Renaissance Cabernet Sauvignon 1999: Review

This cabernet comes from the Sierra Foothills in Oregon House, California. This 13.5% abv red wine is still fine eleven years later. There is a nice dark cherry nose. I like the blackberry bite that mixes with the plum, earth, black cherry, spice, and sweet cedar notes. This wine leaves a good thick earthy quality or jammy feel on the palate. This cab has some good body.

With each sip I can taste that moist plum flavor and then the dark fruits kick in to add some body structure to the flavor profile. The spice and woody notes play on the back of the palate for that nice Cabernet Sauvignon finish. I think I’ll give this wine a 7 on my strength scale. (medium-full)

This bottle use to sell for around $27 - $30 a bottle and I just picked up a few bottles at $15.00 each.

Concannon Petite Sirah 2005: Tasting

Central Coast Petite Sirah

Limited Release 2005

Concannon Vineyard

Livermore, California, USA

1.5L bottle
13.5% abv

Listed on the bottle: “It is full-bodied, rich with cherry flavors and has a hint of toasty oak for a smooth, silky finish.”

I am not ready to call it full-bodied but, for $10.00 for this 1.5 liter bottle this is a deal. The dark berry and dark cherry flavor is pleasing and there is a hint of toasty oak. Now, this is not complex, it is pretty straight forward and simple. Did I mention it was only 10 bucks for this big bottle? A fine wine to open up for that party or just to enjoy over a few days. Yes, this wine will be good for a day or two after opening. Actually, I think this wine was better on the next day.

Buy: yes, if you can find it.

I purchased it at the Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan.