Carpineto Dogajolo Toscana 2008

Approximately $12/bottle

This little wine, was an instant hit at a local wine tasting I attended. My friend Mike took a taste, and his eyes got big and he instantly knew he had to have some of his own. I've ordered more for myself as this was my last bottle, and I believe Mike will order a case soon.
From a review:

This is a very innovative product, a young “Super-Tuscan”, whose characteristics are never found together in the same wine. Dogajolo combines the power and deep colors of a young wine, the elegance and balance given by wood aging, as well as a fruity and fragrant bouquet.
Grapes: Sangiovese up to 70%; Cabernet and other varieties up to 30%. The exact proportions can vary with each vintage.
Vinification Technique: the two grape varieties are vinified separately, since they ripen at different times. Toward the end of fermentation they are blended and placed in small wooden casks where they slowly complete alcoholic and malolactic fermentation.
Finishing: Dogajolo is bottled between the last week of March and the first week of April of the year after harvest. It is excellent when young, but as with any red wine of good mettle, it ages well.
Color: deep garnet with violet reflections.
Bouquet: very fruity and intense, with hints of cherry, coffee, vanilla and spice.
Flavor: full, soft on the palate, complex, well developed.
Alcohol: 12-12.5% by volume.
Serving Temperature: 15-16°C (59-61°F) the first year, 18-20°C (64-68°F) thereafter.
Gastronomy: given its fruitiness, Dogajolo can be paired with first courses and white meats, but shows at its best with full-flavored dishes such as roasts, grilled meats, cold cuts and Tuscan regional specialties.

All I can say is, this wine is perfect for drinking by itself, or with a steak, or even a burger! It's soft, with no harshness in it at all.

I hope you enjoy!

Chateau de Paraza Minervois 2007

Less than $10/bottle

This little gem is one of my new favorites, and is outstanding!
I got it at a local store, and was blown away by it's softness yet wonderful taste. It reminds me of a soft Bordeaux or Margaux, and can be had with or without food. I'm looking into getting a case of it (at this price, why not!), and I hope to drink it within a year, though it may last quite a bit longer.
Grape varietals are: CARIGNANE, CINSAULT, GRENACHE, MOURVEDRE, SYRAH
Region: France > Languedoc et Roussillon >Languedoc > Minervois


Here's what The Wine Buyer has to say about this wine:
The Chateau de Paraza, located in the Minervois, in the heart of the Languedoc region, it towers above the plain of the Aude, a beautiful river flowing nearby. The castle's history is closely linked to the history of France and particularly to that of the Languedoc region, once very rich and still harbouring vestiges dating back to the Roman occupation.

Under Louis XIV, the Chateau de Paraza was the home of the famous engineer, Paul Riquet, responsible for the construction of the canal that links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. This canal is world reknown and is called the Canal du Midi. From the castle terraces, created by Riquet as a thankyou to the owners for providing him with the accommodation, one can look out onto the canal as it descends towards the plain.

The vineyard, covering some 120 hectares, is located on a hillside facing the south. As in ancient times, the soil still produces an excellent grape.

The grape varieties grown here, particularly well adapted to this soil and regularly improved, produce rich and well balanced wines with a huge reputation. The marriage of the more traditional Carignan variety with Cinsault, Mourvedre and Grenache brings their wonderful character to the wines to which the new variety, Syrah, adds its rich aromas.


Wine Advocate gives this wine 90 points!


Enjoy!

Atteca Old Vines Garnacha 2007

$17.00 per bottle, case price around $14.50

Sorry it's been a while, but here's a MUST have for your cellar.

Atteca Old Vines Garnacha is an absolute home run in my book, so much so, that it's only the second wine I've ever purchased by the case.
This is a 90 point wine that I found at a local tasting, and when I shared it with some friends at our wine club, there were some wide smiles! Others bought this wine when they found out how affordable it is.

Review of this gem:
"The 2007 Atteca was sourced from 80- to 120-year-old head pruned Garnacha vines and aged for 10 months in seasoned French oak. Deep purple-colored, it exhibits an impressive nose of crushed stone, black cherry, and plum. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with layers of savory fruit, spice notes, and silky tannin. This balanced effort will evolve for another 1-2 years and drink well through 2017." 90 points - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue 178

For me, I get the black cherry and plum perfectly, without heavy tannin's. It's smooth, and not as heavy as it appears in the glass, making for a wonderful wine by itself, or with a good hearty red meat.

