Domain du Pegau Chateaunuef du Pape 2005

During the "Big Dog" shootout, a friend of mine introduced this and blew us all away! We aren't alone apparently:

94 points - Wine Spectator
92-94 points - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
95 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

I'm already a fan of Chateaunuef du Pape, but this one gets the gold star.

Expect a big structure with strong tannins that subside with time and decanting. Very dark fruit, fig, and dusty leather notes. Red cherry cobbler and rare steak flavors with licorice and cigar box present. This one evolves with every taste.. enjoy it very very slowly. The complexity of this wine is amazing, you will not find anything quite like this outside of Chateauneuf. Really.

If you haven't tried a Chateaunuef, this would be a wonderful place to start! As you might expect, it's not cheap - $79 or so for this vintage. 2005 is one of the better vintages, but the 2004 is even better (and more expensive).

T-Scale 94. This is the best Chateauneuf I've tried to date.

Incredible Cabernet weekend - pure hedonism! Six Cabs for your pleasure.

This was the kind of weekend that a novice wine enthusiast (such as me) dreams about. It was my time to sample the famous Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Stag's Leap Cellars, Alpha Omega Cab.. plus a few others deserving high marks.

First and foremost: Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2004

My first taste of a first-growth was blessed with a vintage that was not too high in tannin, therefore, pleasurable to the palette. Not ready yet, one can see how this will be in say... 2015 or so. The wonderful oaky fruits are beginning to show through the stuff tannin structure. If you speculate, I can see why you might choose Mouton. This will be a monster in years to come. As for now, the $400 price tag might be hard to swallow... It was offered to me at $300, however. No, I didn't bite. T-Scale 91!


Stags Leap Wine Cellars - Artimis 2006

Super wonderful wine with steaks! Starts hot but fades with a little time in the glass. Great sage, rosemary, and mineralogical ground cover throughout the glass makes this a bit less fruity and more worthy of a meal Cab. The fruit doesn't overpower your plate. Probably not my first choice as a stand-alone Cab, however. These are about $40 or so, so it's a bit more affordable than say, Winiarski's S.L.V. T-Scale 90


Next up is the 2007 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon. This is one of my club wines, so unfortunately, you won't find it on the shelves anywhere (but if you do, let me know please!)

I think I could probably drink this Cab exclusively. For me, this is the one. This might actually upset the leader, Justin Isosceles. It won't however, because of its price - $75. I guess if it was cheaper, we'd all be drinking it.. sigh. Anyway, this is one of, if not the best, Cabernet offerings as far as stand-alone quality goes. I would not pair this with a meal, but perhaps a dark chocolate instead. This thing is so fruit-forward it presents itself a bit port-ish, but not overbearing. Ready for this? T-Scale 95! This is the Cab to beat folks.



Ah.. the 2007 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto, easily the best deal of the weekend at $26. This is a true "Super Tuscan" in which Cabernet dominates. Like a true Italian Cab, one finds old leather, dust, oak, and late blooming fruits with evolve with time in the glass. Do decant (actually decant all Cab before serving) as this will bring the fruits out of hiding. Good stuff and available. T-Scale 91




The Cheval des-Andes Argentina 2002 Cab was probably the most interesting South American Cab I've tried yet. You won't mistake these wines for American or French. I feel they're more Rioja or Tuscan with heavy oak, green pepper, leather and earth, but nonetheless a great wine. Yikes $75!!! Nice, but not that nice. T-Scale 88.



Ah last was Cliff Lede's 2007 Cab. There really is a bit of difference in the Stag's Leap district wines which differentiates them from the rest of Napa. I won't say I like them more, because I don't. They are, however, softer, spicier, and probably a better pair to food. This is no exception. Very nice evolution in the glass, changes to a softer mellow cassis and red fruit with time. Not cheap, $50, but not bad. T-Scale 89.

Chris Ringland 2007 Shiraz

Looking for a big hairy beast of a Shiraz? Start here. It's everything you want in that bigger-than-life Australian Shiraz without that extra large price. This is one of those wines Robert Parker rates a 92, but it isn't in that $100 range like so many others.

I wasn't always a fan of these large, pancake-syrup style Shiraz wines, but have recently started appreciating them. I wouldn't try to pair this wine with food because it is a meal in itself. Your palate will be unable to taste anything except this as it will be covered with thick purple hair!

It's got everything, lots of tannin, fruit, spice, tea, tar, and most of all.. alcohol. I can't believe this thing is only $19 or so. It's a big time heavy hitter in league with Southern Belle and others, but for a bit less mula.

T-Scale 92. I'm going to have to buy a few of these. It's unusual, hot, and tasty as heck!

American Sauvignon shootout - Alpha Omega v. Merry Edwards

Time to get the big dogs out of the cellar. I put the two top Sauvignon Blancs from my stash out to air on the deck for an all-out competition.

I put out like vintages (2009) of the Merry Edwards Russian River and the Alpha Omega 1155 for the taste-off. Out of the bottle, Edwards is a strong, gooseberry-ish quaff with a nice grassy nose. That grass does not dominate like those from New Zealand and elsewhere. Alpha is my usual fav with its light grapefruit, peach and pear throughout. The 1155 is the upgraded offering over the regular Sauvignon Blanc, being estate-grown right at the tasting room.

Over time, the Alpha faded a bit, becoming lighter and less fruity. Edwards stayed strong, mellowing slightly allowing the peaches, pears, and slight apricot to show. The finish of both is like cream on top of a bowl of canned peaches.. just light and tasty.

In the end, we both agreed that Merry Edwards won the day. This could be the best Sauvignon Blanc produced anywhere, Sauternes excluded of course. It is certainly the American-made wine to beat. As a bonus, you can now buy it locally! The Alpha remains a club-only deal, but since I'm in the club, I get my fill.

