The Wines of March 2022

We have made it to Spring time - even though I had snow here in the Midwest on the 31st. It melted quickly - hope you are not melting. How about some wines!

2017 Ercavio Tempranillo Vina de Meseta, Castilla, Spain

Gobs of blackberry and currant flavors balanced with wild herb undertones and lively acidity.

RP91 Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

"I’m glad to see the old Ercavio Roble renamed as the 2017 Ercavio Tempranillo Viñas de Meseta, as the wine is more about the grapes and place than the short aging in oak. I also found it unusually subtle and elegant, floral and spicy, with complex aromas and a velvety palate with some spiciness, very fine tannins and great balance. It’s super drinkable, and I think in 2017 it overdelivers big time. Amazing bargain! 130,000 bottles." (91 pts.)

Got this for only $10 – and it does way overdeliver at that price. Nice fruits with a supple body that held up well to grilled and meaty foods.  Watch for this name – and snap up their wine!.

2016 Gouguenheim Bonarda Syrah, Tupungato, Argentina

Our vineyards are cultivated at an altitude of more than 3,600 feet above sea level, one of the highest estates in Mendoza. In a desert climate region, we use melt water from the Andes Mountains carried by irrigation channels, through alluvial soils.

All these elements alongside a vast temperature difference between day and night, allow the fruit ripening and concentration, which come together with the expertise and knowledge of our people to define our wines, and consistently produce top quality wines year after year.

OK – there is literally nothing on the internet, except they produce this in a young style. I got it closed out at $8 – and really, it was not a bad wine. A touch light, but sufficient fruits and some acidity to make it a decent meal-time drink (Pizza night wine). 

2020 Ruminat Primitivo, Terre di Chieti, Italy

California Zinfandel’s equally bold and brash Italian sister.

This Primitivo is a bright ruby red in colour. The bouquet shows aromas of black cherry and violets. The palate is soft and smooth with notes of sweet black cherries and blackcurrant fruits combined with notes of cinnamon and cloves supported by lovely soft tannins. Well balanced with a fresh acidity and a long, fruity finish.

Cantina Orsogna

Cantina Orsogna is an award-winning Abruzzo cooperative specialising in native grapes of the region such as Montepluciano d`Abruzzo, Cococciola and Pecorino. Orsogna are committed to the biodynamic principles by which they make their wine and have many certified Demeter biodynamic wines.

Tasting Note : Ripe cherry fruit on the nose leads on to a warm, fruity palate. Lively red cherry and plum flavours are wrapped in fine-grained tannins and the finish is long and fruit-filled.

 

This is one sturdy red wine, from Bio-dynamic grapes. Good dark fruit flavors, some tannins and good acidity to hold up to heavy meals.  Wine runs about $15 – this is a good buy.

2019 E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Blanc, Southern Rhone, France

A predominance of Viognier lends a plump, peachy flair and silken mouthfeel to this full-bodied, fleshy white blend. Matured entirely in stainless steel, its grapefruit, apricot and white-peach flavors are pure but edged by a smoky, mineral backdrop that adds drama and complexity. At peak now–2024.

RATING91

The wine is a blend of 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc and 2% Grenache Blanc.

This is an outstanding white wine from the Southern Rhone. Easy to find, moderately priced and wonderful to drink. The Viognier really makes this wine sing. Has sufficient acidity to match a meal, great as a summer sipper. Priced around $20, well worth it.

2019 Birchino ‘Scylla’, Lodi, California

This earthy, slightly funky blend of 78% Carignan, 15% Grenache and 7% Mourvèdre opens with aromas of cranberry, turned earth and dusty herbs. The palate's crunchy, tarry tension is loaded with blistered raspberry flavors and an underlying earthy funk.                                RATING91

This has a hint of “funk”, but it comes out of that quickly. Decent body, soft fruit flavors – drinks in layers – a little different each sip. Moderate acidity – a New World wine made in an Old world style. Priced around $21.

2017 Brotte Cairanne Domaine Grosset Rouge, South Rhone, France

“Generous and Harmonious”

Colour – Intense ruby colour with garnet glints.

Nose – Very elegant with complex aromas of red berries, warm spices and dry forest floor                                         

Palate – Mouth warming and unctuous, its palate follows through from the nose with hints of cinnamon and red peppercorns married with ripe wild berries and prunes. The tannins are elegant giving way to a long toasted finish.

A whisper of cedar lends spice and nuance to ripe, concentrated black currant and plum in this forward, piercing red. A rich, full-bodied blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah matured in French oak (just 1/3 new), it's an explosively fruity, approachable wine that maintains freshness and vitality throughout. Delicious now, it should hold well through 2026.

This is a splendid south Rhone wine – beautiful nose of red fruits. The flavor goes through those with some hints of stone and a broad mouthfeel. Moderate finish that hints of that part of the world. Priced around $40, if available. Really good wine for the price.

2019 Tenshen Red, Santa Barbara, California

Variety Rhone Style Red Blend- Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah & Merlot

This is quite a gamy and powerful wine, starting with aromas of dried beef, iodine, soy, smoked mulberry and cracked pepper. The leathery palate surrounds smoked black plum and grilled blackberry, with persistent game notes lingering on the finish.            RATING91

Dark cherry, white pepper and spring floral aromas blend with dense blackberry flavors, sweet tannins and a juicy finish.

This great Rhône-style blend from the Central Coast has an avid following. The presence of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and Merlot is amplified by white-peppered black cherry, balsamic, and bittersweet dark chocolate.

A good example of a Rhone style wine from Cali – bright fruit nose and nice color. The fruits fill your mouth with some different hints of flavor – beef, soy sauce and hints of smoke. Aftertaste is not too long, but the wine has good acidity and really goes with a meal, better than a sipper. Priced around $22 – one worth trying for the experience.

Hope you had a good month! Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines