Wine-o: Cline Zinfandel

Cline 2010 Zinfandel Lodi, California
Alcohol 14%
Price $12

This wine, had a great review from my Opa (the Dutch word for Grandfather).  We asked him to compare this wine with the Murphy Goode Merlot we served him first.  While he enjoyed the Merlot, he stated that it was better served with the meal (chicken sausage with onions, mushrooms, salad, and baked potatoes) while the Zinfandel was great on its own.

I've never heard my Opa speak about wine before.  In fact, I was under the assumption that he wasn't partial to anything except his whiskey and ginger ale which he has every night before bed.  (He buys a large handle of basic whiskey and stores it and the 2 liter of ginger ale in the top of the coat closet by the garage.)

Beyond my Opa's opinion, this wine was selected because my mother and I love Zinfandels (in particular the Plungerhead) and also because Cline is known for their Zinfandel.  If you want to try a great one, many will advise you to try a Cline Old Vine Zinfandel.

Freya's Score 86

Mona's Value 7.2

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Cupcake Prosecco

Cupcake Prosecco, Central Coast California

Alcohol 11%

Price $8

The big news is in, I have a job!  Among other things I can branch out from the Jumbo sized wines (although of course never completely, some were delicious!) and the dog food budget is definitely not going to be downsized (they love the fish Holistic Select!). 

This Prosecco was lovely.  Light and not overly sweet, fizzy and bubbly in all the right spots.  The wine had citrus notes and a medium froth (don't shake or handle roughly before opening!)  A clear, daffodil yellow complemented the light flavor and brush of spray on your nose as you dip in for a sip.  

A beautiful bottle complimented by the simple and sweet Cupcake logo.  The BF seemed dubious at first, but he requested a second glass!  It was the perfect present for a celebration.

Freya's Score 84

Mona's Value 10.5

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Cupcake Pinot Grigio

Cupcake 2011 Pinot Grigio

Central Coast California (grapes imported from Italy)

Alcohol 12.5%

Price $9

I just realized this is my first Pinot Grigio review!  So please note that I do not have a lot of knowledge about this type of wine.  These are the general facts I have learned:

• not sweet
• pairs well with fish
• serve chilled
• not a lot of people are wild about this and it's not as widespread as Chardonnays or Rieslings

I decided to go all out with the Cupcake whites.  The price is right, I cannot get over their gorgeous logo, and a friend featured the wine at her wedding.  This is an off dry wine, pear in color and very clear.  It is very crisp.  Not extremely floral or herbal like some Sauvignon Blancs, and not buttery like my favorite Chardonnays.  I found the back label very informative and helpful:

We traveled to Trentino, Italy in the foothills of the Italian Alps because of its unique quality to produce lush, flavorful Pinot Grigio.  Our Pinot Grigio is full, with the flavors of ripe pears, a creamy mid-palate and a long lingering finish.  It's reminiscent of a pear cupcake with white chocolate.  Enjoy with bay scallops in a cream sauce, linguine alfredo, or simply as an aperitif

Freya's Score 71

Mona's Value 7.9

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Long Trail Traditional IPA

Long Trail Traditional IPA, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont

Alcohol 5.4%

Price $8- (6-pack)

This brewery has a wonderful pub/tasting area for customers.  Although the exterior is nondescript (it looks like a warehouse set back from the road a bit). The interior front of house area takes advantage of the warehouse height ceilings to create a larger, airier, feeling.  They serve basic pub fare from 11-6 and also offer tastings of their large variety of beer.

We greatly enjoyed the self-guided tour.  While limited in vantage points, the brewery has very clear placards explaining the brewing process.  The bottling machine was going full tilt and it was amazing to see the grace and speed at which the glass bottles are filled, capped, and organized for casing.

Freya's Score: 65

Mona Value: 8.1

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price, giving a better analytic that takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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Wine-o: Robert Mondavi Chardonnay

Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2010 St. Helena, California

Alcohol:  13.5%

Price: ~$8.50

This Chardonnay is light and crisp.  It's a nice medium between sweet and dry.  Very affordable and with a slight buttery taste.  Overall I find it a bit too light for my taste.  It seems I prefer a more heady, or bold Chardonnay.  However I find the taste quite pleasant and would purchase again or give as a hostess gift.  

After reading the vineyard's description... I do like it more since reading the tasting notes.  Perhaps thats because they said the 2010 season was a strong one, perhaps my wine has aired more and is in fact better.  It does have a bit of a tang to it, probably denoting the peach and brown sugar flavors they refer to.  It's a fine wine and an excellent price for it.

In 2010, our Central Coast Chardonnay grapes enjoyed an extended period maturing on the vine, which produced fruit with impressively concentrated flavors. The natural roundness of our Chardonnay was enhanced by partial barrel and malolactic fermentation coupled with extended aging on the yeast lees, resulting in a luscious, complex wine. The nose reveals lemon blossom, pineapple, and peach aromas with smoky oak nuances along with enticing vanilla spice and toasty brown sugar flavors. The creamy, mouthfilling palate creates a lush impression and is balanced by a rich, lingering finish.

Freya's Score 74

Mona's Value 8.7

The MV is calculated by dividing the FS by the price; this produces a better analytic which takes into consideration price as well as overall taste

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