Vino Keeno, The Grapevine for the Recreational Wino

2005 d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier
$19.99 (web) $31.99 (locally)

Wine label said:
The 100 year old Shiraz vines with 12 year old Viognier blend in a 94%/6% ratio. The finest winemaking methods are used.

Wine Doc says:
I was first attracted to this wine by both a 93 point rating from big Bob and the price. Boy, was Mr. Parker right on the nose. This big Shiraz has tannic edges but is smoothed out by the blend. It has a great flavor and a long impressive finish. This wine tastes like a Rhone Hermitage that costs four times as much.

This is Vino Keeno’s second review of a d’Arenberg wine, you can read about The Stump Jump here.

Benton-Lane Pinot Noir 2004
$24.99

Wine label said:
Our environmentlaly friendly vineyards are certified as “Sustainable Agriculture” and “Salmon Safe.”

Wineaux says:
I hear that Benton-Lane made the Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2006. That’s probably a good sign. Better than my review, considering I’ve never been a big fan of Pinots. All in all, this was a decent wine that improved with time. Had a bit of a dirt flavor, and I’m not sure if that is desirable or not. Probably par for the course for an Oregon Pinot.

Regardless, go with Wine Spectator on this one. Especially if you are a Pinot person.