Peachy Canyon Incredible Red

www.peachycanyon.com/

Peachy Canyon Incredible Red 2011
Paso Robles, California

Apparently when the weather is inclement I like to drink wines from Paso Robles. Maybe that's because it's sunny and 70 in the Central Coast of California... Instead, we're in the early hours of a doozy of a storm here in the DC area.  So I popped open a nice bottle of Zin from Peachy Canyon to keep me warm! Peachy Canyon was on the list of wineries to visit last time I was in Paso, but we simply ran out of time. When I saw their easy drinking "Incredible Red" at the Joe I thought to give it a go! Overall, this is a nice little Zin -- an excellent ($15) impulse buy...
   

Review: This wine has nice aromas of strawberry jam and baking spices. On the palate this Zinfandel is odd dry with a nice round body. The jammy notes are joined by bit of black licorice, cedar, and hint of black pepper. The wine has a brisk acidity that prevents it from coming across too jammy or viscous. The fruit and spice linger for a nice finish. 

I appreciate the depth of flavor and smooth texture Peachy Canyon achieves here. I'm looking forward to trying some of their higher end wines, but for a  cold Wednesday night this wine hit the spot. 

Food Pairing: Zinfandel is super food friendly and highly versatile. I paired the wine with a warm bowl of pasta!

Bottom Line: Yummy and affordable. I dig it. 

www.gallowebcentral.com

Wine Geekery:

• VINTAGE: 2011
• PLACE: Paso Robles AVA (American Viticultural Area)
• GRAPE: Zinfandel
• BOOZE: 14.5% 
• RESIDUAL SUGAR: 6 g/L
• CELLAR: Drink Now
• www.peachycanyon.com/

Where did I get it? Trader Joe's

What's the damage? Mid Priced

Modest Monday - Wines Under $10: Ch. Haut Caban Sauvignon

Ch. Haut Caban Sauvignon 2012

Bordeaux, France

I'm a big fan of white Bordeaux. Usually these wines are Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon -- or a blend of the two in varying proportions. This Bordeaux is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. I saw it for $8.99 at Wegman's and thought I would give it a go.

Review: This Sauvignon Blanc is quite fragrant. The nose is full of passion fruit, gooseberries, and candied lemons. On the palate the first thing I noticed was a HIGH level of acidity. It's beyond mouth watering or zippy -- this wine is mouth puckering! The flavors are strong, too, with more lemons and gooseberries, along with some freshly cut grass. The wine has a light body and medium finish. 

This isn't my style of Sauvignon Blanc -- I tend to prefer less gooseberry and more minerality -- but for $9 it's quite refreshing. Once you get past the acidity it's even pretty easy to drink. 

Food Pairing: Fishes are the obvious choice. I paired with a flounder stuffed with cheesy crab meat. The high acidity in the wine acted as a nice palate cleanser. 

Bottom Line: Not bad. Nice texture, decent fruit -- but overall a bit harsh.  

bordeaux-traders.com

Wine Geekery:

• VINTAGE: 2012
• PLACE: Bordeaux AOC  (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)
• GRAPE: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• BOOZE: 12.5% 
• CELLAR: Drink now
• www.producta.com

Where did I get it? Wegman's

What's the damage? Low Price