February 2019 Wines

Another Month of Winter

Seems like we were a couple days short for this month. Oh wait, that's right it is only 28 days.

Read that the average wine bottle is about 2.7 pounds. But - there are bottle that weigh a pound more. Trying to make them seem "better" - but all it does is increase shipping costs and make your arm tired if you are pouring 80+ two-ounce pours. Hurts your foot more if you drop it. 

All right, let's talk about some wines...

2017 Shannon Ridge Zinfandel, Lake County, CA

92 Points Editors’ Choice               Wine Enthusiast

Extraordinarily deep and resonant in a black fruit flavor, this is a full-bodied wine that has great focus and a moderate layer of tannins to offer grip. Black berry, plum and cherry flavors all contribute to the palate and keep reverberating on the finish.

Winemaker Notes

The High Elevation Collection is a careful blend of three appellations within Lake County. The clusters from High Valley bring structure and backbone, the Red Hills Appellation contributes lush fruit and ripe characteristics, and Big Valley grapes add tannin and fruit tones to these lively wines.

This Zinfandel has ripe fruit characters of blackberry and plum. The midpalate is an explosion of spices and fruit, balanced with soft oak notes and a structured finish.

Very nicely balanced zinfandel, with good fruit and spice throughout the wine. Moderate aftertaste, but a great bottle for less than $15. Worth revisiting at that price point.

2015 Chateau Larroque, Bordeaux, France

95WA 

 Château Larroque Bordeaux Supérieur 2015 is deep garnet. Dark red fruits, cocoa, vanilla, and almond on the nose. While full-bodied and supple, with fresh berries and earthy, dried fruit. Yet, finishes with fine and silky tannins. Drink now or should shine for five years or more.

89 Points              Wine Enthusiast

While this Ducourt wine does have wood-aging flavors, it also has plenty of black-currant fruitiness to bring out the crisp character. The ripe Merlot of the vintage is very evident in this potentially delicious wine. Drink from 2018.

When first opened, this seemed a little lacking. After being open a while and the next day, the fruit came alive and it was a nice bottle of juice. Nuanced like Bordeaux, light tannins, made a good match with red meats (and pork). Finish is light but enough to make you drink more – priced under $15 – a very good buy.

2013 Arrowhead Red & Gold Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, County, CA

For the oenophile, Arrowhead Red & Gold Reserve is serious stuff. This single vineyard, estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Knights Valley in Sonoma, an area that earns top scores from the wine industry's top critics.

Despite the obvious marketing ploy and that I would have preferred to drink this when the Chiefs were in the Super Bowl, this is a well made nice wine. Good tannins, bright fruit held together with an acidic base to make food pairing easy. On sale at $20, well worth that price.

2015 Trione  River Road Ranch Pinot Noir, Sonoma, CA

Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir River Road Ranch opens with notes of crushed black cherries, mulberries and raspberry tart with a wonderfully spicy undercurrent of cinnamon toast and allspice notions. Medium to full-bodied, it gives a lovely savory character in the mouth with soft tannins and background acid, finishing with all those spices coming through. 1,269 cases produced. – Wine Advocate 90 Points

River Road Ranch encompasses 125 acres in the heart of the Russian River Valley appellation. Located on the western bench of the Santa Rosa Plain, the vineyard thrives in well-drained soils. The region’s fog-cooled nights are ideal for this varietal. We hand-harvested the Pinot Noir from distinct blocks, clones #115, #777, Pomard and UCD#37, a classic California selection. Each clone contributed distinctive flavors and textural characteristics.

This is a very good Pinot Noir – long finish, silky fruits like cherry with a little earthiness. Wonderful balance to be very food friendly. Very good – little out of my normal wheel house at $33 for a Pinot but a nice splurge.

2015 Trione “Henry’s Blend” Home Ranch, Alexander valley, CA

Winemaker Notes:

This wine is complex and ever changing, it’s rich and inviting on the nose. The first impression is subtle notes of black currants, Bing cherries and blackberries overlain with hints of cedar, sandal wood and a smoky rainforest. The finish is mouthwatering and leaves the palate wanting more. One bottle is not enough. This wine is drinking fantastic now but has the tannins and complexity to age another 6-7 years.

This Bordeaux-Style blend is 35% Cabernet Sauvignon from our Cloverdale and Home Ranch, 34% Merlot from our Geyserville Ranch, 13% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec all coming from blocks near the winery at our Home Ranch property. 1,516 six-packs were produced.

This is a Bordeaux style blend is a stunning wine. Big nose of red and black fruits with a broad mouthfeel – heavy dark fruits with a tannic backbone for a long finish. I found it compelling, gaining complexity with evry sip – matched a meal of steak very well.  Priced around $45 – it was on sale for $35. Well worth the price.

2015 Trione block 21 Cabernet Sauvignon , Alexander  Valley, CA

This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% each of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The 2013 growing season was moderate, thus promoting slow ripening and full flavor development. We hand-harvested and fermented each variety separately, then moved the wines to barrel, where they aged twelve months. Once we determined our blend, we returned the wine to barrel for an additional twelve months, to ‘marry’ the varietals. We used tight grained French oak barrels (45% new) from coopers Quintessence, Vicard and Bossuet.

Aromatic entry filled with hints of clove, allspice and nutmeg. The impression on the palate is soft, with silky tannins and lingering hints of mocha and cedar cigar box. Also present are the fruit profiles of plum, currant, blueberries and boysenberry. The finish is long and persistent which shows the beautiful balance of tannin/acidity/oak in the structure. This wine is showing the benefit of barrel and bottle age and is drinking perfectly now and will age gracefully for the next 5-10 years.

