The wines of December 2024

Just a note - I don't always have an entire bottle of what I am reporting. I am the speaker at a monthly wine dinner with a gathering wine and four wines at the table. Since I started part-time at Auburn Spirits in West Wichita, I also get partial bottles from tastings that I add to this list. So, my liver is just fine... Now for those December wines

2022 Tolentino Single Vineyard Malbec, Mendoza Argentina

The Tolentino single vineyard Malbec has a dark violet color with dense black fruit aromatics and some mocha character in the nose. It also has very soft and silky tannins, a natural balance, nice concentration and a distinctive smooth lengthy finish.

91 Pts James Suckling

Wild herbs and stems to the nose with a hint of white pepper to the black cherries. Juicy, dry and pretty silky on the palate with a fluid, fruity finish.

An amazing bottle of Malbec – good nose with fruit and spices, followed by full red and black fruits with hints of spices. Runs under $20, a real bargain of a Malbec.

2017 Marques de Casa Concho Carmenere, Puemo, Chile

Marques de Casa Concha's 2017 Carmenere is 90% Carmenere and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit is from Peumo Vineyard in Cachapoal Valley, Chile, and the vines were planted from 1994 through 1996 on alluvial silty-clay soil. The wine spent 14 months in French oak barrels and has an ABV of 14.3%.

The color of the wine is a deep cherry red and on the nose there's aromas of plums, red cherries, black pepper, and mint chocolate. It's medium bodied with a rich mouthfeel, grainy tannin, and mellow acidity. For flavors the red cherries on the nose turn to black cherries, and the plums, black pepper, and mint chocolate return with a new friend of belly-warming Ancho chile. Then it finishes with black cherries and caramel.

Getting a bit on in age, this Carmenere still held up with red fruits and some herbs and spices in the mouth. Can’t say there was much Ancho pepper, but did still have a nice medium finish. Only $20, bought on close-out under $10. A real steal.

2021 Bela Red wine, Ribera del Douro, Spain

"Ripe without excess, with very integrated oak and a velvety palate with silky tannins. It reminds me of the historical wines from the early 1990s. With time in the glass, it develops a precise note of licorice intermixed with berry fruit and some spices and herbs. They feel this is the wine they wanted to produce from the beginning; they consider it their best vintage to date." The Wine Advocate, 92 Points

No 79 on the Wine spectator 2023 Top 100 wines, this Tempranillo based wine is a very good example of modern style wines from Ribera del Douro. Good red fruits with some baking spices, very nice wine. Priced around $20, well worth it.

 

2018 Bodkin The Victors Spoils Sauvginon Blanc, Sonoma County, CA

This is a delightfully bright, light and refreshing wine, grassy and herbal within a context of textured grapefruit and lime. It's lovely and complex with a persistence of acidity. 90 Pts Wine Enthusiast

This bottle was a touch past its prime, but was decent. Used it mostly for cooking – the newer vintages are better. Runs about $18. Really enjoy this brands Sparkling Sauv Blanc.

 

2015 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France

SAINT COSME Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015 – 94 points

 “A focused, slightly taut style, with a good dose of singed cedar and alder framing the core of red currant,  plum and bitter cherry paste flavors. Lots of bay leaf, rosemary and sanguine accents fill in on the finish, which keeps a cedary edge. For fans of the old-school style.

A special treat, an aged CDP from a good producer. Lovely red fruits with herbs on the enge of the palate. Just right to enjoy now – priced at $30, super buy.

2020 Paul Dolan Zinfandel, Mendocino, CA

Deep and concentrated fruit flavors give this full-bodied wine plenty to savor, while light vanilla and cinnamon notes from oak aging dress it up nicely. Moderate tannins maintain good balance despite the wine's richness. 91 Pts WE

Fairly nice zinfandel with red fruits and some underlying spices. Tannins blend into the background but leave a moderate finish. Pretty good for an organic Zin priced around $20.

 

2016 Robert Biale Founding Fathers Zinfandel, Napa Valley, CA

Earthy and brimming in crisp red fruit, this is a floral, somewhat ethereal wine that's powerfully built in ripe plum and licorice that finishes in grippy tannin. 88 Pts WE

The old argument – does zinfandel age and how old is too old. This is about near the end of its life, yet the fruit was still grippy and there was a little spice in the aftertaste. A wine that should be consumed if you have it (2016), but a nice display of good Napa Zin. Priced around $30 – 24 on close-out.

