Grapesphere

This Sonoma Cabernet appears to have suffered in the gradual push away from the high-priced California wines that have given rise to all of the wine discount and liquidation sites around the web. Originally sold for $60, its been seen around the web for as little as $20. Part of it could be quality, but most likely its just a case where there’s too much wine in the market and its causing a pricing trend downward.

Luckily that’s good news for the collector, as we can now get ahold of previously difficult to own wines, and many times at up to half what they once sold for. Sites like WTSO, CinderellaWine, and WineSpies are giving rise to the new wine consumerism: bargain hunting.

I picked this wine up for $20 through CinderellaWine, and it does appear to have some qualities that would make it worth say $40 but it in the end probably really isn’t a $60 wine. It does have a decent structure, good fruit, and a earthy core. This wine is not a fruit bomb like so many these days and does tend to have a little more subtle texture to it.

Overall, its a good value at $20 and worth the deal I got in the end. I think it teaches one important lesson from all of the discount sites. You get what you pay for. I most cases, you probably get a little more. But you can’t always expect to get double your value by paying half price. There’s a reason these wines make it to the discounter in the first place.

Overall Rating: 89pts

This fairly recent addition to the Clarendon area of Arlington, Virginia is a sister restaurant to The Liberty Tavern. The menu is focused on French/Alsatian food that spills over into a little German-influence as well. With sausages, rabbit and other “meat and potato” options, its a welcome addition to the stale New American restaurants in the area.

Good: The ambiance is very inviting, though a little on the trendy side. The staff was very helpful and really worked with our group. The food was all very good and portions were large. The menu was inventive and large, with a lot of choices which is good for the picker groups. Good focus on cheeses as well. Prices were also reasonable ranging from 18-25 for entrees.

Bad: As with Liberty Tavern, sometimes they try to do a little too much with a dish. Its doesn’t usually end badly but you can tell there are too many flavors going on. Its a relatively small space as well so as it gets crowded, you can be fighting for space, and it starts to get loud.

Wine: Very strong wine list including solid wines by the glass selections. Wine were focused mostly on France and Germany with a little Austria thrown in, and there were enough reasonably priced wines to find something in your budget. Nothing American here, which isn’t a bad thing.

Overall: Overall, I was very happy with my experience here. Between the helpful staff, good wine, and excellent food, I highly recommend a visit or someone take me back there again soon. This restaurant group really makes an effort to give you a good experience every time out.

Growing from the rise of food trucks popping up all over DC and Virginia, this once-pizza truck has now expanded into a brick-and-mortar just outside of DC, in Arlington, Virginia. While the truck has been parked due to the expansion and workload of opening a new restaurant, the pizza has transitioned rather well from the street to the store. Pupatella specializes in Neapolitan pizza, blister-thin and baked for only a minute in a wood-fired pizza oven straight from Naples.

Good: Pizza is chewy and toppings are fresh and wonderful. There’s a good char on the pizza to give it that smokey flavor. Overall, you can get their daily special, or select one of their other favorites. Or of course you can make your own. Friendly staff and quick service add to the positive vibe.

Bad: Not too much – its a small place though so it would probably be tough for groups, and since their pizza comes out quick and fresh, a option to go might leave your pizza a little cold by the time you get home. Some flavor combos also might be a little too much, so if you’re a traditionalist, just stick to the margarita.

Wine: Though I didn’t get to sample a wine or beer list, I can only guess that they have a simple list of wines to choose from. Next time I’m in there I’ll get a better look.

This McLaren-Vale winery makes a number of mid-priced wines, relatively cost-friendly in relation to the quality from these wines. The winemakers seem to come from the position of creating more accessible wines that don’t require a lot of cellar time, but still have something interesting to say. Always nice when you don’t have to wait around to drink a decent wine.

Off the top, this wine is very austere. It has a little nose, not much, with raspberry and clove mixed in with some oak. I have to say that the flavor palate changes very little from start to finish with a woodsy, earthy quality. I get a little bit of bell pepper on nose as well. The tannins are integrated nicely with a medium-length finish. There’s also a bit of jamminess at some level but it can’t be said that it’s overly fruity. This wine has a smooth finish and nice structure. Initally, on opening it I couldn’t tell if I liked it or not. However, the wine really grows on you and I grew to definitely like!

With a floral finish mixed with Lavender and honey, I also pick up more tobacco, mushroom, and bell pepper. All in all, the fruit is nicely integrated without compromising the wine structure and quality. With the price around $15, the wine delivers exactly as its makers hoped. You have here a wine that is structured, not overly jammy or fruity, easy drinking with just that hint of something a little more complex. I’ve got to rate this wine borderline outstanding.

Bleasdale produces a number of Cabernet and Shiraz bottles. I’ve had a few of their wines prior and they are usually a good value both on their lower end and top tier wines. The Mulberry Tree Cabernet is one of their entry level releases. The wine from Langhorne Creek region sells for around $13.

So how did it taste? Upfront this wine has a very nice nose, full of blueberries and blackberry fruit. There’s some oak and spice, but mostly you just get the jammy fruit on the nose. The flavor is also very jammy, and somewhat Shiraz-like. There’s a decent amount of structure, and some cassis flavoring to give it that Napa cab feel.

Overall, its a pretty smooth wine, with a little bit of tannins there to give it mouth-feel and body on the finish. Maybe a hint of bell pepper mixed in as well. I’m going to rate this wine a Brick Solid just based on the fact that I could get the initial flavors I’d find in a Napa cab for half the price I’d normally see for something out of California. Its an easy-drinking wine that could be a great addition at the next barbecue.