Now that we’re a couple of months into 2010, I took a look back at the wines I tried in 2009 and present to you my list of Favorite Red Wines of 2009! Fave 2009 Whites coming soon!

• Pine & Post Cab Sauv – $9
• Simonnet-Febvre Pinot Noir – ~ $10
• Finca el Origen Malbec – $11
• Lucky Star Pinot Noir - $9
• Mark West Sonoma County Pinot Noir – $12
• Memo Montepulciano – $11
• Morande Pionero Pinot Noir – $10
• Spellbound Petite Syrah – $13
• Alexander Valley Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $?
• Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $14
• Oyster Bay Pinot Noir – $15
• G5 Puerta Bonita Garnacha – $15
• Eos Estate Zinfandel and Petite Syrah – $15ish? and $16
• Bliss Cab Sauv – $15
• Chateau Fantin Bordeaux Superioeur – $16
• Big Fire Pinot Noir – $18
• Poppy Pinot Noir – $16
• Rivola Sardon de Duero Cab Sauv – $17
• Vina Robles Cav Sauv – ~ $18
• Le Signal Domaine Ligneres Carignan – $19
• Murphy-Goode Cab Sauv – $20
• Wirra Wirra Church Block Cab Sauv – $20
• Chateau Robin Cotes De Castillion – $22
• Louis M. Martini Cab Sauv – $15-$20
• L’Oustal Blanc Minervois – $21
• Twenty Rows Cab Sauv – $23
• Oberon Cab Sauv – $24
• Molnar Family Pinot Noir – $26
• Douglas Green Shiraz Reserve – $20ish?
• Obsidian Ridge Cab Sauv – $29
• Patricia Green Pinot Noir – $30
• Hartford Zinfandel – $30
• Chateau Rollan de By Medoc – $30
• Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir – $??
• Anne Amie Pinot Noir – $??

Another Christmas wine (in conjunction with Le Signal’s Carignan), the Eos Estates Petite Syrah was a fun wine to try out. With family in town and a new dinner entree recipe (Cornish hens), my dad and I put this Petite Syrah to the test again the Le Signal – before and with both appetizer and the main course. You might remember that the Le Signal wasn’t so hot as a solo wine. It was just too tannic and overpowering on its own – with food, it was amazing though. On the other hand, the Eos Estate Petite Syrah was a dark garnet, purplish hue and so smooth and balanced on its own. It was  heavenly! Then with food, it just mellowed out a bit more, maintaining that wonderful smooth quality and less noticeable tannins. I think that’s what I’ve fallen in love with regarding Petite Syrahs (like another favorite, Spellbound).

You’ll find lots of fruit in this unbelievable wine, as described on their website tasting notes:

NOSE: Dark plum, raspberry, black cherry, and blueberry introduce this wine to the senses with hints of licorice, smoke, and leather.
MOUTH: Bright fruit of raspberry introduces the palate to the darker fruit characters of blackberry, cassis, and blueberry leading into rich velvety textures.
FINISH: A wonderful medium length finish with silky textures of leather, smoke, and bakers chocolate round out the wine.

Next family occasion – grab a bottle of this Eos Estate Petite Syrah (or their delicious Zinfandel) and give thanks :)

Origin: Paso Robles, California
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $16
Next time: Get a case!

The Windmill Petite Sirah was enjoyed shortly after my new favorite, Spellbound Petite Syrah. With high expectations for my 2nd Petite Syrah, I was excited to try this next sample. The Windmill is from California, about 1 hour east of San Francisco, so it’s not right on the ocean-side but more inland. This family vineyard is under the helm of fifth-generation winegrowers, Michael and David Phillips.

The Windmill was a good selection, but it didn’t exceed the Spellbound.

Origin: Lodi, California
Where: Highland Wine
Price:
Next time: Get a glass!

Wyatt and I were recently on vacation with his parents in Bald Head Island, North Carolina — a beautiful, quaint town off the coast near Southport and Wilmington. Hauling over quite a few bottles of wine on the ferry proved to be well worth the muscle power! Our first night there, we tried the 2007 Spellbound Petite Sirah from Napa, California. WOW! I’d read a bit about Petite Sirah but mostly just remembered that it’s nothing like regular Sirah/Shiraz (who knows why they’re named as if they were). This wine was smooth and velvety – great fruit flavor but heavier and more subtle than my usual Pinot Noir faves. The tannins weren’t offensive! They complemented the wine perfectly.

I wasn’t surprised when I found the Spellbound website only to discover that Rob Mondavi (son of THE Robert Mondavi) is one of the folks behind this lovely and delicious concoction.

In addition to the Petite Sirah, the Spellbound line also offers Cab Sauv, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Old Vine Zin. These are on my list to try in the future!

Next time: Get a case!
Origin: Napa, California
Where: Highland Wine & Crystal
Price: $13.50