2008 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman

2012 Buoncristiani Malbec Napa Valley

2013 Cosa Obra Pinot Noir

2013 Domaine La Millière Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes

2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Dalla Gasperina Vineyard

2010 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis

 

 

 

2008 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman – $26.29

I’ve been a big fan of the Turley Cedarman Zinfandels for a number of years.  Cedarman is a blend of fruit from both Rattlesnake Ridge and Dragon Vineyards, located at the top of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.  Although primarily Zinfandel, a small amount of Petite Syrah from the Rattlesnake vineyard is used as well.  This has 15.6% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a fairly deep ruby color.  The very inviting nose has raspberries, black pepper, melted licorice, crushed stones, wild flowers, dark bittersweet chocolate, smoke, and some earthiness.  This has full body, fairly solid tannins, and very nice acidity.  On the palate the sweet berries provide a nice counter balance to the savory notes of black pepper, minerals, and dark chocolate.  The finish is long and very flavorful with some nice earthiness coming into the picture.  The tannins and acidity provide a solid backbone that ensures this will last in the cellar through the end of the decade.  Enjoy this now or let it sleep for a few more years, either way you’ll enjoy this one.  (93 pts)

 

 

2012 Buoncristiani Malbec Napa Valley – $46.67

This wine is 100% Malbec and was aged for 20 months in 100% French oak with 75% of the barrels being new.  This wine has a suggested retail price of $75.  This was the fifth vintage of this wine the winery produced.  The grapes come from small lots harvested exclusively from ultra premium Hillside blocks in the Eastern Vaca Mountain range.  Total production was 250 cases.

 

This wine has 15.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork

 

The wine is a deep, dark, opaque purple color.  The show-stopping nose has blackberries, blueberries, licorice, white pepper, vanilla, baking spices, freshly ground espresso beans and violets.  This full bodied wine has soft to moderate tannins and nice acidity.  This wine is rich and plush on the palate with crushed berries, white pepper, vanilla and baking spices grabbing your attention on the front end with espresso beans and a nice floral note coming in later.  The finish has nice length with the fruit, white pepper and spices carrying the major load.  This may be a bit on the young side, but it still is very easy to drink and more importantly easy to enjoy.  (92 pts)

 

 

2013 Cosa Obra Pinot Noir – $22.40

This 100% Pinot Noir is a blend of 56% Carneros and 44% Russian River Valley.  The wine was aged for 12 months in 100% French oak, 30% new.

 

This wine has 14.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, baking spices, white pepper, tobacco and dry underbrush.  This has medium body with soft to moderate tannins and good acidity.  This is much more open on the palate with cherries, white pepper and minerals on the front end with tobacco and baking spices coming in later.  The finish has decent length with cranberries and dry underbrush entering the picture.  (89 pts)

 

 

2013 Domaine La Millière Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes – $11.73

This wine is roughly a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah from 50 to 100 years old vines.  The wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a light ruby red color.  The appealing nose has blackberries, baking spices, tobacco, cherries, crushed stone minerals, dried herbs, wild flowers and dry underbrush.  This has medium body with soft to moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate tart fruit, stony minerals and spice grab hold quickly with dried herbs and underbrush coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a floral note adding depth.  This is very easy to drink and enjoy.  (91 pts)

 

 

2014 Jean Edwards Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Dalla Gasperina Vineyard

This is the first white wine produced by Jean Edwards Cellars.  This is a blend of 92% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Semillon.

 

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

 

The wine is a pale straw yellow color.  The enticing nose has apples, lemon zest, white pepper, leafy herbs, pineapple, dusty minerals, apricot, orange blossoms and anise.  This has medium body with mouthwatering acidity.  On the palate tart apples, white pepper, lemon zest and an herbal streak immediately take control on the front end with apricot and orange blossoms coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with anise and dusty minerals joining the tropical fruit and white pepper.  The crisp acidity will leave your mouthwatering for another sip.  A great initial white wine effort from this formerly red wine only winery.  This is very drinkable now but will last for at least two or three years, maybe longer.  (92 pts)

 

 

2010 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge – $37.99

The mountain grown fruit always gives this wine a bit more backbone and a gritty edge.  The mountain grown fruit also generally highlights the savory, peppery elements of the zinfandel grape.  This wine has 16.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet red color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, black pepper, crushed stone minerals, baking spices, cherries, asphalt and dried violets.  This has a full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  On the palate brambly berries, crushed stones and black pepper take control immediately with cherries and baking spices coming in later.  The finish has very good length with asphalt and dried violets adding depth.  This is very tasty today but will last in the cellar through the end of the decade.  Even though this has over 16% alcohol it is not noticeable under all the fruit and spice.  (93 pts)

 

 

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis – $32.85

This wine is 100% Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyards in St. Helena.    This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cedar, dusty minerals, baking spices, licorice,  plums, cocoa powder and dried violets.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  Cassis, cocoa powder, dusty minerals and cedar coat the palate on the front end with plums and licorice coming in later.  The finish has very good length with a dried floral note and plums joining the cassis, cedar and minerals.  This has very nice balance and is very easy to enjoy.  This will drink well through at least the end of the decade.  (93 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 2016 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!

 

 

 

2013 Michael-David Vineyards Petit Verdot Inkblot

2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Kirschenmann

2015 McCay Cellars Rosé

2014 Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc

2014 McCay Cellars Viognier

2015 Acquiesce Grenache Blanc

2015 LangeTwins Sangiovese Rosé

2013 Macchia Zinfandel Mischievous Old Vine

2013 St. Amant Winery Zinfandel Old Vines Mohr-Fry Ranch Vineyard

2012 Harney Lane Zinfandel Old Vine Lizzy James Vineyard

 

 

These are all wines I purchased, none are samples that were provided to me.  Some were from my cellar, some were purchased during my recent tour of Lodi and some were purchased after I returned home.  I may write about wines but I am also a collector and wine consumer.  I may write about some wines that are provided to me but I buy the wines I want to drink.  Here are some of the wines from Lodi that are now part of my cellar.  The prices noted are what I paid without tax or shipping.  Most of the wines were discounted due to case or multi-case purchases, or store related percentage off coupons from Total Wine.

 

Some of the bloggers have already posted blogs on our visit to the area.  I’m sure there will be more posted in the coming weeks, a few will be from me.  For this post, I wanted to highlight a few of the world class wines bearing the Lodi name on the label.

 

 

2013 Michael-David Vineyards Petit Verdot Inkblot – $33.24

This is a wine I tasted during a visit to the winery as part of a group of bloggers with Snooth and the Lodi Wine organization.  I liked it enough to include a few bottles in a case of Lodi wines purchased when I returned back home.  For more information, visit the Michael-David Winery website.

 

This wine has a “touch” of Petite Sirah included with the Petit Verdot.  The grapes for this wine came from Jon Wetmore’s vineyard on the northeast side of Lodi.  This wine is always put into new barrels early in the harvest season due to the high level of tannin, color and concentration.  The wine was aged 19 months in French oak.  This is the first varietal bottling of Petit Verdot by the winery, there are very few other Lodi wineries producing Petit Verdot labeled wines.

 

The wine is a deep, dark maroon color.  The impressive nose has crushed berries, baking spices, licorice, black cherries, dusty minerals, dark chocolate, scorched earth and a touch of cedar.  This full bodied wine has moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate loads of crushed berries, baking spices and dusty minerals grab control on the front end with licorice, black cherries and scorched earth coming in later.  The long finish is full of berries, spice and a touch of cedar.  This is an impressive Petit Verdot.  The wine has 14.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (91 pts)

 

 

2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Kirschenmann – $28.00

I have been on the Bedrock mailing list since the inception several years ago.  Bedrock is owned by Morgan Twain-Peterson, son of former Ravenswood owner and Zinfandel visionary, Joel Peterson.

 

This is from a vineyard now owned by Tegan Passalacqua (Turley winemaker) and his wife Olivia.  This is an “own rooted” Zinfandel vineyard that was planted in 1915.  The “own rooted” vines had survived because the soil is very sandy which is a natural deterant to pests and diseases they plague vines in other soil conditions.  The wine is a deep ruby color.  The very inviting nose has brambly berries, cherries, warm baking spices, dusty minerals, black peppercorns, dried leafy herbs, licorice and violets.  This has a medium to full body with moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  This is rich and voluptuous on the palate with juicy fruit, minerals, black pepper and dusty minerals on the front end with dried herbs and dry earth coming in later.  The spicy finish has nice length.  This is a very easy Zinfandel to sip and enjoy.  The wine has 14.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (94 pts)

 

2015 McCay Cellars Rosé – $16.20

We met Michael MaCay and his Syrah grower Phil Abba and had a “side of the road” tasting at Phil’s Abba Vineyard.  Just like every grower we met you could “feel” Phil’s dedication and pride in the grapes that come out of his vineyard.  I bought this wine as well as McCay Cellars’ Syrah and Grenache wines make from the fruit from Abba Vineyard.  This was fantastic on the side of the hot, dry and dusty road and I could not wait to open a bottle to sip at home.

