Subscribe To This Site
Monthly Wine Recommendations
Our Monthly Wine Recommendations Are Posted At The Beginning Of Every Month
Wine of the Month Reviews for
2013
May 2013 Wine of the Month and Recipe
Palmina Wines- Barbera
We belong to a small wine tasting group and recently hosted a tasting of Barbera wines at our home. Barbera is an ancient grape that is believed to be native to the Piedmonte region of Northwestern Italy. The berries are ovular and a dark purple-black color, producing full-bodied wines with good color and alcohol and with relatively high natural juice and acidity.
[Read More....]
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
April 2013 Wine of the Month and Recipe
Arizona Stronghold-Bonita Springs Cabernet Sauvignon
Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona has come alive over the last few years. The once run-down Main Street is now home to a variety of eclectic shops, gourmet foods, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. The first winery to set up a tasting room here was Arizona Stronghold. Walk into the tasting room and a visitor will be welcomed by a friendly and knowledgeable staff member.
[Read More....]
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
March 2013 Wine of the Month and Recipe
Opolo Vineyards Mountain Zinfandel
On a recent Saturday evening, we invited our friends and fellow wine-lovers, Susan and Gary over to taste this wine and an accompanying recipe for this review. We respect the opinions of these two; they are extremely knowledgeable about wines, especially Zinfandel.
[Read More....]
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
February 2013 Wine of the Month and Recipe
Tobin James Ballistic Zinfandel
We recently sampled some hearty California reds to pair with a filet of beef recipe for an upcoming Valentine’s dinner. One of the standouts was Tobin James 2010 Ballistic Zinfandel. Pouring the wine into the glass, the color was deep ruby red. I detected the aroma of cherry, earth and leather.
[Read More....]
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
January 2013 Wine of the Month and Recipe
Paso Creek’s Zinfandel
We received this zinfandel as a gift from our good friends and fellow wine lovers, Susan and Gary. First, we were intrigued by the label which depicts a gnarled oak tree with an owl perched on a limb. We happen to have an interest in owls because to us, they represent bold wisdom, patience, independence and respect (and we also happen to live in an area where owls frequently visit!). [Read More....]
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
Wine of the Month Reviews for
2012
December 2012 Wine of the Month and Recipe
Palumbo Family Vineyards 2008 Estate
Cabernet Franc - "Catfish Vineyard"
On a recent trip to Temecula Valley Wine Country, we met winemaker/owner Nicholas Palumbo. This is a man who stays true to his passion for creating quality wines. That passion showed in the wines we tasted during our visit. One of our favorites was the Cabernet Franc from Catfish Vineyard. Catfish Vineyard was the original vineyard that came [Read More....]
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
November 2012 Wine of the Month
Vintage: 2010
Type: Red Wine
Producer: Justin Vineyards
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Designation: Paso Robles
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub Region: Central Coast
Production: Unknown
Price: $25.00
Purchase Here
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
We recently met our friends Don and Janet at Beckett’s Table in Phoenix, Arizona. While waiting for them to arrive, we stepped up to the bar and ordered a couple of glasses of Justin Cabernet
The color of the wine in the glass was ruby. On the nose there were aromas of dark cherries and plum. Once the wine opened up a bit, there were also aromas of vanilla and tobacco.
Justin Vineyards and Winery is located in Paso Robles, California in the Central Coast appellation. Wines produced at Justin reflect the unique soils and climate of the California Central Coast and emphasis is placed on creating Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques.
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
October 2012 Wine of the Month
Vintage: 2010
Type: Red Wine
Producer: Hahn Winery
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Designation: Central Coast
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub Region: Monterey County
Production: Unknown
Price: $14.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
Fall is in the air, even in the Southwest desert. The days are sunny and cooler and the evenings bring a pleasant chill and welcome respite from a long hot summer. Hearty red wines replace lighter summertime
whites and lighter fare is replaced with roasts, casseroles, ham and soups. One recent evening, we decided to open a bottle of Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon to serve with a smoked ham dinner.
Pouring the wine, the color is a deep ruby red. On the nose, Paul detected dark cherry and chocolate aromas. I detected chocolate and earthy aromas. This is a full bodied wine that is smooth and slightly tannic; very dry and easy to drink. The finish is rich with a slight spiciness at the end.
With a slight chill in the air, we saved some of this delicious wine for after dinner where sipped the last of it as we sat outside with a fire in the chiminea, watching the stars.
