The Wines of September 2026

Finally broke the 100 days of over 90 degrees spell in mid to late September. Getting some actual Fall temps now. Now the wines of the month:

2023 Honoro Vera Cabernet Sauvignon, Jumilla, Spain

From the esteemed Jumilla appellation in Spain's Murcia region, Honoro Vera Jumilla Cabernet Sauvignon showcases vines cultivated in sandy and limestone soils, yielding small, concentrated berries. This full-bodied red wine is aged for four months in a combination of French and American oak, resulting in a harmonious balance of rich dark fruit and a soft, approachable finish. Notes of plum, cherry, and red licorice are complemented by a subtle hint of oak, crafting a delightful tasting experience.

I never expect too much from a Spanish Cabernet, especially one for under $12. Quite drinkable, but not memorable. No real tannins and very little oak, just an “OK” wine. The Monastrell  and Garnacha Labels are far cooler too.

2019 MastroJanni San Pio Toscana Rosso, Montalcino, Italy

The grapes are carefully selected and gently welcomed into brushed concrete vats for gravity flow. The two varieties are vinified separately. Maceration: on the skins for 19 days.

Aging     Cabernet Sauvignon 18 months in tonneaux and barrels, Sangiovese in concrete vats.

Pretty good Italian Super Tuscan – worth the 20 some dollars we got it for. Nice red and black fruits from the wine with a touch of tannins in the background. Probably near its peak, still tasty. Looks like normally, it’s over $35.

 

2022 Alta Via Pinot Grigio, Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Italy

The 30 – 60-year-old vines in Vignetti delle Dolomiti provide fruit without compromise. The vines produce rich and dense fruit that are the antithesis of your grandmothers Pinot Grigio. Handcrafted and stylish, this wine offers a depth of flavor without heavy oak aging to retain fresh and crisp acidity to pair well with the richest of foods or stand alone on its own.

A close-out wine, should be under $10. Very non-descript, darn near like water. The type of PG that makes people not like the wine. Can’t recommend, even on price…

 

2024 Enigma Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County, California

"Aromas of fruit, currants, graphite and a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied and juicy, with creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now or hold." —James Suckling 92 Pts

"Displaying a deep, rich garnet color, indicative of its concentrated flavors. On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers a compelling blend of dark fruits like blackcurrant and blackberry, elegantly layered with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoky oak, adding depth and complexity. The palate is full-bodied and powerful, with a lush texture that envelops the mouth. The flavors of ripe dark cherries and plums are predominant, supported by firm, well-structured tannins and a backbone of acidity that brings balance and longevity. Subtle undertones of vanilla and spice from the oak aging process enhance the wine's complexity, leading to a long, persistent finish that leaves a memorable impression of refined elegance." —winemaker

A pleasant little Cabernet from Lake County. Nice black and red fruits with some notes of coffee and dust. For a $12, it has some depth; Not a long keeper but capable of a couple of years. A real Best Buy as an every day drinker.

 

2019 Finca Del Castillo Tempranillo, La Mancha, Spain

This pretty little red has a flavor reminiscent of good Cotes du Rhone. Medium bodied, flavorful; hints of raspberry and strawberry. Perfect summer red.             Shows best with picnic fare and grilled meats.

"Brilliant ruby-red. Spice-accented red fruit and fresh flowers on the incisive nose and in the mouth. Juicy and light on its feet, showing no excess fat and good back-end cut. Finishes brisk and spicy, with good length and no obvious tannins. - Josh Raynolds"

- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (January 2017), 88 pts

Under $15, this is a great drinking little Spanish Tempranillo. Red fruits highlight the mouthfeel with a medium body – no tannins. Great school night wine and worth the price.

 

2023 Pessimist Red Blend, Paso Robles, California

The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.

Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein

Now priced at $20, this is an impressive red blend from Paso Robles. Nice red fruits with nuances of floral and spice. Layered flavors with a moderate finish – not tannic but good body to hold a few years.  Well worth the dollars.

 

2020 Graziano Zinfandel, Mendocino County, California

This vintage displays a rich dark purple garnet color and deep aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, plum, spicy sandalwood with hints of toasty oak. Uplifting flavors of plum, black cherry cola and a subtle of earthiness combine to give this full-bodied Zinfandel a generous mouth-feel. Rich full tannins and balanced acidity lead into a long, lingering finish.

A very enjoyable jammy Zinfandel from Mendocino County. Dark fruits with a touch of tannin, nuances of earth and a moderate finish. Priced around $20, a great Zin to have on hand for anything grilled or smoked.

 

2020 Chateau German Bordeaux Rouge, Cotes de Bordeaux, France

The wine's fulsome black fruits are packed with tannins and a spicy, smoky character. This is a solid wine, with a good future. Drink from 2025. WE 92 Pts

Uncover the beauty of Château German Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, an outstanding red wine derived from the best grapes of Bordeaux, France. This 2020 vintage has a delightful taste with hints of black currant, blackberry, cedar, and tobacco. Each sip offers a mix that is both bold and smooth, perfect for intimate dinners or special gatherings. Enhance your wine experience with this outstanding bottle that truly captures the elegance of the Bordeaux region.

A pleasant Bordeaux for under $15. Nice red and black fruits and some undercurrents of spice. Not many tannins, but built for a year or so in the cellar. Not a showstopper, but good value for the price.

Another month gone by - I hope everyone is well. Take care and keep popping those corks and I'll meet  you out behind the grape vines.

