Mixed Case: Excellent Reds for Valentine’s Day

Mixed Case: Excellent Reds for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so don’t forget to pick up a special bottle to share with your loved one. Happy Valentine’s Day!

2013 Michael David Winery Earthquake Petite Sirah, Lodi, CA $25
If you like um big, this is for you. Gritty, ripe and woolly, this massive Petite Sirah is worth the $25 bucks.
BUY

Cooper’s Hawk Lux Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $37
Smokey, dark, mysterious, well made Pinot noir. Too bad you can’t by it anywhere except for their restaurant and online! BUY

2013 Parducci True Grit Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocino, CA $19
A solid example of what the Mendocino coast produces. A very likable red with lots of character and complexity. Black fruit reigns supreme.  Good QPR. BUY

2013 Parducci True Grit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, California $30
Ripe and rich, with a good dose of cherry and spice. Long finish with flavors of mint. Delicious! BUY

2012 Taylors Wakefield Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley, Australia $200
Oh what a shame to have consumed this masterpiece so young. The wine is brilliant, it’s tightly wrapped core of fruit and other delightful flavors will unfold beautifully given time. A must have for your bucket list of “Wines to drink before I die!” A rare treat.

2013 Taylors Wakefield St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley, Australia $60
What a wonderful treat! Distinct notes of cassis and licorice that dance across the palate. Full-bodied, and superb. BUY

2013 La Crema Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California $25
A feminine pinot noir style with pretty notes of bright cherry and dried herbs. This would make an awesome pairing with poached salmon. BUY http://tinyurl.com/hdrxbdk

2013 Ponzi Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $40
Rich and explosive cherry and chocolate flavors that dance across the tongue. Long, inviting dried cranberry finish. Delicious! BUY

2014 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $25
A pretty style with plum and cola notes that finishes with mint and herbs. A hard to beat price point for Pinot noir. Good QPR. BUY

2012 Jelly Jar Barbera, Lake County, California $22
Bright and inviting with plum and violet notes. Finishes long and strong. This is a good wine to try to get out of your comfort zone and you’re looking to try something other than Merlot. Good QPR. BUY

2012 Jelly Jar “Old Vine” Zinfandel, Lake County, California $24
Clean and complex, with loads of blackberry and spices. Great balance, wonderful acidity and tannins. Finishes long with a dash of vanilla. Great Zinfandel! BUY

2012 Matanzas Creek Merlot, Sonoma County, California $28
Complex flavors of blackberry, cherry and spice that leads to an interesting graphite flavored finish.  Great tannin and acidity balance. Pair with your favorite beef dish. BUY

2013 Chelsea Goldschmidt Merlot, Alexander Valley, California $18
Lovely cherry notes finishing with black tea and spice. Delicious with duck. BUY

2011 Nederburg ‘The Brew Master’ Red, South Africa $16
A wonderful blend that has plenty of dark fruits and spice to go around. Finishes with a touch of vanilla. Pair with your favorite red meat or chicken dish. BUY