Talbott "Logan" chardonnay 2006

This is the second best chardonnay you ban buy. There, I've said it.

We mere mortals are afforded the opportunity to enjoy this one on occasion as long as price is not a consideration to you. It's not unreasonable, however, at $24.99 (although I've seen it as low as $19.99). I understand most of you chardonnay consumers are used to great offerings at much lower prices, but take a chance and see what chardonnay can really be.

When I visited Talbott in August, I'd tried 20 different chards at that point on my sojourn to California.

I was less than enthused about yet another.. but I learned that Talbott does two things and does them better than almost everyone else - chardonnay and pinot noir. All of the Talbott chardonnay offerings are outstanding. The Logan gives one the impression that they left a pineapple in the barrel during aging. Slight malolactic fermentation gives some buttery vanilla texture but not overly so. Much ripe fruits on the tongue but no sting from over alcohol content. This is the smoothest chard I've ever tried, honestly!

I'm not a chardonnay fan as you know, but this one is an honest world-class white. This and the Sleepy Hollow Vineyard are the best chards I've had. T-Scale 93. It's available, lucky us! Drink now. Other vintages offer similar taste and quality, so I can recommend all years but the 2006 shows very very well now.

Rosenblum Cellars Fess Parker Vineyard Roussanne 2007

I visited a local wine merchant and found this little number on sale at half price. The only other domestic Roussanne I've tried was the dynamite Zaca Mesa Santa Barbara County offering, so I figured, why not.

Great deal! Nice light honey nectar nose with some of the feel of a Cotes-du-Rhône - no surprise as Roussanne hails from that area. This, one like most American versions of Roussanne, yield honey and pear in the middle with a slightly oily finish on the tongue.

This is one to add to your short list of nice inexpensive whites to serve with dinner or at social gatherings. Not a bad idea for a Christmas white! I'll be serving it to my guests.

T-Scale - 90! I bought it for.... $8.99 a bottle!!! Yeah, that's half price, but I'd pay full boat for this one. Compare to the Zaca Mesa which scored 90 points in Wine Enthusiast but costs $25.00. I've been to both vineyards, and they're neighbors (both on Foxen Canyon Road in Los Olivos!)

Justin sauvignon blanc 2007

I've started a new quest to find great sauvignon blancs to compare with my so-far-favorite from Alpha Omega. I've had some fume blancs and Loire River offerings but the quest continues.

Enter Justin's contender. I tasted this at the source and was moderately pleased. I had another this week and liked it better. At $17.99, it's priced well and offers the best qualities of a sauv-blanc like a grassy nose, high citrus tongue with a medium alcohol tingle. It finishes well, but not as well as the Alpha Omega.

The Justin is a good way to venture into the world's most popular white wine. What? Did you think it was chardonnay? Surprise! My local sommelier informs me the contrary. Sauvignon is king and to my taste, it deserves the crown for whites.

The Justin is a good way to get into the California style of fume/sauvignons. Try also offerings from New Zealand, Australia, Bordeaux, or South Africa. Every one is different. I've never know a more versatile grape, really!

T-Scale 88. Good price but I've had comparable offering for less $$$. I've had better but they'll cost more.

Bernardus Marinus 2003 - Super nice California Meritage!

When in California, I found myself comparing Meritage from whomever produced it. Justin Isosceles, Calcereous Twisted Sister, Williamson Allure, etc... We wandered into Carmel Village and found Bernardus. Good Chardonnay there, but the star is Marinus. I got a shot at the reserve and was pleasantly rewarded. I don't want to talk about the price however...

For those of us who like to drink more than cellar, there is the regular release Marinus. I luckily found a 2003 Marinus on the shelf at regular price here in Naples! As predicted, the 2003 let go of the tannin tightness I found in the 2005. It's ready to drink now.

Leather and liquorice on the nose. Big ripe fruits and tingling sting on the tongue says that tannins still remain, but are loose now. Big fruity cherry Slushy feel throughout. Light and long fruity tannin finish. Heck of a nice Meritage here! Very Bordeaux-like feel and structure.

The composition disclosed by Bernardus is as follows: "The 2003 vintage is comprised of 73.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.6% Merlot, 3.6% Cabernet Franc and 1.9% Petit Verdot and 1.6% Malbec."

If you can find it, get it. You will not get the big Bordeaux structure in a more affordable bottle. I'm thinking case here if I can find more at home at this price.

T-Scale 91 - $25.99, one of the best values on the market at this price. My favorite, Justin Isosceles, is $60.00 a bottle. The 2003 Marinus is nearly as good but a whole lot more affordable. Let me know if you find it locally. It might not be readily available.

Montgras Carmenere 2008 - Chile

Carmenere is a new grape to me. At one time, this was a fairly common blending grape in Bordeaux but now only is found in Chile. The Chileans do great things with Malbec as you know. Carmenere gets good reviews, so I'm having a taste.

This gets a 90 from Parker and Enthusiast and I went in with heightened expectations. First impressions from the nose remind me of cab blends or malbec. First taste reminds me of 89-90 rated cab with smooth finish and subtle tannin. Very Bordeaux-like. Velvet soft oak finish and light tanning unlike Rhone varietals like zin and syrah. Another good Chilean choice here!

T-scale 90+ Great price $12.99. I've had grape juice twice this price I've enjoyed half as much. Think about Chile next time you're shopping. Chile is the Australia of 5 years ago, bargains galore! Malbec is a bit too full of tannin but Carmenere is much more tame. Try this one.

T-Scale Thanksgiving edition - need a holiday reco?

Everyone's doing it I know... I know... but here's my $0.02 worth for your holiday quaffing. Forget cab, pinot, and merlot-based stuff this holiday. The food is king and the complexities of the usual good stuff gets lost in a sea of stuffing, sides, and desserts. What you want is something that dominates the taste buds and stands out above the chow.

Reds: Zinfandel is the word. Don't go after the big names with the big price tags. You don't need that, just get one that is a heavy-hitting peppery

delight. Try this guy - Lodi 7 Deadly Zins. Readily available, tasty, and big.

Whites: Gewürztraminer or Reisling. Why? A little sweetness on the palette.

Chances are you are like me and are going to entertain those people who aren't regular wine consumers.

Fortunately these offer them (and you) a way to enjoy a white you don't normally choose.

The great thing about the German varietals is the low price of really great bottles. Try the Washington grown Chateau St. Michelle

gewurtz

Sparklers are IN for the holidays. The names in US made bubbly are Domain Carneros,

Domain Chandon, and my new fav, Gloria Ferrer. I prefer brut rose but recently tried the Royal

Cuvee 2001 and now will keep it on my short list.

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2006 - decent!

Every once in a while you get in a rush to pick one quickly at a store that specializes in crap beer and white zinfandel. So I made the trek to the quickie store in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. Well it's not a diamond, but it's definitely a gem of sorts.

At $10.99, this is probably the best zin I've had at this level. If you're stuck in a tight spot, look for Bogle. What I've had from them is solid, most notably the Petit Syrah and now the Old Vine Zin.

A little time in the open does this some justice. Find blackberries, black cherries, some light vanilla and the earthy notes that zins express so nicely. Ok, it's not Ridge or Turley, but at this price, it's quite nice. Need a good little zin for company, you can't go wrong here. Also a good little number for the mid week evening when you don't want to get in the cellar and hit the money bottles. No slouch here.

T-Scale 88+ Heckuva good value here. Solid zin. Getcha some, it's everywhere and it's a value.

2007 Angels Landing Cab - Stag's Leap District.. really?

Ok, one of my local retailers pitched this to me as a "real steal" because the grapes are from Stag's Leap.. blah blah blah. I bit.. got bit too.

I'm not usually one for flaming wines, I just choose to ignore them for this forum. Well, you might get this one pitched to you at some point. A V O I D!

Flab. Flat. Not much there. $19.99 is no deal. In fact, there are 20 cabs less than $15 I can tell you about that kick the bejeezus out of this thing.

