The Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Region: Sonoma County, California

Vivino app rating: 3.8/5

Average Price: $13

Have you ever heard a song that brought you back to a particular moment or time in your life? That happens to me all of the time, but this is also what The Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc does for me; it can metaphorically be my music. It brings me back to the beach, waves crashing, and me sitting in total silence appreciating the view and serenity, just me and my glass of wine. This sauvignon blanc is fresh and crisp with tropical fruit aromas of passion fruit and kiwi. It has a clean finish with hints of grapefruit, pineapple, and lime. It’s so refreshing and hits the spot especially on those warm days when I don’t feel like drinking my typical red! 

You’re probably familiar with Dave Matthews; musician by day and winemaker by night, his other passion outside of music is making and drinking wine. He and Sean Mckenzie joined forces and these two friends set out on a journey to discover the amazing flavors that give the California wine region its unique and special characteristics.

Pair this fairly priced sauvignon blanc with spicy foods for the balance between spice and crisp, green vegetables, or oysters especially if you’re using them as an aphrodisiac. 😉 I am fussy about my white wines and really enjoy this sauvignon blanc. The Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc 2016 is a great bang for your buck and will hit the spot. Cheers!

Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2012

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Wine Spectator: 92 points

Vivino app rating: 3.9/5

Average Price: $34

So there I was, sitting at an Italian restaurant in the mood to change up from my normal Cabernet choice to a nice Brunello. I actually ordered a 2011 of the Caparzo Brunello when the waiter brought me a 2012. I nicely asked the waiter if they had the 2011 available as they showed on the wine list, and he said no. I decided to keep the 2012 bottle and give it a chance, but I was nervous since the 2011 was a great year. I secretly looked up the 2012 ratings to see that they were lower than the 2011; I did my signature eye roll and felt I made a mistake. To my surprise, the Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2012 was great too, and I have to say that my worries were unfounded! 

For those of you that are not as familiar with Italian wines, Brunello is made one hundred percent from Sangiovese exclusively in Montalcino. Brunellos in general are big and intense. “Chianti on sterioids?” Possibly. Aged in large oak casks, this brunello is a deep garnet color and sports aromas of wild berries and tobacco. You can really taste the tobacco on the long finish as well.

Pair this fairly priced Brunello wine with lamb, steak, or Italian tomato-based dishes to maximize the flavors between food and wine.

Michael David 2013 Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Lodi, California

Wine Enthusiast: 91 points

Vivino app rating: 3.9/5

Average Price: $19

Get freaky with the Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon! Ok, maybe that was corny, but this wine is no joke. The label could throw some people off since it is loud and possibly not as refined as other distinguished and notable wines, but this Cabernet is sure to hit the spot, especially for its affordability. The Freakshow cab is like a $50 wine dressed up and marketed at a $19 price point. 

This Cabernet is bold, yet refined and provides spicy aromas, deep color, and a smooth finish. There is a hint of fruit too that just makes this wine so well rounded.

The winery states,

Known for taking the road less traveled, Michael David Winery has always stood apart from the crowd. Whether it be their outlandish brands and packaging or their quirky personalities, Michael and David are definitely on a stage of their own and this wine showcases just that. The fruit for this brute of a Cab comes from the original “super freak,” Michael Phillips’ vineyard located only a medicine balls toss away from the winery.

This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheeses, steak, and any other cabernet friendly foods!

The Vivino rating is low in my opinion. I go on record and say this wine deserves a 4.1/5. But again, who am I? I discovered this bottle on one of my yearly ski trips to Vermont, and it was just a bottle I had to go back for. I love trying new wines, but the Michael David Freakshow has definitely become a staple in my wine cellar.

Plungerhead Zinfandel 2013

Region: Lodi, California

Wine Enthusiast: 87 points

Vivino app rating: 3.8/5

Average Price: $12

It’s been a while, but I can promise you I have been drinking some awesome wines! I am circling back to the Lodi region zinfandels, and the Plungerhead Zinfandel stands out (no, not because of the weird little man on the label… 😉 )

This zinfandel is medium bodied with raspberries, black cherries, and spices notes. A little peppery on the tongue as well which gives it a nice smooth kick after each sip. The winery states:

A plush deep purple hue in color, this Lodi Zinfandel comes with enticing aromas of dried cherry, sweet blackberry, Tahitian vanilla, brown sugar, toasted walnut and violets. Complex layered flavors start with bright Bing cherry, black currants, blackberry cobbler, molasses and Mexican hot chocolate.

This wine pairs well with pulled pork sandwiches or meats in general with a BBQ or slightly spicy sauce. Even some foods like a Greek gyro would pair well here. The options are endless!

The Vivino rating is pretty spot on. I would raise it a tad to a 3.9/5. I really enjoyed the Plungerhead Zinfandel and think it is a solid zinfandel for those who can appreciate the good ones.

Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Region: Napa Valley, California

Wine Enthusiast: 92 points

Vivino app rating: 4.2/5

Average Price: $42

Hello! It’s Wine Wednesday, and I have not written one of these in a while! My sincerest apologies! I was busy drinking the wines instead of writing about them. 😉 But I am back and highlighting this lovely Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon that I tried during my recent trip to Napa Valley. This Cabernet is bold, smooth, and amazing! The notes of blackberry and raspberry are present; this wine delivers a long finish. Robert Parker Wine Advocate states, “A beautiful elegance can be found in the 2013 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged 20 months in one-third new French oak.”

