bargain pick! Drink it over the next 5-7 years." (12/09) Martini's 2007 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from several of Sonoma County's most prestigious appellations and blended seamlessly to bring together the unique characteristics of each, creating a superbly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine offers many layers, featuring aromas and flavors of red cherry, blackberry and fresh sage with an underlying dry creek dustiness. Subtle herbal notes are complemented by additional layers of chocolate and vanilla, resulting in a complex, yet easy drinking wine. From Wine Spectator: 'Ripe and supple, offering plum and black cherry fruit that's elegant and polished, complex and easy-drinking. Drink now through 2013." (11/09) And from Wine Enthusiast: "Here's a nice, elegant Cabernet that shows some special qualities for the price. It's dry and smooth, with classic Cabernet flavors of black currants, spices and cedar, and rich, sweet tannins. Ready now." (12/09)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ravenswood Old Vines Zinfandel Sonoma 2007
This week’s selection:
Winery: Ravenswood
Varietal: Old Vines Zinfandel
Price Paid: $14.95
Vintage: 2007
Area: California, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 15%
Purchased: Kroger’s (On Sale)
Overall: This is a nice Red Zinfandel, particularly for the sale price with plenty of fruit and spice. Honestly, this is well worth the $14.95 sale price. I had it with Broiled Flank Steak in a Chipotle/Lime Marinade which was a nice match. Have it with steak or burgers.
Reviews
Winemaker's Notes:
It's been more than twenty years since we began blending fruit from our county's historic Zinfandel regions — chiefly Dry Creek and Sonoma Valleys — to create this stylish wine, now considered our flagship bottling. Deep, dark, full and spicy, it exudes the power and complexity of its old-vine origins (including Carignane and Petite Sirah, Zinfandel's traditional field companions) but also brims with muscular balance and Zin's famous berry fruit, epitomizing the robust appeal of our favorite varietal. If you need to know why Sonoma County is renowned as the home of California's heritage grape, look no further.
Critical Acclaim:
Only found user ratings:
Amazing Value!!!
By West12078785, August 17, 2006
This wine is unbelievably delicious and inexpensive. A true FIND!
Awesome Zin
By Vinatero, July 07, 2004
This is a BIG and Fruity Zin. It has a full body without the edge ( big spice). It has mellowed since it has been in oak for longer than most, but does not have a strong oak taste. The fruit prevails here and the finish is long and smooth. Ravenswood hit a Grand Slam with this one. I am a big fan of Ravenswood since the consistently have great wines.
Just delicious, with some complexity
By NCTomatoman, January 20, 2004
This wine defines great Zin for my wife and I - and appears to be consistent from year to year. Big brambly berry nose (blackberries and raspberries), lush and deep fruit on the palate, smooth, just enough tannin to prevent it from being too soft. Great depth, very highly recommended, and well priced.
Really nice
By Candra13506533, April 15, 2009
This is the exact wine that turned me on to reds in the first place. Perfect amount of tannins and very well balanced. Great!
What good Zin is all about
By Lobsterchurch11681961, June 23, 2008
Wow. This is really good wine. It’s been awhile since I’ve popped a bottle of zin. I had it with Grilled pork Al pastor with pineapple and Indian fry bread. I thought I’d give a red a try with the spicy stuff. Usually I go with a white but this was soo good. Try it with Mexican food.
Winery: Ravenswood
Varietal: Old Vines Zinfandel
Price Paid: $14.95
Vintage: 2007
Area: California, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 15%
Purchased: Kroger’s (On Sale)
Overall: This is a nice Red Zinfandel, particularly for the sale price with plenty of fruit and spice. Honestly, this is well worth the $14.95 sale price. I had it with Broiled Flank Steak in a Chipotle/Lime Marinade which was a nice match. Have it with steak or burgers.
Reviews
Winemaker's Notes:
It's been more than twenty years since we began blending fruit from our county's historic Zinfandel regions — chiefly Dry Creek and Sonoma Valleys — to create this stylish wine, now considered our flagship bottling. Deep, dark, full and spicy, it exudes the power and complexity of its old-vine origins (including Carignane and Petite Sirah, Zinfandel's traditional field companions) but also brims with muscular balance and Zin's famous berry fruit, epitomizing the robust appeal of our favorite varietal. If you need to know why Sonoma County is renowned as the home of California's heritage grape, look no further.
Critical Acclaim:
Only found user ratings:
Amazing Value!!!
By West12078785, August 17, 2006
This wine is unbelievably delicious and inexpensive. A true FIND!
