Nice Italian Barolo

Marchesi di Barolo's 1999 Barolo is a medium red wine, with less meaty fruit than a cab or merlot, and less spice than a chianti. Grown in the Italian Piedmont, traditional Barolo's take many years to soften up, and are full of tannins. This Barolo however seems more modern, with moderate tannins and a wonderful nose. The flavor is not big nor overpowering. We had the wine with Lasagna, which I believe was a nice match. I also prefer to indulge with sharp dry cheese. I have not had the Riserva, which is aged at least 5 years, and tends to be much more expensive. I don't recall what I paid, as I bought two cases at a wine tasting, but I'm assuming that it could be found for between $28 and $36 per bottle. The 1999 Marchesi di Barolo - Barolo is a nice red wine, but be prepared for a slightly different experience if you are new to Italian Piedmont reds.

Kunde Estate Cab - An Excellent Value

I bought my first bottle of Kunde Estate Cabernet Sauvignon on a whim. Continually in search of an enjoyable $12 bottle, I picked up a 2001 vintage Kunde Estate Cab at Sam's Club. I was extremely surprised by the mouthful of blackberry and black cherry flavors, with a hint of vanilla. A century old Sonoma vineyard and winery with original plantings from imported Chateaux Margaux and Lafite Rothschild cuttings, Kunde produces what I believe to be the best value Cab. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, with oak barrel aging, Wine Enthusiast rates the 2001 Kunde Estate Cabernet Sauvignon at 90. The 2002 is also enjoyable and inexpensive. I've seen both vintages available for between $10 and $14 per bottle. I've returned several times for more, and have gone through at least four cases by now. Try this nice wine - I trust you will not be disappointed.

Red Wine for Parties

We went to a fund raiser last evening and the house Cabernet Sauvignon was Nathanson Creek. A brand of Centerra Wine Company, I gather these are mass produced wines for general consumption. Not very big, bold, or biting, this is a smooth red wine that is easy to drink. At $7.50 for a 1.5L bottle, or $50 for a case of 6 x 1.5L, this is a great value for party settings where the wine is not central.

Our table included several wine buffs with nice cellars of their own. Nobody scoffed at this wine, and all of us went back for more (and more). Compared to other party / banquet wines I've had, this is among the best. I will not be uncorking a bottle with my wife and a few friends, but for large gatherings on a budget, Nathanson Creek proves to be a nice wine.

Red Wine - Very Nice Cab

My first post must highlight my favorite bottle in the cellar: 2001 B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Beyond a nice wine, I highly recommend it. The winery, in Sonoma Valley, was founded by Bruce Cohn, manager of the Doobie Brothers, in 1984 - this tidbit adds some fun to the pouring. Wine Spectator gave it a 90, but based on other 90+ selections, I personally place it much higher, in the 94-95 range. I prefer a rich, fruitful flavor with moderate tannins, so this wine is right up my alley. For the experience, the price is moderate. You should be able to find a bottle for $50 or so. Although the Silver Label is OK for casual use, and much lower priced (I've purchased for $18 at Sam's Club), go with the Olive Hill Estate cab for a delightful experience.