THE FINAL TWO RED WINES!

Hello,

Finally, here are the notes on the final two wines - the ones that Dorianne and I brought to the party.

They represent two of our favorite everyday reds - wines that we really enjoy with a variety of foods, alone, or with a cigar (me, not Dorianne).

They are Penfold's koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet ($12) - we drank the 2004 at the tasting; and 2005 Los Vascos Cabernet, Colchauga ($11).

First, the Penfold's: Most of the wine tasters noted little to no noticable nose on the Penfold's. One noted "fragrant, fruity."

The tasting notes indicate flavors ranging from pepper, to high tannins, black currant, cherry, licorice, goon on the back of the tongue, nice finish. Dorianne rated it #8 of 8 (maybe it's not one of our favorites), noting "nose not remarkable, full-bodied, balanced, some tannins, but not overly complex; great blend of Shiraz/Cabernet, has good 'legs.'"

Next, the Los Vascos: The nose was described as, fruity, hints of licorice, fragrant, berry, sweet, floral, lite chocolate notes, hint of pepper.

The tasting remarks included: peppery, good back of tongue, lasting oak, good finish, rose, raspberry, tannic, young - needs more time, good long taste, can't beat the price (I paid $6.99 at World Market). Dorianne rated it #5 of 8, noting "nose - complex, fruit and chocolate, hint of pepper; taste - good tannins, great with Manchego cheese, amazing for the price."

So that concludes the notes from the first annual WineSaver Red Wine Tasting. My thanks to everyone who came and participated. Here is a shot of the morning after . . .

Next week is the White Wine Tasting, so look for notes on that after July 4th.

'Till Next Time,

The WineSaver