Do the Merry Edwards. This IS the Sauvignon Blanc to beat.

T-Scale: Merry Edwards - 93; Alpha Omega 1155 91. I might actually like the Alpha regular issues a bit better. Both of these wines are at the top of the American Sauvignon Blanc experience.

Weekend of whites - Grgich Hills and Vieux Telegraphe

What a weekend for whites! First came the Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2007 on Friday and then the Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2004 on Saturday.

It's been some time since I've enjoyed Mike Grgich's famous grape juice so this was quite a treat. Even see Bottle Shock? Grgich was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena in 1973 when the famous Chardonnay took the world championship at the Paris tasting. So if you want to taste a world champ, this is the one.

Seeking a better made Chardonnay is an act of futility. The nose is light and lemony. The taste is perfection, almost too perfect. One doesn't detect any offensive oak or bitter citrus. The creamy pear and peach flavors roll off the tongue like silk. Few Chardonnays have this amazing quality! Unfortunately, it's fairly high dollar. If it wasn't, we'd be drinking it every night, correct?

So I've been eyeing that Telegraphe blanc in my father in law's wine cooler for about a year now. Saturday came the evening of truth. I've been fortunate enough to sample their red, now I get the little sister white. It's really good!

I'm not sure about the exact composition, but the 2008 is 40% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne, and 15% Bourboulenc. I can taste and smell the Roussanne influence with the slightly flowery nose. The taste is somewhat mineral with soft creamy lemons and honey in the middle. The finish is medium-bodied and lasting. Overall, much above average for Rhone blended whites.

T-Scale: Grgich Hills - 92 ($34 - 42); Telegraphe 90 ($23 - $40). Both are outstanding medium-bodied whites for fall. Let me know if you find either of these on the lower end of the price scale. As you can see, the price for both of these varies widely!

Californian Syrah threesome - Adelaida, San Marco Creek, and Dutton Goldfield

The last three bottles I've consumed have all been Californian Syrah. There was a time I wasn't crazy about Syrah, but lately I've really had a taste for it.

One of local proprietors had several bottles discounted for some reason. I had to partake of the following: Adelaida's Viking 2006 $14!!!), San Marcos Creek Estate 2005 ($20), and Dutton Goldfield Cherry Ranch ($20).

The Adelaida is simple a steal at this price. It is quite dry, somewhat earthy, and really fruit forward with dark cherries and leather.

The San Marcos is even fruitier. Not quite as dry, it's more of a stand alone wine made in a more Australian style. It's not as heavy and hot as most Australian, but it's big for California.

The Dutton Goldfield is one of the best food-pairing Syrahs I've had. This complemented my chicken Parmesan nicely. The tomato-basil sauce melted into the mellow dusty flavor of the syrah like a light breeze over a warm autumn day. S

I prefer these Californian Syrahs to most of the Australians I've poured. When I want a large, syrup styled Shiraz I turn to those that Parker rates highly. But, when I have a food pairing or want to enjoy some spice and dust, California serves me well.

If you're not familiar with Syrah, any of these is a good place to start.

T-Scale ratings: Adelaida 89, San Marcos 89, Dutton Goldfield 90

Try some Syrah! It's good for the fall and the cooler weather.

My house Pinot Noir shootout - Longboard v. De-fin-i-tive

My house Pinot Noir is subject to change occasionally when I find a new upstart willing to take on the current champ. In the past, the gold belt was worn by the likes of MacMurray Ranch and LaCrema, but for a while now it's been Longboard's Russian River 2007.

I had a small vertical tasting which compared three different Definitive Pinots including the Napa Valley, Russian River, and the Sonoma Coast. The Russian River is the best by just a nose over the Napa, but either could compete for the title of The T-Scale House Pinot.

So for this bout I've chosen the Russian River Definitive. I chilled each slightly and then opened them. Over two hours I allowed them to develop from first pour to last. On first taste, I found the Definitive "hot" - showing too much alcohol. The Longboard came out strong, but quite nice.

Both of these are very ripe, fruity, and somewhat earthy. The acidity is fairly low unlike Burgundy, but I didn't choose these to compete with the French, Oregon, or Washington Pinots. These are the big, full bodied American style bad boys that Miles in Sideways would be proud to put upon his rack.

So on second pour, the Definitive mellowed nicely. Now it shows its ripe strawberries and red cherries. The Longboard continues to delight, now mellowing as well.

The last pour had the Definitive showing its best. The Longboard continued to mellow, perhaps now too much. But at the finish, Longboard pulled out a narrow victory.

Now about price. The Longboard varies in price from my various merchants, but on average, I can get it for $25 or so. Definitive tends to be a little less at an average of $22-$23. Would I pay the extra $3? You bet!

Longboard is a big Pinot with plenty of big time fruit throughout. This will stand up to red meat or tomato-based sauces that aren't too spicy. Consider it a Pinot for cooler weather as is the Definitive. No need to give up your Pinot during the wintertime when you consume the big Russian River styles.

T-Scale - Longboard retains its title!

Pacific Rim Vin de Glaciere Riesling - ice wine

Anyone like ice wine? I do. I'm not into sweet wines, but I am into dessert wines. Some of the best examples are late-harvest Rieslings such as the Pacific Rim Vin de Glaciere. This is not a true late-harvest ice wine as the grapes are frozen after harvest and later pressed, but this means that you can enjoy this at a much lower price point than the true examples.

What the Pacific Rim shows is the nice acidity and controlled sweetness one would expect from the German eisweins. I've tried true German beerenauslese and trockenbeerenauslese wines and loved the taste but choked on the price tag. Much of what the big ones bring to the table are present here.