 

McCay Cellars is owned by Michael McCay.  McCay moved to Lodi in the mid 1980s and started to grow grapes.  He started making wine in 1994 and launched McCay Cellars in 2007.  Much more information is available on the winery, history and most importantly their wines by visiting the McCay Cellars webpage.

 

This wine is mainly Carignane (from 102 year old vines) with Grenache.  The wine was produced with a “native fermentation” in stainless steel.  The wine is a bright salmon color.  The fresh smelling nose has strawberries, peaches, dusty minerals and lime zest.  This has a medium body with good acidity and just a hint of sweetness.  On the palate strawberries and minerals immediately grab your attention with peaches in the background.  The finish has nice length with a hint of lime zest leading you to grab another sip.  This has just a hint of sweetness making it an easy to enjoy companion to a warm day in the sun.  (90 pts)  This has 12.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.

 

 

2014 Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc – $9.49

Ironstone Vineyards is a family owned winery that we visited during our Lodi excursion.  The Kautz family were gracious hosts during the visit.  I enjoyed their entire line-up of value priced wines.  The quality of the wines far exceeded the “low price of admission”.  To me, their Petite Sirah and this Cabernet Franc were the standouts.  I like the wine enough to include a few bottles in the case I bought soon after returning home.  Visit the Ironstone Vineyards website for a ton more information on the winery, family and the wines.

 

This wine is 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alta Mesa and Sloughhouse AVAs in Lodi.  The wine gets a brief 2 month aging in new French oak.  The wine is a medium to dark ruby color.  The very approachable nose has crushed berries, stony minerals, dried leafy herbs, vanilla, cedar and wild flowers.  This has medium body with soft tannins and good acidity.  On the palate juicy berries, vanilla and dried herbs dominate the front end with toasty cedar coming in on the back end.  The fruit laden finish has nice length.  This isn’t a wine to lay down, I’d drink this one on the younger side while the fruit is crisp and fresh.  Open this one with a juicy burger hot off the grill or even better with a platter of cheeses and meats with a few friends.  This wine is a steal if you can find it for around $10.  (90 pts)  This has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an artificial cork.

 

 

 

2014 McCay Cellars Viognier

Information and links dealing with McCay Cellars is above with my review of their rosé.

 

The wine is a golden straw color.  The inviting nose has apples, peach pits, honey, orange blossoms, dusty minerals, lime zest and lemongrass.  This has medium body with nice acidity and just a hint of lingering sweetness.  Apples, lime zest and peach pits immediately coat your palate with richness, on the back end minerals and lemongrass enter the picture.  The finish has nice length with honey and orange blossoms adding depth.  This is an easy drinking wine that would be a hit with friends.  (90 pts)  This wine has 14.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2015 Acquiesce Grenache Blanc – $19.20

I was already familiar with Acquiesce wines before the Lodi trip from earlier tastings.  Acquiesce Winery was not visited on this trip but one of their wines, the 2015 Belle Blanc, was included in an online Snooth Tasting and chat while we were there.  If you want to see the session, it is available online.  I bought this wine as well as their Roussanne while in Lodi and had them shipped back home to me.

 

The wine is a very light golden yellow color.  The fresh and lively nose has green apples, white peach, flinty minerals, pineapple, lemon zest and a hint of spice.  This has medium body with great acidity and it seems to be totally dry.  On the palate tart apples and flinty minerals take control quickly with white peaches, pineapples and spice coming in on the back end.  The finish has good length with mouthwatering lemon zest leaving you reaching for another sip.  Another great example of the white wines made from Rhone grapes that excel in Lodi.  (92 pts)  This has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.

 

 

 

2015 LangeTwins Sangiovese Rosé – $12.00

LangeTwins is another winery we did not visit.  The winery was still well represented, this wine was included in our “Welcome” dinner the day we arrive in Lodi.  I tried a small taste of the wine, took a sip and wanted more.  Needless to say, with a large table full of people, the bottle was empty.  I bought a few bottles of the wine while in Lodi and had them shipped to me back in South Carolina.  More information on LangeTwins Winery is available on their website.

 

This wine is a bright salmon color, a bit darker than a typical rosé.  The refreshing nose has strawberry, cherry, dry earth, stony minerals, orange blossoms and a touch of lime zest.  This has light to medium body with nice acidity and just a hint of sweetness.  On the palate nice fruit and minerals hit first with orange blossoms and a touch of dry earth coming in later.  The finish has nice length with mouthwatering lemon zest providing nice balance to the slight sweetness.  This is not sweet but there is just enough residual sweetness to add some body and keep the fruit at the front.  This is VERY easy to sip while relaxing.  This has 12.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.  (90 pts)

 

 

2013 Macchia Zinfandel Mischievous Old Vine – $16.99

This is a bottle from my cellar.  I am fortunate enough to have a local Total Wines and More that carries several Lodi wines.  This wine and the St. Amant covered later in this post are almost always in my cellar.

 

In Italian, Macchia, means “the spot”.  The owner/winemaker for Macchia is ever dapper, Tim Holdener.  I’ll post a picture of Tim in his “tuxedo” shirt in a later post.  We had a great visit to the winery which included tastes of several barrel samples.  Time hosted a “Barbera tasting” that included several wineries in his outdoor tasting area which would be better called a “man cave”.  The area was outstanding.  Again, pictures and tasting notes will be included in a later post.  During the event, when asked about the aging potential of Lodi Barbera wines, Time grabbed a bottle of his 2003 Barbera from his personal stash.  Spoiler alert – it was outstanding.  Much more information is available on the Macchia website.

 

The wine is a deep garnet to maroon color.  The open and inviting nose has brambly berries, warm baking spices, vanilla bean, black cherries, chalky minerals, black peppercorns and dried violets.  This has a fairly full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate brambly berries, spices, black pepper and cherries jump out quickly with vanilla and minerals coming in later.  The finish has good length with a dried floral note providing nice depth.  This is on the young side but already drinking very nicely with some air.  Load up if you can find this one.  The wine has 15.8% alcohol that is well concealed and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (91 pts)

 

 

2013 St. Amant Winery Zinfandel Old Vines Mohr-Fry Ranch Vineyard – $16.99

This is a wine I always have in my cellar from the local Total Wine.

 

During the trip, we had a marvelous tasting of St. Amant wines in Marian’s Vineyard which is part of the Mohr-Fry Ranch with grower Jerry Fry and Stuart Spencer, the winemaker for St. Amant.  The vineyard is well over 100 years old and produces wonderfully rich and concentrated fruit.  I highly recommend visiting St. Amant’s website and reading about the people and wine, but especially about the vineyards that are used by the winery.

 

The wine is a deep purple color.  The enticing nose has brambly berries, charred wood, crushed stone minerals, cracked black peppercorns, baking spices, black cherries, tobacco, earthy underbrush and dried wildflowers.  This has a full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate brambly berries, baking spices, crushed stones and black pepper jump out quickly with black cherries and subtle charred wood coming in on the back end.  The finish has very nice length with a pleasing dried floral note entering the picture.  This could use a bit of time in the cellar but with a bit of air it is already stunning.  Stock up on this one.  (93 pts)  This wine has 14.7% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

 

2012 Harney Lane Zinfandel Old Vine Lizzy James Vineyard

This is another bottle from my personal cellar.

 

We visited Harney Lane Winery during our trip.  The Mettler family has been farming the vineyards for over 100 years.  After many decades selling the grapes, in 2006 the family decided to start making wine.  The grapes for this wine come from the Lizzy James Vineyard that was planted in 1904, making this truly an “old vine” Zinfandel.

 

Our visit to Harney Lane provided us a nice tasting of their wines including barrel samples.  We had to “work” for the samples by doing “punch downs” of their fermenting Petite Sirah.  Thankfully there was no mishaps for those wearing light colored clothes.  Pictures of a few of us doing the punch-downs will be provided in a later post.  Much more information on the winery’s history, family and wines is available on the Harney Lane website.

 

The wine is a deep ruby to maroon color.  The inviting nose has blackberry compote, black peppercorns, crushed stone minerals, warm baking spices, scorched earth, ripe plums and vanilla bean.  This has a full body with moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate jammy berries, black peppercorns, baking spices and crushed stones jump out first with plums and scorched earth coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with dark roast coffee entering the picture.  This wine has 15.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (92 pts)

 

 

Conclusion and recommendations

 

Some other wineries that merit your consideration are Bokisch Vineyards, m2 Wines, Borra Vineyards, Markus Wines a sub venture of Borra Vineyards, Oak Farm Vineyards and Mettler Family Vineyards.

 

 

If you want to plan a trip to Lodi, which I highly recommend, your first step should be to visit the Lodi Wine Site.  If you find yourself in Lodi and want to sip some wine, buy some wine or look for recommendations, I encourage you to visit them at:

Lodi Wine & Visitor Center

2545 West Turner Road

Lodi, CA 95242

Phone: (209) 367-4727

Email: lwwc@lodiwine.com

 

This is also a great place to buy Lodi wines.  They have an extensive inventory of wines that you can have shipped to your home.

 

 

 

I was included as part of this blogger trip by Snooth, one of the top wine related sites on the internet.  I highly recommend visiting their site.

