Double Post - NYE and January 2024

Went to a small gathering on New Years Eve (NYE) and had a few great wines. The remainder is the January line up I tasted.

New Years eve

Thanks to Chris and Ryan for the invite and special wines. We also had some caviar, stuffed mushrooms and more food. Ryan wrote the detailed tasting notes - it is really fun tasting with an Astronomy professor!

Bourgmont Winery, Sparkling Wine, Kansas NV

Seyval Blanc. Light straw yellow / gold. Very fine, persistent bubbles. Very nice nose of ripe pineapple, green apple, a bit of fresh apricot, orange rind, and some steely mineral. On the palate, a bit of orange / lime upfront, pineapple, red apple / pear, a touch of apricot / nectarine, something tropical like papaya / passion fruit / mango, and then honey toward a finish of steely mineral and some nice toasty yeastiness. Full bodied with a rich, fleshy / savory texture and lively acidity; what great balance. This is delightful, satisfying, and remarkably complex. A shocking 15.5% all but doesn’t taste like it at all. What an impressive achievement for Kansas. Buy and serve with confidence when you need a high quality sparkler. 3.5 Stars [12/31/23]

This was a surprise – an enjoyable Kansas wine! Surprised by the alcohol level, but it wasn’t revealed in the taste. Priced around $35 (?), I think.

Balfour, 1503, Hush Heath Estate, Classic Cuvee, Kent NV

Pinot Noir, Pinot Menuer, and Chardonnay. Light straw-gold with rosy reflections. Subtle but rich and deep nose of red apple, a hint of cherry, blood orange, lemon curd, and loads of toasty, yeasty depth, exceptional, rather wonderful nose. On the palate, loads of blood orange, a lovely bit of meaty black cherry, pineapple, apricot, and then loads of sweet raspberry and citrus-infused honey toward of a long, long finish of toasted almond and pound cake, yeast, and chalky stone (with perhaps the oyster shell of Chablis), and lingering red berry and crystalized honey. On the light side of full bodied with a rich, fleshy, honeyed texture, vibrant acidity, and savory minerality. Wonderful, wonderful depth and complexity. Wow. A solid 10 years ahead, and 15 us not out of the question. 4 Stars [12/31/23]

While its flagship vintage rosé has secured Balfour a firm place among England’s top wine producers, the estate introduced a second tier of traditional method sparkling wine. This pair of non-vintage wines, a rosé and a classic brut, appear under the ‘1503’ label, reference the date when the estate’s historic manor house was built. Made from the property’s estate vineyards and with a fresher, aperitif style in mind, this offers a very approachable yet still refined English fizz experience. This bottling saw the introduction of 10% Pinot Meunier, rounding out the fruit profile. This ‘Classic Cuvée’ is arguably England’s best value traditional method sparkling wine.

The fruit was harvested throughout October and the grapes were destemmed then whole-berry pressed to stainless steel tanks. Fermentation was inoculated with a house-specific strain and fermented at a cool temperature, preserving the vibrant fruit notes. Malolactic fermentation occurred simultaneously with primary fermentation. The wine was bottled and hit with the liqueur de tirage to the optimum potential pressure as dictated by Victoria, the winemaker. Following a minimum of 12 months on lees the wine was disgorged in November 2022. It was given a 10 gram dosage, which enhances the vibrant fruit notes. The wine is bottled to order for freshness.

I had this earlier in December and just had to bring it. English sparkling wine has come a long way and this is a great example. This runs around $40, so not a cheapie, but well priced for a good bottle of bubbly.

Louis Roederer, Cristal, Champagne 2002

 

My first Cristal. Nice color, gold with a touch an orange, but also some green reflections. Fantastic, fascinating nose, combining ripe, rich apricot / plum, raspberry, black currant, blood orange marmalade, ginger, yellow passion fruit, loads of chalky-stoney depth, all overlaid with mature Champagne notes of sour bread dough, and fresh fruitcake; phenomenal complexity. On the palate, loads of fresh orange marmalade upfront, with subtle notes of meaty cherry and currant/plum, lovely pineapple / mango / passion fruit, then guava and lime curd before a finish of black cherry, a touch of fresh honey, and a long, long finish chalky but smokey stone, yeast / sour bread dough. Full bodied and fleshy, rich and sweet but with serious poise and a study in elegant balance, fantastic complexity and depth; a study in the juxtaposition of rich, vibrant fruit with mature Champagne funky yeastiness. Absolutely captivating, the combination of rich texture with serious complexity are eye-opening. 20 years ahead easily. 5 Stars [12/31/23]

Cristal 2002 by Louis Roederer comprises a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.

Nose  Intense, delicate and precise, the nose harmoniously blends fragrances of sweet flowers, cocoa, finely toasted hazelnuts and candied citrus fruit.

Palate  The palate is seduced by this champagne’s silky texture, its concentration and its explosion of aromas of ripe fruit, red fruit and white chocolate mixed with flavoursome notes of caramel and pastry, which are characteristic features of this wine. Throughout the tasting experience, this champagne increasingly reveals its powerful and refined expression and leads to a finish marked by a beautiful freshness and a bitterness, offering the pleasant ‘’crunchy’’ sensation.

My first time having  a “classic” Champagne (read that as really expensive). Beautiful body, fine bubbles with citrus and yeasty stone edges –  incredible Champagne.  No doubt one of the best I’ve had. Interesting note – the bottom has no punt, like most sparkling wine – it is flat, but pretty thick. Originally packed in crystal (clear) there was no punt and it continues that way. No clue to the price.

 

Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Sauternes 1998

Gorgeous orange-gold with a hint of green, no mature bronzing showing, impressively youthful for its age. Phenomenal, d’Yquem level Sauternes nose; amazingly rich/ripe pear with raspberry and apricot, crystalized ginger, honey / barley sugar / gorgeous floral nectar, loads of vanilla, then lime, loads of botrytis mace / nutmeg, white peach / yellow melon, and incredible steely mineral depth; such elegance and power and depth; as it opens, mature fruitcake, burnt sugar, and butterscotch. The palate is just as incredible; loads and loads of honeyed ripe/rich poached pear, candied ginger, and endless, luscious array of honey and orange blossom / white flower nectar, laden with botrytis mace and nutmeg, hazelnut, and then creamy butterscotch / vanilla before a finish of chalky mineral and a endless finish of honey / flower nectar, a firm touch of vanilla / oak, white peach, and a hint of raspberry. Full bodied, rich and honeyed and very sweet, with fleshy texture, candied citrus acidity, incredibly elegant but powerful balance like a high end Meursault (white Burgundy). This is so close to the ’98 d’Yquem. Phenomenal. A long life ahead of it still, 20 - 30 years. 5 Stars [12/31/23]

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Lovely sweet apricotty nose with spicy, fruity complexity. There's a rather unusual lanolin-like edge to the palate, which is honeyed and syrupy. Attractive, but a bit simple overall? Very good+

This is an incredible bottle of dessert wine. Had an apple ginger tart with it and the match was heavenly. Sad part – the wine and tart were so richI couldn’t finish both. The mouthfeel of this wine is intense – floral, pear and spices that just fill the senses. Nice acidity to match the sweetness, a balance that is divine. Hard to say much more – you just drink in the pure luxury and are wrapped in a sugar cocoon.

January 20204 wines

 2021 Bodegas Manzanos 111 Red Blend, Navarro, Spain

Aromas of Mission fig, black currant and mocha waft from the glass. Vibrant acidity and plush tannins play backup to black cherry, blackberry, butterscotch, star anise and dried sage flavors that dissolve into a pomegranate-splashed finish.                       WE 93 points

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha, this red is full in feel, with nice grip and strength to the palate showing flavors of dark berry and plum that finish dark and spicy. Ripeness and fruit are paramount on this Navarran red.

This is a very fruit forward style of wine. Very enjoyable with enough acid and body to match with food. Priced around $14, worth buying several to enjoy, though only not something to put away for more than a year.

2020 Country Heritage Vignoble, Laotto Indiana

Semi dry white wine. Estate Grown Fruit.

Bright and crisp semi-dry white wine. Sweet fruitiness with tart citrus flavors.

Alcohol 11.50%

Gift and I can not say I really liked it. Too sweet, used it mostly for cooking.

2020 Las Gundinas La Vizcaina, Bierzo, Spain

WA 95  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2022

(95+ points) The 2020 La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas has a new plot, a west-facing vineyard that is steeper and cooler. Pérez likes Gundiñas and Rapolao in warmer years like this. In 2020, 50% of the wine matured in 2,000-liter oak foudre and the other half in used 500-liter barrels. It was harvested much earlier, and the wine shows more freshness even if it shows more tannin today. He likes long macerations (40 to 45 days) and works toward having tannins and weight in his wines. Some 6,000 bottles were filled in August 2021.- LG

La Vizcaina Las Gundinas shows very fresh aromas of black fruit with certain notes of graphite and a background of thyme. In mouth it is fleshy, ample, with a tannin of grape very marked and certain earthy aftertaste.

Mostly Mencia, this is a tasty wine with nice black fruits and body with fine grained tannins as the backbone. Could cellar for several years, but drinking fine now. Priced around $40, I got a better deal from Matt.

 

2018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza, Rioja, Spain

This wine has aromas of dark plums, clove and cocoa powder. Flavors of black currant, blackberry, milk chocolate, clove and orange zest are set into polished tannins that gently fade into an orange-zest finish. — Mike DeSimone                                90 WE

100% Tempranillo picked by hand aged for 15 months in American and French oak barrels after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Thereafter the wine is transferred back to the tanks for 5 months of natural fining and settling before filtering and bottling.

93  James Suckling

Blackberry, tar and violet aromas. Wet earth, too. Medium to full body with firm, racy tannins and a solid finish. A structured and very classic Rioja. Drink or hold.

Classic Tempranillo from the Rioja, old style. Very enjoyable with black fruits and spice elements. Nice body without many tannins. Priced around $30, a very good wine to enjoy with friends.

 

2019 Guidalberto Tenuta san Guido Toscano, Italy

95           Wine Enthusiast

This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It’s nicely balanced by fresh acidity. Drink 2022–2029. Editors’ Choice.

94           Decanter

Guidalberto is still considered the 'second vin' of Sassicaia but this is a terrible mistake - first of all, its blend is completely different, as is the selection of the grapes. Secondly, the quality of the tannins today is excellent. In good - if not great - vintages such as 2019, Guidalberto shines for its classic style of sleek bramble fruit, astonishing elegance of the tannins, and the signature freshness of the estate. The suppleness of Merlot helps this wine to become more approachable sooner, yet no less ageworthy.

93           James Suckling

Plum, currant and fresh-herb aromas follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, linear finish. It’s clear and already delicious, but another year or two will improve it.

I made a mistake and opened this wine. It is still very tight and needs some bottle time to allow it to open up. The second time I tasted it (the day after I opened it), the fruits had become apparent with a mix of red and black fruit and overtones of herbs and spices. Went well with a steak, but keep this puppy for a few years and enjoy. Got it for $50 at Auburn spirits, heck of a great deal.

Another month, a little more wine. Hope everyone is well - keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of December 2023

Another year has passed, the Holidays are past. Hope Santa was good to you...

Lets talk about some wines.

2020 Uggiano Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Firenze, Italy

Very pleasant and persistent, with hints of violets and cherries, complemented by clear vanilla hints

Harmonious, dry, with a pleasant tannicity. Very clean finish with a persistent aftertaste.

It pairs well with typical Tuscan pasta dishes, such as pappardelle with wild boar sauce, pici with meat sauce. It also pairs well with Tuscan liver pâté, grilled meat, stewed meat, and medium-aged cheeses.

This is one of thiose tasty Chiantis, with good fruit and nice acidity. Red fruits dominate with some hints of vanilla – very good for a $12 bottle of Italian Chianti.

2016 Estampa Reserva Carmenere Malbec, Colchagua, Chile

Color: Intense purplish-red.

Aromas: Spicy and fruity. Sweet red fruits and spices.

Flavors: Smooth and round at the start. Soft tannins and a sweet finish.

94 pts  Decanter World Wine Awards

(Silver Medal Winner) Opulent and inviting on the nose with pristine, pure fruit, then the lush palate has heat, spice and a delicious pepper edge.

Still holding up well, the Malbec cuts some of the tartness of the Carmenere. Tannins are mostly gone, but a nice mouthfeel of red fruits and hints of baking spices. Moderate finish, enough acidity to go with meat and umami items. I think it was around $20, well worth that price.

2019 Chateau Bellevue Bordeaux Superieur, France

With its deep red color and nose of red fruits including blackberry and blackcurrant, this wine is round in the mouth and full and fleshy. Château Bellevue is slightly spicy with nice length and pleasant tannins. Pairs nicely with grilled meats such as duck, roasted beef, and leg of lamb. The slight spice to wine makes it a great accompaniment for pastas with red sauce and barbeque foods such as chicken, sliders, and ribs. The velvety finish to the wine complements a variety of cheeses.

