Wines of July 2023

It took summer a couple of weeks, but when it went full blast, it really got hot! Found out that Frizzante has a second fermentation in the bottle, like Sparkling wine, but there is less yeast used and the bubbles are less than half of sparklers. It also takes less time. Often seen in Italy, they are fun little wines to drink.

OK, now for the month of wines:

2020 Philippe Viallet Vin de Savoie+

#55 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2021

Bright light straw with green and grey hints. Discreet and smoky with aromas of stewed fruits and notes of honey. Light and straight, with a good minerality and a slight saltiness on the finish.

Serve with fish, shellfish and with traditional local dishes (cheese fondue, tartiflette).

WS90Wine Spectator

Pretty, with unadorned star fruit, fennel and jasmine notes laced with a hint of lime zest on the breezy finish. Jacquère, Chasselas, Chardonnay and Altesse. Drink now through 2022.

Varietal: Jacquère, Chasselas, Chardonnay, Altesse Taste: The Viallet family have been working the vineyards of Savoie since 1966, when Marcel and Yvonne purchased their first estate, Domaine Clos Réservé, in Apremont, a mere 10km from Chambéry. Their second son Philippe joined the business in 1984, after having studied wine-making in Beaune. He realized the strong commercial potential of the wines of Savoie, and in 1985, he created Maison Philippe Viallet. This wine is a blend of grapes from the region not commonly known to us here (with the exception of Chardonnay) - Chasselas, Chardonnay, Altesse with a majority of Jacquere. In the glass, the wine is a bright light straw color with green and grey hints. The nose is exuberant and bouncy, with an Alpine freshness, crisp orchard fruit and Asian pear notes that follow through to the palate in the most pleasant way. There’s fantastic minerality and texture here, with a slight saltiness on the finish.

A very enjoyable white wine – hint of minerality with fruit flavors of pear, Fuji apple and floral hints. Moderate body, matched well with cheeses and chicken. Got it on special for about $16. Well worth it in a hot summertime.

2019 Four Vines the Biker, Zinfandel, Paso Robles, CA

This Four Vines The Biker Zinfandel is the solution to a boring evening. This classic California wine is produced by Four Vines. It is made from the red Zinfandel grape. The 'biker' variety tastes like black fruit and spice. It complements barbecued meats.

Black cherry and spicy aromas lead to an elegant palate of wild blackberry and plum flavors bolstered by a touch of black pepper and sweet, toasted oak.

The 2019 offers a plush mouthfeel and a long, velvety finish

This is a lighter style of zinfandel, not a heady, high alcohol fruit bomb. Nicely balanced with good fruit and body to match a meal. Red and black fruits dominate the palate with a modest finish.  Not something to age, drink in the next year or so. Priced around $14, worth buying to drink with your grilled foods.

2018 Zeni Costalago Rosso Veronese IGT, Verona, Italy

The label of this wine underlines the origin of Lake Garda in the Würm ice age with its adjacent morainic hills. These hills form an ideal pedoclimatic environment to cultivate the queen of the Veronese grapes: the Corvina grape.

Nino Zeni, eclectic oenologist and father of Fausto, Elena and Federica, started planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the early 90s in some vineyards nearby the lake. An idea came up in his mind to create a new wine as a modern expression of our region, a harmonious blend where the local character and the elegance of the Corvina grape are blended with the international character and the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to give a unique and balanced wine.

Tasting notes

Intense ruby red. Floral notes with hints of well ripened fruit. Vinous, velvety and lingering. Pairs well with pasta with sauce, grilled red meat, game and cheese.

Hand selection of the best grape bunches which are collected in small crates and left to raisin for a while.

Soil: hilly soil of morainic and volcanic origin.  Vine yield per hectare: 100 ql./ha.

Grape varieties: Corvina & Corvinone 70% - Merlot 15% - Cabernet 15%.

A modest Italian red that has the right body to go with many foods. Mostly red fruits with a nice mouthfeel; modest finish. Great with pasta and red sauce – priced around $14. Not one to age, but buy now and enjoy

2020 Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County, CA

This Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with rich ripe flavors of sweet black currant, juicy blackberry, and cherry liquor, intermingled with hints of shaved chocolate, earth, and fresh tobacco leaf. The layers of flavors are balanced by hits of tasty oak. Silky soft yet structured tannins coat the palate and contribute to a long lasting finish.

This is a sumptuous, lush, and full-bodied wine, with flavors of juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, creamy like milk chocolate, and dusty notes all tied together with a toasty oak finish that is lingering.

This is not a cult-cabernet, but an affordable Napa Cabernet that delivers rather well. Dark fruits with some pencil shavings and a fairly long finish. Good body to stand to foods – capable of some aging, though not really tannic. Priced around the mid-20’s (was a gift) worth a try.

2020 Laxas Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain

Clear, brilliant wine, yellow straw color with green nuances. An intense aroma on the nose, perfectly combining the fruity and floral notes, particularly apple and stoned fruit (apricot). Freshness on the palate typical of Albariño, with a touch of acidity perfectly balanced with the structure and body of this wine.

WS90Wine Spectator

Broad and creamy on the palate but trimmed by well-cut acidity, this balanced white shows a pleasing range of baked pineapple, dried papaya and orange peel, with accents of fresh tarragon and green almond. Light- to medium-bodied, with a snappy finish. Drink now

Albarino is a great summer time wine. Crisp, with peach and apple notes that has good structure and body. Good with a summer repast. Priced around $15, well worth buying and enjoying.

2018 Riverside Wines Rio Mendoza Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

Exotic and unusual for value-priced Malbec, with aromas of blueberry and Middle Eastern spice. Feels chunky yet juicy, with good acidity highlighting lightly herbal flavors of plum and tomato. Meaty, round and solid on the finish, with saucy spiciness.

