Estancia Merlot 2008 Central Coast

Type: Merlot (Central Coast)
Year: 2008
Price: 9.99 (Marked down from 12.99)
11.99 - Dec. 17th 2010
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Pick N' Save - Dec. 17th 2010
Comments: This was a pleasantly surprising nicely bodied wine. The reason I say surprising, is that with the exception of a few, most Merlot's seem a little on the light side. Perhaps, this is due to the fact that I like Cabernet's which are generally a heavier full-bodied wine. Anyway, this one was very nice and perhaps its the grapes used in the 2008 version. I would definitely try it again, and I hope it wasn't just a one time good tasting wine.

Francis Ford Coppola Rosso 2009

Type: Rosso (Red Wine)
Year: 2009
Price: 6.99 (Marked down from 7.99)
7.99 (March 26th 2011)
6.99 (Sept 17th 2011)
6.99 (Marked down from 7.99 Oct 15th 2011)
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: A nice wine, however, the 2006 version was this brands best Rosso. The 2007 was noticeably lighter and this version is similar. Still a nice wine and somehow a little better than the 2007. I will definitely try it one more time to verify the consistancy.

Bere Viticcio Toscana 2007

Type: Toscanna (Red)
Year: 2007
Price: 13.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Sendik's Brookfield
Comments: I am more and more pleasantly surprised by the wines which categories into the standard "red" category. On many occasions have I experienced a nice full bodied smooth wine. This one is no exception. Bere has put out a very smooth, full bodied red wine. I look forward to trying it again, to see if it maintains its quality consistantly. A very nice wine.

Blackstone Merlot 2008

Type: Merlot
Year: 2008
Price: 9.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Very similar to its Cabernet Sauvignon counterpart, a very smooth and nice bottle of wine. I cannot definitively say if its as good as its Cabernet, so for now, I'll provide a rating of 3. I would definitely purchase one more time. Perhaps I should try a taste comparison next time. If I do, I'll definitely post the results. However, for now, standing on its own merit, a very nice inexpensive bottle of wine.

Estancia Shiraz Central Coast 2007

Type: Shiraz
Year: 2007
Price: 10.99
            8.99 (Marked down from 10.99 - Otto's Brown Deer, Sat. June 9th 2012)
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Very surprising and nice wine. A little on the light side, however, smooth and not too watery. A good wine in the warmer months as well. I would definitely buy it again.

Beaujolas-Villages Georges DuBoeuf 2008

Type: Beaujolais
Year: 2008
Price: 8.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Menomonee Falls
Comments: This red wine was another of the nice surprises I received when I first tried it. Lately, I have become, let's say, cautious when trying new uncharted territories. Most recent unknown wines have been more of a disappointment. But, then along comes a wine, every now and then, that rejuvenates my faith in trying new things. This is one of those times. This wine was very pleasant and smooth. Once in awhile, its also a nice departure from the strangth of a Cabernet, which are my favorites. So, anyway, I'm skipping right over my general rating for new wines, to a rating of 4. Yes, I would definitely buy this one again.

Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2007
Price: 9.99
Price: (Update Dec. 17th) 8.99 (Pick N Save)
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Menomonee Falls
Comments: This wine was a surprising delight. We had tried this particular wine in restaurants and enjoyed it, but I didn't have high expectations for the bottled version. As I have stated in previous entries, I have found that wines tend to have a higher premium taste quality at a restaurant establishment rather than at home from a purchased bottle. I wish I knew why...Anyway, regardless, this wine had a very smooth taste, surprising for a Cabernet, which tends to have a stronger, but expected bite to it. I will definitely purchase this wine again, if nothing else, to verify that it wasn't just a chance selection of a "good" bottle.

Claar Cellars Cabernet-Merlot 2007

Type: Cabernet - Merlot
Year: 2007
Price: 12.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: For trying it the first time, it is a nice wine, intially light and not a strong after taste. It may take another try before I can provide a more absolute commitment to this bottle of wine. For now, I am rating that I will ty it again.

Estancia Merlot 2006

Type: Merlot
Year: 2006
Price: 10.99 (Marked down from 11.99)
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Pick and Save
Comments: A very nice wine. Surprisingly, consistent with the 2007 Merlot as well. Good taste, and will probably try it again.

Coppola Syrah-Shiraz 2008 Diamond Collection

Type: Syrah-Shiraz
Year: 2008
Price: 9.99 (Marked down from 12.99)
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Nice tasting wine. Coppola actually produces some nice wines, quite surprising, since its roots are from a movie producer. This one was a little light for my tastes, however, very nice for the warmer summer days and nights.

Gabbiano Chanti 2008

Type: Chanti
Year: 2008
Price: 8.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: This is a great value red wine. It was pleasing to the palette and smooth. To top it off, the price was very affordable. I would definitely buy this wine again, just to make sure that it wasn't a one time lucky purchase. If its as good the second time around, it just goes to show you, that price isn't everything when purchasing good wine.

Estancia Merlot 2007

Type: Merlot Central Coast
Year: 2007
Price: 11.99 --> marked down to 10.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Pick N' Save
Comments: Estancia makes a very nice Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice Tasting. I will try this wine again, since it has a nice simple, pleasant taste. Not much more to add at this point.

