2009 Poggia Anima “Samael” Montepulciano
This Montepulciano is one of my new favorite wines, and not just because the label has a nice shade of pink! Simply delicious, goes well as a pre-dinner wine as well as with easy weeknight dishes like chicken, pasta, pizza, etc.
Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Where: Highland Wine
Next time: Get a case!
Price: $15-ish
2008 Gilbert Cellars Allobroges
This blend of 62% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre and 15% Grenache paired fantastically with some leftovers we had, mentioned in a previous post: braised lamb and honey-onion tart (amazing! spend a Sunday afternoon on this pair, and you’ll be happy you did!).
Plus, KUDOS to the Gilbert Family and their marketing folks for this kick-ass video they put together that’s on their website – I have fallen in love with them and their wine even more, plus the ladies’ fashion sense is mimic-worthy!
If you’re interested in the history of an Roman-era Celtic people, the Allobroges, read more on Wikipedia.
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $20
Next time: Get a glass or a case!
2009 Scarbolo Cabernet
Mr. W. really liked this wine – citing some “buttery” characteristic that I didn’t taste, feel, and even if I had, I tend to not like “buttery” wine. Gross. Not my cup of tea on this one. Too bad… the label is a gorgeous shade of red, with a ferris-wheel-esque design that’s fun and inviting.
If you’re bent on trying it, it’s a mix of 70% cab franc and 30% cab sauv. Knock your socks off.
Origin: Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $16
Next time: I’ll pass
2010 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros
This Spanish garnacha is a beautiful wine, full bodied but smooth. Paired like a gem with this braised lamb shoulder chops recipe. We subbed out the roasted root veggies from this recipe in lieu of these honey-roasted onion tarts (YUM!).
Other fun things I like about this wine – the label shows a person riding atop a bear (too cool!) plus the name is difficult to pronounce and always makes me feel like I’ve had more wine than I really have… am I slurring my words already?! With “Navaherreros,” yes…
Origin: Madrid, Spain
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $17
Next time: Get a case or a glass
2010 Casa Marin Pinot Noir “Tres Vinedos”
If you love a bright, perky wine you’ll love this Pinot from Chile! If you like your wine a little less perky, open this several hours to a day in advance, and it mellows out really nicely as well.
According to their website, they are a family owned winery and the closest winery in Chile to the Pacific Ocean. They also have a bed and breakfast at the winery, if you’re thinking of visiting.
They make several other varietals, as well, like Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris (First I’ve heard of that one…), Reisling, Gewurztraminer, and Syrah, as well as another label, Cartagena. I’ll definitely be on the lookout to try these other wines from Casa Marin.
Origin: San Antonio, Chile
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $22
Next time: Get a glass or a case!
Special feature: Twist-off – perfect for picnics, or when you hate dealing with the wine opener!
2005 Guenoc Petite Sirah
For a while, I had a really great run with Spellbound’s Petite Syrah, but the next vintage wasn’t as good (very disappointingly, but I’ll always give them another chance at the next round). But Spellbound got me into trying Petite Sirahs, which has been really fun since there’s some amazing ones out there and oftentimes, the ones I’ve found remind me of a great Zinfandel but cheaper.
This one from Langtry Estate Vineyards didn’t rock my world though. Not bad, just not “WOW!”
Origin: California
Where: Hop City
Next time: I’ll pass
Price: ? I think this one was around $12-$15?
2009 Domaine Coudoulis Lirac
This Cabernet Franc was absolutely fabulous! No oak, but full bodied and rich fruit flavors. Great with something from the grill, like a filet mignon or lamb.
Origin: Lirac, France
Where: Highland Wine
Next time: Get a bottle! Or Get a case, if that’s your price point.
Price: $22
2006 Domaine de Nerleux “Clos des Chatains”
They put more effort into this super-busy label than they did the wine inside. Too bad… I love a good Cab Franc.
Origin: Vieilles Vignes Samu-Champigny, Loire, France
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $19
Next time: I’ll pass
2008 Belle Vallee, Pinot Noir
This wine was delicious! Great as a pre-dinner wine or with a lighter dish or yummy salad with fun things like dried cranberries, goat cheese, and pistachios.
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $15
Next time: Get a case!
2009 Domaine Coudoulis
Lirac, France
Get a bottle
Highland Wine – $22