A youthful Bordeuax with mostly red fruits and a touch of spices. Lightly tannic, with a modest finish, not a wine expected to age years, but a tasty little wine. Priced around $18 – 20, worth getting.

2010 Chateau Duplessis Moulis en Medoc, France

Marie-Laure Lurton’s carefully tended vineyard – a shining example of sustainable viticulture – produces a generously flavoured, balanced and fresh tasting claret which is both excellent value and a delight to drink, especially in this magnificent Bordeaux vintage.

A gift from my brother – a forgotten bottle from the excellent 2010 vintage. Mostly red fruit with a bit of herbs, the flavor was still alive and kicking. Considering this was about $17 at purchase, the wine (and this vintage) has shown resilience and is drinking well. In a great vintage, winemakers can make great long lasting wines. In a bad vintage, the best winemakers still make good wines – others not so much.

2018 Provenance Deadeye Red blend, Napa Valley, CA

Expressive aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate invite the senses, complemented by subtle notes of clove and spice. The palate showcases structured tannins rounded out by exuberant red berry fruits and vanilla bean flavors. The wine is deliciously chewy, round and plush.

92  James Suckling

Ripe-blackcurrant, stewed-blackberry, mint-chocolate, charred-bark and mocha aromas. It’s full-bodied with round, sleek tannins. Intense bitter-chocolate and dark-berry notes on the finish.

This was a jammy wine with a serious nose and flavors of black fruit with some integrated tannins. Nuances of baking spices and a moderate finish that was an echo of the flavors. Enough backbone for a heavy meal, yet not overpowering on its own.  I got it for about $30, on close out – good price for a great bottle.

2019 Domaine Galevan Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, South Rhone, France

(CASKS) Matt-Hued Dark Red Colour; the bouquet is broad, leads on oak and varnish, pine, the cellar. There is a sweet bundle of cooked plums, red stone fruits within. The oaking dominates the attack, is central to the wine, so it's true ID is masked by that. The result is a tight, dry close, the spiced content suppressed by the non-vineyard element of the equation. The oak stands out on its own on the aftertaste, which is cool, not overdone. From 2024-25, and hope the oak backs off. 14.5°. 90% Gren, 10% Mourv. 100% oak raised, used to be part vat, part oak.

The nose is red fruits and hints of floral and oak. Mostly red fruits with a hint of some stewed fruits, with a hint of spices and oakiness. The tannins are noticeable, but not overpowering – held up to a heavy meal. Nice bottle, better in 3 – 5 years to tame the oak. Priced around $40, a nice example of CdP.

2021 Vina Robles Creston Valley  Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California

This is a rich and thoroughly satisfying Cab, starting with aromas of roasted boysenberry, cocoa, violet and toasty oak on the nose. The palate is cohesive and neatly woven, with rich black fruit, mocha and espresso flavors that are wrapped in firm but balanced tannins. — Matt Kettmann WE

The nose is a little closed, but hinted at red fruits, chocolate and oak.  Palate was darker – black fruit, cocoa, and fine grained tannins, yet it had some brightness to it. Feels young at this point – tannins and oak on the finish. Needs about 3 -5 years in the bottle to loosen the tannins and meld the flavors. Priced around $50, this was a store pick at Auburn Spirits.

2016 Skyharp ‘Pettirosso’, Napa Valley, California

Pettirosso (French for the bird Robin) is a wine inspired by proprietor Robin Smith. The goal was to utilize fruit that was typically made for blending and examine the world of natural fermentation. The natural process allows for a slower fermentation which in turn brings out stronger varietal notes.

The dark color characteristics of the Petit Verdot extract out plum and floral notes. Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are the focus grapes, the Malbec is blended to enhance the wine with sweet tobacco and leather notes.

Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec   ABV % 14.40              AVA Napa    DISTINCTIONS Sustainable

One of those wines that showed up out of the blue – this Pettirosso is a tasty, ready to drink blend of grapes from Napa that would not be featured, just blending items. That said, this was a good bottle where the red fruits stand out on the nose and on the palate. Nice body structure and a moderate finish. Of course, with its heritage (Napa Valley) it ain’t cheap – around $40. A fun bottle.

Another year, times fun while you’re having flies. Stay warm and keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of November 2023

Hope you made it through another Thanksgiving and all the shopping hoopla. I don't partake of the shopping part, mind you, but I did have a good Thursday meal of ham and fixings with friends.

