Meeker 2008 Handprint Merlot

After recently tasting this delicious Merlot blend while at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival during a beverage seminar, my friends and I were very impressed. No one more so than Meredith, who drinks exclusively white wine but loved this red. Thanks to Meredith, I got to enjoy Meeker Handprint Merlot again this weekend when she brought it along while coming for a visit.

Lucas Meeker, who is the winemaker, son of the label's founder, and the presenter at our seminar, described this as a "cab-lover's Merlot." While explaining how the wine is made, he said that they taste and reblend repeatedly until perfected using mostly Merlot grapes, but also use Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. When the wine is bottled, one of the three Meeker winemakers puts his hand print on every bottle using acrylic paint.

This wine is fruity, but also complex and spicy. It is oaky and a little acidic with a very dry finish. With an alcohol content over 14%, Handprint is a well balanced Cabernet that would be paired well with beef and steak. Meredith rates this wine a 9 out of 10 and said she loved it just as much the second time around. I gave it an 8.5, and think that it needed to breath a little longer than we let it, but still enjoyed this delightful Bourdeaux-style Merlot blend. It is a must-try.

2010 J. V. Fleury Cotes du Rhone

 

This wine really gets your attention! It was recommended by my favorite sales associate at Total Wine, when I told her that I wanted to try a French white. She looked at my basket full of Bordeaux and did not hesitate to pick this one. This light-colored wine smells and initially tastes fruity (apricot), but has a very dry finish reminiscent of a red wine. All you red wine lovers out there need to give this one a shot. It is made with 100% Vigonier grapes by a vineyard established in 1781 in the northern Rhone valley. It pairs well with seafood and cheese - pass the Roquefort!

Campo Vieja Tempranillo Reserva 2007

 

This is a peppery and smooth wine, with minimal tannins. Fruit (cherry) and a slight oaky taste are also prevalent in this complex blend. Pairings with strong cheese (think Manchego) or steak would perfectly compliment this Spanish red. According to the label, it is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Manzuelo grapes. This is a perfect wine for cookouts and would also compliment lamb very well, but I can't help reminiscing of the Argentina booth at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival - beef empanadas and a steak skewer. Tapas anyone?

Chateau de Macard 2009 Bordeaux Superieur

A French blend of 50% Cab Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, this wine was delightful. The taste was very complex, with a full berry flavor and a smooth finish. It is a deep garnet color, with rich tannins. This was recommended to me as a Cab Franc blend, and since I liked the Chapalette Mountain Cuvee so much. Would definitely pick this one up again. $24.99

Amici 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

My friends, meet Olema's richer, smarter older brother - Amici Cab! My sales-guy at Total Wine recommended this when he saw me stocking up on Olema. He explained that this wine is from the same producer as Olema, Amici Cellars. This is their higher end wine. It is twice as much ($38.99) as the Olema, but is way worth it for a special occasion or gift. Taste is of berry, coffee, and chocolate - complex and not bitter. Smooth and tasty - this one is a must try!

Chappellet Mountain Cuvee

Move over Olema, there's a new favorite in town!

After having this wine at a seafood restaurant two weeks ago, I decided to hunt down a bottle to try at home. It was listed at the restaurant under "Unusual Selections" and the bartender highly recommended it. This wine was impressive - complex and smooth with no tannin-y taste. It has spice, plum and cherry undertones.

On the Chappellet website, it is described as "pure pleasure in every glass" and I can't say I disagree. The only drawback is the $28.99 pricetag, which is a little more than I like to spend for everyday wine, but it is certainly worth it for a celebration or special dinner at home. We had a bottle at a steakhouse this past weekend, and it complimented both the stone crab and crab cake appetizers and the filet mignon. It also went particularly well with the Bison that our friends ordered as their entree.

This bordeaux blend includes 56% cabernet sauvingnon, 32% merlot, 6% cab franc, 4% petit verdot, and 2% malbec.

Mendoza Station 2011 Torrontes

When the sales lady at Total Wine told me that this was the best white that she has tasted since she lived in Italy, I told her that I would take a bottle. It is summer time, and getting a little hot to be drinking red in the sun by the pool. So, when she said it was on sale for $5.99 per bottle, I said "Give me more!"

The first pleasant surprise was the cork - which came printed with a map of Argentina (in case I forget where that is) - it is the little things that please me.

The next pleasant surprise was the crisp, refreshing first sip of this wine. It is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Dry and not sweet, it has strong fruit undertones, with a subtle hint floral as well. A great bargain for the price. This wine is a steal!