2008 Achával Ferrer Malbec

Specs:

2008 Achával Ferrer Malbec

Mendoza

Argentina

14.4 % Alcohol

100% Malbec

$19.00

Notes:

Argentina and Malbec go hand and hand in the wine industry and this young Malbec is a nice starting off point for exploring the region and its offerings. Because of Mendoza's high-altitude location and relatively arid climate the grapes tend to be quite acidic however retain their rich and ripe fruit flavors.

In the glass, the wine is inky and opaque with ruby purple coloring and little rim variation. The producer of this wine chose not to filter its juice in order keep the integrity of the flavors used to produce this wine. The nose is clear and fruit forward with aromas of stewed blue and dark fruit like blueberry, blackberry, huckleberry and plum. Scents of vanilla, violets and some herbal characteristics are also present with a hint of smoke and oak. In the mouth, the wine has a full and rich mouthfeel with the tannins nicely rounded out and balanced. The wine is dry with acid on the higher end and concentrated flavors of blueberry pie and tobacco. The taste on the palate stays true to the aromas on the nose and has such a beautiful sensation of sun ripened fruits with some additional savory characteristics of herbs and spice. The finish is nice and prolonged with the fruit and vanilla bringing the wine to a close.

This wine is young and is meant to be consumed in just that way. I would pair this wine with hearty meats that you would find in your typical Argentinian fare. Fire roasted beef steaks, grilled chicken and sausage, barbecued corn as well as spicy chili would be an amazing complement to this Malbec. Because the flavors of this wine are so concentrated I would definitely decant this and let it sit a bit before drinking.

2007 Twisted Oak Torcido

Specs:

2007 Twisted Oak "Torcido"

Calavaras County

California

14.4 % Alcohol

89% Garnacha 11% Petite Sirah

$32.00

Notes:

This is a wine from a winery I would usually steer clear of...Plastic chickens, skulls on wine bottles and gimmicks galore; however their wines esp the "Torcido" is an amazing showing of a smooth fruit forward Garnacha. Proves that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Point taken! Onto the wine...

On the nose the aromas are fruit forward with ripe red cherry, raspberry, dried cranberries and fig; with hints of smoke, clove, and cinammon. The flavors on the nose reflect the palate, however the taste takes on a more dark fruit flavor of stewed blueberry, blackberry and plum. There is a soft and full mouthfeel with a nice velvety finish that lingers long on the palate. The alcohol is high and the heat is definitely present yet I don't feel it overwhelms in any way.

Because of the rich flavors of this wine I would suggest pairing it with something that can stand up to its bold flavors. Hearty meat dishes like a roast, honey glazed ham or a juicy pepper steak would really get the palate going. This is quite a treat on it's own as well which is exactly how I choose to enjoy it. This is a great selection from a great producer who's wines have a great deal to offer. Note: This wine did take quite awhile to open up so I would suggest decanting it and giving it some time.

2000 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza" Reserva Rioja

Specs:

2000 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza" Reserva Rioja

Rioja

Spain

13% Alcohol

75% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha

$29.99

Notes:

Rioja, Rioja, Rioja is all I can think about these days; quite a shame I hadn't discovered it's charm until recently. This Rioja validated these sentiments exactly, and is such a great example of why this style of wine is currently at the top of my list. The La Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva is a blend of mainly Tempranillo with one quarter of its juice coming from Garnacha. This blending really adds nice dark fruit character to the ripe red cherry flavors of Tempranillo.

In the glass the wine is medium in intensity with a garnet brick color and some slight rim variation. The age of this wine definitely shows in the glass, however still retains it's youthful glow. On the nose aromas of leather, baking spices, cigar box, red cherry and Cola/Dr. Pepper are all present adding to the rich bouquet. The palate mirrors the aromas in the glass yet adds a more stewed/candied characteristic to the fruit with darker fruits like blackberry and some red raspberry. In the mouth the wine is smooth as silk with the age of this wine really rounding out the tannins. The balance of wood, fruit and acid is impeccable in this wine and adds further to the complex flavors and aromas. The finish is medium in length with candied fruit, vanilla and oak rounding out the end. This is a very special wine for an extremely fair price and I highly recommend scouting this one out.

As far as pairings go, I would suggest beef dishes like carne asada, hamburgers, braised meats like pork and lamb and sauces that contain tomatoes like salsa or a rustic ragu. This wine is available locally at K & L Wine Merchants.

2005 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir

Specs:

2005 Keller Estate La Cruz Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast

Petaluma, Ca

14.1% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://www.kellerestate.com/

$42.00

Notes:

This wine is the perfect example of the reason I'm head over heels in love with Pinot Noir from this region. Because of the maritime influence from the ocean, these grapes don't have the uber ripe cherry flavor you get from warmer climates. The flavors are tart, young and fresh.

