Ten Mile (California) Vintage Proprietary Red Wine (2005)

October 26, 2008 — Tom & Melody

Tom and I went up north (Traverse City) to see my folks this weekend. My dad had saved me a newspaper clipping with a one-page advertistement from a wine shop. “The Blue Goat” had a wine sale that ended at 7:00 p.m.  So, the four of us took a drive over there and arrived with about 20 minutes to spare. Tom and I quickly chose a dozen reds that were on sale that looked interesting to us. This is one of them.

This Ten Mile Vintage Proprietary Red Wine 2005 is classic California red, a blend of old vine grapes of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Malbec, and Carignane.  In the glass is very dark purple hues with a nose of pepper, and black tea. On the palate is plummy fruit along with dusty, smoky undertones. The feel in the mouth is supple and medium bodied, while the nicely-structured acidity provides a complexity that is impressive for the price. The finish is plums and licorice.

For dinner, I have chicken simmering in the skillet with potatoes (to mash). I am going to make some gravy from the chicken drippings and a vegetable. But, we are in no hurry. The chicken can simmer a long time and still be delicious!

Posted in Barbera, Blends, California wines, Carignane, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Traverse City/Old Mission Peninsula, Under $10. Tags: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Bogle Petite Sirah (2006)

October 15, 2008 — Tom & Melody

bogle-petite-sirah-2006We opened this Bogle Petite Sirah 2006 last night. I nearly swooned. I eagerly claimed the remaining wine for myself tonight — thanks, Tom! The blackish-purple hue is beautiful in the glass. The nose is blueberry, through and through. On the palate is a surprisingly jammy, yet dry, burst of fruit. There is a hint of black pepper along with ripe fruit and oak on the finish. The tannins are firm. I really like this wine. I recommended it to my friend Erin today, who also loves a big red wine.

For dinner I made a very simple soup, but one that I enjoy very much. It starts with browned ground beef and onions. Then I add canned tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, and barley. Although very simple, it is savory and satisfying. I will also add a few drops of hot sauce in a few minutes. I also baked a loaf of whole-wheat bread and that is out of the oven and cooling. So this petite sirah is the perfect wine for this meal of soup and bread. Cheers!

(By the way, I purchased this wine at Kroger’s; it was on sale. Marked down from $13.99 to $9.99.)

Posted in California wines, Petite Sirah, Under $10. Tags: , , . 3 Comments »

Oakton Lane Paso Robles Petite Sirah (2007)

October 7, 2008 — Tom & Melody

It is Tuesday evening. I put together a meatloaf for dinner tonight. Since the oven was going to be on, I put an acorn squash in the oven, too. It smells delicious. (I am also going to make mashed potatoes and green beans.) Meanwhile, I am finishing the last of this Oakton Lane Paso Robles Petite Sirah 2007 from California, while Tom is having a cabernet-merlot blend from Chile, which he just opened.

Mine is delicious. The tannins are pronounced and the taste of pepper and black fruit is predominant. I really like this one. Well, my oven is beeping so I need to put the vegetables on the stove. Cheers!

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. 1 Comment »

Oakton Lane Petite Sirah (2007)

September 25, 2008 — Tom & Melody

We have been bad. Very bad. Our lives have been so hectic lately and we have allowed many bottles of wine to be enjoyed without comment. Life does have a way of getting in the way of one’s best intentions.

But, tonight will be different. I am having a glass of this Petite Sirah. It is a Thursday night during a very busy week. Tom is in California at a conference. Tony (our son) has safely arrived in Paju, South Korea, and has started his new job. Tommy (our son) is working tonight. So, it is me and Trigger tonight, enjoying the quiet autumn evening and this delicious wine.

This is a smooth-tasting petite sirah that is bursting with flavors of pepper and dark fruit. It is luscious and fruity. I love the peppery finish. I have put together a casserole tonight. This will be a great addition to dinner.

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. Tags: , , . 2 Comments »

Oakton Lane Petite Sirah (2007)

August 29, 2008 — Tom & Melody

This California Petite Sirah from the Paso Robles region arrived today in a wine club shipment. I had my meal of grilled pork loin, pototoes and a salad planned. . .however, as the night progressed, we decided it wasn’t a good night to cook. (We both worked hard this week and, hey, it’s Friday.) So, we have just ordered a pizza for our Friday-before-Labor Day weekend! This will be perfect!

