I have enjoyed this producers for several vintages now. They are always very consistent and a value. This wine is dark garnet in color. The nose is full of wild berry, vanilla and chocolate covered cherries. The flavors are sweet dark cherry, cedar and mocha. Acidity is nicely balanced and the tannins are a touch wild now but will mellow over time. This is a very good wine for the price.
2005 Gordon Brothers Merlot Columbia Valley
2004 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Marqués de Casa Concha
Still a bit young at this point. Shows some potential for improvement with bottle age. Nose is very smokey and a fair amount of alcohol. Dark cherry and mocha favors on the palate with a long finish that shows the firm tannins. Will buy more and age for a year or so. At $15.99 it’s a solid value in Cabs from Chile.
2004 Reininger Helix Pomatia
Nose is a bit musty. It might benefit from some time in the decanter. The color is a very deep purple. In the mouth flavors of plumb, currant and vanilla poke through. Significant tannins are present all the way through. Finish is long with a the tannins lingering. Needs a little more time in the bottle but it very well made and quite enjoyable. This wine is $20 at the winery and a very solid value. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.
2004 Bennett Lane Maximus Napa Valley
This wine was very extracted and a deep dark purple. The nose was full of dark cherry and currant. The flavors were jam packed and complex with dark cherry, currant and vanilla. The tannins are fine grained now and well integrated. Should only improve in the cellar but it’s drinking very well right now. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. At $35.00 it a real value for the quality and purity of fruit. Very highly recommended.
2006 Kosta Browne Pinot Nior Sonoma Coast
Popped and poured right off the truck. Light garnet in color all the way to the rim. The nose has a nice aroma of spice box and damp earth. The flavors are very concentrated and complex. Cherry, raspberry, cola, and a touch of oak on the long peppery finish. It might improve some in the bottle but it drinks pretty well right now. Another great wine from this winery. At $48 dollars it creeps up on the QPR overall but for a high quality Pinot it’s a bargin.