Awesome Zin
By Vinatero, July 07, 2004
This is a BIG and Fruity Zin. It has a full body without the edge ( big spice). It has mellowed since it has been in oak for longer than most, but does not have a strong oak taste. The fruit prevails here and the finish is long and smooth. Ravenswood hit a Grand Slam with this one. I am a big fan of Ravenswood since the consistently have great wines.
Just delicious, with some complexity
By NCTomatoman, January 20, 2004
This wine defines great Zin for my wife and I - and appears to be consistent from year to year. Big brambly berry nose (blackberries and raspberries), lush and deep fruit on the palate, smooth, just enough tannin to prevent it from being too soft. Great depth, very highly recommended, and well priced.
Really nice
By Candra13506533, April 15, 2009
This is the exact wine that turned me on to reds in the first place. Perfect amount of tannins and very well balanced. Great!
What good Zin is all about
By Lobsterchurch11681961, June 23, 2008
Wow. This is really good wine. It’s been awhile since I’ve popped a bottle of zin. I had it with Grilled pork Al pastor with pineapple and Indian fry bread. I thought I’d give a red a try with the spicy stuff. Usually I go with a white but this was soo good. Try it with Mexican food.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve 2007 Chardonnay
This week’s selection:
Winery: Kendall-Jackson
Varietal: Chardonnay (Grand Reserve)
Price Paid: $16.34
Vintage: 2007
Area: California, Monterey and Santa Barbara
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Sam’s Club
Overall: Only 3% of Kendall-Jackson's Chardonnay grapes make it into this wine. This is a flavor bomb with lots going on. I like this wine. I don't always agree with the professional reviewers but this has a ton of flavor, lots of tropical fruit, oak, acidity... Here is a link to the wine- makers Spec Sheet: http: //www.kj.com/wines/grand-reserve/PDF/GR2007_Chard.pdf
Reviews
Winemaker's Notes:
Elegant and tropical with hints of lemon oil essence, key lime and yellow grapefruit. Notes of ripe pineapple and mango can be found throughout this exquisitely balanced Chardonnay. Lushly layered and viscous with a firm acidity and enchanting creamy texture. The finish lingers on and on.
Critical Acclaim:
"Some serious vineyards' fruit is included in this wine, which no doubt explains the big, tropical fruit-scented nose, fine acidity, and medium to full-bodied flavors. It is an amazing Chardonnay for the price."90 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Monterey's cool-climate flavors of lemons and limes marry richer, more tropical Santa Barbara notes in this creamy smooth Chardonnay. Oak plays a prominent role, lending an edge of vanilla and buttered toast. This is a very good price for the quality. "91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
Winery: Kendall-Jackson
Varietal: Chardonnay (Grand Reserve)
Price Paid: $16.34
Vintage: 2007
Area: California, Monterey and Santa Barbara
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Sam’s Club
Overall: Only 3% of Kendall-Jackson's Chardonnay grapes make it into this wine. This is a flavor bomb with lots going on. I like this wine. I don't always agree with the professional reviewers but this has a ton of flavor, lots of tropical fruit, oak, acidity... Here is a link to the wine- makers Spec Sheet: http: //www.kj.com/wines/grand-reserve/PDF/GR2007_Chard.pdf
Reviews
Winemaker's Notes:
Elegant and tropical with hints of lemon oil essence, key lime and yellow grapefruit. Notes of ripe pineapple and mango can be found throughout this exquisitely balanced Chardonnay. Lushly layered and viscous with a firm acidity and enchanting creamy texture. The finish lingers on and on.
Critical Acclaim:
"Some serious vineyards' fruit is included in this wine, which no doubt explains the big, tropical fruit-scented nose, fine acidity, and medium to full-bodied flavors. It is an amazing Chardonnay for the price."90 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Monterey's cool-climate flavors of lemons and limes marry richer, more tropical Santa Barbara notes in this creamy smooth Chardonnay. Oak plays a prominent role, lending an edge of vanilla and buttered toast. This is a very good price for the quality. "91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thurston Wolfe JTW's 2007 Port
This week’s selection:
Winery: Thurston Wolfe
Varietal: Port made of Touriga, Souzao, Petite Sirah and
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Price Paid: $10.00 (375 ml)
Vintage: 2007
Area: Washington State
Alcohol: 19%
Purchased: Papa Joe’s in Birmingham, MI
Overall: In my limited port experience, in the world of port to get a lower priced port that is still enjoyable generally means a tawny port. This port defied that conventional wisdom and was delightful and delicious. A true bargain. It will go extremly well with any chocolate dessert (had it with dark chocolate cake with bits of orange), blue cheese...