Better than expected – an under $10 bottle that has nice upfront red fruits and a moderate body. Certainly, no aging potential, but at the price you can slug it down or open as a second or third bottle with friends.

2018 Izadi Reserva Rioja, Spain

 

Located in Rioja Alavesa, where Tempranillo thrives in a microclimate strongly influenced both by the elevation and the proximity of the Atlantic ocean, Bodegas Izadi specializes in red wines make almost exclusively from Rioja’s signature grape variety. Izadi Reserva is made from 100% Tempranillo grown in limestone rich soils and aged in American and French oak.

JS93James Suckling

Aromas of ripe plums and blueberries with hints of blue flowers, licorice and dried herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with plush tannins and savory fruit character. Polished and structured, with notes of chocolate and minerals to close. Drink of hold.

RP91Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Reserva, a blend of Tempranillo with 9% Graciano, still feels quite oaky after 15 months in French and American oak barrels, half of each. It has good ripeness for a cooler vintage, at 14.1% alcohol, and has a creamy mouthfeel with tannins and plenty of oak-related flavors in the finish. For fans of oaky modern Rioja.

WS91Wine Spectator

A polished red, layering supple tannins with an aromatic overtone of star anise, mocha and graphite. Fresh and medium-bodied, revealing black cherry coulis and fig cake notes, with a spiced finish. Drink now

This was an email special from Matt at Auburn Spirits. Whether it is 100% or 92% Tempranillo, it is a sturdy, almost rustic wine that has a long finish and tannins to be laid down for up to five years. Dark fruits and dries herbs dominate the palate, with oaky notes and a tannic grip of a wine meant for aging.  Got this for $16 –a tremendous buy. Recommend getting two and putting one down.

Hope all is well - I'm still hanging around, like a bunch of over weight grapes. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of June 2023

Survived another month of unusual weather. Hot, cool, rainy and then dry. Hitting the heat now.

Here are some wines I enjoyed.

2022 Gunther Schlink Pinot Noir Rose,  Germany

We love this fruity Pinot Noir rose from Germany, made by a fifth-generation winemaker who focuses on offering top-tier quality at fantastic values. Rich flavors of cherry, watermelon, and red plum lead into a dry and juicy finish with hints of stony minerality.

Günther Schlink Pinot Noir Rosé 2020 is nice expression of German “Spatburgunder”—German for pinot noir. Although this likely qualifies as a dry rosé, there is a touch of sweetness, too. Ripe grapes and push the residual sugar to the dry border. Also, this is German wine, so whiff of sweetness and good acidity are part of the DNA. This works well as an aperitif or fun solo sipper. Pair with shellfish; light fish; chicken—cold, white meat, in a salad; pork—Parma ham, prosciutto; charcuterie board; vegetarian fare; fresh fruit, especially strawberries and peaches. Cheese—goat cheese, especially fresh and young cheeses; feta, mozzarella, baby swiss, mild cheddar. $13-15

A fairly nice Rose – had nice body with just a hint of sweetness. The minerality really makes this wine, gives it a bit of an edge. Worth drinking in the heat of summer – I think it is around $12-13.

2019 La Purisima Old Vine Red Blend, Yecla, Spain

La Purisima has a gorgeous black cherry color, with good intensity. There is a prevalence of ripe fruit, with hints of vanilla, toast and spicy notes. The nose is clean and complex with many nuances. The palate is fleshy, long and powerful with great fruit and spice on the finish.

Blend: 85% Monastrell, 10% Syrah, 5% Garnacha

JS93James Suckling

An excellent blend with 85% monastrell, 10% syrah and 5% garnacha. Deep and glossy with blackberries, wild spices, tar and mineral. Concentrated but not hefty. Juicy, with a medium-to full-bodied palate enveloped by fresh, chalky tannins. Balance is the key here.

I liked this red blend – full palate of dark fruits with a good balance to make it a good match to food. I got it on an email special for around $15, well worth buying.

2020 Slow MON Bobal, Requena, Spain

100% Bobal from 60-year-old vines in the goblet and without irrigation at Finca Casa de la Viña (Requena region). Altitude 731 meters. Soil mix: Clay. Yield: 2.5 Kg / strain. Manual harvest at night. Selection of the healthiest grapes. Wine with a bright cherry red color with a violet rim. On the nose, fruity aromas of ripe berries, such as strawberries, raspberries and cassis with spicy and balsamic notes from the Mediterranean forest, followed by light toasted notes from the oak. On the palate, Very tasty, fruity mid palate, soft tannins and slight hints of vanilla with an elegant finish.

I’ll admit I like bobal and mencia – lesser known grapes of Spain.  This is a fruit forward with without being overly forward. Good balance makes this wine very food worthy. Has enough body to age a couple of years, with a little tannic backbone. Under $25, you can serve this to your “wine” people and be pleased.

2021 M Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA

Chocolate-blackberry ganache, cranberry preserves, sweet mint, black licorice, dark olive, new leather, mahogany. Palate is sleek and supple, firm, fine-grain, polished tannins, with a complex, and classy finish.

Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah

RP95Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

I love this easy-to-drink 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from McPrice Myers that well overdelivers for its price. Deep ruby-purple, it has alluring aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, dried herbs, leather and lavender, plus classy touches of oak spice. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and powerful without going over the top. It has abundant, grainy tannins, flinty streaks and plenty of refreshing acidity to carry the long finish. It's not your average chocolate bomb California Cabernet, despite its modest price tag.

A very nice cabernet, good fruits and balance with some herbs and spices to it. Nice finish. Priced around $25, well worth the money and could be aged for several years.

2021 Sean Minor Signature Series Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA

Our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir leads with well-knit rich flavors of cherry, plum, blueberry and hints of cedar bark. Beautifully structured, elegant velvety texture with lingering earthy and dark cherry notes that glide across the palate. The balance is flawless throughout, with a clean, bright acidity that carries through the lengthy finish.

WS 91 Wine Spectator

Bright, high-pitched style, with blood orange and damson plum notes racing through, flecked liberally with savory and thyme hints. Nice sleek feel on the finish.

This was a capable Sonoma Pinot – not something to seek out but fairly nice. Fruitt showed pretty well, not one I’d keep in the cellar long. Priced around $25 – you might be able to do better at that price.

2019 Deloach Russian River Valley Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, CA

This bright Zinfandel opens with aromas of baked plum, baking spice, white pepper and dusty earth on the nose. It is plump and zesty on the palate with licorice, black cherry and notes of black tea. Medium-bodied with round tannins, the finish is rich and intense.

Our Russian River Valley Zinfandel is predominantly harvested from the younger vines of the BCD Vineyard and the Slusser Vineyard, with smaller amounts of older vine Zinfandel from the Saitone and Boschetti ranches, all of which are certified Sonoma Sustainable.

The wine is made in a style that highlights the distinctive characteristics and unique flavor profiles of our various Russian River Valley vineyards. The BCD Vineyard is one of the last to ripen and oers the final blend great acidity and a noticeable brambliness, while the Slusser Vineyard offers darker fruit flavors and high-toned aromatics. The grapes from the Saitone Ranch lend an intense dark spice to the wine while the fruit from the Boschetti Ranch provides dense tannins and a fuller body.

I remember Cecil DeLoach – a retired fireman that started to make wine. He’s retired (sold out when he couldn’t make it) and the big French company bought it. So, this was a zin I found some what lacking in may respects. Modest fruit came through and the body was fair, but it was not an impressive zinfandel.  It was on special for $20, but I can’t say I would recommend it.

2018 Whitehall Lane ‘Rassi’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, CA

This beautifully blended 2018 Rassi Cabernet Sauvignon is exquisitely balanced with excellent fruit concentration. On the nose, this wine offers bing cherries,cassis, dried cranberries, black cherry cola, mixed berry jam, and a touch of brioche. The palate offers plush but delicate tannins, sweet black plums, strawberry rhubarb pie, red raspberry coulis, toasted bread, and cocoa dust that lingers on the finish. This offering is enjoyable today but will also evolve with cellar aging through 2030.

WE 88 Blended with 15% Merlot, this affordable red is nutty and herbal in cedar, with strong elements of toasted oak. Dark fruit presents as full bodied and deeply concentrated, with moderate structure giving it a supple foundation of power.

This was a pretty dense Cabernet with dark fruits and some spices on the palate. The tannins still showed in it, with an ability to age for a number of years; still drank nicely with a meal. Priced under $30, this is a nice wine that you can proudly pour and know you got a good deal. A Napa Winery making wine from a Sonoma vineyard – more common than you realize. Very enjoyable.

2021 Domaine Miraflors  Rosé Cotes Catalanes, Perpignan, France

Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé IGP Côtes Catalanes is a beautiful, salmon pink rosé that is produced in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France. This wine is a blend of 70% Mourvèdre and 30% Grenache Gris, which creates a delicate balance of fruity and floral notes on the palate. The wine exudes fresh aromas of ripe strawberries, watermelon, and blood orange, complimented by floral undertones of rose petals and jasmine. This wine has a crisp and refreshing finish, which makes it perfect for enjoying in the sun with friends or as an accompaniment to seafood, salads or light pasta dishes.

Raised in vats on fine lees, its nose is slightly iodized, fresh, spicy and mineral. The palate is lively in attack, the fruit and spices are well present on the palate with a beautiful roundness on the finish. A very beautiful rosé!

I opened this in some serious heat – it is refreshing and enjoyable.  Light red fruits and melon are surrounded with floral hints. The finish is a bit of a twist – it is dry and interesting. I got it for under $12, this is a sipper that has nice structure to go with summer meals. Also uses a glass stopper, those are kind of cool. Good buy.

Speaking of Good Buy – I hope you are all well and getting through the summer heat. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines!

 The Wines of May 2023

I recently read a book about Champagne - and I found how Mayonnaise came to exist.

I'll bore you with that fact later. Let's talk wines.

2019 Margerum M5 White blend, Los Olivos, Ca

#30 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2020

Slight straw and golden hues with a viscosity that clings to the glass as it is swirled. Aromas of apricots, white floral, sweet honey, hints of brioche toast, sweet pea flowers and pineapple. Full, round and pleasing with ample acidity to balance the richness that will continue to evolve with time in bottle. Flavors of apple, wet stone and a touch of peach nectar engage with a lovely long persistent finish that lingers.

WE94Wine Enthusiast

Complex and yet utterly refreshing, this estate blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 21% Marsanne, 14% Viognier, 13% Roussanne and 7% Picpoul Blanc begins with wet stone, chalk, nectarine, Rainier cherry and creamed pear on the crisp nose. The palate sizzles with acidity and ashy, chalky tension, delivering flavors of kiwi, lychee and more stone fruit.

WS92Wine Spectator

Mouthwatering and vibrant, oozing with perfectly ripe white nectarine, Casaba melon, mango and dried pineapple flavors, with hints of candied ginger on a fresh, fleshy body. Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Viognier, Roussanne and Picpoul Blanc.

Enjoyable white wine – not sweet, yet with good balance and body. Unusual grape varieties, but well worth the price at $20.

