The Wines of November 2025

    Another month has sped by. Did a little tasting with about 15 friends on Halloween - I didn't put it in last month so I'm leading with it here.

Halloween 2025 Blind Bordeaux Tasting.

I opened six bottles, put them in mixed up numbered bags and we tasted them to determine which was our favorite and if we could match any to the descriptions.  I did match two, one person matched three.

Here is the outcome of the voting:

Tied for First

2020 Tempo d’Angelus  JS 92

A tight, linear red with lots of currants, salt and cloves on the nose and palate. Really spicy. Medium-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. A new wine from the owners of Chateau Angélus, from the area of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. (JS) 92 pts

2018 Chateau Lespault Martillac WE 93

This wine, produced by the winemaking team of Domaine de Chevalier, is dense with solid tannins and black fruits. Everything is bursting with energy, still very young. But the wine has potential, the succulent black-currant flavors showing the way forward. Drink from 2025. — (RV)93 Pts WE

Third:

2018 Esprit de Gloria  WE 93

The second wine of Château Gloria, this shows a sophisticated structure that gives richness as well as good balance. The structure and bright fruits are already softening to promise great things from 2025. — R V  93 Pts WE

For me – the Espirit Gloria was also number one. The Tempo showed very well and the Lespault Martillac was very good. The last place seemed thin compared to the others…

Fourth:

2019 Chateau Anthonic  WE 93

A delicate expression of Left Bank Bordeaux, this shows fresh blueberry and blackberry aromas combined with a hint of clove. The palate shows a fresh and crunchy character, with redcurrants, graphite and ripe blackberries to the fore. A touch of white pepper and toast pull through on the finish, rounding out the wine. With a few more years in bottle this will gain more savoury complexity but can be enjoyed now with some pâté on toast, or a selection of hard cheeses. Drink now to 2030.

Last (tied):

2019 Chateau Boutisse  JS 94

Taste: Deep ruby in the glass with violet tones at the rim. Aromatically, the wine opens with ripe black cherries, crushed plums, and blackcurrants layered over savory tones of cedar, graphite, and dried thyme. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied profile with refined tannins and a well-built core of dark fruit. Hints of crushed rock and subtle notes of cigar box from the oak blend with flavors of cassis, mocha, and licorice.

2019 Chateau Maurac    92 WE

Long wood aging hasn't dimmed this wine's fruitiness, giving plenty of black-currant fruits alongside the tannins. The wine has weight and is still young. Drink from 2026.

Now for the regular line - up

2023 Dial Tone Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, California

Clean and tightly wound aromas of butter and Meyer lemon peel show a classic touch but with elegant hands on the nose of this bottling. The palate is more expansive, offering baked lemon, ripe tangerine and creamy meringue flavors against a firm structure.   91 WE

“The wine clearly reveals the character of the vintage: elegant and refreshing, featuring a delightful blend of pear, apple, and citrus flavors, with a subtle touch of grapefruit. It carries hints of freshly grated ginger, lemon balm, and a crisp sea salt minerality. The finish reveals intricate notes of fresh herbs like lemongrass, adding a layer of complexity to the experience.”     

Alcohol: 14.2%

Moderate little Chardonnay, hints of oak and butter but not overwhelming. Nice but not earth-shattering. Priced under $20.

 

2022 Method Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Aromatics of deep, regal, dark fruits, with hints of baking and savory spices, leap out of the glass. The palate promises rich, dense blackberry, Olallieberry, cardamom, tobacco, chocolate cocoa nibs, and a lip-smacking finish. Decant and Enjoy. pair with grilled bone-in rib-eye, rosemary herbed butter, creamer potatoes               94 WE

The Method Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark purple hue that extends to the rim of the glass with flavors of black licorice, dark currants and hints of mocha. These are just some of the flavors you will experience in this California Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairs well with red meats, poultry or red sauce pastas.

A well made Cabernet priced from $15 to 18. Good fruit and balance to the wine, even has enough body to age a few years. Good buy for sure

 

2018 Elyse Zinfandel, Dry Creek, California

Garnet red in color with a spicy nose of raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, cinnamon, and orange zest. It is full and rich on the palate and boasts focused ripe berry flavors along with notes of cherry and citrus.

Zinfandel is not supposed to age well. Cheap ones, no. Well made wines, yes. This still tastes vibrant, with red and black fruits; good acidity and body to be a great wine. Retails for about $40, I got it closed out under $30. These folks make serious zinfandels.

 

2020 Chateau l’ermite d’auzun Sainte Cecile, Costieres de Nimes, France

Grape variety : 45% Syrah, 45% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache Noir.

Appellation : AOP Costières de Nîmes

Winemaking process : Cooling of the must. 3-day pre-fermentation period. Delestages (rack and return) and thermo-regulated fermentation. 1 year 400 liter oak barrel ageing.

