Wineslacker

2009-07-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

The wine glut surges again. All to our (the drinkers of the world) gain. Coming soon to Wineslacker.com; $10 and below, wines you can love without breaking the bank. Once again, the Wineslacker takes on his shoulders the burden of tasting through a bunch of cheap wines to bring joy and good cheer to the flushed cheeks of his faithful readers. Never fear, I am hard at work.

Check out the new, free-standing blog at wineslacker.com. All this and in a new easy open package. Easier to read, even after a few wines. We'll continue on in both spaces for a while. Drop us a comment at either place on your wine blog dial.

2009-07-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

WHOHHHA, dude! The 'slacker almost made a grande faux pas. He forgot to mention the 4th of July unveiling of Roarin' Rob's first vintage; a fine, intense Temecula Syrah, duly christened Danny's Drool, 2008 (and if you knew Danny, and his tennis balls, you'd understand). We touch our Spiegelau's over the no longer virgin oak barrel which disgorged it, and hail a new vigneron in Palos Verdes. Long may he ferment and vinify.

2009-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

Gigondas was the home of wine making before the time of Jesus. In fact, according to Wikipedia, the name comes from a Latin term meaning a place for Roman soldiers to stop at for a good time. Vacqueyras is a commune between Gigondas and the village of Sablet. These happy spots lie in Southeastern France, in the Southern Rhone Valley. They are known for their intense red wines. The days are HOT and the nights cool and the weather and rocky soil push the Grenache grape to an intense ripeness. The wines that result are related to the intense and much prized Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the wine of the Avignon Popes.

Trader Joe's has managed to corral a winery (Du Peloux, 2007,) from these ancient yet little known (in the New World) AOC's to produce some rather lovely juice for their clientele at a lovely little price. The Wineslacker was leery. He has tried Trader Joe's proprietary labels many times and has been not so impressed, mostly. He has to say, though, that these two newcomers are a very, very nice surprise. Bold, intense but balanced, they are as advertised, fine examples of the wines of the region. Priced at $11.99 and $13.99, they will draw the admiration of the Summer grilling crowd now, and carry your reputation as a wine snob far into the Winter months. Look in the French wine section, the bottles have their crests moulded into the glass

And while you're contemplating barbecue reds, here's another winner from the Trader. He's got a nifty little Italian job that's been sliding under the 'slacker's radar for a while. At $5.99 a bottle, you cannot fail to pat your sweet self on the back if you can stash away a case of this La Dolce Vino. It's called "Trentatre", or 33, Rosso (Red) 2007, and, according to the label, it's 1/3 Cabernet, 1/3 Merlot, and 1/3 Montepulciano. We don't know much more than this, but, it appears that you'll only find it at T.J.'s and, for the price, it is eminently quaffable. Plus, the label is black on black; tre chic. Jump on it, this one's been out for a while. We saw it reviewed in the SFweekly, from back in April.

2009-06-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Interesting Pinot from Facet Cellars at Trader Joe's recently. 2006 North Coast . The label doesn't say where the grapes are from but it's a typical cool climate Pinot. Lighter in color, less intense, less fruity and a nice change from some overpowering, blast in the pie hole, warm climate Pinots. 13% alcohol. Open it early and decant if you can. This needs a little breathing time, but it becomes quite pleasant and it's a great price. If the faulty, slightly moldy memory holds, without looking at the register tape, it was $8.99. Brings back fond memories of Mendocino Pinot, from Navarro. Not the same, but not the price either. Bottled in St. Helena.

2009-05-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

2009-05-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

A bit of a retraction is due here...

The 'slacker and sophisticated dinner companion revisited Cost Plus, World Market today and the 'slacker has to admit, the wine department was revitalized, at least at the local branch. Fresh displays and a very nice selection of world wines, focused on coming Summer and keeping the cost down for entertaining, if not for collecting.

We picked up at least three promising rose's, from Pic St. Loup, Coteaux Du Languedoc; from Costieres de Nimes, Rhone Valley; and one of our yearly faves for patio time, Parallele 45 Rose', Cote du Rhone, a consistant winner at $11.99, as well as one of the tastiest dessert wines from Australia, Innocent Bystander Moscato, from Victoria, a Wineslacker pick for a meager $8.99. We also could not resist a bottle of Las Rocas, Garnacha, 2005, from Calatayud, Espana, for $8.99 and the well received Cab from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Indian Wells, 2006, for $15.99.

Welcome back, World Market!

2009-05-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

New Wines:
Ahnfeldt Napa Valley Cabernet, 2003. From L.A. Wine Company (the one in Indian Wells, CA) Big, complex Cab with a touch of merlot, for the modest sum of $19.95, bravo! Definitely in the winner's circle. The 'slacker bought it last year in the Desert and held off drinking it as long as he could.

And 5 Mile Bridge, Margarita Vinyard Syrah, 2006, Whole Foods (now carrying a line of 5 Mile Bridge wines at big sale prices). Tasty, velvety Syrah from what is the Syrah capital of California, Paso Robles. $8.99!!! Get some without delay!

From Costco: and for the adventurous, Couly-Dutheil, La Baronnie Madeleine Chinon, a red from the Loire Valley, 2004, Cabernet Franc, full of a savory, earthy flavor, and a true taste of the place. We think it was about $15. Expand your palate!

Wineslacker has noticed that his old faithful Trader Joes and Cost Plus World Market seems to be moving away from the adventurous, the high value, bargain wines that must be sought out and into the standard brands. Those wines from the big wholesalers with familiar labels and good price points. And, the Trader is still selling case after case of that two buck stuff, as well as pushing their own label. OK for the masses; but boring for the curious and the edge drinkers.

Whole foods and Gelson's are fairly plentiful, at least in Southern Cal., and still actively seeking well priced small maker labels and high value overruns. Costco, the biggest wine seller in the country, is still bringing in excellent selections and great prices. Of course, we applaud those who support their neighborhood, one store wine specialist, especially in today's dreary economy. Have a spectacular glass of wine to take the edge off thinking about your 401K.

2009-03-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

To my hard drinking friends; the Wineslacker is still at work. Never resting in his drive to sample the world's cheap wines. He's expecting a new mpeg4 camera soon and hopes to share video of actual consenting adults, doing their utmost to contribute to the international economy by purchasing and drinking large quantities of plonk, regardless of the much talked about, alleged recession.

A big shout out (OK, a mild plug) to Off the Vine; a tiny, if truly friendly and attractive new wine shop in San Pedro, California, just across from the Warner Grand; one of the beautiful, newly restored movie palaces in Southern California, on Sixth Street in Downtown San Pedro.

The 'Slacker recommends you try the highly drinkable everyday wines from Spain, to stock up your daily casual rack. Recently, from Off the Vine... Alabanz Crianza 2002, from Rioja; about $9, and (OK, the name's a little off-putting) Wrongo Dongo, 2006, from Jumilla, Espana; about $10 and TR1, 2004, from Toro; also about $9. Great, slightly oaky, peppery everyday drinkers that are so handy to have for yourself and your family for pasta dinners, barbecue on the patio, or a hearty stew on cold winter nights. You might not always want to open a $30-$40 bottle for those everyday occasions.

Also, an old friend from France is back; Chateau Segonzac, Cru Bourgeois, 2006, is a great bordeaux buy. We got it at BevMo, with the club card, for about $14. YES, a drinkable bordeaux red for $14. Fantastique!

We leave you with a recently spotted bumper sticker: "Drink, Don't Drive".

2008-11-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

Well, devoted fans, it's been almost a year since the 'slacker put something up. You may have thought he had said all that he could about wine. But, no. His head, as one might say, has been elsewhere. As he has said before, though, while not writing, he has continued to drink. And as it's recommendation time again, he shall pass along his pronouncements on the world of wine as seen from his tiny hovel on the outskirts of LaLa Land.

