This little gem deserves recognition this week for its medium bodied flavor with its peppery and berry aroma. This smooth harmonious wine has it all – sweetness, intense rich tannins, and a long aftertaste. On the nose, there is a hint of boysenberry, plum, and earthy tones. It is a sweet wine, but bold like an old Zinfandel. It remains bold and spicy which can be enjoyed with good steak, game, pork, or enjoyed with rich dishes with hearty Italian sauces.

While this wine has big flavors of an expensive wine, it has an affordable price tag ranging from $9 to $18.

As compared with other vintages, this is by far one of the best. I have not tried the later vintages (2007, 2008, or 2009), but the wines preceding are just as good, if not better. The only drawback is the price. The early the year the higher the price may be due to availability.

Located 45 minutes east of Los Angeles, Inland Empire residents don’t have to venture far for good inexpensive seafood cuisine.


One of southern California’s best seafood restaurants is located at the shopper’s paradise of Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, called Kings Fish House. This is not just an ordinary fish house. They set the standard for what one would expect from a fish house at an ocean side location, but without the fishy-ocean smell.


Their menu is filled with everything seafood including popular oysters from all regions that are rich in oysters from places like Baja Mexico, North Island- New Zealand, British Columbia, Totten Inlet- Washington, Nova Scotia- Canada, Damariscotta- Maine, Duxbury Bay- Massachusetts, and Carlsbad- California. Want to try all of them? Then order the Oyster Sampler platter with options of six, nine, or a dozen oysters.

Don’t like oysters, then try their to-die-for sushi. Their master sushi chef’s can prepare delightful plates of sushi, sashimi, and chose between 14 different specialty cut rolls like the Royal Salmon roll with crab salad, raw salmon, bonito flakes, green onion, and sesame seeds with a tasty ponzu sauce or the Trojan Roll that has spicy tuna on the inside and sashimi tuna wrapped on the outside with citrus tobiko.

At King’s Fish house, one can also enjoy a traditional seafood meal from their lunch and dinner menus. They have 16 hearty appetizers including oysters, fish tacos, and King’s crab cakes. For the main course, chose from a wide range of King’s famous charbroiled section, like hard to find items like wild British Columbia Red Rockfish or Farm raised Mississippi Catfish. King’s of course has succulent crab from Canada and Alaska and lobster from Maine and Australia.



Their drink menu is just as impressive as their dinner menus. With an impressive 60 wines in their drink menu, they are not short in selection for wine lovers. Included are 12 different martinis, eight specialty cocktails, and 23 different domestic and micro-brewed beers.



There is really so much to name and mention from their menu, it is hard to give credit to it all. To see the menu for yourself, go to: King’s Fish House

This little gem deserves recognition this week for its medium bodied flavor with its peppery and berry aroma. This smooth harmonious wine has it all – sweetness, intense rich tannins, and a long aftertaste. On the nose, there is a hint of boysenberry, plum, and earthy tones. It is a sweet wine, but bold like an old Zinfandel. It remains bold and spicy which can be enjoyed with good steak, game, pork, or enjoyed with rich dishes with hearty Italian sauces.

While this wine has big flavors of an expensive wine, it has an affordable price tag ranging from $9 to $18.

As compared with other vintages, this is by far one of the best. I have not tried the later vintages (2007, 2008, or 2009), but the wines preceding are just as good, if not better. The only drawback is the price. The early the year the higher the price may be due to availability.

Did you know that Champagne and sparkling wine is basically the same thing? What are the differences between the two?

The answer may come to a surprise. Most of us have taken for granted that all sparkling wines and champagnes aren’t the same thing, but the truth is, sparkling wine and champagne are very much a like. It is the region where the wine grapes are grown that makes the big difference.

In a nutshell, Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region of France, while sparkling wine is just sparkling wine from everywhere else. Is there a real difference? To the French, yes, there is a big difference especially in the method of fermentation. Only an avid wine drinker can notice the difference. Just like any other wine, the dryness, the quality of the grapes, the nose, and the sweetness differentiate these wines.

Brands of sparkling wine are found anywhere ranging from $9 to $30 a bottle. This reason is due to availability and quantity. More and more people are going to these inexpensive wines, especially during a tight economy. Champagne however is limited and highly expensive ranging from $20 to $120 a bottle, like the 98 point 1996 Dom Perignon.