Let's talk about some wines.

2019 Voix de Vigne Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, Washington             

 

Wild strawberry, dusty earth, mixed spices and dried cumin and chili. Some menthol, very dark cocoa, slight hint of coffee and a touch of almond. The palate starts out subtle then hits you with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, chili, crushed rock and a touch of almond. A very pleasant Cabernet Franc with a lengthy, smooth finish.

Decanter D94

Nice dark, late summer strawberry, cocoa, dried thyme and basil, with a touch of graphite. There is a colorful mix of dried, savory herbs in this wine that pairs beautifully with the fruit. Undertones of cocoa, just a hint of coffee and earthiness really create a lovely blend of aromatics in the classic, yet somewhat bold Cabernet Franc. The bright entry mixes well with the slightly creamy berry mid-palate. The finish is lengthy with fine tannin and flavors of thyme, mocha and just a touch of spice and earth. 100% Cabernet Franc.

This is an excellent bottle – deep, rich with dark fruit flavors and then some earth-like overtones. This was on sale under $20 – a great buy.

2016 Finca Collado Fet a Ma Hecho A Mano, Salinas, Alicante, Spain

GRAPE: 85% Monastrell 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

VINEYARD: Monastrell vines of over 40 years of age, located throughout the municipal area of Salinas, intermingled with Garnacha, Bobal and Forcallat. On honest, sandy and slightly saline soils low-goblet vines with a production limited to 2 kg per vine naturally.  30-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon strains located in Finca Collado on sandy soil.

Fet a mà is a very expressive and tasty wine, where the Monastrell, the degree of maturity and the breeding are fused in a perfect balance.

VISUAL: High-intensity color, without reaching saturation.

NOSE: In the nose it is very intense, with a very well-combined aromas of fruits, balsamics, licorice and coffee, very complex.

MOUTH: In the mouth, it has a good entry, silky, and tasty entry on the palate, with a little ripe tannin. In the finish, a slight acidity and balsamic aftertaste brings the perfect balance to the wine.

I got this on close out for under $10; of the three Finca Collado wines, this was showing the best. Not much in the way of tannins left, but the fruit was still expressive of dark fruits and hints of earth. Really nice everyday wine.

2019 Boomtown Syrah, Columbia Valley, WA

The 2019 Boomtown red wines hail from McNary Vineyard, perched right along the mighty Columbia River in the Southeast corner of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Beautiful fruit and balance are the hallmarks of these wines, and with the addition of roughly 10-15% of our Dusted Valley estate fruit, the result yields wines with polish, concentration and varietal typicity that over deliver time and again.

Blend: 96% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah

92  Wine & Spirits

Dark and plummy, with a youthful vibrancy and modest peppery bite, this wine isn’t so much powerful as focused with deep juicy flavors, good concentration and light tannins. It’s not complex, but it’s thoroughly satisfying—nothing fancy here—well-made, well-priced juice, delicious and straight-ahead for ribs.

A good Syrah – hints of pepper with red fruits with a moderate weight. Not one to store away, but drinking nice right now – priced around $20.

2016 Guardian  ‘The Wanted’, Columbia Valley, WA      

 

This Bordeaux style wine was aged 22 months on 50% new French oak, leading to a wine that is deep and bold, yet approachable. This vintage prominently features the beauty of Washington state Cab Franc with notes of juicy red berries and pie cherries, violet, tobacco, and thyme. A hint of leather and pepper round out the palate and lead to a clean, lingering finish.

A classic French red blend with red fruits and herbaceous overtones. Long finish – somne light tannins still hanging around. Could hold for a year or two and not hurt it. Got it at $25 – a really good bottle at a great price.

2020 Stoke’s Ghost Petite Sirah, Monterey, Ca

Inky and dark, this Petite Sirah is brimming with black cherries, blackberries and cassis flavors.  Violet notes and hints of white pepper enchant, while intense jammy fruit stains the front teeth.  Stokes' Ghost is full-bodied with balanced tannins and a finish that lingers on the palate.  This rich, deep wine is just what the doctor ordered.

This ghost makes itself easily approachable! Aged in American, French, and Hungarian oak for 12 months, the wine is an earthbound and extracted extrovert, concentrated in a well-structured frame. Teeth-grabbing slate and plum-skin tannins are enveloped in blackberry, bramble, and dark chocolate.