 The Wines of August 2026

The month of August had some really hot days. Ugh. Waiting for Fall to happen. Meanwhile, I've added another grape/wine to my list of just average. Carignan - it usually ends up very light and sometimes missing most of the flavor you want. Probably best as a "breakfast wine". Any way, here are the August wines.

2023 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone, Rhone Valley, France

Half an hour east of Avignon, there’s a town whose name begins with Châteauneuf and whose vineyards are littered with the Rhône’s most quintessential terroir feature: the rounded river stones called galets roulés. No, I’m not talking about the Châteauneuf—Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which brought the region fame through its history of papal schism and legendary wines—but Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, a charming medieval village where our most beloved house blend originates. For this cuvée, the blend changes every year. We taste samples from twenty cuvees and allow the vintage to guide our proportions of mostly Grenache and Syrah, along with some Mourvèdre, Carignan, and splashes of Marselan and Cinsault. As with many of the southern Rhône’s quintessential reds, this one originates from a galet-strewn terroir, which reflects the southern sun into the forty-year-old vines and yields an expressive rouge full of beautiful aromas and flavors of black cherries, stones, and a hint of black olive. Year in and year out, we are amazed to find this much southern French character and deliciousness at this price."

Very nice under $20 CDR from famous importer Kermit Lynch. Full black and red fruits, nice acidity with a touch of tannic structure. Great buy to have either after a special wine or just for everday.

 

2023 Protocolo Blanco , Castillo, Spain

87 Points James Suckling

A simple and light white with subtle herbs, stones and green apples. A fresh but rather neutral flavor. Drink now.”          60% Macabeo, 40% Airén

Flavor Profile: Offers a light, fresh, and straightforward palate featuring green apple, pear, bright citrus, and subtle herbal or stony notes. Alcohol Content: Around 12% ABV.

Under $10 Spanish white, just right for those 100 degree days. Fresh and quaffable, this is the answer to drinking heavy whites and reds in the summer. Did I mention just under ten dollars!

 

2022 Vispius Red, Bespen, Spain

A bold and distinctive red blend from the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. It is rich and concentrated, delivering deep flavors of dark bramble fruit, black plum, and a hint of wild mountain herbs and smoky minerals. Built for the grill- this is a perfect match for barbecued ribs, smoked brisket or hearty stews.

Dark, intense and adventurous. This wine offers a fantastic alternative to Cabernet or Syrah, providing a serious structure and a rugged high altitude character that stands out on the table.

A fifty-fifty blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, a tasty little wine. Good dark fruits with a bit of herb undertone. Priced at about $13, a great little wine to have on a weeknight.

 

2023 Morro Rock GSM, Paso Robles, California

TASTING NOTES “Based on 52% Syrah, 33% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and 5% Graciano, the 2023 GSM Morro Rock is a beautiful wine showing red and black cherries, herbes de Provence, spice, and leather. Medium-bodied, supple, seamless, and charming, with considerable depth and character, it has ripe, integrated tannins and should have a decade of prime drinking. Drink 2025-2035.”                      

COMPOSITION 52% Syrah, 33% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache, 5% Graciano

Aromas of baked red fruit, incense and a hint of lavender show on the nose of this blend of 52% Syrah, 33%Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache and 5% Graciano. The palate's core of raspberry and red plum is spiced by palo santo and incense elements. 91 Pts WE

Interesting blend from the Paso area. More red fruit with nuances of herbs, heavy enough for a meal but good for sipping. Has light tannins leaving it OK to age a few years. Priced under $25, nice bottle of wine.

 

2022 Raymond Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California

A captivating expression of Carneros terroir, this Chardonnay opens with vibrant aromas of ripe pear, honeydew melon, and citrus zest, layered with hints of acacia blossom and brioche. The palate is a beautiful balance of bright acidity and rich texture, showcasing golden apple, Meyer lemon, and a touch of toasted almond. Aged in French oak with partial malolactic fermentation, it finishes with subtle vanilla, hazelnut, and a refined mineral elegance.

Not a die-hard Chard fan, but this one was fairly tasty. Citrus with hints of oaky character, nice on a hot day. Priced just under $20, pretty nice.

 

2021 Charles Woodson’s Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California

The 2021 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of ripe blackberries, red currants, and dried herbs. The wine is full-bodied with baking spice flavors and plush ripe fruit with a long, fine-grained tannin finish. Pair with anything off the BBQ, steaks, braised short ribs, and lamb chops.         

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petite Sirah, 1% Petite Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

James Suckling  92 Pts

This big, robust wine is dense in dark fruit and oak spices. Tasty, smoky aromas lead to rich, roasted-fruit flavors on firm tannins and a full body. Wood smoke, grilled beef and blackberry flavors are deep and persistent.

A really good wine with a football players name attached. A nice mix of red and black fruits with a long mouthfeel and hints of tannins. Would last a few years easily and is best with a slab of meat. Best thing – it is under $20.

 

2023 Honoro Vera Cabernet Sauvignon, Jumilla, Spain

The Honoro Vera Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the rich and expressive characteristics typical of the Jumilla region. This red wine presents a full-bodied profile with a pronounced depth that entices the senses. Its acidity is bright, providing a lively contrast that enhances the wine's fruit intensity, which is prominent with notes of dark berries and plums. The tannins are structured yet approachable, lending a firm character that supports the flavors beautifully. As you savor this wine, you will appreciate its well-balanced dryness, making it an excellent choice for pairing with hearty dishes or enjoying on its own.

A modest little Spanish Cabernet, not something to parade around, but a good week night cab. Mostly dark fruits with a hint of tannins, finish is a little short. Around $11, better than expected. Their other wine has the really cool label...

