http://www.justagrape.com Simple Wine Reviews By Regular Guys Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:00:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.justagrape.com/red-bicyclette-france-2007/ http://www.justagrape.com/red-bicyclette-france-2007/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:31:51 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/?p=486 This is a Pinot from France.  We have tried this wine several times over the years, but for some reason it never made it into an actual review.  We do remember enjoying the earlier vintages a bit more than this one, so if you can find one pick it up over the 07. $12 from Bashas.

• Plumb aromas, followed by a distinct buttermilk smell
• Tastes of strawberry and apple finish
• Smooth start in the the mouth but it bites a bit at the end.
• Mouth feel is not so much soft but slick.
• Like a sharp witted and slick girl who always seems to have something up her sleeve.  She is quick with answers that sometimes make you wonder if she is being serious….but when she calls you have no reason not to answer because after all, you don’t really mind spending time with her.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/red-bicyclette-france-2007/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/martha-stewart-vintage-merlot-sonoma-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/martha-stewart-vintage-merlot-sonoma-2006/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:15:26 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/?p=280 This is one of the wines in the new Martha Stewart line that was released last year.  There is also a Cabernet and a Chardonnay available.  The wine is produced and distributed by E & J Gallo Winery, of Modesto, Calif and made from grapes from the Sonoma region.  The wines are so far only available in the select cities of Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix, and Portland.  The wine is usually sold in the $15 price range, but we recently picked some up on clearance for $6.  We have also reviewed the Cabernet and will be posting that review soon. $15 ($6) from Bashas.

• Aromas vanilla and fresh green beans.
• Flavors are complex, but tend to compete with each other.
• Strong blueberry flavors that improve after decanting.
• Smooth and very dry.
• Very fruit forward but not sweet.
• This wine is like a “buy one get one free” coupon to a semi-upscale restaurant that you haven’t been to before… you are happy that you went, but wouldn’t go back if you didn’t have another coupon.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/martha-stewart-vintage-merlot-sonoma-2006/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/wrangler-cabernet-sauvignon-washington-2004/ http://www.justagrape.com/wrangler-cabernet-sauvignon-washington-2004/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:53:04 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/?p=247 This was a review that we did between periods of the 2008 season opener of the Phoenix Coyotes.  We thought it would be a good bottle to commemorate the occasion. $10 at Bashas

• Hints of mint and and a slight scent of alcohol in the aroma
• Flavors of prunes at first
• Medium to long finish with hints of clove
• Red apple on the tip of the tongue
• Really interesting wine with a great label….but not really what you expected.  It is like picking up a video that you have never heard of before but the cover looked interesting.  While it may not have been the best movie, you stil enjoyed if because you got it on video and did not spend a fortune seeing it in the theater.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/wrangler-cabernet-sauvignon-washington-2004/feed/ 2 http://www.justagrape.com/duck-pond-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/duck-pond-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:52:15 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/?p=231 This is a Pinot Noir from Oregon.  I was excited when I saw this wine in Fresh & Easy because I had the 2004 and 2005 vintage about a year ago.  While I would recommend the 2004 vintage over this based on taste alone; you cannot pass this one up because of the price.  Pick this bottle of Oregon Pinot up and give it a try. $10 from Fresh & Easy

• Some strawberry and floral aromas.
• Quite dry and tannic.
• The taste was a bit earthy with hints of fresh cut wood.
• Minor taste of nutmeg at the finish.
• Very good Pinot for the price…Much like like picking up a filet mignon that has been marked down at half price.  It just seems to taste so much better because you know the price you paid.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/duck-pond-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/concannon-petite-sirah-2005/ http://www.justagrape.com/concannon-petite-sirah-2005/#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 16:04:13 +0000 Eddie http://www.justagrape.com/concannon-petite-sirah-2005/ I picked up this wine because I really wanted to try something different. I had the Concannon Pinot before and really liked it so I thought I would give this a try. I was please with the purchase and would have it again. $9 at Frys