This is an intense Petite Sirah – nothing about it is petite! Dark red wine that has a berry nose that follows with a big jammy mouthfeel of red and black fruits with nuances of spice.  Just a blockbuster wine that has some tannic backbone to last several years in a cellar. Closed out at around $20 – it’s about$35 on the internet. Well worth it, even at the higher price.

2020 Antinori Il Bruciato Tenuta Guado Al Tasso, Italy

Il Bruciato 2020 is an intense ruby red color. Its nose is intense and enticing with notes of currants, blackberries, delicate hints of vanilla and sweet spices. Excellent harmony on the palate where a fruity finish dominates and imparts good persistence and easy drinkability.

This is the wine I had for Thanksgiving – very food friendly wine with nice fruit, good acidity and overall balance. This is not the real expensive one, more like the intro wine, but it is well worth drinking at around $25.

NV Domaine du Priuere Cremant de Bougogne, Burgundy, France

Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Aligoté (10%)

Lovely Cremant made in the style of Champagne from a solid family producer in Burgundy. Apple and cream notes with mild toast and an elegant bubble. Fresh and lovely with cheeses, baguettes and olives for entertaining.

A Cremant from Burgundy that drinks like Champagne. Bright acidity, wonderful fruits – green apple, and pear, with excellent bubbles. Priced around $27 (under $30), this bottle could replace those more expensive bubbles from the pricier region.

2022 Domaine de Couron CDR Viognier, South Rhone, France

It's rare to find a GREAT viognier at such a low price.  Like all of our most affordable wines, they overdeliver with a LOT of wine for the money.  Stonefruits, mandarins, honeysuckle, this aromatic grape delivers a textbook version in this wine, with one thing a lot of the Condrieu and new word wines lack, ACIDTY!  It has the oily texture with a nice beam of acidity, just enough for perfect integration.

A good French Viognier at an affordable price – stop the presses. Wonderful acidity with those stone fruits filling your mouth. Priced at $15 or under, this wine is tremendous.

2019 Pira Giogio Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy                             

 

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

I wrote this is a pleasant wine; red fruits with herb overtones. Needs food to really make the wine best. Priced just over $30, probably won’t seek this one out.

 

2019 Domaine du Grangeon Chatus, Ardeche, France

 “Ample, violet-laced blackberry fruits, scorched earth, tar, graphite and licorice to go with a medium-bodied, structured, yet elegant profile on the palate. The texture is liquid granite and it flows over the tongue as if woven from the finest silk. Yet this medium-bodied wine is light and graceful, with notable, savory tannin and integrated acidity with cherry, spice and pepper.”

This is an ancient grape variety – grown only in a few places in France. Somewhat like a Cab/Syrah kind of wine, very pleasant with red fruits and some earthy overtones. Always fun to try something that is not common – priced around $30, it is worth that price.

 

2018 Poggio Mori ‘Sertorius’ , Tuscany, Italy      

Cabernet Franc (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Merlot (50%) and Petit Verdot (5%)

“The 2018 Sertorius is sweetly seductive with a mix of cinnamon and clove, embellishing vivid black cherry. This sweeps across the palate, cool-toned yet potent, with bright acidity motivating its tart wild berry fruits. While lightly structured, the 2018 maintains a pleasantly fresh persona, finishing spicy with a medium length.”

90 Points, Vinous Oct 2022 Eric Giudo from 2023-2026

 “Cherries, cloves, lemons, bark and plum stones on the nose. Supple and juicy with a medium body, fine tannins and bright acidity. Bright finish. From Organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

90 Points.  JamesSuckling.com.  Jan 2023

This is a Big Boy wine – a real Super Tuscan. This wine fills your mouth with red and black fruits and overtones of spices. Still a little tannic, the finish was a bit short. A very tasty wine – priced around $38 – not bad for this style of wine.

 

2019 Poggio Mori IGT Toscano, Tuscany, Italy    

 
 

Merlot (90%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

The 2019 Poggio Mori, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc lifts from the glass with a spicy and inviting mix of wild berries, cinnamon sticks and pine shavings. It’s silky-smooth with tart cherry and blueberry notes complicated by savory herbs and clove hints. This leaves a sour citrus tinge while finishing lightly structured yet long. The 2019 does a lovely job coming across as classically dry and poised yet packed full of immediate pleasure.

