Throwdown With Grenache

I recently mentioned that I ventured to the Wine Exchange in Orange to restock the wine pile. For some reason, maybe that they had a small Spanish section with several bottles under $15 bucks? I left the store deciding to dabble in several bottles of Grenache to see what I see.

First up, Garnache de Fuego 2009 ($6.99)

The pregame favorite won't win any label competitions, unless Max is judging, but might show up on a Best Value list. Garnache de Fuego, which I first mentioned back in November has become a regular pick-up around these parts. I've seen it at Total Wine, Hi Times, BevMo and Wine Ex. Very drinkable, flavorful (lots of berry blasting going on) and super smooth. Seriously good wine at a tremendous price.

Grade: B+
Beth's Grade: B+

Batting 2nd, Bitch 2009 Grenache ($8.99)


This was a, "what the hell, Beth will like the label," grab (She did. She was very excited).  It collided head on with my low expectations. There's no shortage of flavor. Loads of spicy raspberry and strawberry that don't quit. But they should; it's berry overload that burns a bit going down, makes my nose tingle, then leaves a semi dry feeling in my mouth. No bueno.

Grade: D+ 


What's next?

Castillo de Monseran 2009 Garnacha ($6.99)


Pretty cool label, but not a very good bottle. It lacked any punch. Seemed really flat. Boring. I dumped it.

Grade: D

In the clean-up spot, Borsao 2010 Garnacha ($6.99)


This is the less expensive little brother to Tres Picos (see below). Think Stephen Baldwin to Alec.

Unlike a lot of just ok wines, this got better over time. After the first few sips that reminded me of old- school style cherry cola, I was thinking it might be a dumper. But, I hung in there, it got a bit better, and so I corked it. We finished the bottle the next night with a tad spicy taco soup (thanks Aimee for that recipe) and it was pretty darn not bad.

Grade: C+

And finally, Tres Picos 2009 Garnacha ($12.99)
Wine Spectator rating: 92 Points


Well, that's not what I remembered. Tres Picos was the bottle that sparked my interest in Garnacha last summer. I still think it has a wonderful nose, and very nice strawberry, fruity flavors going on. But the swallow kind of caught me in the throat and it finished dryer than I remember. Overall, still good, still complex, but not something I feel I need to always have on hand for a special pairing.

Grade: B-

The people have voted: Actually, I voted. And I've concluded that you should stock up on the Garnache de Fuego. For me, it's the perfect cheaper weekday wine, but I really think if it had a more sophisticated looking label and sold for $14, it would appeal to a different crowd. I'm confident that it's that enjoyable. I still think the Tres Picos is worth trying, but I'm done giving it as gifts (Sorry Brian Martin, my intentions were good. And, it's not like I brought over Rabbit Ridge, right?) and I'm done hyping it to Tom. The other 3, save your cash.

It's Not You. It's Me.

Calera 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.99)


Two of the saddest things I've ever seen: a dog get hit by a car while I was playing short stop during baseball practice as a 3rd grader, and Tom, 2 weeks ago, having his plan to stock up on Bella Glos Pinot at Wine Ex foiled. Not only were they sold out, but some guy was pushing around the last 6 bottles in his cart like he'd won a 4H competition. I felt so bad for the Tom, just as I'd felt for the dog. Tom refrained from knocking him out & cart-jacking him.  For that, I'm proud of you, brother.

Near the Bella Glos, which, btw is made by the family that makes Caymus, this Calera had a long hand written message telling me how much I'd like it.

Pulling the bottle out of the wine fridge, I was impressed. Cool back label:

Once I figured out how to open it...hey, a glass cork thing. Vewy intewesting.

Then I poured it. It was very light in color, and I smelled the Pinot scent that I'm not such a big fan of. My expectations plummeted momentarily, but when I tried it with the salmon Beth made for dinner, I was hopeful, not only that I might like this bottle, but maybe there's hope for me liking Pinots that look and smell like this. Maybe. With the salmon I really liked it. I was thinking upper B range. Beth bursted out, "A."

As the food disappeared from my plate, the vino came crashing back to reality. I think I put this type of Pinot in the category of Bruce Springsteen and pickles. Things that most people seem to like, but my life would be better off without.

Maybe it's that 7% from San Benito County? In all seriousness, I don't know what I don't like about some "quality" Pinots. Some just aren't for me. But you might really, really like it.

Final Grade: C+
Beth's Final Grade: A- 

Real Nice!

Buehler 2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.98)
91 Points Wine Spectator


Oh kids! Hi Time's December Newsletter rated their top Cabs of the year and this one checked in at #10.  As you can see, (you clicked the link, right?) it's the cheapest on the list by $14 and 7 of the top 10 sell for $50 or higher. In other words, this is a steal. And did I mention that it was phenomenal? I should have. It was. I have to say, this is the best bottle I've cracked in a long time.

Beth called it, "liquid velvet," and said she tasted chocolate cherry. I definitely agree with black cherry flavors up front. Earthy too yet super ridiculously smooth. A really well balanced wine. This, paired with our filets last night....

Real nice!

Grade: A, easily

Beth's Grade: A