Niner Bootjack Ranch Paso Robles 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Niner Bootjack Ranch Paso Robles 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $21.99-$25.99, 90 points, begins youthful with a broad clear rim, easing into colors of black currant and a core of dense ruby.
There's a lovely aroma of sweet cinnamon and cedar with hints of chocolate.
Black fruit are yet ripe and rich, yet balanced with good acidity and mild tannin (I would say that this wine is at its zenith), all of which are carried on a medium-plus body.
Finishing with a bit of tart red cherry, mocha, and spice, round-off a delicious red wine.


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Neal Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Neal Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $39.94-$49.99, 92 points,

has an opaque core, tapering to black currant with violet flashes and is transparent at the rim.

Black currant aroma is dominant, but there are hints of vanilla java.

Smoothly, the medium-plus body balances good acidity and moderate tannin in this dry red wine.

A plethora of black fruits borderlines territory reserved for "fruit-bombs", but rather gracefully skirts near to elegance. The finish is warm (14.4% alcohol), mildly spicy, and with a hint of mint.


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Hahn 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Hahn 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.34-$13.99, 90 points, opens bright black currant tapering to red cherry in color and meets the glass with a clear ring.
I think this wine appears deceptively simply, for though the aroma is weakly sweet red cherry with a hint of green bell pepper (all of which rightly carries onto the palate), the medium body slams you with whelming acidity and moderate tannin; the flavor is very good and adds hints of cranberry and coffee.
Finishing long on black and white pepper with a comfortable 14.5% alcohol makes this a "wrap"!
 
 
 

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Château La Tour Carnet Grand Cru Classé Haut -Médoc 2009 Bordeaux

Château La Tour Carnet Grand Cru Classé Haut -Médoc 2009 Bordeaux, $39.94-$46.99, 93 points,

at the core is a dense purple trailing ruby and ending transparent.
Has a toasty vanilla plum aroma.
Full bodied dry red wine with more than ample acidity and persistently provocative tannin.
Considering that this wine should probably be drunk in ten to twenty years, and not losing sight of the forest for the trees, this Bordeaux has the flavor seeds that will blossom beautifully, because even now the flavor is a delicious rich black fruit with hints of espresso and earthy dried herbs.
Spicy finish trends black pepper with a hint of menthol.
Varietals are 66% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.

 

 

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Château Clarke Baron Edmond De Rothschild Listrac Médoc 2009 Bordeaux

If commentary isn't your "thing", you might want to skip this and scroll down to the wine review.
Before I talk specifically about this wine, I need to comment and WARN the readers of the New Hampshire Wine-man blog that I've grown biased, I'm crazy, or I'm just about right in rating these Bordeaux wines. My last review scored a Bordeaux red wine 82 points (almost as low a score as I've ever given), but my average score of a red Bordeaux wine is just over 90 points. So, how do you trust what I've said about them? Issues of palate, bias, and familiarity (what you are use to) and expectation must play a role here. When I taste a wine, something in my brain, after considering and evaluating, says: "Compared to so and so, this wine is this much better or worse than that wine." Not scientific, but it is a method.
I say these things, because I want to give the best advice I can to those who read this blog.
It is said that wine is subjective, and to some greater or lesser degree that is true, but there is a place for objective value to wine that goes beyond the subjective and is founded, like mathematics, on consensus reality and is grounded in truth, unless you've had too much to drink, or, no offense to our solipsist friends and the Matrix has you, you are asleep.
Château Clarke Baron Edmond De Rothschild Listrac Médoc 2009 Bordeaux received mediocre scores from almost everyone, but I did notice the WS's barrel-score was 90-93 points which are in my ballpark.
To the wine:Château Clarke Baron Edmond De Rothschild Listrac Médoc 2009 Bordeaux, $39.09-$45.99, 93 points, began at the core almost opaque ruby and trended purple black-currant toward the clear rim.
Floral sweet red cherry and cigar are aromatically beautiful.
The near full bodied red wine carries bright acidity and persistent grainy tannin.
Here's where I think the low scores come from: Flavors of earthy plum, black cherry, and boysenberry are subtle, even as are the cola, cigar, and coffee flavors (the whole is greater than the sum of the parts).
Kahlua® and an intensifying spice, finish this fine wine.
Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2009
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Château Mezain Grand Vin De 2011 Bordeaux

Château Mezain Grand Vin De 2011 Bordeaux, $9.34-$12.99, 82 points, opens with a funky sour black fruit and shoe-polish aroma (unpleasant); as the wine breathed there was some reclamation of normalcy.
Good acidity and mild tannin mark the medium-plus body of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as a somewhat substantial wine, though the dominant flavor is reminiscent of a mass-produced inexpensive California straight Merlot, with some hints of petrol suppressing what blackberry comes through.
The finish follows the palate and adds just a touch of spice, but even the spice is subdued by the unpleasant palate.
I can't see this wine improving significantly as to warrant buying it again, even though this is a spanking new vintage (first 2011 I've seen) that could develop over time.

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Château Lusseau Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2009 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Lusseau St. Émilion Grand Cru 2009 Bordeaux, $31.02-$36.49, 93 points, brags loudly its color, aroma, complexity of flavors, and an enduring finish, but what it lacks is texture. A near excellent representation of a Red Bordeaux as I understand them; stand alone-wine? Absolutely! However, as with Château Talbot 2009, ironically, but maybe logically, it was just too much of a wine for common food fare. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad with my Italian meat-balls and pasta, but I generally leave it to the experts (chefs) for advice.
To the wine:
Color: deep purple red and a broad transparent rim.
Aroma: spectacularly robust and toasty, with rich blackberry, sweet cooking spices, black licorice, with floral cedar and a touch of espresso.
Near medium body, texturally, just a bit thin, but good acidity, layered and persistent tannin carries flavors following the nose, and trailing long into a spice accentuated finish with just a hint of mint, culminating and capping-off a very good wine.
When I compare this wine (Some other red Bordeaux wines as well) to some recent Cabernet Sauvignon wines, I can't help but notice a bit of superiority; and this is reflected in my scores, often higher than you'll find in other reviews. If you try this wine for example, and are not impressed, take this as a caveat; if, however, you're as impressed as I am, let me know!

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Souverain North Coast 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Souverain North Coast 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.74-$19.99, 85 points, begins at the clear rim and trends bright purple-red to a black currant which is a very pronounced descriptor on the nose and flavor on the palate as well, all of which is too vegetative for my senses.
Other aromas of candy-like red cherry and sweet earthy notes are easily aerated out. 
Though this wine paired well with red meat, as a stand-alone red wine, it fell short for me.
Near full bodied red wine with good acidity and moderate tannin, carries plum, cherry, and some spice all the way to the moderate finish.


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Château MOULIN BOYER 2009 Bordeaux,

Château MOULIN BOYER 2009 Bordeaux, $10.19-$11.99, 88 points, begins with a somewhat lighter black currant red than many other Bordeaux red wines I've looked at, quite clear with just the faintest orange cast and a transparent rim.
Floral expressions dominate the nose, but an array of lovely accents, black cherry, sweet cooking spice, and cedar compliment each other.
There's lots going in this medium-plus bodied dry red wine carrying noticeable acid and tannin which tend to smother the fruit, but an oaky plum manages to give a bit of depth, and the chalky long finish leaves the whole affair with the memory of spice and heat (unusual for a red wine of only 13% alcohol).
How many times have we heard the expression: Vineyard over vintage? Now, all I'm hearing in regards to 2009-2010 Bordeaux is: Vintage is supreme!
Well, not knowing enough, I'm guessing there's truth to both of these ideas; however, I'd think that in great vintages, you'll likely find great value in unheralded places, and I'd say this is one of those places. With good flavor, maybe a bit rough for some, I found this to be an excellent QPR red wine.

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Waterstone Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Waterstone Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$22.99, 92 points, has a Bordeaux red color, a somewhat cloudy ruby-red with a broad transparent rim.
The lovely toasty aroma of spiced cherry and plum are accented by floral notes.
The medium plus body carries good acidity, mildly persistent tannin, and juicy blackberry, plum, cherry, earth, and licorice.
Finishes long on the trailing palate, menthol, spice, and some heat (14.5% alcohol).
If you like Cabernet Sauvignon wines, at $16.99 you'll have a hard time beating this one for value.


