Box of wine

That's right, I had a box of wine with dinner and it was good. Non-Vintage box of table wine. Good citrus notes with a pretty light nose, clear as a bell and ready to rock. Only cost me €1,70 for 3 little boxes. Not bad for a daily drinker.

2007 Cantina dei Colli Amerini, Ameroe Rosso €4,00

A buddy of mine brought over this gem one night for dinner but we never got the chance to open it. A few night later she was cracked open. He told me it was about €4,00 and has been buying it for dinner. Not a bad little bottle! Great fresh nose of light flowers and a smooth delicate palate. The finish was nice and soft. This is not one of those big hitters where you need a steak, this will do fine for chicken or fish. Production is pretty small at only around 100 cases. Good choice Brad.

Matt Skinner: Yes, I've recommended untasted wines

The following was posted on the Decanter.com website a few days ago. This is the kind of shit that gives us wine nerds a bad name. People that are SO big on themselves that they start to recommend wines they have never tasted.

Matt Skinner: Yes, I've recommended untasted wines

November 13, 2009

Stuart Peskett and Adam Lechmere

Jamie Oliver's head of wine Matt Skinner has admitted to not tasting several wines that he recommends in his latest book.

In The Juice 2010, published by Mitchell Beazley in the UK, Skinner lists New World wines from the 2009 vintage that were not bottled until months after the last deadline for the book.

Skinner, who is group wine manager for TV chef Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant in Melbourne, was originally criticised by New Zealand wine writer Michael Cooper in The Listener magazine.

Cooper claimed that Skinner could not have recommended a New Zealand wine months ahead of publication, before Cooper himself had even tasted it.

In a statement sent to decanter.com Skinner said, 'It is imperative that I taste all the wines that I recommend.

'However there are some releases that are consistent from year to year, and as popular, good value and accessible wines I want to include them because I know that my readers will appreciate them.

'In order to do so I include non-specific tasting notes based on the current and previous year's vintage, focusing more on basic flavours and compatibility with food.'

There is no indication in the text that these notes are non-specific. The entry for the Vasse Felix Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River, priced at £11.99, reads, '…the palate is fresh as a daisy and puncuated by the kind of lip-smacking acidity that makes this wine almost impossible to put down.'

The wines recommended from 2009 are Jacob's Creek Riesling 2009, Nepenthe Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Vasse Felix Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River, Brown Brothers Moscato, Unison Rosé, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand and Doña Dominga Old Vines Chardonnay from Colchagua, Chile.

Skinner's tasting notes are submitted every January, with a final revision date in May, before publication in October of the same year. Most of the wines in question are not bottled, or shown for tasting, until June or July.

Hilary Lumsden, Mitchell Beazley commissioning editor, said, 'For our first edition, in 2006, the feedback we got was that by the time people went out and bought the book, the wines were already off the shelves, so the book was effectively out of date.

'We either upset one side or the other. There's the side that wants the most up-to-date information, and there's Michael Cooper's side. The majority of the wines in The Juice don't rely on vintage variation. A lot of them are going to be consistent each vintage.'

However, in a recent GQ column, Skinner wrote: 'It's important to remember that every year is different and that no two years – even in the same spot – will ever be the same. That's the beauty of Mother Nature.'

Mitchell Beazley said in a statement, 'It is always our intention that the advice we give is accurate and reflective of the wines available.'

Mitchell Beazley is the UK's leading wine publisher, whose list of authors includes Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson (the World Atlas of Wine), Andrew Jefford (The New France), Stephen Brook, Michael Schuster and other major wine writers.

2007 Corvo Red Wine, Sicily 375ml €2,35

I was at the store a few days ago and picked up a few 1/2 bottles of wine to have around the new place. Since the wife does not like wine (I know) and I have no real place to store it, I will be buying wine as I go. I did see some nice 1/2 bottles of Sassicaia but Emily was with me and she already had a hunch I was going to try to sneak a bottle in. Back to the juice.

