3/30/2021 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Doesn't get better than this! My all time favorite wine!

3/30/2021 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Great value. Better than the Treana red blend.

3/30/2021 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Very nice with pasta and marinara sauce. Give it an hour to open up.

3/30/2021 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Not my favorite. Bland and flat.

3/30/2021 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Excellent, refreshing, fruit forward

12/18/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Great value for $18. Outstanding...drank with a nice filet.

12/18/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Love the Pinots from Central CA.

12/18/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

This is a staple in our household. Always great!

9/30/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Excellent wine, bold and with a great finish.

9/24/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Not the best but great buy for a large gatherings for guests who don't know wine.

9/24/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Still good after all thee years. Fruity, full bodied and great with a steak!

9/24/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Good day to day wine. Great value.

9/24/2020 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

One of my favorites...have not had a bad vintage..

6/20/2013 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Since moving to South Carolina from California, the wine selection here in the south is very limited. However, this California Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my best finds in a very long time. I stumbled across it at a local grocery store (Publix). It is a great value at $12.00 to $13.00 and has a very unique taste. In the glass, it is a very dark red with a nose of a smoky and plum aroma. With a jammy fruit flavor forward, it follows with strong blackberry and plum on the tongue. It’s very complex background has hints of coffee, tobacco, cocoa, and cinnamon. But the unique thing about this wine is that I can swear I taste bacon… Everyone I have introduced it to, has enjoyed it. So, try it, you will like it.

8/16/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

While on a road trip up the Coast of California with my daughter last summer, I came upon Rosenthal Winery in Malibu. Not knowing what to expect, we stopped for a tasting. I ended up buying a few bottles and just today opened the 2008 Pinot Noir. I understand this is their first attempt at a Pinot so I was not expecting much. It appears I am not the first to be pleasantly surprised. For a Pinot Noir, it was much more bold than most…not complaining. Color was darker purple and more leggie than most others. Not much of a nose but tastes of cherries and plum came forward in a hurry. It was a bit tart out of the bottle but smoothed out after it had a chance to breath. I liked it and would buy it again.

7/3/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Although I am more of a red wine drinker, it’s July 4th weekend, its hot and I was looking for some refreshing. I decided to open a white Bordeaux, 2007 Barons de Rothschild Reserve because...well, Cellar Tracker was telling me it was time to drink it. But I was pleasantly surprised to find it very nice for the occasion. Color was a transparent yellow with no detectable nose. However it was fruity and lemony (something I have never tasted in a wine before). The finish was a bit dry and acidity but still enjoyable.

7/3/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

If you have read any of my notes, you know that Silverado is one of my all time favorite Napa wineries. I enjoyed this unbelievable 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Limited Reserve with a special friend at Ruth Chris Steak House. I was concerned that I may have waited too long but as it turned out, it could be the best of the year. I remember tasting it in Napa and now I remember why a bought it. In the glass the color was a pleasant deep dark purple…just like I like my reds. The nose was fruity and the legs, best I have seen in a long time. The explosive flavors came at me in every direction…black cherry, smoke, oak, and chocolate, with a great silky finish. Along with good company, I enjoyed it with a tender filet and asparagus. Even though it was pricy, I think it was worth the money and the wait.

7/3/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

I was very pleased with this 2005 Rubicon Estate, Captain’s Reserve Syrah. I love a bold, robust red and this did not disappoint. Color was very dark purple with a nose of an undetectable fruit, woody and a hint chocolate. I loved the strong blackberry & plumb taste with a spicy finish. Tannins were heavy but somehow, well balanced. Drank it with a grilled ribeye and grilled veggies.

6/15/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Silverado is one of my all time favorite Napa wineries. This 2006 Sangiovese was dark in color where they normally tend to be more moderate. Slight nose of black cherry with softer tannin and acid flavor than expected. Drank over two days and was smooth and balanced from the beginning...on the border of being a bit boring. Maybe should have drank a year earlier. I have a 2007 of which I think I will drink soon.

6/4/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

This 1999 Silver Ridge Merlot was given to me by a friend. Not sure what to expect…not sure how it had been stored or at what temperature. Based on the vintage of a 1999 I would assume it would not be any good. In addition, I am not normally a Merlot drinker. I was surprised that it was not that bad. The Merlot had a typical Merlot taste. Color was a light purple with little legs. No surprise by no nose at all. But was much smoother than expected. The biggest and most pleasant surprise was the heavy spicy finish. Drank it with grilled halibut with a mushroom/garlic sauce accompanied with sautéed veggies.

6/1/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

This 2005 Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvée was definitely ready to drink. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot was a bit too strong on the Merlot side for my liking. Color was deep reddish purple with good legs! Surprised by a limited nose but was able to detect some pepper and spice. Strong, full bodied, ripe and fruity, with some plums, blueberries and Jam on the palate. Tannins were well balanced with a nice lingering smoky finish. Always like Cuvees but was not one of my favorites.

5/31/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Laguna Canyon Winery is a favorite local winery In Laguna Beach, California. This Syrah is inexpensive at $20 and a good value. It is not your typical Syrah...dark purple in color, minimal legs with a nose of cherry. Smooth from the moment it was opened, tastes of black cherry, a hint of oak and a nice smoky finish. I would buy it again.

5/24/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Slingshot has always been a favorite of mine. It was originally recommended by a friend Ed, who owns a wine bar in Ladera Ranch, California. Inexpensive at $20 but well worth it. Dark purple in color with a nose of black cherry and a hint of spice. Tastes of soft tannins, black cherry, cedar and a finish of black liquorish. Better as it opens up over a couple of hours and even nice the next day. In summary, always an impressive choice at a good value.

5/21/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Bought on a recommendation from a friend and was disappointed. Inexpensive and not much to write home about. Dark purple in color and very little nose. Tannins a bit strong on the open but did mello out in time. Some cherries but not a typical Cab. I paired it with BBQ chicken and sautéed veggies. In summary, not impressed…

5/10/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Hess has always been a favorite of mine. If you ever get to the winery, Donald Hess displays a portion of his very interesting and unique art collection worth seeing. I really enjoyed this Hess Allomi full bodied Cab. Deep dark purple in color with great legs! I was however surprised by its limited nose. Very strong ripe fruit on the palate heavy with plums and cherries with a touch of smoke & oak. Tannins were well balanced. Enjoyed with sautéed veggies/scallops and a small grilled filet mignon.

5/9/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Cakebread normally known for their Chardonnays but thought I would give a Syrah a try. Was pleasantly surprised. Inky dark in color with a nose of blackberries and a little earthy; Strong fruit on the palate including blackberries and plum with hints of coffee and vanilla. Enjoyed with a grilled ribeye steak.

5/1/2011 - bmatranga56@outlook.com wrote:

Bought based on high ratings for top Italian wines. Was not disappointed and a good value. Ruby in color with a nose of cherries; Tastes also of sweet red cherries, smoke with a bit of spice and good acidity; Good everyday wine; drank with pasta but would also go well with pizza.