This bad boy is a candidate for aging a number of years. The tannins were mouth drying, yet dark fruit and cigar box flavors came out. Very long finish- a wonderful showing of Alexander Valley fruit. Priced around $70, was on special for $60. Very impressive wine from the folks at Trione.

Well, another month has flown by. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.

Wine of January, 2019

Another month has flown by - here are some more wines to review

2017 Finca Bacara Time waits for No One Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

Aged 6 months in American oak barrels. Garnet red color with violet hues; clean and bright. Powerful and intense nose where a ripe fruit aroma dominates, with hints of new wood. In the mouth it is balanced, round, and savory, with a pure finish. Pairs well with all kinds of rice, red meat, cod, red tuna, blue cheeses, and cured cheeses.              Decanter: 95 Points

A very nice bottle of Monastrell – the oak aging adds a complexity to the dark richness of the wine. Very nice for a $12 price point and a very fun label – when else would you serve something with a skull and cross-bones!

NV Gloria Ferrer Sonoma, Brut, Sonoma, Ca

The Sonoma Brut has been carefully crafted entirely from hand-harvested Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. This brut is dominated by Pinot Noir, a stylistic decision enabling the complex aromatic and palate profile that this red-skinned grape contributes to brut cuvées.

On the nose, delicate pear and floral notes are backed by toasty almond. On the palate, one finds lively citrus, toast and apple flavors overlaid with persistent effervescence, a creamy mid-palate and a toasty finish.

Made from mostly Pinot Noir grapes, with an addition of 8.8% Chardonnay, this Méthode Champenoise wine is sultry in raspberry cream and crème brûlée, with enough acidity to keep it fresh in the glass. The finish offers a taste of toast with ginger jam.         Wine Enthusiast               92 Points

I usually don’t include sparkling wines, but…Our usual buy has been hard to find. The Chateau Ste Michelle Brut – priced from $10 to $15 seems to be hard to get anymore. My wife has not been very impressed with the Cava from Spain, so I went California to see if it would suffice. This runs around $20 and has a nice mouthfeel and a good flavor of brioche with decent acidity. May become the new “House Bubbly” but I am trying a few others, as well. 

2016 Besadien Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

AGING: 12 months in 40% new French oak

TASTING NOTES: Aromas of dark cherry and red raspberry with vanilla, cedar and notes of black tea. The palate is bright, rich and highly textured with assertive black cherry, cola, cocoa and raspberry flavors that continue on the finish.

A pleasing bouquet of violets, cherries and cola introduces this wine. The fruit shines on the palate, with flavors of mixed red and blue berries. The balance is spot on and the wine is ready for near-term enjoyment.      Wine Enthusiast               90 Points

This is a very good pinot – light yet filled with berry fruit and hints of earthiness. Moderate finish with enough acidity to be a good food match. Priced around $20 and with a great label – the Beso is Spanish for kiss and the trees form what look like lips on the label. I recommend this wine.

2016 Joseph Drouhin HdB Morgon, Burgundy, France

In 2014 Maison Joseph Drouhin signed an exclusive partnership with the Hospices de Belleville, historical owner of 34 acres in the 3 crus of Fleurie, Brouilly and Morgon.

This partnership confirms the interest this Burgundy House has always shown towards her close neighbor, the Beaujolais, which is considered as a natural extension of the "Greater Burgundy" region. Convinced as we are of the great potential of these vineyards, we are committed to the renaissance and the development of the renown of the Beaujolais crus.

Frédéric Drouhin, president of the executive board of Maison Joseph Drouhin is convinced: "We have always been attracted to the exceptional terroirs of the crus du Beaujolais. This partnership will allow us access to prestigious vineyards of high quality.

A single plot : "Château Gaillard" of 12 acres.

CHARACTERISTICS:  "Château Gaillard" is situated in the north of the village of Villié-Morgon facing south-east. Its soil is comprised of very flaky cristalline rocks, iron oxide and manganese.

GRAPE VARIETY: Gamay

VINIFICATION: Depending on the plot and the quality of the grapes, part of the harvest is de-stemmed for a ‘Burgundy style’ vinification with punch downs and pump overs, whilst the rest is vinified as whole cluster with carbonic maceration. Slow fermentation lasts between 10 to 15 days.

AGEING: The wines which are vinified Burgundy style are aged in large ‘pieces’ (500 liters), stainless steel tanks are reserved for the wines issued from carbonic maceration. The wines are then assembled into one unique ‘cuvée’.

TASTING NOTES: The color is purple violet, this Morgon already unveils its temperament by aromas of very ripe red fruits, spices and liquorice. The palate confirms a tannic structure, a little firm as yet, covered by balanced and fruity flesh.

The Gamay grape is underestimated – when done in this style, with care taken to vinify the best – you end up with a very tasty wine with good balance of fruit with structure and decent acidity. This is a great food wine – probably not a long term ager, but very good with variety of food. Available under $25, maybe as low as $20, a good buy.

