Sunday, September 11, 2016

Larson Family Winery, Pinot Noir 2011 - $38

Sonoma Coast

In preparation for a long awaited visit back to Sonoma later this week, I opened a bottle quite apt for this upcoming trip.  You might not find it on your local wine shop shelves however, if you’re in Sonoma, a visit to this wonderful winery is a must.  Years ago, I had the opportunity to spend a day with former wine maker Carolyn Craig to learn about the processes involved in wine making.  That experience forever influenced a genuine appreciation for the hard work which goes into the art and science of this industry.

Now, on to this amazing wine beginning with a medium ruby red color, aromas of rose petals, macerated strawberries, toasted oak and a hint of anise which brought on anticipation of the tastes in store.  Flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and subtle plums rounded out a true Pinot.  Medium tannins with a smooth, clean finish created an excellent paring for my grilled NY strip.

Current vintage for sale is 2014.  I love this winery’s motto.  "We drink what we can, and sell the rest!" www.larsonfamilywinery.com

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Bogle “Essential Red” 2013 $11

Sonoma County

This red blend appealed to me during an in-store tasting at my local World Market.  I decided to buy a bottle and do my own evaluation and found it to be genuinely a pleasure.  I’ve been back since to buy a few more bottles to keep on hand as an “everyday” red.

The aroma makeup packed the glass with ripe strawberries, blackberry and traces of warm licorice.  Dark cherries on the first taste along with hints of cocoa balanced out medium tannins on the finish.

Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah come together for a great value priced and well blended wine.  Aged for 12 months in American & French oak, you won’t be disappointed especially for Red Zinfandel drinkers.  Current vintage available is 2014.

Pairings:  Barbecue, Steak, Burgers, Blue Cheese, Dark Chocolate

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Lander-Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $15 (on sale $10)

California
(Napa, Monterey & Central Valley)

First of all, this was hard to pass up on a $10 sale.  I figured if it wasn’t to my liking, I could always use it in a marinade.  After the first sip, let’s just say there wasn’t any left for a marinade.  On the nose, this wine displayed black cherries, vanilla, white pepper and subtle oak.

With a full body, flavors of plums, currants along with hints of toffee and spice brought together an enjoyable, balanced blend. 

This Cabernet is a delicious, velvety wine with rich tannins and a long, smooth finish.  The complexity amazed me for this price point!  From the winemakers info., this vintage had a blend using 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remaining fruit undisclosed.

If you want a reasonable red to go with your next steak, burger or even pizza, this should be one you consider.  Originally, I found this at World Market.


Friday, February 26, 2016

Root:1 Heritage Red 2013 - $12

Maipo Valley, Chile

Dark berries accompanied with hints of black pepper and leather aromas filled my glass.  For $12 retail and $7 on sale, I might have said “woah.”  There may have been a slight musty hint at first but that went away quickly.  The flavors combine blackberries and dark cherry with a subtle spice.  On the finish, traces of vanilla complement firm tannins.  Drinks like a sophisticated old world red.  The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah and Petit Verdot.  Found this at World Market.  Amazing value with great flavors.

 
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.