 

 

 

Lodi Information

Lodi is just east of San Francisco and has provided grapes for producers all over the world since the 1800’s.  The Lodi area has provided grapes for producers all over the world for decades, and many families in Lodi have been growing grapes for six and seven generations.  Today, there are approximately 85 wineries and tasting rooms, over 750 growers and more than 100,000 acres planted to vineyards.  The wines we tasted commemorate the heritage of Lodi and are not only exquisite, but tell a narrative.

 

It is a well-known fact that Lodi is predominantly a red wine region, proudly holding the self-proclaimed title of “Zinfandel Capital of the World”.  What is lesser known is that Lodi’s unique Mediterranean climate allows for over 75 different varietals to thrive.

 

Tons of great and useful information is available on the Wines of Lodi, LOCA website.  I highly encourage you to read about the area by clicking here.  You can also follow Lodi on Twitter at @Lodi_Wine.

 

 

Lodi Green Program

The Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing is California’s first 3rd party-certified sustainable winegrowing program.  Originally launched in 2005, over the past two years the program went through and extensive review to update and make standards more rigorous.

 

The Lodi Rules takes a comprehensive approach to farming that goes beyond just pest management to promote practices that enhance biodiversity, water and air quality, soil health, and employee and community well-being.  This allows us to produce higher quality wines more reflective of the places and people that grow them.  It gives you the opportunity to promote responsible farming by enjoying the great wines from these vineyards.

 

When you drink a certified sustainably grown Lodi wine, you are supporting a farmer, a vintner, and a community that embraces its responsibility to take care of the environment.

 

Visit the Lodi Certified Green site for more information on the region’s sustainable winegrowing.

 

 

 

Whether one is just a beginner, or a total pro, Snooth offers its 1 million+ users countless opportunities to learn, taste, share and shop in the world of wine.

 

Members are able to interact with wineries, stores, fellow wine lovers, and wine professionals from all over the globe with Snooth’s daily newsletters, wine search, social forums and interactive media tools.

 

Since its launch in June 2007, Snooth has become one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive online wine destinations, featuring millions of price listings and wine reviews. Snooth also powers wine & food pairings for major sites including Epicurious.com (Conde Nast) and myRecipes.com (Time Inc).

 

Visit Snooth by by clicking here.

 

 

 

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 2016 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!

 

 

 

 

2015 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc

2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc St. Helena

2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “1886”

This is based on winery supplied samples.

 

 

 

Bernard Ehlers bought a small, dying vineyard in the late 1800s.  It was the lure of winemaking that led him on a quest to create a winery that today, still bears his name.  Bernard’s first tasks were to replant his 10 acre vineyard, plant a still existing Olive grove and to build a stone barn to be used in winemaking.  The construction of the stone barn was completed in 1886.  This should answer one of the biggest questions about Ehlers Estate, why is the Cabernet Sauvignon named 1886?

 

The property passed through several hands after Bernard’s wife dies in the 1920s.

 

Eventually Jean and Sylviane Leducq, realizing the potential of the area to produce the wines of style and power to rival Bordeaux, purchased the property.  The husband and wife team slowly increased their vineyards by buying local vineyards as they went up for sale.  The family now owns 42 acres and uses the original owner’s name on their label, Ehlers Estate.

 

Much more information on Ehlers Estate is available on their website by clicking here.

 

 

A view of the Ehlers Estate vineyard and stone barn (From winery’s website)

 

 

My line-up for this tasting:

 

 

2015 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc – SRP $28

This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the winery’s estate vineyard.  The vineyard was awarded organic certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in July 2008.  The grapes for this wine were harvested on August 19-20.  After fermentation, the wine was aged in stainless steel barrels and neutral, used French barrels until bottling in February 2016.  There were 1170 cases produced.

 

The wine has 13.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a pale yellow-straw color.  The exhilarating nose has tart apples, grapefruit, lemon zest, lime, crushed stone minerals, orange blossoms and a hint of nuttiness.  This has medium to full body with crisp acidity and just a hint of sweetness.  On the palate full blown citrus and minerals grab hold on the front end with a nice floral note coming in on the back end.  The mouthwatering finish adds a hint of nuttiness while the citrus leads you to take another taste.  This has very nice balance and will add appeal to any meal on the deck or patio on a warm, sunny day.  This is also very easy to sip on its’ own while enjoying some Summer sun.  This wine has 13.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (91 pts)

 

 

2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc St. Helena – SRP $60

This wine is 100% Cabernet Franc from the winery’s estate vineyard.  Like the Sauvignon Blanc above and the 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon below, the vineyard is certified organic in 2008.  The grapes for this wine were harvested in late September through early October.  After fermentation, the wine was aged 100% French oak (50% new) from various Coopers.  831 cases of wine were bottled on August 7, 2015.

 

The wine has 14.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

This wine is a deep ruby red color.  The very inviting nose has cassis, black cherries, dark chocolate, dried leafy herbs and dusty minerals.  This is medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  Lush fruit and minerals greet you palate on the front end with dried herbs coming in later.  The finish is long and lingering with dark chocolate entering the picture.  This is rich and lush and full of power, it is easy to enjoy.  (92 pts)

 

 

2013 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “1886” – SRP $110

This wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot from the winery’s certified organic estate vineyard.  The grapes for this wine were harvested in late September through early October.  After fermentation, the wine was aged 100% French oak (70% new) from various Coopers.  There were 2733 cases produced and bottled on August 7, 2015.

 

The wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork

 

This wine is a deep ruby color.  The intoxicating nose has cassis, raspberries, crushed stone minerals, tobacco, cedar, warm baking spices, dark chocolate and cherries.  This is medium to full body with medium to solid tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate cassis, minerals and dark chocolate grab your attention on the front end with baking spices and cherries coming in later.  The long finish has nice balance between the fruit and savory elements.  This is nice now with some air but give this one a couple years in the cellar to fully develop.  (94 pts)

 

 

Conclusion

All three of these wines were very good to outstanding.  Even though the two red wines are already very tasty, showing some patience by laying them down in your cellar will be greatly rewarded.  There is serious upside potential for the reds, especially the “1886” Cabernet.  The Sauvignon Blanc would be a very fitting wine to open with a lighter meal or to serve with a platter of appetizers at a holiday get-together with family or friends.  These wines were samples provided by the winery, but I have purchased these wines in the past, and will purchase again.

 

 

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 2016 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!

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch

2008 Stefania Haut Tubee

2012 Cosa Obra Proprietor’s Blend

2009 Big Basin Vineyards Homestead

2010 Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard

2014 Diora Pinot Noir La Petite Grace

2008 Westerhold Family Vineyards Syrah Westerhold Vineyard

2009 Girard Petite Sirah

2011 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir

2007 Copain Syrah Brosseau Vineyard

 

 

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch – $15.82

This wine has 14.4% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby color.  The inviting nose has blackberries, cracked black peppercorns, dusty minerals, cherries, espresso beans, dark chocolate, dry underbrush, eucalyptus and wild flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate berries, minerals and black peppercorns take control on the front end with dark chocolate and espresso beans coming in on the back end.  The finish has decent length with a touch of eucalyptus and a floral note adding depth.  This isn’t a big, overly rips style of Zin, this is actually very well mannered and nuanced.  This has nice balance and should drink well through the end of the decade.  (91 pts)

 

 

2008 Stefania Haut Tubee – $20.00

This is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel, 2% Grenache and trace amounts of Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Pinot Gris.  The wine is named after the owner’s hot tub in their back yard.  There were 108 cases of the wine produced.  The grapes used in this red blend change dramatically every vintage based on what is available to make this tasty blend.

 

The wine has 13.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a medium to dark ruby red color with some lightening at the edge.  The nose is open and inviting with cassis, cedar, cherries, white pepper, plums, candied violets, dark chocolate, dried herbs, vanilla, and some earthiness.  This has medium body, soft to moderate tannins and good acidity.  This is much brighter on the palate than I expected with tart cherries, plums and white pepper up front.  On the back end spicy oak, dried herbs and plums come into focus.  The finish has decent length with dark chocolate and some earthiness creeping into the picture.  This is just about as good as it gets for a $20 California blend.  Drink over the next year, maybe two.  (90 pts)

 

 

2012 Cosa Obra Proprietor’s Blend – $25.60

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

 

This is a deep garnet color.  The slightly shy nose has blackberries, cherries, bacon fat, potpourri, licorice and scorched earth.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  This is much more open and expressive on the palate with spicy berries, grilled meat, cherries and stony minerals taking control on the front end with licorice and scorched earth coming in later.  The finish has nice length with the fruit and meaty elements co-mingling nicely.  This tastes nice now but will improve with some cellar time allowing the “baby fat” to integrate and become a bit less prominent.  (90 pts)

 

 

2009 Big Basin Vineyards Homestead – $29.00

As I’ve said in the past, I think Big Basin is one big score from one of the big wine reviewing periodicals away from appearing everyone’s radar.  I’ve been a big fan of Big Basin’s Syrah wines and blends for a few years.  I would highly recommend checking them out.  This is a blend of 46% Grenache, 43% Syrah, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains in California.

