GSM Blend/Rhone Blend

This is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache.  The name comes from the period of non-compete after Orin Swift sold the Prisoner Wine label before he could create his own wines.  The wines are, in fact, very similar.  That is to say, they are big, bold and fruity wines that people will mostly love or not.  For me, they are delicious and serve an important reason to drink wines.  Purple in color.  The nose is nice with black cherries, black raspberries, blueberries, slight baking spices and slight chocolate.  Full bodied.  Moderate tannins.  The palate has the same black fru

Some people will tell you that Chateauneuf du Pape does not age.  Well, this is a top wine from a top vintage and at age 19, it is doing just fine with years left.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose is great with black cherries, slight cherries, hints of garrique and spice, and just a bit of woodiness.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, this has fresh and vibrant black cherry fruit with some cherries but also some dried red fruits.  Nice layering of fruit and earthiness.  Good finish.  This should be consumed sooner than later but it still should drink well for another three to five years.  This w

This is 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.  It comes in an attractive more squat bottle.  Ruby in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is warm with a dusty attic quality.  Lots of cherries with garrique.  Also some old wood notes.  Very comforting.  On the palate, this is ripe/sweet on the attack.  Black cherries and slight cherry pie filling.  Some acidity.  This took about an hour or air to settle out.  Served to a small socially distanced group, this was quite popular.  It drinks well on its own and would be a great match for barbecues ribs or chicken this summer.  It should probably be co

Bonterra uses organically grown grapes to make their wines.  The wines are very good to great and priced reasonably.  Their Rosé is always a favorite.  As Memorial Day approaches, this year will be a bit different with Social Distancing still appropriate.  Finally, however, we had a nice weather day, and it was a great time to try the latest vintage.  The wine is screw topped which is a great thing.  This vine is mostly Grenache.  It will keep the wine fresher.  It has a very pretty color.  Sort of a deep, ruby/pink in color.  Clear and bright.  Upon opening, notes of Rhubarb with some cher

During this period of "Stay Home", it helps to every once in a while open something really good.  Even during the middle of the week (to the extent I can keep track of what day it is).  The 2011 Saxum's are drinking beautifully.  That vintage seems to be maturing a bit faster than most.  This is a blend of 58% Syran, 27% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre.  inky purple in color with a thin magenta line at the rim.  The nose is great with black raspberries, black cherries, roasted meats, dried floral notes and slight chocolate.  On the palate, this has a lovely texture.  Rich but not overblown.  Smoo

This is in a beautiful place right now.  Pop and poour and consumed over three hours, it was gorgeous all the way thru.  Deep ruby in color, a bit lighter at the rim.  The nose is intoxicating with cherries, black cherries, just a slight bit of funk, roasted meats, dried floral notes and light spice.  On the palate, the texture is lovely.  Rich, but just barely with lots of energy.  Bright with plenty of depth.  Fresh cherries with underlying earthiness.  Tight layering that unwinds in the glass.  Nice finish.  This is not a blockbuster but it has all the parts in the right proportions.  It

Another great wine from Denner.  It is a blend of 55% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% Counoise, 5% Cinsault and 5% Tannat.

This is the second label for Helen Keplinger.  The grapes are sourced 69% from the Sierra Foothills and 31% from Sonoma County.  It is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Counoise and Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is a great value in California blends.  Purple in color.  The nose has a lot going on with black raspberries, plums, some cassis and cherries along with a bit of spice and roasted meat.  On the palate, plenty of black raspberry fruit, some sherries over a charred earth quality.  Lush texture.  Delicious and easy drinking but with a bit of complexity to it.  Medium tan

This is a new estate for me.  2010 was a great vintage which helped just about everyone.  This is ruby in color.  The nose has cherries with spice.  On the palate, this is nice.  Mild tannins.  Cherry fruit with underlying earthiness.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This is at peak and probably should be consumed in the next three to five years.  it will work well with burgers and stews.  

Vacqueyras can be an excellent source of value in the southern Rhone.  The best wines are as good as many Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape wines, often at a lesser price.  This is one of the better ones.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, black cherries, slight cherry lozenge, and smoke.  On the palate, this is clean with cherry fruit and a nice minerality.  Medium bodied.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This is drinking well.  It should be consumed in the next five to seven years.  A nice match with pizza or burgers as well as bean dishes.