2012 Carmelo Patti Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

Wine Advocate 94

“As traditional as it gets, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon was kept in the winery until Patti thought the wine was ready to drink. He's in search of an elegant, classical and polished wine that still keeps the varietal character but does not show the effect of the wood. The color, aromas and flavors are quite developed, nuanced and polished, with complexity and detail. It does have the herbal and spicy character of the grape (all the textbook descriptors are there: tobacco, forest floor, something herbal) and the warmth of the vintage and the place. It's harmonious, with moderate alcohol and good freshness. It's just delicious, like a trip to the past.“ ~ LG

This is a big Cabernet – lots of fruit, some complexity on the palate. A wine with some aging potential, it drinks wonderful now – went great with a slab of meat. Priced around $30, you could fool your friends with bottle – they would assume it was more expensive. Very nice…

2012 Gillmore “Vigno” Carignan, Maule, Chile

Gillmore is one of the Maule Valley's top producers of Carignan. This warm-vintage offering smells of cedar, balsamic notes, spice and dark fruits. In the mouth, it's a touch choppy, while salty plum, fresh tomato, herb and spice flavors end long, spicy and oaky. Drink through 2021.       91 Points WE

Two thoughts about this wine. First, every Chilean wine tends to have a small amount of briny earthiness ( I call it Funk)- it is not a defect, just the nature of the beast. This one has some. Second, Carignan has long been known as a filler grape, used with others to make a blend. As a stand- alone variatal, it can be good – not real age worthy, but pleasant. This is a pretty good red, does fairly well with different foods.  But, priced around $35, I can’t say I would search this out.

Well, it has been real – until next month – Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines. 

Wines of December, 2018

Wines of December, 2018

The Holiday Special

I hope you had a good Holiday Season. Let's talk about some wines!

2017 Tussock Jumper Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa

Ripe peach and pineapple aromas that follow through to the palate. Excellent example of a rich and ripe style of Chenin Blanc. Fresh, flinty flavors and a long, clean, crisp aftertaste.

WS – 88 Pts "Bright, with makrut lime, green apple and honeysuckle notes breezing through. The fresh finish offers a mouthwatering edge. Drink now. 25,000 cases made." –JM

Pleasant, light style South African Chenin Blanc (Steen).  Floral and fruit carry through the palate, moderate aftertaste. Well worth the $10 price point, better in the spring summer, as a sipper and dinner wine.

2010 Terra Bianco Campaccio Toscana, Tuscany, Italy

Deep, lively ruby; ample, intense, elegant of berry fruit, chocolate, leather & roasted almond; full &concentrated on palate, with perfectly balanced freshness and fruit. Superb structure, harmony and depth, silky tannins.

Blend: 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon

Very nice Super Tuscan – in its prime drinking. Tannins are mostly gone, but good fruit up front and on the nose carry to the palate, with a good acidity to make it excellent with food. Unable to price, was a gift.

2009 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Selection, Napa Valley, California

This ambitious effort stars flavors so ripe and fantastic, they defy description. The wine, with a few drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, explodes in blackberries, black cherries, currants, mocha, sweet licorice, plum and new oak flavors. The tannins are magnificent, the oak integration beautiful. The chief criticism is that the alcohol level is high, and gives the wine a burn of heat.

Full-bodied and well balanced, this Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with black cherries, cassis and mocha with a whiff of cardamom. Its supple and smooth mouthfeel lingers with a long, elegant finish. Having the patience to cellar this wine will reward you in the glass years from now. Serve with simply roasted meat dishes or all by itself to fully enjoy the wine’s complex flavors.

Don’t ask the price – my brother got half bottles of this and sent me one for Thanksgiving. The wine was excellent – in a good drinking window. The tannins were smooth; the mouthfeel was very elegant and the finish was lingering. Wonderful bottle of Cabernet from Napa.

2009 Franciscan Clos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

A rich and elegant presentation with vibrant dark cherry and plum fruit flavors, followed by notes of tobacco, mocha, rosemary and vanilla. This wine has a balanced and supple palate with a generous finish of berries and spice. Cassis, blackberry, and spice give this wine layers of complexity with subtle notes of cardamom, and cocoa. Over time, notes of coffee, clove, and anise arise with a hint of vanilla and tobacco.

No doubt in its prime drinking window, this wine had a good nose of dark fruits and followed with the same on the palate. Good long aftertaste with no or little tannins; very impressive bottle.Not 100% Cab, tasted like some other blending grapes to smooth out the flavors. Not sure of the price, another gift from my Brother.

2014 Masi Campofiorin Ripasso, Veneto, Italy

Ripe blackberry and earthy aromas lead into a black cherry palate with a lush mouthfeel and silken texture, thanks to the super-soft tannins. It's lacking a touch of definition to the black fruit, but it persists admirably long into the finish.

Drinking Window 2017 – 2019

70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara

One of my favorite affordable Italians – this was actually a magnum bottle. Found out the Amarone for 2014 was de-classified and added to this bottling. A wine to savor or serve with hearty meals – the Magnum was only around $45.

2016 Sette Ponti Crognolo Red, Toscana, Italy

Critical Acclaim  95           James Suckling

Aromas of rosewood, cherries and blueberries follow through to a full body, tight and focused tannins and a long and flavorful finish. This is linear and bright. The tannins are wonderfully polished and poised. Hard not to drink now, but it will improve beautifully in the bottle. A blend of mostly sangiovese with a touch of merlot. Drink or hold.

92           Wine Spectator

Bright, bursting with black cherry, plum, leather, menthol and spice flavors. Smooth and harmonious, with fine grip on the earth- and mineral-tinged finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2028.

Intense ruby red in color, the wine has a fruity, spicy bouquet and ripe cherry and berries on the palate. It has the vivid acidity typical of Sangiovese, with well-integrated tannins and an earthy finish.

The reviews claim a touch of Merlot but the Kobrand rep indicated they left it out of the 2016. Really nice wine, open nose and wonderful red and black fruits. The acidity made it a natural with many types of food.  Priced around $35 – a good bottle to enjoy.

