Forefront 2007 Cabernet

I recently found a new Cabernet Sauvignon that is a second label of Pine Ridge called Forefront.  I am not sure if tough economic times are the reason for the second label from Pine Ridge, or simply a new venture for the well known Napa Winery, but regardless of the reason I am a fan.   The Forefront Cabernet is an excellent full bodied everyday drinking wine under $20 that offers the quality you would expect from a wine that Pine Ridge would put their name on.  And yes, unlike some other wineries that produce second labels with no mention of their original name, Pine Ridge proudly announces on the Forefront label that they are the producer; another sign of pride in quality.  The wine is a Bordeaux style Cabernet blended with grapes sourced from various regions.  From the Napa area is 78% Cabernet, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot , 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, plus 13% Syrah from El Dorado and San Luis Obispo. The result is a fruit forward, very complex, full bodied wine with soft tannins that make the wine very approachable and easy to drink.  Along with the ripe berries, there are hints of lavender and oak nuances.  To me this is the type of everyday wine that one searches for, kudos to Pine Ridge!

In addition to the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Forefront label also offers a Pinot Noir and a Sauvignon Blanc according to the Forefront Website.  I have not yet tried the other two varietals, but I do highly recommend that you try the Cabernet Sauvignon and fully expect that the other two varietals will be as equally pleasing.

Forefathers 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

The concept for the Forefathers 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Lone Tree Vineyard is simple; 100% single vineyard, 100% single variety, and 100% single appellation.  The basis of this concept is that the philosophy of Goldschmidt Vineyards for their Forefathers line of wines is that one vineyard site could not possibly produce great Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, which are the three wines they love to make.  For that reason Forefathers has selected Marlborough in New Zealand for the Sauvignon Blanc, McLaren Vale in South Australia for the Shiraz, and Alexander Valley in California for the Cabernet Sauvignon.  The vineyards are selected for the ultra premium quality wines that can be produced from these sites without further blending. We recently purchased the Cabernet which offers quality as soon as it reaches the mouth.  The Alexander Valley location is perfect in that it allows the grapes to mature in the morning sun with cooler temps, rather than the hot afternoon sun which provides longer hang time resulting in complex richness. The wine has an intriguing floral bouquet with a hint of vanilla. A big full body wine with lots of ripe dark berry flavors, a smooth silky mouth feel, and soft tannins complete the taste of this quality Cabernet.  This wine is priced around $45, but I was able to purchase around the $30 price point.  A wine that is very approachable now, but can certainly rest in the cellar for a few years if you prefer to allow it to rest a bit.

La Storia 2006 Alexander Valley Cabernet

Wow, do I have a nice Cabernet to share with you?  Yes, I do…it is a 2006 La Storia Cabernet Sauvignon from Trentadue Winery in Alexander Valley.  The 2006 vintage is the first offering under the La Storia designation, but the winery touts the philosophy is still the same as always, to offer the best they can create.  I, for one would agree that they are indeed doing just that.  The best lots were used to make this rich Bordeaux style wine blended from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot.  Once blended the wine was aged 22 months in European Oak barrels.  The result is a medium to full bodied wine offering hints of ripe berry, cocoa  spice, oak and a hint of pepper.  Certainly a big Bordeaux style wine that could stand up to a nice steak, but with an crisp clean easy finish, I personally first tried this wine alongside a hamburger.  This wine was purchased at our local wine merchant just under $20 and worth every penny and more. Visit Trentadue Winery whenever in Geyserville, or at Trentadue.com.