This wine's ruby red clarity and dark intensity sit perfectly in the glass. The aroma is not as intense as expected however the scents are well defined and clear with black cherry, oak, vanilla, baking spice and white pepper on on the forefront. The wine is rich luscious and smooth with flavors of ripe red cherry, cola, vanilla, oak and raspberry. The finish is substantial in flavor with a light smokey and fruity end. This quality producer has definitely hooked me and I truly look forward to sampling their other vintages and varietals.

This wine is light enough in body that it can be paired with a variety of foods and flavors. Smoked ham and barbecued red meats would be a great match for this wine. However, when it comes to Pinot Noir I personally don't like to complicate things. I prefer keeping it as the main event.

2003 López De Heredia Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza

Specs:

2003 López De Heredia Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza

Rioja

Spain

12.5% Alcohol

65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo

$24.99

Notes:

When speaking about Spanish wine the first thing that pops into most peoples minds is the beloved Rioja. The producers of this wine; the Lopez de Heredia family, have been perfecting and crafting these fine wines for hundreds of years. The winery, located in the La Rioja Alta Region of Spain, has high elevations and shorter growing season and tends to produce their wine in the old world style. As far as Rioja goes, I think this is a beautiful presentation of Rioja from an amazing Spanish producer.

In the glass, the color is intense and rich with garnet crimson hues. The aromas are lush and ripe with fruit scents of ripe red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. A nice blend of spices are also present with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and cigar box. There is some nice oak presence on the nose which reflects the 3 years spent in oak barrels. On the palate, the wine is extremely soft and smooth and reflects the age of the wine. The flavors are bright and fresh with the fruit taking the forefront. As discovered on the nose; the cherry, strawberry and raspberry are still present however, hints of tart fruit like cranberry and currant take the stage. The finish is long and velvety in the mouth with a finish of stewed fruits and smokey oak.

Personally, this is one of the better Riojas I have come across, especially in this price range. I definitely suggest seeking this wine out. It is available throughout the Bay Area and can be purchased at K & L Wine Merchants as well as Nectar Wine Lounge in San Francisco. Buy 2 bottles as it is ready to drink now but can also be laid down for another 10 or so years.

2007 Prinz Spätburgunder Trocken

Specs:

2007 Prinz Spätburgunder Trocken

Rheingau

Germany

13.5% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

$29.00

Notes:

In continuation of my world wide quest for Pinot Noir I came across this German producer while dining at Terzo Restaurant in San Francisco. When I think Germany and the Rheingau my first thought is Riesling...it definitely isn't Pinot Noir; however I was proven quite wrong with this developed food friendly wine. The Prinz Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir) pronounced SHPAYT-bur-GUHN-der had similar characteristics of the grape variety, however there were some interesting qualities that stood out from others I have tasted.

When first poured, the wine was pale and lacking the color I was expecting, yet with time the wine opened up and regained its garnet color I am accustomed to.The aromas are light in intensity with pronounced earthy scents and slight hints of fruit. On the nose are scents of mushroom, herbs, and forest floor with tart strawberry and red cherry . The taste on the palate mimics the nose however the fruit becomes more apparent on the tongue. Within 20 minutes of opening the bottle the flavors and complexity of this wine really began to show and the acidic qualities began to really mellow out. With this came a more round and silky mouthfeel with rich flavors of red fruit and earth.

The Prinz Spätburgunder paired really amazingly with food due to its light flavors and intensity. I would suggest matching this wine with dishes containing fresh mushrooms and tomato as well as pastas or salads with truffle oil and Parmesan. This may be a little hard to find in your local wine shop however it is available locally at Terzo Restaurant as well as Dee VineWines in San Francisco.

2005 Domaine Gerard Seguin Gevrey-Chambertin, Vieilles Vignes

Specs:

2005 Domaine Gerard Seguin Gevrey-Chambertin, Vieilles Vignes

Gevrey-Chambertin (Côte d'Nuits)

France

13% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

$39.00

Notes:

Pinot Noir from the Côte d'Nuits region of France's Burgundy have quickly become my go to wines. The wines coming from the Gevrey-Chambertin commune of this region have yet to let me down. Yes... They are on the pricey side, however, you pay for quality and this Pinot Noir is just that. Gevrey-Chambertin's Burgundies are known worldwide for their complexity as well as for their production of quality Grand Cru wines.

In the glass, the wine is a clear, deep, crimson color with primary aromas of leather and earth, and hints of ripe strawberry and cherry. There is also a woody component to the nose with baking spice, accents of clove and cinammon. In the mouth, it is smooth and silky yet still light. With the red fruit flavors on the forefront, the earthiness becomes more apparent on the palate and the leather and wood finish it off. There is a spicy characteristic to the wine that really balances out the lush fruit along with the mineralistic and acidic qualities adding some complexity. The finish is medium in length ending with a cigar box flavor on the tongue.