2022 The Prisoner Red Bland, California

The Prisoner Red Blend was inspired by the wines first made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. The Prisoner is now the most recognized red blend, leading the resurgence of interesting blends by incorporating Zinfandel with the unlikely mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono. Bright aromas of ripe raspberry, vanilla, and coconut give way to flavors of fresh and dried blackberry, pomegranate, and vanilla, which linger harmoniously for a smooth and luscious finish.

The 2022 is bursting at the seams – a brooding, powerful Red Blend with raspberry, blackberry, vanilla and cranberry flavors on the attack that mesh with a hint of vanilla, and some well integrated sweet oak notes. It’s so silky smooth and inviting with pristine fruit – a mass appeal wine that is sure to be the talk of any table.

The darling of the wine world – The Prisoner – and I got about half a bottle. It does have goos red and black fruits, with a hint of oak and some herbs on a moderate finish.  Can’t really complain about it – tasty and would appeal to any red wine drinker’s palate. Priced right around $50.

2013 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

The 2013 Bella Union presents a luscious nose of ripe black cherry, plum, strawberry, opulent berry compote and cassis. The entry is rich and inviting with succulent flavors reminiscent of cherry pie. The palate builds to trademark Rutherford dust mingled with chewy tannins, offering a mouth-filling, integrated texture, as hints of baking spices linger on a beautiful finish. 

A product from the folks at Far Niente – from a vineyard near Bella Oaks. This aged red is at its prime right now – tannins are not showing much, but the black and red fruits are very rich and alluring. Lengthy finish and hints of baking spices do come through.  Great bottle – current vintages run about $55 – 60. Great for a special occasion.

 

2016 Hafner Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, CA

At our Annual Vertical Tasting in January 2024, we tasted the 2016 and here are our notes: Blackberries, raspberries, Mirabelle plums, boysenberries, coppa and fresh mint aromas. Rich, complex, velvety. Niçoise olives, anise, toasted bread and dark chocolate notes.

A small family owned winery in Sonoma, they make some very tasty wines. The 2016 is in a perfect drinking mode – full of fruit – mostly dark fruit flavor with some baking spices undertones.  Nice moderate finish, very good bottle of wine. Estimated price is around $55.

 

NV Segura Viudas Brut Cava, Spain

"This sparkling shows aromas of white fruits, citrus, tropical fruits, and light floral notes. The palate is exquisite, complex and full of flavor, with good acidity and notes of lime and pineapple. It is dry and long on the finish.

Segura Viudas Brut Cava, created from a blend of reserve and non-vintage wines, is clean and delicate, yet rich in flavor. Brut is a cuvée of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes grown in the renowned Penedès region of Spain. The wine is vinified according to méthode champenoise technique and is aged in the bottle for up to 2 years."

I usually drink the Reserve from this company, but this is what I got. It is a dry cava, high acidity and some notes of tropical fruits. Nice, but nothing to get too excited about. Priced at $12- 14, you get what you pay for.

2019 Roger Goulart Gran Reserva Cava, Spain

Pale yellow with golden highlights. Aroma with good intensity, ripe white fruit such us apple and peach. Aniseed, fennel notes. Reminiscences of patisserie, yeast and dry flowers notes. Dried nuts. One experiences the work of more than five years of aging on the lees. On the palate, wide on entry, full and creamy on the palate. Thick and velvet. The dry white flowers and fruit aromas come back on the palate. Its good acidity provides a refreshing and lasting finish.

There is a difference in Reserve cava over regular. This wine had a fuller mouthfeel, with acidity, but not overwhelming. Creamy feeling, with hints of green apple and peach – very good bottle to enjoy with friends. Priced around the mid-$20’s – very nice.

 

2021 Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA

Dried cherry, cola and baking-spice aromas make for a clean and well-integrated nose on this bottling. Ample tannins frame the ripe fruit, dried meat and graphite flavors, as acidity lingers into the finish.

 93 Pts WE

Violets, lavender and rum-soaked black cherries form an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Bunkhouse opens in the glass. Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout, this impresses further with its sleek red and black fruits, as fine tannins build toward the close. This leaves a peppery flourish to linger through the structured finale, as hints of tart raspberry linger.

A well made Cabernet from Paso Robles – with mostly red fruits and some graphite in a well integrated wine with little tannins. Probably not one to age too long, but it is drinking so well right now, don’t wait. Priced around $21, it is a good bottle to pick up and drink.

 

2019 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, Southeastern Australia

93 Wine Spectator

Polished from top to bottom, this red boasts fine-grained tannins, offering a generous core of blackberry and cassis flavors that show accents of cured black olive, sandalwood and vanilla-laced cedar, with a whiff of peppermint and dried sage, all harmonious on the long finish. Drink now through 2035.

