Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

2013 Fife Creek Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel ($10)

This was a recent find of a Russian River Valley Zin that doesn't break the bank. This Zin tends toward being light for a Zinfandel. It's almost leaning toward a light-bodied wine, almost like a Pinot Noir.

This Zinfandel has hints of peppery flavors as opposed to being big in fruit and jammy. It has definite oak flavors while being one that is easy drinking, smooth and finishes with finesse. While Fife Creek Vineyards is not a physical vineyard you can visit during your next trip to the Russian River, it is worth stopping along the wine aisle and picking up a bottle of this one.

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

I constantly get asked "What's a good bottle of wine to buy?"  And my response is always the same "What kind of wine do you like?" because the wines that I like may not be the ones that you would like. So I've struggled with the question and how to best answer it. 

In the EverWonderWine website there is a page I call Behind the Cork™. This web page includes "Super Wines!" which are exceptional bottles of wine that I've come across. I don't score them or give in-depth reviews. I just let you know that it's an amazing bottle of wine.  But, often these are either hard to find (e.g., only available from the winery) or pricey wines from when I've splurged a bit.

The Behind the Cork™ page also includes "Great Values!" in which I feature Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. These are nice bottles of wine that are easily obtainable and affordable; usually under $20. These are wines I've tried and liked. Wines that you can pick up and try.

I try to pass along nice whites, reds, rosés, sparkling wines and dessert wines. And I give you an idea of approximately what they cost.

My motto is "Drink what you like." Hopefully these Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week recommendations will give you the opportunity to try something new without fear of the unknown.

Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

2014 Robledo Family Winery - The Seven Brothers Sauvignon Blanc ($7)

This Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County is really nice.  Thinking that this was so much better than a $7 bottle of wine, I headed out to the Robledo Family Winery website (www.robledofamilywinery.com) to investigate. Much to my surprise they are offering this bottle of 2014 Sauvignon Blanc for $22 ($15.40 for Club Members). It's such a steal at $7 that I went back for more.  It's aged in Stainless Steel tanks for eight months which yields bright aromas of honeysuckle and mango with citrus and lemongrass flavors.

If you too are so lucky to find this wine, get more than a bottle. You'll enjoy it!

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

2014 Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling ($7)

This Riesling out of Columbia Valley is refreshing with flavors of peach and lime. This is considered somewhere between a medium-dry and medium-sweet wine and the 12% alcohol level confirms that there is some residual sugar in this one.  This makes a great pairing with spicy foods, while working well with any poultry dish and can be simply be enjoyed with some flavorful white cheeses.

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

Peachy Canyon 2012 Cirque du Vin Red Blend ($11)

This red blend from Peachy Canyon in Paso Robles is a real nice combination of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec and Tannat.  The 60% Syrah gives it a bold flavor while the Zinfandel and others smooths it out for a very drinkable wine with a nice finish. Another nice wine from Peachy Canyon and a great value.