Expect an apricot nose with a tint of aluminum and rot. Yeah I hear ya, it doesn't sound great, but it actually is much better than it sounds. The taste is pleasantly acidic with a touch of orange peel and apricot. At only 10.4% alcohol, I don't get any heat on the tongue. The finish is long as one might expect. My only complaint is the 375ML bottle!

T-scale 89. $16.99 for a half-bottle is more than reasonable.

Exploring California

I am currently exploring the major AVA regions of California in search of some low production gems to ship back home. My other blog - Grapes of Wrath - chronicles my progress.

http://thegrapesofwrathii-thesequal.blogspot.com/

2004 Fattoria Vignavecchia Chianti Classico

I had the pleasure of enjoying my newly acquired 2004 Fattoria Vignavecchia Chianti Classico last night with my own pairing, a focaccia bread with sun dried Roma tomatoes, pickled artichoke hearts, white onions, covered in Parmesiano-Reggiano baked to perfection (well as close I can get to perfection anyway.)

This is one of my recent purchases through WTSO.com, the online wine seller, who sells nice bottles at 40 - 80% retail with free shipping! Most of the wines on this site are unknowns to me, so I try to do as much research as I can before actually committing to purchase.

So, cost me $14.98 per bottle (4 ordered) with free shipping. For just under $60, I received four bottles for what one might expect to pay for one bottle of really good Chianti or brunello di Montalcino. I am pleased at this relative bargain.

More fruit forward than a lot of Chianti because of the cement tank aging process. Only a portion of this wine saw time in oak barrels. Also note the composition of this wine - 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. The Merlot's affect is noted by the noticeable dark fruit and softened palate. The Tuscany spice is still present as well. I picked up on some dark spices, pepper, and plums with a good finish. This is not the thin "Chianti" your local chain pasta palace will serve you as "house" wine. Rather, this is a bigger stout red with some polish and less of the often too spicy notes from Tuscany. Not too thin, not too spicy.

T-Scale 90. I figure the low price of $14.98 for a bottle that usually retails for twice that price is worth an extra point. There are Italian blends that are better, but you will pay the price for them.

Chalone VIneyards 2007 Edna Valley Estate Chardonnay

So anyone who is familiar with the "Bottle Shock" saga knows that Chateau Montelena is the wine which took the grand prize at the famed French v. US taste-off in 1976. Steve Spurrier, however, picked this bottle of Chardonnay to win the competition rather than Montelena. Since C is reading the book I just learned about this wine.

So we found it on the shelf at the local "Mecca du vin", Jungle Jims. Not cheap ($27) but quite good for this price.

Expect very ripe, low oak chardonnay here. Apricots, honey, and pears are prevalent with a nice bit of acidity as a finish make this one of my new favorite chards. This is similar to Monterey/Carmel Valley-style chards I've tried from Bernardus and Talbot, but at a much lower price point. When you consider also that this bottle hit the top 100 wines of the year in Wine Spectator in 2009, it quickly becomes a wine to consider often.

T-Scale 92. Not only does the Chalone offer one of the better Chardonnays I've tried, the price will not give you "bottle shock." Very much a great Chardonnay here!

De-fin-i-tive Pinot Noir - (3) different vineyards

So far, I've seen this label on four different bottles of Pinot Noir from Definitive Vineyards. Tried this week were the bottles labelled "R" for Russian River, "W" for Willamette Valley, and "N" for Napa Valley. As you can see, "S" stands for Sonoma which I'm assuming is not the Russian River part of Sonoma County.

Well I tried to research this winery but had little luck. Apparently it is a second label from winemaker Ken Bernards at Ancien Wines in Napa. This has not been confirmed however.

What I can tell you is that my forum of four brought three bottles of Definitive to the table thinking that all were the same vineyard, just different vintages. What we found that the we had three different vineyards from the same producer. So I'll call this a "lateral" tasting as opposed to a "vertical" tasting.

Willamette Valley, as one might expect, is lighter with more spice and pepper on the taste. This quickly mellows into a wonderful light pinot which would pair great with grilled chicken or olive oil-based pastas. Think of this as a summer Pinot Noir.

Napa and Russian River were quite similar. Only after a few minutes did the two of them start showing their differences. Both are bold Pinots with much red fruit forward. Both show some earth and dark berries on the nose. The Napa ends a bit sooner than the Russian River however. I give the edge, therefore, to the "R."

Any of these are great Pinot. If you're like me, you prefer them ripe and fruity. N and R will provide that. If you like more earth and spice, W is for you.

T-Scale: W - 88, N - 89, R - 90. Great price points on these. Don't pay more than $24 each. I can't tell you much more about this wine than this. If you can get it, let me know. There is one case of R on the shelf at Party Town in Florence, KY now. Beat me to it if you dare!

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!

Juan Gil Jumilla red wine - monasrell 2008

Monastrell, I learned, is the Spanish name for Mourvedre. So I would expect the Juan Gil to resemble Cotes du Rhone or other dry south French reds. Well, it doesn't really. It's actually a bit better than most of those.

The nose offers a dusty red fruit with some spices. The color is inky dark purple resembling Zinfandel. The taste is very pleasing with some juicy red fruit, but not too much. It stops short of "fruit bomb" status, leaving you with a long dry acid finish.

I would expect a fairly hefty price tag for this wine, but surprisingly, it's not. I've seen it locally priced between $13 - $16, so it can be served up often.

Add this to your affordable wines. You can get that expensive French-style taste for the affordable Spanish price. There's lots of this out there, so load up. It's not too heavy, so you can enjoy it outdoors. This pairs well with grilled meats and tomato-based sauces.

T-Scale 90+. I will be buying more of this. Very good price point.

Forrest Estate botrytised Chenin Blanc 2003

"Botrytised" appears on the label of two Forrest dessert wines. This bottle and the Riesling. I've tried both but found the Chenin Blanc a bit more appealing.

Very much like an ice wine, this bottle shows peach and baked apples on the nose while showing apricots and some citrus on the tongue. Quite sweet, but pleasantly so. The finish is lingering and creamy. It reminds me of butterscotch hard candy with just a touch of lemon peel.

Normally dessert wines of this caliber are quite costly, but the Forrest is very reasonably priced at $17.99 at my local shop. This is a bit less than normal retail which should be around $20. Looking for the ice wine experience without the premium price tag? This is a great place to start. Similar wines from Canada and Germany will run up in the $60-$70 range.

T-Scale 90+. This is probably the best example of dessert wine in this price range.

From Forrest:

"This botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc has aromas of golden delicious apples, sugared figs and butterscotch followed by a sweet, rich crème brulee palate concluding in a lingering yet crisp finish. A highly memorable wine."

Bonus Posting: Deals to be had out there

I'm not reviewing anything in particular here but I do want to encourage all of you to hit the close-out sections of your local wine outlet. Some of my friends and I have really found some deals out there lately. Some of those include:

• Le Signal (that super cinsault-mouvedre) - $9.88 but regularly $22
• Landmark Overlook chardonnay - $5 per half bottle (bought 2), regularly $40+ per
• Stonestreet chardonnay - $9.99, regularly $28 per
• Mercer sauvignon blanc 2007 - $8.99, regularly $17
• E.Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 - $19, regularly $40+

This is just a small sample, believe me. You can try your regular grocer (Kroger is good), party store, or wine merchant. It seems that they need the shelf space, so those bottle that have been sitting around for a while need to go.

I was a bit concerned about the age and how they were stored while in the shop. But, none so far have been corked or super-heated so I think you're safe. Most of your local merchants will have no problem whatsoever returning the bottle if you bring it in cork and all.

People like me who shop for bargains are out there, so if you see one in the clearance cart, jump on it. Those with I-phones and Blackberries will have the added advantage of getting reviews while in the shop.

Bottom line, shop the close outs. If nothing else, it's a good way to stock your cellar and wine racks with better-than-average bottles for average or less prices.

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Have you seen Bottle Shock, the movie? If you're a wine lover, I'd recommend it. Chateau Montelena put Napa whites on the world stage back in '76. But, how's the red? Inquiring minds wanted to know.

First of all, it's not cheap - $43. At that price, I expect a mighty good cab, even from Napa. I know what I'm getting in a wine like Hess Alomi ($22), Joseph Carr ($22), and Simi ($20 or so), so for twice the price, I'm thinking it better be pretty darned good.

The nose is nice, much of what I expect from Napa cabs, licorice, leathery, a bit of black pepper and some dark fruit. It's quite dark and full on the tongue with plenty of fruit forward. The finish is nice and long but lacks the large roll off the tongue that others like Peju and Alpha Omega provide.

It's good, but it's no value. It has very good structure and cellar potential. I believe if you have the patience, let it sit for another 2 or 3 years. The structure will make this a long-lasting bottle that will probably only get better over the years. Chateau Montelena tends to gain value with age, so if you are planning to speculate, this would be a good selection.

T-Scale 88. I'd like to try one from 2001 or so to compare.

Bernardus Ingrid's Vineyard Chardonnay - 2005

I enjoyed two monumental chardonnays this weekend, the first being this the 2005 Bernardus Ingrid's Vineyard Chardonnay. I obtained this from the source in Carmel Valley in August at a bonus half-off rate. I checked their website today and saw this vintage is now sold out... too bad for me.

This instantly gets promoted to my top five chards of all time. This has the nose of white Burgundy with the full roundness of the Talbot and Landmarks. Very full bodied with no oak on the tongue. Some malolactic fermentation sensed, but not overly so. Figs, butterscotch and pears with some citrus throughout. Lasting nice nice finish makes this a complete wine.

This is not available outside of the winery unfortunately. The regular offering from Bernardus is however. The current vintage of Ingrid's Vineyard is priced at $50 per bottle. Not cheap, but far better than most. Consider this your "I deserve this" white for that special occasion. I've had maybe two I like better and they fetch about the same price.

T-Scale 92. I would rate it higher, but you can't get it. Even if you could, you would pay a premium for it. This is a top-five chardonnay!

Elizabeth Spencer 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino

Having a large wine retailer in your area sometimes brings great advantages to you. Case in point: the small tasting I attended last night with Spencer Graham, winemaker at Elizabeth Spencer in Rutherford, Napa.

I left the tasting with two autographed bottles, one of which is this, the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino. It's 100% organic and all grapes come from one vineyard.

Those who know me know that I pursue sauvignon blanc always looking for new and interesting bottles. Most of my peers turn their noses up at my usual smelly, grassy greenish sauv-blanc, but sometimes, they agree with my assessment. This is one of those times!

Big grapefruit nose with hints of lemons and flowers. Tart and a just a bit grassy with... gooseberry? I've heard gooseberry is like grapefruit with roundness at the end, so it applies here. Big big big for a sauv-blanc. Super great for hot days on the deck. Pair it with your shrimp and fish dishes or your light cheeses. Brie would be a great complement as would a dry-jack (we had it at the tasting, reco!)

From Elizabeth Spencer's posted tasting notes:

"Intensely fragrant, aromas of grapefruit. Hints of lemon rind, pear blossom. Crisp acidity braces the palate and provides structure for flavors of stone fruit, white peach and citrus while the hallmark hint of slate and fresh-cut grass provide intriguing counterpoints. This focused wine builds to a creamy fullness on the mid-palate and the flavors remain vibrant and complex through to the finish."

T-Scale 90. Great round sauv-blanc with structure much better than most California bottles. Feels like a Loire with a bit more umph. This one gets distributed so you can find it which is a bonus. At $17.95, it's a few bucks more than some, the same as Mondavi Fume, but better.