Enjoy!

Chateau De La Vergnee, 2000 Bordeaux Superieur Reserve

Approximately $13/bottle

Here is an unbelievable find from a recent wine tasting at a local store. They actually hadn't had this wine open to taste, but I saw it on the shelf and asked the owner about it. He had told me that he had a few bottles in, and one customer, after trying a bottle, ordered a case. So, I did the same, I tried a bottle, and the next morning called him to tell him to put aside what he had remaining for me (9 bottles). There's more available, so I'll be probably ordering a case after the new year.
Click on the picture to make it bigger

This is a Bordeaux Superieur, Reserve. The Superieur being the better in that line, the Reserve normally set aside as the very best from this Chateau.

For those of you who don't know wines very well, or don't know much about Bordeaux's, they come from the SouthWest of France, in the Bordeaux region (do ya think?).
They are great red wines that age extremely well, and the two finest vintages (years of production) are 1969 and 2000.

This is a great link for learning more about Bordeaux wine.

This particular wine is still very young on the tongue, yet even at this immaturity, you can tell it's going to be an outstanding find for the price.
There is light cherry and black berry flavors at first, leaving with a finish that I can only describe as "Oh wow".

I took a bottle of this to our wine club Holiday party a few weeks ago, and it went over very well.

Give it a try.. at this price, it can't last long!

Rosenblum Cellars Appellation Series 2004 Zinfandel – California

Approximately: $19/Bottle

This is another wine that two friends of mine at work told me about. One, a doctor, the other, a manager. When my wife and I opened this bottle, and took a sniff of the fruity aroma, I think we were hooked before the first taste. Oddly enough, when we had a glass the second night, it actually was better than the first!

Some info about this wine:

Made from a combination of Zinfandel and Petite Syrah grapes consisting of 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Syrah.

The wine is aged in oak barrels, half of which are French oak the other half are American.

In this wine you will discover flavors of rich cherry, black raspberry a touch of chocolate truffles and aromas of anise.


From the Rosenblum website:
Vineyard : Continente Vineyard, Cutino Vineyard, Cecchini Vineyard, Madruga Vineyards
Composition : 96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah
Aging : 50% French and 50% American 60-galllon oak barrels.
Release Date : November 2005
Production : 12,000 cases

Vineyard :

This wine has been crafted by combining fruit from four of the finest vineyards in the San Francisco Bay appellation, which sits at the foot of Mt. Diablo in eastern Contra Costa County. Here, the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet the San Francisco Bay creating unique sandy soils. The region enjoys warm days, but also benefits from the significant marine influence at night. This combination of weather and sandy soils produces rich, exotic plum and cherry-laden Zinfandels.

Continente Vineyard – Home to the oldest vines in Contra Costa County, this family-owned vineyard dates back to 1878. It supplies both Zinfandel and Carignane for the blend.

Cutino Vineyard – This 30-year-old vineyard is situated next to Freedom High School in Oakley and produces some very flavorful and well-educated Zinfandels.

Cecchini Vineyard – Planted to the 100-year-old St. Peter’s Church clone in heavier soil just east of Oakley, this vineyard yields intense, currant-flavored fruit.

Madruga Vineyards – Manny Madruga is a native of Portugal, and his vineyards supply both Zinfandel and Petite Sirah for this blend. Manny’s fruit comes from a selection of old clones.

Cellar Practices and Winemaking :

Each vineyard was harvested at the peak of ripeness and fermented separately in small vat stainless steel fermenters. After aging in French and American oak, the best lots were combined and gently filtered before bottling in October 2005.

Winemaker's Comments :

At one time this historic winegrowing region had more vines than the Napa Valley. As a result of this Appellation’s sedimentary soil and sand, phylloxera did not devastate these marvelous old vines.

The wine shows rich, soft plum and ripe cherry flavors, with elements of earthy spice and dark chocolate.

It pairs beautifully with osso bucco, chile verde, or marinated chicken. It’s even perfect with wood fired pizza.

