El Seque Vinedos des Seque Alicante 2005

9 1/8 Screwcaps

This wine should be rated higher than what I have it at at the moment, but you all might think that I have lost my mind. Why? Well, let me say that this wine is 80% Monastrell and the rest being divvied up between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This wine is from Alicante; a coastal town in southeast Spain. Getting the picture? Delicious wine from Spain...how much do they generally cost? Well, think about that, while I go out to the store and buy a case of this wine. $10.99!!! This is a BBBBIIIIIGGGGG wonderful composition. Expect a mix of chocolate, cherry, bacon, white pepper and tobacco. Oh, and new car smell. You'll know what I'm talking about when you try it. Buy it now. Buy it by the case and I promise you that you won't be disappointed!

The Wines of Cougar Crest, Walla Walla, Washington

Cougar Crest 2003 Anniversary Cuvee
9 1/8 Screwcaps

The Bordeaux blend that kind of drinks like a Syrah! This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot has a full bodied richness with a touch of spice that just makes the whole day better. This wine has fantastic balance and an alcohol percentage that is high, but not discernible. If you can find this wine, save it over the next 5-10 years!

Cougar Crest 2003 Syrah
8 2/3 Screwcaps

The Syrah that drinks like a Bordeaux! OK, not really, but this is a VERY nice medium to full bodied wine that was made for upscale casual occasions (ie. BBQ with the Boss, date impressing, etc.). The spice from this wine is so subtle and elegant, if you don't like it, make sure that there is Busch Ice in the fridge because you have no taste. Seriously, this is a great wine that deserves serious attention and appreciation for the quality that Deborah Hansen puts into this wine.

Cougar Crest 2003 Cabernet Franc
6 7/8 Screwcaps

As much as I love most of the wines from Cougar Crest, I have to be as honest as I can (I obviously have no future in politics). As much as I love Cabernet Franc, I am that much more finicky when it comes to judging them. It is my favorite varietal, especially in blends, but when it comes to just the varietal, it must be soft and elegant. This is neither. Just like some New World wines being called "Wine on Steroids," this is much the same in that it gives more than what it has to offer. High alcohol content reveals little fruit and balance. I wish that this could develop over time, but as most Cab Francs don't, neither will this one.

Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2004

9 1/2 Screwcaps

Oh Chris Rigland, you are just on top of your game! This Australian winemaker, famous for what is now Marquis-philips (yes, philips is lowercased on purpose. Don't EVER mess with Sarah and Sparky!) has come to Spain on contract with Jorge Ordonez to make this wine from Jumilla that is 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The taste is a clash of Old and New World thought, as a nice classic tannin structure gives way to highly concentrated fruit that gives off a blackberry, currant, bacony goodness that has a finish that hugs your tongue as though it was never gonna let go! I timed the finish at 47 seconds!
Hold on to this amazing wine as long as you can, although, you can drink it right now. Either way, at the rating it has, it is a steal for just under $45.00, if you can still find it!

Ventisquero 2005 Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

8 7/10 Screwcaps

Talk about a raspberry/currant gem of a wine that just won't quit on price for the quality! From the Colchagua Valley in Chile, this Cabernet is a medium bodied wine that compliments a wide variety of foods, from a nice heavy steak, to spicy pork, even to delicate, buttery fois grois. The nose is deceptively sweet, making one think that the tannin structure won't be balanced whatsoever. This is a mistake. Once it hits the mouth, velvety tannins roll over all the areas of the tongue, letting you know that it's verbose alcohol content is classy, but it is also ready to party.

Drink this wine over the next two years.