2013 Masi Cosasera Amerone Classico, Veneto, Italy

Since the 1960s, Masi experts have confirmed the superiority of west-facing sites. Masi combines ancient varieties (Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara) and winemaking methods (vinifying grapes semi-dried on racks for 3-4 months) with modern techniques. Traditional 600-liter Veronese barrels have been re-introduced, the best to age this wine. 

By end of January, grapes lose 35% of their weight and develop highly concentrated sugars. Only Corvina develops botrytis. After gentle pressing; partially de-stemmed grapes undergo fermentation for 45 days in large Slavonian oak or stainless steel vats at low temperature. The wine is transferred to 30-40 hl barrels; alcoholic fermentation continues 35 days with alcohol-resistant yeasts, before malolactic.

 Aged 24 months; 80% in Slavonian oak botti, 40-80 hl, and 20% in small Allier and Slavonian oak barrels (40% new, 30% one year, and 30% two years old), and at least 4 months in bottle. Can age 30-35 years.

Deep ruby red with brilliant reflections. Intense and elegant aromas of cherry and plum jam with spicy hints of cinnamon and cloves. Firm structure but very soft on the palate with velvety tannins and a marked acidity that balances the alcohol level well. Full flavoured with a fruity finish and soft spiciness.

The big daddy, compared to the earlier ripasso, this is an outstanding wine. The nose is very nice, but the mouthfeel is just gigantic. Wonderful aftertaste, tannins woven into the finish. This is a great wine. Priced in the mid $50’s, really worth having on hand for guests – enough acidity to go with a range of food.

2012 Oakville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

90 POINTS           Wine Enthusiast

Soft and juicy, this is a classically crafted wine, medium bodied with savory notes of cedar, dried herb and black olive. Structured and balanced, it finishes rich and refreshing, with a memory of red currant and cherry.

RP           91 POINTS           Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The succulent, lush, flamboyant, and somewhat exhibitionist 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville Winery has plenty of smoky barbecue notes, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, some vanilla and toast. It is medium to full-bodied, with wonderful lushness, low acidity and loads of fruit in a hedonistic, fruit-bomb style of Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.

A wonderful, big bodied Cab from Napa Valley. Almost hedonistic, but a great joy to savor. Works with heavy meals, like a slab of meat.  Priced in the mid $40’s, per the internet – I got this as a gift a while back. With the tannins and fruit, it would hold another 10 years easy.

Another Month and the Holidays have flown by. Happy New Year and hopes of many more great wines and wonderful experiences. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevine. Salut!

Wines of November 2018

Another Month - a Few More Wines

I'll get right to it this month

2014 Ogier Dentellis Gigondas, France

APPELLATION    Gigondas

GRAPE VARIETIES

80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre

WINEMAKERS   Edouard Guerin

TASTING NOTES

Deep red cherry color. On the nose a bouquet of ripe red fruits with hints of leather and mild spices. The palate is complex with mineral characters. Full bodied with fresh aromas. Very elegant, silky and attractive tannins with a long finish on vanilla notes.

This was an excellent wine – bought on sale for around $15. The nose was bright and the flavors on the palate were well blended and smooth. Great example of the wines of this region – pick up some if you can.

2010 D’arenberg D’Arry’s original Shiraz Grenache McLaren Vale, Australia

91 POINTS           Wine Enthusiast               Editors’ Choice

A terrific value, this 50-50 blend displays gentle oaking and a hint of warm asphalt, just enough to highlight the wine's plum and black cherry fruit. It's full bodied and features a long finish, outlined by wonderfully fine, dusty tannins. Drink now–2018.

I bought the last two bottles of this from Matt, my wine guru. It is at a perfect drinking window – the tannins are mostly gone, but the full flavor remains, with good fruit and enough acid to make it do very well with food. Closed out at $10.

2013 Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa

(14% alcohol; aged for 18 months in new French oak):  Healthy red-ruby.  Lovely lift to the aromas of plum, raspberry and menthol complicated by spicy, cedary oak and floral notes.  Densely packed and ripe, with a very suave texture and distinctly high-pitched red fruit, mint and spice flavors.  Very firmly built, tight wine with a serious spine–but no hard edges–for aging.  Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and lovely perfumed lift.  Classic, youthfully backward Cabernet with finesse, precision and a light touch but also serious structure.

This was an outstanding South African wine. Refined yet with bold flavors; opened up with our meal and was a good surprise. Should be priced around $24 – 28, very good wine that could age a few years.

2014 Chateau Bel Air Gloria, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

A generous wine, robust, balanced, with fruit intensity. Featured in the April 2017 edition of Decanter magazine in the tasting of Cru Bourgeois 2014 crop, which appears as highly recommended. According to the magazine, it is a wine with good tannic structure and lots of fruit, which will benefit from one more guard time.

I remember drinking this wine before they added the “Gloria” to indicate where it is located. It was the less expensive Bordeaux you could try and see what the vintage was like. Frankly, this did not hold up compared to other cabernet; it seemed a little “weak” and missed some on the middle of the palate. It was tannic, but it wasn’t seamless – dry yet making the finish a touch bitter. Priced around $25 – I probably wouldn’t recommend it.

2013 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia

"Bright ruby. Smoke-accented cherry and raspberry on the nose, plus a hint of cedary oak in the background. Juicy and focused on the palate, showing very good lift to the bitter cherry and red berry flavors. Turns sweeter on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, spicy tenacity."

Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2017

A lifted, concentrated and layered nose, consisting of blackcurrants, red cherries and boysenberries. Fragrant violets, clove, anise, cassia bark and black cardamom suitably sit in the background. The palate is vibrant and tightly coiled with blackcurrant, cocoa and finely tuned oak. Subtle spice, underlying char and roasted coffee bean offer delicate complexity. Laced acidity with silky ripe tannins provides both length and balance.

Surprising how good this Aussie Cabernet tastes! Very New World, but not over the top like some Shiraz tends to be from here. Lovely nose with typical Cabernet flavors – dark red fruits and spices. Tannins were smooth yet present; acidity was good to match our meal. Priced around $25, a real good buy. This label makes a more expensive wine, but this would be hard to beat at that price.

2014 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon, California

94 POINTS           Cellar Selection                 Wine Enthusiast

This vintage is the first that was under complete control of winemaker Tyler Thomas, and his studious touch shows magically. There's a powerful density of ripe but not sweet black fruit on the nose of this bottling, along with hints of violets, turned earth and leather. The structure is firm, dense and chalky but with a vivid acidity, offering ethereal, supple flavors of black currant and cocoa on the finish. Drink 2018–2034.

95 points Vinous

 The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Star Lane Vineyard is bold, pungent and bursting with fruit. Deep and unctuous in texture, but with considerable aromatic lift, the 2014 offers a terrific expression of Happy Canyon. Black cherry, blackberry, grilled herbs, menthol, sage and licorice infuse the rich, inviting finish. (AG) 95+

These folks also own the Hermanoff Winery in Missouri.  A very well made Cabernet – it had power, tannins and acidity, but not quite a Napa Cabernet. Less dark red fruit and more perfumed and a touch of earthiness. None of this made it bad, instead it was surprising how well it went with the meal and after setting and opening up, it drank on its own. Finish was modest, but drinking very well at this time. Could age a number of years. Nice wine – priced around $40 – 45, OK for a minor splurge.

2014 Ondarre Rioja Reserva Rioja, Spain

85% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano

Tasting notes:  A first-rate example with a bevy of fleshy red fruit flavours of strawberry, cherry, and plum accompanied by spice, a lovely lick of vanilla-peppery oak, and exemplary tannins, which are sufficient for extended cellaring. A benchmark example - fine, supple and harmonious. An excellent wine for gastronomy.

Another bargain from Spain – this wine has excellent balance to drink with food, or on its own.  The fruit is good with a full mouth of the dark red fruits and spices. The finish has smooth tannins and lingers nicely. I think it was only $15 – under $20 for sure. Great bottle to have on hand for any occasion.

2009 Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Selection, Napa Valley, California

This ambitious effort stars flavors so ripe and fantastic, they defy description. The wine, with a few drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, explodes in blackberries, black cherries, currants, mocha, sweet licorice, plum and new oak flavors. The tannins are magnificent, the oak integration beautiful. The chief criticism is that the alcohol level is high, and gives the wine a burn of heat.

Full-bodied and well balanced, this Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with black cherries, cassis and mocha with a whiff of cardamom. Its supple and smooth mouthfeel lingers with a long, elegant finish. Having the patience to cellar this wine will reward you in the glass years from now. Serve with simply roasted meat dishes or all by itself to fully enjoy the wine’s complex flavors.

Don’t ask the price – my brother got half bottles of this and sent me one for Thanksgiving. The wine was excellent – in a good drinking window. The tannins were smooth; the mouthfeel was very elegant and the finish was lingering. Wonderful bottle of Cabernet from Napa.

2016 Patterson Cellars Alder Ridge Syrah, Washington

Produced using classic Côte-Rôtie techniques, this single vineyard Syrah was co-fermented

with 2% Viognier yielding a Syrah that is both darker in color and lighter on the tongue.

Dark, saturated purple with a nose that opens with intense blackberries, vanilla bean, cedar,

cloves and orange rind. Look for notes of caramel as it sits in the glass. Big flavors of

dark berries fill the mouth, while the Viognier adds just a bit of “lift”, preventing the overall

flavor profile from becoming too heavy. Silky, plush tannins give way to lingering fruits and

a hint of cocoa nibs on the finish.

98% Syrah, 2% Viognier

Another gift from Tony – this is a special offer from Patterson. The color is excellent, and the wine is an example of a great Syrah – styled like great Northern Rhone wines. Wonderful flavors meld into the palate, the finish is medium but very pleasant. This is a great example of what Washington can produce with the Syrah grape.

Another Month and the Holidays are almost here. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevine. Peace.

The Wines of October, 2018

Another month has flown by - Halloween coasted right past...
Here are some wines I enjoyed in October

2014 Edmeades Zinfandel, Mendocino County, Ca

Offering plenty of Zinny character, it’s dry and brisk in mouth-cleansing acidity, with soft tannins and rich flavors of dusty baking spices, blackberry purée, cherry compote, cola, shaved dark chocolate, red licorice and a savory coating of toasted cedar wood. The addition of a small percentage of Petite Sirah (15%) and Syrah (8%) contributes complexity. A great accompaniment to barbecue, game, roasted chicken, stews and lasagna.

A nice zin, meeting the qualities you expect from this grape. Good flavors, moderate finish, very nice wine that matches food very well. Close out at about $12, well worth buying.

2012 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

Wine Spectator 91

"Dark and brooding, with blackberry, cherry and gentle spice flavors unfolding on the smooth, meaty frame. The finish persists against velvety tannins. Drink now through 2020. 15,000 cases made."

