The Search for Decent Wines: Part 1

Jar's wine by the glass program goes through a major overhaul about every six months and it's about that time again. Just in time for the fall months and the ensuing holidays. For me, this is a slightly painful experience - digging through a lot of inexpensive wines trying to find a halfway decent product I'm not embaressed to pour for $9 - $14 a glass. And that works well with our food!

I'm only slightly embarassed to say that I didn't make it to Spago to taste through the new line-up of Peter Michael wines at noon. Or to the Rioja event at the Four Seasons at 2pm, but I have another fish to fry!

Yesterday, I hosted three appointments, each of which offered about 8 - 10 wines each.

Some highlights from my crusty notebook included:

Miro Cabernet Sauvignon 2007: Rich, black fruits, licorice, spice. Not as rich as many of the 2007's, but more elegant in that way, as well. Straight-forward and an amazing value.

Miro Petite Syrah 2007: Coffee on the nose, jammy dark fruits, plums and blackberries, red licorice, very generous fruit and grippy tannins.

Arcangelo Salice Salentino 2009: From the heel of the boot in Italy, this bottling is 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nero. An awesome value wine that is very straightforward, but with enough complexity to keep things interesting. Rose petals and black pepper on the nose with plums and blackberry fruit. Ground cinnamon. Just a delicious drinker!

Deep Sea Pinot Noir 2008: Candied strawberry aromas, but dry on palate. Excellent balance and elegance. It is fruit-driven with some cola nut showing through. Refreshing acidity. Solid for the price. Central Coast.

Rancho Arroyo Grande Zinfandel 2007: Tobacco and cigar box on the nose, baking spices, dried berries mixed with fresh jam, black pepper on the finish. Very full-bodied at 15.9% alc, but controlled and balanced within itself. Ripe enough fruit, but not raisined. Focused and classic.


I'll be tasting wines over this week and next so stay tuned for the highlights and "diamonds in the rough" from this treasure hunt.