The Wines of January 2026

    The calendar has rolled over to a new month. Here are the wines I tasted during "not-so-dry" January.

2018 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 704, Napa Valley, California

Wine Enthusiast, April 2021         WE 96

This is the first vintage of the Australian producer's foray into Napa Valley. It is tightly structured yet supple, bursting in bright currant and strawberry flavors. Savory components of sage, dried herb and black pepper dot the palate alongside silky tannins and chocolate-laced richness. A fresh touch of blood orange arises on the finish. Enjoy from 2028–2033.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2021 WA 91

"A hemispherical mirror image of Bin 407," Penfolds's chief winemaker, Peter Gago, said with a smile. It was only then that I got that 704 is 407 backwards. "We are able to access vineyards in Napa that others can’t access," he went on to say, referencing Treasury Wine Estates' considerable landholdings in this region. Beringer, Sterling Vineyards, Stags’ Leap Winery, Beaulieu Vineyards, etc. "We have sensitively used small amounts from our top vineyards—requested rows in the Burgundian model."

A very good Napa Cab – good red and black fruits with some herbs and spices on the palate. Almost delecate in the weaving of flavors and a nice long finish. Great bottle – about $75 retail, well worth the spend.

 

2019 Pira Giorgio Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy

 “Deep rose colored. Scents of roses and subtle red fruit.  Subtle red fruit, earth with soft silky and seductive. Firm mouthful of spice and tannin on a lightly medium frame.  Finishes with a classic kiss of earth and roses.”

Closed out at $20, this is a classic Nebbiolo. A little “soft” on the palate, the flavors of red fruit come through with herbs on a nice medium finish. Still have a bottle in my wine fridge – will enjoy with a lovely Italian meal.

 

2023 Stellenbosch Reserve Cinsault, Stadsaal, South Africa

Cinsault grapes were fermented in open top fermenters with 25% of the grapes left as whole bunches, and 75% destemmed and left as whole berry. The grapes were not crushed in order to capture fruit purity and varietal definition. Fermentation and maceration took place over a period of 7 days before pressing. Maturation took place in seasoned 500L French oak barrels for 12 months.

Captivating sweet and savoury aromas, with notes of strawberry, bay leaf, blueberry, and earthy compost. Hints of paprika and cinnamon add a spicy complexity, leading to bold flavours on the palate. Medium-bodied with grippy, spicy tannins, revealing layers of sour cherry, strawberry and black pepper on the finish.

A nice Cinsault – light like a delicate Pinot Noir but with a different palate. Red fruits but more spice and a touch of tannins. Gift – I’m not sure of the price. Treat more like a Pinot than any Cabernet.

 

2019 DeLoach Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, California

This radiant Zinfandel unveils its enchanting character with enticing aromas of oven-baked plum, fragrant baking spice, subtle white pepper, and an earthy dustiness that awakens the senses. Upon the palate, it exhibits a generous and invigorating profile, brimming with succulent licorice, luscious black cherry, and delicate hints of dark tea. Possessing a harmonious medium-bodied structure, it caresses the palate with its gracefully rounded tannins, culminating in a finish that is opulently rich and profoundly intense.

Closed out (again) at $15, this zinfandel still had the bright red fruit with dark notes and some herbs. Moderate finish, tannins were very laid back. Not bad – what you expect from Russian River Zins. Of course I am reminded of Cecil DeLoach, original owner, who had his "best" wines called OFS. Our Finest Selection - well, not really. The retired firefighter actaully said "Out F_in Standing"

 

2019 Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

This wine is a modern nod to history. Aged in large vessels sealed with reeds, ingrained with the wisdom of the past. This pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon evolves with each sip and gracefully unfolds on the palate. A slightly bashful beginning leads to an exuberant end. Having just oneglass will require some serious restraint.

91 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

COMMENTARY: The 2019 Brendel Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious treat from start to finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits lovely aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, violets, and savory spices. Enjoyed with pan-seared flap steak and a side of baby bok choy. (Tasted: August 14, 2021, San Francisco, CA)

Reduced to move the last 2 bottles (at $20), this is a wine that had the Heitz family behind it. Not using smaller barrels, this wine did not hold as well as expected. Black fruits were evident, but overall the impression was not big broad Napa Cabernet. Even with red meat, it didn’t sing and the finish was just so-so. Disappointing – okay for $20, but not the $50 original price.

