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