91 Points.  Vinous. Eric Guido. 2024-2028

This would be the little brother of the ‘Sertorius’ above. This wine was less open than the other one, felt still a bit closed. Still a little tannic, the finish is modest. Not as much balance or acidity as the previous Italian wine. Priced around $55, I would seek out the other bottling.

Another month, a few more wines. Hope all is well and remember to keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.

 The Wines of October 2023

Wow, we went from Summer to Fall to Winter and then back to Fall in a matter of a few days. Had pretty leaves but the cold and rain knocked most of them down. Oh well, that's life. How about some wines?

2019 Castello D’Alba Douro Tinto Reserva, Portugal

Rated 93 by Wine Enthusiast

#22 TOP 100 BEST BUY 2022. This vineyard in Douro Superior has produced fruit for a fine, full-bodied and structured wine. With its black fruits, firm tannins and concentration, the wine will age. Drink from 2024. (Best Buy)

Very complex, intense aromas with the Touriga Franca conveying wild berries and rock rose. Spices and red fruit from the Tinta Roriz and very fresh and elegant floral notes of violet from the Touriga Nacional.

Not a fruit forward wine, the flavors are somewhat subdued.  Some tannins and acidity made it go well with hardy meals. Aftertaste has hints of spices and floral tones. Really good for a $10 school-night wine.

2013 Alges Costers del Segre, L’Allages, Spain

The name itself binds us to this territory, as Alges is a contraction of Albagès, the name of the village where the vineyard is located. Extreme climatic conditions and low yields are reflected on Alges, a wine with a deep, intense color which displays powerful aromas of ripe fruit and elegant oak notes. On the palate is concentrated, structured and plenty of character. It has a remarkable bouquet with red fruit jam, liquorice and spicy notes over a mineral background. Its finish is lingering, rich and silky. Truly gourmand.

This is a very nice Spanish wine. The fruit is not over the top but has a nice quality to it. Some oak stays with you, and it went well with beef.  Good finish, well worth buying at around $15.

2017 Covalli Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy

"This great Nebbiolo comes from Langhe area in Piedmont region and it is aged for 18 months in big wood barrels and then few months in the bottle. The colour is ruby red, while the bouquet is pleasant and intense with scents of red fruits and noble spices. The taste is balanced, full and harmonic." —winemaker

"Rose-water, orange rind and citrus are the main elements on the finely perfumed nose. Medium body, quite intense acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now." —James Suckling

This is really a food wine – tasted alone, it is not very impressive. Once served with Lasagna, it really showed its colors. A nuanced wine and somewhat elegant, the finish lingers a little while. I think it was around $18, a good wine to have Italian food.

2019 Maisulan 12 Tempranillo Graciano, Rioja, Spain

It is equal parts fruity and savory, offering flavors of black cherry, purple fig, dried Mediterranean herbs and olive tapenade, with a hint of rose petal. Grippy tannins coat the palate while vibrant acidity restores a feeling of brightness. — Mike DeSimone WE 92 points

Maisulan is a biodynamic winery in the Basque Rioja. The red wine "12 Crianza" is made from the Tempranillo and Graciano grape varieties. It was matured for 12 months in barriques.

Color  Crimson

Nose  - The red wine has an attractive bouquet of red fruits, Mediterranean herbs and floral aromas. The nose is fresh and bright and has a certain lightness about it. An earthy mineral undertone ensures that the wine does not take off.

Palate  - In the mouth, this crianza is characterised by a juicy acidity and a fine, taut tannin. The balance of primary and secondary aromas is very well done, the wood is perfectly integrated. The red wine runs silky over the palate and is overall fun to drink. The cuvée also combines traditional Rioja with the new trends in the region in a very nice way. One can clearly recognise the origin.

The fruits stood out much more in this bottle, compared to some of the earlier ones. Red and black fruits dominate with hints of herbs, olives and dates. Lightly tannic, with decent acidity, it stood up well to items off the grill. Priced under $20, I recommend this wine.

2014 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA

One sniff and anticipation takes hold. Beautiful aromas of vine-ripened blackberry contrast perfectly with spicy notes of nutmeg. There are a luscious weight and texture to the wine, but also a racy edge of well-balanced acidity on the palate.

This is an extraordinary Cabernet – powerful, yet elegant, with all the wonderful aging potential you’ve come to expect from Heitz wines.

JS93James Suckling

Attractive red berries and licorice in this medium-bodied cabernet. There’s handy freshness and detailed red plums and black currants and a smooth, fine and juicy feel to the finish. Drink or hold.

