I found this wine on the wine rack, but I have no idea how it got into the house! It may have come from a birthday party or been left over when we had guests. We really don’t know! But I’m glad this Pinot Noir entered our lives. This is one smooth Pinot ? A…
Category: Under $20
Grenache, Red Blend, Syrah, Under $20
Review: 2013 Morgan Winery Cotes du Crowes Grenache Syrah
by wineforthewin •
I’ve had my share of GSMs (Grenache, Syrah, Mourevadre), but it wasn’t until my birthday earlier this week when I tasted just a GS. Distinctively missing the high tannin, rich Mourevadre, this unique blend of 52% Grenache and 48% Syrah really caught my attention. Let the wine breathe for a bit if you don’t want…
California, Pinot Noir, Review, Under $20
Review: 2012 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Pinot Noir
by wineforthewin •
We drink so much wine, that our landlord finally noticed. After my other half did him a favor using his technical ninja skills, our landlord gifted us a bottle of a 2012 Francis Coppola Pinot Noir. The Diamond Collection wine has a fruity, long-lasting flavor— think raspberry! raspberry! It’s a bit dry, but does the…
Malbec, Non-California, Under $20
Review: 2012 Etc. Malbec
by wineforthewin •
When I think etcetera, I think of it as an aside, everything lumped in that category is not worth mentioning after some standout examples are thrown out first. Now, this bottle of Malbec was a nice drink, but I would say it matches it’s name, it’s not THE BEST Malbec I’ve had and it may…
California, Sauvignon Blanc, Under $20
Review: 2013 Kenwood Vineyards Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
by wineforthewin •
The first thing I thought of when taking a sip of the 2013 Kenwood Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc was: Spritzy! I felt a surprise party in my mouth! No, really. This very bright wine, that has a little oily nature, was unexpectedly acidic. It was stored in stainless steel tanks, so that could have been the…
California, Muscat, Under $20
Review: 2013 Leoness Muscat Canelli
by wineforthewin •
I know the summer is over when I head to the Hollywood Bowl for the final time of the season. No more potluck picnics and al fresco wine in the bench seats, sigh. My last trip a few days ago to see Cat Power and the Pixies play, I brought along a flirty, sweet wine…
California, Pinot Noir, Review, Under $20
Review: 2012 Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir Vintners Reserve
by wineforthewin •
Yes, the 2012 Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir Vintners Reserve was pungent and peppery, two characteristics I look for in Pinot Noir, but something was off. It felt like I was drinking a watered down version of other Pinots I like. The flavors were loose at first, but they picked up as the wine headed toward…
Non-California, Review, Sparkling Wine, Under $20
Review: Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava
by wineforthewin •
I’m not a constant sparkling wine drinker. Proseccos and Champagnes are a rarity in our fridge. But I had a very cute, 187 ml bottle of Freixenet Cordon Negro in my fridge the other day when I was on the hunt for wine to drink with a nice grilled fish and all we had were…
Non-California, Review, Under $20
Review: 2013 Tapiz Malbec
by wineforthewin •
I got this Malbec at the BevMo 5 cent wine sale. I’ve purchased it a couple times, so I definitely keep coming back. It’s sour, tart and has a long finish. The bottle says it ends with a violety flavor–a common characteristic of some Malbecs, but I didn’t taste the flowery perfume. To me, it…
Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, Review, Under $20
Review: 2012 Stateland Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
by wineforthewin •
When you drink this berrylicious Cabernet Sauvignon, your mouth will water. The blackberry aroma and soft tannins of this easy-to-drink Cab can be quite persuasive. However, this Central Coast red can be a bit leathery at times, lying heavy on the tongue, coating it as if it were leaving behind a prime layer of paint. It…