The Wines of September, 2020

Let's talk about Zinfandel. It has been traced to a grape named Crljenak Kaštelanski, in the European area of Slovakia. It is also the same as the Italian Primitivo. 

Mostly, the great zinfandels come from the US of A, mostly in California. Long used in jug wines, it has finally made a name as a stand-alone wine. Zinfandel is grown across the continental United States, although California grows the largest proportion. U.S. producers make wine in styles that range from late harvest dessert wines, rosés (White Zinfandel) and Beaujolais-style light reds to big hearty reds and fortified wine in the style of port. 

The grape grows in clusters of large purple berries, causing some problem when harvesting. The green fruit can cause bitterness, so it is called hens and chicks - where harvesters leave the green chicks and try to get the ripe grapes. Much of the heartiness of the wine depends on the soil and climate where they are grown. In California, Zinfandel now falls behind Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the number of acres planted - still ahead of Merlot. 

Now for the wines of September:

2017 Buena Vista The Count Red, Sonoma County, Ca

88 pts Wine Enthusiast

This blend is driven by 45% Zinfandel, with 26% Merlot and 10% Syrah in addition to smaller additions of other red grapes. Baking spice, herb and soft, rich round fruit defines it, making for a robust, hyper-ripe experience of opulence.

Wine Review: This ruby colored kitchen sink blend from Buena Vista opens with cherry and pomegranate bouquet with a hint of cranberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and juicy. The flavor profile is a strawberry and rhubarb blend with notes of cranberry. I also detected hints of tart plum and cinnamon. The finish is dry and its acidity, moderate tannins and flavors show nice length. This wine would pair well with pork tenderloin. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The Count seduces the palate with enticing aromas of mocha, baking spices and blackberry. Dark fruit flavors coat the palate with notes of Baker's chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla. This is a well-balanced wine is structured and has good acidity. It has a savory and lingering finish.

Very nice bottle of wine, good spicy nose with a palate of dark fruits and spice. Moderate finish – always a good drinking wine that has the stuff to go with a multitude of meals. Only priced around $20, very nice for the price

2017 Handcraft Malbec, California

2017 Handcraft Malbec, California

The HandCraft Malbec is hand harvested also in cool temperatures and taken immediately to the winery to small lot fermenters.  After a brief cold soak they are gently warmed to enhance the color and flavor extraction.  Once the fermentation is complete the Malbec is aged in French and American oak to soften the tannins.  A touch of Zinfandel is added for complexity and a hint of spice.

A decent school-night wine, the flavors are mostly red fruit with a little acid to match a meal. Pretty good for a $10 bottle.

2018 Chateau de L’Aubrade Entre-duex-mers, Bordeaux Blanc,  France

Located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, this 175-acre property has been in the hands of  the Lobre family for three generations. It is today run by Jean-Christophe and Andrea Lobre, with the assistance of their children, Jean-Pierre and Paulette. Their white, a classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Semillon, is quite crisp with an herbal edge as well as ripe fruit and a lively aftertaste.

Part of Best-value Bordeaux white wines: Top 20 picks from Entre-Deux-Mers   Decanter  90pts

Good lemon and lime juiciness with some very subtle spiced edges around the peach and apricot flesh flavours. It's nicely rounded and balanced with a zippy lift at the end. Drinking Window 2020 – 2023

I really don’t drink enough white wine – this is an excellent French white that has fruit (citrus) and nice acidity. Great sipping and good with lighter fare. Available at around $15, worth buying several to keep on hand.

2017 Valravn Zinfandel, Sonoma County, CA

" Valravn is born from bush-pruned vines ranging in age from 50 to 105-years-old, harvested between September 14th and October 2nd. Hand harvesting each vineyard parcel allowed for selection of only the most pristine bunches which averaged 26 brix at harvest. Grapes were hand sorted and gently destemmed before fermentation. After a 24 hour cold-soak, which served to extract richness and color from these black grapes, the wine was slowly fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with twice-daily remontage (pumping over) during fermentation. The wine was then racked into French oak barrels (20% new) and aged for 10 months before being bottled with no fining and a very light filtration.

Winemaking Notes: After a 24 hour cold-soak, which served to extract richness and color from these black grapes, the wine was slowly fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with twice-daily remontage (pumping over) during fermentation. The wine was then racked into French oak barrels (20% new) and aged for 10 months before being bottled with no fining and a very light filtration.

Nice flavor to this zin, though I thought maybe a touch flat on the mid-palate. Enough acidity to go with food, overall a nicely balanced wine.  Priced around or just under $20.

2015 Trione Zinfandel, Flatridge ranch, Sonoma County, CA

Flatridge Zinfandel is a very special wine and vineyard.  The vineyard was planted with a selection of zinfandel sourced from a 100-year-old vineyard next to St.  Peter’s Church in the northern Sonoma County town of Cloverdale.  The church’s vineyard has been the source of plant material for many well-known producers of Zinfandel in the Rockpile Appellation of Sonoma County.  It was made in small open top fermenters in a style similar to pinot noir, hand plunging the cap three to four times daily.  The wine was also made with a special strain of yeast selected from a Rockpile selection of Syrah. 

Blackberries and blueberries are the first impressions; beautiful soft entry with a well-knit tannin structure, supple yet with firm mouthfeel and finish. This wine develops in the glass from subtle fruit aromatics to ever evolving notes of plum, allspice and black currant. It is developing with intensity and substance and should continue to do so for the next 4-7 years.

