We crossed the Atlantic and landed in Rioja, Spain to taste the 2005 La Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva Vi?a Ardanza. Kyle and Tristen both love the versatility of Rioja wines and it's as heavy as they would suggest for a holiday meal.
Tom Gore told me that on a recent phone visit. A second generation farmer, his dad moved to the Alexander Valley in 1973 and Tom was born two years later. His 2014 Chardonnay lets the vineyards speak.
Tony said "Oh my! That's a good one. My fav of the night" and gave it a perfect five-star score. Brian called it an excellent Cab with dark fruit, earth and spice.
I received a nice package last week from Wine of the Month Club. In a nice burgundy colored box was a bottle of Chardonnay and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. E...
Brian loved the bouquet, found it dry and very pleasant and thought it was a great $20 wine. Jan said it was very complex for a rosé and liked it quite a bit. Jake enjoyed the rich flavors. It averaged nearly four out of five stars. Score? Texas 1, skeptics 0.
From Argentina we moved on to Croatia and the 2012 Vinarija Zdjelarevi? Graševina. Tough to pronounce, but easy to drink, It had a soft nose with hints of honey. Another fruit forward wine, I loved its round mouthfeel and flavors of golden delicious apples.
I shared the wine with a couple of aficionados, one of whom crinkled his his nose, put the glass down and said "NGTPIM." I gave him a puzzled look and he said, "Not going to put in mouth if it smells that bad." He then proceeded to pour it out.
I first tasted them at the Family Winemakers of California event earlier this year in Pasadena. Their 2010 "Chileano" Tempranillo was first up. Chris liked the deep ruby color, dark berry and cherry, balanced tannic structure and long smooth finish.
Kim called it a big, bold California style wine and enjoyed the blend. It sells for $38. Last up was Bel Vino's 2011 Zinfandel. Tony said it was like a spicy Tootsie Roll. "Yum!" Brain said "I like this. It's soft and coats the tongue with a velvety dark fruit. The Barry Manilow of wine."
