7/2008 MENAGE A TROIS CALIFORNIA RED WINE 2006
We found this $12 red wine at Whole Foods and bought it even though we found the name extremely cheesy. (One can only imagine the Babbitts a-twitter upon seeing it on the shelf of their local beer and wine store --- "Ooooh, isn't that the foreign word for...") Despite the name, this wine provided good value for the dollar. It was big, fruity, leathery, and had a good tannic grab. The choice of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, though not novel, is a good. It's produced by Folie a Deux Winery of St. Helena in Napa County, California. (Rating ***3/4)

To see if our retailer can sell you a bottle of MENAGE A TROIS, click here. Otherwise, surf to http://www.folieadeux.com/mat/red.html.

Labels: Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Folie a Deux, Merlot, Napa, Red Wine, Zinfandel

 

1/2008 CHATEAU STE MICHELLE MERLOT (COLUMBIA VALLEY) 2003
Happy New Year! Well, we cannot recall how this bottle ended up in her greedy mitts, suffice to say, we approached it with some excitement. A five year old red from Washington State - could be a winner! As we nosed it we were impressed with its fruity and floral notes. When we took it into our mouths, though, our hearts sunk. There didn't seem to be much "there" there. The viscosity was low, and the tannins barely present. A pity. So, if you are buying and pouring, we are happy to consume this red wine. But you won't catch us dipping into our wallets to acquire a bottle. (Rating **3/4) For further information, see http://www.Ste-Michelle.com/.

Labels: Chateau Ste Michelle, Merlot, Washington

 

05/2007 ELLA VALLEY VINEYARD MERLOT 2003
This Merlot comes from Israel and it's quite tasty. If we hadn't known, we would have thought this was a common but nice Bordeaux. It has a velvety mouthfeel and show a light blueberry note. A wine anyone can enjoy and one that Kosher households would be advised to stock. (Rating ***3/4)

To see if our retailer can get you a bottle by clicking SHOP, typing "ELLA" in the search engine, and clicking the magnifying glass. Otherwise, for more information, surf to http://www.EllaValley.com/.

Labels: Ella Valley, Israel, Merlot

 

1/2007 FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION BLUE LABEL MERLOT 2004
Mmmmm, we've liked this one in the past and we like it again. This red wine is made from Merlot (90%), Syrah (6%), and Petit Syrah (4%). It's bold, fruity, and has a cedar-leathery note. We enjoyed this COPPOLA BLUE LABEL MERLOT with baked ziti with eggplant and mozzarella. This $18 a bottle wine is good now and will, quite probably, age nicely over the next four or five years. (Rating ****1/4)

To see if our retailer carries COPPOLA, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "COPPOLA" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, surf to http://www.Niebaum-Coppola.com/.

Labels: California, Francis Coppola, Merlot

 

11/2006 COLLEPINO RED WINE 2005
This blend of sangiovese and merlot retails for $9 and provides great bang for the buck. One might conceptualize Collepino as a house wine- it's low-priced, light, a little fruity, and can be slurped down without much thought. Yet, that's not the whole of it. Collepino is not mere plonk; it has depth. It begins light and innocuous, then, after the swallow, you notice a tannic grab and lingering blackberry and earthy flavors. Mmmmmm- nice. (Rating ***1/2)

To see if our retailer carries COLLEPINO, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "COLLEPINO" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, contact Banfi Vintners at http://www.Banfi.com/.

Labels: Collepino, Italy, Merlot, Red Wine, Sangiovese