Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2011

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2011: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2011
Is this B-V Nouveau worth buying?...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2011, 12.5% alcohol about $15.

There were no marketing materials and the back label was silent so let’s quote the Duboeuf web site (only the non Villages offering was described). “For the nose, a veritable palette of bright floral aromas is interlaced among blackberries, wild strawberries and blueberries, with hints of black and red currants. Taste the Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 and revel in its full, smooth body with a fine, silky harmonious texture and exceptional richness.” And now for my review.

At the first sips these fermented grapes presented the taste of dark bubble gum. It was long. The initial meal featured slow cooked beef. This liquid’s acidity was raw. When paired with the accompanying potatoes our French friend’s bubble gum taste intensified. The other side dish was leeks sautéed in olive oil. In response the drink’s acidity was muted but I still noted some harshness. I doused the meat with Louisiana hot sauce and still got raw acidity.

This review of a Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2011 continues on my website.

An Abruzzi Italy Vino Novello 2011

An Abruzzi Italy Vino Novello 2011: An Abruzzi Italy Vino Novello 2011
Do you want to party with this Vino Novello?...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Tollo Novello Rosso Terre di Chieti Indicazione Geografica Protetta 2011, 12.5% alcohol about $9.

There were no marketing materials so let’s start by quoting the back label. “A wine that celebrates each year’s harvest and made with 75% Montepulciano and 25% Merlot. GIOCALE is young and fresh wine with a strawberry aroma. The taste is reminiscent of black cherry with a hint of ripe watermelon and a soft, sweet fruit finish. Do not age.” And now for my review.

At the first sips these fermented grapes were sweet and harsh. I tasted some plums. The initial meal featured slow cooked beef. The new liquid offered expressive but not excessive acidity and not a lot of fruit. When paired with the accompanying potatoes our Abruzzi friend’s acidity soured, dominating everything. The other side dish was leeks sautéed in olive oil. In response this wine mellowed and I got a burnt taste in the background. Then I doused the meat with Louisiana hot sauce. But the wine remained raw.

This review of An Abruzzi Italy Vino Novello 2011 continues on my website.

A Victoria Australia Shiraz

A Victoria Australia Shiraz: A Victoria Australia Shiraz
A real old-time wine maker...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Tahbilk Shiraz 2006, 14.0% alcohol about $15.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: With a deep garnet color, the 2006 Shiraz is a little funky / gamey to begin, with a core of ripe blackberries, earth, and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied with a medium to high level of fine tannins and medium to high acid, it is superbly balanced by concentrated fruit and gives a long spicy finish. Approachable now, this wine should be delicious to 2018+. Score – 92. (Lisa Perotti-Brown, MW, at the Robert Parker website, June 2010.) ” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was somewhat sweet. It was very long and round. And it packed a punch. The initial meal centered on kube, ground beef in ground bulgar jackets in a sour sauce brimming with kale. The Shiraz’s acidity increased. There was lots of dark fruit and the libation was very round. I added lots of Louisiana hot sauce. The wine was still long and dark but by no means improved. When paired with the side salad composed of broccoli shoots, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and red onions this drink remained long but became unbalanced, offering too much acidity.

This review of A Victoria Australia Shiraz continues on my website.

A Central Valley Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

A Central Valley Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon:
And it's Kosher too at this price...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Tierra Salvage Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, 13.5% alcohol about $10.

There were no marketing materials so let’s start by quoting the back label. “Origin: This wine is made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape produced under the excellent microclimatic conditions of the Lontué Valley. Tasting Characteristics: A young wine of ruby color and fruity aroma. Soft, well balanced body, easy to drink, intense. Recommended to accompany seasoned red and white meats. Best served at room temperature (18º C - 64º F).” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was very refreshing with nice acidity and dark cherries. The initial meal centered on kube, ground beef with ground bulgar jackets swimming in a sour sauce brimming with kale. The Cab was long and fruity, offering almost no tannins but a touch of chocolate. This wine had power. After I added lots of Louisiana hot sauce the wine soured and lost its edge. When paired with the side salad composed of broccoli shoots, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and red onions this drink became too sweet and also too acidic.

This review of A Central Valley Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon continue on my website.

