24 July 2010 2006 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel

2006 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel

July 24, 2010 By

Chateau Montelena Zin

I had the pleasure of tasting this wine at a small event hosted by Chateau Montelena winemaker, Bo Barrett earlier this year and thought it was a solid wine for a winery mostly focused on Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wine is beautiful in the glass with the darkest purple hue.  On the nose, it’s oaky with tons of black fruit: blackberries, ripe raspberries and currant.  On the palate, it’s what makes Zinfandel fans so loyal to the grape, spiciness, dried cherry with a big meaty mouthfeel and just the right amount of tannins.  Well balanced with a long spiced finish.

Affordable for most and an ideal wine for those late afternoon BBQs where grilled red meat’s the star.

Around $30.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
9 March 2010 2008 Honig Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2008 Honig Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

March 9, 2010 By

I’ve tasted and liked the 2008 Honig Sauvignon Blanc in the past, but I recently sampled it again during a Sauvignon Blanc tasting and really enjoyed how different it was compared to the others. Here are three things I appreciated about this wine:

’08 Honig Sauvignon Blanc

1) It is medium-bodied, which I miss in many other Sauvignon Blancs in this price range.

2) As the wine warmed a bit, I got a big mouthful of chewy mango and tons of other tropical fruits.

3) The finish is pleasantly long with bouncy citrusy notes.

I typically think of Sauvignon Blanc for warm Summer parties where a refreshing, uncomplicated wine is de rigueur, but the ’08 Honig would also be perfect with a roasted pork chop in the middle of Winter.

Note: 89 points Robert Parker

Pairings: Fish, seafood, especially seared scallops

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $15.99

Filed Under: Sauvignon Blanc, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
27 January 2010 2004 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir

2004 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir

January 27, 2010 By
'04 Gundlach Bundschu PN

'04 Gundlach Bundschu PN

Was given this wine as a birthday present and really enjoyed it.  This wine is a gorgeous, dark ruby color in the glass.  It’s simply pure velvety silkiness with tons of ripe cherries and a hint of vanilla.  Good wine on its own, but especially great with food.  Served this with roast chicken and it was stellar.

Around $32.

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2007 Rockpile Zinfandel Seghesio Family Vineyards

December 13, 2009 By
Seghesio Zinfandel

Seghesio Zinfandel

Bright berry flavors reminded me of Grandma’s juicy raspberry pie.  The word ‘succulent’ might have never applied to a wine better than this one.   This Zin feels thick and sorts of coats your mouth in a most appreciated way.  Tasted peppery and clove nuances.  Amazingly well-balanced with solid tannins.  A big, bold Zinfandel that delivers.

92-Point Wine Spectator

About $30.

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2007 Benziger Signaterra Pinot Noir, Bella Luna Vineyards

November 12, 2009 By
Benziger Signaterra Pinot Noir

Benziger Signaterra Pinot Noir

This wine personifies Russian River Pinot Noir.  The 2007 Signaterra Pinot Noir shows a perfect marriage of fruit and spice, soft tannins and velvety mouthfeel.

Price: Around $50

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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