Wine
2011 Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel
This 2011 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi offers dark plum color with pleasant aromas of noticeable of coffee, blueberry and black cherry. To be surprised, I think this is the first time I smelled something similar to coffee! On the palate, a lot of black cherry, dark chocolate and black pepper with smooth texture. It has long smoky finish. I would say medium to full-bodied. Let it open up for 30 min to hour. This is one of my best Zinfandel so far. And price, yes, love it under $20.
Read MoreBodegas Muga Muga Special Selection 2006
This Muga Special Selection 2006 from Rioja offers dark and nice viscosity, plum, red berries, jammy fruit and liqueur fruits, spices such as cloves, black pepper or vanilla pods come through. At the same time, neither above nor below, you can detect leather, smoked and toasted wood and animal nuances. It is a wine without end. Very smooth. Full-bodied and very nice wine from Rioja.
Read More2009 Chateau Fonfroide Bordeaux Rouge
2009 Chateau Fonfroide Bordeaux Rouge –
Type: 42% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon / Red
Region: Bordeaux, France
Year: 2009
Price range: $$$ ($30 – $50)
This one will put hair on your chest folks with the amount of tannins presented in this wine. I was not a huge fan of this one however; my petit but always better half really liked this one. She does have a preference for dry and not too sweet wines. If you can be a bit more patient than we are when opening a new wine bottle, letting this breathe for a bit would do wonders for its taste profile.
Read MoreTorbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2009
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2009 –
Type: Grenache 60%, Shiraz 20%, Mataro 20% / Red
Region: Barossa Valley, Australia
Year: 2009
Price range: $$ ($15 – $30)
If the Spice Girls ever produced a wine, this would be their signature bottle. The lovely spices presented in this wine from our always favorite winemaker, Torbreck is a splendid melody. The blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro produces this deep black berry color and a robust finish on the palate. However, just like the group, this could be a level of spice that is overpowering for some if you expose yourself to it too soon. Go ahead, let it breathe for an hour and proceed to spice up your life.
Read MoreTrione 2008 River Road Ranch Pinot Noir
Trione 2008 River Road Ranch Pinot Noir –
Region: Russian River Valley, CA
Year: 2008
Price range: $ (Less < $15)
Purchased at Costco Superstore. Dark cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavor profile. We enjoyed this wine with a simple but succulent fish fillet and a cherry tomato and avocado on top of a toasted piece of Bruschetta.
Read MoreBodegas Ontañon Vetiver Blanco
Bodegas Ontañon Vetiver Blanco –
Type: Viura / White
Region: Rioja, Spain
Year: 2008
Price range: $$ ($15 – $30)
If you are looking for something new Spanish white wine this will be one of it. It has rich creamy palette and hint of lemony type of acidity. There is no buttery or sweetness.
Read MoreChateau Le Grand Verdus Bordeaux Blanc
Chateau Le Grand Verdus Bordeaux Blanc –
Type: 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon / White Blend
Region: Bordeaux, France
Year: 2010
Price range: $$ ($15 – $30)
Its mouthwatering blend. Very silky and smooth. Some pear and citrus palette with earthy freshness.
Read MoreDomain Millet Petit Chablis 2009
Domain Millet Petit Chablis –
Type: Chardonnay / White
Region: Chablis, France
Year: 2009
Price range: $$ ($15 – $30)
This Domain Millet Petit Chablis has very light oak after taste. It’s not fruity or buttery but crispy.
Read MoreFabulous Sancerre Rosé
André Neveu “Le Grand Fricambault” Sancerre Rosé 2010 –
I had this fabulous André Neveu “Le Grand Fricambault” Sancerre Rosé 2010 when I was in Seattle two years ago. I remember it was delicious, smooth, dry, and aromatic Pinot Noir rosé. Sancerre wine is one of my memorable wine. 7 years ago, when my parent visited me and my husband from Japan we took them to The Lobster in Los Angeles. My dad ordered the Sancerre white wine. I don’t remember which one was. But all I remember was delicious! Of course, we had seafood dishes and it paired perfectly. It was crisp, refreshing, aromatic, it was sensation. This was one of the best food and wine paring experience. Thanks dad!
Read MoreAfter work wine from Italy
Pinnacoli Primitivo di Manduria 2008 –
Type: Primitivo / Red
Region: Puglia, Italy
Year: 2008
Price range: $$ ($15 – $30)
I call this the NOT wine. Not too dry, Not that smooth, Not a long lasting finish, however not a bad drinking wine. Not sure if this would be considered full bodied as described on the bottle. However, with all that said, this was a good wine and far from average. Pair this with a plate of brie and salami for a pleasing snack.
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