Souverain North Coast 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Souverain North Coast 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.99-$15.99, 91 points, poured a bright brass color trending water-clear at the glass shallows.
Aromatic citrus notes with orchard blossoms, fresh cut grass, and hints of toasty vanilla were quite good.
The light body was crisp, and carried good acidity on a straight forward flavor profile of pomelo, orange, and honeysuckle.
Finished well on the trailing palate, a well integrated 13.7% alcohol, and just a hint of ginger.
Maybe the best value 2013 Sauvignon Blanc I've had all year.
Paired well with onion rings, buttered asparagus, and chicken fingers with duck sauce.




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Sebastiani 2011 Americano Petite Sirah

Sebastiani 2011 Americano Petite Sirah, $15.29-$17.99, 87 points, was mostly dense and black with shimmering maroon hues which appeared near the obligatory wine ring.
Profuse aromas of licorice and plum were just okay for me.
Heavy-bodied, almost syrupy, managed to escape my wrath with a consistent and fairly good flavor profile of black licorice, plum, mint, and kirsch; the acidity was fair and the tannin, though supportive, was mild for a rather young Petite Sirah.
Finished okay on a slightly sweet red cherry, ubiquitous plum, and an almost unnoticeable 13.5% alcohol.




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Moillard Domaine du Château d’Eau 2014 Cinsault Rosé

Moillard Domaine du Château d’Eau 2014 Cinsault Rosé, $13.99-$15.99, 90 points, was a lovely peach pink with copper-red flashes.
The aromas of peach, Macintosh apple, and orchard blossoms were fabulous.
This light, crisp, dry, refreshing, and fairly acidic Cinsault Rosé wine was pure delight; flavors reflective of the aromas and with a sense of minerality were delicate and lively, and the moderately smooth texture made for well of easy-drinking and satiation.
The finish was long on peach and strawberry fruit with just a hint of the 12.5% alcohol.




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Triton (Casttilla y León) 2008 Tempranillo

Triton (Casttilla y León) 2008 Tempranillo, $13.59-$17.99, 86 points, poured core black trending purple/red at the leggy glass wall and thin wine ring.
Toasty plum and mulberry aromas were not particularly pleasant.
Full-bodied with good acidity and still firm tannin carried licorice, heavy oak notes, blueberry, and strawberry flavors.
Finished fair, if not a bit syrupy, on the trailing palate, hints of eucalyptus, good hot spice notes, and a warm 15% alcohol.
At this point you will need to decant!

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Cecchi Toscana I.G.T. 2012 Sangiovese

Cecchi Toscana I.G.T. 2012 Sangiovese, $6.79-$9.99, 85 points, was a bright ruby color with some bricking near the leggy glass wall and broad clear wine ring.
Early rubber smells transmuted into red cherry and strawberry aromas, but never impressed me.
Just barely medium-bodied with good acidity and mild grainy tannins carried light red fruit flavors with strawberry and red cherry being most prominent.
Finished okay on tart pomegranate and a well integrated 13% alcohol.

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Hess Select 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Hess Select 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.99-$19.99, 85 points, was core black transitioning deep purple red at the glass shallows and clear wine ring.
A slightly sour black currant with blueberry notes, cedar, and hints of clove on the nose were only okay for me.
Nearly full-bodied with fair acidity, uninspiring and murky tannins, awkward flavors of anise, plum, blueberry, dried cooking herbs, and mulberry were out of balance and not particularly tasty.
Finished poorly on the trailing palate with a well integrated 13.5% alcohol and black licorice.
If a Hess Cabernet Sauvignon interests you, my vote would be for the Hess (The Collection Allomi) Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Cesari MARA D.O.C. 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore

Cesari MARA D.O.C. 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, $19.99-$44.99, 89 points, appeared deep ruby trending crushed black currant purple at the very broad clear wine ring.
Sea breezes, lavender, raisins, and plums on the nose were good.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity and mellow tannin with satisfying flavors reflective of the nose, and hints of boysenberry.
Finished fair with black licorice, warm spice, and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my sausage rigatoni.

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Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2013 Chardonnay

Stags' Leap Napa Valley 2013 Chardonnay, $25.49-$34.99, 92 points, poured a deep glossy gold color.
Aromatic orchard blossoms and tropical fruit were very good.
The medium-plus body perfectly managed good acidity and flavors of vanilla, pome, and tropical fruits which were rich and unctuous.
Finished long on black pepper, a trailing palate, and a well integrated 14.1% alcohol. 

