Carmenere

2007
Root 1
Colchagua Valley, Chile

For the price, this is a good buy.

Carmenere = "The lost grape of Bordeaux" - part of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, it is more commonly found now in Chile.


Nice crimson color with a spicey blackberry flavor and a sort of herb-like beef bouillion finish. An all-over pleasant tasting wine. I am a fan of Root 1's Cabernet Sauvignon as well. This is more "merlot-like" and, as a merlot fan, I like it very much.

"But it feels like losing when someone you love throws you away . . . "
Ryan Adams, "Fix It"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si14rmNJcvA

8.25 of out 10
14% alc. by vol.
$10 / 750 bottle
root1wine.com

PHANTOM

2005
Bogle Vineyards
Petite Sirah, Old Vine Zinafandel & Old Vine Mourvedre Blend

The 2004 Phantom was one of my absolute favorites. I've been wanting to try the 2005 since October. On a whim, and hoping for a little uplift, I went right for purchasing it this evening. The clerk told me with boastful confidence that I'd made a wise choice. I told him I was extremely partial to the smokiness of the 2004. He told me I wouldn't be disappointed with the 2005. Well, unfortunately, I was. Although it had decent flavor, it had lost its fantastic individuality that the 2004 owned. It was a good wine, slightly peppery, a fairly good finish, but tasted a bit too much like any other, and no real smoky punch. The 2004 was a much better buy. Hopefully, you bought some and stashed it. Cause that's all folks.

8.0 out of 10
$21 / 750 ml. bottle
14.5% alc. by vol.
boglewinery.com

FAVORITE WINES OF 2008

Frederick Cooper's "A Glass of Wine Waiting"

A few days turn into a few weeks, but here, finally, is my list of top wines The Guy and I enjoyed throughout 2008. I must say, the majority are not budget material so I do apologize. But at least, if you find you've got some extra to spend, you know you're not wasting it (although I do realize your opinion may not be the same as mine).

I couldn't limit my top choices to only (5). A few more deserved mention for really grabbing my interest. No surprise that Australia kept me coming back.

PINOT GRIGIO
Terre di Tufi, San Gimignano, Italy, 2003
Thank You to The Bro for yet another wonderful wine experience and visit.
(you can find this review in my September 2008 post)

CHARDONNAY
Kistler, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, CA #18222, 2005 (Exp. over $50)
Yet another Thank You to Uncle Bob for making it possible for us to experience the finer side of wine.
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Clos du Bois, Sonoma County, CA 2006
(I couldn't find where I'd reviewed the 2006, but I think it may have actually been back in my 2007 posts. This is a wine that I go back to year to year {especially in summer, or with creamy, garlic pasta dishes and shrimp or lemon sole or creamy chicken dishes}. The 2006 is not so readily available now and I find I have to ask for it if I really want it. It's funny how I am always told proudly by the wine merchant that they do have the 2007. HUGE difference, to me, in taste and quality - what a difference a year can make in a vineyard. I don't bother with the 2007 - cherished mineral notes found in the 2006 are missing in the 2007)

CABERNET
Justin Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA 2006
(you can find this in my November 2008 post)
This was especially good at Christmas with prosciutto and fontina cheese phyllo appetizers.

SHIRAZ
Two Hands Bella's Garden, Barossa Valley, Australia 2005 (Exp. over $40)
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Angel's Share, McLaren Vale, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my October 2008 post)

A Thank You to Pasa Robles for providing the opportunity for us to experience the above two wines.

MOST PROMISING FOR FUTURE ENJOYMENT (2010 - 2012) - Buy Now
Passing Clouds, Reserve Shiraz, Bendigo, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my December 2008 post)