Archive for the ‘zinfandel’ Category
Varietal: Petite Sirah; Tempranillo; Syrah; Grenache; Malbec; Mourvedre; Nebeillo; Tannat; Souzao; Aglianico; Barbera; Zinfandel; Petite Verdot; Cabernet Franc; Charbano; Nero d’Avola; Sanviovese; Sagrantino
Region: California – USA
Cost: $10 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: This Big House Red lives up to that old Fruit Bomb moniker that you’ve come to expect. It starts with a nose full of blackberries and raspberries, with hints of leather and spices. The palate is clean, exhibiting flavors of cranberries, roses, and a touch of rhubarb. This finish lingers, with flavors of vanilla and a touch of dark cherries in the finish. Pairs well with all grilled meats, lasagna Bolognese, grilled vegetables, or even sashimi grade Ahi tuna.
My Review: The previous version of this wine was one of those that I was torn on. I liked what they were trying to do by creating a table wine with a little bit of everything that could then go with a little bit of everything, but I felt that the attempt created a wine that just fell flat. This vintage was different.
Varietal: Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah
Region: California – USA
Cost: $14 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2009 Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.
My Review: Around this time of year I start getting samples offered with Thanksgiving and Christmas not too far away. I have to say that this is the first year of writing this website that I was offered a sample for Halloween. I’d seen the various bottles of wine on shelves that were obviously trying to appeal either to the Halloween drinking crowd or goth kids too stupid to buy something that didn’t have a vampire or other creature of the night, but I’d never picked one up myself, so when I was offered a sample of the 2009 Apothic Red with Halloween coming up, I was interested since I’ve never really done a Halloween feature on here.
Varietal: 50% Petite Sirah; 25% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Syrah; 10% Zinfandel
Region: Livermore Valley – California – USA
Cost: $15 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: The 2009 Crimson & Clover Conservancy is a velvety blend of signature Livermore varietal. Aromas of currant, clove, and vanilla lead into bright fruit flavors of blackberry on the palate. The spicy finish is soft and long with hints of leather and tobacco. Pairs well with black pepper-crusted filet mignon with goat cheese or grilled artichoke with tarragon aioli.
My Review: Given as how during my upcoming trip to San Francisco (we leave tomorrow and this day can’t end quick enough) I plan to visit Concannon Vineyards, I wanted to try the 2009 Crimson & Clover before heading out to avoid any awkward silences in regards to the bottle of wine sitting lonely at my home back in Virginia.
With Labor Day weekend upon us my wife and I knew we would be grilling, so in between getting laundry done and bags packed for our vacation, we threw a couple of steaks and lobster tails on the grill. Well, rather, we tried to, but then the grill ran out of gas and so we had to finish them inside using the oven. It all still worked out, especially when paired with the wine.
Varietal: 98% Zinfandel; 1.5% Carignane; .5% Petite Sirah
Region: California, USA
Cost: $18
Winemaker’s Notes: “In Liar’s Dice Zinfande, we’ve created our most passionate wine – one that’s so sweet and juicy, it’ll leave you wanting more. Our 2008 vintage is a combination of both Dry Creek and Alexander Valley fruit. The Dry Creek grapes contribute black raspberry and currants. The Alexander Valley fruit imparts rich flavors of black cherry and blackberry jam. Soft tannins perfectly balance the sweetness of the fruit.” Pairs well with grilled meats including ribs, burgers, pulled pork or any other type of BBQ.
My Review: Ever since Murphy-Goode had the opening for their “Dream Job” a few years back, I’ve been interested to try some of their wines, but just haven’t gotten around to it. This past Friday that all finally changed, as I was in the mood for a Zinfandel to go with a steak that I was throwing on the grill that night – I tend to cook a lot of steak when my wife goes out of town. I really shouldn’t have waited so long to grab this wine.
Varietal: 80% Zinfandel; 10% Mourvedre; 8% Carignane; 2% Petite Sirah
Region: California – USA
Cost: $10 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: This is a refined pleasure with intense flavors of blackberry mingling with soft creamy touches of oak, vanilla, and dry herbs. It’s full on the palate, but not heavy and the fruit is constant from the first sip to the end of the finish. Pairs well with grilled pork, pasta Bolognese, and barbecued ribs or chops.
My Review: It’s taken me a while to get around to sampling/reviewing this wine. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but rather because I knew what I wanted to pair with it and took my sweet time getting and then cooking up some ribs. This past Saturday I finally got around to it.
Varietal: 47% Zinfandel; 29% Merlot; 19% Cabernet Sauvignon; 5% Petite Sirah
Region: California – USA
Cost: $14 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Reddish purple in color with aromas of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, and red fruits that carry through to the palate to a creamy mocha finish reminiscent of a blackberry chocolate cupcake with mocha coulis. Pairs well with sweet and spicy Hoisin steak, BBQ bacon cheeseburger, or dark chocolate fondue.
My Review: I’ve had Cupcake Vineyards wines before, so when this sample showed up, I was excited to give it a try as it looks to be their first offering of a blended red. On a night when I was home alone cooking for myself, I decided to open it up and give it a try with a dinner of meatballs and rice with gravy. Nothing too fancy, but nice and hearty against the end of winter weather outside. Read the rest of this entry »
