The Wines of October 2023

Wow, we went from Summer to Fall to Winter and then back to Fall in a matter of a few days. Had pretty leaves but the cold and rain knocked most of them down. Oh well, that's life. How about some wines?

2019 Castello D’Alba Douro Tinto Reserva, Portugal

Rated 93 by Wine Enthusiast

#22 TOP 100 BEST BUY 2022. This vineyard in Douro Superior has produced fruit for a fine, full-bodied and structured wine. With its black fruits, firm tannins and concentration, the wine will age. Drink from 2024. (Best Buy)

Very complex, intense aromas with the Touriga Franca conveying wild berries and rock rose. Spices and red fruit from the Tinta Roriz and very fresh and elegant floral notes of violet from the Touriga Nacional.

Not a fruit forward wine, the flavors are somewhat subdued.  Some tannins and acidity made it go well with hardy meals. Aftertaste has hints of spices and floral tones. Really good for a $10 school-night wine.

2013 Alges Costers del Segre, L’Allages, Spain

The name itself binds us to this territory, as Alges is a contraction of Albagès, the name of the village where the vineyard is located. Extreme climatic conditions and low yields are reflected on Alges, a wine with a deep, intense color which displays powerful aromas of ripe fruit and elegant oak notes. On the palate is concentrated, structured and plenty of character. It has a remarkable bouquet with red fruit jam, liquorice and spicy notes over a mineral background. Its finish is lingering, rich and silky. Truly gourmand.

This is a very nice Spanish wine. The fruit is not over the top but has a nice quality to it. Some oak stays with you, and it went well with beef.  Good finish, well worth buying at around $15.

2017 Covalli Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy

"This great Nebbiolo comes from Langhe area in Piedmont region and it is aged for 18 months in big wood barrels and then few months in the bottle. The colour is ruby red, while the bouquet is pleasant and intense with scents of red fruits and noble spices. The taste is balanced, full and harmonic." —winemaker

"Rose-water, orange rind and citrus are the main elements on the finely perfumed nose. Medium body, quite intense acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now." —James Suckling

This is really a food wine – tasted alone, it is not very impressive. Once served with Lasagna, it really showed its colors. A nuanced wine and somewhat elegant, the finish lingers a little while. I think it was around $18, a good wine to have Italian food.

2019 Maisulan 12 Tempranillo Graciano, Rioja, Spain

It is equal parts fruity and savory, offering flavors of black cherry, purple fig, dried Mediterranean herbs and olive tapenade, with a hint of rose petal. Grippy tannins coat the palate while vibrant acidity restores a feeling of brightness. — Mike DeSimone WE 92 points

Maisulan is a biodynamic winery in the Basque Rioja. The red wine "12 Crianza" is made from the Tempranillo and Graciano grape varieties. It was matured for 12 months in barriques.

Color  Crimson

Nose  - The red wine has an attractive bouquet of red fruits, Mediterranean herbs and floral aromas. The nose is fresh and bright and has a certain lightness about it. An earthy mineral undertone ensures that the wine does not take off.

Palate  - In the mouth, this crianza is characterised by a juicy acidity and a fine, taut tannin. The balance of primary and secondary aromas is very well done, the wood is perfectly integrated. The red wine runs silky over the palate and is overall fun to drink. The cuvée also combines traditional Rioja with the new trends in the region in a very nice way. One can clearly recognise the origin.

The fruits stood out much more in this bottle, compared to some of the earlier ones. Red and black fruits dominate with hints of herbs, olives and dates. Lightly tannic, with decent acidity, it stood up well to items off the grill. Priced under $20, I recommend this wine.

2014 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

One sniff and anticipation takes hold. Beautiful aromas of vine-ripened blackberry contrast perfectly with spicy notes of nutmeg. There are a luscious weight and texture to the wine, but also a racy edge of well-balanced acidity on the palate.

This is an extraordinary Cabernet – powerful, yet elegant, with all the wonderful aging potential you’ve come to expect from Heitz wines.

JS93James Suckling

Attractive red berries and licorice in this medium-bodied cabernet. There’s handy freshness and detailed red plums and black currants and a smooth, fine and juicy feel to the finish. Drink or hold.

