tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42695462885747242542024-03-13T21:50:08.820-07:00In Pursuit of Good WineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-16464334613506416272015-10-18T19:44:00.001-07:002015-10-18T19:44:03.501-07:00Inspired by Value- 2012 Qupe Syrah Central CoastOk it's been awhile, but this one inspired me to share after my third purchased bottle. Syrah isn't always my go to varietal, but the combination of a well known producer and a great price caught my eye. This is a balanced cool climate Syrah and ready to drink now. It's not a fruit bomb in style, but it is fruit forward with enough spice and acidity to pair well with a hearty burger or steak. I purchased this at Vons and with a 6 bottle discount the price was $12.99, killer deal.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a1PnTLkk3F0/ViRY8o6OAoI/AAAAAAAAAWE/v9dMtvQnWUU/s640/blogger-image-503536127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a1PnTLkk3F0/ViRY8o6OAoI/AAAAAAAAAWE/v9dMtvQnWUU/s640/blogger-image-503536127.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-4012986970217413312015-04-03T18:29:00.001-07:002015-04-03T19:48:13.639-07:002012 Bodegas Breca Garnacha<span data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2012 Bodegas Breca Garnacha $14, 14.5% abv </span><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This wine greets you with a deep almost inky red color. Breca is 100% Old Vine Garnacha from the Calatayud appellation in Spain. The nose is earthy with cherries, strawberry and smoke or tar.</span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The flavor profile is big and bold exhibiting those same cherries on the palate. There is plenty of fruit that is balanced by earthiness and mild tannins. </span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is a drink now value wine, though it could be cellared for a few years with no problem. Purchased at Topline Wines in Glendale and also currently available at K&L Wines.</span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mGJV6fr7V7Q/VR9Q6yKuXMI/AAAAAAAAARw/2i6iAPBIPSY/s640/blogger-image-510925449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mGJV6fr7V7Q/VR9Q6yKuXMI/AAAAAAAAARw/2i6iAPBIPSY/s640/blogger-image-510925449.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-7513689594710890002015-04-03T18:25:00.001-07:002015-04-03T18:26:22.819-07:001969 Inglenook Limited Cask Cask G-19<div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After 45 years the cork came out easily -- but in 2 pieces.</span></div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Initially the nose is a bit muted and typical of its age. Color is medium ++, still a beautiful California Cab color with rusty colors along the edge. A remarkably flavorful wine that walks the edge between old and new worlds. No strong vinegar aroma or flavor. There is a pleasing dry finish with some acidity. Remarkably solid given its age.</span></div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">An hour in, it lost its oomph. Procured from my dad's cellar.</span></div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div data-mce-style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nD1HxAXlUMQ/VR89jwdZ1kI/AAAAAAAAARg/t750J_pzDpE/s640/blogger-image-317750510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nD1HxAXlUMQ/VR89jwdZ1kI/AAAAAAAAARg/t750J_pzDpE/s640/blogger-image-317750510.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-51126926685066930352014-08-28T19:10:00.001-07:002014-08-28T19:10:08.503-07:00Killer Spanish Value<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2012 Garnacha Centanaria, Campo de Borja, Spain, 14% abv<br><br>This wine is a great value. It's 100% Grenache and sees only 3 months in French and American oak. The result is a modern styled wine with concentrated berry fruit, with hints of tobacco and leather to give it an earthy quality.<br><br>My reviews here don't assign scores to a particular wine. However, my regular tasting group rated the 2012 vintage of this wine 4 points higher than the 2011 vintage.<br><br>A beautiful drink-it-now wine, pair it with anything you think goes well with red wine. For around $15, enjoy!!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fpQFmDDzU-A/U__g_QqHOxI/AAAAAAAAALs/gbfLAx1VjxI/s640/blogger-image-1414009533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fpQFmDDzU-A/U__g_QqHOxI/AAAAAAAAALs/gbfLAx1VjxI/s640/blogger-image-1414009533.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-61854755985681346492014-08-18T19:15:00.001-07:002014-08-18T19:15:09.594-07:00A Cellar Selection<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2005 Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa<br><br>This wine reminds me of Old Napa: an earthy nose, expressive flavors of black cherry and cassis with tannins that are still gripping but mellowed over time. I purchased several bottles and the oak has integrated into this wine nicely over the past few years.