Wines of October 2024

Another month gone and I had some more wine. I also passed my Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) Level 1 Wine exam. My first wine certificate. On to the wines

2022 Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, Italy

Freshly cut apples with a touch of lemon and yellow flowers define the nose of this Pinot Grigio. Crunchy on the palate with a steely minerality on the finish. 87 Points WE

Straw yellow. Notes of meadow flowers, pears, and golden apple. The bouquet is fresh and complex, showing refined notes of sage and mint accompanied by an elegant minerality typical of Pinot Grigio. Medium bodied, lively, and elegant. A touch of minerality lingers in the finish, with notes of lemon peel.

I haven’t had PG in a long while – let me sat I was surprised how much I enjoyed this inexpensive wine. Had good minerality and a decent body with pears and apple. Priced at $10, a real summer type wine.

 

2018 Chapel Hill Bush Vine Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia

This is a lovely, layered vintage of Chapel Hill's Grenache. Broodier than many in the region, it has an appealing rawness to the nose, like the crush pad at harvest time. It exudes black cherries, blueberries, crushed violets, roses and an earthy, mineral streak, like sun-baked clay and warm stones. The palate is powerfully structured but taut and focused, the fruit and savory spice wound with sinewy tannins. Drink now–2035. — Christina Pickard  92 Points WE

Marked down at the store, this is a heavy weight Grenache. Some tannins still remain, but the heavy body of red and black fruits with hints of spice. Reduced from upper $20’s to around $15, this was a killer wine. I’ll look for Chapel Hill again.

 

2022 La Petite Perriere Sauvignon Blanc, Nerve’, France

Lovely intense, pale gold color. On the nose, there is an explosion of very ripe, yellow and exotic fruit aromas. Clean and refreshing on the palate with notes of melon and a mineral frame. This wine can be enjoyed when young but will also age well for 1-2 years after bottling. Pairs perfectly with antipasti, bruschetta, goat cheese, ham pastry or an arugula salad.

Pretty nice French wine, but nearing the end of its life. Still had decent fruit and a mineral note to it. Priced under $12, meant to be drunk young.

 

2014 Cave de Tain Premiere Note Syrah, France

Black-plum and blueberry flavors are pristine in this fresh, fruity expression of Northern Rhône Syrah. Medium bodied and mouthwatering in acidity, it's a juicy red with wide appeal intended for imbibing young.

A long in the tooth bottle from the store, it still had some red fruit. Reduced to $10, it was not bad, but not great either. Sometimes you win, other times not.

 

2019 Morgan Cotes du Crow’s Red Blend, Monterrey, CA

This always satisfying blend of 62% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 5% Tempranillo and 4% Cinsault begins with aromas of dark-cherry compote, root beer and star anise, proving rather complex while still fresh. Roasted cherry and hickory-smoke flavors give a warm angle to the sip, where savory charcuterie and fig flavors also arise. — Matt Kettmann           91 Points WE

A decent blend with dark fruit flavors. Hints of spice but it seemed a little lacking. Marked at $18, I expected a little more out of the wine.

 

2021 Ely Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA

Aromas of asphalt, graphite and olive are dusted in garden herbs on the nose of this bottling. There are firm tannins on the palate, framing the woody, dark-fruit flavors. — Matt Kettmann  87 Pts WE

Pretty interesting Cabernet from Paso – hints of green pepper but overall red and black fruits with hints of herbs. Not a real keeper – drink in 3 years or so, but went nicely with a meal.  Sale priced at $15, well worth that price.

 

2013 Podere Campriano Alta Valle Della Greve, Italy

100% Sangiovese of own production from organic grapes, produced in the oldest vineyard planted in 1980 by grandfather Nello and father Valerio.  Intense red color, intense aroma of red fruit, typicality and character thanks to the old varieties of Sangiovese. 

Perfect pairing: aged cheeses, braised meats, roasts... and a beautiful sunset.

A lost bottle at the store – reduced to $30 to move it. Took a while to open up and it was still a little restrained, due to age. Red fruits with some herbs on the palate. Probably a year past its prime, sitting on a rack in the store.

 

2019 Tagua Tagua Carmenere Gran Reserva, Rapel Valley, Chile

Featuring berries and a light note of black olive on the nose, this wine delivers intense black and red fruit flavors joined by a dash of salt. Hints of smoke are displayed in the finish.  Jesica Vargas 89 Pts WE

Our Gran Reserva line, with a passage of 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels, brings complexity, firm structure and perfect balance. Decant for 15 minutes if possible and drink ideally at 18°C.

Ruby red color, heightened by the larger body and skin typical of the Carménère grape. A fresh nose displays spice and black pepper. The acidity is well balanced with the tannins round and full through to a lingering finish.    A good steak is the perfect companion to this wine. It also fits well with a traditional corn cake.

