Concannon Vineyard - 2009 Glen Ellen Chardonnay

I bought this bottle on a whim some time ago.  I was at a grocery store and saw it for under $10.  Lightly chilled, and aerated, this chardonnay was slightly oakey in flavor and had a light buttery note on the taste.

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Northern California

Alcohol Content: 13%

http://www.concannonvineyard.com
http://www.GlenEllenWinery.com

Michael David - Don's Lodi Red

What they say: “Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Syrah are the main components of this wine, which was produced to honor and surprise our father, Don Phillips, on his 75th birthday. This is an atypical blend of red wines, with lovely fruity characteristics in order to please Don's amiable palate. This is an easy-drinking, everyday, great quality, red table wine. Or, in the words of Wine Today.com, ‘the three stars Lodi Red is a great quaff at a bargain price.’ “

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Lodi, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

Cost: $10

http://www.michaeldavidwinery.com/

Heller Estate - 2008 Dancers Meritage

This wine had a very complex flavor profile; possibly from the fact that it’s a blend of so many varietals.  It has long legs and needs decanting.  The flavor is quite bold and slightly smokey.

What they say: “Aromas of cocoa, leafy herbs, cassis and mint. Also look for nice toasted sweet oak that rounds out the fruit components. Fruit driven with a medium-to-full body along with tangy, cranberry, and cassis flavors. Plump, chewy tannins are apparent along with an earthy minerality. Finishes with a crisp fruit and mocha fade with zippy tannins.”

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Carmel Valley, CA

Alcohol Content: 13.4%

Cost: $24

http://www.hellerestate.com/

Frog's Tooth - 2009 Barbera

This Barbera was tart on the tongue.  It had a slight cherry scent.  The flavor notes were of black berry and a bit of chocolate.

What they say: “This medium to heavy bodied Italian varietal has a great ruby red color and flavors of berry. One of the most food friendly wines available. A great BBQ wine.”

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Sierra Foothills

Alcohol Content: 15.3%

Cost: $24

http://www.frogstooth.com/

Van Ruiten - 2010 Cab-Shiraz

We found this wine to be oakey with flavors of berry & spice.  It has a wonderfully deep, ruby color.  This wine reminds me of some great Lodi, CA Old Vine Zins.

What they say: “The practice of blending more than one variety of wine has been practiced in Europe for centuries and is the basis for our Cab-Shiraz. This full-bodied, yet very approachable blend is loaded with flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, and plums; with a lengthy finish and just a hint of oak.”

Aerator Used: Vinturi

Appellation: Lodi, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

Cost: $19

http://www.vrwinery.com/

Jeff Runquist – 2009 Barbera

This wine was light and smooth right out of the bottle without decanting.  It is fairly dark with faint legs.  The flavor is quite fruit forward as a result of the rich soil and warm climate of Amador County.  While I didn’t try it, I suspect this wine would go great with BBQ ribs.

What they say: “The 2010 Amador Barbera has a deep garnet purple color with a carmine edge to the hue. The aromas show plenty of black raspberry and dark cherry fruit. The bouquet features toasty oak with notes of mocha and milk chocolate. On the palate this wine has the unique character of being both bright and zesty and also rich and creamy. Fourteen months in small oak barrels has provided the wine with a full texture yet it remains loaded with plenty of red/black fruit flavors. In keeping with our ‘house style’ the tannins are mature and well integrated. The finish is long and harmonious with a toasty oak nuance that lingers long after the wine is gone.” – The following statements were said about the 2010 Barbera of the same vineyard. 

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, Amador County, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.7%

Cost: $24

http://www.jeffrunquistwines.com/

Maggio Family Vineyards - 2009 Petite Sirah

As would be expected, this Petite Sirah is very dark.  Like many good Lodi reds it is nice and smooth.  With long legs and an earthy nose, this Petite attracts attention after the first sip.

We found it to have mild tannins and there was a slight peppery taste at the end.  Overall, the wine did very well with only aeration.

What they say: “With touches of fig, cocoa and licorice Maggio Petite Sirah has a very interesting and lingering finish. Maggio is made by Oak Ridge Winery, the oldest operating winery in Lodi, California. This goes great with chicken or beef fajitas, as well as any steak.”

Aerator Used: VinOair


Appellation: Lodi, CA


Alcohol Content: 13%


Cost: $6.99-$9.99

http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12577323