It is always fun looking back at the previous month seeing where I’ve been, what I’ve drank and all the fun articles and posts that people across the bloggersphere have written. October, like all the months prior to it, proved to be an amazing whirlwind adventure of wine, friends, and more. The thing that separates October from the previous 10 months of this blog are major announcements of Nectar Tasting Room, rebranding from DrinkNectar.com to NectarWineBlog.com, and the completion of the first issue of Spokane Wine Magazine. Through all of this, you have made October the most visited month in the history of this site (six consecutive monthly increases). Thank you for your support!

Here is a look at the best of the best from October 2010. View previous Nectar Monthly Honors recipients, here.

Wines of the Month

Best Value Under $15

This month 10 of the 23 wine reviews qualified for this category. With reviews from Yellow Tail, Pepperwood Grove, and Silver Leaf Winery, there was one clear standout wine deserving of the best value under $15…

Pepperwood Grove Old Vine Zinfandel (Reviewed Here)

Tweets from the machine:

nectarwine: So, here we go – at $5 this is a killer value. Good flavor, good finish, good acid – this is a winner #biggreenbox #donandsons

pencilarms: #biggreenbox. Just tasted the zin. Lovely. Nice acidity and balance where is it sourced from? What makes it “old”

JohnOnWine: I was happy to taste this Zin; tired of high sugar, alc heat, fruit and pepper bombs. No more blown palate. #biggreenbox #donandsons

Light burgundy in color and very translucent, can see to the bottom of the glass. At only 13.5%ABV (refreshing for a California Zinfandel), this is on the very low side of alcohol for Zins. Good aromas of blueberry, subtle strawberry, tobacco spice and more. It’s all mellow, but it’s there. The palate is very nice as well with flavors of plums, strawberries and mild pepper. The acidity is well balanced and the finish is lovely. Definitely the bargain find of the four wines tasted. While not complex, there are good flavors in this wine. 3/5

Runner Up: 2008 Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz (Reviewed Here)

Best Overall Wine

The winner and runner up for best wine of the month were both from the same tasting. I was very impressed with the quality and consistency in the Chile red blends tasting. If you’re looking for intriguing new wines to try, keep your eye open for Chilean wine.

2007 Emiliana Coyam (Reviewed Here)

The blend of 38% Syrah, 21% Cabernet, 21% Carmenere, 17% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Mourvedre exploded with massive aromas of fruit, flowers and spice. I loved the fragrant eucalyptus and violets juxtaposed with the spilled spice rack. The wine is also full of flavor in the mouth with a powerful, yet soft dark fruit and evergreen tree. The oak treatment is very well integrated and the 15% ABV does not come across as strikingly hot. The finish on the wine is thick without being chewy or tart. This Bordeaux style wine is top notch wine for just $29 suggested retail. 4+/5

Emiliana is 100% organic and biodynamic.

 Runner Up: 2007 Casas Del Bosque Family Reserve

Other Highlights from October

Good News / Bad News

Big news from two of my close friends hit the twitter machines this month. First the good news, then the bad…

• THE GOOD NEWS: @vinotology – I’m here in Washington, Now What? http://bit.ly/aKEoKR
• THE BAD NEWS: @sipwithme – Regional Wine Blogger Bids a Sad Farewell http://bit.ly/dqWSZT
• NEW ADVENTURES: @bakasmedia Rick Bakas ends his tenure at St. Supery to launch a new Social Media consulting business http://bakasmedia.com/?p=47

Favorite Video

@jordanwinery – Night harvesting merlot grapes in Alexander Valley http://bit.ly/b5iiqx

A Committed Resource

Sean Sullivan spent a considerable amount of time analyzing two Washington State initiatives (I-1100 and I-1105), that could have considerable impact on the way beer, wine and spirits are distributed in Washington State. Sean’s commitment to Washington wine makes him one of the single greatest resources for wine information in our state. http://www.wawinereport.com/2010/10/final-answer-vote-no-on-initiatives.html

Favorite New Series

@suburbanwino – Welcome to Booze in the News (love the fun logos) http://bit.ly/c3hguD

Social Media Knowledge

@suzielin Facebook Fans Vs. Twitter Followers: Which Are More Valuable? http://bit.ly/aNtPpr – Interesting read

Top Post on Nectar Wine Blog

It’s no surprise that the top post of the month, and now one of the top five posts of the year is the announcement of the Nectar Tasting Room. Support has been overwhelming and I appreciate your efforts to help spread the word.

Introducing Nectar Tasting Room http://drinknectar.com/2010/10/04/introducing-nectar-tasting-room/