A Tasmania, Australia Riesling

A Tasmania, Australia Riesling: A Tasmania, Australia Riesling
A cool little wine-making island south of the Australian mainland...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Tamar Ridge Devil’s Corner Riesling 2008 12.0% alcohol about $15

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : A lifted, exotic bouquet with lime and tropical fruit; the palate is generous and rich with an abundance of sweet fruit coming through on the finish. Drink [until] 2014. Score - 91. (James Halliday, on the Australian wine companion website, March 2009) And now for my review.
Tamar Ridge vineyards in moderate priced wine

At the first sips the wine had a touch of sweetness, tasting of lime, and presenting refreshing acidity. The initial pairing was with a cheeseless lasagna based on a moderately spicy salsa. This Riesling was palate cleansing with strong acidity, good length, and some sweetness. There was lime in the finish. The accompaniment was spinach pancakes with potatoes, oat bran, and garlic. And now the wine was sweeter but too acidic.

This review of A Tasmania, Australia Riesling continues on my website.

A Blended White Catalan Wine

A Blended White Catalan Wine:



OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Don Alfonso Cabernet Sauvignon (V) 2009 12.5% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : Pale straw yellow with a green tinge; floral with citrus aroma; light body, crisp acidity, medium length finish, good quality wine. Serving Suggestion : Serve with seafood or pasta dishes. And now for my review.
Rene Barbier vineyards in tasting cheap wine

At the first sips the wine was quite light tasting of unripe apples. Its acidity was somewhat harsh. The initial pairing was with a cheeseless lasagna based on a moderately spicy salsa. Now the wine’s acidity was more refreshing perhaps because it was dealing quite well with the dish’s light grease. It seemed that the apples were almost ripe. The accompaniment was pancakes made from spinach, potatoes, oat bran, and garlic. Now the apples were biting but ripe with good, crisp acidity

This review of A Blended White Catalan Wine continues on my website.

A Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

A Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Wine Reviewed
Ruffino Lodola Nuova Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 13.5% alcohol about $22

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : You can't beat the value of this wine: you simply won't find a better wine for the money. Juicy, round and ripe with aromas of black plums, black raspberry and vanilla smoke. Food matches: spicy black bean dishes, steak-and-cheese enchiladas. Score - 89. (Natalie MacLean, at her web site, June 6, 2009)And now for my review.

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider A Vino Nobile di Montepulciano of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

This review of A Vino Nobile di Montepulciano continues on my website.

A Mexican Petite Sirah

A Mexican Petite Sirah:

Wine Reviewed
L. A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2007 12.5% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : You can't beat the value of this wine: you simply won't find a better wine for the money. Juicy, round and ripe with aromas of black plums, black raspberry and vanilla smoke. Food matches: spicy black bean dishes, steak-and-cheese enchiladas. Score - 89. (Natalie MacLean, at her web site, June 6, 2009)And now for my review.
La Cetto vineyards in tasting cheap wine

At the first sips this wine’s acidity was harsh. It had a lot of power but was harsh. The first meal was a cheeseless lasagna made with a moderately spicy salsa. Now I felt I was actually tasting the wine. There were plums and light, pleasant tannins and chocolate. A liberal dousing of Louisiana cayenne pepper sauce thinned this Petite Sirah.

This review of A Mexican Petite Sirah continues on my website.

A Kosher Cotes du Rhone

A Kosher Cotes du Rhone:
Can they do a Kosher Cotes du Rhone at this price?...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Vignobles David Le Mourre de l’Isle 2009 Côtes de Rhône 14% alcohol about $12.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description : From his family-run winery, winemaker Frédérique David has been producing impressive wines since 1992. His wines show tremendous regional typicity, offering newcomers to Côtes du Rhône a wonderful opportunity to experience the region at an approachable price. Tasting Note : The kosher reds really shine. Vignobles David Le Mourre de l’Isle Côtes du Rhône KP 2009 shows affordable chocolate/black cherry elegance. Score – 89+. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Feb. 25, 2011)” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was fairly long with good acidity. I didn’t taste the tannins. The tomatoey chicken wings appetizer bought out the drink’s cherries and tobacco and rendered it round. Upon pairing with the barbecued chicken main dish the wine’s acidity stepped up. It was lightly metallic and I tasted some tobacco. With potato salad that contained pickles the liquid sweetened. Its acidity increased and I tasted tannins in the background.

This review of A Kosher Cotes du Rhone continues on my website.

