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.

 The wines of August 2024

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

2019 Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

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

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

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

2013 Finca Collado Crianza, Alicante, Spain

65% Cabernet Sauvignon 35% Merlot

TASTE PROFILE

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

STYLE OF VINTAGE

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

VINEYARD

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

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

 

2023 Penley Francis Cabernet Franc, Coonwarra, Australia

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

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

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

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

2020 Maison du Midi Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France

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

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

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

 

2015 Graziano Carignane, Mendocino County, Ca

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

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

2020 Matchbook Chardonnay, Dunnigan hills, Ca

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

90 Wine Enthusiast

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

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

2021 Planeta Rose, Sicily, Italy

50% Nero d’Avola, 50% Syrah

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

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

2022 Di Giovanna ‘Vurria’ Grillo, Sicily, Italy

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

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

2022 Pianogrillo Frappato, Sicily, Italy

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

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

2021 Pianogrillo Curva Minore, Sicily, Italy

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

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

2021 Di Giovanna ‘Vurria’ Nero D’Avola

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

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

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

 The Wines of July 2024

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

2018 Izadi Reserve (Red), Rioja, Spain

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

91 Wine Spectator

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

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

2020 Annick Bachelet Morgon Les Charmes, France

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

2021 Bouchard Aine & Fils Pinot Noir Rose, France

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

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

 

2019 Casa Castillo El Molar, Jumilla, Spain

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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

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

2012 Prunetto Mompertone Monferrato, Alba, Italy

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

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

92 James Suckling

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

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

2019 Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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

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

2022 Arilie Gewurtztraminer, Willamette Valley, Oregon

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

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

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