BOZO

"BOZO"....that is what I felt like after I tasted this wine! BevMo was having their get the second bottle for a nickle sale, so I ventured out to see what they had to offer. As I walked thru the doors, I saw a customer picking up four bottles of Beauzeaux Red Wine 2005. It is a blend of 68% Zinfandel, 21% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Charbono, 2% Lagrein, 1% Valdiguie, 1% Grenache, 1% Tempranillo. I thought about it and moved on. None of their selected sale wines were catching my eye. I went home. Saturday, I went back. Another gentleman also had a few bottles of this wine (along with others), so I decided why not! He took notice that I had these wines and we started to talk. He was saying that he had purchased it before and that he was having a get together that evening, so it was a good wine to be served....for the price . I was beginning to feel somewhat safe. While at the register, the cashier asked me if I had ever tried this wine before, I said no, and told him of my conversation and seeing others purchase it. I should have asked him "why"!! When I got home I put the wine away, but his comment was grating on me. I gave it a taste.......**BLECH** It was nasty!! Thin....alcohol nose and taste. Needless to say, I took the bottles back for a full refund. I have read mixed reviews on this wine, so do not take my word for it.....try it for yourself.....you may not feel like a BOZO!!



Cheers

Come to the Cantina

"Cantina" is Italian for "wine cellar", and I would love to have more of this wine in mine! I was in my local warehouse store and this unique bottle caught my eye. The wonderful script, the twig piece tied with straw....very rustic. Cantina Zaccagnini 2002....a red dry wine. I expected it to be bold....dry. As I opened the bottle the "nose" also confirmed that it would be just that. But as I took the first sip, I was surprised that it was softer than I had anticipated...dry, yes, but not too dry.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wine....seek out a bottle.....with some sharp cheddar...salami....a loaf of freshly baked bread and I think you will too.......



CHEERS!

A Fine Spirit

I had purchased a bottle of Bogle Phantom 2004 (which was not easy to come by) quite a while ago waiting for a special occassion....well, some type of occassion....ok, any occassion to unleash the ghost. I chose the first episode of TOP CHEF to be just the right time (hey, it doesn't take much!). Upon opening the bottle, I noticed the writing on the cork; bo-gle n. [Scottish origin] A friendly spirit; a phantom.
A cute little fact...thanks! The wine is a blend of 54% Petite Syrah, 43% Old Vine Zinfandel, 3% Old Vine Mourvedre.....ahhhh....sent from heaven. I loved it!

With the wine, I had prepared a dinner of personal pizzas made on whole wheat pita bread, topped with roasted garlic...roasted red peppers and tomatoes....artichoke hearts.....mozzarella cheese.....hmmmm.....the aroma and the flavors......I can cook when I want to!

It was a wonderful evening of good food...good company....TOP CHEF....and a VERY friendly spirit.



CHEERS!!

Velvet Moon

Trader Joes was touting this wine of theirs in the recent flyer, so I decided to give it a try. I will admit that the first time I saw it in the store, I gave it a look, but decided to pass it by. I wish I had done so the second time! Velvet Moon Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 was thin and had nothing notable nor memorable. For the purchase price of about $5, one would be better off purchasing a bottle of Charles Shaw.



A small, sad Cheers.....

Welcome to the Dog House

"WELCOME TO THE DOG HOUSE", that is what it reads on the back label, well, I wish that is where I had left it....in the dog house! I came across this cute little label as I was browsing the wine aisles in my local grocery. I am a dog lover and I am sure that is why I fell for this one (hmmm.....what a marketing victory). The wine itself, Dog House Checkers' Cab 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon - Oakville, CA, was not as alluring. They gave it "two paws up".......I couldn't even get my tail to wag.........





WOOF!

Fishing for Info

Last week a couple of family members and I, went to dinner at Spaghetti Eddie's. Looking at the wine menu I chose a Salmon Creek Cab. Actually, my sister chose their Pinot Grigio, so I went with the same label. Never having it, I was not certain what I was going to get. After our toast, we tasted and enjoyed our choices. I wrote down the name, wanting to look it up when I got home. Doing some research , I found that it was one of the many labels by Bronco Wine Company. I also found out, that I could not purchase it from any local retailers. I did see where I could buy it on the net, but also finding out that it is a wine that is basically sold to restaurants. Hmmmm.....first I had heard of this practice. Oh well.....I was a bit disappointed, but I am sure I will come across another wine that will be enjoyed and hopefully, easier to acquire!

CHEERS!

Rack 'em Up

Once again I racked my wine......getting closer!!! In fact, it will be in May when I bottle it and finally taste what I have been waiting for. It better be good!!!!
Don't you worry.....you'll be the first to know.....

CHEERS!

Two Different Cabs

I am currently "vacationing" (let's say) at my sister's house and found a bottle of wine (unopened...to my surprise!) that was sitting on the counter looking neglected. I thought I may as well give the little guy some company. It was a Jordan Cab Alexander Valley 2002. Nothing spectacular, but hey, after the week I had, it tasted just fine......just a simple red wine wanting to be enjoyed.

Today, as I was doing a bit of shopping, I picked up a bottle of Yellow Tail Cab 2006. I had always heard good things about this Australian, but never picked it up. Was I surprised!! Very smooth and actually a bit more taste of fruit that was very much unexpected. This is a wine that I will buy more of....which brings to mind that the Super Bowl is just around the corner.......

CHEERS!!

Two Worlds

The last of the three wines from the J Filippi Winery was a 2004 Deux Mondes (translation "Two Worlds") Reserve Cucamonga / Bordeaux. This blend of 29.5% Ch Reynier Cab, 29.5% Ch Reynier Merlot, 14.9% Cucamonga Valley Cab, 11.2% CV Petite Sirah, 9.1% CV Syrah, 2.9% CV Cabernet Franc and 2.9% CV Zinfandel......WHEW!!!! This red is deep ruby in color.....complex and intense. Aromas of red berry fruit, mint, vanilla and roasted coffee beans.....mmmmm....so good......

This is a perfect marriage between the varietals from the "Two Worlds". This is definitely a wine to uncork when wanting to make an impression...simply beautiful.

CHEERS!!

A BIG Red

Another wine that I had the opportunity to indulge in was a 2005 Big Joe Barrel Blend #2 - California Red, also from the Joseph Filippi Winery. WOW.......this wine is HUGE!!!! A real oak bomb of the spiciest sort (which I normally don't go for, but this was wonderful). Cumin, dill, cinnamon, white pepper and pine....they are all there!

This wine is also a limited production of 312 cases.....so if you like them BIG, run out and wrap your taste buds around this one!

CHEERS!!

A Fragile Red

Last Sunday, I had a reason to celebrate (back home in CA!!) and I had the opportunity to indulge in some fabulous wines. The first of the three was a 2006 Pinot Noir Monterey from the Joseph Filippi Winery in Rancho Cucamonga. This was a delicate red....salmon color was clean and clear. Lemongrass, green olives and lightly ripened mango on the palate. Lively tannins and a medium body. This was a limited production of 310 cases......I wish I had more!! This was a wonderful wine to be enjoyed now, IF you can get your hands on it!

CHEERS!!

I will follow with two others that were opened on that same Sunday....they only get better!