Monthly Archives: February 2012

RECOMMENDED: Concannon Conservancy 2009 “Crimson & Clover,” Livermore Valley, CA. Red blend: 50% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Zinfandel. 13.7% ABV. $15, available for as little as $9.99.

Posted on February 14, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

“Crimson & Clover” is our Valentine’s Day selection, because this wine was based on love. Not romantic love, mind you, but true, lasting, and growing love. Our Samples Policy states, “We love a good back-story” and invites winemakers and publicists … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel | 1 Comment

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Dependable 2009 Red Blend (50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon), Coteaux de Bessilles (Languedoc). 13% ABV. Difficult to find; $17.50 at Civilization, a bistro in Gainesville, FL, where it is their house red.

Posted on February 10, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Single-grape varietal wines can be astonishing, even stunning, when weather, harvest, and winemaker are in perfect synch. But it’s no secret we also admire, and often prefer, the skills of those winemakers who successfully blend superior (and dependable) wines, both … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache/Garnacha, Merlot, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz | 3 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Wente Vineyards Estate Grown, 2009 “Southern Hills” Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley/San Francisco Bay. 13.5% ABV. $12.99.

Posted on February 6, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Of the four wines the two of us tasted with two friends recently, this was our favorite of the night. (This was the only Wente we had that evening, by the way.) It was ruby with pink edges, surprisingly clear … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California | 4 Comments

RECOMMENDED: Wente Vineyards Estate Grown, 2009 “Sandstone” Merlot, Livermore Valley/San Francisco Bay. 13.5% ABV. $12.99.

Posted on February 6, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

APPEARANCE: Almost purple, translucent, clear edges. NOSE: Dust on nose at first. Blackberry and spice. TASTE/MOUTHFEEL: Round, balanced, mouth-filling, expanding. Smooth. Fruity. A hint of licorice. Pipe tobacco, toasty oak. FINISH: Lingering and lovely. LABEL NOTES: Wente Vineyards, established in … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Merlot | 2 Comments

Study: Abstaining from alcohol significantly shortens life

Posted on February 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Mother Nature Network: http://www.mnn.com/food/beverages/stories/study-abstaining-from-alcohol-significantly-shortens-life New research shows that those who imbibe are less likely to die than those who stay dry. By Helen Jupiter,  Aug 31, 2010 A newly released study shows that regular drinkers are less likely to die … Continue reading →

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INTERESTING. Cantine di Ora, 2010 Dry Red Wine, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy. 12.5%. $11.99.

Posted on February 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is a varietal. In Italy, up to 10% of Sangiovese is allowed to be added to the [weighted] blend, hence its designation as “Dry Red Wine.” We obtained this one as a result of a Groupon deal from … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Sangiovese | 1 Comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: elements by Artesa, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, AND elements 2006 Red Wine.

Posted on February 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: elements by Artesa, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec), 62% Napa County, 38% Sonoma County. 14.4% ABV. Around $17 but available for as little as $12.99. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Graciano, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Tempranillo | 1 Comment