Allegrini La Grola 2004

The Allegrini family wines date back to the 16th century in the Valpolicella region of northeast Italy. They have been best known for their Amarone wines. I still have one bottle of the 1999 Allegrini Amarone Classico left in the cellar from a case I bought a few years ago. A fantastic wine! This past weekend, we had a bottle of the La Grola 2004, which has some similarities as the Amarone. This big-bodied wine is a mix of 70% Corvina Veronese, 15% Rondinella, 10% Syrah and 5% Sangiovese. It has a complex aroma of crushed blackberries along with some plum from the syrah, some cherry from the the Sangiovese and a hint of chocolate. The flavors are bold, like the Amarone, with mixed berries, sweet red licorice, nice earthy Italian soil, raisins, figs and herbal spices. This was aged in French oak for 16 months and the oak is so well balanced along with nice round tannins. It ends with a nice long finish. You could hold this for another 5-10 years and it will be fantastic. This was rated 90 points by both Robert Parker and the Wine Spectator. It retails for $23 and is a steal at this price. The La Grola will pair well with most red meats, stews and goulashes. A must buy!!

Renzo Marinai Chianti Classico 2005

A few nights ago, we had a bottle of the Renzo Marinai Chianti Classico 2005 produced in Greve-in-Chianti, a small town outside of Radda. Greve, the unofficial capital of Chiati, is the host to the annual Chianti wine festival every September. Renzo Marinai is an organic farmer that farms olives and wheat, in addition to the grape vineyards. This is an easy drinking Chianti made of 92% Sangiovese grapes and 8% Canaiolo. It has a garnet color with the fresh aroma of red fruits, some vanilla and some dirt. The flavors are subtle red fruits along with the earthiness of Tuscan wines. This dry wine has some oakiness and some tannins that should ease up over the next few years. This was an interesting Chianti, and I would like to try the 2004 Chianti Classico. Would go well with chicken or pork. Retails for about $25.

La Corte Salice Salentino 2006 & Solyss 2006

We recently tried two wines from the La Corte winery in Puglia Italy (the heel of the boot). The 2006 Salice Salentino and the 2006 Solyss. These wines, made by acclaimed winemaker Chris Ringland, both use the negroamaro grape as the predominant grape but are completely different. The Salentino, mixed with Malvasia, was a medium to full bodied wine with mixed berry (raspberry) aromas along with tobacco and a hint of chocolate. It has a nice sweet berry taste along with the Italian earthiness. The Solyss, made from 100% negroamaro grapes, was more of a fuller bodied wine with spicy blackberry aromas and plum and blueberry tastes. The Salentino was rated 91 points and I have to agree that it was the better wine. The Salentino retails for $11 and the Solyss retails for $16. The Salentino is a great value wine at this price, and would be a perfect fit for a plate of pasta with arrabiata sauce or a pizza with all the toppings.

Domaine De Fenouillet 2005

We had a bottle of the 2005 Cotes Du Ventoux from Domaine De Fenouillet recently and it received two thumbs down at our house. This French wine is a medium bodied Pinot Noir from the southeastern region of the Rhone that had a fresh berry nose but lacked taste and substance. Wouldn't even use it for cooking. Retails for about $10. PASS!!!!

Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004

This is a winery with a lot of history. When Roy Raymond arrived in Napa in 1933, he worked at the famous Beringer Brothers winery. Then he married Martha Beringer in 1936. After the Beringer Family winery was sold in 1971, the Raymond family members started making wine under the Raymond name. I visited this winery in Napa with a good friend of mine, who happens to be one of the Raymond great-grandsons. The 2004 Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a nice medium-bodied Cabernet made up of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. It was aged for 17 months in mostly French oak. It starts with a nice fruity aroma of spicy blackberry, cherry and pomegranate with a hint of chocolate. On the palate, there was more blueberry flavors along with blackberry, tobacco and some cracked black pepper at the end. It had a lengthy finish and soft tannins. There was some oak too but it was well integrated. This wine could pair nicely with ribs, a nice fillet or even burgers on the grill. We enjoyed this wine.  A 90 point rating was given by  Connoisseur's Guide and an 88 point rating was given by Wine Enthusiast. Put this wine away for a few more years and it will be even better.  Now I'm on the lookout for the 2005 vintage which received a 93 point rating.  This reserve retails for $28.