2020 Paul Dolan Zinfandel, Mendocino, Ca

Deep and concentrated fruit flavors give this full-bodied wine plenty to savor, while light vanilla and cinnamon notes from oak aging dress it up nicely. Moderate tannins maintain good balance despite the wine's richness.   RATING91

Paul Dolan Vineyards 2020 Zinfandel has rich aromas of dark fruits and plum which give way to subtler notes of cinnamon and white pepper. The wine's smooth tannins and medium weight round out flavors of boysenberry, cranberry, anise, and cardamom leading to a spicy, zippy finish of nice length and rich fruit.

Good zin that carries a lot of fruit with some subtle hints of spice. Moderate finish, good balance to match with grilled foods. Bought at $16, nice bottle- recommended.

2014 Torres Celeste Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Dark cherry red with intense garnet highlights. Aromas of black fruit (wild blackberries, blueberries) and delicate toasted notes (coffee) with nicely oak-aged undertones (toasted oak). Serious and warm with very fine, juicy, velvety tannins.

Given its tannic and fruit properties, it pairs well with a wide variety of meat dishes, including roasts and wild game.

WW89Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

A solid red, the 2014 Torres Celeste delivers excellent ripe fruit aromas and flavors. The wine, coupled with its fine oak presence, would pair well with oven-baked short ribs. (Tasted: November 15, 2017, San Francisco, CA)

Estimated price around $16 – a gift. The fruit had mellowed some with age, but was still showing nicely. Tannins were slight, but overall good balance. Inexpensive for that area of Spain, worth trying again.

2020 Vina Robles Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, Ca

Deep purple with aromas of boysenberry, caramel, hints of chocolate, white pepper and savory spice. Full-bodied with juicy dark fruits, dark chocolate and a mouth-filling palate coating and creamy finish.

WE92Wine Enthusiast

Violet and lilac aromas are wrapped in toasted walnut and black currant on the nose of this bottling. The palate is lush with dark fruits and oak spices, which evolve into mocha and coffee bean flavors by the finish.

Oh, yeah. A meaty Petite with balance of fruit, acidity and tannins. Well made with dark fruits and a good finish. Priced around $20, this is a good buy.

2020 OZV Estate Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, Ca

An earthy, doughy aroma shows how fresh this wine is, before revealing layered, indulgent flavors of raspberry syrup, blackberry jam and dark chocolate that coat the mouth. With a full body, smooth texture and lingering finish, it's easy to love.  RATING92

This zinfandel tasted a little young – the fruit was bright but it was like it needed something to make it balance. No real tannins and a modest finish, not the best I’ve had at this price. Average price is about $15 – you get what you pay for on this one.

2021 Wente Sandstone Merlot, Central Coast, CA

Our 2021 Sandstone Merlot is supple and beautifully balanced, showcasing aromas of ripe red cherry and plum that are complimented by creamy oak notes of sweet caramel and vanilla bean. Additional notes of white pepper, cardamom, and graphite provide more complexity and continue to develop as the wine breathes in the glass.

Moderate little wine, decent upfront fruit and hints of spices. Modest aftertaste, didn’t really feel complete – a little hollow in the mid palate. Fair acidity and a few tannins. Maybe better in a year or so?  Priced around $15, just ok, not great. (Like before – you get what you pay for).

2020 Hedges Family Estate Red Blend, Red Mountain, WA

Reddish black bramble fruits, red currants, bright cinnamon, clove, vanilla and a touch of chili pepper, cocoa, toasted seeds, and a touch of earthy graphite. Nice structure, good length and lovely flavors of fruit, spice, and earth. This wine has a classic Hedges style with a modern touch, very enjoyable now and will age for years to come.

This wine had broad fruit on the palate, with some tannin interwoven. The flavor brought some spice and earth to the palate with a long finish. Classic Bordeaux blend, this wine shows the good land where this is grown in Washington. A little higher in price – around $28, but worth the price – buy this one and enjoy.

2019 Penley Estate ‘Tolmer’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, Australia

Sourced from older vines, the “Tolmer” bottling is marked by refined tannins and a well-rounded, balanced texture. During fermentation, some lots are left to macerate on skins for as long as 30 days, to extract more tannin. The finished wine is aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 12 months, then for a brief period in stainless steel tanks, before bottling.

Deep ruby-black, the wine leads with aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, licorice, violet, chocolate, and a hint of eucalyptus. It is medium-plus in body and incredibly silky without being at all “flabby” or sweet. While the tannins are soft, the acidity is fresh and balanced, which should bode well for aging. Pair this with braised short ribs or grilled ribeye with lots of char.

The dark berry fruit shows first with hints of earth and spice. Tannins are still a little tight – would be better with a year or two of aging. Priced like the previous bottle – around $28. Not really for everyone – not a typical Cabernet from Australia. (Pretty Label)

I hope all is well - remember to keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of April 2023

It almost seems like spring, except for a few days that turned cold and included a freeze. That shold be over in my area. Been a rough week, so I'll just go to the wines

2019 Chateau Recougne Bordeaux Supérieur , Fronsac, France

Château and the winemaking facilities, which were classified under the Fronsac Appellation many years ago. Merlot is best suited to the terroir and is the majority planting, complemented by both Cabernets. Grapes are 100% destemmed and crushed before being placed in temperature controlled vats. Prior to fermentation, approximately 20% of the juice in each vat is siphoned off in order to increase the skin to juice ratio (this juice is then used to make Rosé wine). Natural yeasts trigger fermentation and a twice daily regimen of pumping the juice over the skins begins remontage and an oxygen pump. The wine is racked every 3 months and therefore only needs a light filtration. Final blending and bottling takes place 18 months after the harvest. A nose of red fruits, a deep and powerful structure, round and silky tannins, make it a bottle with elegant, complex and rich content.

A tasty red from Bordeaux – not something with a long cellar life, but a few years wouldn’t hurt it. Nice red fruits withonly small amount of tannins and a touch of herbs.  Under $20, real nice for a week day type bottle.

