Summerwood 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
This pretty red, 100 percent cabernet sauvignon, offers bright notes of red and black cherries, blackberries, plums, cassis, and spice. Nuances of leather, bitter dark chocolate, and oak aging make it layered and complex. This is a perfect steakhouse wine that’s sure to complement any grilled steak. The finest lots of cabs were chosen by winemaker Mauricio Marchant to create their flagship wine, all 100 percent free run juice. I found it quite nicely balanced with the juicy acidity to make it a perfect foil for a well-marbled steak, a bison burger, or prime rib roast. Available at the tasting room at $55 retail, it’s a special choice for a special celebration.
Bogle 2011 Essential Red California
This interesting blend of old vine zinfandel, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and petite sirah is quite tasty, and one that people wouldn’t think was only an $11 red blend. An unusual combination of varieties, aged 18 months in French and American oak, it tastes of ripe red cherries and bold black berries. Yet it’s as friendly on its own as it is with food. It’s a good choice for a dinner of tri-tip fajitas, a cheeseburger, or a pepperoni pizza. After all, few of us can drink the $50 plus bottle of wine daily. You’ll find it on sale at BevMo! at the bargain price of $8.99.
This article appears in Jan 9-16, 2014.