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2006

The other night while entertaining friends, I opened a bottle of the Penfolds and let me say I was disappointed. It is a nice blend of 78% Shiraz and 22% Cabernet. However, the nose opened with some harsh alcohol aromas, along with grape jam and herb aromas. On the palate, I once again thought I was drinking a hard drink, even though it only has a 13.5% alcohol content. There was some smokiness and well structured oak but was completely overwhelmed with alcohol. The pomegranate on the back had a sour bite to it as well. I came back a few days later to try it again but unfortunately it did not get any better. Wine Advocate rated this a 91 but I think an 71 would have been more accurate. Don't buy into the big Australian name. This wine is not worth it. The Koonunga Hill retails for about $12.

Allende Rioja 2004

The other night we enjoyed a bottle of the Allende Rioja 2004 produced by Finca Allende from the village of Briones in Spain. Charles Metcalf calls this region the "undiscovered jewel of Rioja." The Rioja is made with 100% tempranillo grapes. Upon opening, the dark inky purple color was the first thing that caught my attention. Then a wonderful aroma of cherries, plums and floral notes along with some spices. However, the tastes were more red fruit with an abundance of strawberries and cranberries. There are subtle tannins and some acidity that is well integrated. The flavors never ended. Towards the end of the bottle, we realized this was an unfiltered wine. It does not state this on the label. There was a small amount of sediment but was certainly acceptable. They age this wine in both new and used french oak barrels for 13 months before bottling. The Wine Advocate rates it 92 points, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both rate it 90 points. I side with the Jay Miller and his 92. This is one of the best Rioja's I have drank. For $22, this is a must buy. At $27, it is still a buy. Very nice wine.

Tinto Figuero 4 2006

The Tinto Figuero 4 wine was produced by Vinedos y Bodegas Garcia Figuero, a small family owned and operated winery that was started in 2001 in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. The Tinto Figuero is made from 100% tempranillo grapes harvested from 10-20 year old vines and then aged in new oak barrels (85% American 15% French oak) for only 4 months, hence the 4. It has a nice dark red color with strawberry and cherry aromas but more of a blackberry taste. It had a relatively long finish to it with smooth tannins. My wife's sister and brother-in-law in Switzerland served this with a fondue chinoise (thinly sliced beef, pork and veal dipped into a hot broth to cook) and it was the perfect pairing. The Wine Advocate gave this wine an 88 point rating. I would agree with this rating. It retails for $20. According to Steve Kreps, Jr. from Quintessential Wines (see ad in side bar), the Tinto Figuero 15 is outstanding. If I can't find it locally, I will call Mr. Kreps and have it shipped. Give these wines a try.

Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello Di Montalcino 2003

While I am on the Sangiovese track, here is an absolute steal at $30. This Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% sangiovese grapes and starts with an amazing nose of raspberries, plums and cherries along with a touch of vanilla and tobacco. The jammy fruit is so well structured on the palate along with the earthiness that I need to taste in Tuscan wines that the tannins are generally forgotten. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 3 1/2 years before being bottled and won't be released for at least 5 years from harvesting. For this price, grab as much as you can. I will be adding more of the Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello Di Montalcino 2003 to the cellar. Pairs nicely with grilled meats, pasta dishes or risotto. Wine Spectator and the Wine Advocate both gave this wine a 91 point rating.