Very good fruit on the palate, with a moderate aftertaste. Enough acidity and hints of tannins, good match for beefy dishes. Little more pricey at around $30, but has held well for a 2015 vintage.

2017 Ridge ‘East Bench’ Zinfandel, Dry Creek valley, Sonoma, Ca

History                  Ridge has made the East Bench as a single vineyard wine since 2006, one of the few Ridge zinfandels that is 100% zinfandel. The vineyard sits high atop the bench land that overlooks Dry Creek Valley from the east.

Raspberry, fig with notes of vanilla on the nose. Flavors of plum and black olive give way to well coated tannins and black olive in the lingering finish.

Harvest Dates: 11 – 14 September           Grapes: Average Brix 24.7˚

Fermentation: Natural primary and natural secondary (malolactic) fermentations; once daily pump-overs; pressed at nine days.

Barrels: 100% air-dried American oak barrels (10% new, 10% one year-old, 20% three years-old, 20% four years-old, and 20% five years-old).

Aging: Twelve months in barrel

JebDunnuck.com: 93 Points “All Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley, the 2018 Zinfandel East Bench offers up a great, pure, medium to full-bodied style that carries lots of classic spice, brambly herbs, incense, and plum-laced fruits. Nicely balanced, structured, and with solid length, this terrific Zinfandel will be even better with a year in bottle and keep for a decade.” – Jeb Dunnuck (May 2020)

This is a big wine, moderate fruit and spice nose and a big mouthfeel – black fruits with some herbs in the palate. A classic zin from one of the best producers. Some tannins, good acidity; matched with beef very well. Decent price for Ridge at only $30.

2018 Ridge Geyserville Red, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, Ca

68% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet

Vintage                                2018

Vineyard              Geyserville

Appellation         Alexander Valley

Alcohol By Volume          14.7%

Dark ruby color. Intense black cherry fruit aroma, exotic oak spice, cola, mint, and complex gravel earth. Intense bramble fruit entry, sensuous textural tannins, lively acid, and showing great minerality in a long finish.

Connoisseurs’ Guide: 91 Points “Ridge’s iconic Geyserville bottlings are always rich and complex wines that stray a bit from the Zinfandel norm, and the latest, as usual, is a deep and substantial, near-brooding offering whose ample dark berry fruit is laced with lots of distinct earthy spice and is up to the task of fighting through no small measure of tannins. Sure to be long-lived and, in fact, emphatically asking for age, the 2018 version is years away from coming fully into its own and should be laid away in the hard-to-reach realms of the cellar for a full half-decade or more.” (July 2020)

Geyserville contains the oldest block of vines that Ridge farms—some blocks are 130-plus years old. Ridge has made a single vineyard wine from here, every year, for the last 52 years. Ridge Geyserville is the epitome of classic, ageworthy, old vine Zinfandel.

Another big wine from Ridge. Nose was modest (it is only a 2018 vintage)but the red and black fruits covered the palate with spices and some earth with some tannins. Good acidity to go with a heavy meal – classic red zinfandel field blend from Ridge. Got to be one of my favorites, along with Lytton Springs. Around $50 – but a heck of a zin that you could cellar for 5 years and still have a great wine.

Another month has gone by - hope you are all safe and well. Until next month, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines

The wines of July 2020

Another month has drawn to the end. Hope you are all staying well and safe. 

Wine teaching time - what do you know about Rose wines?

Do you know the three ways that Rose wines are made? Did a tasting of Rose wines this month and even thought I say it every year, no one remembers how they are made.

1.       Sanguinee – where juice is drawn from the vessel where the pressed grapes and skins are when there is light color on the juice. Then the Rose is finished fermenting and treated as a separate wine. This makes the red wine have more skin contact and can add tannins and flavors to it, while the vintner has a wine they can finish and sell next season with a Rose.

2.       Draw off the juice from the skins after limited contact, then finish the wine is a typical fashion. This is how wines in Provence and Tavel are made.

3.       A mixture of red and white grapes/wines are mixed and create a Rose wine.

Now for the Wines this Month:

2017 Natale Verga Barbera Passito Piemonte, Italy

"Pours a pretty violet with vibrant fuchsia highlights. Pronounced aromas of sweet plums and raspberry jam. The palate is light on its feet, featuring dark forest fruit intermingling with a delicate minerality that's fresh and clean. This is an homage to the artistry of winemaking ? the deep, elegant flavors are a truly pleasant surprise considering the light and nimble body. If you like Pinot Noir, you have got to try this Barbera! 90 Points, Wine and Spirits Guild of America

This wine is a rediscovery of the old tradition of using partially-dried grapes to add richness and concentration. The Barbera grapes were grown on southwestfacing slopes in the Monferrato hills, at 250-400m altitude. Soils here are clay and limestone. Following the traditional passito technique - a portion of ripe Barbera grapes (around 20%), left on the vine for nearly a month after the main harvest to sun dry, were blended with fresh Barbera grapes before fermentation. This sweetens, enriches and softens the resulting acidity. 100%Barbera, this is a wine that uses generations of history to create something that’s very modern and slick with notes of fresh cherries, raspberries and plum on a super fresh and silky palate.

 

This is a rich wine meant for hardy Italian fare. The biggest surprise is the touch of sweetness on the finish. Not cloying, just an unusual bit of flavor. I see it available for around $13 online, it is worth a try if you can find it.

