2009 Four Vines Amador County Zinfandel "Maverick"

So nice that it's Sunday. It has been pretty hot the last couple of days and working in the garden has not been happening except for early in the morning. Having grown up in Chicago, I am used to humidity but maybe as I've gotten older, I just can't stay outside sweating like a "whore in church"!
Now I'll get my fair share of stuff done, and then I hit a point where I'm like, enough already!
When you come in and drink your gallon of water and blow up like a puffer fish, shower and get all cooled down, you can think of a great "adult beverage"!

Today though, we're having some pizza, a nice deep dish from Chicago. you know today you can order it online and have it delivered to you the next day. Got love that overnight delivery! So, I decided to open this Four Vines Amador County Zinfandel "Maverick" and let me say that the taste is really, really good.

The aroma is very blended, with blackberry cobbler and cracked pepper. Soft, supple black cherry and licorice flavors a touch of vanilla, with a velvety berry/cinnamon finish.

Wine Spectator gave this vino a 90 point score and it's easy to see why. Here are some notes about the wine:
"From dry-farmed, head pruned, old vine vineyards in the Shenendoah Valley--renowned for its old vine Zin vineyards which produce a wine that is chewy and spicy, rich with blackberry fruit and a hint of velvet vanilla oak. Blended with a touch of Syrah. All in Maverick's one-of-a-kind balanced and weighty style.

So give this vino a try and you won't be disappointed. It retails for about $19.00 and really worth a lot more.

2011 - Pennywise Pinot Noir

Always great when you receive a delivery from the UPS folks. I wasn't really sure though why I was receiving a delivery from UPS. Then I looked in the corner and the return label told the story, TOG Wines.

As you know by reading the blog I am a strong supporter of the brands they are making. I truly believe that August Sebastiani and his great staff are making great vino at great prices.  For me it all started with the Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel. Such a rich taste! From that first bottle, I knew that I had to try the other brands as well. Well I have, and they have all been great.

As I hastily opened the box, much like a kid on Christmas, seeking what my treasure would be. I was rewarded generously! Six bottles of the brand Pennywise lay in a fine wooden gift box. There was also a letter from August announcing the rebranded Pennywise packaging. Quite stately. It is a grand drawing of the San Francisco Mint. The top of the bottle also has the impression of the Lincoln penny. Great new look, with the notation at the bottom of the bottle, "Dedicated to the timeless pleasures of winemaking and wine drinking". Simply stated, yet, powerful.

So I found out that Big Daddy was making a dinner of chicken turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes with a green salad.  The Pennywise Pinot Noir was a PERFECT match! Let's start with opening the bottle and pouring it into the glass. A beautiful light ruby color just gives you a sort of "wink" that is naughty and to come try it. The aroma blends aromas of wild cherry, pomegranate and  sweet vanilla.

The taste starts with the distinct flavors of fresh Bing cherry, sweetened dried cranberry, raspberry and basil. The Pinot finishes with flavors of fresh baked cherry pie, apple, and well rounded vanilla' Which it probably picks up from the French Oak used in production.

Another hit ladies and gentleman! So seek this wine out. Based on the past costs, I am sure it will be under $20.00, hell it may be under $15.00!  You won't be disappointed.

This vino definitely MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON.