2008 Ridge Lytton Springs

2007 Big Basin Vineyards Mandala

2010 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red

2009 Domaine André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Sommelongue

2001 Dehlinger Syrah

2010 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

2013 King Estate Pinot Gris Signature Collection

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Howell Mountain

2012 Montoya Vineyards Pinot Noir

2010 Tyrrell’s Shiraz Rufus Stone McLaren Vale

2007 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Rattlesnake Rock

2014 Famille Bougrier Rosé d’Anjou

2010 Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage

 

 

 

2008 Ridge Lytton Springs – $29.99

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The incredible nose is full of brambly berries, minerals, vanilla, black peppercorns, cherries, plums, dry earth, underbrush, dead wood embers and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the plush palate the brambly berries, black peppercorns and minerals take control early with vanilla, cherries and plums coming in later.  The finish has great length with wood embers, subtle earthiness and a nice floral note seeming to linger forever.  This tastes fabulous now and should hold nicely for at least a few more years.  This wine has greatly improved over the last couple of years.  The wine has 14.4% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (94 pts)

 

 

2007 Big Basin Vineyards Mandala – $35.00

The wine is a deep, dark ruby to purple color.  The explosive nose is full of blackberries, cassis, smoke, dark bittersweet chocolate, charred meat, melted licorice, vanilla, warm baking spices, and violets.  This is full bodied with moderate to solid ripe tannins and good acidity.  The wine grabs hold of your palate unleashing wave after wave of lush fruit, spice, and savory notes in unrelenting layers.  The finish is very long, almost seeming to never end with very nice fruit slowly giving way to dark chocolate and then nice meaty elements and earthiness.  The extra time in the cellar has been rewarded in this case.  There is no hurry on this one, it should hold for at least a few more years.  (95 pts)

 

 

2010 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red – $13.37

This is a perennial house favorite and best buy.  The blend changes every vintage, but the quality is always in the bottle.  This is always a blend of several grapes that always seems to work.

 

This vintage is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Sangiovese, 2% Zinfandel, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carmenere.

 

Winery history

Whether it’s our highly acclaimed Firehouse Red or one of our limited-production single vineyard reserve blends, Tamarack’s wines offer a delicious expression of Washington vineyards’ style and elegance.

 

When you visit the winery, you won’t find us in a fancy chateau.  Instead you’ll find yourself immersed in the everyday workings of a family-owned winery, racking, blending and bottling wine, in a renovated firehouse located in a World War II Army Air Base.

 

Founded in 1998 by Ron and Jamie Coleman, Tamarack’s first vintage consisted of 300 cases of Merlot.  The goal was to make elegant, balanced, delicious wines and offer them at a fair price.  Years later, and now up to 20,000 cases each year, the focus remains the same. Tamarack Cellars hand-crafts consistently outstanding wines for a great price.

 

My Tasting Note

This is a fairly deep ruby to maroon color.  The pleasant nose has blackberries, dark chocolate, minerals, cherries, baking spices, dried herbs, and earthy underbrush.  This has medium body with soft tannins and good acidity.  Nice, juicy, spicy fruit hits the palate first with some dark chocolate and earthiness coming in on the back end.  This has decent length on the finish which is showing a touch of oak.  For under $15 this is a keeper.  The bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork, I could not see the alcohol percentage on the label.  Before you ask, I checked before I even had a sip of the wine.  (89 pts)

 

 

2009 Domaine André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Sommelongue – $8.54

This is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from 40 year old vineyards.

 

This has 14.0% alcohol by volume and is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is garnet red color.  The enticing nose has blackberries, black olives, scorched earth, cherries, dried herbs, and wood smoke.  This has medium body, moderate chalky tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the fruit and savory elements co-exist peacefully with neither trying to steal the show.  The finish has nice length and leans on the savory side of the spectrum.  This isn’t one to stash away, open this one over the next few years and enjoy.  Offers great QPR if you can find it for under $10.  (89 pts)

 

 

2001 Dehlinger Syrah – $25.00

This was a free upgrade from Underground Cellar, I highly recommend checking them out by clicking here.   Note, if you sign up by this link, you will get an automatic $20 credit, if you ever buy wine from them, I’ll also get a $20 credit.  Their unique approach is that you buy a lower end wine and they will “upgrade” some of your bottles to a higher level wine.  Sometimes the upgrade is minor, sometimes you get lucky and score a real gem, like I did in this case.

 

The wine has 14.3% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a saturated ruby red color.  The enticing nose has blackberries, cherries, warm baking spices, crushed stone minerals, white pepper, melted black licorice, roasted herbs, dry earth, underbrush, plums, tobacco and violets.  This has medium body with resolved tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate spicy, peppery berries and cherries jump out first, quickly followed by crushed stones and roasted herbs.  The long, lingering finish adds some nice earthiness, plums and a floral note.  This is at its peak now and very easy to sit back and enjoy.  (93 pts)

 

 

2010 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

This wine is a blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc.  The wine has 13.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cherries, dried herbs, freshly ground espresso beans, cigar box, crushed stone minerals, dark bittersweet chocolate and dried violets.  This has medium body with moderate to solid tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate cassis, cherries, tobacco and a load of crushed stones hit on the front end with espresso beans and dark chocolate coming in later.  The finish has great length with dried herbs entering the picture.  This needs some time in the cellar, at this point the tannins get a bit chalky.  (94 pts)

 

 

2013 King Estate Pinot Gris Signature Collection – 12.69

The wine is a pale golden straw color.  The fresh and appealing nose has apples, melons, lime zest, orange blossoms, flinty minerals and white peaches.  This has a light to medium body with nice acidity and a hint of sweetness.  On the palate tart apples, melons and lime zest jump out quickly with flinty minerals coming through on the back end.  The finish has nice length with a touch of white peach and orange blossoms adding nice depth.  The wine has a nice lingering citrus element that leaves your mouth watering for another sip.  This is a great wine for a casual dinner on the deck or patio on a warm evening.  (89 pts)

 

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Howell Mountain – SRP $37.00

The wine is a deep purple color.  The sensuous nose has brambly berries, crushed stone minerals, fresh ground espresso beans, black pepper, scorched earth, black licorice, dry wildflowers and dried leafy herbs.  This has a medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and very nice acidity.  Brambly berries, crushed stones and espresso immediately coat the palate with black pepper and dried herbs slipping through on the back end.  The finish has very nice length with licorice and scorched earth adding great depth.  This is a nicely balanced and nuanced zinfandel, not one that needs to be sipped on it’s own.  Fire up the grill, throw on a piece of meat, pull the cork and enjoy a great dinner.  This wine has 14.7% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (93 pts)

 

 

2012 Montoya Vineyards Pinot Noir – $13.59

The wine is a light ruby red color.  The inviting nose has cherries, baking spices, white pepper, raspberries, dry earth, chalky minerals, roasted leafy herbs and orange zest.  This has medium body with soft silky tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate tart cherries, spice and white pepper pop out on the front end with roasted herbs and minerals coming in later.  The finish has nice length with subtle earthiness and orange zest.  Not a lot of complexity but this is an easy drinking, tasty, reasonably priced Pinot Noir to enjoy on a week night with a lighter meal.  This has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (89 pts)

 

 

2010 Tyrrell’s Shiraz Rufus Stone McLaren Vale – $16.99

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The outgoing nose has cherries, blackberries, dark chocolate, fresh ground dark roast coffee beans, vanilla, road tar and roasted herbs.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate blackberries, vanilla and roasted herbs hit on the front end with dark chocolate and coffee beans coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a touch of eucalyptus coming in.  Not a lot of complexity and the finish ends with a slight sweet note.  (86 pts)

 

 

2007 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Rattlesnake Rock – $49.00

I’ve been a big fan of Big Basin for a few years now.  I should say up front, I have only had their non Pinot Noir wines.  Their big reds are generally fairly full bodied but very balanced.  I think they are one big score from a major wine publication away from hitting the big time.

 

Winery history

Our mission is to create wines that reveal the complex nuances of the vineyards that inspire them – cool climate, ocean-influenced, mountain vineyards.  To this end, we spend long hours in our vineyard to insure that the grapes we grow represent the fullest expression of the vineyard and vintage.  We believe in and employ sustainable and organic farming practices.  The steep hillsides, cooling ocean breezes and fog, and mountain soils promote the development of color and complex flavors.  By keeping the yields very low and harvesting small sections of the vineyard at perfect ripeness, we strive to achieve the most important part of winemaking – great fruit.

 

Much more information available at:  http://bigbasinvineyards.com/

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark maroon color, almost black.  The very appealing nose has blackberries, plums, minerals, dying charcoal embers, iron shavings, smoked meat, black pepper, dark chocolate, vanilla, and violets.  This is full bodied with solid, ripe tannins and very good acidity.  The palate is highlighted by nice, mineral laden, spicy, fruit with a touch of earthiness.  The long finish has the fruit slowly giving way to the minerals, spice, and a touch of dark chocolate.  This is drinking very nicely but will last and probably improve in the cellar for several more years.  (94 pts)

 

 

2014 Famille Bougrier Rosé d’Anjou – $9.34

The wine is a bright salmon pink color.  The refreshing nose has strawberries, cherries, orange blossoms, tangerine zest and chalky minerals.  This has light to medium body with nice acidity and just a hint of sweetness.  On the palate strawberries and minerals jump out first with cherries and orange blossoms coming in later.  The crisp finish has a nice tangerine zest note and has nice length.  The perfect wine to sip on a hot day or to pair with a lighter meal.  (89 pts)

 

 

2010 Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage – $18.71

The Crozes-Hermitage is my go to region for value priced wines from the Northern Rhone.

 

This has 12.5% alcohol by volume ands the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium ruby red color.  The very nice nose has blackberries, cherries, dried herbs, minerals, smoked meat, black pepper, and some forest floor.  This has medium body, fairly solid tannins, and very nice acidity.  On the nicely layered palate spicy fruit is joined by minerals and smoked meat with dried herbs and some earthiness coming in on the back end.  The finish has very nice length and leans on the savory elements with the fruit providing a touch of sweetness in the background.  This is drinking very nicely today but there is absolutely no need to drink these soon.  (91 pts)

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2015 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Click here or on the “Cliff’s Wine Picks On Other Sites” link in the top right corner to see links to other sites that either have my reviews, my thoughts or other posts I have written.

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

2010 Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage

2006 Shane Syrah Valenti Ranch

2000 Vino Bambino Pinot Noir (Bedrock)

2009 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Campo de Borja Tres Picos

2004 Vincent Arroyo Petite Sirah

2003 Domaine de Chevalier

 

 

 

2010 Domaine du Colombier Crozes-Hermitage – $18.71

The Crozes-Hermitage is my go to region for value priced wines from the Northern Rhone.

 

This has 12.5% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium ruby red color.  The very nice nose has blackberries, cherries, dried herbs, minerals, smoked meat, black pepper, and some forest floor.  This has medium body, fairly solid tannins, and very nice acidity.  On the nicely layered palate spicy fruit is joined by minerals and smoked meat with dried herbs and some earthiness coming in on the back end.  The finish has very nice length and leans on the savory elements with the fruit providing a touch of sweetness in the background.  This is drinking very nicely today but there is absolutely no need to drink these soon.  (91 pts)

 

 

 

2006 Shane Syrah Valenti Ranch – $38.00

The Shane for this wine is Shane Finley.  Shane has worked for Torbreck in Australia, Domaine Pierre Gaillard in the Northern Rhone, Copain Custom Crush, Kosta Browne, and Lynmar Estate before starting his winery.

 

This has 14.9% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a dark purple to black color.  The very inviting nose has blackberries, cherries, warm baking spices, creosote, black pepper, underbrush, licorice and violets.  This has medium body, moderate to solid tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate the baking spices and cherries jump out first with blackberries, black pepper and charred oak coming in on the back end.  The finish has good length with some dark chocolate and violets coming into the picture.  The charred oak element at times pops out a little too hard but other wise this has good balance and is very tasty.  (89 pts)

 

 

 

2000 Vino Bambino Pinot Noir (Bedrock) – $20.00

This wine was made my Morgan Twain-Peterson, currently of Bedrock, when he was 19 years old.  This was stashed away in their cellar and forgotten about for many years.  Upon finding it and trying it, this was released as part of a Bedrock offer.

 

The bottle does not seem to have the alcohol listed.  This was closed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

I should note, my wine was just delivered last week.  It looks like all the sediment and “gunk” that had settled was mixed back into the wine during shipping.  I’m sure that is the reason for my color note.

 

The wine is a murky/cloudy ruby to brick color.  The very inviting and sensual nose has cherries, baking spices, raspberries, earthy underbrush, and a touch of “Pinot funk”.  This has medium body, fully integrated tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate tart cherries and baking spice hit first, slowly allowing nice earthiness to slip into focus.  The finish has very good length with the tart fruit, spice and earthiness to take turns leading the show.  This is a stunning, aged California Pinot Noir.  (92 pts)

 

 

 

2009 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Campo de Borja Tres Picos – $11.39

Vintage after vintage, this is a favorite week night wine in my house.  This may not have the most complexity out there, but it is generally loaded with flavor.

 

This has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium to dark ruby red color.  The very inviting nose has raspberries, smoke, vanilla, baking spices, cherries, fresh ground espresso beans, white pepper, and some dried herbs.  This has medium to full body, moderate tannins, and good acidity.  On the palate the fruit and spice lead off with white pepper, dried herbs, and the coffee coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a dark chocolate note joining the party.  A very nice wine and an incredible value.  (91 pts)

 

 

 

2004 Vincent Arroyo Petite Sirah – $28.80

This has been a favorite Petite Sirah since I first visited the winery well over a decade ago.  I always encourage friends to visit the winery since a visit usually includes barrel tasting at least a few of their wines.  On one visit, we must have tasted wines for a dozen different barrels.