Heinrich Zweigelt - Burgenland 2005

The Gernot Heinrich winery located in Gols, Austria produces one of my wife's favorite wines, the Zweigelt Burgenland. We were first introduced to this wine by her sister and brother-in-law, who is Austrian. We tried some other very nice wines from the Heinrich winery while staying at the incredible Schalber Wellness Hotel Serfaus.  The 2005, however, was the only vintage we could find in the States. This medium-bodied wine is made from 100% zweigelt grapes and has a dark purple hue. It starts with quite an impressive aroma of smokey cherries and plums, along with some black pepper and tobacco. On the palate, the fruit is forward and is followed by spiciness and some chewy tannins. The finish was not as long as I would have liked but still a very good wine. I am holding the remaining bottles for a few more years of aging. This is the only wine I know that has a glass stopper (cork). The 2005 Zweigelt retails for about $20. Give this wine a try.  And, if you ever want to take your wife/fiance/girlfriend on a romantic and pampering vacation, make the Schalber hotel your destination.

C.G. Di Arie Syrah 2004

Another Amador County winery that has been producing some nice Zinfandels and Syrahs is the C.G. di Arie Winery. Overall, 2004 was a tough year for Amador County wines. However, one that managed to hold its own was the "Southern Exposure" Syrah. This medium to full bodied wine starts off with a blackberry and blueberry aroma followed by some pepper and then vanilla as you swirl it in the glass. Flavors are just as complex and intense with blackberry, cassis and plum on the initial taste, followed by some spices in the middle and ending with a hint of chocolate. There is some oak and round tannins with a very long finish. Decant this wine for 30 minutes. I would like to try other vintages of C.G. di Arie's Syrah, as well as his zinfandels. This would pair nicely with grilled meats, venison, stews or a goulash. The 2004 Syrah retails for $35-$40.

C.G. di Arie was founded by Chaim Gur-Arieh in 2000. He has an interesting background that leads to the wine busienss. Chaim was born in Istanbul, Turkey and immigrated to Israel during his teen years. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Israel, he enrolled at the University of Illinois where he received his masters and PhD in Food Sciences with a minor in chemical engineering. Upon graduation, he started working for Quaker Oats where his notoriety started when he developed the technology for Cap'n Crunch cereal. After a short stint at United Technology Center, he moved on to DelMonte Foods, where he developed numerous products including puddings-in-a-cup and shelf stable yogurts. At the age of 39, he and his wife purchased and developed the C.G. di Arie Winery. His last name, Gur-Arieh, means Lion's Cub in Hebrew. Thus the lions on the label holding an ancient wine press.

Peter Lehmann Semillion Barossa Valley 2006

The Barossa Valley is located in southern Australia is probably the most well known wine region in Australia. The first known winery in Australia was located in the Barossa Valley. During the 1840's many German Lutherans suffered religious persecution and escaped to the newly founded colony of South Australia. The big-hearty Shiraz wines are what this region is known for. However, the Semillion is gaining ground and is probably the most recognized white wine in the region. The 2006 Peter Lehmann Semillion is a straw yellow wine with citrus aromas of lemon, lime and grapefruit. There is some grassiness to the nose as well. The citrus aromas follow through on the palate along with some green apples. This is a relatively dry wine that is also low in acidity. A very nice wine for appetizers or for sipping. We served it with a goat cheese salad with a European herb vinaigrette and it paired well. Retails for about $12.

The label is very interesting. It was drawn by Anelia Pavlova, who has also drawn pictures for other wine labels. Her original drawing of the Queen of Clubs, which is shown here, was banned in the US by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms because the Queen's nipples were showing. They required her chest to be covered prior to approving the label and selling the wine in the US. I purchased my bottle in Europe and they are still uncovered. It is ok to show people being blown away on TV and in computer games but a little nudity is no-no. Maybe it is time to for the US to re-evaluate its thinking.

Orin Swift The Prisoner 2006

The Orin Swift vineyard was started by Dave Phinney who, like many of us, asked himself what he was going to do after college with his political science degree. While studying in Italy, a roommate from Sonoma suggested the wine industry. By 1999, Orin Swift Winery was starting production. The catchy name is a combination of his mother's name and his father's name, Orin and Swift. The Prisoner, their flagship wine, is a Zinfandel mix with 51% Zinfandel, 23% Cabernet, 12% Syrah and a mix of other varietals. It has an upfront jammy red berry taste with blackberry and plum and some coffee to mix. It is a medium to full bodied wine with smooth tannins. The back end taste was like an elegant swiss chocolate and spices. Really enjoyed this wine but I think putting it in the cellar for another 2-3 years would bring out the best. Nice wine for grilled meats. Wine Spectator gave this wine a 91 point rating. I would agree. Give this wine a try. Retails for about $35.

