2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Santa Clara Valley Winners

Santa Clara Valley also had a great showing in the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. There is no shortage of good wine regions here in Silicon Valley. We've only been in the area once, which is sad given how close we are, so I'll reserve any ratings.

Castillos Hillside Shire Winery

• 2010 Castillos Winery, San Benito, Chilbec $30.00 - Silver (All Red Blends - $25.00 - $34.99)
• 2009 Castillos Winery, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Franc $28.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Franc)
• 2010 Castillos Winery, San Benito, Malbec $25.00 - Bronze (Malbec)
• 2010 Castillos Winery, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $26.00 - Bronze (Merlot - $25.00 to $29.99)

Fortino Winery

• 2008 Santa Clara Valley, Charbono $40.00 - Gold (All Other Red Varietals)
• 2010 Estate Bottled, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon $28.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
• NV Red Table Wine, Central Coast, Maribella $18.95 - Best of Class (All Red Blends - $15.00 - $24.99)

Guglielmo Winery

• 2009 Private Reserve, Santa Clara Valley, Charbono $25.00 - Bronze (All Other Red Varietals)

Jason-Stephens Winery

• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon $28.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2008 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon $28.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Meritage $34.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2008 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $24.00 - Silver (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Malbec $30.00 - Silver (Malbec)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Mourvedre $28.00 - Silver (Mourvedre)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Petit Verdot $32.00 - Bronze (Petit Verdot)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Franc $32.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Franc)
• 2011 Estate Reserve, Santa Clara Valley, Chardonnay $30.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $30.00 to $34.99)
• 2011 Estate Select, Santa Clara Valley, Chardonnay $20.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $20.00 to $24.99)

Martin Ranch Winery

• 2009 Therese Vyds Dos Ninas, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah $28.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2008 JD Hurley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $25.00 - Best of Class (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2009 JD Hurley Merlot, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $23.00 - Gold (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2010 JD Hurley Carignane, Santa Clara Valley, Carignane $25.00 - Silver (All Other Red Varietals)
• 2010 JD Hurley Griva, Arroyo Seco, Riesling $25.00 - Silver (Riesling - RS<1.49)
• 2009 Therese Vyd Lester Family, Santa Cruz Mountains, Syrah $35.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2011 Therese Vyds Griva, Arroyo Seco, Sauvignon Blanc $27.00 - Silver (Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $20.00 & Over)
• 2010 JD Hurley, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $24.00 - Silver (Zinfandel - $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2008 Therese Vyds Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $45.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Sauvignon - $40.00 to $49.99)

Sarah's Vineyard

• 2011 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Chardonnay $29.99 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2009 Central Coast, Zinfandel $19.99 - Silver (Zinfandel - up to $19.99)
• 2011 Central Coast, Pinot Noir $19.99 - Gold (Pinot Noir - up to $19.99)
• 2011 Central Coast, Chardonnay $19.99 - Silver (Chardonnay - $15.00 to $19.99)
• 2009 Santa Clara Valley, Cote de Madone $30.00 - Silver (Rhone Blends)
• 2011 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Pinot Noir $34.99 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $30.00 to $34.99)
• 2011 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cote de Madone Blanc $25.00 - Silver (White Blends Over $15.00)

Satori Cellars

• 2008 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Petite Sirah $24.99 - Gold (Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Joyous $34.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Cabernet Franc $29.00 - Silver (Cabernet Franc)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah $29.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Estate Zen Zin, Santa Clara Valley, Primitivo $28.00 - Double Gold (Primitivo)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Harmonic Convergence $30.00 - Bronze (All Red Blends - $25.00 - $34.99)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Petite Sirah $24.99 - Silver (Petite Sirah - $20.00 & Over)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $28.00 - Bronze (Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $24.99 - Double Gold (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)

Solis Winery

• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $28.00 - Bronze (Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Merlot $32.00 - Gold (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2009 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Syrah $24.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2010 Santa Clara Valley, Seducente $24.00 - Bronze (Italian Blends - Up to $24.99)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Clara Valley, Sangiovese $24.00 - Bronze (Sangiovese)
• 2010 Santa Clara Valley, Baciami $30.00 - Silver (Rhone Blends)

2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Santa Cruz Mountains Winners

Santa Cruz Mountains wineries had a great showing at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Cheers!

