Wine Review: Castello Di Amorosa 2011 Barbera

Pardon the Punctuation…I know I’ve been off the grid for a while but here is a sign of good things to come. Recently got my hands on a bottle of Castello Di Amorosa 2011 Barbera from their twin creeks vineyard. Here’s the rub.

Tasting Notes: On the cusp of being top acidic for my taste but it made the cut. The aromas do justice to the classic wines from the Piedmont region in Italy. Hints of black pepper, sage, and blackberries. Paired it with some Gnocchi and it worked perfectly. I’d say open it and give at least 30 min before drinking. It softened up a bit after a while. Would definitely drink again.

Wine Review: Hedges Family Estate 2012 Descendants Liegeois Dupont SyrahWine Review: Hedges Family Estate 2012 Descendants Liegeois Dupont Syrah

Pardon the Punctuation…I had no idea a wine from Washington could conjure the Rhone Valley. Hedges Family Estate wines do just that. Their 2012 Descendants Liegeois Dupont Syrah is a stunning example of the magical fruit from Washington’s Red Mountain. Aged 100% barrel aged for an average of 12 months in 52% new oak and 48% older oak, this wine is dark, viscus, and spicy. Right away you taste blackberry, and allspice. The wine is ready to drink now or could go a few more years. I’d have trouble aging it because it’s delicious. The only bad thing is I don’t have a case of it in my cellar. Perfect with grilled meats or on it’s own. At under $30 this is a steal of a wine. If it were from Napa you’d expect to pay upwards of $60 for a wine of a similar caliber.

Wine Wednesday Review of “Spring Mountain Vineyards” 2002 Estate Cabernet

Pardon The Punctuation…Here’s a quick review on a great library wine from Spring Mountain Vineyards in Napa, California. Spring Mountain is one of my favorite regions in Napa and the wine from there seems to never disappoint. This 2002 Cabernet has all the great characteristics of a Napa Cabernet with the smoothness of a Bordeaux wine. To use one of the terms I’ve learned here in Cali..it’s “Hella good.” It drinks really well now. Blackberries punch you right in the nose with hints of dark chocolate on the palate. I wouldn’t hold on to this one for more than another 3 or 4 years. It’s perfect right now.

Wine Wednesday Review of Red Cap Vineyards 2008 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Pardon The Punctuation…Howell Mountain makes some of the best wine in Napa Valley. Red Cap Vineyards 2008 estate Cabernet does not disappoint. The fruit punches you in the nose right when you sniff the glass. Ruby red in color with soft tannins and a cleansing finish. This wine is big, bold and has all the characteristics you have from this stellar region of Napa. The Yum Yum Foodie approves. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle drink it and send pics to make me jealous. Wish I had a glass of it now.

Wine Review: Pesquera 2007 Crianza

Pardon The Punctuation…I’m going to do a quick write up for one of my favorite wines you can buy. It’s not cheap..about $30 but it will knock your socks off. Tinto Pesquera comes from the Ribera Del Duero region of Spain. This tempranillo based wine are aged a minimum of 18 months in American or French oak and bare an intoxicating ruby color..hints of jam, berries, black currants and have one of the smoothest finishes in the biz. I absolutely love this wine. Just click on this silly pic if you want to order one so you can see for yourself.