Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Toasted Head Chardonnay 2009 (California)

Another bottle that spoke to me, as so many of them do. It was the beginning of summer and I wanted a nice Chardonnay and I have to admit I do like the fire breathing Bear. I wasn’t looking at price tags just wanted to try something different, and it was.


Beautiful straw color in the glass. On the nose you smell fresh pear and mango with a hint of pineapple and the slightest pinch of coconut. On the Palate this wine is succulent and fruit forward, round and smooth with a lingering toasty-vanilla finish.



Toasted Head is a California winery located in the beautiful farming county of Yolo. The name comes from toasting the heads of the barrels they age the wine in.
The mysterious fire-breathing bear who appears on Toasted Head labels was inspired by a drawing created by Robert Shetterly for a William Carpenter poem entitled "Speaking Fire at Stones." The poem reads: "Every one of these stones contains a bear, you just have to burn it free.



Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Bodegas Ramos Monte Toro Roble 2009 (Spain)

Tempranillo


The wine region of Toro traditionally produces big brooding wines, but this one is different. Big, yes, bulky, yes but I still like it, although not my favorite.
Ruby red color in the glass and on the nose earth, tobacco and mushroom. 
On the palate you will find hints of cocoa and a little spice round out this full bodied wine. Drink now.



The Toro wine region is 125 miles north from Madrid Spain, where you might be familiar with the running of the bulls. Toro means Bull in Spanish.
A decade ago, there were only 10 wineries in the Toro region. Today there are 55. With modern wine making techniques and farming, a new breed of winemakers is taming the wild horse. The horse in this case is the grape known as Tinto del Toro, a type of Tempranillo grape. The Toro region produces bold and robust wines rich with flavor and aroma.  

Monday, August 29, 2011

Garnacha de Fuego 2009 Grenache (Spain)

Wine on Fire,  if you know Spanish.....and is it ever! This wine is one of my favorites and at a price point around $10 to $12 a bottle I can afford to drink it every day.

This wine has a bit of smokiness on the nose balanced with blackberry and blueberry. The smoke was nice, not overpowering but enough to interest you. On the Palate this wine is amazing with spice, vanilla somewhat of a raspberry finish kissed with a touch of cigar. It's enjoyable alone or with a variety of foods like pizza or tacos.



Thursday, August 25, 2011

Marques De Casa Concha 2009 Carmenere (Chile)

Carmenere 90%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10% 

This wine has so many layers, like a rich Swiss chocolate cake. Almost a garnet purple on the pour. Lush nose with intense aromas of black pepper, dark black fruit with a bit of cola and tobacco. On the Palate this wine is smooth and intoxicating, you almost cannot wait for a full pour, at least I could not. Flavors of licorice a hint of floral, velvety chocolate, nice grip and long wonderful spicy finish.


Carmenere is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety originally from the vineyards of Bordeaux, but which has now found a particularly happy home in Chile, where it is sometimes also known as Grand Vidure.
A late-ripening variety, Carmenere requires high levels of sunshine and a warm summer to show its true potential, but in the right environment it can produce fine, deeply-colored red wines. Carmenere is thought by some to be the 'grandfather' of Bordeaux varieties.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Pellegrini Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 (California)

Unoaked Chardonnay, beautiful straw color with green highlights. The nose is very floral, gardenia flowers. It is not similar to any Chardonnay I've ever had. This had no buttery taste/smell common with Chardonnay. It was citrusy almost like a Sauv Blanc, lemon zest, pear and apple. Easy to drink wine, would pair well with seafood dishes.


This wine is from The Russian River Valley of California. Russian River Valley is a region rich in history. Grape growing and winemaking are integral to the story of the land and its past. The Russian River Valley climate is sculpted by the regular intrusion of cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles to the west. Much like the tide, it ebbs and flows through the Petaluma Wind Gap and the channel cut by the Russian River. The fog usually arrives in the evening, often dropping the temperature 35 to 40 degrees from its daytime high. The fog retreats to the ocean the following morning. This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season — often 15 to 20 percent longer than neighboring areas — while retaining their life-giving natural acidity.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Bodegas Volver La Mancha Tempranillo 2008 (Spain)

100% Tempranillo and from Spain...need I say more?

Tempranillo, one of my favorite wines and a favorite region!
We discovered this wine in Arizona and had two bottles shipped to us.
A few months later we find it on our favorite wine shop in Missouri..total kismet!

There is allot going on in this bottle. Super dark on the pour, and it kicks off some earthy dark fruit on the nose.  On the palate, it's big in body and in flavor, again nice ripe dark fruit flavor, a perfect touch of oak, vanilla, white pepper and leather tones with a long lush finish. This is simply a savory wine and I am glad we purchased two bottles, even more glad we can now purchase it at our favorite wine shop. I have no doubt you could evolve this wine for another 2-3 years and enjoy it just as much, maybe more. It is a great value, right around $15 per bottle. 

If I get you to try any wine, this would be it!



La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rouge 2010 (France)

Blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault grapes.

Raspberry/blackberry fruit on the nose, with a spicy/cedar hint around the edges. Palate has lots of acidity, making this one juicy mouthful of red berries and pepper. Just enough tannin, so it clings slightly to the teeth. Not to heavy and not to light. We drank most of this wine before dinner but served it with a cajun dish and it seemed to pair well.

The vineyards are located on the slopes of Mont Ventoux. The altitude offers freshness, which provides a good acidity level to the grapes. The wine is therefore fresh, fruity and well balanced.



Sunday, August 14, 2011

Red Rock Winery Winemaker's Blend 2009 (California)

I purchased this wine at a Liquor outside of town that has a pretty decent wine selection. I guess the name grabbed me, perhaps the picture as it looks like an Inukshuk (a stone monument erected in the image of humans. One of their purposes was to serve as direction markers in the harsh and desolate Arctic. They were a tool of survival.) Anyway the wine spoke to me as often times happens and I purchased it. I had it about a month before I opened it.

Winemaker's Blend is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah

The color..dark, lush garnet red, beautiful in the glass and more so on the nose. It exudes rich dark fruit aromas that make you want to keep sniffing it, in fact you probably will while trying to pick out all the characteristics.
First sip, dark berries and black cherry...matching the color so to speak.
A bit of brown spice, perhaps some vanilla to finish it off. It's even better the 2nd day after it has time to soften a bit. Good fruit and nice balance.
I would purchase it again!



Of course having never head of Red Rock Winery before I had to do my research. There is not allot of information but here is the website. http://www.redrockwinery.com/index.html 
Right now they are only producing reds which consist of Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Winemakers blend.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2008 (Italy)

Giacosa's Reoro Arneis is a delicious Spring and Summer wine.
Unbelievably, unyielding aromatics, this white will have your attention at first sniff. The bouquet conjures scents of white acacia blossoms, fresh picked summer peaches, roasted sweet almonds and ripe apricots.

Once you get past the intoxicating nose of this beautiful wine, the palate continues to entice with lush full-bodied fruit. The triumphant finish of this Arneis lingers with minerality and focused acidity and a delicate hint of almond skin.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this wine. Try this Roero Arneis and you will partake on a truly memorable white wine experience!


I enjoyed this wine so much I had to do a bit a research as I often do on wines and wine regions. The word Arneis in the local dialect of the Langhe (the Piedmontese language) translates to 'little rascal.' Apparently this grape is quite difficult to grow, stubbornly thin skinned white grape which once played a role as an aromatic subordinate to the reds of Piedmont, much like Viognier to Hermitage in the northern Rhone, has been saved from extinction by a few Piedmont growers to which we owe a world of gratitude.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Francis Coppola Petite Sirah 2008 Diamond Collection (California)

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 (California)

A bit late on the review for this wine but I keep an extensive journal of wine notes so I can refer back. My significant other actually purchased this wine for me Halloween 2010 (what a great gift, better than candy)

Another Old Vine Zin, you know I am a fan of the Old Vine Zin weather it be the stories of the 100 plus year old vines also know as Ancient Vines or simply the complexity that seems to spring from Old Vine wines, whatever it may be I enjoy them, every last drop!

The 2008 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is crafted from 35 to 80 year old vines as most old Vine Zins, hence the name Gnarly Head and the picture depicting gnarled vines, that is what they look like after years of producing.

It's an inexpensive medium bodied wine that exudes jammy and fresh aromas of black cherry, raspberry and chocolate. The first elements on the palate are sweet blackberry wrapped in oak.  Components of a charcoal broil come through in the background which complement the balanced mouth feel and smooth, juicy finish. Overall, a big, bold, old zin experience. 



Old Vines tend to have fewer clusters of grapes with smaller berry size, yielding more intense sugars, color and concentration of flavors, producing wines that are generally better balanced with more body and structure. I would say that holds true for this wine.

7 Deadly Zins 2008 Zinfandel (California)

This is a Lodi zinfandel, meaning it’s from the Lodi region in California.  
If you’re a zin junkie, you probably already know about Lodi. If you’re just getting into Zinfandel, make a note of it and try several from this region.
7 Deadly Zins is made with grapes from seven of the best growers in the Lodi region. That’s where the name comes from and the fact that the grapes came from seven growers and it’s a fun and memorable pun. The zinfandel is blended with a little bit of petite sirah and petite verdot.

The color of this wine is a very dark purplish-red. The nose has outstanding intensity and complexity, with an aroma that’s like blackberry cobbler (and I love blackberry cobbler). It has some peppery notes that follow the lucious blackberry. The palate is brimming with spiced blackberry and cherry flavors. Dark chocolate and cinnamon come in on the mid-palate and stay through the finish, which also reveals a spicy pepper note. The acidity is great, the mouth feel is nice and the finish is long. This is a really nice zinfandel. If you have finiky wine drinking friends, which I do they will love this wine! I try to keep a bottle on hand for company that does not share my love of 'dry'

2004 Stone Hill Norton (Missouri)

I purchased this wine in 2006 and aged it for 5 years, no reason just wanted to see how it would taste in 5 to 10 years. I finally decided to crack it open and see what it was like. I figured 5 years was long enough as I did not think it had the aging power of a finer wine. It runs about $30 per bottle, I guess not to bad if you like Norton (Missouri grape) I do prefer other varietals but it is one the best Missouri wines. The Character of Norton is simple to me, perhaps some can find more complexity. It is bold, peppery and often times floral with high tannin levels.

The 2nd day, totally bland, fell apart I guess some would stay. Very bitter almost a vinegar state. Awww well I tried it!

This bottle seemed to have softened some from 2006 and held some of it's Norton character pretty well and was easy drinking. It was nice to have a bottle that probably most people have not tried.




Norton grapes also know as Cynthiana, usually in Arkansas are grown primarily in Missouri and Arkansas and used to make Norton wine. Perhaps you might want to visit some of the local wineries in Missouri, perhaps Stone Hill in Branson where this bottle was purchased. I not a huge fan of Missouri wines but I did used to give one heck of an interesting wine tour when I worked for Stone Hill years ago and I am from Missouri. You can learn the history of wine producing in Missouri.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Chocolate Block 2007 (Africa)

To be fair, I must admit that I did not so much find this wine as it was recommended by Branson's resident wine guru, Stewart. We asked for a big, fruity red and he happened to have a bottle open for tasting. It was wonderful!

Just by the name, you know this wine has to be good. The Chocolate Block is a captivating combination of Syrah 55%, Grenache Noir 20%, Cab 16%, Cinsault 5% and Viognier 4% Resulting in a remarkably perfect marriage of varietals.

Hints of dark chocolate and ripe fruit dominate the aromatic profile of this wine. Rich and ripe, the wine has a generous mouth feel. Dark red, blackberry, licorice, leather and wild herbs on the nose. A sweet, savory fruit bomb in the mouth, with sexy flavors of currant, plum, dried herbs and mint. Smooth and easy to drink.


The Stump Jump 2008 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre (Australia)


Deep cranberry color, fresh red berries, flowers and spice cake on the nose. Lively and fruit-driven, offering juicy raspberry and blackberry flavors braced by tangy acidity. Lots of flavor for the money here. The finish is juicy and nicely persistent, with tangy red berries dominating. Not a bad little wine for the money.

