Rosenthal

Petit Verdot
Malibu Newton Canyon, CA
2008

This wine is a deep, rich purple color - almost opaque with its darkness. It smells of oak and violets, with such bold, unique flavors this is one for your palette.  This grape is typically used in Bourdeaux blends, so it might be hard to find a varietal wine on its own.  In fact, this was Rosenthal's first 100% Petit Verdot bottling - usually it goes into their other blends.  But we think it's a hit!

Colin:  Like the drawn out attack from a bow to the striven of a violin, this wine initially hits your tongue tasteless and draws a light, airy finish. That rebounds with similar bold flavors to a Cabernet.

Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses - due to its uniqueness.

Rachel: I feel the opposite of Colin. I feel that this wine initially has a rich, earthy flavor. It delicately places the floral notes on your palette during a long finish. It's definitely a very unique wine, and it's unfortunate that this is usually used in varietal blends - because I'm very interested to try more Petit Verdot. I don't think the tones of this wine will match a white lover's palette, which is the only reason I lowered my rating - but a hit if you love reds!
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Aerate: No, definitely not.  It's better to serve a little warmed (55F is the best temperature for this wine), not room temperature, but some of the flavors get crushed when you serve it chilled.

Where can I find it? We got it as a wedding gift from Colin's brother.  You can get it directly from the Rosental Winery website.  It's $32.00 without the wine club price, but it is well worth the price.

Bear Boat

Sauvignon Blanc
Alexander Valley, CA
2008

The bottle boasts richness and body, with aromas of rip citrus and honeydew melon - with just some hints of vanilla.  The bottle also recommends that this wine would be good with chicken, salmon, or a seafood dish.  Though, we had it on it's own, and thought that it was great by itself.

Colin:  I enjoy this wine - I think it is well balanced for a white.  It has the thickness of a red, but the sweetness of a white and would be great with a light meal, appetizer, cheese or fruit.  I think it is too bold of a white to pair well with a meal, since it has a lot of it's own flavors for the palette.

Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  The initial taste and smell makes this wine seem too sweet.  Upon second taste, you get the full experience.  The sweet citrus, the hints of melon, and all the great flavors hit your palette.  It is a very drinkable wine, and it goes down entirely too fast - as I found out last night.  I honestly couldn't stop drinking it.  Not recommended if you need to drive somewhere!
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Aerate: No

Where can I find it?  We got this at Trader Joe's for $4.99 - quite a steal if you ask us!  If you cannot find this in your area, you can actually e-mail Bear Boat Wines directly, find their information on their site here:  Bear Boat.  They also have plenty of other varietals, but we cannot attest to their taste.

Hillgate

Zinfandel
Lake County, California
2009

Hillgate boasts having majestic hillside vineyard - where the untamed wilderness lies just beyond the gates . This wine is a dark, purpley-red wine.  It smells beautiful, full of rich fruits and light floral tones.

Colin:  This wine requires a meal. It has a full body, it is very warm.  The oaky flavor is quite distinct.  It lingers into the finish. A good table wine that all can enjoy.

Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  The initial taste is very sharp and pungent, which is the only reason I don't rate this wine higher.  It has a fantastic finish that lingers in your mouth long after you stopped drinking.  It's a light finish, full of fruit flavor.

Rating:  6.5 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  No

Where can I find it?  Trader Joe's - $6.99

Ecco Domani

Pinot Grigio
Italy
2009

The bottle boasts floral and tropical fruit aromas with a crisp, refreshing taste.  And its not too far off.  This is a decently cheap wine, found at most grocery stores in Los Angeles - and it pairs amazingly well with sushi.

Colin:  I would say that this is my favorite Grigio.  I love it with sushi and fish, as it is the perfect companion.  Most whites have a bad finish for me, and this one doesn't.  I enjoy its lingering fruity, buttery taste in my mouth.

Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses (when compared to other Grigios)

Rachel:  It has a somewhat sour, fruit smell, but don't let that fool you - the flavors are incredible.  It has a slightly buttery taste of a Chardonnay, while still retaining the crisp and sharp taste of a Grigio.  I think this is why this remains one of my favorite Grigios that I've had to date.  Definitely has pear and floral notes, I think this is good for any wine drinker - red or white lovers.

Rating:  9 out of 10 glasses

Aerate: No

Cost:  This ranges in stores from $6.99 - $9.99, but it's almost always under $10.

Where can I find it?  Ecco Domani's website has a nice wine finder on it (they will tell you if a retailer sells it near you!)  Which is absolutely fantastic.

Chateau de Bonhoste

The cake is not a lie

Bourdeux Blanc
France
2009

Before the review, a note.  We'd like to thank all of our readers - we have had so much fun doing this blog and writing reviews.  On July 23rd, we got married!  We had some lovely wine at our wedding, drank a lot of beer, spent an amazing day with our families, and it was perfect as we saw it.  Because of the wedding, we had no time to review.  But back to the usual schedule now!  Oh, one more thing - we also had a super nerdy cake, as can be seen in the photo of us cutting it to the right.  For those of you that like Portal, feast your eyes, the cake isn't a lie.  For those of you that have no idea what Portal is, please continue to our normal wine review below:

The Chateau de Bonhoste is owned and bottled by T. Edward Wines.  It is a mixture of three grapes:  Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.  This gives it a unique flavor, that left both of these reviewers wanting more.   

Colin:  This is an unexpected white, it had the butteriness of a Chardonnay but the fruitiness of a Grigio. It flips on the finish and becomes a little acidic. It is different, which is probably why I like it.  This wine goes well with cheese.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This is a very tangy, fruity wine with just a hint of buttery flavor. I recommend this for someone that loves whites and likes the crispness of a Pinot Grigio. It gets smoother on the palette with more sips. Serve chilled, and this is probably best during these warm, summer nights.

Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  No - we both agree, aeration takes the fruitiness of this wine away.

Cost:  This was a gift from Rachel's sister.  She gave it to us as a Rehearsal Dinner gift the night before our wedding.  But, we also found it online at Astor Wines for $11.96 a bottle.  It was a great bottle - she chose well!

Castillo di Amorosa

Fantasia
Napa Valley, California
2010

An Italian style soft sparkling wine and lower in alcohol.  It should be served chilled, it can go well with light meals and dessert - but it's probably at it's best as a dessert wine.  The light carbonation of the wine makes it very refreshing and great on hot, summer days.

Colin:  Tasting the wine alone did nothing for me.  However, paired with a sweet dessert, it was a good combination of sweet and tart fruit.  The sparkling aspect is nice, but I could not imagine having this wine with anything but a pleasant dessert.
Rating:  6 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  I love the sparkling aspect to this rose.  I think it allows the sweet and tanginess of the wine to come through.  Most roses are too sweet, but this one has a tart side to it as well.  I think Castillo did a great job at finding a balance in this wine.
Rating:  7.5 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  No - this wine is sparkling, so you don't want to lose that carbonation.

Where can I find it?
This is another Castillo di Amorosa exclusive wines (and concludes all the wines from our Napa Trip).  You can sadly only by it either at the castle or order it online.  It costs $28.00 and is available online here.

Blackburn & James

Paso Robles
California
2008

45% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Sangiovese.  This wine is a beautiful, deep red with layers upon layers of flavors.  A great mix and a good wine for a cheap price.

Colin:  It tastes like all my favorite aspects of the wines that were used.  It makes the experience well rounded.  By itself, it was perfectly dry and the finish was great.  However, pairing it with red meat or hearty foods brings out the punch and taste.  I would recommend this to anyone that likes a hearty red.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Rachel:  This wine has a dark, woody smell with some black pepper notes.  But it is very bold and fruity in flavor.  You can almost taste each of the grapes' contribution to this wine.  Hints of vanilla with oak, deep raspberries, it is a great wine with an easy finish.  This is definitely a good red for anyone, but especially people that aren't too fond of reds. Since it is still bold, but has almost no sourness to it, it's a great red for white lovers.  At least, in my opinion.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  No

Cost: $6.99 at Trader Joe's.  Have not been able to locate it anywhere else on the web - so this is a good one to pick up if you see it in store.

Tollo - by Cantina Tollo

Sangiovese
Terre di Chieti
Tuscany, Italy
2009

A dry red that is so dark it is almost purple. Has an oaky smell and very strong, bold taste. We reviewed this wine with our dinner at Louise's Trattoria. They have half off a bottle of wine on Friday and Saturday night. Getting a bottle of wine at Louise's on a normal night isn't worth it. They charge $32 for a bottle of Gnarly Head! 

Colin:  A Sangiovese that deserves a nice Italian meal. When brought together, you can guarantee that each will complement the other. A viscus fruit body dissolves into a biting finish without leaving a bad taste in your mouth. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine has a very strong initial taste. Its a full bodied wine and does not lack in flavor. However, this wine has a bit of a sour finish. Other Sangioveses that we have had have been a much smoother finish. There's hints of vanilla and currants. It would be higher if the finish tapered off more smoothly, but that bite is what some people like about a wine like this.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10


Where can I find it?

Searching high and low on the internet will lead to you a dead end (or to the Cantina Tollo website).  You'll find plenty of reviews and mentions, but you cannot find out how to buy this wine.  Cantina Tollo doesn't even list this as one of the wines they sell.  Our suspicions lead us to believe that this is a restaurant only distributed wine, which is too bad, because this is a great wine.  If anyone does find this outside of Louise's, please post!

Old Moon

Old Vine Zinfandel
California
2009

This Zinfandel is named after the January Full Moon.  During that month, the moon casts so many shadows under its brightness, that the vine shadows seem to dance.  This wine can stand with bold flavored meals - like beef and hardy cheeses.

Colin:  The initial taste is on par with most Zinfandels.  However, the finish is weak in comparison.  I think with food, it was much more enjoyable.  If the initial taste wasn't so good, I would rate it lower, but as is, it is aerage.
Rating:  6 out of 10 glasses


Rachel: The initial taste is very strong and hardy, but this wine has a bad finish.  You get this quick, sharp mouthful of flavors, which drops quickly into nothing.  It leaves a bit of a sour taste behind, and because of that, I probably will not buy this wine again.
Rating:  4 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - No // Rachel - No

Where can I find it?
This is made by the Trader Joe's wine company - so naturally, Trader Joe's.

Cost: $4.99

Casa Nuestra

Cabernet Sauvignon
California
2007

Casa Nuestra is a small, family-owned winery that was established in 1979.  They have supported a lot of progressive values over the years, including holding a few music festivals.  They only bottle a very limited number of cases each year - because of that, their wine is top notch, but it is also rather expensive.  They only made 199 cases of this Cabernet.

Colin:  It's hard to be biased when you like a wine so much, but what's great about this exclusive wine is that you can almost taste the Napa Valley soil with it's oaky, warm embrace.  Probably the richest Cabernet I've had yet, some who do not enjoy tart flavors of a Cab will not enjoy this.  It pairs amazingly well with Italian good - this is a brilliant wine.
Rating:  10 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  It smells and tastes equally delicious.  It has a rich oakiness, a smooth finish, and the bold flavors of a Cab without any of the lasting sourness.  There is also such a smoothness to the finish.  I love Casa Nuestra's winery (they have two awesome goats) and I love their wine.   I would choose their wines again and again, even at the expense.
Rating: 10 out of 10 glasses

Aerate: Colin - No // Rachel - No

Where can I find it?
Unfortunately, Casa Nuestra is so small they don't distribute.  The 2007 Vintage is actually sold out.  You can look at all their other varieties here:  casanuestra.com.  Their Meritage is also really good, as is their Riesling.  You can't really go wrong with a bottle from here.

