Root:1 Cabernet Sauvingnon

If you've read this blog before, you know what a big fan of the Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc I was.  While poking around my local Whole Foods (or Whole Paycheck as many affectionately call it), my wife and I found a bottle of Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon.  We quickly snatched it up.

Part of me was worried that it wouldn't live up to my expectations, as I had quickly fallen in love with the Sauvignon Blanc, but at $10.99, what did I really have to lose?  I shouldn't have worried as the Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon was everything that I could have hoped for.

The hints of vanilla were great, but didn't overpower the fruit flavors of cherry and plum.  The tannins were just right, and it was very easy to drink and enjoy.  In short - it was great.  If you've tried the Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc, I can't think of any reason not to go out and try the Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon.  I give the Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon 4.75 stars out of 5.

Rockbridge Cabernet Franc

I live in Virginia, and while there are pros and cons to that, one good thing is that here in Virginia, we're big on making wine.  While we do some varietals better than others, one that seems to thrive here is the Cabernet Franc.  For my wedding my wife and I were given a subscription to a Virginia wine of the month club.  This past month we recieved a pair of wines from Rockbridge Vineyard.  One a white that was far too sweet for our tastes, and the other a Cabernet Franc.  

The Rockbridge Cabernet Franc has a nice earthiness to it that I find quite enjoyable.  A very dry Cabernet Franc, this red wine went great with a very sauce-heavy pasta and red sauce meal I prepared.  The one thing I did notice was that after my meal was finished and I was just drinking the wine, it was a bit too dry to be enjoyed by itself.

This is a great wine to eat with a hearty red sauce or juicy steak, but if you're looking for a wine to drink by itself, I think you can find a better Cabernet Franc for that purpose.  I give the Rockbridge Cabernet Franc 2.5 stars out of 5 since it'll go great with a meal, but leaves something to be desired by itself.

Wine Snobs - Are You One?

Through the years I've encountered numerous wine drinkers.  While many are true lovers of wine, there exists a select group of those that don't enjoy wine simply for the enjoyment of it.  They enjoy wine so that they can tell others that they enjoy it.  They preach about their wine, they suffer for their wine, they criticize the wine selections of others.  They are wine snobs.

Whereas most culture snobs (food, music, art, etc) will tell you that they're snobs about their preferred cultural medium, wine snobs are often oblivious to their status as a bane to the existence of those of us that actually enjoy wine simply to enjoy it.

Wine snobs are easy to pick out.  They tend to be white, upper to middle class, often young, and often try to be trendy in both dress and manner of carrying themselves.  In short, they're the sort of person that you tend to want to smack as soon as you see them, but restrain yourself from doing so.

Wine snobs will can often be found at wine tastings, cocktail parties, trendy cafes or bars, and are often overheard talking with somebody about how much they enjoy wine, how much they spend on wine, and how if wine doesn't come from a certain region (usually France) and cost a certain amount, it's not really worth drinking.  These people must be stopped.

The key to making sure that you yourself don't become a wine snob is to remember a few simple things.  First, just because wine costs more than you make in a month doesn't mean it's good.  I'm not saying I haven't spent $50 on a bottle of wine before, but the amount I spent on it didn't make it any better or any more enjoyable.  The wine did that.

Second, just because the wine you're drinking has a name you can pronounce doesn't mean it's bad.  Many wine snobs are firm believers that only wine made in France is worth drinking, a belief that most of France also shares.  I'm not saying I don't enjoy French wine, but that doesn't mean I don't also enjoy Italian wine, Australina/New Zealand wine, South American wine, American wine....I think you get the point.  Region doesn't make a wine better or worse.  Sure, some regions make some varietals better than others, but that doesn't mean it can't be good from elsewhere.

Third, just because you don't drink a Chateau this or that that's older than your first born child doesn't mean you're drinking bad wine.  Contrary to popular belief, aging wine too much can actually be detrimental.  How you say?  Wine turns to vinegar eventually, and while corking technology has come a long ways in recent years, any wine that is old enough to suit a wine snob wasn't bottled during the time of synthetic corks or screwcaps.  That means that odds are pretty good that oxygen has found its way into the bottle and turned the wine into vinegar.

