Bocca di Lupo

Castel del Monte, 03, Aglianico

My first wine from the Aglianico grape. I ordered a Rhône at Alexander's steakhouse (which they didn't have) and the sommelier brought this gem out. It was amazingly complex and exactly what I was looking for. It had a little spice on the nose, good acidity, and a full body. I'm not sure how much it costs, but it's certainly comparable to a $50 CdP. I will definitely drink again

Sinister Hand

06 Columbia Valley. $23 Whole Foods

Very dark and brawny. Some smokiness on the nose, black fruits throughout with a long finish. I drank this by itself and should've paired it with a bleu cheese or steak.

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel

06. $20 ($15 at Whole Foods)
-Bold, but not overwhelming. Sweeter than I expected. Some black fruit on the nose that quickly gives way to plums and then a finish of spice. Seems like it isn't pure zinfandel. I enjoyed it and it was very drinkable. In general, I prefer something with more character but this was a great everyday wine. In retrospect, I think I'd purchase 2 Clines instead.

Update: I bought another bottle just to make sure since this is widely viewed as great...

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 06

$18. Very dark, almost black color. Dark berries on the nose; definitely more fruit than spice. During sip, the spices come out and sit for a while. Not extremely tannic, but definitely present. A bit jammy, but still well structured. Lacking in acidity, which creates a bit of imbalance. Would probably taste perfect next to a bleu or gorgonzola. Definitely a nice wine, but not outstanding and you can get better zins at this price point.

Côtes du Rhône Vintages

From: Wine Spectator, 11/15/07

Northern:
05-06: NYR, 05 expected to be great
04: good
03: some great, wide-ranging quality
02: DON'T BUY (except whites)
00-01: good
99: GREAT; Côte Rôtie especially
94-98: good


Southern:
05-06: NYR, 05 may be best in 20 yrs
04: consistently good quality
03: hold; rugged tannins
02: DON"T BUY
00-01: great, especially Chât-du-Pape
99: Grenache not great, others decent
98: GREAT
96-97: soft, not very good
94-95: good
91-93: DON'T BUY

Les Champauvins

05 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Villages; Alain Jaume & Fils. ~$25?

Very deep, dark color. Leathery aroma is very noticeable and consistent throughout the swallow. Slight jammy aftertaste; very bold and meaty. Would pair well with a rib-eye or game. The 20% syrah overpowers the 70% grenache and 10% mourvédre. It certainly isn't as tannic as Australian syrah, but bolder than Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Plan on saving for tomorrow to pair with dinner. Note: the vineyard lies next to Chât-du-Pape (S. Rhône)

Réserve de l'Oriflamme

06 Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Seemed almost 100% grenache. Not a very aromatic nose, but the aftertaste was quite fruity. Full-bodied, amd quaffable, but doesn't have a lot of structure. Not a wine I would repurchase (price ~$20). Too light and didn't have the impact I expected/wanted from a Rhône.