James Halliday 93

"This is undeniably medium- to full-bodied, but does not overwhelm you with the Parkeresque gobfuls of fruit; here tannins replace the bitter chocolate to provide a savory/earthy florish to a very good wine."

Vinous Media 91

"Bright purple. Ripe, highly perfumed aromas of blueberry, cassis, smoky minerals and violet. Plush and sweet but focused, with a silken texture to its dark fruit and floral pastille flavors. Youthfully taut but promising, finishing with very good lift, soft tannins and lingering floral and spice notes."

This is a great wine, drinking in its prime. Nice finish, good fruit without being a bomb; enough acid to match a meal. Purchased as a close out at $20 – well worth buying a few.

2016 Fabre Montmayou Reserve Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Argentina

Cab Franc is an emerging variety in Mendoza and this jammy fleshy version won't hurt the cause. Inky berry aromas are wide and fruity, not specific. A full-volume palate is a bit heavy, with blackberry, chocolate and peppery flavors. The finish hangs around with similar flavors, grapy weight and just enough acidity to maintain integrity.      90 Points

I like a good Cab Franc – and this one qualifies. Jammy with good fruit, enough acid to be food friendly – really nice bottle of wine. Priced under $15, buy several.

2016 Vaglio 'Aggie' Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina

This is 100% Malbec from a single vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley. The wine shows notes of butterscotch, chocolate, and baked blueberry pie sprinkled with powdered sugar. A round and creamy mid palate laced with hazel nuts round out this lighter style, mineral driven Malbec.

This is a lighter, somewhat minerally Malbec – nice fruit but not overpowering. Initially, a little laid-back, but a nice sipping wine. Little tougher match with food, but doable. Priced around $16.

2014 Tarapacà 'Etiqueta Negra' Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile

The Etiqueta Negra is Viña Tarapacá’s top Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been vinified after a rigorous selection of the best Cabernet Sauvignon blocks in Maipo Valley and was aged in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. Is characterized by its deep red color, blackberry aromas, graphite and spices. In mouth it is smooth with black fruit notes and liquorice.

The incredible nose of this wine is enough to draw you in – like a distillation of blackcurrant pastilles, violets and raspberries. Complex, layered and elegant, full of spiced, creamy choc-cherry fruit, it is worth what many may think is a hefty price tag from Chile. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 11% Syrah and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Only made in the best years, this was matured in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months.

Drinking Window 2018 – 2022     93 points Decanter

A big dark color wine with a surprisingly soft nose. The mouthfeel is very full, blockbuster fruit and chewy tannins make a long finish. A real big wine that could use some age to be at its best. Priced around $35 or so.

2014 Polkura Syrah 'Marchigue', Colchagua Valley, Chile

Tasting notes: Deep red-violet in color. On the nose, there is lots of fruit. Red principally, with blackberry and plum. In the mouth, it is silky despite its youth. It is well-balanced between its acidity

and the sweetness of the tannins. It is an intense wine with good persistency and complexity

Being from Chile, it had a touch of “funk” (earthiness) in the nose, but a very nice depth of fruit flavors. Finish was moderate, but good. A real surprise – Syrah from Chile, but a good bottle of wine. Drink soon – priced a little over $20.

2012 Marques de Caceres Reserva Rioja Spain

#19 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017

Dark red in color, this wine offers aromas of forest fruits (wild berries), with a touch of vanilla and floral notes. It is well-balanced on the palate with good structure and tasty tannins.

WS93 Wine Spectator

Smart Buy Black cherry, currant and floral notes are expressive and alluring, balanced by loamy earth, tobacco and mineral elements that add a savory quality. Firm, well-integrated tannins give support to the polished texture, while orange peel acidity fuels the fresh finish.

JS92 James Suckling

A rich and dense Rioja with aromas and flavors of dark berries and hints of hazelnut and mahogany. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.

What can you say about a classic Reserva Rioja? This is drinking very well right now, but could hold for several years. Good fruit in a great balance with the acidity – excellent food wine. Bought on special at $20 – purchase several bottles and space out drinking them

Well, time to head off - remember, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

The Wines of September

First of October and it is 90 degrees in the Heartland. Never fear, it will cool off soon.

How about some recent wines?

2014 Aptus, Ribero del Douro, Spain

This wine is made from fruit grown on vines between 15 and 25 years old, planted in sandy soils with a layer of clay at the surface. The vineyards are based around Aranda de Duero in the villages of Castrillo de la Vega, Aranda de Duero, and Hoyales de Roa. The vines are farmed organically, but are not certified. Grapes from these vineyards were among the last harvested in Ribera del Duero. The grapes were lightly crushed and destemmed prior to alcoholic fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine saw malolactic fermentation half in stainless steel and half in oak barrels. The different lots were aged in French and central European oak barrels for 6 months prior to assemblage.

Wine Advocate: 89 Points

The 2014 Aptus is a young and fruit-driven Tempranillo with 5% Garnacha from ten-year-old, organically farmed vines. The grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts and the wine matured in French and American oak barrels for six months. It's clean, fresh and feels alive, the nose has an herbal touch and something wild/balsamic that makes it feel quite young. The palate is juicy, pleasant and easy, with fine tannins and moderate acidity.

I enjoyed this wine, bought on special for around $12. Has nice fruit flavor and bracing acidity – wouldn’t hold up to long aging, but good now.