The 2007 Corvo Red Wine was shitty! I've sold tons of it at the store over the years, never really told anyone that I liked it but it sold so I left it alone. This this was just fucking gross. Color wise the wine was light to burgundy in color with a light rim. OK seemed nice. Had a nose of light fruit and sweet oak. Not sure what kind of oak but if I was a betting man I'd put a few dollars on Czech or Slavonian oak for 8 to 12 months. Again, just me though. On the palate this thing went down like a spiked punch then hit the tummy like a rock with acid covering it. Then came the burn of the throat and tummy. Where the hell are my Tums and what the hell was that. I'm having pasta with a medium red sauce and this thing just took my palate on a date with a ruffie to follow.

Lets hope the other bottle is better than the last!

I still have my eye on the Sassicaia!

No post in about a month

I will be posting soon. The wife and I moved to Rome Italy and have been setting up shop. Post will be coming in the next week......

Ciao

1994 Chateau Latour, Pauillac $400

This is the third time I have tasted this vintage. The first was at an auction tasting where I was outbid by $100 for the case and the other was when I cracked it open for a few people in the industry. This time it was ready for the rock and maybe even the roll.

Wine was still dark as night and very wealthy in the nose. I've always picked up the dark tree fruit and the hint of citrus but now I was getting a light fennel in the mix. On the palate this bitch was HUGE. Full bodied and rich with big tannins that tasted like having black pepper on the tip on the tongue. Tannins turned to silk as my mouth felt like I was having a silk milk shake. Finish was as long as a porn stars moan.

I've only got six bottles left so I think I'll wait a year till I crack another one. If I can wait that long.

2005 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon "Juliet" Napa Valley $50

As most people who know me, I am not a huge fan of California wines. It could be that I've tasted to many wines that were over oaked and lacking fruit. The 2005 Beau Vigne is completely different.

Barn door red in color. On the nose the wines has lots of soft black cherry and light coffee. The palate carries some light chocolate, vanilla with very silky tannins. Wine is medium to full bodied with a nice long 30 second finish. I really need to pick up a few more bottles of this.

Tasted 09/2008

2007 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $85.00

I want to be up front and honest. I have never been a real fan of Leonetti. The wines seem to be over oaked, over extracted and just to damn spendy for what they are. That being said...

***Please notes that I tried this wine about 12 hours after it was opened.

Rich red in color with a helping of oak, dried herbs and black tree fruit on the nose. On the palate more oak and herbs with some good sweet red fruit. The finish was actually smooth since the tannins were pretty calm and there are lots of fruit that follow. I think this might be on of the very few Leonetti wines I like.

2006 Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz Red Wine, Columbia Valley $50.00

I took this directly from the Betz Family Winery page. This is one hell of a blend.

47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec

41% Horse Heaven Hills, 31% Yakima Valley, 28% Red Mountain

Another wine that blend that is out of this world. Burgundy in color with rich notes of Casis, mocha and a hint of espresso. Soft and rich on the palate with light cherry on the finish.

If you are looking for a wine that will knock your socks out for a great price. Plus for the so-called low-end Betz wine, look at all the different grapes and vineyards used for this blend.

2006 Betz Family Winery Syrah, La Côte Rousse. Red Mountain $75.00

First let say that this Syrah is almost black with a rich red rim. On the nose, rich spices, dried herbs and a hint of mocha/latte. On the palate this wine makes you stand up. Let me say that as a 2006, it should sit for another few years! On the palate black pepper comes to mind with very light hints of dark chocolate. The wine is perfectly balanced with the tannins being huge but still within the white line. I do know Bob Betz, MW to say that I have taken some wine lessons from him while I was working at Chateau Ste. Michelle and that he is someone I look up too in the wine world. He is a man of his word and makes wines that are made to drink and age. Damn good shit!

2005 Shafer One Point Five, Stags Leap District, Napa $70

All I can say is that this bitch is big and it felt like it was so full in the mouth it was going to dribble out. Loads of dry red fruit with a slight spice on the nose. On the palate there are some nice wood spices and currants. Tannins are full and pretty well balanced. Nice but really not my kind of wine.

