Monthly Archives: August 2011

EXQUISITE: 2007 Côtes du Rhône, J.L. Chave “Mon Coeur.” Available three months ago for $16.99/bottle, now difficult to find for less than $19.95. Yes, it’s worth it.

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

This is one of the best wines we’ve ever had, and it’s my Number One wine of the year so far. With a half-case under our belts since my birthday last year, it has become our reliable go-to for a … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Red Blend, Wine by Region, Wine by Variety | 1 Comment

RECOMMENDED: 2008 Greg Norman Shiraz Cabernet. South Australia. 14.5%. Usually priced at $15.99-18.99, but available for as little as $11.95.

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

This is a lovely wine. The first lush, fruity nose opens to an aroma of oak and peppers. Rich and chewy, the wine pleasantly expands on the palate. With 14.5% alcohol, this big boy has the expected long, luscious finish. … Continue reading →

Posted in Red Blend, South Australia, Syrah/Shiraz | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Decanting

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

Decanting wines, especially reds, really does make a difference. Swirling the wine in the glass brings more air to the wine as well, and this helps release the wine’s lovely and living aromas. Here is a useful article called “The … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips | Leave a comment

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, 2009. Marlborough, New Zealand. Alcohol 13%. Usually priced at $15.99-17.99, but available for as little as $12.99.

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

I’ve never had a bad Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. However, if you want a SPECTACULAR one, then Whitehaven is an excellent go-to. The first sip was slightly effervescent and gently exploded in my mouth with … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Wine Tastings

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

We have found that the BEST way to find new great wines is to go to tastings. Forget about online stores’ descriptions and even the reviews: it’s really best to build your own list from direct experience. And, we’ve learned … Continue reading →

Posted in Tastings, Tips | Leave a comment

EXQUISITE: Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva, 2005. Retails for $19.95, available online for as little as $12.95.

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

We tried another Rioja within the last year and at first we were really floored at its strength and brashness, and it became a go-to red for a while. However, by the time we cracked the third bottle, it tasted … Continue reading →

Posted in Red Blend, Spain, Tempranillo | 5 Comments

Santé!

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

The Frugal Wine Snob WordPress edition is up and running! Our parallel Facebook page, The Frugal Wine Snob blog, is still deliciously alive and well too. Please drop in either or both places and stay awhile. Cheers, TFWS     … Continue reading →

Posted in News | Leave a comment