2019 Mastro Janni San Pio Toscana Rosso, Montalcino, Italy

The 2019 Mastrojanni San Pio Toscana Rosso is an exceptional Super Tuscan blend of roughly 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Sangiovese from the renowned southeastern Montalcino estate of Mastrojanni.

Appearance & Vibe:  Deep ruby red in the glass, marrying the dense, muscular structure of Cabernet with the aromatic lift of Tuscan Sangiovese.

Aromas: Concentrated ripe blackberries, dark plums, and cassis, layered with savory secondary notes of tobacco, earthy underbrush, and rustic leather.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with broad, persistent, and smooth tannins. The core of dark fruit is balanced by a distinct savory herbal complexity and a long, polished finish.

Vintage Quality: The 2019 vintage across Tuscany was exceptionally strong and balanced, making this bottling particularly age-worthy yet approachable now.

A super Tuscan of Cab and Sangiovese. Dark fruits on the palate with some earthiness and mild tannins. Would hold for a few years in the cellar, but drinking nicely now. Usually in the $35 range, we will have it for about $25 – 30. Worth the mild splurge for a bottle or two.

 

2022 Granville Basalt Chardonnay, Dundee, Oregon

A mix of Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity, Latch Key Vineyard in the Dundee Hills is at a lower elevation, and then Koosah is a higher elevation site. It’s a barrel selection with such great stony lemon minerality. Aged sur lie for 11 months—only 15% new oak. Jackson does more leaf removal for Chardonnay than he did; he finds more texture in the skins, which makes a linear and lithe Chardonnay with wildflower aromas, crushed stone and apricot skin. Partial malo allows him to get more freshness, and he uses thicker staves to get the reduction he wants without going to stainless.

This chardonnay has some minerality to it, as well as a little touch of oak. Good balance and length, a very nice wine. Priced from $30 to 40, it is not cheap, but a buy for white wine folks.

 

2025 Field Recordings Pizza Nights Gamay Noir, Central Coast, California

Bright ruby with a purple rim. The nose shows fresh red cherry, strawberry, and a light floral note typical of Gamay. On the palate, juicy red fruit leads through a light to medium body, with soft tannins, lively acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish.

A fun little wine, vented via carbonic maceration. Not one to keep in the cellar and better as a sipper. Decent with pizza and red sauce – mostly red fruits with good acidity. Priced at only $20, worth the price. Label looks like waiting on a lawsuit from Pizza Hut.

 

2023 Cote Blanches Sancerre Rouge, Loire, France

Domaine des Côtes Blanches' Sancerre Rouge is an elegant red wine from the Loire Valley, made from 100% Pinot Noir. The grapes come from vineyards aged between 45 and 55 years, planted on Sancerre's characteristic Kimmeridgian clay soils. These chalky clay soils give the wine a beautiful structure, refined minerality and a distinct terroir character. The vineyards are situated on sunny slopes between 240 and 290 metres above sea level, where the grapes can ripen optimally while maintaining their fresh elegance.

A Sancerre red – not something you see too much. Made from Pinot, this is a tasty lighter red, fruits like strawberry and cherry and nuances of mineraqlity. Nice finish – this wine will run about $40 retail.

 

2024 Ca’ Del Sarto Cabernet Sauvignon, Abruzzo, Italy

Fresh, dark fruits, balanced spicy note, nicely structured with just enough grip that eases into a long finish. Excellent with cold cuts, starters and various cheeses, first courses with tomato sauce, grilled burgers, pizza and roasted meats.

This is a decent little sipping Cab. Decent black fruits, some texture and acidity but not very tannic. Not a true keeper, but something to openanytime. Costs under $15 retail, makes a nice weeknight wine.

 

2022 Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington

92 pts    James Suckling

This is a full-bodied cabernet that has inviting aromas of chocolate cherries, black plums, mocha and some vanilla. It’s firm yet creamy and plush with excellent persistency. Drink now or hold.

90 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon offers high quality for its modest price. Matured for 10 months in 15% new French oak barriques, it's scented of red cherries, charcuterie, aniseed and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and savory with soft, grainy tannins, refreshing acidity and a layered finish.

This is a nicely made Washington Cabernet. Good body with red and black fruits on the palate, nuances of herbs and tobacco, integrated tannins and a nice finish. For a wine that retails for $15 and is readily available a really nice bottle to pick up and keep on hand.

Another month and I'm still alive and kicking. Hope all is well. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of July 2026

    Surviving the recent heat - I've had a few more white wines lately. Hope you enjoy  these.

2018 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

With its blackberry patch aromatics followed by hints of raspberry preserves and accents of leather, there’s a ripe, pure fruit quality to this stunning new vintage. Generous layers of red fruit flavors fill the entry while subtle cocoa and baking spice undertones linger on the midpalate. Resolved tannins enhance the almost-velvety texture throughout the entire wine, and fresh botanical notes add vibrance to a finish that is at once long, luscious, and lifted

93           Wine Enthusiast

An array of bright red fruit with herbal undertones opens the way to a core of grippy concentration and powerful ripeness in this ageworthy wine. The tannins are structured and considerable. Best After 2028. Cellar Selection

From Far Niente Winery

Got this to have at my daughter’s wedding – drinking very nice at this point in time. Wouldn’t haold too many more years, but would be good in several more…Priced around $55 in our store.

