2004 Falcor Zinfandel

This Sonoma County special combines old vine fruits from both the Sono and Russian River Valleys. The 91% Zin combined with the 9% Petite Sirah and aged 14 months in oak bring a mouthful of enjoyment. I do not drink many Zins these days, but if they are as pleasurable as this find, I will start again. The notes of clove, dark black plums rush the senses. Slight hints of vanilla on the back palate adds length and depth to this gem. I would recommend that this be a permanent part of any cellar. I am searching now for the 05 (pictured here) to compare the vintages. I went against my usual $$ philosophy and paid around $28 for this a year or so ago. I now see it priced closer to $35-$40 online. I would not have any problem recommending this wine up to $50. The best Zin I have ever had.

I rate this wine 9.1 BigBecks out of 10

Beck

07 Fritz Russian River Valley Pinot

I have always believed that the Pinots that come out of the RRV are extremely fruit forward and not as " earthy" as those from other regions. I'm not saying that this is a negative in any way. I go 50/50 back and forth between the style of Pinots that I like to drink. This 07 Fritz is an outstanding wine that any pinot lover will enjoy. The nose is filled with cranberries and Shasta blackberry-vanilla soda. Upon the first swirl of the glass I got excited and could not wait to try the first sip. I was not disappointed what so ever. Ripe black cherries, cola and Christmas spices came to life. The tannins were present and pleasant and perfect after 11 months in oak....This bottle averages $30 dollars, but I got mine at Green's in Columbia, SC for a nice sale price of $18. I like this wine at $30, but love it at $18. Pick up a bottle or two and serve over the holidays to impress your guests.

I rate this wine 8.75 BigBecks out of 10.

2008 Morande Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir-Chile

I tend not to bash wines on this site, but this wine should be avoided at all cost. I'm always searching for an inexpensive Pinot so I purchased this one to try. The aromas of this wine were somewhat exciting with bright bing cherries and a hint of fresh crushed strawberries, but the flavor did not match my excitement. The flavors were all wrong. It had almost a fizzy texture along with a fake flavor of a jolly rancher that had been sitting unwrapped

in last year's Halloween bag...Not worth the $12 that I wasted on this train wreck. Really not worth $5...in my opinion...

I rate this wine 4 BigBecks out of ten.

2004 Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet

This Cabernet from the "Red Hills Appellation" packs a real punch. The aromas of sweet cherries and a hint of flint and oak bring this little number to life. A mouthful of wild berries and a hint of vanilly-oak push this bad boy over the top. For $18-$22 per bottle, I was not expecting the depth of this bottle. A good many Cabs in this price range are either oak-bombs, watered down or too fruity for my palate, but this one delivers. I recall purchasing 3 bottles of this wine a year or so ago. After opening the first bottle, my immediate impression was that I opened it too early. Still needed time in the bottle. I was right. I'm kicking myself for giving a bottle away to a friend...now my collection is depleted of this gem. You can bet that I'll be calling around today to see if I can find anymore of the 04 vintage. As my buddy Rigby would say.."this wine is big"

I rate this wine 8.0 BigBecks out of 10...Quality/value/price ratio is high on this one.

07 Diseno Malbec (Argentina)

A good effort for an inexpensive Malbec. Floral tones and a hint of tobacco on the nose. The tannins are a bit forward, but settled down after the wine was allow to open up for about 30 minutes. The tannins should also smooth out over time in the bottle. If you like drinking Shasta "black cheery cola" with your Hershey bar, you will appreciate this wine. I would recommend serving this wine with any type of grilled meat. This is not a "sipping by the fire in your smoking jacket" bottle of Malbec, but what do you expect for a $10-$15.

I rate this wine 6 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

06 Husch Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

Brilliant aromas of Bing cherries and cola spark the nose on this Anderson Valley treat. Raspberries and a hint of oaken vanilla bring this Pinot to life. As most of my follows can tell, I am very partial to Pinots from this region. I have tried many and have not been disappointed in any of them. This Husch is no exception. Drinks well and has cellar potential. I would recommend decanting this wine for at least an hour prior to serving. It grew and grew in flavor over time. My only hesitation is the price on this one. At $25-$30 per bottle...may be better quality Pinots from Anderson Valley in that range. I would recommend purchasing 4 bottles and try one a year over the next 4 years to see how the wine grows over time.


I rate this wine 6.95 BigBecks out of 10.

06 Melipal Malbec

A brilliant nose of tobacco, vanilla and a hint of mixed berries brings this wine to life before tasting even begins. This is a lush, velvety wine that stays with you on the back palate for a good while. Like most Malbecs, the juice is inky-maroonish like in color. The grapes were harvested from 85 year old vines which is special in itself. An easy drinking wine that does not need food to be enjoyed. For about $12-$18 bones, a real steal without breaking the weekend budget. Should drink well now until 2010.

I rate this wine 7.85 Bigbecks out of 10.

Beck

2004 Meyer Family Cellars Syrah

This Mendocino County Syrah is a wonderful mouthful of vanilla bean, crushed raspberries and blueberry pie. The tannins are present, but are so smooth that you may miss them. This fruit was carefully aged for 25 months in mainly American Oak barrels which is where the vanilla comes from. I Also found a slight hint of caramel on the nose. This wine was given to my wife and I by dear friends and fellow wine lovers. It is going to be hard to find a bottle in this same price range as a return gift...Approx $35.00...that will beat this one. One last note, this wine got even better after it sat in the glass for a little while...I would recommend pouring this wine about 15-30 minutes prior to serving at your next dinner party.

I rate this wine 8.25 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

07 Martin Codax Albarino

My wife recently tried this wine by the glass down at Brasserie Ecosse on a whim as she was looking for something different but still white & chilled as it was hot as hades outside. I think she may have found a new gem after I got my taste of it. We called the bartender over and he told me a little about it. It is from Spain and gets nowhere near the recognition as Rioja does so it is kind of overlooked. Unlike most whites this stuff is aged 100% in stainless steel. As for the taste its pretty smooth and a little sweet with touches of lemon, melon, and apple. Its dry but not the kind of dry like a chianti would be and it finishes very clean. It can also be picked up down at Tony's wine shop (Carriage House) for a surprising $13.

I give this "new" white 7 bigbecks out of 10.

07 Arissa Jane Pinot Noir

The Arissa Jane Pinot Noir from Sonoma is the second label for Adrian Fog which produces some of the finest Anderson Valley Pinots available. The Arissa Jane runs in the $20-$30 range where as the Adrian Fog tops $75. The 07 Arissa Jane needs some air-time. The first glass was closed to the palate as well as the nose. Upon first taste, it came across as extremely bland without a lot of depth and somewhat chalky. I set it aside and tried it again an hour or so later. The wine was totally different. Bursting with mixed berries (blackberries and plums), and the nose popped with an mossy-forest floor-crushed cherries aroma. I enjoyed this wine, but was not too impressed for the price point. I have found others in the range that was far superior. Maybe I have become too much of an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir snob....

I rate this wine 6.75 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

2004 Murphy-Goode Petite Verdot

Petite Verdot is normally used as a blending grape to add balance to other varietals. In my opinion, very few wineries are able to make an outstanding 100% Petite Verdot wine. Murphy-Goode does it vintage after vintage with high marks. This big and bold mouthful offers cocoa, black cherry and plum flavors. This wine can be very tannic, but let it breath for about an hour and it becomes as smooth as silk. The finish on the 04 is outstanding..I timed it..over a minute. If you do not appreciate wines that come at you head first and kick you in the teeth....pass on this one. Nothing delicate about this monster.

I rate this wine 8.4 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

07 Wild Rock "Cupids Arrow"Pinot Noir

Folks, if you are looking for an outstanding Pinot that does not break the bank, here it is. This offering from the Central Otago region of New Zealand brings to the mouth an explosion of raspberries, cherries and a hint of herbal undertones. The color of this wine is a beautiful medium reddish/maroon. The nose immediately picks up an assortment of red berries ranging from strawberry to cranberry...also a small smattering of clove and spice box. Very fine tannins that are balanced out with a little acidity produces a smooth finish. I have seen this wine range from $15-$22 per bottle. I would recommend taking advantage of a 15% case discount if you can fine one at your local wine shop.

I rate this wine 8.25 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

08 Red Tree Pinot Noir

Wow, Wow, Wow....An inexpensive California Pinot Noir that is good and does not break the bank. I spoke to two different sources prior to purchasing to make sure that I was not being sold a bill of goods...I had two of my trusted "wino" friends to taste this..and they gave it a strong buy. It is not an "Earthy " Pinot so if that is what you are looking for...look elsewhere. It taste like a slice of cherry/rhubarb pie with a topping of stewed blackberries. It is intense in flavor...but beware...if you open it...drink now...after-open-aging does not work for this morsel. Buy by the case and enjoy while cooking outdoors on the grill. great wine to serve for a large gathering.

I rate this wine 6.5 Bigbecks out of 10.

I rate this wine 9.5 Bigbecks for its quality/value ratio...under $8.00 per bottle case price.

07 O'Reilly's Pinot Noir

This is a beautiful wine for the price ($13-$17) . This is a second label Owen Roe wine. Owen Roe's "Sharecropper" label produces some of the best Cabs and Pinots available.....The O'Reilly's Pinot offers an elegant, light-bodied mouthful, with bright red berries, purple flowers and earth in the aromas. Vibrant and juicy flavors of raspberry, cranberry, and hints of cherry. It gains depth towards the finish, with brambly dark berries and subtle tinges of dried herbs. This can either be a "with food" pinot or enjoyed by itself. The only negative is that the first few sipps came off a bit chalky, but after it breathed for 30 minutes...it went away. I would recommend opening 30 minutes to an hour prior to serving. Beautiful, Beautiful offering..

I rate this wine 7 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

"Pinot is a hard grape to grow….It’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It’s not a survivor like Cabernet that can grow anywhere and thrive when neglected. Pinot needs constant care and attention and in fact can only grow in specific little tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing growers can do it really, can tap into Pinot’s most fragile, delicate qualities. Only when someone has taken the time to truly understand its potential can Pinot be coaxed into its fullest expression. And when that happens, its flavors are the most haunting and brilliant and subtle and thrilling and ancient on the planet."




From the screenplay by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor of the novel, Sideways, by Rex Pickett.

2005 Henneberg Pinot Noir

Another wonderful Pinot from Raye's Hill . This is the second of four that I am tasting from this wonderful vineyard. From the winemaker "This Pinot has bright pure fruit flavors of cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, rhubarb and cola all coming together with a long spicy finish". I will agree with Dan's assessment, but since I have never had rhubarb... I cannot say that I tasted any on my palate. The cherries, raspberries and the cola were very prevalent and forward. I really loved the spice that came at the end. As my friends know, I like earthiness and some spice to shine from a Pinot. I cannot wait to try the other two from this Anderson Valley winery.

I rate this wine 7.5 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

2004 Anderson Valley Wightman House Pinot Noir

I was searching for my next Pinot find from the Anderson Valley and came across this little gem. Raye's Hill winery and vineyard produces 4 different Pinot Noirs that sounded wonderful. I called and spoke to Dan Sokolow who is the winemaker and owner of the vines. After hearing and feeling Dan's passion for his wines...I purchased 3 bottles of each of his Pinots to taste. I started with the Wightman House Pinot and discovered how delicate a pinot can be. Soft vanilla tones with a mild oakiness came across the palate with a refreshing lingering aftertaste of mixed berries. A very nice effort.

I rate this wine 6.5 bigbecks out of 10

Beck

Meridian 2007 Chardonnay

Tough times increase the calls for getting the most value from the wine you drink (unless you are one of the precious few that is rocking during this recession). The above wine is one my wife and I have been drinking for years during both good and bad times. Its made in Santa Barbara County and the reason we drink it all the time is that it is just plain good. Its not too sweet and doesn't have too much oak. Its kind of buttery but also has some zing to it. Its really the kind of wine meant to be enjoyed amongst friends on a deck on a pleasant spring day. The really good part is this stuff goes for $10 a pop and even less if you go to a wine supermarket such as Total Wine.

I rate this wine at 7 Bigbecks out of 10.

04 Howell Mountain Zinfandel

The nose on this wine is filled with black raspberries, coffee and pepper. The flavor explodes with multiple layers of dark fruit and a broad spectrum of spices. Each sip brought something new to the palate. The back palate savored the flavor for at least a minute or two. This wine actually got better as it continued to opened up. Truly one of the best Napa Valley zins that I've tasted in some time. The price tag on this sinful demon is 25-30 bones... One note..I researched this wine and printed out five random reviews...none of them were the same, which speaks volumes to the versatility of this zin. The only things that all five had in common .......1-Delicious 2-Keep plenty around to share.

I rate this wine 8 bigbecks out of ten.

Beck

I called Tony at Carriage House Wines last week and told him that my wife and I were throwing a baby shower and needed a red wine that is extremely drinkable no matter what was on the buffet table. He, as usual, did an outstanding job of pointing me in the right direction. This nose on this wine is fresh plums and crushed bing cherries. What I really loved about this wine was the color. It was the color of strawberry starburst candy. For the price (about 12 bones), this wine was outstanding. Even the young wine neophytes that were at the shower (normally beer drinkers) commented on how good the wine was. If this wine can withstand a year or two in the cellar, I will be purchasing a case this week to put away.

I rate this wine 6.9 bigbecks out of 10

I rate the value/flavor ratio 9.5 bigbecks out of 10

Beck

Robert Mondavi Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Speaking of Oakville, here is one that started it all and even though the name has become very commercial, it can still deliver the juice. It has all the characteristics of a great cabernet. This is a BIG red from the nose to the finish. It is a little tannic even after decanting, but still powerful and mouthwatering. This Oakville Mondavi is one of the few wines that I have had where after it is gone, you can still taste it 15-30 minutes later because of the intense blackberry, tar, dirt, and other mindboggling smells and tastes. I do not often spend this kind of dough on a bottle, but when I do I like to know that it can deliver the goods. This is actually one that you could put away for 5 years and it would probably be better than it is now, but I am an impatient wine drinker who would rather drink than hold.

I give this wine 8 out of 10 bigbecks.

04 Downing Family Vineyards Cabernet

Another Oakville beauty!

This wine starts off with a luscious nose of chocolate covered raspberries and star anise. This wine is as smooth and drinkable as any wine that I've ever had the privilege of tasting. The soft tannins, mild oak, wild berries and cocoa flavors come alive after 30 minutes of breathing. The vibrant flavor last for a good minute after it has left the palate. I have also had their Zin which is a strong effort, but nothing compared to the Cab. I know that Rigby will love this one due to its Oakville lineage..

I rate this wine 8.5 bigbecks out of 10

Beck

06 Orin Swift " The Prisoner" Zin Blend

This wonderful wine is a household favorite. I cannot say it better than this"

"The 2006 blends the lush berry flavors of Zinfandel, the power and concentration of Cabernet Sauvignon, the dark black fruit of Syrah, the intensity and structure of Petite Sirah, the flesh of Charbono, and a hint of Grenache - all combined for a decadent wine with great complexity."

The Prisoner has gone from a " Cult" wine to a highly sought after vino for the cellar. I have had the 05, 06, 07 and all of the vintages outperform any other Zin blend in the industry. Age potential is 6-10 years.

I give this wine a consistent 7.5 bigbecks out of 10

beck

06 Pelerin Cuvee St. Vincent Pinot Noir

Taking my wife out to dinner tonight...bringing this Pinot with us. Looking forward to trying this one...Here is a blurb from the tasting notes....

"The 2006 'Cuvee St. Vincent' Pinot Noir presents broad aromas of fresh cherries and strawberries, accompanied by notes of licorice and vanilla."

Will keep you all posted as to where this one lands on the bigbeck scale....

Folks, this wine was delicate and delectable. My wife had the first taste and told me that she has found her favorite Pinot. The flavors were of subtle cherry and strawberries with a hint of all spice. The wine actually got better throughout our dinner. The owners of the eatery came by the table for a tasting. They were also blown away. May be adding to their wine list.

I give this wine 9 bigbecks out of 10.

Beck

05 Ex-Libris Cabernet

If you are looking for an entry level, great value ($15-$20), Washington State wine...here is my choice. The o5 is the 3rd vintage of this wine and they keep getting better...I have had them all.... Aged for 16 months in oak barrels, this wine is extremely fruit forward with a full range of spices on the nose with a hint of cedar and red apple peel. The fruit is a big explosion of black cherries, raisins, dried cranberries along with mild tannins.

I give this wine 7 bigbecks out of 10

Beck

01 Vega Sindoa Cab 60%/Tempranillo 40%

I was somewhat pleased to find out that this wine was still drinkable. I remember purchasing this 01 many years ago and stashed it away in the value section of my racks (which I'm starting to go through to make room). I opened this wine to check to see if I needed to pour it down the drain or drink now...Turned out to be a good pairing with some homemade spicy beef burritos. The nose was borderline acceptable. The fruit was blackberry jam with a hint of raspberry flavored skittles to it. I would recommend that anyone that has this vintage to Drink Now..it may not last another week...

