Terpsichorean Male Bovine Wines

Dancing Bull wines; now there is a name we could have had some fun with if we had not promised to stop complaining about wacky wine labels. The thought however does cross our minds on what else we would call this wine had we not reformed. Terpsichorean Male Bovine would be our choice but in this case, Dancing Bull sounds and looks better.

Dancing Bull came into existence a bit over eight years ago as a winery concentrating exclusively on wines made from the zinfandel grape. Their winemaking style caught the interest of the public and they were beseeched to expand into other varieties. OK, we did take some poetic license with the beseeched, but it did work. The winemaking style developed by the Dancing Bull winemakers worked well for the cabernet sauvignon grapes as well as with the chardonnay and sauvignon blanc grapes. Good grapes, good winemakers, good wine; done deal.

Dancing Bull 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($12). The Dancing Bull 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, with just a bit of merlot and a touch of zinfandel to add more interest and depth to the wine. This wine has an inviting red color, a medium body and presents the familiar aroma of cassis and cranberries with hints of milk chocolate. Most of these aromas carry over to the flavor where they mingle with a suggestion of raspberries and soft spices. The wine is very open and easy to drink. There is also no need for any further bottle aging so it is ready to drink right now. The Dancing Bull 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect accompaniment for lamb, beef, moderately spiced dishes and full flavored cheese

Dancing Bull 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($12). Sauvignon blanc wines have lost a bit of ground in recent years because of the proliferation of cheaply made versions in the market place. This wine can easily out do many of the sauvignon blanks in the marketplace today and does this without breaking the bank. The signature fruit flavors really stand out in this offering from Dancing Bull and add new interest to a variety that has become humdrum in recent years. The traditional flavors and aromas of citrus and fresh cut grass, with a hint of melon abound in this wine and are very obvious. They result in an attractive and interesting wine that is the perfect accompaniment for seafood. If you have lost interest in sauvignon blanc in recent years, try the Dancing Bull 2009 Sauvignon Blanc; you will be pleasantly surprised.

Dancing Bull 2009 Chardonnay ($12). The Dancing Bull 2009 Chardonnay displays a truly California flavor and character. No longer are our chardonnays looking to emulate the austere and stiff French style; quite the contrary. Americans prefer the fruitier and expansive style now expounded by California vintners and this chardonnay expresses this new style perfectly. There is not one flavor to pick from, but a host of endless, constantly changing flavors. Pineapple melds with golden apple and nectarine all lying with a perfect fruit acid balance to back it up. The finish proves as fruity as the flavor and aroma. A very, very nice wine.

Dancing Bull 2009 Zinfandel ($12). Zinfandel is truly an all American wine and among the most popular red wines in the country. One sip of the Dancing Bull 2009 Zinfandel will tell you why. The grapes for this wine came from the Lodi area which is famous for its very full flavored, fruity grapes with high natural sugars and a near perfect acid balance. The wines from Lodi grapes have always expressed that fruitiness in their expansive aromas and flavors. The Dancing Bull 2009 Zinfandel puts its best foot forward with its aroma of raspberries and black pepper. The flavor accents these aromas and adds a background of strawberry, pomegranate and vanilla. This wine can accompany a very broad selection of foods, is a great value for the dollar and is the absolute king of the summertime barbeque.