Sunday, April 30, 2017

Burgans Rias Baixas Burgáns 2013 Albariño (Spain)






Burgans Rias Baixas Burgáns 2013 Albariño (Spain), $10.99-$14.99, 88 points, was a straw yellow color.
Aromas of pineapple, juniper, and a soft touch of honeysuckle were generous.
Light, not as crisp as the St. Supery SB I just had, but good (appropriately acidic).
Flavors of melon rind, cantaloupe, and lime with a faint hint of spritz were sufficient to stand alone.
Finished mouthwatering on the trailing palate and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Not bad for a four year old white wine.
Paired fine with my Asian cuisine.


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Saturday, April 29, 2017

St. Supery Napa Valley 2016 Sauvignon Blanc






St. Supery Napa Valley 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $18.99-$21.99, 90 points, was glossy gold to brass colors.
Smells of bold lemongrass, pome blossoms, and gooseberries were bright and beautiful.
Crisply acidic, though light-bodied, was dense with textures and flavors (citrus, melon, kiwi, and grassy).
Finished long with ginger, lemon, and mint notes.
St. Supery is an archetypical Cali Sauvignon Blanc displaying a well balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my deep fried Maine clams.


Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Cali)

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Friday, April 28, 2017

Elvio Cogno "Ravera" 2011 Barolo (DOCG)






Elvio Cogno "Ravera" 2011 Barolo (DOCG), $59.49-$69.99, 94 points, poured a rainbow of sun-red colors with a broad clear wine ring and a leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic bold oak, subtle rose perfume, and cherries were excellent.
Near full-bodied with bright acidity, grainy woody tannins, and refined flavors of red cherry, black tea, tar, and truffle beguiled and lingered.
Finished very long on plum and a warm spice inspirited 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my parmesan gnocchi in a rich beef marinara sauce, and was superior with milk chocolate hazel nuts.

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Thursday, April 27, 2017

Honig Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon






Honig Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $31.44-$39.99, 92 points, poured opaque trending purple/red toward the clear wine ring and moderately leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic cedar, sandalwood, blackberry, anise, and herbal notes were excellent.
Full-bodied, round, lush, dense with good acidity, layered supportive tannins, and flavors reflective of the aromas plus a hint of tobacco carried deep into the long finish accented with savory, chocolate, and a 14.8% alcohol inspirited spiciness.
Varietals were 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot.
Paired perfectly with my seared, spiced, and rare Angus rib eye.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon





Chateau Montelena Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $42.49-$47.99, 92 points, poured a deep purple/red trending ruby and trailing-off at the clear wine ring.
Aromas of toast, cedar, black currant, plum, coffee, and a floral vibe were classic.
Near full body of finesse, good acidity, and layered soft tannins carried a superlative balance of subtle characteristic flavors birthed in the aromas.
Finished long on the trailing palate, soft spice notes, a hint of pomegranate, and a rather restrained 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Nacho Grande, and better with dark chocolate macadamia than with milk chocolate hazel nuts.



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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Bodegas Abanico "Hazaña Viñas Viejas" 2014 Rioja Red Wine







Bodegas Abanico "Hazaña Viñas Viejas" 2014 Rioja Red Wine, $9.99-$15.99, 87+ points, poured mostly red, tinted with purple, a bit of orange at the clear wine ring, and a tad unfiltered appearance with heavy draping on the glass bowl.
The nose was an interesting medley of red and black fruit with a floral vibe.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, unobtrusive tannins, and friendly flavors reflective of the aromas furnished a red-table wine with manners.
Finished well on red fruit notes, a smidgeon of white pepper, tobacco, and a European sense of alcohol (13%) proportionality.
Varietals were 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano.
Paired fine with 'meat-lovers' pizza.