WE92Wine Enthusiast

Representing one of the finest values in Napa Cabernet, this 100% varietal wine is bright and plush, layered in anise and cassis liqueur. A fresh high-toned midpalate evolves to show a softly round ending as a classic style of structure and elegance play out. Editors’ Choice

WS90Wine Spectator

Ripe and focused, featuring a pretty beam of cassis and cherry puree flavors lined with light singed vanilla, tea, sandalwood and anise notes. Polished and fine-grained through the finish. Drink now through 2030.

This was a spectacular Napa Cabernet from a decent, not great, vintage. The fruits were singing in the wine, with an undercurrent of spices. Nice long finish, the tannins were fully integrated in the wine. Can’t tell you a price, but I do know this is from the family, not the new owners. If you find it and can afford it, buy it and drink it.

2013 Covalli Barolo,  Italy

Dry, high tannin, moderate plus alcohol, high acidity, medium bodied. On the nose, raspberry reduction, wet leaves/ forest floor , sweet cherry. On the palate, Black tea, fresh raspberry, pink peppercorn.

Tastes like a more expensive Barolo

Barolo, maybe the best red in the world. Typically, you pay for the pressure, but this one is a bargain. The Orange hue in the glass gives away it’s age and complexity. The nose is jammy blackberry and blueberry. Taste finishes dry with a leather boldness to it. Great with eggplant parm

This is the big, older brother of the Italian bottle earlier. A wine this old does show its age, the rim was a touch brickish colored.  Yet, the nose gave up red fruits. The flavor was very good, with a nice backbone of acidity that made this wine sing with the meals from the Italian bistro. There was only a little sediment, so not a lot was lost. This is priced around $35, a steal for a Barolo. Buy it and drink it, I wouldn’t keep it too much longer.

2021 Domaine des Forges Anjou, Loire Valley, France

2021 - A very fresh, upfront, aromatic Cabernet Franc with notes of black cherry, black berry, wild raspberry with violet and sweet peppers. Forward, plush fruit flavors fill the palate with a soft velvety finish. Pair it up with pork chops, duck or pizza

Stephane’s lovely Anjou Rouge is a delicious and delightfully harmonious Cabernet Franc with super black fruits. Floral aromas of violets come through on the nose while the palate really sings with supple and juicy cherries and plums, accompanied by a subtle hint of peppery spice. There is a wonderful slatey minerality that comes through on the palate as well thanks to the shale soils, accompanied by silky tannins and a pleasantly long finish. Vinified in tank, it has a lovely purity of fruit and vibrant character, perfect for a summer lunch: charcuterie, white meats, grilled meats, light cheeses, etc.

My notes said interesting – meaning the nose and first taste were more than I expected. The fruit was more reserved, but it was smooth and hints of some peppery notes. Very pleasant wine – priced around $18, a nice bottle to “get your French on”.

2021 Field Recordings Franc, Paso Robles, CA

100% Cabernet Franc from a mix of four different Paso vineyards. A rustic punch of blueberries, black cherries and red currants with a touch of mint and rosemary.

Enjoy with asada tacos, chili cook-offs and BBQ chicken pizza.

This wine came off pretty “big” – much more fruit assertive than the French Cab Franc. Besides red fruits there were some herbs in the flavor. Not much of a finish, but a very drinkable wine that held up to a meal. Priced around $20, a nice bottle to enjoy.

2020 Chakana Estate Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Chakana Cabernet Franc is made from 100 percent Cabernet Franc.

Chakana is the name of the Southern Cross constellation. Its rotation in the sky throughout the year made it an effective agricultural calendar for the ancient Andean people.

Review: The 2020 Cabernet Franc Estate Selection comes from the Uco Valley and was aged for six months in French, 500-liter barrels. A rich reddish color. The nose offers ripe raspberry and blackberry with hints of mint and herbs that enhance the other flavors. The aging process makes itself felt in the mouth. The flow has a terse, broad texture initially, but then it grows more compact and linear. The mild acidity enlivens the reactive tannins, which establishes a good structure. A balanced take on the year, it will grow milder with more time in the bottle.  -Vinous 91 Points

A very pleasant wine, not had too many Cab Franc from South America. Mostly red berries on the nose with similar flavors on the palate. Undercurrents of herbs flow through the wine, as well. Another bottle priced around $20, well worth drinking – held up well with a meal.

Well, another month has flown by. Hope all is well - keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.