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Château de Castelneau 2010 White Bordeaux

Château de Castelneau 2010 White Bordeaux, 
$11.99-$14.99, 88 points (40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 20% Muscadelle), opens-up floral with apple and pineapple on the nose.
The near medium body carries excellent acidity with some underlying sweet notes, but remains dry.
The flavors, though a bit pale, reflects the aroma with some tartness to it, and finishes on the trailing palate that adds some hints of mint, white pepper, and flowers.
I like this wine, and I'm looking forward to tasting this again.

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Cesca Vicent D.O.Ca. Priorat 2009 Red Wine

Cesca Vicent D.O.Ca. Priorat 2009 Red Wine, $15.30-$21.25, 91 points (40% Grenache, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Syrah), appears with a very broad transparent rim and crystal-clear ruby to garnet in color.
Pours earthy with black cherry, sweet spices, and alcohol (15.5%) on the nose.
A robust, near full bodied red wine carrying good acidity and layered integrated tannin. This Priorat red wine is forcefully influenced by the alcohol which dominates the fruit, but helps to bring out the oak, coffee, and grape-skin notes.
The finish is long on heat and spice.
This is a big wine, and maybe too angular for some palates, but with a little breathing time I found this to be a great wine at a great price, and with no other hurdle besides the high alcohol, quite flavorful.
I bought this wine at the Londonderry Hannaford's Super Market.

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Buehler Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Buehler Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$21.99, 90 points, reveals a youthful wine with a clear rim, deep purple-red color somewhere between Shiraz purple and Bordeaux ruby.
I easily enticed aromas of perfumed black fruit, oak, and sweet cooking spice to rise out of the glass.
Medium-plus body shows good acidity, youthful and approachable tannin.
Good flavors of black fruit, dried bay-leaf, and a pleasant bourbon-like oaky alcohol (14.1%) are well balanced.
Finishes on a trailing palate with warm spice.
Great as a stand-alone wine, but should get a lot of applause as a  red table wine.






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Masi Serego Alighieri Bello Ovile Rosso Di Toscana 2010 IGT

Masi Serego Alighieri Bello Ovile Rosso Di Toscana 2010 IGT, $11.04-$21.99, 87 points, displays a bright ruby color with orange tones toward the broad transparent rim.
A vibrant sweet red cherry aroma with hints of cinnamon and rose, delights.
The "Beautiful Sheepfold's" medium body of lip-smacking acidity and moderate tannin reflect a quite dry red wine, and though a bit austere, balances this with red cherry, pomegranate, and plum fruits.
The trailing palate finishes fair with spice.




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Caparzo Toscana 2010 IGT

Caparzo Toscana 2010 IGT, $7.64-$14.99, 89 points (85% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Alicante), having a transparent rim and showing red hues of ruby to burgundy, make for a consistent Italian wine color scheme.
A few swirls of the glass releases a bright gentle aroma of red fruit, plum, and sweet cooking spice.
This IGT's medium body carries good acidity and moderate tannin.
Robust flavors of plum, tart black cherry, jammy blackberries, and dried herbs, which extend into the finish but changing toward licorice, tar, and just hints of spice, ends with gentle warmth (13.5%).
This "robust" dry red wine (not as dry as other recently review Italian red wines) is quite good, and at $7.64, is a steal.
Though I'm not a good judge as to how long a wine can be properly cellared, I'm guessing this one can go five years at least, so a case (12-750 mL. bottles) would cost you (At the New Hampshire State Liquor Stores until January 27, 2013), $91.68; that's less than one bottle of R.M Cab. Res.! Try a bottle at $8.99 first, and let me know what you think.

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Italian Red Wines (Blended- IGT etcetera)

My list of Italian Indicazione geografica tipica (IGT) Wines is another work-in-progress, and is being built to assist those interested in finding, and also in comparing wine reviews, especially those using "smart" phones.
This category of Italian red wines is all-inclusive of those wines not otherwise categorized as a single varietal such as Chianti, even though Chianti often has Canaiolo and Colorino or other varietals blended in; Chianti typically has at least 70% Sangiovese.
IGT ( Indicazione geografica tipica), or sometimes referred to as Super Tuscan, and IGP (indicazione geographica protetta) will most often denote the category of wine specific to this list.

