Toasted Head 2010 Untamed Red Review

Toasted Head Winery

Toastedhead.com

13.5% abv

Clearance price $8.00

At Kroger

Blend: 45% Syrah, 28% Petite Sirah, 14% Zinfandel, 9% Merlot, 3% Tannat, 1% Tempranillo

The last time I had the Untamed Red, a few years ago, I was not impressed but, for 8 bones I’ll try it again.

Appearance: black-purple body; ruby highlights

Aroma: some oak mixed with dark berries

Flavors: juicy blackberry, black currant; some oak and spice swirl on the palate;

Mouthfeel: little jammy on the fruit; light earthy feel; pleasing spice on the back and finish; medium medium-full body;

To the Point: a very pleasing wine; and at this price I went back to the Kroger store and bought the rest the bottles.  

2012 Caymus 40 Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon

Caymus Vineyards

Rutherford, California, USA

14.6% abv

One liter bottle

I went to La Bistecca tonight for dinner and Jerry said they had this bottle available and I just had to have it.  The 750 ml bottle should run around 60 bucks retail.  The one liter bottle at a wonderful restaurant like this set me back 140.  It paired well with my filet mignon. Damn, I just love their filet.  

Being young, only 2012, I thought it was ready to enjoy now and should age well.  The boysenberry and blackberry fruits were sitting there in the front row.  Nice fresh oak; some toasted vanilla bean seemed to float around on the back of the palate; silky satin mouthfeel; tannins were well controlled for such a young Cab.  I’ll be picking up a case of this.

Toasted Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2012: Review

Toasted Head Winery

Acampo, California, USA

Toastedhead.com

13.5% abv

On sale at Kroger

For $9.59

I just cannot believe that I have never reviewed Toasted Head Cab nor Merlot.  I have always liked the TH Merlot over the Cabernet Sauvignon but, that was 10 years ago or so.  Let’s get on with the review.

Appearance: a somewhat translucent ruby body

Aroma: dark berry bowl with a hint of spice;

Flavors: not too often that I agree with what is written on a bottle of wine but, I my notes were real close to theirs; on the bottle: “… medium-bodied…, blackberry, cassis with hints of cloves and vanilla…”

I had: dark berries that remind me of blackberry, mulberry, and black currant; nice toasted vanilla probably coming from the oak barrel aging; pleasing herbal spice; an agreeable hint of oak builds as the wine opens

To the Point: I still like this wine; a great value wine at $9.59 a bottle on sale (and I got another 10% off); so, $8.65 a bottle – That’s it I’m out of here and going back and buy the rest of those bottles on the clearance table.   

Storyteller Into the Fog Pinot Noir 2012 Review

Winepress Vintners

Sonoma County

Graton, California, USA

WineFables.com  

On sale at Kroger

For $14.00/ Reg. $21.00

13% abv

Appearance: a translucent crystal red with a deep red core

Aroma: soft and ripe end of the patch berries; as the wine opens there is a hint of floral and a delicate spice note

Flavors: the soft and delicate style continues to the palate with notes of black currant, black raspberry, and a lightly tart cranberry note; a hint of violet evolves with a pinch of of green peppercorn

Mouthfeel: yes, soft and delicate; medium body;

To the Point: a nice wine that you can pick up at the grocery store; probably not one for aging; a very good value wine for under 15 bucks; for 20 dollars and over it’s just okay 

Storyteller Once Upon a Dream 2011 Merlot Review

WX Wine Company

Graton, California, USA

WineFables.com

13% abv

$14.00 at Kroger’s

So, the winery must have changed ownership from 2011 to 2012. WX Wine here in 2011 and on the 2012 bottle the company is WinePress.

Appearance: ruby red and translucent 

Aroma: the spice greets the nose first and then berry note(s) follow(s)

Flavors: red berries that remind me of red currant and red raspberry; peppery spice followed by some alcohol warmth.

Mouthfeel:  thin on delivery; spice on the mid; alcohol warmth on the back and finish; light on the berries; sharp on the tongue

To the Point: for the under 15$ range it is okay; which means I would not buy it again; as a Merlot it is below average; berry notes too simple; overall too simple; the alcohol warmth is too much