A Well-Known Rhone Valley Red

A Well-Known Rhone Valley Red: A Well-Known Rhone Valley Red
Is this popular French red worth buying?...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
La Vieille Ferme 2010, 13.5% alcohol about $8.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Medium violet/ruby color; red cherry aromas with blackberry and floral notes; dry with perfumed raspberry character and a touch of spice; medium finish with light tannins. Serving Suggestion: Medium cheese, grilled chicken or roast turkey.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was rather short with pleasant acidity and light tannins. A tomatoey chicken wings appetizer lengthened the drink, which emerged nicely balanced. Upon pairing with the barbecued chicken main dish the AVC presented dark cherries and was pleasant but not powerful. With potato salad that contained pickles the liquid sweetened and thickened.

This review of a Rhone Valley Red continues on our website.

A Better Italian Soave

A Better Italian Soave:
A white wine from northeastern Italy?...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
La Cappuccina Soave DOC 2008 13% alcohol about $13

Let’s start with the marketing materials. Description: La Cappuccina estate was established over a hundred years ago by the Tessari clan. They still run it today. They are one of a small handful of Soave producers who have managed to take the Garganega grape to spectacular heights. Rich, opulent and ripe, this flavorful wine comes across almost New World in style with loads of tree and tropical fruit tones. A classy wine for a variety of moderately rich fish and poultry dishes. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur. And now for my review.
La Cappuccina Soave in moderate priced wine

The first sips were light with refreshing acidity. The Soave was fairly short and citrony. My initial meal involved a Middle Eastern specialty, kube also called kibbe, ground beef in crushed bulgur jackets cooked in a sauce with Swiss Chard. The wine’s acidity stepped up and there was some orange. It picked up in length. With a dessert of fruit juice candy the Soave was long but not very flavorful.

This review of A Better Italian Soave continues on my website.

A Native Sicilian Grillo

A Native Sicilian Grillo: -

Wine Reviewed
Feudo Arancio Grillo IGT 2008 13% alcohol about $10

Let’s start with the marketing materials. Tasting Note : Pale straw green color; aromas of wet stone, citrus and light herb; dry, light to medium body, with fresh acidity, clean citrus flavors and floral notes. Serving Suggestion : Enjoy with seafood, pasta with vegetables or white meats. And now for my review.

The first sips were somewhat sweet and citrusy. My initial meal involved a Middle Eastern specialty, kube also called kibbe, ground beef in crushed bulgur jackets cooked in a sauce with Swiss Chard. The wine’s acidity stepped up to match the dish’s acidity and the citrus remained. The wine was light. The dessert fruit juice candy weakened the Grillo but it remained pleasant.

This review of A Native Sicilian Grillo continues on my website.

Another Provence Bandol

Another Provence Bandol:

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol AOC 2006 14.5% alcohol about $22

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. 92 points Wine Spectator: "A powerful red, with intense red and dark fruit flavors, including fig, dark plum and raspberry. Formidable tannins and acidity support the finish, which is infused with notes of baker's chocolate and black olive. Best from 2011 through 2015." (12/09) In the early '70s Michel and Louis Bronzo acquired the property of the Bastide Blanche, with the goal of producing top Bandol wines to rival their more famous cousins in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Their painstaking efforts were rewarded in 1993 when vintage conditions created the benchmark year that put both Bandol and Domaine de la Bastide-Blanche on the map. The brothers Bronzo have several cuvees, depending on the vintage, however, they always use a minimum of 75% mourvedre. Yields are kept very low, and never exceed more than 34 or 35 hl/ha. And now for my review.

At the first sips I tasted tobacco. The wine was very round and dark with great balance. The first meal involved London Broil meat, potato patties, and green beans all slow cooked together. The taste of chocolate came to the fore. The Bandol was very powerful and almost chewy. The wine had great balance between its acidity and tannins. Take my advice, don’t drink this Bandol with a sole poached in fine herbs.

This review of a Provence Bandol continues on my website.

