Wine Review, aka What I'm Drinking Lately

I LOVE finding phenomenal wines under twenty bucks. Lately I've been on a kick to try as many reds under 20 that I can. I've found quite a few that are very very good.

One particular favorite of mine to pick up while at Trader Joe's is Robert Hall's 2005 Cab from Paso Robles. It was released in June 2007, and each time I open it up, it tastes better than what I remember. Immediately, your tongue is introduced to black currant, cocoa and an almost honey-like aroma. I like it because it is also chocoatey and smooth. Because Robert and Margaret Hall fell in love with Southern French wines, this one is quite reminiscent of a softer blend from the Rhone Valley. I opened up this bottle over some Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Saag, and believe it or not, it was quite nice. However, I think this wine would go much better with any rich pasta dish or lighter meats. So good, so cheap...

Robert Hall
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles
Price: ~$11-19

If you haven't tried it already,Concha y Toro's Casillero Del Diablo Chilean Cab from (shockingly)
2007 is also an excellent buy at about 8 dollars a pop. In a true Cabernet sense, it is well rounded and balanced with a lot of pop. It is definitely woody and heavy on the berries. It also has slight chocolate undertones and ends with a nice dry and crisp finish. This wine tastes much more than $8.00, and it is surprising that it is so full bodied and well balanced for being so young. Definitely serve this wine with short ribs or steak.

Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile
7.99 at Trader Joe's

Another fantastic buy for about $12.00 is Rosenblum's Vintners Cuvee XXX Zinfandel. I love Rosenblum's cellars because they are an unassuming and unpretentious cellar located in Alameda, California (located very close to Oakland). Upon entering the cellar, you are greeted with friendly folks who encourage you to do their tastings, and will let you try all sorts of other varietals. They are pretty well known for their Zins, as well as their dessert wines. They have this phenomenal dessert wine called "Desiree," which literally tastes like melting chocolate over your tongue. I get their quarterly shipments and have been pretty satisfied with their selection.

This particular one is one of my favorites for many reasons. It is a blend of 2000 and 2001 vintage Mourvedre and Zinfandels. For the price, it drinks much more expensiver, as it is pretty complex, berry-forward, Oak-y and definitely (my favorite) Vanilla! I have also tried the XXIV, which is also excellent for its price.

Rosenblum Cellars
Vinter's Cuvee XXX
Zinfandel
Napa Valley, Alameda
~12.00