Las Rocas Garnacha, 2008

Friday's tasting was on two wines - Rex-Goliath Chardonnay and Cupcake Red Velvet. Both have been reviewed before.  However, during my tasting I had the opportunity to taste another distributor's wine. 

Las Rocas 2008 Garnacha from Spain.  This wine has a delicious aroma of spice, smoke, tobacco, and a hint of blackberry that draws you in.  However, the flavor is extremely black pepper.  With an overpowering black pepper flavor no other flavors  shine through.  This also has a thin mouthfeel and is not balanced.   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Deep ruby colored with a gorgeous nose. Attractive aromas of kirsch, raspberries, pepper and melted liquorice. Full flavored wine with a supple texture and no hard edges. Medium to full bodied, fruit driven sumptuously-textured and long aftertaste.    

Pairing: Various roast dishes, Spanish stew, mushrooms and grilled meats. Blue fish, rice, short-and medium-cured cheeses."

Borsao Garnacha, 2009

During one of my tastings I had the opportunity to taste a wine from another distributor.   

Borsao 2009 Garnacha is from Bodegas Borsao in the northwest region of  Zaragoza, Spain.  It is a  stainless steel aged and a blend of  Garnacha and Tempranillo (I've read conflicting blend percentages of 80/20 and 75/25 respectively).  The aroma of black cherry is enticing.  The flavor is black cherry and spice, with a light touch of pepper.  When the pourer's tasting was finished she told me that she had sold out.  Customers enjoyed this wine as did I. 

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)

Libertry School Chardonnay, 2009

During last weeks tasting I had the opportunity to taste wines from another distributor.  Customers were were enjoying this wine and it was flying off the shelf.  

Liberty School 2009 Chardonnay comes from two growers in California.  One is located in the Santa Lucia Highlands and the other on the west side of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County.  It is aged and fermented in 50% French oak and 50% American oak, 10% of it new, for seven to nine months. Unfortunately the pourer for the distributor had the wine extremely cold, killing all flavor, and I had to let is come down in temperature.  But when I finally tasted it, it was light, crisp, and refreshing.  Nice fruit flavor with a touch of oak.  Nicely balanced.  It was no wonder customers were purchasing this Chardonnay.   

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)

Riondo Pink Spago Argento

Yesterday I was running errands all over town.  Tired and hot I wanted to relax when I got home and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine.  I was in the mood for Prosciutto.  Specifically, dates with Parmesan cheese wrapped in Prosciutto.  The perfect accompaniment ... something sparking.

Riondo Pink Spago Argento ($15) is from Veneto, Italy and 100% Uverosato (later for this grape).  Alcohol is 10.5%.  Color: light pink.  This is a dry wine, lightly sparkling, crisp and refreshing. Just what I needed. Perfect.

As for the Uverosato grape ... well it's not a grape/varietal.  "Uve" is Italian for grape.  "Rosato"  is Italian for Rosé  and used to indicate a Rosé wine made from specific approved grape varieties which differs based on DOC and regions.   

Winemaker's Notes:  The effusively fruity, light bodied offering offers terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence and a clean, delicate finish.  There is prefect body and weight in this crystal clean,  pure sparkling wine.  It is an ideal aperitif to enjoy and day of the year!  It is simply amazing! 

On April 24th I reviewed Riondo Prosecco.  A favorite of mine.

Broadbent Vinho Verde

Hot, Hot, Hot, HOT, HOT!  I cannot stand this weather.  To help cool things off I needed something cool, crisp, refreshing, and low in alcohol.  The solution - Vinho Verde!  I've had, and enjoyed, Las Lilas (reviewed on June 4th), and Twin Vines, so I had to taste something new.  Broadbent, was the only other Vinho Verde on the shelf .  

Broadbent Vinho Verde ($8.75 on sale from $10.79) is from the north of Portugal. The alcohol level is 9%.  A crisp patio wine with frizzante.  An undetectable aroma, the flavor was all green apple tartness. Any flavors of white peach and melon (see Winemaker's Notes) were overpowered.  If you're in the mood for a tart wine, then this one's for you.  Unfortunately it was not what I was looking for.  I prefer a Vinho Verde with a mild, hint of citrus.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Beautifully fresh with tart green apple, white peach and melon flavors.  A delicious crisp and zesty finish.

