The Wines of August 2025

August went by with just a couple of 100 degree days. Very unusual...Now for the wines

2020 Domaine Galavan Cotes du Rhone L’espirit Devan

Galevan L'Esprit Devin Côtes du Rhône Villages 2020, red wine produced in the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation of the Rhône Valley, France. A blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes, it exhibits bold dark fruit flavors, hints of spice, and a velvety texture. This wine reflects the character of its terroir, offering a harmonious balance and a lingering finish. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, hearty stews, or simply enjoying on its own.

James Suckling  js88

Dark cherries, ripe berries, sweet spices and some dates on the nose. Medium body with chewy tannins. Drying and linear. 50% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 20% syrah and 10% carignan. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

This is one where there is bottle variation – the one I had was at the end of its life and tasted tired and not vibrant, like most Cote Du Rhone. I’ll be truthful, I haven’t been a big fan of Domaine Galavan – even with this at $20.

 

2022 Vispius Estrada Palacio Red, Bespen, Spain

Vispius a modern wine, of an ‘international taste’, made from Garnacha and Tempranillo wine grape varieties.

Tasting  Brimming over with elegant black and red berry fragrances, fruity, silky and fresh in mouth where it harmoniously combines volume, softness, body, silkiness and refinement.

Wine Pairing       Alone, with cured meats, sauced pastas, rice with meat, grilled or roasted oily fish, cod stews, red or lean meats. Also with fresh and mid matured cheeses.

We recommend it to be served between 14 and 18 ºC.

This is a very tasty little wine – not meant for aging, but a good everyday drinker that has god body, plenty of red fruits and enough acidity to go with foods. We have it for about $14, a good wine to pick up and drink any time.

 

2019 Bibbiano PassoTasso Toscana, Italy

Ripe blackberry, underbrush, violets, purple flowers, berry compote, hints of black licorice, cinnamon stick. Palate is bright with a concentrated dark berry core, hints of orange and cocoa. Founded in 1865, Bibbiano is located in the historic Chianti region, overlooking the Elsa Valley towards the castle of Monteriggioni. Today’s owners Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi are the fifth generation. Passotasso is made from all estate fruit, a blend of Sangiovese along with other native varieties - Ciliegiolo, Malvasia Nera and Canaiolo. All stainless steel fermentation and aging, resulting in a fresh quality.

As with many Italian wines, this needs food to really show well. By itself, it doesn’t sing, the fruits are dark and a little brooding. Add spaghetti or meatballs and it fits in much better. Priced at $20, a decent bottle, although I have other favorites.

 

2024 Love(r) Rose Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France

"A fresh and vivid blend of 59% syrah, 35% syrah and 6% cinsault. Discreet aromas of redcurrants and frozen berries follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity. Agile and refreshing. Drink now." - James SUCKLING (May 9th 2024), 90 pts

A surprising light colored Rose that still packs a nice punch of flavor.  Nice acidity and good berries to make it a great “porch-pounder” to sip while watching the sun set. Priced around $20, a fun wine.

 

2021 Greg Norman Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley, California

Knights Valley borders Sonoma and Napa AVAs - and is notorious for providing excellent quality wines. Here, find notes of ripened berries, currants, and notes of espresso. This is a well-structured wine, defined by grace and balance, with a firm backbone yet elegant and approachable.

92 pts/Editors’ Choice Wine Enthusiast: This layered and well-structured wine wraps powerful fruit flavors in assertive oak spices and firm tannins. The wine is enjoyable now if decanted and poured with a grilled lamb chop, but will gain more complexity with time. Best from 2026–2032. —J.G

This wine is finally opening up – just saw the note about drinking in 2026. We got a deal on this wine and have it for about $16 – a reat price if you can get it. Good Cab to have for grilling or steak night.

 

2021 Foggy Bottom Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California

Easkoot Cellars is named after Alfred Derby Easkoot, a sailor and the first land surveryor in Marin, California. Mr. Easkoot initially surveyed the land where the vines are planted that made the Foggy Bottom Pinot Noir. The winery is located in the Petaluma Gap where the fog rolls in at night and cools down vines and grapes to produce an old-worldly style of Pinot Noir with a tangy and animating yet complex and expressive character.

The Easkoot Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is farmed sustainably and fermented with native yeasts and a small portion of whole clusters. In the glass, the wine pours a mid-garnet color. Beautiful aromas of ripe berry fruits, flowers and black tea waft from the glass. On the palate, there is a complex savory character that balances beautifully with the concentrated ripe fruit, soft tannins, and calming acidity. Enjoy with grilled salmon served alongside a roasted beet salad.

First had this at a wine dinner and we sold all we could get. Distributor found 10 bottles in the warehouse, so I finally got one. The fruits are great, raspberry, dark cherry and hints of earthiness. Nice acidity to go with food but a great sipper without. Priced about $20 (close-out) this is a stal of a Pinot Noir.

 

2023 Vina Almeira Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain

Wine Description:  Delicate aromas of pear and golden delicious.  Stone fruits and Pomello combine with a crisp elegant lime finish.          Food Match: Grilled fish and shellfish.

Winery Information:  Bodegas Millennium is part of the Bodegas Gallegas group of wineries based in Ourense, Galicia.  For the last 50 years, the winery has successfully forged relationships with growers in order to produce balanced wines which offer incredible value for money.  Galicia being the coolest region in Spain with Atlantic influences ensures white wines which have that essential freshness and zip.

Somewhat simple but pleasing as a hot summer type wine. Pear and peach waft through the flavors with a citrus finish. Priced around $18, not a bad wine for those really hot days.

 

2020 Six Hats Pinotage, Western Cape, South Africa

Blend Information           100% Pinotage  Food Suggestions            Pairs well with roast poultry and barbequed meats.

In The Vineyard                Grapes are predominantly sourced from Fairtrade vineyards in the Swartland region. These 16 to 20 year old vineyards are trellised and grow on red oakleaf soils with gravel underground. The vineyards are meticulously farmed and yields are managed down to below 7 tons per hectare.

In The Cellar       Fermentation is initiated with selected yeast strains and is kept under 26°C. Malolactic fermentation is completed in tank and the wine is matured for 6 months, using French and American oak.

Additional Information  Six principles form the core of our philosophy, "Partnership, Potential, Change, Equity, Dignity and Sustainability". We seek to produce wines that will contribute to the lives of the people whose hard work is expressed in each bottle. There are minimum prices set for grapes and an additional percentage of the sales are given back to the community who uses the money to build schools, clinics and other projects to improve their lives. PIEKENIERSKLOOF WINE COMPANY IS A REGISTERED FAIRTRADE PRODUCER

This is a nice Pinotage – much better than I expected. Nice red fruits with a good acid backbone making it quaffable on its own, but a good match for roasted and grilled meats. Best is the price at under $15. Nice

 

2023 Anonimo Red Blend, Paso Robles, California

Anonimo is currently releasing a 2023 red wine, a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Petit Verdot and 20% Petite Sirah selected from small, family farmed vineyards here in Paso. Enjoy with delicious meals and good company. Single bottle purchases are $75 per, contact us for inquiries.

93 Points—James Suckling “Opulent bright red in appearance, the nose gives lifted aromas of wild raspberries, cherries and pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and vibrant acidity, showing notes of cranberries, cocoa and herbs de Provence. Made from a blend of 60% sangiovese, 20% petite sirah and 20% petit verdot that is very well integrated and balanced. Drink or hold.”

Ignore the $75 price tag – both in store and online you will find it for about $25. That said – this is a blend that really comes through. Well integrated, the flavors roll across your palate and finish with a touch of tannic structure. The Sangiovese adds acidity to make it easy to match with hearty dinner fare. This is a wonderful blend and worth the price.

 

2023 Loren Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

BLEND |90% Cabernet Sauvignon & 10% Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING | Handpicked grapes picked from Napa Valley, with a large portion grown in St Helena. Destemmed and crushed for native yeast primary fermentation in closed-top vats on the skins for 24 days. The wine was racked to 40% new French oak barrels from Seguin Moreau, Boutes, Taransaud, and Nadalie for complete malolactic conversion, followed by 16 months of aging.

TASTING NOTES |Black fruits dominate the wine with boysenberry and blueberry compote, accented by savory bramble notes, dark chocolate, and clove spice. Fine, silky tannin provides structure, weight and complexity.

PRESS | 90 JS      “A super-savory nose of bay leaves, cracked pepper and sage, with layers of dark chocolate, ripe plums, blackberries and coffee. Silky on the palate, with robust, opulent red and dark fruit, juicy acidity and ripe tannins that feel well integrated. Over-delivers for a value wine.”

A fun Napa Valley Cabernet that leaves some money in your pocket. Age-worhty , for maybe 5 years, this delivers for an under $30 price tag. You can find it for $25, if you look – and it is good to have on hand for those nice dinners that need a Napa Cabernet.

 

Hope all is well! The year is just flying by. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines!

 

 The Wines of July 2025

Another wet month has gone by - have not hit 100 degrees here. Rather unusual...

Here are some wines I've tasted...

2022 Here by Chance Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, Ca

A captivating Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of casis, cedar, and ripe red fruit complemented by hints of sage. Boasting the classic Paso Robles dusty notes, every sip is textured with bold tannins that provide structure and a lush mouthfeel, resulting in a luxurious finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Dark berry and cherry aromas meet with damp earth and savory charred meat elements on the nose of this bottling. Pencil shavings and rich blackberry sauce flavors are framed by chalky tannins on the palate.                   90 Pts WE            $25

A vibrant Cabernet with dark berries and wood, with a good long finish. Very well made Paso Robles red and only about $25. Get it if you see it.

 

2017 Mark West Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Monterey County, CA

Totally undrinkable –oxided and very bad

Priced around $20, this had sat in the store way too long. Turned into “drain cleaner”.

2019 Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

Once labeled Monastrell José Maria has been incorporating increasing amounts of Garnacha and Syrah into this wine so that now it is about 60% Monastrell with 20% each Garnacha and Syrah. After a natural fermentation in tank the wine is aged for 8-9 months in neutral 500 liter French oak barrels, and foudres. Rich, dark fruits are lifted by bright acidity and nice minerality.

Bought one of the few remaining bottles in the store, this wine still held up very well. Mostly red fruits with a nice acidity to make it drink well and hold up to food. Was priced around $12, worth buying any newer products from this producer.

 

2022 Simply Riesling, Quincy, Washington

I'm scratching my head in disbelief at this $10 price tag. The screw-cap epiphany begins with a fruit and flower concert of honeysuckle, lychee and peach. Then you get this wonderful pear galette sprinkled with cinnamon-spice flavor that takes it to the edge of off-dry. Pair it with a park and a blanket.

— 92 PointsWine Enthusiast, July 1, 2024

Just an inexpensive white from Washington state – almost off-dry but not sweet;the flavors balanced nicely with the acidity. A steal at $10.

 

2010 Domaine Mussy Volnay, Cote d’or, France

Volnay wines combine breed, nobility, finesse, elegance, femininity, and offer connoisseurs their incomparable bouquet. Their colour, from tender vermilion to the deepest ruby, their delicate bouquet of red berries (raspberry, blackberry), violet, their tannins from the softest to the most robust, their elegant roundness place them among the best representatives of the Côte de Beaune.

A fifteen year old wine for sale in the store. I used a corkscrew that combined a screw with an Ah-So to keep the cork intact. Notice the info talks about Volnay in general. There were no specific notes about this wine. That being said, I wasn’t blown away by this bottle. A touch tired, the nose took a long while to become recognizable. I let it breath in a decanter, but it never really got any of that ethereal flavors that you want from old Burgundy. Priced at $40 to move, can’t really say I’ll be buying a lot more.

 

2024 AIA Vecchia Vermentino, Toscana, Italy

Vermentino is the star white grape variety of the Tuscan coast, perfectly capturing the feel of an afternoon in the Maremma hills looking out at the Tyrrhenian Sea. Aia Vecchia blends in a small amount of Viognier to add an intriguing hint of tropicality. The aged in stainless steel tanks for four months; aged two months in bottle before release. Blend: 95% Vermentino, 5% Viognier

Wilfred Wong of Wine.com         92

The 2024 Aia Vecchia Vermentino is a lively and expressive white wine. Pale straw-green, it opens with fresh aromas of garden herbs, citrus zest, and bright minerality. Energetic and precise on the palate, it delivers racy stone fruit and saline notes that lead to a crisp, mouthwatering finish. A sensational match with toro sashimi topped with yuzu kosho and golden Osetra caviar—the wine’s vibrancy and mineral tension elevate the richness of the fish and the briny elegance of the garnish. (Tasted: July 18, 2025, San Francisco, CA)

Maybe I am not enough of a white wine person to review this wine. It was good, but there was nothing really special about it to me. It had decent minerality but wasn’t racy to me at all. Priced right at $15, maybe I need to visit it again…

 

2022 Giunta Pinot Noir, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

A light and fruit-forward expression of Pinot Noir that is distinctly Hawke’s Bay. Distinct flavours of juicy pomegranate that drive both the aroma and the palate. This is layered with just-picked raspberry, dried rose-petals, and an intriguing waft of cardamom spice.

This is a great wine to pair with all types of food, but may we suggest looking towards Ottolenghi-esque fare to complement all the pomegranate and spice. The bright and fresh-fruit flavours make a great candidate for a chilled red on a sunny afternoon!

A somewhat lightweight Pinot, but it drank well, with the red berry-cherry flavors and mild spice undertones. Great for a summer red wine and priced around $15.

 

2021 Miros de Ribera Roble, Ridero del Douro, Spain

Wine Spectator 88

"Loamy earth and brambly herb notes underscore roasted plum, dried cranberry and toast flavors in this dark and chewy red. Drink now. 11,600 cases made, 3,000 cases imported."

Deep red cherry color with violet rim. Fresh nose, with wild berries and dark fruits aromas. The oak is very well integrated, providing high toast coffee notes that show a soft aging in oak barrels. In the mouth, it tastes rounded, powerful and elegant.

Bodegas Penafiel is located on some prime terroir right in the heart of the Ribera del Duero. The estate works entirely with old bush vine Tempranillo, and their wines are ripe, rich, and decadent.

Their entry-point red is actually quite "advanced." Deep red cherry in color with a violet rim, it offers up notes of wild red and dark berries with nicely integrated oak that contributes notes of spice, coffee, and vanilla. Round and supple, powerful and elegant, it's a great introduction to the region's wines.

I found the Spanish wine to be good. Red fruits dominate with undertones of spice and herbs. Nice balance of acidity and oak notes drive a moderate finish. Enjoyable and only around $20 – worth it.

 

2018 Zeni Costalago Rosso Veronese, Italy

Intense ruby red. Floral notes with hints of well ripened fruit. Vinous, velvety and lingering. Pairs well with pasta with sauce, grilled red meat, game and cheese. Blend: 70% Corvina & Corvinone, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the last of these in the store, this 2018 still has good red fruits and a nice acidity balance. Original price was under $15, a wine that would be good any time. Look for this producer.

 

2022 G D Vajra Rosso Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Langhe Rosso remains one of my favourite little gems, almost always overdelivering quality wine for price. That's especially true with a legendary producer like G.D. Vajra. Varja's Langhe Rosso is a blend of younger vine nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, fresia, albarossa, and pinot noir, meant to give an overview of the region. This is sourced from various vineyards, each variety vinified separately, fermented in stainless, and then into French barrels from new to 3 years in age, for 2 years. Raspberry leather, cherry blossoms, scrubby thorns are woven throughout this medium bodied red, with fine, toothsome tannins pinning in the sides through a lifted pink peppercorn finish. Great energy and charm in this humble Rosso, one that will be welcome at most any dinner table.

The nose had hints of violets – a light wine but with nice fruits and acidity. Decent finish, really nice with food, especially Italian. Priced under $20, well worth drinking. A very good producer.

 

2021 Goose Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon G3, Columbia Valley, Washington

Well-structured with ample richness and depth accented by aromas of toasted oak and tobacco. Flavors of cherry and plum coalesce with hints of baking spice for a long, satisfying finish. The smooth, integrated tannins pair well with rich cuts of beef or wild game.

This G3 Cabernet Sauvignon features a dark and brooding presence. Its complex nose boasts deep cherry and black olive notes, mingled with dark chocolate and blueberry. The palate opens with dark, sweet cherry and plum, highlighted by fresh redcurrants and a hint of green olive, providing a stark contrast to the darker flavors. The robust structure frames these rich flavors effectively. As it progresses, the wine maintains its richness while introducing a fresh brightness. The finish presents bright strawberry and olive, balanced by a tense, lifted feel that ends with subtle minerality.