Sequana - Sarmento Vineyard 2007 Pinot Noir

Oh happy is the day when you get a chance to taste a pinot noir of this quality at a tasting, especially when you find that you can actually buy the wine locally! 2007 is the year of the pinot grape so it has been written. With William Selyem scoring 100 pts. on one bottle and 97+ on a few more, I can believe it. Since the high-scoring pinot is often cost prohibitive (nearing $100 per bottle) it is nice when one can enjoy a 92 point bottle for 35% of that cost.

Ok, $35-$40 is still a premium price, given. But pinot shows you where your money goes like no other wine. The Sequana is no exception. Big earthy nose I would compare only to a Burgundy. Blind, I would tell you this is Côte-d'Or made. I've had one other American-made pinot like this in Monterey - Talbot. I've said before that Talbot "Case" is the one to beat. While this doesn't... it is available where Case is not... much to chagrin.

Wine Enthusiast says: 92 Pts - Deliciously complex, with a rich range of flavors built around loamy currant, blackberry, plum and sassafras. Gets more interesting with every sip.

I say: Yep. Complex, earthy, spicy, long in the finish and pleasing on the nose. This is what the others should strive to achieve. It's still not my house pinot, but it's going to be a bottle I purchase a few times.

T-Scale 93 - exactly what pinot noir should be, but limited production will make it a bit of a challenge to find locally. Price is fair, but if you are looking for a bargain in pinot, you may want to consider a different grape... or Longboard Pinot!

2008 Cono Sur Bicycle Riesling - Chile

Looking for that great dry Riesling for the summer evenings on the deck? Here's a good place to start. Cheap, quite dry, and very tasty, the Cono Sur Bicycle possesses all of those great flavors you want in a Riesling. I detect a bright promising nose with a bit of blossoming flowers and lemon. Big white grapefruit up front, some minerals and a dry finish - almost briny.

I'm quite surprised at the quality from Chile on a grape not famous there. I've seen some good quality Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay lately, but this is very surprising. I'm told these vineyards are at higher elevations so the terrior imitates Pfalz or Alsace. It shows in this nice number from Cono Sur.

T-Scale 89+. It's quite nicely priced at $10 or so. I'd almost case this one just to have a great hot-weather deck-ready bottle just a bit chilled for that start to the weekend. At this price, why not. Summer's almost here so it's time to look for those great whites and roses.

Longboard Russian River Valley 2007 Pinot Noir

"...a chocolate-currant core enriched with smoky new oak... the texture is silky and fine, and the finish is dry and spicy. Drink now."

Wine Enthusiast

After reading this, I went looking for Longboard Pinot and finally found it at the Cincinnati Wine Festival along with one of the winemakers who was quite gracious in pours and variety. Pinot is hard to find below a certain high dollar threshold, so when I saw that Longboard scored up with the big money, I had to know...

It delivers. Bolder than many US bottles, this one is cola and spices up front with a cherry soda finish which is long and smooth. Great oaky nose and palate with refined middle and strong finish make this a contender for my new house pinot.

Sort of hard to find in the mid country, but I've found a local shop who ordered it in from one of their distributors in a few days. I've been seeing the Longboard Chardonnay out there, so if your favorite shop is carrying it, see if they can get the pinot for you. It's a T-Scale must try especially at this price. I got mine for $24 per bottle. I've seen it as high as $36 per for the 2007, which reviews highly.

Want a California pinot that holds its own against Burgundian without the promise of bankruptcy? Here's your chance to get one.

T-Scale 91+. At this price, you will NOT find a better pinot noir. There are some close, but not quite as rounded at this price level.

Domaine Famille Ligneres Le Signal 2003

Sometimes a great wine just finds you. Browsing one of my favorite local shops, I found myself dreaming of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Graves, and Margaux on shelf when I saw a "clearance" selection from a French viticultural area unfamiliar to me named AOC Corbières (Montagne d'Alaric).

I had to do a little research before I learned this is the area nearest the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Not often known for wine, I was a bit leery about trying this, but at the low low discounted rate of $9.98, why not?

Le Signal contains Carignan 80% , Grenache 10%, Syrah 5%, and Mourvèdre 5%, similar to Cotes du Rhone wines. I expected a similar taste and nose, but was surprised to find something more like a Crozes-Hermitage or Gigondas. This is a very fruit, bold, and somewhat peppery wine with some cellar potential... I cannot believe the price I paid.

I find this very like the Chateauneuf-du-Pape reviewed last month. It is very bold for a red French wine and ready to open now. I tried it out of the bottle and found it too tight. I decanted after utilizing the Venturi and it mellowed into a nice fruity big "in your face" Rhone-style red.

The winemaker adds these notes:

Juicy, dark black plums, black cherries and spicy, bloody meat on the nose. A mouthful of delicious, juicy blackberries, cinnamon, and a judicious hint of oak.

I can't explain it better than that. T-Scale 90+. Regular price is $15 - $22 but a super deal at $10 on closeout. I'm going back for more of this, so if you want some, better get there before me. I'll tell you where after I get my stash.

2005 Chateau Doisy Daene Barsac - Sauternes!

My first adventure into Sauternes was a great experience! Everything I've read about the great things "noble rot" or botrytis cinerea can do to semillon and sauvignon blanc and there really is something to it.

Sauternes whites are all sweet dessert wines which are generally known as the world's best sweet wines. Chateau d'Yquem is usually the first name in Bordeaux whites, but others from the area also produce wonderful examples, such as this one from Denis Dubourdieu.

Very different from other sweet whites, I detect minerals and spices on the nose - think nutmeg. Sweet, but not sickly so on the tongue, I get a bit of salt and apricot with a refined smoothness on the finish.

