Wednesday, October 1, 2025

 The Wines of September 2025


You know what they say - Times fun while your having flies. How about some wines!


2021 Remhoogte Chronicle Estate Blend, Stellenbosch, South Africa




Our Estate wine is produced with a component from all 17 red vineyards on the property, the varying soils, aspects and terroir Chronicle the unique story of our Estate and the vintage in which the wine was made. A juicy, complex wine full of character with polished tannins and a bright acidity that brings freshness and length.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinotage.

The 2021 Chronicle now includes Cabernet Franc and Cinsault along with the previous blend of Merlot, Syrah, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon. 17 vineyard blocks over 55 hectares and 8 soil types. The vines vary in age, from 10 to 26 years old.

This is a good red blend from South Africa.  The different grapes really add a bit to the overall structure which has mild tannins but a good blend – nothing sticks out. Priced under $20, well worth the money.

 

2017 Titus Petite Sirah Napa Valley, CA




Titus Vineyards is a family-owned 50-acre vineyard and winery located at the base of Howell Mountain, along the Silverado Trail in the heart of Napa Valley's St. Helena AVA. Classic wines ranging from Beaulieu Vineyards, Cuvaison, and Charles Krug have originated from Titus' historic vineyards. The documented history of the property extends back to 1841, and the land has been continuously farmed for over 150 years. In 1969, the Titus family’s had their first harvest. The winery describes their style: "our modern-day legacies of winemaking and land stewardship are now reflected in the distinctive and well-balanced wines made here at the Titus Vineyards winery."

I got this in a wine swap – a real kick-ass Petite Sirah from Napa Valley. Great red and black fruits with a strong acid backbone, a little tannin left to make it memorable. I think it is about $50, worth a splurge, if you could find it.

 

2022 Fichet Bourgogne Aligote, Burgundy, France




This vintage is composed of young grapes planted by Pierre Yves and Olivier. We want to make this a fruity, young and fresh vintage but with a great deal of maturity. We have never wanted to create a traditionally acidic Aligoté. With appetizers, grilled fish, seafood, Burgundy snails and goat cheese from Macon, this wine will delight the Aligoté enthusiast.

We forget about the other white from Burgundy, yet it is a refreshing white wine. Has good acidity to go with foods, with melon and lime flavors. We have it for about $15, really nice.

 

2022 Llama Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina




Modern wine with attractive dark cherry-red color with violet hues. The nose shows great intensity. Fruity aromas of cherries, blackberries and plums stand out against a background of fine toasty hints from ageing in top-quality oak. Warm, rounded and well structured on the palate, with an explosion of fruit flavors underscored by light oaky notes. Pleasant, persistent aftertaste.

Malbec is a great match with any type of hard cheese such as Manchego, or barbequed meat dish with cracked black pepper.               

James Suckling 91

A flavorful and chewy malbec with aromas of olives, black fruit, mocha and tobacco. Full-bodied with excellent flavor concentration.

A fun little malbec with upfront red fruits and a decent backbone. A good everyday type of bottle for about $15.

 

2019 Chateau Les Gravettes, Bordeaux Superieur, Gironde, France




Dominated by Merlot, this fruity wine from the Entre-deux-Mers region offers black-currant flavors and soft tannins. Drink now. — Roger Voss 87 Pts WE

Attractive dark ruby-red and brilliant this classic Bordeaux is explosive, intense and complex at the same time. The palate entices due by its ampleness, richness, fullness as well as by the aromatic finish on the palate. Harmonious and long, the ideal accompaniment to a game such as leg of lamb with herbs or goat’s cheeses.

James Suckling  91

Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, baking spices and walnuts. It’s medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Juicy with a chalky texture and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

An inexpensive Bordeaux, this has good fruit and sufficient backbone to go with red meat. Not something that will age too long (3 – 4 years) but worth the under $15 price


2023 Orin Swift Sign of the Times, California




An opaque fuchsia core and a crimson laced rim introduces one to the 2023 Sign of the Times. Pleasing opening aromatics have notes of black plum, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and leather. The palate centers the attention with tones of blue fruits , more cassis , a hint of licorice and sweet oak. Well integrated tannins keep the wine approachable in its youth while the balancing acidity gives it some aging potential.                           Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Grenache

MATURATION   8 months in French Oak, 28% New

The 2023 Orin Swift Sign of the Times is a full-bodied red wine from California, crafted by winemaker Dave Phinney. It features a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Grenache, aged for 8 months in French oak. The wine showcases aromas of black plum, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and leather, with a palate of blue fruits, cassis, licorice, and sweet oak. It is noted for its supple, integrated tannins that make it approachable in youth, while the balanced acidity gives it potential for aging. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, roast lamb, and dark chocolate desserts.

