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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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