• Strong Cherry aromas
• Powerful oak and cherry with the perfect amount of sweetness
• A little one dimensional but very good tasting
• Could be a little boring after a while but it is still a good wine to drink
• Like watching a Temple basketball game under John Cheney…pretty much all your going to see is defense. Now granted they were very good at playing defense under him but unless you understand that there will not be any spectacular offensive plays then you could be a little disappointed.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/concannon-petite-sirah-2005/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/red-flyer-california-2003/ http://www.justagrape.com/red-flyer-california-2003/#comments Sat, 03 May 2008 17:20:54 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/red-flyer-california-2003/ This is a red table wine from California. A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Carignane. I saw this on display at Trader Joes and couldn’t pass up the $3 price tag for a review on justagrape.com. My expectations were low, considering the bottom barrel price and our past experience with “Red” labeled wines (see Cheap Red, Red Truck, Big House Red and Red Guitar), but it turned out to be a half decent bottle. We recommend it if you can find it for the $3 price, but if you have to pay closer to $9 you could probably do better. $3 from Trader Joes

• Very dark deep purple/red hues.
• Apples and cherries in the aroma.
• A little sweet and jammy off the start.
• Bold smokey berry flavors with a short finish.
• This wine is light hearted and bold at the same time. It’s that fun lovin friend you have that always speaks it’s mind and is an all around good time when you hang out.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/red-flyer-california-2003/feed/ 2 http://www.justagrape.com/barking-sheep-malbec-bonarda-argentina-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/barking-sheep-malbec-bonarda-argentina-2006/#comments Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:25:50 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/barking-sheep-malbec-bonarda-argentina-2006/ This is a Malbec, Bonarda blend from Mendoza Argentina. $10 from Target

• Vanilla and blackberries with a hint of cotton candy in the aroma.
• Moderate tannins
• Fruit forward taste yet not too sweet.
• Soft smooth mouth feel with a nice dry finish.
• This wine is like a mid-summer day… in the pacific northwest.  It’s refreshing and cool in a summery way but not too overpowering.
  

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/barking-sheep-malbec-bonarda-argentina-2006/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/ombretta-chianti-italy-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/ombretta-chianti-italy-2006/#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:08:10 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/ombretta-chianti-italy-2006/ This wine is a Chianti from Tuscany. Chiantis are very good buys and you can find decent bottles for around $10.00. You can get great bottles for around $20.00. Chiantis….like most Italian wines are built for food. If you are looking for a wine that goes great with a meal yet does not break your wallet than you should try out a few Chiantis and this is one we would recommend starting with. $6.00 From Fresh and Easy

• Deep purple color
• Rustic aroma with hints of berries
• Flavors of toasted oak
• Black Cherry notes
• Solid buy at $6.00…Its like playing softball with your old glove that you have had for years….It may not be as fancy or as nice as some of your friends gloves but you know it will work for you and after all……whether it works for you is all that really matters

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/ombretta-chianti-italy-2006/feed/ 4 http://www.justagrape.com/caposaldo-chianti-italy-2005/ http://www.justagrape.com/caposaldo-chianti-italy-2005/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:50:48 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/caposaldo-chianti-italy-2005/ This wine is a Chianti from Italy. $10 Purchased at Cost Plus World Market.

• Cherries and earth in the bouquet.
• Spice, citrus and cherry flavors.
• Light and refreshing feel with mineral undertones.
• Overall this is easy drinking wine with good body and a nice finish.
• A solid Chianti at $10.00 that would provide good company with a meal….yet light enough to have a glass or two on its own

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/caposaldo-chianti-italy-2005/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/the-big-kahuna-cabernet-shiraz-australia-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/the-big-kahuna-cabernet-shiraz-australia-2006/#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:56:35 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/the-big-kahuna-cabernet-shiraz-australia-2006/ This is a Cabernet Shiraz blend from Australia. $3 Purchased form Fresh and Easy

• Strong fruit forward aroma with strawberry.
• Burst of strawberries right of the bat followed by blackberries.
• On the sweet side, but not too sweet or jammy.
• Simple thin and light with a medium finish.
• Like a piece of candy or a slice of cake is good after a well balanced dinner….so to is this wine…Not big or bold enough to rely on to supply all your nutritional needs; but definitely something you don’t mind having every once in a while….especially considering the cost.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/the-big-kahuna-cabernet-shiraz-australia-2006/feed/ 5 http://www.justagrape.com/castle-rock-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/castle-rock-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/#comments Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:54:07 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/castle-rock-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/ This is a Pinot Noir from Oregon. Actually the grapes are from the Williamette Valley in Oregon but the wine was bottled and cellared in Sonoma County California. $11 Purchased from Fresh and Easy.

