New Hampshire Wine-man: November 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

Tom Gore 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Tom Gore 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.99-$11.99, 87+ points, poured slightly more orange than ruby-red with an obligatory transparent wine ring at the glass bowl with many "tears".
Aromas of toasty black grape, blueberry, mulberry, and blackberries portended a fruit-forward Cabernet, but hints of chocolate and cola notes added fair complexity.
Medium-bodied with fair-plus acidity and firm tannin managed a tight tart Cabernet marked by flavors of the nose which were a bit overwhelmed by the wine's body.
Finished on chocolate, tannin, a well balanced 13.5% alcohol, and hot spices.
I bought the Tom Gore Cab. at the Londonderry Market Basket Super Market.
Tom Gore PDF doesn't tell where the grapes were sourced, but Tom does have an Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which I've not seen.

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Sunday, November 29, 2015

Rodney Strong Sonoma County Alexander Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Rodney Strong Sonoma County Alexander Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $22.99-$26.99, 90 points, poured an opaque ruby with flashes of maroon trending Bordeaux purple/red toward the broad clear wine ring at the leggy glass bowl.
Smells of toasty blackberry and black currant with hints of cedar, loam, coffee, and chocolate were a bit subtle, but pleasant.
Though the medium-plus body had not quite the heft or complexity of the Clos Du Val, the flavors, reflective of the nose, were a bit more focused, and just as tasty.
Fair to good acidity with appropriate and moderate tannin were unobtrusive, and added to the fair finish marked by a well integrated sweet-spot 14.5% alcohol and easy spice notes.

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Saturday, November 28, 2015

Clos Du Val Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon,

Clos Du Val Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $31.99-$39.99, 90+ points, poured core black with maroon flashes trending a crushed black currant toward the clear wine ring.
Aromas of black grape, toasty blackberries, and cedar notes with hints tobacco were good.
The silky medium-plus body carried good acidity, soft supportive tannin, and ripe flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of black currant and chocolate.
Finished long on a more noticeable tannin, the trailing palate, bright warm spice, and a well integrated 14.1% alcohol.
Pizza perfect pairing went (goes) without saying.

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USA Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wines Tasted/Reviewed in 2015

Christmas With USA Cabernet Sauvignon
Gift Giving Ideas (Tasted/Reviewed in 2015)

Friday, November 27, 2015

Landhaus Mayer 2014 Grüner Veltliner (Austria)

Landhaus Mayer 2014 Grüner Veltliner (Austria), $11.99-$13.99, 87 points, was a robust deep golden color trending clear at the glass edge.
Aromatic pome fruit with melon were quite good.
The dry light-plus body carried good acidity with peppery and over-ripe pear flavors.
Finished fair on a well balanced 12% alcohol, the trailing palate, lemon/lime notes, and just a tad stony.

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.99-$32.99, 89 points, poured core black trending crushed black currant purple/red at the leggy glass bowl and clear wine ring.
Aromas of black currant, clove, and cedar with hints of leather and sandalwood were good.
Full-bodied, good acidity, robust tannins and flavors reflective of the aromas were marked by a touch of astringency, but keep in mind that this is a young big Cab with cellaring potential.
Finished long on warm spice and alcohol (14.5%) with hints of tobacco and mulberry.
Though I bought this wine at the NHLS, you can now find this wine at the Market Basket Supermarkets.

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Thanksgiving inevitably leads to Christmas well-wishes, and sometimes well wrapped wines!

Thanksgiving leads

to Christmas and giving.

Inbound to content, idea to substance, and gratitude to realization is my whimsical way of wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving, and a looking forward to Christmas or "Festivus for the rest of us."
As for the NHWM blog, I hope to taste many-a faithful American Cabernet Sauvignon wine in offering gift suggestions, but if you're in a hurry, included here is my Cab Index of wines, including 28 different American Cabs almost exclusively bought in New Hampshire, tasted and reviewed in 2015 already.
Yes, I still love Christmas music, and if you are like me, you'll love this song, especially if you have little ones; I heard this new Christmas song yesterday, and I just adore it.

