Monthly Archives: September 2011

RECOMMENDED: Paul Mas Estate Single Vineyard Collection, 2009 Picpoul de Pinet. Coteaux du Languedoc, France. Around $11; available for as little as $8.95 online. 13% ABV

Posted on September 28, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

We love big fat surprises. In this case, the surprise lies in the finish. This light- to medium-gold wine has a secret. First, when it’s cold, it doesn’t have much of a nose. The scents are subtle, with something salty … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Picpoul | Leave a comment

WINE TASTING! 4 recommendations.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Four noteworthy wines from a recent tasting: Finca Copete, 2010 Torrontes, Argentina, $8.99. Torrontes is considered by some to be the flagship white wine grape of Argentina. This wine’s aroma is sweet, floral, and citrusy—but it’s dry, brilliant (almost metallic), … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberino, Argentina, Austria, Gruner Veltliner, Italy, Negro Amaro, Spain, Torrontes | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Beringer “California Collection” 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA. $8.99 or so at the grocery store, available for as little as $5.49 online.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Come ON! A 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for less than $10? Sometimes, nothin’ will do but a big Cabernet Sauvignon. For us Frugal Wine Snobs, the challenge is to find one that’s inexpensive, luscious, and tasty, rather than heavy-handed … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Flipflop 2010 Pinot Grigio, California. $7; available for as little as $4.99. 12% alcohol; 3.63 pH

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

We live on a farm. Recently, after a long, hot Florida day that included five hours of mowing, I wanted something refreshing, cold, fortifying yet fun. And WOW, did I ever get it. This unexpectedly huge wine, the Flipflop 2010 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Food, Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) | 4 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Biltmore Cabernet Sauvignon, American (69% California, 31% North Carolina), NV.* 13.9% alcohol. $14.99 on the Biltmore Web site; $11.99 at our local ABC store.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

* The vintage is 2008. However, wines labeled with an “American” appellation are, by law, not permitted to carry a vintage date on the label. Oh, wow. What a delicious wine. And what an interesting story behind it. First, it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in American Appellation, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, North Carolina, Syrah/Shiraz | Leave a comment

FUN! 2007 WTR (Wine That Rocks) “Dark Side” (Pink Floyd) Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County (Ukiah), CA. 13.5%. $12.99 at our local ABC store (not in grocery stores).

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This isn’t a great wine, but it’s quite good. For me, the strong point is its appeal as a novelty gift for our friends who are musicians, especially those who love classic rock. The wine inside is good enough to … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California | Leave a comment

WINE TASTING! 24 wines sampled, 8 recommendations.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Prices are the retail price at the tasting venue, our local ABC store, unless otherwise noted. This time, I focused mostly on trying unusual varietals, as well as a slight emphasis on Pinot Noir, a varietal I’ve found to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Italy, Malbec, Merlot, Moscato/Muscat, Petit Verdot, Red Blend, Spain, Tastings, Tempranillo, Viognier | 1 Comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: A book! “Summer in a Glass” by Evan Dawson.

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Engaging, entertaining profiles of winemakers in the up-and-coming Finger Lakes region of NY. The book reads like a novel, but these are real people, and at the end of each chapter I’m almost sorry to leave each new friend/expert and … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Finger Lakes, NY, Riesling | Leave a comment

The Cycle of Riesling

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

“Riesling is the grape that is bringing worldwide recognition to the Finger Lakes, but it has a curious relationship with wine drinkers. A casual drinker tends to prefer sweeter wines—usually white—and Riesling fits the profile. But as they broaden their … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Tips | Leave a comment

The Beauty of Veraison

Posted on September 27, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

A beautiful, and surprising, shot of a cluster of Merlot grapes in the process of ripening (“veraison”). A rainbow of colors! Photo courtesy of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards via New York Cork Report, August 18, 2011.

Posted in Merlot, Technical Stuff | Leave a comment