2020 San Polo Rubio Toscano, Montalcino, Italy

James Suckling Review   Rated 90

Vibrant cherries, thyme and roasted herbs on the nose are followed by a medium-bodied palate full of juicy red cherries. Firm and fine-grained on the palate with lots of plums and berries. Pure and fruit-expressive. Drink now.

Wine Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby red in color, with purplish glints. The bouquet is intense and persistent with fresh aromas of red cherries, violets and blackcurrants, followed by subtle spicy notes. Well-structured and balanced with satisfying tannins and aromatic persistence. The nuances of forest fruits and cherries which are typical of the grape variety make it easy to drink, yet still intense and elegant.

Rubio expresses the vitality and immediacy of crisply fresh Sangiovese grapes from Montalcino. Due to its versatility, it is excellent by the glass and ideal for open-air barbecues. It is delicious when paired with various cold cuts, salami, pasta dishes, sausages, grilled meats and medium matured cheeses such as the renowned Tuscan pecorino. 100% Sangiovese

This is a very nice drinking Italian wine – red fruits with hints of floral and herbs.  Good acidity makes it a great match for different foods. Another good, inexpensive drinker – priced under $20. Recommend

2016 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva, Rioja, Spain

Winemaker Notes

Fruit (cherries, black plums, ripe blackberries) and oak (clove, pepper, vanilla, and coconut), enriched by the complex aromas developed during bottle ageing. Very attractive on the palate, with ripe fruit and spices, tobacco, and toasted oak. Elegant and soft tannins, middle weight, long, and complex finish. Delicious with red meat, grill, and roasts, game, mature, and blue cheeses.

Dry, spicy plum and cherry aromas are typical of good basic Rioja. This is medium in body, with somewhat rough tannins and spanking acidity. Plum and berry flavors are common, and it's racy on the finish.  RATING86

I’m afraid I found this wine rather lackluster. Usually the Reserva wines from Rioja have more body and a texture to them. This seemed like a recently bottled Tempranillo. I mean, yeah, it’s only $13, but with that extra time, you should get something. Skip this producer…

2019 Tascante Ghaiaia nera, Etna rosso, Italy

Subtle aromas of orange peel, cherries, and dried flowers follow through to a medium body, fine tannins, and a refined, subtle finish. Such beauty. So drinkable and fine. Drink now. ~95 James Suckling.

Lithe and savory, this lovely red has enticing scents of Mediterranean scrub, wild berries, crushed stone, and eucalyptus. The polished, savory palate offers wonderful finesse, featuring wild strawberry, pomegranate and star anise alongside flinty mineral notes. Glossy tannins provide elegant support. Drink through 2027. ~92 Wine Enthusiast. 

Pouring from the bottle with a thin, light ruby color, the 2019 Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese Ghiaia Nera is a finely textured wine. This delicate approach and those soft footprints make this bottle quite exciting to pour, especially as an easy companion to a homemade pasta dish. It offers wild cherry, tart berry, cassis, crushed stone, smoke and lavender essence. With 50,000 bottles produced, you get great value here. ~92 Robert Parker.

This wine really surprised me. Offered in an e-mailer from Auburn Spirits, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The wine is a lighter color than you expect.  The flavor is more than you expect – red fruits and a floral essence. No tannins, but good acidity to go with a meal.  I got it for $20 – it is an absolute steal. Recommend.

2020 Caligiore Reserve Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

A punchy Malbec from Mendoza – one of our favourites. Characterful, deep, purply red with a dark fruited nose. To taste, it’s rich and fruity with gentle tannins and a hint of sweetness on the finish.

Caligiore’s Malbec is made from certified organically-grown grapes from the winery’s estate Finca

Cayanta vineyard. With well-drained alluvial, deep loam soils that are perfected suited to Malbec

and winemaker Gustavo Caligiore’s minimalist, naturally-focused winemaking style, the resulting

wine is a classic, top-tier Mendoza Malbec. It offers an intense violet color with black notes and

notable structure but with dark fruit leading the way. The nose has an array of dark berry and violet

fruits and a weighty, unctuous mouthfeel that balances suppleness and light oak notes. The wine

has a long finish with lively acidity and finely grained, integrated tannins.

The Argentina Malbec craze has slowed down. Doesn’t mean that there aren’t some good bottles that are affordable. This is a perfect example – fruit forward with red and black fruit, moderate acid for balance and a moderate aftertaste. Good on its own, but a match for a variety of meals. It’s on the shelf for about $18 – it is a nice South American wine with distinction and fair price. Recommended

2020 Luke Companion Red Blend, Wahluke slope, WA

LUKE Red Blend showcases the opulence and synergy that a Bordeaux red blend can be when a thread of Syrah is layered in. Dark fruits flavors of blackberry and plum integrate with hints of Asian spices, coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. Tannins are silky smooth woven with good acidity and a long lingering finish.

Luke – I am your Father…Sorry, Star Wars always comes to my mind with this producer. Despite that, this is an excellent producer. All their wines are good – this red blend is a great wine. Added to the typical Bordeaux blend, 14% of shiraz is added.  That really tales this up a notch – dark fruits with essence of spices with a good finish. Light tannins but good acidity for structure.  Another good bottle from Washington state. Priced around $25, recommended

2020 John Duval ‘Entity’ Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

93 points “A deeply resonant shiraz from ex-Grange winemaker John Duval from old-vine vineyards in the Barossa Valley subregions of Krondorf, Tanunda, Ebenezer and Moppa, and the Eden Barossa Valley. Deep-set blackberry, satsuma plum and black cherry with hints of licorice, dark chocolate and earth. Powdery gypsum-like tannins, a bright line and a simmering sense of latent power on the concentrated, black-fruit-rich finish.” Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion,

This is a big boy Shiraz from the former Penfolds winemaker. I found it not too fruit forward, like Aussie shiraz can be, but more layered with dark fruits, some herbs and integrated tannins. Balanced wine, although it might be better with a couple years in the cellar. Priced retail at $47, was available at $30 – really nice bottle for that price. Recommended

I hope all is well - remember to keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 Wines of March 2023

March, as usual, had its ups and downs with the weather. Hot times and snow, couldn't quite make up it's mind. But we "Marched" right on through it. Let's get to the wines.