One; get and give the latest from wine guerrilla, Alice Feiring, The Battle for Wine and Love, or How I Saved the World from Parkerization (Harcourt, Inc. 2008). You'll find out a lot about wine - maybe more than you wanted to concerning flavorings, enzymes, wood chips, reverse osmosis, and the various and sundry processes that MIGHT go into that drink you so revere as pure and unassailed. You'll find out that some people don't care whether a wine is rated 90 or 85, and that if the wine you are drinking is featured in a glossy, soft-focus advertisement with sexy, lofty sounding copy, it might not be the best that can be had. You'll hear about people in France and Italy that really love wine and who are not in the business to create a public offering on Wall Street. And just what is it about Robert Parker that is so damned controversial?

Two; give some wine to someone for the holidays. Open some minds! Don't just pick up a bottle of BV from the supermarket. Not that BV can't make some good wines or that you can't get good wine at a supermarket, just know what you're buying and try to find something out of the ordinary. Go to Trader Joes. They've got a very nice California Red made in the Biodynamic Method, called Dynamic, appropriately enough, for $8.99. It'll give you something to talk about, if you take the time to learn something about Biodynamic wine. They've got a swell little Pinot Noir from Cherry Hill Winery in Oregon, called Papillon (2006) for $12.99; excellent. You'd be happy if you spent $20+ on it. On election night, I opened a bottle of 2002 Clos Mimi's Petite Rousse, their second label Syrah from Paso Robles, California. I think the current vintage goes for $22 on their website. I got it from Whole Foods. Wow, Wow, Wow. Rich, wild, complex, intense wine from a dedicated small winemaker. And for lighter but still interesting, perhaps subtler wines, try Navarro Winery from the Mendocino area (you'll have to order from their website). Their Pinot is tawny in color and lovely in taste, and they specialize in a list of whites, all in a reasonable price range. And in some markets, including Vons, Whole Foods and Gelson's, you can find the Qupe' label, by winemaker Bob Lindquist, one of the original Rhone Rangers from Paso Robles. All of his wines are serious, interesting wines at very good prices.

Look at Costco and you can find some really nice wines for rock-bottoms prices. They carry the Cameron Hughes label that the 'slacker has raved about in the past. He just put out Lot 75, an Oak Knoll District (Napa) Cab (2006) for $11.99, that is da bomb. It's young yet, but very, very drinkable and at such a low price, you feel guilty walking out of the store with it. I got a Ponzi Pinot Gris (2007) from Oregon for $13; a premier Oregon label and a sure winner for Thanksgiving dinner. You want to know a secret? At Costco you can get great prices on Dom Perignon, Johnny Walker Blue Label, and other top of the line Champagnes and hard liquors.

Don't overlook the sparklers. The 'slacker found a fantastic holiday dessert wine at the L.A. Wine Company store in Indian Wells (I know that's not L.A.!), Innocent Bystander, an Australian Moscato (Victoria), 2007, for an indecent $7.49. Two California Sparklers (NV-non vintage) that are well below $20 and always welcome at the party are Piper Sonoma and Gloria Ferrar Brut, and they're widely available. Go out on a limb and try a red, frizzante Lambrusco... what the hell?

Try some wines from Spain, like Arrocal, a Ribera Del Duero Red, about $14; Altos De La Hoya Monastrell, from Jumilla, about $9 or a good Tempranillo, like Conde de Valdemar, Reserva Rioja, about $14.

Go out and get some. And enjoy the Holidays. Just don't drink a jeroboam and drive (look it up).

2007-12-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

Long, long it's been since the 'slacker's deigned to converse with his loyal followers. There are many, many excuses, but, it's not the Wineslacker's nature to apologize (hell, you could have called). All that said, it's almost the wineter solstice and gift giving is rampant among the populace. Therefore, the Wineslacker knows his duty; that is to dispense opinion as to the proper wine to be given. Even though the 'slacker has not been writing, he's been drinking. And as always, will share his opinion, sought out or not. Behold the best among the cheapest...

Red Wines

Qupe' Syrah 2005, Central Coast

Santa Ynez Valley

Any of winemaker Bob Lindquist's wines are serious efforts and still reasonably priced. This was at Whole Foods for $17.00. He is one of the original "Rhone Rangers". Vinters of Rhone-style blends ringing the Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbera area.

Navarro Mendacino Pinot Noir, 2004

$18.00

Incredible buy. Top of my list of California Pinot's under $25. Unfortunately, not available in stores and currently not available at all. We may have purchased the last 6 bottles. Neverfear. Get yourself to the Navarro Winery Website and watch. Treat yourself to the slightly more expensive Anciente Methodes Pinot or give it to your younger brother for his 58th birthday maybe. And watch the Babydoll Sheep video clip. It was a mystery bottle, brought to dinner because it was a gift at a wedding and brought forth cries of astonishment.

Bianchi Zen Ranch Zinfandel, 2001

Purchased in some astounding overrun windfall for under $7, but normally $18 from Bianchi Vineyards out of Paso Robles. This is a delicious, fruity yet balanced, Zin. Single vineyard harvest, coaxed to a very high level of development by experienced and knowledgeable hands. I would try any wine from this winery. Not as complex as something like Ridge Lytton Springs, but considerably cheaper and more widely appreciable. Also try some of their Petite Syrah; appropriately inky and intense with a long, long finish and layers of flavor. Contact the winery.

Castano Solanera, vinas viejas 2003

From the Spanish region of Yecla, this was available from Trader Joe's on and off this year. At $12.99, it just oozed value and we cried, "Where, where can we get more?". A dark, tobaccoish nose, plummy with some spice. Black fruit balanced with good structure and slightly earthy as it opens up. We love these Spanish treasures, such as...

Arrocal, Ribera Del Duero, 2005
$13.98 at Hi Times in Costa Mesa, CA and Wine Country, Long Beach, CA.

Beautiful, delicious, Cheap.

Monastrell, Altos De La Hoya, 2005

From the Jumilla Region, Bodegas Oliveras. This is almost straight Mouvedre - called Monastrell in Spain. Again, do not hesitate. Buy. This was ridiculously cheap. $8.95 at Hi Times.

Conde de Valdemar, Reserva, 2001

Rioja by Bodegas Valdemar, S.A. A beautiful medium body red; clear violet-red in color, 85% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuela (Carignan), and in the Spanish style, a full 24 months in American and French oak. Perfect to drink right now. raspberry, spice, lavendar and a light cigar box finish. $13.99 at BevMo. Buy a half case for your boss and it'll help make up for all those days you slept late and claimed the car battery went dead.

Mas Grand Plagniol, 2003

Costieres De Nimes (Southern France) This is a lovely wine from a great, great year. 2003 must go down as one of the very best for wine in Europe. Here are the tasting notes from a knownothing 'slacker. "Starts with a ruby red color, slightly orangish. A somewhat musky (not musty!) nose with a hint of perfume and a very slight suggestion of banana. Mid-palate get a splash of the luscious violet perfume, a hearty acidity, fine tannins and a faint black tea finish." See, it made me poetic! And all this for $9.99 at BevMo. (Get their discount card).

Bourgogne, 2004
Oak Aged Pinot Noir by Mommesin

Pinot Noir from the land of PINOT NOIR, Burgundy, France. Here's a Burgundy that you don't have to give up your 1st born for, or that hard won BMW. It's $9.99 at Cost Plus World Market! Yeah...$9.99! OK, its not heady with smoke and bacon and whatever... but, it's goooood. Balanced, with a woodsy, spicey nose; a medium brick red color, raspberry and red fruit, with a cedary mid-palate, which opens up to a faint rose with a little air. Very nice with nothing else but a little cheese and bagette by the fire with a wise and appreciative woman.

Cameron Hughes, Lot Whatever

Cameron Hughes Wines are the bomb! The man has found the perfect job! Jet around the world and taste the best wines nobody wants. Buy them up, bottle them and slap your own classy little label on them and sell them to an adoring public, so grateful that they can taste these luscious varietals for less than $20 (for the most part). Lot 14, 15, 16 were mind blowing for the price. Lot 38 offered a Shiraz from 100 year old vines from the Barossa Valley region of Australia and who could forget the 2002 Meritage, Lot 23. I give the Lot 23 that I have left only to those who can appreciate the fact that they'll never get to taste that wine again. He's up to Lot 59. Go CH.

Bon Soir! Next time, the Holiday Whites (and sparkling wines).

Wine makes a weary world a little better. We could use a drink just about now.

2007-07-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

On the road again. The 'slacker, traveling South from L.A. with the sophisticated companion and mystery lover, head to a family birthday party in Vista, California. Well, where to stay the night while in Vista? Little did we know that Vista would be hoppin'. No room at the Inn. Ok, when life hands ya lemons, make a lemon martini, right? Temecula, it turns out, is not that far from Vista and is on the way too. A family obligation suddenly turns into a wine opportunity! A chance to revisit the wine scene in Northern San Diego county.

Now, Temecula, as wineheads in California are well aware, is one of those fast growing, formerly rural towns, stuck between the megalopolis of Los Angeles and San Diego (the town with more sunny days than any other in the U.S., where everybody wants to live, but nobody can find a job). Temecula has a very strong history of agriculture and long has had wine grapes growing on its sun drenched hill sides. With its acres of empty land, proximity to San Diego and L.A., why wouldn't it be the perfect Southern spot for wine production? Well, it's just damn hot there in Temecula. It's right on the edge of what any human in his or her right mind would call desert. It does have a saving grace, from a wine growing point of view, however. There is a line of substantial hills separating Temecula from the cool breezes of the Pacific Ocean. Just in line with Temecula, there is a breach in those stout hills that allows that cool moist air to be drawn into the valley that Temecula rests in and winemakers can draw on that cooling air to aid in the growth of vitis vinifera.Well, as it happens, they do a lot of Bordeaux reds there, as well as some successful Rhone varietals, but what about those other European countries that make a little wine. Italy has a bit of warm weather; Spain is known to break a sweat. They got some bit o' wine there, don't they? Why not Temecula? So Temecula wineries are doing white wines and now trying some of the warm weather reds like Tempranillo, from Spain; Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, from Italy and Grenache from Southern France and Spain.

We had a great time there. The 'slacker notes that most of the 21 wineries in Temecula Valley are within a 7 or 8 mile stretch of Rancho California Road, the main highway through Temecula. So, they are within a short drive of each other. The wineries are definitely set up for the casual wine browser and take full advantage of their proximity to large urban areas. Many of the wineries are touting jazz concerts, wedding locations, restaurants and even luxury resort suites. If you're looking for roots, down home wine spots, where you can sip wine out on a red wood picnic table and admire the vines with the friendly owner, well, seek elsewhere. Temecula may sound like small town doings, but, the folks in these vineyards have seen the light and their pot o' gold is in the entertainment of wine seekers, not just pursuing some agricultural mystical grail.

They have also discovered that wine that is sold through the huge wine industry network, the wine that shows up in Ralphs, Vons and Food Giant, will not bring the great returns they may have dreamed of years ago. What they have done, to a large extent, is stop selling to the distributors. They realized that they can sell through the 'net; and they can sell to their own visitors, brought to the plantation by food, entertainment and luxury, and realize a whale of a bigger markup than they'd get from a distributor that represents wineries that churn out 500,000 cases a year of Cab that retails for $9.99.

The best known winery in Temecula for many years has been Callaway. Yes, the same Callaway that makes the great golf clubs. And, for years, the Callaway Winery produced HUGE amounts of very standard Chards and Sauvignon Blancs for grocery store wine departments. Not bad wine, just VOLUME wine. Some 250,000 cases per year. Now, under new, private ownership, they are cutting back to 25,000 cases per year of better wine, for a price that includes markup that goes only to them. For example, a Meritage that goes for $45. A Dolcetto for $38, a white blend Winemaker's Reserve Opera D'Arte for $28., and a Zinfandel for $28. These are not your grocery store prices and they are awfully good. The winery features a casual and free tour on the hour. The tastings are a rather pricey $10 per drinker for 6 choices and include a logo'd wineglass. Wine club prices are a bit lower and tasting for members is free.

There are about 21 wineries in the Valley. Here is a listing with links to their websites. It's a short drive from the Greater Los Angeles area and even shorter from San Diego. So, go on. Get down there and look around. There is some great wine there and some of the places are quite fun. And, there is some great eating there. Baily's Winery is one of the first on the tour and they are connected to at least three restaurants in the area, including a fine dining restaurant in the "Old Town" tourist center. The 'slacker and lady went there on a recommendation from Callaways (their own restaurant is in the remodeling stage) and he would have to say that the meal there, thanks to host Chris Baily and chef Nafteli Torres, was a work of art. Food truly worthy of any major, urban restaurant, and better than most. They have a full and well chosen wine list, including, of course, a large selection of their own wines, at reasonable prices. The 'slacker chose their Sangiovese to go with the crusted pork loin and it was a meal to remember. (Not a bad choice for pork, Sangiovese).

Baily Winery and Carol's Restaurant

Ponte Winery

Callaway Winery

South Coast Winery and Spa

Bella Vista Cilurzo Winery

Maurice Car'rie Winery

Leonesse Cellars

Miramonte Winery

Mountpalomar Winery

Palumbo Family Vineyards

A surprising number of the above wineries are still family owned and operated businesses. They're putting out great quality wine and providing a visitor friendly atmosphere. It's a big business, but there's much to enjoy.

2007-07-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Life at the mines has been a little tough for the last few months and the 'slacker feels a little guilty at leaving my swelling readership without an update on the adventures of their intrepid seeker. While he hasn't been writing, that doesn't mean he hasn't been drinking. Drinking and seeking out those values and hidden gems. Hard work, but he's dedicated. Happy to make the sacrifice. Here's a few of the better bottles he's uncorked over the last two months.

1. Bianchi, Zen Ranch Zinfandel, 2002

A smaller winery in the Paso Robles area, this was originally an $18 Zinfandel, and it would be a bargain at that price, but those who are alert (Mark and Ina) found it at one Gelson's for under $10. Spicey, with dried cherry, full throttle fruit, but smooth tannins and well balanced. If you can find it, stock up! It was available on their website for $10. Maybe it still is.

2. Grove Street Meritage, NV

A Napa Valley blend, ($10) recommended by Hi Times in Costa Mesa, CA, one of the great wine retailers, its an adventure just to wander their temperature controlled wine cellar. They carry everything from bargain priced market wines to French royalty for hundreds. Rounder and plummier, this is easy to drink, big in fruit, the 'slacker is guessing it's big in Merlot.

3. Castano Solanera, 2002 (Spain)

A Spanish red from Yecla region, mostly Monastrell (Mourvedre), smoothed out with about 1/3 low yield Cabernet Sauvignon, $13. In oak for 10 months, this is another Spanish wonder. A really enchanting wine for a barbeque price.

4. Clot du Prieur, 2004 Val de Montferrand

French vin du pays recommended by the L.A. Times food and wine editor, the mysteriously named S. Irene Virbila. Ms. Virbila knows her stuff. This is one of a growing number of high quality vin du pays becoming available in the U.S.. Less money ($16 at Silverlake Wine in L.A.), and delicious, this bottle also has the classiest label we've seen at this price break. If you get the Times, keep your eye on the food section for S. Irene's "wine of the week".

5. Guenoc, Petite Syrah, 2004

One of the great bargains, this is a great example of the careful expression of a less than well known variety. Guenoc continues a great line up of inexpensive, well crafted wines you can buy with confidence. $11 at BevMo and others.

6. Arrocal, Ribera Del Duero, 2005

Another Red, Spanish delight, and another recommendation from Hi Times. $15. Spice and cedar on the nose, a slightly purple, garnet color; black fruit, cedar plank, smooth, sturdy tannins and a long finish. Ole.

2007-05-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Justin Winery is one of the most remote but honored wineries in the Paso Robles area. When investment banker Justin Baldwin and his mortgage broker wife, Deborah, bought 160 acres in the hills outside of what was the sleepy agricultural town of Paso Robles in 1981 they brought a vision and a sense of humor to Central California winemaking. And the Wineslacker appreciates a sense of humor.