Cost: $55.00

Lost Sonnet

Meritage
Napa Valley, California
2007

This Meritage is a mixture Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (20%), and Cabernet Franc (20%). It has the bold flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon, but the light finish of a Merlot. If you like a bold red wine, but hate the lasting, deep finish this is a good wine for you.  Interesting Meritage wine fact:  A red Meritage must be made from a blend of at least two or more of the following varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot or Carmenère, with no varietal comprising more than 90% of the blend.  There are also white Meritage wines.

Colin:  This wine requires a meal, so do not attempt to drink without. Once a nice, garlic and heavy Italian taste is in your mouth, this wine compliments nicely with its meaty juiciness. However, the finish is where the wine loses points. If it was a little more oaky, it would be perfect. Otherwise, it's worth the money.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses.

Rachel:  Since this wine has been aged so long, there is an initial chalky feel to it. After drinking a few sips, it loses that feeling and instead becomes spicy, bold and flavorful wine. This wine has a bite to it and is delicious for its price.  Definitely a good buy, especially for those that don't like the lasting finish of a strong Cab.
Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses.

Aerate: Colin - No // Rachel - No

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's

Cost:  $6.99

Chateau St. Michelle

Riesling
Washington
2009

Rieslings are sweet, not dry at all, and definitely quench your thirst on hot, summer days.  They are between Pinot Grigios and Moscatos on the sweetness scale and can pair nicely with any light meal.  We both recommend that you serve any Riesling, especially this one, chilled.

Colin:  Riesling is my favorite type of white wine.  This is decent and fairly smooth, with a bit of a bite, which makes it less of a favorite.  The colder it is server, the better - as my rating got lower the warmer my glass got.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This Riesling is great for the price - would purchase again.  It has a great balance between dry whites and sweet whites.  Some hints of peach and pear.  This hit the spot on our warm Los Angeles night.  There was a bit of an initial bite, not off-putting, but that's the reason I don't rate it higher.
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Aerate: Colin - No //  Rachel - No, aeration brings out the alcohol taste on this one

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's

Cost: $5.99

Pourtal: Stewart, Kopke, and Lioco

Stewart

Caberet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
2007

Colin: It's almost perfectly balanced between oaky and fruity.  This is definitely in my top cabernets.

Rating:  9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This cabernet is delightful.  It entices all of your taste buds.  It has sweet and sour notes, along with a super smooth and lasting finish.  This is one for your entire palette.

Rating:  9 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?  You can get this wine on Stewart Cellars' website.

Cost:  Directly from Stewart Cellars is $62.00  You can also shop around - we found it at allstarwine.com for $47.99

Kopke
Tawny Port
Portugal
10 years old

This wine would qualify for a 15 year Tawny Porto category, if one existed - but alas, there is not a category.  If you do purchase this port, know that you are getting more aging for your money - and with dessert wines, the longer it is aged, the better it typically is.  It is a rich, honey red color and is very sweet.

Colin:  This tawny port is warm, rich, and delicious.  Not too sweet, which is kind of nice, but I wish the flavor was a little deeper.

Rating:  8.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: Ports are a little too sweet for me.  They have this bold sweetness, which this one stands up to.  And they tend not to be too fruity.  But, that being said, this port was easy on the palette and good dessert wine.
Rating:  7.5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?  It's on sale at Vine & Table, but they cannot ship to all states.

Cost: $21.99 for a 375mL bottle.  And $41.99 for the 750mL bottle.

Lioco: "Charles Heintz"
Late Harvest Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California
2006

Rich, golden dessert wine.  Full of fruit flavors, and strangely, hints of oak and vanilla.  We say strangely, because this wine was not, in fact, aged in oak barrels like most Chardonnays.

Colin:  There's a nice apricot and pear combination in this Late Harvest.  I don't know if this is as good as the Raymond's Vineyards Late Harvest.  It is a little more acidic than that dessert wine, but this is still ultimately delicious.

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This Late Harvest is very sweet and fruity, but it does have a bit of a sharpness to it.  It's still really nice, regardless.  I think Late Harvest Chardonnays tend to be my favorite, thus far, out of the dessert wines.

Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?  That's a good question too.  Lioco's website has it labeled under their "wine list," but if you click in the link, it says the product isn't found.  They have plenty of other Chardonnay's available, including through their website.


We hope you all enjoyed getting a small taste of what Pourtal has to offer.  We will be back to our regular style of reviews starting next week. 

Pourtal: Miguel Torres, Damien Coquelet, Edmunds St. John

Miguel Torres: "Las Mulas"
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile
2008

Wine Enthusiast gives this wine 89 points, saying that it's very good for the price.  There's some bold, black fruit flavors and a very peppery side to this wine.

Colin:  Very fruity for a Cabernet. The oaky finish saves it for me.

Rating:  6 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  I don't really like this wine because it has a very sour taste.  It becomes ash-y soon after.  Too many pepper notes for me, but strangely, it has a very smooth finish.

Rating:  6 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
K&L Wines has a pretty good deal 

Cost: $11.99


Damien Coquelet: Beaujolais-Villages
Gamay
France
2010

Beaujolais is known for their Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc grapes (the full name of the wine).  Gamay's tend to be a purple-colored variety.

Colin:  First time tasting this kind of wine, little underwhelmed.  I feel like I'm drinking a diet wine.  Good for someone that doesn't like wine. 

Rating:  4 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This is a strange wine because while it is still bold in flavor, it has an aftertaste like water. It is a weird sensation, but it is still decent.  I think this is a good starter red for people who don't like reds, since it doesn't have a very strong finish.