 

Winery history

Big Basin Vineyards was founded in 1998 in the Santa Cruz Mountains next to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, with a new winery building completed in 2003.  Proprietor and wine maker Bradley Brown sources his wines from three Estate Vineyards – Rattlesnake Rock, Old Corral Block and Homestead Block.  All of the Estate vineyards are planted to Alban Selections on steep hillsides with mudstone and shale soils – 7 acres of Syrah, 2 acres of Grenache and 1 acre of Roussanne – and are farmed organically.  Additionally, Bradley works closely with Coastview Vineyard located at 2400 ft on a mountain top in the Gabilan Mountains overlooking the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay (several miles due south of Mt. Harlan).  He has contracted with the vineyard to purchase Syrah planted in 1998 and to bud over certain sections of the vineyard to Pinot Noir and Grenache (in 2008) and plant a new block to an Alban selection of Syrah.  This vineyard is also farmed organically and managed according to Bradley’s direction.  Beginning in 2006, Big Basin started making Pinot Noir sourced from the Santa Cruz Mountains.  As of 2009, Big Basin is making three different single vineyard Pinots from the Santa Cruz Mountains (Alfaro Family, Lester Family and Woodruff Family Vineyards), plus the Pinot from Coastview Vineyard in the Gabilan Mountains.

 

Best known for Syrah, but also makes Pinot Noirs and blends.

 

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

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep ruby to maroon color.  The open and inviting nose has cherries, black raspberries, roasted herbs, dusty minerals, licorice, earthy underbrush, violets, white pepper and a touch of wood smoke.  This has medium to full body, fairly solid, ripe tannins and good acidity.  The palate shows nice spicy fruit with roasted herbs, pepper, with spicy oak adding depth and filling out the palate.  The finish is fairly long with smoky, roasted herbs and fruit slowly fading.  One of the more “civilized” wines I’ve had from Bradley Brown’s Big Basin.  I’m glad I have a few more to enjoy over the next few years.  (92 pts)

 

 

2010 Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard – $32.00

This wine has 13.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep purple color.  The inviting nose is full of crushed blackberries, dusty minerals, violets, blueberries, white pepper, road tar, dried violets and vanilla bean.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  For a Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah this is bright and lively on your palate with crushed berries, minerals and white pepper hitting on the front end and blueberries, vanilla and dried violets coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with berries and white pepper seeming to linger forever.  This is on the young side but very easy to enjoy even at this stage in its development.  (93 pts)

 

 

2014 Diora Pinot Noir La Petite Grace – $31.99

The wine has 14.5% alcohol.  The bottle is sealed with a natural cork with a thick was coating the cork and next of the bottle.  The wax may look nice but it was tough cutting it off to pull the cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet to maroon color.  The sensuous nose has black cherries, underbrush, baking spices, crushed stones, eucalyptus and violets.  This has medium body with soft to moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate black berries, underbrush and crushed stones steal the show on the front end with a nice floral note coming in later.  The finish has nice length with cherries and minerals carrying the load.  Not much complexity at this time but some time in the cellar may help, nonetheless this already easy to drink and is very tasty.  (89 pts)

 

 

2008 Westerhold Family Vineyards Syrah Westerhold Vineyard – $42.00

This is a wine I originally tried due to Russell Bevan being the winemaker.  It absolutely blew me away.  I quickly ordered more and put the word out on Twitter.  I suggested to Jeb Dunnuck that he should track down a bottle to try, he then gave it 95+ on his The Rhone Report.  A wine store owner friend from Napa (yes, you Carrie) bought some for the store based on my recommendation, and had to restock since it became very popular.  I’m not sure the status of the winery’s mailing list, but I’d recommend checking to see if it is still open.  The winery now also produces a Pinot Noir.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark purple color.  The spellbinding nose has blackberries, licorice, baking spices, cedar, black pepper, road tar, dried wildflowers, crushed stone minerals and scorched earth.  This has a full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  This has nice tart berries, black pepper, spicy oak and minerals up front with a dried floral note and some scorched earth coming in on the back end.  The has very nice length on the finish until the tannins and acidity kick in.  This is tasty but really could use some additional cellar time to help the finish open up and fill out.  (93 pts)

 

 

2009 Girard Petite Sirah – $17.09

This has been a long time favorite of mine.  My consumption has declined over the last few vintages as the price escalated.  My local store loaded up and offered the wine at a killer price via their e-mail list, so I had to “back up the truck”.

 

This has 14.5% alcohol and is sealed with an agglomerated cork

 

Winery History

Thirty years after first planting its vineyards, Girard continues to produce wines reflecting the quality that has made Napa Valley the most famous New World wine-growing region in the world. Napa Valley’s rise to fame was punctuated by a renaissance that began at the same time Girard was setting down its own roots.

 

As it has been in the past, Girard’s goal is to highlight the flavors of Napa Valley and its rich, ripe grapes. A small portion of the winery’s portfolio also comes from grapes grown in Sonoma’s upscale Russian River Valley, where cool weather offers ideal conditions for Chardonnay.

 

With the right grapes from the right locations, Girard offers a lineup that features both power and finesse–key words in California wine.

 

For more information, check out their website by clicking here.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark purple color.  The outstanding nose has blackberries, black pepper, smoke, caramel, wild flowers, cherries, dark chocolate, earthy underbrush, and vanilla.  This has medium to full body, moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the berries, pepper and vanilla leap out first with some nice earthiness and a floral element coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with some dark bittersweet chocolate entering the picture.  (90 pts)

 

 

2011 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir – $16.87

The wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The appealing nose has cherries, raspberries, warm baking spices, white pepper, dry underbrush, wild flowers and vanilla.  This has medium body with soft to moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate cherries, baking spices and white pepper take charge early with dry underbrush and raspberries coming in later.  The finish has nice length with vanilla joining the spices and cherries.  This was better after being opened for an hour or two.  Drink now with some air or let it sleep another year and drink it through the end of the decade.  (91 pts)

 

 

2007 Copain Syrah Brosseau Vineyard – $45.00

This wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a dark ruby red color.  The intriguing nose has blackberries, mint, black peppercorns, dusty minerals, dark roast coffee beans, licorice and dried violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the berries, minerals and dark roast coffee immediately take control, slowly allowing black pepper and a minty note to slip through on the back end.  The finish has very nice length with a dried floral note providing depth.  This is drinking very nicely today and should hold for at least another couple of years.  (92 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 2016 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!

 

2002 Weingut Eduard Hauth Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett

2009 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Lot 282

2011 Bokisch Vineyards Garnacha Terra Alta Vineyard

2008 Anthill Farms Syrah Peters Vineyard

2008 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis

2013 Bella Grace Zinfandel

2014 Caleo Nero d’Avola

2010 Sandler Wine Company Syrah Connell Vineyard

2010 Purple Hands Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard

2008 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Seventy Four – Forty One Napa Valley

 

 

 

2002 Weingut Eduard Hauth Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett – $14.75

This was another “steal” from Last Bottle wines, my favorite “flash” wine site.  If you use the provided link and sign up, we both get a credit to our accounts after your first purchase.  Check them out, they have awesome deals and their Marathons are always something special.

 

This has 8.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  My cork was a nasty, disgusting black on the exposed end but the important part was perfect.  Remember to clean the bottle well when opening these older bottles.

 

The wine is a bright straw yellow color.  The inviting nose has apples, orange blossoms, lemon zest, petrol, honey, minerals, white pepper and juicy peaches.  This has medium body with tart acidity and nice sweetness.  Apples, peaches, stony minerals and honey take control of the palate on the front end with orange blossoms and lemon zest coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with a hint of white pepper coming into the picture.  This is drinking very nicely right now but there is no hurry.  (91 pts)

 

 

2009 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Lot 282 – $24.00

This wine was purchased in bulk from the winery when the economy was at a very low point.  As the economy started to rebound, the winery actually bought some back.

 

Here is part of the e-mail pitch from Cameron Hughes:

 

Lot 282 2009 Rutherford Cabernet is perfectly suited for the task with impeccable provenance from one of Napa Valley’s flagship Cabernet producers.  Sourced from the well-drained alluvial soils of the west side of Rutherford appellation, this wine explodes with rich and ripe, yet elegant, fruit.  Classically proportioned one would say.  The source winery approached us last fall and we contracted quite a few different 2009 Cabernet’s that they then barreled down for us until we removed them last summer for bottling.  The best of them is this 2009 Rutherford Cabernet (their $80 Rutherford appellation Cabernet being their consistently best rated wine with the 2008 scoring 93+ from Parker).  Lot 282 is the exact same wine they bottled for the 2009 vintage under their own label.  How do I know this?  Not only because they told us as much but because they sold us the entire production at first and then asked very nicely last spring with the economy looking better if they couldn’t have some back.

 

As a side note, based on a few clues, this appears to be the wine also labeled and sold as the 2009 Pine Ridge Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon.  As soon as I figured this out, I was in for a case at only $24 a bottle.

