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Home / Archives for Reds / Reds-Bottle

If You See Kay Red Blend

2014/10/02 by Julie Boughn Leave a Comment

if_you_see_kayReds | Bottle | $20-$22 | Liquid Assets (Ocean City) I went to dinner at 94th Street Liquid Assets in Ocean City, and saw the name of this wine on the list of available wines-by-the-glass. I had to try it since Kay is my mother-in-law’s name. On the menu, it was described as an Italian red blend, but the wine came across to me as very California in style. Dark red in the glass, with aromas of juicy dark fruits. And the same fruit forward taste. I’ve since learned it’s a Cabernet Sauvignon blend with grapes from Lazio, Italy. It paired well with my adult grilled cheese made with fresh mozzarella, tomato and arugula. I think it would go really well with grilled meats, pizza and tomato-based Italian foods.

Still completely missing the euphemism of the name of this wine (close your eyes and say the name quickly out loud), I asked my server if I could buy bottles to take home with me. She told me right where they were in the wine shop, and I went there to buy a bottle to take to my mother-in-law. Then I saw the bad-ass label, and the name immediately hit me. I debated taking one to Kay, but decided, “why not?” and bought two more bottles as well. Proving that labeling works.

I did a little more research and found out this wine comes from the duo behind Hundred Acres Wine, Cherry Pie and Layer Cake brands. Robert Parker says of the main winemaker, Jayson Woodbridge, “his wines are among the most individualistic wines in California.”

I’d rate this wine “bottle” because, at $20-22, it’s a little pricey. However for conversation’s sake alone, well worth the price, and it’s a very good wine. I assert this is the best wine name and label ever. EVER.

Filed Under: $25, Featured Wines, Reds-Bottle

Woodwork Cabernet Sauvignon

2014/09/08 by Frank Hazzard Leave a Comment

Woodwork CabernetReds | Bottle | $11 | Boarman’s Market (Highland, MD) | So here’s the thing: Yes, Napa Valley cabs are more expensive, but, yes,they also taste better. So here’s the other thing: This Central Coast cab is remarkably good, especially when you consider from wherest it came (and what it cost).

And I agreed with the tasting notes on the label, although finding them on the obverse struck me as quirky. What’s up with that?

Better than any $11 Napa cab that I can recall.

Filed Under: $15, Featured Wines, Reds-Bottle

Cougar Crest Dedication 7 2010

2014/05/10 by Suzanne Henig Leave a Comment

cougar_crest_dedication_7Reds-Bottle | $25 | Iron Bridge Wine Company | Red blend, Merlot-Syrah-Cab-Petit Verdot – Cougar Crest Winery’s seventh release of Dedication is a blend of four varietals; 50% Merlot, 29% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Lush, ripe plums, red currants, black cherries, and a hint of dried roses and herbs on the nose are balanced by acidity and tannins that are smooth and graceful, not overbearing. Rich on the palate and long on the finish, the overall effect shows balance and finesse, a hallmark of Cougar Crest wines. A deeply satisfying wine that is versatile and can be paired with bold, smoky meats, grilled chicken or salmon, lamb stew, or pizza. Enjoy!

WINE AWARDS:

    90 Points Wine Spectator
    Double Gold Indy International Wine Competition

Filed Under: $25, Reds-Bottle, S-IronBridge

The Chook 2012 Shiraz Viognier

2014/05/10 by Suzanne Henig Leave a Comment

TheChook2012Reds-Bottle | $22 | Total Wine | Winemaker’s Notes: The seamless integration of Shiraz co-fermented with Viognier, generates a seductive nose of apricots, spice and ripe berries. The palate is smooth and full of rich flavor, perfect for a long lingering finish of delightfully soft Shiraz fruit, but not without the punch.

“Deep garnet-purple in color and replete with lifted notes of ripe blackberries, freshly crushed blackcurrants and fresh mint with hints of pepper and aniseed, the full-bodied 2012 Shiraz Viognier has plenty of exuberant and juicy, blackberry flavors well supported by lively acidity and a medium level of rounded tannins. It finishes with good length.”
90 Points The Wine Advocate

“Saturated ruby. Floral, fragrant and fresh on the nose, displaying dark berry and oak spice aromas. Zesty blackberry and bitter cherry flavors show good clarity and lift thanks to juicy acidity. Deepens on the persistent finish, featuring peppery spice, vanilla and violet pastille notes.”
90 Points International Wine Cellar

Filed Under: $25, Reds-Bottle, S-TotalWine

Paul Mas 2012 Clos des Mures

2014/05/10 by Suzanne Henig Leave a Comment

Paul_Mas_Close_des_Mures_2012Reds-Bottle | $25 | Iron Bridge Wine Company | Winemaker’s Notes: Color: intense and bright purple violet with garnet tints. Nose: Complex with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Palate: well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. Strong fruity characters with a long finish evolving towards liquorice and toasted notes. Cellaring: Over 10 years if kept in good conditions at 16/17°C. Food pairing: enjoy at 17 to 18°C with grilled red meat, lamb stew, chicken dishes, and game and soft flavor cheeses.

Filed Under: $25, Featured Wines, Reds-Bottle, S-IronBridge

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2011

2014/04/25 by Frank Hazzard Leave a Comment

Zuccardi_Q_Malbec_2011Reds-Bottle | $14 | Village Liquors of Clarksville (on Route 108) | I generally don’t like Malbecs, so consider this high praise. It passed the two-bottle test—my original enthusiasm was sustained over an interval. Full-bodied and rich. Nice finish. Very young, though—open early and swirl, swirl, swirl.

Filed Under: $15, Reds-Bottle, S-VillageLiquors108

Daglia Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

2014/03/30 by Frank Hazzard 3 Comments

Daglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2011Reds-Bottle | $18 | Total Wine | This recommendation is all about value. I must preface my opinion by disclosing that I suffer from cellar mouth. Seldom does any wine please my palette as much as a Napa Valley cab would. Based on prices, I assume others concur — a premium is levied on Napa’s wines, particularly its cabs. Even bad Napa cabs are usually pretty good. Good ones are typically $20 per bottle and great ones are $60 and up. For me, Daglia is better than good and less than great. At $18, it’s a better value than most in its class.

Filed Under: $15, Featured Wines, Reds-Bottle, S-TotalWine

Camaraderie Cellars Merlot 2007

2014/03/30 by Frank Hazzard 2 Comments

camaraderie_merlotReds-Bottle | $20 | Total Wine | I carry good news for those like me who have given up on Merlots because they are too thin and simplistic. This one is different! Rich, bold, robust, full-spectrum flavor. You’ll notice a difference in color as soon as it’s poured. Nose and flavor match. It’s cab-like but different.

Filed Under: $15, Reds-Bottle, S-TotalWine

Santagostino Baglio Soria Firriato Nero d’Avola and Syrah

2014/03/02 by Graham Getty 1 Comment

Santagostino_nero_davolaReds-Bottle | $25 | Decanter | Very good, very powerful (14.5% alcohol) non-Italian, Italian wine. You know right away that something funky is going on when Syrah is listed on an Italian Red. In this case, it works. Winemaker is willing to forgo DOCG, DOC official ratings to try something new and it’s a hit. Complex enough to drink on its own (Italian wine is usually meant to go with / be essential part of food), you can drink this now or save for a long while. Next time someone asks you to bring a nice Italian red, grab a bottle of this. Would have rated a case if the price were $5 – $10 less.

Filed Under: $25, Featured Wines, Reds-Bottle, S-Decanter

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