Renwood BBQ 2011 Zinfandel

Renwood BBQ 2011 Zinfandel, $12.56-$13.95, 89+ points, was a deep crushed blackberry purple/red with flashes of maroon up to the broad clear wine-ring and leggy glass wall.
Aromatic toasty blackberry, smoky plum, licorice, and cardamom, were very good.
Near full-bodied with good acidity, mellow tannin, rich silky texture, and flavors reflective of the aromas and red cherry were surprisingly good for such an inexpensive Zinfandel, but then again 2011 was a very good year.
Finished long on the trailing palate, easy spice notes, and a sweet-spot 14.8% alcohol.
I bought the Renwood BBQ 2011 Zinfandel at Angela's Pasta in Manchester.




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Tenuta Santo Pietro I.G.T. Viper Red Wine (The sale made it time to 'strike')

Tenuta Santo Pietro I.G.T. Viper Red Wine, $14.44-$18.99, 88 points, poured a bright ruby trending pomegranate red with a broad clear wine ring.
Smells of cedar, truffle, red and black cherry were good.
Medium to medium-plus body carried good acidity, moderate and supportive tannin (dry red wine), flavors that mirrored the aromas with a floral note, and a long finish of eucalyptus, hot spices, plum notes, and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah.
From: Jokes4Us.com
Q: What did the naughty little diamondback say to his big sister?
A: "Don't be such a rattle-tail!"

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Merry Edwards Russian River Valley 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Merry Edwards Russian River Valley 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 

$33.29-$39.99, 92 points, began with a bright brass color.
Aromatic smells of melon, tangerine, honeysuckle, and a hint of vanilla were very good.
The light-plus body carried good acidity without the rough edges.
The overall flavors were delicious, appropriately reflected the aromas, and transitioned well into the long finish with a surprisingly robust 14.1% alcohol, hints of oak, and a touch of ginger.

 

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Wine Labels as Art Part IV

Arranging the three women and the 19 Crimes

 was a collage of emotion as well as art!

 



With the beginning of Italian Wine Month at the NHLS-Outlets

 (15% off 12 or more),

 I found it a great time to shop for not only great wines at a good price, but interesting labels too.

Wine Labels As Art Part I
Wine Labels As Art Part II

Wine Labels As Art Part III
Are Wine Labels Goinig To The Birds?
Summertime Photo Gallery--Flowers and Wine
The Fun Of Smelling!
NHWM Photo Gallery 2014
NHWM Photo Gallery
NHWM Photo Gallery #2 Just trying to remember what green looks like!
Christmas Photo Gallery
Wine and three days of snow!
Wine and Dogs, Sons and Daughters: The Wonder of Sentiment
 

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Kentucky Derby 14 Hands Columbia Valley 2012 Red Blend

Kentucky Derby 14 Hands Columbia Valley 2012 Red Blend, $9.99-$11.99, 87+ points, poured core black trending Bordeaux black currant purple/red with a clear wine ring at the leggy glass wall.
Aromatic cedar, blueberry, and violets (too bad it wasn't roses) were good.
Full-bodied with fair acidity, mellow tannin, and flavors reflective of the aromas with chocolate and coffee notes were okay, but the sense of being a bit syrupy haunted the overall gestalt for me (worth the $10).
I think if you like the Apothic red wine, you'll love the Kentucky Derby "Big Red".
Finished long with mint, red licorice, tabasco pepper mash, and the 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache and other!

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Wente Vineyards Livermore Valley 2013 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc

Wente Vineyards Livermore Valley 2013 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc, $11.69-$15.99, 90+ points, poured almost water clear with just a slight brass hue.
Floral, citrus, Lychee, and melon aromas were very pleasant.
Archetypical zesty Cali Sauvignon Blanc displaying good acidity, light-crisp body, and flavors of citrus, honeydew melon, and watermelon rind.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a well integrated 13.5% alcohol, and white pepper.


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Cellar Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica Montsant, 2007 and 2013 Old Vines Grenache/Syrah

 
Cellar Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica Montsant, 2007 Old Vines Grenache/Syrah, $8.99-$13.99, 87 points, poured a deep maroon trending red with a thin clear wine ring.
First smells were a bit barnyard-like, but transitioned okay into a bland black cherry and bourbon aroma.
The medium-plus body had good acidity and easy, but still noticeable and accelerating tannin.
Flavors were a good, but one dimensional black cherry, earth, mushrooms, and alcohol (14%).
Finished on the trailing palate, warm spice, and some heat.

Cellar Capcanes Mas Donis Barrica Montsant, 2013 Old Vines Grenache/Syrah, $11.99-$13.99, 90 points, poured a deep maroon trending purple with a broad clear wine ring.
Aromatic strawberry, red raspberry, and violets were quite good.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity and firm manageable tannins.
Flavors were dominated by violets, but black cherry, red raspberry, oak, and alcohol (14%) were all good.
Finished long on the trailing palate, bourbon notes, warm spice, and spearmint.

Notice the enclosures and the effects of time!

 



 

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Spring Valley Vineyard Walla Walla Washington, Katherine Corkrum 2011 Cabernet Franc

Spring Valley Vineyard Walla Walla Washington, Katherine Corkrum 2011 Cabernet Franc, $34.99-$42.99, 91 points, poured a deep strawberry red with an orange hue toward the glass shallows and the broad clear wine ring.
Aromas of black and blue fruit with a dominant strawberry were lovely.
The medium-plus body was all about texture; silky, satiny, and luscious are descriptors I'd use in defining the most striking characteristic of this Cab-Franc, but good acidity with grainy supportive tannin added sufficient structure so as to banish the thought of any sloppiness.
Flavors mostly mirrored the aromas, but black currant, savory, and oak added needed complexity.
Finished long on a well integrated 14.1% alcohol, a slightly tart red cherry, spiced with white pepper, and a hint of mint.
Varietals were 90% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot (Bordeaux styled red wine).
The significance of name "Katherine Corkrum" is discovered on the back label, and gives historic gravitas as she came from Wales in 1897, and married Uriah Corkrum. . .

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Barton and Guestier 2012 Vouvray

Barton and Guestier 2012 Vouvray, $10.99-$12.99 88 points, was a light brass color trending water clear at the glass shallows.
First pour wafted fragrant floral notes, but quickly settled-down with a dominant, but subtle citrus aroma.
The light-body carried good acidity and slightly sweet (off dry) and mellow citrus flavors of lemon meringue pie and white grapefruit.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a well integrated 11.5% alcohol, and tart melon.
Paired fine with my fish and chips.







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McBride Sisters Truvée 2013 Chardonnay (Central Coast)

 

McBride Sisters Truvée 2013 Chardonnay (Central Coast), $12.00, 89 points, was a straw yellow.

Aromatic pome fruit, melon, and a floral note were very good.

Medium-bodied with fair-plus acidity carried flavors that mirrored the aromas.

Finished fair on a well integrated 13.5% alcohol, the trailing palate, a touch of honeysuckle, and a good hit of ginger.

McBride Sisters Truvée 2013 Chardonnay was a rather one dimensional Chardonnay done right; it was clean, tasted great, nearly a quaffer, and paired well with my pork chops and red potatoes. If you like and are used to big and buttery Chardonnays, this one might be a bit thin for you (in vino veritas). 

I bought this wine at the Derry Hannaford's Super Market.

 

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Penfolds Bin 28 2006 Kalimna Shiraz

Penfolds Bin 28 2006 Kalimna Shiraz, $15.29-$23.99, 90 points, was an impenetrable core black trending bright ruby at the glass shallows with a thin clear wine ring.
A lovely Kirsch smell with blackberry, chocolate, and a light floral note were quite pleasant.
Medium-plus bodied with good acidity, grainy and still persistent, but comfortable tannin were complimented with flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on truffle, eucalyptus, cayenne pepper, and considerable heat from the 14.5% alcohol.
I can hear it now: "Oh no! Aged 12 months in American oak!"
However, Shiraz shares some of Zinfandel's zest, spiciness, fruit, and high octane alcohol, thus pardoning the use of American oak!

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Luca UCO Valley-Mendoza-Argentina 2007 Chardonnay

Luca UCO Valley-Mendoza-Argentina 2007 Chardonnay, $20.47-$27.99, 88 points, was a copper/gold color trending lemon yellow toward the glass shallows.
The nose was a rather bland melon almost white musk aroma with a subdued floral component.
Medium to medium-plus body with fair acidity carried subtle flavors of vanilla, caramel, pome fruit and melon rind.
Finished fair with a big 14.5% alcohol, black pepper, lemon oil, and cantaloupe.
There wasn't anything that I would describe as a dominant feature except the attribute of being pleasantly neutral (some may say balanced).
Paired well with my sweet potato and Korean chicken.

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Terrilogio Puglia I.G.T 2012 Primitivo

Terrilogio Puglia I.G.T 2012 Primitivo, $10.00-$11.99, 87 points, poured an opaque cranberry red with flashes of maroon and a bright clear wine ring.
Subdued aromas of sandalwood, truffle, black olives, and blackberry were pleasant enough.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and moderately supportive tannin carried good flavors of blackberries, black olives, red cherry, and a hint of marzipan.
Finished a little weak with mild spice and an unnoticeable 13% alcohol.
Paired nicely with a meat lovers pizza and lettuce salad.
Appropriately priced and bought at Lucia's Bodega in Windham, NH.