Vino Noceto Dos Oakies 2005

Last year on my tour thru Amador County in CA, we stopped at the Gullett family-owned Vino Noceto winery. This is another vineyard that has gone to sustainable farming, as well as, using solar panels for 100% of the winery, 90% of the irrigation (well) system and 50% of the tasting room energy. Vino Neceto is known for its Sangiovese wines, which is the main grape in Italian Chianti's, along with several others including Brunello di Montalcino. We tasted several of the Vino Noceto wines but the one I did bring home was the 2005 Dos Oakis, which his made from 100% Sangiovese. The wine had subtle aromas of blueberry and strawberry with some clove and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate,the berry forward fruits were followed by some oak and then some vanilla. It is an easy drinking wine, but for my palate does not compare to the Italian wines. Sorry. It is missing the earthiness that a good Chianti has. Also, it retails for about $25 which puts it in the same range as nice Italian Sangiovese wines. Stick with the true Italian wines.

Martin Codax Albarino 2007

The Bodegas Martin Codax Winery is located in the rolling hill of the Rias Baixas region on the very northern border of Spain. The 2007 Albarino is a white wine made from 100% albarino grapes. This medium bodied wine has a yellowish green color with a floral aroma along with citrus and herbs. On the palate, I picked up some peaches, pear and mellons with the bite of a granny smith apple on the back. This reminds you a little of a Viognier, as well as having the acidity of a Riesling. Very nice wine to combine with an appetizer, a salad, seafood or even a white meat. Retails for about $10-12. Excellent value wine. Wine Enthusiast gave this a 90 point rating.

Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Honig is a small family-run winery in Napa, CA that prides itself on its "green" practices. Not only are they a sustainable vineyard, their facilities are powered by solar energy panels and their tractors are bio-diesel fueled. Although they do produce some Cabernet, Honig specializes in Sauvignon Blanc. The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc is a nice light to medium bodied wine that has a mango and grapefruit nose with a small scent of lemon. The citrus flavors are combined nicely with some lemongrass (an ingredient in all of our wok cooking) and melon. Although we served this with appetizers, this would go nicely with Chesapeake Bay crabs or other shell fish. This was not as crisp and light as the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, but still an enjoyable wine for a warm summer day. Retails for $16.

Firriato Chiaramonte Nero d'Avola 2006

The Chiaramonte is a Sicilian wine made of 100% Nero D'Avolo and is a medium to full bodied wine that has a nice deep purple color with a nose of prunes and raisins along with some pencil lead. On the palate, I picked up some peppery cherries and some chocolate on the back with some really soft tannins and a long finish. I paired this with a grilled chicken and herbs. It would go well with most grilled meats and would also go nicely with pasta. It retails for about $15. Give this one a try. We really enjoyed this wine. The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator gave this wine an 88 point rating.

Vina Las Lenas Malbec 2008

This Malbec is also from the Mendoza region of Argentina, which produces some of the best Malbecs. I am having trouble explaining the mixed tastes of this wine. My initial thoughts are all the left over grapes in the vineyard were thrown together with the hopes that something would come out of it. It didn't work. This is a big pass. Retails for about $7.

Larson Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

One of my all-time favorite Cabernet's is the 2003 from Larson Family Winery in Sonoma. I have visited this winery on several occasions where the tasting is done in a barn. What is now Larson Family Winery was once the Embarcadero, farthest navigable point up Sonoma Creek from the San Francisco Bay, and the bustling gateway to Sonoma Valley. Beginning in 1847, steamboats docked here and turned around for the voyage back to San Francisco. Tom Larson's great grandfather Michael Millerick bought the "Captain's House" and 101 acres in 1899. Although the family has been planting grapes since the late 70's, 1988 was the year the winery was started with the first wines released in 1989. In addition to the Larson Family label, there is also the Millerick Road label. At my last visit in 2007, I was told, to my disappointment, that I was purchasing the last bottles of the 2003 Cabernet that they had in storage. I took all that I could get. This wine started off with wonderful aromas of currants, vanilla, spices and even a little orange peel. The fruit driven flavors of black currants and cherry were followed by tobacco, vanilla and spices. It finishes with some hints of chocolate. The tannins and oak were PERFECT! It retailed then for $50. This would be a great fit for a grilled filet with a mild sauce or pepper crusted, or even a tuna with a mild pepper relish.

