Wine Openers

After reading posts and letters from friends along the East Coast bemoaning – and deservedly so – the rash of difficult weather they’ve encountered this fall, it was Colorado’s turn this weekend. A quick-moving storm dropped 18 inches or more of snow on the mountains, which made for exciting driving down steep mountain passes.

Merely a drive-by, and not nearly as devastating as Sandy, the impacts of which I’m certainly not downplaying. I made it through Katrina and understand the difficulties facing the residents of the Atlantic states. But the weekend storm gave me the opportunity to stay home and catch up on some reading and tasting, so here goes two of the latest.

Amapola Creek 2009 Zinfandel – This Sonoma County winery scored big-time with grapes from the 100-year old, red-soil vineyards of Monte Rosso and it shows in the deep, lush flavors of backberries, dark fruit, spice and pepper. Winemaker Richard Arrowood, formerly of Chateau St. jean and his namesake Arrowood Winery, and his wife Alis founded Amapola Creek in 2005 and in that short history have made some outstanding wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel. With winter coming on, a hearty Zinfandel such as this is just what the inner fires need. 530 cases, $36 SRP.

Wild Horse 2010 Merlot – I tasted Wild Horse Winery wines last year and was impressed with their freshness and vigor and the 2010 Merlot continues in that line. Sourced from several vineyards in the Central Coast wine-growing region from Paso Robles to Monterey, this wine has bright fruit flavors and a medium-bodied intensity bolstered by its acidity and soft tannins. Great for the transition season or whenever you want an exceptional and affordable California Merlot. Forget what Miles said. 32,000 cases. $19 SRP.