This is one of the best Carmenere I have had. Bright red fruits with hints of spice and pepper. Very full bodied with just a touch of intertwined tannins. Priced at $15, a complete steal!

2022 Paringa Sparkling Shiraz, South Australia

Wine Pilot (92 Points):

“The ultimate love-it-or-hate-it style of wine. The fruit here is from South Australia, presenting as a deep purple/maroon. This is plush with choc/cherry notes, plums, coffee beans and licorice. An attractive, effervescent style with gentle sweetness and a soft finish. Zesty acidity helps to balance the sweetness making it quite delicious…”

I noted “Nehi Grape with Mentos”. Sweet and a touch sappy, not really my cup of tea, or wine. Priced around $16.

 

2022 J. Lohr Syrah, Paso Robles, CA

The 2022 J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah has vibrant purple and magenta hues. Fresh baked cherry pie aromas are accented with lilac, white pepper, and holiday spice. The juicy yet spicy structure of this northern Rhône cultivar is lengthened and lifted by the inclusion of Mourvèdre and Viognier.

92           James Suckling

A rich nose with plums, dark cherries, ground cloves, licorice and cocoa. Some cedary notes. Full-bodied, layered and creamy, with delicious purple fruit character and a supple finish.

A relatively inexpensive Syrah, but on with good body, dark fruits and spice elements. Very enjoyable with or without food – priced around $15, well worth it.

 

2021 Right Hand Man Syrah, Paso Robles, CA

For being part of the winery's “blue-collar” series, this is a rather complex, even challenging Syrah, starting with aroma of funky wood, loamy soil, reductive tar and dark berry. Roasted meat, charcoal and asphalt flavors meet black plum and rosemary on the palate. — Matt Kettmann  91 Pts WE

Wine Advocate: 94 Points

The recently bottled 2021 Syrah Right Hand Man is youthfully gregarious, with intense aromas of cassis, tar, violet, game meat and cracked pepper. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with concentrated yet detailed fruits and a long, layered finish. It's very expressive for this price point and easy to drink!

Another good Syrah from the central coast of Cali. Nose is less fruity than expected but the dark fruits on the palate are matched with spice and other flavors. Broad mouth feel, an impressive wine. Priced around $20, well worth the price.

 

2021 Chronic Cellars Petite Sirah, Central Coast, CA

Few brands combine style, substance and consistency like this one. This vintage's Petite Sirah pops on the nose with black fruit, pepper, wild herb and light caramel. The palate is framed by firm but forgiving tannins that hold blueberry and peppery herb flavors together. — Matt Kettmann  91 Pts WE

"Buckle up for a Petite Sirah that’s equally elegant and powerful. A seductive stunner, Suite Petite brings sultry flavors of bursting blackberries, blueberries, anise and a delightfully subtle hint of cacao and baking spices. With balanced tannins and a full mouthfeel, this is one you won’t soon forget!"

A modest nose and a slightly tame Petite Sirah – this wine does drink very well. Tannins are weaved into the flavors, with black fruits and herbs holding a nice body of wine. A touch soft, but drinks really well and holds to food nicely. Priced around $18, good buy.

 

2021 Vina Robles Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, CA

Vina Robles Petite Sirah is a deep purple color. Aromas of boysenberry and caramel with hints of chocolate, white pepper and savory spice. Full-bodied with juicy dark fruits, dark chocolate, mouthfilling with a palate coating creamy finish.

Violet and lilac aromas are wrapped in toasted walnut and black currant qualities on the nose of this bottling. The palate is lush with dark fruits and oak spices, which evolve into mocha and coffee bean flavors by the finish.

A serious deep brooding wine, just how I like my Petite Syrah (Durif). Dark fruits with hints of mocha and a broad mouth feel. Excellent wine – priced around $25, well worth that price.

 

Hope all is well. The Holidays are coming up fast. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of September 2024

We made it Fall - the best season of the year. The heat falls off but it's not quite bitter cold. The leaves change color, football is back and I can ignore the pumpkin spice crap. Enough - here are the wines:

2022 Honoro Vera Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain

Color of intense dark cherry with a violet edge. Intense nose, dominated by ripe red fruits (raspberry, currant) together with spicy and mineral notes. A very fresh and fruity wine, full-bodied, pleasantly tannic with a light spice on the finish.

A tasty school night wine – good red fruits and a moderate body to go with dinner. Awesome label, as well  $10

2022 Famille Fabre Grand Courtade Pinot Noir, France

Winemaking: Cold pre-fermentation maceration. Gentle extraction by punching down. Maceration for 8 to 10 days with temperature control to offer maximum fruit. 20% of the juice is aged for 3 months in oak barrels.