 

This has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The very appealing nose has cassis, cedar, licorice, warm baking spices, dusty minerals, cherries, tobacco and wild flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate cassis, baking spices, dusty minerals and cedar immediately take control with cherries coming in on the back end.  The finish has very good length with tobacco and a nice floral note adding depth.  This has very nice balance and will last in the cellar for several more years.  This was a steal for the price.  (93 pts)

 

 

2011 Bokisch Vineyards Garnacha Terra Alta Vineyard – $14.85

This was another “steal” from Last Bottle wines, my favorite “flash” wine site.  If you use the provided link and sign up, we both get a credit to our accounts after your first purchase.  Check them out, they have awesome deals and their Marathons are always something special.

 

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

 

The wine is a bright red color.  The enticing nose has cherries, white pepper, crushed stone minerals, dried violets and dry underbrush.  This has medium body with soft to moderate ripe tannins and decent acidity.  On the palate ripe cherries and white pepper come through on the front end with dried flowers and minerals coming in later.  The finish has decent length with cherries and dry underbrush carrying the load.  Not a wine to stash away for extended aging, open this one and enjoy an easy drinking glass of wine.  (89 pts)

 

 

2008 Anthill Farms Syrah Peters Vineyard – $28.00

I haven’t had one of these for a couple of years so it’s time to check in again.  I felt it needed another year or two back then, let’s see how my guess held up.

 

This wine has 13.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The very inviting nose has blackberries, raspberries, smoke, crushed stones, black pepper, smoked meat, licorice, roasted herbs, scorched earth and violets.  This has medium body with moderate to solid tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate crushed berries, crushed stones and black pepper grab your attention immediately with smoked meat and licorice coming in later.  The finish has great length with smoked meat and roasted herbs adding great depth.  This has outstanding balance and still has several years of life ahead of it.  (91 pts)

 

 

2008 Turley Zinfandel Mead Ranch – $35.00

This has 16.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The sexy nose is full of black cherries, crushed stones, white pepper, licorice, brambly berries, warm baking spices, underbrush, dried wild flowers and a touch of dark chocolate.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate black cherries, baking spices, crushed stones and dark chocolate immediately tack control with white pepper and brambly berries coming in later.  The finish has great length with subtle underbrush and dried flowers entering the picture.  For a wine with over 16% alcohol the acidity keeps it lively on your palate.  This will easily last in your cellar through the end of the decade, perhaps longer.  A great job!  (94 pts)

 

 

2009 Jaffe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Metamorphosis – $32.85

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

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cedar, dusty minerals, baking spices, licorice,  plums, cocoa powder and dried violets.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  Cassis, cocoa powder, dusty minerals and cedar coat the palate on the front end with plums and licorice coming in later.  The finish has very good length with a dried floral note and plums joining the cassis, cedar and minerals.  This has very nice balance and is very easy to enjoy.  This will drink well through at least the end of the decade.  (93 pts)

 

 

2013 Bella Grace Zinfandel – $14.00

The winery was named for the owner’s two grandmother’s, Bella and Grace.  This wine has 14.3% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, plums, stony minerals, scorched earth, baking spices, white pepper, cherries and dried flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  Berries, plums and minerals coat the palate on the front end with white pepper and scorched earth coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with a dried floral note and a touch of dark chocolate adding nice depth.  This is on the young side but very tasty and easy to enjoy.  This is a winery that deserves some attention.  (90 pts)

 

 

2014 Caleo Nero d’Avola – $8.99

This has 13% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an artificial plastic stopper.

 

The wine is a violet red color.  The slightly subdued nose has cherries, stony minerals, raspberries, dark roasted coffee beans, roasted herbs and wild flowers.  This is barely medium body with soft tannins and good acidity.  On the palate cherries and minerals jump out first with raspberries and dark roasted coffee coming in later.  The finish is a bit short with roasted herbs coming in.  Not a great example of a Nero d”Avola.  This could use a bit more oomph and depth.  (85 pts)

 

 

2010 Sandler Wine Company Syrah Connell Vineyard – $20.00

This has 11.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a garnet red color.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, black raspberries, baking spices, crushed stones, dried wild flowers, licorice, smoked meat and roasted herbs.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and crisp acidity.  On the palate red and black fruit, baking spices and crushed stone take control on the front end with smoked meat and licorice coming in later.  The finish has nice length with dried flowers adding depth.  This is a nice, low alcohol Syrah that could a bit more stuffing, as is, this is a food friendly wine that will accompany a meal without wowing anyone or over shadowing the food.  (88 pts)

 

 

2010 Purple Hands Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard – $18.16

The owner/winemaker is Cody Wright, the son of well known and popular Oregon winemaker/owner Ken Wright.  This was a new winery to me when the local wine store had an e-mail special on the wine.  In my opinion, any time you can get hold of a good Pinot Noir for under $20, you buy.

 

The wine has 13.5% alcohol and is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

Winery history

Purple Hands winery strives for the expression of genuine inherent terroir of soil and grape.  We search for ideal moments of ripeness and complexity balanced with authentic strength of soil character.

 

Our wines are windows into dynamic breadths of terroir, extracting and unlocking a code of sweet and savory from our rich Oregon soil.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a bright red color with a slight ruby tint.  The soft and nuanced nose has black cherries, raspberries, fresh flowers, baking spices and subtle earthiness.  This is medium body at most, with racy acidity, and soft but persistent tannins.  The silky palate has tart, juicy fruit, spice, and a bit of earthiness which carries through on the slightly short finish.  This is a nice, light weight style of Pinot with juicy acidity and a touch of earthiness and spice to balance out the fruit.  This is a nice change up from the broad shouldered California Pinots.  (90 pts)

 

 

2008 Jean Edwards Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Seventy Four – Forty One Napa Valley – $60

I’ve been a fan and customer of the winery for a few years and love opening bottles of their wines for friends to sample.  These are extremely high quality wines sourced from some of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley.  The fact the wines are also sold at very consumer friendly prices is a great bonus.  This is one of the winery’s higher end offerings.

 

This 100% Cabernet is a blend of grapes from a few vineyards in the Napa Valley.  Even though the vineyard names cannot be used for contractual reasons, they can disclose some geographical information.  The major component of this wine is from a Howell Mountain vineyard.  This is combined with grapes from a vineyard in Rutherford and one in Coombsville.

 

The wine was aged 24 months in French oak, 50% new and 50% one year old.

 

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

 

The wine is a deep ruby red to maroon color.  The enticing nose has cassis, cedar, dried herbs, tobacco, mint, dusty minerals, warm baking spices, licorice and dried flowers.  This has medium body to full body with  moderate to solid tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate the cassis, mint and dusty minerals quickly take control, with baking spices, dried herbs and licorice coming in later.  On the back end some spicy oak shines through in the background.  The finish has very good length with a nice mix of fruit and savory elements.  This seems to have settled into a nice drinking window and it should hold for several years.  (93 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 2016 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!

 

 

These reviews are based on samples provided by the winery or organization acting on their behalf.

 

 

 

 

2015 Clos Dalian Terra Alta Garnacha Blanca

2013 Viñas del Vero Somontano Garnacha Blanca La Miranda de Secastilla

2015 Altovinum Evodia

2015 Castillo de Monséran Garnacha Cariñena

2014 Bodegas Aragonesas Garnacha Campo de Borja Coto de Hayas Centenaria

 

 

Overview

I was invited to participate in a #GarnachaDay online tasting with Snooth and Wines of Garnacha.  These wines were provided to me by the organizers.  A very informative online session hosted by Master Sommelier and Corkbuzz owner Laura Maniec and Master of Wine Christy Canterbury.  You can view the Virtual Tasting Chat Log and view the recorded video by clicking here.

 

Much more informative information is available at the Wines of Garnacha site.

 

Old Garnacha Vines of Bodegas Alto Moncayo.

Picture courtesy of Foods & Wines of Spain

 

 

My Line Up

Here is my line up for this online tasting event:

 

 

2015 Clos Dalian Terra Alta Garnacha Blanca

This wine is 100% Garnacha Blanca (White Grenache) from the Terra Alta region in Spain.  The wine does not see oak.

 

The wine has 12.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a very light straw yellow color.  The very inviting nose has ripe apples, pears, white pepper, crushed stone minerals, lemon zest, orange blossoms, lime zest, white peaches and beeswax.  This has medium body with nice crisp acidity.  On the palate apples, pears, lemon zest and crushed stones jump out quickly with orange blossoms and beeswax coming in on the back end.  The lingering finish adds mouthwatering lime zest.  The bright fruit and crisp acidity makes this a perfect choice for a light meal or an aperitif on a warm, sunny day.  (89 pts)

 

 

2013 Viñas del Vero Somontano Garnacha Blanca La Miranda de Secastilla

This 100% Garnacha Blanca was aged 4 months in French oak.

 

This wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a bright yellow color.  The fresh and bright nose has apples, white peaches, crushed stones, pears, orange blossoms and a touch of Spanish peanuts.  The palate has nice white fruit and crushed stones on the front end with white peaches and orange blossoms coming in later.  The crisp finish adds a nutty element and just enough citrus leaving your mouth watering for another sip.  This would be a very nice companion for a light meal or appetizers on a sunny day.  (91 pts)

 

 

2015 Altovinum Evodia

This wine is a custom cuvee for Eric Soloman and comes from high altitude (2400 to 3000 feet) vineyards that were planted up to 100 years ago. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and did not spend any time in oak barrels.