Buy a bottle of Justin. Pull the cork (the REAL cork) and read it. You'll see what the 'slacker means. They just havin' fun. And if you can't have fun making wine, well, you're probably in the wrong business. Not only that, but if you're havin' fun and people know it; well, their gonna try your product at least once. When you've got a product as good as the Justin folks, they're gonna come back.

Now, Justin is famous for their top of the line Isosceles, a top rated Bordeaux style blend that was rated in 2002 by no less than that Napolean of wine crits, Robert Parker, at an atmospheric 95. Isosceles is a fairly hefty price per bottle, but Justin makes a line of wines that are reasonable, drinkable and delicious. One of their cheapest is their little "Orphan", a red blended wine that they market, tongue in cheek, as their thrown together field blend orphan child. A wine for picnics and barbeques and spur of the moment grilling. Let the Wineslacker tell you, it's one beautiful wine for $16 a shot. A warm, cigar wrap nose, red fruit, dried, wild cherries and a mild black tea finish with the structure to hold it all in balance. Doggies.

And it must be one of the great places to buy wine; the winery, Justin's restaurant, Deborah's Room and a tiny bed and breakfast, Just Inn, are tucked away in the hills outside of Paso Robles, California, at the end of a lonely country road, exactly 11680 Chimney Rock Road.

2007-02-21T22:37:00.000-08:00

The intrepid Wineslacker recently returned from the great White North; yes, Monterey, California. Whilest there, he felt it his duty to dine well and test the best efforts of the expanding California wine industry. No, let's not call it an industry. While there is no doubt that there is a Wine Industry in California, home of Gallo and Bronco Wines, that is not to what the Wineslacker is referring. The Wine Buddies, the Wine Club (close!), the Wine League... yeah. The Wine League.

The 'slacker and intrepid dinner companion traveled up the still truly beautiful El Camino Real to Greenfield, which just 3 years ago was a sad and dusty town for the poorest farm workers and is now bustling; bursting with new housing construction and a busy business section, a farm worker town, but one with evident vitality and energy. Why? Well, an educated guess would be rolling acres of wine grapes for fine wine butting up to the town, and that requires hand work and necessitates skilled workers, for the growing and harvesting of la grande grapes.

Traveling that little road over the hills that become the Carmel Highlands into the golden late afternoon sunshine, the 'slacker is transported back to the days of old, when California was more of this; a quiet, lonely, mysterious land full of fruit and honey and aching beauty. Rocky, rolling hills, brilliant green pasture land, dotted with gnarled oaks, casting long shadows in the golden afternoon sun. On a long, lonely, narrow road; sometimes so narrow one takes a chance on one barreling pickup truck that might be rolling along on toward you on the other side of that blind, one lane curve. Fortunately the 'slacker holds back from his instinct to throw the old Mercedes into the winding curves with 1950's abandon and just avoids cascading into eternity with his beautiful companion (he knows better than to taste wine before driving this tiny ribbon of road).

This is the California the Wineslacker likes to remember, not the long line of cars and SUV's streaming out of the Monterey area at rush hour (yes, there is a rush hour in Monterey). This is the California that yes, was not as diverse, not as democratic, not as fair and certainly less prosperous for the majority. Yet, it was beautiful and quiet and in many places, still lonely. There is a certain nostalgia for this, even while recognizing the inequities. We don't wish for the bad old days to return, but, sipping a delicious glass of local red, gazing over the rail on the veranda at Nepenthe, far above the crashing surf, watching the quiet circling of turkey vultures and red tail hawks over rich green pastures and redwood filled canyons, well; one has to admit to the doubt that all this will last much longer and be grateful for the chances we have had to experience the beauty of some of the last of the lonely country left in California. We have hope for the future, but we know how strong is the greed and arrogance that cannot see the value in leaving the land empty and graceful for all.

Wines the 'slacker has met recently and recommends for quality and value:
The common man's Pinot, Mark West
Mandolino, 2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Grigio, at Trader Joes
Justin, 2005 the Orphan, blended red
Cameron Hughes, 2005 Lot 27, another incredible buy from CH, a lucious Syrah, check your local Costco,
French Hill, 2003 Sierra Foothills Barbera
Served at Nepenthe, far above the rocky surf at Big Sur, from a French family's outpost in Paso Robles, Tablas Creek's Cote de Tablas

And the amazing, now legendary, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Bon Soir

2007-02-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Lot 21, Amador County/Lodi Zinfandel 2004 arrived Tuesday. With trembling hands the Wineslacker received the vaunted bottle from the hands of "Chocolatea" Lorri K., Erotic Chocolatier Extraordinare. Driving home, he shivered with anticipation for the moment of revelation, the unveiling of yet another possible triumph for the California phenom of wine, Cameron Hughes.

Already the 'slacker had trumpeted the virtues of other CH winners; Lot 15, a jammy blend of Napa County Cabs; Lot 16, the sophisticated Stag's Leap district Cab., and the buoyant Lot 17, heavenly hillside California Barbera. And then the lovely Lot 23, Meritage; what a bargain. Available to 'slackers and 'slackettes of all economic strata, thanks to Cameron's right on market target, all under $20.

We ripped open the capsule and pulled up that cork with abandon. Pouring out the silky juice, we noted the clean, deep garnet color. A couple of quick swirls of the glass and we stuck our curious nose within. A sweet mixed berry bouquet with a plummy nose. So far, so good. Knocking back the largish German glass, we took a bit on the tongue. Hmmmm, balanced fruit with, with, something very out there; something vegital, something slightly asperagassy. Odd.
Yet again. Yes, there was the fruit, the fine structure as promised, and now this unusual green grocer thing. Bell pepper? "Well", the 'slacker thought, "it's got some wild layered thing happening, kind o' like Ridge Zins, with their herbs and twigs." Interesting.

In something of a hurry that night, the Wineslacker made his notes, pushed away the glass and headed for dreamland; morning approaching far too fast for extensive wine exploration. What to write...

The next night, after a long, long day at the foundry, the 'slacker headed home. It struck him that perhaps his first taste of Lot 21 was too much in haste. We should have given the thing a few moments in the open air. Make a short story even shorter; we gave it a new trial, after a night of being opened and it was a new wine. The veg taste, what ever that was, was temporary. Open this baby up, leave it by itself for an hour or two; or, decant; whatever, and it rights itself like a well spun top. It lives up to it's promise and, while maybe a tad more conventional than one might be hoping for, it becomes one very honorable Zinfandel; well balanced, structured, very flavorful, with some pleasant minerality and a fine long finish. Maybe just a touch of black tea at the very end. And, once again, one exciting value.

The lovely dinner companion and The Wineslacker entertained with the well regarded Rosenblum low end Vintner's Blend last weekend and it could not hold a candle to this fine bottle, just about the same price. Just take a little time to breath before beginning.

We mention the following, for the sake of complete transparency; Lot 21, unlike the other Cameron Hughes Wines reviewed herein, was provided by the producer.

Get it at Costco, soon, or, directly from the classy website of Cameron Hughes, himself.

2007-01-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

Cameron Hughes rolls up his sleeves and scares up another winner. Taking advantage of the surplus of good wine in California, and in the rest of the wine producing world, Mr. Hughes buys up premium wines that otherwise would be clogging the storm drains of Northern California. This is wine sitting in storage because there's just more of it than can be bought up by 'slackers and 'slackettes. The wine makers don't want to lower their prices, 'cause they feel they'll lose the cachet they've spent years building up. They want to maintain the market for their labels. So, instead of spending precious resources (money) storing wine and insuring it, they sell it to Mr. Hughes at a much reduced price. He puts his label on it and sells it for the price it should go for, given the law of supply and demand. The wineries get rid of it and the attendant costs, Mr. Hughes gets nicely rewarded, and we, wine loving 'slackers that we are, get some bloody good wine at bargain prices. See the Wineslacker's previous posts on Cameron Hughes' Lot 15,16, and 17.

Now comes Lot 23, 2002 Meritage. And the Wineslacker is here to sing it's praise. Meritage is a made up term to describe a Bordeaux-style blend of reds. This wine is 75% Merlot, 14% Cabernet, a little Petite Verdot, a touch Malbec, a kiss of Cabernet Franc. And man, is it good. Who ever made this wine got it right. The bouquet is beautiful. Dried roses, spice and cedar. In the mouth it's intense dried fruit, spice and firm, but not overwhelming tannins. The finish is a long, pleasant, dry cigar box flavor. There is great balance in this wine. The fruit is intense, but without a touch of sugar. There is structure and balance from the very start. It's a pleasure just by itself. With its structure, it'll be interesting to see what a couple of more years might bring. But who's kidding who. The Wineslacker won't have any left to try.

Here's the best part. You can pick this little biscuit up at your local neighborhood Costco for just about $10. Oh, impossible, you think. Not. If you don't have a local neighborhood Costco, get it directly from the Hughes man himself, from his website. Just get some, before it be gone.

2007-01-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

Costco hits again. It's always a trip for the Wineslacker to visit Costco. Sometimes a bad trip. However, last Monday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Thanks Martin.) during an afternoon visit to pick up another bottle of that French floozie, La Chablisienne, we happened to (hell, can't resist) pick up an Italian rascal with a Costco rave planted above it. What could the 'slacker lose? $7.99 to be exact. Marchesi di Barolo's Maraia (Rascal) Barbera Monferrato. Well, they were effusive and we're cheap. Happily, they were telling it like it is, as we'd say in the 70's. Not a great bouquet, but that first mouthful; wow. Intense dried fruit. Pleasant finish, firm but balanced tannins... for the price, or actually for twice the price, a real bargain. Again, another really lovely Barbera. Simple, very pleasing, drinkable right now. Hearty, but not ball-buster at 13.5% alcohol. Buono!

Always a scene, wandering around Costco with the diverse population explosions; huge shopping baskets, mobs of kids, going from cheap leather couches to odd appliances to mounds of shirts or jeans or velvet jackets; then running into bright eyed, single, middle aged men, with little paper lists in their fists and reading glasses perched on their noses. In the middle of the wine section, drooling. Right there with the Wineslacker.

We have to say, in the last few weeks, we've learned to look at the wine industry in a new way, with more respect for the older producers, especially the Europeans, through the eyes of two very experienced winos and bloggers, whom we think our readers will enjoy also; Eric Azimov on "The Pour" wine critic for the New York Times, and fiesty dancer, Alice Feiring, Wine and Travel columnist for Time Magazine. Check it out, dude.

2007-01-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

As the American media loves to do at this time of the year, it's falling all over itself announcing the best something of the year. The best movie, the best Country Western song, the best Hip-hop CD, the Playmate of the Year, The Quarterback of the Year, the best canned tomato sauce of the year... the Best 100 Wines of the Year (number one for Wine Spectator was the ever-popular Casanova Di Neri Brunello di Mantalcino Tenuta Nuova 2001 (huh? 2001?). Didn't get a taste of that one? Well, with less than 5,000 cases made, the Wineslacker is surprised that any made it out of Italy. Another thing, WS; if number one was a 97 score and practically unknown in the U.S., outside of NYC, and number three, Chateau Leoville Barton St. Julien 2003, a very well known Bordeaux (18,000 cases) was a 98 score, what's up with that? The 'slacker doesn't get it! Plus, Chateau Leoville Barton was only $5 more than number one. Both, we have to admit, were a somewhat civilized $70 and $75 dollars; which means that us ordinary working stiffs would not have to forgo the youngest child's college tuition to get a bottle, if we could find one.

OK, anyway... that's not the point of the rant here. The point is, the Wineslacker promised a wine of the year, but finds that he doesn't really believe in a wine of the year.

We mean, what's the criteria for a wine of the Year? Best red wine? Best white wine? Best dessert wine? Best fuit wine, other than grapes? Best wine not tasted by a major glossy wine magazine? Best wine under $100 a bottle? Best wine under $10 a bottle? (Now the 'slacker is interested!) OK, the point is getting belabored. It's just not relevant. There are a bunch of wines out there. The Wine Web website claims to connect to 16,000 wineries in France alone. No wonder there's a "wine lake" in Europe.

However, not to disappoint the multitude of Wineslacker's readers, we shall reminisce over some of the 'slacker's most pleasant wine experiences of 2006.

1. The 'slacker's eyes were opened to the real delights of a fine Bordeaux by the discovery of the now famous and never to be purchased again at $14, Chateau Gigault 2003 Premieres Cote de Blaye. Number 91 on the W.S. list of 100. It was snapped up by the wine rats at Bev-Mo before we could get back for more, but we were able to pick up a half case of a less sensational, still enjoyable for many of the same reasons, Chateau Segonzak, 2003 from the same region.
2. There was that bottle of 1989 Clos Pegase Hommage, Sonoma County Chardonnay, given up by son-in-law Greg (bless you) for Father's Day. Still golden, after 16 years of less than perfect storage. Otto Freundlich's abstract, Ghetto, 1936, was on the label.
3. Sophisticated dinner partner (Sherry) and the 'slacker enjoyed a 1997 vintage blanc de blanc (Knutsen Vineyard) and a 1991 Pinot from Oregon winemaker, Argyle, gathered up in a rush through the Willamette Valley after nephew Robin's wedding out on the McKenzie River. The hottest summer Oregon has seen in 75 years, the infamous summer of 2005.
4. That beautiful Reisling blend from Santa Barbara County, we enjoyed across the street from the Flatiron Building in NYC, at Tabla, high concept NY eatery, with our old friend, Kennedy, from the DeLoren days (yes, that DeLoren) the day before St. Patrick's day.
5. The $3.99 bottle of Hungarian wine, Woodsman's White, from Trader Joe, together with the huge dry-packed scollops from Henry's, cooked by sophisticated dinner companion, Sherry.
6. The discovery (by wine buddy Mark L.) of Mr. Overstock, Cameron Hughes, and his price-buster wines from California and beyond. Delicious Lot 15 and sophisticated Lot 16 and ebullient Lot 17, yeah.
7. Fellow wine rat, Sam, passed along his discovery of the Bogle "Phantom" a zin blend that got the 'slacker all kinds of praise for bringing along the highlight of dinner. "My ideal wine!", enthused pal Rob H.
8. The surprise and delight at finding that beautiful Chablis at Costco, La Chablisienne, for a pitiful $16, a layered, long finishing, lovingly characterisitic French white.
9. The little dinner in Pasadena where Joanie D. brought the nameless (literally) red blend made by her cousin in Escondido.
10. Wine party discovery from wine rat Richard M. of Bob Lindquist's winery Qupe, and some of the most delicious Syrah the Wineslacker has tasted yet, available at a very affordable price. Four stars for value and quality!
11. And, who could forget, the capping of the year with our traditional black caviar, and the classic Champagne taste of Perrier-Jouet Brut NV for New Year's Eve.

And, finally, the gathering of all those yet untasted reds, whites and others, throughout the roller coaster year of 2006, put away to add their excitement or disappointment to 2007. To anticipation, my friends.

2006-12-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

While you have your end of the year Champagne glass still grasp in your now gift wrapping, celebration weary fingers, congratulating yourself on getting through the holiday season once more, the Wineslacker would like to take this getting-your-breath-back moment to join with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fund-raisers, and ask you to consider this. You have just a few days to jump on the opportunity to give away that extra holiday bonus cash, or give it to the government next April 15. Scroll down the screen a bit, and you'll see the Heifer International fund raising thermometer. Click on the icon and it will take you to a magic place where you can make yourself feel great and give yourself a healthy charitable deduction by contributing to the Wineslacker's own little fund-raising project.
Heifer International is a truly unique charitable organization, giving away reproducing farm animals to rural poor all over the world, with the provision that they contribute to their own community's improvement by giving away some of the offspring. They do much more than just that, including educating people on care of animals, providing education on sustainable farming and environmentally friendly practices, providing micro-loans for home businesses and many other great projects. Take a detour to their website and see for your self, but first, get out the plastic and give a little. Just the price of a bottle of good wine will help.
Upcoming soon: Wine of the Year!