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
September 2012 Wine of the Month
Vintage: 2010
Type: Red
Producer: Chalone Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Designation: AVA Chalone
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub Region: Monterey County
Production: Unknown
Price: $17.00
Rating: 4.5 Corks
Our Review:
Our friends Gary and Susan invited us to their home recently for a smoked salmon with vodka cream sauce over linguine dinner. We thought this Pinot Noir from Chalone Vineyard would be a perfect pairing.
Opening the bottle and pouring the wine, we all noticed the beautiful garnet color in the glass. Gary said the aroma was earthy. Susan and Paul said that they detected a soft aroma of dark berries. I thought there was definitely a dark berry aroma with a hint of chocolate.
We all agreed that the body was medium to full with a slight acidity with balanced tannins with the flavors of cocoa and spice evident in the long clean finish.
Chalone Vineyard is the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County and is situated in the Chalone AVA, where temperatures fluctuate from warm days and cool nights with cooling breezes from Monterey Bay. This Pinot Noir is a classic from Central Coast California. We all agreed that this was a wine we would choose again.
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy
August 2012 Wine of the Month
Vintage:2009
Type:Red
Producer:
Herzog Wine Cellars
Varietal: Zinfandel
Country:United States
Region:California
Sub Region:Lodi
Production:Unknown
Price:$15.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
On a recent Saturday evening, our friends and cooks-extraordinaire, Teddy and John, invited us to their home for dinner. We brought along a bottle of 2009 Baron Herzog Old Vine Zinfandel to pair with dinner and to get their opinion on the wine for an upcoming wine of the month review.
The dinner was planned around the wine; flank steak marinated in olive oil, shallots, garlic, soy sauce and ginger. Accompanying the steak was fresh asparagus with minced shallot, capers and olive oil with wild brown rice and mushrooms.
Teddy thought that the wine tasted delicate and was not as spicy as some Zinfandels. John said it had earthy aromas and had a sweet start and an acidic finish. Paul said it tasted like berry and chocolate. I thought that it tasted light for a Zinfandel and tasted more like Merlot.
Because the food had spicy overtones, we all agreed that this was a perfect wine to pair with this meal as it complimented the meal and didn’t overpower it. This is a wine that compliments foods and can stand up to a heavy meal.
Located in Ventura County, Herzog Wine Cellars produces kosher wine. Located in a state-of-the-art winemaking facility and tasting room, visitors can also enjoy a gift boutique and an indulging line of gourmet chocolates and hand-rolled cigars.
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy:
July 2012 Wine of the Month
Vintage: 2011
Type: White
Producer:
Vigilance Winery
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Designation: Red Hills, Lake County
Country:United States
Region:California
Production:18,000 cases
Price:$19.99
Rating: 3.5 Corks
Our Review:
Friends brought over this wine for us to taste. They’re not normally white wine drinkers, but since it is summertime, it seemed like a refreshing alternative to heavier reds, especially for cocktails and appetizers.
This wine has strong aromas of citrus; particularly melon and grapefruit. The coloring is a light straw yellow. It is also herbaceous and fruit forward with a crisp taste and pleasant, lingering finish. It reminded us of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines that we have tasted. We enjoyed this wine with nacho chips and mild salsa but agreed that it is also a food friendly wine that would pair well with light fish, pasta or poultry dishes.
Vigilance Winery is proud to craft wines that honor and respect the earth. The vineyards are sustainably farmed using cover crops and sheep to control the weeds between the rows.
All in all, a pleasant, enjoyable summer white wine.
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy:
June 2012 Wine of the Month
Vintage: 2010
Type: White
Producer:
Pillsbury Wine Company
Varietal: 65% Chenin Blanc, 21% Riesling, 14% Pinot Grigio
Designation: Cochise County
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Production: 350 cases
Price: $18.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
Summer came early this year. And while it's arguably "a dry heat" in Arizona, during these warmer months thoughts tend to turn to lighter, refreshing wines to quench our thirst. We recently invited friends to taste some of Arizona's white wines, just in time for summer. Wild Child White hit the spot!
Diane loves white wine and immediately liked this blend. She tasted citrus fruits and enjoyed the crisp mouth-feel. Gary thought it was slightly herbaceous and fruit forward with a slight oak aftertaste; for someone who prefers red wines, he was pleasantly surprised. Bruce isn't a big wine drinker but felt that this was a wine he would enjoy. Paul tasted lemon and melon and immediately started to think about the types of foods he could serve with this versatile summer wine.
Food Wine Paring Notes: Paul thought his recipe for Chicken With Apples and Montery Jack Cheese would pair well with Wild Child White. Diane suggested a chef salad with herb balsamic vinaigrette as a delicious accompaniment for the chicken. I started to think about cold Marinated Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic as a refreshing summer appetizer.
Sipping this wine brought us all to thinking of sitting by the pool, enjoying conversations, good food and summer wines with friends.
Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Our Wine Review Policy:
May 2012 Wine of the Month
May Wine of the Month:
Conquistador Blush
Vintage:2008
Type: Blush wine
Producer: Rosa Fiorelli Winery
Varietal: Conquistador and Liberty Grapes
Country: United States
Region: Manatee County
Sub Region: Bradenton, Florida
Production: unknown
Rating: 3.5 Corks
Our Review:
We admit that we are not sweet wine lovers; but on a trip to Florida, we found ourselves purchasing a bottle of Conquistador Blush wine to take back home to Arizona. First of all, the color of the wine resembles more of amber than pink, which intrigued us. And second, during a tasting at the winery, we really liked it! See our article here on Fiorelli Winery.
This ten-acre Florida vineyard produces wines primarily from Muscadine and Blanc du Bois grapes. The vines are all pruned by hand
and no commercial chemicals are used.
Conquistador has just a hint of sweetness and is dry. Slightly chilled, it bursts with flavors of cloves, apples and apricot with a crisp, slightly sweet and spicy finish. This is a nice alternative to a white wine for summer and would pair well with semi-soft cheeses. We enjoyed it with a grilled marinated pork loin and were disappointed that we only brought one bottle home with us!
Cheers!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
April 2012 Wine of the Month
April Wine of the Month:
Dionysian Cellars Tempranillo
Vintage:2008
Type: Red
Producer: Dionysian Cellars
Varietal: Tempranillo
Designation: Eldorado County
Country: United States
Region: California
Cases: Not Known
Price: $45.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
On a recent warm, spring Saturday afternoon we decided to have an impromptu “happy hour” and invited four friends to join us to sample some new wines that we had recently acquired. One of them was a 2008 Tempranillo from Dionysian Cellars. Paul and I recently visited the Dionysian Cellars tasting room located on Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona. Walk down an inviting alley lined with bistro tables and chairs and up a flight of stairs to a cozy, attractive tasting room called the Wine Cellar where Dionysian wines are exclusively offered. This is a new winery, and although the wine is made in Arizona, most of the grapes are from California.
We opened the Tempranillo for our friends to taste. Gary said that he felt the wine was slightly acidic and astringent with a robust, slightly oaky taste and a finish that hinted of leather and smoke. Susan detected a dark berry aroma and felt that hearty grilled meats would pair well with the wine. Diane (who is not a red wine lover) agreed that this wine would pair well with a steak
and thought it had a spicy finish. Paul said that he detected a pleasant, peppery finish. I enjoyed the wine because for me, it had bursts of dark cherry, spice, earth and smoke, which all appeal to my palate. Overall, our happy hour guests enjoyed this wine and the bottle was empty before long.
Dionysian Cellars is named after Dionysos, the Greek god of wine and signifies a personal attitude of one who is uninhibited, mystical, sensual, emotional and irrational and who may seek to escape from the boundaries imposed by the limits of the senses and this wine seemed to fit this description quite nicely.
Cheers!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
March 2012 Wine of the Month
March Wine of the Month:
Diva
Vintage:2009
Type: Red
Producer: Pillsbury Wine Company
Varietal: 63% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, 12% Petite Sirah
Designation: Cochise County
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Cases: Not Known
Price: $38.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
We recently had some time off to spend doing whatever we wanted, so one of our days was spent wine tasting in Old Town Cottonwood, Arizona. It was a chilly March weekday and we even drove through snow squalls on the drive up from Phoenix. After a nice lunch at The Tavern Grille, we were in the mood to taste red wines, so we headed to Pillsbury Wine Company’s tasting room.
Wine tasting at Pillsbury is always fun and educational; we have visited this tasting room on several occasions. Our wine pourer this time was Dana. She is studying to be a sommelier and was extremely knowledgeable about all of the wines. One of our favorite tastings this time was Pillsbury’s 2009 Diva.
Diva is made from single-vineyard vines planted in Cochise County, Arizona. The wine is aptly named because each vintage is different and unpredictable (much like a “Diva” we suspect!). The 2009 is a light ruby red in color with aromas of red berry and spice. It has a creamy texture with a slightly spicy finish. Grapes are hand harvested and fermented in small batches. The wine is aged in neutral American Oak with a modest amount of French Oak. We would pair this wine with bolder foods such as red grilled meats or a hearty pasta dish.
