2016 1000 Stories Zinfandel

When we think of red wine, we commonly think French or American oak barrel aging.  We wouldn't normally think bourbon barrel aging in present day when the aforementioned are so prevalent and readily available, certainly more than they were 50 years ago.  But aging Zinfandel in new and used bourbon barrels in small batches is exactly what 1000 Stories Wines is doing.  The use of used barrels is smart because the barrels provide a mellowness that makes this wine ripe for immediate drinking and the barrels also add some character to the wine.  Not overly complex but beautiful in a medium red color, this California Zinfandel exhibits primarily bright cherry aromas with spicebox and vanilla.  In the mouth is a softer Zinfandel with flavors of cherry, strawberry hard candy, carmel and hints of vanilla syrup.  This is a fun and very drinkable wine that I personally wouldn't pair with a food due to it's softness and sweet flavor.  It packs an alcohol content that is nearly 16% but it is so mellow that it isn't a distraction.  Pick up a bottle and enjoy it for yourself!

ABV:  15.5%

California

Suggested retail price:  $18.99

Drink The Bottles score:  86/100

2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that can be enjoyed immediately and often with its incredibly soft tannins and welcoming mouth feel.  Smooth and supple, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Merlot (6%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petite Verdot (2%) offers a solid medium purple color and slender legs in the glass.  The aromas of rapsberry, cedar and licorice aren't necessarily the stars here, but rather the supporting cast to a wine that offers the same in the mouth and adds red licorice, roasted coffee beans and soft spices to the mix.  Even with the four blended grapes, I had anticipated a much younger feeling and more acidic wine that would be bright and benefit from a few more years in the bottle.  That was certainly not the case here!  This wine is completely approachable and one that I think you will enjoy with a pot roast dinner if you're looking for a food pairing.  But, it can certainly stand on it's own merit.

ABV:  14.3%

Knights Valley, Sonoma, California

Suggested retail price:  $36.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

I was super excited to taste my first (and certainly not last) wine from Gamble Family Vineyards.  This 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a flavorful and classy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Malbec (8%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Merlot (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%).  On the britgher red side in the glass with fiery red streaks at the rim, this wine expresses well-blended aromas of black fruits, blackberry jam, well toasted French bread and pencil lead.  In the mouth is a medium bodied wine that feels polished and refined.  It's really difficult to imagine that this wine is so young.  It drinks like a wine that has been in the cellar, aging appropriately and gracefully for ten or more years.  In the mouth are flavors of the same dark fruits, cocoa powder, mocha, clove and some sweet spices.  The finish isn't extremely long, but this wine is one that keeps you wanting to tip the bottle in your favor.  I am genuinely impressed!

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $50.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2015 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The best part of being a wine blogger is the discovery of all types of wines from all over the world.  Many of these wines are from small, boutique wineries and many are mass-produced, with appeal to everyone who loves wine.  The best part of the 2015 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is that it is such a special wine that anyone can purchase, share and enjoy.  This is an incredible wine from a Napa Valley icon.  I had the pleasure of tasting Cathy's wine back in 2011 or 2012 and fell instantly in love.  And again, several years later, this wine and I connected and the romance blossomed once more.  Not yet released (coming soon), I was honored to sample this medium-to-dark red wine with aromas of black raspberry, rose petal, cigar wrapper, vanilla and plum.  Swirling this young wine really opens up the flavor profile and layers of plum, blackberry pipe smoke, spice cake and dark chocolate shavings are incredibly blended and memorable.  If there is one thing you can guarantee from Cathy Corison, it is consistency and unparalleled quality in Napa Valley Cabernet.  While many wines are commonly enjoyed with great foods, I prefer to enjoy this one independent of any food to completely appreciate and enjoy the complexity and flavor that is in the craft!  The 2015 Napa Valley vintage was all over the board, but as expected, Corison comes out on top again. Cheers!

ABV:  13.6%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $100.00

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

2016 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Amador County Barbera

Barbera, in my opinion, lacks popularity in the US compared to many other red wines, and that is a shame.  This Italian grape produces a memorable and flavorful wine that is incredibly inviting and easy to drink.  The 2016 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Barbera from Amador County is a fine example of this dark purple, crisp wine.  Black cherry and steel on the nose, this lovely wine exhibits flavors of sour cherry, black cherry, floral bouquet and juicy young raspberries.  This wine would be an excellent companion with braised spare ribs and stuffed mushroom caps.  Very mouth watering wine!