Joseph's Lullaby--MercyMe

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Soter Vineyards Planet Oregon 2013 Pinot Noir

Soter Vineyards Planet Oregon 2013 Pinot Noir, $22.99-$10.99, 87 points, poured maroon trending cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring.
Smells of sweet/tart red cherry, strawberry, and blueberry were okay.
Medium bodied, good acidity, early palate smooth with mildly building tannin, and typical flavors for a Northwest Pinot, flavors that mirrored the aromas..
Finished strong on blueberry, glycerol-like mouthfeel, black pepper, and an innocuous 13% alcohol.
As a clearance item, $10.99 is a good deal, if you are looking for a bright/fresh PN (JMO).

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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Atamisque Assemblage 2008 Red Wine

Atamisque Assemblage 2008 Red Wine (Bordeaux blend), $32.99-$36.99, 90 points, poured core black trending a Shiraz purple/red toward the clear wine ring.
Aromatic flowers, toasty blackberries, tar, and mocha notes were outstanding.
Nearly full-bodied with good acidity, firm grainy tannins, flavors of profuse violets and aroma driven accents were a bit overwhelming.
Finished fair on a declining palate, but escalating warm spice and alcohol (14.5%) were awesome.
Varietals were 50% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot.
Pair with big steaks, lamb, stews, etc.
Let breathe or decant.

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Monday, November 23, 2015

Porta 6 Lisboa 2012 Vinho Tinto (Red Wine)

Porta 6 Lisboa 2012 Vinho Tinto (Red Wine), $9.86-$10.95, 88 points, appeared ruby red to maroon with bright red at the transparent wine ring.
Soft floral and dark grape smells with a hint of nutmeg were appealing.
The smooth nearly full-bodied red wine managed moderate acidity, silky tannin, flavors of cola, dark grape, and blueberry with a hint of truffle.
Finished with a well integrated 13.5% alcohol, the trailing palate, and soft spice notes.
Paired nicely, contrasting with my spicy rack of Australian ribs and roasted asparagus, though I had considered pairing with a complementing Shiraz.
If I hadn't know what wine this was, I might have guessed a fruity, slightly sweet, Merlot, and for the price, a great value, if your palate is between sweet and dry red wines.
I bought this wine at Angela's pasta and cheese.

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Sunday, November 22, 2015

Erath Oregon 2013 Pinot Noir

Erath Oregon 2011 Pinot Noir, $14.95-$18.99, 88 points, was a cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring.
Aromatic blueberry and strawberry were sweet and pleasant.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, mild tannin, and energetic tart flavors of strawberry, blueberry, and red cherry with a floral note were quite tasty.
Finished on a lively 13.5% alcohol, a hint of pomegranate, and easy spice notes.
This was a "yummy" sipper, or a great gulper depending on your mood or your wine-drinking style, but either way, for $14.95, Erath is hard to beat.

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Saturday, November 21, 2015

Baracchi O'Lillo 2013 IGT Toscana

Baracchi O'Lillo 2013 IGT Toscana, $11.99-$19.99, 90 points, was a dark maroon color with a clear wine ring at the glass edge.
Aromatic raspberry, blueberry, rose, and sweet dried herbs were quite good.
Medium-plus body with good acidity and an underlayment of tannin carried tart, spicy flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on an escalating tannin, spice, and a warm 14% alcohol.
If a lush, smooth, and cerebral Cabernet Sauvignon is a wise old man's red wine paired with a steak, then this is a crisp, tangy, and spicy EDM youthful dry red wine paired with enchiladas, fajitas and quesadillas (Oh, "Electronic Dance Music"). ;)
Varietals were each 25% Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Tenuta Alzatura D.O.C.G. 2009 Montefalco Sagrantino

Tenuta Alzatura D.O.C.G. 2009 Montefalco Sagrantino, $19.99-$37.99, 90+ points, poured core black trending a copper/purple toward the clear rim and very leggy glass bowl.
The nose was a toasty black currant with truffle notes.
Nearly full-bodied with good acidity, strident tannin, with flavors reflective of the nose, and accenting licorice and savory notes, which were energized by a powerful 15% alcohol.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm spice, and an enduring tannic finish (maybe too much for the tannin sensitive).
I loved this wine, and it paired well with my pepperoni pizza, but it really needs some time to mature.