Rating : 5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Best bet is to search the internet... It's easier to find the 2009 Vintage than this one.

Cost:  2009 Vintage ranges from $16 - $25.


Edmunds St. John. "Bone-Jolly"
Gamay Noir
El Dorado County, California
2009

Edmunds prides themselves on building the best wines with the best grapes.  The company only uses vines that they got from Beaujolais, France, so it gives it the original French flavors, but still is an American fine (and thus, much easier to find).

Colin:  The Gamay Noir is much more palatable than just the Gamay.  Though, I'm still not a fan of this kind of wine. 

Rating:  5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This wine has a solid flavor to it.  It is very warm, looks almost rose red, and is fruity but not too sweet.  I think this was one of my favorite tastings at Pourtal - and I had never had a Gamay Noir before that day!
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Edmunds has a list of distributors on their website.

Cost:  Premier Cru has it on sale (four bottles left in stock) for $14.99

Pourtal: Fleur du Cap, Domaine de Larzac, Domaine Weinbach

Three reviews in one post - they are smaller reviews, since we tasted all of these wines at Pourtal in Santa Monica, California.  This is post one out of three.

Fleur du Cap:  "Bergkelder Selection" 

Pinotage 

South Africa

2009

A Pinotage is a cross between a Pinot Noir and a Cinsaut grape. It was bred in 1925 in South Africa and typically produces deep reds with smokey and earthy flavors. Their website describes this wine as: a full-bodied wine that shows ample berry fruit dominated by plum and sweetish mulberry aromas. This is supported by a good tannic finish.

Colin:  It's all about the finish.  It dissolves into a fruity warmth, that I think is perfect.

Rating:  8.5 out of 10

Rachel:  This is a very bold, smokey flavored wine, definitely not for a casual red wine drinker. It tapers into a smooth finish, but the initial taste is too strong for me.  I can see why Colin loves it, though. 

Rating:  5.5 out of 10.

Where can I find it?  Fleur du Cap's Website and their international wine finder

Cost:  It is for sale online at greatcorks.com for $11.99

Domaine de Larzac

Roussanne / Chardonnay

Languedoc, France

2008

A Roussanne grape is grown originally in the Rhône wine region in France, it is destined for white wines and roses.  It is a light yellow colored white wine.

Colin:  Interesting and not too bad for my taste.  I like the bouquet.  There's enough fruit without being too sweet or buttery.  I kind of like it, and I don't usually like this kind of wine.

Rating:  7 out of 10

Rachel:  I've never had a Roussanne wine before, and this one is very buttery like a regualar Chardonnay, but not overly so.  It is sweet with oaky flavor, but it also has a sharp side to it.  I think it is a decent as a Chardonnay, but I wouldn't go out of my way to have it again.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Where can I find it?  Their company website does not have a wine finder.  We found a seller in Europe here.  This seems like a hard wine to find - so if you are at Pourtal and do like this wine, you should get it there.

Cost: Pourtal's price: $35.00

Domaine Weinbach: "Cuvee Theo" 

Riesling

Alsace, France

2006

A neat fact about this vineyard, they name all of their soils, but also their cuvees - which are named after family members.  Theo rests in the middle of Clos du Capucin and Weinbach vines since he cherished those wines - so the Riesling and Gewurtztraminer that grow are named after him.

Colin:  I think that because it is dryer and has more of a bite, it's actually an interesting take on a Riesling - since they are usually so sweet.

Rating:  7 out of 10. 

Rachel:  This Riesling has clearly been aged for awhile.  While it remains sweet like most, it also has a bit of a mustiness to it.  It's a bit sour and isn't really up my alley.  Too many flavors at once.

Rating:  5.5 out of 10

Where can I find it?  Domaine Weinbach's Website, you can order it online through Vendome Wine & Spirits. Though, there are only 3 left in stock, so if you want it, order now. Or, you can get it at Pourtal in Santa Monica.

Cost: $45.99 at Vendome

Pourtal Wine Tasting

We took a trip down to Santa Monica, and right by the Pier, there is a place called Pourtal.  It's a pretty neat place, with the new, automatic pourers.  We've been looking forward to checking out a place like this for awhile now, just haven't had the time.

The neat thing about Pourtal, and the bad thing, is that the tastings are inexpensive, while the bottles are expensive.  We had the most delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and a pretty good (in Rachel's opinion) Gamay, but the bottles were entirely too much to purchase.  But - the upside is, you get to try a pour of wine from a $85 bottle of wine for $5!  Definitely recommended by both of us.  The food paired nicely with all of the wines and was delicious.  This is in the upscale part of Santa Monica, so definitely bring your credit card when you go.

We also got to meet the owner of Pourtal and his father, and we were pretty impressed by the closeness of the family and people that work there.  It was a great atmosphere, and highly recommended if you ever are by the beach looking for a fun, but different, activity to do.

With that being said, we reviewed nine bottles of wine while we were there.  If you think any of them are interesting, visit the Pourtal website and see if they still have them in stock, as their selection continues to rotate/change.  We will post a mixture of three bottles over the course of the next three weeks, and as usual, we'll include as much information as we can find on each of them.

Raymond Vineyards

"Eloquence"
Late Harvest Chardonnay
Dessert Wine
California
2006

General information:  58% from Napa, 42% from Monterey County.  Dessert wines are always very sweet, and they change dramatically in taste when paired with a sweet dessert.  Raymond's Late Harvest Chardonnay doesn't come out often.  The conditions have to be perfect for the grapes to get what is called a "noble rot."  You can read more about this process here.  I know it doesn't sound that appetizing, but it's perfectly safe (not to mention delicious).