93           James Suckling

An amalgam of redcurrant and blackcurrant aromas with cedary and leafy tones, dark berries and pepper and plenty of oak strut. The palate has a deep vein of black-fruit flavors, as well as plum and chocolate. Bold extract. A blend of Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley. Drink now.

This is a classic Cabernet that comes from Australia. More dark fruits but nuances of spice and herbs with a nice finish. Original price is $80, you can find this vintage for about $50. It has the body to age for a number of years, despite Suckling’s comment above. Very good for a special occasion.

 

2022 Vino Cabos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

Red ruby color with dark tones. Aromas of red pepper, fresh red fruit, incense, white pepper hints. It's medium body, with chewy tannins, textured and balanced, nice finish.

93  James Suckling

Well-concentrated with velvety tannins, this full-bodied wine boasts pure blackberry and black cherry flavors and a hearty drinkability. Black pepper and tobacco accents show up first on the nose and interlace on the palate with rather full tannins.

A nice Cabernet from Argentina – this doesn’t have the “funk” that you get from some Chilean Cabernets. Full mouthfeel, black fruits with undertones of spice and oak with some tannic flavors. Moderate finish, would age well for several years. Priced at around $20, nice bottle to have whenever.

Another month and now a New Year.  Hope all is well and keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of November 2024

Turkey day is done and we head into the Holidays. Cold weather, snow and all the fun with the season. Enough Hum-bug, lets look at some wines.

2022 Ciconia Red Blend, Alentejano, Portugal

The wine is all about ripe, soft fruits. Berry flavors are tempered by the wine's generous texture, juicy acidity and attractive fruitiness. The wine is ready to drink.

Deep ruby hue with violet hints colour. Very ripe red and black fruits (mulberry, raspberry and plum), integrated with spicy and balmy notes, such as pepper, mint and coconut. Well-balanced, round, rich taste of fruits and spices, nice structure of smooth tannins.

An inexpensive little red from Portugal – bright and fruity, just made for pizza or pasta on a weeknight. Priced around $10, nice little school night red.

 

2021 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel, California

Old Vines is composed of a variety of venerable sites from California that are either too small to be made into a vineyard designate wine or are “new” to the Turley family (and way of farming). Vines are anywhere from 50 to 130 years old, and a true representation of California old vine Zinfandel, hailing from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador and Paso Robles. There is no better way to gauge the classic character of old vine Zinfandel in California than through this wine.

Hailing from over 20 ancient vineyards across California, this wine has inherent depth, complexity, and grace thanks to the old vine sources. The ’21 is extremely well composed; dark fruits like plum and blueberry alongside black tea and savory herbs. A serious and brooding wine that is satisfyingly nimble on the palate. Ready to drink now at 55°-60°F.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Zinfandel Old Vines has a medium ruby color and plush red and black cherries on the nose with accents of mushrooms, forest floor, savory spices and mint. The full-bodied palate is grainy and refreshing with generous berry fruit and a long, spicy finish. It's similar to the Juvenile with a bit more oomph, and it's just as easy to drink. 

A serious zinfandel with nice fruit and nuances of earth and spices.  Drinks very well and has acidity to match with a meal. Would keep for a few years but is great now. Priced around $38, worth the splurge.

2021 Barton & Guestier Vouvray, Val de Loire, France

Brilliant clear yellow. Seductive nose with lovely fruit aromas (pear, pineapple) and delicate floral notes. Smooth on the palate with a nice refreshing finish.

A simple little Chenin Blanc – fresh and lightly floral. Not great but good for the price of $13.

 

2021 Juggernaut Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA

Cedar, pine and wood char aromas lead to juicy black cherry, maple and clove accents in this full-bodied, oaky-tasting wine. It's a sturdy, stylized pour for casual occasions. 87 pts – WE

Cool breezes and damp fog build character in our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. French oak complements bold red fruit, intriguing perfume of Stargazer lilies with hints of vanilla, waffle cone and toasty oak. Both graceful and vigorous, this wine opens with a perfume of white flowers followed by persistent flavors of red cherry and berries.

A pleasant little Pinot, decent body and acidity keep it balanced on the red fruits. A little baking spice but not too much – pretty nice for a $20 bottle. From the Bogle Family of wines.

