2008 Peter Lehmann Barossa Valley Shiraz

2008 Peter Lehmann Barossa Valley Shiraz
Varietal:  Shiraz
Cost per bottle: $12


"The '08 Peter Lehmann Barossa Valley Shiraz is a wine of great depth of color reflecting that splendid red wine vintage. After an early start, the vintage was marked by perfect harvest weather, warm days and cool nights during February. This was then followed by a burst of heat at the end."

It is interesting that the description talks about the weather, rather than the flavor.  They must have been trying to be polite.  I think this wine is already too old in 2012.  It isn't horrid, but the alcohol content overpowers the flavor it is supposed to have.  Skip it.

2007 Vina Robles "Signature" Estate Cuvée Paso Robles Red Blend

2007 Vina Robles "Signature" Estate Cuvée Paso Robles Red Blend
Varietal:  66% Petit Verdot, 34% Petite Sirah
Cost per bottle: $35

"The "Signature" Estate Cuvée from Vina Robles is a deep, dark and earthy blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. It's intense, rich and full-bodied with layers of flavors - blackberries, hints of cedar, cinnamon and black currant accents. The ripe, silky tannins provide a smooth, balanced finish."

For the first time, I think the commercial description is spot-on accurate.  This really is an extremely rich red.  Even the color is deep and layered, with a purple sheen over the ruby red.  A must try for those who love a bold red.

2009 Quivira Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Varietal:  Zinfandel
Cost per bottle: $19


"Ruggedly enigmatic and powerfully built, Zinfandel is the reigning celebrity of Dry Creek Valley. Both complex and down-to-earth, it also displays a bit of an edgy darker quality. The '09 is beautifully balanced and even–it was an exceptional vintage that allowed the Zinfandel clusters to ripen much more uniformly than usual throughout the valley."

This one has a rich red color with a tart berry smell.  It has a bold flavor that is almost too strong, but also delicious.  There is a juicy quality that makes up for the tartness. If you're a fan of dark, dry reds, this is for you.   If you only like sweet reds, stay away.

2007 Renteria Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Renteria Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal:  Cabernet
Cost per bottle: $23+


"This Cabernet is a blend of grapes from two very different Napa Valley vineyards that complement each other well. The Steltzner Vineyard in Stags Leap produces a very pretty, elegant wine with dark fruit aromas, soft, velvety tannins, and an abundance of acidity. The Shooting Star Vineyard in Pope Valley produces a much firmer wine with big, bold tannins and raspberry, herbal aromatics. The resulting wines have a rich depth of aromas, both from the fruit and barrel aging, and a full but soft palate with concentrated flavors."

This one was a disappointment.  I usually like Cabernet Sauvignon, but not this one.  It's too sharp in smell and taste.  That must be what they meant by 'an abundance of acidity'.  It is too acidic to be able to taste any fruity notes, and it leaves your tongue dry after you swallow.  There is nothing soft or velvety about it.

2008 Locati Cellars Columbia Valley Barbera

2008 Locati Cellars Columbia Valley Barbera
Varietal:  Barbera
Cost per bottle: $26


"This Barbera, a variety originating in northwest Italy's Piedmont region, finds a beautiful expression in the Lonesome Springs Vineyard. Jumping from the glass are bright aromatics of huckleberries, allspice and lemon rind. Bridging the best of the old and new worlds, the palate combines an earthy character and lively acidity with ripe red cherries and raspberries. "

This wine is so smooth!  It rolls into your mouth and leaves no trace when swallowed.  It looks and smells like red berries while having a grown-up wine flavor.  I think this is the first time I've had Barbera, and now I wonder where it has been all my life.

This one is meant to be sipped and savored.  Probably great for sharing too, but I'm not sure that I like any of you enough to give up a glass. My precccioussss! I feel sad that the wine sample bottle is so tiny.