Even this 2005 is probably too young, but nonetheless, a great experience in the glass. I bought it by the half-bottle and found that it was just enough for ME! 14% alcohol, it's no softy. Acidity, fruits, and big long finish make this a winner at a fraction of the price of the big boys like d'Yquem.

T-Scale 91. I highly recommend this for an impressive finish to a big evening out, or a small evening in. $30 - $40 per 375ml bottle. A good way to get your feet wet in Sauternes.

Commanderie de la Bargemone - AOC Rose 2008

Who's afraid of Rose? Shouldn't be you! Do avoid anything that claims it is a "white zinfandel" or "white merlot" but DO enjoy one of these dandies from Tavel, Cotes-de-Provence or Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence.

Kickin' little area very near Chateaunuef-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhone that makes little more than dry rose. This is truly the world's best dry pink wine.

This area has been doing this wine for a long long time. The grapes are generally the same as those making up the big time Chateaunuefs of lore - syrah, grenache, mourvedre, and even a little bit of cabernet sauvignon. Add them all up and take off the skins and you get this terrific warm-weather off-red that is French Rose!

I've had many and this is among the best. The wine maker says the 2008 contains 40 % Syrah 30 % Grenache 10 % cinsault and 20 % Cabernet. The nose is watermelon and light citrus. Quite dry on the tongue, much more than one would think by it's color which is more salmon than pink (typical of the region). Taste is a bit briny, but full of citrus and melon. I really taste the cabernet in the middle and the syrah on the finish. It works like a light red more than a white, but it is dynamite for a deck in the warmer weather!

Make this a must for your summer outside. This is a super alternative to the same old whites you consume now. Give French Rose a try, I swear you'll love it. Start here and you won't be disappointed.

T-Scale 91+ Very good, very well priced for quality French. Less than $20 most everywhere. Compare to quality Tavels.

Two sparkling ideas from unexpected places

In our search for the unusual bubbling wines, two surfaced at our Friday night blind tasting: Punkt sparkling Gruner Veltliner and Greg Norman's Pinot Noir/Chardonnay sparkling NV.

Both show quality well above their price points. The Punkt

is a real surprise, showing green apples and mild citrus. I've had Gruner in still form, but it makes for a blanc de blanc-like sparkler. In the blind, I guessed it a Chardonnay cuvee, but surprise! This resembles an Alsace sparkling Riesling with its minerals and tart overtones.

Greg Norman offers a real deal in his NV sparkling chard/pinot blend. It is produced in the "Methode Champenoise" so it is easily mistaken for a wine much higher in price. More bold and showing less residual sugar, compare this to a Mumm, Va Di Vi, or Taittinger at twice the price. Long on finish and citrus. Some earth and apple tastes make the middle round and full. Great finish with tart overtones.

Either of these should please your palate at a price that won't upset your weekend tasting budget. T-Scale 90 each. Plukt is $15 or so... so it's a great deal for an unusual sparkler. Greg Norman is under $20, so it too is a winner for your bubbling dollar.

2008 Buitenverwachting "Beyond" Sauvignon Blanc

Quite a mouthful, eh? In more than one way, fortunately. The South African wine makers will become more and more renowned with time as they are producing very good whites, roses, and some reds. The best part is the price, most are very good values.

So comes the "Beyond" sauvignon blanc from Buitenverwachting, which scores a 90 and a "best buy" from Wine Enthusiast. I concur, this is a large value for quality sauvignon blanc.

Inspired by the sunshine and the above near 45 degree weather today, a nice summer wine seemed appropriate. I was correct, this will be one of my favs this summer when I am fighting off the sweat and bugs on my deck.

A little briny, you soon discover the white grapefruit underneath. The citrus is dominate on the nose as well, missing the grassiness and smokiness normally associated with fume blanc and Pouilly-Fume. This is quite dry with no residual sugars, smoke, or farm qualities.

Sauvignon blanc is my idea of a fun wine. One cannot be sad under its influence! Also, you don't have to take yourself too seriously as a wine drinker to enjoy it. Get ya some of this! Your non-wine drinking friends will dig it as well. And, at this price, what the heck.

T-Scale 90+ as this is a steal - $10.99 to $13.99 is the range. Warm weather is soon upon us, start thinking fun whites!

2008 Zolo Torrontes

I turn once again to the Torrontes grape for an interesting white wine. Anyone else tired of the regular suspects? Yeah, me too.

If you try torrontes and like it, you will be rewarded handsomely with an interesting, tasty, and best of all, inexpensive white wine. I haven't seen torrontes offered outside of Chile and Argentina, but it appears to be of European origin (according to Wikipedia).

It is unique. I've blogged about the Montes Torrontes recently, but I think I'll give the edge to this one.

Zolo offers the big citrus and floral nose often associated with this grape. It really jumps from the glass as if it was waiting too long for you to uncork it. (I've read that Torrontes does not shelf long, so don't be afraid to open a new one the same evening you purchase it.)

Large citrus notes and key-lime pie are present on the tongue. Nothing much subtle here, it's quite fruit forward with plenty of flavor throughout. I find it bold and refreshing, a great wine for the outdoors and warmer weather.

Pair this with something spicy like sushi, Thai or Mandarin. It does serve well as a stand-alone without food, however. This is one of my new "deck favorites" along with rose from Province and Tavel, sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, and others.

T-Scale 89+. Super nice price $11.99!

2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Telegraphe "Telegramme"

I finally ventured into the domaine of the acclaimed Chateauneuf-du-Pape viticultural area this weekend. This area and its winemakers currently score 95+ points from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines. As you would expect, these wines generally command a pretty penny.