 

This has 14.8% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a dark purple to black color.  The intoxicating nose has blackberries, black pepper, warm baking spices, cedar, well worn leather and just a hint of adhesive tape.  This has medium to full body, moderate tannins and good acidity.  The palate is dominated by spicy, peppery berries on the front end with a touch of cedar coming in late.  The finish has very good length and is a continuation of the palate.  The wine does seem to have a touch of brett but only in a good way.  (93 pts)

 

 

 

2003 Domaine de Chevalier – $49.99

Many years ago, my wife accompanied my sister on a trip to France.  One day they visited the Domaine for a wine tasting, which quickly made the winery #1 on my wife’s Bordeaux list.  Any time I see this wine on a store’s shelf, I have to grab a bottle.

 

The wine has 13.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a nice ruby red color.  The calming and inviting nose has cassis, baking spices, tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, scorched earth, minerals and a touch of dark bittersweet chocolate.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate the spicy cassis and dried herbs coat the mouth, slowly allowing tobacco, cedar, minerals and a bit of earthiness to slip into the picture.  The finish has nice length with the savory notes taking control and the fruit pushed into the background providing nice sweetness.  This seems to be in a prime drinking window with just a touch of air.  (92 pts)

 

 

 

Win an All-inclusive VIP Sonoma Winecation

 

 

Underground Cellar is offering you a chance to win an all-inclusive VIP weekend in Sonoma wine country.

 

The winner will get the following with a value of $6,500:

• Weekend getaway for 4 to California’s exclusive Sonoma wine country
• Stay at the luxurious 5,500 sq. ft. Villa Terra Nova Retreat
• Behind-the-scenes private tour of Iron Horse Vineyards, by winemaker David Munskgard
• VIP chef’s dinner at award-winning “the girl and the fig” restaurant
• Rountrip airfare, luxury transportation, and many other surprises!

Click here to enter.   If you win, you can even include me as one of your friends.

Even if you don’t win the grand prize, there is over $3,000 of gift cards with a value of up to $200 to be given away.

 

While you’re there, check out Underground Cellar unique wine selling model.  You can “buy” a lower cost wine and get upgraded to a much more expensive bottle for free.  For example, one of their current offers is $42 for a 2008 Balboa Brioso.  If you buy this wine, you could get “upgraded” to 2007 Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet ($60 value), 2009 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet ($85 value), 2007 Anderson’s Conn Valley Reserve Cabernet ($130 value), 1994 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon ($150 value), or even a 1985 BR Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon Olive Hill (Helen Turley) with a value of $220.

 

The shipping is also incredible, at 6 bottles, shipping cost $5! Buy 6 more bottles and ship for FREE.

 

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2013 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Snooth

OUR FAVORITE REDS FOR SPRING – The Wine Cognoscenti Recommend

http://www.snooth.com/articles/our-favorite-reds-for-spring/?viewall=1#ixzz2xkH0dfSj

 

Snooth

WHAT’S A GREAT GRENACHE? – Our Friendly Wine Experts Share Their Favorites!

http://www.snooth.com/articles/what-ys-a-great-grenache-5209/

 

Snooth

SPRING TIME IS FOR PAIRING – Our Favorite Wine Writers Share Their Picks

http://www.snooth.com/articles/spring-time-is-for-pairing/

 

Balzac

Balzac Communications & Marketing – News & Views

http://balzaccommunications.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/y/948F113D27729D90/DF475947E7F379DE2A1BF84ACBDD178B

 

Snooth

WHAT WE’VE BEEN DRINKING – News and Reviews from Around the Blogosphere

http://www.snooth.com/articles/what-we-yve-been-drinking/?viewall=1#ixzz2vy4idw7a

 

Snooth

WINES THAT RANG OUR BELL IN FEBRUARY 2014 – Our Favorite Wine Writers Share Their Picks

http://www.snooth.com/articles/wines-that-rang-our-bell-in-february-2014/?viewall=1#ixzz2vy4DCh5L

 

Crave Local

California Wine Reviews: Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyard

http://www.cravelocal.com/all-favorites/california-wine-reviews-cline-cellars-and-jacuzzi-family-vineyard/

 

Crave Local

Sample Boutique Wines at Affordable Prices with Tastingroom.com

http://www.cravelocal.com/all-favorites/sample-boutique-wines-at-affordable-prices-with-tastingroom-com/

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but my local store is usually VERY competitive.  I generally get case discounts, and since I work there part time, I get a 5% discount.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!