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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 regularly offers 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 we've collected them all below.
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Smith-Madrone Winery: A genuine family-run boutique treasure
February 21, 2013
Gabe offers three examples from the Smith-Madrone Winery that show off Napa Valley artisanal wines and family values.
Vina Santa Carolina offers a peak into Chile's quality, value and diversity
Janaury 16, 2013
Think it’s easy sampling 30 to 40 wines a day on a tour of Chile? Gabe Sasso offers up three delicious and affordable wines.
Chile's Viu Manent produces a wide array of killer wines
December 13, 2012
Gabe Sasso went to Chile and all we got was a review of three terrific, affordable wines from Viu Manent -- not a bad deal!
Henry's Drive is an Australian powerhouse
November 22, 2012
Wines from Aussie winery Henry's Drive are so good, at so many price levels, that Gabe presents a bonus wine for review.
Napa Valley's Markham Vineyards is an under-the-radar treasure
November 8, 2012
Old favorites sometimes deserve a new look (or taste). Gabe trys three amazing offerings from Markham Vineyards.
Joel Peterson is Ravenswood’s Master of Zinfandel
September 27, 2012
Gabe presents three outstanding Ravenswood Zinfandels that offer a range of tastes and pairings at a fair price.
A trio of outstanding under-$20 white wines for summer and beyond
August 23, 2012
Got 20 bucks? Gabe reveals three great white wines suitable for summer sipping or to carry into fall and beyond.
Rodney Strong provides dependable value at every price point
July 18, 2012
Gabe returns to Rodney Strong Vineyards, this time ratcheting up the wine-drinking experience with three slightly more pricey but ultimately enjoyable wines.
The coastal whites of Chile are perfect for warm weather drinking
June 21, 2012
Gabe presents three examples of summer wines from coastal Chile that are excellent ambassadors of value and variety.
V. Sattui offers a window into the many styles of Zinfandel
May 24, 2012
Gabe describes three Zinfandels from V. Sattui winery that provide insight into the range of tastes from this versatile grape.
The sweet taste of Moscato provides perfect spring sipping
April 13, 2012
Springtime means new growth and new wines to try. Gabe Sasso three Moscatos: sweet, tasty and affordable.
If Bob Pepi made it, we should all be drinking it
March 15, 2012
Bob Pepi brings the Midas touch to every wine he creates. Gabe reviews three excellent California offerings.
Pedroncelli Winery: A Dry Creek Valley tradition
February 16, 2012
Gabe reviews three Dry Creek Valley wines by Pedroncelli Vineyards, a winery that had a huge influence on his palate.
Robert Mondavi Winery: A fresh look at a Napa Valley legend
January 19, 2012
Gabe reminds us why Robert Mondavi, a Napa Valley "old reliable," still produces good wines at a great price.
Craggy Range shows off the diverse flavors of New Zealand
December 15, 2011
Gabe turns up three delightful and affordable varietal wines from New Zealand, the other land down under.
Clayhouse Estate wines offers a window into Pablo Rosa diversity
November 10, 2011
It's located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, but there is nothing halfway about Paso Robles' wines.
Three terrific white wines from Argentina's Santa Julia for $10
October 13, 2011
Gabe presents three varietals from Argentina that showcase a range of terrific white wines for under $10.
Benessere Vineyards offers a taste of Italy in Napa ValleySeptember 8, 2011
Gabe presents three Benessere Winery offerings, showing off Napa Valley varietals and a lavish proprietary blend.
Campo Viejo delivers well made, exceptionally priced Rioja classicsAugust 25, 2011
These three Spanish wines from Campo Viejo will give you an "a-ha!" moment for the palate and the wallet.
Delicious summer sipping for under $13 July 14, 2011
Summer wines should be refreshing, versatile and affordable. Gabe presents three treats for under $13 that are great with summer foods or on their own on the patio.
Quivira Vineyards & Winery represents Dry Creek Valley proudly June 16, 2011
Can planetary alignment improve a wine? Gabe describes three wines from Quivira Vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley that are pleasing to the palate and the soul.