Nicolas Feuillatte NV D'Luscious Demi-Sec Rosé (Champagne), France

87 POINTS

The onion-skin pink color sets the stage for an off-dry, just-sweet wine, that is crisp, yet soft and rounded. It has good weight, fresh raspberry flavor, and delicate sweetness, resulting in a wine that's crisp and textured.

This attractive Rosé is dry and slightly sweet with notes of red fruit. Cherry and raspberry flavors lead in to a beautifully balanced palate.

Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Meunier, 10% Chardonnay

Like most Champagne (the Real stuff), this is a very pleasing bottle of bubbly; a little sweet but not cloying, crisp with light berry flavor and hints of yeasty bread. Very nice – on sale for around $30 – excellent bottle to surprise friends or just yourself.

2017 USA Cabernet, California

 

USA Cabernet is produced in the Golden State’s heartland, Lodi, California, a working-class town that makes world-class wines. Like the rest of America’s heartland, we don’t aim for pretension or snobbery. We just work hard at being good. Our origins may be modest; our ambitions are anything but. We simply want to be America’s favorite cabernet.

Just how American is USA Cabernet? Well, it’s rumored to be made from red, white and blue grapes. It pairs nicely with big game tailgating, family barbecues or lakeside fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s the perfect complement for Texas chili, Philly cheese steak, Yankee pot roast, Maryland crab cakes, Kansas City burnt ends, New Orleans gumbo or Alabama catfish. Soon, you’ll be seeing it everywhere. On a picnic blanket in the park. On a kitchen table during March Madness. At outdoor country music concerts and State Fairs. In both luxury suites and RVs. Wherever Americans gather, whatever they eat, USA Cabernet is there to help you celebrate with friends and family.

Scotto Cellars, a fifth generation, family-owned winery based in Lodi, CA, has introduced a patriotic new wine brand, “USA Cabernet” in celebration of the nations’ favorite red wine and its most popular regional dishes. And while the wine comes from the heart of California wine country, the concept comes from a boutique ad agency in Houston.

Just like its name – this is a humble sippable cabernet that goes with food. Not a lot of power in the cab, just limited red and black fruit, very little tannin or aftertaste. About what you expect for a $10 Lodi cabernet.

2019 King Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Leading off with a gorgeous strawberry, peach color in the glass, the 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir has vibrant aromas of ripe strawberries, rose petal, wet stone and hibiscus flowers. There are immediate fresh and juicy flavors like strawberry, Key lime and ripe raspberry that are framed by subtle hints of rose water and chalk. This is light and bright up front and builds a pleasant roundness in the mid-palate that crescendos with mouthwatering acidity.

A classic Rose from the gang at King Estate in Oregon – this wine is very good for just sipping (Porch pounding) but has enough body and acidity to make it a wine to have with a meal. Very enjoyable – priced around $20.Made in style #2 in the intro…

2017 Rose de Chevalier, Bordeaux, France

A Bordeaux Rosé with Bright Red Fruit Flavors

Domaine de Chevalier, located in Leognan in the Graves region on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, was first purchased by the Bernard family in 1983. Since then, the historical estate has been run by Olivier Bernard, and has produced wines with a reputation for quality. The estate's namesake First Wine and one of the great classified growths of Bordeaux, the Domaine de Chevalier red has been a flagship of the Pessac-Leognan appellation since its very first vintage. Meanwhile, the estate's signature white has been recognized as one of the best dry white wines of France.

The frost at the end of April 2017 devastated the vineyards of Bordeaux, not sparing those of Domaine de Chevalier. Nevertheless, a favorable climate during the summer months allowed the grapes to reach ideal ripeness. The harvests were carried out quite early, between September 11th and 29th, yielding grapes with a great balance between sugar and acidity, and concentrated flavors.

The Domaine de Chevalier 2017 rosé is made from a blend of the same varietals used to produce the estate's famous Grand Vin: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. In the glass, this Bordeaux rosé displays a beautifully bright red currant color. On the nose, the wines is very fresh, offering aromas of red berries and a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine reveals a juicy texture and wonderful freshness. The finish is long and complex, echoing its noble terroir of origin.

Not quite as approachable as the King Estate, this wine still has very good flavors of red fruits and a lightly acidic finish. Works as a sipper or as a food wine for lighter summer fare. Priced around the $20 mark as well – made in the number 1 in the intro…

2018 Can Sumoi “La Rosa”, Penedes, Spain

Grape Varieties:  50% Sumoll (red), 30% Parellada (White) and 20% Xarel.lo (White)

Type:  Natural Rosé Wine             Alcohol Volume:  11%

Production:  Can Sumoi is the latest project from the Raventós family (Raventós I Blanc). Their new acquired estate in the Serra de l'Home in the Pla de Manlleu, DO Penedès, dates back to 1645 and comprises 20 ha of vines. Here, at 600 meters of altitude, is where the family, following their passion, produce their exceptional range of high-altitude natural still white wines from local varieties growing on limestone soils, farmed organically and made without the use of additives or any other manipulation. Grapes are hand-picked from sustainable, organic and biodynamic vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel vats at 16ºC for 21 days, only using native yeasts. Bottled unfiltered. Natural SO2:  9mg/l.

Best enjoyed in its youth within 1 – 2 years.

Tasting Notes: Wine with a strong Mediterranean character of a pale salmon color with scents of elegant fresh red fruits and floral notes, good fresh acidity finishing with a pleasantly nutty touch.

This is a different type of Rose. Less of a porch pounder, but one that goes well with all types of summer fare. Very good wine from Penedes – think the east side of Spain, towards Barcelona, whre a lot of Cava is produced. Price runs about $25 for this organic wine and it is made by #3 in the intro…

2017 Tenet “Le Fervent” Rose, Costieres de Nimes, France

Deeply concentrated red cherry and strawberry flavors are balanced by crisp acidity and invigorating mineral undertones here. It's a dry yet bold fruit-forward sipper, with a plump, juicy palate. Structured by fine tannins and savory, herbal flair, it's elegant and versatile enough to enjoy year round. Drink now–2021.

The term “fervent” is defined as “having intensity of spirit, feeling and enthusiasm,” an apt description of winemaker Michel Gassier’s passion for Syrah. Le Fervent is produced in Costières de Nîmes, the southern-most appellation of the Rhône Valley nestled on the shore of the Mediterranean, and is sourced from some of the coolest vineyard sites of the Southern Rhône, thanks to the strong maritime influence.

BLEND

65% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault

WINEMAKER'S NOTES

The wine is very pale pink with violet hues. Intense nose of crushed strawberries, pomegranate and floral notes. Very dynamic wine with a rich mouthfeel, fresh red berries and mineral flavors, and a long lively finish.

This was a well balanced Rose – flavorful as a sipper and flavorful with enough acidity to go with most summer fare. The region is actually Southern Rhone, although at one time was considered to be in the French wine lake of Languedoc. Priced around $20, maybe available for slightly less. Produced by #2 from the intro…

Hope you enjoyed the wines and everyone is staying safe. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines. I’m still easy enough to recognize with a mask on!

Wines of June 2020

Getting Hot Here

Been getting pretty toasty around my neighborhood - hope you are staying cool. Here are the wines for June, 2020

2018 Vina Tinajas del Maule Viejo Feo Carmenere Maule Valley, Chile

This handsome Carménère is brilliant, with dark reflections and an expressive character. Carménère is “the lost grape” from Bordeaux, France, and is now Chile’s flagship grape. It’s fruit-forward, lush, and dry with an aroma of black fruits, chocolate and coffee; soft & silky with a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.

Fantastic value with tons of fresh blackberry fruit and a elements of earth and spice. A real crowd-pleaser!

A decent every day Carmenere, decent fruit, short finish, but good for pizza and spaghetti. Under $10, nice to have on hand. 

This grape is the “lost” one from Bordeaux – after the American louse devoured the grape vines in France, this odd man out was left basically growing in Chile. For years, many of the plants were designated as Merlot, but testing in the 1990’s proved it to be Carmenere. That has made it a signature grape of the country.

2016 Para Maria Stolpman Vineyards Santa Barbara, California

#51 ENTHUSIAST 100 2017

This Syrah, which is enhanced by 15% Petit Verdot, is one of the better wines from the region on the market for less than $25. Awesome aromas of pepper, blackberry and charred beef are intense and deep, while the palate is lifted by bountiful acidity and flavors of boysenberry, white, black and green peppercorns, incense and sagebrush.

Para Maria already shows off its breadth and complexity at a tender young age. Lively, peppy balance and juicy brambly blackberry. Graphite and cracked pepper create an impression of seriousness with a hint of savory wood from the whole-bunch carbonic fermentation.

This is a serious syrah – not like a bottle of Aussie stuff with an animal on it. The Petit Verdot helps color  and adds a great nuance to the wine. Fruits are lush red, with pepper and herbs. Decent acidity that made it good with heavier fare at dinner. Really nice – I got it under $20. Great buy.

2017 El Jamon Garnacha Carinena, Spain

One of the more versatile red grapes in the world, Garnacha (known as Grenache in France) thrives in Spain. This Spanish gem has flavors of black raspberry and cherry fruit, with earthy notes of spice, leather, vanilla and mocha. Medium bodied with fine, soft tannins and well balanced acidity.

Another week night wine, these wines are always drinkable, with a little acidity to go with most fare. Short finish, no real tannins, but enough fruit to keep it interesting. Under $10 – probably$ 8.

2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvee Sonoma, California

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards—Sonoma Carneros’ original sparkling wine house—announces the release of Anniversary Cuvée, a vintage sparkling wine to toast life’s memorable moments from the simplest to the most spectacular.  Made from Sonoma County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, the Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée is assembled from 14 separately fermented lots of wine from the 2010 vintage. Fermented for 6 months before blending, the wine was then allowed to mature in bottle for five and a half years before disgorgement. 2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée will be released nationally this month at a suggested retail price of $40.

2010 was one of the coolest vintages on record in Sonoma. The low temperatures resulted in a light crop, slow ripening and a later than usual harvest. The lower yield and extended hang time gave the grapes extraordinary concentration and character. Grapes for the 2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée were hand harvested in small bins and pressed very gently in whole clusters. Only the first press juice, with its delicate flavors and aromas was used for this wine. Fermentation was in stainless steel at temperatures from 55º-60º F. The final blend is 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay.

2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée has a moderate alcohol content of 12.5 percent, making it an excellent choice to drink throughout a meal. Steven Urberg, Gloria Ferrer’s winemaker, describes the wine as displaying aromas of Asian pear and ripe apples, with hints of honey and vanilla.  On the palate, the mousse is rich and creamy. The fruit of the nose is enhanced with flavors of crème brûlée, stone fruit and black cherry, with a long finish that suggests fresh ginger. “This is an elegant wine that will be a fine partner with wine similarly festive dishes,” says Urberg. He suggests oysters on the half-shell, classic steamed lobster with drawn butter, lemon meringue pie or a fruit galette with crème fraiche. “It is a perfect wine for a great occasion and great company,” he says.