Nuff said. Just pass on this guy if you see it. There's apparently a bunch of it out there so beware. If you're feeling like a cheap cab that has chutzpah, do the Louis Martini or Kendall Jackson.

T-scale... didn't register. I promise not to do this often, but I thought it was worth telling y'all.

Cline "Live Oak" zinfandel 2007 Contra Coasta County

I've been drinking more zinfandel lately. Zinfandel, more than most other grapes, has such small subtleties making each wine maker's offering different than the other. I've had many in past year thus making my scrutiny much tougher on zins than most everything else.

So here is the Cline "Live Oak" zin. I tasted two other Cline zins (Bridgehead and Big Break) during the same sitting and it was hard to choose between them. Live Oak, however, is the roundest of the three, possessing all of the desirable traits I like in zin.

Green pepper and grilled asparagus on the nose. Huge fruit and a little bit of the sting on the tongue from the black pepper you expect. The dark fruit keeps coming throughout making for a pleasurable long finish. Nice and refined, not too much zip, not flat either.

T-scale 92, great value at $19.99! In my top 10 zins easily, especially at this price. This could be your house zin!

Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Pinot Gris 2008

Kendall Jackson's reserves are usually a cut above the regular offerings from Jess Jackson's vineyards. Very hearty pinot gris here with constant ripe red grapefruit throughout. Floral notes with citrus which gives way to faint bouquet of Edam cheese as it warms.

Pinot gris is usually a meal wine which complements outdoor fair such as grilled tuna or pork chops. This will also put out the fires of spicy foods like Thai or Mandarin.

Choose to enjoy it without food and you will still have a winner here. You all know how I feel about chardonnay, so if you're like me, you want that other white for your cellar. This is a good option.

Although it's not like Italian offerings, the qualities of the blue grape gone-white-in-the-bottle still survive, much magnified.

T-Scale 87+ as this is quite good and nicely priced at $14.99 - 17.99. Serve it with dinner in the winter or shelve it for the summer outdoors. Good Florida vacation wine!

Patricia Green 2006 Panama White sauvignon blanc

Yep, the label really is blank white. Hold it close to your eyes and you see writing is embossed onto the bottle. No matter, this is a most interesting sauvignon blanc! Tasting this blind, one might think this is some kind of heavy tasty chardonnay or other white. Sip further into Panama and you will find the usual sauvignon qualities of citrus and grasses.

The nose is buttery toast with lime and a slight rubbery something. Patricia Green coerced malolactic fermentation into this by leaving it in the barrel a bit longer than usual. My local sommelier advised me that this one "got away from the wine maker." This would explain the outrageous level of alcohol (16.3%!) and the buttery finish.

Overall a hoot! A bit pricy at $32.00, but locally, this is $10.00 less than the online prices I've found. It might be hard to get outside of my local stash, but if you find it, give it a try. I assure you that you will not find a sauvignon blanc quite like this one.

T-Scale 89. Pricey, unique and nice.

Ridge Paso Robles Zinfandel 2007

Another of the three Ridge Zinfandels I've tried, the Paso Robles is stout, rugged, yet refined, but not quite as nice as Lytton Springs. This bottle is also made from the Dusi Ranch grapes (see also Ridge Dusi Ranch, reviewed in September) and retains the strength of all wines I've tried from the region.

The nose contains dark earth, raisins, and wild red fruits. Black pepper is noticeable upon first sip, telling you that this is a large zin with much character. But the sometimes overzealous sting of zin is absent here. It's a zin alright, but not overly so.

It's fruity and juicy like an overripe plum. I don't get the long long finish that some of my favorite zins deliver, but this one is still an overall delight. Ridge's finest offerings are nearly impossible to obtain outside of the vineyard, so revel in this one.

T-Scale 90. Available and affordable at $25.00. Probably could use another year or two in the bottle for best showing, but no slouch now.

Conn Creek Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Looking for a complete cab at a good price? This is one to consider.