2005 Tangley Oaks Cabernet

We recently purchased a 2005 Tangley Oaks Cabernet that had only appeared on the shelf of the local wine shop a short time ago.  As we always look for wines that are easy drinking, well made, and also value dollar, this sounded like one we must try.  The Cabernet offers the traditional Napa Valley quality fruit flavors of ripe berries, a hint of dark chocolate, silky tannins a long smooth finish for a young wine.  It was both tank fermented as well as aged in French Oak barrels.  Each bottle of Tangley Oaks is stamped with a Lot number, this indicates which lot the fruit was grown from and only the best fruit from that lot is selected by the winemaker for each of the wines Tangley Oaks produces.  They offer a Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and a Rose.   All sold under $25 with the Cabernet being the most expensive, but I did find it in my local store for under $20 on sale.  Tangley Oaks is a wine you must try, pair it with your favorite red meat or even pizza night!  However, besides purchasing a good bottle of wine, you will be helping to support the environment.  Tangley Oaks has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and for the next year will donate a portion of their profits to the planting of thousands of trees.  In addition to donating a portion of the profits throughout the year to this great cause, on Arbor Day weekend Tangley Oaks will donate one tree for each bottle or glass of wine sold!  Wow!  Not only are they producing good wine, they are helping the environment.  I am sure you know the statistics, but over a 50 year lifetime of a tree it will generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, $62,000 worth of air pollution control; recycle $37,500 worth of water and control $31,250 worth of soil erosion…important stuff if we want to keep enjoying our wine.  Visit Tangley Oaks website for more information and be sure to try a bottle today! Visit their website for more information on the wines and Tangley Oaks Plant a Tree Program.

http://www.tangleyoakswine.com/

2006 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel

Since 1895 Seghesio Family Vineyards of Sonoma County have been producing award winning wines of distinct quality.  Founded by Edoardo Seghesio, the estate vineyards have been hand farmed by the family for four generations.  Seghesio has made the Wine Spectator top 100 wines list 3 times for their Sonoma Zinfandel, as well as many reputable scores given for their other various Zinfandel’s they produce. The winery has also been given much kudos for their family tables tasting, a glimpse into the past when tasting wines were private in a relaxed atmosphere and paired with foods other than a wine cracker or piece of cheese.  Seghesio’s family tables tasting includes sampling of limited release wines along with small plates made from old family recipes.   This offers a nice change from the crowded tasting rooms of today, where you are lucky to find a spot at the tasting bar without being elbow to elbow with other patrons. The wine I have in my glass is the old vine Zinfandel which is produced from some of the oldest vines in the county.  The grapes used to make this wine come from Alexander and Dry Creek Valley with the average age of the vines being 90 years old.  The wine offers raspberry and tobacco on the nose, with the spicy tastes of classic Zinfandel.  I am a huge fan of Zinfandel wines and this one is very nicely made with just the right balance and structure where none of the elements over power one another.  While this wine could stand up to some really bold flavors and pair nicely with a variety of foods, it is very easily consumed on its own. Check out the entire line of Seghesio Family wines at seghesio.com and check your local stores to purchase a bottle tonight.

2005 Trefethen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Celebrating over 4 decades of 100% estate winemaking, Trefethen Vineyards motto is “one family, one estate, one passion. This motto shines through in the quality of their Napa Valley Cabernet. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted in the estate vineyard location in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley that is known for the gravelly soil that heats up quickly in the spring. According to their website, the combination of the warmer area with limited yields produces Cabernet with bright, complex flavors. The 2005 vintage is comprised of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 % Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1 % Malbec…a winning combination if you ask me. Lots of ripe fruit flavors combined with rich spice notes and a long finish complete this wine. The hint of oak comes from 16 months in French and American Oak barrels. The wine drinks beautifully now, but will continue to improve over the next 4-6 years. Trefethen Cabernet has received accolades from various highly regarded wine critics and produces a wide range of wines that I will make it a point to try based on my liking of the Cabernet. I have decided that a visit to the winery is a must on my next trip to Napa in March. The tasting room is located on the ground floor of their 19th century building, designated a National Historic Landmark. I feel as though I have only touched upon the surface of what there is to know about Trefethen with my first purchase.