Because this Pinot Noir is so light and feminine you would want to pair it with dishes that match its body. Cured meats like salumi and pancetta , grilled low fat meats, and steak tartare would really compliment one another. As far as dessert goes I would suggest this wine as the dessert in itself.

2008 Valle dell'Acate, Case Ibidini, Nero d'Avola

Specs:

2008 Valle dell'Acate, Case Ibidini, Nero di'Avola

Sicily

13% Alcohol

100% Nero d'Avola

$13.00

Notes:

While exploring the wines of Italy and Sicily I stumbled upon this tasty Nero d'Avola from the southeastern region of Bidini in Sicily. This wine comes from a quality Sicilian producer however, this is one of their more buyer friendly wines which seems to have some of the same flavors and complexities of their more expensive counterparts. This region's hot Mediterranean climate produces rich ripe fruit flavors which is evident in the 2008 Valle dell'Acat Nero d'Avola. This wines flavor profile and dominant qualities are quite similar to France's Beaujolais style wines made from the Gamay grape.

In the glass the wine is bright and clear with intense ruby concentration with fuchsia around the rim. On the nose there are bold fruit aromas of ripe red cherry and raspberry with a hint of an herbal note like fresh mint. There is a very slight wood and spice characteristic, however hardly noticeable. The palate mirrors the nose of the wine with fruit and a short to medium finish. This wine is no way complex or life changing however it is great to drink with food or served slightly chilled on a warm day. I would suggest this as an everyday drinking or table wine if you are looking for something light and satisfying to the palate and your wallet.

I would pair this wine with tomato based dishes like pasta, hearty beef ragu with pappardelle, fresh pizza and light grilling meats like tri-tip. Like I had preciously mentioned, it is also refreshing on its own slightly chilled and the relatively low alcohol is great to serve at parties and events. The 2008 Valle dell'Acate, Case Ibidini, Nero d'Avola can be purchased through K & L Wine Merchants throughout the Bay Area. Cin Cin!

2005 Rubicon Estate Cabernet Franc

Specs:

2005 Rubicon Estate Cabernet Franc

Napa Valley

California

14.3% Alcohol

78% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon

$56.00

http://www.rubiconestate.com/flash.php

Notes:

Cabernet Franc isn't usually my go to varietal as it tends to lack alot of flavor and complexity. This grape is usually a blending agent in wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is often added in small doses to add acidity and spice to these sometimes fruity varietals. When I opened this bottle I wasn't really sure what to expect as this wine is a little over 3/4 Cab Franc. Upon first smell and taste I knew I had been wrong about this bottle.

In the glass the wine is a deep garnet and almost opaque in the glass, with rich crimson around the edges. On the nose the aromas are intense and lush. Scents of red and black fruit like cherries, blackberries and raspberry stand out as the fruit while vanilla, cigar box and baking spices round out the bouquet. On the palate the wine is silky-smooth and round. The tannins and acid balance one another out extremely well which adds to the velvety mouthfeel. Flavors of ripe red cherry, oak, tobacco, and cloves mirror the aromas on the nose. The wine is powerful and full of flavor and complexity with a long finish and lingering aftertaste of oak and cherry. This is a beautiful wine from a quality producer who consistently puts out beautiful estate wines; the eye for detail is evident in this perfectly balanced Cabernet Franc blend. This wine will do well with aging up to 10 years however if perfect to drink now. It will only get better.

As far as food pairings, this can be enjoyed solely on its own or paired with heavy meats and game. Italian fare like short ribs with tagliatelle or hearty tomato dishes would compliment the bold favors.

2006 Domaine Jean-Paul/Stephane Magnien Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Sentiers"

Specs:

2006 Domaine Jean-Paul/Stephane Magnien Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Sentiers"

Chambolle-Musigny (Côte-d'Or)

France

13.5% Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

$54.00

Notes:

Burgundy's are quickly becoming my go-to wines for special occasions, important dinners and well, any other night really. The complexity and flavors that come from Frances Burgundy region are like nothing you have experienced. This wine comes from Côte-d'Or's village of Chambolle-Musigny. This area is known for their high quality Pinot Noir that can usually be characterized as rich, silky if you know your producer. The key to all French wines is just that. Know your producer.

This wine's producer is labeled as Premier or (1er Cru) so you know you are getting a good quality wine off the bat. In the glass the wine is clear with medium intensity and shows garnet hues with some brick coloring around the edges. The aromas are clean and developed with cola, red cherry, baking spice and vanilla scents. The intensity on the nose is moderate and in no way overpowering. On the palate the wine has medium plus acid and moderate tannins and is nicely balanced in the mouth with flavors of cola, cherry, red raspberry and cigar box. The flavors are bright, fresh and beautifully present with a medium silky smooth finish.