A decent Washington Cabernet with black fruits, decent acidity and smooth tannins. Pretty nice when you consider it retails for only $17 or so. Great everyday wine for pizza, pasta, etc…

 

2022 Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma, California

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$35 list] Spry and briary, this Zinfandel is fun to drink, with lively black cherry, licorice and dried sage flavors, which take on richness and cracked pepper accents toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2031.

The 2022 Zinfandel Old Vine is an absolute delight. Fresh, floral and fruity, the Old Vine is a terrific wine to drink now and over the next handful of years, while the fruit remains vibrant. Dollops of Carignan, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Cinsault and other varieties round out a blend crafted from a number of top sites in the Bedrock portfolio. The Old Vine Zinfandel is especially vibrant and refreshing this year. Best of all, it should be terrific value. 90 Pts Vinous

Real big zinfandel – a very pleasant nose and a full mouthfeel. Black and red fruits with spice and pepper that leaves a long finish. Great wine and usually found for about $26. You can’t go wrong.

 

2022 Markham Merlot, Napa Valley, California

Our Estate Vineyards provide a third of the fruit for this velvety Napa Valley Merlot. Aromas of cherry, plum and tea are enhanced by toast notes from oak aging. Ripe plum and cherry jam flavors are balanced by spicy oak. A “Cab-Lovers” Merlot with fleshy mid-palate structure and a long, round finish. 90 Pts,  JamesSuckling.com, May 2025

A juicy palate of cherries and plums drizzled through with chocolate and violet candy accented by fresh herbs make this an intriguing Merlot. A lightly grippy palate persists with a palate cleansing finish. 90 Pts WE

A Merlot that thinks it is a Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose took a bit to settle, but the flavors were red fruits with oak staves and some herbs. Long finish, exceptional Merlot. Priced around $30, a great bottle to enjoy.

 

Hope all is well. Until next month, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!

 Wines of June 2025

A surprising wet month for the Midwest - 3rd wettest on record. Didn't keep me from sampling wines! Here goes the list for the month.

2022 Paritua Stone Paddock Syrah, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

An aroma of ripe blueberry blackberry and violets, savoury notes of cured meat, exotic spice and clove and dried herbs de Provence.

The fruit was destemmed and passed over our optical grape sorter, then partially crushed to tank. Fermentation was preceded by a short period of cold soaking. Fermentation temperatures reached 30°C and daily cap management varied from two to three pump-overs a day. Barrel maturation is in French oak barriques for 12 months or more of which 20% new.

An aroma of dark blackberry and violets, mixed spice, clove with a hint of pepper. The palate is elegant and plush with fruit flavours of fresh red plum and blackberry, five spice and white pepper round off the finish. Drink from now up until 2032.

I think it was a close-out – retail just over $10. Not really a great Syrah – the spices were muted and the fruit - just average. Not much finish, can’t really say I would buy again.

 

2014 Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington

This wine blends four vineyards. The northerly Oldfield and Minick Vineyards, and Walla Walla sources Forgotten Hills and Old Stones in the rocks. Forgotten Hills, which lies at the base of the cool Blue Mountains, provides a world-class base for the wine, contributing freshness and energy to the blend. As it is on pure fractured basalt, it also provides minerality. Oldfield, adjacent to Boushey, and Minick provide red fruit and freshness. The Rocks gives pepper, funk, smoke, depth, and structure. This wine, aged 15 months in neutral barrel, is about 54% whole cluster.

 Tasting notes: Red Cherry, blueberry, Raspberry, leather, saline, meat, funk, Violets, Roses. smoked herbs. The palate is medium bodied with crisp acidity and energy.

This is a syrah with big body, full fruit flavor and spice and herb in the mix. At its prime right now, this is a knock-out wine. We are closing it out at $34, is normally over $60. Plenty of depth for grilled meats, a nice long finish, although the tannins are mostly gone.  Wow.

2020 Aphea Cellarmaster Reserve Red, West Cape, South Africa

Aphaea is a red blend of the finest in reserve grapes, offering smooth, rich taste profile that features ripe, dense blackberry with notes of choclate and rich raspberry and a hint of wild strawberry, for a lush palate experience. A creamy, molten blueberry provides a splended, lingering aroma, for a harmonious finish.

Bought the last of these at the store, regular retail under $15. Very difficult to research, but seems to be Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and possibly Syrah. Beautiful label, fun little wine to drink.

 

2019 Bravium Chardonnay, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California

This vivacious wine reflects the perfectly-sited vineyard where it was grown. Pale-gold in color, with fresh lemon and tropical fruit aromas, clove spice, exotic white flowers, and saltwater taffy. Opens with lemon meringue and apple pie flavors, with a lightly creamy mid-palate and medium-plus acidity. This Chardonnay is fully realized, deftly walking a tightrope balanced between generosity and elegance. Persistent and complex flavors – with a transparent soil signature – linger on the finish of this delicious wine.

I was looking for an oaky, buttery Chardonnay and I found one. Priced around $25, this carried the oak and butter into the fruit, with a decent finish.

 

Bliss Family Blissful Red Lot 20, Mendocino, California

The Blissful Red ‘Lot 20’ unveils a captivating bouquet of plums, cloves, allspice, and a touch of vanilla cinnamon. As it dances on the palate, the richness of dark cherries and the earthiness of tobacco emerge, seamlessly blending into the vibrant notes of red fruit, fig, and a hint of cinnamon stick. The finish is elegantly marked by whispers of clove and radiant red fruit, harmoniously balanced with integrated tannins and a lively acidity, making it an impeccable companion to a variety of dishes.

