Grapesphere

2006 Cantena Alamos Malbec

While this was a solid wine, it didn’t blow me away. However, for the price, this would be a great everyday red wine that’s easy to find in most stores. I’m always surprised at the quality of the Malbec grape. The fruit was solid, big and juicy. The wine’s finish also possessed enough grip to allow it to stand up to bigger foods. There were good earthy flavors, a nice bit of tannins and a round full-bodied finish. Priced around $10.

Rating: 89pts
 

2006 Breaux Syrah Rosé

This wine, from the Breaux winery near my home in Virginia, was a real find for me. Made from newly planted Syrah grapes, this was their first bottling of this wine. I’ve never been a huge rosé fan, so this surprised me with an extra level of fruit and body. It was a big fruity wine, with no bitterness and fresh notes of blackberries and raspberries. This was a really enjoyable summertime wine.  Priced around $20. 

Rating: 89 pts

2006 Quinta Do Ferro Avesso Vinho Verde

The nose exhibited notes of grass, lemon and almond. There was also a distinct floral component.  The flavors were sweet and rounded in the beginning, however, a lemon and grassy nature exploded on the mid-palate. There was also a hint of spice, white pepper and eggplant. The finish was nice and long with herbal notes, a rounded edge and some sweetness to the finish. Almonds notes at the very end finished it out nicely. Overall I really enjoyed this wine.  It had a nice feel to it and extra intriguing qualities that kept me coming back for more.   Priced around $10.

Rating: 90pts