Thursday, June 28, 2007

Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2005

Price: free--it was a gift!
Recommended by:
Chloe's mom
Comments: After watching Chloe, the black lab, this week for some friends, we received this lovely bottle as thanks. This is the first Malbec we've reviewed, and after tasting it, we realized how reticent we have been. They are super-groovy. This one exhibits wonderful flavors of plum, raspberry, and licorice (and hints of vanilla and chocolate). It has a great, long finish that lasts and lasts. The only quasi-negative we can say about this wine is that it has a high alcohol content (14%), which was noticeable in the first sip. Of course, high alcohol wines are not necessarily bad (wink, wink). We're both looking forward to drinking more Malbecs, and this was a great one to start with.

Rating: 7.5/10

Thursday, June 21, 2007

The Nose Knows ... or Doesn't

Slate.com is running a three-part series on the science (or crapshoot) of wine tasting (the second part appeared today, and the final section will be published tomorrow (6/22).

Our take: Barley, our dog will be taking over this blog from now on. :) He can smell a tennis ball from a mile away. Meanwhile, Rob and I need to brush up on our study of "gustatory pleasure."

Best line:
Admittedly, this kind of superheavy metaphysical question is perhaps better pondered over a bong than a bottle of wine.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Enate Tinto Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2002

Price: $10.00 @ Solera (Roslindale, MA)
Recommended by:
It just sounded good!

Comments:
We enjoyed the
Enate Gewurztraminer, and we have had some great Cab-Merlot blends in the past, so we decided to give this one a try. It did not disappoint. This Spanish wine is smooth, fruity, peppery -- everything you expect in a solid, balanced blend. It will not blow you away, but for the price it's very tasty and probably a great pizza or burger wine.
Rating:
6.5/10

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Three Knights Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Price: $5.99 @ Trader Joe's
Recommended by:
the price and the region (Knights Valley produces some great Cabs)

Comments:
There's not a whole lot to say about this wine other than it's pretty good for the price. (This is produced by the folks who make Two Buck Chuck.) It has a nice taste, and the tannins and finish are smooth, but there's not a lot of depth to it. However, with a slice of pizza or a juicy burger, this is a nice, cheap, enjoyable accompaniment.

Rating:
6.5/10

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Fratelli Perata Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Price: $13.50 @ Solera (Roslindale, MA)
Recommended by:
helpful wine dude at Solera

Comments:
(We're a bit tired, so pardon the lame review.) This Cab
(also 12% Merlot) from Paso Robles is smooth and very enjoyable. It is fruit-forward, has a nice finish, and would be great with anything other than the ice cream we ate shortly before drinking it (Ben & Jerry's AmeriCone Dream rocks! Oh, this is a wine review -- sorry!). We suspect that a nice meaty dinner would really bring out the great flavor of this wine. We recommend it, but we still prefer Michael Pozzan's Knights Valley Cab, which is virtually the same price.
Rating:
7.25/10