"Plums, coffee and wood spice aromas are nicely integrated. Mocha chocolate flavors and a lively, dried cranberry mid-palate lead to a bright cherry lingering finish." — Mike McGrath, Winemaker

Yeah, I agree. Coffee is very evident in the nose which is unexpected, but welcomed. Dark fruits come alive with a little air and time. Allow this to air out a little bit before consuming. Venturi or decant and you will get rewarded with a whole different wine.

By now I know you aren't chilling your reds. Pinot might benefit from cooler temps, but cabs generally don't. Let this one sit at room temp or make it slightly cool, but not overly so. Also use a red bowl glass as it allows more air to find its way into the transformation from tight bottle to full big expression of this large full-bodied cab.

Composition: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot - which makes this a true California Meritage blend.

T-Scale - 92. Very good cab blend at a very good price - $25.00 or so. One of the nicest cabs in this price range. If you are looking for an entry level Napa Valley cab experience, try this one. Plenty of more expensive cabs from Napa don't measure up to this one.

Valley of the Moon pinot blanc

In my quest for a great white wine (which is not chardonnay) I found this one. First recommended by my local aficionado at the wine shop, I've grown to really appreciate this off-dry white.

Some of you will recognize pinot blanc as an Alsacian or German varietal better known as Weißburgunder. Here in the US, it is uncommon to find it as we tend to drink more chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris. But this has a lot of strength for a white, having more nose and complexity than most others.

I found this likes to be a bit warmer than other whites. As it warmed in my glass, notes of grassy citrus evolved. Tastes changed too starting lemony, perhaps even nutmeggish (according to Christina), but ending with smokie cheeses - parmigiano reggiano and Irish cheddar.

I wish it ended longer, but overall, a real delight. I visited Valley of the Moon in Sonoma and found their house very polished and friendly. Even though they offer the full gamut of Northern California wines, this is their best offering.

T-Scale - 90+. Price is nice for this one at $13.99 or so. Excellent value! I'd buy a case of this one. This could be another way to get into wine if you are a beer drinker. Watch out though, this one goes down fast. It's that smooth.

Justin Isosceles 2005

On this occasion of my 41st birthday (ugh) my wonderful wife thought enough of me to purchase one of the most fabulous bottles of wine the United States offers the world, Justin Isosceles. I chose the 2005 for tonight's celebration, opting to save my 2006 for another year.

This my friends IS the bottle you should own for now and the future. Pricey ($55.00 or so) but oh so well worth it. I have a bowl of it next to me as I write this. Every five minutes, it releases something new. I can't bring myself to drink it as the nose is changing. I've taken small sips just to see what is evolving.

The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot. They are blended in a magical Bordeaux style the Californians call "Meritage" (say "Mare-a-tij"). Of all I've tried, I must say, Justin does it best. I hate to think that there is a reserve Isosceles at Justin, but it is truly a reserve, only available to club members. Oh my... I have to get my hands on one of those.

Nose: big red current fruits, saddle leather, and the dusty Paso Robles road the vineyard lies upon. The taste yields some of the volcanic soil from which the grape grows. Long long soft tannin finish, deep inky dark flavors which finish in mocha and perhaps vanilla.

Anyway, if you want to spend more money than usual on a big red, do this one. It is much less money than big Rutherford Cabs and large Russian River Pinots but oh so rewarding.

T-scale 94. The 2005 is available locally. Although the 2006 is getting slightly higher ratings from Parker and Enthusiast, I believe it is a bit young so give it until 2011 or so. The 2005 might benefit from another year in the bottle but I'm not patient enough to wait. Drink it now!!!

Brown Estate 2007 Zinfandel

Ok, we bought this because of the name. But, it's good! There's some good zin in Napa County although it's not the big attraction. Brown has a nice piece of land outside of the valley and apparently good things happen there.

Dusty, big dark fruits up front. Bouquet initially tickles the nose, but mellows out with time. Some green tobacco and cherries evolve after the initial alcohol burns off. I tried this guy after opening and it was a bit stiff. I came back three hours later and it was a sweet surprise. Time and air does good things this guy. Also make sure to consume from a larger bowl glass.

