So it's time to wrap up. Don't worry I will continue to review cocktails and wines of all prices. Oh, the research just never stops, my friends... So picked from all the reviews - the Top Ten!
They are in order of the most recently reviewed and prices are at time of review. I have tried to pick a range of varietals but many others were very drinkable too. For example, all the sparklings were excellent for the price. I've listed specifically where to buy in the East Bay but I'm sure many are easily purchasable in your area too.
Press here for Youtube videos of our tastings.
1. Martin Fierro Malbec 2008, Argentina ($8) from Vintage Berkeley.
Smells and tastes of cherries and the holidays, cinnamon. Very peppery and deep. Best with fatty piece of ribeye steak. Kevin: "Needs to be opened up an hour before drinking"
Full review
2. Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, NZ ($9.99) from BevMo and large supermarkets
Lots of lime, hint of passion fruit, great with a range of food including Thai or as friend Reece says: "very meaty BBQ."
Full review
3. Woodbridge Chardonnay 2009, Lodi, California ($7.99) from most supermarkets and drug stores
Smells and tastes of pear pie as promised. Easy drinking with a touch of butter and fruit. Kevin: "You won't wow your guest with this, but it's perfectly fine."
Full review
4. Glory Days Viognier 2008, Lodi, California ($8.99) from Mulberry's, Piedmont
Nostalgic label has old photos of baseball scenes. Full, rich and complex. Apples with a sharp aftertaste. My husband expanding on the baseball theme: "Not as rich as an expensive Viognier but gets on you faster than you'd expect and has some good movement."
Full review
5. Barokes Mix-Pak, Australia ($9.99 for pack of four cans) from Broadway Wines, Oakland and College Avenue Wines, Berkeley
Shiraz: Rich red depth. Smell reminds you of when you were a kid picking blackberries off the side of the road. My friend Sue: "Cheeky little number."
Full review
6. Delmas Blanquette de Limoux Cuvee Berlene 2007, France, ($9.99) from Wine Mine, Oakland
Offers hints of green apple and lemon with a slight dryness and a creamy nuttiness at the finish. Bubbles small and persistent and very festive. Me: "These people have been making bubbles for ages!"
Full review
7. Rosso, Tintero, Italy, ($8.95) from Kermit Lynch, Berkeley
Light and bright with red berry juiciness, like an old-style chianti. Very quaffable. Says friend Ross: "Would go well with pizza and spaghetti."
Full review
8. Schmitt Sohne Relax Riesling, Germany ($7.99) from BevMo
Complexity and fullness, redolent of flowers and fruit. Slight acidity balanced by a sweet lingering finish. Me: "Pretty blue bottle."
Full review
9. Red Diamond Merlot, 2007, Washington ($8.99) from Berkeley Bowl
Dark and wintry wine; juicy plums and blackberries. Tad minty with caramel. Friend David: "Berrydelicious!"
Full review
10. Casal Garcia Vinho Verdo, Rose, Portugal ($7) from Wine Mine
Invigorating spritz of bubbles in the background, bit of a bite at the end. Friend Kenny: "Good enough to sit on the patio and just suck down by itself."
Full review
So it's Goodnight Kiwi Wineau!
Have you tried the "Three Wishes" line at Whole Foods (their version of 2 buck chuck) -- it's shockingly rather good & I think less than $2 a bottle -- takes the guilt away for me in having a glass just 'cause I feel like it even if no one else is around . . .
ReplyDeleteJody - you are a gal after my own heart. . . I WILL be trying #1 and #6. And probably #9 because , you know, Washington "represent". Or something. I'm a little rusty on my "street talk". OK, sounding like an old lady now, time to go to bed.
ReplyDeleteJenn
Great photos! It sounds like it was a nice time. You write great descriptions because now Im thirsty and hungry! That first one sounds like a nice wine for a romantic steak dinner! Have a great day! :) Thanks for the love!
ReplyDeleteJody, I just watched your Youtube video. Loved it! I am a New Zealand wine drinker myself. And, have the same opinion of the wines you reviewed in your video.
ReplyDeleteThis is so useful...thank you, Jody!!
ReplyDeleteKatie
Printing this list out right now and keeping it for after Baby #2 arrives in July - then I will gladly drink my way through it!!! LOVE your blog so much!
ReplyDeletexoxo
E
www.glitterandgoldblog.blogspot.com
Here in France they are so proud (read that as arrogant) of their wine-making capabilities that it is virtually impossible to buy wine from anywhere else that is worth drinking. Imported wines are either soooo expensive or cheap and undrinkable. BTW it's bLanquette de Limoux (which no self-respecting frenchman or woman would be admit to drinking or liking) which here is considered an abomination and a poor subsitute to real champagne from the region of Champagne - actually banquette makes it sound more sophisticated.
ReplyDeletePersonally there is so much snobbism surrounding the wine industry in France that it stifles them and keeps them drinking the old favourites, Bordeau et Bourgogne. Ditto for the food actually - just try finding a decent foreign restaurant here, Japanese at a pinch with the current sushimania, Italian 'cause we're so close but Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Argentinian, Indian.... dream on and have another escargeot.
You guys are lucky in the States - you can find just about anything. And you don't necessarily have to pay big bucks to eat or drink well. I'd drink my way thru Jodi's list if I could.
Hey Linda - love that you are reading from Sydney? London? France? - where in the world are you today. And most importantly keeping an eye on my blinkin blanquetty awful French spelling. (just added the "l" thanks chook) Your insights are amazing...I wouldn't do well living full-time in France as I eat Thai every day for lunch and sometimes for dinner as well!
ReplyDeleteI looove this. I'm saving it to use as a reference.
ReplyDeleteNumber 3 sounds delicious right now (It's been hot couple a' days!)... Love your husband's description on #4... Must try #5 (We pick blackberries in Sonoma every August!)... and #7- I love a wine that goes well with 2 of my favorites- pizza & spaghetti!
You look very happy & cute in that last image!! (Could the wine have anything to do with that by chance?? ;)
Mmmmm wine. I can't wait until I can have that again. Been longing for a good cabernet merlot with a juicy medium steak! Lucky for me NZ has so much choice :)
ReplyDeleteAre they CANS of wine?! That is seriously awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteI love wine :) Such a coincidence you post a picture of wine in a can. Earlier today was the first time I've ever seen that, then I see it again on here!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to print out this list and give it a try! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, fun fun! :D I don't drink wine but my parents do sometimes, I'll have to show them this list :D
ReplyDeletehttp://www.closet-fashionista.com/
fun! lovely greetings
ReplyDeleteI must track down the Delmas - it sounds wonderful. Thanks for all of these recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to try that Malbec! We routinely enjoy the Woodbridge Chardonnay (as that is our price range for an average evening at home). Great series. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Oh that mention of Kermit Lynch and Berkeley Bowl make me nostalgic for my college daze. The Malbec sounds like it has all the qualities I like in a yummy red. Thanks Jody for your sweet comment over on my blog, much appreciated!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo