Wine Thread

[WinstonSpencer]

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]

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]

Cupcake Cab. Sav. 2009 California.

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

[WinstonSpencer]

Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley

High acidity. Meant for food. Benefits from decanting.

[ggiese]

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]

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!

[WinstonSpencer]

Beso de Vino (85% syrah 15% garnacha) 2009 Cariñena

[mrtr33]

Torlasco Pinot Noir - 2005: fabulous. decant.
Honey Moon : meh.

[WinstonSpencer]

Went out last night for a buddy's birthday dinner. We got a bottle of 14 Hands cabernet (California) and would've followed up with a bottle of Alamos malbec (Argentina) but the wine steward took too long to bring it to the table so we sent it back. She even had the capsule pre-cut when she reached the table. Tacky!

The 14 Hands was a good wine. It was served too warm...about what I expect at your average restaurant.