2015 Altos De La Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

90 points Wine Advocate:

 “The 2015 Monastrell Altos de la Hoya is dry-farmed, ungrafted, old Monastrell with some 5% Garnacha fermented in 10,000-liter stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts and aged in used barriques and larger oak vats for six to eight months. This is more serious and has more depth and concentration, with black fruit and the oak nicely integrated into the wine. There are mineral notes of graphite and earth and a medium-bodied palate with fine-grained tannins and a tasty finish. Olivares is one of the most reliable producers in Jumilla. Very good value for money. They have recently changed the design of all their labels." (12/2017)

Very nice Monastrell – dark wine with serious flavor profile. Holds up well to beef and grilled food items. A little tannin but not a long aging wine. Drink now and over the next year. Priced around $10 – a good buy.

2015 Chateau Lamothe Saint Germain, Bordeaux, France

Varieties 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol 14.5%

Nose     The nose displays intense, almost jammy, red and dark fruit notes.

Palate   The wine is fruit-forward due to no time in oak. It's rounded and full on the palate, and underpinned with soft, refined tannins. A very well-structured Bordeaux wine, and absolutely delicious.

When you buy a $10 bottle of Bordeaux, you don’t expect a lot. This was a decent little wine, pairing adequately with food; mostly a light sipping wine to enjoy on a nice day. Nice to drink while fixing the meal, just OK with a meal.

2017 Lo-Fi Gamay Noir, Santa Barbara, Ca

Lo-Fi Gamay Noir, Santa Barbara County 2017, 70 % from Rancho Real Vineyard (clone 358) just north of Los Alamos & 30 % from his own unrooted Clos Mullet vineyard. Now Rancho Real was sold to Gallo so they can't get the grapes anymore. Gamay Noir is the legal name in the US, like for Côt, you can only use the name Malbec here. Gamay is the first grape they bring in at the harvest season. Vinified in concrete tank and aged in demi-muids. Semi-carbonic, whole clusters, no crushing, no pigeage. Stomped over once a day during about 10 days. 12 % alcohol.

Very nice nose, although Mike feels some reduction; Aromas of flowers, dry leaves, rather delicate wine. there's very little sulfur here, maybe 25 ppm total. They tried some with no sulfur before but for this vintage they did a bit. He adds that people say they like without sulfur but the bottles don't sell fast, the problem is that domestic retailers will rather sell French no-so2 wines, kind of looking for the originators of the thing.

This wine has bright fruit – lots of raspberry and a modest finish. Closest thing to Beaujolais Nouveau you can get from the United States of California. Little pricey at $21.

2017 Delinquente Wine Co. “Bullet Dodger” Montepulciano, SE Australia

Winemaker Notes

2017 was the perfect vintage for these late ripening Southern Italian varieties. Dry conditions throughout vintage, moderate day time temperatures and most importantly cool, clear nights meant the fruit maintained natural acidity and allowed for steady, even ripening. Harvesting of the Montepulciano occurred mid-March, allowing the fruit to develop those smooth, juicy flavors Monte is known for.

Medium bodied with bright berry fruits and smooth, even tannins, this is an easy drinking, fruit forward wine, perfect with a wide variety of foods.

Critical Acclaim  JH           89           Australian Wine Companion

An easy-drinking red, full of vigour. Fresh, crunchy, light, energetic, fun; all these descriptors apply. Cherry, anise and herb flavours. Refreshing. More suited to summer than to winter; would even chill well.

I know, an Italian grape in Australia – an all “natural” wine, to boot. Pretty nice mulberry flavors with hints of earthiness, modest finish. Not my favorite at $20, but interesting.

2016 Broc Cellars Nero d’Avola, North Coast, Ca

Not a grape associated with California, but it seems to work and is definitely worth trying. The nose is packed with vibrant red and black fruit flavours combined with a refreshing acidity and nice grippy tannins. The wine has seen no oak, but 10% of the grapes were fermented by carbonic maceration in terracotta vessels for added complexity. The delicious bright fruit intensity will pair nicely with simple Italian pasta dishes.                Decanter,  Tasting score 90 points.

I have enjoyed wines from the grape from Sicily – this one started out very sharp, unbalanced. Over a little time, it became better, with a lingering aftertaste. Some plum and spice on the palate but not great overall. Priced around $30, I’d go back to Sicily.

2015 Tarapaca PlusRed Blend Grand Reserve, Maipo, Chile

Winemaker Notes

This Gran Reserva is a wine made exclusively from organically certified grapes from Maipo Valley, Chile. The final blend is a barrel selection made by the oenologist, which was aged for 12 months in American and French oak barrels. Concentrated and fruity, this wine presents red fruit aromas such as raspberry and cherry as well as black fruit such as plum, blackberry and cassis, combine with tobacco aromas and subtle vegetal and mineral notes. Seductive on the palate, with exquisitely smooth tannins that bring on a pleasurable finish.

Blend: 36% Cabernet Franc, 29% Carmenere, 22% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon

This was a pleasant blend – not too deep, but good with a meal. The fruit flavors were subdued but nice; the finish lingered some with hints of earthiness (vegetal and mineral notes).  Worth trying – can be found for under $20.

2012 Mr Riggs X Truant Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia

Fragrant and vibrant with generous notes of chocolate and cocoa powder over a green, leafy character. Lively and clean palate with fresh fruit and a cool pepper character. A very attractive and easy drinking wine.

Despite the age on this Shiraz, the deep black and blue fruit still shine through the palate. Modest finish, but drinking very well. On close out for around $11, well worth picking up.

I hope you had a good month and until next time, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines. 

