Steven's choice:2008 Epiphany Gypsy

It seems Eli Parker, son of the late Fess Parker, has followed in his father’s footsteps by creating his own brand of wines. When Steven brought over a 2008 Epiphany Gypsy for Brandon and me to try, I was impressed.

Epiphany is by no means a bargain-bin wine, but oenophiles understand the need to splurge. With aromas of vanilla, raspberry, cherry, cranberry, and a hint of spiciness, Gypsy has everything you would ever hope for in a $25 California red Rhone blend.

Two thumbs up.

Cost: $25

 

2008 Epiphany Cellars Gypsy, Santa Barbara County

(39% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, 16% Counoise, 11% Cinsault, 1% Syrah)

 

Halos de JupiterCostières-de-Nîmes

I love Friday nights. And to celebrate the beginning of another much anticipated weekend, I opened Les Halos de Jupiter Costières de Nîmes. Having all the yummy qualities that make a Rhone wine worth buying--enticing dark color, deep black fruit flavor, and notes of herbs and spice followed by a nice, long finish--Robert Parker gave this palate pleasing Grenache/Syrah blend 89 points. I guess it is safe to say RP and I agree: this is $14 very well spent.

Avg. Cost: $13.99

 

Halos de Jupiter Costieres de Nimes Rouge, 2009

 

An outstanding bargain, 60% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Carignan. It is a pretty, Burgundian-styled effort displaying lots of forest floor, red berry and cherry notes intermixed with a hint of spring flowers, good density, medium body and soft tannin. -Wine Advocate

 



Derby Vinyarddoes it again!

I know not everyone enjoys the fruity and robust, jammy red wines that come from grapes grown in the Paso Robles heat. I do. Since being introduced to Derby wines a year or so ago, I have become a fan. Not only are their bottles reasonably priced, but this $9.99 FIFTEEN10 is a delicious Rhone-style blend of 38% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 28% Counoise, and 6% Mourvedre.

If you favor Paso Robles wines and Grenache-Syrah blends as much as I do, then this is the wine for you.

Cost: $9.99, Topline Wine, Glendale CA

 

Derby 2006 Fifteen10 Red

 

Tasting notes: "Aromas of red berries combine with notes of licorice, tobacco, spice, and earth on the nose. Raspberry and cherry flavors unfold into suggestions of anise, smoked game, earth, and spice after a sip."