Wine:  Lockwood Vineyard Monterey Merlot 2005 Region:  Central Coast of California The description on the back of this bottle declares it to be a remarkably balanced merlot.  Twice.  On first sip, I’d say that’s hyperbole.  Spices are the most prominent component, kind of like taking a bite of an old-fashioned stick of clove gum. It
Read more

Wine:  Snapping Turtle Merlot 2007 Region:  Monterey, CA This smooth, full wine smelled of pipe tobacco and curry leaves.  It tasted of plum with a bite.  The tobacco was also present while sipping.  Strange, but surprisingly appealing as there was also a note of Dijon mustard.  Overall, a pleasant wine. Reviewed 9.7.09.

Wine: Black Swan Shiraz Cabernet 2008 Region: Southeastern Australia This wine’s nose is like a warmed mulberry potpourri. It tastes of bright blackberries that have been spiced with cardamom and cinnamon.  Other than the slight kick at the end, I thought it was intriguing, enjoyable, and paired very well with monterey jack. Reviewed 8.17.09.

Cline Zinfandel 2007 Region:  California The nose is bright and fruity.  Raspberry comes to mind. Upon drinking, I get a full mouth of fruit.  It’s leafy, zippy, and tastes closer to currants than raspberries. This is quite flavorful but perhaps a bit too much so. Reviewed 7.22.09.

Abrazo Syrah 2007 Other words on the label:  Del Toro At last I have found it: a Spanish wine that I despise.  I could not finish half a glass of this very puckery and bitter syrah.  I honestly thought it smelled of kitty litter and the taste was not much better.  There was a slight
Read more

Westbend Vineyards Le Noirien Other Words on the Label: 2005, Pinot Noir, Yadkin Valley This pinot noir has quite the fiery nose with a strong alcohol presence, plum, and leather.  I taste lots of extra ripe plum, some raw sugar and a bit of bourbon.  It is tart with a light sweetness on some sips.  
Read more

Dellatorri Chianti 2007 I didn’t pick up much from the smell of this wine, so if I had to offer something, I’d say it smelled of unripened pluot.  The taste was more striking, with the first sip making me wonder if I’d bit into a lemon seed.  That taste lingers for awhile but mellows after
Read more

Meridian Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Other words on the label:  California This wine has a spicy nose of cumin and rich cinnamon.  Figs are the central fruit though there is also a small bit of pipe tobacco on the finish.  It is tart and spicy.  For people like me who love a spicy wine, it
Read more

Hanover Park Mourvedre 2005 Other words on the label:  Yadkin Valley, Alcohol Content 13% This is another wine from our recent trip to the Yadkin Valley wine region and fortunately, this one lived up to the tasting room sample!  We have not been so lucky with some of our other choices from the trip. It
Read more

Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Other words on the label: Sonoma County The wine is almost brown in color.  It smells delicious, like fruit being grilled over a mesquite flame.  The taste is a combination of molasses, peach, and a rich cherry undertone.  With smokiness in every sip, it’s definitely a wine worth drinking. Reviewed 5.22.09.