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Epilog (Coop Jesus Del Perdon Manzanares España) 2012 Sauvginon Blanc

Epilog (Coop Jesus Del Perdon Manzanares España) 2012 Sauvginon Blanc, $10.99-$12.99, 88 points, was a rather dull lemon/lime color.
Aromatic citrus with a sweet floral note were excellent.
Light to light-plus bodied with fair acidity and a rather smooth texture for a Sauvignon Blanc, made for a good quaffing white wine.
Flavors of Macintosh apple, honey, and watermelon were okay, but a bit thin.
Finished okay on watermelon rind, citrus, and a well integrated 12.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Moscatel.
I think this wine has a definite place with some table settings that demand a Sauvignon Blanc white wine which will pair well with a more delicate white fish and not overwhelm or dominate the cuisine, or for those that find Cali SB too rough with all that acid and peppery notes (JMO).
  
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Château Doisy-Daëne Grand Vin Sec 2010 Bordeaux White Wine (100% Sauvignon Blanc)

Château Doisy-Daëne Grand Vin Sec 2010 Bordeaux White Wine (100% Sauvignon Blanc), $23.19-$28.99, 90+ points, poured a dark copper/gold color trending a blue/gray at the glass shallows.
Not an outstanding aroma, but melon, cantaloupe, and citrus notes were okay.
Light-plus body carried good acidity with rich melon and lemon flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, pear, a touch of ginger, lemon/lime, and a well integrated 13% alcohol.
I don't usually think of Sauvignon Blanc as elegant or sophisticated, but this Château Doisy-Daëne comes close. 

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Silver Palm 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Silver Palm 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.19-$19.99, 88 points, appeared a deep ruby trending a crushed black currant Bordeaux purple/red and a broad clear wine ring.
Good aromas, true to my experience of medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon red wines, of strawberry, red cherry, earth notes, and blueberry were pleasing.
Brightly acidic, a slight astringency and an unusual noticeably declining tannin with flavors reflective of the aromas, spearmint, and black currant were okay.
Finished fair on black pepper, menthol, and a well integrated 13.9% alcohol.
Varietals were 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.
This will be a versatile red wine, pairing similarly with Zinfandel: Barbecues, Mexican cuisine, stews, and even Italian tomato-based gastronomy as well as traditional steak and potato flagship American styled cooking, but keep in mind that we: "Drink what we like, not what we're told." remains the truism wine lovers hold dear. 


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Honig Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Honig Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.79-$39.99, 93+ points, is a stand-out Cabernet Sauvignon; with its perennially outstanding quality, I think this is the best of the four vintages I've tasted: It has a satiny texture, a lovely bouquet of clove, cedar, chocolate, mulling spices, black currant, and toasty red cherry, flavors which faithfully mirrored the bouquet, but added anise and a kiss of oak which trailed into the very long finish of mint, warm spices, a smoky plum note, and an appropriate 14.5% alcohol.
This is a big red wine, full-bodied with good acidity and layered, substantial, and yet comfortable tannins all wrapped in an inky purple/red package tied with a clear bow.
Varietals were 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.
Below are the other two vintages that I had previously reviewed. 
Honig Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.19-$35.99, 93 points
Honig Napa Valley 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.83-$35.99, 92+ points

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Quivira Dry Creek 2011 Zinfandel

Quivira Dry Creek 2011 Zinfandel, $16.99-$19.99, 88 points, poured a deep maroon trending rosewood-red toward the heavily draped glass wall and clear wine ring.
Profuse aromas of blueberry, wild blackberry, cedar, and a floral component were very good.
Medium-bodied with fair-plus acidity and easy, but supportive tannin carried flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished fair on the warm 14.2% alcohol and mild cayenne pepper.
Quivira Dry Creek 2011 Zinfandel paired well with my hot buffalo-wings, celery, and chunky blue cheese.



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Radio Boca Valencia 2011 Tempranillo Red Wine

Radio Boca Valencia 2011 Tempranillo Red Wine, $6.79-$13.99, 86 points, poured a bright pomegranate red with flashes of maroon and a clear wine ring.
Aromatic blueberry and strawberry with a whiff of the 13% alcohol were good.
Just over the threshold of a medium-bodied red wine Radio Tempranillo carried waves of grainy tannins with bright acidity.
Though the flavors were a bit thin, notes of tobacco, truffle, blueberry, strawberry, and barely a whisper of pomegranate were okay, especially for a less than $7 red wine.
Finished fair on tobacco and mild spice notes.

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