 

This wine has 15% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork closure.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The sensuous nose has black cherries, flinty minerals, plums, warm baking spices, dry earth, dried violets, white pepper and melted licorice.  This has a full body with moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate cherries, plums, flint and baking spices quickly take control on the front end with white pepper and licorice coming in later.  The finish has good length with a dried floral note providing nice depth.  This is a smooth, velvety wine with no rough edges.  (91 pts)

 

 

2015 Castillo de Monséran Garnacha Cariñena

This wine is 100% Garnacha from the Cariñena region in Spain.  This wine is fermented and aged for under 12 months in stainless steel tanks.  This wine is produced to be enjoyed early.

 

This wine has 13% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The hypnotic nose has blackberries, crushed stones, white pepper, cherries, dry underbrush, violets and warm baking spices.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate blackberries, crushed stones and baking spices jump out quickly on the front end with white pepper and tart cherries coming in later.  The finish has nice length with dry underbrush and a floral note providing extra depth.  This is a wine that would satisfy both casual and more serious wine drinkers.  (90 pts)

 

 

2014 Bodegas Aragonesas Garnacha Campo de Borja Coto de Hayas Centenaria

This 100% Grenache comes from vineyards planted over 100 years ago.  The wine was aged for 4 months in French oak.

 

The wine has 14% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium to dark ruby red color.  The enticing nose has blackberries, cocoa beans, black cherries, baking spices, scorched earth, dusty minerals and a hint of mint.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  Blackberries, cocoa beans and dusty minerals jump out quickly on the palate with black cherries and scorched earth coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with baking spices providing additional depth.  This is a very tasty wine with solid structure.  (91 pts)

 

 

Conclusion

Spanish Garnacha is generally a crowd pleasing wine.  There is usually nice up front fruit that will appeal to the casual wine drinker but these wines generally have the structure and savory/mineral notes that appeal to the more “serious” wine lover.  If these wines are new to you or it’s been a while since you enjoyed a bottle, grab one on your next wine shopping trip.

 

 

 

 

This presentation and the wines were provided by Snooth.

 

Snooth is the world’s most comprehensive wine site, hosts the largest online wine community & features reviews & local prices for millions of wines.

 

Mission

Snooth is a revolutionary web-based social shopping experience that is simplifying how people select, learn about, and purchase their favorite wines.

 

Company Overview

Philip James launched Snooth in 2007 with one goal: to make wine info clear, accessible, and freely available.

The idea for Snooth first came to Philip when he began working in the wine industry and realized just how complex wine was — if even the most seasoned wine collectors could become confused, what hope was there for the casual wine lover?

He realized that the wine industry was hopelessly fragmented — with neither a standardized naming system nor a centralized repository of information — and created Snooth to change all of that.

 

Visit Snooth by by clicking here.

 

 

 

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 2016 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!

 

 

 

 

2006 Rhys Alesia Syrah Fairview Ranch

2012 White Hart Pinot Noir

2012 Rock Wall Wine Co. Obsideana

2012 Murrieta’s Well The Spur

2010 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah Pleine de Chene Hudson Vineyard North

2000 Ada Nada Barbaresco Elisa

 

 

 

2006 Rhys Alesia Syrah Fairview Ranch – $20.00

This wine has 14.25% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The thought provoking nose has blackberries, smoked meat, licorice, crushed stone minerals, black plums, cracked black peppercorns, dry earth and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate black pepper laced berries, minerals and smoked meat take control on the front end with plums, dry earth and violets coming in on the back end.  The finish has great length with licorice joining the peppery berries and minerals.  To me this still tastes very young and still has not reached its peak.  This could last in your cellar for another decade.  (92 pts)

 

 

2012 White Hart Pinot Noir – $21.99

This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The appealing nose has wild cherries, baking spices, dry underbrush, cranberries, melted licorice and wild flowers.  This has medium body with soft to moderate silky tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate tart cherries, baking spices and cranberries take control on the front end with dry underbrush coming in later.  The lingering finish adds licorice and a nice floral element.  This is a well mannered California Pinot that does not push the ripeness envelope to the edge.  (90 pts)

 

 

2012 Rock Wall Wine Co. Obsideana – $16.19

This is a blend of 50% Zinfandel and 50% Petite Sirah from Nils Venge’s Black Rock Ranch in Lake County.  The vineyard contains so much obsidian that it glows in the moonlight.  Rock Wall is Kent Rosenblum’s latest project along with his daughter and a group of industry veterans.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The very open and giving nose has blackberries, licorice, black peppercorns, wood smoke, dark bittersweet chocolate, blueberries, minerals and vanilla bean.  This has a full body with moderate to solid tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate spicy, peppery blackberries jump out on the front end with minerals, licorice and a smoky element coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with vanilla bean and dark chocolate making an appearance.  This is very nice and the price is a big bonus.  The wine has 15.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (91 pts)

 

 

2012 Murrieta’s Well The Spur – $23.99

This vintage is a blend of 33% Petite Sirah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec and 3% Merlot.

 

This has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a screw cap.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The enticing nose has blackberries, warm baking spices, licorice, eucalyptus, dusty minerals, cocoa powder and dried violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and decent acidity.  On the palate blackberries, baking spices and cocoa powder jump out on the front end with minerals and violets coming in on the back end.  The lingering finish adds a hint of eucalyptus.  This isn’t one to stash in the cellar, unscrew the cap and enjoy.  (88 pts)

 

 

2010 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah Pleine de Chene Hudson Vineyard North – $39.00

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

 

The wine is a dark, inky purple.  The exotic nose is full of blackberries, wood embers, plums, crushed stone minerals, fresh ground espresso beans, blueberries, meat juices, licorice, black peppercorns and scorched earth.  This has a full body with solid tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate massive crushed berries, minerals, wood embers and espresso beans immediately take hold with blueberries, black peppercorns and meat juices coming in later.  The finish is very long and shows great depth of flavor.  This has great balance and will reward some additional cellar time.  (94 pts)

 

 

2000 Ada Nada Barbaresco Elisa – $28.79

This has 14.0% alcohol by volume and the bottle was sealed with a natural cork.  About the only part of the cork that was not stained and saturated was the edge.

 

The wine is a ruby red color with a fair amount of brick at the edge.  The very saturated and stained cork as well as the bricking along with a fairly solid whiff of wet forest floor almost led me to the cellar to grab a replacement bottle but a taste poured into a glass and a little swirling eased my concerns.  The nose has cherries, licorice, earthy underbrush, raspberries, baking spices, dried flowers and a hint of mint.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate cherries, raspberries, spice and underbrush grab your attention quickly with dried flowers and mint coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a nice balance between the fruit and savory elements.  This has nice balance and still has plenty of life.  Delicious.  (92 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 2016 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!

 

 

 

2012 Montoya Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Morisoli Vineyard

NV Austin Hope Troublemaker Blend 9

André Delorme Crémant de Bourgogne Terroir D’ Exception

2011 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée

2012 Louis Chavy Pinot Noir Bourgogne

 

 

 

2012 Montoya Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – $17.99

I don’t know much about the winery.  How many wineries have a total lack of any online presence?  I was able to figure out the winery is on the Silverado Trail in St Helena, but not much more than that.  What I do know is this wine is a $20 Napa Cab at Total Wine.  Using one of their frequent 20% off e-mail coupons means this is an $18 Napa Cab.  I’ve had this wine in the past and it (as well as their Pinot Noir) are perfect wines for a week night dinner without requiring breaking the kids’ piggy bank.

 

This has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a medium ruby red color.  The inviting nose has cherries, dusty minerals, cedar, licorice, baking spices and wild flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate cherries, minerals and cedar hit on the front end with baking spices coming in later.  The finish adds a floral note to go with the cherries, spices and minerals.  Even though this wine doesn’t offer much complexity it is an easy drinking, food friendly Cab for a casual week night dinner.  (87 pts)

 

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Morisoli Vineyard – $16.01

This was another “steal” from Last Bottle wines, my favorite “flash” wine site.  If you use the provided link and sign up, we both get a credit to our accounts after your first purchase.  Check them out, they have awesome deals and their Marathons are always something special.

 

This wine has 14.4% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The captivating nose has brambly berries, black peppercorns, dusty minerals, scorched earth, baking spices, dark chocolate, cherries, violets and just a hint of roasted leafy herbs.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate brambly berries, baking spices and dusty minerals immediately jump out with spicy oak, black pepper and cherries coming in later.  The finish has nice length with some subtle earthiness joining a floral note and dark chocolate to add solid depth.  This is a well balanced, food friendly Zinfandel to enjoy over the remainder of the decade.  (91 pts)

 

 

NV Austin Hope Troublemaker Blend 9 – $8.50

I grabbed a couple bottles of this one when the Fresh Market had it for buy one, get one free sale.  I had an

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The easy-going nose has blackberries, cherries, roasted herbs, underbrush, licorice, black pepper and wild flowers.  This has medium to full body soft tannins and decent acidity.  On the palate waves of berries and cherries roll through with roasted herbs and black pepper coming through on the back end.  The finish had nice length with some earthiness and a nice floral note.  This doesn’t off much in the way of complexity and isn’t meant to be stashed away in the cellar.  Open a bottle with friends with a nice platter of finger food and enjoy.  (87 pts)

 

 

André Delorme Crémant de Bourgogne Terroir D’ Exception – $14.99

I added a couple bottles of this sparkling wine to fill up a case from the web based Invino site.