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Caves Jean et Sébastien Dauvissat "Saint-Pierre" 2012 Chablis

Caves Jean et Sébastien Dauvissat "Saint-Pierre" 2012 Chablis, $26.99-$28.99, 89 points, was a pure gold color.
The pleasant aroma was an amalgamation of subtle lemon, pine needles, and warm wet stone smells.
Light-plus body carried fair acidity, a dominating mineral based flavor profile, and hints of citrus.
Finished well on lemon zest, ginger, and a well integrated 12% alcohol.
Though marginally low alcohol, this was still a dry white wine, and not magically complex, but very clean.



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Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2011 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 2011 Bordeaux Red Wine, $51.99-$69.99, 90 points, was nearly black except near the clear wine ring where the color trended deep purple/red.
Aromatic cedar, sandalwood, rose, and black fruit were quite pleasant.
Medium-plus body managed good acidity with firm, yet very tolerable tannins for such a young Bordeaux red wine.
Flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, kirsch, truffle, and tobacco were very good.
Finished well on the trailing palate with easy spice notes and a well integrated 13% alcohol.
I enjoyed this wine more on the second day.
Varietals were 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc.

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Champalou 2010 Vouvray La Cuvee des Fondraux, Loire, France

Champalou 2010 Vouvray La Cuvee des Fondraux, Loire, France, $21.25-$24.99, 87 points, appeared a light saffron yellow trending a contrasting gray at the glass shallows.
Aromatic melon with good hints of petrol and vanilla pleased.
Light-bodied with fair to good acidity and flavors which mirrored the aromas and which complimented the Granny-smith apples.
The palate flavors trailed into the okay finish of citrus, ginger, and a well integrated 12.5% alcohol. 

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L'Escargot Sauvignon Blanc Cotes de Gascogne 2013 100% Sauvignon Blanc

L'Escargot Sauvignon Blanc Cotes de Gascogne 2013 100% Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99-$,14.99, 86+ points, was just about the lightest lemon-yellow color trending gray at the glass shallows.
Lemon, gooseberry, and fresh-cut grass on the nose was just okay for me.
The dry tart, and crisp light body managed a lip-smacking acidity.
Flavors were similar to New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs with lemon, gooseberries, and grass notes, but a noticeable minerality, and devoid of a dominant grapefruit told a different tale.

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Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.99-$14.99, 88 points, was a light brass color trending water clear at the glass shallows.

Apples and honeysuckle on the nose were pleasant.

The light-plus body and fair to good acidity carried easy drinking (for a Sauvignon Blanc) pome fruit flavors with nondescript citrus notes.

I've not thought of a wine as "homogenous" before, but the finish proved a consistency to the whole with just hints of white pepper and a well integrated 13% alcohol.

 

 

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Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $32.29-$68.99, 89+ points, was the colors of crushed black currant trending dark ruby with a thin clear wine ring.
Aromas of sandalwood, flowers, and sea breezes defied the notion of a grape product.
Full-bodied with fair acidity and Merlot-like soft tannin managed a lush mouth-feel.
Good flavors of plum were more Merlot-like than Cab-like (JMO) as well, though heavier and rounder than most Merlots I'm familiar with, but hints of black currant mitigated that contradiction.
Finished fair on the trailing palate with easy pepper notes, red currant, truffle, and a well integrated 14.2% alcohol.
Paired well with my stir-fried spiced beef and vegetables.

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Big Ass Cab, Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Big Ass Cab, Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.99-$19.99, 87 points,  
Profuse aromas of blueberry, brine, oak, and cedar were just okay for me.
Full-bodied with good acidity and still youthful, but very manageable tannin carried flavors that reflected the aromas with rich plum notes.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, tart pomegranate, slightly astringent tannin, and an appropriate 14.5% alcohol.

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Flora Springs Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Flora Springs Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.69-$42.99, 91 points, poured nearly core black trending ruby toward a crushed black currant purple/red at the broad clear wine ring.
The nose was a rather complex affair with spearmint, chocolate, truffle, plum, cedar, roses, and black currant having great depth and being quite good.
Full-bodied with good acidity and layered fine grainy tannins made for a substantial and velvety texture.
Smoky flavors of plum were offset with a tangy pomegranate.
A spicy finish was long and climatic with a warm 14.5% alcohol.



