Wine

2005 Malbec, Obra Prima Reserva, Familia Cassone, Argentina

scott — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:55:28 -0500

This is an OK wine, not a standout. It is another in the line of Malbecs that I'm tasting. Arlene did really like it and said it tasted floral to her.

http://www.familiacassone.com.ar

EDIT:
Available at Spec's for $22

1987 Porto Kopke Colheita, Portugal

scott — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:50:44 -0500

I got this in a half bottle to test out. I wasn't that impressed with it and preferred the Six Grapes over this one. It was bottled in 2007.

Sold at Spec's for $26 for a half bottle.

Six Grapes Reserve Porto, W. & J. Graham, Portugal

scott — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:57:03 -0500

I was looking for some tawny port and decided to pick up this vintage style in a half bottle to try out. Note that this is a vintage style blend and does not carry a vintage year. It doesn't even report the bottling year so I assume it was bottled in 2009.

I paired this with some dark chocolate and it went together very well. I really enjoyed this one and will get some more.

http://www.grahams-port.com

Available at Spec's for $13 for a half bottle (375 ml)

2005 Malbec, Reserva Especial, Finca El Retiro, Mendoza, Argentina

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:28:50 -0500

I was trying to get the 2004 vintage of this wine which wasn't available anymore so I ended up getting a case of this one. It is worth it and I really enjoyed this vintage as well. If you like Malbecs give this one a try.

http://fincaelretiro.com.ar/

Available at Specs for $15

2004 Malbec, Finca El Retiro, Reserva Especial, Mendoza, Argentina

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:08:41 -0500

I really liked this wine and when I went back to get a case it was no longer available. I ended up having to get the 2005. If you can find this one, get it.

Previously available at Specs for $15

2007 Pinot Noir, A to Z, Oregon

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:57:47 -0500

I wasn't too impressed with this wine.

http://www.atozwineworks.com

Available at Specs for $16.

2005 Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, Novy Cellars, Santa Rosa, CA

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:43:31 -0500

This is a pretty tasty wine. If you like Syrah you should make an effort to get this and try it.

Wine Enthusiast: 95

http://novyfamilywines.com/

Available at Specs for $27

2006 Shiraz Cabernet, Penfolds, Koonunga Hill, South Australia

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:33:06 -0500

We picked this up at Costco to try it out. I don't remember the cost but it wasn't very expensive, I think under $15. It was OK but didn't really stand out. From the bottle it is made up of: 78% Shiraz and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon.

http://www.penfolds.com

2004 Red Wine, Meritage, The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:16:12 -0500

This is a really good bottle of wine but on the expensive side. I enjoyed it.

From the bottle, the grape varieties used:
46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

http://drycreekvineyard.com

Available at Specs for $42

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Waterford Estate, South Africa

scott — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:01:36 -0500

This is an OK wine as I like Cabs. This is made up of the following grapes:
Cabernet Sauvignon 89%, Cabernet franc 5%, Malbec3%, Petit Verdot 3%

http://www.waterfordestate.co.za/

Description from the mfg.:
Dense graphite, blackberry and violet nose. Hints of shaved lead pencil and fennel seed. Dense, rich palate with mouth-filling structure. Big, but finely judged tannin, Well integrated and a long dry finish. Drink between 4-10 years. Enjoy alongside a rare grilled fillet of Karan beef and sauce béarnaise.

Available from Specs for $20