2006 Spring Valley Vineyard Uriah, Walla Walla $50

With a blend of 54% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, this wine is a beauty. Pretty dark in color with just a hint of purple in the center. Good amount of black vine fruit and stone fruit. Palate wise this wine has some pretty big tannins and the heat to back it up. I believe Speculator gave this around a 93 and I would guess Parker would hit it with a 94. Pretty nice wine if you like right-bank Bordeaux styles. I just wish we could go back to the days of 12% alcohol.

4 Wines From Chateau Ste. Michelle

I headed down to the winery today to just taste a few wines and sharpen my palate. First of all, the price of the pay tasting bar is now $10 rather than $5. Fine, I'll bite. Service was a bit poor and seemed like they were just not into what they were doing. Sad since when I worked there I always wanted to come into work. Had a group of people that came in from the Vintage Reserve Room (This is the high-end tasting room) and take up a bunch of room. They kept trying to get more people at the bar which was pushing me out. Funny since they could not pronounce the names of the grapes. Oh well.

2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay $18.00

Light yellow in color with hints of butter and tropical fruit. Has a slight spice on the plate yet finishes pretty smooth. It seems more like a Chardonnay that is wanting to be more than it can. I like it but nothing I would go out of my way to get.

2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Mourvèdre, Columbia Valley $26.00

With a blend of 90% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, this beast is brick red with hints of cola on the rim. On the nose, wet fur and dander. On the palate...rich earth tones with hints of light smoke. The tannins are pretty soft and last for a few minutes. Food wine!

2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley $30

Black Cherry in color with hints brick red on the rim. Pretty full-bodied and rich on the nose with notes of cola and light tar. Tannins were round but full at the end. Nice wine but needs to be drank with food, maybe some pork.

2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabinet Riesling, Columbia Valley $17

At first I was kind of pissed that CSM would do a word-play on a German style of wine, but after tasting it I thought it was OK. Riesling was clear as a bell with a strong note of dried honey and light yellow pear. The palate was great but was nothing like a German Kabinet. Has a real zestyness to it. Lightly crisp on the palate with nice notes of light jasmine and fresh green apples. Finish was soft and beautiful. Nice wine.

2001 Eroica Single Berry Select by Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley, $200 for 375ml

If you ever have the chance to try any of the Single Berry Select Rieslings...DO IT! Only 145 cases of this vintage was produced, I have 2 more bottles of this liquid love.

With a color of light amber, almost looking like the 1988 Chateau d'Yquem. With a nose of light pineapple and honey still in the wax, this beauty coats your mouth like motor oil. Notes of wet stone fruit with hints of light clove...this thing was amazing.

While there were only four of us there when there was going to be about 12. They missed out like no mans business. Oh well, I know that Kathy, David and Asha loved it. That's all I cared about.

One down, two to go.

2004 Chateau Branas Grand Poujeaux, Moulis $24.99

Deep red in color with some great mocha and coffee notes. Medium to full bodied with notes of tar and cedar. Tannins are pretty balanced yet have a nice little sweet bit at the end. I like it.

2006 Stevenson Cellars Syrah, Columbia Valley

Almost burgundy in color with a hint of mud. Soft on the finish with nice easy tannins. The wine was good but I think it may have lost some of its love over night.

2006 Stevenson Cellars Cabernet Sauvigon, Columbia Valley

Almost brick-red in color. Rich spices with soft red fruit and spices. Tannins are pretty big but are very well balanced. Finish of smoke and pencil lead were interesting. Not sure if there was any Cabernet Franc in the wine, but it sure had the note.

Steveson Cellars Red Wine, Columbia Valley $17.00

Before I started really getting into the wines of the day I was treated with a few wines from Stevenson Cellars wines that were poured the night before. The red blend is a non-vintage red wine that has a deep red color with strong cherry and wet cedar notes. Had lost a little bit of its power but had some solid spices and rich toasted oak on the finish. Very nice soft red wine.

2008 Wolf Pinot Noir Rose, Pfalz

Almost slightly light pink. Light sea salt on the nose. Soft on the palate with nice notes of fig and fennel. This is a great Rose for people who are afraid to taste rose wines, but has enough for the MW in all of us.

