Fiat Vino

Old Man Martin walked with a slightly leaftward lean, supposedly. In any case it makes for a nice story on the bottle, even though they also describe this wine of having notes of gooseberry - as if anyone knows what those taste like. This was on a double discount, down to about $11 at a Ralph's in Carlsbad. I like it. That's about my limit for what I'll pay for some Sav Blanc but this one it worth it. I've paid as much for a crappy martini in a dive bar. http://papawow.com

Ohh La La! This is ready to drink with its luscious jamminess. There is a hint of anise and leather that keeps the berries in balance. Amazing stuff. http://papawow.com

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This blend of 75% Grenache 25% Tempranillo is a great drinking wine. This bottle lasted a whole 20 minutes with our friends. http://papawow.com

This sublime Pinot comes from the Dijon Clone 667. Its has big dried fruits, especially cherry, and plenty of caramel and oak. This seems like it could be put down for several more years but was amazing tonight. Really, a wonderful example of Central Coast Pinot Noir. Bill Foley's daughters Lindsay and Courtney have their own fantastic winery, LinCourt. http://papawow.com

This was a grab at the local Vons; it was $10 off, marked down to $10 from $20. It has a little more body than a lot of Sav Blancs, not as crisp or acidic. Kind of a nice change-up, really. More like a refined, adult version of your standard. http://papawow.com

This is a little lighter body than their Crossroads, but it is scrumptious nonetheless. Huge fruit, well balanced by cedar, smoke, and a swift kick in the pants. I love Curtis. Thank you for making such divine Rhone-style wines. http://papawow.com

This is one of my favorite wines of all time. Hands down. No second guessing. We've been sitting on this for quite some time, 5 years likely, and it exemplifies what cellaring a wine properly can do. The bold tannins have mellowed into a counterweight for the bright fruit notes of raspberry, blackberry, and plum. There is a solid oak character with a hint of smoke that makes each sip open new doors of flavor. I love this. http://papawow.com

a This was about $10 at Vons, it has a good woody, yeasty, bready character without being too oaky. I'm not a big Chardonnay drinker but this one isn't overbearing, it's approachable and for $10, worth it. http://papawow.com