Rapidan River Chocolate

Saturday's tasting was on two wines.  One I will review and the other ... I'm so tired of it. 

Rapidan River Chocolate is a new wine from Prince Michel Winery in Virginia.  This was added to their line of flavored wines which includes Peach, Raspberry, and Blackberry (all very fruity as their name indicates).  

Rapidan River Chocolate has a bold aroma of chocolate and hazelnuts with the same distinct flavor.  However, there was also a slight acidity.  Customer's enjoyed this wine and I just loved hearing them say, "oh wow" as they brought the tasting cup to their lips.  The aroma was amazing. 

Winemaker's Notes:  This sweet Red wine is composed mainly of Merlot blended with a proprietary selection of natural White Cocoa, Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut flavors. The Merlot was fermented in the autumn following harvest. The wine was naturally sweetened and then blended with the natural flavors just prior to bottling.

Two other Virginia chocolate wines are: Horton's XOXO and Cooper Vineyards Noche.  I have tasted Noche.  It has a nice chocolate flavor and no acidity; smooth.

The above chocolate wines are not creamy like ChocoVine.

The other wine tasted was Clos du Bois Chardonnay which I first reviewed on March 18th.  I cannot give this wine away.  Customers do not enjoy and neither do I.

Simply Naked Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon

For the last four days, my life has been like a speeding train; more hectic than I can keep up with.  The only saving grace were my wine tastings this weekend.  NEW WINES!  I poured a few new ones, tasted  from two other distributors, and I purchased a couple.  Life was looking up!  

Friday's tasting was on two wines from Simply Naked.  Simply Naked sources their grapes from the best regions in California and the wines are all unoaked.  In general, I'm not typically an fan of unoaked Chardonnay, but with the two wines I tasted being unoaked allowed the flavors to shine.   

Simply Naked 2010 Pinot Grigio ($8.79) is refreshingly light and crisp.  The aroma is a mild grapefruit with a mild grapefruit flavor that finishes with lime.  Customers loved this wine and I sold out. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Simply Naked Pinot Grigio is a refreshing, fruit forward wine with bright citrus flavors of lime and orange rind. 


Simply Naked 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($8.79) is a medium body wine with a bold aroma of black cherry.  The black cherry flavor was less bold and the wine slightly tannic and off balance.  However, for the price it's a great everyday wine and perfect for grilling and casual meals.  Customer's enjoyed this as well. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Simply Naked Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, fruit forward wine with an explosion of plum and black cherry flavors. 

Overall, both wines were a hit with customers.  Good value for everyday table wine.

Domaine Ste. Michellle Blanc de Blancs

Ahhh, home alone. Peace and quiet. With the hot weather I wanted to enjoy something bubbly, so I hit my wine rack and popped the cork on a bottle of Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs, NV.  

Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs ($13) is from Washington State. One of the wineries for Chateau Ste. Michelle (who's Riesling I love).   A nice flavor of green apple.  Crisp and refreshing with great bubbles.  Perfect for the holidays and celebrations. Makes a wonderful gift.  Great for just plain old relaxing! 

Winemaker's Notes: 
     Style – Dry to medium dry
     Aromas – Pear & pineapple
     Flavors – Crisp green apple and a toast coconut finish
     Pair with – Brie, chocolate desserts or creamy dishes

Educated Guess Chardonnay

I find Chardonnay's are all over the board.  Too oakie.  Too acidic.  Crisp.  Nice fruit. Who knows what you'll find. I am always searching for a good one.  I had a bottle of Educated Guess 2007 Chardonnay in my wine rack, and the 2009 was available in the stores.  This called for a taste comparison.   

Educated Guess Chardonnay is from Roots Run Deep winery in Napa Valley, California.  It is both barrel fermented and stainless steel fermented. 

Educated Guess 2007 Chardonnay is from the Napa Valley regions of Oak Knoll (85%) and Mt. Veeder (15%).  It is 50/50 barrel and stainless steel fermented with 50% Malolactic Fermentation. 12 Months in Burgundy French Oak Barrels (50% new).  The flavor profile is creamy and tropical fruit with a hint of vanilla and spice. Nicely balanced. This was quite enjoyable. 

Educated Guess 2009 Chardonnay ($18) is from the Napa Valley regions of Oak Knoll (88%) and Mt. Veeder (12%).  It is 60% barrel fermented and 40% stainless steel fermented with 60% Malolactic Fermentation and 12 Months in Burgundy French Oak Barrels.  The aroma is tropical with pineapple, banana, and honeysuckle.  The flavor is spice, vanilla and a hint of banana and creaminess.   This was not as balanced as the 2007 vintage and more acidic; not as enjoyable.

Winemaker's Notes (the same for 2007 and 2009): This is not your typical Napa Chardonnay. By combining the characteristics that both traditional barrel fermentation and stainless steel ferment provide, we were able to retain the delicious tropical fruit flavors, while also giving the customer what they have come to love in Chardonnay - creamy notes, toast, spice and vanilla without being overdone in any way. No “stick of butter and a 2x4” Chardonnay here! Very food friendly and crowd pleasing!

Hayman & Hill Riesling, 2007

Hayman & Hill 2007 Riesling is from Columbia Valley, Washington.  However, Hayman & Hill Winery is located in Napa Valley, CA.  This winery seeks out the grapes where they grow best.  (Much like Cupcake does.) This was not a bad bottle of wine for $8; good value for the money.  A nice fruity aroma with an apricot flavor.  Light and refreshing.  I could easily see it paired with Asian cuisine.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Intense aromas of Apricot and Peach clearly identify this fully ripened Riesling while the luscious palate weight and fresh long finish speak volumes of flavor, structure, balance and depth.

Falesco Pesano Umbria Merlot and Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay

Saturday's tasting was on two wines I've never tasted before.  I was doing a mental happy dance since I wasn't pouring the same-old, same-old. 

Marques de Casa Concha 2009 Chardonnay is from Chile and one of the many vineyards of Conch y Toro.  An aroma was discernible in the plastic cup.  Flavor was nondescript with a a hint of creaminess and a tart green apple finish.  This is oak aged, but does not have an oakie flavor.  Although I did not enjoy this Chardonnay, customers did.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Striking minerals and pear aromas are synonymous with this part of the Limair Valley north of Sarritagn.  The oak adds generous helpings of vanilla and hazelnut with a full and vibrant palate, the crips acidity grants it a long finish.  

Falesco Pesano 2009 Unbria Merlot is 100% Merlot from Orvieto-Montecchio, Italy.  The aroma was spice and tobacco.  Flavor spice, tobacco, grilled meat and a hint of chocolate.  Nicely balanced.  Elegant finish.  I was in love with this wine and this was the customers favorite of the day.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Falesco Merlot, which is aged for six months in small French oak barrels, has a very deep colour. The scents are wide, rich, soft and spicy and the aromas are noble, well balanced and harmonious with an extremely long lingering finish. Accompaniment to lamb, red meats, grilled or with sauces, hearty pasta dishes and aged cheeses.

Gnarly Head Chardonnay and Ravenswood Zinfandel

This weekends tastings were on two wines that I have not previously reviewed nor tasted.

Gnarly Head 2009 Merlot ($10.50) is from California.  The aroma was blackberry.  The flavor was spice and any fruit flavor (see Winemaker's Notes below) was overpowered.  I was not impressed with this wine, but it was the customers favorite and sold well.   

Winemaker's Notes: "Gnarly Head Merlot is boldly fruit-driven, with concentrated black stone fruit flavor. Our winemakers carefully select grapes from California’s finest growing regions, choosing only the best fruit. Gnarly Head Merlot rallies to heighten the boldness of this often quiet, soft-spoken wine. Its dark fruit and balanced tannins score big on your palate.  

Our Merlot has lush, velvety tannins and rich fruit, with aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry, and blackberry with ripe plum, sweet herbs and a hint of spice. Don’t be shy, Gnarly Merlot is bold enough to pair with hearty dishes, try with piping hot pizza, pork loin, porterhouse steak and roasted vegetables."

Ravenswood 2008 Vintner's Blend Zinfandel ($10) is also from California.  In 2007 this was a blend.  For 2008 I was not able to find Winemaker's information.  In the plastic tasting cup I was not able to detect an aroma.  The flavor was spice, and this wine was nicely balanced.  Because of the thin mouthfeel, I was not a fan of this wine. I found the 2007 vintage to be the same flavor and mouthfeel.  I much prefer a bolder, fuller bodied Zinfandel. (At least I can say Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Zinfandel is consistent.) Customers were not enthused with this wine.  Their comments were also the thin mouthfeel and their preference for a bolder, fuller bodied Zin.