Fourth, and last, don't suffer for your wine.  I'm a big believer in trying new wines, experimenting with food pairings, and moving outside of my wine "comfort zone".  Sure, I'm a pinot noir guy through and through, but that doesn't mean I'm miserable if I don't have a bottle of pinot noir from France that was bottled in 1985.  If I want to suffer for something I'll go back to a Catholic Church and suffer for a religion.  Wine is supposed to be enjoyed, not a torturous experience.

Wine snobs are everywhere, and with the growth of the popularity of wine, more are sprouting up every day.  Just remember what I've listed above and you can both avoid becoming a wine snob and, if the moment presents itself, put a wine snob in their place.  Remember to enjoy your wine, no matter what kind you happen to be drinking.

Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc

I've been on a big kick with South American Sauvinon Blanc lately, and thanks to the Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc, I have something to feed my addiction. This Chilean white wine is repeatedly finding it's way into my fridge and onto my table. With a great, crips citrus flavor, this wine goes great with seafood, chicken, pork, or just on the deck on a hot day. The light coloring is about the only thing light about this full-flavored, yet clean tasting Sauvignon Blanc.

My local store carries this for a lowly $7, a steal for anybody in the market for an inexpensive white wine that they can pair with anything. A bit of research shows that it does sell for upwards of $15, but I wouldn't recommend paying that much for it, not because it isn't worth it, but because you can find it for less. And isn't that always the point? I give the Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc 4.75 stars out of 5.

Find this wine online at WineZap.com

Anakena Sauvignon Blanc

As the heat continues to increase, I find myself drinking more and more white wine, which is why I turned to the Anakena Sauvignon Blanc. This Chilean white was a welcome addition to my selection of wines, and I really can't recommend it enough. For the $8 I paid for this wine, it makes it perfect for drinking by itself on the porch or for pairing with a spicy meal to help cut the heat.

With great citrus flavors and a light, crisp finish, this is the perfect sauvignon blanc for anybody looking to either get into the varietal, or for somebody looking for an everyday sauvignon blanc to enjoy with any kind of meal or by itself. Whether you're a fan of white wines or not, you really should give this wine a try, especially for the price. I give this wine 4.75 stars out of 5.

Find a bottle of Anakena Sauvignon Blanc at WineZap.com

Clos du Bois Riesling

This weekend I partook of numerous wines, but right now I want to talk about the Clos du Bois Riesling that I drank with some friends for dinner on Thursday night. First of all, while the name might be misleading (it's French for "enclosure in the wood"), this is actually a wine from California. I picked this wine up at my local store for $13, as my fiance' and I were having friends over for dinner and our taste in wine differs greatly from theirs.

The Clos du Bois Riesling had plenty of citrus flavors, but leaned more towards the sweet side of the Riesling varietal (which was part of the reason I had purchased it for our guests). While it wasn't sickly sweet like some German Rieslings can be, it certainly wasn't crisp and dry. I paired this dinner with grilled chicken covered in BBQ sauce, and while it wasn't bad, I think I might have enjoyed it more had I paired it with something spicy, like Asian cuisine. All in all it wasn't a bad wine, but unless you're more into the sweeter Rieslings, I'd say you might want to avoid this wine unless you plan to pair it with something spicy. I give this wine 2.5 stars out of 5.

Find the Clos du Bois Riesling online at WineZap.com

Campo Viejo Rioja

Today I review what is quickly becoming one of my favored types of wine: rioja. This Spanish varietal does a great job of combining the tannins that I love from cabernet sauvignons and adds great vanilla and plum flavors.

The Campo Viejo Rioja that I enjoyed was purchased for $9.99 at my local store, but can be found for not much more than $13 in other stores when I searched online. I paired this wine with a pasta dish featuring a spicy red sauce with sausage and onions in it that was a great compliment to the taste of the wine.

As I said, I've really been getting into rioja's lately, and while this is certainly not the best I've had to date, it is certainly a great buy for the price, and one that I'm sure to purchase again when I'm in the mood for a rioja and would rather spend $10 intead of $20. While this isn't the best example of the rioja, it's still a great wine for those interested in trying this particular varietal. I give the Campo Viejo Rioja 3 stars out of 5 for it's great vanilla flavors and smooth plumb finish.

