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.
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