Accademia dei Racemi Anarkos Rosso 2011 Primitivo/Red Blend (Puglia IGP, Italy), $13.49-$14.99. 88 points
Allegrini 2006 La Grolla Red Wine, $25.49-$29.99, 91 points
Antico Colle Rosso Di Montepulciano 2013 Red Wine (Sangiovese with 10% Merlot), $8.49-$11.99, 88 points
Argiano NC Toscana Rosso 2016 Red Wine, $16.14-$22.99, 88 points

Argiano NC Non Confunditur 2017 Toscana (IGT), $16.99-$22.99, 87 points

Azienda Agricola Podere La Pace Maremma Toscana Rosso 2014 Red Wine (DOC), $29.99-$59.99, 92 points
Banfi BelnerO 2007 Red Wine (Montalcino), $22.99-$37.99, 91 points
Banfi Col DI Sasso Toscana 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, Approximately $10.00, 88 points,
Baracchi O'Lillo 2013 IGT Toscana, $11.99-$19.99, 90 points

Barbanera Gigino 80 Anniversario 2018 Toscana Red Wine, $21.54-$55.99, 88 points

Bocelli In Canto 2014 Rosso Toscana IGT (Cabernet Sauvignon), $22.09-$54.99, 91 points

Brancaia 2017 ILATRAIA Rosso Toscana IGT, $50.99-$64.99, 92 points
Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2007 Red Wine, $17.99-$20.99, 90 points
Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2014 Red Wine, $17.99-$20.99, 91 points
Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2015 Red Wine, $14.44-$20.99, 91 points

Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2018 Red Wine, $18.69-$24.99, 92 points

Cafaggio Basilica Del Cortaccio 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (IGT), $16.14-$18.99, 87 points
Campaccio Terrabianca Toscana IGT 2008 Red Wine, $21.41-$34.99, 91 points
Campaccio Terrabianca Toscana IGT 2010 Red Wine, $27.19-$36.99, 90 points
CanalettO IGT 2009 Pinot Noir, $8.99-$10.99, 84 points
Cantina Del Redi 2015 Toscana Rosso (IGT), $17.84-$42.99, 92 points

Cantine Catena Campania IGT 2014 Aglianico (Italy's braille label), $14.02-$16.49, 90 points
Cantine Colosi 2009 Nero d'Avola Terre Siciliane IGT, (Sicily, Italy), $12.74-$14.99, not scored
Caparzo Toscana 2010 IGT, $7.64-$14.99, 89 points
Carpineto Farnito Toscana IGT 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.29-$29.99, 88+ points
Carpineto Molin Vecchio 2001 Toscana IGT, $36.99-$69.99, 92 points
Casanova di Neri Sant' Antimo Rosso di Casanova di Neri, 2015 Toscana IGT, $16.14-$19.99, 87 points
Castelli del Grevepesa ClementeVII 2010 Rosso DI Toscana (IGT), $19.99-$49.99, 90 points
Castello Banfi Cum Laude Toscana 2013 Red Wine (IGT), $32.99-$35.99, 92 points
Castello Banfi Summus 2007 Red Wine (IGT), $47.59-$59.99, 94 points
Castello Di Cacchiano 2011 Toscana Rosso (IGT), $15.99-$18.99, 88 points
Castello di Querceto 'Cignale' Colli della 2010 Toscana Centrale (IGT), $56.09-$65.99, 92 points
Castello di Querceto 2006 Il Querciolaia Colle della Toscana Centrale IGT, $50.99-$59.99, 92 points
Cecchi COEVO 2009 I.G.T. Red Wine, $42.49-$54.99, 92 points
Centonze Terre Siciliane 2016 Frappato Red Wine IGP, $12.74-$16.99, 90 points
Cesari Boscarel I.G.T. Rosso 2012 Red Wine, $8.49-$18.99, 85 points
Conti Zecca Salento 2014 Negroamaro Red Wine (IGT), $8.92-$17.99, 90 points
Cusumano Estate Bottled Terre Siciliane 2016 Nero D'Avola (IGT), $10.19-$13.99, 88 points
Dezzani, Method Appassimento, Piemonte, Italy, 2015 Rosso Passito (DOC), $12.99-$19.99, 89 points
Due Torri Delle Venezie IGT 2010 Pinot Noir, $6.79-$11.00, 87 points
Due Torri Grave Friuli D.O.C. 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, $10.80-$14.40, 86 points
Fattoria di Magliano I.G.T. Maremma Poggio Bestiale 2010 Red Wine, $45.89-$59.99, 92 points
Feudo Zirtari 2015 Nero d'Avola/Syrah (IGT), $8.49-$13.99, 89 points
Goose Bump Red Wine, $9.00-$12.50, 88 points
If You See Kay, $19.99, 87 points
IL Carbonaione Podere Poggio Scalette Alta Valle Della Greve 2007 Red Wine (Sangiovese), $42.49-$49.99, 94 points
Indaco 2011 Toscana IGT Red Wine, $40.79-$47.99, 94 points
Innocenti Vignalsole 2011 Toscana IGT, $21.24-$27.99, 91 points
KRIS IGT 2011 Pinot Noir, $13.99, 83 points
La Spinetta IL Nero Di Casanova Toscana I.G.T. 2007 Sangiovese, $14.53-$18.99, 88+ points

