Various Reds - Jan 2010

Host: Bonnie
Book: My Life in France by Julia Child

1. Snap Dragon Mertage - $9.95 GROUP FAVORITE
Free from the restrictions of a varietal name, a red wine yields itself to the creativity of the winemaker who can combine the best lots of several varietals. At harvest, the grapes were brought in to the winery and vinified individually. Diligent monitoring of the fermentation temperatures ensure maximun character. After fermentation, the individual lots were blended together for a wine that exhibits powerful, lithe and striking qualities that the name Snap Dragon implies.

2. Cline Old Vine Carignane '07 - $10.99
Carignane holds the distinction of being one of the most widely planted red grapes in France. It is also grown abundantly in Italy, Spain, Algeria and Israel and was once the most planted varietal in the new world. It has traditionally been used as a blending grape because of its favorable yields, excellent acidity and big tannins. Cline Cellars is one of a few wineries to vinify this varietal. Dark ruby in color, the 2007 Ancient Vines Carignane offers aromas of plum, chocolate and clove. The old vine elicits a taste of typical Oakley terroir, a dusty, dark cherry fruit and a nice bright acidity. It's a perfect match for grilled meats, pasta dishes, even pizza with goat cheese.

3. Cline Old Vine Zinfandel ' 07 - $18.99
As always the California Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years.

Cotes du Rhone (French) - Nov 2009

Host: Melanie
Book: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Wine: Cotes du Rhone - Wine Region in France

1. Perrin & Fils - $13.95 GROUP FAVORITE - Tied with number 3!
90 points Wine Spectator: "Very pure, with gorgeous plum and black cherry aromas and flavors laced with enticing spice, graphite and violet notes. Long, very silky finish. Delicious. Drink now."-WS May 8, 2009. Just 20% of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards are entitled to add "Villages" to their name. These are the best vineyard sites, which means if you like Côtes du Rhône, then you'll love Côtes du Rhône-Villages. This wine is produced by the Perrin family of Beaucastel fame, using the same viticultural and winemaking techniques they use in making their famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache from two specific vineyard plots that are among the best in the Rhône Valley. The 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages from Perrin & Fils is an absolute pleasure to imbibe.

2. Belleruche - $13.95
Michel Chapoutier says that one of the most difficult tasks of a vineyardist and winemaker is to make a serious, high-quality wine, yet have it remain a good value. His "Belleruche" wines accomplish just that. M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rouge is a great introduction to one of the world's most celebrated wine appellations: the Côtes-du-Rhône region. Aroma: Red fruit aromas, mainly Morello cherries. Taste: Well-structured, with dark red fruit and pepper notes; sustained tannin. Grape Varieties:50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

3. E. Guigal - $16.00 - GROUP FAVORITE - Tied with #1

4. La Vieille Ferme - $8.00