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The Royal Old Vines Steen 2013 Chenin Blanc (South Africa)

The Royal Old Vines Steen (South Africa), 2013 Chenin Blanc, $12.00, 88 points, poured a light saffron yellow with lime green tints and graying at the glass shallows.
Soft complex aromas of lemon, pome fruit, and melon were very subtle.
The light-body with good acidity managed fair if unremarkable flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished very long and tasty on ginger, hints of white pepper, crisp citrus notes, and a nicely done 13% alcohol.
I bought this Chenin Blanc at the Derry Hannaford's Super Market.





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Ridge East Bench 2013 Zinfandel

 

 

 

Ridge East Bench 2013 Zinfandel, $23.79-$27.99, 91 points, was a deep dark ruby red with a broad clear wine ring at the leggy glass wall.
Aromatic wild and briary blackberry with toasty red raspberry were typically Ridge wonderful.
Medium-plus body carried fair acidity, mellow, but supportive tannin.
Youthful, yet restrained fruit-full flavors which were reflective of the aromas, with late palate notes of tarragon and smoky oak which, conveyed by a silky texture, spoke volumes of sophistication.
Finished long on red licorice, eucalyptus, easy red pepper, and a warm 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with Mexican cuisine.

Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery.
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L'Ecole Columbia Valley No. 41 Old Vines 2013 Chenin Blanc

L'Ecole Columbia Valley No. 41 Old Vines 2013 Chenin Blanc, $14.44-$18.99, 92 points, appeared a bright brass color trending dark gray at the glass shallows.
Aromatic orange peel, orchard blossoms, and a hint of pineapple were lovely.
Medium-bodied, but crisp and dry enough to deceive one into believing that it is a light-bodied white wine; displaying so much fruit also gave the impression of sweetness without a hint of being cloying.
Lively acids cut through Hawaiian chicken and white asparagus in a cheddar cheese sauce with no problem.
Citrus and pome flavors were complex and accented by tropical fruit carried by an unctuous texture sealed this Chenin Blanc's first place in my admittedly short list of Chenin Blanc wines.
Finished long on pear, exciting ginger notes, and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol.

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Talley Arroyo Grande Valley 2013 Chardonnay

Talley Arroyo Grande Valley 2013 Chardonnay, $21.99-$25.99, 87 points, begins in the glass with a lovely glossy gold color, but quickly raised my curiosity with what reminded me of the smell of Ladybirds (ladybugs); at any rate, whether ladybugs were the cause or not I don't know, but this Chardonnay smelled unlike any other I've smelled; hours later that strong order faded into a delicate flower aroma.
The same process paralleled the flavor profile, but ended with a rather clean, slightly vanilla, caramel, and typically Chardonnay grape flavors.
The barely medium-bodied Chardonnay was unusual (Chablis being the most notable exception) as well. Acidity was fair to good, and the texture was soft and silky.
Finished okay on the trailing palate, hints of ginger, and a well integrated 13.7% alcohol.

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Scaggs Vineyard Napa Valley Mt. Veeder 2012 Montage (Rhone Style Red Wine)

Scaggs Vineyard Napa Valley Mt. Veeder 2012 Montage (Rhone Style Red Wine), $33.14-$38.99, 90+ points, poured a rather complex rainbow of opaque purple reds with a thin clear wine ring.
Scaggs 2012 Montage also exhibited a complex aroma profile with plum, black olives, cedar, and clove representing just the tip of the iceberg.
Full-bodied with good acidity and tightly layered supportive tannins.
Flavors were robust, complex, and quite good, with cardamom, plum, black cherry, chocolate, mint, tart pomegranate, and blackberries not to mention the kitchen sink.
Finished on the trailing palate, escalating tannin, licorice, and a well integrated 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and  Counoise.

Boz Scaggs "But Beautiful"

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Vignobles Jeanjean Domaine Le Pive Gris 2013 Rosé

Vignobles Jeanjean Domaine Le Pive Gris 2013 Rosé, $11.99-$14.99, 90+ points, was more a peach pink color, trending almost water clear at the glass shallows.
The lovely subtle floral aroma dominated an even more subtle watermelon/strawberry aroma.
Very light, almost gossamer body with good acidity managed to mirror the aromas in a delicious delicacy.
Finished well on the trailing palate, a hint of kiwi, and the innocuous 12% alcohol. 
Varietals were 30% Grenache Gris, 30% Grenache Noir, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc.
I would pair this Rosé with almost any delicate pastry, especially baked Tulumbi, or many appetizers, making this dry Rosé a great choice for get-togethers.



