Enthusiastic Estancia

Hello Wine Drinkers!

Today's entry is a great value from our beloved state of California, Paso Robles Region, Estancia Cabernet. This little beauty will set you back a whopping $8.99 a bottle. I dare you to find a value like this! For this money it could be the value of the year!

Dark in color with rich dark fruits on the mouth with slight tannins and a long lingering finish. This wine is beautiful in your mouth, soft yet velvety and it finishes on the back of your tongue to remind you it is a Cabernet.

In 1999 Estancia planted nearly 700 acres of vines along the Estrella River, of which 400 acres was Cabernet. The Paso Robles Region has the most extreme temperature swings in the state which in turn produces complex rich Cabernet's. Because of this the grapes are small with tiny clusters and a high skin to juice ratio which help make intense wines.

Buy this wine by the cart full.

Cheers!

J

Portugal Prize

Hello Wine Lovers!

Sorry about last week, I missed my entry with Easter and all. We hosted Easter at our home so I was a little busy! It seems like a lifetime since I posted even though it has only been a week. Today I am excited about a white wine from Portugal, Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2008. This little number will blow your socks off at $6.99 a bottle it has depth and character. The Vinho Verde is the region located in the northwest of Portugal, the Vinhos Verdes region is unique in both landscape and wine. The region is exposed to the sea in the west and mountains in the east. The climate is particularly different from other wine regions in the country with high levels of precipitation and humidity, and lengthy periods of fog and low temperatures. You will find this wine full of citrus fruit and the sea on the nose with enough acidity to balance the finish. It goes well with food as well as a nice aperitif to kick off your party. At your local wine shop you will find more and more wines from Portugal on the shelves. In the last 5-10 years there has been a lot more wines other than Port imported from this beautiful wine producing country. Primarily due to increased quality and modern wine making techniques to make them competitive in the wine world. Don't get me wrong, this is still "Old World" wine but with a twist.

Impress your friends and serve something different, tell them where the region is located... and poof... you're considered a wine expert!

Cheers!

J