<br><br>Great balance, great price, great pedigree. This is a great QPR value. I recall paying around $30, six or seven years ago.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M1kjTBCWBiM/U_KzKr-0AKI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ggVkUkiTslw/s640/blogger-image--282137494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M1kjTBCWBiM/U_KzKr-0AKI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ggVkUkiTslw/s640/blogger-image--282137494.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-60091586643338283022014-08-17T20:11:00.001-07:002014-08-17T20:11:28.380-07:00Yes, Good Wine from a Can!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Underwood by Union Wine Company, Pinot Noir , Oregon, 375 ml<br><br>Good wine does come in a can! This pleasant wine displays a muted nose, young and restrained raspberry/ strawberry fruit with acidity and no rough edges. The vintage is not listed but it must be 2013. There is no flavor interference from the can.<br><br>Use your imagination, it could be consumed from the can. But it's wine so I tasted in a glass. It's a great choice for a tailgate, picnic, the beach, or hike. In my humble opinion, the can should replace the 375ml half bottle.<br><br>Purchased at K&L Wine for $5.99 .</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q676t-KgAz4/U_Fu3QoNSDI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1muMvpEQHXY/s640/blogger-image-1013246216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q676t-KgAz4/U_Fu3QoNSDI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1muMvpEQHXY/s640/blogger-image-1013246216.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-26383818647016102212014-08-13T20:54:00.001-07:002014-08-13T20:54:14.811-07:002012 Vintage Strikes Again<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2012 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - Verna's Vineyard<br><br>Lighter in color, this wine offers balanced fruit with some acidity. On the nose there is aroma of red berry fruit, roses and sandal wood. Pair it with lighter roasted dishes, grilled chicken, mild chicken sausage or vegetarian fare.<br><br>This wine is ready to go now but could be aged for a few years. But why bother? I love this wine today.<br><br>Purchased at Carpinteria Wine Company for around $24. Support small business! Jane and her staff will be very helpful.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EYzUOEF112Y/U-wy5FCYcqI/AAAAAAAAAKk/_QZ65I1bnSo/s640/blogger-image-1366307120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EYzUOEF112Y/U-wy5FCYcqI/AAAAAAAAAKk/_QZ65I1bnSo/s640/blogger-image-1366307120.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-7476418438473749992014-08-12T21:04:00.001-07:002014-08-12T21:04:54.833-07:00Summer Wine Recommendations<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is a lot of summer left and last month I had a unique opportunity to make a small contribution with Jon Jilg to a well known Los Angeles publication, Park La Brea News/Beverly Press. In the 2014 Dining Guide, we reviewed and recommended affordable summer wines from California.<br><br>We visited LA's famous Farmers Market and a couple of local wine shops to acquire our recommendations. I can't say more than you need to visit the website. The 2014 Dining guide can be viewed at</span><div><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com/" target="_blank">www.parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com</a><br></span></font><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-62576204397958454772014-08-01T13:54:00.001-07:002014-08-01T13:54:40.879-07:00Central Coast Bargain<blockquote type="cite"><div class="msg-quote"><div class="_stretch"><span data-mce-style="white-space: pre-wrap;" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2013 Bishops Peak Chardonnay, SLO County <br><br>Produced by Talley Vineyards from various vineyard locations in San Luis Obispo County, this wine is lighter in color with a nice aroma of tropical fruit, apple and citrus. The flavor profile is crisp, with citrus zest flavors and a pleasant balance of youthful acidity with a touch of oak. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc you will enjoy this wine.<br><br>Light enough to begin a meal or serve with light seafood or chicken dishes.<br><br>This is a great buy at $14.00</span></div><div class="_stretch"><span data-mce-style="white-space: pre-wrap;" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="_stretch"><span data-mce-style="white-space: pre-wrap;" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cy55rpWZwq4/U9v-ju4bByI/AAAAAAAAAKI/0u4enlbW0lM/s640/blogger-image-1219286709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cy55rpWZwq4/U9v-ju4bByI/AAAAAAAAAKI/0u4enlbW0lM/s640/blogger-image-1219286709.