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Dr. Konstantin Frank Finger Lakes 2014 Rosé

Dr. Konstantin Frank Finger Lakes 2014 Rosé, $14.44-$16.99, 90 points, poured a distinctively rose red color.
Smells of flowers, red cherries, and strawberries needed considerable swishing and swirling to evoke, but in the end were very good.
Light-bodied, crisp, dry, and good acidity gave a substantial and appreciated texture.
Flavors of strawberry plus a hint of hibiscus were rather one dimensional, but very tasty.
Finished long with a light spiciness, the trailing palate, and an innocuous 12% alcohol.
Paired well with a cornmeal battered fried haddock and chips.
Varietals were Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Napa Valley AVETA 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Napa Valley AVETA 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $21.24-$26.99, 88 points, poured a light Saffron yellow trending gray at the glass shallows.
Weak aromas of fresh-cut grass, soft floral component, and citrus were unremarkable, but not bad either.
Typically light-bodied with good acidity, but the flavors too were weak, but wet stone and alcohol (14.5%) flavors carried the day, if you have an accommodating palate.
Finished clean with hints of lemon and lime on a background of that big alcohol with just a hint of ginger.
This was a unique Sauvignon Blanc which will appeal to few at this price, but if you like an uncluttered high alcohol/acid white wine, then this is the one for you!



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La Cana Rias Baixas 2013 Albariño

 

La Cana Rias Baixas 2013 Albariño (Spain), $13.99-$15.99, 90 points, was a light golden color trending water clear at the glass shallows.

Very beautiful floral aroma with hints of lemon and lime zest.

Light-bodied, with crisp acidity, dry, and having flavors of lemon oil, hints of watermelon rind, tangerine, and limestone minerality which made for an exceptionally good, clean, and refreshing white wine libation.

Finished on the trailing palate, citrus notes, and a well integrated 12.5% alcohol.

Paired well with my spicy Buffalo wings.

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Albarino (Alvarinho in Portuguese)

Bodega Garzon 2014 Albariño (Uruguay). $8.99-$14.99, 85 points

Bodegas Viña Cartin, Ruta 49, Rías Baixas, 2023 Albariño (D.O.), $9.99, 92 points

Burgans Rias Baixas Burgáns 2013 Albariño (Spain), $10.99-$14.99, 88 points

Cadre Sea Queen 2020 Albariño (USA), $19.54-$24.99, 89 points

Columna Rias Baixas 2013 Albarino (Spanish White Wine), $13.99-$16.99, 90+ points

Columna Rias Baixas 2022 Albarino (Spain), $15.99-$21.99, 91 points

Felix Solis 'Medusa' Rias Baixas 2016 Albariño (Spain), $9.99-$19.99, 87 points

Kentia Galicia Rias Baixas 2013 Albarino (Spanish White Wine), $13.99-$15.99, 88 points

La Cana Rias Baixas 2013 Albariño, $13.99-$15.99, 90 points (Spain)

La Cana Rias Baixas 2016 Albariño (Spain), $14.99-$16.99, 89 points

Lee Family Farm Monterey 2013 Albarino, $17.99, 90 points (USA)

Left Field, Gisborne, New Zealand, 2018 Albariño, $15.29-$17.99, 89 points

Luzada 'Val do Salnes' Rias Baixas 2018 Albariño, (Spain), $8.99. 90 points

Martin Códax Rias Baixas 2014 Albariño, $13.99-$15.99, 90 points

NORA Rias Baixas 2014 Albariño, $12.74-$16.99, 86 points

Ramón Bilbao Rías Baixas 2016 Albariño (Spain), $11.89-$13.99, 89 points

Ramón Bilbao Rías Baixas 2018 Albariño (Spain), $11.89-$13.99, 90 points

Tangent Edna Valley 2012 Albarino, $11.49-$17.99, 86 points (USA)


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Martinelli Russian River Valley Vellutini Ranch 2011 Zinfandel

Martinelli Russian River Valley Vellutini Ranch 2011 Zinfandel, $45.89-$53.99, 91+ points, was a deep ruby red trending orange at the glass shallows and the thin clear wine ring with very heavy draping.
Subtle aromas of oaky blackberries, cedar, wafting alcohol, and a soft floral component were good.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity, appropriately supportive tannins with flavors of  black currant and black cherry fading into the long finish of strawberry, eucalyptus, cayenne, and bourbon-like heat from the 16.1% alcohol.
Very Cool Vineyard!

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