Wow...it is 2008.  I cannot believe that 2007 is already gone.  I am not one to set New Year's goals that consist of dietary or exercise habits, but I can tell you we are going to drink some great wines in 2008.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts on some of the latest wines I have been tasting.  I hope that you will appreciate the ones that are posted and I would love to here your comments if you have any.  Email me at chris@milehighwineandspirits.com.

 

Monna Claudia 1999 Fattoria Rodano "Monna Claudia"

First off I have to admit that I do not get the opportunity to drink this kind of wines every day.  I also need to give thanks to Michael from Baroness Wines for this bottle that we drank recently.  This super Tuscan is ready to be drank, but with the tannins and complexity that it has it could rest for a couple of more years and age well.  I prefer to enjoy it now though...of course...and this 50/50 blend of cabernet and sangiovese has that rich dark fruit that was phenomenal with the veal chops that we ate.  Parker gave it 92 points and I am on board with that assessment.

Renwood 2005 Sierra Foothills Barbera

Most barbera is typically coming out of Italy, but this bottle of barbera is from the Sierra foothills.  This bottle is lighter and more delicate than most barberas, but it has the acidity that makes it a great food wine.  I taste cherries and raspberries on the palate and crave some pizza with this one.

Reg. $12.99 – 85 pts.

 

Renwood 2004 Old Vine Zinfandel

When the cold weather sets in as it has of late I go for the big Zins and this is one of my go to labels.  Renwood's Old Vine Zinfandel is big and bold.  It is from the Sierra Foothills which is pretty much the birthplace of zin.  Lot's of spice with a long mouth-coating finish.

Reg. $20.99 – 89 pts. (mention this review and get $4 off) 

Justin Vineyards 2005 Syrah - Paso Robles

The Justin Vineyards 2005 syrah out of Paso Robles is what I like to call a mouth coater that hits me all over the palate.  I love it when that happens and this bottle does it well.  The dark fruit and depth of this wine are what make it so good.  It is smooth, but the tannins and complexity are there.  I drank it with some beef skewers and that definitely did not suck.

$29.99 – 89 pts. (mention this review and we will take $3 off the price) 

Cedar Knoll Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Palmaz Vineyards

The Cedar Knoll vineyard is located in Napa and was planted in 1874 but the land went fallow until 1912 during times of prohibition.  The vineyard was used as a whiskey ranch for awhile and in 1997 the Palmaz family from Argentina purchased the vineyard.  They also employed winemaking consultant Mia Klein and for those of you that know her there is nothing more that needs to be said.  This wine could be cellared for a few years, but the solid fruit that the bottle is showing drinks nice today.  The wine's finish is soft and not elongated, but the smooth tannins complement the fruit and make this a smooth cabernet.

Mr. Palmaz invented the coronary stent so for all you doctors out there this one is for you.

$41.99 - 88 pts. 

 

Catena 2004 Cabernet.

Gets better each time I go back for a sip. This is one of those awesome wines where you can feel the fruit flowing back and forth in your mouth. California may be known for its cabernets, but this one from Mendoza what I consider a VALUE wine. Soft toasted oak flavors arise from your glass along with fruity aromas. Throw something red and hearty on the grill and enjoy this one before and with your food.

$19.99 – 88 pts.

Clayhouse Vineyards 2005 Adobe Red.

Drink it now or shelve it for a few as this wine has it all going on. Good acidity and tremendous fruit will please your palate. The finish on this one is like a never ending Nascar race. The left turns of fruit in your mouth just continue on and on… This small wine (~4,000 cases) produced out of Paso Robles is a blend of zinfandel, syrah, petit syrah, and cabernet. Simply delicious.

$16.99 – 89 pts