Lodole Rosso Di Toscana 2018 Red Wine (IGT), $7.99, 86 points
Luce Della Vite Lucente 2014 Toscana (IGT), $14.49-$28.99, 91 points

Luciano Arduini Bacan IGT 2019 Rosso Veronese, $15.29-$36.99, 93 points
Masi 50th Anniverary Campofiorin 2014 Red Veronese Wine (IGT), $16.29-$19.99, 89 points
Masi Serego Alighieri Bello Ovile Rosso Di Toscana 2010 IGT, $11.04-$21.99, 87 points
Masi Serego Alighieri Bello Ovile Rosso Di Toscana 2015 IGT, $13.99-$24.99, 87 points
Mazzei Philip Toscana 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (IGT) Italy, $31.44-$36.99, 90 points
Monrosso Toscana IGT 2015 Red Wine, $11.89-$16.99, 90 points
Monte Antico Toscana 2006 Red Table Wine, $9.99-$12.99, 86 points
Monteverro "Terra Di Monteverro" 2011 Toscana Red Wine (IGT), $28.99-$59.99, 92 points

Petra Zingari 2018 Toscana 2018 Red Wine (IGT), $16.99-$19.99, 92 points
Petrolo Galatrona 2005 Merlot, $55.24-$120.99, 93 points
Renzo Masi Fattoria di Basciano I Pini Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2015 Red Wine, $20.39-$23.99, 91 points
Roscato Rosso Dolce NV Sweet Red Wine (IGT), $9.99-$12.99, 87 points
Ruffino DI Santedame 2004 Toscana 2004 IGT (60% Colorino and 40% Merlot), $38.24-$69.99, 92 points
Ruffino IL Ducale Toscana 2014 Red Wine (IGT), $13.59-$18.99, 88 points
Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2009 Red Wine, $19.88-$25.99, 91 points
Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2013 Red Wine, $19.54-$25.99, 90 points
Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2015 Red Wine, $19.54-$25.99, 92 points
Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2016 Red Wine, $19.54-$25.99, 92 points
Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2017 Red Wine, $19.54-$25.99, 93 points

Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2018 Red Wine, $22.19-$32.99, 90 points

Sartori Villa Mura 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon I.G.T., $5.94-$13.99, 86 points
SaSyr Maremma, Tuscany, Rocca Delle Macie 2007 60% Sangiovese-40% Syrah, $9.34-$10.99, 87 points
Secco-Bertani I.G.T. Verona 2009 Red Wine, $21.24-$24.99, 90 points
Sensi Testardo 2012 Toscana IGT, $21.24-$29.99, 89+ points
Stemmari Feudo Arancio IGT 2009 Nero D'Avola (Sicilia, Italy), $7.49-$10.99, 86 points
Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Sicilia IGT 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $47.59-$55.99, 93 points
Tenuta di Biserno IL Pino Toscana 2012 Red Wine (IGT), $50.99-$59.99, 92 points
Tenuta Guado Al Tasso Antinori Bolgheri Tuscany Superiore D.O.C. 2006 Red Wine, $66.29-$110, 94 points
Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Il Bruciato 2011 D.O.C. Red Wine, $19.54-$26.99, 91 points
Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Il Bruciato 2012 D.O.C. Red Wine, $22.99-$26.99, 91 points

Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Il Bruciato 2018 D.O.C. Red Wine, $22.94-$30.99, 92 points
Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri "Sassicaia" 2013 DOC Toscana Bordeaux-styled Red Wine$144.49-$169.99, 97 points
Tenuta San Guido "Le Difese" IGT 2011 Toscana Red Wine, $23.99-$29.99, 90 points
Tenuta Santo Pietro Perceptum Toscana 2010 IGT Rosso, $18.69-$23.99, 88+ points
Tenuta Santo Pietro I.G.T. Viper Red Wine, $14.44-$18.99, 88 points
Tenuta Sette Cieli "Indaco" 2011 Toscana IGT Red Wine, $40.79-$47.99, 94 points
Tenuta Sette Cieli 'Yantra' 2013 Toscana Red Wine (IGT), $19.99-$21.99, 90 points

Tenuta Sette Ponti "Oreno" 2018 Toscana Red Wine (IGT), $59.49-$79.99, 95 points
Terra Di Monteverro 2011 Toscana Red Wine (IGT), $28.99-$59.99, 92 points
Tolaini Al Passo IGT Tuscan 2009 Red Wine, $20.39-$26.99, 91 points
Tolaini Al Passo IGT Tuscan 2011 Red Wine, $22.94-$26.99, 91 points

Tolaini Al Passo IGT Tuscan 2016 Red Wine, $21.24-$26.99, 89 points

Tolaini Estate "Legit" Toscana Roso 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $31.99-$39.99, 93 points
Tommasi Poggio AL Tufo Maremma Toscana 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, 89 points
Tommasi Poggio AL Tufo Maremma Toscana IGT 2012 Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.99-$18.99, 90 points
Tommasi 'Poggio Al Tufo' Toscana 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon I.G.T., $12.74-$18.99, 90 points
Tua Rita Rosso Dei Notri 2009 IGT Toscana, Red Wine, $22.94-$26.99, 92 points
Villa Pillo Borgoforte Toscana 2014 Red Wine (IGT), $11.89-$18.99, 90 points
Villa Pillo Borgoforte Toscana 2014 Red Wine IGT (Revisited), $12.74-$14.99, 90 points
Zenato Alanera IGT 2012 Rosso Veronese, $14.99-$19.99, 91 points

Zingari (see Petra Zingari)
Ziobaffa Toscana 2013 Red Wine (IGT), $10.19-$17.99, 89 points

 
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Barone Ricasoli 'Brolio' 2009 Chianti Classico ...

Barone Ricasoli Brolio 2009 Chianti Classico, $12.74-$23.99, 87 points, presents itself ruby, trending pomegranate in color with a broad clear rim.
Subtle hints of cooking spices are accented with a hint of red cherry and flowers on the nose.
Medium-body-light, this very dry red wine trends austere, but some juicy pomegranate does balance this out somewhat, while other palate flavors struggle to make their presence known, and mostly mushrooms and spices accomplish that.
Trailing with spice and a hint of heat (13.5% alcohol), this red wine is, to me, a good red table wine.




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Ruffino Romitorio Di Santedame Toscana 2004 IGT

Ruffino DI Santedame 2004 Toscana 2004 IGT (60% Colorino and 40% Merlot), $38.24-$69.99, 92 points, Bordeaux in color, black at the core, with a thin sliver of silver about the rim.
Upon uncorking the bottle, sweet floral aromas followed, and when pouring, swishing, and breathing, came a lovely bouquet of crushed berries and sweet cooking spice.
Medium-plus body carries good acidity with satin-like layers of tannin (Very drinkable red wine!).
Flavors of licorice,  plum, and black fruit dominate, but nuanced flavors of coffee, dried bay leaves, and flowers make for a more complex and elegant wine.
Finally, Ruffino finishes long on black and white pepper with a hint of chipotle.



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Chianti, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Morellino di Scansano (at least 85% Sangiovese)

My list of Chianti, Chianti Classico Riserva, Morellino di Scansano (at least 85% Sangiovese) and Italian (is there really any other kind?) Sangiovese, consists of wines I've tasted and reviewed, unless otherwise noted.
This is a work in progress to assist "smart" phone users in accessing useful evaluations, primarily with a New Hampshire focus (Wines mostly purchased in NH).
As I've been refining this Index for ease of access by separating as best I can one category of Chianti and Italian Sangiovese from another, I will be deleting this current file in the near future and replacing it with a more focused Index listing; below are the up-dated and current files:

Chianti Classico (Italy's Flagship Red Wine)           
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Riserva, Sangiovese With Class!
Morellino di Scansano (Sangiovese, Region of Scansano)

Banfi Fonte Alla Selva 2012 Chianti Classico, $18.69-$21.99, 87 points
Barone Ricasoli Brolio 2009 Chianti Classico, $12.74-$23.99, 87 points
Bolla 2010 Chianti, $6.99-$9.99, 85 points
Borgo Scopeto 2009 Chianti Classico, $9.99-$18.99, 86 points
Carpineto 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva $18.69-$23.99, 90 points
Carpineto 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, $14.44-$23.99, 89 points
Carpineto 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, $16.14-$23.99, 89+ points
Castellare 2012 Chianti Classico, $21.99-$24.99, 89 points
Castellare 2013 Chianti Classico, $21.99-$24.99, 91+ points
Castellare 2014 Chianti Classico, $17.84-$24.99, 89+ points
Castellare Il Poggiale 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, $28.04-$32.99, 91 points
Castello Banfi 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva, $12.74-$18.99, 88 points
Castello di Bossi 2012 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $13.59-$21.99, 87+ points
Castello Di Cacchiano Millennio 2009 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, $33.99-$39.99, 93 points
Castello di Gabbiano 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva, $11.99-$19.99, 90 points
Castello Di Meleto 2009 Chianti Classico, $10.70-$16.99, 87 points
Castello DI Monastero 2007 Chianti Classico, $16.14-$20.99, 91+ points
Castello di Verrazzano 2006 Chianti Classico, $16.99-$22.99, 91 points
Castello di Verrazzano 2009 Chianti Classico, $16.99-$22.99, 91 points
Castelluccio Le More Di Romagna D.O.C 2011 Sangiovese, $13.59-$15.99, 88 points
Cecchi 2011 Chianti Classico, $10.19-$14.99, 88 points
Cecchi Toscana I.G.T. 2012 Sangiovese, $6.79-$9.99, 85 points
Cecchi Val Delle Rose 2009 Morellino Di Scansano Riserva, $16.99-$21.99, 87+ points
Criterion Collection 2011 Chianti Classico, $11.79-$12.99, 87 points
Ducale Oro Ruffino Riserva 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, $29.74-$39.99, 92 points
Fattoria di Magliano Heba Morellino di Scansano DOCG 2010 Sangiovese Red Wine, $14.44-$19.99, 91 points
Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva, $15.29-$19.99, 91 points
Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva, $15.29-$19.99, 91 points
Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva, $15.29-$19.99, 90 points
Felsina Rancia 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva, $36.69-$39.99, 94+ points
Frescobaldi Nipozzano 2007 Chianti Rufina Riserva, $20.39-$23.99, 91+ points
Gabbiano 2007 Chianti Classico, $11.99-$14.99, 88 points
Gabbiano 2010 Chianti Classico, $5.94-$12.99, 88 points
Gabbiano 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $9.99-$$21.99, 88 points
IL Grigio Da San Felice 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione,  $32.29-$37.99, 92 points
La Pergola D'Antonio D.O.C.G. 2012 Chianti, $11.70-$12.99, 84+ points
Lamole di Lamole 2010 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $12.99-$24.99, 88 points
Luiano 2009 Chianti Classico, $14,44-$16.99, 88 points
Mazzie Fonterutoli 2012 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $18.69-$21.99, 90 points
Poggio alle Sughere 2008 Morellino di Scansano, $14.44-$18.99, 91 points
Querceto 2004 Chianti Classico Reserva, $11.99-$24.99, 88 points
Querciabella D.O.C.G. 2008 Chianti Classico, $25.99, 92 points
Rocca delle Macie 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva, $16.14-$24.99, 89 points
Rocca delle Macie 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva, $19.99-$21.99, 91 points
Rocca delle Macie Single Vineyard (Fizzano) 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva, $17.99-$29.99, 91 points
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, $29.74-$39.99, 92 points
Santa Margherita D.O.C.G. 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, $19.49-$26.99, 88 points
Spalletti D.O.C.G. 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva, $12.74-$26.99, 89 points
Tenuta di Nozzole 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, $13.59-$24.99, 92 points
Tenuta di Nozzole D.O.C.G. 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva, $13.59-$18.99, 91+ points
Tenuta Marchese 2005 Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva, $16.19-$32.99, 91 points
Tenuta Santedame 2010 Chianti Classico, $15.99-$19.99, 87+ points
Tenuta Sassoregale DOC 2013 Sangiovese Maremma Toscana, $13.99-$16.99, 87 points
Tenuta Tignanello Marchese 2010 Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva, $27.99-$32.99, 91 points
Tomaiolo 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, $7.99-$14.99, 88+ points
Toscolo Tuscan 2005 Chianti Classico, $16.79-$21.00, 89 points
Villa Cerna 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva, is approximately $20.00, 87 points