 

2024 R. Dutoit Chardonnay ‘Les Vieilles Collines, France

While R. Dutoit is best known for their Pouilly-Fuissés, they also work with some lovely, sun-kissed old vines in the Roussillon, in Southern France. It is here that they make their Les Vieilles Collines, a gorgeous, golden-fruited, and exotic Chardonnay.

A very approachable Chardonnay that’s well-rounded in flavors of white peach, green apple, ripe pear and spice notes. The palate is lively and the finish is pretty and harmonious. Serve as an aperitif and also makes the perfect match for fish or seafood as well as white meat and pasta in a creamy sauce.

This is a Chardonnay from the south of France by people that make expensive chardonnays. Priced under $15, it is a pretty good wine without too much oak. Nice flavors and would do chicken or fish very well.

 

2021 Y3 Jax Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, California

This wine is powerful, dense, but beautifully balanced and precise. The evocative nose of this wine is defined by true cassis, lush red currants and espresso. On the palate, there is a broad structure with textured flavors that are plush and full but with grace and elegance interwoven, supported with bright acidity and delicate tannins.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Merlot

92           James Suckling

Notes of black cherries and currants with dried flowers, sweet spices and dried citrus peel. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins. Very attractive dark berry character with hints of hazelnut and bark.

Tasty little wine, with good fruit and a nice body. Tannins are not overpowering, leaving a few years to age. Runs about $20, sale priced to move at $15 in the store.

 

2023 R Collection by Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1, California

Raymond's R Collection showcases Cabernet from Napa including Raymond's renowned Rutherford Estate. The wine is made from 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot and opens with aromas of plum, rhubarb, cassis, pepper and smoke with a hint of vanilla. A red fruit based Cabernet with flavors of cherry, raspberry, rhubarb and red plum with touches of spicy white pepper, vanilla and cocoa on the finish. Beautifully balanced rich fruit flavors, it has well-integrated tannins and a smooth texture. Pair this with grilled flank steak (marinated in Cabernet, of course) or lamb chops, or gourmet burgers. Certified Biodynamic/Organic vineyard. Vegan.

This is a good school-night wine; pleasant body, decent acidity with little tannic structure. Under $15, not a bad wine to have on a Tuesday or Wednesday with red meats or red sauce. Now owned by Boisset - the husband of Gina Gallo

 

2022 Pesquie Terrasses Ventoux White wine, Rhone Valley, France

90 Points - Wine Advocate

An equal-parts blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, all made in stainless steel, the 2022 Ventoux Terrasses Blanc features straightforward, pleasing aromas of lime and tangerine. It's medium to full-bodied, zesty and clean, with an appealing bit of plumpness and some charming peach notes on the finish. Drink it young.

Still tasting young, this is a nice Rhone white that has some citrus and peach flavors. Good for sipping on a hot day or with lighter dishes of chicken or fish. Priced under $15…

 

2022 Kate Arnold Pinot Noir Hirschy Vineyard, Willamette Valley. Oregon

This single vineyard release from Kate Arnold offers more of everything than the entry-level Oregon bottling—aroma, complexity, depth of flavor—yet it displays similar stylistic restraint even it its more generous profile. Red fruit notes predominate but are enhanced by undertones of baking spices and cola, with tannic structure that will enable this to develop over time but don’t assert more than gentle grip now. Impressive, but without trying too hard.

The winemaker's restraint in alcohol and oak, all neutral barrels, is appreciated. There are fresh aromas of red raspberries and the saline quality one associates with a crisp sea breeze or the lining of a fresh-shucked oyster. The ripe red cherry fruit on the palate gives the wine a sweetness similar to a cherry phosphate or a childhood drink made with those fizzy tablets. This is a light and refreshing Pinot Noir experience. 90 Pts – WE

A nice little Pinot with the usual  cherry flavors with a bit of salinity. Better with lighter fare, maybe grilled pork chops or chicken, still a very good wine. Priced about $30, worth the money.

 

2020 Six Hats Pinotage, Western Cape, South Africa

Sourced from the Piekenierskloof & Swartland region, vines are 18-30 years old, trellised and planted to sandy, loam soils. All sustainable practices as reflects with the principal of the Six Hats.

Notes of strawberry, plum, and black cherry, along with pepper, smoke, and earthiness. Medium-bodied  with a balanced structure, hints of vanilla on the finish.

Pinotage is something that people like or hate. This is a decent example with red fruits and a bit of body. A school-night type wine priced about $15.

 

2024 Perelada Nomes Garnatxa Blanc, Catalonia, Spain

Crisp orchard fruits and white sage drive through a palate of firm acidity. A silken mouthfeel helps soften the experience of the wine through a lengthy finish. 90 Pts WE

Pale yellow with some green reflections. Aromatically this is so very intense. Fresh fruits, aromatic herbs and touches of anise. In the mouth it is well balanced, fresh, enveloping. This is a complex, long lasting wine, nice, with a marked varietal personality.

Food matching  The complexity of the wine sits well with spice! Moroccan, Asian and Indian dishes.

Another white, this from Spain, that is great as a summer sipper as well as something to have with spicy foods. Priced under $20, can be found at $15 – something to have with the summer heat.  The 'x' in Garnacha is correct for that area of Spain.

 

2024 Paul & Remy ‘Le Rose’, Aragon, Spain

Winery : Chapillon           Grapes : 50% Garnacha, 50% Moristel 12.5% ABV

Region : Somontano – Aragon (Spain)

Barrel : 12 months in French oak (30% new oak)

Allergens : Contains sulfites. Suitable for vegans.

Color : Pale pink                Nose : Intense fruity aromas

Palate : Finish of red fruit with minerality

Pairing : Enjoy on its own or paired with snacks and charcuterie.

I’m not going to lie – this is not a favorite of mine. There are much better Rose wines available, even from Spain.  My notes read “average”, and that is generous. Probably about $12 – search around for something better…

 

2024 Pizza and Pasta Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy

The "Pizza & Pasta" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo  is a fruit-forward, medium-bodied red native to Italy's Abruzzo region. The 2024 vintage delivers vibrant dark cherry, ripe plum, and subtle earthy spices. With soft tannins and lively acidity, it perfectly cuts through rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.

This is a decent moderate Montepulciano – not something I would seek out but could have with a nice Italian meal. Decent acidity but not as much as a Sangiovese – priced as an every day wine around $13.

 

2023 Pessimist Red Blend, Paso Robles, California

The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.    

Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein    

Barrel Aged: 10 months in 50% new French oak

Lively and lush aromas of dense cassis, toasted graham cracker and fennel pollen converge on the nose of this bottling. Grippy, nearly sticky tannins wrap around the palate, where charred meat, espresso bean and purple fruit flavors arise.                93 Pts WE

This is a nice blend with bright fruits and a textured body. Decent aftertaste, enough body to go well with red meat. Priced at around $20, a good bottle to have on hand.

2020 Opaque Red blend, Paso Robles, California

Toasty aromas of cocoa and charred fennel meet with dark cherry on the nose of this bottling. There's an amaro-like kick to the palate, where licorice, toasted coffee and dark red fruit flavors align. 90 Pts WE

"Our 2020 Opaque Darkness is a masterful blend of Zinfandel, Primitivo, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, showcasing richness, texture and full-bodied, concentrated fruit. Sourced from our estate vineyards—Stefano, Maddalena and Quarry Heights—situated in the El Pomar AVA of Paso Robles, these vineyards are renowned for their well-drained, rocky soils and a climate that combines warm days with cool afternoon and evening breezes.

The 2020 Opaque Darkness presents a deep, inky color that hints at its intensity. The nose opens with enticing aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and dark chocolate complemented by subtle notes of toasted oak. On the palate, this full-bodied wine offers layers of blackberry, raspberry and mocha underscored by a rich, velvety texture. Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, it boasts complex nuances of spice, vanilla and a hint of brown sugar. The finish is long and satisfying with lingering mineral undertones and a touch of spice."          

Varietal Composition: 37% Zinfandel, 30% Primitivo, 18% Petite Sirah, 15% Petit Verdot

Another red blend that is a little deeper than the last one.  Nice body and it went very well with a steak. Overall, a nice wine. Now for the unusual part – this comes from the family that also produces Stella Rosa – but this is a serious style wine, not sweet. Runs around $30, worth trying.

Hope all is well. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of June 2026

I am a day os so behind - my daughter Natalie got married on the 27th and it threw me off schedule.

On to the wines:

2021 Ariabal Verdejo, Rueda, Spain (Bodegas Pandora)

Fragrances of pineapple, passion fruit and crumbled sage waft from the glass. Honeydew melon, nectarine, cocoa-butter and orange-blossom flavors skate into a refreshing finish.  89 Pts WE

Crystal clear, straw yellow color with green reflection. Strong aromatic nose with hints of citrus, pineapple, passion fruit and a typical, fine touch of boxwood. One thing immediately stands out in the mouth ... What a balance! Fats and acids are perfectly adjusted to each other and leave a wonderful structure and mouthfeel. A wine with body and an impressive final that will not let you go.

Delicious and refreshing aperitif but also delicious with cheeses, dried fruit, seafood, fish dishes from the oven, white meat and grilled octopus.

This is a wonderful white wine – excellent by itself or with a light entrée. Great balance with tropical fruits that are not overwhelming/ Priced at about $12, a steal for summertime quaffing.

 

2021 Balletto Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

The 2021 Balletto Russian River Valley Zinfandel is a delightful choice. Crafted by Balletto Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, this Zinfandel offers a profile of cherry and berry flavors, presenting a rounded structure with a touch of richness. It’s sustainably farmed and boasts an alcohol content of 14.5%.

“Each year, Balletto produces a distinctly bright and aromatic Zinfandel. It’s part oral, part mixed blackberry and part earth and savory spices. It expresses the lively and bright side of Zin that was grown in a cool and foggy climate and made with the fine touch associated with Pinot Noir producers. While light, the wine still shows a richness through an integrated mid-palate weight that’s balanced with crisp acidity on the front and fine, cocoa-like tannins on the finish. The resulting wine is complete and full with the vibrant aromatic prole melding nicely with the flavors and texture of the wine.” 

I love zinfandel, but this Russian River Valley wine is below average to me. The fruit is downplayed and it isn’t really balanced to offset that.  Priced around $29, I expect a lot more than this.

 

2017 Pocas Reserva Red wine, Douro, Portugal

The red wine Poças Reserva, vintage 2017 from the winery Poças has been rated in 2019 by Peter Moser with 89 Falstaff points. It is a wine made from the grape varieties Touriga Franca, Tinta Barocca, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional from the region Douro in Portugal.

Tasting Notes   

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate notes of sour cherries and black forest berries, a hint of fresh orange zest, floral notes. Slender, a touch of coconut, fresh structure, red berry aftertaste, an uncomplicated food wine.

A fun little wine from Portugal – priced around $20, it has a great balance in acidity, fruits and weight.  I really enjoyed this wine, probably not much around anymore, but well worth the price.

