Wine Reviews You can Use

A dark slightly maturing hue with slight bricking at the rim. (Actually under better lighting, I will recant on the bricking! Aromas are perfumy, wonderful bouquet of freshly pressed grapes ever so faint with nice rustic spices galore, chocolate cherry bonbons, black licorice  Palate--This is a wine with super presence and intensity yet with silky tannins, and a solid acidic foundation. It all carries the fruit on a magic carpet of wonder with a twinge of its age muting the dark berry somewhat. This wine is past its prime will drink for another 3-5 years. The finish just holds on reminding you of what liquid joy can be. Ornellaia is one of the legendary icons of Italy and this is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.  The big boys rated this wine from 95-99 points which I am not seeing especially the upper end but in fairness, this wine is past peak so all bets are off. It's still a wonderful experience. For $200 you could have experienced

Hue looks bricked (aged browning) however Nebbiolo typically takes on this appearance. Bouquet is is spicy cherry, eucalyptus or licorice, and cigar ash. Palate--Tasty first impression with wild cherry and rustic spices, sweet red candy impression front palate, with a lip smacking, mouth watering tannic structure.  Finishes a bit thin. I love Nebbiolo and at the $25 price range this is classic if a little rustic.  Homemade lasagne here we come.  Raise a glass.

  Light straw hue with ebullient aromas of lemon curd, candied fruit, sour vanilla cream, and a melange of tropical fruit. Palate--Wonderful first impression of big mouth filling tropical fruit with razor sharp acidity, delicious mouth watering structure with a fruity finish that goes on and on. I bought this a few years ago and just laid it down forgetting about it. I don't remember what I paid for it but I know it was a song as I bought two; maybe $10! At 7 years old I expected this to be on its way out.  It is youthful, vibrant, lovely and quite amazing. If I could buy another case of this I would, it is that spectacular. Central Coast is producing some nice wines and this unoaked Chard is proof so raise a glass! 

  Intense Dark purple to black hue with aromas of marvelous blackberry jam with bread, tar and cigar ash. Palate--Elegant first impression on the palate with gargantuan dark blackberry fruit in overload, a steely end with a finish that is lingering but shorter than I would have thought.  This is a lovely expression of my favorite grape from my favorite Zin region. It is well made, pretty well integrated for such a young wine and should hold for many years more. Around $30 you should expect a lot from a wine and this delivers. It is drinking well now and will only continue to develop so raise a glass!

  Aubergine hue with aromas of bright cherry, sweet pie cherry, gentle sweet spices, and sweet cream. Palate--Really nice bright fruity presentation with loads of acidity to pair with many Italian dishes with tomato based sauces. It finishes with some savory spice and steel. This wine is a Trader Joes product running at $7 which is a crazy good value.  Raise a glass but drink it when you open it and do not keep it over night!  

Nearly inky black hue with nice aromas already reaching my nose as the glass sits.   The bouquet is rich with spices, gentle fruit (it is at cellar temp so it needs to warm up) light green pepper, with cigar ash.   Palate--Front palate is impressive with loads of dark rich berries and a candy like *"cherry" first impression. Silky tannins that are still youthful but the well structured foundation foundation carries everything in a harmonious meshing of characteristics even at this youthful stage. Finish is lovely and lingers for a good while. *I will come back and add to this as it is bound to open even more lovely than it is. I paid $22 for this Napa Cab (Healdsburg) which is a steal. I t will only get better with age although it's really drinking well right now. Another 8 years is not out of the question and it was the salvation of a meal featuring some really chewy short cut steak on the grill. I plan to pick up another bottle if I can find one and lay it down for a fe

  Intensely dark black cherry hue with aromas of dense rich tarry dark berry fruit bomb aromas which are lovely with loads of spice and this hasn't even opened yet. Palate--Luscious, mouthwatering structure with a huge beam of rich, ripe dark black berries, and plum pudding with sweet spices.  Delicious!   Previously reviewed, this is a Trader Joe's offering and I have had about 3 cases of it in varying vintages. It's young, it's awesome, and it is a stupid crazy value at $8 so raise a case! 

  Pale golden hue with nice aromas of sweet vanilla curd, lemon, and a hint of pineapple life savers! Palate--Lively acidity on the palate, spicy, fruit salad with tropical fruit melange, bone dry yet wonderfully fruity that makes you think  it's sweet (we call that "off-dry"). Finish actually tarries a while. All in all this is a really decent Chard for the price of around $14. Put a slight chill on it and enjoy it as an aperitif, or with cheeses and bread or even a Maine lobster.  Raise a glass!

Garnet hue with aromas of pink grapefruit, subtle milk chocolate covered strawberries Palate--Steely front with a new world presentation which is rather surprising, chewy tannins and a nicely acidic foundation.  Finish is practically existent but I like this wine! Not certain but I probably bought this at Trader Joe's for around $9.  If I am aright I will be picking up several more bottles.  It is tasty, pleasant, tastes like real wine (as opposed to manufactured) and will be easy to pair with many culinary creations so raise a glass!