Wine-Food Pairing Notes: Planning a Wine Diva Party? This wine would make a great conversation-starter....Don't forget to wear your Wine Diva T-Shirt!!
Cheers!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
February 2012 Wine of the Month
February Wine of the Month:
Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage:2009
Type: Red
Producer: Ancient Peaks Winery
Varietal: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec
Designation: Paso Robles
Country: United States
Region: California
Cases: 6,207
Price: $17.00
Rating: 3.5 Corks
Our Review:
Our friends at Cooks and Books and Recipes asked us to select and review a recipe from 100 Main Dishes to Enjoy with Wines you Love by Jill Silverman Hough. We chose a recipe that would complement our February wine of the month, Ancient Peaks 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Ancient Peaks Winery is a family owned single estate vineyard in the Paso Robles appellation of California’s central coast. The grapes are grown in Margarita Vineyard, which is in the historic Santa Margarita Ranch. Vines were first planted by Franciscan missionaries in 1774. According to the winemaker, the name Ancient Peaks is a tribute to the geologic heritage of Margarita Vineyard, with towering mountains overlooking the vines. The ancient forces behind these peaks gave rise to the fossilized soils and climate-shifting terrain which makes these wines unique.
The wine bottle is very attractive with a high quality label that belies its relatively inexpensive price. In the glass, the color is dark with distinctive aromas of cocoa, dark berries and black olives. On the palate it is creamy and full in the mouth with black currant and vanilla bean overtones. At first sip, the flavors are intense and complex; but the finish is light and somewhat disappointing. All in all, we thought that this was an enjoyable, everyday wine.
Food Pairing Notes: We paired this wine with grilled sausages, peppers, and onions with Dijon sour cream from Hough's cookbook. This easy to drink, well priced wine would also pair well with grilled meats such as grilled lamb chops, beef tenderloin, filet mignon, or veal stew.
Cheers!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
January 2012 Wine of the Month
January Wine of the Month:
Apothic Red
Vintage:2010
Type: Red Winemaker’s Blend
Producer: Apothic Wines
Varietal: Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: United States
Region: California
Cases: unknown
Price: $11.99
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
When we’re asked to recommend a red wine that is inexpensive but attractively labeled and pleasant to drink, we immediately think of Apothic Red.
This wine has become one of our favorites over the last year. We have to admit that we purchased our first bottle because we had read several favorable reviews about this intriguing wine (and because we really liked the label). We never expected it to taste as good as it looked; but we were very pleasantly surprised!
This 2010 vintage did not disappoint us at all. Pouring it in the glass, it had a deep, almost opaque garnet red color. On the nose, it had complex aromas including spice, black currant, vanilla and chocolate.
On the palate, there were a myriad of tastes accentuated by blackberries, dark cherries, rhubarb, and plum, with hints of strawberry and chocolate on the finish. The mouthfeel was smooth with a slight velvety texture.
According to the winemaker, Apothic Red was inspired by an “Apothica” which is a mysterious place where wine was blended and stored in 13th century Europe. Apothic Red
is as comfortable paired with a grilled rib eye steak as it is with a juicy cheeseburger. Its versatility and price point make this an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a full bodied, complex, good value wine that looks and tastes much more expensive that it is. Buy a couple of bottles; one to taste and one to bring to a friend; you won’t be disappointed.
Cheers!
Enter Here!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
2011 Reviews
December 2011 Wine of the Month
December Wine of the Month:Riondo Prosecco, Spago Nero
Vintage: (non vintage)
Type: White - Sparkling
Producer: Riondo Vineyards
Varietal: 100% Prosecco Designation: Spago Nero
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Cases: unknown
Price: $ 9.99 (we received a sample bottle From Riondo Vineyards )
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
At Southwest Wine Guide, we love any opportunity to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine. Since December is the month for celebrations, we decided to share some holiday cheer with friends, Robin and Dave. We chose to open Riondo’s Prosecco Spago Nero because Robin and Dave are just getting into sparkling wine and had not yet sampled a Prosecco.
We missed the celebratory “popping of the cork” as this bottle was a screw cap. However, it did make it much easier to open and there’s no spillage with a screw cap opener.
Robin thought that it tasted crisp and light and could pair well with just about anything. Dave agreed and said that he liked the fact that it was not over-carbonated with just the right amount of “fizz” that didn’t overpower the taste. Paul thought it was very refreshing with fruity overtones and not too sweet. I agreed with Paul that it was refreshing and I detected a slightly acidic, but delicate finish.