NV Bookwalter Notebook Red Blend, Columbia Valley, WA #16

NV Bookwalter Notebook Red Blend, Columbia Valley, WA #16

Another delicious, best buy from Bookwalter. This 16NV Notebook Red is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 22% Malbec, and Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It leads with fruit forwardness, smooth and juicy with well-structured tannins. Vibrant ruby and translucent red in color, this wine gives off aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, spice, and soft vanilla and finishes with a touch of savory notes.

This was not as good as I remember the other blends. It seemed to be a bit hollow on the middle palate. Not bad, mind you, but not great. Priced around$ 15 (or down to$ 12 online), I can’t give it a high recommendation.

2018 Enrique Foster IQUE Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Arg

2018 Enrique Foster IQUE Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Arg

Intense purplish red. Spiced, reminiscent of fresh cherry with a subtle touch of oak. Young and very fruity with balanced acidity.

Ideal wine to accompany seasoned poultry, veal or fish, red meat and food with creamy and dairy sauces. Excellent with chocolate.

JS91James Suckling

Fleshy, ripe red and dark plums pervade the palate with fresh and balanced style. Delicious.

This is a very good Cab Franc –nice flavors of red and black fruits with a hint of Cab franc style that is common to the grape.  A bottle for about $12, this is one well worth finding and drinking.

2018 Three Petite Sirah, Contra Costa, CA

Three Wine Company is a family winery with a strong focus on sustainable viticulture and hands-on winemaking, helmed by winemaker Matt Cline. This petite sirah comes from a vineyard of 100+ year old vines in Contra Costa county, planted by Portuguese and Italian immigrants. Rustic and robust, it yields big flavors of fig, prune, and blackcurrant, with cozy notes of leather, cocoa nibs, baking spice, and licorice. Dense and spicy, this is a brisket-and-blanket kind of wine!

I have met the winemaker and he really does great work. This wine is a powerful Petite Sirah, but is more than just a fruit bomb. Great dark fruit flavor with dark notes. Really good – priced at $20. Buy several, this would be good in another year or two.

2020 Ver Sacrum Geisha Dragon del Desierts, Uco Valley, Arg

This is a co-fermented blend of mostly Viognier with Marsanne and Criolla Blanca. About 10% of the blend is matured in oak under a veil of flor. The nose shows fresh cut white flowers with lemon, dried apricot, and a touch of fresh baked bread. The palate is crisp with white peach, wax bean, and hints of almond paste from the inside of a croissant. Delicious.

Blend: 70% Viogner, 20% Marsanne, 10% Pedro Ximenez

RP90Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The new white 2020 Geisha Dragon del Desierto was produced with 70% Viognier, 20% Marsanne and 10% Pedro Ximenez from Los Chacayes that fermented together after a cold soak of two days with indigenous yeasts in 5,000-liter concrete eggs. Like the 50/50 blend of Roussanne and Marsanne, this also saw 10% of the volume matured in oak casks for eight months under a veil of flor yeasts, while the rest was kept in concrete. This is still young and fruit-driven with some spice and a restrained character, balanced and dry, not exotic or showy. It finishes dry.

A dry white, unique in many ways. Not flinty but with some restrained  sharp edges, it is crisp with the almond and bready hints. Priced at $15, this is a great spring wine.

2021 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Classic Oregon Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe dark cherries and Oregon bramble berries. While lithe and versatile, this wine shows a deep core of fruit and has an ample body with substantial richness for a young wine. Firm tannins and notes of spice add to the lingering finish.

JD92Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Pinot Noir Planet Oregon is ripe with sweet aromatics of raspberry liqueur, moss-covered earth, and sweet herbs. The palate is generous and fresh with purple flowers, boysenberry, and cedar.

JS91James Suckling

A fresh, juicy wine with dark strawberry and lemon rind, as well as stone. Medium-bodied with firm, integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Nicely balanced. $1 goes to the Oregon environmental council.

From Anthony Soter, a great drinking Pinot from Oregon.  Nice red fruits with a good body and fresh acidity to make it a good food match.  Well balanced with a modest aftertaste – really good Pinot.  Priced at $20, well worth the money.

2021 Scarpetta Cabernet Franc, Friuli, Italy

Cabernet Franc came to Friuli-Venezia Giulia about the time of Napoleon — so it has been there with Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc for hundreds of years. In the right zones like the Colli Orientali, Cabernet Franc has a chance to be wonderfully herbaceous, have delicate tannins and to be an incredibly complex red wine.

This was not a great Cabernet Franc – lighter and less vibrant than one I listed earlier. A bit more herbs in it, less red fruits. Needed food to bring out more flavors, but overall not impressive. Priced at $20, I can’t say I would seek it out. The pig on the label is funny looking, though.

2017 Prieure de Cenac Malbec, Cahors, France

100% Malbec this wine comes from a selection of parcels on the plateau above the Lot river in Cahors. It's rich and firm, with great wood and spice notes as well as exuberant black plum and berry fruit. With its acidity, still-young tannins and firm texture, it will age well. Best served with a grilled duck, juicy steak with mashed potatoes with truffle oil, truffle risotto and a dark fudge chocolate cake.