Francis Coppola 2007 Claret (California)

A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc


I passed up this wine many times without purchasing it, maybe it was the name, I don't know. We had a Claret wine before from Mt Pleasant Winery I think, which went great with grilled meat such a hamburgers.

We decided we would like to try another Claret so I decided to give this wine a try and it did not dissapoint! Deep crimson color, on the nose smoke and vanilla with plum and red fruit and a of hint of tobacco. On the palate Some dark fruit including plum with some sweeter vanilla and cocoa. Could be better with another year of bottle age but still a great wine. I think I paid $22, a bit high for this wine in-paticular but a good wine.


You will notice most of Francis Copploa wines have wire wrapped around them, perhaps you have seen this on other Wines as well. Why? you ask. Historically it was to guarantee that the wine in the bottle is what left the winery; because you must break the wire to open the bottle someone couldn't remove the cork, drink the wine, and top it up with some cheaper wine and replace the cork.


Today its just marketing -- makes the wine look different and interesting

Ercavio 2007 Tempranillo Roble (Spain)

OK this is one of those bottles of wine that spoke to me, "buy me" and I did! This is 100% Temranillo. The color was fantastic, glass-coating opaque rich ruby/purple. This wine delivers an expressive nose of cedar, tobacco and earthy mushroom aromas. It coats the palate with black fruit, licorice and spice notes that end with hints of vanilla. The only dilemma is that we only had one bottle. I plan to buy more! This wine would pair well a nice pasta dinner.


Now a bit about Tempranillo Grapes, they are a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines. Tempranillo is native to Spain and is the main grape used in Rioja (region in Spain) and often referred to as Spain's noble grape. In the last 100 years Tempranillo has been planted in Mexico, New Zealand, South America, USA, South Africa, Australia, Turkey and Canada.


Tempranillo wines can be consumed young, but the most expensive ones are aged for several years in oak barrels. The wines are ruby red in colour, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb.

Ruta 22 Malbec 2009 (Argentina)

I passed on this wine many times in the wine shop and that was my bad! Sometimes a bottle of wine will speak to me and although this wine spoke to me everytime I did not purchase it for a couple of months, no reason I just wanted to try several other's first I guess and I try to have a budget when I purchase wines. I finally purchased a bottle and I am thrilled that I did! It is a great wine!


It had a really nice dark purple color in my glass and I like that! The smell was fruit forward with a nice intense aroma. So starting off with a nice deep color, and strong fruity smell, the wine definitely had promise. At this point, I was really looking forward to giving it a taste. As I took a sip, I knew this wine had a lot of merit. The fruit forward smell that I observed, was definitely not an illusion. The taste of fruit was very prominent, especially blackberry, spices and dark cherry. It was a very nice bold wine, and I like bold! It was quite smooth and the tannins were firm, but definitely not overdone. I plan on purchasing another bottle sas soon as possible.

Definitely a red meat wine that is adaptable enough to stand up to spicy Mexican, Cajun, Indian or Italian fare (especially with tomato-based sauces).

Note on Malbec: Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, this grape is among the "big six" for red wine grapes. However, with the exception of Cahors (a region in France) its fame and fortune in France often end there, as Malbec is generally a grape used for blending, with very little vine being devoted to its improvement or success. The story in Argentina is quite the opposite. Malbec has found both fame and glory in the sun-drenched climate of Argentina. This is Argentina's signature grape and it is quickly making a new name for itself with red wine lovers! Like me! Another wonderful wine is Tempranillo (very popular in Spain) but that is another post.


Malbec is typically a medium to full-bodied red wine. Ripe fruit flavors of plums and blackberry give it a jammy characteristic. The tannins are typically a bit tight and the earthy, wood-like appeal makes for a fairly rustic, yet versatile wine.

Acre Chardonnay 2008 (California)

LOVE THIS WINE! On the nose complex ripe pear, citrus and honeysuckle aromas and background hints of hazelnut and baked apple announce this lovely Chardonnay. Smooth and round on the palate, juicy ripe apple rich lemony flavors and a wonderful creaminess that linger throughout the long, refreshing finish. I loved this wine so much I purchased 4 bottles and need more!

Mount Eden Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay (California)

Anticipating this was going to be a great Chardonnay I baked a cake to celebrate this wine and I was NOT impressed! On the nose, musky powerful aromas that I could not really grasp, maybe some mushroom, truffle and lemon grass. Honestly on the palate all I could taste was heavily buttered popcorn. A little butter is OK but it was to much. We drank a glass each and them retired it to the refrigerator for the evening and opened a bottle of something else. I  have this un-canny attitude to never give up on a wine so I tried it again the next day. It was still over-powered by butter so again I retired it to the refrigerator. By the third day it was actually drinkable, the butter flavor had diminished greatly and the diacetyl (natural byproduct of fermentation) had softened leaving flavors of lime, lemon, white peach and pear. Diacetyl occurs naturally in alcoholic beverages and is added to some foods to impart a buttery flavor.


August Kesseler Riesling 2008 (Germany)

I have to admit I am not much of a Riesling fan. I really do not drink sweet wines but for a non-sweet wine drinker, this is not bad. It is a dry Riesling so it is not as sweet. Pleasant enough inexpensive Riesling from a great winemaker. Little on the nose...definitely missing the powerful and mysterious melange so many great Rieslings conjure up. A little pineapple with just a faint hint of spice and lots of lemon, a non-serious, uncomplicated wine. Great for a hot summer day to drink alone or pair with cheese, maybe Thai food, something spicy.


Note: Riesling...Ah the grape has everything, except respect. Considered one of the greatest white wine grapes on the planet over in Europe, its acceptance in America has long hindered  by the perception that it is always sweet. And in an era when quality is spelled D-R-Y, sweet wines are easily pushed aside.
Yes, the Riesling grape can make sweet, even very sweet wine. And yet, it can be beautifully dry and off dry as well. My suggestion is to have a taste, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Rieslings differ depending on where they're from. For Example, those from Alase region of France tend to be rich and fleshy, more dry. German Rieslings are more sweet. What all Rieslings have in common however , is that they are unoaked, allowing lots of pure fruit to shine through.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

2009 Henry Lagarde Viognier - Mendoza, Argentina

This Henry Lagarde Viognier comes from one of the most well respected and traditionally run wineries in Argentina.

Golden in color - and boasting a fruit forward style and wonderful floral aromas - this wine exhibits refreshing clean citrus flavors of white peach, nectarine and pear, with some acidity that hints of pink grapefruit. There is a certain quality of straw and perhaps a hidden minerality that adds balance. The flavors are fresh and very bright, perfect to awaken the palate as well as the imagination.

At the risk of sounding prosaic, I must say that this wine really is delicious and highly drinkable, well-suited for any light-hearted occassion - indoors or out.



This bright, crisp wine is the perfect choice for summer entertaining.  Serve well chilled.


Twisted Old Vine Zin 2009 California

Wow! What can I say? I have always enjoyed Old Vine Zins since my very first one several years ago. I think it was Bogle, but that is another post. I purchased Twisted Old Vine Zin at a little cheese shop North of town, pleased they actually had wine tastings I had to try what they had opened and wahla, Twisted was on the list! My first tasting was so so. Being an Old Vine Zin and never really tasting one I disliked I decided to purchase a bottle. I think I paid $12.99, not bad. I brought it home and added it to my growing collection.


One evening I opened the bottle and I was amazed, better than the tasting! On the nose are hints of spice, leather and a touch of sweet cigar. On the palate there is black raspberry, plum. dark cherry a bit of vanilla and spice. Nice wine with BBQ, short ribs or pizza.



The Twisted Zinfandel was featured on NBC's Today Show in a segment about budget friendly wines that won't break your budget.

Acrobat Pinot Gris 2009 Oregon

Acrobat Pinot Gris is an extremely approachable wine and a versatile food companion. I have to admit when I first purchased a bottle I was unsure, perhaps even apprehensive at it's quality, however I discovered while moderate in price it's a great quality wine!
The color is a pale straw with golden highlights. On the nose there is melon, green apple, citrus, spice and tropical fruit with a clean citrus scent. On the palate there is tangerine, lemon, kiwi and pear. Nice beginner wine in my opinion. I served this wine with grilled chicken and summer vegetables. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased another bottle.