We all enjoyed this Prosecco and finished off the bottle as our appetizer beverage, serving it with shrimp cocktail and an olive tapenade. The alcohol content is relatively low (10.5%) which makes it easy to drink this Prosecco. It’s a nice wine for the price and would make the perfect celebration wine for upcoming holiday gatherings, cocktail parties or brunch.
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
November 2011 Wine of the Month
November Wine of the Month:Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red Wine
Producer: Hope Family Wines
Designation: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub Region: San Luis Obispo County
Cases: unknown
Price: $14.00
Rating: 3 Corks
Our Review:
John and Melanie were visiting from Florida so we decided to make them our guest wine tasters because they both like red wines that are full bodied and smooth. Opening the bottle of Liberty Hill Cabernet, we all noticed the rich red color and strong legs on the glass. Melanie said that the aroma was fruity with a slight hint of chocolate; and since Melanie loves wine and chocolate, this was a very good thing! Tasting the wine, John said it was smooth; Paul agreed with Melanie that there were hints of chocolate as well as berry. Carol sensed floral notes with a hint of earthiness and plum.
We all agreed that the wine was soft on the palate with a ripe finish, was well balanced and a nice wine for the price.
Hope Family Wines produces Liberty School wines as well as four other brands. This Paso Robles wine is fruit driven, which makes it easy to pair with a variety of foods. We enjoyed this bottle with Paul’s grilled chicken breasts with a marinade of Blackberry- Ginger balsamic vinegar from the Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders. This Cabernet would also be a nice wine for Thanksgiving, because it’s an easy to drink wine that would satisfy many palates.
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
October 2011 Wine of the Month
October Wine of the Month:Poizin Zinfandel
Vintage: 2009
Type: Red Wine
Producer: Armida Winery
Armida Winery
Varietal: 80% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah
Designation: Zinfandel
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub Region: Sonoma County
Cases: 3,461
Price: $25.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
We decided to try Poizin Zinfandel because it’s October and Halloween is coming. Also, we found this wine while doing research for an article on wines to serve at an Adult Halloween Party. This bottle looked interesting.
Clever Packaging
The label on the bottle is intriguing; only the faint of heart wouldn’t be tempted to try a bottle of deeply-colored red wine decorated with skull and cross bones! And since Paul and I are risk takers and adventure seekers, we were up for the challenge.
But would the wine match the clever packaging or would it just be one of those gimmick wines that fall flat?
Tasting Poizin
Opening the bottle (it’s a screw cap), the deep red colored wine poured into the glass effortlessly. We both agreed that the aroma was chocolate and cherry. The mouthfeel was smooth with hints of chocolate, vanilla and plum with a surprising burst of spice at the finish. The wine was most enjoyable with its firm tannins and masterful blend of Zinfandel enhanced by Petite Sirah. Paul and I were pleasantly surprised.
Brothers Steve and Bruce Cousins, owners of Armida Winery, focus on artisan, single-vineyard wines from many of the top growers in Sonoma County. And while they are serious about wine making, their goal is to create a winery where visitors can have fun while enjoying excellent wines such as Poizin. Although Halloween is the perfect time to enjoy Poizin, this well-crafted Zin can be enjoyed anytime you’re craving a Wine to Die For!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
September 2011 Wine of the Month
September Wine of the Month:Amarone Della Valpolicella
Vintage: 2005
Type: Red Wine
Producer: Riondo Vineyards
Riondo Vineyards
Varietal: 80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molinara
Designation: Amarone, DOC
Country: Italy
Region: Valpolicella
Sub Region: Veneto
Production: Unknown
Price: $29.99 (We received a sample bottle)
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
Even though it’s still very hot in the Southwest, the calendar says that it’s almost fall; and thoughts naturally turn to cooler temperatures, heartier foods, and sipping red wines. One recent evening, just to get a head start on the season (wishful thinking at this moment), we decided to try a bottle of Riondo Vineyards’ 2005 Amarone.
The moment the bottle was opened, we knew it would be a robust, rich wine. Nice ruby red color in the glass with aromas of cherry, earth, and spice. While Paul said that he could detect strong alcohol on the nose, I did not detect as much, but noticed that it had good legs on the glass.
We both agreed that this wine was smooth, almost velvety in the mouth and finished with a slight tartness at the end. And although the alcohol content for this bottle was 15.5%, it went down very easily indicating to us that there was a nice balance between the intense flavors and the alcohol.
Valpolicella is one of the most prestigious winemaking areas in the Veneto, Italy region in the western corner Veneto. Amarone is made primarily from Corvina grapes that are dried almost to raisins so that the flavor and sugars become concentrated. They are then crushed and fermented to produce a smooth wine with high alcohol content, rich red color, dark fruit flavors, and a hint of tartness.
This wine would pair well with a hearty meal. We paired it with Paul’s Pasta Napoli, along with a loaf of crusty bread. This would also pair well with a beef stew, leg of lamb, or a medley of strong cheeses.
Delicious!
Our Wine Review Policy: Want your wine to be reviewed and recommended?
August 2011 Wine of the Month
August Wine of the Month:Coastline Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Type:Red
Producer:Adler Fels Winery
Adler Fels Winery
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon (89 percent), Barbera (10 percent), Petite Sirah (1 percent)
Designation: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub Region: Paso Robles
Production: Unknown
Price: $10.00
Rating: 3 Corks
Our Review:
It’s been hot in the southwest this summer. And when it’s hot, we generally turn to lighter white wines. But it cooled down a bit on one recent Saturday evening (to a mild 90 degrees), so we decided to try a bottle of Coastline Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy with a couple of grilled sirloin steaks and Paul’s potato salad. Coastline is made by Adler Fels Winery in Santa Rosa, California. As negociants, they source and select lots from several vineyards and vintners in California; and then blend, age and bottle wines under several different brand names.
Opening the bottle, we noticed a deeply colored red as we poured, with a medium viscosity. On the nose, Paul got hints of berry and I got hints of plum and earth.
Our first sips revealed smoothness on the palate with distinct flavors of vanilla, cherry and a slight hint of chocolate. Mid palate, we both experienced a bit of cinnamon and spice with moderate tannins. The finish lingered with another surge of berry, plum and earth. We both agreed that this wine was well suited for a summer red because even though it was full-bodied, it tasted light and smooth. We were impressed that a Cabernet tasted this good for the price.
We finished our last lingering sips while sitting out on the back patio, enjoying the breeze and watching the sun set on another sunny day while listening to our favorite smooth jazz artist Keiko Matsui.
Cheers!
Want your Southwest Wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Southwest vineyards that would like us to review their wines please Contact Us for more information.
July 2011 Wine of the Month
July Wine of the Month:Tolosa Edna Ranch Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Producer: Tolosa Winery
Tolosa Winery
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Designation: Pinot Noir
Country: United States
Region: Central Coast, California
Sub Region: Edna Valley AVA
Production: 1,200 cases
Price: $30.00
Rating: 5 Corks
Our Review:
I enjoy a good, old fashioned Pinot Noir, so when Paul and I recently had the opportunity to sample Tolosa’s 2008 Edna Ranch Pinot Noir, I looked forward to reviewing this wine.
Tolosa Winery is one of the most interesting and sophisticated wineries in the Edna Valley region. Driving up the winding road to the winery is a feast for your eyes! The landscaping and the grapevines set among the rolling hills make a spectacular backdrop to the modern wine tasting room. We visited Tolosa for the first time five years ago; and each time we return, we look forward to tasting and learning more about their wines.
The 2008 Pinot Noir has a rich, medium red color. Pouring the wine into a glass, there are aromas of dark, sweet fruit; cherry and perhaps plum. We also detected a hint of earthiness as we took first sips. Too often we find Pinot Noirs to be too light and unbalanced. Our preference is a Pinot Noir that can stand on its own; with enough sophistication and the right balance of sweetness and dryness, without being overpowering. This wine did not disappoint.
The Tolosa 2008 Pinot Noir would pair well with a variety of foods. We chose to drink it accompanied by grilled steaks with Paul’s balsamic vinegar, soy, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce marinade. Delicious!
You can spend an entire afternoon at Tolosa. Have a picnic lunch on the expansive patio; arrange to attend a wine and cheese pairing; or take a tour of the winery. If you visit, make sure to take advantage of the wine tastings offered ($8 - $15 with the fee waived with a bottle purchase). The knowledgeable staff will help to make your wine tasting experience most enjoyable. If you like Pinot Noirs, we suggest that you purchase a bottle or two of the 2008…you won’t be disappointed!
Cheers!
Want your Southwest Wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Southwest vineyards that would like us to review their wines please Contact Us for more information.
June 2011 Wine of the Month
June Wine of the Month: 2009 Cupcake Vineyards Pinot NoirVintage: 2009
Type:Red
Producer: Cupcake Vineyards
Cupcake Vineyards
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country: United States
Region: Central Coast, California
Production: 25,000 cases
Price: $13.99
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
Who couldn’t resist a wine with the name “Cupcake”? Actually, we didn’t know what to expect when we opened the bottle; but we love Pinot Noir and this one looked interesting.