 

This has 12% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a standard sparkling wine cork.

 

The wine is a light golden straw color with pinpoint sized bubbles.  The refreshing nose has apples, lemon zest, orange blossoms and fresh bread.  This shows just a touch of sweetness but has plenty of citrusy acidity to keep it in check.  On the palate tart apples, lemon zest a yeasty bread grab your attention with a hint of orange blossom coming in on the lingering finish.  Not a ton of complexity but this was easy to enjoy on a warm January afternoon with a light lunch on the deck.  (87 pts)

 

 

 

2011 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – $35.50

This has 14% alcohol by volume and is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The hypnotic nose is full of crushed berries, tobacco, crushed stones, black pepper, violets, dried leafy herbs, violets and licorice.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate berries, crushed stones, tobacco and black pepper take control early with dried herbs and flowers coming in later.  The finish has great length with melted licorice joining the party.  This is drinking very nicely already with some air.  (93 pts)

 

 

2012 Louis Chavy Pinot Noir Bourgogne – $15.99

The wine is a bright garnet color.  The inviting nose has cherries, baking spices, damp underbrush, roasted leafy herbs and strawberry.  This is barely medium body with soft, silky tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate tart cherries and baking spices quickly take control slowly allowing damp earth and underbrush to slip in on the back end.  The finish has good length with roasted herbs and strawberries joining the tart cherries and spice.  This doesn’t offer much complexity but for the price this is a great value especially with a midweek meal.  (89 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 2016 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!

 

 

2012 Casey Flat Ranch Open Range

2011 Bedrock Wine Co Zinfandel Old Vine

2010 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2011 Waters Interlude

2009 Agharta Wines Cabernet Sauvignon White Label Mountain Terraces Vineyard

2011 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir La Source Seven Springs Vineyard

2010 John Duval Wines Shiraz Entity

2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

 

 

 

2012 Casey Flat Ranch Open Range – $9.74

This was another purchase from Last Bottle wines, one of my favorite “flash” wine sites.  If you use the provided link and sign up, we both get a credit to our accounts after your first purchase.  Check them out, they have awesome deals and their Marathons are always something special.

 

This has been a personal value priced favorite over the last few years. This wine, as most blends, change every vintage.  This vintage is a blend of 52% Syrah, 33% Petite Sirah, 8% Merlot, 5% Mourvedre and 2% Cabernet Franc.  This wine always offers great QPR (Quality to Price Ratio).

 

This wine has 14.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a twist off closure.

 

The wine is a deep ruby to purple color.  The very open and giving nose is full of black cherries, licorice, black peppercorns, blackberries, baking spices, dry earth, underbrush, dried herbs and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate black cherries, black pepper, spice and blackberries pop out on the front end with dried herbs, dry earth and underbrush coming in later.  The finish has nice length with licorice and spice adding nice depth to the fruit.  This could easily pass for a much more expensive bottle of wine.  This can be enjoyed over the remainder of the decade.  (89 pts)

 

 

2011 Bedrock Wine Co Zinfandel Old Vine – $22.00

The Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel is always a bargain.  This wine uses grapes from several older zinfandel vineyards in Sonoma County such as Stellwagen, Casa Santinamaria, Los Chamizal, Rossi Ranch in Kenwood and Monte Rosso.  This also contains a bit of Carignane and Mourvedre from the estate’s Bedrock Vineyard.

 

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

 

The wine is a deep ruby color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, warm baking spices, cherries, black peppercorns, licorice, tobacco, dried violets and dark chocolate.  This has medium to full body with moderate to solid ripe tannins and good acidity.  Juicy, crushed berries, cherries, baking spice and black peppercorns coat the palate on the front end with dark chocolate coming in later.  The finish has very good length with a nice floral note entering the picture.  This is a lighter, livelier style of zinfandel that is a perfect companion to a hearty meat dish.  This is in a very nice drinking window and it should hold for a few more years.  (92 pts)

 

 

2010 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands – $25.00

In my opinion, the Loring appellation wines are some of the best bargains out there when it comes to quality California Pinot Noir.  The Loring appellation wines are, at least to me, dialed down a notch compared to their single vineyard siblings.  This and the lower prices, under $25 make them a nice way to kick up a week night dinner several notches without breaking the bank.

 

This has 14.7% alcohol and is closed via a Stelvin+ screw cap.

 

Winery history

My name is Brian Loring and my obsession is Pinot Noir.  OK, I’m also pretty crazy about Champagne, but that’s another story.  While in college, I worked at a wine shop in Hollywood (Victor’s), where one of the owners was a Burgundy fanatic.  So, my very first experiences with Pinot Noir were from producers like Domaine Dujac, Henri Jayer, and DRC.  Needless to say, I found subsequent tasting safaris into the domestic Pinot Noir jungle less than satisfying.  It wasn’t until I literally stumbled into Calera (I tripped over a case of their wine in the store room) that I found a California Pinot Noir that I could love.  But it would be quite a while before I found someone else that lived up to the standard that Josh Jensen had established.  I eventually came to understand and enjoy Pinots from Williams Selyem, Chalone, and Sanford, but I really got excited about California Pinot Noir when I met Norm Beko from Cottonwood Canyon at an Orange County Wine Society tasting.

 

For more information, to buy wine, or to join the mailing list, visit their website.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a ruby red color.  The alluring nose has raspberries, warm baring spices, cola, cherries, wild flowers, plums, eucalyptus, and some earthiness.  This has medium body, soft tannins, and decent acidity.  On the palate the baking spices and fruit jump out and take hold slowly allowing a touch of eucalyptus and earthiness to break through on the back end.  The finish has good length and adds some minerality to the fruit and spice.  I’d drink this one over the next year before the acidity slides a bit more.  (91 pts)

 

 

2011 Waters Interlude – $16.98

The grapes for this wine come from Stone Tree, Seven Hills, Cold Creek and Old Stones vineyards.  The wine was aged in 20% new French oak and 80% neutral French oak.  There were 1,550 cases of wine produced.  I should note, I bought the wine at a great price from Garagiste Wine, the suggested price for the wine is $28.

 

This is a blend of 61% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 11% Petit Verdot from Washington.  The wine is a deep ruby to maroon color.  The very expressive nose has cherries, cassis, stony minerals, eucalyptus, licorice, freshly ground espresso beans, dried leafy herbs, cocoa powder and dried earth.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate ripe cherries and berries hit first with minerals and espresso beans quickly joining in.  The finish has nice length with dried herbs, cocoa powder, dried earth and a hint of eucalyptus entering the picture.  This may be a bit on the young side but it tastes delicious.  I wouldn’t want to stash this in the back of the cellar, enjoy this one over the next couple of years.  This has 14.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (90 pts)

 

 

2009 Agharta Wines Cabernet Sauvignon White Label Mountain Terraces Vineyard – $38.60

Agharta is also commonly known as a mystical place on earth where the hills are made of gold and the rivers run with wine…sounds like a great place to me.  Pax Mahle

 

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Mountain Terraces Vineyard located high above Sonoma Valley and was crafted by Pax Mahle.

I was able to snag a few bottles at a great price from the Garagiste Wine e-mail list about a year ago.  Even though I think this will be on the young side, I wanted to check in on it to decide when to start opening my remaining bottles in their prime.

 

This wine has 14.7% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork and a thin was coating.

 

The wine is a deep ruby red color.  The inviting nose has cassis, plums, cedar, white pepper, crushed stones, tobacco, dried herbs, licorice and warm baking spices.  This has medium body with solid tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate dark fruit, white pepper and crushed stones quickly take control, slowly allowing dried herbs and cedar to come into play.  The finish has good length with licorice and baking spices adding nice depth.  The tannins are solid and a touch rough at this time, enjoy this with a piece of juicy grilled meat now or let it sleep for a few years.  This has the depth and balance to last in the cellar for another decade or longer.  (92 pts)

 

 

2011 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir La Source Seven Springs Vineyard – $28.71

This was another purchase from Garagiste Wine.  My purchases from them have declined over the last couple of years but I still end up receiving a case when shipping season rolls around.

 

The wine has 12.9% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The enticing nose has cherries, baking spices, earthy underbrush, white pepper, wild flowers, wet stone minerals, black raspberries and roasted leafy herbs.  This is barely medium body with soft to moderate silky tannins and very good acidity.  On the palate tart cherries, baking spices and wet stones quickly take hold with white pepper and earthy underbrush coming in on the back end.  The finish has very good length with roasted herbs and black raspberries entering the picture.  This tastes great now with some air but will be better in a year or two.  (93 pts)

 

 

2010 John Duval Wines Shiraz Entity – $33.24

This vintage of Entity includes some Eden Valley Shiraz to help maintain the elegance and style of Entity.  The wine was aged in 100% French oak for 18 months, 36% of which was new.