Vivino is spot on here with the Frank Family Cabernet. I am in total agreement with 4.2/5. I guess everyone else loves this Cabernet too! I have not seen this wine frequently at my local liquor stores, but I know you can order it online or find it at some restaurants. Definitely give it a try. Make sure you pair it with a nice steak or hearty Italian dish to get the full effect. I even got the idea to pair this wine with some good BBQ lamb ribs. Yeah, that’s a good one. Anyway, enjoy.  😉 Salute!

Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano Dry Red Wine 2014

Region: Abruzzo, Italy

Wine Spectator: 88 points

Vivino app rating: 3.7/5

Average Price: $14.99

Let’s start by admiring how darm cute this bottle is with the little twig or stick (whatever you want to call it) hanging around the bottle’s neck. This wine is aka the “Twig Wine.” The writing and font on the bottle, while excessive, is alluring and give’s you an Italian vibe if that makes any sense whatsoever!

Some notes about the wine:

Intense violet robe. Aromas of plums and ripe blackberry. Each sip delivers a mouthful of ripe berries, leather and black pepper with subtle hints of oregano, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla; all leading to a dry, supple finish.

The Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano dry red wine 2014 is smooth and perfect for wine drinking in any weather. The notes of berries are evident here. This wine is made is the Abruzzo region of Italy from the Montepulciano grape. For those of you stuck on your California wines, the montepulcianno grape produces wine that is lighter than a cab, but heavier than a pinot noir. Perfect balance in my opinion!

The Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano dry red wine 2014 pairs well with chicken and turkey.

I really like this red wine a lot, and as I’ve said before, I believe the Vivino rating is a little underrated! I would rate this wine a 3.9/5. This will be the wine to open you up to more Italian wines if you are not well versed in this region already. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Salute!

Gnarly Head 1924 Red Blend 2014

Region: Lodi Region, California

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

Vivino app rating: 3.8/5

Average Price: $11

Amazing value and amazing taste! The dark ruby colored wine is smooth and full of spicy and licorice tastes and aromas. The blackberry and raspberry notes are mesmerizing. I was so happy drinking this wine. It literally made my night.

Some cool tid bits about the winemaking:

Fruit for Gnarly Head 1924 Double Black was harvested during the cool night hours and then delivered to the winery. Following de-stemming, the grapes were fermented slowly in stainless steel fermenters and then pressed gently into stainless steel tanks. The wine was then racked onto a combination of French and American oak to age for several months to further develop layers of complexity in the final blend.

The Gnarly Head 1924 Red Blend pairs well with spicy meats, lamb, and any meats smothered in BBQ sauce!

I really like this red blend a lot, and I believe the Vivino rating is so underrated! I would rate this wine a 4.0/5. The value is awesome and my husband and I agreed that it is a smooth, inviting wine! Give the Gnarly Head 1924 red blend a try!

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Region: Alexander Valley, California

Wine.com: 90 points

Vivino app rating: 4.5/5

Average Price: $90

Drinking the Silver Oak Cabernet is a real treat. It is smooth, oaky, and full-bodied. The winemaker states:

Our 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a lively and full-bodied expression of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from an exceptional vintage. It has a lovely garnet color and opens with aromas of black currant, orange zest and raspberry. These aromas are framed by nuanced notes of vanilla, marshmallow and cocoa, eliciting an effect reminiscent of chocolate-covered berries. The attack is rich and gives way to a mid-palate with breadth and depth, supported with refreshing acidity and integrated, dusty tannins. This wine has power with an unusual vitality and structural balance. Given proper cellar conditions, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2034.

This cabernet pairs beautifully with steak, veal, and lamb.

I really like this cabernet a lot, however if you want to speak about price to taste ratio, I think you can easily find a cabernet this awesome for a little less. Don’t get me wrong though; the silver oak cabernet wine is amazing. I would rate this a 4.3/5. Whatever you do, please do not pay a dime over $75 for this wine because if you do, I can promise you that you are getting ripped off. Give this one a try and remember, “Life is a Cabernet!” Salute!

Meiomi Pinot Noir 2014

Region: Sonoma, California

Wine Enthusiast: 88 points

Vivino app rating: 4.1/5

Average Price: $19.99

It’s wine Wednesday again and this week, I am writing about Meiomi Pinot Noir 2014. What a pleasant surprise! Once my husband saw the screw top on the bottle, he said, “Oh no, it has a screw top? It can’t be that good.” Well, if you’re one of those people who equate screw tops with cheap wines in price and taste, please look the other way on this one because Meiomi is a win! Meiomi Pinot Noir is garnet in color and has flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, mocha, and vanilla. It is such a smooth and uplifting wine! There is also an aspect of oak that gives this wine an edge over other Pinot Noirs. There is just something soothing about this balanced and delicious wine!

This wine pairs well with pork or lamb, especially with stronger flavors. If you’re feeling in a fish mood, you can get away with enjoying it with salmon.

I would rate this wine exactly how Vivino members have rated it, a 4.1/5.0. It is absolutely spot on. If you’re a Pinot Noir lover, go try this wine; if you want to start drinking Pinots, start with Meiomi! Happy Wine Wednesday!