 

2021 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon, California

A simple and straight-forward Cab Sauv offering notes of black cherry, black plum, black currant, black pepper, cedar wood and a very strong dose of jalepeño pepper.  86 pts WE

SIMI California Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine offers balanced flavors of the best growing regions in the coastal state. This red California wine opens with inviting aromas of blackberry and plum. Each sip of this delicious red wine features dark fruit flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, complemented by notes of toasted oak and brown spice with a supple, velvety finish. Aged for nine months in French and American oak barrels, this aromatic red grape wine's lingering taste brings out the best in savory dishes. Pair this SIMI wine with grilled portobello mushrooms, steak, short ribs, beef or veggie burgers, and aged cheeses, or enjoy a glass of wine on its own. $25

I don’t get the jalepeño pepper, but I get a bit of bell pepper. It is not overpowering, but noticeable. There are nice red and black fruits with a nice body and adequate tannins and acidity.  This is their basic Cabernet and it is pretty good – priced around $25.

 

2022 Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez, California

Our Santa Ynez Cabernet Sauvignon is full of wild blackberries and blackcurrants, layered with nuances of cassis, tobacco and allspice adding complexity to the fruit. The palate is deliciously long, carrying the core of dark fruit on the palate through to the finish with fine supple tannins.

This limited release captivates with wild blackberries and black currants layered with delicate notes of cassis, tobacco, and a hint of allspice. These vibrant aromatics lead to a richly structured palate, where dark fruit flavors linger with a finish of fine, supple tannins that give the wine both depth and elegance.

Crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, the wine showcases the unique terroir of Santa Ynez. Fermented on skins in stainless steel tanks and then aged for 14 months in oak barrels, it achieves a full-bodied profile marked by balanced acidity and a smooth, long-lasting finish.

This wine a very nice, with good structure and black fruits that are enhanced by spice and graphite flavors. Long finish, it drinks nicely, and went with heavier meal fare. Really a good bottle, priced under $30, one to keep on your list.

 

2022 Pessimist by Daou Red Blend, Paso Robles, California

This bottling delivers the ripe power that so many want, in a package that's balanced by savory elements. Dense aroma of tar, char, asphalt, cassis and cocoa show on the nose. The palate is rich and creamy, loaded with coffee bean, coconut husk and baked fruit flavors.  92 pts WE

Blend: 60% Petite Sirah, 22% Zinfandel, 16% Syrah, 2% Lagrein

Barrel Aging: 10 months in 50% new French oak                 Alcohol: 14.9%

A great blend that is a brooding deep wine, full of fruit and earth type notes. Full mouthfell, soft tannins and dark fruits all the way through the finish. Good bottle to get around $25 at ost stores.

 

2022 Tooth & Nail Tempranillo, Paso Robles, California

Noted by Wine Enthusiast as "One of the Best Tempranillos to Drink Right Now" the 2022 Tempranillo presents vibrant aromas of black cherry, strawberry preserve and fig with distinct savory notes. The palate is chewy, generous and supple, delivering flavors of blueberry, cherry cola, vanilla, cedarwood, mocha and mushroom, all buttressed by buoyant acidity. Notes of toasted oak emerge on a rich, rustic finish.

Clean and dark aromas of black plum, elderberry, wild thyme and fennel give a rustic angle to the nose of this bottling. The structure is sticky and yet the body remains medium, carrying peppercorn, fennel and dark purple fruit flavors.

A lost grape for California – Tempranillo is the grape of Rioja, Spain. Has a touch of dust, along with dark fruit flavors and a moderate body. Good acidity to match food, a pleasant bottle for around $20.

 

2015 Altamente Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

Opaque ruby. A sexy, expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-accented black/blue fruits, incense and smoky minerals. Sweet and energetic on the palate, offering juicy blackcurrant, boysenberry, spicecake and cola flavors that show very good delineation and spicy lift. Rich, yet lively and precise, finishing with solid thrust, resonating spiciness, and silky, slow-building tannins. (fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for six months in used French oak barrels)                             

This was lingering on the shelf at the store, but I had it several years ago. Took a shot and was rewarded with an elegant wine with red and black fruits; moderate body and acidity to make it very enjoyable. Retailed for about $12, a very nice bottle for everyday drinking.

 

2018 Fromm Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand

This is a bright and bouncy springtime Pinot from the well regarded organic producer Fromm. The cinnamon and clove spice get along graciously with the slinky red and blueberry fruit and floral characters. Tingly acidity on the palate makes the fruit pop. It's backed by savory, sappy notes and a talc-like cinch of tannins that hits just at the right spot. Light-bodied and chillable, this is a playful yet seriously well made wine. Drink now–2027.                93 Pts WE

I had this with my Thanksgiving meal (Ham, not turkey) and it was splendid. Despite being a 2018, the wine was a light bright color with an engaging fruity nose. The body was driven with red fruits and  blueberries, and had hints of baking spices. Just a great wine – it is  priced in te mid-30’s, I think (mine was a gift).

Hope all is well and you get everything you want from Santa Claus. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 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.