Ah, but along comes Telegramme, the young wine from highly acclaimed winemaker Vieux Telegraphe. Previous vintages of Telegramme are mediocre at best so say the reviews, but 2007 looks like a winner. So I found one marked down at my local shop and decided to try it out.

As recommended, I "Venturied" and then decanted for about two hours. The result was clear, it mellowed into a very nice, bright, and fruitful red. It is clear that the structure of Telegramme will allow it to cellar for several more years, if you can wait for it. It can also be enjoyed now, unlike the larger offerings from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Furthermore, the price is less than half of what you would expect from the premier vintings.

Expect fresh strawberries and raspberries on the tongue and nose. The finish is very refined and reminds one of a fine Cotes-du-Rhone, but possibly longer and smoother. It is composed of 90% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, but it doesn't present itself like other blends of this nature. I found it refined, bright, and quite enjoyable.

T-Scale 91. I've had others with similar taste and feel at a lower price, but none with the finish of this calibre. If you want to get into the French super-wine market, this is a pretty good place to start. Unlike others from this region, or from Bordeaux, this is ready to drink now. I found this for $38, but I've seen it for a bit less online. Definitely shoot for the 2007 as other vintages will not measure up to this one.

Alpha Omega syrah 2006

Do you belong to any winery clubs? If not, you might consider joining one. We belong to Alpha Omega's club and we receive four shipments per year. Most clubs have some discretion when choosing reds, whites, roses, or a combination depending upon which varietals winery produces. Bonuses of being a club member include first dibs on new releases, member's only bottles, and perks when visiting the winery.

Onto this month's shipment of Alpha Omega's 2006 and 2007 syrahs. According to the literature included with the shipment, these bottles are for club members only. All produced bottles were distributed through the club and none will be available to merchants or for those who visit the winery.

That's unfortunate. The 2006 is a very nice syrah actually. It's still a bit tight with strong tannins and great structure. It presents itself much like a big zinfandel upfront, but you soon get the spice you normally experience with syrah. It is quite pleasant throughout with much dark fruit, spice, and currant. Short, but nice finish.

I would hold onto this one for another two years or so. Tight now, but should mellow out into a dandy. I'll be holding the 2007 for another three years before dusting it off for show.

T-Scale 90. Unfortunately, you can't get it, but if you can, you should. This should be a 92+ in a year or two. Wines like this one make me a believer in syrah!

Navarro 2003 Pinot Noir - Anderson Valley

We received a nice six bottle Navarro gift set from my brother and his wife and ever since I've tried to find more Navarro wine. Alas, they do not distribute outside of the fine restaurant scene and their own shop... or so I thought.

Oh happy day, I found their pinot noir at one of my local shops! Sorry, we bought all they had. But if you can find it, get it.

Navarro is north of Sonoma on California's North Coast. Pinot must love it there with the warm days and cool nights. This bottle is a great example of American pinot made in the "Méthode à l'Ancienne" (see below). I'm sure Miles (Sideways) would be proud to partake of this one.

Nice nose with some earth and dark fruit. First sip brings up a light cherry and cola feel with a light complexity. Very nice finish which is quite Burgundian with a slight tartness. Very refreshing and light. This is a nice summer red that begs to be enjoyed outdoors. I'd take this red to the beach and set it next to my pool chair while tanning. How many reds can you take outside in heat? This is one.

T-Scale - 90. At $31, it's a good price for quality pinot noir. I would've thought this very hard to get as it is sold out at the winery, but hey, it's out there! Let me know if you find it or any other Navarro wines. Everything they make is very good +



"Méthode à l'Ancienne is a fancy way to say the 'old fashioned way' and it refers to the fact that we gently punch down the cap of our fermenting Pinot Noir rather than pumping- over." - from Navarro's website.

Linne Calodo "Outsider" 2006 - yet another big zin!

From Paso Robles' winemaker Matt Trevisan comes the 2006 Outsider - 75% zinfandel, 21% syrah, 4% mouvedre. This is similar to other Paso blends like Ridge Paso Robles, Red Soles zin, and others. I had great expectations that Outsider would enter the elite big zin category, especially with the lofty acquisition price of $46.

Outsider certainly knocks on the castle door but there's only room for a few on the elite floor. The 2006 doesn't unseat any of the current royal court, but it holds a dance card for the next slow number.

I noticed that the 2007 Outsider is going for $70+ which tells me that the following vintage is more promising. This follows since 2007 is a banner zin year in Paso and elsewhere. As is, the 2006 is hefty but not large. The price is fair but not valued. Few zins have this balance, however. It shows some pepper, but not overly so. There are dark cherries up front, but it fades into a baked cobbler instead of a Twixie stick bomb. The finish is quite long and pleasant with a Dr. Pepper-ish... perhaps cherry cola finale.

Complex, balanced, and long finish. Quite nice. Top 10 zins, but lower on the scale. Still, it's really worth a spin. I'd be willing to go the extra $$$ for the 2007 if you can find it.

T-Scale 90. I'm picky on my zins yet this one gets a nod. Pricey though. Not quite Biker, not yet Turley, but still very good.

Hendry Block 28 Napa Valley Zinfandel

And so comes the Hendry Block 28 Napa Valley Zinfandel which was recommended by my friends at my local tasting (a shout out to Tracy and Phil!). I started this with the Sunday effort, the ribeye and risotto, which demanded something big as a complement.

The Hendry enters the already crowded list of great zinfandels on my short list. But where... ah here lies the quandry.

http://www.hendrywines.com/current/zin05-blk28.htm


It is young, with these vines producing their first yield in 2005, this vintage. First taste shows this is a young zin, but as we all know, this is not necessarily a bad thing. The fruit is lighter but the finish is long and lightly peppery. All of the expected big zinfandel traits are present here, but perhaps on a smaller scale than I like. It is quite nice, however, this being a great complement to steaks or other large meaty dishes.

