R Wines Southern Gothic Poor Thing Grenache 2008

Want a large Grenache? There are none larger than the "R" Wines Gothic "Poor Thing" Grenache release of 2008. This is a sort of freak of nature along with the other monster creation from R - the "Southern Belle" Shiraz, aged in Bourbon Barrels from.. Kentucky!

I bought this before ever tasting it, knowing that the big big big taste from Southern Belle's maker would transform Grenache into something wonderful. But, at a tasting, I was a bit disappointed. In fact, one other couple I know actually returned their bottle (purchased at a discount) after the tasting. I kept mine and cellared it.

Well I revisited it the other day and was very pleasantly surprised! This is a great bottle! In fact, I'm going to buy the other two bottles just to complete the picture the three labels complete when they're together.

Expect lovely understated raspberries, earth, and oak on the palate. Some kind of complexity on the nose including black pepper, dust, and fruit preserves. This delivers a fruity steamroller that doesn't stop until it's rolled you over. It doesn't finish long, but it never fades while on the palate.

I've never had anything quite like this, and I'm sure there's not a whole lot else out there like it. I've seen reviews over 95 points on it, with Wine Advocate at 91 points. I'm liking it, but not quite that much.

T-Scale 90 points. This is one of the biggest, smoothest of the Australian Grenache offerings around. Very smooth and enjoyable and at $18.99 it's a good value. Collect all three labels and you get a pretty cool picture!

Dutton-Goldfield Ranch Pinot Noir 2007

This was my first exposure to the famed Dutton family of Pinot Noir wine making. I've looked for Duttons but have failed to find one locally. So, while in Alexandria, VA I found one at a nice little shop named Unwined. (Give 'em a try when in Metro Washington DC.)

This is a partnership with one of the Dutton brothers, Steve, with an master wine maker named Dan Goldfield.

Nice Pinot-esque nose with promises of mild acidity, cherry, and cola. The taste is more strawberry cola (didn't know there was such a thing, but try this and you will see what I mean) and mild oak with a fine light finish. Quite smooth and well ripened fruit make up the middle and end.

I prefer my Pinot Noir to be a bit more forward, but this serves as a fine example of the finesse Miles sought after during his "Sideways" sojourning. At $39, it's no screaming deal, but it's not William Sellyam either which can fetch well over $100 per example!

T-Scale 90. Great wine, quite smooth, but not a power Pinot Noir. Still, I recommend Longboard Pinot Noir for the money.

From the winemaker: "The mouth is striking for its combination of plush cherry and blackberry fruit, bright acidity and supple tannins, all carried through the persistent, spicy finish."

Maurodos 2004 San Román Tinta de Toro (Toro)

Do you like Spanish wine? You will if you don't already. Tempranillo, Garnache, and some Cabernet Sauvignon are but a few of the great choices. This is the first high quality Toro I've had and I must say, I'm very impressed.

Toro DO (Denominacion de Origen) wines are made mostly of a regional grape called Tinta de Toro. My first impression tells me this is similar to Italian Nebbiolo but with a higher smoothness and lighter tannin structure. Wine Enthusiast says it best - "... a high-speed train with agile fruit and bracing acidity.."

Big fruit late in the taste. Extreme smoothness in the middle with a mysterious nose that doesn't really give you any clues as to what's ahead. This changed dramatically with time in the glass. I would not pour more until you've finished all in the glass first. Watch it change and you will be rewarded. Take your time with this one.

Pair with lightly seasoned red meats or a nice big aged cheese. Let this be the star of the show and you will get a big performance.

Very refined, this 2004 is a 92 point Parker and 95 point Wine Enthusiast. I agree that this is a quite nice offering, probably best opened in the next two years.

T-Scale - 92. Originally offered at $53, we found this one for $44 online. Try WTSO.com or other outlet. Nice nice nice.. if you can find one, do it!

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2006

Always wanted to try Italian red wines but didn't know where to start? Afraid of the high price tag for aged Barolo and Barbaresco? Yep, me too.

I've read much about the famed Amarone and the intense dark fruit, mushroom, and dusty earth flavors hidden inside. I tasted one last week and found it was as promised, but sporting a high price point.

Enter Ripasso. Literally to "pass again" through the skins left over from the Amarone drying process. This adds a big intense flavor boost to the already tasty blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese.

Big dark fruity dusty dry nose yields to a fruit bomb on the tongue. Some intricate layers including some mushrooms, oaky spices, and dark chocolate draw out to a well-rounded finish.

This is the finest Italian wine I've tried at this price point. I would case this one as it will certainly cellar for many years due to the intense structure. Pair this with your pasta sauces made from tomatoes and spices. It will hold up well to rare meats and bbq also. This wine has the power of a Zinfandel with more polish and finesse. I really hate to admit that... being the Zin fan I am.

T-Scale 92+ At 18.99, this IS the best Italian wine at this price point. It will not disappoint.

Firelands sparkling Riesling 2008

When one visits the Put-in-Bay, OH area, it is a must to visit the Mon Ami and/or Firelands Wineries. While I'm not a big fan of the still wines since they are mostly sweet, their sparkling wines are a very good value.

To the right you will see me displaying the Riesling bottle shortly before it was emptied. This sparkling Rielsing goes perfectly with a warm day in a gazebo on a small island in Lake Erie - as illustrated.

I didn't expect much because the label gives no description of residual sugar content. Surprisingly, this is at least extra dry, probably brut. The Riesling produced a nice acidic finish after the bright start.

I'm not sure how far away from Sandusky this gets distributed, but if you find it, I recommend it. $13.99 at their shop, $16 on the island, this makes for a very good value in a somewhat unusual, but tasty sparkling wine.

T-Scale 88+. Very good value!