Why is Dom Perignon so expensive? It is expensive for the same reason Dolce & Gabbana is expensive, but seriously, Dom Perignon is expensive, because it is made with the finest Chardonnay grapes.

Someone pointed out that Champagne isn’t carbonated and sparkling wines are. I laughed when I heard that. In fact, all sparkling wines are prepared in a very similar fashion. The bubbles are formed during the fermentation process. During the second fermentation process, the winemaker adds sugar and yeast. These ingredients create the carbon dioxide that cause the trapped air bubbles to form inside the bottle. From this pressure is how the cork blasts from the bottle if opened in a certain way.

Does sparkling wine have more alcohol than none-sparking wines? No, in fact most sparkling wines have less alcohol, typically about 10 to 11 percent as compared to a red wine that typically has about 13 percent. Why do I get more drunk with sparkling wine than with other wines? The reason why people seem to get drunk with sparkling wines is the atmosphere. People who get drunk off of sparkling wine consume more, due to the occasion and the celebration. It may seem comical, but it’s so true.

Located 45 minutes east of Los Angeles, Inland Empire residents don’t have to venture far for good inexpensive seafood cuisine.


One of southern California’s best seafood restaurants is located at the shopper’s paradise of Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, called Kings Fish House. This is not just an ordinary fish house. They set the standard for what one would expect from a fish house at an ocean side location, but without the fishy-ocean smell.


Their menu is filled with everything seafood including popular oysters from all regions that are rich in oysters from places like Baja Mexico, North Island- New Zealand, British Columbia, Totten Inlet- Washington, Nova Scotia- Canada, Damariscotta- Maine, Duxbury Bay- Massachusetts, and Carlsbad- California. Want to try all of them? Then order the Oyster Sampler platter with options of six, nine, or a dozen oysters.

Don’t like oysters, then try their to-die-for sushi. Their master sushi chef’s can prepare delightful plates of sushi, sashimi, and chose between 14 different specialty cut rolls like the Royal Salmon roll with crab salad, raw salmon, bonito flakes, green onion, and sesame seeds with a tasty ponzu sauce or the Trojan Roll that has spicy tuna on the inside and sashimi tuna wrapped on the outside with citrus tobiko.

At King’s Fish house, one can also enjoy a traditional seafood meal from their lunch and dinner menus. They have 16 hearty appetizers including oysters, fish tacos, and King’s crab cakes. For the main course, chose from a wide range of King’s famous charbroiled section, like hard to find items like wild British Columbia Red Rockfish or Farm raised Mississippi Catfish. King’s of course has succulent crab from Canada and Alaska and lobster from Maine and Australia.



Their drink menu is just as impressive as their dinner menus. With an impressive 60 wines in their drink menu, they are not short in selection for wine lovers. Included are 12 different martinis, eight specialty cocktails, and 23 different domestic and micro-brewed beers.



There is really so much to name and mention from their menu, it is hard to give credit to it all. To see the menu for yourself, go to: King’s Fish House

1. Event: “Trinitas…Wine Tasting”
Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
When: Tue., June 2 through June 7 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi presents Trinitas which stands for Trinity in Latin. Trinity symbolizes sun, soil, and humanity which are essential for growing quality grapes. Trinitas Cellars is the winery of the week with a presentation of different wines from this California vineyard. Price: $14.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
Located at:
225 W. Bonita AvenueSan Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: 909-971-94252.

2. Event: “Cline Family Vineyards Wine Tasting Event”
Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar
When: Thur., June 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (or until everyone is ready to leave)

AzoVINO is a 4000 sq ft Art Gallery, Wine Bar and Bottle shop located 22.9 miles east of Los Angeles. We represent over 115 artists and 160 Wine labels with an emphasis on West Coast Wines. We also offer Micro-brews on tap and over thirty by the bottle. Our offerings change monthly so please contact us with your e-mail address so that we can keep you informed of new offerings and upcoming events. The tasting room and gallery are also available for private events.

The menu of wines will include: 2008 Pinot Gris2007 Viognier2007 Sonoma Syrah2007 Cashmere2006 Ancient Vines Mourvedre2007 Ancient Vines ZinfandelDon't miss this great line up of wines as Charlie Cline and Kark Ziegler join us for a night of wonderful stories and keen insight into the industry! Price: $15.99 per person (discounts available for Wine Club members. Ask Galen for details)

Located at:
144 W. Badillo StCovina, CA
Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations

3. Event: “Wine Tasting and Eclectic Euphoria”
When: Fri., Jun 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Winestyles of Rancho Cucamonga

Join Winestyles for an evening of jazz and wine featuring Eclectic Eurphoria and taste six wines from the Winestyles collection. Hors d’oeuvres included. Wines by the glass and mirco brews are also available. Price: $15 per person/$10 for Wine Club members.
For more info, go to: WineStyles

Location:
8200 Haven Ave Suite 103Rancho Cucamonga, California
Phone: 909-944-9966

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.

Did you know that Champagne and sparkling wine is basically the same thing? What are the differences between the two?

The answer may come to a surprise. Most of us have taken for granted that all sparkling wines and champagnes aren’t the same thing, but the truth is, sparkling wine and champagne are very much a like. It is the region where the wine grapes are grown that makes the big difference.

In a nutshell, Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region of France, while sparkling wine is just sparkling wine from everywhere else. Is there a real difference? To the French, yes, there is a big difference especially in the method of fermentation. Only an avid wine drinker can notice the difference. Just like any other wine, the dryness, the quality of the grapes, the nose, and the sweetness differentiate these wines.

Brands of sparkling wine are found anywhere ranging from $9 to $30 a bottle. This reason is due to availability and quantity. More and more people are going to these inexpensive wines, especially during a tight economy. Champagne however is limited and highly expensive ranging from $20 to $120 a bottle, like the 98 point 1996 Dom Perignon.

Why is Dom Perignon so expensive? It is expensive for the same reason Dolce & Gabbana is expensive, but seriously, Dom Perignon is expensive, because it is made with the finest Chardonnay grapes.

Someone pointed out that Champagne isn’t carbonated and sparkling wines are. I laughed when I heard that. In fact, all sparkling wines are prepared in a very similar fashion. The bubbles are formed during the fermentation process. During the second fermentation process, the winemaker adds sugar and yeast. These ingredients create the carbon dioxide that cause the trapped air bubbles to form inside the bottle. From this pressure is how the cork blasts from the bottle if opened in a certain way.

Does sparkling wine have more alcohol than none-sparking wines? No, in fact most sparkling wines have less alcohol, typically about 10 to 11 percent as compared to a red wine that typically has about 13 percent. Why do I get more drunk with sparkling wine than with other wines? The reason why people seem to get drunk with sparkling wines is the atmosphere. People who get drunk off of sparkling wine consume more, due to the occasion and the celebration. It may seem comical, but it’s so true.

1. Event: “Trinitas…Wine Tasting”
Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
When: Tue., June 2 through June 7 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi presents Trinitas which stands for Trinity in Latin. Trinity symbolizes sun, soil, and humanity which are essential for growing quality grapes. Trinitas Cellars is the winery of the week with a presentation of different wines from this California vineyard. Price: $14.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
Located at:
225 W. Bonita AvenueSan Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: 909-971-94252.

2. Event: “Cline Family Vineyards Wine Tasting Event”
Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar
When: Thur., June 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (or until everyone is ready to leave)

AzoVINO is a 4000 sq ft Art Gallery, Wine Bar and Bottle shop located 22.9 miles east of Los Angeles. We represent over 115 artists and 160 Wine labels with an emphasis on West Coast Wines. We also offer Micro-brews on tap and over thirty by the bottle. Our offerings change monthly so please contact us with your e-mail address so that we can keep you informed of new offerings and upcoming events. The tasting room and gallery are also available for private events.

The menu of wines will include: 2008 Pinot Gris2007 Viognier2007 Sonoma Syrah2007 Cashmere2006 Ancient Vines Mourvedre2007 Ancient Vines ZinfandelDon't miss this great line up of wines as Charlie Cline and Kark Ziegler join us for a night of wonderful stories and keen insight into the industry! Price: $15.99 per person (discounts available for Wine Club members. Ask Galen for details)

Located at:
144 W. Badillo StCovina, CA
Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations

3. Event: “Wine Tasting and Eclectic Euphoria”
When: Fri., Jun 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Winestyles of Rancho Cucamonga

Join Winestyles for an evening of jazz and wine featuring Eclectic Eurphoria and taste six wines from the Winestyles collection. Hors d’oeuvres included. Wines by the glass and mirco brews are also available. Price: $15 per person/$10 for Wine Club members.
For more info, go to: WineStyles

Location:
8200 Haven Ave Suite 103Rancho Cucamonga, California
Phone: 909-944-9966

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.

In Los Angeles this weekend is the LA Wine Fest. For a limited time, LA Wine Fest is giving away 20 tickets for a free admission for the two day event.

Enjoy wines and spirits from over 14 different countries. Try the latest releases of vintages from vineyards from all over the world including France, Italy, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, China, and of course vineyards from across California and Oregon. In addition, local wine bars will also be bringing their own personal collection for you to taste and purchase.

For people wanting to learn more about wine, tasting and food paring classes will be available for free with your paid admission. Enjoy good food, live entertainment, and of course…wine!

For more information, go to: L.A. WineFest 2009 http://vinvillage.com/event/la-winefest-saturday-festival

In Los Angeles this weekend is the LA Wine Fest. For a limited time, LA Wine Fest is giving away 20 tickets for a free admission for the two day event.

Enjoy wines and spirits from over 14 different countries. Try the latest releases of vintages from vineyards from all over the world including France, Italy, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, China, and of course vineyards from across California and Oregon. In addition, local wine bars will also be bringing their own personal collection for you to taste and purchase.

For people wanting to learn more about wine, tasting and food paring classes will be available for free with your paid admission. Enjoy good food, live entertainment, and of course…wine!

For more information, go to: L.A. WineFest 2009 http://vinvillage.com/event/la-winefest-saturday-festival

This weeks wine of the week goes to the 2007 Cline Zinfandel for its rich fruity, but yet bold deliverance of delicious aroma and succulent flavors.

Cline cellars tasting notes describes this vintage as “For I am thy blood, and thy nectar,” as if to be speaking from the bottle itself. And to add, not only speaking, but speaking in the third person.

While this statement may seem arrogant, the wine is absolutely correct. This could very well be the lifeblood of all wines and the nectar of all nectars.

Grown and harvested from the San Joaquin valley of Lodi and the appellations of Oakley, these two varietals of Zinfandel grapes are blended together to create the perfect balance of taste. This vintage does not disappoint with its black cherry and raspberry with a hint of vanilla, white pepper, and earthy tones. Together makes for long enjoyable finish.

For more information about the winemaker and this vintage, go to: Cline Cellars

Come meet Charlie Cline in person at Azo Vino. See my article on events for this week: Wine events in the Inland Empire area for the Week of June 2 thru June 7


Price per bottle: $9 to $19

This weeks wine of the week goes to the 2007 Cline Zinfandel for its rich fruity, but yet bold deliverance of delicious aroma and succulent flavors.

Cline cellars tasting notes describes this vintage as “For I am thy blood, and thy nectar,” as if to be speaking from the bottle itself. And to add, not only speaking, but speaking in the third person.

While this statement may seem arrogant, the wine is absolutely correct. This could very well be the lifeblood of all wines and the nectar of all nectars.

Grown and harvested from the San Joaquin valley of Lodi and the appellations of Oakley, these two varietals of Zinfandel grapes are blended together to create the perfect balance of taste. This vintage does not disappoint with its black cherry and raspberry with a hint of vanilla, white pepper, and earthy tones. Together makes for long enjoyable finish.

For more information about the winemaker and this vintage, go to: Cline Cellars

Come meet Charlie Cline in person at Azo Vino. See my article on events for this week: Wine events in the Inland Empire area for the Week of June 2 thru June 7


Price per bottle: $9 to $19

Father’s day is just around the corner and you might be puzzled what to get him. Sometimes, the answer is right in front of your eyes. Maybe he’s a wine drinker and you’ve taken it for granted. It's possible it never crossed your mind to buy him a nice bottle or bottles of wine.

Picking out a wine for someone else can be a hassle or even a difficult task, because there are so many bad wines and it’s easy to choose the wrong vintage. Keep in mind that most men love a bold, hearty wine. Most Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandels are an easy picks, because these are common wines and they go well with red meats and pastas with zesty sauces.