We were planning a quiet evening at home. Paul prepared a delicious mixed green and arugula salad with grilled asparagus and strawberries along with two perfectly grilled filet mignons. We thought that this bottle of wine would pair well with our meal and we were not disappointed.
Opening the bottle, there were distinct aromas of cherry. Paul said he tasted hints of chocolate and berry. He thought that the wine was refreshing and not too heavy. I tasted hints of spices and a little sweetness that carried through the palate finishing with a little kick of spice. We both agreed that this wine was very smooth and enjoyable to drink.
We enjoyed our meal and this wonderful pinot noir while listening to the guitar music of Liona Boyd playing music from her recordings from her Spanish Album.
Want your Southwest Wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Southwest vineyards that would like us to review their wines please Contact Us for more information.
Cheers!
May 2011 Wine of the Month
MAY WINE OF THE MONTH: Javelina Leap 2009 ZinfandelVintage: 2009
Type:Red
Producer: Javelina Leap
Javelina Leap
Varietal: 96% Zinfandel, 4 % Petite Sirah
Designation: Zinfandel
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Sub Region: Yavapai County
Production: unknown
Price: $ 20.00
Rating: 3 Corks
Our Review:
Our friends Bruce and Diane invited us to dinner recently. We brought along a bottle of 2009 Zinfandel from Javelina Leap and asked our friends if they would like to help us critique this wine for Southwest Wine Guide’s May wine of the month.
This 2009 Zinfandel is made in the classic Zinfandel style. When the bottle was opened, the aroma was very strong and we were all concerned that it would have a strong, overpowering taste. However, we were all pleasantly surprised as the wine was not overpowering at all and very smooth. And at 13.3% alcohol, it was in the typical range of medium-bodied red wines.
Diane said she tasted pepper; Bruce said that he thought it was crisp; Paul said that he tasted cherries and I said that there was a spicy finish. Diane had prepared a delicious grilled chicken with lemon and garlic sauce that paired well with this wine.
Javelina Leap produces award winning wines from grapes grown in Arizona on their 10-acre estate vineyard in Cornville, Arizona. Owners/winemakers Rod and Cynthia Snapp handcraft their wines, one ton at a time.
This Zinfandel is aged in newly coopered medium toast French oak barrels, giving the wine smoky oak notes. Everyone agreed that there was some smokiness along with earthy overtones. What we all liked about this wine was that it still had a nice aroma even after being opened for some time. Very enjoyable!
Want your Southwest Wine to be reviewed and recommended?
Southwest vineyards that would like us to review their wines please Contact Us for more information.
Salute!
April 2011 Wine of the Month
APRIL WINE OF THE MONTHVintage: 2009
Type:Red
Producer: Pillsbury Wine Company
Pillsbury Wine Company
Varietal: of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Cabernet
Designation: Wild Child Red
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Sub Region: Cochise County
Production: 405 cases
Price: $18.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
Who wouldn’t want to open a bottle of wine named, Wild Child Red? Recently, our friends, Robin and Dave joined us for an al fresco dinner featuring Paul’s famous Pasta Napoli. Robin and Dave are fairly new to Arizona and have quickly become very interested in Arizona wines. They were the perfect pair to help us taste and review this wine.
Pillsbury’s Wild Child Red is 100% Arizona grown. It was produced from grapes from a neighboring abandoned wild vineyard close to the Pillsbury vineyards in Cochise County. This particular wild vineyard is also dotted with crop circles. A wild and mysterious wine indeed!
If you didn’t read the wine label, at first pour, the interesting red color looks like a nice Zinfandel or Pinot Noir, but it’s actually a wild blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Cabernet. Wild Child Red has hints of cranberry and currants on the nose.
All of us agreed that the first taste was somewhat tart, but also with hints of leather and perhaps spice. It was in our opinion, a wild infusion of flavors that finished with a very smooth mouth-feel. It was very enjoyable to drink and paired perfectly with the Pasta Napoli.
Robin and Dave enjoyed the wine tremendously and are fast becoming Arizona wine fans; we’re not surprised; the wine growers in Arizona (and Sam Pillsbury is at the top of the list) are far from amateurs and deserve credit and accolades for producing first class wines.
Salute!
March 2011 Wine of the Month
March Wine of the Month: “TAZI”Vintage: 2009
Type:White
Producer: Arizona Stronghold
Arizona Stronghold
Varietal: Blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malvasia, Pinot Gris and Riesling
Designation: TAZI
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Sub Region: Cochise County
Production: 1,384 cases
Price: $27.00
Rating: 4 Corks
Our Review:
The first white wine ever to be produced by Arizona Stronghold Vineyards was a 2008 TAZI. And even though 2008 was a tough act to follow, the 2009 TAZI can hold its own. The wine is named after TAZI who was the eldest son of Cochise and the peacemaker for the Chiricahua Apache.
