Since I’ve only been at this blog thing for 7 weeks and December marks the close of my first full month, I thought I would start a tradition. I’m sure as history books of wine blogging unfold, this will be recorded as the start of something monumental. Those mentioned in these posts will receive world-wide notoriety and others will pine and clamor to be considered among the elite. Ah, who the hell am I kiddin’ this is what I liked and thought was cool this month!

Wines of the Month

I reviewed 25 wines in December. Several of them came from my video reviews of three local Spokane wineries. My bias is not Spokane, it’s just my geography.

Best Value Under $15: Lone Canary Bird House Red ($10-$12)

While I didn’t taste this wine during my video interview with wine maker Michael Scott, I did pick up a bottle for consumption. Of the 10+ bottles under $15 from this month, this was the clear winner.

• The Stuff - 55% Syrah, 22% Cab Sauv, 21% Merlot, 2% Sangiovese; Various Columbia Valley vineyards.
• The Swirl – a dark garnet color, not quite plum
• The Sniff – initial reaction was honey and vanilla but opened up to include the blueberry and spice of a Cab / Merlot.
• The Sip - Initially wasn’t feeling it. Left the glass and came back 15 minutes later. Dark berry with cedar and a slight cocoa finish. Medium tannin and a little hot on the alcohol.
• The Score – At $12 I would rate this a low 4 out of 5. Solid quality with good flavor characteristics, smooth finish and good structure. If I can find this wine at under $10 it easily becomes part of my Nectar Value Team.

*Runner up 2007 Arbor Crest Sauvignon Blanc ($7)

Best Wine: 2006 Mark Ryan Long Haul ($48)

We enjoyed this wine over Christmas (Episode #17 Christmas 2009). This was one of our purchases from the September trip to Woodinville, WA. The wine was spectacular then and even better to celebrate Christmas with. Hands down the best wine I drank all month.

• The Stuff: Right Bank style blend with 48% Merlot 46% Cab Franc and 6% Petit Verdot.
• The Swirl: Moderately opaque with translucent edges. Nice jewel tones
• The Sniff: Wow, this glass is alive with aroma ranging from spice to coffee to vanilla to dark cherries. Alive with juice.
• The Sip: An explosion of fruit with the right amount of structure balance and tannin to enjoy alone or with a big steak or red pasta dish. This is like sex in a glass. The orgasm of flavor blew me away!
• The Score: At $48 I would definitely buy this again and again as long as my credit card allowed. Taking into consideration the economy and value, this wine scores a 4+. Get it at $35 and it is a steal and a 5.

A twitter friend said they recently picked up several bottles for just $29. At this price I would buy a case.

*Runner up 2007 Robert Karl Claret ($20)

Random Favorites Highlights from December

The post that made me spit wine out my nose: Drinking With the Wine Whore (make sure you watch the video)

Best Wine Picture (Rated R): DrinksAreOnMe.net – Cork Taint

Best Wine Quote: WineTonite – Apples and Wine

“Men are like a fine wine. They begin as grapes, and it’s up to the women to stomp the mess out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have with dinner.” – Ed Thralls

Most ‘heady’ Wine Post Good Grape “When Altruism Needs to Equal Cooperation”

DrinkNectar Posts (Most Viewed) Wineries – Missing the Social Media Money?