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

 

11/2007 KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE ZINFANDEL 2005
In our experience, zinfandels come in two models-- the light bodied, moderately fruity type, and the viscous, intense, fruit and tobacco bombs. This KJ zinfandel falls into the former category. It runs between $12 and $14 a bottle retail, and shows raspeberries, cassis, and cedar notes. On the downside, it's a touch hot going down. (Rating ***1/2)

For further information, see KJ's website. If you'd like to buy a bottle from our retailer, click HERE and type "KENDALL" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass.

Labels: California, Kendall-Jackson, Zinfandel

 

3/2007 AMADOR FOOTHILL ZINFANDEL 2002
This $13 bottle of red wine was a nice find. Unlike any zinfandels, this is not a fruit bomb. It has a very old world taste- a sort of lean, rugged, feel. You taste light fruit then POOF! black pepper. A great wine with mild meats and goooey cheeses. (Rating ****1/4)

To see if our retailer carries AMADOR, click SHOP FOR WINES and type "AMADOR" in the search engine and click the magnifying glass. Otherwise, contact the producer's webpage at http://www.AmadorFoothill.com/

Labels: Amador, California, Zinfandel