Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Justin 2008

Cabernet Sauvignon $50

Paso Robles, CA

3.5 Stars

Low Clarity

Not very floral, smells faintly of dark red dried fruits. Additionally cedar and rubber on the nose.

Concentrated flavor,. I don't have much for the tasting notes. Hopefully my sister has some notes written down in her notebook for this wine. Overall a bit disappointing for the price, but still a good easy to drink wine.

Barking Frog Pinot Noir 2007

Barking Frog 2007

Pinot Noir $32.95

Oregon, USA

4 stars

Smells of natural earthy smells like soil, maybe tar.

Flavor starts light and flavorful with dried fruits. Surprising complexity.

Apothic Red Blend 2008

Apothic Red 2008

Red Blend $22

Modesto, CA

3 Stars

Smells of Spicy fruits and cedar.

Taste was well balanced, with light red fruits. Nice medium long finish.

Concannon Merlot 2007

Concannon 2007

Merlot $10.99

Central Coast, CA

3 stars

Fruity aromas, light red fruits, very jammy smelling. Cant quite pin down the fruit, maybe huckleberry or plum.

Well balanced and fruit forward. Light on tannins, with a short enjoyable finish.

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Rodney Strong 2007

Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.99

Sonoma, CA

2.5 stars

I dont have much of a review for this wine, didnt take notes while we were drinking it. Too tannic for our tastes, we should have tried decanting it. Overall not really our favorite.

Bodega Virgen de La Sierra Lo Brujo Roble Garnacha 2003

Lo Brujo Roble 2003

Granacha $13

Calatayud, Spain

3 stars

Smells of plum, very dark rich fruits, dark cherry. A hint of pepper as well.

The wine is extremely concentrated. Fruity and powerful. Almost overpowering flavor with dark fruits and spiciness that leads into a moderate finish. You get a strong dose of tannins with the onslaught of flavor. Finish is slightly on the dry side.

Sweet Cheeks Winery Pinot Noir 2007

Sweet Cheeks Winery 2007

Pinot Noir $17.95

Eugene, OR

3.5 Stars

My mom was nice enough to bring this back from Oregon. Unfortunately its extremely difficult to get this anywhere other than Oregon, as its a really small winery.

The wine has a beautiful light color, and smells reminiscent of a tempranillo. I do not have any good words to describe that, so forgive me for that. The smell is slightly tangy, but more of an herb like tang, maybe lemongrass. You can smell blueberries as the smell tails off.

The wine itself begins with a burst of flavor. Raspberries and other dark fruits with a smokey overtone. The tannins hit halfway down your tongue, but they are not overpowering. The wine then descends into a very long pleasant finish.

Overall a very good wine. Thank you Mom.