I mentioned last month I met the Winemaker, Hoss Milone, and he said this wine is the “left-overs” from the regular bottlings. The varietals vary depending on the harvest. Priced under $15, this is a good everyday bottle of wine –solid red fruit and acidity – pizza or burgers go great with it.

 

2021 Piedrasassi Syrah, Santa Barbara County, Califonia

A blend of signature Santa Barbara County vines, the 2021 is intensely savory, textured and a testament to its cool growing season. Production doubled from 2020 with a jump in quality to match. Maple bacon, white pepper, black currant and perfume pour from the glass before squeezing back into a linear, expressive drink of wine – one that navigates Kalamata olive and iron with lithe, persistent structure. 

Another impressive Syrah – this deep flavored bad boy is made to eat with a massive steak. Red and black fruits with undertones of black olive and pepper, with a nice moderate finish. Priced around $30, this is a very nice bottle, although the actual bottle shape is a little weird.

 

2018 Brutocao Cabernet Sauvignon Hopland Ranch, Mendocino, California

This full-bodied wine emphasizes the fruity, savory qualities of the varietal with only subtle oak flavors showing through. Good black cherry, cranberry and black olive notes are supported by moderate tannins and good, balancing acidity.  90 pts WE $36

"Hopland Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from our Bliss Vineyard and our Contento Vineyard.  Our Contento Ranch is a beautiful, hillside vineyard, which gives this wine its distinct character of concentrated fruit and complex layers.  The Bliss Vineyard lends the elegance and dark fruit that older vines bring to a wine. Aromas of blackberry jam with hints of cedar lead into a rich wine with dark chocolate resulting in a long, smooth finish of cinnamon graham cracker and dates."  Alcohol: 13.5%

Brutocoa is the higher end of the Bliss Family wines. The red and black fruits show through with hints of wood and pencil shavings. Full mouthfeel, a very good wine that is priced just under $20. Really a knock-out, recommend highly.

2022 Quinta Picouta Vinho Verde, Portugal

It doesn't get more Portuguese than the loureiro grape. Legend has it that the Romans already cultivated this grape here. However, the distinctive floral aromas and crisp freshness have become a winning formula in our own country as well.

Another tough one to research, but a very tasty Vinho Verde from Portugal. No stray bubbles but but good citrus notes and refreshing acidity – a perfect summer sipper. Priced around $17, very good wine.

 

2023 Quady North GSM Rose, Rogue Valley, Oregon

A blend of approximately 55% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 11% Mourvèdre, this vibrant pink wine makes itself acquainted with aromas of strawberries, bananas and lemon zest. The wine's acidity dazzles as flavors of guava, melon and pink grapefruit blow up on the plate. Quaff at will. 90 Pts WE

The 2023 Quady North GSM Rogue Valley Rosé is a dry rosé wine made in Southern Oregon. It's a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, with Grenache making up nearly half the blend. The wine has a crisp, refreshing finish with flavors of citrus skin and bright fruit.

What you need for summer – a rose that has good flavors and acidity to hold up to light foods.  Fun wine – priced around $20, well worth having for those hot days.

 

2024 J Lohr Valdiguie ‘Wildflowers’, Monterey, California

An enticing and little-known French grape has found its perfect New World home among Monterey’s coastal lupines and poppies. Chill a red? Yes! And pair it with just about anything. Now, you’re in the know...

Served slightly chilled, displays inviting fresh raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate aromas, with a bit of black pepper and hibiscus. Flavors of brambly, bright red berry with a touch of spice, mid-palate acidity lead to a juicy, mouthwatering finish.                94 Pts WE

But I’m a red wine drinker, what should I have in the summer? Here is that answer – chill this wine down, about 20 minutes in the fridge, pour and enjoy. Bright red fruits with hints of spice – just a fun wine – priced from $11 to $15, nice to have around.

 

2022 Il Monte Ca ‘Rosso Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

We love our Valpolicella. It is our first wine and all our ideas on winemaking were born with it. It is the perfect portrait of Mount Caro and our family. Fresh, sapid and full of aromas. We like its good structure and its easy drinking approach that remind us of the genuine wines of a long time ago.

The Ca' Rosso Valpolicella DOC of Il Monte Caro is a red wine obtained from the classic vines of Valpolicella: corvina, corvinone and rondinella. Refine in steel. A wine characterized by hints of cherry and floral. On the palate it is fragrant, balanced, characterized by a good persistence. A Valpolicella respectful of the territory.

Another lighter red that will take a quick chill and still show well. Red fruits with some hints of herbs, just a simple wine from Italy with good acidity balance.  Priced around $20, easy on the palate and the wallet.

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

 The Wines of May 2025

Another month, another birthday for me and getting to have sunshine after a week of rain. Just finished a great book about Sherry - author Ben Howkins wrote a very entertaining and illuminating book about a wine I was not as knowledgeable as I should be. Now for the wines I tasted...

NV Louis Morette Grand Reserve Champagne Brut, Epernay, France

Louis Morette Brut is a champagne with a deep golden yellow robe that is magnificent, bright and sparkling. A fresh vintage that is smooth harmonious and endowed with great lingering taste. A clear color with a delightful foam. A lively, mineral nose with hints of brioche. Fresh on the palate, an elegant effervescence and harmonious lemon aromas. The Brut is a blend of 56% Pinot Noir, 38% Pinot Meunier and 6% Chardonnay. Pair it with a classic roast chicken to take your dinner party to a whole new level, or serve with dollops of fresh whipped cream and sliced stone fruit for an effortlessly decadent final course.

This was a little disappointing. Maybe it had too much age, but it didn’t seem as bright as expected. On sale at about $30, it just didn’t hit my expectations.

 

2019 Simi Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California

Simi's Landslide Vineyard produced a wine that is youthful, elegant, and with a bright fruit character. Opaque and deep red with a vibrant ruby edge. The nose is very fruit-forward showing cassis, red plum, blackberry, cocoa, vanilla, baking spice, bay leaves, and toasty notes with hints of cedar. Inviting, fresh, and intriguing, this wine will continue to integrate flavors and aromas over time. On the palate, vibrant red berries, cassis, blackberry, and plum. Structured and elegant with balanced acidity. Fresh fruit on the entry followed by a broad mid-palate. Toasty, sweet oak frames the fruit and lends structure. The wine finishes with firm, ripe tannins and bittersweet cocoa. The acid balance makes this wine inviting, rich, and delicious.

This cabernet is excellent – good structure with tannins and black/red fruits and touches of spice and pencil lead. This could have been held for 5 years, easily, but it just went down wonderful with a nice steak. Priced at about $30, this was dynamite. Simi is going to make the Landslide vineyard a separate bottling in the future.

 

2021 M Chapoutier Viognier Combe Pilate, Tain France

Appearance: pale gold with anise tints. Copious fine bubbles.

Nose: bursting with freshness. Notes of citrus and chilled yellow-fleshed and stone fruit.

Palate: Tangy on entry, freshness and good balance on the palate, elegantly coated by the bubbles. Notes of grapefruit peel, bergamot and apricot. Tasty, saline finish.

Pale gold with aniseed-colored highlights.  The nose is delicate with notes of bergamot and flint stone.  Very fresh on the palate, dominated by the typical Viognier flavors.  On the mid-palate, there is good balance between the acidic tension associated with its terroir of origin and the natural full body of the varietal and its ageing.  The finish is savory, bringing out the rustic and mineral overtones

This was bought on close-out but it is a great white wine. Good flavors with the minerality and a good acidic balance. We sell it for like $14, a real steal!

 

2021 Bliss Family Zinfandel, Mendocino, California

This full-bodied red is complete with mouthcoating tannins that are well-met by the voluptuous fruit and oak integration. Full of beautiful notes of blueberry jam, fennel, tarragon, cinnamon, black pepper, violets, toasted wood and forest floor. Pairings might include rare venison loin topped with a mixed-berry chutney and wilted greens. 92 Pts WE

Our Bliss and Feliz vineyards are the source for this Estate grown Zinfandel.  Aromas of Bing Cherries & raspberries, cinnamon, and toasted coconut greet your nose.  This wine has a great entry of red fruit and berry flavors all followed by hints of malted chocolate in the finish.  This wine is easy to drink and very fruit forward.

A very pleasing Zin from the North of California. The red fruits are good, though the spice is a ittle understated. Met the winemaker, Hoss Milone – who makes both Bliss Family and Brutocoa, in Wichita. Great guy with a real big personality. Priced from about $12 – 14, great daily drinker.

 

2019 Brutocoa Slow Lope’n Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California

First breath of this wine opens to cherries with cinnamon followed by allspice and strawberry owers. In the pallet, cherry cola and cinnamon sticks with bright acidity greet you and roll into the mid with a rich mouth-feel.  The finish is long, with lingering notes of raspberry, cherry, and nutmeg. 

This is a step up in the Bliss/Brutocoa family – a single vineyard Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley. A good blend of red fruits with some spices mid-palate followed by a moderate finish. Enough acidity to go with foods, this a very serious wine. Priced around $25 in our market, a real palate pleaser.

 

2019 Bliss Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino, California

This is an easy-to-sip, medium- to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of red and black cherry and plum, black tea, toasted wood, dusty forest floor, and fresh and dried violets are woven together by a sandy tannic texture and generous acidity, with a clean finish.           89 Pts WE

Aromas of bright red fruit and cinnamon. This Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy-to-drink wine with a great balance between tannins and fruit with a long tobacco cherry finish.

An easy drinking Cabernet – nice dark fruits with some herb undertones. Not a very long finish and modest tannins – better with food than stand-alone. Good for the $15 price tag.

 

2020 Carm Tinto Douro DOC, Portugal (Organic Red)

With wood aging, this full, red-fruit and berry-flavored wine has a fine structure that gives a juicy character beside the firm tannins. Drink the wine from 2024. Suitable for vegans. 88Pts WE

Warm flavor, denoting firm tannins with a smooth texture and a very persistent finish. Very fresh and elegant with notes of wild berries and black cherries, in balance with seductive nuances of liquorice, being complexed by the discreet notes of wood.

Organic grapes are used for this wine. The tannins are fading, but the red berry fruit still stands out. Pleasant wine at about $20, worth a try.

 

2017 Bellicosa Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, California (Daniel Cohn Winery)

Appetizingly smoky in aroma and flavor, this beefy and full-bodied wine emphasizes savory spicy notes like black pepper, toasted oak and beef jus layered over red and black cherries.    89 Pts WE

Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon harkens back to a time when wine was expertly crafted in small batches by artisans whose passion was to make the most memorable wine; an era in California when vineyards were family farmed and wines were made by hand in pursuit of purity, flavor and finesse. Bellacosa embodies the connection of soul and experience; a subtle force that brings people together. Rich, velvety and complex, it is a beautiful expression of Sonoma Cabernet; a wine to savor, share and create lasting moments together.

This is drinking really well at this time. Vibrant red and black fruits with some spice on the palate. Moderate finish with well integrated tannins. We are closing it out, but it is only around $20. Super bottle to have right now.

