Tag Archives: $10

Gina Nero D’Avola

Written by . Posted on February 18, 2012. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , . No comments.

2010
Sicily, Italy

The light cherry bouquet wafting up from my glass was an auspicious start to this Sicilian charmer, which didn’t let me down when it hit my tongue. Tart and sassy she is, making the most of a simple boysenberry and oak core with a gentle but lingering finish. Sometimes, all you want is a glass of decent wine after a long day–this one fits the bill nicely.

%15 at BevMo…but just $10 for ClubBev members–a much better price match.

Tormaresca NePriCa

Written by . Posted on February 16, 2012. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , , , , , . No comments.

2009
Puglia, Italy

The funny name for this wine comes from a blend of three grapes–Negroamaro (40%), Primitivo (30%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%). Negroamaro (“bitter black”) is a varietal unfamiliar to me until now–grown primarily in Puglia, Italy’s heel, and characterized by a particular bitterness. I definitely got that in the finish; not overpowering, but very distinctive. The Cab no doubt balances that out.

Dry and dusty in the nose, NePriCa is a beautiful, velvety scarlet with substantial legs. There’s definitely a lot of licorice up front (hello, Primitivo), a peppery center and a redolent perfume of cherries, cassis, and flowers. Very earthy and mineral-y. Then there’s that bitter finish, with just a tinge of sweetness at the very end. It’s interesting to taste a blend where each grape’s personality stands out so clearly, like instruments in a symphony. Drinks far beyond its very reasonable $10 price.

Fratelli Nero D’Avola

Written by . Posted on February 3, 2012. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , , , . No comments.

2009
Sicily, Italy

From the Tuscan hillside to the tip of Sicily, my journey through BevMo’s Italian varietals continues. And what this modestly priced offering lacks in elegance it makes up for in liveliness.

Nero d’Avola (“Avola Black”) is indigenous to Sicily, named for the Avola region in the far south from which it hails. The varietal has traditionally been used in blends to add color (it’s a beautiful, dark, purply red) and body, but it’s starting to come into its own. Fratelli’s definitely displays the peppery/spicy notes for which the grape is known, but those are anchored by rich, plummy tannins and an oaky finish: a nicely structured combo of fruit, spice and earth. It’s fun to drink: a perfect party wine, or switch it out for beer the next time you’re ordering pizza.

I didn’t love it at first sip, I’ll admit, and it was dry as a bone to my palate. A few hours of breathing, however, really let the sweetness come through and brought the fruit front and center. At $10 on sale it’s a good value, especially for everyday drinking. But at the regular retail price of $15? Eh, you could do better.

Part of BevMo!’s 33% off sale–get it while the $10 price tag lasts!

Penfolds Rawson’s Retreat Cabernet Sauvignon

Written by . Posted on March 10, 2011. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , . No comments.

2009
Australia

Dusky and earthy with great depth of character. Dried cherries and cedar and a bit of smoke give it a heady aroma. Loads of flavor: tart raspberries tickle the tip of the tongue while the rest of it is coated in luscious licorice and leather. Rich and oh, so yummy. A wonderful choice if you like them big but not jammy.

Mark West Pinot Noir

Written by . Posted on February 22, 2011. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , , , . No comments.

Mark West Pinot Noir

2009
California; Sonoma County

Light, translucent and wonderfully perfumed–this soulful wine is full of oak and floral notes. Fresh cherries and pipe tobacco in the nose, with a woodsy tang. Tannins are firm and a little chewy, but smooth, and the finish is very earthy; gamey, even. This wine isn’t especially complex and there’s not a lot of fruit, but the flavors it does offer go deep.

We found this bottle at Beverages and More for $10.

Lucky Star Pinot Noir

Written by . Posted on February 14, 2011. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , , , . No comments.

Lucky Star Pinot Noir2009
California (Graton)

Luck seems to be a lady for this Pinot. She’s a pretty garnet m’amselle with some nice legs and a delicate perfume of cherries, leather and oak. Light and lively with cranberries on the tip of the tongue and a dry but tannic finish — a nice touch that keeps this lighter red from being a lightweight. A real lucky find, too, for a mere $10.

We found this wine at Beverages and More.

Canard Sauvage Petite Syrah, 2009

Written by . Posted on January 31, 2011. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , , , . No comments.

Canard Sauvage Petite Syrah2009
Sonoma County, California
Dry Creek Valley

So big, so firm, yet smooth, too…a noble savage is this. Inky black-red with some solid legs and a definite spice character. Cardamon, clove and blueberries in the nose, and jammy berries with a hint of smoky oak on the tongue. I liked that touch of tannin in the finish; it hasn’t been tamed into submission. I love me some wild duck.

Norton Bodega Malbec, 2010

Written by . Posted on January 26, 2011. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , . No comments.

Norton Bodega Malbec2010
Mendoza, Argentina

Norton was my intro into South American wines years ago, and the label remains as reliable as an old pair of jeans. This malbec is a perfect pizza wine, and at just $8 a great value, too. It’s that smoky edge that makes it so special, I think — and a good foil for rich tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms. Beautiful garnet color, plum and tobacco scented, dry, lingering oak finish that bites back…gently. A fantastic standard for everyday drinking.

Bodega Norton 2010 Malbec – Red Wine

Snap Dragon Riesling

Written by . Posted on November 21, 2010. Filed under Review. Tagged , , , . No comments.

A cheerful little wine from the happiest place on Earth!

So Hubs and I took the wolflings to Disneyland recently, and decided to explore California Adventure. Partly because we had never spent much time there on previous trips (Pirates of the Caribbean vs. Bug’s Life–no brainer) and largely because it’s the park that serves alcohol. Oh, California!

After an ill-advised late start and numerous temper tantrums courtesy of Infant Terrible #1, we were desperate for a drink, which is how we found ourselves at Golden Vine Cellar. We *were* at a theme park, so expectations weren’t high. However, there was shade…table service…and a sizable wine list. As long as there was something better than Boone’s Farm, Dean and I agreed we’d be content.

We were pleasantly surprised by our knowledgeable waiter and this fruity charmer he recommended. Now, interested readers should take note that this “dry” Riesling is still pretty sweet; much sweeter than I’d expect even from an off-dry wine. But it was perfect for a hot September day, with its sunny yellow color and flowery melon bouquet. A mouthful of apples is tempered by honey notes, and a hint of grapefruit keeps it from being cloying. The honeysuckle finish lingers forever. I relished every sip.