Fiat Vino

I nabbed this from Whole Foods for $17. It is an interesting and non-traditional blend of Bordeaux (23% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot), Rhone (23% Syrah), and Northern Italian (6% Refosco). It has rich tannins, a strong peppery finish, and something about it seems distinctly Italian despite only a 6% influence.

Great jammy grenache, balanced with the spice of serrano and black pepper against currant and plum. This is one of the best bottles of grenache that I've had (not many people bottle it on its own) but it has many deep notes that seem to be lost when they try to keep it without blending it. We bought 2. Everything Curtis makes is golden. We picked up 3 bottles of their Viognier, 2 bottles of the Rousanne, and 2 bottles of their Rock Creek Merlot.

This is a great one, I like how much grassiness they get in there, more than most California Sav Blancs. They do also called Nicole's that is a little sweeter that has a beautiful bottle that make a great gift.

We went to the winery in downtown Santa Barbara and EVERYTHING was AMAZING! They poured a Viognier, this Mourvedre, a Syrah from Thompson vinyards, a Syrah from Bien Nacido, a Sangiovese, and a Petit Syrah. I was thrilled with everything and we are contemplating joining the wine club. 4 - 3 bottle shippments per year at about $100 each. I think I'm going to give them a call on Monday (805-962-7003).

This "Captain's Reserve" is got a deep yellow hue and a mellow character. It seems to have a little more oak than most Sav Blancs, but then again that could be the age. You can check them out at www.rubiconestate.com

From Whole Foods, this $8 Sav Blanc from Australia makes me want to throw another shrimp on the barbie! Just kidding, but we actually ate a shrimp pasta with it and it paired well. A great deal for $8.

I think I nabbed this at BevMo during their 5 cent sale. I got two bottles for $10-12. I can't remember exactly. At full price it would be OK, but for $6 or so, it's great. Not the most stout of Cabs but a solid find for the dough.

$3.99 at Trader Joes and a steal. Grab some if ya see it.

The is the flagship Pinot Noir from "J" Vineyards, the Russian River Valley (RRV). Wah-wah-wee-wah! What a delicious blend of cherries and cedar! This is exactly what I liik for in a great Pinot. They do this so well, congrads J. I'm lovin' it!

The last of wines from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."   Sylvaner is a relatively common varietal in Central Europe but doesn't often make it to the New World bottled on its own without being blended.  The wiki says that Sylvaner is an an cient grape and is a cross of  Traminer  and the  " hunnic ."   This one comes from Santa Barbara, California.  Of all the "Weird Ass Whites," this was the only one I have had previously.  It has a sweet noes but is quite dry on the finish.  I think that's typical of whites from Alsace.  Tasty, and a deal at only $12.

Also from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."  Rippon Estate is in Central Otago, New Zealand and they are some of the only people, it seems, making wine from the Osteiner - a varietal that, rumor has it, is genetically identical to the Mission.  The Mission is commonly grown in California and ends up in the produce department in the super market.  This is a jammy white and almost tastes like Concord grape juice.  It is just barely 11% alcohol so the fruit really come through.  Very unique.  We bought one for $17.

Also from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."   Macabeo is the varietal and is commonly used in Spanish Cava but for some reason when it is made in Rioja (like this one), they call it Viura .  This one is very oaky , almost too much, and they tell me that is typical for the style.  This would pair well with something grilled or something with a lot of paprika in it... typical Spanish fare.  $18.

Also from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."  This white hails from Salta , Argentina.   Torrontes is the name of the varietal and they tell me that it is a cousin to the Muscat.  I can taste similarity immediately because this is dry, there is a complex sweetness in both the nose and the palate.  Very floral.  $14.  We bought one.

Also from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."   Semillon is a common varietal in Bordeaux, often blended with Savignon Blanc .  This example comes from New South Wales (Eastern Australia) and I found a solid vegetal presence; green bell pepper and serrano chili.  Not unpleasant.  I'm not sure if that is typical of the style but it was quite scrumptious.  Would be great for a hot summer day.  $20.

Also from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."   Verdelho is a common white in Portugal.  This one; however, comes from West Oz (Australia) and has many grassy notes and an oily finish.  This is excellent and they only want $15 for it.  They told me that the winery "reverse engineers" the wine.  They think of a style they want and they go get the grapes that will produce it.  Interesting concept.

Also from the  Jug Shop's  tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."  Cara Posip is the name of the varietal. This one is named Marko Polo because it comes from Korcula , Croatia - and Marco Polo used to live there.  This was tasty enough but didn't stick out amongst the other bizarre whites.  It had a good minerality to it and would be good with or without food.  $20.

This was the first pour for the Jug Shop's tasting "Weird Ass Whites Under $20."   Chasselas is a varietal common in Switzerland. This one is made in Sonoma.  They were talking that Berthoud may be the only winemaker in the US producing Chasselas.  This was good, unlike anything else; dry but otherwise difficult to describe.  Worth trying.  $20.

Holy frijole George of the Jungle, watch out for that tree! My first sip is like the scene in Slumdog Millionaire where Jamal finally gets to kiss Latika. This is what I'M talking about! There is a real bouquet of perfume notes; rose, lavender, jasmine. But it is weighted against a spicy and dense finish, slightly oily. Love this!

This an excellent Sav Blanc, well balanced. I usually like mine pretty grassy but this does well as an after work refresher.