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Monday, April 24, 2017

Castello Banfi 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva






Castello Banfi 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva, $14.99-$18.99, 88 points, was tasted with a revisit of the 2007 vintage tasted six years ago for comparison, and what I found was how remarkably alike they were; the 2013 was a much brighter similar red with both having a broad clear wine ring and moderately draped glass bowl; the 2013 was aromatically fresher and a bit more vibrant (more a red cherry) while the 2007 was more a black cherry, but both were rather one dimensional.
Barely medium-bodied with good acidity, drying tannins (even the 2007), and easy oaky red fruit trailing into a fair finish accented with soft floral, black tea, and spice notes with a European common-sense 13% alcohol.
One major difference was the appearance and size of the corks:
Both the '07 and 2013 paired fine with our pepperoni pizza.
After watching this promotional on FB provided by Tuscan Vines I couldn't resist finding a new vintage of one of Banfi's signature wines
Banfi Estates.



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Chianti Classico Riserva, Sangiovese With Class






Chianti Classico Riserva, Sangiovese With Class!

The Rules (complex overall, but the thin of it): Varietals can be no less than 80% Sangiovese with up to 20% Canaiolo, Colorino, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Two years in oak, three months in the bottle, and at least 12.5% alcohol.

Agostino Petri di Vicchiomaggio 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva, $20.39-$23.99, 88 points

Cafaggio 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $16.99-$39.99 (closeout), 90 points
Cantine Fratelli Bellini Rufina 2003 Chianti Riserva (DOCG) $14.99-$17.99, 87 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 Il Poggiale 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, $28.04-$32.99, 91 points

Castello Banfi 2007 Chianti Classico Reserva, $12.74-$18.99, 88 points

Castello Banfi 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva, $14.99-$18.99, 88 points

Castello Banfi 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva, $13.57-$19.99, 88 points

Castello Di Bossi Berardo 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva, $25.99-$29.99, 92 points

Castello Di Bossi Berardo 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva, $23.79-$29.99, 92 points













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Sunday, April 23, 2017

De Gregorio Rahana 2014 Sicilia Chardonnay (DOC)






De Gregorio Rahana 2014 Sicilia Chardonnay (DOC), $7.29-$11.99, 85 points, poured straw yellow and clearing at the glass edge.
The grapey rather neutral aromas were unremarkable.
Barely medium-bodied with fair acidity extended the trend begun olfactory onto the palate and into a rather bland finish.
The restrained 13% alcohol couldn't kick-in much to speak of either, but at least it wasn't out of balance.
Paired okay with my clam chowder.

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Saturday, April 22, 2017

Chappellet Napa Valley (Pritchard Hill) 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon





Chappellet Napa Valley (Pritchard Hill) 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $53.54-$62.99, 92 points, poured an opaque Bordeaux red wine color with a clear wine ring.
This 2014 Pritchard hill Cabernet was fruity, floral, and dusty, silky, aromatic, and structured around a near full body of good acidity and firm grainy tannins.
Finished long on anise, warm spices, a hint of mint, and an appropriate 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our beefy Mexican cuisine.
Varietals were Bordeaux styled 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9/% Petit Verdot, dollops of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

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Friday, April 21, 2017

Bodega Garzon 2014 Albariño (Uruguay)



Bodega Garzon 2014 Albariño (Uruguay).  $8.99-$14.99, 85 points, poured a coppery gold color.
Aromatic cantaloupe, honeysuckle, and Lychee were nice.
Light-bodied with fair-plus acidity and flavors of tangerine, juniper, and a hint of vanilla were a bit thin, but okay.
Finished on the short side with the trailing palate (dominated by juniper), a hint of white pepper, and a well-balance 12.5% alcohol.
Paired just okay with our Thanksgiving styled Easter dinner (roasted chicken).

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Thursday, April 20, 2017

Sensi 18K NV Moscato (Sparkling Sweet Rosé Wine)






Sensi 18K NV Moscato (Sparkling Sweet Rosé Wine), $19.99-$22.99, 91 points, poured an orange/red into a full head of foam with a long enduring eruption of smallish bubbles (drink while cold and fizzy).
Light-plus body was marked by a balance between fair acidity and sweetness.
The cornucopia of tropical aromas, hints of Necco Wafers, cookie dough, and a floral vibe accented with background strawberry notes were outrageously tasty, and tended to leech onto the palate.
Finished long on cherry cola and an innocuous 6.5% alcohol.
This was to be an experimental opportunity to pair Sparkling Sweet Rosé Moscato with a number of different desserts, all of which paired well, but the Red velvet heart macaroon excelled.
A great aperitif too.

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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Domaine du Gros' Noré "Antoinette" 2009 Bandol





Domaine du Gros' Noré "Antoinette" 2009 Bandol, $45.99-$69.99, 93 points, poured broadly black terminating purple/red at the transparent wine ring and glass bowl of moderate draping.
Aromas were mysteriously floral and fruity.
Full-bodied with good acidity and velvety rich tannins managed amazingly 'unique' flavors of sassafras, root beer, plums, loam, and blackberries.
Finished long on blackberry liqueur, plum, oak, umami, and a 15% alcohol inspirited spiciness
Varietals were 90% Mourvèdre with dollops of Cinsault and Carignan.
Paired perfectly with my spiced-rubbed Angus rib eye steak.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Onehope 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon




Onehope 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $8.79-$10.99, 87+ points, was a typical red color with a clear wine ring.
Aromatic spearmint, black currants, and a hint of blueberry were interesting.
Medium-bodied with fair-plus acidity and mellow round tannins carried flavors of licorice, chocolate, and black currants.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, easy spice notes, and a restrained 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Sloppy-Joe.
High QPR red wine, tasty, and priced right.
I bought this Cabernet at the Whole Foods of Bedford.

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Monday, April 17, 2017

Passadouro 2012 Tinto Douro (Portugal)



 
Passadouro 2012 Tinto Douro (Portugal), $11.89-$15.99, 89 points, poured opaque trailing purple/red at the bright clear wine ring and leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic soft lavender and black raspberries were excelente.
Hardly medium-bodied unburdened by its firm undercurrent of supportive tannins, and properly acidic for dinner.
Pure flavors of spice, fruit, Kahlúa, and tobacco leaf were delicious if not cerebral.
Finished fine on the lingering palate and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my soft beef tacos.
I've had this wine sitting on the shelf for years, but if I had known it was this good, it would have been gone long ago; great QPR.

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Sunday, April 16, 2017

Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills 2013 Chardonnay







Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills 2013 Chardonnay, $47.99-$63.99, 93 points, was a deep glossy gold color with a copper tint.
Aromas were built upon typically (excellent) neutral Chardonnay with lime, black pepper, and mango.
Medium body with good acidity carried clean flavors of lemon, tangy lime, hints of tropical fruit, and a touch of vanilla.
Finished long seemingly on lime-stoniness, lemon zest, ginger, fig, and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our baked stuffed fresh North Atlantic cod loin and Polish pork Pierogies.
I bought this Chardonnay at the Whole Foods of Bedford.

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Saturday, April 15, 2017

Are Wine Labels Going To The Birds Part III?



Are Wine Labels Going To The Birds Part III?
 After discovering this Mourning dove nesting under my son's window this morning, I couldn't resist demonstrating how wine labels are 'going to the birds.'
 
 





 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
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Intrinsic Columbia Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon





Intrinsic Columbia Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.54-$22.99, 87+ points, was a big meaty, fruity, plummy, and just a bit syrupy red wine.
Poured core black transitioning to mulberry-red at the clear wine ring and leggy glass bowl.
Aromas of blueberry, mulberry, and hints of coffee with a floral vibe were just okay.
Full-bodied with fair acidity, soft round tannins, and flavors that mirrored the aromas plus licorice were just okay too.
Finished okay on chocolate notes and a warm 14.5% alcohol inspirited alcohol.
Paired fine with my Philly cheese-steak.
Varietals were 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.


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