 

2020 Calcareo Cabernet Franc, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

93+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "They lost access to the grapes they used for the Calcáreo Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary, so starting in 2019 they began producing one from Altamira. The second vintage produced from Altamira, the 2020 Calcáreo Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc is from the same vineyard where they source the Malbec (and the other SuperUco wines from Altamira). There are notes of herbs and spices, and it's peppery and ripe at the same time, with 14.6% alcohol and a round palate with chalky, fine-grained tannins. This fermented and matured in 500-liter barrels, so it's slightly different from the rest of the Calcáreo range. 4,000 bottles were filled in January 2021. Drink: 2022-2027. (11/30/22)"

This is an old style Cab Franc that needs to be opened and decanted to bring out the best of the wine.  Enjoyable when it opens, feels tight when not fully opened. Palate opens up and has some backbone (acid/tannin) that keeps it balanced for grilled foods. Around $20, actually nice, but need proper handling

 

2018 Cerro Anon Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain

This wine shows a shiny dark garnet colour. To the nose, at the time of release, blackberry and strawberry aromas unfold wrapped up with spice and cedarwood notes. Over time, bouquet has developed aromas of prunes and smokiness. Elegance is the first term that comes to mind when considering mouthfeel, with a pleasantly long finish. Tempranillo 85%, Mazuelo and Graciano 15%

Aromas of Mission fig, mocha and aniseed waft from the glass. Dark berry and baking spice flavors mingle on the palate alongside well-balanced acidity, robust tannins and notes violet and coffee bean. The energetic finish is marked with a touch of orange zest.     93 Pts WE

A reat drinking Rioja – wonderful palate of baking spices and red fruit flavors. Moderate finish with good mouthfeel – a very good Reserva. Priced around $25 – 30, worth the money.

 

NV Monte Vople Primo Rosso Lot 17, Mendocino, Callifornia

This creative blend produces a wine of extraordinary balance. This wine has a dark purple-garnet color, with fruity aromas and flavors of plums, blackberry jam, spice and earth with hints of toasty oak. Rich full flavors, ample tannins and balanced acidity seamlessly carry through to a long, complex finish.

Enjoy this wine with grilled steaks, pasta with forest mushroom sauce and lamb chops with rosemary and garlic sauce. Primo Rosso also make a great companion to hard well aged cheeses.

This is a rich, opulent variation of unique lots aged in American and French oak barrels. The Italian grape varieties in Lot 17 have the aromas of Black currant confiture, baked plum, dried violets, sarsaparilla, and molasses on the nose. The flavors on the palate are cooked Bing cherries, candied grapefruit, black pepper, and supple tannins to finish. Pair with grilled pork chop with apple chutney. 91 Pts WE

This is a multi-vintage wine that has several years of the grapes and wine involved.  Talked with Greg Graziano about this wine and he indicated he takes older wines and mixes them to create a fun, tasty wine. This is great at just under $15 – not a long term keeper, but great everyday sipper.

 

2023 Barossa Valley Estate GSM, Barossa Valley, Australia

This fruity GSM opens with aromas of blackberry jam underscored by a funkier undergrowth character and a hint of florals. The palate is more tempered on the fruit front. Tannins are dry and raspy, and while dark luscious fruit still dominates, the tannins and acidity never quite gel, leaving a feeling of chunkiness rather than one of harmony or ease.                                86 Pts WE

Just average Aussie GSM – has some fruitiness and a few undertones of spice but nothing to really go nuts over. Price around $15, just OK for a school night wine.

 

2023 L’Ecole no. 41 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, Washington

Winemaker Notes

With distinctive aromatics of white peach, Granny Smith apples, honeysuckle, and flint, this dry Chenin is vivid and lively. On the palate, an explosion of flavors unfolds, showcasing stone fruit, magnolia, jasmine, and tangerine, offset by a remarkable note of salinity. The wine is snappy and interesting, carrying through to a flavorful and vibrant mouthwatering finish.

91  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Chenin Blanc Old Vines comes from vines more than 45 years old. Brought up in stainless steel, it has pretty scents of peach, lemongrass, toast and honey. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and mouth-coating with gently honeyed fruit. Its generosity is foiled by vibrant acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.

A personal favorite of mine – I’m an old Chenin Blanc fan. This wine has the nice fruit with the touch of minerality and a nice finish. Good with lighter fare and all by itself. Priced at about $20 – great bottle.

 

2023 Parducci Cellars Merlot, Mendocino, California

The nose offers aromas of fresh and lush dark plum, cassis, tangerine, and dried Sage. The flavors on the palate offer raspberry coulis, cranberry-pomegranate, crackled black pepper, chocolate shavings, and supple tannins to finish. 89 Pts WE

Tasting Notes: Sweet summer strawberry aromas with hints of chocolate and herbs lead to rich flavors of dark cherry, raspberry fruit leather, and toasted cedar. Structure from tannins balances the wine’s velvety texture, which finishes in a nutty sweetness that lingers on the finish.

Pairings Tomato based pasta sauces, charcuterie, grilled veggies, braised short ribs and roast duck

Sustainability Certified Sustainable, Vegan

My notes read that it is a decent Merlot with red fruits and a moderate finish.  It is a $15 Merlot that you get what you pay for. Not great, not bad…

 

2022 Hearst Ranch ‘Pico Creek’ Merlot, Paso Robles, California

Elegant, earthy notes of wet clay, baking spices and raspberries hint at this wine’s elegance. Medium-bodied on the palate, flavors of wild strawberries, raspberries and rich oak meld to create a wine with excellent balance and finely textured tannins.