Kingsford Manor 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

We recently found this gem in one of our local wine boutique stores. The 2007 Kingsford Manor Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. A small production wine with rich vibrant fruit flavors and a long silky finish. Tasting notes describe “A dark purple hue. This Reserve Cabernet has alluring aromatic scents of violets, dark raspberries and toasted vanilla oak. On the palate, well integrated tannins that are round and lush with good balance and complexity, Offering ripe fruit including black currants, black cherries and blueberries.” A complex full bodied wine aged in french oak barrels for 20 months, that is young but still very approachable now and should also cellar nicely for the next six years. The wine is bold enought to stand up to a wide range of foods. Very reasonably priced under the $20.00 mark, we strongly recommend trying this one.

Rodney Strong Cabernet 2006

We recently served wine to a large group of people and wanted to serve a good wine, while getting value for our dollar.  While selecting the red wine we kept in mind that we wanted to serve a quality wine that was also easy drinking that would serve a variety of palates. We decided on a Rodney Strong 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and it was a perfect fit.  Rodney Strong has consistently produced quality wine year after year that you can depend on.  The Sonoma County Cabernet is what I consider their everyday drinking wine that never disappoints.  The wine offers hints of blackberries, cassis and oak on the nose, with some layered tannins on the taste.  To me I pick up a hint of vanilla as well.  The wine is reasonably priced at under $20.00 per bottle.  It can be served now or saved for another few years if you wish to store a bit.   Since we have purchased Rodney Strong wines for many years, we decided to visit the winery while on a trip to California a few years back. We discovered a whole other selection of Rodney Strong wines that where either winery exclusive or not distributed in our area that we were very impressed by.  Some reserves and different varietals where all fantastic to taste, one in particular that we purchased was their “Gentlemen’s Port”.  For the current release of the Port, the blend is Zinfandel, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.  Even for non port lovers, this port is outstanding.  Be sure to pick up a bottle of any Rodney Strong wine you can find and also visit the website at rodneystrong.com.

Ramey 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sometimes I go to the liquor store and just do what I call window shopping.  Stroll around the store and look for new wines that I might like to try.  I don’t ask anyone for help; actually I decline help when it is offered.  I just look around, read labels and reviews.  Mostly the reviews influence me which is one of the reasons I like to write reviews for our website.  I feel at least one persons opinion can influence another’s purchasing decisions and I am hopeful I can help someone else chose a new wine to try. One of the well known names in the industry, Robert Parker always catches my eye when I see a review or point scoring with his name.  Although, I do not always agree with his scoring, I do find I have similar tastes to his liking so I do try a lot of the wines he reviews. You know what I am referring to, the tags that hang off the shelf with a few tasting notes.  That such type tag influenced me to try a 2005 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon.  Ramey consistently gets high scores from Robert Parker on a variety of their wines, including the 2005 I purchased that came in with a score of 91 points.  The 2005 is a deep purple in color with lots of ripe berry flavor, some chocolate notes and a hint of oak.  A smooth finish with mild tannins is typical of its Napa Valley origin. The wine can be enjoyed now, but could also be stored for 10-15 years.

The Other Red wine 2007

If you have ever seen a bottle of “The Other” wine either in a red blend, or a white blend, you will know the label is somewhat seductive with the silhouette of the backside of a naked women showing. Well, if that is not enough to get the old mind going, the fact that the label simply states “The Other” makes you start wondering “the other what?” The other woman, the other bottle, the other wine…? In reality all it stands for is the “The Other Red” and “The Other White”, pretty clever though, huh? A nice marketing tactic if you ask me. These tastefully seductive and sin-sually delicious (yes, right off the clever label) wines are produced by Peirano Estate Vineyards in Lodi, California. A fourth generation wine making family, Peirano makes reasonably priced quality wines. I am currently drinking The Other Red, but have sampled the Heritage Collection Petite Sirah and enjoyed that Peirano wine as well. The Other Red is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Syrah. The bouquet on this wine is mostly that of ripe cherries with just a hint of oak, but when tasted the wine offers much more oak than the nose would lead you to believe. A long finish rounds out this lovely easy drinking red. Pick up a bottle today and I recommend trying other varietals in the Peirano Estate family of wines as well.