Patagonia Cabernet: Don't be afraid.

That's a Patagonian Sunset, at their vineyard.

I was looking for pictures of Patagonia Red Wine on google images, and found nothing. It's a pretty unknown wine, but that's okay with me. I've often ventured into the unknown on a few bottles of wine... sometimes more than a few. The official website for the wine had one very self-exploratory picture, and a short little bio. That's their vineyard above, where they grow their Cabernet grapes, and it's beautiful.

The country is amazing. The grapes being grown there goes back a very long time. The family history behind some the vineyards is a very extensive, mood inducing, journey of sorts. I won't go into detail on here.

Aged in french oak. Dark enough to supply back-up to any roasted meat or grilled burger, this wine is chewy. I like the flavor, I taste the oak which makes me hungry for something fire-roasted.

Worth the risk? Sure.

Castellani 2009 Nero D' Avola

09 Castellani Nero D'Avola Sicily

   

I feel the same about coffee, I do. Sometimes you get a good cup of coffee from a diner, so good, you wonder what they did to it to make it taste the way it does. Was the cup even clean? Who cares, it was good, don't ask too many questions. Buy it and go. I feel pretty much the same about Italian wines lately.

First things first. Right now there are a lot of Italian wines on the market, most cheap, some good, a few with serious doubts or issues. Castellani has found a great niche; awesome price, great taste, a depth and complexity that you really can't find for under $20 anywhere.

Surprise is not the word. I mean.. we're talking 8.99. Under nine bucks for something that is as good with with food as any wine I've tried in recent memory. My glass was clean, i was not in a diner, and when i looked at the bottle across from me knowing i had not made a purchase my bank account would disagree with, i was happy.

Just buy this already. Thank me later.

Camelot Chardonnay

Camelot has been awarded over 425 medals for quality at leading wine competitions assuring the most discerning wine consumer a pleasurable and satisfying glass of wine. Crafted from superior grapes grown in California’s premier wine growing regions, our eight Camelot wines are delicious on their own and wonderful with food, elevating any occasion at which they are served. Enjoy! The name Camelot evokes the magical kingdom of King Arthur’s court where beauty, goodness and harmony prevailed. You’ll discover those same qualities in every bottle of Camelot wine. Since 1996

Chardonnay

     Displays bright apple and tropical fruit aromas with creamy, toasty oak tones adding complexity. Fruit-forward apple, pear and citrus flavors coat the palate while oak nuances add interest and sur lie character enriches the finish. Pair it with seafood and chicken dishes, game hens, pork roast and cream sauce pastas.

Winemaker Melissa Bates blends state-of-the-art technology with old-world artisan winemaking techniques to craft outstanding Chardonnay that consistently over-delivers on quality. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh fruit character, the wine ages several months sur lie
(on the yeast lees) in French and American oak to gain added richness and complexity.

Kendall Jackson AVANT [Chardonnay]

Kendall Jackson is one of those companies you hear a lot about. It's been around forever, so when they do something different, it's one of those things you have to look at and take notice. AVANT is one of those things.

On the label it reads: "Fresh - Crisp - Clean", which i think it suits this wine for what it is. It's lined-priced with the regular Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, which makes it a affordable buy for someone who is familiar with the brand who wants to try something new. Personally, I'm interested.

It's being marketed as something that is just great with food. This is their pride. I'll let everyone know tonight when i try it for the first time; or the third time, or whatever.