Vino Keeno, The Grapevine for the Recreational Wino

Nobilo Icon Marlborough 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
$18.99

Wine label said:
This wine is the culmination of years’ of research into specific viniculture techniques, special attention to vineyard sites and a winemaking strategy focused on fruit structure and balance. This Icon series wine is made from the best fruit drawn from selected vineyard sites selected each vintage.

Grape Lady says:
This New Zealand sauvignon blanc was really delightful. From the long necked shape of the bottle to the last sip, I found this rich fruit flavored white to be a fun wine and one that I will buy again. I do believe that the New Zealanders are really turning out some great wines.

2005 Mollydooker Two Left Feet
$24

Wine label said:
Mollydooker (affectionate Aussie term for a left hander)
Whether you are a Mollydooker or an Honorary Mollydooker, we left hand craft our wines with WOW specially for you. Sarah & Sparky Marquis

WebWino says:
Let’s cut to the chase. This wine is 65% Shiraz, 19% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 100% fantastic. I shared this wine with friends during a superb dinner, and it was a knockout. It took its time opening up (really could have benefitted from the decanter) but by the time we got our beefy main courses, it was wonderful. They weren’t kidding with the WOW. Big and flavorful, just the way I like them.

Side note, this wine is made by the Marquis half of the Marquis Phillips line of wines. Just like the wines that bear the Roogle, they have a winner here.

And another side note. Our waiter was really excited to serve us this wonderful wine, but I must admit I did find the presentation a little flat when he simply twisted the cap off of the wine. It lacked the pomp and circumstance I’ve come to expect when ordering fine wines in classy restaurants. However, once we started drinking the Mollydooker, the actual presentation didn’t matter a lick. The wine more than made up for any shortcomings in the “uncorking.”

2004 Lemelson Vineyards Thea’s Selection Pinot Noir
$25.99

Wine label said:
More than any other wine variety, Pinot Noir expresses its origins – the soil, climate, and place where it grows – in its subtle flavors and varied textures. When you open this bottle, you share the results of our commitment to producing complex, elegant Pinot Noir using sustainable farming methods that preserve and enhance the unique attributes of our vineyards. We sense nature’s magic in our wines. May you also.

WebWino says:
I shared this wine with my parents, and learned a thing or two. Yeah, these are the same parents who hob-knob with sommeliers. I have no choice but to get schooled.

My first reaction to this wine was, “Grapey!” Which is not an uncommon reaction for me. What I learned was that that flavor is called cherry in the wine tasting biz. Whoops. I also noted that it was fruit forward and did not have any earthy dirt flavors. My next lesson was to learn that it was a California style Pinot Noir, even though it came from an Oregon winery.

I think I just continued to drink the wine (and thus tune out the lessons) because I really did enjoy this Pinot, especially as it smoothed out in time.

By Chip Bok of the Akron Beacon Journal

Flora Springs 2004 Chardonnay
$24.99

Wine label said:
We at Flora Springs invite you to drink this wine which our family has produced for your enjoyment. It represents our total dedication to selecting the best grapes our Napa Valley vineyards will produce and vinifying them into wines of distinction. Flora Springs sets the standard for a family owned winery. We produce limited quantities of the finest wines from our own Napa Valley vineyards.

WebWino says:
TIt is interesting that the label talks about the family background to the winery. If it weren’t for my family, I wouldn’t have tried this wine. My parents taken on my red wine snobbery as a gauntlet worth tackling and have come up with some impressive contenders for me. Admittedly, all it took was finding that Chenin Blanc that reminded me of downing bottles of bubbly with my Mom and Sister and I was singing a different tune. All of the sudden, white wines were an option. But I still was holding my ground…

Enter Flora Springs Chardonnay. Dang. It was nice. I didn’t even have to put up a fight. It didn’t even occur to me I wasn’t drinking red wine, I was just drinking a wonderful wine. This wine was smooth with aromas of green apples and vanilla with a nice finish. I guess I’m in good company as well, since Bob Parker gave it high marks as well.

So thanks Mom and Dad for taking on this red wine snob and force feeding me the good whites. I certainly appreciate it!

PS – This is from the same winemaker as the spectacular Trilogy.

Oyster Bay 2005 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
$12.99

Wine label said:
This wine captures the special character of New Zealand’s cool climate. It is elegant and comes from the Marlborough area.

Cookie Baker says:
Oyster Bay has a crisp, cool flavor that satisfies. It is New Zealand wine that goes well with food or for just simply sipping. I would easily recommend this for special occasions or just your daily touch of wine.

WebWino says:
Welcome Cookie Baker and her first review! I will say, you’ll fit right in here, especially if you practice the “daily touch of wine” technique!

Screw Kappa Napa 2003 Zinfandel
$10

Wine label said:
Life after cork. As an old tradition passes, a new one begins. Screwcap closures ensure each bottle of the finest Napa Valley fruit matures as the Great Winemaker above intended. This Zinfandel shows lovely fruit and spice characteristics. Black cherry and white pepper notes make this a perfect dinner wine.

Rabbi Tuchman says:
Had to buy this one for the title alone. Clever name, cute bottle design, cheap price… it just had to taste good. That wasn’t too much to ask was it??

Yes, it was.

I would love to be a member of this fraternity. Really. Who wouldn’t? But if you were required to drink this swill, then I’m going to pass.

This wine was strikingly upfront and harsh. I will agree with the winemaker’s claim of white pepper, but I didn’t get ANY cherry or any other fruit flavor for that matter. And the aftertaste was not very pleasurable either.

This bottle has been relegated to the counter next to the stove so it can be used for cooking. It wasn’t so awful that it warranted being flushed down the drain, but it’s no winner either.

Lily 2004 Chardonnay
19.99

Wine label said:
A wine as delicate as the flower with the youthful vibrance of my daughter Lily. In the mouth, flavor layers of honey, caramel and custard are joined by hints of vanilla and flint all coming together on the finish with a nice intermingling of oak and fruit.

Wine Doc says:
The label was not misleading on this one. This Chardonnay is pale yellow with aromas of tropical fruit, flavors of honey and vanilla and a little oak mixed in for good measure. It reminds me of of a French Burgundy… only much cheaper and from the Sonoma Coast. An excellent wine!

Contrada Napa Valley 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
$16.99

Wine label said:
The word Contrada refers to the small neighborhoods found in the Northern Tuscany region of Italy. These handcrafted wines are reminiscent of the local wines produced in the area. ENJOY!

Vineyard66 says:
This wine was recommended to me by our local wine store with the story that it was created for Hyde Park Grille and the deal fell through. So the makers went ahead and marketed it on their own and the result is a fine wine at a low price. This wine is inky black with aromas of mocha and chocolate and a long, smooth finish. Time for a math lesson: Great wine + low price = great value!