We enjoy our white wines well chilled; but with TAZI, chilling it only slightly brings out interesting characteristics that would otherwise be lost if the wine was thoroughly chilled.
This wine is very aromatic with lots of citrus notes; orange and lemon with a hint of lime perhaps. As you sip, herbs and spices are prevalent. If allowed to sit in the glass, (which is very hard for us to do when we really like the wine), hints of melon and vanilla are introduced.
This blend of five varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malvasia, Pinot Gris and Riesling provides a surprising smoothness with a hint of steel that somehow blends with the other flavors. The finish is alive with tropical fruit and a touch of acidity.
A nice medium bodied wine, we think that TAZI would be perfect for a spring dinner al fresco with a light pasta dish or chicken.
February 2011 Wine of the Month
February Wine of the Month: HangmanVintage: unknown
Type:Red
Producer: Bitter Creek Winery
Bitter Creek Winery
Varietal: Blend of 35% Syrah, 30% Petite Syrah and 35% Zinfandel
Designation: Hangman
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Sub Region: Cochise County
Production: unknown
Price: $27.00
Rating: 3 Corks
Our Review:
An artisan gallery, tattoo art and wine tasting room combined; what could be better? On Hull Street in funky Jerome, Arizona, a renovated building houses The Jerome Gallery and Bitter Creek Wine Tasting Room. A sister to Jerome Winery , Bitter Creek offers hand-crafted wines by wine maker John McLoughlin.
In 2010, Bitter Creek Winery released the first wines with Tarot card labels designed by local tattoo artist, Rich Wyckoff. Each label is a distinctive, colorful work of art. We were drawn to the bottle labeled “Hangman” and purchased a bottle to serve recently to out of town guests who were interested in tasting unique Arizona wines.
Most of Bitter Creek’s wines are blends made with grapes from Willcox, Arizona. Hangman is a smooth blend of reds with a definite spicy aroma and full in the mouth with hints of plum, leather and chocolate.
Our out of town guests commented that the wine tasted earthy with a soft spice finish at the end. We regretted that we only had one bottle to share; but with an alcohol content of 15.25%, it’s probably a good thing that we didn’t!
Want your Southwest Wine to be reviewed and recommended?
January 2011 Wine of the Month
January Wine of the Month: Three Sisters SyrahVintage: 2007
******* ******* *******
If you liked Keeling Schaefer Vineyard's 07 Three Sisters Syrah (sold out) you should try our 08- it is awesome!
Cecilia Keeling K
******* ******* *******
Type:Red
Producer: Keeling Schaefer Vineyards
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards
Varietal: Syrah
Designation: Three Sisters
Country: United States
Region: Arizona
Sub Region: Cochise County
Production: 938 cases
Price: $18.00
Rating: Four Corks
Our Review:
This estate grown and bottled wine was a pleasant surprise. We had been saving this 2007 Three Sisters Syrah to share with friends. At a recent dinner party, we served this to our guests; all of whom were slightly skeptical of wines from Arizona.
We should have taken photos of their expressions as they tasted the wine; their faces went from skeptical to “I’m a Believer” in no time flat!
The color of this wine is a dark garnet red with a dense fruit nose of cherry and plum and very ripe, dense and lush in the mouth. A surprisingly balanced and smooth finish gave way to hints of leather and pepper. Although the alcohol content was high (15.6%) it didn’t overwhelm the palate.
The overall consensus was that this was an exceptional wine worth making note of. Apparently our guests weren’t the only ones pleased with this wine. The Arizona Wine Growers Association awarded Three Sisters Syrah a Bronze award in 2009 and this wine was one of the top five highest scoring wines in the 2010 Arizona Wine Blind Tasting Competition held at the FnB Restaurant in Scottsdale, beating out many of the most prestigious red wines from all over the world.
Northern Arizona Vineyards | Sonoita/Elgin Vineyards |
Southeastern Vineyards
2010 Reviews
December 2010 Wine of the Month
Sedona Woman 2008 Zinfandel
This 2008 red Zinfandel with the red and white label and the eyes of a seductive “Sedona Woman” is a signature wine produced by Oak Creek Vineyards and inspired by the beauty and energy that Sedona, Arizona has to offer.
Read More About Sedona Woman 2008 Zinfandel
Wine and Cheese Parties
Southwest Wine Guide Home Page
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave us a comment in the box below.