Our sons have been home with us and we are having a quiet evening because Tommy is working and Tony went camping tonight.Tony leaves for his job in South Korea on September 14. Tommy starts back with his graduate-school courses on September 3.

The wine was a bit tight and closed when we first opened the wine, but after 15 minutes in the glass, it is now bursting with blackberries and pepper. The tannins are potent. We very much like this wine and it solidifies our appreciation for the petite sirah.

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

Sienna Cellars Petite Sirah (2006) Central Coast

April 19, 2008 — Tom & Melody

Tom and I are having a glass of this Sienna Cellars Petite Sirah to close out our lovely Saturday night cocktail hour. This wine is special and we have been saving it awhile. In the glass it is inky purple. On the nose is raisins and spice. The taste is chocolate, berries and spice. What makes this wine really delicious to me is the strong tannins that are evident, especially on the finish.

My running partner and I ran 10 miles this morning. My legs are a bit tired but it feels good. After the run, I didn’t feel like grocery shopping so tonight we are having some leftovers — a pot of soup I made earlier in the week, a loaf of sourdough bread and some white cheddar cheese. Very simple, but it will be delicious. Tom rented a movie for us to watch. Ahhh, the comforts of home. . .

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. Leave a Comment »

Sienna Cellars Petite Sirah (2006)

March 30, 2008 — Tom & Melody

Sienna Cellars Petite Sirah 2006This Sienna Cellars Petite Sirah 2006 is excellent: tannic, chocolaty, and complex. Very tasty and drinkable. Air seemed to help it, or at least didn’t hurt it; the last sip was as pleasant as the first.

We have a second bottle of this (from a wine club). I think we’ll hoard it a while as a special treat.

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. Leave a Comment »

Tunnel of Elms Cabernet & Parducci Petite Sirah

December 29, 2007 — Tom & Melody

North Point Seafood & SteakhouseMelody and I had dinner last night at North Point Seafood & Steakhouse in Dexter, MI. Our son Tommy works there as a waiter.

Tunnel of Elms Cabernet SauvignonParducci Petite Sirah 2003Melody had a Tunnel of Elms Cabernet Sauvignon. (Tunnel of Elms appears to be made by Beringer.) It was quite good: tannic, rich, big fruit.

I had a Parducci Petite Sirah, which we’ve had before; it was also very good: tannic and chocolaty. This is a favorite of mine.

The food was very good (we both had prime rib), and of course it was great to see Tommy.

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California wines, Petite Sirah. 2 Comments »

Bogle Petite Sirah (2005)

December 8, 2007 — Tom & Melody

Bogle Petite Sirah 2005In the glass this Bogle Petite Sirah 2005 is purple and dark. On the nose is ripe cherries and young berries. On the palate are traces of butter, vanilla, oak, and prunes. There are fruit flavors of plum and prune with some black pepper; it is gentle yet jammy! This is medium bodied and round in the mouth, not acidic. The finish is pleasant, faintly bitter, and not particularly tannic.

Tom: This Bogle Petite Sirah 2005 is absolutely delicious. The taste is of coffee and chocolate and dark fruit. It’s fairly soft, not particularly tannic. It’s jammy but not fruit bomby. Luscious.

(We previously reviewed a Bogle Petite Sirah 2005 last May.)

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. Leave a Comment »

Mirror Lake – Petite Sirah – Central Coast (2006)

September 26, 2007 — Tom & Melody

Mirror Lake Petite Sirah 2006Tom is in California and is conducting his own wine-tasting event as I write this (see his posts below). Meanwhile, I am holding down the fort at home, taking care of our dog, Trigger, and keeping the home fires burning for when Tom comes home. I have been so busy with work-night events that this is my first chance to relax and have a glass of wine since Tom has been gone. (Correction: Second time I have had a glass of wine; first time I have had the chance to blog about it.)

Tonight, I am finishing a bottle of the Mirror Lake Petite Sirah 2006 from California. I chose this wine because it was open! But, it will go well with the flank steak (wrapped in a pinwheel around spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese) that I am cooking for dinner. Although I have reviewed this wine at least twice before, I always taste a wine as though it is my first time. The color is a rich, deep black and has a blueberry and chocolate/coffee flavor. The nose is interesting; perhaps rosemary and a bit of licorice. This is a full-bodied, tasty red. The finish is smooth and satisfying.

Tom, I know the wine tasting will be fun and that you will be a fabulous teacher! Hurry home; I miss you!

Posted in California wines, Over $10, Petite Sirah. Tags: , , , . 2 Comments »
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