Colin:  I was not well versed in these kinds of wines before Napa.  However, after tasting a few, this is one of my favorites (I like Ports better).  Like a dried apricot, this is very sweet.  It's smooth and warming.  I think that Raymond triumphs with this dessert wine - I am not a big fan of other Raymond varieties, but this had me sold.
Rating:  10 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  Dessert wines can be brilliant - or they can be too sweet.  Raymond's is perfect.  IT has some hints of apple and a very light alcohol taste.  It pairs beautifully with any sweet treat.  Also, we had this bottle in the fridge for three months - opened, drinking a little at a time.  And Raymond's employees told us the truth - it really does hold up well, even after being opened.  Great purchase!
Rating: 10 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - No // Rachel - Don't you dare!

Where can I find it?
We got it directly at the vineyard, and haven't seen it in stores since -- luckily, they sell it online!  See Raymond's Eloquence page to purchase.

Cost:  $15.00

Espuela Del Gaucho

Malbec
Argentina
2009

It us a full-bodied, plum colored wine. We've had a bunch of Malbecs lately - and I think this is the first we both say "No" to.

Colin: The initial taste is deceptive, because you think this is going to be a strong wine. Once you fully taste it, you realize that this wine is very transparent and gives way to alcoholic emptiness. With food, this wine mildly redeems itself, but still isn't worthy of calling itself a Malbec.
Rating: 1 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: It's too sour, too harsh on the palette and all you can taste is alcohol. It smells as harsh as it tastes. If you like wine to kick you awake... It id really just not worth the money.
Rating: 2 out of 10 glasses

Aerate: Colin - No // Rachel - half aerated, half not made this a slightly better wine

Where can I find it?
Ralphs, or your local grocer

Cost: $5.66 on sale, originally $10.99

Gnarly Head

Merlot
California
2009

We had a delicious barbecue dinner with this merlot, which we both thought paired really well with this wine. It's rich in flavor, full of blackberry and blueberry with a touch of vanilla.  It has a decently smooth finish with a tone of the oak it was aged in.


Colin:  I like this, it is really dry. I think the typical, fruity merlot is kind of toned down for a richer, oakier finish. It could be fruitier and stronger. I think for what it is, it stays true to the rich gnarly head and what you expect of them.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  It has a little bit of a fruity bite to it. I like this merlot, but after drinking a glass of it, it loses some of it's finesse. On first taste, you get a lot of fruit with a nice oak finish. After drinking a glass, you get more currants and oak, less fruit. For that reason, I won't rate it higher. It's still a good wine for under $10.
Rating:  6 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - No // Rachel - No

Where can I find it?
We bought it from Ralph's, our grocery store.  You can also visit: http://www.gnarlyhead.com/


Cost:  $8.99, on sale.

Rabbit Ridge

Allure de Robles (Rhone Style red wine)
California
2009

This dark red wine is made in a "Cotes du Rhone style."  It is a medium-bodied wine that contains three different kinds of grapes:  Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.  It has notes of raspberries, blackberries, black currant, and pepper that all work well together.  It says that it can withhold a variety of foods to be paired with - and with three different kinds of grapes, we believe it.

Colin:  I love this wine - it is really good.  It contains everything I like about red wine.  It's hardy like a meal - you could cut it with a knife.  I do think that the finish is a little sharp, but that doesn't really affect my rating of this wine.
Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  Upon first sip, I didn't even want to taste this wine aerated because it was so delicious.  It's bold, has a bite, and still has a very fruity flavor.  This is a great stand alone wine, but it paired well with out pasta dinner.  I would rate it higher if it was a smoother finish, instead of the finishing "kick."  But I still highly recommend it as a good, inexpensive bottle.
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - No // Rachel - No

Where can I find it?
We got it at Trader Joe's.  You can also find it on their website:
http://www.rabbitridgewinery.com/

Cost:  Trader Joe's: $6.99  Their website:  $8.00

Three Knights

Merlot
California
2007

A deep, rich purple/red wine that is bottled in Sonoma, CA.  It has a very pungent aroma, full of dark cherry and oak notes.  It is under $10 dollars, and we highly recommend giving it a try.

Colin:  I really enjoyed this Merlot and would recommend it for any occasion.  Without aeration, it has more of a kick to it, which I like.  The kick is complemented by the fruity body.  Alone, it is a bit on the strong side, but with my steak and potatoes, it was perfect.  Finally, a Merlot that doesn't make me feel cheap while drinking it!
Rating:  9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  For such an inexpensive bottle, I wasn't expecting much.  This Merlot has a bit of a kick to it, but a very smooth finish.  It's initially sour with a fruit flavor that lingers on your taste buds.  This is one of the first Merlot's I've really enjoyed.  There's also a very subtle hint of vanilla in it - great body and flavors.
Rating:  7.5 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - No, but aerated has less of a bite to it, so it depends on your taste // Rachel - No

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's -- Three Knights is owned by the Bronco Wine Company.
Their website that has a "wine finder" is:  here

Cost: $6.99 -- great find for under $10

VINTJS

Pinot Noir

Oregon
2009

A very light, red wine, but not lacking in flavor.  The grapes are grown in a cool climate region.  We recommend only having this wine with food (we grilled veggies and it went beautifully with those).  It loses some of its richness when it is not paired, as it is a lighter wine.

Colin:  Upon drinking this wine without food, I found it to be too harsh.  However, with a nice flame-grilled chicken at dinner, the wine really opened up.  A good, fruity initial taste melts into a warm finish that I quite enjoyed.

Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:   If this wine was a better stand-alone wine, I would rate it higher.  It is nice and smooth, but alone it is a little too harsh on the palette.  You taste too much of the alcohol without food.  I think if you are doing a summertime grill dish, this would be a great wine to have.  Great for under $10.