Find Campa Viejo Rioja online at WineZap.com

Yellow Tail Shiraz

This is easily one of my favorite wines for just sitting around and enjoying a glass of wine. The Yellow Tail Shiraz does an excellent job of being a middling wine. While the low tannins won't really appeal to the true wine lover, the same lack of tannins and the nice berry flavors are great for those that are just getting in to wine, and are wonderful for parties, relaxing, or when you and your friends are having a movie night.

Ranging in price from about $9 to $13, there really are few bottles of shiraz that will satisfy your desire for a medium-bodied red wine for this price point. While the Yellow Tail shiraz certainly won't change your world view, if you're in the market for a middle of the road shiraz that you can keep on hand without breaking the bank, this is a good one to go with. I give the Yellow Tail shiraz 2.75 stars out of 5 - it's not great, but you won't regret buying it.

Find Yellow Tail Shiraz at WineZap.com

Mirassou Chardonnay

Having already tried and reviewed the Mirassou Pinot Noir, I thought it would be a good idea to try one of Mirassou's white wines. This, it turns out, was a mistake. I really wanted to like the Mirassou Chardonnay, I tried to like it, the nose was good, the initial taste was crisp and refreshing....and then I swallowed and got a rough finish. A rough finish on a dry red can be somewhat acceptable, not great, but acceptable, however, a rough finish, the kind that hits you right on the back of the tongue and almost makes you do the bitter beer face, on a white wine is not acceptable.

Thinking the wine just needed food I paired it with a pasta dish I had made (wheat pasta, grilled chicken, and sun-dried tomato alfredo), only to find that the meal did nothing to help me enjoy the wine any more. While I spent less than $10 on this wine, I still feel as though I wasted my money for the simple fact that I didn't enjoy the wine.

If you're in the market for a chardonnay with hints of oak and you can get past the rough finish, then this might be your wine, but if you're anything like me and you like your steel aged chardonnay's to be crisp and clean, than you should really avoid the Mirassou Chardonnay. I give this wine 1 star out of 5. It's just not worth the eight bucks you'll spend on it.

Find Mirassou Chardonnay at Wine Zap

Vino Curioso 2006 Franc the Tank

Today I review what is, in my opinion, one of the more interesting vineyards to recently open. Vino Curioso. The highlight of this new vineyard is certainly their cabernet franc, which they refer to as Franc the Tank (a great refrence to Old School).

The first thing I noticed about this wine was the peppery flavor. The spice from that first sip was surprising and yet quite enjoyable, especially when coupled with the low tannins and smooth finish, something that Virginia cabernet francs are not known for. The smooth finish and low tannins allowed me to actually enjoy the pepperiness, which went well with some chips and salsa.

The wine aside, Vino Curioso is doing an excellent job of producing a series of wines that are both high quality and that are being marketed in a way to draw in a younger crowd that is either unfamiliar with wine as a whole, or at the very least with good wine. Having seen Vino Curioso at a wine festival, the majority of the patrons at their booth were between the ages of 22 and 30, a crowd that is yet to be tapped by the majority of vineyards. Vino Curioso is well on their way to establishing themselves as a quality vineyard with a wide base. I give the Vino Curioso Franc the Tank 4 stars out of 5, a definite buy for the cabernet franc lover.

Wine Articles

I've started another blog to compliment this one where I'll post wine related articles that I've written. You can find it at: http://winearticles.blogspot.com . Look forward to seeing you there.

Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz

Moving to Australia, today I review the Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz from South East Australia. I've become a big fan of wines from Australia, and especially this region, and the Rosemount Diamond Label is no exception. A wine that I've enjoyed in numerous restaraunts (for much more than you can find it at retail for), I was more than happy to purchase this shiraz for $12 (though I've seen it as low as $10 and as high as $15). With a nose featuring hints of spice and intense black fruits, the complex flavors of this red wine will stay with you, but in a good way.

