Month: July 2015

Clos du Bois Pinot Noir California 2013: Plush, medium body, nice fruit expression; Continue reading “Clos du Bois Pinot Noir California 2013” →

Bodegas Beronia Rioja Reserva 2008: Plum, dark cherry, some cola, cloves, chocolate, toast, Continue reading “Bodegas Beronia Rioja Reserva 2008” →

Michael and David The Seven Deadly Zins 2012: Michael and David’s Lodi operation pours out zinsational zin values Continue reading “Michael and David The Seven Deadly Zins 2012” →

Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2012: Plum, dark cherry, blackberry, raspberry, Continue reading “Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2012” →

Château de Trinquevedel Tavel (rosé) 2013: White cherry, white raspberry, strawberry, pinch of pepper, passion fruit, Continue reading “Château de Trinquevedel Tavel 2013” →

Elyse Nero Misto Red Wine 2011: Field grape blend resplendent with jammy California fruit; round, smooth, delicious, flirts with big jammy but doesn’t get there (thankfully). Continue reading “Elyse Nero Misto Red Wine 2011” →

La Merika Chardonnay Central Coast 2013: Citrus, green apples, lemon, green pear, green melon, pinch of pineapple, hint of honey; nicely sharp acidity bodes well for food pairing, but tasty solo, too; clean, bright on the palate; simple, straight-forward, nice effort. La Merika honors the star that supposedly led early explorers to the Western Hemisphere; it has special meaning in Knights Templar and Freemason history. $13

Bogle Phantom Red 2011: Very smooth, nicely tasty; raspberry, cherry, blackberry, dash of vanilla, suggestion of oak; blend of zin, petite sirah, mourvèdre; full body, restrained acidy makes it more pour to drink solo than with food, but delicious and smooth; a red blend folks who are not into red blends will enjoy. Bogle boogies again; consistently good value. $18

Casa Contini Biferno Riserva Red Wine 2009: Superb, peppery-sweet nose; smoke, black fruits, red cherry, blueberry; smooth, balanced, wonderful complexity for the price; Southern Italian montepulciano (85%) and aglianico (15%) grapes combine for medium body with rustic edges, forest floor, reserved tannins, some acidity, lushness, too, excellent finish. Aged 18 months in large barrels made from Slovakian oak. Great value and delicious experience; this is by no means your everyday $15 red wine. $15

Mauro Molino Barbera D’Alba 2013: Very straightforward, mellow, simple red; cherry, raspberry, blueberry, some eucalyptus; very smooth, almost no tannic tang, reserved acidity, no oak. Barbera efforts typically are not complex, and this exactly fits the mold. If you are into bold red statements, this is not for you; if you want a simple, tasty red that doesn’t mind playing a restrained, supporting role at your meal, this works well. $17