Dancing Bull 2006 California Cabernet

Presentation: ***

Nose: ****

Complexity: **

Value: ****

Overall: ***

I recall reading somewhere that this was perhaps the best Cabernet you could buy at the $10 price point, and so a lot of restaurants also serve it (at about $30 a bottle). I was supremely impressed by its structure. The complexity was less than I would prefer, but it's a sourced cab and, accordingly, you're simply not going to get some of that single vineyard or locally grown terrior that you might find in a pricier CA or WA cab. It's spicy, dry, and is solid enough to be served as a stand-alone or pre-dinner bottle. But it begs to be accompanied by a medium-well done steak off the grill !

Erik's the Red "Toad Hollow" Proprietary Red

Presentation: ***

Nose: **

Complexity: ****

Value: **

Overall: ***

This bottle was a gift--a very nice presentation and bottling of Paso Robles wine. Interestingly enough, the bottle didn't designate a year or the types of grape that went into this blend. However, I sniffed out Cab Franc and after a bit of internet research, found that the three principal grapes in this blend of Cab Franc, Petit Sirah, and Zinfandel. Three great grapes. The complexity was very nice and I felt that the wine kept opening to different flavors, especially as it came up to room temperature. Not too peppery, but with plenty of mineral and earthen flavors--it reminded me of some of the Tempranillo I've been enjoying lately.

VinaVillano 2006 Tempranillo

Presentation: ***

Nose: ****

Complexity: ***

Value: ****

Overall: ****

Continuing with our presentation of Spanish Reds, this 100% old-vine Tempranillo really delivered. At about $12, it was a straightforward "new world" style wine with lots of limestone and mineral character. Anyone who enjoys spicy Zinfandel or dry Cabernet shouldn't be disappointed with this one. It's a gem. -Erik

Pelta 2008 (Valencia)

Presentation: ***

Nose: ***

Complexity: **

Value: ***

Overall: ***

This bottle of Pelta from Valencia, Spain was recommended by a wine store owner with expertise in European Wines. At just under $10 it turned out to be a nice wine at a reasonable price. It combines 80% Tempranillo with 20% Monastrell, which I found to be interesting and a new taste to my palate. The nose has notes of earth and dark, ripe fruit. This is a medium-bodied wine, rich in structure and expansive with notes of black and blueberries on the finish. If you're looking for a nice bottle of wine from Spain, I think you'll enjoy this! -Greg

Viu Manent "Estate Collection" Malbec 2008

Presentation: ***
Nose: **
Complexity: ***
Value: ****

Overall: ***

This 2008 Malbec was reccomended to me by a wine department manager in Portland, OR. The nose lacked the more distinct aroma common to a nice bottle of Malbec. The color was rich. The Viu Manent had hints of blackberry, boysenberry, and rasberry with a taste of chocolate and mocha on the finish. The taste in the mouth was nice but not enduring. Perhaps a couple of years cellared would enhance this wine. I found it adequate for an everyday bottle of Malbec but not one to highly reccomend to a friend.

-Greg

Volver 2005 Tempranillo

Presentation: *****

Nose: ***

Complexity: *****

Value: ***

Overall: ****

This is the first of February's month of "World Wines You'll Love" I was stunned by this La Mancha wine--it's 100% tempranillo, and I bought it as an impulse buy when really in the mood for something from Spain a few months back. It's not a cheap bottle, retailing in the ballpark of $20 a bottle. However, this is a case where you indeed get what you pay for. Its dry, complex taste kept unfolding with wonderful earthy flavors. Some mineral flavors, but also tobacco and gentle spice. Anyone who likes California Cabs should try this and see if Spain can't pack a punch in a bottle of red. Would pair wonderfully with steak, lamb, pork, or even a chef salad.

February = World Wines You'll Love!

All this month on Decant This! we'll be exploring wines you'll love from around the world. When winter is upon us here in the midwest, it's a great time to enjoy a special bottle from Spain, Chile, Argentina, Portugal, or even Australia or South Africa. So dig into your cellar or swing by the wine shop and find one of these beauties: they won't dissapoint!