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Erin De Santiago

Erin De Santiago

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Napa Valley, California, United States
4880 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 92/100

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon season was a good one in Napa and the Joseph Phelps Cab is outstanding proof of that. The even growing season helped produce concentrated fruit flavors that resulted in a complex and beautiful dark purple colored Cab. There are dark fruits on the nose and the wine has a hint of blueberry on the palate, along with subtle notes of dark chocolate and spice. The 2007 Joseph Phelps Cab is really just starting to enter its period of peak drinking -- could be easily cellared for another 6-7 years.

Little Yering

Yering Station Little Yering Pinot Noir 2008

Yarra Valley, South Australia, Australia
4880 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 90/100

Yering Station Wines from Australia's Yarra Valley are consistently good offerings and the 2008 Little Yering Pinor Noir does not disappoint. Australian Wine Expert, James Halliday rated this a 90. The wine displays strong cherry and strawberry notes, yet it is still quite light-bodied. The finish is a bit tangy, an unexpected characteristic in a Pinot Noir. A solid choice, especially at the price point.

4880 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 89/100

The 2008 Little Yering Chardonnay scored 90 points from James Halliday, the noted Australian wine expert. This wine exhibits all the characteristics you hope for in a New World Chardonnay without being an "oak bomb" as so many California Chardonnays are. The Little Yering 2008 Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes it is fermented in French Oak. The wine has a pleasing blend of mineral and apricot flavors, with a nutty oak finish.

Old Vine Michael & David Phillips

7 Deadly Old Vine Michael & David Phillips Zinfandel 2008

Lodi, California, United States
4880 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 89/100

The flagship Zinfandel from the Michael David Winery is everything you come to expect from a Lodi Zinfandel. It is a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, and some Petit Verdot as well. The 7 Deadly Zins is a full-bodied wine with "in your face" berry, pepper, and earthy undertone. The finish is complex with hints of smoke and dark chocolate.

Ménage à Trois Red 2009

Napa Valley, California, United States
4880 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 84/100

While this wine is not likely to score 90+ points anytime soon, it is a good (and fun) wine to have on hand for parties or nights you don't feel like opening an expensive bottle. The California Red Ménage à Trois is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It is produced by the Folie a Deux Winery in Oakville. The 2008 Ménage à Trois has ripe jammy flavors and an element of spice from the Zinfandel. Especially given the price point, you won't go wrong by having a few of these bottles on hand as daily drinkers.

Erin De Santiago

Wine BloggerVisit Erin's Website

Memorable Wine

Joseph Phelps Insignia and Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard

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First Wine

Can't remember that far back to the brand, but it was a Cabernet Sauvignon

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Unusual Wine Experience

Drinking wine produced on a coral atoll in French Polynesia & trying an onion Cabernet (Taiwan)

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Current Fav Wine

Zinfandel -- the older the vine, the better!

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award