Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap Red 2010 (South Africa)

This was another wine I had great expectations for as Boekenhoutskloof also makes The Chocolate Block which is an excellent wine, a bit higher in price than The Wolftrap blend but well worth it!

The Wolftrap was around $14 per bottle and I thought not bad, if I don't like it I wont spend allot. I was never really into South African wines much as I never really had one I liked until The Chocolate Block. Needless to say that wine sold me on the idea of South African wines.

This wine is a blend of 65% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre & 3% Viognier. On the pour this wine is dark ruby red and opens with pomegranate and blueberry on the nose. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and approachable. The flavor profile is a slightly smoky mild tart cherry with hints of plum and a touch of minerality. A bit spicy with hints of violet. The finish is dry and moderate tannins linger slightly. All in all this not a bad wine, would I purchase it again? Maybe!

Apothic Red Winemakers Blend 2009 (California)

I purchased this wine with great expectations! It was neither great nor bad, at least by my wine standards. This wine is a blend of zinfandel, syrah and merlot.

When I first opened the bottle and poured a glass, the smell was not a slap you in the face intense red blend that I am used too but I proceeded of course. The color was a nice ruby red and the nose was smoky oak and vanilla aromas--and that vanilla aroma is a clue that the wine saw American oak. There was a touch of nutmeg, black cherry and chocolate.
The wine seemed more confused than complex, it did not have the grip I was expecting nor the intense flavors you find in most red blends. That might be my wine snob talking, so please judge for yourself. There was a touch a sweetness, perhaps from all the subtle yet fairly strong berry flavor, strawberry, cherry and plum. Not much finish on this wine but enough it leaves you with a hint of vanilla. Although it appeared unbalanced at first a bit of breathing helped, perhaps even decanting a bit. Many people who enjoy a more delicate red blend would appreciate this wine.

Three Saints Syrah 2008 (California)

I was looking for a nice Syrah when I found this one, it was a pleasant little Syrah.

On the pour this wine was dark inky purple with slight cherry rim. On the nose this wine is clean, fully intense and developing aromas of bright red cherry, red raspberry, light cassis, blackberry and huge blueberry notes with savory baked earth. On the palate this wine has moderate red current, moderate body with flavors of leather, hints of dark coffee and berries. Good balance and structure.

All in all it's a nice wine and I would purchase it again. Needs to be drank by 2014 as as it will not develop further in bottle.

Dierberg Pinot Noir 2007 (California)

What's in a name? That which we call Dierberg Pinot Noir. This is a bit more expensive than your daily Pinot Noir. It retails around $42 a bottle but is well worth the price if you are Pinot Noir fan like me.

In the glass this wine is violet red, lighter around the edges.
On the nose cranberry, faint dark fruits and subtle oak.
Rich, ripe, and deep on the palate, this wine shows cranberry, dark cherry, and raspberry. It’s fresh and balanced, with rich notes of spice, subtle but persistent tannins, and a lasting finish. This is a gorgeously integrated Pinot with rich body and an excellent combination of fruit and subtle earth tones.

Dierberg Vineyard Pinot drinks well now with the most deeply flavored foods, but will reward patient cellaring for decades to come.

 

Cline Ancient Vine Zinfandel 2010 (California)

This is another one of those wines I want more of. As you may or may not know I am a fan of the Ancient Vine, perhaps because the vines are older than most humans alive today, better yet the flavor is usually amazing, bigger, bolder and more spice, at least in my opinion. Old vines produce less clusters and smaller grapes, but with better concentrated flavor.

I love a good Zin for its big flavors. I want it to punch me in the mouth, leaving me with a mouth full of brambles and this wine did it! Simply delicious through the last glass. 

In the glass this wine pours dark rich red with faintly lighter edges. On the nose fat strawberry, dark chocolate and a hint of coffee.
On the palate explosive fruit and spice, a bunch of pepper and the most delightful aftertaste of french vanilla. Just like I like in a Zinfandel. 

The Culprit 2009 Red Wine (California)

This wine is a marriage of 9 different grape varieties Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel, whew..now that is a wide variety! From Sonoma County in California.

I purchased this wine on a whim and with a slight suggestion of another wine connoisseur. I paid $19.99 a bottle, not bad for this wine and I really like the little Gargoyle on the bottle.

This wine is big, bold and intense, just what I like in my red wines, especially a red blend. On the pour this wine is deep purple with aromas of blackberry, spice and earth. On the palate it is Full and plush in the mouth with round tannins. Flavors of raspberry, chocolate and a touch of pepper and spice. A great wine to drink by itself or a good pairing for pizza, burgers, roast. Not a wine for the shy!

Cline Viognier 2010 (California)

This is a great little white wine and affordable as well and any great wine that is affordable gets an A plus in my book. I came across this wine via Internet while searching for some great wines I had not tried yet. If only I could try every wine, I suppose that would be a full time job!

This wine is a nice straw color yellow on the pour. The aroma of pear, apricot and orange blossom jump at your nose with a hint of honeysuckle. On the Palate this wine is juicy with a kick of spice, dry white, medium to light bodied. I drank the entire bottle and purchased another. Pairs well with Sushi.

What is Viognier you ask? Good question and I like to explain it as being in between a Pinot Gri, perhaps Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay. Viognier is not as crisp and clean as a Pinot Gri or Sauvignon Blanc but not as buttery or heavy as a Chardonnay.

Unlike most grapes the origin of Viognier is un-known, leaving a bit of mystery. Presumed to be an ancient grape, possibly from Dalmatia (Croatia) and brought to the Rhone Valley in France by the Romans. Ahh the history of it all. The  origin of the name Viognier is also obscure. Vienna, which was a major Roman outpost or perhaps Gehennae, meaning the "Vally of Hell". Probably referring to the difficulty of growing the grape. Viognier was once fairly common. Now it is a rare white grape grown almost exclusively in the northern Rhone Region of France. In 1965, the grape was almost extinct but popularity and price of the wine has risen and the number of plantings has increased in France as well as California.

Kimmel 2007 Merlot (California)

Unlike Miles in Sideways I really like Merlot even though I have had Merlots I am not crazy about, Kimmel Merlot really got my attention! This wine is amazing and gave me a new found LOVE for Merlot.


When I first opened the bottle I could smell the rich berries and Lush aroma of cassis coming forth. On the pour this wine is dark and alluring and pulls you in with intoxicating scents of black cherry and exotic spice. On the Palate this wine fills your mouth with a texture like silk and flavors of ripe plum, chocolate, anise and toasted vanilla. This is indeed the best Merlot I have tasted in years, I am almost afraid to try any other as I fear it will not measure up to this Merlot.


Kimmel Merlot was rated 94 points and is A Gold Medalist from the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Kimmel Vineyard is located in Mendocino County in Potter Valley, approx 1100 acres of Vineyards. You can visit them on line at

http://kimmelvineyards.com/

or on Face Book at

https://www.facebook.com/#!/KimmelVineyards

2009 Kimmel Chardonnay (California)

I have long been a fan of California wines and when I opened this 2009 Kimmel Chardonnay I remember why. This wine is exquisite, everything about it was amazing. From the color to the nose to the ever so velvety texture of the Palate. This is a wine I will remember and want more of.


On the pour this wine is a light sunlight yellow and on the nose aromas of white peach, green apple and a bit of orange zest fill your glass. I found myself smelling this wine over and over trying to figure out all the sensual aromas. Finally I tasted it and the terroir of California filled my palate. Subtle buttery notes kiss your tongue as you inhale and taste at the same time. Juicy tropical fruits, white peach, melon and a kiss of oak, just enough and not over done so you enjoy the juice of the grape. Well rounded wine with a luscious lingering velvety finish.

Kimmel Vineyard is located in Mendocino County in Potter Valley, approx 1100 acres of Vineyards. They primarily focus on two varietals Chardonnay and Merlot, however in reading their website they have plans for a Cabernet Sauvignon with a release date of 2013. I can't wait! You can visit them on line at

http://kimmelvineyards.com/

or on Face Book at

https://www.facebook.com/#!/KimmelVineyards