Classic Wines

Move over cabernet, this one is all about California Zinfandel. Among the extremely popular varietals produced by California, Zinfandel is one of the most dominant. Not to be confused with white zinfandel, zinfandel is a fruity red style that can also pack a punch of complexity. Tune in to this week's episode as Brian compares two distinctly different zinfandels from California. Tasted in today's episode are the Benson Ferry Vineyards 2006 95240 Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel and the M. Cosentino 2005 Zinfandel Cigarzin.

Host Brian Freedman gets vertical this week as he tries out two Pessagno Chardonnays. Pessagno is a well respected establishment that hails from the Monterey and San Benito counties of California. Focusing on back-to-back years, 2005 and 2006, Brian is able to analyze the different flavor profiles a year's difference can produce. Tasted in this episode of ClassicWines TV are the Pessagno 2005 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay, and the Pessagno 2006 Lucia Highlands Vineyard Chardonnay.

Germany's most famous wine is Riesling... but what happens when Americans take a stab at it? Join Brian Freedman as he pits two American Rieslings against each other in a full on tasting challenge.

The wines sampled today are the Tarrica Wine Cellars Riesling 2007, and the Chateau Ste Michelle "Dr. Loosen" Riesling 2006.

California may be most well known for Cabernet Sauvignon, but host Brian Freedman doesn't want you to forget about the Pinot Grigio either. Pitting two California Pinot Grigio's against each other, Brian examines a significant contrast in production style, and how that comes through on the palate. Sampled today are the Estancia 2007 Pinot Grigio and the Tangent 2006 Pinot Gris.

If you're a wine lover, I bet you've heard of Rioja. But it seems that only true wine geeks have heard of Jumilla, a developing wine region of Spain. This up-and-coming wine is one for you to look into if you want to diversify your palate. Watch as Brian Freedman pits two Spanish Jumilla against each other in a Classic Wines Showdown. The wines tasted today are the Juan Gil 2005 Jumilla, and the Altos De Luzon 2005 Jumilla.

Some people consider port off limits during the summertime. Brian Freedman, being his normal daring self, suggests otherwise. He believes that since we are approaching cigar season, the time couldn't be more ripe to break open a quality bottle of Tawny Port. The wines sampled today are the Warre's Otima 10 Year Old Porto, and the Noval Tawny Porto.

They may be adorable, but what kind of quality will these wines bring? As one of the rising stars of the wine world, Australia has become a key player in the realm of Shiraz. Utilizing large production techniques and attractive labels, Australia hopes to continue dominating their niche of the market. But the big question has always been - does the wine inside stack up when it comes to quality? Today, host Brian Freedman tries two very obtainable Australian Shiraz. Wines sampled in this episode of Classic Wines TV include the Boolaroo 2005 Shiraz and The Little Penguin 2006 Shiraz.

When it comes to wine in California, Cabernet Sauvignon is the equivalent of the 2007 New England Patriots (nevermind that one loss.) California Cab enjoys a global reputation for excellence, and in today's episode, Brian Freedman puts them to the taste. Placed in a food and wine pairing context, two Cabs compete for the prize of showdown champion. Which will come out on top? Wines tasted today are the Joel Gott 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Annabella 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection.