Ps we were drinking a bottle yesterday and I said to everybody, "I wish Sam and Krista were closer so they could come drink wine with us." We must make that happen when you guys are out next year.

Sam Broyles

Absolutely!!

Gouguenheim

Valle Escondido Syrah 2012

Sam Broyles

8.5

Sam had this 11 years ago

HandCraft

Artisan Collection California Petite Sirah 2011

Sam Broyles

8.6

A "so-so" petite sirah. Plum and cherry flavors, but I do not prefer the spice that comes with the zin that was added. — 11 years ago

La Finca

Oak Aged Mendoza Malbec 2013

Sam Broyles

8.3

This one might take some time to win me over. Its label boasts "oak aged". It definitely has a strong, almost over-powering oak flavor; not only at the nose, but also on the palate. I would also describe it as a leather taste, which might be due to the youthful vintage combined with the intense oak flavor. — 11 years ago

Krista liked this

Eric Bernard

It seems that you guys really like Malbec. Is that your favorite varietal?

Sam Broyles

Yes! Well, so far... I may, one day, find a new favorite. I am also attempting to sample as many Malbecs as I can without switching to Cabernets or Merlots. I think being able to sample Malbec after Malbec after Malbec allows me to keep a better mental memory of each wine's flavor. If I switch and try a few Merlots between Malbecs, it might cause me to subconsciously rate the next Malbec differently because I'm subconsciously comparing it to my last drink, which would have been a non-Malbec. So, right now in our wine sampling season, we are primarily on Malbecs. Once we have exhausted our local supply of Malbec vineyards, we will move on to a different focus.

Trivento

Amado Sur Mendoza Malbec Blend 2010

Sam Broyles

8.7

Quite the oaky Malbec. Definitely some fruit flavors in this one: plum and cherry primarily. — 11 years ago

Mike liked this

Concannon Vineyard

Selected Vineyards California Petite Sirah 2011

Sam Broyles

9.3

Thanks to Eric Bernard for piquing my interest in petite sirah! This one is delicious! ... Well, at least when compared to the Malbecs we have had recently. Someone please restore my faith in Malbecs, or Petite Sirah may steal my heart... Or at least my palate. Perfectly built with fruity plum and cherry flavors, with a smooth finish. — 11 years ago

Eric and Krista liked this

Eric Bernard

Love it! Glad to see you are trying new things. There is so much good wine out there.

Tilia

Mendoza Malbec 2012

Sam Broyles

8.9

Definitely a bit more spice than a typical $10 Malbec. Otherwise, rather mellow and well-rounded in the usual black cherry and plum flavors one would expect from a Mendoza Malbec. Due to the spice, it has a strong nose on it; I suggest letting it air a bit before drinking. — 11 years ago

Eric liked this

Miriam Bernard

You make me so proud! 😢

Sam Broyles

Haha Thanks, Mir! Krista and I decided we need to do a Napa Valley Vineyard tour in like 18 years, when we don't have to take the boys with us. You and Eric must join us.

Eric Bernard

Sam, count us in!