 

2022 Kiona Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, Washington

It is unbelievable to me that this Chenin Blanc, fermented in a combination of stainless steel, amphora and French oak, costs $19. It has bit of body to accompany voltaic acidity and aromas and flavors of melon, cotton candy, almonds, lemon and coconut water. The dry wine positively floats on the palate. Sip with Yaquina Bay oysters and Kate Bush records.     91 Pts WE

This wine felt like it had gone through malolactic fermentation and had lost its minerality. More like a Chardonnay than a Chenin – was a real crowd pleaser at the wine group dinner. Retail was $18, we sold all we had and could get at $13.

 

2020 Chateau Buena Vista Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California

Soft and sultry aromas of strawberry, sandalwood and quince swirl from the glass of this Pinot with some coaxing. The palate is fresh and vivacious, giving flavors of cherries, almond skin, fresh mint leaves and sarsaparilla before a soft and plush finish. 90 Pts WE

Another crowd pleaser was this Pinot Noir. For me, the nose was not the usual fr this grape, but the palate came through with cherry and raspberry flavors. I got a little hole in the middle of tasting it and the finish wasn’t very long. It did go well with a salmon dinner. Tannins were mostly gone, not one to age for very long. Original price was $40, we sold all of it for $20.

 

2023 Argiano ‘Non Confunditur’, Tuscany, Italy

91           James Suckling 

Some wet herbs to the peppery berries and cherries. The juicy, medium-bodied palate is coated with fine, even tannins. Good, medium-long finish to close with a peppery edge at the end. Drink now.

91           Wine Spectator                

Taut and linear in profile, this red delivers black currant, black cherry, vanilla and peppery spices. Tightens up on the finish, where the chalky tannins linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2036.

A modest nose leads to a mouth filling batch of red/black fruits with integrated tannins and a medium finish. A very nice blend that could be held for a few years – sale priced at $20, a good bottle to have on hand for an Italian feast.

2022 Frog’s Leap ‘Flycatcher’ Red Blend, California

This balanced blend incorporates notes of prune, fig, fresh and dried black cherry and plum, coffee bean and dried forest floor alongside mouthcoating tannins, modest acidity and warming alcohol. 89 Pts WE

The inaugural vintage of Flycatcher consists of old vine Zinfandel from vines planted in 1963 at the Five Starr ranch in the Mokelumne River sub-AVA of Lodi, steeply-sloped Petite Sirah and aromatic, earthy Merlot from a duo of unlikely vineyards in the Yorkville Highlands area of Mendocino, and some fabulous Syrah from an outcropping of volcanic tufa soil in the Carneros district of Napa. Warm, generous fruit from the Zinfandel combines with great backbone and spiciness from the Sirah-Syrah sisters. Merlot (grown at a high elevation) adds acidity and an earthy-floral top-note that helps invite the next sip.

Blend: 33% Zinfandel, 31% Petite Sirah, 22% Merlot, 14% Syrah

A modest nose and a very light color, leads to a palate of mostly red fruits with some earthiness and minor tannins. Probably not one to hold too long, the finish is moderate.  A fun kind of wine – normal price is about $30.

 

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

 The wines of April 2025

    Another month has gone by - times fun while your having flies! Here is a group of wines I tasted in April.

2023 Backsberg Chenin Blanc, South Africa

 The juicy peach, citrus blossom and mango aromas are perfectly balanced by a refreshing acidity

Chenin Blanc is exceptionally versatile. It pairs well with salads, vegetables, fish and chicken. Hints of sweetness and a slightly fuller body ensure it complements both spicy and creamier dishes.

A combination of trellised and bush vines from both Wellington and Paarl regions. Grapes are picked over time between 21 and 23 degrees Balling. They are then crushed, chilled and settled overnight. Fermented warmer at 16° Celsius in stainless steel to yield a simple, clean but slightly fuller wine.

Pretty nice little South African Chenin Blanc (they used to call it “Steen”). Decent minerality, drinks easily and cost about $13.

 

2022 Maipe Malbec Reserve, Gualtallary, Argentina

Maipe Malbec Reserve is made from 100 percent Malbec.

Maipe was the Lord of the Winds for the ancient Andean Indians. He is still called upon to clear the skies after heavy rain, or to temper the summer heat.

The nose reveals dried plum and dark fruits, exotic spices, with hints of violet and chocolate. Round and fleshy, with enticing crushed plum and boysenberry fruit enlivened by a liquorice snap note. Fresh acidity lies buried on the medium-weight, juicy finish.

The grapes are carefully chosen and fermented in small lots to preserve the vineyard identity. Alcoholic fermentation for 12 days with indigenous and selected yeasts, at temperatures of 26 and 30°C, combining, remontage, pigage and delestage in order to obtain the best quality of tannins and structure.

I enjoy this malbec – have had several vintages over the years. Good dark fruits with good acidity to go with foods, especially something grilled. Priced under $20, a real gem.

 

2021 Stolpman Vineyards Crunchy Roastie Syrah, Santa Barbara County, Calilfornia

Superfresh aromas of strawberry, carnation, rose and flaky pastry make for a very approachable nose on this “So Fresh” bottling, which includes 5% Viognier. There's a firm if quick tannic edge to the palate, where an angular structure cuts across the fresh strawberry paste, pomegranate and white-pepper flavors. — Matt Kettmann  91 Pts WE

“Drink chilled” – the bottle says and it is better that way. It is beginning to fade a little bit, but has decent red and black fruit flavors, with a bit of acidity. Drink soon, not something to keep for long – good summer drinking. Priced at about $20.