ABV:  14.0%

Amador County, California

Suggested retail price:  $28.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2013 Galante Vineyards Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold, chewy and satisfying are adjectives that come to mind with this single vineyards select 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  No doubt that 100% Cab is among my top favorite varietals, and this 2013 Galante Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from the Blackjack Pasture is a fine example of a California classic.  Potpourri bouquet of dried cherries, chocolate, Italian herb and prime rib blend evenly  introduce swollen and balanced tannins throughout.  The predominant black cherry flavors are joined by hints of tar and dried herb.  This wine would be a good friend to the biggest, mouth-watering piece of beef that you can find.  The worst part?  Only having one bottle.  Drink for 12+ years!

ABV:  14.2%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2016 Chateau St Jean Creamy California Chardonnay

Bright golden yellow in the glass, this 2016 Chateau St Jean Creamy California Chardonnay is a solid pairing for spicy Spanish foods.  A complete steal at under $15, this wine displays notes of baked apple pie, lemon and mineral.  In the mouth is a medium bodied and luscious creamy combination of creamy lemon cheesecake, stone fruits, dry mineral and hints of cedar.  Straight forward with a finish that is silky and sweet, this Chardonnay could be a daily drinker and I've seen it closer to the $10 price tag online, so you're going to really win with this one!

ABV:  14.5%

California

Suggested retail price:  $12.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

2013 Burgess Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Back when I first began blogging many years ago on Midwest Wine Guy, Tom Burgess was so kind to take my phone call and talk to me about his winery, his vineyards and the valley.  As a wine novice, I was super impressed but probably didn't realize the complete impact of such a wine legend answering my call and talking to me like an old friend.   I will forever appreciate those minutes.  Fast forward several years and again I'm honored with tasting and writing about this 2013 Burgess Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is a lovely and tasty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (12%), Petit Verdot (11%) and Malbec (2%).  Dark crimson color with black rim, balanced aromas include black and red currant, natural dried herbs and cedar planks.  In the mouth, you're greeted with a wine that is as smooth as glass and drinks absolutely amazingly with flavors of blueberry, black raspberry compote, mocha and mild vanilla bean.  You would be remiss not to drink this bottle for yourself.  It is as smooth as any wine that I've had in recent memory.  Excellent bottle that should last 15+ years.

ABV:  14.7%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

2016 Farmhouse Red

So, I was super excited to get this bottle of wine, which is produced by Cline Cellars of California.  Why?  Because to me this wine represents much more than what is inside.  This bottle represents to me heritage, education, appreciation and love for farming and the earth.  I guess I feel, in some way, that I have a "six degrees" connection with this bottle and what it stands for because farming has run in my family for generations.  Be good stewards of the earth and ye shall be rewarded.  

The 2016 Farmhouse Red wine has some real energy.  As I was pouring this wine, the raspberry, smoky, scorched earth actually leaped from the glass.   Swirling only accentuated the same and completely filled the nose and throat with delicious, full, warm aromas.  In the mouth is a wine that makes a presence with the blackberry pie, toasted dark bread and sweet cherries that combine with a peppery and luscious finish that doesn't necessary linger, but is memorable and delicious.  If fruit-forward wines are your jam, than this wine is calling your name.  This wine would be a great cheese wine or pair well with meat that has been on the smoker all day.  This is a blend of Merlot (39%), Syrah (21%), Zinfandel (20%), Grenache (9%), Petite Sirah (7%) and Mourvedre (3%).  Solid!

ABV:  14.0%

California

Suggested retail price:  $15.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Rachael Pinot Noir

You'll really become infatuated with the color and aromas of this 2016 Dawn's Dream Winery "Rachael" Pinot Noir.  Smoky cedar and baked cranberries on the nose, the smokiness flows right across the lips and is joined by vanilla, cardamom, dark cherries and flaky pie crust.  I could swirl this beautiful wine for hours, becoming mesmerized by the medium purple body with dark rim and gorgeous legs  For me, this Pinot Noir is a solo drinker and each taste is more enjoyable than the previous one.  I think it would pair very well with a very ripe fruit cobbler.  Wonderfully made!

ABV:  13.5%

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2015 Avalon Red Blend

Did you know that most wine consumers spend less that $12 on average for a bottle and that over 90% of the wine is consumed on the day that it is purchased?  In other words, most people are buying wine at the grocery store or wine store, taking it home and enjoying it.  And with a name like Drink The Bottles I can't argue with that logic.  But often, people will look at those same low priced bottles and not look past the end of their nose if they are looking for a quality, delicious wine.  And that would be a HUGE mistake by passing this one up.  The 2015 Avalon Winery BLEND is a red wine that includes some of my favorite varietals, which is probably why I am so drawn to it.  It is a beautiful plum skinned color in the glass with strong and welcoming aromas of fresh blackberries, barn wood and hints of licorice.  Made up of Zinfandel (54%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Tannat (20%) and Petite Sirah (5%), the flavors include very juicy blueberries and blackberries, toast and mildly peppered tar.  This wine is bolder than most would expect (including present company).  It doesn't linger but finishes solidly and I'm going to certify this an FGW - Flippin' Good Wine!