Winemaker's Notes: (Not available) 

Step x Step Shiraz Grenache, 2008

While shopping I had the opportunity to taste Step x Step 2008 Shiraz Grenache, from Step Road Winery in  the Langhorne Creek wine region, South Australia.  It had a nice burst of cherry flavor that was quickly followed by mild tannins and spice. (Not much more was gained from tasting in a small plastic cup.) With the few customers that were tasting along with me, it was well received.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (not available)

Peter Lehman Shiraz, 2008

I recently enjoyed 2008 Peter Lehman of the Barossa Shiraz from Australia.  The color was a beautiful, deep, rich red with an aroma of plum.  On my  palate the flavor was plum, chocolate, and a hint of oak; very mild tannins.  I enjoyed this while cooking, eating cheese, and my roast pork dinner.  I purchased this wine, on sale, for $13.99 (regularly $16.99).

Winemaker's Notes:  "A wine of great depth of colour reflecting the splendid 2008 red wine vintage. The bouquet has tantalising aromas of dark plums and black fruits with just a hint of oak in the background. It is a seamless wine with an excellent structure, its rich fruit reined in by firm tannins. A beautiful expression of Barossa Shiraz, it will continue to develop in the bottle for five plus years.    

This wine is a perfect accompaniment with steak, roast beef and lamb and excellent with pizza and meat based pasta dishes. It is delightful with aged cheddar or pecorino cheeses."

Beaulieu Vineyards Estate Riesling, 2008

After the Fancy Food Show last night we went to dinner and again ordered wine.  I had the opportunity to taste Beaulieu Vineyards 2008 Estate Riesling.  It was very nice and I must say paired perfectly with my Jambalya.  

Beaulieu Vineyards 2008 Estate Riesling is a light straw color.  A wonderful fruity aroma of which I detected apricot. Flavors were also fruity with peach and a hint of green apple.  Crisp and balanced. 

Winemaker's Notes: Crafted from grapes grown along California’s Central Coast, our 2008 Riesling is perfumed with pretty apricot, peach and honeysuckle notes. The crisp, refreshing flavors echo the aromas, adding hints of lychee and mineral. A light sweetness adds lushness on the palate, making this wine delightful for sipping in the afternoon with fruit and cheese. Our Riesling is especially delicious paired with appetizers or entrées with an Asian flair, such as grilled teriyaki shrimp or a Chinese chicken salad. For a picnic, pack a chilled bottle of Riesling with cold cuts, cheese, fruit and a baguette.

Jade Mountain Merlot, 2007

For the next couple days, I am attending the Fancy Food Show in Washington DC.  All I can say, is YUM!  I went to dinner with both people in the wine industry and wine enthusiasts.  It goes without saying we had wine with dinner.  On the wine list was Jade  Mountain Merlot.  I enjoy Jade Mountain's Cabernet and Chardonnay, so I had to have their Merlot.  

Jade Mountain 2007 Merlot is 100% Merlot from California - the regions of Napa Valley (65%) and  San Luis Obispo County (35%). This has a luscious aroma of cherry with spice.  A comforting and enjoyable flavor of cherry and spice as well. Very well balanced.  I ate rib eye steak with roast fingerling potatoes for dinner and this paired perfectly with it. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Jade Mountain Merlot is densely packed with heady aromas of ripe fruit laced with exotic spices. Flavors of rich dark cherry and plum intermingle with caramel notes and hints of Asian spice and cinnamon. The texture is rich and generous, with firm but approachable tannins. This wine is well structured and harmonious.

Mark West Pinot Noir, 2009

On numerous occasions, customers have told me how much they enjoy Mark West Pinot Noir.  I finally had the opportunity to taste it when another distributor was doing a tasting at the same time as me.

Mark West's motto is "Pinot for the People" and I can say from conversations with customers they do enjoy this Pinot Noir.  A California wine, the grapes are sourced from at least 5 growing regions.  The 2009 I tasted was light with a spice flavor that overpowered any fruit (as detailed in the Winemaker's Notes below).  Not a wine I'd purchase as ... I've said this before ... there are other Pinot Noir's I enjoy more.  However, based on customer's opinions, I'd say give it a try.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Enticing aromas of strawberry/rhubarb pie, raspberry preserves, and cranberry, with barrel notes of vanilla cream and baking spices. The sweet entry of strawberry and plum fruit flavors is followed by a juicy, boysenberry middle and cherry, cola berry finish. Oak aging contributes a touch of cardamom spice and rounds out the palate. Easy drinking Pinot perfect for any dining occasion or simply enjoy by the glass.