Wow – this was a close-out for just under $20 – I got half a case. Very good sparkler with great bubbles, that brioche and yeast flavors and pear and apple tones. Elegant is a good word for it. Buy it if you can get it!

2017 Chateau Ste Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Hills, Washington

Aromas of grass, grapefruit and herb lead to a crisp citrus flavor on the full-bodied palate. These tones carry on the finish.  90 Points, Wine Enthusiast

This Sauvignon Blanc from our Horse Heaven Vineyard is a crisp, racy style of Sauvignon Blanc with citrus characteristics. We use partial stainless steel fermentation to preserve the Sauvignon Blanc’s pure, fresh, vibrant character.” Bob Bertheau, Winemaker

Nice Sauv blanc from Washington – clean with some citrus. Moderate finish, not something to go overboard on, but OK for this grape. Costs under $10 – good enough for that white wine to go with something before drinking the big red.

2015 Seigneurs D’Aiguilhe, Bordeaux, France

This balanced wine shows fine potential. Its structure dominates at the moment, with solid tannins, but the rich black fruit is all there. Let it develop over the next several years and drink from 2021.

Moving to the red and made from 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Château D'Aiguilhe is also brilliant and well worth seeking out. Sporting a vibrant ruby/purple color as well as gorgeous notes of black raspberries and blue fruits, violates, bouquet garni, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, bright acidity, and firm tannin, all of which give it a masculine feel, despite having plenty of upfront fruit. This is a beautiful Côtes de Castillon that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for a decade or more.   - Jeb Dunnuck, 92 pts

Ripe, fragrant aromatics. Power but opulence and finesse as well. Fine, fresh grain of tannin and a persistent finish. One of the best yet from this Von Neipperg-owned (Canon-la-Gaffelière) estate.           - Decanter, 91 pts

This is a second or third label for this estate. That usually means the wine is “left-overs” and just barely passable. Not this wine – it tastes like an expensive Bordeaux – dark colors with red/black fruits with good body and a firm aftertaste. Would keep another 5 years in the cellar and taste great.  Priced around $30, but available as low as $23, good wine to buy and have on hand.

2015 Bootleg Wine Works Red, Napa County, California

This opulent, purple-hued wine is rich with aromas of bramble berries, baking spices and espresso. On the palate it exhibits flavors of plums, blueberry compote, soft vanilla and allspice, with hints of cigar box and black tea. The wine is full and inviting enough to enjoy on its own, yet structured enough to stand up to big, bold foods like prime rib, leg of lamb or BBQ.

Blend: 53% Merlot, 21% Petite Sirah, 20% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Bootleg doesn’t have any vineyards – they buy the “extra” grapes that are usually available unless the growing season is a bad one. 2015 was a good year and the scored some nice grapes to make a nice red blend.  The mouthfeel is full, with dark fruits expanding into herb and spice nuances. Decent length aftertaste, some tannins, but not overpowering. Could sit for a few years, but very approachable now. Price is about $45, but is available for $35-40. Another nice bottle to have to serve to friends (when their not wearing masks…)

Another month – hope you are all staying safe. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.

May 2020 Wines

Wines of May 2020 - another month of Covid19

Time for a few wines I've enjoyed during the month of May

2014 Contado Di majo Norate Aliagnico del Molise Reserva

Winemaker Notes

Ruby-red in color, aromas of ripe fruit and almonds complement undertones of leather and wood. On the palate, it is mellow and velvety with well-balanced tannins and a long finish. This wine is ideal with savory foods, starters, game, and cheeses. Pair this wine with roasted beef, Madeira sauces, grilled venison steaks, and brisket.

Critical Acclaim                  JS94  James Suckling

Great combination here of dried blackberries, dark cherries, meat and then lifted citrus and dried raspberries. Hints of balsamic. Full-bodied and very juicy, drawing plush strands of luscious dark fruit together and keeping them taut and fresh. Drink from 2022.

This is an excellent Italian wine – dark with black fruits and hints of herbs.  Only runs about $15 – 18, and is a great buy. You can serve this to your wine friends, they’ll enjoy it too.

2017 Mark West Pinot Noir California

87 POINTS           Best Buy              Wine Enthusiast

This affordable wine is a little obvious in terms of oaky spices in the aroma and flavors, but it backs them up with good cherry and berry flavors to complete the package. It's medium bodied and smooth in texture.

This has become even cheaper now that they were bought by Gallo. I’ve seen it for $7 – and it is a great bargain for a California style Pinot Noir. Bright red fruits with hints of oak, little tannins, but juicy and good for every day drinking. Can’t think of another Pinot producer that they have bought. Keep a couple bottles on hand.

2016 MERF Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington

90 POINTS           Best Buy              Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of black currant, cedar, toast, spice, plum, green pepper and cherry lead to dense, tightly backed red and black fruit flavors. It has a lovely sense of freshness, balance, and length—a whole lot of wine for the money.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this bottle, but I was very pleased. Has a serious Cabernet taste, with good texture and body. Not a lot of tannin, but enough for good body. Priced in the mid-teens, I can say this wine is really a good one for the money.

2018 Pessimist by Daou Paso Robles, California

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 Pessimist is inky and dark aubergine in color. A powerhouse vintage with a plethora fruit showcasing blueberry, boysenberry, plum and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by accents of floral consisting of lavender and lilac, highlighted by underlying nuances of buttered toast, vanilla, and a breath of cool wintergreen. A veritable cascade of juicy berries, red cherries and huckleberries flood the palate while a river of lush fruit flavors overflow its banks. Voluptuous and robust while tempered with grace and elegance; a true gentle giant. The purity of fruit is elevated by its silky texture and hints of kirsch and cassis, olive and fennel. This wine displays a well- rounded and balanced finish that offers essences of blueberry and cranberry with prodigious persistence.

Critical Acclaim

JD92       Jeb Dunnuck

The Pessimist cuvée by the Daou Brothers is always a good value for those who love opulent fruit, and the 2018 offers loads of sweet blue fruits, white chocolate, violets, and toasted spice aromas and flavors. Based on 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, and 17% Syrah, it’s full-bodied, decadent, and rich while staying light on its feet. I’d be happy to drink it.

This is a bright, exuberant bottle that should please most palates. Very upfront flavors of fruit, but a nice body and texture. Nice blend – black and red fruits dominate with some baking spices thrown in. Little tannins, but a decent length finish. I got it for under $20, well worth the money. And as the bottle says “A pessimist is never disappointed”.

2019 Vina Maitia Roto Cabernet Sauvignon, Maule Valley, Chile

Vintage:2019Varietal:87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 3% Alicante Bouchet

Alcohol Content:13%

Region / Location:Maule

Vineyard:Multiple,25 acres, planted inbetween 1980-2010

Farming Practices:Sustainable moving towards organic

Soil Type:Clay and Granite

Trellis System:EspalderaYield:3.4 tons/acre

Yeast:Native

Winemaker:David Marcel

Élevage:Concrete Vat and light oak

A fuller red with deeper red fruit notes and a touch of greenness. Actually a blend, the wine is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 3% Alicante Bouchet. The vines are planted 400 feet above sea level, farmed sustainably in transition to organic. The fermentation is with native yeasts, no fining is done, and aging is primarily in concrete with only a touch of oaking.

This wine looked like a soda-pop wine when I read about it. Matt convinced me to try it and I’ll say it was pretty tasty for a $10 bottle. There is black and red fruits in the mouth, but the texture is slightly thin. Enough acid to go with a meal – chill it slightly and have it in the summer. Great for out on the patio or with food off the grill.

Well, another month of hibernating has gone by – hope every on e is staying safe and well. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.

The Wines of April 2020

I had a birthday and I got behind on posting this. That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it...

2019 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Black Rock Mendoza, Argentina

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its varietal typicity and achieve a fruity and expressive character.

Tasting Notes:

Dark Ruby Color.  Intense red berry notes mixed with spice and mineral notes. The palate is packed with ripe concentrate red and black fruit flavors with hints of black pepper and mineral notes.

"Combines the know-how of French winemaking with Argentina's exceptional climate and terroir. The vineyard is located at the foothills of the Andes. Its thermal amplitude contributes to obtaining fully ripened grapes with an excellent acidity. The grapes are hand-picked and the vineyard is certified organic. The wine has an elegant style, with lots of mineral notes, cherry and currant. The palate is full of ripe fruit flavors with delicate tannins. Pair with pasta dishes, red meat and sauces." 

A decent Cabernet from Argentina, good fruit, little tannins, most upfront on the flavors. Not a long finish – good “School-night” wine available around $10.

2018 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Cask Mendoza, Argentina

Dark red in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromas of cherries, plums and licorice. The palate is fresh and clean, with depth and ripe, slightly oaked flavors of cassis, blackberry, and chocolate. Easy to like, with toasty touches throughout.

Ideal to serve with roast beef, spicy roast chicken, duck, cheddar, and bleu cheese.

Critical Acclaim                  JS92 James Suckling

Blackcurrants and sweet tobacco with hints of black tea on the nose. Full-bodied, silky and polished with refined tannins and a smoky, lightly earthy and flavorful finish.

A better, inexpensive Cabernet from Argentina, this had good fruit and a better body with some tannins in the mouth. Very likable for a $10 Cabernet. (Picture says Malbec, didn't get a pic before sending the bottle to recycling)

2017 Chateau Graville-Lacoste Graves Blanc, Graves, France 

There could be no better way to enjoy this crisp, invigorating Graves than with a platter of fresh seafood. Raw oysters, fresh shrimp, clams, scallops, crab, langoustines...the more the merrier. If you want to try a Bordelais specialty, serve these ice-cold, briny creatures alongside smoky, hot-off-the-grill sausages and a crusty baguette. This Graves is distinguished by its high percentage of Sémillon, sourced from vineyards in the greatest white wine terroir in all of Bordeaux—the Haut-Barsac.

I was never a Sauvignon Blanc fan, but lately I have had two very good French ones. The one from Graves has a good amount of Semillon and it is a smooth white, with hints of peach and summer fruits. A brisk aftertaste completes the wine. Very good – available from $12 - $18, imported by Kermit Lynch. Great summer wine – get some.

2018 Le Dome du Grand Bois Cotes-du-Rhone, Rhone, France

"Made from a blend of 70% Grenache Noir, 20% Cinsault and 10% Carignan. Ruby red with aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant; fruity and slightly spicy in style with a well-balanced tannic structure. Pair with roast chicken, lamb and goat's cheese. Can be enjoyed young or kept for 2 or 3 years." 

