Bogle - Old Vine Zinfandel - 2012

  From California

From the bottle: California is blessed with many historic Zinfandel vineyards. These grapes were first planted by European immigrants in the early 1900's and are still producing today. The old head-trained vines are unique because they produce a smaller crop of fruit that is unusually rich and concentrated in selecting grapes from these old vines, we have handcrafted a wine that displays intense blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry flavors, wrapped in a smooth blanket of vanilla and oak.

We've purchased this wine twice now. We enjoyed the first bottle so much that we picked up a second one. The second one was even better than the first. If your looking for a Thanksgiving wine - this is sure to be a hit!
 
Colin: The first bottle of this wine wasn't as good as the second. The aroma is sweet with a berry scent that I didn't remember from the first bottle. The flavor profile runs the gamut from buttery oak to lush fruit. There's a biting finish reminiscent of a good Cabernet. There's really nothing to complain about. It's a great bottle of wine to be enjoyed with Italian food. Highly recommended.
Rating: 9.8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: When I opened our second bottle of Bogle Zin, I worried it was corked because of how overly sweet the smell was. But on first taste, which I had immediately after some garlic bread, was incredible. It's full bodied with numerous flavors in each sip. It's sweet, tart, buttery, and light. Highly recommended to accompany your next pasta dish.
Rating: 10 out of 10 glasses

Where can I buy it? We got our bottle at Trader Joe's. Find a distributor in your area.

La Finca - Malbec - 2013

From Mendoza, Argentina

From the bottle:
The vineyards of Finca La Celia lie in the foothills of the Argentine Andes. Stunning purple color. Its bouquet is intense, rich in blackcurrant, vanilla and spices. On the palate the soft and succulent ripe fruits follow through with a surprising delicacy. The tannins are silky, coming subtly from the forefront and giving a lingering finish. This wine has been ages in oak barrels for 3 months.

Colin: While uncorking this wine, I could already smell the fresh, fruity aroma of this Malbec. It's surprisingly well-balanced for the price. There's a rich flavor with a smooth finish. The bite is easily countered with a great meal, especially spicy food.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This is one of those wines that pairs amazingly well with food. It tastes great on the first glass, but once dinner is done and you continue to sip it, you start to experience more of those sour notes. But with dinner, it's smooth, fruity, and very easy to drink. Definitely one of the better wines we've had for the price.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses (with food)

Where can I find it? We got it from Trader Joe's for $4.49.

Bogle - Pinot Noir - 2012

From Clarksburg, California

From the bottle:
As grape growers we hold high regard for the mindful tending of the soil and exacting knowledge of the cellar.

Colin: The crisp start might be a little harsh for some, but I enjoy it. The finish is what makes this Pinot Noir stand out, with a dry, smooth lingering taste. Probably a favorite Pinot for me.   
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: There is a harsh, initial bite to this wine, which I thought would a permanent turn off. However, the finish is smooth and long-lasting. It has a bit of a licorice taste to it. I'm a big fan of the finish, and it works great with garlic-heavy food.
Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got it at Trader Joe's for under $10.

Picton Bay - Sauvignon Blanc - 2013

From Marlborough, New Zealand

From the bottle:
Picton, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the gateway Marlborough. This wine is produced from world-famous Marlborough vineyards. Picton bay Sauvignon Blanc is classic Marlborough in style – vibrant, fresh, and fruity.  

Colin: As someone who is not a fan of whites, I actually found this wine be quite pleasant. While the grapefruit notes might turn off some, I find it to be quite refreshing. The bite paired with the smoother finish made this Sauvignon Blanc stand out.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: I like this one better paired with food, because it has a much nicer finish. On its own there's a really sour grapefruit taste, which I am not a big fan of in white wines. However, if you enjoy sour whites, this will probably be a great one for you.
Rating: 6 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got it at Trader Joe's for $7.99.

Anaba - White Blend - 2010

Mendocino White Wine Alder Springs Vineyard

35% Roussanne, 33% Marsanne, 32% Viognier

From Anaba's website:
"It is both exceptionally versatile and truly delicious. Ripe apple and white peach, along with aromas of toasted almond, get a lift from a little bit of spice and a lot of minerality."