A velvety, soft finish compliments the spices that make this wine so enjoyable. What I've found so enjoyable about shirazes, especially those that come from this region, is their versatility, and the Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz is no exception. Whether you're looking to drink this by itself or with a nice meal, if you haven't tried this wine before, now is the time to go and pick up a bottle. I easily recommend this wine and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Find a bottle of Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz for under $20

2006 Target Wine Cube Sauvignon Blanc

This is the second boxed wine that I've reviewed on this blog, and I have to say, I'm much more impressed with this one that I was with the Fisheye Shiraz. Target has taken the idea of the boxed wine and completely reimagined it. Not only have they redesigned the box, they've created a series of accessories including a stand that raises the cube high enough to easily place a glass beneath it for serving, but a cover that both insulates the wine and hides the "box" appearance beneath a stylish black covering with openings for the spout and the type of wine listed on the box.

The Sauvignon Blanc offered by Target is a good selection for anybody looking to either move away from the sweeter whites with something safe, or throw a party. In fact, the first thing that came to mind when I saw the Wine Cube setup was how convenient it would be for a party. While the wine itself is nothing to write home about, neither is it something I would be ashamed to offer at a huge outdoor picnic or informal cocktail party. It's easy and convenient and the subtle citrus flavors should be enjoyable to most white wine drinkers.

I'm not saying that this wine is anything even approaching amazing, but for around $15 for 3 liters of wine (that's roughly 3 bottles), you really can't go wrong with this wine when looking to entertain a number of people or just to have a basic "house" white on hand for your own enjoyment when you don't want to open up the good stuff. I give this wine 3.5 stars out of 5 for presentation alone.

Mirassou Pinot Noir

I'm a big fan of pinot noir. A really big fan of pinot noir. Because of this, I'm always happy to find a pinot noir that fits into my budget, which is exactly what I did with the Mirassou pinot noir. I drank this particular wine over Memorial Day weekend with a NY Strip that I personally seasoned and grilled to perfection. It was great.

The combination of the flavors from the meat and the smooth, rich flavors from the wine made for a truly enjoyable meal. Finding a pinot noir for under $10 ($8.99 at my local store) is a great find in itself, but finding one that can compliment a fine meal and be enjoyed well after the meal has been finished is an amazing find.

If you're in the market for a pinot noir that's smooth with no after taste and will compliment a good steak dinner, you can't go wrong with the Mirassou pinot noir from California. For the price, there really isn't any beating it. I give Mirassou Pinot Noir 4 stars out of 5. A definite must buy.

Bell'agio Chianti

I'll be the first to admit that I picked this wine up on a whim because I was in the mood for a chianti and the bottle caught my eye. Fortunately, it turned out to be really good for the price. Coming in at around $8.99, this Italian Chianti reminded me of exactly what it is I like out of a chianti - a simple wine that I can enjoy by itself or with a nice meal.

I enjoyed this chianti with a meal of Italian style meatballs over rice with a brown gravy - nothing fancy, but nice and hearty and warming on a day when I was, admittedly, feeling a bit under the weather. The nice tannins and dryness were exactly what I was craving, and while there was nothing complex or pretentious about this wine, it was the perfect compliment to the simple meal that I was enjoying.

If you're looking for a chianti that will redefine the varietal for you, this wine isn't it, but if you're looking for a nice house chianti that you can enjoy at home with a nice simple meal and that will add a bit of ambiance to your meal, this is absolutely the wine you want to go for. I give this bottle of wine 3.5 stars out of 5 because it's a good, solid chianti, but it won't blow your mind.

If you're looking for a bottle of Bell'agio Chianti, look here to see what you can find.

Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Zinfandel

I had been hesitant to try a red zinfandel based on the name association with white zinfandel, a wine I have a long distaste for (nothing personal, just not something I can get into). While shopping at my local market, a table had been set up for tasting some wines, and the Ravenswood Zinfandel was among them. Never one to turn down free samples, I tasted the wine. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

The pepper at the finish was what caught me off guard the most, but in a good way. Finishing my far too tiny sample, I enjoyed the smoothness of the front end of the wine, but looked forward to the pepper at the end. Buying a bottle, I took this wine home and eventually enjoyed it with a meal of homemade jambalaya that had been made with shrimp and andouille sausage that possessed a smokey flavor that went very well with the pepper of the Ravenswood.

I cannot recommend this wine enough, and with a price range of $9 to $11, you really aren’t going to find a better deal on a very high quality zinfandel. This is a must buy and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Go try this one today.