Bargetto

• 2008 Regan Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains, La Vita $60.00 - Bronze (All Red Blends - Over $35.00)
• 2009 Reserve Regan Vnyds, Santa Cruz Mountains, Merlot $40.00 - Silver (Merlot - $40.00 & Over)
• 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $25.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Reserve Regan Vnyds, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)

Tasting Room: B, Wine: A, Cons: Reserves Expensive

Beauregard Vineyards

• 2010 Beauregard Ranch, Ben Lomond, Zinfandel $45.00 - Silver (Zinfandel - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2011 Ben Lomond, Ben Lomond Mountain, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2011 Byington, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot noir $40.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2010 Zayante, Santa Cruz Mountains, Merlot $35.00 - Bronze (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2011 Bald Mountain, Ben Lomond Mountain, Chardonnay $45.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $40.00 & Over)
• 2010 Nelson, Santa Cruz Mountains, Syrah $45.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $40.00 & Over)
• 2009 Bald Mountain, Ben Lomond Mountain, Chardonnay $45.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $40.00 & Over)
• 2011 Muns, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)

Tasting Room: A, Wine: A, Cons: Expensive

Domenico Wines

• 2007 Napa Valley, Miscela $39.00 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $35.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)

Tasting Room: C, Wine: B, Cons: Urban Winery

Kathryn Kennedy Winery

• 2010 Small Lot Cab, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $38.00 - Bronze (Cabernet Sauvignon - $35.00 to $39.99)

Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A+

Kings Mountain Vineyards

• 2007 Kings Mountain Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Meritage $60.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $50.00 & Over)
• 2009 Kings Mountain Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $60.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)

Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A

La Honda Winery

• 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $19.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $15.00 to $19.99)
• 2010 Sequence, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $24.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2011 Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc $19.00 - Bronze (Sauvignon Blanc or Fume - $14.00 to $19.99)
• 2009 Lonehawk, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $34.00  - Bronze (Cabernet Sauvignon - $30.00 to $34.99)
• 2010 Salinian Block, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $29.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Exponent, Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Blend $21.00 - Silver (All Red Blends - $15.00 - $24.99)

Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A, Cons: Urban Winery

La Rusticana d'Orsa

• 2009 La Rusticana d'Orsa Cinqu, Santa Cruz Mountains, Bordeaux Blend $45.00 - Silver (Bordeaux Blends - $40.00 to $49.99)

McHenry Vineyard

• 2010 Estate Swan Clone, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $32.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $30.00 to $34.99)

Tasting Room: B, Wine: A

Muccigrosso Vineyards

• 2008 Santa Cruz Mtns, Pinot Noir $34.99 - Double Gold (Pinot Noir - $30.00 to $34.99)
• 2008 Lyn Zin, Santa Clara County, Zinfandel $19.99 - Bronze (Zinfandel - up to $19.99)
• 2008 Stan Zin Moniz Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley, Zinfandel $24.99 - Silver (Zinfandel - $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2005 California, Table Two $24.99 - Bronze (Italian Blends - Up to $24.99)

Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A, Personal Service A+

Muns Vineyard

• 2009 Muns Vineyard Estate, Santa Cruz County, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2010 Muns Vineyard & Estate, Santa Cruz County, Syrah $25.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)

Tasting Room: NA, Wine: A, Personal Service A+

Naumann Vineyards

• 2010 Estate, Santa Cruz County, Bordeaux Blend $29.95 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $20.00 to $29.99)

Tasting Room: A, Wine: C

Perrucci Family Vineyard

• 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon $34.00 - Silver (Cabernet Sauvignon - $30.00 to $34.99)

Picchetti Winery

• 2010 Santa Cruz Mountains, Brut Rose $49.95 - Silver (Dry)
• 2011 Truchard, Carneros-Napa, Pinot Noir $39.95 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)

Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A

Rexford Winery

• 2009 Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Merlot $24.00 - Silver (Merlot- $20.00 to $24.99)
• 2009 Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2010 Regan Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Gris $24.00 - Bronze (Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio - $15.00 & Over)

Sante Arcangeli Family Wines

• 2010 Split Rail, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $35.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
• 2010 Hidden Mesa, Sierra Foothills, Syrah $25.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Split Rail, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $26.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)

Savannah Chanelle Vineyards

• 2010 Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
• 2010 Armagh, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
• 2010 Coastview Vine, Monterey, Syrah $28.00 - Silver (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Tondrgs Grape, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
• 2010 Regans, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)

Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A, Cons: Reserves Expensive

Silver Mountain

• 2008 Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
• 2007 Central Coast, Syrah $28.00 - Bronze (Syrah/Shiraz - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2007 Central Coast, Alloy $28.00 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $20.00 to $29.99)
• 2010 Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $28.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2008 Tondre's Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)