Toasted Head Untamed White

I saw Toasted Head's 2010 Untamed White on the store shelf. The label read it was a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Moscato.  Sounded nice.  Had to taste it.  

2010 Untamed White is a new wine for Toasted Head and is fremented 50% stainless steel and 50% used French oak.  A blend of 70% Viognier, 27% Chardonnay, and 3% Moscato. The aromas were honey and peach.  Flavors, peach and tropical fruit with a pithy tartness.  Crisp and balanced. 

Winemaker's Notes:  "A bright light straw color, offers unrestrained and voluptuous aromas of  honeysuckle, vanilla bean, orange blossoms and pear followed by juicy white peach, fresh kiwi and other tantalizing, exotic fruit flavors. It tastes amazing with Asian cuisine, white fish or hors d’oeuvres.

We harvested vineyards blocks on our Dunnigan Hills Estate where warm-climate Viognier and Chardonnay produce rich tropical fruit flavors and floral notes. We blended in some Chardonnay from Mendocino County to contribute a natural acidity along with pear flavors, and we added a small portion of Moscato to enhance aromas."

Banfi Chianti Superior and Cupcake Moscato

I poured two wines at last Saturday's tasting.  

Banfi 2009 Chianti Superior ($9.79) from Italy. This is not 100% Sangiovese, but the blend is not available for their 2009 vintage.  I'm at a loss for this wine.  It met with mixed reviews from customers and it mostly was not favorable.  As for myself, I found it very inconsistent.  Throughout the tasting I taste the wines I'm pouring to see how they've changed after being opened.   This wine was all over the place and not in a good way.  It was tart, tannic, and occasionally vinegary.  I questioned the stores wine consultant on whether it had gone bad, but they said it was fine.  I don't recommend this.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)  

Cupcake (NV) Moscato  ($9) from Italy and 100% Muscat of Alexandria.  A great fruity aroma with a melon and apricot flavor.  A nice refreshing wine with a little frizzante.  If you're a Moscato fan, you should try this. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Add sparkle to  your life with our creamy, delicious bubbly made of 100% Moscato grapes grown in the  hills of Italy's Piedmont region.  Another great reason to reward yourself.  It is a fragrant and delicious white wine with gentle bubbles, perfect for brunch, aperitif or dessert.  Aromas of peaches along with flavors of tropical fruits and lychee.  It is a rich full-bodied wine with just a hint of effervescence to tickle the palate.

Banfi - Centina Red and Rosa Regale

I don't know where the week has gone.  I've missed a couple days posting wine reviews and haven't even posted about last weekends tastings.  I don't know if it was the long holiday weekend, hot days, or thunderstorms, but I've lost focus.  With that said, I'll review the wines for last weekends tasting.  Friday's tasting was for three wines. 

First was Rex-Goliath Chardonnay.  A non-vintage wine from California.  I've reviewed this before. It's a reliable, inexpensive everyday wine and customers enjoy it.  Crisp and refreshing.

Next was Banfi 2007 Centine Toscana ($10) from Tuscany, Italy and a blend of  60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot.  In the plastic tasting cup, I was not able to detect an aroma (yes, there is an aroma, the plastic cup is a hindrance).  However, the flavor was smokey with a hint of coffee and oak.  A long spice finish and medium tannins.  Customers enjoyed.

Winemaker's Notes:  Deep mauve red color.  On the nose fruity notes of raspberry and plums, but also spicy hints of coffee, liquorices and cinnamon. The complex structure, soft and round at the same time, makes this wine particularly elegant. Long finish.  Food pairing: roasts, game and medium aged cheese.

Last, Banfi 2010 Rosa Regale ($21) from Italy. The varietal is 100% Brachetto d'Acqui. This is a sweet bubbly dessert wine with a terrific raspberry aroma and flavor.  A fun wine that makes a to die for pairing with dark chocolate.  Seductive.  Great for the holidays, special celebrations and especially Valentine's day.  Customers enjoy this.

