Vices Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
There are few things in life that taste better than a cold beer on a hot day, but sometimes, something a little more refined is in order. Bullz-Eye wine reviewer Gabe Sasso will regularly offer up his recommendations for those who prefer grapes to hops, or for those who are simply looking for a nice bottle to complement an upcoming dinner date. And head over to Gabe's View to read more.
Of course, if you stumbled upon this page by mistake and would rather your alcoholic beverage came in packs of six or 12, head over to our beer reviews page.
When it comes to American Pinot Noir, Oregon leads the way (11/19/2009)
Oregon is a state of many wonders, including some great Pinot Noir wines. Gabe samples three that showcase the great northwest with complex palates, reliability and reasonable prices.
California Parmesan: Three Cal-Ital standouts (10/22/2009)
Proving that you don't have to travel to the boot- shaped country to get a kick out of classic grapes, Gabe offers three Cal-Ital wines that bring Italian taste to America's left coast.
The many splendid faces of Malbec (09/18/2009)
Wines from Argentina that are made from the Malbec grape exhibit some of the best qualities of that country – a full flavored earthiness that is both fruity and spicy. Gabe describes three Malbecs that are great buys and offer a range of tastes. Why not get all three for your own tasting session?
All Hail the King, Cabernet Sauvignon (08/20/2009)
All hail the king (of wine): Cabernet Sauvignon. Gabe reviews three California offerings of this versatile grape, and makes an argument that the King is both food and wallet friendly. He reviews wines across a broad spectrum, and they bring complex tastes and aromas to please every palate.
These three Reds will tempt your tongue and keep your wallet in the black
(07/16/2009)
No one is offering an economic stimulus for your wine cellar, but Gabe Sasso found a trio of Reds that will be pleasing to your pallet while keeping you in the black. Coming in at around $10 a bottle, these selections – an Australian Shiraz, a Montepulciano and a versatile Cabernet – are those rare bargains that over-deliver for their price.
Wanted: Well-made Chardonnay; sawdust lovers need not apply (06/23/2009)
Chardonnay is a very popular grape and a staple wine on most shelves and wine racks, with prices and styles that range from mild to wild. Gabe finds three chards – two from Napa and one from Argentina – that won't break the bank but deliver taste and complexity to please every palate.
To Zin or not to Zin? (05/21/2009)
Zinfandels are a versatile and tempting category of wines, with roots in Croatia and Italy, but a true home in California. Gabe reviews three Zins that have rich, deep flavors, appeal to many wine drinkers and pair well with a variety of foods, including summer staples like grilled meats.
All together now, let's Blend in (05/01/2009)
In life, the whole is often greater than the sum of the parts. Such is the case with the three different blended wines Gabe reviews this week. Each offering is less than $20 a bottle and will go well with burgers or BBQ on the deck, or when you have a house full of people with different tastes.
Cabernet who? A look at three distinct Cabernet Francs (04/09/2009)
Let's be frank: Cabernet Franc is often overlooked as a prime wine in the United States. Usually recognized as a blend-in, it stands on its own quite well. Gabe describes three California Cab Francs (at three price points) that explore the rich variety of tastes and aromas of this grape.
When you want value, Drink Dry Creek (03/13/2009)
Like real estate, location can be everything in winemaking. Gabe reviews three wines from the Dry Creek Valley in California's Sonoma region. The Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon have three different price points, but all deliver value and flavor.
Nothing "petite" about this trio (02/20/2009)
The word "petite" may make you think of "small" things, but there is nothing tiny about the rich and bold flavors of the three Petite Sirah wines Gabe samples this week. This trio from California are all easy on the palate with deep and earthy fruit flavors, and easy on the pocket, too.
Wild Horse and Ridgeline Merlots prove "Sideways" wrong (01/19/2009)
While the movie "Sideways" likely turned a few people off to Merlots, Paul Giamatti's character may never have given the Wild Horse or Ridgeline Merlots a shot. Gabes says these two bottles are fine and diverse examples of just how good this grape can be.