For the most part when you and I open a bottle of wine, we like to keep it reasonable. Most of us are on a budget and that applies to our wine consumption as well. But every once in a while, I like to treat myself. Sometimes it’s a new pair of shoes, most times it’s a treat bottle of wine.
At $40, this is a spectacular wine. A big bold red wine made from a blend of 5 grapes from two different regions in Italy. Here’s how the winemaker described the sensory appeal of this wine. (Keep in mind the winemaker is Italian, and his words have been translated into English)
“The cup is colored with a dark but bright ruby, the aromas are of great impact, with an intense fruity loads of blackberry and cherry, enriched by notes of herbs, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, licorice and a intriguing mineral touch. On the palate shows significant structure, well balanced between the warm embrace dictated by the alcohol content and adequate freshness and the tannins are soft and very tenacious persistence”
I could not describe this wine any better than that. I loved this wine!.
The next wine is Calera 2011 Pinot Noir from the Central Coast in California. Winemaker Josh Jensen set out to make an incredible Pinot Noir using soil rich with limestone. He found his spot and Calera (which means Coast) was born. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, the way I described this wine to a friend recently, was it doesn’t taste like a 2011 vintage. It tastes like it’s been aged much longer. It’s that smooth. With flavors of cherry, strawberry and wild herbs this beautiful earthy Pinot Noir will compliment any meal.
This wine is the 2009 Lytton Springs blend of Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane. If you are wanting to treat yourself, this is the perfect time to enjoy this wine. This was one of the best wines I have tasted. There, I said it. Originally priced at about $50, the NSLC is clearing it out at $35 and I bought 3 yesterday. (I may go back for the rest yet – it’s that good). Regular readers of my blog know how much I love an Old Vine Zinfandel, and this one has great cellar potential. A powerful and earthy red wine with aromas and flavors of vanilla, raspberry, chocolate and spices.
So there we have it. Maybe it’s for a special occasion, a gift, or you’ve just had one of those weeks where you deserve a treat, I hope you enjoy my choices as much as I did. Let’s face it, everyone deserves a treat.
Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 