A Heart-Healthy (?) Madiran

A Heart-Healthy (?) Madiran:

Wine Reviewed
Chateau Peyros Magenta Madiran AOC 2006 13.8% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : A blend of the local Tannat and the worldly Cabernet Franc grapes, Château Peyros's Madiran is remarkably soft and round, considering Tannat's robust nature. Filled with sweet cherry, raspberry and plum, this dry, fruity, balanced wine is showing nicely right now. An elegant wine that deserves an elegant cut of grilled-rare beef or lamb. (VINTAGES panel, July 2009). And now for my review.
Tannat grapes in tasting cheap wine

At the first sips the wine was powerful with strong tannins. But the tannins were not unpleasant tannins, probably because of the wine’s acidity. The first meal involved London Broil meat, potato patties, and green beans all slow cooked together. The Madiran was plummy and grapey, and now the acidity was somewhat harsh and on the edge. With a canned corn, chickpea, pimento, and sliced palm heart salad the wine was thinner and the tannins were almost gone.

This review of A Heart-Healthy (?) Madiran continues on my website.

A Fizzy Italian Kosher Malvasia

A Fizzy Italian Kosher Malvasia:

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Borgo Reale Malvasia Indicazione Geografica Tipica 2008 6.5 % alcohol about $15.

There were no marketing materials so let’s start by quoting the back label. “Borgo Reale Malvasia is made up of carefully selected grapes grown in the Apulia region of southern Italy. This light red fizzy aromatic wine shows pleasant notes of strawberry, raspberry, and hints of ripe cherry. Thanks to its crisp acidity, soft mouth, and red fruit lingering aftertaste, it is the perfect wine served as an aperitif, with cheeses and light entries. Best served chilled.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine seemed to be a sweet soda pop. My initial meal centered on a spicy homemade roasted chicken leg. Now the liquid’s acidity perked up. It was pleasant and fruity. When it encountered the side dish of leeks sautéed in olive oil its acidity crawled back into the shell. I asked myself, “Is this wine?” In the face of fruit juice candy there was no pretense of wine. It would be a kiddie’s drink except for the 6.5% alcohol. I repeat, do not serve this liquid to children.

This review of A Fizzy Italian Kosher Malvasia continues on my website.

An Apulia, Italy Primitivo

An Apulia, Italy Primitivo:

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Ogio Puglia Indicazione Geografica Tipica Primitivo 2010 13 % alcohol about $9.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Medium ruby color; aromas of earth, ripe black cherry, licorice and spice; dry, medium-bodied, black fruit and spice flavors with soft tannins. Serving Suggestion: Serve with pasta and meat sauce.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was dark and oaky. It tasted of black cherries and offered good balance. My initial meal centered on a spicy homemade roasted chicken leg. Zinnie’s cousin was long and fruity, and I tasted some smoke. When this wine encountered the side dish of leeks sautéed in olive oil its acidity became harsher, but it remained round. In the face of fruit juice candy for dessert this libation retained its oaken character.

This review of An Apulia, Italy Primitivo continues on my website.

An Israeli Chardonnay

An Israeli Chardonnay:

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed Chardonnay 2007 KP (Ella Valley Vineyards) 14% alcohol about $20

There were no marketing materials so let me quote in part Daniel Rogov, arguably the premier Israeli wine critic. “…showing a gentle hand with the wood, with the nose and palate opening with hints of honey, flaky pastry and minerals, and goes on to show yellow plum and citrus blossoms. Well structured, long, and elegant…” And now for my review.
Ella Valley Vineyards in Israeli wine

At the first sips the Chardonnay was lightly acidic with tangerines. In fact it had lovely acidity. The initial meal centered around a commercial chicken schnitzel. The wine was feathery with fine oak that was a little overdone. When I added some Louisiana cayenne pepper sauce the wine didn’t change much but the oak got worse. The side was boxed zucchini pancakes made with onions and carrots. The wine was applely and now the oak was better under control. With fresh pineapple the oak predominated.

This review of An Israeli Chardonnay continues on my website.

An Argentine Chardonnay

An Argentine Chardonnay:
Chardonnay raised in the hills of the Argentine...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Cristobal 1492 Chardonnay 2009 13% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Our panel was extremely impressed with the quality of this humbly priced Chardonnay. It shows pretty aromas of apple, Bosc pear and nectarines. It's dry with a creamy texture and delicate orchard fruit flavours along with a hint of cinnamon. There's a lovely seam of acidity keeping it all in good balance. This wine is the very definition of affordable elegance. (VINTAGES panel, June 2009) And now for my review.