 

2021 Neal Family Rutherford Dust Vineyard Zinfandel, Napa, California

The 2021 Neal Family Zinfandel Rutherford Dust Vineyard is a, organically grown Napa Valley red wine characterized by intense aromas of blue fruits, wild strawberry, and baking spices. It features a 14.6% alcohol content, offering a harmonious palate of black cherry, jam, and pepper with structured tannins, typically aged in large Hungarian oak barrels.

Our Zinfandel is showing plummy purple and crimson edges with a moderate depth of color. It has alluring aromatics including blueberries, wild strawberry. and red fruits that harmonize with under currents of vanilla, Brazil nut, cinnamon, and baking spices. The overall impression is one of harmony, with deep pools of fruit.

There is a difference between Napa Zins and Sonoma County. Still loaded with red and black fruits, this wine is more layered and reserved on the palate. Decent finish with fine tannins woven into the flavors. Normal price around $30 – I grabbed it at $20. Worth the money…

 

2016 Aster Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Very intense forest berry nose, with, redcurrants, blackberries, violets and fennel leading to a complex background of sweet spices, licorice, cedar, tobacco leaves and cocoa powder. Powerful, in the mouth, with great structure and balance.

92  James Suckling

Dark cherries, blueberries, dried herbs, smoke, cracked pepper and baking spices on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Dark, chalky and smoky on the palate with a supple finish. Drink or hold.

92  Wine & Spirits

The team at La Rioja Alta settled in Anguix when they set out to produce an estate-grown Ribera del Duero. Their 2016 is tannic, as cool and black as a moonless night. Tight and smoky at first, it reveals some spice and fruit ripeness that brings a peachy edge to the dark fruit. Decant it for slow-braised short ribs.

A beautiful wine from Ribera del Duero – with aging it still has that great Tempranillo fruit with a nice mouthfeel of fruit and herbs. Moderate finish with mild tannins still remaining.  Priced around $27, this wine is still wonderful and worth the cost.

 

2022 Palacio Del Burgo Crianza, Rioja, Spain

Palacio del Burgo Crianza is made from 90% Tempranillo & 10% Graciano.

Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature; aged in American oak barrels for 12 months.

Red ruby colored wine with violet tones; well-balanced, black fruit, vanilla and coconut flavors. Powerful, complex and silky smooth…classic old style Rioja at a bargain price.

Pairs well with aged cheeses and grilled meats

Reviews:              "Burnished with plums, mulberries, cherries and plums embraced by a casing of generous vanilla oak and creamy texture, with scores of chalky tannins and a tobacco length."

- 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, 95 pts, GOLD MEDAL

I was surprised how well this little Rioja tasted. It went great with a meal and had that classic red/black fruit with other undertones.  You can find it under $20, worth every penny. It would age well for at least 5 years, with some tannins and a good backbone to hold it over. BTW, I pulled the wrong picture...

2022 Method Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Aromatics of deep, regal, dark fruits, with hints of baking and savory spices, leap out of the glass. The palate promises rich, dense blackberry, Olallieberry, cardamom, tobacco, chocolate cocoa nibs, and a lip-smacking finish. Decant and Enjoy. Pair with grilled bone-in rib-eye, rosemary herbed butter, creamer potatoes.             94 Pts WE

This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of brambly raspberry and lavender, layered with barrel notes of vanilla and toffee. Ruch black plumb and black cherry are at the forefront of a solid core of fruit that coats the palate, while an underlying note of mocha complements the bold, firm texture and full body.

A definite Cali Cab without specific vineyards, this wine shows well as a Classic style Cab from the Golden State. Very full nose of red fruit swith a palate of red and black fruits with a hint of dust and pencil lead. Moderate tannins indicate that it will live in the cellar for at least 5 years. A steal at $24, can be found for less at many locations ($18 at my store).  Just a wow wine, indeed.