Wines from Alsace

I had a few wines from Alsace that were sitting around so I thought I'd take 20 minutes to go through them. I know that a lot of people from the US are not the Alsace wine drinking type but these types of wines are great.

2006 Hugel et Fils Riesling, Alsace $16.99

There is a light hint of yellow in color. Notes of rubber and minerals. On the palate there are some great notes of wet rock, stone fruit and a bit of sea salt. The finish is was a bit off as the wine seemed to be a bit flabby at the the end.

Tasted 8/09

2006 Hugel et Fils Gentil, Alsace $13.99

Almost pee in color with a hint of scotch whiskey with minerals and nutmeg, which was a bit odd! Solid on the palate with a slight spice of sea salt and minerals. Finish is smooth and kind of light. Pretty nice wine but again I think most from the US might not like the way this wine is made.

Tasted 8/09

2007 Pierre Sparr Riesling, Alsace $12.99

Clear with a light color of Champagne. Hints of lime peel with a dose of green crisp apple. Good acidity on the palate with some soft wet stone on the finish. Mineral notes are something that come to note on the Riesling. (People from the US might not like this one)

Tasted 8/09

2002 Pierre Sparr Riesling "Mamburg" Alsace $25.99

I'd have to say that this was and is a great Gran Cru Riesling from Alsace. Clear with a light Chardonnay in color, almost a hint past hay color. Wet stone with some minerals or vitamins on the nose, hints of light ginger followed. Good amount of RS with a soft silk-likeness on the palate. The wine flows through the palate like a wave of silk! Medium bodied with some pretty good acidity. Great wine.

Tasted 8/10/09

1971 von Simmern, Langwerth - Rauenthaler Baiken Riesling Auslese $175

If you really know me then you know that I'm kind of a German Riesling nut! When I come across a nice old bottle of juice, my wife usually can tell that something is up an will take my debit card away!

Riesling was a bit lighter than honey in color. Rich petrol, wet rock and fresh rain on the nose. On the palate this thing covered your mouth like a shot of Nyquil (not sure on the flavor, oil if they made it).

The finish was dry with more great petrol notes and nice notes of stone fruit. The acidity on this bitch could last another 5 years though! I love it!

**Image in not actual bottle

1986 Maison Leroy Gevrey Chambertin, Estournelles St. Jacques, Cote de Nuits $80

The first bottle I tried was cooked. Bottle two was a bit different though.

Bright red berry fruit on the nose as the color of the wines was less ruby and more brown than anything. Hints of light spices with red fruit on the palate. Wine actually held up pretty well for a 1er cru that was 20 years old.

On the finish it was silky soft with very light tannins. I think this wine is ready now and should be consumed within the next few years of less.

Tasted 1/07

1985 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $95

Deep red in color with a hint of brown on the rim. Brown spices and sugar on the nose with hints of dried fruit. There was pretty good acidity considering it was a 20 year old cab from CA. There was a light lemon zest on the finish which was strange since it was a red and I was tasting things that usually come from a white?

1979 Château Haut-Batailley, Pauillac $125

Deep red with light purple notes. Very veggie on the nose with a palate of green shrubs. This wine did not hold up well at all. Acidity was not there and the palate was kinda shot.

1978 Maison Jaffelin Echezeaux, Cote de Nuits $150

Almost a shade of brown in color with a nose of baked potato that headed toward dried flowers and light herbs. Light strawberry and cherries on the palate with little tannins coming into play. The acidity was pretty low as I think this baby was past her prime but still showing what a textbook Echezeaux nose is. It was nice.

1933 Justino's Malmsey Madeira $300

This was a wine or Madeira that I had been wanting to taste for years. This is the reason I got into the wine world.

The color of the beauty was like a light suede jacket. The nose was worth just sitting there and sniffing for a few days. With loads of caramel, butterscotch, and rusted nuts...I was willing to take the rest of the day off.

On the palate it had good dryness and light hints of cocoa, lime and more nuts. There was also a light hint of field grass.

