I’ve tasted a truckload of Zinfandels lately, at a wide range of prices. Here are the notes on my favorites – I’m off to take an aspirin… Kendall-Jackson 2007 Zinfandel Mendocino County Vintner’s Reserve ($15). Easy to like and easy to quaff – good for a burger or any summer grilling. With blackberry, wild raspberry and currant flavors that are [...]
Read more →I continue to up my liking of Carmenere from Chile — more and more often these days, it’s quite appealing. Historically it has a reputation for being quite green and astringent, but as winemakers are adjusting ripeness levels, etc., that green quality has transformed into more of a brambly note that merely accents the fruit [...]
Read more →I recently revisited one of my favorite recipes from the old Wine Skinny recipe archives — and think it is a lovely way to celebrate any upcoming Spring occasion. It’s a dish that was inspired by a Molly O’Neill recipe — she inspires me in a number of ways, and her The Pleasure of Your [...]
Read more →I was just writing up both of these Reserva de Familia reds from Chile’s Santa Carolina — looking back at my tasting notes and assembling a coherent paragraph or two… Then I checked the price and literally said “wow” right here at my desk, to nobody in particular. For just fifteen bucks each, these are [...]
Read more →Here are a few $15-and-under white wine bargains that should help kick off this first day of Spring — finally! SAUVIGNON BLANC Fortress 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Red Hills Lake County Musque Clone ($15). Clean, clear and focused, with citrus as the main player — but a range of lemon, Meyer lemon, grapefruit notes, along with gooseberry. Full, [...]
Read more →This is such lovely Pinot, and at a relatively affordable price for this finicky grape, that I couldn’t resist making it this week’s Wine Pick. Enjoy! Sacred Hill 2007 Pinot Noir Central Otago ($27). Lush and smooth, but with varietally-correct delicacy and complexity. Offers bright, graceful cherry and berry fruit, with delicate accents of rich [...]
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