Tasting :

Eye | Pale ruby colour. Nose | Peat, cherry and stone fruit. Palate | Black cherries and pepper.

Final | Light, delicate, with appetence!

I bought this for a wine class – it was an adequate little Pinot with some cherry and moderate acidity. Very little tannins, and a short finish – just OK. $12

 

2021 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA

Charred blackberry, violet and white peppercorn aromas make for a familiar and pleasing nose. The palate is ripe with berry flavors that are cut by pinches of herb and more elegant spices – WE 91 Pts

This tried-and-true Cabernet has been a dinner table staple for more than 40 years. A rich ruby hue fills the glass along with aromas of fresh vanilla, lush red fruit and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, bright cherry notes mingle with warm cocoa and sweet oak. The finish is unbelievably smooth with soft, gorgeous tannins.

Second wine for the class – a decent cabernet with nice body.  Red and black fruits with herbs and some green pepper and a modest finish. Not bad for the price. $16

 

2020 Gemtree Dragons Blood Shiraz, McClaren Vale, Australia

With the Southern Ocean coastline just minutes from Gemtree's vineyards, the maritime influence runs deep at this winery. Couple this with the certified organic vineyards that are tended by hand and you have a perfect recipe for a bold and full-bodied Shiraz; the Dragon's Blood McLaren Vale Shiraz. Choosing sites that offer the greatest varietal expression, concentration and finesse, the wine then saw maturation in French oak of sizes ranging from barriques (225L) to puncheons (500L) for 12 months. The result is a foreboding Shiraz that displays notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, aniseed and balancing earthen touch. Ideal served on its own to fully appreciate the rich and complex flavours but also at home when paired with French cutlets and slow cooked duck.

For an inexpensive Shiraz, this wine is a tasty quaff. Fruit forward with red berry fruit, but not cloying like some Australian wines. Nice acid balance for food and a modest finish. Great at the price.  $12

 

2020 Silk & Spice Spice Road red blend, Gaia, Portugal

Spice Road is an intense red wine that highlights the most important spices traded during the Portuguese voyages of exploration, and which are now found around the world.  This red wine blend, dark ruby in colour, offers  intense aromas of ripe black fruit balanced  with notes of dark chocolate and spices.

GRAPE VARIETY   Touriga Nacional(20%);Alicante Bouschet(50%);Shiraz(30%)

Left over from a store tasting, this is a decent school night wine that offers dark fruit and decent acidity. Best with food, the finish is short. Decent wine but I’ve had better.  $11

 

2022 Silk & Spice White Blend, Gaia, Portugal

TASTING NOTE

 Attractive citrus yellow and slightly golden in colour. Aromatically intense with notes of ripe peach, melon and white flowers, balanced with a touch of vanilla. The palate is well-rounded, with an excellent integration of American oak and a very long, balanced and agreeable finish.

 GRAPE VARIETY  Arinto(35%);Alvarinho(15%);Bical(50%)

See previous note – the white is slightly better with more flavor and body. Quaffable, as well as doing nicely with light food (chicken). $11

 

2021 Garnach de Fuego, Calatayud, Spain

90 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

COMMENTARY: The Breca Garnacha de Fuego has always provided a fresh look in its presentation of this grape variety. While powerful on the palate, it finishes bright and lively. The 2021 vintage is a lovely, flavorful, and well-balanced wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of raspberries and blueberries. Enjoy its beautiful fruitiness with BBQ baby back ribs.

I’ve had many vintages of this over the years. I think that this one is not as bright on the fruit as I remember. Tasty with the red berries and spice hints, but the finish is short. Decent acidity for food. $10

2019 Royal Tokaji Dry Furmint, Hungary

A fresh, crisp wine showing all the fine qualities of the unique Furmint grape. Aromas of grape flowers, apple and pear combine with flavours of ripe apricot and peach to produce a sleek, intense dry wine with a long, refreshing finish.

A unique white wine that almost seems waxy on the nose. The mouthfeel is unusual – a cross of cantaloupe, peach and something else like minerals. The finish lingers but it is also a bit odd. I think I like this grape to be made into sweet wine. $19

 

2020 Thymiopoulos ‘Naoussa’ Xinomavro, Trilofos, Greece

All wines are fermented with wild yeast, and raised without any contact with oak. The result is a fragrant and fresh expression of Xinomavro, with notes of red fruit and herbs, with underlying acidity and a lingering finish.

Tasting Characteristics: Elegant aromatic character of fresh black fruits and herbs. Complex and balanced. Vibrant acidity and round tannicstructure. The aftertaste is long.

Bright red berry and cherry in a nice acidic frame with a medium finish. Nice food wine, with red meat. One of the better Greek red wines I have had from Xinomavro. $25

 

2023 Lubanzi Cinsault, Swartland, South Africa

Characteristically light in colour & low in tannin, there is a certain gentleness to this wine. A crunchy character with dark cherries, raisins, strawberries & minty tannins.

A light wine, in both color and body, with red fruits and low acidity. More of a sipper than a food wine, not bad for the back porch. Needs to be a lower price… $19

 

2020 Michelini Muffatto ‘Balsa de Piedra’, Tupangato, Argentina

Michelini i Mufatto Balsa de Piedra Tinto 2021 captivates with its bouquet of violets and ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries. On the palate, it is succulent and harmonious, striking an impeccable balance between ripeness and vivacity. The tannins are smooth and well-rounded, providing a delightful texture that leads to a prolonged and lively finish. This red wine is an exemplar of sophistication and intensity, perfect for those in pursuit of robust yet polished flavors.

Intense black fruit notes mixed with hints of aromatic herbs and violet flowers. On the palate it is light, fresh and mineral. A medium-bodied wine with excellent acidity and very fine tannins.

The wine has a cassis nose, with dark red fruit flavors and some herb notes. The tannins are apparent but not overly heavy. A blend of Malbec and other red grapes, this is a little beauty that is well worth the price. $14, but $12 many places

 

2023 Hayotzer ‘Vinter’s Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Galileee, Israel

A dry red wine with aromas of cherries and raspberries with a medium to full body. Perfect for stewed and braised meats as well as grilled vegetables.

This wine Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from specially selected grapes, grown in the sunny Judean Hills. The cool climate and rocky soil combined with generations of winemaking bring you a quality wine with aromas of cherries and raspberries with a medium to full body and beautiful purple color.

A berry nose followed by red fruit on the palate. Somewhat light, but tastes like a young Cabernet. Finish is modest, but a decent wine. Kosher, of course. $19

Hope all is well with you. Until next month, Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grape vines.

 The wines of August 2024

A month with hot, hot weather and a few fall-like days has finally ended. Looking forward to real fall weather, being able to use the oven and other Autumn foods. Here are the Wines of last month.

2019 Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

This wine delightfully overdelivers on its price point, offering dark chocolate and cherry richness around a lush texture of approachable elegance. Hints of clove, nutmeg and oak provide a balanced nuance of savory contrast. 92 Pts WE

Artesa’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of carefully selected vineyards across Napa Valley. The wine opens with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, dried fig and a hint of white pepper. On the palate we get layered notes of black cherry, mocha, and plum, framed by a touch of vanilla toast. The supple tannins and natural acidity lead to a vibrant and complex wine, with a lengthy and elegant finish.

I was not impressed by this bottle. It wasn’t bad, just not really that good. There was black fruits, but they were muted and just a touch of spices. Not much length on the finish. Priced to move at $25, I really can’t recommend it.

2013 Finca Collado Crianza, Alicante, Spain

65% Cabernet Sauvignon 35% Merlot

TASTE PROFILE

The color lends itself to long bottle aging. The nose is dominated by tertiary aromas, as well as ripe fruits, resulting in elegant aromatics. The palate is balanced, medium bodied, and shows ripe tannins, as well as black fruit, coffee, and a touch of leather. The finish is fresh, long, and well balanced.

STYLE OF VINTAGE

2013 had a long drought during the growing cycle of the vine, with a particularly hot August. In September, temperatures softened and began to cool overnight. This made us hold harvest for a few extra days to achieve the optimal level of ripeness.

VINEYARD

Grown on Finca Collado original vineyards, the vines of Cabernet are 30 years old and on sandy and chakly soil terraces. The Merlot wines are 30 years old and on clay and loamy soils. Trellised with low planting density.

This is a ready to drink bottle at a bargain price. Selling at $9, this school-night wine is full of red fruits, with touches of earth and tobacco. Damn good bottle for this price.

 

2023 Penley Francis Cabernet Franc, Coonwarra, Australia

The wine opens aromatically with blue fruits, purple florals, and star anise spice. The palate is beautiful and juicy, with a pink peppercorn spice lift. There's a real energy and plushness to the fruit in the mid palate, framed by lovely velvety tannin to round out the finish.

Vibrant dark red colour with black shaded edges and a light red purple tinged hue. Fragrant violet, freshly crushed red currant, red cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by fresh herb and subtle spicy earth notes. Fresh, juicy and light across the palate, red currant and red cherry fruits overlay delicate spicy herb and dusty earth nuances. Very fine grained tannins with crunchy like acidity leading into a bright, playful finish.

Drink over the next 2-3 years.    Alc. 12.5%

This is a really light version of Cabernet Franc. Lighter in color and in flavor – the red fruits and with floral overtones. Good wine but could be over powered by a heavy meal. Priced on special at $15, fun bottle to have.

