Wine Thread

**buzz** · 04-04-2011, 10:40 AM

Yesterday was the wifey's birthday so last night we opened one of the "special" bottles of wine we got on our honeymoon trip to Sonoma. It was a 2001 Blackstone Cab and it was really good - cranberry and chocolate tastes.

**WinstonSpencer** · 04-04-2011, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by buzz

Yesterday was the wifey's birthday so last night we opened one of the "special" bottles of wine we got on our honeymoon trip to Sonoma. It was a 2001 Blackstone Cab and it was really good - cranberry and chocolate tastes.

Nice! My wife and I honeymooned in Napa.

Tonight, Newman's Own 2009 Cabernet. I could tell by the look on Newman's face he wasn't gonna do me wrong.

**mrtr33** · 04-05-2011, 11:51 AM

2003 Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel. Not bad, but not great. I'd have a hard time picking up another bottle of this.

We also opened a new bottle of port. Review to follow later in my port review thread (shameless plug).

**WinstonSpencer** · 04-06-2011, 07:15 AM

Cupcake Cab. Sav. 2009 California.

Kinda girly but not bad at all. I'd probably get this again. About $9.

**WinstonSpencer** · 05-02-2011, 10:27 PM

Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley

High acidity. Meant for food. Benefits from decanting.

**ggiese** · 05-10-2011, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by mrtr33

2003 Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel. Not bad, but not great. I'd have a hard time picking up another bottle of this.

We also opened a new bottle of port. Review to follow later in my port review thread (shameless plug).

Now you're talkin'...

I got momma hooked on old vine zins - nice and rich with a bit of a peppery taste.

My favorite (boy does it let out a bouquet when you open the bottle) - T-Vine. I was lucky enough to pick it up at $35/bottle during a local sale. Definitely one of those wines I like to reserve for a special occasion.

But - I wholeheartedly agree with the under $20 philosophy.

Old Vine Zins in that category which are quite nice...

Seven Deadly Zins - 15ish.
Gnarly Head Zin - 12ish.

Lately - momma and I have been drinking the Kendall Jackson Vitner's Reserve "Summation". A very nice red blend (they do have a white, but I've not yet tried it). Around 12 bucks a bottle.

And I really like the Bogle Cabernet's. Very nice!

Also - I'm partial to Montes Alpha Cabernet! It might be a turn off for some because it's Chilean, but is one of the best I've tasted for the price (under $20). As a matter of fact - I've not been disappointed with any Montes Alpha I've had.

**mrtr33** · 05-10-2011, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by ggiese

Also - I'm partial to Montes Alpha Cabernet! It might be a turn off for some because it's Chilean, but is one of the best I've tasted for the price (under $20). As a matter of fact - I've not been disappointed with any Montes Alpha I've had.

X 2. World Market had the cabs for $8 a week or so ago, and we gave some away as Mother's Day presents. It's a fabulous wine. They also have a different 'Reserve' blend or something like that for twice the price, and while it's good, I think the cheaper stuff is just as good.

I like the old vines Zins as well - check out Cline and Four Vines. The former is a staple at our house - in my opinion, everything a zinfandel should be, but not incredibly complex. The latter is a newer wine, I've only noticed it around in the last year or so, but it's very good. Try it out!