Rating:  6.5 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - yes // Rachel - yes

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's, only


Cost:  $8.99

Beringer

Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
2008 

A fun fact about Beringer:  They were the only winery in Napa Valley to stay open legally during prohibition.  They were able to do this because they sold their wine for religious and medical purposes.  They have a lot of history, being the only winery operating legally during that time, and even their cheaper wine tends to have a decent, sophisticated taste.  Their 2008 Cab is typical for a cabernet; it is a deep red with some very strong, sour notes.

Colin: I think this is a very light wine for a Cabernet Sauvignon.  It has a very low acidity, and is nice on the palette.  It's not bad, but it does have a bit of an alcohol-y finish to it.  It fits well with food, being on the lighter side of a red.  It can probably pair well with almost anything.
Rating: 5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This Cabernet has a very bold finish, but it is a little too sour for me.  It doesn't smell like it has a nice finish, but instead you can really spell the alcohol.  It is, however, rich in flavor and is a decent wine overall.  There are some nice, fruity tones and it does have a bit of a hint of vanilla.  Definitely a wine for a red/Cabernet lover, though a casual wine drinker can still probably enjoy it.
Rating: 6 out of 10 glasses

Aerate:  Colin - yes // Rachel - yes

Where can I find it?
Vons (or your local supermarket).  Beringer is a big distributor, because they've been around so long.  We definitely recommend a tour of their vineyards if you ever get a chance to go to Napa.  All the people that work their are knowledgeable, down to earth, and enthusiastic about what they do.
Beringer's Website

Cost: $6.99 (got it on sale, was originally listed for $10.99)

Castillo di Amorosa

Sangiovese
Napa Valley
2007

Another winery exclusive wine (sorry, but we did travel up to Napa after all).  This is a very dark and rich ruby red.  It smells as rich as it tastes and has many bold flavors.  Though we are both fans of this wine, we do not recommend it for people that like "light" red wines.

Colin:  This is the best of Castillo's wine I've tasted by far.  It is a very warming, full-bodied wine.  his Sangiovese lacks nothing.  I love the taste, and it finishes as well as it starts.
Rating:  9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  When we tasted this in Napa, we both knew we wanted a bottle.  It's a very bold, but nicely rich red, with a kick to the finish.  For some reason, even though this is flavorful, like all Sangioveses are, this still has such a wonderful, smooth finish.  Slightly tart, bold fruits, and a hearty flavor, this stands up great with rich pastas (and probably meat, though I wouldn't know).
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Online only through Castillo's website.

Cost:  $29.00 - and definitely worth the money.

Two for one: Monte Antico IGT & Mark West

This is a two-for-one wine review.  We went out to dinner, Rachel ordered a Sangiovese, Colin got a Pinot Noir.  After tasting both, we switched glasses because we each preferred the other's choice.  That's the benefit of drinking with a partner.

Sangiovese
Monte Antico IGT
Tuscany, Italy
2007


It is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot.  It is a blend from Italian wine specialist, Neil Empson, and renowned wine maker, Franco Bernabei, from the finest grapes from the Tuscan hillside.  It is aged one year in oak and then six months in the bottle.

Colin:  I really like the initial tart taste, because it rolls out into an oak-y, very unique flavor for a sangiovese.  I find it to be really good, because it is very unique.  I have not have a sangiovese quite like this.
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This sangiovese has a very smooth and long finish.  It is initially very bold in flavor, has a very great smell to it.  It initially is vastly different from most wines.  There is a sour initial taste, with a bite to it, but it crescendos into a very nice finish.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
A local wine specialty store.  If you google search it, there are some shopping results that come up.

Cost:  $9.99-$14.00 - Found a bunch online and they range - most are above $10 though.  Still a decent price for a great bottle.  (Their 2006 is worth $75.00 currently, got a 90 on Wine Spectator - so this is a wine you can hold onto, if you have a cellar of course). 

Pinot Noir
Mark West
California
2009

Mark West specializes specifically in pinot noirs.  This particularly blend is aged in French & Hungarian oak for approximately eight months before bottling.  They are a green company and have a pretty neat website (see below).  And bonus:  Under $10.  It is from California's Coastal Appalachian.

Colin:  The pinot noir is mild at best.  There are not really any distinguishing characteristics about it.  I would agree that it is very light.  It has a nice finish, and I don't think it is a bad wine - I just don't like it as much as other pinot noirs (as a pinot noir lover).  This is definitely for someone who does not like a very robust red, because it is very smooth and fruity.
Rating:  4.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This pinot noir is initially very fruity.  It also has a very smooth finish.  I honestly just wanted to drink the entire bottle, I fell in love with this Pinot Noir.  The rich, fruity, sweet side of this wine makes it not traditional for red wine drinkers/lovers.  This is the white wine lovers' red wine.
Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Mark West Website or BevMo, Ralphs, K&L Wine Merchants - at your grocery store

Cost:  Under $10

picket fence

Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
2007

This is a balanced, but acidic, chardonnay.  Not too buttery or sweet, filled with lemon notes.  Has a kind of sweet and sour taste - as the lemon suggests.  The buttery taste in a chardonnay comes from the aging process.  If it was aged in toasted French oak, it will be more buttery and sweet.  This wine was in a moderate French oak.  Note:  This wine does not hold up well in the fridge.  If you choose to buy it, do your best to drink it in the same day as opening it - we had to throw half the bottle out because of how stale it had become in just two days.