Overall, this was something I was proud to put my name behind. It had enough acidity to last another 20 years but why would I want to wait? I want all my friends to try it. Maybe the reason why I bought 6 bottles.

Tasted 1/07 while assessing a cellar.

2000 La Spinetta, Barolo $120

Deep red to almost black in color. Nose of Jasmine and fancy soap. Lots of laundry and huge tannins on the palate. Less fruit but more wood, very strange since my last bottle was the opposite. The finish was pretty damn big and could use some air before taking the journey.

Tasted 1/07 while assessing a cellar.

1974 Bertani Amarone, Veneto $200

Bottle was in great condition so we decided that it was the best one to taste. Brown on the rim but blood red in the center. The nose was full of red licorice, candies, and light green bell peppers. On the palate it was holding up pretty well for a 33 year old Amarone.

Very sweet tannins with a nice rich prune/spice finish. Very soft on the finish. At $200 per bottle this wine was a gem. I wish I could have picked up a few but my wife would have killed me.

Tasted 1/07 while assessing a cellar.

1989 Chateau La Fleur-Petrus, Pomerol $120

Pretty deep red in color with a light brown rim. Rich wild blackberry on the nose with hints of pencil shavings. On the palate this wine was a full belly sit down! Rich tannins with a light herbal hint. Finish was a bit rough, almost like sandpaper. Give it a few more years or decant this bitch for a few hours.

Tasted 12/06 while assessing a cellar.

1982 Chateau Palmer, Margaux $200

Wine was great color for its age. Almost looking like a fresh Burgundy. nose of wet herbs and light berry jam. Very light on the palate with very soft tannins. On the finish there as more herbs with a very silky finish of light mocha and truffles. Wine was doing great and I think it is at its prime. Drink them up if you have them.

Tasted 12/06 while assessing a cellar.

1977 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port $130

Color of the port looked thin and brown. Nose was full of spices like Cinnamon. Pepper and spices on the palate with some nice rich tannins. Port was very well balanced and ready to rock and roll.

Tasted 12/06 assessing a cellar.

1987 Chateau Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac $45

the color was heading to the brown side of things. Nose of crushed green bell peppers. Soft on the palate with hints of spices and nutmeg on the end. Pretty on the finish with a light finish as well.

Tasted 12/06 assessing a cellar.

1943 Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan $650

Wine was ruby in color with soft red fruit with just a light-hint of VA. On the palate there were load of rust and iron. After 20 minutes or so the VA blew off and left some nice bright red berries and light minerals. Funny thing was that there was a little heat as well. Nice wine being that it was 63 years old.

Tasted 12/06 assessing a cellar.

1969 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue, Musigny-Blanc $800

The picture shows a bottle of 1983, but the one I tasted was a 1969.

Golden yellow in color with it heading toward the cider side of things. Hazelnut on the nose with a hint of astringent. On the palate the acidity was pretty big with notes of lemon peel.

At first I thought it was lousy, then I tasted it again. By the third taste I was in love. I'd pick a few up if they came around, but my wife would kill me.

Tasted 12/06 assessing a cellar.

1975 Peturs, Pomerol $1600

The color of the wine was the color of a fresh Pinot Noir. Port-like nose, possibly slightly oxidized or maybe was cooked. A few minutes later the wine went toward the dried flower side of things with hints of light lead and minerals.

The funny thing was that the tannins came into play toward the end of the palate. Tannins were quick and medium bodied. Funny that Parker gave this wine 98 points, I would have gave it a lot less, maybe around 89 points.

This is the end result of someone trying to auction off wines.

Tasted 12/06 while assessing a cellar.

2005 Crauford Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside $20.99

I'm getting more and more concerned about the wine I taste from Newman. All the wines I tasted seem to be on sale and all of them are rated by J. Newman. The word that all his reps tell me is that he is the biggest buyer of American wines in the US. Why? Which wines?

Wine is deep red in color, almost black. Rich spices and herbs on the nose with good structure. Big tannins and acidity. Wine is full bodied with an OK amount of balance. Dry on the end with notes of nutmeg and cassis.