 

This wine has 14.5% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a twist off cap.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a dark, inky purple color.  The very open and powerful nose has blackberries, baking spices, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, blueberries, white pepper, candied violets and a touch of cedar.  This has medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  This is a beast on the palate, full of dark berries and spice up front with vanilla bean and dark chocolate coming in later.  The finish is very long with white pepper, candied violets and spicy oak adding considerable depth.  This is drinking very nicely but will improve with some time in the cellar.  Outstanding!  (94 pts)

 

 

2012 Sojourn Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – $28.17

I had a fair amount of credits in my account at Underground Cellar when a Sojourn Pinot offer popped up.  I quickly grabbed a 6 pack knowing the lowest priced wine I would get was this wine, their Sonoma Coast wine.  By a freak of luck, I only received one bottle of this one, and 5 bottles of their much more expensive single vineyard wines.  That’s how Underground Cellars offers work, you pay the x bottles of the lowest priced wine in the group and some of your bottles get upgraded for free.  Who knows, you may order a mid level California Cabernet and get the steal of the century and get a bottle of the coveted Screaming Eagle.  Check them out by clicking here.  If you sign up via the link I provided we both get a $20 credit when you make your first purchase.

 

This wine has 14.4% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a medium to deep ruby red color.  The very appealing nose has cherries, licorice, warm baking spices, cola, dry earth, violets, cranberries and a touch of cedar.  This has medium body with moderate silky tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate spicy cherries, cola and dry earth jump out first with cedar and cranberries coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a nice floral note joining the cherries and baking spices.  This improved greatly with air so let it sleep in your cellar for another year of give it an hour in the decanter.  (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!

 

 

 

Bella Grace Brut Sparkling Wine

2013 Bella Grace Montagñaro

2010 Martinelli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2011 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino

2012 Miner Family Grenache Hudson Vineyard

2008 Cairdean Vineyards Zinfandel

2013 Giacomo Montresor Ripasso della Valpolicella Capitel della Crosara

2011 Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County

2012 Viña El Huique Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Colchagua Valley

 

 

 

Bella Grace Brut Sparkling Wine – $16.80

The winery was named for the owner’s two grandmother’s, Bella and Grace.

 

This wine is from Mendocino County and was bottled at Roederrer Estates.  It is a blend of 73% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Noir.  This wine was purchased directly from the winery when they were having a sale over the holiday season, the SRP on this wine is $24.

 

The wine is a light golden straw color with abundant pinpoint sized bubbles.  The fresh smelling nose has apples, light toast, lemon curd, lime zest, chalky minerals and white flowers.  This is light and crisp on the palate with tart lemon, creamy apples, minerals and closing lime zest.  The finish has nice length with mouthwatering citrus prompting you to reach for another sip.  (90 pts)

 

 

2013 Bella Grace Montagñaro – SRP $23

This unique Amador County wine is a blend of 50% Zinfandel and 50% Barbera.  This bottle of wine was a free sample from the winery that was added to a case purchase.  To learn more about the winery or to pick up some great wine visit the winery’s site by clicking here.

 

The wine is a medium garnet color.  The exotic nose has blackberries, scorched earth, black cherries, dusty minerals, licorice, white pepper, dried violets and a hint of eucalyptus.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate dusty, earthy fruit and spice jump out quickly with white pepper and dried flowers coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with the savory elements in the front with fruit supplying nice background sweetness.  This intriguing blend has very nice balance.  (91 pts)

 

 

2010 Martinelli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – $18.61

This wine was purchased during the latest Last Bottle Wines marathon.  After having an unpleasant experience at the winery several years ago, I pretty much swore off buying any of their wines until this killer bargain popped up.  Maybe the tasting room personnel were having a bad day but totally ignoring customers and talking down to them is not the right way to increase customer loyalty.

 

This wine has 15.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a light to medium ruby red color.  The pleasing nose has cherries, earthy underbrush, baking spices, wildflowers, cranberries and a hint of smoke.  This has medium to full body with soft to moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate spicy cherries and underbrush jump out first with a nice floral note and a touch of tart cranberries coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with cherries and white pepper slowly bringing the curtain down.  This has surprising balance and is light on its feet for having 15.5% alcohol.  The alcohol never pops out so it is well hidden behind a wall of fruit and spice.  (92 pts)

 

 

2011 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino – $18.99

This 100% Sangiovese comes from vineyards in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, at elevations of 150-350 metres on well-exposed hillslopes south-east of Montalcino.  The wine was aged in a mix of Slavonian and French oak barrels for a minimum of 8 months followed by a minimum of 3 months of bottle aging before it is released.

 

This wine has 14.0% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a light ruby red color.  The intriguing nose has cherries, dusty minerals, dried thyme, baking spices, raspberry, leather and a touch of underbrush.  This is barely medium body with soft to moderate tannins and very good acidity.  Cherries, minerals and spice initially take hold on the palate with dried thyme and leather coming in on the back end.  The finish has good length with just a touch of earthiness entering the picture.  This is on the young side but already showing very nicely.  (91 pts)

 

 

2012 Miner Family Grenache Hudson Vineyard – $17.91

This is another wine that I purchased from Last Bottle Wines during their last marathon.  If you like great wines at great prices, I highly recommend checking them out.  By clicking here you can sign up for their e-mail offers.  As a special bonus, we both get a credit in our account after your first purchase.

 

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

 

The wine is a light to medium ruby red color.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, dusty minerals, white pepper, dried flowers, plums and baking spices.  This is barely medium body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  This is much more open on the palate than it was on the nose with spicy, tart cherries, white pepper and dusty minerals with dried flowers and plums coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with cherries and white pepper holding down the fort.  Not your typical, push the ripeness limit, California Grenache.  This has nice balance and finesse.  (89 pts)

 

 

2008 Cairdean Vineyards Zinfandel – $13.49

This was a steal of a purchase from Invino around Labor Day.  I was able to grab a 6 pack each of this wine as well as the winery’s 2010 Napa Valley Petite Sirah for about $150 delivered.

 

Cairdean Vineyards was a new one for me in 2014.  I was involved in a couple online chats featuring a few of their wines and I immediately fell in love with them.  For those of you who have been following me for a while, you know I’m not a big California Merlot fan, but I flipped over one of Cairdean’s.  I highly recommend checking out this up and coming winery.

 

This wine has 15.2% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is ruby red with just a touch of brick at the edge.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, brambly berries, baking spices, eucalyptus, white pepper and a hint of wood smoke.  On the palate berries, tart cherries and spices jump out first with white pepper and eucalyptus coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with cherries, baking spices and white pepper carrying the bulk of the load.  Contrary to the 15.2% alcohol on the label, this is not a big and syrupy Zin.  This will last in the cellar through the end of the decade.  (92 pts)

 

 

2013 Giacomo Montresor Ripasso della Valpolicella Capitel della Crosara – $16.99

I took a flier on a bottle of this wine when I saw it on the shelf at the local Total Wine.

 

This wine has 14.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet red color.  The soothing nose has cherries, dusty minerals, baking spices, earthy underbrush and a hint of eucalyptus.  This has medium body with moderate smooth tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate juicy cherries, baking spice and dusty minerals jump out on the front end with a nice vein of earthy elements coming in on the back end.  The finish has decent length with a hint of eucalyptus coming into the picture.  (88 pts)

 

 

2011 Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County – $18.81

This is another bottle that popped up on the latest Last Bottle marathon.  Even though I had heard of the winery, this was my first purchase of any of their wines.

 

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

 

The wine is a medium to deep ruby red color.  The inviting nose has ripe cherries, raspberries, baking spices, underbrush, white pepper, lemon zest and crushed stones.  This has medium body with moderate silky tannins and good acidity.  On the palate cherries, raspberries, baking spices and white pepper jump out quickly with crushed stones coming in on the back end.  The finish has good length with a touch of citrus acidity leaving your mouth watering for another sip.  This shows nice balance and depth.  (91 pts)

 

 

2012 Viña El Huique Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Colchagua Valley – $15.29

I bought this at a wine shop here in South Carolina when I had a tasting with the owner of the importing company that handles the wines from small wineries in Spain, Portugal and Chile among others.  As we tasted through the portfolio he could tell my expectations were low when we got to this wine.  He asked if I had ever had it, which I had not.  I mentioned my dislike of the green pepper element in a lot of the Chilean wines I’ve had over the years.  He agreed with me and stated he was very sensitive to those same aromas and he won’t carry them.

 

Needless to say, there is no green pepper aromas in this wine.

 

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

 

The wine is a deep garnet color.  The appealing nose has cassis, cedar, cherries, earthy underbrush, baking spices and a hint of grapefruit zest.  This has medium body with moderate to solid tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate cassis, tart cherries and spice jump out quickly with cedar and dry earth coming in on the back end.  The finish has good length with spicy fruit and a touch of mouthwatering grapefruit zest lingering nicely.  (90 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!