I give this wine 5 bigbecks out of 10

Beck

Louis Martini Napa Cabernet

Anyone that has been to my house more than once knows my love for this label. I fell in love with the 03 Napa Cab and the relationship began. I often struggle as to which vintage to pull from my selection (03, 04, 05). It really depends on what is on the center of the plate. The 03 is drinking quite well now, but with less power than the 04. The 05 is still an oak explosion , but mellows out after about 30 minutes of breathing. I would recommend buying one bottle of each for a private tasting. You will not be disappointed with any of these. By the way, their Sonoma Cabs are OK, but will not stand alone without food. By the way...Louis Martini was the first tasting room that my wife and I visited on our first Napa excursion.

I give the 03 Napa Cab 6.5 bigbecks
I give the 04 Napa Cab 7.5 bigbecks
I give the 05 Napa Cab 6 bigbecks...potential move to 7 bigbecks after one more year of cellaring

Beck

2003 Cecchi Villa Cerna Chianti Classico Riserva

I purchased this wine a year or two back after attending a Cecchi wine dinner at the Pine Crest Inn in Tryon, NC. I opened this bottle last night over dinner and made the mistake of not allowing this to open up. Straight out of the bottle, the wine showed extremely firm tannins that overpowered everything else. After 30 minutes, the wine calmed down and showed the classic "Dusty Rose" spectrum of flavors of the sangiovese grapes from this region. I would recommend at least an hours worth of breathing prior to serving.

This wine went from 4.5 bigbecks to 7.5 bigbecks after breathing.

Beck

La Yunta Torrontés

This is a white from Argentina that is very light and crisp. I am usually all about the malbecs from Argentina but Tony (owner of Carriage House Wines) encouraged me to give this white a go. It is low in alcohol and has a slight sweetness to it that makes it pairable with Asian & Thai food or is just good for drinking on a warm day. It smells and tastes of apples and melons with a crispness on the back side that makes it refreshing.

I'd give this 7 out of 10 BigBecks and 9 out of 10 Bigbecks for the $9.99 price tag.

2005 Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

I made the mistake of trying to buy a value pinot noir without asking for help. I am not the expert on Pinot's, but am trying to learn. I have found that my personal palate is moving from the big and bold cabs and zins to the delicate pinot noirs of the world.

This wine had a really nice nose of cherry and spice box, but failed to continue to deliver in the tasting catagory. The wine left an unpleasant aftertaste that lingered far too long. I'll leave this one on the shelf next go around and or ask for assistance with my selection.

I give this wine 3.5 bigbecks

Beck

2006 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese

For those of you looking for a entry level wine that is priced right...here is my pick. This wine is made to pick up at the store and drink with dinner. This is not an age worthy wine...in my opinion. It should not cost more than 9 dollars. It offers up aromas of strawberries, black cherries, damp earth, spice box, and fruit cake. Give this one a try...This winery has other exceptional wines that bring to the table more richness, but this one is a good starter wine...

I rate this one 6 bigbecks out of 10 for depth/flavor
I rate this one 9 bigbecks out of 10 for value

Beck

2003 Joseph Family Vineyards Cabernet

Excellent wine. Started to crystalize on the cork...do not know if this is good or bad. Also had some setiment in the bottle. With those points being said....the wine was delicious. deep purple color with hints of dark currants and some mild oakiness...

I could give this 6.5 bigbecks out of 10..

Beck

2004 Cosentino Cabernet

Another great choice. My wife and I fell in love with this wine while touring Napa Valley and the surrounding wineries. This winery produces some of the most drinkable wines in the industry. We must have tried 8-10 selections. All were purchase worthy. This winery keeps the prices where us common folk can purchase by the case and enjoy.

The 04 Cabernet is exceptional. It will stand up to most Cabs from anywhere. Smooth tannins with a mouthful of blackberry jam and a hint of clove really throws you for a look. This powerful wine should be pared with a nice medium rare steak and some buttery potatoes.

I give it 7.5 bigbecks out of 10

Beck

2005 Goldeneye Pinot Noir

Had the 2005 Goldeneye Pinot Friday night. Couldn't have been more impressed with the outcome. This wine was superb...Earthy with undertones of strawberry, cherry and some cinnamon. Come to find out...this is the wine that will be served for President Elect Obama's dinner this week.

I gave it 8 bigbecks out of 10

Beck