I love the simple label. So simple in fact, there is no year of the wine written on the bottle. Nor type of grape used. It's basically a bottle of mystery. Picked up this "Red Table Wine" from Costco for $7.50. Thanks to the compass on the label and some online translation tools, this genius figured out that "Este" means East. So why the overweight sheep? More mystery.
Big, strong flavors. I'd say shiraz or grenache grapes, but I'm no expert. Blackberry flavors, cola, oak, dry finish. Very well done for a cheap bottle of wine. Went quite well with BBQ chicken and fresh zucchini off the grill. Next visit to Costco, don't miss the bargain of the summer! 8/10 rating, factoring in that $7.50 price tag.
July 26, 2008
July 20, 2008
The Wishing Tree - 2006 Shiraz
Wine Spectator gave this one 89 points, which isn’t bad for any wine under $10. “Not bad” was my initial reaction. The Wishing Tree has a very light start for a shiraz, but definitely has the tangy tannin-heavy bite at the end. Blackberry and tart cherry flavors. She was opened on Wednesday and still in her prime on Sunday night. I also enjoyed the label/name/theme of this wine as it's intended for sipping under a tree and making a wish. Can't tell you my wish though.
I’d recommend this wine as a great hostess gift that as it can be cracked open immediately (screw top) and will probably be one of the better wines out (at least in my circle of friends). Perfect for a BBQ or just to sip. For $9 at Costco, I was happy with the selection and give it a 5.5/10.
I’d recommend this wine as a great hostess gift that as it can be cracked open immediately (screw top) and will probably be one of the better wines out (at least in my circle of friends). Perfect for a BBQ or just to sip. For $9 at Costco, I was happy with the selection and give it a 5.5/10.
July 14, 2008
2007 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
My first review of a 2007 wine...I feel like Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack when he rejects the vintage wine and demands to be brought 'something more recent'.
After the first sip, I question why I haven't been drinking more Sauvignon Blanc this summer. The cool, crisp, refreshing flavors are perfect for this time of year - and the Kim Crawford didn't disappoint. Strong aromas and intense flavors of apple and pear which are also found in the finish. A tad citrus-y (lime?) in the finish which makes it juuuust a tad gummy. A few other reviewers tasted passionfruit and gooseberry...but I call BS as no one knows what those taste like. ;)
8/10 rating gets this summer treat into my best of the best inexpensive wine category. $13 at Costco for this beaut.
After the first sip, I question why I haven't been drinking more Sauvignon Blanc this summer. The cool, crisp, refreshing flavors are perfect for this time of year - and the Kim Crawford didn't disappoint. Strong aromas and intense flavors of apple and pear which are also found in the finish. A tad citrus-y (lime?) in the finish which makes it juuuust a tad gummy. A few other reviewers tasted passionfruit and gooseberry...but I call BS as no one knows what those taste like. ;)
8/10 rating gets this summer treat into my best of the best inexpensive wine category. $13 at Costco for this beaut.
July 13, 2008
2005 Chateau Puybarbe Côtes de Bourg
Everyone is raving about the 2005 Bordeaux's as one of the best years of all time. So how could I pass up this one for $13? Solid 6.5/10 rating.
The Chateau Puybarbe needed to decant for about 45-60 minutes as the tannins and granite/limestone flavors in the finish hit hard. We jokingly called the poor finish an "aftertaste". Major changes took place in the wine with an hour with some oxygen exposure and it turned out we really liked it. This is a medium-body wine, but the earthy/tannin bite makes for a strong finish. It's on the dryer side and would be delicious with red meat or red pasta.
Wikipedia says Côtes de Bourg wines are predominately made from merlot grapes, but this one probably has some cabernet sauvignon grapes involved as it's a bit strong. There's not much info on this one online...and no websites even sell this. Picked it up at Sam's Wine. I guess the lesson learned is if you can get a 2005 Bordeaux for under $15-20, roll the dice. This one worked out well.
