From the Cellar

Just because I started a website called OntarioWineReview.com doesn't mean it's All-Ontario-All-the-Time. When I kick back at night my mood (and sometimes my curiosity) decides my wine of choice. And the title should read, "Uncorked and Un-Screwed Tonight" ... but that just sounds wrong.

Vino Cobos 2008 Felino Malbec (Argentina)

09 Aug 2019

Felino 2008 Malbec

 

(June 15, 2019) ... My podcast partner, Andre, has been going ga-ga over Paul Hobbs' California wines and I stumbled across this in my cellar (beside a bottle of the Cabernet Sauvignon - same winery, same year - to be reviewed later) and thought, "let's see how this wine is doing?"

For those wondering the connection, Paul Hobbs project in Argentina is called Vina Cobos and Felino is the entry level for the brand, whose wines can get up into the stratosphere of pricing. The opening and initial pour goes very well as subtle, but flavourful, aromas whaft out of the glass - first sip is one of those soft and easy sips that proves this wine still has something to say:

Aromas of mocha, cassis, blackberry, and white pepper continue to swirl around, not all at once but with each sniff something else is revealed ... the acidity proves to be good and balanced without getting in the way ... on the palate there's dark berry fruit and plenty of spice; about an hour in there appears to be a good balance here, but the spice just might be getting in the way a bit. Another 40 minutes pass and that spice has settle down allowing a more balanced note of spiced-blueberry to take over on the finish.

Mendocino Wine Company 2004 Zig Zag Zin (California)

09 Aug 2019

 Zig Zag Zin 2004

(May 25, 2019) ... Not often you see a Zin under screwcap, especially when this one was bottled, but Zig Zag did it and it paid off.  The acidity totally rocks here and while the nose displays aromas of dried plum, dried cherry and hints of vanilla, the palate follows that up with most of the aromas minus the vanilla ... an hour after it's open it's all cassis, licorice and coffee with some dried fruit backing.  There's a slight whiff of alcohol heat but the palate is balanced and really that's what mattered most to me here.

 

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