Pueblo de Sol Tannat Blend (70% Tannat and Merlot/Cabernet Franc) Limited Edition 2007 Barrel aging, eep garnet purple color, nose of rich ripe purple and black fruit, vanilla notes from the oak, lots of black licorice. Familia Deicas 1 st Cru Exception 2005 100% Tannat. yet from the tasting notes below you can see it was worth it.

Tannat 2005 (blend of regions). Blend of Tannant Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc and Merlot. … so the first thing you notice as you drive to Bodegas Carrau near Montevideo is the gorgeous grounds and the stunning classic “Spanish Style” Hacienda with flowers all around. Now Javiar is a man very much about “good taste.” Delicious.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. absolutely loved this wine with its notes of Prince Edward cherry tobacco and truffle.

In 2005 they acquired Chateau Gazin Rocquencourt, 28 hectares situated next to Malartic-Lagraviere, and that same year, purchased 115 hectares within Clos de los Siete in Argentina (with an additional 20 hectares to be planted later) which was started by wine consultant Michel Rolland in 1998. The 130?hectare

2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Giant Steps Harry’s Monster Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc – Yarra Valley. 2005 Penley Estate the Chertsey Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – Coonawarra.

really enjoyed the Valcalepio Rosso Riserva which is a 50-50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified separately in stainless steel tanks, then a minimum aging of 3 years in French oak casks, and finally 3 months in bottle. Sam visits Italy quite often and has the opportunity to pick his favorites.

In 1982, the Montague Vineyard, 50 acres adjacent to the Niagara District Airport, was acquired and produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio. Now you know the Merlot went incredibly well with this dish! so I am in Canada to celebrate the Icewine festival. Inniskillin Winemaker Bruce Nicholson.

As is the case with many of the producers, she makes local varieties such as Fernao Pires and Arinto (white grapes, popular as a blend) and the local Touriga Nacional alone and blended with Merlot and sometimes Tempranillo, which here is called Aragonez and has great plans for Syrah as well. About Lisbon. Meeting Producers. Alorna.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. Visiting Pichon Longueville. AXA generously hosted the winners of the AXA Millesimes scholarship offered to students of the Master of Wine educational program a week in October 2010. The Cellar.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?&# the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. Monday: Tour of the Chateau Pichon Longueville Vineyards and Winery.

Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized a tasting last week to sample nine Bordeaux wines from the 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages, and below are some of my tasting notes. 2005 Chateau Mazeris Canon Fronsac Raspberries, blue fruits, cooked fruits, wax cherry candy, $30. Chateau Dassault St.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

My second choice was a 375ml bottle of white Merlot that was given to me by winery owner Dave Mansfield when I visited his Three Brothers Winery in May. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. The white Merlot has been released and can be purchased at the winery for $17.

Winemakers notes: A classic Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. 61% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

What I'm drinking now is 2005 Montefalco rosso from Arnaldo Caprai -- blind tasting it initially, I knew it was italian from its (to me) signature high acidity and soil that seemed somehow volcanic. The Montefalco is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15% of Merlot. montefalco. Also, the cherry flavor spoke of Italy.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

Now looking forward to 4 day trip to New York City and some Long Island Merlots and some more Hudson Valley wines. To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Brotherhood also happens to be America's oldest winery.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

Before the grapes were even harvested, some commentators and industry participants had hailed this vintage as superb, everyone making parallels to 2005 and some even invoking the storied 1947. Dry whites or Merlot year.Some superstars. Dry whites or Merlot year.Some superstars. So how did things pan out in the glass? Overall.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

75% Sangiovese (Minimum required by DOCG), plus 25% other varieties like Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame Toscana IGT 2004 60% Colorino, 40% Merlot, this one being my favorite of the day. Superiore rules require yields 10% lower than Chianti Classico. Violets, plums, spices with herbal notes.

Here are a few of my favorites: Channing Daughters 2007 Sculpture Garden 88% Merlot from the Sculpture Garden vineyard (the oldest on the South Fork, planted in 1982) and 12% Blaufrankisch from Sylvanus vineyard, aged in French and Slovenian oak barrels for twenty-two months. million per year. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5%

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

Tags: north fork sustainable Organic merlot long island wines Macari

Monte Bello, the estate’s top wine, is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot, but also, in some vintages, some petit verdot. Estephe-like in its tannins; turns out it was 76% cabernet sauvignon and 24% merlot. Paul Draper is, without question, one of the world’s great winemakers. The road to Monte Bello. had chosen.

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

with the first course of shrimp, we enjoyed the Macabeo described above and Realce Crianza 2005, 100% Tempranillo with spice and concentrated red fruit. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O. in Spain that makes quality white, rose, and red wine.

Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore 2006 DOC 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese. Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerratalto 2005 nose: violets, plums, cherries, flavors: cola, ripe cherries, licorice, yum. All of them were exceptional and I took very brief tasting notes of each.

Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. opened a few old reliables thinking there must have been some bad bottles in the rack, but they turned out to be the same. Bogle Winery 2007. Great value!!

Behind the bar one of the owners, Joe Rabasco recommends the Costa Del Sol Napa 2005 blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Merlot produced by Bennesere Vineyards. Every morning I’ve been passing by a storefront in New York’s West Village that for months had its windows papered to block a view to the inside. That’s a good start.

Opening this 2005 Monte Bello with the affluent aromas of only Monte Bello mountain surfacing, the only thought I had was life seemed a little back to normal, at least somewhat, and if only for a moment. Let this 2005 Monte Bello develop in the decanter for a good three hours before trying it -- secondary notes will emerge.

If you see wines from Navarra in wine stores, you may wonder why the region has so many international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignan. Ana Laguna & Pilar Garcia-Granero. "Before there was wine, there was a thing called happiness." Navarra. Terroir of Navarra. Tierra Estella (fruity rosados from Tempranillo).

One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's. Here's what I learned.

An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Winemakers notes: This dynamic duo combines the brawn of Cabernet Sauvignon and the suppleness of Merlot. So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili.

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany.

The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Such was the case with one of the two wines received from Martellotto Wines. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

dark purple, made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, very earthy, barnyard and mushroom, creamsicle fruitiness, plums, banana peels, tight tannins, could use a little time. Quick notes on a Bordeaux blend. 50-60

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1

So, to satisfy our thirst for a nice red wine to pair with my Chicken Parmesan, Shirley's Cavatelli Aleta (a cream sauce with Asiago cheese, prosciutto, baby peas, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers) and my daughter Pam's Fettucini with Joey's fabulous marinara sauce, we chose a Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005.

Sometime near the end of the year, I would like to post all that I have learned and the wines that I have come to enjoy over the past two years. From a European reds only wine drinker who could not tolerate most white wines or any wines over 0% RS, to be even drinking the many wines I am now, I think I have come a long way.

The breakdown was 5 flights of 4 each of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), Chardonnay (oaked), Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This past week the Long Island Wine Council sponsored a seminar and blind tasting of its wines to compare them with others from international regions. So, here we go.

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again.

Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Of course, the lounge is owned by my son and his fiance and has become our regular hang out since opening one year ago. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price.

On Wednesday evening I attended a tasting of fifteen wines from Bordeaux 2005. In his opening remarks, Parker placed the 2005 vintage in the pantheon of vintages that includes 45, 47, 59, 61, and 82. The vintage was widely hailed as superb and pre-recession demand drove the prices into the stratosphere. Parker called it “shut down.”

Louisa has done so much for the Long Island wine region and for the merlot varietal in the United States. We felt it was fitting to invite Louisa to join the Merlot Alliance, and we’re thrilled that she will now be an official member of our group.”

The gift pack included a bottle of Merlot and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, of which we opened at a dinner dance held during my annual military reunion. blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. Both wines were well liked by all of us at our table.

On the North Fork of Long Island's wine country comes this delectable 100% Merlot. Ruby red colors in front of layers of eucalyptus, fresh mint and chocolate, combine with flavors reminiscent of licorice, white pepper and a jammy undercurrent. Retails for $18.99. Full disclosure: this sample bottle sent to me compliments of Macari Wines

Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. Halupkies are also known as stuffed cabbage or as we called them in our house as kids growing up in the Pennsylvania coal region, 'blind pigeons.' The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma.

The 108 acres of vineyards are almost entirely dry-farmed (no irrigation) and largely planted to cabernet sauvignon although there is also merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc. The 2005 Dominus has dark berry notes and deliciously fine tannins to give it good poise. But it’s not open to the public. dominusestate.com.

There comes a time when you believe that a certain wine just can't get any better. hope I never get to that point in my lifetime. don't hide the fact that in the past two years I have fallen in love with wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York. have my favorite Finger Lakes wineries and my favorite Finger Lakes wines. Such is the case today!

This Merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley is made from grapes sourced from Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge and Wahluke Slope, and aged 15 months in American and French oak. Complex and fruit forward, this workhorse of a Merlot exhibits a bouquet of cola, plums and ripe blueberries along with plump flavors of black cherries, spices and leather.

While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

I 'm currently making room in my wine cooler for a recent large quantity buy, so I pulled out a Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 Riserva for a pizza dinner tonight. had this wine about four years ago and wasn't fully impressed at that time, but thought I'd give it another chance and the price was right. Great Buy!

One of the problems with bringing home lots of wine from a Finger Lakes wine tour is deciding which ones to try first. Shirley helps make that decision easier by planning some meals ahead of time or by just giving me a warning of what's on the menu for the night. Sometimes though, it can be challenging choosing the right wine for the meal.

Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. Can't think of a better way to start a 2 week vacation then to spend it at some fantastic wineries in the Finger Lakes. don't know where to rank the day's events. have to say it was the folks we met. mean Damn!

OK, today I sinned again, at least according to some. took my list of New York medal winners to another local wine shop. Unfortunately, I found only one, besides another Anthony Road Vinyards 2008 semi-dry Riesling which I already have in the cooler. Oh yeah, for those who don't know, that wine was judged the most outstanding New York wine for 2009.

Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Please, no comments on that issue. It took me over 30 years to appreciate any white wine, and now that I do, I am trying them all. The first was OK and will be nice at a evening get-together, but not one I would bring to the party. Great Buy!

With ample experience in making and aging great wines dating back to 1964, Santiago Ijalba García left his position as general and technical manager in a historic Haro bodega to launch his own personal project. In 1998 under his newly-incorporated company Santiago Ijalba S.A. he created the VIÑA HERMOSA brand. The first night I opened the Crianza.

The Lindeman's Merlot 2007 was recommended by a friend this past week-end. Palate: A medium bodied palate is defined by abundantly ripe plum fruit, a touch of earth and trademark Merlot spice. The wine is smooth and supple, very much in the keeping with the modern style of Merlot. Tags: red wine merlot Australia

There I tasted more reds and found an interesting blend 'Viridescens', a bordeaux style blend of Cab Franc, Cab/Sauv and Merlot. It was also a 2005, which I learned on this tour was a long summer and a fantastic year for the Finger Lakes reds. Our first stop was at Damiani Wine Cellars. bit pricey but one of those 'have to have' wines.

Instead of drinking crisp sauvignon blanc and dry Mosel in poorly air conditioned rented apartments I’ve been opening cabernets and merlots which I briefly cool off in the fridge. Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. learned my lesson with 2005 Bordeaux.

blend of Touriga Nacional, Merlot and Tinta Roriz (tempranillo) Winemaker's Notes: "The reserve is a very deep black ruby in colour. One of the most difficult time's I have on a short vacation is waiting for the train to take me home. This past week-end was one of those days and that great deal was in a wine shop. Great Buy!

This Italian merlot has aromas of ripe berries set against a toasted oak background, and smoked meats with a palate of blueberry pie and sour cherry and finally milk chocolate and vanilla. Winemaker notes: A noble red for aging, made with procedures appropriate to merlot fruit from the “delle Venezie” area.

Bonterra adds a little Merlot and Syrah to expand it's flavor and texture. I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago. She is very much into eating healthy and buys only organic veggies and fruits and free range meats, eggs and cheeses. Great Buy!

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I haven't been overly impressed with the 2005 Bordeaux I've tasted to date. Then I got this email the other day from America's Wine Shop , advertising the 2005 Latour a Pomerol for $35. Besides, for my own sanity, I needed to try a 2005 Bordeaux that I could enjoy.

The wine is a bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but more of a medium body and a bit fruity. I have no idea what occurred between the early 1980's and present in the case of New York Finger Lakes red wines. After that, I basically stayed with my favorite European red wines.

2005 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River. 2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 2005 Jacob’s Creek Steingarten Riesling, Barossa. 2005 Mount Horrocks Riesling, Clare Valley. 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River. Day One. Day Two.

Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with deep ruby highlights and fresh aromas of currants and cherries. Not overly sophisticated, but simple and straight forward - that's the way I'd describe this Bordeaux. Flavors of black cherries, tar and smoky earth. Interesting when paired with a Brie or Manchego cheese.

The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. By contrast the 2005 Monte Bello which we tasted from bottle is darker, more profound; a surprisingly succulent wine at this stage, with good viscosity in the mouth and old school verve. All are superb.

Here are some rapid fire observations from this portion: Pichon-Lalande has a higher proportion of merlot in the final blend; coincidentally, it slightly rounder than its cabernet dominant neighbor, which may be why some who use anachronistically ascribe gender to wine attributes consider it the more “feminine&# of the duo.

The Goretti Family of the Umbria region of Italy creates this Montefalco Rosso at Fattoria Le Mura Saracene from a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Merlot. The process begins in stainless steel tanks, then 12 months in oak barrels followed by 8-10 months in bottle.

Brooklyn Oenology Merlot 2005 * I found utterly convincing (dark and dry, sparse fruits, but not to everyone's taste) and a 2007 Holdredge Wines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ** which displayed good acidity in a worn velvet like texture on the tongue, but very light with mild dry spices and mushroom notes as the wine emerged.

Moueix, Merlot encore, 2005 (about $13, find this wine ). Most straight-up merlot under $20 has about as much appeal as Muzak. Here’s a trio of French reds under $20 (plus a bonus) for your weekend pleasure. Domaine de la Pepiere, Clos de Briords, 2007 (about $16, find this wine ). bet this one is built to last too.

opened and decanted this 2005 Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Vinyard Cabernet Sauvignon * from winemaker Robert Foley for two hours before pouring the first glass. Varietals grown and produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah." Tags: Cellar Selection USA Corrections 2005 Napa Valley 4 stars Try not to.

Sean Larkin is producing exceptional cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot (on the Jack Larkin label). apparently beat me to it) but the 2006 Jack Larkin Merlot should be on the list of hot new wines from Napa. Tags: 2 stars USA 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Napa Valley Welcome Napa Valley Vintners! didn’t even try.

Made from a friendly blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese, Pasticcio shows nuances of blackberries and cassis supported by an underlying freshness woven into a crisp, well integrated finish

With a supple nose of strawberries, sour cherries and green peppers, this Merlot (also contains small amounts of Sangiovese) from Montalcino spends eight months in French oak and six months in bottle, showing woodsy flavors rich in tangy fruits, cassis and a lively acidity. Tags: montalcino merlot French oak

Attended another blind tasting last night hosted by Greg dal Piaz of Snooth: 2005 Cosentino Il Chiaretto California 14.8% $18 On the nose resinous leather, fruit, white pepper, plastic wrap, high alcohol, with a palate of sour cherries, licorice sticks or twizzlers, and a woodsy profile. tasting like a Merlot blend.

70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15% Merlot is the blend for this earthy, resinous number from Montefalco, Italy. Dense and ruby colored, full bodied with plums and vanilla, this extracted red speaks of dark sour fruits with structured tannins and hints of oak, but is a good drinking wine that goes down easy

17 2nd: 2005 Il Grigio Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG (Tenuta San Felice) 24 months in oak, 12 months in bottle, this is one I remember best, on the label was a medeival knight painted by Titian. One of the most memorable parts of my cycling trip through Tuscany was a visit to Tenuta San Felice at Relais Borgo San Felice.

From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes.?? Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT ?Another Tenuta Il Borro Toscana 2005 IGT?? This Chardonnay has a pale yellow color, fruity rich aromas of apple and peach with notes of floral & lemon. alcohol content.??

Charmail **, a 2005 Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot, 2000 Ch. Haut Gravet ** and the fifth wheel 2005 La Crema Pinot Noir Russian River Valley * It was interesting to note how these wines had evolved over the past 3-6 days. After the spoiled Mondavi merlot, the La Crema pinot noir * was easy to spot.

Jean California Merlot 2005 * This is by all accounts a good value and one worth picking up to host a dinner party, a wedding, a bar mitzavah, or the return of the prodigal son from his animal quest. Produced in much the same manner as the California Merlot from Chateau St. "How much crap wine did you drink over the holidays?"

Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT Another blend from Ferragamo's Il Borro, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves. Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity. alcohol content.

From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and aged in French barriques for 12 months. Il Borro is part of a stable of wines brought forth by Salvatore Ferragamo, whose grandfather built the famous footwear brand. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger

We followed up with Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot 2005 ** which is less robust than the 2004, and not quite as fruity, but is more subtle, and a generally good value wine at $16 To conclude my previous post. Cherry red color with bricking at the edge, this was full on bloody with nice tang on the mid palate.

2004 Napa Valley Merlot **+ Thoroughly enjoyable. 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ** The merlot was so good I went back and bought a bottle of the Cabernet Sauvignon. This opened up very nicely after a few hours, but never really showed the complexity and big fruit of the 2004 Merlot. So I kept mum. That's right.

While at the other end of the wine sophistication spectrum, the 2005 Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay is a BIG golden chardonnay with toffee, caramel, nutty aromas and a creamy palate that finishes long with all sorts of complexities. Much more versatile in terms of foods it will pair well with than the more popular Cabs & Merlots.

routinely disagree with their wine scores (they gave Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2005 only 85 points - WTF are they thinking?!) Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley "Eisele Vineyard" 2005 * Smoky garnet color. wine of great depth and class, and my favorite 2005 Napa cabernet of the night. Merus 2005 ? love their events.

Prior to visiting the winery today I tried their LOW LEVEL supermarket 2007 "Private Collection" Cab/Merlot blend.  The 2005 Appellation Carignan, made from 30-40 year old vines and blended with 10% Petite Verdot had an interesting toffee, mocha, chocolate, cedar thing going on.  YES, that Carmel, of the sweet, thick sacramental wine. 

From Montalcino comes this Tuscan red, a blend of Sangiovese & Merlot and nice every day red wine. At $8 a bottle Banfi succeeds in producing a full-bodied inexpensive red with the character of some of it's older brothers from the region. This went very well with a simple pasta marinara with grated ricotta & pecorino cheese