Tasting Room: B+, Wine: A, Say hello to Gerald

Sonnet

• 2010 Tondre, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
• 2010 Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $38.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)

Tasting Room: C, Wine: A, Cons: Urban Winery

Soquel Vineyards

• 2010 Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $40.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2010 Luna Matta Vineyards, Paso Robles, Nebbiolo $50.00 - Silver (Nebbiolo)
• 2009 Luna Matta Vineyards, Paso Robles, Sangiovese $40.00 - Silver (Sangiovese)
• 2010 P.Reserve Lester Family, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Silver (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
• 2010 Reserve, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $50.00 - Gold (Pinot Noir - $50.00 & Over)
• 2011 Schmierer Vineyard, Lodi, Zinfandel $25.00 - Silver (Zinfandel - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2011 Olivia's Reserve, Edna Valley, Chardonnay $25.00 - Gold (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2011 Lester Vnyd, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $25.00 - Silver (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)

Tasting Room: A, Wine: A, Cons: Expensive

Storrs Winery and Vineyards

• 2008 Christie Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $42.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2007 Rusty Ridge, Santa Clara County, Zinfandel $30.00 - Bronze (Zinfandel - $30.00 to $34.99)
• 2007 BXR, San Francisco Bay, Bordeaux Blend $44.00 - Bronze (Bordeaux Blends - $40.00 to $49.99)
• 2010 Viento Vineyard, Monterey, Gewürztraminer $16.00 - Bronze (Gewürztraminer)
• 2011 Viento Vineyard, Monterey, White Riesling $17.00 - Silver (Riesling - RS<1.49)
• 2009 Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $36.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $35.00 to $39.99)
• 2009 Central Coast, Grenache $26.00 - Gold (Grenache)

Tasting Room: B, Wine: A

Thomas Fogarty Winery

• 2011 Scheid Viento, Monterey, Gewürztraminer $18.00 - Silver (Gewürztraminer)
• 2011 Skyline, Monterey, Riesling $15.50 - Silver (Riesling - RS<1.49)
• 2009 SCM, Santa Cruz Mountains, Chardonnay $29.00 - Bronze (Chardonnay - $25.00 to $29.99)

Tasting Room: A, Wine: A, Cons: Expensive

Villa del Monte Winery

• 2010 Regan Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir $28.00 - Bronze (Pinot Noir - $25.00 to $29.99)
• 2009 Moon Vineyard, Carneros, Merlot $30.00 - Silver (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)
• 2008 Moon Vineyard, Carneros, Merlot $33.00 - Bronze (Merlot - $30.00 to $39.99)

Tasting Room: C, Wine: B

I'm already planning a number of tastings. Get out there and taste some wine!

Soquel Vineyards

This past summer, we headed up the road from Hunter Hill to our second stop: Soquel Vineyards. The hostess at Hunter Hill said we couldn't miss it, and if we did the road dead ended so we couldn't go too far past them. She was right, it was very easy to find.

We were offered two tastings: A $5 general tasting, which took  place inside in the tasting room, or a $10 reserve tasting, which took place outside. We chose the outside in the beautiful sun option. I can't imagine anyone not choosing this option, unless it was crappy out, but what do I know.

The outside area was cosy and beautifully surrounded by flowers and vines.

All the wines were excellent, though a little pricey.

One of the the owner's, the Bargetta family, daughters had gotten married the night before and a couple groups of wedding guests were there, talking about this and that.

We ran into another couple that turned out to live very close to us. They lived very similarly to us too, winewise. While they liked the Pinots at Soquel, they believed where they really shined was in Sangiovese. We tried one that day, and it was very good. Their favorite Pinots were from Heart O' the Mountain. They especially loved the Pommard Clone and Triple Seven, joking how she would say how bad it was to try to get everyone else to not buy it all up. We've never been there. It's a tough one to get to. I've only seen it open on Passport days and one Groupon. They asked for our emails and said they would invite us the next event they went to. How awesome is that!

We also talked to an older woman out enjoying wineries by herself. Her boyfriend wasn't into wine, but he was busy, leaving her free to explore. She was looking for a good white wine. Unfortunately, we couldn't help there, though we did point her to some good Roses.

One the way out we picked up a Olivia Chard, Lester Pinot, 16 Clone Pinot, and the 2008 Nebbiolo. I joked that we were in the wedding party and should get the family discount, as everyone else was, but they didn't buy it. They also didn't reimburse the $10 tasting fee, a disturbing trend that day.