ABV:  13.5%

California

Suggested retail price:  $11.99

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2014 The Shepherd Estate Red

Once in awhile you pop and cork and get so excited because of the incredible color that is displayed on the cork.  When I pulled the cork out of this 2014 The Shepherd Estate Red wine, I knew I was in for a real good time!  Seriously, it was incredible.  Check out the picture HERE and I know you'll appreciate what I'm talking about.  So, I was completely unfamiliar with Shepherd Wines until I received this bottle.  Shepherd Wines is an offspring of my friends at Truchard Vineyards.  They currently offer 2 wines under the Shepherd label - a Sauvignon Blanc and this Estate Red.

Seldom do I open a wine, roll my eyes skyward and then clinch a fist in pleasure before tasting the wine.  But that is exactly what has happened here.  Before I get into that, I have to tell you that I literally cannot wrap my head around the fact that this wine has a $20 price point.  This wine is clearly worth at least twice that price and with just over 1000 cases produced, this is a wine that won't last long once the word gets out.  This could be the viral wine of this season!  (Clinches fist again.)  This beauty is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Tempranillo.  No wonder I love this wine so much.  These are 3 of my favorite reds.  I think Zinfandel and Tempranillo get overlooked all too often by most people in the wine world.  But we have a love for each other.

Medium red with dark purple hues in the glass, incredibly aromatic blackberry, baking spices, old barn hay mount, vanilla and clove on the nose.  So much going on here and as I was swirling, the aromas literally wafted right up out of the glass before I stuck my nose in.  I knew this was going to be something special - and it is.  Juicy, jammy and mouth-watering flavors of blackberry, barn wood, cherry cobbler and hints of a marinated, lightly peppered brisket.  When I give an overall score on wines, one thing I have to consider other than the obvious (presentation, aromas, flavor, finish) is the value.  And I can't stress this enough.   Twenty bucks for this wine is a flippin' steal!

ABV:  14.2%

Napa Valley, Carneros, California

Suggested retail price:  $20.00

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Pinot Noir Rosè

Most of the time people see pink wines, they probably think White Zinfandel.  And then come back flooding memories of a $9 gallon jug of brash, highly acidic and flavorless wine that you can barely choke down, only to wake up with heartburn for days.  Some much of that $3 bottle junk has turned people off of rosè wines because it's hard to get over the stigma and differentiate between junk and delicious rosè that is made from fine Pinot Noir.  So, have a seat, clear out the bad mojo and open your mind to this exquisite 2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Pinot Noir Rosè from the Santa Lucia Highlands.  Beautiful salmon colored in the glass from center to edge, this light wine presents stewed strawberries, brioche, watermelon and summer rain.  It's bright on the tongue and best served moderately chilled with very mild cranberry, strawberry and fresh bread dough in the mouth.  A cup of lobster bisque would be a great marriage, but so would a fresh vegetable platter, shrimp tempura or a number of lighter dishes.  This is absolutely stunning and one of those unfortunate times in which it is too bad you can't be here tasting this with me.  I can't say enough good things about this bottle!

ABV:  14.0%

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

2013 Galante Vineyards Kick Ass Red

One taste of this California red blend wine and you'll wonder why the price tag isn't closer to the $40 - $45 range.  In other words, the 1000 cases of the 2013 Galante Vineyards Kick Ass Red is 12,000 bottles of what appears to be an undiscovered or certainly underappreciated secret!  Incredibly dark and gripping in the glass, this wine bursts with blackberry, black pepper, burnt ends and smoked animal hide.  Mostly Malbec (70%), it's also joined by Petite Sirah (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) which provides some strength, a slightly bolder finish and that dark, sexy coloring.  Mouth-watering blackberry jam, cedar, pepper and a wisp of smoke lead to a finish that has hints more of blueberry and mineral and in a semi-dry and delicious finish.  This is a perfect steak and baked potato wine......or lamb chops......or barbecue chicken.....just about anything meaty!  For those in your life who "don't like red wine", I think you'll change their mind with this selection!