Colin:  I believe whites are growing on me, because Rachel makes me drink them more often than I would like.  As I usually prefer a dry chardonnay, this one surprisingly  balances the dryness with the buttery notes that chardonnay's are known for.  It is not my favorite, but because it has a sharp bite, I could see enjoying this with cheese or other appetizers.
Rating:  5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This is a weird one for me to put my finger on.  I like it, but I don't.  It has a harsh, very alcohol-y smell.  The initial taste is pure lemon, and it sours your taste buds.  But it tapers off to a great, smooth, and lasting finish.  It's not my favorite, but it's not a bad choice for under $10.  The more I drink it, the more I like it.  (After one more glass, it might be rated higher - ha!)
Rating:  4.5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's --  picket fence vineyards

Cost:  $8.99

Wine Aerators

When Colin and Rachel decided to start a wine blog, they also decided to invest in some aerators.  Luckily enough, they didn't have to invest, thanks to some awesome gift purchasing done by Colin's parents.

Wine aerators are nifty, because oftentimes, they open up a wine and make  it taste better. 

Coming in April, we will be adding a small section to our blog.  It will be:

Aerate? Colin - yes, Rachel - no

Simple enough.  We may go into detail if we need to.

Our recommendation is to invest in an aerator - you will want two kinds - one for reds, one for whites (you don't want to mix your reds and whites).  We use the Vinturi aerators, but we have a bunch of different aerators listed in our Wine a Week Store on amazon.  Read the reviews and decide for yourself - but these ones have been wonderful.  You just pore the wine in, it goes through within seconds, and voila, aerated wine.

We also recommend for you to taste it yourself - before aeration and after.  Some wines will taste better before (usually more expensive bottles) - but most will taste better after.  It's really all about your preferences, but they are good to have to freshen up any bottle that is sub-par.

Be on the lookout for this new recommendation in April!

Castillo di Amorosa

Gioia - Rosato di Sangiovese
Napa Valley, California
2009

This is a dry rose from Sangiovese grapes.  Very fruity and light, great for summer, best served chilled.

Colin:  I highly dislike rose in general. To me, they are the trashy cousin of a good wine.  I would not go out of my way to drink a rose, but this one has a few redeeming qualities.  All around it is executed well, from it's initial fruity taste to the grigio-esque finish, but I can't get over the fact that I'm drinking alcoholic Hawaiian punch.

Rating: 2 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  I like this rose because it has a bunch of different tastes for your palette.  It's a very casual wine and very sweet..  I call this the wine for people that don't like wine, because it's full of fruit flavors, has virtually no aftertaste, and is very light.
Rating:  5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Castillo di Amorosa exclusive.  You can get it from their website here.  You will not find this one in stores.

Cost: $22.00

Quail Creek

Shiraz
California
2008

A dark, rich red with a delightful smell that tickles your nostrils.  We couldn't actually find anything online more about this wine or the history behind it.  It is a typical shiraz, except, we think, it is much smoother than most.

Colin:  It was a nice Shiraz, although I don't think it was one of my favorites, because I feel it could have been a little bolder.  But anyone that likes something that is on the mild side would enjoy it.  It has a nice warm body, and the finish could have been a little less acidic.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  I feel for a Shiraz, this was very smooth and a nice red wine. It is bold in flavors, but great for someone that doesn't like really sour reds.  It is on the sweeter side, with a smoother finish so it makes for a rather nice drink.  Although, it does have a bit of a powerful aftertaste, the finish lingers - and in this one, the lingering isn't necessarily a good thing (though, I only really mark this down .5 because of that).
Rating:  6.5 out of 10 glasses


Where can I find it?
Whole Foods 

Cost:  $3.99 (estimated, we drank this while at dinner at Colin's brother's apartment)

Aconga

Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon
Argentina
2010

80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet makes a rich purple and dark wine.  There's ample notes of plum, black fruit, and all the good flavors that you want out of a red wine.  It's soft and supple that goes with pasta or beef.  We had it with roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes and portobello stuffed mushrooms with almond meal and Italian dressing.  This was a completely vegan and gluten free meal -- and came out quite nicely.  Paired great with the wine - though we believe this could go with just about anything.  And under $10!

Colin:  Surprisingly good.  The price had me skeptical, but on the first sip, I was delightfully surprised at how smooth and fruity it was.  A little smoother than most Malbec - probably because of the amount of Cabernet in it.  The only thing that lowered the rating was the slightly poor finish - it was a little too citrus-y.  Great for $3.00
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This is a very smooth red, rich and fruity.  I was amazed that, for such a cheap wine, it was as great as it is.  It smells very smooth.  I don't really know what to say, because I really enjoyed this wine.  It's fruity, easy to drink for non-red wine lovers, but also holds up on bold flavors for the wine drinker.  And for the price - this is unbeatable.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Jennie's Birthday Review:  Surprisingly even, in both color and notes throughout.  This wine gives a clean finish, but after a few sips, the fruitier notes become more clear.  A little acidic for my taste, but overall a beautiful find for a great price!  I think I may be a fan of Malbec!

Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
We bought it at Ralph's - our local grocery store.
Aconga's website

Cost:  On sale for $2.99!  If you live in Los Angeles, get this bottle at Ralph's!  Originally 8.99.  For white lovers, Aconga also makes Chardonnay - we bought a bottle, but have yet to try it.  We think the Malbec is worth the non-sale price too, but saving is always great.

Blason de Bourgogue

Pinot Noir
France
2009

Medium-bodied, fruity, but full of flavor red wine.  It works well with simple dishes, like pasta, pizza, or with fresh bread and cheese (how we had it).  We recommend having it with food only, post-dinner/by itself, it loses some of the magic.  This bottle holds up well in the fridge for one-two days after opening.

Colin:  It's a good, light pinot noir.  The initial taste is a little alcoholy, but for the price, that can be easily overlooked.  The only problem I have is with the finish, where the alcohol taste resognates.  It is otherwise an okay body.
Rating:  5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  For under ten dollars, I say this is a good buy.  I like Noirs for their fruity, usually delicate flavor.  This one was a little more bold and sour, but still smooth.  Definitely has some cherry notes.  Worth the buy if you are looking for something a little cheaper and foreign.
Rating:  5.5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's

Cost: $6.99

Our roommate's birthday is tomorrow - happy birthday!  We are going to have a special post next Friday with our review and her guest review to celebrate!  It's a great Malbec for under $10, so check back!

Barefoot

Pinot Grigio
California
year unknown

Barefoot doesn't ever place a year on their wines (we don't know why).  Though their story behind their name is cute.  They have a "beach clean-up" project, in which they make beaches throughout California safe to walk on in "bare feet."  If you like California beaches and like wine, this is always a good brand under $10.  But make sure you choose a wine that  you like to drink.  I like Grigio's, Colin hates them.  But he likes Barefoot's Pinot Noir (we will eventually review all of their wines).  Something to consider when purchasing (and reading our reviews).  This white is very crisp when chilled, a great summertime drink.

Colin:  On the second day, I'm giving it a two.  It had a little less of an edge and was a little more lemony.  I really just don't like grigios.
Rating: 2 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  Pinot Grigio was the first one I drank when I turned 21.  I had have several wines at family gatherings before that, but I have a particularly fond memory of being at dinner with friends, drinking my first legal glass of wine in public.  It has since, stayed one of my favorite flavors of wine.  I love that it's dry and has a crisp, swift finish.  You get a burst of vanilla and citrus, and it has a bite to it.  I definitely think that if you are at a loss for an under $10 bottle of wine to buy, buy a Barefoot.
Rating:  6 out of 10

Where can I find it?
Supermarkets, across country.  Ralph's usually has sales on their Barefoot wines.

Cost: $5-7.00, depends on if you find a sale or not.

Firefly Ridge

Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast, California
2008

The winery is named after the firefly's that are present on the ridge.  This cabernet is a dark, super rich wine - with black cherry, currants, and (as the bottle says) violets.  Though - we didn't really taste anything floral in this wine.

Colin:  This is a very crass wine.  Smells okay, but without food, there's just something off about it.  It's very smokey, and the flavors that it boasts about are not accurate.  The finish was okay, which is why this isn't rated a one-glass wine.
Rating:  1 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  After running this through our aerator (you can see the ones we use in our amazon store), it still wasn't all that great.  It's very sour initially, but has a smoother finish.  When paired with a mac and cheese, the flavors in the wine were downright awful.  When paired with tomato, garlic rich bruschetta, the notes were more delicate.  Still too sour for my taste.  Recommend only with the heartiest of Italian meals.
Rating:  2 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Vons, supermarkets -- Vons had it on sale for ten dollars off the original price, which makes Colin and I wonder if they left the bottles out in the sun.  We don't really want to bother trying another Firefly Ridge wine, but if you have a different experience, please post it (and if you think we should give it another shot - tell us why!)


Cost: $5.99, originally $15.99

Cupcake Vineyards

Chardonnay
California
2009

Made in California's central Coast.  This is a dryer chardonnay with some hints of vanilla and citrus.  Is not as buttery or sweet as other chardonnays.

Colin:  I was surprised.  I didn't think I would like this wine.  It was dryer and has a great finish - very light and airy.  IT is not a bold Chardonnay.  Recommend by itself.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses.

Rachel:  I like this chardonnay better after it's been chilled and open in the fridge for one night ("sealed").  It is a dryer, less sweet chardonnay, but still tastes good.  No bad notes in the wine, but nothing to really make it stand out.  I like it - I just don't love it.  This would be good with fresh bread and cheese.
Rating:  5 out of 10 glasses.

Where can I find it?
Was gifted to us - but I've seen it at Bev-Mo and I think you can find it at other supermarkets.

Cost: $9.99 at Bev-Mo

Gnarly Head

Old Vine Zin; 
Lodi Zinfandel
California
2008

A dark, deep red.  This wine is very bold in flavor, just like the color would indicate.  We recommend paired with hearty Italian food.

Colin:  After being introduced to this wine at a local Italian Restaurant, I have fallen in love.  It's a meaty, full-bodied red that you want to "drink" with a knife and fork.  Where a red can fail you is the finish, and the this finishes magnificently.  Might have something to do with their 80 year old vines.
Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This wine has a bite to it, in a good way.  It kicks your taste buds into gear and opens your senses.  It has such a smooth finish that you almost forget you've been drinking wine.  I don't know how they manage that bite to smooth - but this is definitely one of the best bottles under $10.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
They sell it at Ralphs, Vons, supermarkets, Bev-Mo.  Chances are, it will be an easy find, especially if you live in California.

Cost:  $7.00-$9.00 (you can find it on sale sometimes too!)

Castillo di Amorosa

Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
2008

A delightful golden, wheat huge - this is a very buttery and caramel-flavored chardonnay. Very rich and sweet, and to make it even more delectable - it is exclusive to only the Castillo. You can order it online, but you won't find this in stores.

Colin: This wine is a good balance between sweet and crisp, unlike most whites - that tend to be too sweet for my taste. I would enjoy this more if it was paired with food, because without, it is very buttery. Presented well for a white wine, but I would not indulge without a pairing - recommended with swordfish.
Rating: 6 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: It may be a little on the sweet side for some, but this is right up my alley. It has a full bodied, tangy flavor when rolled around your tongue. The long, buttery finish slowly fades into a very smooth aftertaste. I definitely recommend this paired with a dessert, or a stand-alone wine for those with a sweet tooth.
Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I buy it?
Castello di Amorosa - it is online purchases only and a six bottle minimum. We will be reviewing more Castillo wines as we drink them - including reds and roses. We both think that their wine is all around excellent - it is a little pricey, but if you have the money to spare, it's nice to know you are getting an "exclusive" bottle of wine. Not distributed to stores at all. (And don't worry, we will be reviewing less pricey bottles of wine once our Napa collection runs out).
Cost: $28.00