WE92Wine Enthusiast

Representing one of the finest values in Napa Cabernet, this 100% varietal wine is bright and plush, layered in anise and cassis liqueur. A fresh high-toned midpalate evolves to show a softly round ending as a classic style of structure and elegance play out. Editors’ Choice

WS90Wine Spectator

Ripe and focused, featuring a pretty beam of cassis and cherry puree flavors lined with light singed vanilla, tea, sandalwood and anise notes. Polished and fine-grained through the finish. Drink now through 2030.

This was a spectacular Napa Cabernet from a decent, not great, vintage. The fruits were singing in the wine, with an undercurrent of spices. Nice long finish, the tannins were fully integrated in the wine. Can’t tell you a price, but I do know this is from the family, not the new owners. If you find it and can afford it, buy it and drink it.

2013 Covalli Barolo,  Italy

Dry, high tannin, moderate plus alcohol, high acidity, medium bodied. On the nose, raspberry reduction, wet leaves/ forest floor , sweet cherry. On the palate, Black tea, fresh raspberry, pink peppercorn.

Tastes like a more expensive Barolo

Barolo, maybe the best red in the world. Typically, you pay for the pressure, but this one is a bargain. The Orange hue in the glass gives away it’s age and complexity. The nose is jammy blackberry and blueberry. Taste finishes dry with a leather boldness to it. Great with eggplant parm

This is the big, older brother of the Italian bottle earlier. A wine this old does show its age, the rim was a touch brickish colored.  Yet, the nose gave up red fruits. The flavor was very good, with a nice backbone of acidity that made this wine sing with the meals from the Italian bistro. There was only a little sediment, so not a lot was lost. This is priced around $35, a steal for a Barolo. Buy it and drink it, I wouldn’t keep it too much longer.

2021 Domaine des Forges Anjou, Loire Valley, France

2021 - A very fresh, upfront, aromatic Cabernet Franc with notes of black cherry, black berry, wild raspberry with violet and sweet peppers. Forward, plush fruit flavors fill the palate with a soft velvety finish. Pair it up with pork chops, duck or pizza

Stephane’s lovely Anjou Rouge is a delicious and delightfully harmonious Cabernet Franc with super black fruits. Floral aromas of violets come through on the nose while the palate really sings with supple and juicy cherries and plums, accompanied by a subtle hint of peppery spice. There is a wonderful slatey minerality that comes through on the palate as well thanks to the shale soils, accompanied by silky tannins and a pleasantly long finish. Vinified in tank, it has a lovely purity of fruit and vibrant character, perfect for a summer lunch: charcuterie, white meats, grilled meats, light cheeses, etc.

My notes said interesting – meaning the nose and first taste were more than I expected. The fruit was more reserved, but it was smooth and hints of some peppery notes. Very pleasant wine – priced around $18, a nice bottle to “get your French on”.

2021 Field Recordings Franc, Paso Robles, CA

100% Cabernet Franc from a mix of four different Paso vineyards. A rustic punch of blueberries, black cherries and red currants with a touch of mint and rosemary.

Enjoy with asada tacos, chili cook-offs and BBQ chicken pizza.

This wine came off pretty “big” – much more fruit assertive than the French Cab Franc. Besides red fruits there were some herbs in the flavor. Not much of a finish, but a very drinkable wine that held up to a meal. Priced around $20, a nice bottle to enjoy.

2020 Chakana Estate Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Chakana Cabernet Franc is made from 100 percent Cabernet Franc.

Chakana is the name of the Southern Cross constellation. Its rotation in the sky throughout the year made it an effective agricultural calendar for the ancient Andean people.

Review: The 2020 Cabernet Franc Estate Selection comes from the Uco Valley and was aged for six months in French, 500-liter barrels. A rich reddish color. The nose offers ripe raspberry and blackberry with hints of mint and herbs that enhance the other flavors. The aging process makes itself felt in the mouth. The flow has a terse, broad texture initially, but then it grows more compact and linear. The mild acidity enlivens the reactive tannins, which establishes a good structure. A balanced take on the year, it will grow milder with more time in the bottle.  -Vinous 91 Points

A very pleasant wine, not had too many Cab Franc from South America. Mostly red berries on the nose with similar flavors on the palate. Undercurrents of herbs flow through the wine, as well. Another bottle priced around $20, well worth drinking – held up well with a meal.

Well, another month has flown by. Hope all is well - keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.