I will diverge on a slight tangent here much to the chagrin of the 2 or 3 of you who actually read this... zin is the wine I admire most. There.. I've said it. I love pinot... I treasure big cabs... I search for those Italian varietals with that large complexity... blah blah blah.. but in the end, it's zins I grade the hardest.

I am an American and with that comes the inevitable.. I love Zinfandel. The French blend it in to Rhones, the Italians call it Primitivo and bottle it as table wine, and the rest of the world dabbles in it as a secondary grape. But the Americans have made it an art form.

Turley Dusi is the one to beat. Ridge still holds the title for the common man's zin, Four Vines Biker is the @$$ kickin' upstart, but I am always game to try all the rest in hopes that someone else will pierce the top five.

Hendry is an up and coming with potential to get there, but not yet. T-Scale 89. Great, but a bit pricey considering Four Vines Biker is $9.00 less, Cline's Lone Oak, Big Break and Ridge Paso Robles and Lytton Springs are also less. Look for this to get big reviews in future vintages.

Dusted Valley 2006 cabernet sauvignon

First enjoyed at my local regular tasting, I purchased this one last night and savored it with grilled pork and baked beans. Need a large cab to carry you over the bold flavors of bbq beans? This one is fruit forward, dusty, and a bit sour on the tongue. It is young, but bold.. hedonistic, actually.

I don't see this holding up in your cellar, but if you want one ready to unscrew (yep, no cork here) this is a great choice! Ready now to pour and enjoy. Great for steaks, pork, and other meaty entrées or just as a stand-alone. I wouldn't recommend this as your first bottle.. make it the last of the evening. This one is likely to dominate the evening.

In sum, a large, bold Washington cab with big fruit, oak, and a bit of citrus. Good all around and fairly priced at $24.99. T-Scale - 90. I'm not sure how many cases were produced as the vinter's website is of little use. I believe this is a blend, but again, I can't find that info from the vinter. If you find it, email me troopint@gmail.com and clue me in.

Alamos 2008 Torrontes

Ever want something really different in a white? Torrontes is something to try. It's generally inexpensive but very tasty. It's much like sauvignon blanc but very forward with big citrus and melon on the tongue. I sensed a little bit of nutmeg and basil along with peach and lemon. The nose is lemony with a grassy touch. It finishes very nice with a long sour send-off.

Compare this to a young and flavorful sauvignon blanc but more tasty. It's a big hit in Argentina but still mostly unknown in the US. This means you get a whole lot of bang for your buck! This offering from Alamos can be had for less than $10 most everywhere. Buy it up now and enjoy for it won't be long before everyone else knows about torrontes. Once they do, the price is sure to go up.

T-Scale 89+. I love this one for the money! Actually, I love this one for the taste. Christina even liked it - bonus!

Castle Rock 2007 Russian River Syrah

So I went shopping at my favorite local shop for Enthusiast's tasted wines for the month. Well, I only found one - the Castle Rock syrah. It was $11.99 so I wasn't expecting much although W.E. gave it an 86, a fair rating for this price.

I admit, this syrah shows more structure and tannin than expected. I concur with W.E. that this wine would make "a good by-the-glass" wine for restaurants, but it also makes for a decent wine to back up a steak or big pasta dish at home. If you're like me, you save the better bottles for the weekend, but during the week you want a taste and don't really want to put out big money for it. Add this to your list of nice bigger reds for less money.

T-Scale - 88. I like this one at this price. This syrah is better than most Australian shiraz/syrah I've had at this price level. It shows much better than the $10-$12 price would suggest.


From Castle Rock:

WINE MAKING NOTES
Vineyard Source: 100% Russian River Valley
Harvest Date: September, 2007
Brix: 24.0
Fermentation: Barrel Aged 18 months
Oak: 75% French, 25% American
T/A: .60 gr/100 ml
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bottled: April 2009
Cases Produced: 1,400
Winemaker: August Briggs

Beaulieu - BV Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

I picked this up after Wine Enthusiast gave it a fat review of 92 points. I found it at Jungle Jim's in Fairfield for $17.99 and later in Costco for $14.99!!!. Costco had at least twenty cases of it on the floor as well.

Is it a 92? Well, no, but it's plenty good, especially at that price. This has 5% merlot and 1% cabernet franc to give it a really good finish. Aged for 18 months in American Oak, BV shows exceptional quality in production at this price level.

Dark fruits and cola are bold and forward. It's a bit flabby, but refined on the finish. I don't recommend this for the cellar but can recommend drinking now. It's ready!

T-Scale 90+. This is a big winner in the under $20 cab market. Put this next to the Wente Southern Hills, Rodney Strong, and Hess Allomi Vineyard cabs. Very good value!

Simi Landslide cabernet sauvignon 2005

The Simi Landslide is the premier offering from this winemaker and it is a dandy! During my visit, the shop keeper allowed tastings of a few vintages and all show nicely. I shipped two of the 2005's back from Healdsburg because of its excellent value. This big time California Meritage costs roughly half of similar offerings in Napa.

The 2005 reviews at 94 in Wine Enthusiast and rightfully so. I found deep dark fruits in the nose along with Coke and Pepsi. Large current, oak, and spices on the tongue with an extra long tannin finish. The Alexander Valley can give Napa a run for the money with this one... and at half the cost of a Miner, Stag's Leap, or Peju. OK, it's not quite Peju, but it's available and affordable.

T-Scale 93. If anyone sees Landslide on the shelf, let me know. You will see plenty of Simi Cabernet Sauvignon out there, but the Landslide is scarce outside of the source. Any vintage shows well, but the 2005 is exceptional. There also exists a Landslide Reserve which is as rare as a whooping crane sighting. If you find this, treat yourself. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.