Inspired by Value- 2012 Qupe Syrah Central Coast

Ok 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.

2012 Bodegas Breca Garnacha

2012 Bodegas Breca Garnacha $14, 14.5% abv 

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.

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. 

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.

1969 Inglenook Limited Cask Cask G-19

After 45 years the cork came out easily -- but in 2 pieces.

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.

An hour in, it lost its oomph. Procured from my dad's cellar.

Killer Spanish Value

2012 Garnacha Centanaria, Campo de Borja, Spain, 14% abv

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.

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.

A beautiful drink-it-now wine, pair it with anything you think goes well with red wine. For around $15, enjoy!!

A Cellar Selection

2005 Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa

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.

Great balance, great price, great pedigree. This is a great QPR value. I recall paying around $30, six or seven years ago.

Yes, Good Wine from a Can!

Underwood by Union Wine Company, Pinot Noir , Oregon, 375 ml

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.

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.

Purchased at K&L Wine for $5.99 .

2012 Vintage Strikes Again

2012 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - Verna's Vineyard

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.

This wine is ready to go now but could be aged for a few years. But why bother? I love this wine today.

Purchased at Carpinteria Wine Company for around $24. Support small business! Jane and her staff will be very helpful.