May 2020 Wines

Wines of May 2020 - another month of Covid19

Time for a few wines I've enjoyed during the month of May

2014 Contado Di majo Norate Aliagnico del Molise Reserva

Winemaker Notes

Ruby-red in color, aromas of ripe fruit and almonds complement undertones of leather and wood. On the palate, it is mellow and velvety with well-balanced tannins and a long finish. This wine is ideal with savory foods, starters, game, and cheeses. Pair this wine with roasted beef, Madeira sauces, grilled venison steaks, and brisket.

Critical Acclaim                  JS94  James Suckling

Great combination here of dried blackberries, dark cherries, meat and then lifted citrus and dried raspberries. Hints of balsamic. Full-bodied and very juicy, drawing plush strands of luscious dark fruit together and keeping them taut and fresh. Drink from 2022.

This is an excellent Italian wine – dark with black fruits and hints of herbs.  Only runs about $15 – 18, and is a great buy. You can serve this to your wine friends, they’ll enjoy it too.

2017 Mark West Pinot Noir California

87 POINTS           Best Buy              Wine Enthusiast

This affordable wine is a little obvious in terms of oaky spices in the aroma and flavors, but it backs them up with good cherry and berry flavors to complete the package. It's medium bodied and smooth in texture.

This has become even cheaper now that they were bought by Gallo. I’ve seen it for $7 – and it is a great bargain for a California style Pinot Noir. Bright red fruits with hints of oak, little tannins, but juicy and good for every day drinking. Can’t think of another Pinot producer that they have bought. Keep a couple bottles on hand.

2016 MERF Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington

90 POINTS           Best Buy              Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of black currant, cedar, toast, spice, plum, green pepper and cherry lead to dense, tightly backed red and black fruit flavors. It has a lovely sense of freshness, balance, and length—a whole lot of wine for the money.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this bottle, but I was very pleased. Has a serious Cabernet taste, with good texture and body. Not a lot of tannin, but enough for good body. Priced in the mid-teens, I can say this wine is really a good one for the money.

2018 Pessimist by Daou Paso Robles, California

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 Pessimist is inky and dark aubergine in color. A powerhouse vintage with a plethora fruit showcasing blueberry, boysenberry, plum and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by accents of floral consisting of lavender and lilac, highlighted by underlying nuances of buttered toast, vanilla, and a breath of cool wintergreen. A veritable cascade of juicy berries, red cherries and huckleberries flood the palate while a river of lush fruit flavors overflow its banks. Voluptuous and robust while tempered with grace and elegance; a true gentle giant. The purity of fruit is elevated by its silky texture and hints of kirsch and cassis, olive and fennel. This wine displays a well- rounded and balanced finish that offers essences of blueberry and cranberry with prodigious persistence.

Critical Acclaim

JD92       Jeb Dunnuck

The Pessimist cuvée by the Daou Brothers is always a good value for those who love opulent fruit, and the 2018 offers loads of sweet blue fruits, white chocolate, violets, and toasted spice aromas and flavors. Based on 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, and 17% Syrah, it’s full-bodied, decadent, and rich while staying light on its feet. I’d be happy to drink it.

This is a bright, exuberant bottle that should please most palates. Very upfront flavors of fruit, but a nice body and texture. Nice blend – black and red fruits dominate with some baking spices thrown in. Little tannins, but a decent length finish. I got it for under $20, well worth the money. And as the bottle says “A pessimist is never disappointed”.

2019 Vina Maitia Roto Cabernet Sauvignon, Maule Valley, Chile

Vintage:2019Varietal:87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 3% Alicante Bouchet

Alcohol Content:13%

Region / Location:Maule

Vineyard:Multiple,25 acres, planted inbetween 1980-2010

Farming Practices:Sustainable moving towards organic

Soil Type:Clay and Granite

Trellis System:EspalderaYield:3.4 tons/acre

Yeast:Native

Winemaker:David Marcel

Élevage:Concrete Vat and light oak

A fuller red with deeper red fruit notes and a touch of greenness. Actually a blend, the wine is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 3% Alicante Bouchet. The vines are planted 400 feet above sea level, farmed sustainably in transition to organic. The fermentation is with native yeasts, no fining is done, and aging is primarily in concrete with only a touch of oaking.

This wine looked like a soda-pop wine when I read about it. Matt convinced me to try it and I’ll say it was pretty tasty for a $10 bottle. There is black and red fruits in the mouth, but the texture is slightly thin. Enough acid to go with a meal – chill it slightly and have it in the summer. Great for out on the patio or with food off the grill.

Well, another month of hibernating has gone by – hope every on e is staying safe and well. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.