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/

Villa Toscano - 2009 Barbera

With its long legs and very seep red color.  This Amador red has an earthy scent.  Being an 09, it needs decanting or save it for a while.  Simple aeration won't do the trick this early on.
What they say: "The ruby hued 2009 Barbera has a bouquet full of fresh fruit. Soft, but with a nice structure, which allows the acidic tones Barbera is known for to display on the palate. Packed with dried dark cherry at the front palate with a deep, earthy complexity and lingering finish."


Aerator Used: Houdini


Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, CA

Alcohol Content: 15.4%

Cost: $28


https://villatoscano.com

Heringer Estates – 2007 Pinot Noir

This quite dark, red wine has a soft nose and complex flavor. I didn’t find it to be dry or very oaky. It was tart, fruit forward and literally left my mouth watering for more. It’s an easy drinking wine that would pair well with food but can just as easily be enjoyed by itself.


What they say: "STATE FAIR SILVER MEDAL! One of the few Pinot Noirs on the Delta! This bold Pinot Noir has a rich nose with lots of toasted cherry and brown sugar aromas as well as blackberry flavors with a spicy finish of pepper and coffee. -Suggested food pairing: salmon with lavender butter sauce and potatoes”


Aerator Used: VinOair

Appellation: Clarksburg, CA

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

Cost: $21 for non-members; $15.75 by the case or for club members

http://www.heringerestates.com/

Villa Toscano – 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel

This was a nice everyday OVZ.  It was a little dry and slightly smoky.  I rate it up there with some of the mid-tier Lodi old vine zins but feel that overall Lodi does better on average with these.  Rather, I tend to look at Shenandoah Valley for smooth Barberas.

The tasting room in Amador is fantastic.  The buildings have nice décor, the barrel room is huge.  The gardens are manicured beautifully…a great place to take photos.  They offer a small place where visitors can buy food.  Inside the tasting room they offer several barrel tastings (even to non-members).  They have an assortment of jams, mustards, olive oils, etc. and often have a few open to try.  The staff is very friendly and welcoming.

Aerator Used: VinOair


Alcohol Content: 15.4%

Cost:  The price was right!  I got a case of 12 bottles for $99 while it was on sale.  Can’t be that and another reason it’s a good everyday drinking wine.  Plenty of bottles to play with.


https://villatoscano.com/

Thee Wine Co. - 2008 Petite Sirah

This wine is incredibly dark, rich, and wonderfully fruit forward.  I believe it’s their “finger paint wine” (I’ve seen people test this out in their Clarksburg tasting room!).  The smell was similar to a port and although I didn’t test it, I bet this would pair well with chocolate.  I would definitely recommend checking out their tasting room at Old Sugar Mill.  The owners/wine makers are their quite often and are a pleasure to talk to.


What they say: “The Petite Sirah is sourced from a mature vineyard in Contra Costa County with an extremely sandy-loam soil (similar to beach sand). Due to this soil type and moderate growing conditions, the vineyard produces low yields with intense fruit flavors. This wine showcases deep blackberry fruit with a big tannin framework. For those of us who love Petite Sirah, this one will not disappoint. Our friends at Wine Access love this wine and when they are not drinking it, they use it to fill up their Mont Blanc fountain pens.”

Aerator Used: VinOair

Alcohol Content: 14.8%

Cost: $18/750ml bottle

 http://www.threewinecompany.com/

Amador Cellars - 2009 Barbera

Although I aerated it from the start, this wine could have done with a bit of decanting as it didn’t open up right away.  Once the flavors settled, I found it to be very smooth with a slight tobacco flavor.  It paired great with thin spaghetti with red sauce which included mushrooms, some hamburger, and shrimp.
 

What they say: “Aromas of ripe, tropical fruits with hints of cola, currants and cinnamon spices. Big blueberries on the tongue accompanied by zippy acidity and subtle tannins, giving this wine a very smooth finish.”


 Aerator Used: VinOair


Cost: $25/750ml bottle


http://www.amadorcellars.com/