UPC#: 7-32048-00338-4

Back Label Text :

This exotic and spicy Zinfandel has been handcrafted utilizing fruit from a selection of premium vineyards in the San Francisco Bay appellation, which includes the Livermore Valley and parts of Contra Costa County. Located in the shadow of Mt. Diablo about 40 miles east of San Francisco and 20 miles south of Napa Valley, this region is host to exceptional Zinfandel vines which are often more than 100 years old.

Pair this wine with marinated grilled pork loin, coconut shrimp or chicken cacciatore.

Newsletter Comments :

This delicious wine which reflects the San Francisco Bay regional characteristics of rich plum, zesty cherries and spicy earth tones is a blend of four premium vineyards: Continente, whose oldest vines date back 120 years; Cutino with the Samsel vineyard clone; Cecchini and Madruga with the St Peters Church clone. The wine features 4% Petite Sirah.

Moselland ARS VITIS Riesling (various years)

Approximately $12 a bottle
REGION: Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

This great white wine comes in a bottle that has a painting visible through the wine painted on the back of the bottle!
It's semi sweet, not as sweet as most Rieslings, but tart and easily drinkable by itself or with food. It's very refreshing on these hot days, and should be served cold. Below is a description from a website about it:

DESCRIPTION: Fine, fruity Riesling bouquet, well-balanced palate with hints of exotic fruit. This straight forward Qualitatswein is very crisp and refreshing. The "window bottle" packaging features scenes from the Mosel Valley (and some of other places, like a bottle I had with a picture of the Statue of Liberty on it (DC)) by artist and wine grower Heinz Ames, so this enjoyable wine also makes an excellent gift.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: It goes well with salads, chicken dishes and Asian cuisine, and can be enjoyed as an easy drinking summer wine or aperitif.

As always, enjoy...!

Esser Vineyards Pinot Noir 2004

(approx $11 US per bottle)

This is one of the newest wines that my wife and I found that just took our breath away, with its fullness, taste, and lack of "wood" taste which is prevalent (in our tastes) in Pinot Noirs. Just about every Pinot Noir that I like, my wife finds too earthy, or heavy, but not Esser. It's delicious to drink, and can be had with any red meat.

From the Esser Website:
Winemakers Notes:
This medium-bodied, aromatic Pinot Noir owes its broad strawberry and cherry fruit to its Monterey provenance, and its spicy, herbal high notes to its relatively small percentage of Central Coast fruit. The Napa lot was added to enhance the style and focus of the blend. Fermentation was completed in stainless steel tanks. Aged for 5 months in a combination of 25% French and 75% American Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes:
Delicate floral aromas give way to lush flavors of strawberry and cherry in this delicious 2004 Pinot Noir. On the palate, rounded tannins support a long polished finish. A perfect match with roasted meat dishes, hearty pastas and cheeses.

Enjoy!

Menage à Trois, California Table Wine

(approx $12 US per bottle)

This brilliant red is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I took it to a party that my wine club ran a few months ago, and while the name makes you chuckle, the taste completely surprises you. Here's a bit of information about it:

Ménage à Trois. It is so named because it blends three varietals: Zinfandel from Amador, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Napa. The Zin (69%) provides a backbone of peppery flavors and dense textures, while the Cabernet Sauvignon (26%) smoothes out the wine, making it a joy to drink. A touch of Cab Franc (5%) adds an enticing fruitiness that complements the other varietals and adds a third dimension to the wine. It is a deep and juicy wine that starts out with scents of blackberry and plum. Once in the mouth, the fuller flavors explode with berry, cherry and lush raspberry, and end on a creamy vanilla note.

Menage à Trois (there is also a white, and a rose verion) is made by the Folie à Deux Winery, from St.Helena, California.
Here is a link to their website.

Enjoy in good health!

Castillo de Monseran 2002 Grenache

(approx. $5 - $7 US per bottle)

This wine was found at a tasting about a year ago, and is an outstanding value! I always have a bottle or three on hand at home, just for when I'm in the mood, as it is such an easy drinking wine. It can be had by itself, or with a red meat dinner, and always rolls off the tongue with light red fruit flavors.
The price of this wine makes it easy to keep several bottles on hand should company show up, and they'll think you paid well more than you did for this delicious wine.

Serving temperature: 60-65 degrees
This wine comes out of the Cariena Appellation in Aragon. A 100 % Grenache makes this an easy drinking fruit driven wine. It is bottled within a year of production and is designed to be drunk now and not cellared.

Here's a review:
Spain is fast becoming a powerhouse in the wine industry for value and quality. Made from the Garnacha grape, this wine explodes with black currant fruit and a lively fresh finish. Try with tomato based appetizers or light grilled meats.

I hope you enjoy this delicious wine as much as I do.

Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2004 Johannisberg Riesling

(approx. $11/Bottle US)

My favorite White Wine

This one's for you Mark

Now, I'm definitely NOT into dry wines. This one, is an amazing white, crisp and fresh, a bit sweet but not too much.
I discovered this wine about a year ago, and it's wonderful in the summer, chilled while relaxing.

Here's what the winemaker has to say about it:

Winemaker's Notes
Our Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2003 Johannisberg Riesling has charming floral and fruit aromas and crisp, lightly sweet flavors. Enticing hints of spice and minerals mingle with the jasmine, pear, apple and melon notes. This grape variety develops its broadest spectrum of flavors in cool grape growing regions, such as Monterey County in California’s Central Coast appellation. Delicate and fragrant, our Johannisberg Riesling is a refreshing match to Pacific Rim cuisines, especially slightly salty or smoky dishes such as chicken teriyaki skewers. In its homeland, Germany, Johannisberg Riesling is classically matched with smoked trout. We also love it with salads, such as baby greens and prawns tossed with Roquefort dressing. In the summer, enjoy a chilled glass of Johannisberg Riesling with fresh strawberries and cheeses.
More notes can be found here.

Enjoy!

Chateau Prieure Lichine, 1999 Margaux

(approx. $24/bottle US)
This is my all-time favorite wine.
As I am a Bordeaux fan already, it should come as no surprise that a Margaux would be my favorite as they are so close in variety.
While 2000 Bordeaux's were the best, this 1999 is outstanding in flavor, texture and palate.
The story of how I got my first bottle may interest you:
My wife and I were going to Paris, and I knew I was going to see a friend there who collects an incredible amount of wine, I brought with me, a Merlot made here in Connecticut by the Haight Vineyards not far from where I live.
In return, my friend (Hubert) gave me a bottle of this wonderful wine to take home with me.
Well, when I got home, and my wife and I opened this bottle of ambrosia, both of our eyes bugged out! This wine took our breath away it was so good. Thus began my web search for this wine (unbelievably hard to find in the US). In the meantime, we opened a second bottle of the Haight Merlot that we had bought.
It was awful. I felt so bad, that I gave Hubert such an awful wine, and he gave me nectar from the Gods.....
This wine is made up of 34% merlot, 10% petit verdot, 56% cabernet sauvignon and displays red licorice aromas with hints of mocha and spice.

Well, a short time later, I found a place on Manhattan that had 3 cases of this wine. Though it was pretty expensive, my friend Aaron and I drove down there, picked up a case and brought it home.
I made myself a promise, not to drink more than one bottle a year, and so far... I've kept that promise!
This wine, if you can find it (and there is some in the US still available), sells for about $25 per bottle.

A wine taster online says about this wine:
First tasted Mar-00: dark deep purple. Ample black cherry fruit on nose. Quite elegant. Good balance with attractive smoky fruits. Firm structure. A bit fore-square but a pretty wine - pure and classy. (19/25) Tasted again in Nov-03: the nose is more austere than expected with smoky black fruits. Lacks a little vigour. The palate is very sweet with redcurrant and raspberry fruits. Chewy tannins.
More information about Chateau Prieure Lichine Margaux

Keep in mind, the tasting above was done when the wine was extremely young. This is an excellent wine for aging, as it gets better and better with each passing year. At about 20 years old, this wine will reach full maturity.

I hope you get to try some of this someday.. it's my #1 wine.
Here's a great link to information on Chateau Preiure Lichine

First Post

Well, this is a place where I'll begin (soon) posting about the wines I enjoy, as well as some my friends do too.

Keep in mind, wine tastes are subjective.. what I like, other people may not. On the other hand, I may just enjoy a gem that you might also find wonderful.

Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment.

Dave Champagne