Winemaker's Notes

An easy drinking wine with aromas of liquorice and blackcurrant. A fruity Côtes du Rhône, slightly spicy, with well balanced tannins. This wine is ready to drink, best enjoyed young and already very drinkable.

A nice little blend and a nice tasty CDR – hints of spice with red and black fruits. A little short on the finish with a little tannic structure. A tasty $10 bottle – nothing to cellar, but worth a pour on a weeknight.

2018 Fog Mountain Field Blend, California

Fog Mountain are wines that evoke the cooling fog of California's hillside vineyards, in a manner that embraces a modern approach to winemaking and care for the environment while delivering superior quality and value.

Staff Comments: An incredible 5 grape blend from California! Hints of huckleberries and black raspberries. This is a soft and loving romantic wine. Michigan cherries, pomegranates, fresh plums, a waft of tobacco and milk chocolate. Gorgeous! Pair this with Chicken Kiev, baked ravioli, or shrimp risotto.

Elegantly brings together 5 core varietals: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah for a wine that is layered and complex. Aromas of ripe red fruit and exotic spices lift from the glass and immediately capture your attention. Flavors of tangy raspberries, fresh-picked strawberries, and red currant coat the palate with a delightfully rich flavor profile. This wine is well balanced with smooth, juicy tannins that make it an approachable, food-friendly wine." Winemaker's Notes

A surprising inexpensive California bottle that has 5 different varietals. Each adds something – the darkness of Petite SIrah, some spice from the Zinfandel, body from the Merlot, texture from the Cabernet and brightness from the Syrah. Around $10, this might be a fun one to blind taste your friends – see if they guess the blend. Not much tannins, so not a cellar stash, but nice red fruit flavors and a balanced finish. Really nicely done for a every day bottle.

Another month gone by - hope you are all well and safe.  Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines (at a socially distant measure).

Wine in the Time of Covid-19

Time keeps Marching - March 2020 Wines

These have become unusual times, but the wine is still pouring.

2017 Bastide Miraflores Rouge Cotes du Roussillon

A custom cuvée for European Cellars and a joint project between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, Bastide Miraflors is a cuvée created from Grenache grown on rocky, alluvial clay soils resembling those of the Rhône Valley combined with Syrah grown on schist in the village of Maury. After a long maceration of six weeks the wine ages for 12 months in concrete (Grenache) and 600L French oak demi-muids (Syrah).

"A blend of 74% Syrah and 26% Grenache that was brought in a mix of tank and used barrels, the 2017 Bastide Miraflors has a fabulous minerality as well as terrific kirsch, black raspberry, wild fennel, white pepper, and hints of black licorice aromas and flavors. Pure, medium to full-bodied, silky, and seamless on the palate, it's perfectly balanced, and way over-delivers. Drink it over the coming 2-3 years."~J.D.

This wine had a different mid-palate taste. It was green, not dill from American oak or green pepper from unripe Cabernet, but more of a green olive hit. Turns out one review mentioned the breeze that flows through this area and that is what they figured that to be. Otherwise, it was not a great wine, although it went well with food. Good for the $12 price.

2016 Vidigal Reserva Red wine Cortes, Portugal

The Vidigal Reserve was one of the first Reserve wines in the region formerly known as Estremadura, now known as Lisbon. It is our belief that this region will have a key role in the future of Portuguese wines, while continuing to produce large quantities of the best wine at the lowest possible price. Vidigal Reserve is a sober wine, modern style, deep color, fruity, juicy, silky, medium-bodied and with a sensible alcohol.

This was a $8 bottle that pretty much drank like a $10 bottle. Decent fruit, modest nose, not much follow-thru on the end. Pizza wine.

2017 Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington

Drumheller has its roots in events that took place eons ago when Ice Age glacial dams broke loose and unleashed a series of epic floods. Imagine waters raging over eastern Washington at ten times the combined flow of every river in the world carving dramatic channels and sweeping vast volumes of sandy, loamy soil onto the Columbia Plateau. One of these, the Drumheller Channels, has achieved National Natural Landmark status for the stark beauty of its landscape and its rich geological significance.

This young, value brand by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, spearheaded by winemaker Tim Jones, is on the rise. Named for the Drumheller Channels created during the Ice Age Floods near Othello, Wash., it focuses on fruit from the Wahluke Slope. As a product of a record-hot growing year, this is redolent with aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry and blackberry, backed by firm plum-skin tannins and bittersweet chocolate. Suggested food pairings include stuffed peppers, pork tenderloin, braised ribs or Death by Chocolate. Jones more than doubled his production from its debut vintage of 2014, and this bottling from the 2015 vintage won best of class at the 2017 Washington State Wine Competition. 

This is not a big upfront red wine like many Pacific Northwest Cabernets. Much more restrained with a wonderful flavor coming through from the backpalate and aftertaste. Red and black fruits but with essence of baked goods, maybe Brioche.Good finish that stays with the mouthfeel flavors. Around $10 – well worth that.