Winemaker's Notes:  A persistent perlage characterizes this bright ruby red sparkling wine. The bouquet is very intense, aromatic and reminiscent of wild berries, strawberries and Bulgarian rose. On the palate Rosa Regale shows well balanced acidity with sweet and aromatic notes, which are persistent and long on the finish.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2010

During the summer I am in the mood for crisp, refreshing white wines.  You  may even go so far as to call it a craving.  One of my favorite varietals is Sauvignon Blanc.  With the delightfully sunny day yesterday I could't resist and opened a bottle of Oyster Bay.

Oyster Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is from Marlborough, New Zealand.  It is nicely balanced and crisp with an inviting fruit aroma.  It did not have an aggressive grapefruit flavor but rather a pleasant lemon and lime with a hint of grassiness.  Very enjoyable.  Oyster Bay 2010 Sauvignon Blanc has become a favorite for me. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Pale straw green in colour with brilliant clarity, Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and aromatic with lots of lively fruit characters.  Fragrant tropical and floral notes with vibrant fresh lime and citrus zest, a fine texture and an intense crisp finish.  A concentration of assertive passion fruit and tropical fruit flavours with an abundant bouquet, it is a wine that is always crisp, elegant and refreshing.

Chalone Monterey Chardonnay and Chalone Estate Grown Chardonnay, 2007

I think it's fun to compare wines.  Whether it's the same varietal from two different vineyards, different years, or different tiers.  I enjoy tasting and comparing to see what makes them different.  For this review I compared two Chardonnay's from Chalone Vineyards (California) and they are different tiers.   

Chalone Monterey Chardonnay is the lower tier (least expensive) for Chalone Vineyard.  It was too acidic for me and I was not able to taste the fruit profile the winemaker describes.  However, I did taste a hint of oak.  

Winemaker's Notes:  In our Chardonnay, bright, fruit-focused flavors keep cadence with sweet essence of oak. Baked pear, Braeburn apple and sweet tangerine are accented by wafts of floral and nutmeg. Well-balanced, the fruit remains bright and crisp, complemented by just enough oak to lend structure and complexity. This wine’s versatility makes it pleasant for sipping as well as a perfect complement to sautéed scallops or stuffed chicken breast.  

Chalone Estate Grown 2007 Chardonnay is the upper price range for Chalone Vineyards.  A very nice, crisp, smooth Chardonnay with pineapple and oak. This was delightful.   

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright aromas of mango, stone fruit and green apple gain intrigue from a hint of pineapple. These same fruit components dominate the rich flavors, enhanced by mineral nuances derived from our limestone soils. Chalone Chardonnay is the white wine for the red wine drinkers.

Choosing between the two wines is easy.  Hands down, I recommend Chalone Estate Grown 2007 Chardonnay.

Cellar No. 8 Zinfandel, 2008

Cooking with wine - again.  This time I needed a Zinfandel for my beef short ribs.  I enjoyed the Cellar No. 8 Cabernet and I thought I'd give their Zinfandel a taste. 

Cellar No. 8 2008 Zinfandel is from California and 100% Zinfandel.  The aroma is an intense black cherry, black pepper and chocolate.  On my  palate it was definitely spice.  That kind of "warms the back of your throat" feeling.  Smooth.  Nicely balanced.   But, given a choice, I prefer their Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaker's Notes:  Deep ruby in color.  A classic California Zinfandel with intense notes of blackberry and spice with juicy black cherry, black pepper and chocolate on the palate.  Lush and concentrated, this wine has a long and complex finish, perfect with spicy pasta.

La Crema Pinot Noir, 2009 - Sonoma County

I've had La Crema's 2008 Pinot Noir  from both Sonoma County and Napa Valley.  I enjoyed them both.  The 2009 from Sonoma is  now available so I had to try it.  

The 2009 La Crema Pinot Noir  has an enticing cherry aroma.  On my palate I taste the flavors of cherry, spice and a hint of chocolate.  The tannins are mild.  A nicely balanced wine.  It also has a nice mouthfeel and isn't thin like some Pinot Noirs that I've tasted. I have no hesitation in recommending this to you or any of my customers.

Winemaker's Notes:  Alluring cherry and spice over juicy, jammy notes.  The 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offers aromas of lush cherry and red plum, with subtle hints of black tea and cola.  On the palate, flavors are ripe and elegant, centering on red cherry and spice with a touch of earthiness and dark chocolate.  A rich, juicy mid-palate and vivid acidity lead to plush tannins on the finish.