Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Raymond R Collection Merlot 2004

Price: $13.50 @ Solera (Roslindale, MA)
Recommended by: wine seller at Solera
Comments: This here is a big, round, juicy Merlot. You wanna go out and get yourself a bottle. Honest. For the price, it's hard to find a wine this good. R Collection is 84% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. This blend lends itself to a complexity that belies the sub-$15 price. Flavors of plum, blueberry, and raspberry explode on the palate, followed by pepper, vanilla, and chocolate for a long finish. We had this with eel and the pairing was ideal, although it would go great with any meat for you carnivores. Rob can't wait to get another bottle and not share it with Karie! Sideways be damned, we loves us some good Merlot.
Rating: 8/10

Monday, May 21, 2007

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2004

Price: $8.99 @ Gary's Liquors
Recommended by: a Wine Spectator "Best Value" wine
Comments:
Can we agree with Wine Spectator two nights in a row? Say it isn't so! This wine is fantastic -- it earned every one of its 90 points. We had tried the Grand Estates Merlot before and enjoyed it, but this year's vintage is much better. Flavors of cherry and chocolate dominate the palate along with a healthy dose of blueberry, all brought together by a surprisingly long, smooth finish. For the price, this wine can't be beat. We'll be getting another bottle or two for the shelf soon!

Rating:
7.75/10

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Paringa Shiraz 2005

Price: $9.99 @ Derby Street Wine & Spirits, Hingham, MA
Recommended by:
We love the Paringa Sparkling Shiraz, so we wanted to give this one a try.

Comments:
For once we agree with Wine Spectator! This
87-rated wine was a nice surprise. For the price, it's smooth, complex, and delicious. It's not as fruit-forward as many other Australian Shirazes; instead it has an enjoyable earthiness and balance. Additionally, the wine's long finish is unexpected for a Shiraz in this price range. We look forward to enjoying this one again soon!
Rating:
7.75/10

Friday, May 11, 2007

Corks Galore


Looking to put those used corks to practical use and don't need another bulletin board? Well, make a chair! According to BoingBoing,

Crazy for Corks: an impressive pictorial catalog of projects you can undertake with your collection of Champagne corks.

Link

I'd love to see my Golden Retriever lying in this bad boy!