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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2007 Red Wine

Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2007 Red Wine, $17.99-$20.99, 90 points, poured a crushed black currant purple/red with a transition to orange red before the clear wine ring.
The aroma cache was loaded with coffee, plums, cherries, black currant, and blackberries.
Near full-bodied, fair-plus acidity, sweet lush tannin, and flavors reflective of the aromas with a chocolate accent.
Finished smoothly on a balanced 13.5% alcohol, tart pomegranate, easy spice notes, the trailing palate, and savory notes.
Varietals were Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Paired perfectly with my chicken parmesan with pasta in a marinara sauce.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

NHWM's Milestone of One Million Views

NHWM's Milestone of One Million Views is nothing much in the blogosphere, but the more than five year effort means much to me!

NHWM Google Profile

Milestones in one's life can be as exciting as Tom Brady wining another Super bowl or as provincial as my blog (NHWM) passing one million views; since I never thought that humble milestone would come to pass.
I'm grateful to friends and family, but also to strangers which have inspired me to keep going with this.
For me and some friends and family members, it is cause for celebration. Here are the wines I brought to the celebration (International wines were a must):

Of course I'll give my usual straight forward reviews, and some of these wines have already been reviewed, but in advance or as a "revisit review" will be in order, and as always I invite the participants to contribute.

Castello Banfi DI Montalcino 2004 Brunello, $49.29-$57.99, 93 points, poured a more cranberry red trending a bit orange at the glass edge than I remembered it from four and a half years ago.
Aromas were black and red cherry with a whiff of the 13.5% alcohol.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and still supportive layered and grainy tannins carried more bourbon-like notes than I remembered, but straight forward cherry notes were quite good.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of mint, and excellent pepper accents.
This was a favorite celebratory treat for some of the wine tasters.

Cheers!

May 2011 Review: Banfi Castello 2004 Brunello DI Montalcino

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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley 2012 Chardonnay

Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley 2012 Chardonnay, $39.99-$49.99, 94 points, poured a burnished gold color.
Flowers and tropical fruit aromas were excellent.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity, crisp for a Cali Chardonnay, with flavors of Honeydew melon, lemon zest, lime with hints of pineapple and passion fruit.
Finished on the trailing palate, watermelon rind, a well integrated 13.5% alcohol, ginger, and a hint of white pepper.
Paired perfectly with my fried Atlantic cod, creamy mac and white cheddar cheese, complimented with a pumpkin pie dessert.
One of the three best Chardonnays of the year.

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Monday, November 16, 2015

Catena Padrillos-Mendoza, Argentina-2014 Malbec

Catena Padrillos-Mendoza, Argentina-2014 Malbec, $9.99-$12.99, 85+ points, poured an opaque purple/red trending ruby near the clear wine ring and glass wall.
The aromas needed some coaxing, but with considerable swishing and swirling, rich warm earth, coffee, and blueberry notes made their appearance.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity with more pronounced tannins than the Georges Vigouroux Pigmentum, with similar flavors of blueberries, mulberries, and cherry notes, but with a spicy kick behind them, maybe just a bit green.
Finished fair with a well integrated 13.5% alcohol, a hint of coffee, and a keener sense of that "green" quality.

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Georges Vigouroux Pigmentum 2012 Malbec (Cahors, France)

Georges Vigouroux Pigmentum 2012 Malbec (Cahors, France), $6.99-$29.99, 86+ points, was a deep purple/red with a clear wine ring and thick legs.
Smells of dark grapes, mulberry, and hints coffee were good.
Medium-plus body with fair acidity and mild tannin managed a fruit-forward red wine, with blueberries and mulberries taking the fore, while cherry notes accented the late palate with a hint of white pepper, and was a bit tart.
Finished on the trailing palate, a European utilitarian 12.5% alcohol, and a touch of Candy Cain .
I'd consider this to be a Red Table-wine, and would pair with lighter red meat cuisines, or as I would a Pinot Noir.