Wine of August 2018

The heat came back

All right, I'll quit talking about the weather. Can't make up it's darn mind. Hey, how do you make "blush" wine? Tell the white grapes dirty jokes until they blush and then squeeze them! Eh, close enough - Now for the August wines.

2015 Chateau Bauillon, Bordeaux, France

No information available on this – I must have written the name down wrong.

Not a big deal – it was $10 and barely worth that. Not undrinkable, but nothing memorable.

2012 El Coll Pieza, Calatayud,Spain

The nose on this blend of Grenache, Carignan and other grapes burns and smells of iodine, mushroom, olive and rustic berry fruits. High acidity and an obtuse mouthfeel house salty, briny, minerally plum flavors, while the finish runs low on fruit.

A very rustic Spanish wine, I found the finish to be very earthy. Moderate fruits but not very bright in flavor. Found out it is Biodynamical farmed grapes.  Can’t really recommend…even under $15.

2013 Quinta do Vallado Vino Tinto, Douro, Portugal       

Winemaker Notes

This blend is dark red, with crimson highlights and an intense, mature red fruit nose, with hints of violets and “esteva” (a local Portuguese herb that has sweet, warm balsamic aromas with a hint of earthiness). The palate shows great structure and a full-bodied elegance, with mature, round tannins, leading to a long, persistent finish.

Pair with light meat dishes, such as pork, or flavorful, hard cheeses, such as Italian cow and sheep’s milk cheeses.

I was looking for lighter wine to drink in the heat and Matt recommended this gem from Portugal. Moderately priced, it was a very pleasant sipper with nice fruit surrounded by herb flavors. Moderate finish – well worth the $12-15 price.

2017 Marques De Caceras Rosado, Rioja, Spain

Winemaker Notes

Pretty, pale strawberry color. Fresh bouquet of floral notes and strawberries/raspberries that blend together exquisitely. Delicious and refined on tasting with a pleasant fullness and refreshing, luscious flavors that awaken the taste buds.

Critical Acclaim

90           James Suckling

Aromas and flavors of strawberries and lemon-stem in this wine. Medium body, bright acidity and a clean finish. Fruitier style of rosé, but all here.

This is a very good year for this Rosado – very bright fruit with nice body and acidity to make it a good sipper and food wine. Priced around $10 – this is a great pink to share with friends.

2014 Azul y Garanza Garciano, Navarra, Spain

Top 100 AWEsome Wines 2016 (Association of Wine Educators) 'Raspberry and peppery spice on the nose; dry, fine tannins with gutsy red fruits and intense flavours. The name Garciano refers to the blend which is a mix of Garnacha and Graciano. The Garnacha brings soft, fruity flavours, which delivers a rich complexity. The Graciano gives the deep, rich colour, its spicy flavours and aromas, its freshness, acidity and long life.'

A blend of two Spanish grapes, this bottling does a good job of bringing the best of both to the wine. Surprisingly bright, yet good acidity to balance with many foods. Not at all flabby, has a decent finish to top off the flavors. Available for under $20, a nice surprise wine for guests.

2016 Bodegas Ponce “Clos Lojen’ Bobal, Manchuela, Spain

Clos Lojen is a pure joy to drink—and gives those of us always searching for new wines the opportunity to get to know a varietal not found outside of Spain. Made with 100 percent Bobal from organically farmed vines ranging in age from 35 to 50 years old, the wine is aged 7 months in old barrel French oak to help preserve the freshness and lively characteristics of the grape. Bright purple hues excite the senses; aromas of blackberry and sour cherry jump out of the glass. A subtle smokiness with mineral undertones easily coats your palate. Earthy youthfulness and perfect maturity are juxtaposed to create a delightful red. Juan Antonio hits a home run with this humble yet gutsy tinto

A very good bottle of Bobal, the odd, thick skin grape from Spain. Once it was just made in to humble local wines, very rustic with little care taken in producing it. Now, serious winemakes are putting out examples like this. Good fruit, somewhat dusky and a light tannic finish – works well with any beef or pork dish. Priced under $20, a good buy.

2012 Grand ‘Arte Touriga Nacional, Lisboa, Portugal

Rich, vibrant and intensely fruity red with juicy black fruit & spicy flavours. João Paulo Martins; Vinhos de Portugal 2016; "Tasted in 2015. The wine shows up elegant aroma, very fine in the fruit and floral notes but all very pleasant and very well balanced. Elegant in the mouth with very fine tannins with a very attractive fruit that makes the tasting a pleasure."

Not bad, but an earlier vintage was much better. Decent broad flavors but it tended to fade away quickly. Next day was not very good – tannins seemed to just fade away and leave little fruit. OK for the $12-14 price.

2015 Emilio Moro Tempranillo, Ribera Del Duero, Spain

Winemaker Notes                           #59 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017

The wine has a very intense cherry red color. On the nose, it is opulent and very expressive, with a base of great quality ripe black fruit and balsamic notes in the background. On the palate, it has good acidity -- and is broad and tasty with a long aftertaste.

Critical Acclaim

91           James Suckling

Always a go-to red with cherry and blueberry character and just a hint of lemon. Medium body, fresh acidity and a bright finish.

90           Wine Spectator

Black cherry, red plum and currant flavors are fresh and lively in this firm red, backed by dark chocolate, licorice and toasty notes. Light, firm tannins and citrusy acidity keep this focused. Drink now through 2023.

This is a very nice, focused bottle of wine. Very good fruit, balanced tannins and nice acidity made this wine a great match for dinner. Worth keeping for company but only prices around $25. Really nice.

Well, that's all for now. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!