This French Malbec had dark fruits and hints of leather. Still had tannins, making it a tad drying. Modest aftertaste, all in all, not a bad bottle. Much tamer than most Argentina Malbecs. Priced around $20, nice to have to compare to South America.

2019 Koehler-Rupert Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany

James Suckling

A light and fruity pinot noir that does what we expect a Bourgogne rouge to do, that is delight with bright cherry fruit that is married to a supple body and lively but not tart acidity. With a little aeration, nice, rooty complexity develops and some healthy tannin shows its hand. Moderate length, but very good harmony at the finish.

You will never mistake this for a California Pinot –  more earthy, lightly tannic with hints of black cherry. Not a bad bottle, but only for folks that want European Pinot for about $30. BTW, normally, this is called Spatburgunder in Germany.

Time continues to fly past - hope you are doing well. Until next month, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 WINES of February 2023

A short month that seems to last for a really long time. Here's this month's line up

2019 Prosper Maufoux Bourgogne

This wine is a beautiful green gold color with silver and grey highlights. It has a charming lemon aroma, with very soft vanilla accents. The flavor is minerally, ample, and round with lingering acidity.

Enjoy with grilled fish, seafood and charcuterie.

Domaine Vigne au Roy Hautes Cotes de Nuit Blanc is a bright and delicious wine that's perfect for your next dinner party. Its fruity nose and medium body make it a winner with any dish, the mineral notes of yellow fruit give it depth and character. So order a bottle today and see what all the fuss is about.

WW90Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

COMMENTARY: The 2019 Prosper Maufoux Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits Domaine Vigne au Roy is aromatic and delivers excellent energy on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with fragrant aromas and flavors of brisk, tart fruit. Try it with shellfish and pasta in a light cream sauce.

Very flinty and crisp, a very nice Chardonnay in a European style. Priced around $25 -30, was a gift.

2014 Revelry Range, Walla Walla, Washington

The 2014 Revelry Vintners 'Range' Grenache/Syrah is a deep and warm wine that showcases this hot vintage in Washington state. This begins with aromatics of red cherry, smoked brisket and black cherry with black olive. There are deep flavors of black cherry, black olive, smoked meats that connect to the velvety texture and plush mouthfeel. This wine is impossible to resist right now, but will cellar well into the next decade. (Best 2017-2027)

Range is a blend of Grenache from the southern reaches of Washington State, and Syrah grown 100 miles to the north. The product of two classic Rhone varietals, each grown in vastly distinct locales, this wine is a sultry, and incredibly balanced array of flavor. It is the extent to which, or the limits between which variation is possible.

A very nice American Rhone style wine, with a fresh berry nose and great red fruits with a good mouthfeel. Well worth the $20 price tag.

2020 Akutain Cosecha, Rioja Alta, Spain

 

Cosecha The Akutain Cosecha is comprised of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha, is fermented in fiberglass vats with native yeasts and raised for a short time in the same fiber glass vats. A delicious wine to pair with a variety of Tapas, and a pure example of Rioja Alta terruño.

Akutain's Rioja Cosecha is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with a small amount of Garnacha. The grapes are fermented using native yeasts in fiberglass tanks and matured for a short time in the same vats. The wine is youthful and very expressive delivering an abundance of high-toned, red fruit character with background flavors of spice. On the palate, the wine is fresh and juicy with a medium body and light, airy finish. Pair with a wide range of tapas from chorizo to gambas al ajillo to assorted meat pintxos.

A vibrant red wine that felt more like a Rhone wine instead of Spanish. Red fruits and a moderate body, this wine was good sipping and foods. Great buy at $20 – no real tannins so something to buy and drink.

 

2021 Stolpman La Cuadrilla, Ballard Canyon, CA

2021 Cuadrilla opens up with dark ripe plum highlighted with bright fresh red berries. Deep and supple with fine chalky tannins already married with a smooth, polished texture. An alluring otherness of wet stones, mint, and mocha prevail from the nose through the mouth captivating the senses beyond just the magnificently pleasurable profile.

Blend: 75% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 10% Sangiovese

RP92Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A blend of 75% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 10% Sangiovese, the 2021 La Cuadrilla has a medium ruby-purple color and scents of cassis, blueberry preserves, violet, earth and autumn leaves. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated yet light on its feet with bright acidity, dusty tannins and a long, spicy finish. Profits of the Caudrilla go to Stolpman's full-time crew of 30 employees. Best After 2022

JD90Jeb Dunnuck

Spiced red fruits, dried herbs, leather, and exotic flower notes emerge from the 2021 La Cuadrilla Red Wine, a juicy, medium-bodied, delicious red to drink in its youth.

A very well made wine with red fruits with nuances of earth and herbs. Moderate finish, with nice body – held up to heavier meals.  Another great buy at $20 – this one could age a few years, as well.

Hope you are all well. Remember, Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grparevines

 Wines of January 2023

Running a little behind - had a stomach bug that knocked me for a loop. I'll spare you the details

2011 Amalia Barolo Montforte ‘d’Alba, Italy

Red berry, rose and anise aromas mingle in the glass. The firm palate is still closed, but offers raw red berry, menthol, sage and anisette. It's still rather primary but has the structure to evolve and develop complexity. Drink after 2019.  RATING91

Founded in 2003, Amalia have produced a lovely Barolo made from two small vineyard sites; one hectare in Le Coste and two hectares in Bussia. Initial flavours of plum and raspberry develop on the palate, gaining slightly meaty and herbal notes. This is an elegant style that can be drunk from an early stage in its lifespan.

This was an excellent wine – aged to perfection. Light red fruits with a nice acidity level to match with hearty foods. Held this in my cellar for a couple years, got it on sale for around $30. Wonderful wine for any occasion – Happy New Years to me!