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Sunday, November 15, 2015

Tommasi Poggio AL Tufo Maremma Toscana IGT 2012 Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon

Tommasi Poggio AL Tufo Maremma Toscana IGT 2012 Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.99-$18.99, 90 points, appeared as crushed blackberries trending ruby with maroon flashes and a very broad clear wine ring.
Aromas of black cherry, chocolate, and subtle sea breezes were lovely.
The medium-plus body with good acidity and moderately supportive tannins managed well a rather fruity red wine; fruit flavors were all-over-the Italian map, and with subtle jasmine and mint notes, made for a great treat.
Finished on the trailing palate, a European-restrained 13% alcohol, and just a hint of eucalyptus.

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Saturday, November 14, 2015

Calmel And Joseph Villa Blanche 2014 Chardonnay

Calmel And Joseph Villa Blanche 2014 Chardonnay, $12.99-$15.99, 87 points, poured a straw yellow color.
Aromas were subtle honeysuckle with melon notes.
The moderately crisp medium body with good acidity managed typical Chardonnay neutral flavors, not at all Chablis-like, but with a hint of oak, good enough to be my white table wine of the day.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and an innocuous 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my fresh cod-loin in a vegie cheese sauce.

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Friday, November 13, 2015

J Russian River 2013 Chardonnay

J Russian River 2013 Chardonnay, $15.99-$28.99, 92 points, was a dark straw yellow color.
Aromatic lemon/lime accented the bright melon notes.
Near full-bodied, nearly typical of big Cali Chardonnay white wines, but everything works near perfectly; acidity is fair to good, and the restrained oak compliments without dominating the flavors of tropical fruits with citrus and melon notes, it's creamy without being syrupy, spicy without being overbearing, and pair-able without being overpowering.
Finished well with a balance 14.3% alcohol and the trailing palate.
Those that follow my posts know I'm not a fan of oaky Cali Chardonnays, but this was a pleasant surprise.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Fess Parker's Marcella's Santa Barbara White Wine (Viognier)

Fess Parker's Marcella's Santa Barbara White Wine (Viognier) $15.99-$18.99, 91 points, poured a light gold color trending clear at the glass shallows.
Smells of apricot, nuttiness, and melon were good.
Light-plus bodied with mouth-watering acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas were outstanding.
Finished long on an energizing 14.1% alcohol, ginger, and orange/lemon peel.
Varietals were 86% Viognier, 8% Roussanne, 3% Marsanne, and 3% Grenache Blanc.
Paired well with my roast turkey and all the fixings.
If you need music to accompany your meal, I recommend Christopher Cross' "Sailing" .

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Decoy Sonoma County 2013 Zinfandel

Decoy Sonoma County 2013 Zinfandel,
$16.95-$25.99, 88 points, appeared as a dark pomegranate red with flashes of maroon and a broad transparent wine ring.
Aromas were more singularly red fruit and floral than the other Decoy Zins I've had, and just as I was beginning to imagine that this vintage might not stand-up to the three vintages I've tasted, the adage: "What you fear will come upon you. . .", did.
Hardly possessing a medium body with good acidity and mellow supportive tannin, the 2013 Decoy Zin was more a straight-forward, but good, strawberry/red cherry easy drinking red wine.
Finished true to its palate flavors with a remarkably retrained 13.9% alcohol (which will appeal to many) and mild spice notes.
Paired well with Buffalo wings.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Sella And Mosca 2010 Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva

Sella And Mosca 2010 Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva,
$10.19-$14.99, 80 points,

Cannonau or Grenache red wine from Sardinia,

poured a bright cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring at the very leggy glass wall.

Assorted smells reminiscent

of gardenias were not particularly pleasant.

Just over the threshold of being medium bodied,

this Cannonau displayed good acidity with an out of balanced excessively tannic wine

(sort of like drinking a thin, floral, and over-steeped tea).

As for my disappointment with this red wine, it could have been different if the flavors of strawberry and potent flowers could have escaped the tannin and the body's thin presentation.

Finished as it began, but add to that an okay 14% alcohol and an never-ending lingering aftertaste.

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