The Chateau Puybarbe needed to decant for about 45-60 minutes as the tannins and granite/limestone flavors in the finish hit hard. We jokingly called the poor finish an "aftertaste". Major changes took place in the wine with an hour with some oxygen exposure and it turned out we really liked it. This is a medium-body wine, but the earthy/tannin bite makes for a strong finish. It's on the dryer side and would be delicious with red meat or red pasta.
Wikipedia says Côtes de Bourg wines are predominately made from merlot grapes, but this one probably has some cabernet sauvignon grapes involved as it's a bit strong. There's not much info on this one online...and no websites even sell this. Picked it up at Sam's Wine. I guess the lesson learned is if you can get a 2005 Bordeaux for under $15-20, roll the dice. This one worked out well.
July 10, 2008
2005 Buffalo Grove Cabernet Sauvignon
If you like alcoholic grape juice, I've found one for you. Sam's Wine disappoints with this $7 "recommendation". Tastes like a $5 bottle of wine at the premium price of $7. 2 out of 10 rating - move along, nothing to see here. Very smoky on the nose and strong tannin flavors. Grapey, gummy. No comparison to three buck chuck, if you are going for the value play. I should just make sangria out of the remainder. Boo, hiss to the Ta-tan-ka Grove (what, you want more Kevin Costner references?!?).
July 5, 2008
2005 J. Garcia Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast
So I'm a HUGE Grateful Dead fan. It started in High School with over 200 live shows on tape (aka "bootlegs") and now my baby enjoys Garcia's (and Grisman's) Not For Kids Only kids CD. I've spent endless blurry hours arguing if 1974 vs. 1977 was their greatest year as a band and making fun of the posers who own the Skeletons from the Closet CD (a best of CD with studio cuts?!?! ;) ). My favorite Jerry solo disc, Lonesome Prison Blues, is now playing and the stage is set to crack her open...
Much love for all 9 fingers of Mr. Garcia, but I didn't think crafting wine was his talent. I figured his name was selling this wine - WRONG. My wife and I were both pleasantly surprised by this $13 gem. First off, this wine is drinkable immediately - no waiting around for flavors to come out or decanting necessary. Perfect for taking over to someone's BBQ when you know it's going to be opened shortly - plus it's a talking piece with the name & artwork (1991's Desert Storm is featured here). Rich black fruits, mainly blackberry. Vanilla and spice on the nose. We both commented on the great aromas immediately. Many complex flavors for an inexpensive wine, and it ended very well with more vanilla and slight coffee tastes. A superior 7/10 rating for Jerry's Cabernet Sauvignon purchased at Sam's Wine. Thank you again, Jerry.
We can share the women, but we won't share this wine.
Much love for all 9 fingers of Mr. Garcia, but I didn't think crafting wine was his talent. I figured his name was selling this wine - WRONG. My wife and I were both pleasantly surprised by this $13 gem. First off, this wine is drinkable immediately - no waiting around for flavors to come out or decanting necessary. Perfect for taking over to someone's BBQ when you know it's going to be opened shortly - plus it's a talking piece with the name & artwork (1991's Desert Storm is featured here). Rich black fruits, mainly blackberry. Vanilla and spice on the nose. We both commented on the great aromas immediately. Many complex flavors for an inexpensive wine, and it ended very well with more vanilla and slight coffee tastes. A superior 7/10 rating for Jerry's Cabernet Sauvignon purchased at Sam's Wine. Thank you again, Jerry.
We can share the women, but we won't share this wine.
July 1, 2008
Graziano 2005 Zinfandel - Menocino County
Rich tannins and long lingering finish sum up this full-bodied zin from Cali. You can smell the spice, pepper, and oak in the nostrils. Very sweet berry flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and slight plum - it's a mouthful, but growing on me with every sip.
We'll see if this bottle lasts a few more days as it would be great for some 4th-O cookouts. $16 at Sam's Wine, but I see it at $13 & $14 elsewhere. 4/10...just not that good for the price.
We'll see if this bottle lasts a few more days as it would be great for some 4th-O cookouts. $16 at Sam's Wine, but I see it at $13 & $14 elsewhere. 4/10...just not that good for the price.
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