At the first sips the Chardonnay showed sweetness and nice acidity with apples. It had good length. The initial meal was a commercial chicken schnitzel and the wine responded with good acidity and an appley taste. I added some Louisiana cayenne pepper sauce but the wine didn’t really deal with it. The side dish was boxed zucchini pancakes made with onions and carrots. I tasted apples and pears. The wine did a good job of handling the pancakes’ grease but was short. Fresh pineapple brought out the oak in the wine.

This review of An Argentine Chardonnay continues on my website.

A Swiss Chasselas

A Swiss Chasselas:

Wine Reviewed
Dubaril Chasselas Romand 2008 12.4% alcohol about $15

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. The Chasselas grape's history is shrouded in mystery. Some experts claim its origins trace back to Egypt; others say it hails from the village of Chasselas in eastern France; while still others maintain it is native to Switzerland, where it is also known as Fendant. Whatever the case, today's Swiss examples set the benchmark for this intriguing varietal. And now for my review.
Uvavins vineyards in moderate priced wine

At the first sips this Chasselas had pleasant acidity but not much fruit. My first meal started with broccoli pancakes that included potatoes, onion, and oat bran. The wine’s acidity picked up. It tasted of apples and was oily, a quality that I like. With a commercial chicken finger type preparation the wine became more subtle. It did not have a problem dealing with Louisiana pepper sauce.

This review of A Swiss Chasselas continues on my website.

An Australian Pinot Grigio

An Australian Pinot Grigio:
Pinot Grigio by a real mass production winery ...


OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio 2009 11.9% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : Pale straw color; aromas of stone fruit, citrus and pear; dry, medium bodied, with crisp acidity, and delicate flavors of fresh apple, herb and nut. Serving

The bottle cap was an accident waiting to happen. After cutting it open, I had to flatten the sharp edges. At the first sips this Pinot Grigio had pleasant acidity. The pear taste hit me but it was fairly short. My first meal started with broccoli pancakes that included potatoes, onion, and oat bran. The wine provided a combination of pears and green apples. With a commercial chicken finger type preparation the apples became greener. The Louisiana pepper sauce increased the wine’s acidity.

This review of An Australian Pinot Grigio continues on my website.

A Southern Australia Red Blend

A Southern Australia Red Blend: Wine Reviewed
D’Arenberg D’Arry’s Original 2004 13.0% alcohol about $15

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description : A perennial favorite of Robert Parker Jr., the 2004 earned a 91 (his web site, Oct. 2006). This Grenache/Shiraz blend displays aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cinnamon, roses, and menthol with coffee and caramel in the background. The wine lands softly on the palate, and finishes long and smooth. And now for my review.
D'Arenberg vineyards in moderate priced wine

There was a bottle cap problem; I needed a wrench to twist open the cap after cutting it. At the first sips this wine showed harsh acidity. So it tried it without food on the following day to see if this near defect would go away. It did, and I tasted caramel and dark plums. My first meal was a boxed vegetarian lasagna containing ricotta and mozzarella cheese. I slathered it with grated parmesan cheese. At first I noted a harshness in the wine’s acidity. As the meal went on, the harshness predominated. This was really too bad because the blend displayed lots of good fruit, oak, and caramel.

This review of A Southern Australia Red Blend continues on my website.

A Southeastern Australia Kosher Red Blend

A Southeastern Australia Kosher Red Blend: A Southeastern Australia Kosher Red Blend
Let's blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and keep it kosher...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Altoona Hills Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 13.5% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description : Good concentration of blackberry, plum, new leather, toasty oak and cassis. Dry and fruity with good body and weight. A great choice for your very best gourmet hamburgers or grilled steak. Tasting Note : Medium ruby red color; aromas of cooked blackberries, plum and spice, dry, full-bodied, rich, with flavors of plum, spice and red berries. And now for my review.
Shiraz grapes in tasting cheap wine

At the first sips this red blend showed great balance between acidity and fruit, mostly plums. It had fine oak. My first meal was a boxed vegetarian lasagna containing ricotta and mozzarella cheese. I slathered it with grated parmesan cheese and found that the wine gained intensity.

This review of an Australian Chardonnay continues on my website.