Vizcarra Roble Senda del Oro 2006

The 2006 Senda del Oro is made from 100% tempranillo (Tinto Fino) grapes that are grown in the Ribera del Duero region of north-central Spain. This wine is reddish purple in color and has a smokey blueberry and blackberry nose. Don't let the oak aromas scare you as it is well structured with some soft tannins and earthy dark berry flavors that leads to a very nice wine. It has been aged in French and American oak barrels for 7 months. LET THIS WINE OPEN UP!!! The 2006 Vizcarra has a medium finish on the palate. Can be enjoyed now but I would hold this wine for 2-4 more years. This is a small winery founded in 1991 with only 3,000 cases of the 2006 Senda del Oro bottled. We enjoyed a bottle while grilling flank steaks with a spicy mint chimichurri sauce. The 2006 Vizcarra Roble Senda del Oro received a 90 point rating from Jay Miller (Wine Advocate) and an 88 from Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Retails for $20.

Castello di Farnetella Sauvignon Blanc 2006

This beautiful Sauvignon Blanc also comes from the Felsina winery. The wine is made from 100% sauvignon blanc grapes that were picked from a vineyard in the Sinalunga region just south of Siena. This pale yellow colored wine has rich fruitiness on the nose with a small amount of pepper. The fruit flavors are not as fruity and flowery as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc but just as good and the acidity was perfect. We were shocked to have such good sauvignon blanc in the Chianti region. Another must buy.

Felsina also has some excellent olive oils for sale. Our favorite was the Raggiolo, a smooth rich olive oil with mild hazelnut flavors and spicy black pepper infused. It is a fantastic dipping oil or used over a salad without adding vinegar. This could also be drizzled over grilled meats after coming off the fire. This oil did come back to the States with us.

Two Angels and Vino dei Fratelli

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Steve Kreps, Jr. to a dinner to promote the family-owned Two Angels Wines, as well as wines imported by Quintessential Wines, which the Kreps family own also. Steve and brother Dennis are the "two angels" according to their mother Julie. At dinner, we tasted the following wines as described by Mr. Kreps:

Casalnova Prosecco - this wine comes from Prosecco grapes grown in the Veneto region of Italy, which is located north of Venice. The color is straw yellow with green reflections, lively sparkle, fine and long-lasting perlage. The bouquet is subtle and refined, with hints of honeysuckle and acacia flowers. Ideal as an aperitif or with light dishes such as soups, white meat and fish. Retails for $18.00

2006 Vino dei Fratelli Pinot Grigio - this pale-yellow wine from the Veneto region of Italy has a bright and slightly flowery fragrance. Firm acidity gives this Pinot Grigio a mouth-watering appeal, with good mid-palate balance, and a clean crisp finish that is typical of the varietal. Serve with antipastos, prosciutto, fish and white meats. Retails for $11.00

2007 Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc - This fruit forward wine comes from grapes grown in the highly-respected Shannon Ridge Estate Terre Vermeille vineyard located above CA's third largest lake, Clear Lake. It has pleasing intensity in the nose with herbal hints of dried thyme and sage that integrate nicely with lemon peel and gooseberry notes. The flavors mimic the aromas with added nuances of kiwi, crenshaw melon and basil. A great accompaniment to fish and shellfish. Retails for $16.00

2006 Vino dei Fratelli Chianti DOCG - This Tuscan Chianti is ruby red in color with a sweetly perfumed nose that leads to an intense, yet perfectly balance palate showing lovely black fruit depth. The flavor is smooth, with good acidity. The tannins are supple and well-integrated and the finish is long and harmonious. Perfect for Tuscan cuisine, from sausage products to grilled meats and ripe cheeses. Retails for $13.00.

2006 Two Angels Divinity - 2006 was the first vintage for this Rhone style blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah. The nose is full of aromas that are complex and enjoyably intense. Hints of anise, blueberries and ripe plum peek out from this rich mosaic of smells. On the palate, this wine has a rich, full body and firm structure, but is balanced enough to fairly glide from entry to finish. Added flavors of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, Canadian bacon, sweet vanilla and integrated fruit and oak components add to the tasting enjoyment. Has an incredible finish. Great for duck, turkey or game, and semi-soft or hard cheeses. Retails for $25.00. Very nice wine!!

2007 Two Angels Mayacamas Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - the second vintage of the Mayacamas Moutain Cabernet is nicely complex, with dark fruit, cherries and hints of chocolate and vanilla on the nose. It is well-structured with medium-plus body, good weight and balance on the palate. There is elegance to this wine, as it glides across the palate and leads to a pleasing finish. Serve with steaks and other grilled meats, roasts and hearty fare. Retails for $28.00.

2006 Two Angles Petite Sirah - This Sirah is "dark as night" and boasts savory aromas of dark berry, violet, pomegranate, tamarind and roasted game. Abundant fruit flavors are nicely integrated with toasted oak and roasted coffee undertones. Serve with robust dishes, including beef, venison, turkey, game birds and semi-hard or hard cheeses. Retails for $20.00. Wine Enthusiast rated this 90 points.

2007 Vino dei Fratelli Moscato d'Asti DOCG- This straw yellow wine comes from white grapes grown at Valdiville Santo Stefano Belboe, in the heart of the Piedmont's Asti rgion. It has intense aromas of flowers, honey and a hint of tropical fruit. It is a big Moscato, with fine structure and strong flavors - sweet and very fragrant, delicate and harmonious on the palate. Delightful as an aperitif or desert wine. Retails for $16.00.

The Two Angels and Vino dei Fratelli wines are a must try. If you cannot find them, contact Quintessential Wines (www.quintessentialwines.com). They also import for numerous other wineries that should not be missed either. Make Two Angels your first stop when visiting Napa.

Castello San Donato in Perano Chianti Classico DOCG 2006

When we arrived at the Relais Vignale hotel in Radda, a bottle of the San Donato Chianti Classico 2006 was waiting for us as a welcome back gift. Relais Vignale is a major partner in a corporation that purchased, restored and now manages the 10th Century San Donato Castle and village once owned by the distinguished Florentine family - The Strozzi's. The castle and village is located between Radda and Gaioli In Chianti. This ruby red colored Chianti is a light to medium-bodied wine with Bing cherry aromas along with some red currants. On the palate, red berries were subtle with some acidity and light tannins. Ended with some bitterness. Easy drinking but needs some time to age. For my palate, I would probably pass on this next time. Retails in Italy for 14 Euros. Would pair nicely with a pasta dish or a risotto.

Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 2005

Another stop in our wine tasting in Tuscany was at the Castello di Brolio winery operated by the famous Ricasoli family. The family sold the winery in the 1960's to the Seagram Company but Francesco Ricasoli repurchased it in 1993. The Castle has been the compound of Barone Ricasoli since the 12th century. Although the name Chianti has been around since 1404, Bettino "Iron Baron" Ricasoli established the Chianti guidelines in the 1800's which required 75% to 90% Sangiovese grapes with others thrown in to mellow it out. More recently, the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantina) guidelines have been revised extending the range for Chianti Classico from 70% to 100%. The 2005 Riserva is a medium-bodied wine made from 100% Sangiovese that starts off with some peppery red fruit aromas and a hint of vanilla. The flavors begin with earthy plum, currants and then blackberry flavors with some oakiness. It was aged for 20 months. Not a long finish to this wine. A decent, easy drinking wine, but over-priced at $30. Would pair nicely with white meats or a pasta dish. Robert Parker gave an 87 point rating and Wine Spectator gave an 84 point rating.