On the trip home we stopped at Summit Store to pick up some lunch. As we waited for our sandwiches to be made we browsed the wines, noticing a $20 Partner's Reserve from Soquel. I couldn't tell the difference between it and the $60 16 Clone I had loved at the tasting. I figured for $20 it was worth the risk that it wasn't the same.

While unloading everything at home I bobbled the wine and smashed one on the driveway. I was hoping it was the $20 bottle we had just picked up, but wouldn't you know it, it was the $60 16 Clone. As it turns out they are different.

Hunter Hill

This past summer, we headed over the hill on a beautiful Saturday to hit a couple of wineries that we'd never been to. The traffic was unusually light, making for a pleasant ride. Both wineries were on Glenn Haven Road in Soquel. We past Bargetto on the way, winding this way and that. It's a bit out of the way in AT&T No Service land.

We arrived at Hunter Hill shortly after opening, around 11:15. There were already cars in the lot, a group at the tasting bar, and another enjoying the outdoor area. I was a little surprised we weren't the first, but I took it as a good sign.

The tasting room was spacious and had character. One wall had a big buffalo head, taken by the winemaker Vann Slater. The Slater family winery came complete with pictures of the grandparents. The tasting bar was a tad small, with room for 3 smaller groups of tasters, but wasn't a problem given the size of the room and the access to the spacious outdoor area.

Lana served us and answered all our questions with a smile. The vineyard was once an apple orchard, but converted to grapes in 92. They now grow Pinot, Syrah, Merlot, and Zinfandel, sourcing Barbera, Sangiovese, among other varietals from other California regions. They are known for their Pinot, which I thought was pretty good. They also had a special Pinot: Warrior Pinot; all the proceeds from this $50 bottle go to a worthy cause: Widows and children of deceased Navy Seals; Van used to be a Seal. What a great way to give back! The wine was very nice.

Talk at the tasting bar was abundant and interesting due to the friendly wine tasters we found there. I would never have guessed there were mosh pits at Hank Williams III concerts, though apparently he has a metal band in addition to his country gig. While I had heard of people eating buffalo, I'd never heard of beefalo, a bison, cattle mix. One of the other patrons was ready to kill his pygmy goat which he claimed got rambunctious and buck the backs of the legs. Christine Slater, one of the owners, offered to take it off his hands, sighting how useful they were in a vineyard. I found all of this very interesting.

The outdoor area was gorgeous, very spacious, and surrounded by the vineyard. There were plenty of places to set and enjoy the wine and surroundings, including a cute koi pond and a waterfall. In and around were lucious flowers, including a number of sunflowers. It was very peaceful, a great place to enjoy as we tasted the wine.

The Waterfall Hides Behind the Flowers

We picked up a couple of bottles to sample later and headed up the road to Soquel. Unfortunately, the $5 tasting fee was not refundable, a practice I've never understood.

Sue Grips our Haul as We Head Out

I'm Dreaming of a Malbec Christmas

While attempting to purchase all the wines I could find and afford on Wine Spectator 2012 most interesting wine list, I purchased the #10: 2010 Achaval Ferrer, Finca Bella Vista, Malbec. This inspired me to put a blind tasting together after a long hiatus.

Since the limited selection at K&L were mostly below $20, we threw out the $20 limit, though this wasn't necessarily clear to everyone. After the Cab Franc fiasco I also said the bottle had to state Malbec as well, in an attempt to remove blends. I later stated the bottle had to be designated Malbec, but some argued I was being too strict. I stopped lawyering and hoped.

The doors opened at 6, with the plan to start tasting at 6:30. Bob and Cj were the first to arrive, followed by Michel. Park helped direct the participants to remove the foil, uncork, replace the cork, and bag all the wines. While waiting we enjoyed a chilled Picchetti White Pavone with cheese,  meats, and shrimp. Lili and Jose arrived with sausages and bread with chimichurri sauce. We began when Paul and Jennifer arrived. We tasted, noted, and compared, while enjoying each other's company.

Results

Top to Bottom from Left to Right

C - 2010 Picchetti, Shoemaker Vineyard, Paso Robles came in first place with an average of 3.84. It cost $27 (club case price). Sue and I brought this. We are members of this local winery. I thought it would be fun to throw it in. I was incredibly shocked when it came in first. Truthfully I've always enjoyed it, but never thought it incredible.

A - 2009 Altocedro, Gran Reserva, La Consulta, Medonza came in second place with an average of 3.39. It cost $50. Michel brought this. He found it at BevMo, where the placard pronounced it a game changer and gave it 100 points!

F - 2009 Catena Alta, Estate Rows tied for third with an average of 3.33. It cost $60. Paul and Jennifer brought this. Jennifer found it on a list of great Malbecs.

B - 2011 Urban Uco, Malbec-Tempranillo, Mendoza tied for third with an average of 3.33. It cost $10. Bob and CJ found this at K&L. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a 91 and it was cheap too. I was uncertain this qualified as a Malbec, given it's 50/50 Malbec/Tempranillo but Bob consistently insisted no one knew what it meant for a bottle to be designated as a Malbec. I let it go.

H - 2009 Puerto Viejo, Mendoza, Reserve, Estate Bottled came in fifth place with an average of 3.29. It cost $10. Lili brought this. A friend gave it to her.

E - 2010 Achaval Ferrer, Finca Bella Vista, Mendoza came in sixth place with an average of 3.28. It cost $90 from K&L. This wine was #10 on the Wine Spectator 2012 most interesting wine list.

I - 2011 Achaval Ferrer, Malbec, Mendoza came in seventh place with an average of 2.93. It cost $20. Jose brought this. Jose knew I was bringing the Finca Bella Vista and wanted to see how the less expensive bottle compared.

D - 2008 Catena Zapata, Adrianna Vineyard, Mendoza came in eighth place with an average of 2.86. It cost $110. Sue and I brought this. I looked up the most well known Malbec label and then found the best vintage of it I could. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this a 97.

G - 2011 Elsa Bianchi, Mendoza came in last place with an average of 2.61. It cost $8. Bob and CJ also found this at K&L. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a 90 and it was cheap too.

Dinner

Red meat was the recommended paring for Malbec. Sue grilled us up some humongous steaks. When she brought the plate of 11 of of these jaws dropped. Bob still can't get over it.

In addition to the bone in New York strip steaks, we enjoyed coleslaw, potatoes, and butternut squash gratin.

After feasting we enjoyed a blueberry cream pie Bob and CJ had brought.

Laboring Over Some Cab Franc

After hemming and hawing, we finally decided to have a small BBQ over the long weekend. We threw in a tasting to add to the entertainment.

It was a beautiful Sunday. We set up outback, under the giant fruit tree, risking the wrath of falling grapefruit. This was Sue's idea, which I was wary of, but it worked nicely.

Ready, Waiting, to Drop on Unexpected Guests

I had been saving five Cab Francs for such an occasion, acquired mostly from our frequent visits to local wineries. My plan was to put them all out, providing all of the wines for the tasting, but Jose insisted on bringing a bottle, which opened the door for Bob to bring one as well. Five bottles seemed like a good amount all things considered. I chose the two that I thought would be the best and eeni meenie miney mo'd one out of the remaining three, which I thought were equally less likely to win.

I opened a 2011 Olivia's Reserve Soquel Chard to start us off while we enjoyed quite the spread. Lili brought a scrumptous Spanish Tortilla she had whipped up, containing potatoes, sausage, onion, eggs, and fresh zucchini from her garden. Bob and CJ brought eight types of cheese, crab dip, and crackers; this after I asked Bob not to go overboard when he volunteered to bring cheese. Bob's definition of overboard must be different than mine. We put out a plate of five types of Italian meats with fresh bread. The chard was light and refreshing, the food plentiful, and the company warm.

Everyone was pleased to see Paul, Jennifer, and especially their twins. The boys entertained themselves under their parent's watchful eyes by drawing with chalk, playing with trains, and gathering fruit, when not being smothered by the ladies.

Park and Sue randomized the bottles into decanters, and we put them out for people to enjoy and rate at their leisure.

While tasting, Jose protested the "non controversial" Netflix rating system, once again, in favor of his own:

1. I couldn't finish a glass of it
2. I could drink a glass of it
3. I could drink a bottle of it
4. I would buy a bottle
5. I would buy a case

It was noted that Jose had never given a 5 to any wine. Or was it that he'd never bought a case? We tallied up the ratings and ripped open the bags.

Results

Top to Bottom from Left to Right

C - 2009 Justin, Justification, Paso Robles came in first place with an average of 3.08. It cost $35. Jose and Lili brought this, picking it up at K&L.

E - 2009 Hunter Hill, Silvaspoons Vineyards, Lodi came in second place with an average of 3.07. It cost $20. We picked this up at the winery last weekend.

