The latest issue of Wine Spectator lists the 2007 as an 89.  So, I figured the 2006 might not be too bad.  I was very wrong.  I rarely stop after a glass, so I tried a second.  I stopped at the second.  The wine was dry, flat and slightly bitter.  I was very disappointed.  It has been placed on the bottom shelf of the fridge for future cooking uses.

Strolling through the Heinen’s in Pepper Pike I noticed a sign directing attention to this wine.  My first exposure to Malbec a number of years ago left me with the impression the grape variety was plain.  With all of the recent press coverage on how the wines of Argentina are rapidly improving, I thought to give Malbec another try.  I was glad I did.  I enjoyed the wine thuroughly with a meaty chili made of venison.  This wine was a cross between a CA Cabernet and Zinfandel.  I think I am going to have to add Malbec back on the list of grape varieties to actively explore.

I saw this 2005 Cab mixed on the shelf with a similarly labeled 2006s.  So, I figured CA

2005 vintage, worth a try at this price.  I wasn’t blow away, but I wasn’t disappointed

either.  It was very enjoyable at this price point.  I enjoyed the wine with my wife’s

excellent sloppy joes.  I did come away withanything particularly memerable, but if you are

looking for a safe play at around $12, I think you will do well by this wine.  That being

said, I am not sure if I saw it again if I would go out of my way to purchase it.

Before I started writing this wine commentary, say circa 2004/2005, I tried pinotage grape wines from South Africa on a whim.  I was impressed with the earthiness of a Zinfandel yet with the flavor hints of a Cab or Merlot without the over the top pepperiness.  Side note, anyone know where I can find a Joseph’s Hat Pinotage I would be fore ever in your debt.  So when this 05 Pintage caught my eye recently, I thought, let’s give it a try.  I was reminded of those days of discovery when a 2001 Joseph’s Hat or 2000/2001 Roodeburg impressed me.  Maybe trips to Napa and Sonoma and more recently experimenting, with Bordeaux’s and Burnello’s has expanded my appreciation for more complex wines, but, I wasn’t as impressed as I once was with the Pinotage.  Don’t let my subdued enjoyment hamper your exploration of the unique taste experience a Pinotage brings.

I am not sure why I’ve taken a detour from my usual red wine pursuits and sampled some ports.  In all these things, I usually blame the Food Network channel for such culinary distractions.  So, after a quick run to the Mediterranean Imports Store at the West Side Market, to grab some high cocoa chocolate and heavy creme and blue cheeses, I thought I would give these a try.  I was quite impressed.  I poured the port straight into a sherry glass (hopefully this is the appropriate) and started with the bottle at about 58 degrees but didn’t put any effort into maintaining that temperature.  Alternating between the cheeses, chocolate, walnuts and pecans i found both ports extremely enjoyable.  I think my favorite cheese was the heavy creme blue cheese.  Instead of being dry and crumbly, it mostly stuck together with the consistency of cold butter.  I liked both ports equally with the Sandeman being a bit smoother with a more subdued flavor and the Warre’s having a bit more pizazz.  I recommended this change of pace.

I saw this 2005 Bordeaux while trolling the isle of the local mega-mart and I thought, hey, it is a 05 Bordeaux I don’t think I’ve tried before, so I should pick this up.  I tried it with a simple steak and fries meal at home and was left, again, in a word … flat.  I have no complaints for the price.  I have no virtues to extol for the price either.  If this is your price range, I would recommend this wine as a safe choice.  If you are looking to impress, other wines below packed more punch than this one for relatively the same price.

I was in a rush on the way home from work.  I cut out a slight bit early and volunteered to cook dinner.  So, I picked up some center cut pork chops and walked next door to check out the wine section.  Having recently (read below) found that 2005 Bordeaux wines were for the most part, flavorful and not over powering, I headed right for the hanging “France” sign.  Yes, I probably should be over at the Pinots or even Chardonnays.  The selection was poor, but this one caught my eye.  It didn’t look familiar and the approximately $10 price tag seemed worth a shot.  I ultimately made the chops by searing them in the pan and then deglazing the pan with brandy and finally adding some butter milk since it was going to expire soon.  The sauce turned out surprisingly good, but I should have made more.  Also, I could have done the chops a bit less since they were such a thin cut.  The wine paired nicely since it was in a word … simple but definitely not flat (see other poor choices below).  If you are looking for a Bordeaux wine that won’t encroach on your meal and definitely won’t deplete your wallet, this wine fits the bill.

Since it was my birthday dinner hosting the family, serving multiple home made lasagna’s and it was 10 degrees with 2 feet of snow outside, I figured it was time to reach into the cellar and pull out something.  That something was a 2002 Penfolds Cab.  From these tasting notes, I am clearly not a wine expert.  Thus, this is the first cellared wine I’ve pulled from my simple collection.  The wine cooler has been managing this bottle since probably 2004 or 2005.  I remember why I stored a few bottles of this wine; I enjoyed the complex taste of this rather modestly priced wine.  Now 2004 or 2005 was my early years of trying to put some energy behind my expanding wine enjoyment.  Thus, a $10 wine that I enjoyed was a big deal … back then.  Long story short, this wine was incredibly smooth and enjoyable just a few years of storage.  Not sure how one can get ones hands of this wine now, but if one runs across a bottle around $10, I would recommended picking it up and enjoy the bottle.

For the price, this is a simple, uncomplicated Bordeaux wine.  If you are expecting that big Napa Cab complex taste sensation (see Stag’s Leap below) you are going to be disappointed.  I pared this with steak au poivre I prepared at home.  It complimented the rich meat without overpower that I fear a big cab would do.  So, in short, for the price, if you are looking for a simple Bordeaux wine to enjoy with a rich meal yet you don’t want the wine to over power the main course, I recommend this selection.

I had the pleasure of attending a dinner at Delmonico’s Steakhouse Restaurant and was able to enjoy a bottle of this outstanding Cab.  In a word, it is truly outstanding.  If you enjoy big, rich, vibrant Napa cabs, this is one near the top of the list.  It has a great aroma (nose) that continues from a full glass to empty.  It has that splash of rich taste at the beginning of every sip with a consistent, smooth yet with a bit of pepper after taste.  If you are a fan of Napa cabs, I can’t recommend this wine enough.  For me, it is right up there with a 2003 Raymond or a 2004 Burgess.