2020 Maison du Midi Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France

"This youthful red, a blend of 84% Grenache, 11% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre, is plump, round, and ripe. Its noteworthy elegance employs indulgently fresh, delicious blue and red berries, spicy and fragrant. White pepper and cranberry perform a mid-palate performance, igniting a silky texture, while washing the tongue with chalky tannins. Red cherry adds a sweetness to the toasty finish."

Jeb Dunnuck - "The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is downright classy, with impressive darker berry fruits as well as peppery garrigue and spice-driven aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has wonderful purity, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish."

This is a really good CdP and it was priced around $30. I’ve kept it in my cellar for a couple years and finally popped it. The red berry fruit is full, with a nice undertone of earth and herbs. Still has a few tannins so the finish is fairly long.  Wish I had several more bottles – buy this if you see it.

 

2015 Graziano Carignane, Mendocino County, Ca

Excellent concentration helps this medium-bodied, uncomplicated and gorgeously ripe wine stand out. It blends red and black fruits for a sense of focus and pure enjoyment in the flavors, while light tannins and good acidity balance it out nicely. 91 Pts WE

Closed out at $10, this bottle is still drinking at its peak. Red and black fruits dominate with some undertones of herbs. Tannins mostly gone but nice acidity and a moderate finish. Awesome for the price.

2020 Matchbook Chardonnay, Dunnigan hills, Ca

The 2020 vintage of Matchbook Chardonnay is notable for the rich fruit flavors that developed over the long growing season. The color is classic California golden straw. The flavors are full of the tropical notes that have become a signature of our Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay: pineapple, mango, melon, and papaya. 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture; oak aging adds a touch of vanilla and crème brûlée. This delicious Chardonnay has a satisfyingly plump mouthfeel that is balanced by the crisp, fresh fruit that lingers in the finish. Pair this easy drinking Chardonnay with buttery scallops, grilled chicken, or pasta with a cream sauce.

90 Wine Enthusiast

This rich and oaky wine offers plenty of butterscotch, ginger and nutmeg flavors on a full body. It’s very concentrated in flavor and balanced to the soft side.       Best Buy $12

This is a decent Chardonnay, with some tropical fruits and an overlay of vanilla and oak. Moderate body and a short finish, worth the$12 price tag.

2021 Planeta Rose, Sicily, Italy

50% Nero d’Avola, 50% Syrah

Our Rosé, fresh and fruity, encompasses all the emotions of the Sicilian summer. Its colour is that of a summer sunset. Its fresh aromas make it a marvellously friendly wine and easy to drink. It comes from a viticulture according to the criteria of sustainability and organic. Enjoy Planeta’s Rosé in good company, from aperitif to fruit.

Despite its light color, this had good body and a moderate finish. Enough acidity for lighter fare and great as a sipper. Priced under $20, nice for the summer.

2022 Di Giovanna ‘Vurria’ Grillo, Sicily, Italy

Vurria Grillo is an expressive and flavorful white wine, hand crafted from estate vineyards in Contessa  Entellina, vinified only in steel. Expressive aromas of citrus, herb and yellow flowers. On the palate it is  medium in body, with notes of citrus, white stone  fruits and a savory finish

Good flavors and a solid acidic backbone made this wine really special. The stone fruits and herb notes allow this wine to shine as a sipper or with fare like chicken, salads and other light fare. Usually priced around $25, really nice.

2022 Pianogrillo Frappato, Sicily, Italy

Red with a remarkable taste olfactory impact, it expresses a  strong and fragrant personality,  typical of this Sicilian unique varietal and expressive of the soil  composition. Bright ruby red, with intense aromas, ranging from fruity-flowery hues to spicy hints. The taste is light-bodied, fresco and juicy, with fruity tones particularly pleasant on the palate and a tasty trail that characterizes the finish

The red for summer – Frappato – light body with cherry and berries. Sufficent acidity for body to go with grilled foods or just summer sipping. Fun bottle with a price around $25.

2021 Pianogrillo Curva Minore, Sicily, Italy

Characterized by rich fruity aromas, good structure, velvety and appealing palate. The frappato is a very particular red grape variety, which gives wines of great finesse and elegance, with subtle flowery and fruity aromas, medium-bodied, faint tannins and good acidity. The blend is a perfect combination, both harmonious and complex. The wine is a bright ruby red. The suite of aromas is pronounced with fragrant aromas of cherry, wild berries and pomegranate. The palate is mid structured, with a dynamic mouthfeel, fresh and supple. The finish is pleasantly savory.

A blend of two grapes, this is a heavier, fuller bodied wine. The only DOCG in Sicily, this wine shows really well and goes with multiple foods. Red berries and pomegranate with a little herb undertone.  Priced in that range $25.

2021 Di Giovanna ‘Vurria’ Nero D’Avola

Vurria is an elegant and harmonious expression of Nero d’Avola, thanks to high elevation vineyards. A dark bouquet with sweet spices, where berries and plum standout. The palate is silky, with waves of currant and black cherry. Aging in tonneaux lends roundness and a velvety texture.

One of the most known grapes from Sicily, this is a heavier weight wine. Flavors of black cherry and plums and hints of spices in the mouth and a moderate finish.  Priced in that range $25.

Hope all is well. Until next time, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grape vines.

 The Wines of July 2024

It is summer and the heat is on. Going to jump into the wines:

2018 Izadi Reserve (Red), Rioja, Spain

Located in Rioja Alavesa, where Tempranillo thrives in a microclimate strongly influenced both by the elevation and the proximity of the Atlantic ocean, Bodegas Izadi specializes in red wines make almost exclusively from Rioja’s signature grape variety. Izadi Reserva is made from 100% Tempranillo grown in limestone rich soils and aged in American and French oak.

91 Wine Spectator

A polished red, layering supple tannins with an aromatic overtone of star anise, mocha and graphite. Fresh and medium-bodied, revealing black cherry coulis and fig cake notes, with a spiced finish. Drink now

An enjoyable old school style Rioja wine. Would drink within a few years, but still has a nice backbone and great fruit. Priced under $20, a real buy.

2020 Annick Bachelet Morgon Les Charmes, France

This rich, structured wine comes from one of the top sectors in Morgon. The density, with full-bodied black fruits sustained by acidity, mean this wine needs to age. Drink from 2023. 92 Points— Roger Voss

A very nice Beaujolais wine that is very serious. Neec backbone for food and generous fruit flavors, mostly dark berry. Priced under $20, this is a knock-out wine.

 

2022 L’Ecole no 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vine, Yakima Valley, Washington

This is a true Washington wine classic that is also a spectacular value. Gravenstein apple and lemon verbena aromas swirl about your head as notes of river stones and white pepper try to sneak up on you. There's some body here, with a rich texture and flavors like grilled lemons, Bosc pears and a lemon granita. — Michael Alberty 92 Points

A beautiful example of Chenin Blanc – the apple and pear stick to your palate but the minerality shows through also. Good body to match light food. I love this – priced around $21, this is a big winner.

 

2021 Bouchard Aine & Fils Pinot Noir Rose, France

Crimson red color, the bouquet on this Pinot is pronounced with juicy raspberries and plum. The palate is supple with round tannin and flavors of ripe strawberries and cherries.

This is a porch pounder – sit on the deck with this chilled and just enjoy. Enough fruit and body to go with light fare, but mostly a great sipper. Priced at $10, should have bought a case!

 

2019 Casa Castillo El Molar, Jumilla, Spain

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Garnacha bottling from 2019, the 2019 El Molar, was produced with the grapes from three plots of vines planted on gravel and sandy soils covered with tosca stones planted in 2004, 2006 and 2010. 2019 was marked by torrential rains on September 13th that changed everything, but the Garnacha (and the Syrah) were harvested before the rain, so this wine is from a "normal" Mediterranean vintage. Fifty percent full clusters were used for the native fermentation in underground stone pools with a short maceration. It matured in 500-liter oak barrels and 5,000-liter oak vats for 12 months. It's a little lower in alcohol but shows ripeness (without excess), but the core is floral, perfumed and elegant. The tannins are very fine-grained with the essence of the limestone soils, that chalky quality of the texture. Very impressive for a 2019. 26,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2020. Best after 2022.

This is a good wine – deeper and richer than expected for Garnacha. The red fruits are ripe and expressive with a nice backbone of acidity and fine tannins. Priced at about $24, this is a good bottle to enjoy with a nice meal.

2012 Prunetto Mompertone Monferrato, Alba, Italy

Deep ruby red in color with purple highlights, this wine has rich fruity aromas of plums and cherries with hints of violets, coffee and spices. The palate is ample, dense and full with soft tannins that are elegant and long on the finish.

It is an excellent match with roasted meat dishes, pot-au-feu and fresh cheeses.

92 James Suckling

A red with dense and silky tannins plus ripe strawberry, spice and almonds. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. I like this solid blend of barbera and syrah. Drink now.

I’ll admit that Barbera is far from my favorite grape. This was still drinking nicely when I opened it this month. No tannins left but deep red fruits with a moderate aftertaste.  We closed it out at $20, pretty good for an average price.