Very fruit forward with a decent body – good for a $30 bottle of Orin Swift. Limited edition, but worth snapping up

 

2023 Tapestry Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast, California




Part of Beaulieu Vineyard's Central Coast lineup, this affordable bottling pops on the nose with green pear, grass and white pepper notes. The palate is bright with flavors of grass, guava peel and green mango. — Matt Kettmann  90 Pts WE

This vibrant white from California’s Central Coast brings refreshing citrus and tropical fruit to the forefront, balanced by crisp acidity and a clean, elegant finish. Notes of lemon zest, green apple, and a touch of floral lift make it a go-to for seafood, salads, or sunny afternoons. A beautifully crafted bottle—inside and out—that’s sure to brighten any occasion.

Surprising for a Cali Sauvignon Blanc, almost tastes more like a New Zealand wine. Lots of grapefruit and lemon grass and decent acidity to go with foods. Priced around $15, nice bottle.

 

NV Juve Y Camps Gran Reserva Brut Rose, Spain




65% Xarel·lo 30% Pinot Noir 5% Red Grenache

Origin Penedès

Tasting note This sparkling rosé boasts a surprising pale hue with delicate pastel undertones and lively bubbles. On the nose, it reveals a harmonious medley of wild strawberry, subtle rose petals, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with crisp, finely integrated bubbles that awaken the senses. A delicate salinity adds depth and complexity to this Brut Nature, while the long, elegant finish leaves a lasting impression of sophistication and finesse.

One of my favorite pink sparkling wines, this is vibrant with strawberry and floral hints. Good finish and acidity to match lighter fare. Good price at only $25, get a bottle and try it!

 

2022 Estrada Palacio Vispius Red Blend, Bespen, Spain




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

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.

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.

50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha

An inexpesive Spanish wine that does a good job of blending the grapes. Fruit forward with a decent backbone. Priced under $15, a great everyday wine.

 

2021 Borsoa Tres Picos Garnacha, Borja, Spain



Very intense cherry red color with tones of purple. Presents in the nose a great concentration of aromas of ripe red fruit with floral nuances. In the mouth, it is a well structured rich wine that evokes tastes of blackberry, plum and tones of leather and vanilla, with a soft and silky tannin.

James Suckling  91 Pts

A juicy and expressive garnacha with ripe plums and spiced cherries. Sappy and ripe with lots of tart cherries and strawberries. A hint of coffee and vanilla in the medium-long finish.

Garnarcha can be subtle, but not in this case. The fruit is very evident but has a backbone and some tannins. I have had this before (earlier vintages) and tis one could use a year in the cellar to calm down. Priced at under $20, a real good wine.

 

2019 La Rioja Alta Vista Alberdi Reserva, Rioja Spain




A wine with a high robe, bright, garnet colour and intense red cherry tones on the rim of the glass. On the nose, its aromatic intensity of ripe fruit, strawberries, raspberries and red berries stands out, rounding off the pleasant balsamic notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. On the palate it is round, balanced, with a pleasant initial freshness and sweet, round tannins, giving way to a long, fruity and balsamic aftertaste, so characteristic of Viña Alberdi.

James Suckling  92 Pts

Attractive aromas of sweet spices, smoke and seaweed. Some roasted nuts. Hints of Iberico ham. Medium-bodied with a nice rounded character to the tannins and juicy fruit. Pure tempranillo.

Wine Spectator 91 Pts

Hints of toast, smoke and spices lace flavors of soft cherry and plum fruit, mandarin orange peel and dried flowers and herbs in this well-knit, medium-bodied red, framed by lightly chewy tannins.

Rioja showing very well – the red fruits stand out, yet the body is heavier with some tannins. Awesome red wine and priced around $25 – made it to the Wine Spectator top 100. Also in the "Top Value" wines from the Spectator.

 

2018 Cerro Anon Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain




This wine shows a deep red colour with shades of ruby on the rim of the glass. To the nose, at the time of release, it revealed a delicate balance between ripe red berry aromas and those of spices and smokiness. Over time, bouquet has grown more complex, showing aromas of leather, coffee beans and raisins. Mouthfeel is as firm, elegant and smooth as one should expect from a Rioja Gran Reserva, with a surprisingly long and fresh finish.

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

Gran Reserva means longer aging in Spain and this bottle shows what happens when they do it right.  Really nice wine that only runs about $30 – get two and cellar one for a year.

 

So, another month gone past. Hope all is well with you. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

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