 

2023 Windstorm Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County, California

This offering is worth checking out if you are interested in wines grown in high-elevation, volcanic soils. The wine highlights aromas of rich, dense, dark berries, pomegranate, black tea, and dried herbs pronounced on the nose. The flavors range from dark to blackberry, lingonberry, allspice, and black molasses, with dusty tannins coming through at moments on the finish. Decant and Enjoy pair with lollipop lamb chops, creamy polenta, pomegranate, cranberry, orange relish. 92Pts WE

The palate is full-bodied and powerful, with a core of ripe black cherry and cassis flavors, framed by firm, well-structured tannins. Layers of spice, leather, and a hint of tobacco from the oak aging process contribute to a rich, textured mouthfeel. The finish is long and persistent, with a lingering note of mocha and a subtle smoky undertone.

Less nose on this Cabernet, but a good palate of mostly black fruits with tobacco and sage undertones. Moderate tannins but nice acidity for food, moderate finish as well. Very nice Lake County Cab, priced around $20, well worth it. FYI, you can't tell it but the Tornado is actually little music notes. Cool label. 

Another month has gone by, trying to survive the cold. Hope all is well. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 

The Wines of December 2025

We've made it through another year! Here are the wines I samples and drank during the "Holiday" month of December.

2013 Nickel & Nickel Darien Vineyard Syrah, Russian River Valley, CA

Syrah is naturally dark in color, and the 2013 Darien Vineyard Syrah is ink in the glass. This wine opens with wild berries and spice aromas. Juicy plum, boysenberry, leather and anise are rich on the palate, melding with understated meat and char notes. The velvety texture and the balanced acidity support the fruit flavors through the long finish.

An excellent Syrah from N&N – I had only had Cabernet from them. Cork blew out so I had to decant it, but it had good body, excellent fruit and spices. Worked well with food – very good wine. A gift, I don’t know the price

 

2022 Opolo Zinfandel Summit Creek, Paso Robles, CA

The 2022 Summit Creek Zinfandel presents warm aromas of black plum and cherry with notes of caramel, dried hay and sandalwood. The palate is broad and lushly textured with rounded flavors of blueberry, black cherry, pomegranate and vanilla. A soft, engulfing finish lingers with hints of light peppery spice.

Wine Enthusiast               90 pts

Woody aromas of hickory and mesquite lift the black cherry core on the nose of this bottling. Strong licorice flavors weave through baked red cherry on the palate.

A pretty fair zin, not outstanding but very drinkable. Nice fruit but not anything that knocks your senses. Priced around $17, worth drinking.

2021 Navigator Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA

Plenty of fresh berry flavors are accented by wild sage, mint and toasted oak in this complex, well-balanced wine. It brings out the classic fruit-herb-pepper complexity of Zinfandel grown in Sonoma County. 92 Pts WE

Varietal Composition | 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Petit Verdot

Region | Dry Creek, Sonoma County

Cooperage | 10 Months in 40% New French Oak

This is my style of zin – lush with fruit and spices and good backbone. You just want to keep drinking this wine until it is gone. Nice packaging for the bottle and priced at $20. Real steal, get some of this wine.

 

2022 Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, CA

The wine's nose has rich blackberry, blueberry, cola, sweet spice, coriander, and vanilla cream notes. The flavors on this palate exude fresh dark berries, tart red currant, citrus zest, allspice, black peppercorn, and grippy tannins on the finish. Pair with Waygu sliders, cheddar cheese, romesco sauce. 91 Pts WE

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural vintage of Black Stallion Wines coming from the North Coast – a prestigious appellation on the California coast that continues our signature profile of slightly softer and approachable Cabernet Sauvignon.

A pretty tasty little cabernet in the $20 range – right at that price. Nice nose of black and red fruits followed on the palate by the same fruits, root beer candy and some baking spices. Slight tannins on the finish. Overall, a very pleasant wine well worth the price.

 

2021 Faustino Grenache, Spain

This Rioja Garnacha offers aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and baking spices. The palate is juicy and vibrant, with flavors of strawberry, cinnamon, and a hint of dried herbs, supported by silky tannins and a lively, fruity finish.