An Upscale Napa Valley Chardonnay

An Upscale Napa Valley Chardonnay: An Upscale Napa Valley Chardonnay

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Beringer Sbragia Limited-Release Chardonnay 2007 15.1% alcohol about $55

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : Ultrarich and full-bodied, with deep, ripe pear, apple, and spicy hazelnut notes that turn smooth and creamy, gaining depth and focus on the finish. Drink now through 2012. Score – 92 (James Laube at the winespectator website, June 30, 2009). And now for my review.
Beringer vineyards in tasting expensive wines

At the first sips this wine was very subtle and multi-layered with burnt oak. A little went a long, long way. The first meal was a honey and garlic barbecued chicken breast. This Chardonnay tasted of toast. It had light acidity and was very mellow. When accompanying potatoes roasted in chicken fat, the Chardonnay gained strength. It had lots of oak but was by no means oak juice. Actually, as the meal went on I started to resent the wine’s oak. The other side dish was Moroccan style carrots with cumin and sliced green olives. The wine had pleasant acidity but too much oak. With dessert, fresh pineapple slices, the oak was somewhat muted but frankly, there wasn’t much else.

This review of An Upscale Napa Valley Chardonnay continues on my website.

An Abruzzi, Italy Chardonnay

An Abruzzi, Italy Chardonnay:

Wine Reviewed
Spinelli Chardonnay Terre di Chieti IGT 2008 11.5% alcohol about $7

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : Light lemon color; dry and light bodied with peach pear fruit and very crisp acidity. Serving Suggestion : Antipasto, shellfish, light seafood. And now for my review.

At the first sips the wine was dominated by somewhat harsh acidity and tasted of green (unripe) apples. The first meal was a honey and garlic barbecued chicken breast. The Chardonnay became rounder and now its acidity was not unpleasant. When it accompanied potatoes roasted in chicken fat, the wine was shorter as it washed down the delicious fat. The other side dish was Moroccan style carrots with cumin and sliced green olives. Unfortunately the wine virtually lost its flavor. With dessert, fresh pineapple slices, the Chardonnay bounced back with strong, refreshing acidity.

This review of an Abruzzi, Italy Chardonnay continues on my website.

A Tempranillo From Penedes Spain

A Tempranillo From Penedes Spain:

Wine Reviewed
Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2008 13.5 % alcohol about $13.

In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “Coronas has been and continues to be a silent testimony to our history. A wine that my family decided to make more than 100 years ago, combining the varieties of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today its quality is recognized in more than 120 countries across the world. Unmistakable for its intense colour, and lush aromas of cherry and black plums on a background of green coffee. It is aged in oak barrels to achieve a soft, rounded sensation on the palate with a big finish. Serving Suggestion: Ideal with red meats, creamy cheeses and traditional paellas. Serve at 17-18º C (about 62.5-64.5º F) .” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was dark and full bodied, tasting of dark cherries. Japanese rice crackers slightly weakened it but it rebounded when I gnawed on a Wasabi pea. My initial meal centered on slow cooked beef ribs. In response the wine’s oak came forward. I am not a fan of oak, but this time I was pleased. When paired with the side dish of okra in a tomato and garlic sauce the wine was thinner presenting somewhat harsh acidity and the taste of dark cherries. I doused the meat with Louisiana hot sauce and the libation responded with dark cherries and good balance. The fruit juice candy dessert partially muted the wine but it was still fairly powerful.

This review of A Tempranillo From Penedes Spain

A Tempranillo From Northwestern Spain

A Tempranillo From Northwestern Spain:

Wine Reviewed
Penescal Tempranillo 2008 13 % alcohol about $9.50.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Light ruby red color; sour cherry notes on the palate, sour cherry fruit with hints of vanilla and spice, well-balanced with good length. Serving Suggestion: Serve with lamb, stew or sausages.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine offered a pleasant balance of light oak and acidity accompanied by a touch of tannins and dark cherries. When I nibbled on Japanese rice crackers the taste of chocolate joined the mix but the lonesome Wasabi pea had no effect. My initial meal centered on slow cooked beef ribs. In response I got tobacco, a taste that I enjoy in wine even if I am not now and never have been a smoker. This Tempranillo was hearty and tasted of dark chocolate. When paired with the side dish of okra in a tomato and garlic sauce the wine was thin but long. I doused the meat with Louisiana hot sauce and the libation picked up some of the sauce’s fire. The fruit juice candy dessert brought black plums to the fore.

This review of a Spanish Tempranillo continues on my website.

A South African Unoaked Chardonnay

A South African Unoaked Chardonnay: A South African Unoaked Chardonnay
A kosher Chardonnay? ...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Backsberg Chardonnay 2009 13.5% alcohol about $13

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description: Backsberg Estate has been producing fine wines since 1916. This unoaked Chardonnay is fresh and lively with lots of peach and melon fruit flavors leading to a long, creamy, soft finish. Enjoy alongside roast chicken with cinnamon, apricots, and apples; or pair it with salmon croquettes. And now for my review.


At the first sips this wine was elegant, almost ethereal, and slightly carbonated. The first meal was a quite dry honey and garlic barbecued chicken breast. In response the wine’s acidity stepped up. There were light fruits and later some honey. A moister barbecued chicken wing sharpened the Chardonnay’s acidity and I tasted white peaches. When it accompanied potatoes roasted in chicken fat, the wine showed delicious acidity and I tasted honey and lemon. In the presence of Moroccan style carrots with cumin and sliced green olives the wine may have been elegant but its fruit was cut short. Its pairing with fruit juice candy was fairly nondescript, but the Chardonnay maintained its acidity.

This review of a South African Chardonnay continues on my website.

A Chilean (Rapel Valley) Chardonnay

A Chilean (Rapel Valley) Chardonnay: A Chilean (Rapel Valley) Chardonnay


OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Santa Carolina Chardonnay 2009 13.0% alcohol about $7

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Light lemon color; Vanilla, slightly tropical aromas and flavors with subdued apple notes: Dry, medium-bodied, with well balanced acidity and a tangy lemon finish. Serving Suggestion: Light seafood; pasta salads, southern fried chicken; veal. And now for my review.

I want to mention after several problems I was happy to deal with a twist off cap that easily twists off. At the first sips I noted pleasant acidity with the taste of apples and lemons. The Chardonnay was ever so slightly sweet. The first meal was a quite dry honey and garlic barbecued chicken breast. In response the wine’s acidity intensified and was not totally pleasant. A moister barbecued chicken wing rendered the Chardonnay round and mellow. When it accompanied potatoes roasted in chicken fat, the wine’s acidity once again became enjoyable. In the presence of Moroccan style carrots with cumin and sliced green olives the wine weakened. Its pairing with fruit juice candy was not a marriage made in heaven; the Chardonnay was almost gutted but there was some fruit.

This review of a Chilean Chardonnay continues on my website.

Tishbi Estate Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon

Tishbi Estate Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon:

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed Tishbi Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 13.6% alcohol about $20

Because there were no marketing materials (no I didn’t lose them, I bought this wine a month ago) I’ll quote the back label. The grapes for this wine were hand-picked. The wine was produced from the free-run juice of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc grapes. It was aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. A balanced blend of elegant flavors of plums, raspberry, cassis, and black forest berries together with gentle hints of mocha, vanilla, and honey derived from the barrel aging. It has a velvety texture and sweet finish. Deep and intense in color. The wine was neither filtered nor clarified. Good for drinking now or further aging in a dark, cool place. And now for my review.
Tishbi Estate Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon

At the first sips I was really pleased with the great combination of fruits, light tannins, and acidity. The first meal was a slow-cooked London Broil with potatoes and chick peas. The wine became a bit more acidic generating tobacco and plums. A little sip went a long, long way and stayed around for quite a while. I have been tasting some expensive wines recently and rarely get this much power. The chick peas didn’t change things for this wine; it rolled right over them. When accompanying the potatoes the tobacco intensified; this wine has it. With the final component a tomato, onion, green pepper, and lime salsa the predominant taste was chocolate.

This review of an Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my website.

A Semi-Sweet Cabernet Sauvignon

A Semi-Sweet Cabernet Sauvignon: Wine Reviewed
Baron Herzog Jeunesse 2008 12.0% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description: A vibrant purple color leads to a pretty nose of plum, prune, spice cake and black cherry. Dry, round and ripe, this ready-to-drink number is an ideal candidate for many of the meats and vegetables off the barbecue. And now for my review.

The label said semi-dry. The marketing materials claimed it was a dry wine. At the first sips the wine was quite sweet with good body and length. It had slight acidity. The initial meal was a slow-cooked London Broil with potatoes and chick peas. The wine’s sweetness remained. It was round and fairly powerful, but you have to like the sweetness. The potatoes added an element of sour to the wine while the chick peas added an element of tobacco. The meal’s final component a tomato, onion, green pepper, and lime salsa muted the wine and its sweetness became unpleasant.

This review of A Semi-Sweet Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my website.