Tasted 6/24/09 via Newman Wine & Spirits

2008 Kingsford Manor Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley $11.99

Light in color like a fine Champagne. Nose like a nice New Zealand, but the palate is one of a wine from California wine. Light with huge acidity and a nice green apple crispness. Light green bell pepper on the finish with notes of light oak chips.

Tasted 6/24/09 via Newman Wine & Spirits

2007 Mockingbird Hill Chardonnay, Napa Valley $12.99

Lighter than hay in color with a pretty neutral noes. Light scotch-like on the palate with hints of tree fruit and light oak. Wine is light and high in acidity on the finish with nuances on hay and wheat on the end.

Tasted 6/24/09 via Newman Wine & Spirits

2007 Thumbprint Cellars Chardonnay, Russian River Valley $14.99

Wine is light hay in color with a nice citrus and tropical fruit nose. Pretty acidic with light hints of lemon peel on the palate. No oak on this one. The finish was odd though as it had a finish that tasted like yeast, but the wine was not fermented via malo?

Tasted 6/24/09 via Newman Wine & Spirits

2004 Trimbach Gewürztraminer, Alsace $24.99

Almost golden in color, this wine deserve your full attention. One thing you will notice is the nose. That amazing nose of Lichee! That is how you know you have a Gewürztraminer in hand. There might even be a few notes of dried meat hanging around, but that's just me being a dork. Great acidity and balance as this wine on the palate shows you there are a few hints of pepper and spice with just a small note of violets. If you are looking for something to go with your Asian food...this is the wine for you.

2006 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace $15.99

This has a traditional nose of French Riesling. Lots of lime on the nose with hints of peach and minerals that follow. On the palate there seems to be more going on than I thought was going to be. It was like tasting citrus soaked in chalk with a hint of sugar to follow. Soft on the palate with a nice light finish. This is NOT an American Riesling so please ask before trying. Although I love it, you might want to start off slow...or just step up and try a great wine!

2003 Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris, Alsace $19.99

A bit darker in color as it tends to look like a beer that has sat out for a few days. Looks like it I said! Nice peach and ripe pears on the nose, there seems to be something else hanging around, but I can't nail it down yet. Spicy on the palate as there seems to be a hint of pepper and sea salt. Maybe even a hint of nuts as well. The finish was nice as it tended to leave very slowly and asking the question, "Please sir, may I have some more?"

2006 Trimbach Pinot Blanc, Alsace $14.99

Light in color this Pinot Blanc smells great. Although not a powerful white wine, Trimbach has made this very beautiful. With a not of light tropical fruit and hints on mineral, this is a great wine for the daily drink in all of us. Sea-salt on the palate, this wine will go great with some nice shell fish. On the palate the minerals come out more than the fruit which makes it perfect for some nice salt water fish on the grill. Good acidity and balance as the notes of white pepper linger for a few seconds. Textbook Pinot Blanc.

2006 Ex-Libris Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $16.99

I tasted this wine back in mid-February. At that time I thought it was too much money for the times and the economy. This wine is from 2 different vineyards, Champoux and Millbrandt.

Classic Washington State Cabernet. Rich fruits and hints of cedar and spice. Pretty full bodied on the palate with some good Bordelaise structure.

Overall this is a great wine. Big and bold with actual fruit rather than just a bunch of tannins like in most California wines.

Tasted 2/09 via Polaner

2007 Rudolf Müller Riesling Auslese, Mosel $16.99

I'm sorry mister, did you park your semi-truck near my nose?!

Almost hay-like in color. The nose of this $17 beast is to die for! This is why I got into the wine world. The nose is full of petrol notes with very-light hints of tropical fruit, maybe even a bit of jasmine in there.

The sugar level jumps out of your mouth like a bad case of the Hershey squirts! Acidity and balance in the key here. Wet rock, light mandarin and very crisp green apple hit the palate.

The finish is pretty soft yet still carries a bit of spice as it makes you wanting to take another sip. Thirst quenching yet refreshing. I wish more Americans knew about what was in these bottles. I'll will be visiting this winery in the late fall!