Taste the cherry pie and light black pepper. Good solid zin here. After time, this one ranks up with Four Vines Biker and Ridge Lytton Springs, almost.

T-scale 90. Available, but a little pricey at $34.00. Great zin, everything you want in a big forward red in the American style.

Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee zinfandel

Four Vines make one of my favorite zinfandels, Biker. So when I saw the Old Vine Cuvee at the local shop for... $10.99 I was curious.

We visited Four Vines in Paso Robles during our epic trip in August. I got to taste many of their offerings at that time. Since then, I've made "Biker" my house zin. Call the cuvee Biker's little brother.

Cuvee has the big zin pepper and alcohol up front. Big dark red color and feel, but less of the "fruit bomb" one gets from Biker. Long finish, but not sweet. Air and time out of the bottle does good things to cuvee as well. Consider decanting if you chose to open it now.

Overall, super good value at this price. You shall NOT find a better zin for this price. But, I'd invest a few dollars more and get the Biker ($22.00) or perhaps the 7 Deadly Zins from Lodi at $15.99 and get one that's a step up.

T-Scale - 87+

It's a big value at this price and it's available locally. Look for this vineyard from the Central Coast. Four Vines will soon be high priced, so try it now before you have to pay up to saddle up.
See also my review on Biker.

Luis Felipe Edwards 2007 riserva sauvignon blanc

I went into one of my local retailers this weekend and was treated to a small tasting of Chilean and Argentinian bottlings. The first was a sleeper, this Luis Felipe Edwards sauvignon blanc 2007. During my trials to find a non-chardonnay white that C and I can both appreciate, it's not often that I find one this tasty, certainly not this inexpensive.

Edward's offering is not unlike a California sauvignon in citrus and grassy fields on the nose. Red grapefruit, oranges, and lemon drops on the tongue add to its nice complexity at this price level. Serve this up slightly chilled for what remains of the good early fall weather. This one craves the outdoors, namely your patio. Bring your soft cheese and hot dry salami for a nice early evening starter. This one will put out a spicy fire while offering a little more than the average sauv blanc charm. A bit sweet for this varietal but still nice.

T-Scale - 88+. Lots of this stuff out there, but really good price - $11.99 - $15.99 depending on your seller. Gobble it up. Your non-wine-drinking company will actually like this one. Think of this as a "beer lover's wine."

Melville - Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2007

Ah Melville. One of my favorites in every way. Santa Barbara County near California 1 in Lompoc. I've raved about their estate so I won't revisit that part of the experience.

This is Pinot Noir extreme. Everything you like in a pinot exaggerated.. big fruits, dark tea flavors, asparagus on the nose. Light earth long on the finish. When Paul Giamatti recited his lines in Sideways, this is the one he was talking about.

Those who know me understand my love for the pinot grape. More depth and art can be expressed her than with most any other grape. Cabs are huge and show the vigneron's efforts as much, but still, pinot is the art of the grape.

This is quite large for pinot admittedly. Advocates probably say too much so, but for me, it exhibits all that is good. It's young, but this will become your Central Coast choice for pinot in time. Still relatively inexpensive, in a few years this will increase in value undoubtedly. Too bad I can't hold it that long, it's too tempting to cork.

T-scale - 93! And.. it's in stock locally. The world is a better place because of this one. Yes, you should own it. If you are new to pinot, start here. Beware, you won't like anything less after you try this one.

Let me quote Melville's website, :....this wine opens with lifted fruit punch aromatics of black raspberry, black cherry, fig and watermelon. Spice nuances of pink peppercorns, oolong tea, iron and sesame seed follow." - agreed.

Trimback gewurtztraminer Alsace 2004

Not drinking German wines? Well, you should be. I know what you're going to say, Alsace is in France. And.. you're right.

Alsace is an interesting place. It's in France but I'm not sure the locals be lieve it. Any wine from the region follows German lines. You will fin d reisling, gewurtz, and weisburgunder here instead of pinot noir ( which i s spätburgunder), chard, or Rhone varietals.

