Crios Rose

At the Hammock Wine and Cheese Shop in Palm Coast, FL, I also purchased the Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec (2007). The shop owner warned me that this is not your typical Rose but would be appreciated by an adventurous palate. Indeed, this is a rich, spicy Rose (for around $10) that I enjoyed immensely. I paired it with a curry dish and it complemented it quite well.

Nieto Senetiner

On the way back from an excursion to the St. Augustine, FL area, we stopped at a little wine and cheese shop that I'd been wanting to visit for awhile, the Hammock Wine and Cheese shop (the address is actually in Palm Coast). I was very impressed at the vast array of wine confined in such a small space but arranged in a way that was not crowded or overwhelming. After sampling some wine and a bit of cheese (the owner was very accommodating), I decided I was in a Chilean mood. I selected the Nieto Senetiner Reserva (2005) Cab/Shiraz blend from Mendoza. Blackberries, cocoa, and vanilla with a smokiness on the nose, delicious and worth well above its $10 price tag.

Carmenere

I am a huge fan of Chilean wines! They are amazing and usually a fraction of the price of comparable wines. I've been drinking Chilean Cabs for awhile now, but recently discovered the Carmenere grape at a wine tasting at the Wine Warehouse in Port Orange, FL. Chile is the only significant source of this unique grape. After the tasting, I was on a mission to find more Carmenere, and surprisingly found the MontGras "Reserva" Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile (2007) at Costco for under $10. It is rated at 90 points by Wine Enthusiast--that is a HUGE rating for an under $10 wine! Upon further research, I discovered that it earned a "Best Buy" designation and is#50 in "The Best Buys of 2008" from Wine Enthusiast. But more importantly, you ask, how does it taste?! This wine is phenomenal, and what really stood out to me was the smokiness that was deliciously balanced with the rich and juicy dark fruit. It is soft on the palate and finish with mocha and subtle hints of vanilla. I paired this wine with barbecued ribs, and it was an excellent match!