Friday, March 26, 2010

Editor's Note

In a few days, I'll be in Phoenix to celebrate Easter with my extended family. I'm looking forward to checking out Cowboy Ciao, Kazimierz, perhaps Granite Creek or maybe some of the wineries up by Camp Verde or the Chino Valley. If you have any suggestions, leave a comment!!!

Dancing Bull 2006 California Cabernet


Presentation: ***
Nose: ****
Complexity: **
Value: ****

Overall: ***

I recall reading somewhere that this was perhaps the best Cabernet you could buy at the $10 price point, and so a lot of restaurants also serve it (at about $30 a bottle). I was supremely impressed by its structure. The complexity was less than I would prefer, but it's a sourced cab and, accordingly, you're simply not going to get some of that single vineyard or locally grown terrior that you might find in a pricier CA or WA cab. It's spicy, dry, and is solid enough to be served as a stand-alone or pre-dinner bottle. But it begs to be accompanied by a medium-well done steak off the grill !

Erik's the Red "Toad Hollow" Proprietary Red


Presentation: ***
Nose: **
Complexity: ****
Value: **

Overall: ***

This bottle was a gift--a very nice presentation and bottling of Paso Robles wine. Interestingly enough, the bottle didn't designate a year or the types of grape that went into this blend. However, I sniffed out Cab Franc and after a bit of internet research, found that the three principal grapes in this blend of Cab Franc, Petit Sirah, and Zinfandel. Three great grapes. The complexity was very nice and I felt that the wine kept opening to different flavors, especially as it came up to room temperature. Not too peppery, but with plenty of mineral and earthen flavors--it reminded me of some of the Tempranillo I've been enjoying lately.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

VinaVillano 2006 Tempranillo


Presentation: ***
Nose: ****
Complexity: ***
Value: ****

Overall: ****

Continuing with our presentation of Spanish Reds, this 100% old-vine Tempranillo really delivered. At about $12, it was a straightforward "new world" style wine with lots of limestone and mineral character. Anyone who enjoys spicy Zinfandel or dry Cabernet shouldn't be disappointed with this one. It's a gem. -Erik

Pelta 2008 (Valencia)


Presentation: ***
Nose: ***
Complexity: **
Value: ***
Overall: ***


This bottle of Pelta from Valencia, Spain was recommended by a wine store owner with expertise in European Wines. At just under $10 it turned out to be a nice wine at a reasonable price. It combines 80% Tempranillo with 20% Monastrell, which I found to be interesting and a new taste to my palate. The nose has notes of earth and dark, ripe fruit. This is a medium-bodied wine, rich in structure and expansive with notes of black and blueberries on the finish. If you're looking for a nice bottle of wine from Spain, I think you'll enjoy this! -Greg