2019 Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The entry-level red, the old Monastrell, has been reverted to the varietal name, even if in 2019 it has some 15% Garnacha because it was a very good year for the variety (because it was harvested before the rain). As with the other wines, I had the chance to compare the 2019 Monastrell with the 2020. This 2019 fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-liter barrels and 5,000-liter oak foudres for 10 months. It has an expressive nose of Mediterranean herbs and a combination of ripeness and lightness, a little in the style of 2016, a little more fruit-driven. They had to sort and discard and produced less wine. It's medium-bodied and has very good balance and fine tannins. 160,000 bottles produced. I tasted the September 2020 bottling, but all the bottlings are from the same master blend. Best after 2022.

This is the “little brother” of the El Molar, but it drinks nearly as well. Expressive red fruits with good backbone to match grilled foods. Priced at $20, this is another bottle to get several and drink over the next few years.

2022 Arilie Gewurtztraminer, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Tasting Notes: Dry in style with notes of rose, citrus and apple. This Gewürztraminer is a full-bodied wine with a soft lingering finish, bold enough to pair with spicy foods.

I haven’t had a Gewurtz in several decades. The over the top fruit makes it seem almost sweet, though it is not. Would recommend with spicy dishes to cut through the apple and citrus. Priced under $20, I would use it only in certain occasions.

Lots going on, so I'll end here. Stay well and keep popping thoise corks. I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of June 2024

    It is starting to get hot - Summertime waits for nothing! How about some wines to look at?

2015 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington

This wine offers red and black fruit, notes of gravel. It is deep, elegant and complex -- almost like old skool CA Cabernet. Mineral, with medium+ acid and firm tannin. Chocolate, pencil shavings, red flowers, forest floor, mushroom, cedar.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Wine Enthusiast  91

Phinny Hill (60%) and Bacchus (20%) fruit make up the backbone of this wine. Aromas of plum, black licorice, baking spice and black fruit are followed by a full-bodied, well-balanced, layered palate that shows depth and intensity but with a fine sense of balance. There’s no question about the warmth of the year, but it delivers and will have a very long life in front of it.

This wine is just hitting its peak –tannins are minor but the fruit still shines through. Nice acidity left to make a food match – really nice wine. Closed-out at around $55, well worth the money.

 

2015 Senorio de Irati Crianza Grenache, Navarra, Spain

Senorio De Irati Garnacha has the spicy berry aromas come with welcome side notes of desert brush, while this feels juicy and bright throughout. Spiced black cherry aromas are pure and fruity, with a bold and tasty finish providing back up.

Garnacha from Spain is a favorite of mine. This one is a touch long on the tooth, but still shows nice fruit with a touch of herbs on the palate. Tasty with food, more that a sipper, but a steal at the retail of $8.99.

2023 Tapi Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

93 Decanter

Quince and melon with restrained citrus notes and flinty tones. Lovely intensity with lifting oak and a sprinkle of stone fruit. Lovely intensity on the palate. The fruit shows a nice concentration with a supple texture. Very classic in style with great typicity. Juicy acidity with a long finish.

Sustainable and organic with passionfruit, gooseberry, and green capsicum on the nose and passionfruit, lemon, grapefruit, and zingy acid on the palate.

I will admit, Sauvignon Blanc kind of bores me. This is a big exception – the red grapefruit, hints of lime and quince make it a great sipper and it will do well with lighter fare. Priced at about $16, this is the wine to have this summer, if you don’t have a Rose handy.

2020 Chateau Haut Prieur La Croix, Blayes, Cote de Bordeaux, France

With dense raspberry, red currant and plum fruit, this is well-packed with firm yet ripe tannins and just the right hints of earth and spice throughout the palate. This is a solid young Bordeaux red at a fantastic price!

Soft, ripe and fruity, this is an immediately attractive wine. Its tannins, nicely ensconced in the wine's black fruits, are supportive. The wine will be ready from 2024.    WE 91 Points

I describe this as a touch of a fruit bomb. Not sure about aging potential, but it goes with red meat very  well. Priced at $15, this is a great buy.

2020 Domaine de L’Arnesque Cotes, du Rhone, France

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. A deep ruby colour in the glass. An expressive nose of red fruits leads to a fleshy midpalate with spice and sweet tannins complimenting the red fruit notes.

Deep red color with purple flecks. The nose is lively with notes of red fruits, sage and dried herbs. In the mouth it is fleshy, with red fruit flavors, hints of spice and gentle tannins.

FOOD PAIRING Pair with charcuterie, roast duck and pizza topped with sausage.

Another great buy – priced at around $15, the body on this wine is good, with red fruits and a enough acid to make food pairing easy. Could hold a couple of years, so buy a couple and enjoy.

2022 Uggiano Governo All’uso Toscano, Firenze, Italy

A supple and mellow Tuscan red with fresh red berry fruit and a full, spicy flavour. The ‘Governo’ method, a traditional Tuscan technique involving a slow refermentation of the freshly produced wine with the addition of semi-dried grapes, gives vivacity, concentration and roundness to the wine.

This was a gift, but it is priced under $20. The ‘Governo’ method is like Ripasso on valapocello wines. Great body and texture with dark red berry fruit. Uggiano is a producer that I can highly recommend. Their inexpensive Chianti is a delight as well.

2023 Domaine Chantepierre Tavel, Southern Rhone, France

This Tavel rosé from France is made with a blend of 5 grapes and is sure to be your new favorite.  Complex but fun - wines from this region are made more similarly to red wines than a typical rosé, giving them more body, intensity, and often higher alcohol levels (14% in this one!).

With notes of candied red fruits, spices, and minerality on the palate, Tavel wines are known for their ability to pair well with food - from seafood such as salmon or swordfish, to pasta, to gamier or other meat dishes, this bold wine will hold its own!

60% Grenache noir  20% Cinsault  10% Grenache blanc  5% Syrah  5% Clairette

Basically, a red wine in rosé form - absolutely perfect for the spring and summer months. If you're looking to up your rosé game, give this bold wine a shot!

A good pink wine – darker than most, it has good fruit and a great minerality. Match with light fare or an evening on the porch watching the sunset. Generally, about $20, can be found for $15. Get several for the summer.

2022 Slouch Hat Parade Rest GSM, Central Coast, CA

Here is a GSM that is really an “SMG" because the final blend is 40% Syrah, 37% Mourvedre and 23% Grenache.  Sourcing grapes from three local vineyards,  winemaker Matt Fowler fermented each variety separately and then aged each in neutral 225 liter barrels for 10 months.  He is an ex-Marine to explain the “Parade Rest” subtitle.  Though surprisingly not as dark in color as I expected, it does initially offer a ripe Mourvedre-driven aroma with some baking spice and berry background notes.  At the outset it shows a medium-bodied profile with generous ripe dark plum and leathery flavors, but with time, it softens and shows delicious juicy red fruit flavors.  It became more harmonious and smoother 24 hours after being open and decanted.  120 cases made.         91 Norm Roby Jun 4, 2024

This was a substitute in our WWWC wine dinner. Somewhat soft in nature but still had nice red berry flavors with fine tannins. Moderate finish, this is a good wine for things of the grill. Priced around $30, if you can find it – small production from this vintner  at this time.

2021 Pierre Amadieu Gigondas, Southern Rhone, France

91 pts Wine Spectator

“Elegant and high-toned, with expressive blackberry, blueberry and smoked plum flavors laced with violet and white pepper. Delivers dusty earth, sweet tobacco and charred mesquite, which add savory dimension to the pretty profile. The persistent finish is lined with snappy acidity and fine-grained tannins. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030. 7,800 cases made, 1,400 cases imported.”

I like Gigondas, but this one seemed a little out of kilter. Maybe it needs some tie in the bottle to settle down. Big flavors of dark fruits and a tannic base – either wait a while or serve it with a bloody steak.  Priced around $25, still cheaper than most CDP.

 

2021 Ridge Three Valleys, Sonoma, California

65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Alicante Bouschet

92 Wine Spectator

A broad-shouldered red, with a potent structure but expressive blackberry, savory dill and white pepper flavors that speed toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2033.

Terrific balance in this Zinfandel-dominant blend from the benchmark producer. Fresh herbs, ripe blackberry, plum, and a touch of earth on the nose. Supple raspberry and cherry fruit with elegant tannins on the palate. Great restraint and balance. Aged for 11 months in American oak (5% new). Crafted with minimal intervention. Minimal added sulfur and vegan friendly.

A Ridge field blend, what can be finer for a Bar-b-Que?  Nice red fruits with a nice balance on the acidity. I wouldn’t keep it longer than 5 – 6 years, but a really nice wine. Priced around $21, you can’t go wrong.

2016 Wm Grassie Syrah Reserve, Columbia Valley, Washington

Rich blackberry and espresso aromas are matched by scents of dried maple leaves and lemon-scented French laundry powder. With a soft, round mouthfeel, restrained alcohol and silky tannins, this wine's black cherry, vanilla, dark chocolate and almond flavors go down easy. It spent 46 months in 100% neutral French oak.

Aromas of stewed plums,maraschino cherries, licorice andmocha. Rich and flavorful with a full body and broad, integrated tannins. Excellent balance and freshness. Drink now or hold.

A shame that we used all we had of this Washington Syrah. It is right at its peak – full mouthfeel of red and black fruits, a moderate finish and an overall good effect. Good with food but pretty good as a sipper.  Originally about $60, we closed it out at $30 and it was worth every penny.

Another month has ticked by and we're not getting any younger. Stay well and keep popping those corks. I'll meet you out behind the grape vines.