Forlorn Hope "Suspriro del Moro" Alvarelho 2012 Mathew Rorick

"Three hundred forty seven cases" is how the bottom of the label of Forlorn Hope reads, so this one is probably sold out at most wine bars and restaurants, but... I had a couple of glasses of this wonderful Portuguese grape (Alvarelho) grown in California's Alta Mesa sub region at Blue Smoke in NYC
maybe 3 weeks ago... and it is amazing.

First, there are the uniquely aromatic scents from the glass, strangely exotic and tart with ripe strawberry and glycerine, rounded out with a spicy earthiness... I could NOT stop sniffing this wine!  This is a medium weight red with rich and super fresh acidity, showing smooth tannins. On the palate I found cassis, leather, smoke, and stewed fruits. I have to find some more of this. If you can find it, the SRP is around $22.

Celliers de France Cabernet Sauvignon Pays d'Oc 2011

Pays d'Oc is a traditional "country" wine, in France a step above table wine... but this Cabernet from the southwest is a good everyday wine for around $6.

Dry while showing a certain fruitiness with low acidity and mild tannins. Earthy underbrush aromas are at the core with flavors of cassis, fresh red fruits and rosewater, and a nice smooth surprising finish.

Achaval-Ferrer Quimera 2010 Mendoza Argentina

From Argentina's Lujan de Cayo, Mendoza region and sourced from Diamante, Bella Vista and Mirador vineyards Achaval-Ferrer produces this wonderful Bordeaux style blend of 31% Malbec, 20% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Each variety was initially fermented separately in small tanks before aging for 12 months in new and 1 year old French oak barrels.

Dark ruby colors are a prelude to an expressive bouquet accented by spice and dried flowers, followed by a complex flavor profile showing tobacco, glycerine, red berries, cherries, cola and dried spices. This is a perfect bottle for a special event with family or good friends.

B-Side (from the flip side of) Napa Valley 2011

This lucious Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon is an interesting blend of old and new world red wines. Attractively complex and very fruit forward with ripe tannins while revealing a smooth velvety palate. Dark ruby purple colors the glass, while aromas of blackberry permeate the air, mildly wafting a newly opened cigar box, finally the palate practically yells "ripe bing cherries!", with hints of plums, dark chocolate and coffee. The finish is long with more signs of cocoa and additional blueberries. This is an amazing buy for under $20. Thank you, Mike B. for swinging by for a taste last weekend!

Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Washington State

I've tried their Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot, so to round out the Chateau Ste. Michelle line, I finally got to try their Cabernet Sauvignon. My buddy Mark found this older vintage in his local wine shop, Douglaston Wine & Spirits in Little Neck, NY, at first buying a single bottle, then going back the same day to purchase a half case.

Opaque dark ruby colors with rusty brick around the rim of the glass. On the nose, this cab went wild, with candy, cranberry sauce, and even saltwater combining for a rich gamut of aromas. On the palate, I'd call it a fruit bomb, on the sweeter side of dry with healthy but rounded tannins, and a marked smoothness. Complex flavors showing blackberry and strawberry fruits, anise, tobacco and some lively smokiness. Excellent balance of nose & palate, tied together smartly in a package for under $15, although this might pass for a $40-50 bottle. This is a great value in my book. 

Tormaresca Neprica 2010 IGT Puglia

Here is a red wine from Puglia that I keep returning to at every new vintage. It's called Neprica, which is portmanteau of Negroamaro,Primitivo and Cabernet grapes (40%, 30% and 30% respectively). Dark, clear ruby red in color, brambly aromas complement cola and licorice while dark flavors of spice, cocoa, cola and ripe blackberries dominate. SRP $11, so makes a great everyday wine to go well with steak, veal or pasta with red sauce.