I picked up this guy at the clearance at Kroger. This just shows that most Americans don't get the Alsace and German whites. If it ain't Riesling, it ain't happening. Don't get caught up in the hoopla, "gewurtz" (say "ga-vurtz") is the real thing. I find gewrutz to have more character, nose, and depth then reisling, muller-thurgau, weisburgunder, etc.

Try the nose. I get the smell of the earth in which this grape grows. Moist loam and flowers with a mild citrus. Dry! Excuse me.. trocken.

Enjoy with fish on the grill or Thai carry-out. It'll put out the spicy fire. Take it on its own for a gutsy alternative to wimpy chards or other flabby whites.

If you can't find Alsation gewurtz, try the American versions from Washington like Chateau St. Michelle or Sonoma like Gundlach Bundschu. This grape carries itself into any of the wines made from it.

T-scale 89.

Available and big for a white. Huge nose, dry dry dry, short finish but fruity and spicy. Put out that hot spicy fire of Thai or Mexican with this guy.

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sonoma 2007

Like a big cab but don't like to spend big $$$? Yeah me too. I want a large cabernet sauvignon from time to time but really don't want to pull from the cellar or invest a chunk of my retirement to get it. So it's time to look for that bargain cab with the big feel.

Fortunately, there's a lot of inexpensive cabs out there. Unfortunately, not many are big and wonderful, rather they are watery, young, and blah.

So, I went with Louis Martini's Sonoma cab 2007 which reviewed at 90 points with Parker and high 80's most everywhere else. Hey, it's pretty good!

Good oaky feel with high dark fruits. High dollar nose with nice balance. This would would cellar, but heck just drink it now. Spectator says, "Tight, chewy and earthy. Full-bodied and complex, offering a mix of earthy currant, anise and dried berry fruit." Agreed.

T-scale 89+
It's readily available and I got it on sale at $15.99 locally. I would consider a case of this one. Deal price with big taste and feel. Serve it to your guests and don't be ashamed you spent small money. I've had big money cabs I liked less.

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc rose 2008

Still haven't tried rose? Not since you've been left flat by the sweet and semi-sweet swill so called "white" zinfandels? Now is the time to leave your fears behind. If you haven't noticed, I'm a pink advocate, this being the third rose I've reviewed.

Guess what, it's cabernet sauvignon. How bad can it be right? Well it's good. It's really good. On the nose, it's more red than white. Close your eyes and detect that green pepper, flower, and strawberry nose. Upon tasting, you get some tart cranberries and strawberries. Finish smooth like a Cotes de Province or the Cherub I reviewed a while back.

Bonus, this one is readily available at many of my favorite spots around town. This is the first South African wine I would make a regular bottle around my cellar. Fun! Drink it now. Chill it a little bit, but not too much. It likes to wake up from a chill and satisfy. Cool it somewhere between your regular reds and your chards, say 62 degrees maybe?

Good deal too! $15.00

T-Scale 89. Availability - good! Outstanding bottle for the money. Get a few, serve them while you sit outside on your deck.

Sunstone Milestone merlot 2003

We picked up our Sunstone "Milestone" merlot directly at the source at the Sunstone estate. Great tasting! We opted for the deluxe reserve tour and were treated to the grande tour. The estate reserves are big time here, but this estate merlot is quite nice.

The Milestone is not the reserve, but I found this to be a better value. We had the last of the 2003 vinting and were very impressed. You know I'm not a merlot fan, but this one is a winner. I usually find merlot jammy and flabby, but this one was done correctly. Drink it alone or with something in a fat steak or tomato based pasta. It'll stand up to your Sunday big dish.

Shame I can't get any more of this, we got this bottle from the last of the cases in house. If it's still on the shelf, go ahead and buy it. Also, tell me where you found it. It's good value in merlot and it makes me rethink the entire grape. I know there's good merlot out there, and this one makes me a believer!

T-scale: 90 with a bullet.

Find it and it's reasonably priced. Sunstone is out of it, so if you know where I can find it, email me. Probably in the best merlots out there. Plenty of character, compare to syrah. You know, it's better than most California syrah actually.

Four Vines "Biker" zinfandel 2006

We were introduced to Biker at the Ballard Inn during our stay in the Santa Ynez valley. Oh my, this was the first of the great zins that would follow over the next ten days.

My first taste of the great Dusi ranch zins, this thing is a casual stroll through the vineyard with pleasing notes and flavors beginning, middle and end. Super finish unlike some zins that sting you on the way out. This one will hold up to bbq, heavy meats and red sauce pastas. But it shines as a stand alone winner on its own.

Enthusiast gave it 92. I concur. Make that 92+ as I can actually find this locally without too much trouble. Crypes, I even found it in Clear Lake, Iowa at a kickin' wine shop named Back Alley Wine. They are on Facebook, how about that? I am now a fan. My Iowa peoples should befriend them ASAP.

T-scale 92+ (fab everything plus is available outside of Paso Robles!)

Ridge Dusi Ranch Zinfandel 2006

One of three Ridge zins I've had recently, the Dusi Ranch places in the middle. C believes Dusi places above Lytton Springs, but hey, it's like vanilla and chocolate, right?

Dusi is a fruit bomb right out of the bottle with no air and no decanting. In fact, don't decant this one. It's potent up front and it softens somewhat over time in the glass. If you like "in your face" this is for you. Lower pepper and hot stinging spice than some. What you get is large dark fruit instead. This is one of the zins Enthusiast has told us about.

Dusi sound familiar? It did to me too. Turley also bottles a Dusi. Turns out, the Dusi brothers own two vineyards in the same area of Paso Robles. The fruit is first rate! The Dusis don't bottle anything, but they sure do grow fabulous zin grapes.

Compare the Ridge and the Turley and you will find some similarities. Both are top zins with a big big feel. Either would make you dance a jig, but you won't find the Turley outside of their house or wine club. I will be holding onto mine for a few years or until such time I can get out there to get another. There is currently a two-year wait to GET IN THEIR WINE CLUB. Bummer! But until such time, Ridge is available. I noticed that the 2007 vintage of Ridge Dusi Ranch is now "Paso Robles Zin" and is sports a little less alcohol. I'll review this one in the near future.

T-scale - 92 - big, big big... not readily available however. Find one, drink now. Email me if you try the newer Paso Robles Zin before me. Also, if you find Lytton Springs, get it. It gets a 93+ on the T-scale. Also let me know where you find it.

Montes Cherub 2005, 2006 rosé of syrah, Chile

Anyone for rosé? You should be for it. This is the "white" for those who prefer red. Made from syrah, a red, this medium rosé is quite fulfilling. Strawberries, watermelon, and flowery notes. Slight tannin gives it some mmmph in the middle and a long finish. Serve it cool for the remaining days of summer outside while grilling lighter meats or fish. Great compliment to soft cheese or veggies. Light acidity will appeal to those looking for a heavier "white" or those who want that standalone lighter non-red.

I've had the 2005 and 2006 and both are very nice! This is readily available and should be on your short list for that one bottle everyone can enjoy.

T-scale 91. You should own a few of these. Almost everyone can enjoy this. It is also quite reasonable at $15.99 or so.

Elyse 2006 Zinfandel, Morisoli

So we went with a reco from the local guru at Cork and Bottle. We wanted a butt stompin' Zin for the lamb racks we had planned for this evening. Not a bad one here! Distinct and true to inky big zins, this one is from Napa of all places. We've become addicted to Paso Robles and Alexander Valley for the big zins, but this one might get a hat in the ring.

A bit subtle and smooth for the big zin lover, this one exhibits plenty of moxy up front. Big dark fruits and a bit of zing which mellows with air and time. Great with the rare lamb and asparagus grilled by yours truly while salivating waiting for my pour.

Great, but not really in league with the big boys like Turley Dusi or Ridge Lytton Springs, but nonetheless, a honorable mention here. Furthermore, it's available locally which is a bonus. If you are looking for the big zin feel with a bit of polish, have a looksie at this one. Not a bad choice and a fair price at $29.99.

T-scale - 90 given its zin quality and availability. Drink now, it's ready to pour.

Big House Pink - not blush, not white zin, dry rose!

I read about this one in Enthusiast so I had to try it for myself. Egad, this is the

best cheap wine going! Like red but want the refreshing qualities of a white? Here 'tis. Check out the

composition of this great screw-top.

In it:

36% Sangiovese, 25% Barbera, 12% Zinfandel, 11% Carignane,

5% Mourvedre. Less than 5%: Viognier, Petite Verdot, Nebbiolo, Freisa, Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Charbono, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Grenache - plus 5% kitchen sink.

It just plain works. I'm a regular consumer of rose from Province, Tavel, and Argentina, but here's a California cheapie with much umph. Wanna know what it costs? $8 - $10. Yep. Melony, grapefruits, Jolly Rancher-ish with a big nose for a rose. Zin and sangiovese are apparent.

Heck of a buy here. Better still, it's available almost everywhere!

T-scale 90. Figure in the affordability and availability and that 90 could be higher.

Elizabeth Spencer 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

So while in Rutherford, we had a great opportunity to have a large tasting at Elizabeth Spencer. The cabs were all big and fruity with high potential for greatness in the cellar. The best part of the day was our good fortune for a special group of VIP's were in a bit before us and left some of the reserve 2004 Cab behind. Yes, we got to try it.

Now you see where the money goes. This was decanted for a few hours and cellared for five years. It must be at its peak NOW. My description in the shop made the two ladies working rethink their notes on this wine. It has evolved into about the finest cab I've tried showing flvors of dark chocolate-covered cherry and mellow tannins. This is in contrast to the oaky red cherry flavors noted at first release. This shows the truly fine cellar potential of the ES cabs.

It breaks down as follows:

91% Cabernet Sauvignon; 3% Merlot;

3% Cabernet Franc; 2% Malbec; 1% Petit Verdot

(100% incredible)

If you have the means, I recommend picking it up, it is sooooooo choice! (Where have a I heard that before?)

(2005 shown... if you want, I can take a picture of the one we bought)

T-scale = 93. Cabs of this scale are rare. Think Pina, Peju, and a handful of others. Getcha one asap.

first post - Melville Verna's Viognier 2008

Since I sampled so many good wines in California, I decided to review some of those for some of the people who ask me for recommendations from time to time.

Those who know me well usually assume my tastes often call for Pinot Noir. After the California trip, I've reassessed my cellar and now appreciate other varietals. Shockingly, this includes some new whites!

I will start the review with one of those newly discovered whites, Melville Vinyard's 2008 "Verna's" Viognier. Note that the label is very much the same for the 2008 but this is all I could locate for this posting. Forgive me.

After a good morning and afternoon in the Santz Ynez Valley, Christina and I ventured to other side of the county where we sampled a few wines at Sanford (very nice!) and Mosby (Italian varietals) before finding Melville.

Let me start by saying that Melville has a great shop. High class, large presentation. Great landscape and grounds. Very friendly staff. If you plan to visit Santa Barbara County, do visit them!

Our pouring came from a staffer who described the Viognier as "sex in a bottle." After a sample, I concurred. Sex in a bottle about sums it up. Looking at their webpage, I see all of it is now sold. Look hard online or your local shop to find it. At $18.00 or so, this is large! Get as many as you can.

So Viognier has never been a big stand-alone kind of grape outside of the Rhone River Valley. There it is mostly blended with other varietals into Cote du Rhone, etc. This will change your mind about the grape. Huge florals and citrus on the nose. Minerals, orange, and smooth fruit throughout. Super finish. This should make you move away from the usual Chards in favor of this more exciting white!

As Christina will tell you, I'm always trying to move her away from Chards in favor of other whites. This one is one of those that will help my cause. Get it. Get it now!

I give it a 93 on the T-scale. Give 'em a look:

http://www.melvillewinery.com/index2.html