Posted by WineyFoodie

Terra d’ Oro Chenin Blanc Viognier Blend 2014

This is a nice Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend we picked up from our local grocery store for around $16.  Strong aromas of lime and pink grapefruit.  We found this light bodied wine to be very enjoyable and paired well with our Asian inspired pork fried rice dinner.  It has just a hint of fizz as it opens and a slightly sweet edged finish.  This blend is reasonable priced and very drinkable.  Serve slightly chilled and enjoy paired with Thai, Sushi, or by itself on a warm spring day.  This is a great patio wine.

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Parducci Sauvignon Blanc, 2008

This nose begins with aromas of creamy lemon, light tropical fruits, and just a hint of grass. The flavors are heavy lemon citrus with a hint of grapefruit and melon.  This is a light bodied, crisp, clean wine with a moderate finish.  But hey, for $12.99 you can’t beat the price for a nice drinkable everyday wine.  It paired very well with the ginger lemon Tilapia we had for dinner.  Plus the label states they are a family owned farm that practices sustainable farming.  An all around nice wine from California’s Mendocino county.

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The Federalist Dueling Pistols, 2009

WOW – what a great wine for what I understand is the “introductory” year of this blend.  The “Dueling Pistols,” a blend of 50% Zinfandel and 50% Syrah, is anything BUT dueling.  These two grapes meld beautifully together producing a wine filled with aromas of dark berries, black currant and hints of vanilla.   The flavor is bursting with berries and black cherry.  Oh…. what a super smooth finish.  This is a fantastic blend.  Full bodied.  Lovely.

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Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007

I was really hopeful when picking out this bottle because the tag at the store stated it was a “Wine Advocate 94 rated” wine.  Purchased for a birthday dinner, I was attempting to get a nice wine we had never tried.  This wine does not drink like any 94 rated wine I have had before. Beginning with earthy aromas of mushrooms and tobacco, what this Cabernet lacks in body, it does not make up for in it’s rough finish.  Decanting will soften this wine a bit but not enough to purchase again.

Unfortunately I cannot recommend this wine.

Retails for $25 – $30.

Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, 2008

Seghesio wines receive high scores from places like Wine Spectator and this Old Vine Zin is a perfect example of why their wines consistently receive the highest marks.

According to the Seghesio Family website, they specialize in Zinfandels – and this wine is proof of their hard work.  Everything you expect from this grape… the aromas of a “razzleberry” pie this Zin is a full bodied wine that boasts a balanced cherry and raspberry flavor and ends in a long smooth, yet spicy finish.  Expect just the right amount of tannins and a very light hint of oak at the end.

The price ranges from $40 – $60 and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Get. it.