Colin: There's a nice balance of buttery oak. The only problem is the bite that makes the wine a bit harsh. That bite continues into the finish, but it's not bad. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: Without food, there is a bite and sour note to this wine. With food, it becomes beautifully balanced. There's a nice oak finish and a taste of apples. Not a sweet white wine, but overall well-rounded flavors. 

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 glasses 

Where can I find it? We purchased this bottle from Lot18.com.  If you are a wine lover, we highly recommend Lot18 as a great way to discover new brands and varieties at a lower price.  We purchased this bottle for $12.00.  The sales go fast - so if you see a bottle you want to try, purchase it right away!

You can also purchase the white blend directly from Anaba's website for $28.00.

Babble - Red Blend - 2011

From California

From the bottle:

"We won't bore you with the overwrought descriptions of Babble... We're too busy blending great Mendocino County wines. But if we had to pin down the flavors, we think Babble tastes like plum, bacon fat, and blackberry preserves-kinda creamy on the palate with hints of cocoa and tannins that round out nicely in the finish."

Colin: There's a vinegary, lasting taste that lingers long after the finish. This wine could have been great, but it ends up just being okay. 

Rating: 5 out of 10 glasses 

Rachel: This red blend has an acidic taste to it that really drags it down. I like the smoothness of the finish once the initial taste fades. Definitely can taste the cocoa. 

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got this bottle at Trader Joe's for under $10.

Semler - Sauvignon Blanc - 2012

From Malibu, California

From the bottle:
"Our vineyards are positions 2,000 feet above sea level where our rocky terrain, soils, and weather create a microclimate of unparalleled complexity and depth."

Colin: I'm quite fond of this, since it is a bold Sauvignon Blanc. There's an apple cider bite with a smooth, oak-y finish. This is a white for someone who doesn't usually enjoy whites. 

Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine was fantastic at the tasting we went to, and even better with food (we had risotto!). It has an apple tartness to it, but a sweet, almost buttery finish that rolls off your tongue. Fantastic wine. 

Rating: 10 out of 10 glasses. 

Where can I find it?  We got it directly at a wine tasting.  You can purchase it on the Malibu Family Wines' site for $24.00.

Fish Eye - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2012

This Cabernet is from South Eastern Australia

From the bottle: "Cherry and blackberry with a hint of pepper on the nose."

Colin: It's hard to find fault in this Cabernet - even with its screw top.  This wine is a perfect, fruity cab. There's a earthy tone in the finish, which is the only downside for me. Great glass to have with food; recommend having it breathe a little before drinking. 

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: I was blown away by this wine. It has a bold, fruity flavor with a lasting finish. Lately, I feel like we've been striking out on cabs. This one definitely hit the spot, with overall nice tones. 

Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?  We got this at our local grocery store for under $10. You can find more information on Fish Eye's website.

Diseno - Malbec - 2011

An old vine Malbec from Mendoza Argentina

From the bottle:

"Diseño Malbec is a rich wine with an inviting bouquet of stone fruit. A hint of coffee complements the blueberry, spice, and chocolate flavors."

Colin: I recommend having this wine with food. Without food, I got a little too much of that sour, vinegar flavor. Otherwise, it has a nice rustic fruitiness. It does have a lasting finish. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses 

Rachel: This is a really rich wine with a smooth finish. The chocolate notes make it an easy sipping wine with or without food. I love how long the finish is and how all the notes continue to linger long after the wine is gone. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find this?  We got this bottle at our local grocery store.  You can find it online for a bunch of different prices, but getwineonline.com had the cheapest bottle.

Double Decker - Red Blend - 2010

From California

From the bottle: 
"The adventure begins when you twist open the cap! This fruit-forward blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Barbera is doubly delicious and easy to sip - perfect for BBQs, dinners in, and you. Hop on the bus and let your senses take you a world away."

Colin: The three varieties blend well. There's nice fruity notes with a pleasant finish. My only complaint is the little sourness on the nose. 