Tasting : Perfect balance between the fruit and a controlled maturing in the barrel giving spicy notes. Beautiful maturity, even when drunk very young.

The 2020 Costières de Nîmes obtained a 91 rating from Château l'Ermite d'Auzan by Wine Spectator.

"Bright and vibrant, this is packed with a lot of stuffing in the form of red licorice, plum preserves and charred mesquite, all supported by chalky tannins. Gains savory depth and freshness from a saline thread." Drink now through 2027.

A wonderful deep bodied blend from France.  Enough body and tannins to age a few years but drink it now with hearty fare. Priced at $20 or less, buy a couple bottles.

 

2023 Hive & Honey Gewurtztraminer, Monterey, California

At first sip, this sumptuous Gewürztraminer delights with aromas of lychee, honeysuckle and guava. Flavors of pineapple, grapefruit and peach dance from the glass. Light bodied with crisp acidity, it is balanced by the perfect amount of sweetness and a bright tropical fruit finish. Fragrant and charming, Hive & Honey Gewürztraminer enhances any occasion.

I don’t drink a lot of off-dry wines, but this was a pleasant quaff. Went great with rice krispy treats. Priced under $10, charming.

2020 Zinfusion Zinfandel, Paso Robles, California

Roasted red-plum, fig-jam and black-pepper aromas show on the classical nose of this reliable bottling. The wine lands with a bit more heft on the palate, hitting quick with tannins before the fresh blackberry-jam, anise and chiseled rock flavors arise.     91 WE

What sets this Zinfandel apart from the rest is a focused taste across the vintage, looking for estate Zinfandel lots displaying the greatest amount of richness, aroma/flavor intensity and complexity. The process often entails blending lots to their best advantage. The inclusion of Petite Sirah to the blend furthers the goal of complexity and adds welcome structure. Ageing in small American oak barrels for 12 months elevates aroma and flavor intensity.

A zinfandel mixed with petite sirah – good concept. This is a zinfandel that is not going to last a long time in the bottle, but is a nice drink right now. Pretty label – priced around $20 – pick it up and drink now.

 

2023 Folktale Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey, California

Wholes Cluster fermentation has been a staple of old-world winemaking for generations. It is with this tradition and spirit that we decided to allow our grapes to natively ferment without destemming. Floral hibiscus, lavender, and dried cranberry aromas are met with a redwood forest floor and graphite nose. On the palate, juicy cherry fruit carries a long and savory finish that evolves beautifully. 

Alc. 13.4% by volume

The first sip is a delightful revelation, as flavors of ripe cherries and cranberries dance gracefully on the palate, harmoniously interwoven with a touch of baking spices and earthy undertones. This Pinot Noir exudes a silky texture that coats the mouth, while its well-balanced acidity keeps it vibrant and lively. The finish is long and memorable, leaving a lingering impression of red fruit and a whisper of forest floor.

A tasty Pinot Noir that has plenty of body and fruit to make it a great food companion.  Good red fruits and hints of earth fill the palate of this wine. Good bottle to have around for guests – running about $24, but available under $20.

 

2023 Salamon Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA

The 2023 Salamon Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold yet balanced red from Paso Robles, crafted from a small four barrel blend. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it was aged in neutral French oak to preserve the purity of the fruit. On the nose, it delivers expressive aromatics, while the palate reveals dark berry fruit, structure, and elegance. The finish is smooth and lingering, with enough complexity to pair beautifully with grilled meats or aged cheeses. Enjoy now or cellar for up to five years.

This wine was made with a Somm here in Wichita out in Paso Robles. His restaurants here serve it and my store carries it. Regularly about $25, it is a rather good Paso Cabernet. Light tannins mixed with the red and black fruits. Good finish – worth trying.

 

2023 Reputation Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

"Iodine, seashells and black cherries with hints of pencil. Medium-bodied with medium tannins and a creamy, refined finish. Shows tension and finesse. A blend of 87% cabernet sauvignon with cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot. Drink or hold." —James Suckling 94 Pts

The Reputation Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a testament to the winemaking prowess of Oakville's storied soils. This wine captures the elegance of Napa Valley with its aromas of blackberry, cassis, and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and dust. It is described as rich yet poised, balancing vibrant fruit and fine tannins, with a long finish that is both powerful and graceful. The blend consists of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, with contributions from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, resulting in a wine that is both drinkable and suitable for long-term storage.

Shows a lot of Cabernet tastes, and has a tannic backbone. Feels like waiting another six months to let this open up just a tad more. Very nice and priced mostly in the mid-20’s, get several bottles and open over time.

At the Bordeaux tasting, I was able to taste an older vintage of Chateau Fage - a 2010 to be exact. The wine held up very well and drank like a fully mature wine.  I talked about the 2022 last month, being a steal under $15. This proves the wine is well made and a keeper.

I hope all is well with you, I have gotten over another stupid cold. Happy Holidays and keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.