Aug

28

The notion that Chateau Bellefont-Belcier 1998 (a combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux’s “right bank” region of St. Emilion) was produced in the same year that I graduated from college made me feel a bit like I was opening a time-capsule when I popped the cork…. not to mention, old.  But anyway, the effect of ten years’ time in a barrel/bottle was unmistakable from first whiff (a gorgeous whiff at that) through to swish and swallow.

We found the wine to be wonderfully complex, with layered aromas of green pepper, nutmeg, mellowed cherry, and hard apple cider, and flavors of apple, cherry, and nutmeg.   The acidity was remarkably brisk given the ageing, and that convinced us that this wine was probably still relatively young.

The merchant that sold us our bottle was adamant that it constituted one of the best values that he had in his shop.  Quite honestly, it was very easy for us to understand why.

Where to get it: We bought our bottle at Plumpjack Wines in Noe Valley, but note that the store was running out quickly.  You might also try using the Snooth search function under “Wine Locator” in the right hand column of this page, or visiting wine-searcher.com or winezap.com.

Jul

22

eds-red-napa-valley-2005.jpgEd’s Red Napa Valley 2005 is a mixture of Bordeaux varietals (47% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon) with Syrah (16%) and Petite Sirah (13%), and in  stereotypical California style, it is enormous.  The intensity of its purplish ruby red color – it’s practically opaque – was a nice clue as to its large body, but we only experienced the full effect when we took a sip.  Aside from the filling texture, we could easily feel the heat of the high alcohol content (15%), which was fortunately moderated by plenty of acidity.  In the nose, we found a mixture of spice, prune, and cranberry, and after taking a sip, we found flavors that were more of the same.  

As we’ve mentioned before, huge “new world” wines aren’t typically our thing, but in our bottle of Ed’s Red Napa Valley we were happy to have deviated from the lighter style that we usually prefer.

Where to get it: We bought our bottle at Plumpjack Wines in Noe Valley.  They ship.  You can also find it using the Snooth search function under “Wine Locator” in the right hand column of this page, or by visiting wine-searcher.com or winezap.com. 

  

Jun

3

The Domaine de la Pépière Cuvée Granit 2006 is classified as a Vin de Pays (the link is to Wikipedia), which is a classfication level below that of the French wines, appellation d’origine contrôlée, that we’ve reviewed in the past, and the wine hails from a poducer known more for its whites — Muscadet, to be precise — than reds.     

Still, we found this blend of Cab Franc, Merlot, and Malbec from the Loire Valley to be so very nicely balanced, flavorful, and light as a feather in terms of body that we felt it was a perfect Weekday Wine candidate.

We picked up two flavors that dominated our glasses: green bell pepper and smoke.  But what this wine lacked in complexity was more than made up for in terms of its simple, easy-drinking character.  This is a crowd-pleaser that would be an excellent companion to a home-cooked meal.

Where to get it: We bought our bottle at K&L Wines in San Francisco.  They ship.  You can also find it using the Snooth search function under “Wine Locator” in the right hand column of this page, or by visiting wine-searcher.com or winezap.com.

May

6

We were in the mood for something different when we purchased the Olaia Dehesa de Rubiales 2004, and different is certainly what we ended up with.  This wine bears very little resemblance to any of the others we’ve reviewed previously.

The Olaia is composed mostly of Prieto Picudo (50%) – a darkly colored, nearly extinct grape that is grown almost exclusively in Spain and seems to be experiencing a recent surge in popularity – 45% Tempranillo, and 5% Merlot.

We found blackberries and vanilla on the nose and palate, along with the luscious scent of plush green forest (as you’d find in, say, North Carolina).  We also picked up lots of hot pepper on the finish, which we really enjoyed.

This well-structured, medium bodied wine might not be one meant for much aging, nor would it be one that we’d call complex.  But it is something that we think is both unusual and pleasing to the senses all at the same time – at $11, it’s a textbook Weekday Wine.

Where to get it: We bought our bottle at Plumpjack Wines in Noe Valley.  They ship. 

Apr

15

This past weekend, we returned to San Francisco after a couple of days in North Carolina attending our law school reunion, and when we first stepped outside of the airport’s doors, we were stunned to find summer weather — 80 degrees, completely clear, bright blue skies, and amazingly, the smell of Eucalyptus, which is so prevalent in this part of California during the summer months (although maybe not always at the airport), in the air. 

la-velona.jpgThe aromas we found in the La Velona Sant’Antimo 2003 – a nicely structured red from Italy’s Sant’Antimo region that consists of Sangiovese Grosso and Merlot – included cherry cola and bell pepper, but most pleasingly, that same smell of Eucalyptus of which we caught a whiff at the airport last weekend.  Much like on Sunday afternoon, that scent  really had us thinking idyllic summertime thoughts of golden hills, deep green trees, perfect breezes, and warm sun.  It’s actually what we liked most about this bottle. 

Oh, and did we mention that it’s Kosher for Passover?  It’s a little more expensive than our typical Weekday Wine, but no matter – this one’s appropriate whether you’re planning a Seder or just looking for something that will get you in the mood for the warmer months ahead.

Where to get it: We bought our bottle at Plumpjack Wines in Noe Valley.  They ship.  You can also find it using the Snooth search function under “Wine Locator” in the right hand column of this page, or by visiting wine-searcher.com or winezap.com.

Feb

19

Recently, I was looking for a reasonably priced Merlot in the ten to fifteen dollar range, when I came upon the Château la Colline Côté Ouest 2004.  Aside from being a superb value at $13.50 and another perfect companion on a chilly winter’s day, the Côté Ouest’s blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon is made all the more enjoyable if you take a few minutes to read the background of the winemaker, Charles Martin.  Click here (the link is to Charles Neal Selections’ web site) for the story of how he got into the wine business — it is also sure to lift up your spirits if the late February weather has got you down.    

The Côté Ouest originates from the Bergerac region of France, which is located due east of Bordeaux but shares similar geology.  The body is in the medium range, and the balance is superb — as is often true of Merlot, there’s not that much in the way of acidity, but the smooth tannins more than make up for that.  I picked up cherry, charred wood and marzipan on the nose, with the same aromas carrying through as flavors in the mouth, and I found the finish to be quite savory. 

Unusual as Mr. Martin’s story may be, his winemaking skills appear to be top notch if the Côté Ouest is any indication. 

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