2007 Rudolf Müller Riesling Spätlese, Mosel $14.99

A bit darker than the Kabinett, but not by much. Nose of more petrol and lighter on the tropical fruits, this wine is heading to the "true German" side of Rieslings.

More sugar on the palate and even leaves a bit of lemon zest. Great notes of lemon/lime peel and light orange blossom. We are now starting to taste less fruit and more petrol notes. Great little wine. Will do great in the summer time with that fruit salad.

I would call this the getting ready for the true German wines of the world.

2007 Rudolf Müller Riesling Kabinett, Mosel $12.99

The first think you will notice is that it has the color of a Brut Champagne. The nose is to die for. Light mineral notes with a hint of petrol, with the background lingering some nice tropical fruit.

Very juicy on the palate with notes of wet rock and light fruit. At first I thought there was a lack of acidity but then came to the conclusion that this wine has enough acidity to balance out the sugar level.

On the finish there is a light spritz of carbonation as is slowly disappears from the mouth. Medium body, this wine will do great for that summer white. Love it.

3 Alarm Cellars Red, California $9.99

Black in color with a nose of spices and tea. Light tannins and OK acidity and balance. Wine reminds me of a wine that someone is making s they can make a quick buck. Not really impressed.

Tasted 6/18/09 via Gallo

2007 Avery Lane Merlot, Washington State $7.99

Clear with lots of red and black fruit on the nose. On the palate there is some luscious red fruit with hints of brown sugar and cola. Light tannins with a medium plus body. Great little wine for the price. great for a quick dinner fix or something to keep the heart red.

Tasted 6/18/09 via Gallo

2008 Avery Lane Riesling, Clumbia Valley $7.99

Clear with a light wet swifter nose. Rich tropical notes with soft white peach notes. Pretty good acidity with a nice crisp finish. Wines was not all the way chilled. Wine was decent for the price and I'm sure it will move because of the price.

Tasted 6/18/09 via Gallo

3 Alarm Cellars White, California $9.99

Clear with nice mineral notes. Light fresh fruit on the palate but nothing I would stand up and scream about. just another wine made with OK grapes.

Tasted 6/18/09 via Gallo

2008 Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand $14.99

Light green in color with light hay notes on the rim. Cat pee on the nose with a decent amount of shrubs on the nose. Crisp green apple on the palate with good acidity and balance. I like it but feel that New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have had their time in the area and are loosing the battle on the shelf.

Tasted 6/18/09 via Gallo

2007 Finca el Origen Reserva Torrantes, Uco Valley $10.99

Clear with a tropical fruit nose. high acidity with great balance. WOW, very nice but I hope it does not compete with the other Torrantes in the shop.

Tasted 6/16/09 via winemaker Andrés Caballero

2008 Santa Carolina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Chile $11.99

Wine was clear with a great New Zealand nose. All that cat pee that one wants was hitting the right spots. High acidity and great balance was to follow. Nice notes of green ferns on the palate.
Nice wine.

Tasted 6/16/09 via winemaker Andrés Caballero

2007 Finca el Origen Gran Reserva Malbec, Uco Valley $21.99

This Malbec is rich and luxuriant with generous amounts of nutmeg, allspice, blackberry, and Yemeni coffee. I'm not sure it is worth the price as I feel there are other Malbec's at lower prices that are better.

Tasted 6/16/09 with winemaker Andrés Caballero

2007 Finca el Origen Malbec Reserva, Uco Valley $11.99

Deep red hues with a great nose of stone fruit and blueberries. Notes of spices like cinnamon and thyme are hanging around. On the palate the wine is very well balanced with a lot of the nose coming into play. Tannins become pretty soft as the wine turns into liquid silk on the end. I like it.

Tasted 6/16/09 with winemaker Andrés Caballero

2007 Santa Carolina Pinot Noir Reserva, Chile $11.99

This was one of those rare times where you get $27 worth of Pinot Noir for only $12. Clear with a light brown rim. Rich notes of cherry and light brown sugar. Soft tannins with some good fruit notes, very silky on the finish. Wine was balanced very well. I can see this becoming a wine that people will be buying by the case. I'm willing to bet that it will hit at least 89 points by some people. Good stuff!