Reviews:
Great Article in the Seattle Metropolitan: The Port Man of Prosser
http://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/articles/0209-pour-crush/
Winemaker’s Description
Our 2007 JTW PORT is a blend of TOURIGA (39%) and SOUZAO (10%) from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard, PETITE SIRAH (20%) from the Zephyr Ridge Vineyard and CABERNET SAUVIGNON (25%) from the Crawford Vineyard. Touriga and Souzao are Portuguese Port varieties that produce aromatic wines with deep ruby color. Petite Sirah adds color and structure and Cabernet contributes bright fruit aromas to the blend. The final blend was prepared on September 2008 and bottled July 2009. Descriptors: Black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate, spice and black pepper. Enjoy with anything chocolate, Stilton cheese and Bartlett pears, or curled up next to a winter fire. This wine is 19% alcohol, 10% residual sugar.
Winery: Thurston Wolfe
Varietal: Port made of Touriga, Souzao, Petite Sirah and
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Price Paid: $10.00 (375 ml)
Vintage: 2007
Area: Washington State
Alcohol: 19%
Purchased: Papa Joe’s in Birmingham, MI
Overall: In my limited port experience, in the world of port to get a lower priced port that is still enjoyable generally means a tawny port. This port defied that conventional wisdom and was delightful and delicious. A true bargain. It will go extremly well with any chocolate dessert (had it with dark chocolate cake with bits of orange), blue cheese...
Reviews:
Great Article in the Seattle Metropolitan: The Port Man of Prosser
http://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/articles/0209-pour-crush/
Winemaker’s Description
Our 2007 JTW PORT is a blend of TOURIGA (39%) and SOUZAO (10%) from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard, PETITE SIRAH (20%) from the Zephyr Ridge Vineyard and CABERNET SAUVIGNON (25%) from the Crawford Vineyard. Touriga and Souzao are Portuguese Port varieties that produce aromatic wines with deep ruby color. Petite Sirah adds color and structure and Cabernet contributes bright fruit aromas to the blend. The final blend was prepared on September 2008 and bottled July 2009. Descriptors: Black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate, spice and black pepper. Enjoy with anything chocolate, Stilton cheese and Bartlett pears, or curled up next to a winter fire. This wine is 19% alcohol, 10% residual sugar.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec 2006
This week’s selection:
Winery: Bodega Norton Reserva
Varietal: Malbec
Price Paid: $13.33
Vintage: 2006
Area: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 14%
Purchased: Sam’s Club
Overall: This was underwhelming to me with a bit of an edge on the finish that I just did not like. I am definitely in the minority when you look at Snooth, the consumer ratings are quite good. Sometimes, I wonder how influenced people are by Wine Spectator (which I frankly disagree with as much as I agree with). I had 3 bottles of the Broquel Malbec in the past year that I enjoyed much more than this (granted a different vintage).
Reviews:
Wine Spectator awarded 90 points and reported, "Very toasty offering, showy mocha and spice aromatics, but there's also plenty of flesh, with lush raspberry, fig and plum notes that follow through on the long, polished finish. Drink now through 2010. 52,000 cases made."
A consumer review that I couldn’t resist sharing from Cork’d:
87/100 Earthy on the nose along with notes of blackberry and blueberry. A little funkiness along with dark fruit and a fairly spicy finish. A little bit of a rubber ball element coming through. A bit hollow on the mid palate but the tannins are soft and round giving this wine a quality mouthfeel. A solid effort at this price point but I find myself wanting the fruit to be a bit more forward.
Winery: Bodega Norton Reserva
Varietal: Malbec
Price Paid: $13.33
Vintage: 2006
Area: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 14%
Purchased: Sam’s Club
Overall: This was underwhelming to me with a bit of an edge on the finish that I just did not like. I am definitely in the minority when you look at Snooth, the consumer ratings are quite good. Sometimes, I wonder how influenced people are by Wine Spectator (which I frankly disagree with as much as I agree with). I had 3 bottles of the Broquel Malbec in the past year that I enjoyed much more than this (granted a different vintage).
Reviews:
Wine Spectator awarded 90 points and reported, "Very toasty offering, showy mocha and spice aromatics, but there's also plenty of flesh, with lush raspberry, fig and plum notes that follow through on the long, polished finish. Drink now through 2010. 52,000 cases made."
