January has come to a close. Thankfully we haven’t been snowed in this year. The 31 days of January contained over 800 tweets, 28 wine reviews, 19 posts and 1 very cool wine tweetup in Phoenix with a new friend Tim @wklywinejournal

At the end of each month I look back and compile some of my favorite tweets, posts, and wines. This very special honor should be put on par with the Grammys, Emmys and Academy Awards. Be sure to show love to those nominated by visiting their pages, commenting on their tweets / status updates.

Wines of the Month

Best Value Under $15: Bogle Petite Sirah ($9-$11)

On the quest for great value wines, this Petite Sirah is big and bold. Watch the video review

• The Stuff: 100% Petite Sirah
• The Swirl: Very very dark plum, completely opaque, nice legs indicating some stronger residual sugar
• The Sniff: Once again a restrained aroma profile. Some dark cherry, dark blackberry fruit and a hint of spice trying to come through
• The Sip: Wholly wow, this is a big wine. There is some decent fruit on the front end which is immediately attacked by the strong tannin on the back end. This wine needs food! I look forward to pairing it with some BBQ, spicy pork, or a steak.
• The Score: At only $10 this is a big wine with some big back end structure that deserves a 3+. I would definitely consider this for a future purchase to pair with food. NOT A SIPPING WINE.

 *Runner Up: Yellow + Blue Sauvignon Blanc (Review coming soon)

 Best Wine: Barrister NV Rough Justice ($20)

I purchased this wine during my review of Barrister Winery. This proprietors style blend is seductively amazing and has such immense fruit and a nice balance. Not only is this a ‘best wine’ it is very affordable. Watch the video review of Barrister Winery

• The Stuff: 35% Merlot, 28% Syrah 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
• The Swirl: Beautiful dark jewel tone with translucent clarity.
• The Sniff: A-MA-ZING fruit and spice. Very aromatic blackberry, plum and vanilla on the nose. A moderate dose of leather pokes through as well.
• The Sip: A mouthful of jammy berry. If you like bold fruit that is not overly sweet but balanced out with a nice strong acid and spice, you’ll love this wine. The structure of this wine is impressive. Made in a very new-world style that is very impressive.
• The Score: At $20 I score this wine a 5 (out of 5). The wine is beautiful in aroma, strong and balanced in flavor, and immense in structure. This is one blend that if seen on a restaurant wine list that would instantly get my purchase!

 * Runner Up: 2005 Signorello Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($80) 

Random Favorite Highlights from January

Post that made me spit wine out my nose: From @supplewine and his Box of Red comic (by Brett Underhill) http://www.supplewine.com/comics/box-o-red/2010-01-15.php

Best New Blogger Feature: From @vinotology – The weekly “Good Bad and Ugly” These posts are fun, witty and insightful looks at the world of wine blogging.

Best Wine Pictures: From @winetwits  and @RickBakas – Vintage Wine Ads (290)

Best Wine Quote: From @TishWine 1/9/2010 tweet “Wine tasting notes are like greased pigs. Best hope is to have fun in the process, because very little chance of capture.”

Best Wine Social Media Post: From @bricksofwine 17 Blog and Video Topics for Your Winery

DrinkNectar Most Viewed Post: Is Facebook Tweeting Hurting Your Business? (25 comments)