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This deep purple wine has the fullness of a cab, but contains a nice fruity note that I like. It's an extremely harmonious blend. Recommend not resting it on your tongue, but quick sips for best taste - otherwise it can get really sour the longer it rests on your tongue. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got this from Ralph's - the grocery chain near us. You can order it online from Double Decker's website for $11.99.

Mason - Sauvignon Blanc - 2010

From Napa Valley, California

After some online research, we discovered that the taste was so unique that employees in Mason's tasting room told reviewers on yelp that this Sauvignon Blanc would probably never have the same flavor profile again. Which makes us happy to review this 2010 wine!

Colin: I'm surprised by this wine, since it has a heavy-handed fruity bouquet. Yet, it has a very pleasant finish. If the fruit notes were dialed down, I would like this Sauvignon more. 

Rating: 6 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine is crisp with a delicious, citrus finish. It's unlike any Sauvignon Blanc we've ever had. Definitely sweeter than the average, with a very earthy feel. I can only compare it to that flavor you get from cucumber water - very fresh and light. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 - highly recommended due to its unique flavor profile 

Where can I find it? We got our 325 mL bottle at Whole Foods for $4.99. 

Challis Lane - Merlot - 2011

From California 

From the bottle:

"Wine style: This soft and pretty Merlots shows expressive flavors of ripe plum and black cherries with a hint of vanilla and toasty notes to accent the finish."

Colin: This is a pretty good, all-purpose bottle of wine. It has a strong bouquet, which is typical of a merlot. It really shines in the long lasting finish. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine pairs fantastically well with pasta. Without, there is a sour smokiness to it that I'm not a big fan of - but the finish is wonderful. With food, you can taste all the soft, well-rounded flavors to this delicate wine. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got this during the 5 cent wine sale at Bevmo - it's normally priced at $9.99.

We’re Back!

So we’ve been gone for almost two years – but we’re starting up in earnest again!

We got married back in 2011, which is around the time that our marriage started and our blog stopped (but hey, we’ve had a fun two years!)

We’ve traveled to Hawaii, Seattle, Portland, and have managed to visit our folks back on the east coast a few times. We’ve had some awesome wine, beer, and delicious food.

Rachel changed jobs last year, which was hectic for all of two minutes (seriously, it was one of the easiest transitions ever). She self-published two novelettes and has a short story in an anthology. Colin’s been doing audio engineering and designing products for the UK company, Loopmasters.

We’re insanely surprised at the amount of traffic our blog still gets, even though we haven’t updated it in over a year. So, we’ve started it up again!

This blog is in need of a makeover, so Rachel will be working on a new design. In the meantime, grab a good glass of wine and enjoy the reviews!

Steven Bannus - Pinot Noir - 2011

From California

From the bottle: "Aged in French oak for 10 months. This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir shows fruity aromas, wild berry flavors, and a smooth finish."

Colin: Initial first taste left much to be desired. After the wine had a moment to breathe and it was paired with food, it became more enjoyable. A light wine, which could be improved with a less acidic finish.
Rating: 4 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This is definitely a wine that you should drink with food. It had a strong, sour bite that you don't get if it is accompanying a meal. With a meal, however, it smooths out and you can really taste the berry notes.
Rating: 7 out of 10 with a meal (4 without)

Where can I find it?  We got it at BevMo! during the 5 cent wine sale (love that sale!) They also sell it online for $14.95.

Darkhorse - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2011

From California

From the bottle: "Darkhorse Cabernet showcases bold flavors of blackberry and black cherry, supported by firm tannins brown spice and dark chocolate espresso finish."

Colin: From the initial pour, seeing the lovely, rich color of the wine that this would be a decent bottle. However, I was surprised at how truly delicious it is. Perfect for a steak dinner - you can't go wrong with this full bodied cab.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: I'm not usually the biggest fan of smokey wines, but this wine also has the bold, fruitiness that I tend to love. While the espresso finish is a little strong for my palette, it's definitely good for the price. Complemented our maple vinaigrette salad and grilled veggies nicely.
Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?  We got it at Trader Joe's for $7.99.  You can visit their website here for more information.

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!