Monthly Archives: November 2011

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Tonjum Cellars 2009 “Different Drummer” Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles. $10.99, www.TheWineClub.com.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him keep step to the music which he hears, however, measured or far away.” —Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) APPEARANCE: Garnet … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Project Paso 2010 Red Blend, Don Sebastiani & Sons, Paso Robles. 22% Grenache, 17% Petite Sirah, 16% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 9% Zinfandel, 8% Tempranillo, 7% Malbec, 4% Barbera, 2% Touriga Nacional. 13.8% ABV. $14, available for less than $10.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Y’know how red blends with Cabernet Sauvignon are dominated by the Cab most of the time? That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just the way it is. I mean, if Robin Williams comes to your party, guess who’s going … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, California, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Wente Vineyards Estate Grown, “Morning Fog” 2010 Chardonnay, Livermore Valley/San Francisco Bay. 13.5% ABV. $12.99, available for as little as $9.95.

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Intense, focused, and bracing, this pale golden wine definitely cuts through the fog. NOSE: Even at its coldest, it was very aromatic with lemon, floral notes, hints of tropical flavors, and a breath of sea salt. TASTE: Bright, tart with … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay | Leave a comment

VINTAGE MATTERS.

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Around this time of the year, like car dealers and their new models, wine stores start to carry the newer releases of many wines. Because of this phenomenon and my own carelessness, this week we experienced two fails, and learned … Continue reading →

Posted in Tastings, Technical Stuff, Tips | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: A book! “Judgment of Paris” by George M. Taber.

Posted on November 26, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Full title: Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine. 352 pages, $10.88. Published in 2006, this engaging book serves as a brief history of wine-making and recounts the tiny 1976 wine tasting … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, California, France | Leave a comment

HaHa! “Red wine makes them live longer, but they get to be a real pain.”

Posted on November 26, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Plungerhead 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel (91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah), Dry Creek Valley. 14.9% ABV. $19.99/suggested retail, available for as little as $10.95.

Posted on November 25, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

I’m not a plumber, but this Plungerhead can be my friend anytime. At the “can be found for” price of around $11, it’s the perfect Zinfandel to keep in stock for everyday. However, it’s fine enough that I would happily … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Zinfandel | 4 Comments

Another alternative to corks AND screwcaps: The ZORK closure

Posted on November 25, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

ZORK is a revolutionary new wine closure with the convenience of screw cap and the celebration of cork. ZORK is easy to remove by hand, simple to reseal and is completely recyclable. To open ZORK, pull the tear tab, unwind … Continue reading →

Posted in Technical Stuff, Tips | 1 Comment

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 24, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! (Only trouble is … pie R not squared, pie R round!)

Posted in Humor | 1 Comment

RECOMMENDED: Moobuzz 2009 Pinot Noir, Monterey. 13.9% ABV. $16.99/suggested retail, available for as little as $12.