When I first saw the cork of the 2011 Salentein Reserve Malbec, I remember my first thought was: “Now that’s purple.” See: I bought the Salentein Reserve Malbec in the cutest little bodega in the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires. After getting some brie, baguettes and green olives for snacking, I also asked the store…
Category: Under $20
Malbec, Non-California, Under $20
Review: 2006 Montecinco Malbec
by wineforthewin •
Back fresh from my trip to Buenos Aires, I have several stories to share about the many Malbecs I consumed. Let’s start with a traditional tale and then I’ll walk you through my more spontaneous discoveries in future posts. In search of a traditional steak dinner–I’d heard so much about how at the very best…
Chardonnay, Under $20
Review: 2010 Hobson Estate Chardonnay
by wineforthewin •
Off to Temecula I went this past Saturday to visit my other half’s childhood home–I’m sure you’ve seen my previous descriptions of this quaint property filled with all kinds of animals. Including this durpy Great Dane. We hung out in the aviaries with the cockatiels–who are also my bird’s parents–and caught a glimpse of three…
California, Under $20, Zinfandel
Review: 2012 Criss Cross Old Vine Zinfandel
by wineforthewin •
This warm, chocolatey wine has a full-mouth feel. It’s pert, it’s spicy and it’s jammy. Because this wine comes from Lodi, it makes sense that it would have that mocha taste. Zinfandels from Lodi tend to have rich flavors and smoky finishes. A friend brought this over to watch a TV show at my place.…
Blends, Muscat, Non-California, Reisling, Review, Under $20, White Blend
Review: 2012 Jarenincan Crnko
by wineforthewin •
Bet you can’t say that five times fast. I bought this Slovenian white blend of riesling and dry muscat hoping to drink it with a delicious meal featuring lemon garlic cod and jasmine rice, but I decided to bring this table wine to a pre-New Year’s Eve party since it’s 1-Liter size and bottle cap…
California, Review, Under $20, Zinfandel
Review: 2011 Sincera Zinfandel
by wineforthewin •
Berries! Berries! Berries! If the 2011 Sincera Zinfandel could talk, it’s first word would be berries. If you’re a fan of earthy, spicy zinfandel’s, this isn’t for you. But if you like fruity reds, give this one a try. But for the price, $16.95, there are better zins out there. Wilfred Wong from BevMo…
California, Under $20, Zinfandel
Review: 2009 Sebastiani Zinfandel
by wineforthewin •
Remember how I cracked the code behind old vine zinfandel and zinfandel? Well, since then I haven’t had much of America’s sweetheart wine and since it’s one of my favorite varietals, I had to break the dry streak. I brought over a bottle of the 2009 Sebastiani Zinfandel to a friend’s house earlier this week…
Blends, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Musing, Non-California, Under $20
Thanksgiving Wine
by wineforthewin •
When Wine Library, a discount wine retailer, asked its followers on Twitter which wines they were picking up for Thanksgiving, it got me thinking: which wines should I pick up for Thanksgiving? One follower said she was eyeing a 2012 Pascal Pibaleau Rouge L’heritage D’aziaum. When I read that I had to shake my head…
California, Chardonnay, edna valley, Under $20
Review: True Myth Chardonnay
by wineforthewin •
Getting kicked out of your apartment for three days because you’re complex is being bombed for termites is no fun. But getting to have a sleepover with friends who have bottles and bottles of True Myth Chardonnay makes up for it, at least a little bit. This week we had to pack up all of…
California, Pinot Grigio, Under $20
Review: Craftwork 2012 Pinot Grigio
by wineforthewin •
It smelled like honeydew when I stuck my nose into my first glass of Craftwork’s 2012 Pinot Grigio, but when I drank it, I forgot about that alluring scent. I expected a fruity concoction, but was distracted by the alcohol burn. The bottle says it’s 13.5%, but it tasted like more. I feel like this…