2018 Rassi Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, California

Blended with 15% Merlot, this affordable red is nutty and herbal in cedar, with strong elements of toasted oak. Dark fruit presents as full bodied and deeply concentrated, with moderate structure giving it a supple foundation of power.                           88pts WE

This beautifully blended 2018 Rassi Cabernet Sauvignon is exquisitely balanced with excellent fruit concentration. On the nose, this wine offers bing cherries, cassis, dried cranberries, black cherry cola, mixed berry jam, and a touch of brioche. The palate offers plush but delicate tannins, sweet black plums, strawberry rhubarb pie, red raspberry coulis, toasted bread, and cocoa dust that lingers on the finish.

This wine is hitting its stride right now. Great dark fruits with underlyingherbs; nice acidity with a moderate long finish. Really well made wine, could hold for several years, as well. Priced at $30, a real bargain.

 

2020 Stefania Mezzetti Annibale Rosso IGT, Cortona, Italy

Color: Intense ruby red with light garnet reflections.

Winemaking: Vinification in steel at a controlled temperature between 26° and 28° C, leaving it to macerate with the skins for 25 days.

80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Umbria, just east of Tuscany and the only wine region of Italy without a coastline is known for deep colored, antioxidant rich reds. This Tuscan inspired blend was matured for 4 months in oak barriques and aged another 4 months in bottle before release.

Aromas of dark berries, dried herbs, cigar box and similar flavors with a hint of spices and toast. Full-Bodied and warm with grippy tannins.

Food pairings: Roasted meats, hearty appetizers, great with cold cuts and aged cheeses

A close-out in the store for about $13, it was a decent Italian wine. Moderate dark fruits with good acidity, it just seemed a little blah to me. OK for the price, but I wouldn’t pursue it.

2019 CUNE Rioja Reserva, Spain

Garnet in color with some cherry red hints. Aromas of forest fruits, blackberries, cherries, strawberries... and licorice being well integrated with notes from aging in barrel such as spices, vanilla and anise. The palate is soft due to a friendly tannin that gives it balance and roundness. The final note of acidity gives us a long wine with a fruity aftertaste.

Perfect pairing with fish, meat, cheese and stews.

90           Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Cune Reserva was produced with a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo from Haro. 2018 was a warm and healthy year that delivered a wine with 14% alcohol and good balance. It fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel vats and matured in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. It's a classical warm year in the style of 2009, or 2015, already with some tertiary notes, hints of earth and leather, spicy and with abundant tannins that call for food.     Rating: 90+

A gift for working for my buddy Matt, this is an awesome Rioja – wonderful black and red fruits with an undertone of spice. Moderate long finish – nice acidity for food, but nice just sipping. Priced in the mid-20’s on the internet, a really nice bottle for that price.

 

2020 Thelema Mountain Red, Western Cape, South Africa

This wine shows inviting aromas of juicy black fruit, mulberries, plums and hints of warm  spice. After  spending 18 months in barrel, the palate is soft and juicy with well rounded  tannins and a long,  delicious finish

Blend    41% Shiraz, 36% Petit Verdot & 23% Grenache

Thelema Mountain Red wine is a tantalising indulgence hailing from the esteemed vineyards in South Africa's Stellenbosch region. It exudes a refined complexity, composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes. This rich red wine arrests the senses with vibrant aromas of dark berries, clove, and subtle hints of tobacco. On the palate, it offers a unique blend of spiced plums, black cherries, and undercurrents of dark chocolate, culminating in a velvety finish. Thelema Mountain Red is truly a testament to dedicated winemaking, making it an ideal companion for hearty meals or contemplative evening soirees.

A nice smooth blend from South Africa, with nice red fruits and a smooth finish. Not tannic, but nicely built for food – lighter than a Bordeaux blend, but a good sipper that goes with grilled fare. Priced around $19, you cannot go wrong with this wine.

 

2021 Tait ‘The Ball Buster’, Barossa Valley, Australia

This 2021 vintage starts out with brooding black plum jam on the nose, followed by a trace of black cherry pie, bitter dark chocolate and cardamom & clove. This vintage is particularly broad-shouldered with tightly wound, ripe tannins. It stays lively through the mid-palate and maintains its rich mouthfeel which is nicely framed until it finishes with textbook silkiness and a lingering spiciness.

Varietal Composition: 77% Shiraz, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot

Used to be Australia was all GSM, but now they are using Cab and Merlot to add to the Shiraz. Brooding is a good word for how this wine first comes off on the nose and palate.  Very full bodied with dark fruits and spices, yet not overpowering in tannins. Moderate finish, a very nice bottle for heavier fare and priced in the upper 20’s, so not a “bank buster”.

 

2020 Donati Family Vineyards Claret, Paso Robles, California

Rounded aromas of berry sauce are coated in mesquite smoke on the nose of this blend of all five primary Bordeaux grapes. The woodspice takes on a hickory flavor on the palate, giving a smoky sense to the soft strawberry fruits. — Matt Kettmann 88 Pts WE

Deep, dense, well extracted, with a solid core, and wonderful lifted black and red fruit. Cocoa powder aromas are framed with well-integrated smokey oak. Full, weighty, very well balanced, possessing good acidity and harmonious, excellent intensity on the palate.​ 90 Points - Tasting Panel Magazine

Based on the Bordeaux model, the wine comes of similar to the French wines.  Black fruit and hints of red, with a bit of herbs and oak. It could age five years, easily. Has fair acidity for heavier fare – slabs of steak – a tasty bottle from the Donati Family in Paso Robles. Priced around $25.

Hope all is well ! Until next month, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.