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: 2010 Apothic Red

Apothic Red 2010 Modesto, CA

13% Alcohol

This wine was given to me as a dinner party present.  I was excited to try it as I had seen just recently that it will be featured at the Peel Compton Foundation's 2012 Gardens Uncorked event this month.  The wine is a blend of several reds, including Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.  It has a very fruity flavor and I found it a sweeter, more full bodied red.  It bursts in your mouth with a hint of vanilla.

Pairings:  Would pair well with red meats, but I think it would also go amazingly well with a Margherita or wild mushroom pizza.

Freya's Score: 77 This is a wonderful wine, although I wonder if those who prefer drier or less sweet wines would like it as much... 

Mona's Value: 7.7 Technically, since I did not pay for this wine as it was a gift, the Mona should be 77, however I thought I'd play fair.

Cost:  ~$10.00 from the Pineville, MO Macadoodle's Liquor Store.  Buy a case of mixed wines and enjoy a 10% discount!  Or, check out their new e-commerce store for more great deals.

*Note: My Father recommended that I change the metrics by which the wines are ranked.  A Freya Score of 80 means that I think this wine is better than 79% of the other wines I've tasted.  A Mona Value of 70 is calculated as: VALUE = FREYA.SCORE/ PRICE.PER.BOTTLE

Wine-o: Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon

Sterling Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Central coast Sonoma, CA

13.5% Alcohol

This wine has made me question what a "typical" California Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like.  I enjoyed the bold and full flavors.  It has a lingering finish of spicy flavors.  I would say that this wine is a bit more spicy than I anticipated, and also drier than I prefer.  In many ways it reminds me of a Zinfandel, more spicy than the round full flavor I was expecting.  I found that the more it aerated, the less I enjoyed it.  It was very good just after opening to a day after.

I would very much like to visit Sterling Vineyards at some point.  When I asked my grandmother which vineyards in the area she enjoyed the most on her tours of Napa, Sterling was one of the first.  To reach the winery, one can take a gondola and enjoy a one of a kind view of the valley.  I find the Napa landscape breathtaking and think this would be a very fun outing.

Freya's Score: 6 This wine paired well with venison chili.  I wonder how it would go with a barbecue pulled pork...

Cost: ~ $10 in Southern Missouri, bought from the Macadoodle's location in Pineville, MO.  This is a great deal if you purchase it with the fantastic Macadoodle's case of wine deal.  Try out the Macadoodle's new e-commerce store to have wine and other goodies delivered to you.  

Wine-o: Tasting at Wilson Creek

Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula, California

Assorted red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines

I was first introduced to wine tasting by my father in Temecula, CA.  One of his favorite wineries is Wilson Creek Winery and so he insisted that as many of the family as possible go.  It features a tasting room, restaurant, outdoor gazebo, lawn, and large store.

We tried a variety of wines at the VIP Wine Tasting Bar in the back barrel room since my father is a member of the Wilson Creek Wine Club.  He receives a discount on all purchases and a certain number of cases mixed by his choice every year.

The five of us came to a pretty general consensus as to which wines we felt were the strongest:

2010 "Yes Dear" Chardonnay

2008 Winemaker's Select Zinfandel (the 2009 has not aged enough yet)

2007 Family Meritage

I also enjoyed the 2010 Golden Jubilee.  This wine was a bit too sweet for many in our party and was probably the sweetest I would enjoy now.  It is definitely a summer wine in my mind.  It made me want to sit outside with a huge fresh salad and fish entree.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Rosie Wilson, one of the owners.  She was in great spirits and regaled us about their fun New Years costume party.  The 2012 theme was the 1920's flapper era.  She also had a trusty Golden Retriever in tow; the mascots of the winery.  There were a couple around the grounds lounging and receiving love from many customers (including me!)

Freya's Score: 8 -This vineyard is lovely.  Clean and with extensive grounds, it is great fun for a group trip.  Also, doggy presence gives an automatic score of at least 5 since we love dogs so.

For NWA locals, you can purchase the Wilson Creek Almond Champagne (their signature product) from Macadoodle's, check out their new e-commerce site to make digital orders!

Wine-o: Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel

Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel, 2009 Lodi, CA
Alcohol: 14.9%


This was my favorite wine from the Thanksgiving week of wine tastings.  The wine is a beautiful ruby red and had moderate flavors of plum and pepper.  It was a drier wine which paired wonderfully with venison, vegetables, and pate.  A great simple wine.  


I am so glad that Dan from Macadoodle's recommended this wine to me.  My mother was horrified by the name and label and declared she could never serve it at a party or give it as a gift.  After we had sampled a couple wines over the Holiday we were both won over with the Plungerhead.  I have bought it again since and look forward to opening it at my next pizza night.


Described on Wine Spectator with a rating of 83:

Ripe and smoky, showing baked cherry, fresh sage and cedar notes and dry flavors. Drink now. 36,000 cases made. –TF

Freya's Score: 8 Zesty and flavorful, it went great with venison tacos and pate hors d'oeuvres.  


Cost: ~ $12 in Southern Missouri, bought from the Macadoodle's location in Pineville, MO.  This is a great deal if you purchase it with the fantastic Macadoodle's case of wine deal.  They have a discount section that provides cases of wine perfect for any party, event, or just a personal favorite that must always be handy.

Wine-o: Lesson from Dan; 5 Red Wines

While visiting with Dan, a local wine expert at the Macadoodle's wine tasting bar, I learned a lot.  I asked Dan what 5 wines he would keep on hand in the house to serve at a dinner party or to a houseguest.  Here's the results:

Santa Cristina Sangiovese, ITALIAN

Cline Cool Climate Syrah, California

Plungerhead Zinfandel, Lodi, CA

Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, CA

Crios Malbec, Mendoza, ARGENTINA


Look for the Plungerhead Zinfandel and Louis Martinit Cabernet Sauvignon review coming soon!