B - 2005 Thomas Fogarty, Gist Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains came in third place with an average of 3.01. It cost $45. I picked this up at the winery when Mark was in town.

A - 2009 Bernard Baudry, Chinon came in fourth place with an average of 2.96. It cost $37. Bob and CJ brought this, also picking it up at K&L.

D - 2007 Lang & Reed, Two-Fourteen, Napa Valley came in last place with an average of 2.84. It cost $40. Ted and Shannon gave us this. It received 91 points from Wine Spectator.

Disqualification

After reviewing the bottles, I noticed that the winner wasn't labeled as a Cabernet Franc. Studying the label showed it only contained 67% Cab Franc. Wiki states "In the USA, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulations specify a minimum variety content of 75% of the labeled grape." Jose can have this win, but we'll have to clarify what the rules are for future tastings.

Brownies

When the wives started putting on coats and shawls, we moved inside. Sue had whipped up a batch of brownies, which Lili volunteered to cut after seeing me butcher the first line. Lili continued the butchering, and proclaimed that she didn't get brownies. We all had a good laugh and enjoyed chocolate mess.

Lili Poses as a Murderer of the Brownies

Can I Get that Merlot in a Box?

Bordeaux in a Box made me think I should explore boxed wine. I googled for lists of the best boxed wine, found the varietal intersection at the local Safeway, Merlot, and planned a tasting.

The weekend before the tasting we had headed to Jose's for a block party picnic. Sue had picked up two cakes at La Patisserie before I told her Lili had picked up a flan. Instead of bringing over both cakes, which we thought would be too much, we decided to just bring the fruit torte, leaving us with a gorgeous chocolate decadence, described as, a chocolate cake, truffle filling, iced with chocolate fudge, in the refrigerator. Not wanting to let the cake go bad inspired us. We invited some friends over, threw in a tasting, and a dinner to boot.

Everyone arrived to enjoy a splash of Silvertip's Rose of Syrah accompanied by plenty of meats and cheeses. I've really taken a shine to the Italian meats and tend to go overboard on the varieties, which is definitely a splurge.

To mix it up, I added two bottled Merlots to the 3 boxed. The boxes made it hard to anonymously randomize, since I couldn't bag them. I poured everything into decanters, hoping no one would notice the differences in volume. I knew what wine was poured into what decanter, but figured if I thought it was affecting me, I would scrub my scores.

We tried the wines one by one, sharing our thoughts, and enjoying each other's company. After the first one, which I knew at the time was boxed, I pretty much forgot what everything else was.

We totalled the ratings and unveiled the wines.

Results

Top to Bottom from Left to Right

A - 2010 Black Box, California came in first place with an average of 3.24. It cost $20 at Safeway. It was smooth and nice, though not incredible. This was the only one of the boxed wines that was finished after the results were revealed.

C - 2009 Selene, Napa Valley, Frediani Vineyard came in close second with an average of 3.21. It cost $36 from KnL. This was the highest Wine Advocate rated Merlot from California in the $25-$50 range. Jose really liked this wine.

Jose takes a picture of his favorite bottle

B - 2010 Bota Box, California came in third place with an average of 2.49. It cost $17 at Safeway.

D - 2006 Burrell School, Magna Cum Laude, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fourth place, though really close to last, with an average of 1.86. It cost $43.55. I threw this in thinking it was an awesome bottle that I thought would be recognized. I have no idea why I gave this a 2; I normally love this wine. Even Shannon commented that this wine smelled like pond water. I can't explain it.

E - Le Bordeaux came in last place with an average of 1.83. It cost $30. When I picked this up at KnL originally, the clerk said it was better than a lot of wine; next time I'll recommend he try Black Box or Bota.

Amazingly a $20 boxed wine had the highest rating. We'll have to try this one again. $5 a bottle and lasts a month sounds like a pretty good deal. I might have to put the Pinot aside and drink some @#$!ing Merlot.

Dinner

Sue made chicken, beef, shrimp, and veggi kabobs with cheesy potatoes and tomato salad for dinner. Yum! For dessert we had the incredibly rich and delicious cake. Thankfully, it had not gone bad.

Tainted

Given the information I had, one can argue I was tainted and this invalidated the tasting. I won't disagree, since the lack of information is why we blind taste. I can't be certain that it would have changed the results and I don't really want to do the tasting again, given so many other wines to try. However, I will try to improve the process in future tastings by disclosing any oddities in the usual double blind randomization before a tasting starts, and first pouring any boxed wines into bottles, so a true double blind can occur.