BF's tax season wine reviews are here again!

[berettafan]

Tax season is here again and it's time for my periodic wine reviews (keep a bottle at work for late nights; glass or two max of course!);

First of this season is Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir (don't recall the year)-

Not bad for $10 but have had MUCH better for $12 (Poppy, '06 C&B). Easy drinking (as almost every PN i've had is and probably why it's so popular) but definitely thinner than others.

Next up is Cartlidge & Brown '07 Pinot Noir $13-

This was one of my favorites from last year (the '06) and i drank quite a bit of it. Unfortunately the single bottle of '07 I reluctantly purchased after striking out on '06 was NOT the same wine. A bit harsh (alcoholish) which, to me, absolutely RUINS PN's. Maybe it's supposed to be there in Zin but PN's...blech!

Parducci (SP?; don't know year) Pinot Noir-

Had a glass of this at a local restaurant a few nights ago. Don't know what year but assume it's the same as whatever i'll find on shelves now. Better than last year's C&B PN!!!! Smooth as can be and absolutely zero harshness. Of course with 'by the glass' wine you never know how long the bottle was open. I will absolutely be buying a few of these once i find a source. Looks like price is in the $14 range. No 'earthiness' or 'complexity' that i noticed but a good relaxing smooth glass of wine.

Cartlidge & Brown Cabernet ('05) $13-

Don't know how to place it but it's the same taste as all cabs i haven't liked. Can't describe it just don't like it.

Last for now is Alexander Valley Cabernet -Weitzel Estate-(don't recall year) $18-

Holy shat is this good cab!!! If you want cab it is absolutely worth dropping an extra $5 or $6 on this vs. other brands. I've never had cab more expensive than $24 (NASTY BV Rutherford) but i can't imagine improving on this stuff. Good finish and great 'body' or 'fullness' (i don't know the effing terminology but it's just got a LOT of flavors). Drink this with a pot roast or similar and you will love it. Really great and will drink a fair amount more this winter. I think if they had an ultra cool label this stuff would get a LOT more attention. It looks 'blah' but it most definitely is not.


Mock me if you will; disagree if you must but i'm havin' a good ol' time drinking this common mans wine!

[idontknow]

What? No review on Blue Hawaiian by Boones Farm?
You could at least say it's a slightly oversweetened, no earthiness, no complexity, wine-malt beverage.

Seriously though you may be interested in Henscratch Farms Country Blush. ($13)

MMMmmm it's some damn good wine lots of flavor but nothing strong. It's not harsh, bitter or oversweetened. It's just damn tasty and at 24 proof is excellent for making the wifey tipsy. Their blueberry wine is also pretty good. Little hard to swallow but great flavor if you like blueberries.

Henscratch is a small local winery & farm. They do ship though.
Website: http://www.henscratchfarms.com/

[K. Roman]

thanks for the write up!

[aminter0]

The Alexander Valley cab is an incredible wine that often gets over looked. I am in the wine/spirits business for a rather large distributor in CA, and this winery happens to be in our book. Excellent wine, excellent value!

[ramonesfreak]

Barefoot cabernet at $6 is very good. probably drank 20 bottles of it last month. im a bit sick of it now, but at $6, i do not think i have had better in that price range