Taster 66 is back at home in the Hampton Roads area and he is reporting in.  He is taking us back to the playground with this one.  We all remember when we use to dare our friends to do something stupid.  This time he is daring you to do something wise.  On your march, get ready, set, go....

..."Have I got a white wine to share with you.  This wine is very inexpensive ($3.99) and delicious.  I found this wine while shopping for an everday wine at Total Wine in Chesapeake, VA.  I asked one of the staff members for some recommendations for an everyday wine.  She recommended a couple of other wines which I purchased, but this one was last on the list.  I could not believe the price ($3.99) of Double Dog Dare Chardonnay.  At first, I thought she was pulling my leg.  But after another customer chimed in our conversation to tell us that he bought a case of this wine.  He told me that it was very good for the price ($3.99).  I thought maybe he was not really a wine drinker but after seeing him roll out 2 cases of different wine then I reconsidered his recommendation. I am really impressed with Double Dog Dare Chardonnay for the price and the taste.

tasting notes:  This wine is real light on the pallet, but it is not as crisp as other Chardonnay's.  It has a fruity smell with a little bit of Oak taste but not much. This wine can be consumed by the most inexperienced wine drinker.  My recommendation that this is a good white for a starter wine taster.  It also has a little after taste, but it is not bad. Very SMOOTH!  It can go with almost any type of meal.  It will surprise you!  I woulld definitely recommend this wine for a party or dinner if friends or family are coming over.  Drink chilled.

You have heard from taster 66 and now I am daring you to do the "double dog dare"...I will report back on my comments...

Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005 (Cline Cellars).  I didn't realize I had this wine in our basement (I am working on my wine cellar management...I will give all blog members access to see what I am purchasing, drinking, and holding).  I was looking for a good wine pairing for grilled flank steak. 

I tasted a piece of the flank steak (medium) with the wine when I first opened the bottle.  The flavors didn't burst out initially, but I was hoping that as the wine opened up the flavors would come out.  We ate dinner after allowing the wine to breath for about 45 minutes.  I was correct.  Here are dinner and my tasting notes:

Dinner: Grilled flank steak salad (grilled flank steak seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic salt, season all), on a bed of mixed greens with crumbled blue cheese, french onion rings (out of can) and italian dressing (my choice), bleu cheese dressing (wife choice).

Tasting Notes:  The wine definitely opened up after 45 minutes.  Dark purple color, soft tannins, nice raspberry flavors with a little spice and vanilla on the end complimented the grilled steak flavors, blue cheese, and italian dressing.  The flavors continued to open up as we drank Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2005.

We finally have some honesty in wine making and the label says it all.  "Educated Guess - Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005" from Roots Run Deep Winery.  I tasted this wine last night (Wednesday) when I stopped into Paul's of Chevy Chase in Washington DC. 

This was a very good Cabernet from Napa Valley at an excellent price.  Nice color, spicy, rich juicy berry flavors, a little creamy, with a nice lingering finish.  I grabbed one, but I see purchasing more in the future.

The label shows actual winemaking formulas that are either induced or naturally occur during a specific winemaking process.