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!