Alexander Valley Vineyards Primitivo 2014

Lightly opaque garnet with aromas of slight vanilla cream and black cherry bon bons, a blast of savory spice on the rim with a hint of horseradish--interesting!

Palate--Cinnamon spice at the front with black pepper, again a little touch of horseradish in the palate which a whole new taste experience for this thousands of bottle of wine guy over the past 45 years. The finish is quite lingering with a resilient, cherry beam and more pepper.

This is the most interesting wine I have had in ages. I bought it because of it's home of record being Alexander Valley. I have had little experience with Primitivo because each one I have had was unremarkable and even off putting. This grape is the genetic progenitor of America's Zinfandel! That being said, the Primitivos I have had are nothing like Zins--but this one, had I tasted it blind would probably have said it was a unique Zin or Zin blend. I paid $10 for it out of state and regret not having bought more. The list on it is $20 and at that price I would not have been disappointed so raise a glass!!!

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After a few year hiatus from my "real" wine blog, you can now find my reviews at the winecask.blogspot.com I started this blog many years ago and was ranked the #8 wine blog on the world wide web. I am a regular guy with a very limited wallet so I drink what you drink with rare exceptions. So scoot on over there, follow me if you want short, no non sense wine info. Raise a glass!

Pure Bred (Old Vine) Zinfandel Lodi 2017

Very light hue with a unique aroma (slight) at the side rim of dill pickle juice which is intriguing. Zin aromas of wild berries, not over powering but pleasant, with a touch of rustic zinfulness. (OK that was cheesy!) Palate--There's a watery first impression but is quickly engulfed in big Zin fruitiness which is quickly fleeting leaving a pleasant lingering gentle berry goodness with a slightly "green" end. OK, I am the Zin maestro having had more zins in my life than possibly all other varietals combined? Well, if not, I am getting there. Zin is my grape. And here is the get a grip factor; this sells for $6.50 from Trader Joes, nuff said. Face it, I can't drink Turley, or Rosenblum single vineyard zins everyday (or even every week) so if you're having the gang over and want a light hearted red for those who insist they don't like red wine, give them I bit of this and see what happens. At this price, I'll raise a glass. Thanks MB :)

Cigar Box Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Hand Harvested) Dalle Valley Chile 2010

Bricking hue with aromas of spicy baked blackberry pie, and blueberry, with a touch of menthol and savory spices at the rim. Palate--Sturdy structured Cab with loads of mature dark berry fruit. It has an "OK" finish and it does linger for a good while! This isn't a complex Cab but the fact that it is as delicious as it is at 10 years old is a surprise and a treat! This sold for probably around $10 at its release so it is an outlier that it is still drinking so well. Definitely at it's ultimate time but will hold for I would guess 2 years anyway. It is a testament of the quality of even inexpensive Chilean Cabernets which are among some of my favorites. It is doubtful that you will find this wine this old but if you do you want to snag it and enjoy. Raise a glass!

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