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