The Wine Cask Blog

Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano 2008 Wine Review (NW)

Published on 2012-02-11 10:07:00

Tasting notes:Currants and leather notes open on the noseFull bodied and savory on the palateFinishes with blackberry, cherry, and licoriceSummary:I like this wine because it's rustic and charming. It has a nice mix of fruit and savory qualities that typifies Sangiovese-based Tuscan reds from Italy. It's also a great bargain at $13. Serve with pasta bolognese- and raise a glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Published on 2012-02-11 09:56:00

Tasting notes:Spicy plum and blackberry aromas on the noseFull bodied and richly textured on the palateRich, layered finish of spicy berries and currantsSummary:This wine is remarkably good every year, and the 2009 has it all. It combines richness and ripe fruit with a spicy character that's neither heavy or too sweet. For Zinfandel fans, here's a benchmark wine priced at $22 or so. A classic food pairing is barbecue, but don't be afraid to serve this with a variety of dishes. Raise a glass!

Cune Vina Real Gran Reserva Rioja 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Published on 2012-02-11 09:44:00

Tasting notes:Fragrant aromas of strawberry and raspberry on the nose with resinous notesFull bodied and dense on the palateLong finish of plum, leather, and spiceSummary:This Rioja is aging beautifully. It tastes great now but could likely last a long time. It's packed with flavor, has good acidity, and a resinous streak suggesting the integration of oak.The 2001 label is shown above, but is identical to the 2004 in this review. Made from 85% Tempranillo along with Graciano and Mazeuela, it'

Petite Rousse Syrah 2006 wine review by (PB)

Published on 2012-02-08 16:31:00

Deep dark purple hue with bouquet of deep black cherry, nearly pure but many cooking orders. Palate-- Big flavors of dark berry but a very strange feel on my tongue and a sharp presence with saliva stimulating tartness. $11.In an earlier vintage of this Paso Robles wine I enjoyed this big Syrah. My taster may be suffering though the effects of a virus so this should be considered an unreliable review!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Villa Antinori Toscana 2007 wine review by (PB)

Published on 2012-02-06 16:41:00

Deeply pigmented black cherry hue to the rim with a bouquet of Sangiovese fruit but a somewhat sweeter impression. Sweet cherry is what you get from a distance with slight tobacco and dark berry notes.Palate--Varietal fruit up front with slight dark berry rear (Syrah?) Good tannic structure but slightly chewy yet yielding a nice silky texture. (This is Antinori's value priced Super Tuscan blended of 60% sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah.This is drinking well but will ho

Epicuro Nero D'Avola 2009 wine review by (PB)

Published on 2012-02-06 16:34:00

Nice black cherry/garnet hue with big cherry aromas with sweet candy cherry notes.Palate--gentle tannins, integrated,sweet cherry fruit foundation with a nice cherry finish. Sicily means Nero D'Avola and this is a very nice wine for the price.This is another "Trader Joe's value wine for $9 and worth buying several bottles if you like Nero D'Avola and why wouldn't you? Raise a glass and buy more.--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Pierre Andre Bourgogne Pinot Noir Reserve 2009 wine review by (PB)

Published on 2012-02-06 16:26:00

Bright cherry aromas and strawberry notes.Palate--Tightly wound, strawberry with a little white pepper with a good front presence but fleeting. I bought this at Trader Joe's for around $12 I think. It seems to list elsewhere for considerably more. It's just Okay.--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Caretaker Wines Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2009 wne review by (PB)

Published on 2012-02-06 16:17:00

Solid garnet hue with strawberry bouquet that is pure strawberry fruit. Palate--Solid acid foundation with simple but pure strawberry fruit flavor. This is uncomplicated and a good example of the grape at his value price point of $10. This is yet another Trader Joes $10 selection and a decent value. Raise a glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Four Vines "OVC" Zinfandel 2009 wine review by (PB)

Published on 2012-01-30 16:23:00

Black cherry hue with bouquet of jammy blackberry fruit with a brambly spicey foundation.Palate--Relaxed presence with nice spicey berry Zinfandel flavors of some depth. Straight forward and a good example of the grape. Finishes with some some smokey oak and for $10 I call it a value wine. Raise a glass as I will tonight with venison chili topped with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese and garlic bread. Ahhhhhhh...--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - Shar

Revanna St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Wine Review (NW)

Published on 2012-01-29 16:44:00

Tasting notes:Fragrant nose of plum, currant, and roasted herbsFull bodied and richly textured on the palateLong, polished finish of ripe fruit, herbs, spice, and chocolate woven together beautifullySummary:This wine is a real treat. At $125, it's not an everyday wine nor should it be because it requires some time and attention to explore all the depth and layers. It will likely cellar for several decades but if you like to drink them young then go for it. It opens up nicely and has a persist