While this wine’s garnet hue charms the eye, the nose engages our senses with aromas of lingonberries, raspberries, and rose petals. The wine’s palate is elegant and refined, reminiscent of a strawberry–cranberry tart. Lovely as an aperitif, this wine will drink well over the next 5 years.

This is a tasty Merlot from Paso Robles. There are raspberries and red fruit with some baking spices on the nose ad palate. Moderate finish but good balance and a very food friendly wine. Priced under $25, worth a try.

 

2021 Revelry Vintners Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington

The Merlot grape is responsible for establishing Washington State as one of the preeminent growing regions for Bordeaux varieties the world over.  It was also the initial and most influential variety in the founding of Revelry Vintners. We source our Merlot across the Columbia Valley, finding sweet spots for the grape on consistent soft grades, with moderate heat and good air drainage.  Our Merlot is built to be a crowd pleaser with soft dark red and blue fruit flavors, an undercurrent of sweet toasted vanilla and caramel, with dusty cocoa tannin backbone. Enjoy.

The first red wine to do anything for me was a Washington State Merlot. This reminds me of that type of wine – nice red fruits with a nice acidity and light tannins; balanced with those bold fruits. Good with a meal and alone, this is a good example of Merlot from Washington. Priced in the $20 range, very nice.

 

2022 Van Loggerenberg ‘Break a leg’ Merlot, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Lush aromas of ripe black cherries and subtle hints of cocoa mingle with a touch of herbal undertones, creating an inviting bouquet. On the palate, this Merlot reveals a velvety texture with flavors of dark plum and a whisper of spice, leading to a lingering finish that balances fruit and oak. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, creamy mushroom risotto, or aged cheddar.

My notes read “Interesting”.  The palate just didn’t hit me right – red and black fruits just didn’t balance up and the overall taste was just OK. Little better with a meal but not something I really enjoyed. Priced in the mid-20’s, can’t really recommend.

 

Another month –hope all is well. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grape vines.

 The Wines of May 2026

    Another month has rolled by - getting set for the summer months. I also got another year older. Here are the wines I got to taste and enjoy.

2020 Rebellious Red Blend, California

Aromas of cherry preserves, dark chocolate and cola with spicy notes of licorice, cardamom, cracked pepper and sandalwood. The bright and vibrant entry accentuates flavors of Bing cherry, fresh blueberries and allspice that linger into a creamy, rich mid-palate and ends with a luxurious finish. Pair with grilled foods, such as saucy baby back ribs, grilled vegetables or a juicy burger with cheddar.

Blend: 45% Zinfandel, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 3% Petite Sirah, 1% Chardonnay

Tasting Panel  92

Dense, vibrant, and well structured, this blend is balanced and sure-footed. Graceful tannins underpin a lithe mouthfeel with notes of tobacco as well as juicy cranberry and ripe cherry, giving way to a pleasing persistent finish.

Decent little red blend, costs around $13. Fine for an every day, school nite wine.

 

2024 Rebellious Sauvignon Blanc, California

This crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc features notes of tropical fruit, melon, citrus and green apple. Vibrant acidity and beautiful minerality complete the wine profile, making an exceptionally balanced wine with a rich, long mouthfeel.

Average American style Sauv Blanc – decent with food, fair as a sipper. Same price range as the red - $13.

 

2020 Le Fonti di Panzano Merlot, Greve, Italy

The 2020 vintage is known for its elegant, fruit-forward profile. Nose: Ripe blackberries, plums, dark cherries, accompanied by spicy oak, tobacco, and mineral notes. Palate: Full-bodied with soft, silky, and velvety tannins. It balances dark fruit flavors with a fresh acidity and a long, polished finish.

I enjoyed this Italian Merlot with its dark fruit and tobacco otes. Some tannins, but they blend nicely. Enough acidity to make a match with red meats. Very Nice – runs about $30.

 

2024 Pieropan Soave Classico, Italy

James Suckling  95

Perfumed wine with citrus and minerality, forthright, intense and focused. Medium-bodied, vibrant and savory, it displays super-cool freshness and weight, with a polished finish. One of the top Italian whites for quality-per-price ratio. Drink now.  Blend: Garganega 85%, Trebbiano di Soave 15%

I think this wine need food – especially seafood to shine brightly. Decent mouthfeel, but the finish has some weirdness to me. Priced around $22.

 

2020 Akutain Cosecha  Rioja, Spain

The Akutain Crianza is comprised of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha, is fermented in fiberglass vats with native yeasts, and then raised for 1 year and 9 months in used American oak barrels, with an additional year in the bottle before release - far exceeding the Rioja D.O.’s aging requirements for Crianza wines. A very good value in traditional Grower Rioja.

Nicely done Tempranillo, it shows the grapes flavors with a touch of oakiness. Pretty good, priced about $20.

 

2023 Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Deep ruby-red in color, this wine is fruit forward with nuanced tannins. Concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, ripe cherry, cola, eucalyptus, mocha and tilled earth carry over into a balanced palate. Smooth midpalate tannins support the fruit through a pleasing finish.

Nice school nite wine with very little tannins, but dark fruit and herbs. Goes with pizza, spaghetti and other quick style meals. Priced around $13.