To make the selection process easier for you, here are a few recommendations for the avid or even the inexperienced wine drinker.

2006 Hahn Estates Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
This Cabernet is both robust and hearty with ripe plum, blackberry, and French oak with hints of vanilla and licorice, makes this the perfect wine for nearly any grilled delicacy.
Price: $9 to $16

2007 Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend California Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a common wine that can be found in near any grocery chain. I chose this vintage for its simple but elegant flavors and aromas. On the palate it has a complex smoothness of black cherry and pepper, with a touch of leather and smoke. It has a lovely floral nose. If you can get your hands on a 2005 or 2006 vintage, by all means, snatch that up at once. Get one for yourself too. Price: $8 to $13

2007 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel
This vintage is one of the finest zinfandels under $20. Not only does this wine have delightful flavors of wild berries and vanilla oak, but lasts long after the first sip. Upon every sip, you crave more. Price: $12 to $19


2005 Bianchi Heritage Selection Zen Ranch Zinfandel
This vintage is the lap of luxury for wines. It’s heaven in a bottle. If you’ve never tasted a wine that felt alive, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried this vintage. This is a bold wine with cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and mocha chocolate with a note of spice and pepper.
Price: $12 to $26

If you want to get your father more than a bottle of wine, go to a local wine bar and get him a wine club membership. The typical price for a wine club membership will vary, but normally around $50.

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Around the World…Wine Tasting”Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room"

Father’s day is just around the corner and you might be puzzled what to get him. Sometimes, the answer is right in front of your eyes. Maybe he’s a wine drinker and you’ve taken it for granted. It's possible it never crossed your mind to buy him a nice bottle or bottles of wine.

Picking out a wine for someone else can be a hassle or even a difficult task, because there are so many bad wines and it’s easy to choose the wrong vintage. Keep in mind that most men love a bold, hearty wine. Most Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandels are an easy picks, because these are common wines and they go well with red meats and pastas with zesty sauces.

To make the selection process easier for you, here are a few recommendations for the avid or even the inexperienced wine drinker.

2006 Hahn Estates Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
This Cabernet is both robust and hearty with ripe plum, blackberry, and French oak with hints of vanilla and licorice, makes this the perfect wine for nearly any grilled delicacy.
Price: $9 to $16

2007 Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend California Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a common wine that can be found in near any grocery chain. I chose this vintage for its simple but elegant flavors and aromas. On the palate it has a complex smoothness of black cherry and pepper, with a touch of leather and smoke. It has a lovely floral nose. If you can get your hands on a 2005 or 2006 vintage, by all means, snatch that up at once. Get one for yourself too. Price: $8 to $13

2007 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel
This vintage is one of the finest zinfandels under $20. Not only does this wine have delightful flavors of wild berries and vanilla oak, but lasts long after the first sip. Upon every sip, you crave more. Price: $12 to $19


2005 Bianchi Heritage Selection Zen Ranch Zinfandel
This vintage is the lap of luxury for wines. It’s heaven in a bottle. If you’ve never tasted a wine that felt alive, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried this vintage. This is a bold wine with cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and mocha chocolate with a note of spice and pepper.
Price: $12 to $26

If you want to get your father more than a bottle of wine, go to a local wine bar and get him a wine club membership. The typical price for a wine club membership will vary, but normally around $50.

Located in Claremont, CA at the Packing House where it is surrounded by restaurants and shops is Wine Merchants Wine Shop, Bar & Lounge. Earning the “Business of the Year” award for 2008, Wine Merchants opened in April of 2007 by Sal Medina, a former high school teacher at Monrovia High School formally greets and services each customer with a smile. This lovely establishment is every wine connoisseurs dream, stocked with every wine imaginable from all over the world. There is even a selection of wines from Claremont winemakers.

Don’t feel intimidated if you come in and feel you are out of touch with the wide selection of wines. Sal is down to earth and an open book to questions about wine. No question to him is a stupid question.

Care for an appetizer? Wine Merchants has a menu of special pairing dishes especially created for wine tasting. So, enjoy a single glass or tour several different wines with a tasty pairing treat.

At the bar, a chalk board with a list of weekly wines is selected by Sal himself to taste or purchase by the glass. Since there are so many good wines at Wine Merchants, the chalk board helps to narrow down the amount of choices within the overwhelming selection of wines from the store.