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div></div></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-40579212939161049812014-08-01T13:43:00.001-07:002014-08-01T13:43:42.574-07:00Summer Refreshment<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2013 Lucy, Rose of Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands <br><br>This wine is produced by the Pisoni Family. A dollar from each bottle sold is donated to Breast Cancer Research. There is a touching back story at <a href="http://www.lucywines.com/">www.lucywines.com</a>.<br><br>This is medium to dark in color for a Rose wine. For me the taste profile is between a young, light pinot noir and a dry rose. Bright flavors of raspberry, other red fruit and a bit of lime. <br><br>Great warm weather wine, enjoy with chicken salads, or any dish with mild spice.<br><br>Don't overthink it just drink it. Purchased at K&L wine at $17.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LYgmJcFXBao/U9v7_KwRi7I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/5Ic7vQQt-TY/s640/blogger-image-1479664654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LYgmJcFXBao/U9v7_KwRi7I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/5Ic7vQQt-TY/s640/blogger-image-1479664654.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-54555282652935289642014-08-01T13:35:00.001-07:002014-08-01T13:35:39.470-07:00Worthy of a Special Occasion<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2012 Melville, Pinot Noir Estate, Santa Rita Hills<br><br>Having visited this winery at least a dozen times in the past, I had to try the latest release of this wine. During one of the visits we were able to tour the barrel room behind the tasting room. It was there I was able to see the dedication and pride they put into their wines.<br><br>The 2012 Estate Pinot Noir is medium in color and very expressive in aroma and flavor. The palate is full of red fruits and spices. This wine is still young but very drinkable now. I have 2 more bottles that I will open over the 2014 holidays.<br><br>This wine should be readily available now in the $30 price range. The wine critic ratings are just being published and will likely cause this to sell out quickly.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KxImwN430p0/U9v6GR0ADvI/AAAAAAAAAJw/5Mhdl5UljdM/s640/blogger-image--1349037429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KxImwN430p0/U9v6GR0ADvI/AAAAAAAAAJw/5Mhdl5UljdM/s640/blogger-image--1349037429.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-38735801937051725472014-07-16T19:02:00.001-07:002014-07-16T19:02:10.163-07:00Value Alert- Another winner from Spain<div>2012 Borsoa "Tres Picos" Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Borsoa, Spain </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The current vintage of this Spanish Grenache is great. I want to thank my golfing buddy Dave Lunan for reminding me about this wine. Dave loves to find a great value wines and many times his choices come from outside the United States.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The 2012 Borsoa has aromas of flowers, berries and smoke/tobacco.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The color is dark, the fruit is upfront. There is some heat but it's all balanced in my humble opinion. This is not a wimpy red wine enjoy it with BBQ, grilled meats or even a savory meaty flatbread or pizza.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Buy at $14.00 !!!!! It should readily available at many wine shops. I purchased mine at K&L in Hollywood. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JLyMdqNEvLw/U8cun_XN5XI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/L6mWAOCEg9E/s640/blogger-image-1851709248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JLyMdqNEvLw/U8cun_XN5XI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/L6mWAOCEg9E/s640/blogger-image-1851709248.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269546288574724254.post-83850908644360561562014-07-04T13:07:00.001-07:002014-07-04T13:07:08.106-07:00Debut Post- The Launching Pad<div>In my debut post I would like to thank all my wine drinking friends for sharing your enthusiasm, encouragement <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and good wine over the past decade. You know who you are! My goal is to find and share good value wines at all price points.</span></div><div><br></div><div><b>2012 Carlisle Zinfandel, Sonoma County, $25.00</b></div><div>This is still a young wine with great balance of fruit acid and mild tannins at initial uncorking. This is not an overly ripe fruit bomb. I hope I will be patient enough to wait another year or two and try another bottle.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 2- after being gassed and refrigerated the youthful fruit and acid are still present. Great wine for a around $25.00, buy it now it will go fast. I purchased mine at K&L Wines and The Wine House.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IcemVoS8Mdc/U7cJacCpEEI/AAAAAAAAAIE/oZYS-9Sh-os/s640/blogger-image--1283350165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IcemVoS8Mdc/U7cJacCpEEI/AAAAAAAAAIE/oZYS-9Sh-os/s640/blogger-image--1283350165.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666428760939965866noreply@blogger.com1