• Strong apple aroma.
• flavors of candied fruit.
• Sweet at first but mellows out at the end.
• Very good wine for the price.
• It’s a wine that is easy to drink and much like watching your kids play. They are innocent, sweet and open to new experiences. We suggest that you open you mind and try this wine.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/castle-rock-pinot-noir-oregon-2006/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/robert-mondavi-private-selection-merlot-california-2005/ http://www.justagrape.com/robert-mondavi-private-selection-merlot-california-2005/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:49:11 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/robert-mondavi-private-selection-merlot-california-2005/ This is a Merlot from the Robert Mondavi Private selection. It is very common wine that can be found just about anywhere. We picked this up on short notice and had it with sausage and peppers. $8 Purchased at Safeway.

• Hints of toasted oak and red berries in the aroma.
• Sweet off the start
• Fruity with berry flavors.
• Slightly tart with moderately high tannins.
• Mild strawberry finish.
• Simple but decent. Kind of reminiscent of watching reruns of Friends. You enjoy it but it does not excite you and you wish something else was on.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/robert-mondavi-private-selection-merlot-california-2005/feed/ 3 http://www.justagrape.com/louis-jadot-beaujolais-villages-france-2006/ http://www.justagrape.com/louis-jadot-beaujolais-villages-france-2006/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:20:02 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/louis-jadot-beaujolais-villages-france-2006/ This wine is a Gamay Noir from the Beaujolais region in east central France. Beaujolais is a sub-region of the larger Burgandy region in France, and is known for producing fruit forward and light wines. Nearly all of the wine produced in the Beaujolais region is of the Gamay grape variety. This wine is very common in the US and can be found at almost any store. $8 from Trader Joes.

• Strawberry bouquet.
• Light and dry with moderate tannins.
• Easy to drink with a very short finish.
• Not complex, simple.
• This wine is like that song you hear and enjoy right away. After a while though it gets a little boring, because it’s not layered with intricacies that take multiple listens to hear. It still is nice to play once in a while though because it does have a good rhythm.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/louis-jadot-beaujolais-villages-france-2006/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/amarone-della-valpolicella-italy-2003/ http://www.justagrape.com/amarone-della-valpolicella-italy-2003/#comments Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:32:19 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/amarone-della-valpolicella-italy-2003/ Amarone is a wine that refers to an old fashioned wine making method of drying the grapes on racks in order to bring out their flavors. Amarone is traditionally a rich and dry red wine made in the Venitian region of Italy. $17 Purchased at Trader Joe’s

• Intense, rich and fruity bouquet.
• Dry and tart.
• A wine meant to be enjoyed with a meal.
• Decanting is strongly recommended; but if no decanter is available then you should allow the wine to breathe for an hour before drinking it.
• A wine like this is like an independent and strong woman… she knows what she wants and is going to tell you whether you want her to or not. She is outgoing and somewhat abrasive but you will always know what she means. She does not beat around the bush.

]]> http://www.justagrape.com/amarone-della-valpolicella-italy-2003/feed/ 0 http://www.justagrape.com/avalon-california-2004/ http://www.justagrape.com/avalon-california-2004/#comments Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:19:35 +0000 Mike http://www.justagrape.com/avalon-california-2004/ A Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County California. $10 Purchased at Trader Joe’s

• A smooth wine with medium tannins.
• Slightly smokey.
• Fruit flavors of berries and peaches.
• Smooth and drinkable.
• Good wine for the price.
• Nothing overly exciting here but you do get a better product than the price projects and that is the main reason for the three trophies. Sorta like going to a Baseball game and seeing extra innings…a little extra baseball for your buck that you did not expect…but not as thrilling as hockey or football.

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