2017 Provenance Merlot, Napa Valley, CA

This structured, fruit forward wine showcases the distinctiveness of Napa Valley with ripe blueberry and plum flavors accompanied by layers of herbal spice.

JS94James Suckling

Attractive combination of green olives, dark fruit and tea follow through to a full body with round, savory tannins. Refined, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

"Soft elongated tannins wrap around a thick body of hugely concentrated black fruit and a wealth of oak in this brawny wine. Dried herb, cedar and pencil shavings adhere to the variety's characteristic earthiness." Wine Enthusiast

A Cabernet drinkers Merlot – full bodied with great red and dark fruits. Great body for having with food, the aftertaste lingers. Some tannins still left – got it closed out at $20 – a real steal.

2017 Peachy Canyon Cirque du Vin, Paso Robles, CA

Deep garnet & brick in color. Clear margin. Warm and smooth. Caramel, raspberry, black currant, eucalyptus nose. Tart black cherry, raspberry preserves, and black currant.

Blend: 54% Zinfandel, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Petite Sirah

Not an overly impressive wine – got better on the second day. Decent red fruits and some spice, but not overwhelming in any way.  It was close-out at $15, just alright for the price. Pretty label.

2018 Tabali Pedregoso Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva, Maipo, Chile

Tasting Notes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense ruby in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon is notable for its good body and structure. It has upfront aromas of cherries, violets, cassis, and smoke, complemented by hints of toast. Well-rounded on the palate, with balanced, silky tannins and great structure, it achieves a good balance between fresh acidity and abundant fruit.

Reviews

The 2019 Pedregoso Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is the entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon from their coastal DOM vineyard with colluvial soils, which has more similarities with Alto Maipo, slightly cooler. It was planted with a massal selection they got from the old Santa Rita vineyards. This has a little more clay, and the wine is rounder and more approachable. It's harmonious and balanced and was matured in neutral, well-seasoned oak barrels, so they respect the fruit. They have produced 216,000 bottles of this wine, their largest volume. It was bottled in December 2019. ~90 Points Robert Parker

This was very enjoyable – as usual a touch of Chilean funk upon opening, but nothing too bad. Mostly red fruits with some herb notes. Nicely put together, great mouth feel and body for food. Got it at $12, really good wine for school night wine or anytime.

2020 Ventisquero Chardonnay ‘Tara”, Atacama, Chile

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Profile: The nose reveals fruit, such as sweet cucumbers and apricots, as well as floral notes. As you sip the wine, it evolves in the glass.

Pairings: Oysters, sea urchins, oily fish and white meat. It’s a fresh, nervous, mineral wine. The mouth is tense and well-structured. The chalkiness and salinity of the soil come through in the palate. The nose reveals fruit, such as sweet cucumbers and apricots, as well as floral notes. As you sip the wine, it evolves in the glass. This is not a classic style of Chardonnay and we attribute this to its very particular and unique terroir. The Pacific Ocean has a major influence on the vineyard, producing morning fog, known locally as the “Camanchaca,” and strong winds, which cool the vines, making this a desert with cool climate conditions. The area is very arid and the soils are chalky and saline.

A unique Chardonnay – not the buttery chard or even the usual unoaked type.  Lots of minerality and salinity – made me think of eating raw fish. The fruit never overcomes these features in this wine. Can’t say it was great – needs a plate of seafood to make it best. Priced over $30, I’ll probably say skip this

2015 Vintisquero Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Grey’, Maipo, Chile

 

A lovely Chilean red wine made from Cabernet grapes planted on vines that grow in granite soils of the winery's Trinidad Vineyard. This is located in the cool climate and coastal region of the Maipo Valley. Aromas of fleshy ripe black plums, spice, smoke, graphite and cigar box. Pair with a pepper steak.

Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: potato and chick pea stew, grilled sirloin steak

A modest Cabernet from Chile – at its best now (no further aging). Decent dark fruit flavors and a touch of spice and earth.  Not a long finish, decent enough with food. Available around $20, not bad -not great.

2018 Grey Single Block Carmenere, Maipo, Chile

RP91Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

I tasted two vintages of the Carmenere, and the 2018 Grey Carmenere shows a lot more restraint and austerity than the more generous 2019 I tasted next to it. So, both wines show varietal typicity and marked character from the vintage, plus the stony soils from Maipo where the grapes grow. This is a little more herbal and sharp despite showing very similar parameters.

Spicy cherry, plum and cola aromas on the nose of this wine set up a tight palate with rubbery tannins. Cherry and plum flavors come with a fair amount of oak spice that settles on burnt toast. Modest heat rises up on a short but aggressive finish.

A nicely made Carmenere, very full bodied with modest tannins. Mostly red fruits with hints of oakiness, in a good drinking zone right now. Good body for matching heavier foods. Priced around $20, well worth the money

2019 Vintisquero Vertice Red Blend, Apalta, Chile

Deep red with violet hues. The nose reveals black fruit, such as blackberries, intermingled with gentle spices, such as black pepper, damp earth, notes of native forest and a hint of graphite and soft spices. This wine has a firm structure and silky tannins. Its black fruit and spicy flavors, together with medium to high acidity lend it balance in the mouth and persistence in the finish.

Critical Acclaim

D96Decanter      Offers glossy dark fruits, smoky hints, and classic Apalta eucalyptus notes. The palate is crunchy and fresh with lively acidity and fine tannins. Young, but so poised and age-worthy. A seriously impressive style that will improve. Blend : 51% Carmenère, 49% Syrah

I call this a heavy duty wine – hardy black and dark red fruits with some spices in the palate.  Tannins are present but not overwhelming – would be best with another year or three of aging. Holds up well to heavy foods – very nice wine. Priced in the $30 range, worth seeking out.

 

Another month, another year. Hoping you and yours are doing well. Keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.