2018 Telmo & Ruth Cabernet Merlot Maule Valley, Chile

"Beautifully ripe Cabernet/Merlot blend, with a ruby deep color, showing blueberry and dark plum notes mixed with spice and roasted nut complexity. The palate delivers lovely fruit, medium bodied with silky texture and fine tannins. Pairs well with pasta, pizza, fish dishes or on its own." Winemaker's Notes

Cool artwork on the bottle this is a $10 bottle of Cabernet/Merlot that has bright fruits with a decent mouth fill – not much of herbs or spices; finish a little mild. Tannins fade into the taste. Another decent week-night wine.

The following wines were from the Gerard Bertrand collection:

Gerard Bertrand was born and raised in the South of France. Making wine with his father, Georges, since the age of 10, Gerard Bertrand offers the full range and diversity of wines from the region – red, white, rose, varietal, appellation, estate, still, sparkling, and dessert.

Every wine evokes the image and emotions from the South of France; "Art de Vivre" – the "art of life." Committed to producing quality wines of great value, Gerard is hands on in every facet which bears his name… and has been fortunate to receive great accolades from World Wide press reinforcing his dedication.

2016 Cuvee Thomas Jefferson Cremant de Limoux, France

Cremant Thomas Jefferson reveals a beautiful, golden yellow robe. Complex, aromatic nose revealing hints of white flower, with hints of honey, green apple and toast. Crisp, elegant structure on the palate, where the fine texture of the bubbles complements the wine naturally.

88 POINTS

Freshly dried straw, soft toast, lightly grilled yellow apple and a touch of dried lemon peel form the nose of this dry, attractive sparkler. The palate is bright and bubbly, with initially aggressive carbonation that mellows fast on the palate and yields a round, ripe yellow orchard-fruit flavor. Smooth and clean, the finish leaves you ready for more.

This sparkling wine made in the South of France is a wonderful example of Cremant (sparkling wine made in France outside the Champagne region) with very good flavor, sharp bubbles and a nice clean finish. Priced around $20, this is hard to beat, and like Pol Roger (Winston Churchill Cuvee) it is named after one of the more famous person that drank it. Think, this was kept at Monticello in the old days. Grab some and try it, it is really good.

2018 Perles de Sauvignon Blanc

The Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by its attractive citrus, and sometimes menthol, aromas and is nicely rounded on the palate. The aging of part of the wine in oak barrels gives structure and length in the mouth.

Wine Enthusiast - A new, fresh and vibrant wine from the powerhouse Languedoc producer, this boasts abundant aromas of green plum, gooseberry, orange rind and garrigue herbs. The lightweight palate is clean and refreshing, with a mouthwatering citrus verve to the close.

I have never been a giant fan of this grape, but this bottle was excellent. A pretty bottle with pearl shapes on it, the wine is aromatic, redolent with herbs and citrus finishing with a nice clean close. Also, not sealed with o cork, but a glass stopper. Priced around $22 (available at $20) this is a seafood wine that could go with other repasts.

2015 Tautavel , Cotes du Roussillon Villages, France

Intensely fruity on the nose, withred fruit and raspberry aromas underpinned by complex, spicy notes. A wonderful combination of supple tannins and delicate notes of scrubland and spices on the palate.

Blend: 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Carignan

Critical Acclaim

RP90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Sporting a deep, saturated ruby color, the 2015 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Grand Terroir checks in as a blend of 40% each of Grenache and Syrah, with the balance Carignan. Ripe black fruits, chocolate, licorice and smoked herbs give way to a ripe, sexy, concentrated and rounded effort that's a classic Old World fruit bomb. Drink this beauty over the coming 5-6 years.

This is a good, sturdy wine – moderate tannins and good red and black fruits with nuances of spices. Fruit forward for this area, but tasty. Priced around $18, good bottle for heavier meals.

2016 Gerard Bertrand Corbieres, France

Gerard Bertrand Corbieres is a deep, concentrated color. The complex aromas of black fruit come from the carefully controlled extraction during vinification and from the exceptional ripeness of the grapes. A wine of distinctive character with all the flavors of ripe fruit, with subtle hints of spices and licorice.

Critical Acclaim

W&S89                 Wine & Spirits

An over-the-top red, this sweetens its lush flavors of blueberries and purple plums with generous lashings of smoky, spicy oak. It’s clean and big-boned, built for steaks or beef barbecue.

Nicely made wine, smooth with red fruits, wet stones and slate with modest tannins. Not over the top, but a nice less intense wine than the other reds in this group. Priced around $18, good bottle to have on hand for grilling. 

2016 Chateau de Villemajou  Vin Rouge Corbieres, France

Villemajou is situated at Boutenac, well inside the Corbières appellation. The area supports ancient carignan vines (80 years) uniquely suited to the Mediterranean milieu of temperature, soil and light that are blended here with syrah, mourvèdre and grenache. The nose is an enticing mix of black and red fruits, and savoury, peppery, smoky, menthol, licorice notes that spill across the palate. Rich, long and balanced, this will age through 2026 with little problem. Best suited to more sumptuous meats like lamb or venison. Yields are 30 hl/ha, picking is by hand, and a small portion is a fermented whole bunch, to lift the fruit component before it's aged in 225-litre Bordeaux barrels for a year. It spends an additional 12 months in bottle before release.

This is a massive wine, with intense black and red fruit interwoven with peppercorns and dried herbs. Tannins are quite evident and lead to a long finish. Like chewing on a steak; this is drinking OK for now, but cellar it for 4 – 10 years to get the best out of it. Priced around $42, not an everyday wine, but inexpensive for a special wine.

Another month and more time inside. Hope you all stay safe and well. Until next time, Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you (socially distant) behind the grapevines.