Seeing as this is a high quality burgundy with some good acid and present tannins this wine can definitely be cellared for some additional time; perhaps 5-10 years. As far as pairings go; this would pair beautifully with beef stews, oven roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, as well as creamy cheeses like Brie and Epoisses. For dessert, hearty raspberry tarts or strawberry pie would compliment the fruit in the wine nicely. I would suggest buying two bottles... One to drink now and one to cellar. This can be purchased locally through K & L Wine Merchants.

2007 T-Vine Cellars Petite Sirah

Specs:

2007 T-Vine Cellars Petite Sirah

Napa Valley

California

14.1% Alcohol

100% Petite Sirah

$36.00

Notes:


Drinkers are usually confused by the "Petite" in the Petite Sirah varietal. However, Petite Sirah's aren't light in any way but exactly the opposite. These wines are typically dark, fruity as have pretty high tannins but in a good way...The T-Vine Petite Sirah is just that; dark, tannic, rich and fruity. The warm climate of Napa helps to get these berries to their perfect ripeness and it really shows in the bottle.

In the glass the wine is dark and basically opaque with ruby tones and fuchsia at the wines edges. On the nose there are dark black fruits, cinnamon, licorice and is pretty moderate in intensity. In the mouth the wine has a full mouthfeel and is quite viscous. The wine is moderate in acid and tannins with flavors of jammy fruits like raspberry and blackberry and a big kick of blue fruits like blueberry and boysenberry. The finish is complex and lengthy and ends with some earthy tones and hints of cigar box and tobacco. This wine is silky, smooth and very elegant. The mix of moderate tannin and acid with the punch of fruit and oak really balances the wine perfectly.

This wine is beautiful on its own with all its complex flavors and can pair really nicely with rich fatty foods. Juicy grilled steaks, pork tenderloin with cranberry, and desserts like blueberry crisp with vanilla ice cream would be divine. If you have yet to try a Petite Sirah I suggest you start here.

2008 Writer's Block Counoise

Specs:

2008 Writer's Block Counoise

Lake County

California

13.5% Alcohol

100% Counoise

$16.00

http://www.steelewines.com/

Notes:

I recently tasted this at a blind tasting and was pretty impressed with the flavors and aromas of this wine. The consensus of Pinot Noir was across the board at first smell and taste, even through to the end of the guessing game. With reveal came some surprised faces. Counoise?! What is Counoise?! This grape isn't a varietal usually found on its own, especially not in California. The grape itself is known mainly as a blending agent in Rhone and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Surprisingly enough the Writer's Block Counoise stood strongly in the glass and definitely held it's own.

In the glass a clear garnet color is present, similar to the color of the average Pinot Noir. On the nose, bright fruit aromas are what first hits you. Scents of ripe cherry, raspberry, plum, cinnamon and baking spice with a hint of toasty oak. On the palate the wine is silky and round with a substantial mouthfeel. The flavors are pretty high in intensity and quite fruit forward with juicy red cherries, raspberry, currant, baking spices, and oak. The wine ends off nicely with a roasted nuttiness on the end of the finish. It is beautifully drawn out with a great complexity and interesting aftertaste. The wine is well balanced and really enjoyable; especially for this price. It is unavailable in retail stores and is quite a small production, just under 300 cases if I remember correctly. Orders can be placed through the Steele Winery website.

2006 WillaKenzie Estate Pierre Leon Pinot Noir

Specs:

2006 WillaKenzie Estate Pierre Leon Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley

Yahill, Oregon

14.2 % Alcohol

100% Pinot Noir

http://www.willakenzie.com/

$38.00

Notes:

Like the Russian River and Carneros Valleys in California; Oregon's Willamette Valley is the perfect climate for Pinot Noir. This Estate exclusively grows Pinot Noir and does it beautifully. Their current releases to the public include 13 Pinot Noirs and 3 Pinot Gris. Their Pierre Leon offering definitely stood out at our table. The color of this wine is deep and rich with black cherry and garnet hues. We sat and admired just how beautiful this wine truly is.

The scent of this wine is very rich and typical of Pinot Noir: Cherry, Vanilla, and Oak. The taste of course is also that, however the flavors go much deeper than that. Black Fruits such as current and black cherry are on the forefront of flavor with some subtle spiciness of nutmeg and a rich oak aftertaste. Hints of vanilla are present but in no way as pronounced as you would find with a California Pinot. The sips are soft, silky and smooth and the prefect medium bodied wine to enjoy with your meal.

I would suggest pairing this wine with hearty meats like steaks and briskets or wild game such as quail or duck. Seasonal favorites like butternut squash ravioli with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg would also pair extremely well.