2006-12-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

We had a drinking party
To admire the peonies.
I drank cup after cup till
I was drunk. Then, to my shame
I heard the flowers whisper,
"What are we doing, blooming
For these old alcoholics?"

Liu Yu Hsi - 9th Century China

2006-12-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

It's out of season for white wine, supposedly, but the 'slacker just needs to let his loyal readers (he says sooo bitterly) know about two of the nicest white's he's come across this year, as the year is quickly fading into ignomy. First, he's been meaning to mention this Southern France rarity since he popped the cork many months ago. He found this little gem at Long Beach's little gem of a store, Vin De Pays. It's a place that really cares about wine and it's fans that don't have so much money that they can just look in those slick, expensive magazines (you know the ones) and order a case or two. So, you can imagine that they click with the Wineslacker. No wines over $15 a bottle. Let the 'slacker say that again. No wines over $15 a bottle. The store is just barely visable in the block South of Third and Elm in the East Village Arts district of downtown Long Beach, California. Give 'em some business, folks, we need them! Telephone: 562-495-4499.

The wine the 'slacker is pushing is from the Languedoc region of Southern France, along the French Mediterranean coast. It's made by Domaine Des Lauriers in the small commune of Castelnau di Guers, and it is made from the Picpoul de Pinet grape. See, you learned something by logging on to the Wineslacker. Now, if you've never heard of the Picpoul variety or of Coteaux Du Languedoc, you are not alone. Even Robert Parker had only two minor references to Picpoul in his voluminous Wine Buyer's Guide, 5th edition, published in 1999. We're talkin' 1657 pages of information about wine. But it is an old, if not considered nobel, wine, long established in the torrid Mediterranean area. This inexpensive, but lovely, wine was made to sip chilled, on the patio, in the hot Summer days anywhere along the Equator to the Tropic of Capricorn. And dollars to donuts, this will be a delicious pair up with delicate white fishes or oysters, half-shell.

The other white wine the 'slacker quaffed this week was about as well known as the last was obscure. La Chablisienne advertises itself as 2002 "Grande Cuvee, Chablis Premier Cru". Awfully big words in French. Well, we couldn't find it in Parker, but, as always, we saw, we sniffed, we drank, and, by god, it was good. The Wineslacker wouldn't drink this with anything else. Maybe some nice, white, seeded bagette. But this is a layered and subtley delicious wine that you'd just rather not cover up with food. It was undoubtedly Chablis, real French Chablis, from Chardonnay with no oak within a hundred meters, and the neatest mineral finish. It's a real wine experience that we picked up at Costco, in Torrance, California for a mere $16. Have at it. Do somebody a favor and give it for Christmas, Kwaansa, whatever... maybe just because you like them.

2006-11-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

Some wonderful wine quotes, purloined from The Wrath of Grapes, a long lived and disheveled web site emanating from Ireland. Who, but the Irish, could put together so many gleeful words about wine, or for that matter, anything.

"When I find someone I respect writing about an edgy, nervous wine that dithered in the glass, I cringe. When I hear someone I don't respect talking about an austere, unforgiving wine, I turn a bit austere and unforgiving myself. When I come across stuff like that and remember about the figs and bananas, I want to snigger uneasily. You can call a wine red, and dry, and strong, and pleasant. After that, watch out..."
Kingsley Amis, Everyday Drinking

"I can certainly see that you know your wine. Most of the guests who stay here wouldn't know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret."
John Cleese (Basil Fawlty) Fawlty Towers

"A German wine label is one of the things life's too short for, a daunting testimony to that peculiar nation's love of detail and organization."
Kingsley Amis Everyday Drinking

2006-11-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

In case anyone's wondering (or even reading this... HELLO), the 'slacker is taking Pinot Grigio, or maybe Reisling, and Pinot Noir along to Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, someone takes a chance on the Wineslacker and asks him to dinner (they know he will bring wine). And for those who missed it in the earlier posts, Cameron Hughes wines are available, if you get there early, at Costco - the largest wine retailer in the country! It's also available directly from Cameron Hughes on the internet.

Happy Thanksgiving. You know, I am grateful.

2006-11-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

Wines of Eastern Europe are still little known here in the States, but as the palate of Americans becomes inevitably more sophisticated, the American collector will begin to reach for more and more exotic libations. The best known Eastern European wines must be the famous, and justifiably so, Tokaji. Golden, heavy, rich beyond imagination, Hungarian Tokajis are in the same stratospheric plane as the great Sauternes. Rare and long lived, the best Tokajis (the Eszencia, made from the juice of grapes squeezed only by the weight of other grapes) are legendary and incredibly expensive. These are the jewels of Eastern European wines. But, Eastern Europe, including Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary produce dry, white wines of considerable merit.

Jamal Rayyis, writing in the Food & Wine Wine Guide, 2006, recommends dry whites from Furmint, in Hungary and Croacian Posip. Good luck finding those. The Wineslacker was induced to try a beginner's choice from Trader Joe, Woodsman's White, 2005, from the Neszmely region of Hungary, made from the familiar Cserszegi Fuszeres grape. Not familiar to you? The self-deprecating label calls it, "the unpronounceable". It describes it as a cross between Gewurztraminer and Irsai Oliver (which we never heard of either). For $3.99, we had nothing to lose. Well, the Wineslacker and sophisticated dinner companion, were bowled over. With the gingerly grilled and politically incorrect swordfish, mini-gold potatoes, grilled with garlic and grilled asparagus, out was poured this florally perfumed, tangy, minerally, long lasting gem. As good as it was with the incomparable Pacific Swordfish, one could imagine it beside oysters half shell, pan-fried Trout, or the buttery, San Pedro delicacy, Sand Dabs. Just shows, ya gotta take a chance, once in a while. And, for $3.99, ya ain't takin' much of a chance. Ooh, that makes a 'slacker happy. Just because you spent less than a fiver on your wine, doesn't mean you can't drink it with that $14 a pound seafood. Jus' don't frickin' tell anybody.

2006-11-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

Cameron Hughes Lot 17 2004 Sierra Foothills Barbera. Barbera is an Italian variety, very commonly planted in Italy. This is grown in California, at 2500 feet, full of the very rich flavor of black currants, sweet berries and black tea, with sturdy tannins, and a long enjoyable finish. Clear, with a slightly purple cast to deep garnet color, because it's still a young wine. Only available through the internet sales @ $14 per bottle. Less than 300 cases left. A Great buy. Although some barberas are known as lighter body wines and in Piedmont some barberas are made in a blanc, frizzante (slightly fizzy) style, this is a full bodied, structured wine with a little more body than a pinot and just less than a Cabernet; still a big wine with over 14% alcohol.

The 'slacker comes through with his promise to share his impressions of the Stag's Leap District 2004 Cabernet, Lot 16. This is a different wine entirely from the exhuberent Lot 15. At first, you might be just a little disappointed. But, hang in there. This beautiful wine will grow on you. Let it breath a little. Swirl it in a big glass and stick your nose in there. It's slightly buttery and plummy, in the nose, with a hint of cedar. The color is a warm ruby. On the tongue you taste black currents, silky smooth tannins, unsweetened dark chocolate and sour cherries. After a long, delicious finish you may catch just a hint of herb; sage maybe? This is a fabulous wine. Big, but sophisticated and elegant.

The 'slacker takes his hat off to Mr. Hughes. May I have some more, Sir? Cameron Hughes has hit a grand slam. Lot 15, an explosive, slightly rustic juice bomb, as Parker might say; Lot 16, Dark, silky, sophisticated; Lot 17, enjoyable, accessable, a really serious alternative to the Cabernet/Zinfandel routine. All way under $20, for us joes and josephines with collars of blue to enjoy with the Republicans.

Lot 15, 4 of 5 stars possible. [see the October 19th post for review of Lot 15]
Lot 16, 4.5 of 5 stars for exceptional value and quality.
Lot 17, 4 of 5 stars possible.

You cannot go wrong with any of the three. Period. But, you could pay a lot, lot more.

