sommelier

Ross Pk. today.

Recently in New Zealand, I got back into the ‘wino’ mentality.  We’d proclaim ‘grapes!’, and sample a new Pinot Noir (from Central Otago) every other day or so. 

Thus, back in the States, here’s my half-hearted ‘big’ red sample from the last week and a half (all around 8 bucks at Town and Country). 

The El Portillo Malbec ’08 (Argentine) felt a bit too frivolous on the palate (fruity).  Not something to savor nor contemplate.  The Cycles Gladiator, a ’08 Californian Cab Sauv went really well with a bowl of black beans, but I definitely wouldn’t write home about it.  Thus, taking the round was the Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin (another 2008 vintage).  A Californian bottle of grapes with some game.  They cite licorice, plum, pepper and vanilla.  Spot on splendid.  Try it.