What did you drink in 2013?

I have kept track of the wines I open and drink at home for several years. I don’t review or write up all of them, but I can look back and see what I enjoyed and what was just average.  I had a nice aged Bordeaux in January – a 2002 Chateau Bellegrave from Medoc.  Present from my brother, very nice. This year I opened and drank my A Rafanelli wines I’ve stored for a few years.

                Opened a 2005 Northstar Merlot from Washington state, again very nice, a present from my other brother (he bought it for me when he was here a few years ago).  Drank a nice Zorzal Malbec from Argentina (Matt’s suggestion),an Agua de Piedra Malbec  and a Mendoza Vineyards Malbec that were all nicely priced and very tasty. I also had at least one bottle of Line 39 Petite Sirah – a stand-by at around $7 that is always a good sipping wine.

Here are my notes on a couple of these wines – the Zinfandel was actually pretty good, but would have been great a year earlier.

2008 A Rafanelli Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California                 $30 (est)

Color was still deep and dark with a nose of brambly fruit and berries.  Flavor full with black and red berries, some pepper and spice. Finish not very long; bottle would have been really good a year earlier.

 

2007 A Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California           $35 (est)

Color was still deep and vibrant. Nose was full with dried berries and cedar box. Full mouthfeel, dried red berries, blackberries with some herb and spice around the edges. Decent length finish, echoing the same flavors. Very nice wine that still had several years to age and drink wonderfully.  Wish I had more than one bottle!

2010 Mendoza Vineyards Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina                                               Sale 19.99

Real good color, bright dark purple. Nose filled with big berries, graphite and hints of herbs. Big in the mouth with dark berries, some bramble and hint of metal and herbs.  A powerhouse of Malbec, with a nice finish and a light tannic structure. Said to be a wine to be priced above $50, great at $20. Would age several years and be a good compliment to a meal.

Until next time, keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you behind the grape vines.