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

2015 Bookwalter Winery Suspense Cabernet Franc

I've always kind of joked to myself that Cabernet Franc is the smaller, weaker cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Maybe the middle child who didn't get enough attention?  I've just seldom had a truly grand experience with Cab Franc, but as the Monkees would say.....now "I'm a believer".  The 2015 Suspense Cabernet Franc from Bookwalter Winery will change the way you think about this wine.  While it's not 100% Cab Franc, the 17% Merlot blend is smart and adds some depth and complexity to this Columbia Valley wine.  After the gorgeous deep garnet color, the nose presents lively cherry aromas with earthly sage and whiffs of pomegranate.  Where this wine really, really got me was the surprise on the palate.   There was an unconventional and incredibly welcoming spice that joined the Cremè de cassis, cherry, raspberry and smooth-as-glass finish that leads to a very memorable tasting experience.  This is a healthy wine that is going to age amazingly and would be fun to taste every year for the next ten years and compare notes.  While this wine is a fun solo sipper, it would be well represented with a grilled ham steak, Polish sausage or a number of non-traditional meats.

ABV:  14.8%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

2015 Abacela Fiesta Tempranillo

I'm a sucker for Tempranillo.   It's one of about 4 wines that I really, really enjoy, but think it is either greatly underappreciated or often ignored for more popular varietals.  This 2015 Abacela Fiesta Tempranillo is not only delicious, it is an incredible value for what you get out of the bottle.  Medium to bright crimson throughout the glass, this wine is very fruit forward for this varietal, which is typically more reserved across the board.  Aromas of spiced, stewed red fruits and dark mocha engulf the senses and instantly produce a mouth-watering sensation that is only quenched by the first taste of this beauty.  In the mouth are dark fruits, plum skins, vanilla and a beautiful and smooth finish that again presents the dark mocha.  This wine has been in the bottle for less than a year and it is the kind of bottle that a Tempranillo lover (like myself) would not want to share.  With magic like this, it's easy to understand how Abacela was the Oregon Winery of the Year in 2013. The 2014 vintage is sold out, so get to the Abacela web site to secure your 2015 vintage soon.  Just lovely! 

ABV: 14.2%

Umpqua Valley, Southern Oregon

Suggested retail price:  $23.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

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

2015 Readers Merlot

I'll admit that I've never been to Columbia Valley, Washington, but it seems that I need to make a trip sometime.  The wines that are coming out of this region are really putting a smile on my face these days, and the 2015 Readers Merlot from Bookwalter Winery is no exception.  What's the first thing wine snobs will look at when they see this bottle?  The screw top.  While I love the resounding "pop" of a cork, I also learned all too long ago that screw tops technically are the best best for most wines: no tainted corks, renewable resource in recyclable caps, etc.  Ok, I just realized I haven't talked about the wine at all and clearly it is the star of this show!  This is a blend of Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and it presents itself very stoically in the glass.  Aromas of black cherry, hints of blueberry and chocolate and it you're a super-swirler like I am, you might even pick up some green earth and cherry tobacco.  Incredibly soft tannins welcome the mouth and flavors of black cherry pie filling, chocolate chips, and cedar.  Don't let the alcohol content (pushing 15%) scare you; this is not hot at all.  This drinks incredibly well and would be a bison burger's best friend!

ABV:  14.9%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $28.00

Drink The Bottles Score:  90/100

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 Hedges Family Estate HIP Cabernet Sauvignon

Incredibly dark, nearly black in the glass with blended aromas of dark fruits, licorice and tobacco leaf with hints of damp earth.  This 2016 Hedges Family Estate HIP Cabernet Sauvignon is medium bodied and very easy to drink with flavors of dark fruits, dark chocolate, flakes of fine pepper and cinnamon.  This wine finishes brightly and has velvety tannins that gives a welcoming and smooth feel in the mouth.  I like this wine.  The dark colors and peppery notes hint that this is a Cabernet blend, and for this price it certainly is a bargain!

ABV:  13.5%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $17.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

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

2015 J Bookwalter Protagonist Cabernet Sauvignon

I am so stoked about this wine I almost don't know where to begin!  Bookwalter Winery has created an amazing wine in the 2015 Protagonist Cabernet Sauvginon.  While not the most fragrant wine you'll ever experience, the flavors are the superstars here!  Dark cherry, graphite and a touch of sulfur smoke greet you warmly and are a stark contrast of the flavors leap from the glass.  This wine feels nice and tight and flavors of black berry, mineral and black currant dance around and introduce a finish that is welcoming and absolutely fulfilling. Smartly balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (95%), Merlot (5%), Syrah (3%) and Cabernet Franc (2%), this wine has a beautiful medium-to-dark purple color and it is delicious now; I suspect will be just as wonderful in another 10+ years.  Beautiful!

ABV:  14.9%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

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

2015 Hedges Family Estate CMS Red Wine Blend

There are a few wine phrases I've said dozens (hundreds?) of times over the years.  One of these phrases would be, "Good wine doesn't have to be expensive".  And that proves to be true with this 2015 Hedges Family Estate CMS Red Wine Blend.  Made up of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Merlot (65%) and Syrah (8%), this wine has a very dark red color with purple center and a very nice layer of aromas like black raspberry, chocolate, dried cooking spices and a hint of pipe tobacco smoke.  This wine is much brighter than anticipated and fills the mouth with ripe berries and plum flavors, blended very evenly.  The chocolate and smokiness is realized on the back side of this tasting and the wine bids adieu with a memorable and strong finish.

ABV:  13.5%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $14.00

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

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

2012 Galante Vineyards Ace High Malbec

I think I first started writing about Galante Vinyeards wines in 2012 and I remember really falling for these at the time.  The 2012 Ace High Malbec is another fine example of what Jack and this team do to bring a smile to my face.  Smoke, leather and violet are the dominant aromas and the cherry adds a touch of fruit on the nose but only faintly.  The color of his wine is absolutely gorgeous and after some generous swirling, it shows it's sexy legs.  Full of blackberry and plum flavors, there is distinct and welcoming dill and dried spices marriage that helps make this a beautiful drinking experience.  The tannins are petite and polished and the finish is long and juicy.  Only 531 cases produced!

ABV:  13.5%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $32.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2013 Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain Blend

Oh what fun this gem is!  The 2013 Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain Blend is made up of a myriad of popular wines.  Very dark in the glass all the way to the edge and the well balanced acidity provides for a tart beginning to a semi-sweet, solid finish on this medium bodied, well rounded wine.  A lot of dark fruits are popping through here and they are balanced with the herbs and leathery goodness that come through on the nose and in the mouth.  This wine would pair extremely well with a French Onion Soup or a beautiful bone-in ribeye.  This has been in bottle for nearly 4 years and you could drink this in 5 years and be just as satisfied, if not more.   The makeup on this wine is Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Malbec (4%), Petite Verdot (2%) and Syrah (2%).  Did I mention that I love the color?

ABV:  13.5%

Red Mountain, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $28.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2016 Falcone Family Vineyards Syrah

Syrah is a wine I love to drink with hearty meat dishes and beef stew.  But it's also a wonderful, bold wine that can be enjoyed solo - by itself or by yourself!  The 2016 Falcone Family Vineyards Syrah is farmed from Paso Robles vineyards and expresses some familiar dark cherry and smoky tobacco aromas that are hauntingly welcoming.  I really love smoky wines and red fruits; I can get lost in the swirling and smelling.  This has a wonderful deep red to purple color, and the small amount of Petit Syrah they add to this wine builds the complexity.  The smokiness joins black raspberry and cooked cherries with polished petite tannins that lead to a memorable finish.  This is my first bottle from Falcone and I hope it won't be my last.  I think this vintage in another year or two will be even more remarkable, as this has only been in the bottle for less than six months.  Solid wine!

ABV: 14.5%

Paso Robles, California

Suggested retail price:  $30.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2014 Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast Estate Merlot

I wish I had a dollar for every time over the years someone has asked me, "What's a good wine"?  That's such an open-ended question, especially if you don't know someone's taste preference or budget.  I could spend hours recommending good wines, but you really need some trial-and-error in your life to see what you like.  Even if you like California wines, the flavor profiles vary greatly from appellation to appellation.  Remember, it starts with the soil!  Ok, I think I've rambled on enough here, right?  So, let's talk about this 2014 Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast Estate Merlot.  For those who think they don't like Merlot, it's typically because they haven't had any delicious, 100% Merlot like this one, or they have watched Sideways too many times.  This beautiful wine is a medium ruby red in color with aromas of dark cherry, chocolate and burnt cedar after intense swirling.  (And if you aren't swirling your wine, you're cheating yourself out of the full tasting experience!).  The oak aging adds some complexity to this wine which is evident by the very smooth finish with cherries, a kiss of plum and semi-sweet chocolate.  This Merlot will pair with a wide variety of pasta and roasted meat dishes.  Pick this wine up, drink it and then call Cline Cellars and thank them for making such a delicious and affordable 100% Merlot!

ABV:  14.0%

Sonoma Coast, California

Suggested retail price:  $22.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2016 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

When I think of amazing Pinot Noir, I think big bucks.  I think hard-to-find, impossible-to-get and out of my price range.  Well, that's what I used to think.  About 7 years ago I was turned onto the  wines of Willamette Valley in Oregon and like a boy with his first crush, I was quickly smitten.  Anytime you can find a gem in the store, pick one up, even if know little about the wine.  These Pinot Noir are generally top notch and seldom disappoint because most are 100% Pinot (and that's what you should look for).  The 2016 Adelsheim shows the typically beautiful medium blue-purple color in the glass and the aromas of raspberry and cocoa powder are most noticeable.  The mouthfeel is light and welcoming and the raspberry is joined with dried cranberries and baking spices.  This wine is very silky and has very low tannin.  With over 12,000 cases produced, you shouldn't have any trouble picking up 3 or 4 bottles for yourself!  This would pair great with a fatty fish dish.  Enjoy!

ABV:  13.5%

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Suggested retail price:  $30.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2015 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon

I figured since it was time to start writing again, I might as well start with my favorite varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon.   Now don’t start putting your nose in the air and poo poo this wine because it’s not a 100% Cab.  It’s also not priced like a full blooded red that we love to drink by ourselves and not share with the neighbors.   This 2015 Avalon CAB is a generous blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon along with Merlot (7%), Tannat (4%), Petit Sirah (2%) and Zinfandel (2%).  With this you’re getting a very affordable and tasty medium to dark red wine that has treats you with baking spices, black cherry, raspberry and some touches of vanilla.   This wine has spent some time in oak barrels which further brings out some mocha on the smooth finish.  The important thing here is that this wine is very good.  And this wine pairs great with just about anything hearty – a meatloaf, burgers, pizza, some medium to stout flavored cheeses.    You can’t go wrong here and you can impress your friends and your accountant at the same time.  *The 2014 vintage is pictured.

Suggested retail price:  $11.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100