A consumer review that I couldn’t resist sharing from Cork’d:
87/100 Earthy on the nose along with notes of blackberry and blueberry. A little funkiness along with dark fruit and a fairly spicy finish. A little bit of a rubber ball element coming through. A bit hollow on the mid palate but the tannins are soft and round giving this wine a quality mouthfeel. A solid effort at this price point but I find myself wanting the fruit to be a bit more forward.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Petite Petit 2006 Red Rhone Varietal
This week’s selection:
Winery: Michael - David
Varietal: Petite Sirah and Peitit Verdot
Price Paid: $19.99
Vintage: 2006
Area: Lodi, CA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Purchased: First Tasted at Leaf, Barley and Vine Wine Bar also available at Meijer
Overall: This is a kick-butt in your face red wine and you expect it from these two varietals. Jammy, spicy, and sweet fruit with a good finish. I loved it. Don’t notice the alcohol even at 14.5%.
Great label, textured with two elephants on the cover (Petite Sirah 85%/PetiteVerdot 15%), a mouse juggling grapes... Circus motif, hilarious. Yes, Sirah is actually the proper spelling, I looked it up.
Seriously, if you can, go to Leaf, Barley and Vine and taste it otherwise look for it at your local retailer. You will not be disappointed. http://www.leafbarleyvine.com/about_us.html
Made by Michael and David Phillips the makers of “Seven Deadly Zins” out of Lodi.
http://www.lodivineyards.com/index.htm
Reviews:
All I could find online were user reviews but check them out these are the first four reviews by individuals on Snooth:
1. At the price, this wine is phenomenal. really tasty, gets better after it sits a bit.
2. Love this! Thick and rich.
3. Totally fabulous, especially at this price.
4. Wonderful!
Winery: Michael - David
Varietal: Petite Sirah and Peitit Verdot
Price Paid: $19.99
Vintage: 2006
Area: Lodi, CA
Alcohol: 14.5%
Purchased: First Tasted at Leaf, Barley and Vine Wine Bar also available at Meijer
Overall: This is a kick-butt in your face red wine and you expect it from these two varietals. Jammy, spicy, and sweet fruit with a good finish. I loved it. Don’t notice the alcohol even at 14.5%.
Great label, textured with two elephants on the cover (Petite Sirah 85%/PetiteVerdot 15%), a mouse juggling grapes... Circus motif, hilarious. Yes, Sirah is actually the proper spelling, I looked it up.
Seriously, if you can, go to Leaf, Barley and Vine and taste it otherwise look for it at your local retailer. You will not be disappointed. http://www.leafbarleyvine.com/about_us.html
Made by Michael and David Phillips the makers of “Seven Deadly Zins” out of Lodi.
http://www.lodivineyards.com/index.htm
Reviews:
All I could find online were user reviews but check them out these are the first four reviews by individuals on Snooth:
1. At the price, this wine is phenomenal. really tasty, gets better after it sits a bit.
2. Love this! Thick and rich.
3. Totally fabulous, especially at this price.
4. Wonderful!
Trefethen 2006 Double T Bordeaux Blend
This week’s selection:
Winery: Trefethen
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend
Price Paid: $19.99
Vintage: 2006
Area: Napa Valley, CA
Alcohol: 13%
Purchased: Bella Vino Fine Wines
Overall: Popular wine with customers according to Ronnie at Bella Vino. Honestly, it was a good bottle of wine and you wouldn’t be disappointed but it just didn’t stand out for me. And, I am looking for wines that stand out in the price range…
Reviews:
From the Flemings Steakhouse website -
TREFETHEN Double T Napa Valley, 2006
"A lot of wine," says Wine and Spirits magazine of this Bordeaux blend, with its plummy, jammy nose, its cherry-berry flavor profile, and its smooth, chocolate-covered finish. Its name, Double T, derives from the configuration of the vines on their trellises, but with a bit of imagination, one begins to envision it as the brand of an old-time California cattle ranch. "Order a glass at a steakhouse," the magazine goes on to suggest. We couldn't agree more. Sustainable
Winery: Trefethen
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend
Price Paid: $19.99
Vintage: 2006
Area: Napa Valley, CA
Alcohol: 13%
Purchased: Bella Vino Fine Wines
Overall: Popular wine with customers according to Ronnie at Bella Vino. Honestly, it was a good bottle of wine and you wouldn’t be disappointed but it just didn’t stand out for me. And, I am looking for wines that stand out in the price range…
Reviews:
From the Flemings Steakhouse website -
TREFETHEN Double T Napa Valley, 2006
"A lot of wine," says Wine and Spirits magazine of this Bordeaux blend, with its plummy, jammy nose, its cherry-berry flavor profile, and its smooth, chocolate-covered finish. Its name, Double T, derives from the configuration of the vines on their trellises, but with a bit of imagination, one begins to envision it as the brand of an old-time California cattle ranch. "Order a glass at a steakhouse," the magazine goes on to suggest. We couldn't agree more. Sustainable
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