2006-11-07T23:32:00.000-08:00

Champagne, if you are seeking the truth, is better than a lie detector. It encourages a man to be expansive, even reckless, while lie detectors are only a challenge to tell lies successfully. ~Graham Greene

Wine is sunlight, held together by water. ~Galileo

2006-11-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

"Not everyone who drinks is a poet. Some of us drink because we're not poets."
Dudley Moore

"I drank to drown my pain, but the damned pain learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good behavior."
Frida Kahlo

2006-11-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

Technorati Profile

2006-11-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

This Saturday the Wineslacker and lady feasted on Chinese and quaffed a rich, fruity and cheap Sauvignon Blanc from low priced but quality minded Pope Valley Winery in Rutherford, Ca. Now, Pope Valley claims to have been around long enough to have sold hooch to Al Capone. Maybe. But, if they did, he must have gotten the best end of the deal. The 'slacker has to say that Pope Valley puts out some high quality, low price good stuff. Their Zinfandel is fabulous, their Cabernet Sauvignon was a steal, and their Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2005, is a wonderful value. It's got a nose full of the characteristic white fruit and slightly grassy perfume of the variety and a mouthful of pear, quince and a hint of lime. It's got a nice long finish and all that for $5.99 at Trader Joe's. It's nice when you find a producer that can inspire confidence in each of it's average, everyday bottles. A vin de pays that anyone would be happy to find in his/her glass at a friend's dinner party. Yeah.

I know we promised the straight stuff on Cameron Hughes, Lot 16, Stags Leap District Cab 2004, but, it ain't ready yet. I think we need another bottle to get it right. Pass the bottle, Sherry.

2006-10-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Organic wines have been a matter of some curiousity to the Wineslacker. Organic, not-organic; filtered, unfiltered (non-de-schmutzed), it's an ongoing argument. Let the 'slacker reflect. It makes sense that the unfiltered, organic wine is going to have more bits floating around in it, almost like herbs and spices in a tea, that will add to the complexity, the "terroir", that is, the taste of the place, that comes with the wine. Let's face it, though, some folks just don't like looking through the bottle and seein' schmutz clinging to the sides. Well, those earthy Europeans seem to not be bothered much and they can be religiously attached to the idea of "terroir" defining their favorites. Maybe they have something.

The wine that inspired this brief reflection is another of those Trader Joe's little happy discoveries. Belvedere Winery in Healdsburg, CA, is one those slowly growing number of organic wineries in middle California. We had a few bottles of their lovely Healdsburg Ranches Merlot, 2002, from the 'Trader for the startling price of $7.99. It's a lovely Merlot, with all the pleasant aspects of the grape, a round, plummy, fruit forward mouthful with fair complexity and great compatability with food. The 'slacker gives it a 3 stars of 5 for value. And, we applaud the commitment to organic methods that limit the impact of agriculture in an increasingly crowded landscape. By the way, the 2003 Merlot sells on the winery's website for $19. It comes complete with schmutz.

Alright, already... I know that Cameron Hughes link was bogus. So here's the real thing for your convenience, chwine.com . I've gotten ahold of a couple of bottles of Cameron Hughes Lot 16, the 2004 Stags Leap district Cab, and I'll be tasting it this weekend. Review in the offing. If it's anything near the astounding Lot 15, it's some bargain.

2006-10-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

“It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one's present or future thirst, the excellence of the wine, or any other reason.”

Latin Proverb

2006-10-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

Early this week the Los Angeles Times ran the following headline: "California Is Awash in Wine Bargains". Duh. Now, when there is an over-supply, the time honored tradition of supply and demand dictates that prices drop. As we have noticed, prices on premium labels have not dropped appreciably. Why is this, the 'slacker asks himself? Winemakers ain't dumb. They spent alot of time and money building a label that can command a price of $30, $40, or $100 for 750 ml of fermented grape juice. They don't want that price to be diluted by a temporary glut of wine. What to do when they are sitting on barrels of wine they can't sell? Why some bright kid comes along who'll buy it up (for real cheap), bottle it up, slap a label on it and sell it for what demand will pay. Brilliant.

Now, the bargain hunter can profit by this situation. It just requires the fortitude to taste, taste, taste. The 'slacker is up to the challenge.

As pointed out in the L.A. Times article, such a chap is Cameron Hughes. Mr. Hughes puts together some very distinguished wines, slaps on a classy, if slightly self-promoting label, adapts the clever idea of distinguishing his various cuvees with the term "Lot" and a number and sells this high quality product at the price we should be paying, considering just how much of this stuff is out there, about to be poured into the storm drains of Napa or sold for ethanol.

Cameron Hughes, Lot 15, 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet is $12.99 at Costco. Also available on the
'web. Go to chwine.com/list for future releases. The Wineslacker is impressed. He gives Lot 15 high praise indeed. Four stars of Five for excellent quality and high value. A classic Cabernet Sauvignon, juicy, mouth filling fruit, but balanced with sturdy structure and a long interesting finish, layers of currents, blackberry and just a hint of cigar box at the end. If we had paid $30 for this wine, we'd consider it money well spent.

2006-10-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water. ~W.C. Fields

2006-10-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

"Another drink and I'll be under the host"
Dorothy Parker

2006-10-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the time away. The Wineslacker has to make a living, regardless of his slacker image, or, in reality (not a word the 'slacker takes lightly) to allow him to continue to slouch along life with the correct 'tude. So, anywhooooo, here's a little gem available at Trader Joes for an almost embarassingly small sum; about $5. Caves des Papes 2004, a Cote du Rhone, is a pretty little wine, layered with the tangy berry flavors of the grenache grape, a beautiful, clear garnet color, in an identifiably squat little bottle. It has an oaky bouquet and a moderate finish. It's slightly more expensive "Heritage" version got an "88" from Wine Spectator recently. For the price, you could drink it weeknights. Every weeknight. The 'slacker gives it three and one half stars of five.

2006-09-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Drifting into one of his favorite wine stores after an appointment with his beach city dentist, Dr. F. Eel Gooder, the Wineslacker was slightly dazed already. Opening the door to this luscious selection of wines from all over the world was like a whif of laughing gas and the slacker held that he could not be held responsible for his purchases. Wine Country in Long Beach has a wide selection from all over the world of wine, including one of the strongest selections of Burgundy in the area. The owner, Randy Kemner, http://thewinecountry.com , puts out a comprehensive monthly newsletter with a complete catalogue. Fortunately for the Slacker, the place is full of knowledgeable staff with plenty of recommendations. One great recommendation was a Slacker No-Brainer.

Ten Mile Field Blend Red 2004 is the product of one of the Slacker's favorite producers, the fabulous Nine North Group. Nine North also produces a great Syrah, Seven Sinners, which we humbly recommend.

Ten Mile Red is a blend of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Malbec and Carignane (don't ask me how you say it!) and it's just damn delicious (not tasted under the influence of laughing gas). Not only that, Randy had it for $10.99. Right in the Wineslacker's favorite price range. Cheep.

2004 Ten Mile "The Broken Road" Four Stars from the Slacker, for quality and value.

2006-09-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

"It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office." -- H. L. Mencken

2006-09-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

A trip to Cost + or WorldMarket as they like to be known now, is usually profitable, even though the stock is smallish in the world of big box stores and BevMo. In spite of a relatively small number of total bottles, the selection is wide and intelligently planned. Their wine managers are familiar with their stock and they have a regular display of recommendations. Their prices are very competitive. Yet, they have a wide range of price points. You can spend over $100 a bottle, if you must. They stock premium dessert wines, sparkling wines in a range of prices and a good selection of microbrews. Wineslacker found a favorite chenin blanc there first, Ballentine Vineyards Lake County, and a new prize, Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua, a Chilean Cab vinified by Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite); not an unknown name in wine. We bought the 2004 vintage for the unbelievable price of $6.99 and found it a very enjoyable, fruit forward example of the grape, with enough tannins to have some structure, but very drinkable. Interestingly, the Caneten Valley in Colchagua Province provides a perfect environment for un-grafted Bordeaux root stock, untouched by the plague of phylloxera.

Alerted to this luscious find by some drunken wine-fiend friend or another, we had earlier found the Reserve version of this label at Wild Oats for $16.99 - yet to be opened, but, how long can one wait? Drink the $6.99 version today and put aside the Reserve for a couple of years and see.

2006-09-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

OK. After a glass and a half of Chateau Segonzak and an evening of listening to endless, and mostly meaningless discussion of the events of, and after, September 11th, 2001, the following - very obvious thought - occurred to me. The world is not different after September 11th, it's just not the place some people thought it was. And there are a lot of people who have profited from promulgating the idea that there was some elemental change, when there was not. It's my blog, Dude.

Chateau Segonzac, Cru Bourgeois, Premieres Cotes De Blaye (the right side of the Gironde), Bordeaux. A victim of the European wine lake. It was a buy at $13.99 at BevMo (Beverages and More) and I found 6 more bottles a few weeks later on close out at $5.99. Sometimes, ya just luck out. Also, right bank Bordeauxes get less attention than the more aristocratic Left Bankers. Another, even better Premieres Cotes De Blaye product, Chateaux Gigault. My first bottle, v. 2001, was a pittance, $10.99. 2003, the current release, is now up to $21, when and where you can find it. Well worth the hunt.

Chateau Segonzac, 2003, Wineslacker gives 3 stars of 5.
Chateau Gigault, 2001, 4 stars of 5.

2006-09-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Wine is plentiful this year. Which is, to anyone paying attention, no big news. The "Wine Glut" in Europe is so big that wine producing countries such as France, Italy and Germany are turning wine into fuel additives. This is what European trades, such as http://beveragedaily.com are saying:

"Prices for both quality Appellation d'Origine Controlée (AOC) wines and lower-end table wines have generally struggled to recover from a collapse in 2005. And this year's wine harvest is expected to yield the same as last year, around 53m hectolitres (5.3bn litres), according to government wine agency Viniflhor. The news will bring grimaces in Brussels, where the European Commission is pondering how to drain Europe's 1.5bn-litre wine lake.
To make matters worse, the wine glut has spread to the New World this year too, casting a cloud over the global wine industry. Australian wineries have seen prices tumble over the last few months, and some lower-end wines have become cheaper than bottled water. "

The effect of such an over abundance is, at least short term, a boon to the slacker. We entered our neighborhood Ralphs recently, and were taken aback [I say aback!] by the islands of well known, mid-price wines like Clos du Bois, spread around the store. Further, venturing into the wine section, that used to be dominated by Gallo and huge jugs of red, white and pink wines, we now find some of the best grape juice offered anywhere, from everywhere, including Bordeaux and Tuscany. Much of which is available at steep discount, if you have one of those ubiquitous plastic key chain tags from Ralphs marketing department.

During a long search for the best price on Jordan Cab. 2002, Alexander Valley, for my friend, Mark, we had seen prices as high as +$50 a bottle. We were able to corral Jordan for Mark at Ralphs for $41.99 PLUS a 10% discount for 6 bottles or more for a bargain price of just less than $246.00 for%

2006-08-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

This note will be short, as it is 11:30PM on a work night... but. I had to mention this great buy at Trader Joe's. Domaine Saint George, 2003 Sonoma county Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel reserve. This is one of those great table wines that go about unnoticed because it's not a well known winery, it's got a kinda funky label, and The Trader's got it at an astoundingly low price, $5.99. $5.99! Full of flavor, almost too much oak, firm tannins and a nice round mouth feel. Ok, not a lot of finesse, but $5.99! Put some in the kitchen!

3 Stars out of 5.

Dex

2006-08-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

OK, it's still summertime, even if the kids are starting back to school. All the more reason to break out a chilled bottle. At last, a chance to relax. With the weather still warm, chilled summer wines are still tempting. The some summer wines of Europe that are most intriguing to Americans still new to wine are the rose's (sue me, I couldn't find the accent insert on this HTML writer). These are the pinkish to red/amber wines that make you shudder, thinking of white zinfandel and Boone's Farm Strawberry Something. (OK, some people like white zinfandel!) But rose's are much dryer, while retaining the lightness and fruitiness that the color hints at. There are some great wines out there that are generally very affordable. One excellent buy is the well regarded La Ferme Julien Cotes Du Ventoux Rose', from the Rhone Valley. Widely available, at Trader Joe's and other retailers, at less than $8.00. Highly refreshing with a handy screw top, dry, with a light taste of dried strawberries, again, a fruity flavor, but dry. Sooo good, well chilled, in a chilled glass. Just look for the rose colored rooster. If you're interested, it's a blend of 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 10%Syrah.

You can go to http://splendidtable.com for their own update of excellent rose's.

2006-08-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Wine Searcher search engine. Help to find that wine we so heartily recommend. Try it out. If you like it they have a comprehensive search tool available for a few bucks.

Go to Wine Searcher.com for details.

8/23/2006

2006-08-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

For the white wine slacker (not the white wineslacker) we note a fabulous summer treat for the patio, Ballentine Vineyards Lake County Old Vines Chenin Blanc. We found it at Cost Plus, on sale for 9.99 and at Hi-Times Cellars for under $12. It's not your ol' man's chenin blanc we so disparagingly remember from the sixties. It's fruity, dry and yet slightly creamy. Ahhhh.

Dex

2006-08-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hype has been high for the recent release of Beaulieu Vinyards 2003 Napa Valley Cab. It garnered the magic 90 from a recent magazine review. So, when I saw it at my local Ralphs Supermarket at the low, low price (for card holders) of 14.88, I grabbed a bottle. Maybe it's just a little young yet, or maybe I just like a more fruit-forward mouthful, but I found it stiff in the tannins and puckering. So, maybe a couple of years on its side will bring me around. It is intense in flavor, but for the beginner, there are several $12 cabs around that will bring a smile to your face. I liked BV's Rutherford Cab from 2000, Pope Valley Eakles Ranch Cab from 2002 and Rodney Strong's 2001 Sonoma County Cab. Muirwood 2002 Monterey Cab at $8.99 at L.A. Wine Company, was a real bargain. Ask me again in 2008. Wineslacker gives it 2 and a half stars out of 5.

2006-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Known as a low end, high value winery, Bogle Vineyards, has a great premium wine at a very friendly price; Phantom. Phantom is a tasty red blend in the Rhone tradition of Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Old Vine Mourvedre.
Hearty and mouth-filling, my friend Rob told me, "This is my ideal red wine!". It's a wine you're not likely to see at your local supermarket. The Wineslacker found it at Whole Foods and at the well-known Hi Times in Costa Mesa, CA for under $20.
The Wineslacker rates Bogle "Phantom" 2003 at 4 stars out of 5 stars, for value and quality.

2006-08-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

2006-08-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Like all winelovers, we're always looking for a new wine. As a slacker, I'm looking for the best wine at the cheapest price. Winelovers want to share their discoveries with others, who frequently don't give a damn. Well, here's a place to post your newest discovery - or an old favorite. It doesn't matter where you are, your post may be of interest to a neighbor or someone coming to your neighborhood soon. Post a review and a source. Soon you'll be seeing posts with new sources and new temptations that you can use on your next wine expedition.

Here's a start:
Rosemont GSM
A red blend from McLaren Vale, Rosemont Estate, Australia
the same three grapes are used as in the famous Chateauneuf du Pape; Granache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Aged in American Oak for 18 months
Delicious, hearty, with deep red fruit flavors and a long finish. Great with beef, hearty red pasta sauces, cheeses, or just by itself.
Has been available at Trader Joes for $9.99. An incredible bargain for a wine that made the Winespectator best 100 list last year. 2002 vintage. The Wineslacker gives it 3 and a half stars out of 5 stars for value and quality.

2006-08-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

This a winelover's blog. This is a slacker's blog. This is for the inquisitive, the beginner, the expert; the quick reference for the lazy drinker. Post your reviews and reap the rewards of mine.

Remember: Wine is the expression of the Earth. It's the fullness of life and the relentless decomposition of mortality. In it is the history of humankind.

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