ABV:  13.5%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $25.00

Drink The Bottles Score:  92/100

2016 Dawn's Dream Chardonnay Escolle Vineyard

The 2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Chardonnay (Escolle Vineyard) is a flavorful, welcoming and refreshing Chardonnay with layers of flavors.  Medium golden in color, this wine presents nose-filling fruitful aromas of juicy pineapple, vanilla, lemon, spring flowers and........ a faintness of orange peel?  It seems like this wine changes every minute and I find it extremely intriguing and satisfying.  In the mouth it's a collaboration of flavors that include citrus flavors, lemon zest, light green grasses and brown sugar.  For such a young wine, it is drinking spot on and I (of course) sampled this around room temperature.  It's not overly oaked and not heavy at all.  I'd suggest some pasta with light cream sauce (fettuccine maybe?) or a roasted chicken dish with fresh garden vegetables as a well-paired duo.

ABV:  14.0%

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Suggested retail price:  $30.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2016 Galante Vineyards Wagon Wheel Sauvignon Blanc

Such incredible concentrated aromas of peach, pineapple and lemon zest, this 2016 Galante Vineyards Wagon Wheel Sauvignon Blanc is definitely now in my all-time favorite top 10 for this varietal.  A lot of Sauvignon Blanc give an almost pungent, overly strong grassy overtone on the nose, but not this one.  It is well refined, not overly acidic and is bursting with flavors of peach, slate, pineapple and lemon candies.  The wine is refreshing, bright and extremely memorable.  The back of the throat really opens up for this wine.  My biggest regret is not having a plate of soft cheeses or some bruschetta to sit back with, watch the snow fall and finish this beautiful bottle of wine.  You better hurry with this one, as the production was only 380 cases.  If you're looking for something different and delicious that will drink well over the next 3 years easily, this is it.  Thank me later.

ABV:  13.5%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

2016 Avalon Chardonnay

If I was able to take a thermos of lunch to work in the summer, I'd probably fill it with this 2016 Avalon Winery California Chardonnay.  Why?  Well, first of all because drinking wine at work would be fun, but mostly because this is a very easy drinking wine that represents most budget-minded California Chardonnay in a positive light.  Apple and pear on the nose, light golden color with pear and smoky cheese on the palate, and a quick finish.  This is the kind of wine that you should always have around and slightly chilled for those impromptu summer hangout with friends.  If the first glass doesn't completely make you a fan, the second one will.  Very versatile foodie wine.  I think you could even serve this with a ham and cheese sandwich (hence, the take it to work with you wine) and be completely happy!

ABV:  13.5%

Central Coast, California

Suggested retail price:   $11.99   

Drink The Bottles score:  85/100

2015 Truchard Vineyards Pinot Noir

Muted earth, rhubarb, tea leaves are joined with incredible ripe black cherry aromas that welcome you to this 2015 Truchard Vineyards Pinot Noir.  I found the color of this wine stunning and deeper than a majority of the Pinot Noir currently available.  It's sexy and the wine is very fine with a balanced acidity that doesn't necessarily give complexity, but it does make for a memorable finish.  Flavors of strawberry jam, cranberry, spices and plum are dominant and delicious.  This Pinot has about the perfect amount of sweetness for me and I'd call this one "elegant".

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2014 Galante Vineyards Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon

If you love fruit-forward, juicy Cabernet, this is not your huckleberry.  If you love a strong, boldly-structured, memorable wine that is just now realizing it's potential, then I proudly present the 2014 Galante Vineyards Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon.  This smart blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Merlot create an absolutely stunning deep garnet color.  The blend of these wines gives this wine a bit green aromas that blend magically with dark fruits, blueberry, spice cake, and vanilla after some time in the glass or in a decanter.  This wine is not hot at all.  In fact, it feels strong and welcoming in the mouth with flavors of blackberry, ripe beefsteak tomato, steak spices and a brief spot of soy sauce at the back of the throat.   The tannins frame the finish of this wine and I tasted it by itself and with dark chocolate chips.  You can eat this with a rare hunk of prime rib now, but I suspect this wine will be even more wonderful in the next 3-5 years and it will probably knock you out of your cowboy boots then!  If you collect wines (which is contrary to "drink the bottles") you should have no problem cellaring this for 10-15 years.

ABV:  14.0%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Alyssa Pinot Noir

Dawn's Dream Winery offers several Pinot Noir selections, each with a distinct flavor profile and tasting experience.  The 2016 Alyssa Pinot Noir pulls you in with incredible aromas of red raspberry and ripe plum.  I thought originally this was going to be a very delicate wine, but the fruit forward flavors of the berries, sweet cherries and orange gumdrop create a wine that holds it's own and finishes very strong.  It's bright and as smooth as glass.  This wine is drinking beautifully and would compliment a grilled duck breast with risotto and asparagus.

ABV:  13.5%

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles Score:  90/100