Monday, October 29, 2012

Piedmont on the cheap from Trader Joe's.

Here are two Italian reds from very well regarded areas that usually are out of my price range.
Wine # 1 is the 2008 Barolo from Rocca Dell'Olmo. This might not be the deep rich Barolo that you would pay $ 40-60 for, but then it is $ 13.99 so you won't have a reason to complain. It isn't really complex but it is a nice dinner drink for the money. I'll give it 7 swiggs.
Wine # 2 is also from Rocca Dell'Olmo but it is a 2009 Barbaresco-lighter, fruitier and has a lot more going on flavor wise. I really feel that this is the killer deal of the two, only $ 9.99 and definitely more attractive than the Barolo. I really liked the black cherry flavors and depth of the wine, even though it was a lighter body and color than the Barolo. Normally, I would pick a Barolo over a Barbaresco hands down but this is an exception. I'll give it 8 swiggs-definitely the pick of the litter.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Two weekday gems from T.J.'s.

 Wine # 1 is the Napa Station 2008 Cabernet. The grapes are supposedly from the Atlas peak area-this is textbook Napa Cab for $ 9.99 and it is ready to drink. I'm always on the lookout for wines like this-a big red you won't want every night but something to pair with hearty food. I'll give it 8 swiggs.
Wine # 2 is the Black Shiraz Barossa Berton vineyard 2010. Most wines from Barossa ( Australia) are big and jammy-this one is maybe a bit more understated and possibly a more versatile wine as a result. Reds from Barossa at under $ 10 are really rare, so this one at $ 6.99 is a steal. It is a bit lighter bodied than the Cab but has bold flavors that are charcteristic of the region. I'll give it 7 1/2 swiggs-a real weekday bargain.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Local Pinot is a blockbuster !

All the wines from Storr's in Santa Cruz are big and intense-even this 2008 Santa Cruz mtns. Pinot . These wines live by a different set of rules than most. The intensity of the flavors rivals wine from hotter climates such as the Sierra Foothills. I am very partial to this winery and find them to be extremely reliable from year to year for their quality and consistency. If you want big, look no further-this is no delicate Pinot. I'll give it 9 swiggs. Available at local stores and the winery.