Blackstone 2007 red Zinfandel

Type: Red Zinfandel
Year: 2007
Price: 10.99
Rating: 2 - Probably won't buy again
Where Bought: Pick N Save grocery store
Comments: It's a little light for a red wine, for my tastes. Probably more for someone who enjoys whites wines and reds that aren't as heavy. I gave it a 2 rating, since it was a little better after chilling. But, I probably would pass on it in favor of many other wines.

Yalumba South Australian Cabernet 2006

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2006
Price: 12.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: A very nice pleasant Cabernet. We always liked trying wines from different countries and this one was no exception. I would like to try it again, just to make sure that it wasn't just a good bottle or a one time experience. Another interesting note, is that most red wines are better around the 60 degree temperature. However, after refridgeration (I know, we should use a wine fridge), this one wasn't that bad. I guess its just another plus for this wine.

J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot 2006

Type: Merlot - Paso Robles Merlot - Los Osos Estates
Year: 2006
Price: 11.99 --> 10.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: J. Lohr continues to produce nice full bodied wines. I started my liking with their products when I tried their Cabernet. I found that their richness was carried onto the Merlot. I usually like to try a product more than once before I give it a higher rating for consistancy reasons. To see my review of their Cabernet, please click here.

Marques de Caceres CRIANZA 2005 Rioja

Type: Rioja RED
Year: 2005
Price: 16.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: I am very impressed with the general or standard red wines I have purchased. I would have guessed that they would not be as full bodied as the Cabernet's, however, I am finding that they do have a full compliment of flavors as well as richness. Very unexpected, but impressive. This is why I rated this as a wine that I would definitely purchase again.

Louis Martini - Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2007
Price: 13.99 (marked down to 12.99)
Rating: 5 - One of my favorites
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: You will notice that there is another post of this particular wine, however, that post is from the 2006 collection. This one is a 2007. This Sonoma County wine has been very consistant and with a nice taste. What makes it a rating of 5, rather than a 4 (actually I originally would have liked to rate it a 4.5), is that the new 2007 vintage is also similar and good tasting. So, I don't have to be weary if it was bottled in a different year. Unlike what happened to one of my favorite Rosso's. You can read about the rosso here.

Coppola 2007 Syrah-Shiraz

Type: Syrah-Shiraz - Green Label Diamond Collection
Year: 2007
Price: 12.99 --> marked down to 9.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Nice wine. However, it seemed a little on the light side. Sometimes this could be just this bottle, so to be fair, I gave it a 3 rating and will probably try it at least one more time.

J Lohr 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2007
Price: ?
Price: 11.99 (Purchased Sat. June 10th 2010 - Otto's Brown Deer)
12.99 (Purchased Sat. November 13th 2010 - Otto's Brown Deer)
Rating: 5 - One of my favorites
Where Bought: Sendik's Market in Brookfield
Comments: I can't believe that I rated the previous entry of J Lohr's Cabernet at only a four. Maybe the 2006 version of this wine wasn't as good ? Well, I am glad to say that the 2007 is fantastic. This is what I look for in a full bodied wine. Very thick on the palette, with a pleasant aroma. Wow, I am starting to sound like an expert...all kidding aside, this is one of my favorites and will definitely be buying again. Hopefully, we can find the receipt so I can record the price. I would really like to keep an eye on this one as I buy more in the future.

One more interesting item regarding this wine. I believe I may have mentioned it before, but I have found that wines seem to taste better at the restaurant, rather than what I buy and bring home. So, I decided to ask at one of my favorite restaurants whay that is. Their thought was "consistant temperature". However, I keep my wines in the basement, and I believe the temperature is quite consistant. Oh well, maybe that is it. If I ever figure it out, I'll make it a point to record this as an entry on its own. This deserves a stand alone discussion.

Pedroncelli Merlot 2002

Type: Merlot
Year: 2002
Price: 11.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: I was a little worried that this would not live up to the Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, which I love so much. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Although, strong for a Merlot, it was a full bodied well tasting wine. I would definitely buy it again as one of my favorite Merlot's. Its rare, that a single vineyard could produce both a Merlot and Cab, but its nice to know. Great job, Pedroncelli !

Martini & Rossi Asti Sparkling Wine - 2009

Type: Sparkling Wine
Year: 2009
Price: ?
Rating: 5 - One of my favorites
Where Bought: ?
Comments: Happy New Year ! I don't have sparkling wine often, but I do like the Asti's taste. Its a little sweeter and really great when chilled. We discovered a nice added touch to ringing in the new year. To prolong the chill of the glass without using ice, which just melts and dilutes the wine, you can use frozen fruits like cherries, strawberries or whatever you prefer. It adds a nice amout of additional flavor to the sparkling wine.

Beringer White Zinfandel 2008

Type: White Zinfandel
Year: 2008
Price: ?
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: ?
Comments: I am not much of a white wine person, so I just created a catch all white wine category. We bought this wine for the Holidays and for guests. I don't remember where we bought it or the cost, but it seemed fine. I rated it a three, since I am guessing it won't be the last white wine we would buy, more specifically for the Holidays.

Coppola Rosso 2007

Type: Rosso
Year: 2007
Price: 6.99 <-- Marked down from 7.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: I loved the previous Rosso by Francis Ford Coppola. It was marked as a 2006 and was consistantly a full bodied, enjoyable bottle of wine. However, this newer release of the same wine seems to be lighter and not of the same consistancy. A littled disappointed, but will try it at least one more time. Hopefully, it will get better with age. (Update), Similar is the 2009 version, but somehow, I like that one a little better.