  



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Castellare Il Poggiale 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva

Castellare Il Poggiale 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, $28.04-$32.99, 91 points, had this bright transparent black currant to strawberry color with a clear rim.
The aroma affects you with the pour, having a lovely gentle floral fragrance as well as red fruit, plus hints of sweet cooking spice; these intensify with the customary swishing and swirling of the glass.
Dry, describes my first impression of this red wine (90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Ciliegiolo). Though just shy of a medium body and texture, this complex and refreshing red wine of good acidity and mild tannin, has an abundance of red fruit, tart red cherry, pomegranate, and strawberry, but there are nuanced dried herbs and earth as well.
The finish continues a declining palate, but builds with spice, a touch of warmth (13.5% alcohol), and that earthiness.



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Prima Perla DOC Treviso Prosecco

Prima Perla DOC Treviso Prosecco, $10.99, 88 points, pours a fair foamy head, but the fizz quickly diminishes; this Italian bubbly is not so bubbly, but the flavor is Prosecco idiosyncratic, as is the very clear color with copper tints, and the sweet gentle floral aroma.
Neutral flavors are accented with watermelon-rind and a hint of nuttiness.
The palate trails into the finish with some additional citrus.
Paired perfectly with a baked halibut and olive-oil spice rub.
Bought at the Londonderry Market Basket Super Market.







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Château de Bonhoste Grand Vin 2009 Bordeaux Supérieur

Château de Bonhoste Grand Vin 2009 Bordeaux Supérieur, $14.44-$16.99, 89 points, has the familiar black currant/ruby colors and obligatory transparent rim of youth.
The 'quiet' aroma can be enticed to set free soft cooking spice and cedar notes.
Medium bodied, assertive and persistent (food friendly) acidity, moderate tannin, smooth texture, juicy blackberry, boysenberry, mulberry, and hints of chocolate round-off the palate. The fair finish of spice and just a touch of warmth (13% alcohol) is quite good.
Dinner plates and a beyond the palate pale polemic!
Nearly the best red dinner wine I can think of, Château de Bonhoste 2009 Bordeaux should makes a perfect dinner companion for that large gathering, and won't break the bank either. Come to think of it, it seems every time I go to some kind of banquet or large gathering, the caterers serve this cheap-type $5.00 a bottle Merlot, but because everyone is preoccupied, the plonk is ignored by most! (Song for all us old folk) I wonder-wonder who, not knowing anything about catering or just how restaurants decide on a wine to serve for showers, weddings, or other large groups, just how is a wine chosen? Is it the house wine, is it the cost, or maybe the availability; whatever method is applied, let me challenge those in the position to decide, to decide on a satisfying wine.

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