Reds-Glass | $39 | Pine Orchard | Be sure you try the Reserve version of this one! Drinking the Brunello di Montalcino, La Lecciaia 2007 Reserve and its non-reserve cousin on the same night was interesting and instructive. I started the non-reserve bottle 2 nights ago, and was a bit disappointed, but when I went back to the store looking for some Italian reds for tonight’s Lasgna dinner, I saw the reserve, and was instantly suspicious that the high rating quoted for the bottles receiving prominent display at the front of the store were actually meant for the Reserve. Well the reserve was definitely better than the non-reserve, but still not “95-97”. [more detailed review on the way]
Montebuena Rioja 2010
Reds-Bottle | $9 | Decanter | Great Rioja. Had been burned out on Riojas from drinking too much Marques de Caceres and had forgotten that Tempranillo from the Rioja region is meant to have wide appeal. This Montebuena Rioja is a flavorful, easy-drinking red and would make a great base for some Sangria (just add some Sherry, Cointreau, orange slices, lemon slices). If you need an affordable, easy-drinking red that goes with a wide variety of food, grab a bottle or two of this.
Bogle Essential Red 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Petite Syrah
Reds-Glass | $9 | Decanter | Solid Big Red from California. Bogle makes great wines (their Petite Sirah varietal is awesome) but here they mixed their great wines into a good, solid blend. Blackberry, oak, medium tannin (inside of cheeks will feel dry and dusty after your swish inside) and long finish make this a great house big red if you like big flavor and medium-big tannins in your wines. Perfect for grilling steak or having with sharp cheese. NOTE: some people think tannins = headaches and that’s just not the case or at least not always. Tannins can come from oak barrels (subtle) and the grape skins themselves (big). If you think wine gives you a headache check to see if you have oak / tree allergy and steer towards wines fermented without barrels – you can taste the wood in this, and it is a solid wine that delivers good flavor at great value.
Codici Salento Primitivo
Reds-Glass | $12 | Decanter | Nice big Italian red. 14% alcohol, tobacco / chocolately Southern Italian yummyness. From Salento in the region of Puglia – the heel of Italy’s boot. Trusted stand-by. Remember – Primitivo = Zinfandel, so if you like big California Zinfandels for your reds, try some Primitivos. You might find just as nice or nicer for less cost.