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/

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/

Cupcake Vineyards – 2010 Red Velvet

Right off the bat, I noticed this wine’s long legs and bold scent.  2009’s are available but I had a 2010.  It did better once decanted a bit.  I would recommend aging a touch.  This California blend of four varietals is not too dark in color.  Upon my first sip, the flavor exploded. Being a blend, it has a nice complexity to the flavor which improved noticeably after being opened for a half hour.  I highly recommend reading the tasting notes listed on the bottle’s back label because it was extremely useful in placing the flavors.  On more of a marketing note, the name of this winery is simply genius!  I can’t wait to try their Angel Food white blend.

What they say: “Our first blended red wine for Cupcake Vineyards has over the top aromas of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, red fruits that follow through the palate to a creamy mocha finish that is unmistakable in its intensity and length, with a hint of coconut. It’s reminiscent of a blackberry chocolate cupcake with a mocha coulis.

Red Velvet is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah; each variety lending structure, aroma, depth of flavor and a long creamy finish to this wine.   The grapes were harvested from some of the finest vineyards of California’s viticultural areas; each picked for their ability to engender these grapes with distinct characteristics that will add to this blend. Each varietal was fermented separately and later blended and put through a unique oak regime that imparts a certain creaminess.”

Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: California Blend

Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Cost: $6.99-$9.99

http://www.cupcakevineyard.com/

Ripken - 2007 Winebarn Red

This wonderful red is made up of Syrah 33%, Alicante Bouschet 30%, Mourvedre 25%, Malbec 10%,  Grenache 2%.  Made in the heart of Lodi, CA.  The nose jumps at you while the taste isn't harsh at all.  The flavor is smooth.  This blend captures the best Lodi, CA soil and climate has to offer.  With its complex flavor and hints of Cherry, the wine is very fruit forward.


Aerator Used: Houdini

Appellation: Lodi, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.8%

http://ripkenwine.com/