 

2022 Geyser Peak Chardonnay, California

This Chard (with 9% Pinot Gris in the mix) is floral on the nose, with aromas of white orchids, lilies, peonies and baby's breath gently wafting out of the glass. The palate shows a soft mouthfeel and opens to fruitier tones of just-ripe apricots, white nectarines and lychees.   88 Pts WE

Nice chard with very little oak influence. Tropical fruits with a short finish. Also only $13, nice to have on a hot summer afternoon.

 

2023 Portlandia Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington

This bold Cabernet begins with aromas of blackberry, vanilla, and coffee, followed by layered flavors of black cherry, dark plum and sweet spices. Structured by fine, firm tannins and well-integrated acidity, we love to pair this food friendly wine with grilled beef or portabella mushroom dishes.

A decent moderate priced Cab from Washington – mostly dark fruit with some nuances of spices. Low tannins and moderate acidity to go with food. Priced about $17, worth a try.

 

2020 Intuition Cotes du Rhone Celler de Terres Blanches, France

"This excellent Cotes-du-Rhone is packed with delicate red-fruit and baking-spice aromas, but there are also some lovely summer-flower notes. On the generous but lively palate, some licorice and warm dry-earth character completes this very attractive picture of the South. I love the gently dry tannins and animating acidity at the clean and elegant finish. Drink now." —James Suckling   92 Pts

I didn’t expect a lot from a under $15 CDR but I must say it hits the spot very well. The fruits are bright with the red black notes and the earth and herbs back them up. Good sipper and a very good food wine. A winner for sure.

2022 Barbazzale Catarrato, Sicily, Italy

This exquisite Sicilian white wine is a refreshing blend of Catarratto and Viognier grapes, offering a delightful fusion of floral and citrus aromas. On the palate, enjoy crisp notes of green apple, white peach, and a hint of zesty lemon, balanced with a clean minerality that is characteristic of the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Perfect for pairing with seafood and light pastas, its lively acidity and elegant finish make it an ideal choice for any occasion.

There is only 3% viognier but it really adds to the body of this Italian white. White peach and hints of lemon on a very balanced palate and a nice finish. Priced under $20, this is a go to for Italian whites – would do well with lighter fare and seafood.

 

2022 Stolpman Uni Blanc, Ballard Canyon, California

The color of summertime California hills of golden brush. Straw and honeysuckle ride over a pineapple core. A taut focus drives through the center of the mouth while concentrated fruit richness spreads out and surrounds. With only a few swirls a rich, dense world of fruit arrives with green apple and stone fruit joining the waft of pineapple. A voluptuous wine with mouth filling texture but with a classic, firmly built structure to carry it

A nice crisp blend of roussanne and chardonnay; very crisp with a weighty mid-palate. Good food wine, though a bit pricey – runs over $23 most places.

 

2024 Paul Joboulet Aine ‘Parallele 45’ Cotes du rhone, France

Deep garnet-red colour. The nose is expressive and rich with aromas of ripe red fruit (strawberry, raspberry) combined with floral and spicy notes.

On the palate, this Côtes du Rhône has a fresh, delicious attack with good balance and supple tannins. Notes of red fruit carry through to the finish.

I have had a number of vintages of this Cotes du Rhone. Always good, with bright red fruits, good balance and acidity, with a decent finish. Can be found around $15, always a good bottle to have o hand.

 

2021 Noble Hill ‘Field Atlas’ Red blend, Simonsberg, South Africa

Field Atlas reflects our deep connection with the soils of the Simonsberg. We co-ferment whole bunches from selected vineyards to balance lightness & structure. Floral, black pepper, & olive purée aromas underlined by umami and earth.

Field Atlas is a unique blend that begins in our estate vineyards. We field blend and co-ferment Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, & Viognier. Each vineyard is carefully selected for compatibility. Each vineyard’s unique elevation, aspect, and soil gives us flexibility in creating a harmonious, cohesive, and delicate wine. 12.5% ABV

A little unusual, but a not bad Syrah blend. Just a little different; somewhat light and more of a sipper then a food wine. Interesting – available under $20.

2021 Neleman Bobal Robusta, Utiel, Spain

The wine opens with an aromatic nose of unsweetened cocoa powder, raspberry tart, sweet baking spices and boysenberry. The palate reveals dried tobacco flavors and worn leather with grippy tannins that soften towards the finish. Bison burgers, New York strip and Gouchauchang-topped Bibimbap would all pair stunningly. 93 Pts WE

This is a big robust wine, sort of an almost Cabernet style wine. Red and black fruits dominate with some herbs and spices underneath. Good enough structure for a red meat dinner and only around $15. Try some of this one.

 

2023 5x30 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

Named for the dimensions of Napa Valley – 5 miles wide by 30 miles long – 5 x 30 captures the essence of a place small in size but vast in character. Every bottle reflects the diversity and intensity of this legendary region, where ideal microclimates and soils converge to create world-class wines. From this narrow valley comes a bold yet refined expression of Cabernet Sauvignon – rooted in tradition, elevated by passion, and unmistakably Napa.

This Cabernet Sauvignon, with the extra oomph of Petit Verdot, showcases dark fruits, sweet ripe blackberries, spices, and resinous forest notes followed by a savory finish. Tannins are abundant while sheathed in a fine polish. Even so, this wine will benefit from decanting, a meal, or further time in cellar. Enjoy in two years and for another two decades.    93 Pts WE

You can find more Napa valley sourced wines at decent prices – the result of too many grapes and not enough sales in the mid and upper ranges of products. Dark black fruits with some earthiness; Tannins do not overwhelm this wine but leave good structure. A great wine for a small price – around $20. Buy some and stash some for a couple years.

I hope all is well with you. Remember to keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.