Bob Bacco Wine Guy: what is in the back of your fridge?

Bob Bacco Wine Guy: what is in the back of your fridge?: "I found a bottle of 2004 Terlaner Nova Domus Riserva in the back of my fridge last night and thought, what the heck, how bad could it be? It..."

Weekend at Bernie's

I recently had two wines from Chateau de Bertinerie, Cotes de Bordeaux. Both were from the 2006 vintage and labeled as cru reserve. First up: the 100% Sauvignon Blanc. A lush nose leads you to complex citrus flavors and subtle fruit. This wine is aged in all new oak, which is balanced out by the acidity for a nicely structured finish. Then came the 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 60% Merlot. This is a classic French blend with good structure and aromatics, along with a nice helping of red fruits, but a little too spicy in the finish to have on its own. So invite some friends over (or rent them) and make a hardy stew, get some crusty French bread, and dip away until there is no more.

don't hate on it because it's French

May I start by saying wow?! The 2005 Domaine De La Citadelle Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best under $20 cabs I have had recently. The package on this wine could use some pep, but the wine inside is alright by me. Just a hint of cedar on the nose with a subtle hint of the black fruits to come. On your palate, you get black cherry and cassis and the end just lingers with an ever-so-smokey, fall-off-the-bone finish. A Wine Guy Favorite.

Piemontese table wine for cheap dollars

Renowned producer Paolo Scavino has a 2007 Rosso Vino da Tavolo (red table wine) that you can afford to share with people you somewhat like. The wine is a blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The clean lines on this wine remind you of a sports car: really good to look at, but much more fun to drive. Medium in body, fresh, and bright, this wine has something for everyone. A Wine Guy Value.

Yet another LaPosta Malbec

The 2008 LaPosta Cocina Malbec is a fine example of the fruit-driven wines of this area.
But don't expect big, juicy, in-your-face sweet and sticky. When you open the wine and pour it into your vessel of choice, you will get soft red berries on the the nose and violets and blueberries gently tumbling down your tongue. On the finish you get a hint of the 20% new oak barrels used to age this wine for ten months.

2008 Crios Chardonnay, not a winner

Susana Balbo produces some of my favorite wines from Argentina, but not this time. The 2008 Chardonnay is not a winner; it lack cohesion. Unlike her other wines, which all have balance and ripe fruit that you enjoy immediately, this guy sucker-punches you with too much oak and no fruit or acidity. Give this one to your old boss when you quit your job, just so he knows how much you think of him.

Wine Guy Has News

Hi everyone - Sorry that I have not been keeping up with my blog. Trust me when I say that I have been keeping up with my wine "tasting" duties - the sacrifices I am willing to make for you.
Now to my news (drum roll please)...(wait for it): I have left my old position working for Deluca's Market to start my own wine and cheese store. (Pause for adulation.) I have thought about doing this off and on over the years, but I was always content with my situation. Then things change and I was force to put up or shut up. So coming this fall you will find me at Bacco's Wine & Cheese in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. Keep checking back here - I will post more details as they are finalized.