The wines of Gustave Lorentz are Alsatian classicsMay 12, 2011
Want to inject some passion into your next date night? Try a bottle of Gustave Lorentz white wine from the Alsace region of France.
South America continues to deliver stunning valuesApril 14, 2011
Great wine for under 20 bucks a bottle? Gabe leads a tour of South America with examples of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Malbec that will satisfy your palate and wallet.
Syrah to the left of me, Shiraz to the rightMarch 10, 2011
Whether you call it Syrah or Shiraz, this versatile grape grows in a variety of climates and conditions. Gabe targets three wines that deliver great value for everyday drinks to special treats.
Michael David wines make Lodi, CA proudFebruary 10, 2011
Michael David wines are complex and powerful, but not too strange or overbearing for the average wine enthusiast to enjoy. Gabe offers three wines – a white, a red and a Syrah – that have something for everyone.
Carménère emerges from Chile and entices taste budsJanuary 14, 2011
Chilean wines have been playing large in the U.S. market for a while. In the spirit of discovery for the New Year, Gabe uncorks three Carménères that show off great value and flavor.
Let the Ports of Sandeman Cellars tickle your taste budsDecember 17, 2010
Port wines, often regarded as dessert wines or something to sip in front of the fire, are also great cocktail ingredients. Gabe offers a taste of three of his favorite Ports from Sandeman Cellars.
Reconsidering sparkling wineNovember 11, 2010
Sparkling wine is often reserved for special occasions like wedding toasts and New Year's Eve. But Gabe offers three affordable and drinkable sparklers – with food or just for fun!
Artesa Winery fulfills the promise of CarnerosOctober 12, 2010
Appellation refers to a wine's geographic home, not a mountain range in West Virginia. Gabe describes three offerings from the Carneros region of California, reveling in their quality and value.
Titus Vineyards blows me away!September 10, 2010
Gabe doesn't like the wines from Titus Vineyards in Napa Valley – he loves them! Gabe samples three delicious and affordable offerings from this family vintner.
Three distinct wines connected by individuality and valueAugust 6, 2010
Summer is a great time to try something different – parasailing, spelunking, ballroom dancing. It's also a good time to sample affordable out-of-the-ordinary wines.
Around the New World with Sauvignon BlancJuly 8, 2010
For an affordable summer vacation, Gabe suggests visiting Chile, Argentina and New Zealand (by way of California), by sampling these three refreshing and versatile Sauvignon Blancs.
Focus on Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir from Thomas Fogarty WineryJune 10, 2010
Thomas Fogarty Winery is high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Gabe is high on three of their Pinot Noirs, a trio of wines that represent an excellent cross section of the mountain grapes.
Grüner Veltliner: The wine you should drink all summer
May 13, 2010
Austria didn't bring us just Ah-nold the Governator – it also gives us a terrific grape in the Grüner Veltliner. Gabe reviews three wines made from this refreshing and affordable grape.
Three Napa Valley classics from Chappellet WineryApril 9, 2010
Isn't family worth a little more? Gabe reviews three wines from Chappellet Winery, a family-owned winery whose mix of varietals produces some delightful wines, at a slightly higher price point.
Rodney Strong Vineyards is a go-to choice for your California wine needsMarch 11, 2010
While he typically prefers wines that are off the beaten path, Gabe enjoys some large producers like Rodney Strong Vineyards. He samples three bottles that deliver quality and value.
Skip the fire: These port wines will keep you warmFebruary 12, 2010
A glass of Port can be a great dessert complement or a standalone sweet treat. Gabe reveals three excellent Ports that will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you warm in the winter.
Down Under doesn't have to mean Over the TopJanuary 15, 2010
Gabe heads Down Under and tries three Reserve selections from Jacob's Creek. The Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz deliver flavor, balance and quality at a great price.
Pine Ridge Vineyards: At the ForefrontDecember 11, 2009
Like classic TV shows, some wineries produce excellent spinoffs, like Pine Ridge's Forefront Wines. Gabe reviews Forefront's Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
When it comes to American Pinot Noir, Oregon leads the wayNovember 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 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.
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