Tasted 6/16/09 with the winemaker Andrés Caballero

2006 Ancient Peaks Merlot, Margarita Vineyard, Paso Robles $14.99

I'm always kind of staying away from wines from California just for the fact that I'm getting tired of tasting the same of oak-bomb shit. Then my rep from North East Wine comes in a tasted me on this little jewel.

All the grapes for this Merlot come from the Margarita Vineyard in Paso Robles. The Merlot is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Malbec. The color of the wine is pretty much black or purple. Don't open this with a white shirt on! On the nose there are some great notes of black fruit and a hint of what reminded me od smoking cola sheesha. On the palate the wine was pretty decent in that it was balanced correctly and the tannins were pretty smooth. Light notes of spices and more black fruit finished off this Merlot. Really nice for the price!

Tasted 6/15/09 via North East Wine

2006 Sierra Cantabria Rioja $13.99

I was actually thinking this would have been an oak-bomb, but I was wrong. Wine was dark as night when it came to color. On the nose there were some serious notes of tar and cooked plums. The palate offered more of the rich fruit from the tree and a light layer of inky tar. Finish was a bit rough, but I'll chalk that up to not letting the wine breathe as it should have. I only gave it a few minutes in the glass.

Tasted 6/9/09

2003 Borsao Crianza Selección, Campo de Borja $14.99

The 2005 picked up 91 points by Parker or Spectator. I can't really remember and don't case since I think they are both bullshit. For those who care the 2006 only picked up 89 by Parker. Poor wine, could not even hit 90. Anyway...

The color of the wine was almost black in color. Rich black fruit with loads of spice and tobacco. I like it so far! On the palate was another layer of fun. Rich and full bodied! This wine could sit for another 10 years and still hold its own. On the finish this was a ball buster. Big and firm and ready to let you know that it was going be done when it wanted to be done. I love it. It was not that California tannin oak-bomb crap, but more of an old-world style of wine making. Great.

Tasted 6/9/09

2003 Bodegas Ishmael Arroyo Val Sotillo Crianza, Ribera del Duero $24.99

I've tried this Crianza in the past, but never really gave it its full due. Since I was trying wines from Spain I decided to toss it into the bunch and see how it came out.

There was a nice garnet color with light hints of brown on the rim. On the nose there were a huge amount of spices and some pleasant wood and tobacco notes. The palate was a lot different than what my nose was picking up. More red fruit than anything with light hints of spices and more herbs. Overall it was a really nice Crianza, but I feel that it might be starting to fall apart. The finish was kind of light and it seemed to fade away faster than I wanted. That could be the nerd in me talking though.

Tasted 6/9/09

2004 Savanna Sogno Uno, Montalcino $23.99

Rich red in color with large notes of spice and black cherry. On the palate this wine is showing some nice acidity and balance but the heat seemed to take center stage for a few seconds. The heat does go away and leave some nice fruit but I think the wine was getting more hype because of who is on the label.

Tasted 6/9/09

1998 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $23.99

Almost brick red in color, the nose still has some nice red fruit on it. Notes of pepper and spice with a light cedar hankering. There are also some nice light floral notes that linger as well.

On the palate the wine seems to have lost some of its youth. Yes, I know the wine is 11 years old now but the nose leads you to think otherwise. Soft fruit with light hints of oak. Finish is quick and leaves nothing to desire. I believe that this wine is 100% Cabernet while aged in oak for about 24 months.

Tasted 6/9/09

2004 Allegrini La Grola, Veronese $25.99

Deep red in color to almost a hair past brick red. On the palate there is some nice rich dried red fruit, but there is something missing. On the palate the missing item was shown. There is a quick spice, but then it kinda just fades away. There is almost a nail polish kind of note to it with some odd earth notes. Tannins are kinda lacking as the wine seems hollow on the end. This is one case where the cheaper of the two is the better one.