Wine 7-22-07

Fetzer Valley Oaks 2005 Merlot:

Here's what they say

You’ll first notice a rich, medium Ruby Red color in this Merlot,
with aromas of black cherry, cassis, red licorice, plum and a hint
of sage, balanced with notes from the oak aging, including vanilla,
toffee and toasty oak. The light to medium tannins provide some
heft for the wine, easing into a soft structure that offers a well
balanced wine that’s easy to drink. Surprisingly rich flavors of
cherry, vanilla and mocha combine with toasty oak. This is
one of our best vintages of the past few years.

Wine of the Week 5-27-07

Pacific Estates 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon. Here's what they say:

Regal aromas of cherry, berry and cassis, and classical varietal notes of
cedar and tobacco leaf are augmented by black pepper and mint. Full-bodied with
superb structure, it has intense fruit and cocoa flavors, and a lingering, silky
finish.

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2005. Here's what they say:

Soft and well structured mouth filling texture. Notes of dark plums
and spice, generously framed by toasty American Oak

Listen to this week's episode to find out what we thought.

Wine Review Rancho Zabaco 2002 Zinfandel

Here's the link to the Rancho Zabaco website for our week 13 wine review (http://ranchozabaco.com/home.html)

This 2002 Red Zinfandel is a nice inexpensive wine that will go well with or without your favorite dish. To hear our review please check out the week 13 show.

Wine Review for 4-29

This week's wine comes from Cline Cellars. Here's what they say about their 2005 Zinfandel:

As always the California Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years

Hopefully it gets better with age because, to be honest, even for the low price of $9.99 it wasn't that good. You'd be better off taking that $10 and spending it to see The Pathfinder, yeah its that bad. After tasting this wine, I really don't feel that bad for Jered being sick... at least he didn't have the ability to taste or smell the "complexity" of this wine.

Week 11 Wine Review

This week's wine, the Dancing Bull 2005 Zinfandel heres what they say:

The wine is immediately approachable with lots of ripe dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry complemented by bright red fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Spicy notes of black pepper and vanilla add layers which allow the fruits to be the star. With its bright, vibrant fruit flavors, soft mouthfeel and zesty personality, this wine can go with just about any dish. Always great with the spice of BBQ or grilled meats, Zinfandel is a perfect match for rich pasta sauces, pizza or Mexican influenced dishes. Open a bottle today and release the Bull!

Check out this week's podcast for our review...

Wine Review Week of 4-15-07

The first wine this week is Folie A Deux Winery's Ménage à Trois Red. Here's what they say:

Our 2005 Ménage à Trois exposes the fresh, ripe, jam like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Forward, silky and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or chicken.

This week's special guest David really liked the Ménage à Trois (yeah he did)

The second wine is Silver Peak Winery's 2001 Red Zinfandel (no website, sorry).

Listen to this week's podcast for our reviews on both of these wines.

Wine of the Week 4-8-07

Our in-studio wine for this week was the Spellbound 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15 at Vino 100) . Here's what they say on their website:

Our 2003 Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies lush textures and bold dark
fruit flavors with a slight hint of oak and spice. Cedar and tobacco aromas
compliment integrated lively tannins fill out your palate allowing the wine
to be consumed on its own or with your favorite food.

I thought it was a solid wine with a subtle taste and was not overpowering. Jered appreciated the fruity flavor and thought it was one of the best Cabernets he's ever had. Check out the latest episode for the full review.

Check out online at www.spellboundwines.com