2010 Picpoul de Pinet

Submitted by Jack on Tue, 04/24/2012 - 10:58

What a great choice for summer camping - or, in our case, spring desert camping.

We had already collected a few choice bottles of sauvignon blanc but when we wandered into Farmstead, they had a better idea: boxed wine. This one box was equivalent to 4 bottles and under 40 bucks. It fit our profile for a light, citrus (lime) white. Read more about 2010 Picpoul de Pinet

2010 The Argonaut Sauvignon Blanc - North Coast, California

Submitted by Jack on Mon, 01/02/2012 - 20:09

We spent a good part of summer 2011 zeroing in on sauvignon blancs. Enjoy the citrus flavors in the daylight. Who could unseat Judd's Hill as our favorite?

The Argonaut perhaps came the closest this summer. Paired perfectly with a Steve Miller Band bootleg from '77 (L.A. Forum) that showed up on random shuffle - tune was "Baby's Calling Me Home" .... the perfect California summer white wine whether you are norcal or you are socal.

We went back looking for it in Spring 2012 but it's all-the-way all gone. They really should ramp it up for next round. Cool bottles too. Read more about 2010 The Argonaut Sauvignon Blanc - North Coast, California

Rock Wall Obsidian

Submitted by Jack on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 09:14

The Obsidian is a 50/50 blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. No slouch with alcohol content of 15.1%.... it really is super delicious if you are into chocolate and blueberries. (I don't know about the "gamey meat" description they offer on the website.) It really fits in with the Rock Wall zin lineup... fruit explosion!!! but perhaps a tad more subtle than the 2009 Obsidian. Nobody is ever going to accuse Rock Wall of being boring.

Retails at Rock Wall Wines in Alameda for $22 -- wine club discount brings it down to $17.60. Read more about Rock Wall Obsidian

Rock Wall Montepulciano Contra Costa County 2010

Submitted by Jack on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 09:03

Rock Wall Wines, being the offshoot of Rosenblum, is already famous for its fabulous zinfandels. But their greatest achievement may very well be their take on the everyday (lighter style) Italian red wine... montepulciano.

Dan at Du Vin describes it thusly: Read more about Rock Wall Montepulciano Contra Costa County 2010

Mas Fi Brut Cava

Submitted by Jack on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 08:51

Somewhere between *tiny* bubbles and frog bubbles is this delightful, citrussy sparkling wine from Spain for 10 bucks. Nice choice for an end-of-year party and pairs perfectly with Sly and the Family Stone's album "Fresh." Read more about Mas Fi Brut Cava

Rive Sud 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé

Submitted by Jack on Tue, 10/11/2011 - 12:10

An ideal, salmon-colored French style (from France duh!) Rosé that simply kicks ass. Wish I had a case of this. Kari portages them home on her bike from San Francisco whenever she can.

Blackwell's out on Geary sells it for $10. Read more about Rive Sud 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé

Santa Carolina 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

Submitted by Jack on Tue, 10/11/2011 - 11:51

Santa Carolina 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva

I put in a request to Dan at Du Vin for my wife... fruity, limey white wine with lots of personality for an everyday drinkable price. Well, maybe not every day... but you know what I mean. This really hit the spot along the lines of that Judd's Hill Sauvignon Blanc we love so much but at less than half the price!

We optimized it on a warm, sunny afternoon while grilling tofu and listening to Johnny Cash on vinyl. Read more about Santa Carolina 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

Rock Wall 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County

Submitted by Jack on Tue, 09/20/2011 - 20:09

Shauna's description: "Peaches guide the aromatics followed by pink grapefruit with Asian pears, and figs. The flavor profile follows suit with an additional bit of lemon zest and orange blossom."

This SB retails for $15 but we can get it for $12 w/ club discount. Perfectly drinkable but this isn't what Rock Wall does best. Keep in mind we like those limey SB's so there you have it. Read more about Rock Wall 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County

Rock Wall 2010 Montelpuciano Contra Costa County

Submitted by Jack on Tue, 09/20/2011 - 20:08

The 2009 Montelpuciano won us over to Rock Wall last spring. It was a beautiful light red wine that blew away every Montelpuciano we've tried since -- especially the regular ol' Italian stuff (apparently Italy and Alameda are the only places they make it.) As they say... "this ain't your grandfather's montelpuciano."

We enjoyed it while cooking vegan hoisin-mustard tofu and listening to Italian Surf Academy. Read more about Rock Wall 2010 Montelpuciano Contra Costa County

Cuvee du Golf de St.Tropez - Rose 2010

Submitted by Jack on Wed, 09/07/2011 - 13:23

Blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah = Salmon Colored! Dry yet lush with strawberries and raspberries. Love the old-fashioned cork bottle. Try it with sunshine and pygmy death metal music. Or Art Pepper. Or Peter Tosh. It's going to go good with anything... especially food. Read more about Cuvee du Golf de St.Tropez - Rose 2010