Bogle Essential Red 2010

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

It might not be absolutely necessary, but picking up this California red blend is certainly a viable and enjoyable option.

Essential is a blend of old vine zinfandel (31 percent), petite sirah (26), cabernet sauvignon (24) and syrah (19) that is fermented and aged separately for 18 months in oak before bottling.

There are full flavors of rich, juicy fruit like blueberry and cherry layered in a spicy and smoky finish. It would pair nicely with grilled food or a pizza but is approachable enough to stand on its own enjoyment.

Sherry: “Smooth and fruity with black cherry and floral essence, blueberry and a bit peppery on the finish.” 3-1/2

Chris: “Cedar and vanilla nose with flavors of blueberry and cherry and a semi-dry finish.” 3-1/2

Available locally for between $10 to $12.

Coming next week: Colores Del Sol Reserva 2011

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend 2010

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

A Christmas or holiday dinner deserves a special wine. This new blend from Washington’s founding winery is an excellent choice.

Domestic red blends are popular, and sales have grown faster than any other red variety, according to AC Nielsen. Merlot is the main grape in this wine (60 percent) with syrah (28 percent) and smaller amounts of grenache, malbec, cinsault and mourvedre. The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months in oak barrels.

It’s a well-rounded wine with nuances of red fruit flavors laced with hints of cocoa. It would pair nicely with beef, lamb or even a Christmas goose.

Sherry: “A delightful blend of plum, cherry, coconut and chocolate.” 3-3/4 stars

Chris: “Flavors of cherry, strawberry and cocoa.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $15.

Coming next week: Lamarca Prosecco

St. Francis White Splash

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

St. Francis is a California winemaker that has made some classic varietal wines since 1971. Recently it has climbed onto the blend bandwagon by launching two new labels: Red Splash and White Splash.

White Splash is a blend of gewürztraminer (26 percent), viognier (25 percent), malvasia (25 percent) and pinot grigio (24 percent) that is a lively, fresh and zesty pour. The grapes are blended and the wine is aged in stainless steel to preserve the fresh taste. It also undergoes partial malolactic fermentation for a softer texture.

Look for sweet orchard fruit flavors, and serve alone or with a salad or light meal.

Sherry: “Light-bodied with lime, lemon and pineapple.” 3 stars

Chris: “A nose of honey and peach, with flavors of pear, apricot and honey.” 3 stars

Available locally for about $9.

Coming next week: The Seeker Pinot Noir

Red Rock Reserve Winemakers Blend

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
Red Rock Winery features a label with stacked rocks – one of them red – a symbol of its belief that great wine is about finding balance.
That certainly describes this red California blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah, which embodies the notion of a fruit-forward wine.
Displaying dark purple color in the glass thanks to the petite sirah, this wine shows lots of jam characteristics and is quite sweet considering its varietals. It’s very smooth with a full mouth of berry and soft spice flavors, a reflection of the wine’s malolactic fermentation.
Sherry: “Big and bold with fruity black cherry, raspberry and light touch of rose on the finish.” 3-1/2 stars
Chris: “A sweeter blend of raspberry, plum, cherry and raisins.” 3 stars
Available locally for about $10.
Coming next week: Middle Sister Sweet and Sassy Moscato