Saturday, December 24, 2011

Pennywise 2009 Cab not "pound foolish"

Just recently tried this respectable Cab priced around $11.00. It won't blow you away but it's fine for a try and an everyday drinker. "This is a big Cabernet with character from some of the best appellations in California. Our 2009 Cabernet is mostly from Paso Robles and Clarksburg. The Paso Robles leg brings classic Cab nuances to the blend with the currant, cranberry fruit, as well as earthy tones. The Clarksburg leg brings mouth coating tannins and chocolate notes. Lodi Syrah was added for additional fruit and subtle herb flavors, as well as to tone down the chewy tannins. Napa Merlot was added for complexity and complementary notes to the Cabernet as they do in classic Bordeaux blend."

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Crusher 2009 Petite Sirah is a strong value at $12.99

I've always been a fan of Petite Sirah ever since I enjoyed my first bottle of Carver Sutro at a friends house in San Francisco back in 2005. The grapes for this inky deep-purple colored wine come from the lesser known Clarksburg appellation in the Bay area. The blackberry jam, and raspberry fruit is nicely followed up with a surprising depth and concentration at this price point. One of my favorites in this price range.#petitesirah#thecrusher#don&sons

Monday, October 10, 2011

If you haven't tried Liberty School Cab for around $10....

The 2008-09 Liberty School cabernet sauvignon can be found in local grocery/liquor stores right now for around $10. (from their website)- "In the early 1980’s, Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles caught the attention of renowned Napa Valley vintner Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards.  In search of Cabernet for his second label, Liberty School, Wagner approached Hope Farms as a fruit source.  As growers over the next decade, the Hope family helped build the brand’s solid reputation for quality and value." Nice everyday wine, with black cherry, plum, decent depth and firm but nice tannins.#libertyschool#wine#cabernet

Saturday, September 10, 2011

$9.99 Portillo Malbec (Finca) Nice Buy!!!

I recently tried this smooth tasting, full bodied Malbec that I found at Whole Foods. It is a 2010 that is ready now for your backyard barbecue to stand up to any grilled red meats. Nice fruit with plum and blackberries present. The tannins are nice and soft, not as harsh as some young Malbecs.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Luckily I followed a Server's advice...2008 Rock & Vine Malbec

I wasn't looking for a Malbec. Many times I find them a little too harsh and tannic. Not this time. The nice woman that was our server at #Parisclub in Chicago seemed adamant about their 2008 Rock & Vine Malbec. She said it had a nice finish...she was right. It was full bodied and velvety. The tannins were smooth, with raspberry and black pepper and full-bodied but not harsh.  Great for a $12 glass at a high-end place. Nice pour too. However, when I researched the wine, I found out that they only sell direct at ninenorthwines.com or to restaurants. That didn't stop me! They also offer a Cab  for the same price that I'm going to try at $22/each not including shipping. #ninenorthwines #Parisclub#rock&vine#malbec

Saturday, June 18, 2011

VALUE ALERT! 2009 Red Rock Winery Winemaker's Blend $11....

The 2009 Red Rock Winery Winemaker's Blend Reserve is a nice blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. While I am an avid Cab drinker, the value priced Cab's tend to be quality challenged in the finish, fruit, and concentration departments. That's why I was excited to see Petite Sirah in this blend. I was hoping that it would give the needed concentration /flavor boost that some of the lower end wines struggle with.  I was also hoping the Merlot might smooth out some of the rough tannic edges from the Cab and Petite Sirah. Well, it worked. This wine exhibits notes of blackberry and plums with a little spice, along with a noteworthy finish. I like the depth/concentration at this price. I'd give it an 89...Definitely one to look for at your local shop.

Friday, May 20, 2011

2009 Layer Cake Shiraz has strong pedigree and is only $15

Jayson Woodbridge (Hundred Acre fame- if you don't know, you need to) and his team have developed an AWESOME everyday drinker in their 2009 Shiraz.  The full blackberry fruit, light smooth tannins, and depth and concentration are unmatched at this price point.  This will go nicely with grilled meats.  I will be buying a case of this a.s.a.p. and you should too.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

2008 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny is a value...Even at $60

I usually try to talk about value wines, but value is relative, right? In this economy, buying a bottle of wine over $30 seems to be a splurge. However, when I spotted the lofty rating (97 WA) and price of $60, the rating/ price calculator in my head screamed BUY!!  I brought the bottle to a dinner party last weekend, with excitement, to try. Needless to say, the wine blew me away. The rich blend of black fruits and cherry, smooth tannins, and complexity all came together beautifully in great balance. One of the litmus tests of how good a wine is, happened at the party. My friend let his wife try some....and she didn't give it back!  (he wasn't happy!). When you find a wine like this, the tough part comes when you realize that you only have one bottle left! I'd recommend trying to find this wine and stock up, or get on the mailing list a.s.a.p.!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Nice 2007 Cotes du Rhone for $18.99

The 2007 Jean Louis Chave Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur is a smooth blend of Grenache and Syrah. It has an excellent concentration and richness that displays nice red fruit and spice. The medium tannins give it a nice balance. This wine lies somewhere closer to the Pinot Noir spectrum, and is very drinkable now.        
#wine#cotesdurhone.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

This Spanish Red isn't Ludicrous...It's Ludovicus!

This 2009 Spanish red comprised of 35% garnacha, 30% tempranillo, 25% syrah, and 10% cabernet sauvignon is full of ripe berry and cherry flavor.  The wine has nice concentration, along with plenty of finish and depth.  The tannins are moderate.  Made in the Terra Alta region, this wine is to be enjoyed now and over the next few years.  Definitely one of my favorite $10 bottles right now....found at Binny's. #binnys#spanishred#tempranillo#wine

Sunday, March 27, 2011

If you are looking for a tasty Zin that is priced low ($8)......

A good friend of mine recommended the Dancing Bull 2009 Zin, and having already tried their Cabernet offering, I thought I'd give it a try. I have to say that I might reach for the Zin ahead of the Cab if I'm looking for a bargain wine for a very casual meal. Of course, the type of meal matters somewhat, and this would probably go better with some spicy Thai food or pork/barbecue. Though the wine lacks concentration, the taste of spice and pepper, along with sufficient fruit are nice at this price.#wine#zin

Monday, March 21, 2011

You won't be embarrassed opening this under $14 Napa Cab...

The Avalon 2008 Napa valley Cab is a great example of the bargains that can be found in the $15 and under range. This wine exhibits cherry and dark berry flavors, along with tannins that are more smooth than expected. The hint of merlot helps give the wine more of a Bordeaux drinkability at a young age. Stock up for the more casual events now before it's gone!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

2008 Napa Cab for $25?

I recently found this little gem at the local Dominick's grocery store for $25. It's a 2008 Raymond Reserve Cabernet. Plenty of fruit forward dark cherry and blackberry are present with a very nice finish. As we recalibrate our pricing, I'd imagine this bottle in the $40-$50 range a few years ago. I'd stock up for times when good friends who like wine stop by. It's drinkable now or over the next few years. #wine

Saturday, February 19, 2011

A $15 Steal from Spain....

The 2008 Volver from the La Mancha region in Spain, is made from 100% Tempranillo. This is about as serious as a $15 bottle can get. Notes of plum and black cherries are present with a nice full feeling on the palate. The tannins aren't as harsh as one might expect, very drinkable now, and probably can be found cheaper by the case.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

337 Cabernet 2008 is a decent under $15 option

The premise behind the 337 wines is an interesting one. This wine, now falling down to peoples under $15 radar, has been created in Bordeaux through developing desired mutations. One of the desired mutations is a smaller, darker berry. I find that although this is a easy drinking wine with smooth tannins, it is lacking enough concentration to be considered more than an everyday drinking choice. As we lower our cost expectations, we should increase our demand in taste from the lower priced selections. Tune in next week, as we up the $ amount slightly, and discover wines that have more depth and concentration.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Best Under $10 Red since Yellow Tail is...............

2008 Dancing Bull Cabernet Sauvignon. This tastes like a $15 bottle , and I purchased it recently for $8.49. Double your tasting pleasure...Blackberry and Cherry followed by a better finish than you'd expect at this price. Load up for those anytime moments!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

2007 Clare Luce Abbey Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

We had a delicious cab on Friday pizza night....Exibiting plum, mixed berry, and wood shavings. A very nice finish went through with smooth tannins. Another fine wine from the folks at Vineyard 29!!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

chitownwineguy: Pahlmeyer 2003 Red Wine...Outstanding!

chitownwineguy: Pahlmeyer 2003 Red Wine...Outstanding!: "This wine, given a 94 rating (WA), has held up beautifully. I know it's only 8 years old, but this wine is still stunning, Full bodied, ri..."