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Penley Estate, Coonawarra (South Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon "Phoenix" 2006 ($20, Old Bridge Cellars)
Not many bottlings of Cabernet from the famed appellation of Coonawarra can still be found in this price range, largely because Coonawarra and Margaret River have become the two most prestigious regions for growing Cabernet in Australia--with land prices that have risen accordingly.
This wine is true to its place of origin, with good intensity to the dark berry fruit, but also a subtly leafy, herbal, mineral character that reflects the restrained ripeness that Cabernet grapes generally acquire in Coonawarra's relatively cool climate. Acidity and tannin are notable, yet nicely symmetrical in relation to the weight of the fruit.
88 - Michael Franz
More wine reviews every week at:
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Wine Courses
WSET - Intermediate
Starts Tuesday, October 7
6 weeks of class
cost: $748
Up to Speed on Wine
with Michael Franz
October 29- 30
cost: $115
Keep an eye out for other WWA classes this fall, including the ABCs of Wine and the ABCs of Beer.
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Did you know that WWA's Wine Night at the Movies was voted the best way to have fun on Fridays in the Dec. 2007 issue of Washingtonian magazine?
See what all the buzz is about with our YouTube YouTube video.
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| News from the Washington Wine Academy
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Earlier this week, the Dow dropped 600 points. Congress voted on (and, in some cases, down) a $700 million bailout plan. And most of us probably cringed if we opened a statements from any of our investment accounts.
All that bad news may have left you either... (1) thinking you needed to cut wine out of your budget, or (2) drinking even more wine to drown your sorrows.
For those who feel #1 is the best choice, below the "Upcoming Events" section we offer a few tips from our friend and WWA instructor, Michael Franz, to convince you otherwise.
(P.S. -- Though the event's price tag goes against our "being economical" theme, make sure you check out the new "Wine is Art" event listed below. Sponsored by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the fundraiser will support the museum and will feature tastings of 25 Gold Medal wines from the 2008 National Women's Wine Competition.)
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** NEW EVENT **
October 2
National Museum of Women in the Arts presents Wine is Art (DC), $150, corporate sponsorships available
October 4
French Wine Society Taste of France (DC), $85, Special offer: Buy 3 tickets, get 1 free, OR Buy 4 tickets, get 2 free
October 6-8
French Wine Society Annual Conference (DC), $475
October 25
Mark Phillips Holiday Wine Tasting (DC), $40-65
** NEW CLASS **
October 29-30
Up to Speed on Wine with Michael Franz (DC), $115
** NEW MONTHLY EVENT **
November 5
First Wednesday "Wine & Movie" Night at E Street Landmark Cinema (DC), $16.50, movie ticket not included
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How to Keep Wine IN Your Budget During Tight Times...
In light of the current economic climate, we offer some tips from our friend Michael Franz that might help you be able to keep drinking during these tight times.
Just buy wine, and forget all the stupid accoutrements.
You don't need wine glass charms, wine trolleys, wine taps, or any of those other wine gizmos and gadgets you see advertised. All you need are a couple of good glasses and a working corkscrew. And, of course, some wine.
Never miss a chance to taste for free.
Cruise the retail shops over the weekend for free in-store tastings. You'll not only get free wine, but the amazing knowledge imparted by those pouring the wines.
Shop smart.
Keep an eye out for the sales and close-outs that can keep you drinking good wine at remarkably low prices.
If you need to stretch every bottle, then buy bottles that stretch.
If you need to cut back how much you drink, know that some wines hold up better overnight. Generally, whites do better than reds, and younger whites do better than ones that have been bottled for several years. Lean, young wines with ample acidity hold up very well as do sweet dessert wines and young, off-dry German Rieslings.
Don't drop wine--drop wine nationalism.
If you want to drink good wine but need to spend less money, look overseas. American winemakers are being outperformed in the $8 to $12 price range by their counterparts in Chile, Argentina and Australia.
For more suggestions or more information about these tips, visit Michael's column at WineReviewOnline.com.
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 Weekly WWA Events:
Every FRIDAY at the Arlington Cinema 'N Drafthouse - 6:15 p.m.
Every Saturday and Sunday in partnership with Reston Limousine!
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- Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Palomino Fino (nonvintage)
- Goose Bay 2006 Marlborough Chardonnay (New Zealand)
- Segal 2002 Dovev Merlot (Israel)
- Herzog Wine Cellars 2006 Late-Harvest Chenin Blanc (California)
- Domaine du Castel 2005 Grand Vin (Israel)
* List from Epicurious.com. Visit the site for more details about the wines listed above.
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