Faustino Art Collection emerges from the personality of Faustinos Brand: its internationality, diversity and the links of Familia Martnez Zabala with. the art. The iconic Faustino label, painted in 1641 by Rembrandt, is reimagined by celebrated modern artist Willy Ramos, offering a new dimension to the most iconic brand of Rioja.

A little one dimensional, but does have some red fruits and some spices. Almost a little tired, but not terrible. Priced at $17, I’ve seen it really cheap online. OK if you get a good price.

 

2023 Borsao Garnacha Seleccion, Borja, Spain

Wild cherries, mushrooms and aniseed on the nose. Some cinnamon. It’s full-bodied, plump and rich, with soft tannins and a ripe and spicy finish.    JS 90 Pts

"This wine shows all the varietal character of the Garnacha from Campo de Borja. Sourced from small parcels in the Tabuenca, Borja, and Pozuelo vineyards, it expresses the essence of Borsao. Located between the Sierra de Moncayo mountain range and the Ebro River valley, this historic region has produced wine since the late 12th century. The continental climate is mitigated by the “cierzo” wind that cools the vineyards nightly."

The little brother of the Tres Pico from Borsao. This had red fruit on the nose and palate with earth and spice on the palate. Seemed lively – priced at $10, this little bottle is worth buying a bunch for “school night” wine.

 

2010 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

This 100% Cabernet is a blend of the winery's S.L.V. and Fay vineyards, and one of the most famous bottlings in Napa Valley. But the 2010 simply is not in the same league of past bottlings. It's pleasant with rich blackberry, cherry, cocoa and new oak flavors, all wrapped up with fine tannins. But it doesn't deliver that "wow!" factor, especially at this price, and it doesn't seem particularly ageworthy. Blame it on the erratic vintage. Drink now–2015.                  88Pts WE

In a vintage such as 2010 where individual terroirs are so clearly marked, the Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cask 23 – a blend of the SLV and Fay – is at a distinct disadvantage because it naturally lacks the character and personality of those two wines. I must also note that the SLV and Fay have improved dramatically on their own terms, so the rationale of blending them is further diminished. To be sure the Cask 23 is an excellent representation of the vintage. There is plenty of 2010 fruit, structure and tannin, along with attractive hints of smoke, tar and incense, but at the end of the day, I find the Cask 23 less satisfying than Stags’ Leap Wine Cellars’ very best wines. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030. 90 Pts WA

This was a gift bottle. With the winery involved, 15 years should not be a real risk. This wine was good, but not great. It still had some black fruits and oak, but the tannins were lacking and the overall body did not really stand up. This is a case where the Wine Enthusiast nailed the review and Parker missed it.

 

2022 Kate Arnold Pinot Noir Hirschy Vineyard, Willamette, Oregon

Ruby Hirschy Vineyard is located in the heart of the Yamhill Carlton AVA. The Willamette Valley vineyard offers an ideal environment for cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir, known for their depth and complexity. The neighboring winemakers, who also benefit from the fertile soil, contribute to a vibrant atmosphere that nurtures continuous growth and yields fruit of remarkable quality with each season.  Raspberry, lilac, pomegranate, hoisin, sage, blood orange, Cherry cola, thyme, red plum, white pepper, black tea, cranberry.  Medium weight with balanced acidity throughout; a clean and light finish

A really good wine – an Oregon Pinot that shows great fruit, spices and good acidity. Mostly red fruits come through but the palate is greeted with spices and some earthy flavors. Clean finish – not long but satisfying. Priced at $30, this is a killer Pinot that should eb in your cellar.

 

NV Uggiano Lunare Prosecco Rose, Veneto, Italy

roses. Intense and complex aromatics are both floral and fruity with hints of peach, raspberry and ripe passion fruit. The palate is full-bodied with fresh acidity and an exciting finish.

Excellent as an aperitif or served with fried vegetables, seafood and salads.

Glera and Pinot Nero fruit is harvested from Guyot trellised vineyards with good sun exposure. The juice is left on the skins for a short maceration period of 24 - 36 hours at 8 - 10 °C before primary fermentation commences through inoculation. The wine is then racked into low-temperature pressure tanks for secondary fermentation.

Not fancy, but great drinking – eating appetizers and lighter foods or just drinking it by itself. Nice color with red fruits and a bracing acidity. Priced under $20, great to serve to guests or yourself.

2024 Tellurian Nero d’Avola, Victoria, Australia

Bright, fresh, and medium-bodied, this Heathcote-grown Nero d’Avola bursts with sour cherry, juicy red fruit, and a hint of spice. Silky tannins and a gentle earthiness round out the finish, making this Southern Italian variety right at home in Central Victoria.

Variety: 100% Nero d’Avola

Vineyard: Block 11, Tellurian Vineyard

Winemaking: Fermented on skins for 19 days; matured in neutral oak for 6 months

Pair with: Slow-cooked pork ribs with a tangy glaze

Enjoy now or cellar until 2030

Bright, bouncy raspberry and red cherry aromas are etched in savory herbs and spices. A midweight wine from the distinctive Heathcote region of Victoria, it's silky and round around the edges but with crunchy fruit and spice that all equates to a tasty drop for any season. 92 pts WE

A grape that is famous in Sicily grown in the climate of Australia. Sounds crazy, right? Well, this proves that odd things can come from Down Under. This bright wine has big red fruit with herbs and spices showing on the palate. Nice acidity and body – this wine loves food. This is a killer and you could stump your friends with this bottle. Priced at about $35, well worth every penny.

 

2016 Chateau Hostens-Picant Red, Bordeaux, France

This shows deep, purple berries and violet-like flowers on the nose with a wealth of fine, plush tannins that carry neat and even into the medium-bodied, smoothly rendered palate. James Suckling, 2016, 90 Points

Notes of plum, cherry, strawberry and raspberry. The silky entry precedes a fresh and velvety tannic mouthfeel. A classic Bordeaux red with lots of freshness and good length. Best when decanted for an hour.

Red meats, lamb, duck confit, Livarot cheese.

15 - 20 year old vines grown in clay-limestone soils produce 35 to 40 hectoliters per hectare. Vinification in stainless steel vats and maturation in barrels for 10 to 12 months.

This is an old style Bordeaux that needed to age a few years before drinking (and release). Mostly red fruits with some oak and tannins. Needs decanting for best showing – retails for $37, might be cheaper in some markets. Pretty good wine but not everyone’s style.

 

2019 Backsberg Four Pillars Cabernet Sauvignon, Paarl, South Africa

Cool-crushed and cold-soaked for a few days prior to fermentation. During fermentation, aerated pump-overs four times a day further aid in the gentle extraction of colour and tannin. Post fermentation skin contact and 18 months of oak aging produce a wine that is bold in structure with sufficient weight on the mid-palate.

 In honour of generations past and present, this Cabernet Sauvignon is strong and structured like the pillars themselves, with an enticing bouquet of blackcurrant, wood shavings and lavender scents

A ripe but fresh nose of blackberries, blackcurrants and dark cherry pastries.

 James Suckling, 90 points

A very nice Cabernet from South Africa. Good red and black fruits with nice body and some tannins with good acidity. Nice to sip but better with red meats. Priced at $20, quite a good buy

 

2023 Stellenbosch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Youthful aromas of blackcurrant, red and black cherries, dark chocolate, and a touch of tobacco and cedar. A powerful entry reveals ripe blackcurrant, juicy black plums, and mulberry, balanced by a firm tannic edge. Layers of roasted herbs, graphite, and a subtle hint of green peppercorn add depth and complexity. A refined expression of a classic Stellenbosch Cabernet

A blockbuster Cabernet that will get better with a few years of bottle aging. Red and black fruits dominate the palate with herbs and solid tannins. Good body and acidity for red meat, this is a great wine. Retail price is $33, but could be cheaper in markets.  This is what a great South African wine should be at a price that is affordable.

Hope all is well - stay warm - looks like Winter will be closing in. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.