In addition to the tasting notes template, sometimes we all come across a particular bottle we'd like to let friends know about. The goal here, and Shana deserves the credit for this suggestion, was to share these little discoveries in sufficient detail to entice you to try it for yourself. So, from time-to-time, check back for the latest updates ...
| Date | Price | Found At | Vineyard | Appellation | Location | Vintage | Score | Comments |
| 6/8/07 | ~$8 | Central Market | Terrazas | Malbec | Argentina | 2006 | 2 |
At $8 a bottle, I would compare this to anything costing twice that or more. Soft, round and medium bodied, it's a great everyday wine. |
| 10/17/05 | ~$8 | HEB | Parducci | Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Noir | Mendocino County, CA | 2002 | 2 |
Though not in the same league as the wines below, these range from $6 to $9 a bottle for their Petite Syrah, Pinot and Cab. At that price, it's a decent everyday wine ... |
| 2/16/05 | ~$18 | Randalls | Frei Brothers Reserve | Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Noir | Alexander Valley & Russian River Valley, CA | 2001 & 2002 | 4 |
The Cab is an almost massive wine, full-bodied and offering ripe, black fruits, rich oak, and hefty tannins. The Pinot is also a bold expression of the varietal; full-flavored, it stays long and ripe on the palate. Give them both a try! |
| 6/19/04 | $25.99 | Central Market | Buehler Vineyards | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, CA | 2000 | 4 |
Scoring 90 points by Robert Parker, this limited production (1,500 cases) Cabernet Sauvignon is well-concentrated, with a plush burst of blackberry, blueberry and chocolate flavors. The intensity lingers, along with espresso and cedar from toasty oak as well as fine-grained, firm tannins. |
| 6/18/04 | $10.00 | HEB | Bonny Doon Vineyard | Pacific Rim Dry Riesling | Santa Cruz, CA | 2002 | 3 |
This refreshing light-bodied wine is perfect for summertime. You'll find it clean and bright with fresh apple fruit and citric acidity, floral, rich and dry with a crisp by no means sadistic acidity and a long finish. |
| 5/2/04 | $23.00 | Grapevine Market | Renzo Masi/Fattoria di Basciano | I Pini | Basciano, Italy | 2000 | 3 |
Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah is deep ruby in color, long finish with silky tanins. |
| 5/1/04 | $19.00 | Grapevine Market | Tenimenti Montagnana | Cardinale | Firenze, Italy | 1999 | 4 |
Imported by a local Austin trading company, this Super Tuscan is a wonderful value for the money, so give this extremely full-bodied red wine a try! |
| 4/17/04 | $23.00 | Twin Liquors | Cantina di Montalcino | Poggio del Sasso | Montalcino, Italy | 1999 | 4 |
Full, powerful, tannic body and great structure, this earthy 100% Sangiovese wine has a dark ruby-red center and a certain old world style. |
| 4/16/04 | $19.99 | Twin Liquors | Zonin | Berengario | Veneto, Italy | 1998 | 3 |
Credit for finding this delightful bottle goes to Risa and Bill. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot has excellent structure, bright red color, a bit of spice and is balanced and attractive. |
| 4/15/04 | $12.50 | Grapevine Market | Calatrasi | Allora Primitivo | San Cipirello, Italy | 2001 | 4 |
An accidental discovery, I owe this one to Nikki & Frank who apparently purchased this bottle about a year ago. Very impressive for the cost, it had a deep red/purple color. It's a complex wine with lots of richness, dark fruit with some spicy, roasted character. |
Score Note: The scores above are based on a personal and highly subjective scale from "1" (Ick!) to "5" (I just want to pour it all over myself!). It's a funny scale, but you can't take everything too seriously. I'll probably only post the more highly rated ones in the "spotlight" section.
My guarantee: If you find any of the above recommendations unacceptable, simply invite me over and I'll be happy to finish any portion of the bottle that remains, no questions asked. The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else.