Have no idea how to taste or pair wine? Yes, wine can be complicated, even for an experienced wine drinker. Wine Merchants offers wine classes every other Monday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a reputable wine expert.

Wine Merchants also holds a wine tasting event usually every Friday and Saturday with a special selection of wines each week with weekly live music. Sit at the bar or on the custom couch in the lounge. There is plenty of room to bring a group of guests or enjoy alone and converse with others.

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Around the World…Wine Tasting”Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room"

Located in Claremont, CA at the Packing House where it is surrounded by restaurants and shops is Wine Merchants Wine Shop, Bar & Lounge. Earning the “Business of the Year” award for 2008, Wine Merchants opened in April of 2007 by Sal Medina, a former high school teacher at Monrovia High School formally greets and services each customer with a smile. This lovely establishment is every wine connoisseurs dream, stocked with every wine imaginable from all over the world. There is even a selection of wines from Claremont winemakers.

Don’t feel intimidated if you come in and feel you are out of touch with the wide selection of wines. Sal is down to earth and an open book to questions about wine. No question to him is a stupid question.

Care for an appetizer? Wine Merchants has a menu of special pairing dishes especially created for wine tasting. So, enjoy a single glass or tour several different wines with a tasty pairing treat.

At the bar, a chalk board with a list of weekly wines is selected by Sal himself to taste or purchase by the glass. Since there are so many good wines at Wine Merchants, the chalk board helps to narrow down the amount of choices within the overwhelming selection of wines from the store.

Have no idea how to taste or pair wine? Yes, wine can be complicated, even for an experienced wine drinker. Wine Merchants offers wine classes every other Monday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a reputable wine expert.

Wine Merchants also holds a wine tasting event usually every Friday and Saturday with a special selection of wines each week with weekly live music. Sit at the bar or on the custom couch in the lounge. There is plenty of room to bring a group of guests or enjoy alone and converse with others.

2006 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County

This bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon was chosen for its immediate appeal. While I was on a tasting tour of assorted reds, this wine was on my second pour. I raised my hand and gestured to the bar tender to, “Stop right there. I’d like a full glass and a bottle to take home.”

This is an exceptional wine. Immediately from the pour, I knew it was going to be great from the sight of deep reds and plum color. I picked up the glass and I took a deep breath through my nose and took in the richness of plum, blackberries, and cinnamon aromas.

On the palate, it is even more exquisitely refreshing with tastes of ripened black cherry, juicy ripe plums, currants, and bold tannins that electrify the taste buds. While this wine is rich in fruit flavor, there are also tastes of earth which is rich from the very-much-alive, volcanic soil from the high appellations of Red Hills in Lake County. These mineral traits come through with hints of French oak and spicy white pepper.

While this wine may be enjoyed with an assortment of dishes, I implore you to enjoy it à la carte. This Cabernet deserves the utmost and complete attention by itself.

Pricing
When this vintage was introduced, it received an 89 point rating and retail price was introduced at around $45 per bottle. Due to the hardship of the current economy, the price has been reduced to around $25 per bottle.

2006 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County

This bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon was chosen for its immediate appeal. While I was on a tasting tour of assorted reds, this wine was on my second pour. I raised my hand and gestured to the bar tender to, “Stop right there. I’d like a full glass and a bottle to take home.”

This is an exceptional wine. Immediately from the pour, I knew it was going to be great from the sight of deep reds and plum color. I picked up the glass and I took a deep breath through my nose and took in the richness of plum, blackberries, and cinnamon aromas.

On the palate, it is even more exquisitely refreshing with tastes of ripened black cherry, juicy ripe plums, currants, and bold tannins that electrify the taste buds. While this wine is rich in fruit flavor, there are also tastes of earth which is rich from the very-much-alive, volcanic soil from the high appellations of Red Hills in Lake County. These mineral traits come through with hints of French oak and spicy white pepper.

While this wine may be enjoyed with an assortment of dishes, I implore you to enjoy it à la carte. This Cabernet deserves the utmost and complete attention by itself.

Pricing
When this vintage was introduced, it received an 89 point rating and retail price was introduced at around $45 per bottle. Due to the hardship of the current economy, the price has been reduced to around $25 per bottle.