Château Dalem Fronsac 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $22.52-$26.49, 92 points, poured deep purple/reds, more red than purple, with a broad meniscus and dense stained legs.
Aromas of red currant preserves and evergreen forest were softly excellent.
Near full-bodied with bright acidity and mouth-puckering tannins (maybe too tight for some at this time), managed to bring forth black and red fruit flavors nuanced with mulling spices.
Finished long and intense on alcohol (15%) inspirited pepper spices with a minty finesse.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Château Barde-Haut Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $37.39-$43.99, 95 points, poured dark purple/reds with a wide meniscus and light stained sheeting.
First smells were cocoa followed by blackberry, plum, and lovely soft perfumed flowers.
Full-bodied with good acidity and firm grainy tannins delivered the nose righteously onto the palate.
Finished long on a persistent palate with intensifying pepper spices, red fruit, and a spot-on 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc.
Paired well with our hamburger wraps.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Clos Fourtet 'La Closerie de Fourtet' St. Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $28.89-$33.99, 94 points, poured the familiar Toyota sienna color with a broad transparent rim ring and glass wall raining with dense stained legs.
First pour wafted of redolent and profuse grape smells evolving into earthy black cherry with a floral vibe.
Possessing a not quite full body, the luscious mouth-feel impressed; showing a balanced intensity of acids with a very drinkable matrix of tannin embraced the floral and cherry fruit flavor rendition of the aromas.
Finished long on bright red fruit, eucalyptus, accelerating pepper spices, and a perfect 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Though no chef am I, I found this Merlot to pair better with poultry over beef or pork (let me know what you think).
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Alfred De La Cour Bourgogne 2015 Chardonnay, $10.19-$24.99, 88 points, was a light coppery gold color turning clear well before the rim.
Aromas, though quite quiet, were lovely soft flowers and pome fruit.
Just passing the threshold of light-bodied, this Chardonnay showed good acidity, and delivered pome and light citrus flavors with a hint of vanilla.
Finished long, a bit tart, on the fading palate with a touch of black pepper and a well-integrated 13% alcohol.
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Sabastiani Sonoma County 2013 Chardonnay, $12.99-$14.99, 86 points, poured a dark brassy gold color.
Aromas of dusty tangerine and oak were quite nice.
The full body with a mercurial texture and marked by fair acidity carried subtle ripe peach and wood flavors.
Finished rather uneventful on only whispers of honeysuckle, ginger, stone fruit, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
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Château Clinet Pomerol 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $101.49-$116.49, 97 points, poured an opaque ruby grading garnet red toward the broad clear meniscus and heavy stained legs.
Aromas of floral sweet red cherry and a cedar potpourri wafted perfume-elegant.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and fine grainy, but manageable tannins ushered in a pure clean matrix of cherry fruit, truffle, and sassafras.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a bit herbal, braced by traces of white pepper and earthiness, and supported by a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Some great wines blow you over with power, and some great wines take you captive with enchantment; this wine is the later.
Varietals were 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc.
Paired fine with my spiced rack of Aussie lamb and Greek spinach pie.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Jospeh Drouhin-Vaudon Premier Cru 2016 Chablis, $33.14-$38.99, 93 points, was a very light glossy gold color clearing at the glass shallows.
Aromas of lemongrass, tangerine, and pome blossoms were delightful.
Light and crisp on mouthwatering acidity managed to righteously and consistently deliver flavors reflective of the aromas onto the palate.
The never-ending finish was stony with an intensifying combustible citrus nuanced with traces of ginger and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
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Domaine de la Charbonnière 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $45.89-$53.99, 94 points, poured dark to light garnet reds with a thin clear meniscus and light draping on the glass.
Aromas, on the quiet side, where floral nuanced by forest evergreen with subtle red fruits prevailing.
The silky near-full body with good acidity and developing fine-grain tannins carried along a sophisticated array of flavors, some, like plum and cherry cola were explosive, and others, like truffle and red licorice landed softer notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm pepper spices, easy mint and eucalyptus, with the whole gestalt being buoyed by a spot-on 15% alcohol.
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Château Fombrauge Bernard Magrez St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $27.62-$32.49, 90 points, poured in shimmering patches of black and opaque purple/reds with a bright clear meniscus and heavy glass legs.
Aromatic cornucopia of black fruit with subtle floral and cocoa notes pleased.
Full-bodied with good acidity and a dense manageable underlayment of tannin supported a fruit rich matrix nuanced with cinnamon.
Finished long on a diminishing linear palate, a touch of pomegranate, easy pepper spices, iron, and a rather noticeable 14.5% alcohol.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Southern Right Walker Bay 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa), $10.19-$11.99, 91 points, poured the lightest of gold colors grading clear at the rim.
Aromas of sweet hay and soft floral notes with a faint white chocolate were pleasant.
Light, crisp, delicate, and a sophisticated white wine delivered good acidity with lovely flavors of stone fruit and minerality.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a short blast of ginger ale, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Chinese cuisine.
Top 2018 Wines, post post honorable mention
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Maddalena Monterey 2014 Riesling, $5.94-$13.99, 89 points, was a light gold color clearing well before the glass edge.
Smells of pome fruit and petrol were okay.
Light-bodied and soft-textured with good acidity and lovely flavors of pear and guava nuanced with a hint of petrol weren't complex, but delicious.
Finished fair and slightly sweet on the trailing palate. a touch of tart tangerine, and a spot-on 11% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Chinese cuisine.
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Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast 2017 Chardonnay, $16.14-$22.99, 86 points, was a lovely light gold color.
Smells of caramel, vanilla, and amazing pome blossoms were quite oaky, but beautiful nonetheless.
Medium-bodied with good acidity showed silky and presented flavors typical of the aromas with complementary lemon.
Finished on the fading palate, a touch of ginger, and an appropriate 14.5% alcohol.
Rather 'large-framed' with oak, and apropos with certain seafood dishes (lobster with drawn butter), simply prepared poultry, and even savory meats, and soft cheeses, but I always seem to walk a tightrope with these oaky Chardonnays; having a fair QPR, right-up front, not my style of Chardonnay, and I owe up to my bias.
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Frog's Leap Napa Valley "Granite" 2015 Red Wine, $19.99-$39.99, 90 points, poured deep purple/reds with a broad clear wine ring and a moderately draped bowl.
Interesting aromas of wild mulberries, blueberries, violets, cocoa, and nuanced cedar kept shifting in waves.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and easy fine grainy tannins carried the wild fruit onto the palate with red raspberry and citrus notes.
Finished on the trailing palate, a hint of fig and tobacco, white pepper, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Mexican cuisine.
Frog's Leap Napa Valley, Why it's a "Go to Winery."
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Domaine Roger ET Didier Raimbault Les Belles Cotes 2017 Sancerre, $24.99-$27.99, 89 points, was a light gold color and clearing well before the glass edge.
The pleasant aromas were sweet hay, lemon, and quite floral.
The body was light, but softer than crisp, and showed good acidity with flavors reflective of the aromas with a bit of lime and ginger which carried deep into the fair finish accented by a brush with sour tangerine and a spot-on 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my New England clam chowder.
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Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Premier Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $89.97-$105.49, 96 points, poured deep purple/reds with a clear meniscus and heavy stained tears.
Aromatic lavender, red cherry, ripe blackberry, and milk chocolate were absolutely lovely.
Full-bodied with bright acidity and manageable fine-grained tannins delivered the aromas onto the palate harmoniously with mulling spices and cola.
Finished very long on a whisper of oak, black tea, red licorice, loam, plum, iron, developing pepper spices, and a well-integrated 14% alcohol.
Top 2018 Wines, post post honorable mention
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Angeline Vineyards Sonoma County 'Reserve' 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $8.49-$13.99, 87+ points, was a consistent medium brass color.
Soft floral, orange zest, and honey aromas were lovely.
Light-bodied with good acidity delivered satisfying sweet hay and grapefruit flavors.
Finished fair on the dissipating palate, a touch of white pepper, and a balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Icelandic cod in a white cream sauce, ergo at $8.49 was an excellent value.
Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)
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Tenute Silvio Nardi 2006 Brunello Di Montalcino, $35.99-$49.99, 95 points, poured shifting deep reds with grading orange to russet penumbras, a thin clear meniscus, and dense glass waves.
The aromatic bouquet of truffles, roses, cherry fruit, and black tea was outstanding.
Tipping over medium-bodied, with good acidity and a supportive plank of tannin translated the bouquet onto the palate with cola and tobacco flavors.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, red pepper, oak, iron, and a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our meat-lovers pizza.
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K-Vintners The Creator Powerline Estate Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $47.59-$55.99, 92 points, poured an impenetrable purple/red with a broad clear rim and light glass draping.
The nose was dominated by herbal notes with black currant and nuanced by a soft floral vibe, juniper, and cocoa.
Full-bodied with good acidity and a firm underlayment of tannin delivered flavors reflective of the nose joined by cherry cola and tobacco.
Finished long on the trailing palate, accelerating tobacco flavors, easy pepper spices, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my beef and mushroom medley stew.
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Jospeh Drouhin Reserve de Vaudon 2017 Chablis, $25.49-$29.99, 91 points, was a medium brass color with a bright yellow sheen.
Apples and lemon zest on the nose were lovely.
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and loads of citrus flavors nuanced with pome fruit was lively and refreshing.
Finished strong and steely on lemon zest, honeysuckle, touch of ginger, and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my vegetable cheddar soup with buttered brioche toast.
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Ridge East Bench 2016 Zinfandel, $27.19-$31.99, 90 points, poured a deep sienna color brightening to a bright red penumbra at the broad clear wine ring and the clinging curtain of heavy tears.
Smells of toasty blackberry, blueberry, and mulberry were rich.
Medium-bodied with good acidity managed the complex cornucopia of wild fruits nuanced with cola and red raspberry.
Finished long on white pepper, red licorice, and a well-balanced 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our bacon pizza.
Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery
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Chateau Hyot 2005 Casteillon Cotes de Bordeaux, $19.99, 86 points, poured a slightly murky ruby trending toward a purple/orange with a cloudy wine ring and moderate glass sheeting.
Smells of Bordeaux lily, cedar, eucalyptus, and savory replaced what once were cherry and black fruits.
Medium-bodied with fair acidity impressed as bone-dry.
Flavors of tangy black licorice, carnation, and savory were interesting.
Finished so dry my mouth puckered, but flavors were consistent with the overall palate, plus tobacco and fig, but lacked any spiciness, and presented a balanced 13% alcohol.
Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2005
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Château Cantemerle, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, Haut-Médoc 2012 red Bordeaux, $34.84-$40.99, 89 points, poured an opaque ruby transitioning to a purple/red penumbra, clear meniscus, and moderately dense stained legs.
Aromas of black currants, cedar, blackberry syrup, and soft dried flower notes were excellent.
The near full body with good acidity and a firm plank of tannins sported black currant, plum, and mulling spice flavors.
Finished a bit thin, but pepper spices and pomegranate accented by a spot-on 13% alcohol were okay.
Paired fine with my spiced-rubbed Angus rib eye.
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Arrumaco 2017 Garnacha Rosé (Spain), $8.49-$9.99, 86 points, was a medium salmon pink.
The nose was a soft floral strawberry.
Light-bodied with good acidity and showing some tart red fruit on the palate, and finishing on that tartness with enhancing citrus-peel notes and a comfortable 11.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Mexican cuisine.
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Bodegas Avancia 2015 Cuvée De O Mencia Rosé (Valdeorras, Spain), $14.44-$16.99, 90 points
Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego 2014 Rosé (Spain), $8.49-$10.99, 87 points
Bodegas Muga Rioja 2015 Tempranillo Rosé (Spain), $11.89-$13.99, 88 points
Campo Viejo NV Brut Cava Rosé, $9.99-$12.99, 87 points
Llopart Reserva Brut 2011 Rose Cava, Spain, $22.99-$24.99, 92 points
Marqués de Cáceres 2015 Rioja Rosé (Spain), $8.99-$10.99, 88 points
Marqués de Cáceres 2017 Rioja Rosé (Spain), $7.64-$10.99, 86 points
Sierra Cantabria Rioja 2016 Rosé (D.O. D.O.Ca.), $6.79-$12.99, 88 points
Vivanco Rioja DOCa 2015 Rosado (Spain), $13.99-$11.89, 91 points
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Shafer Hillside Select Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon,
$176.79-$220.99, 93 points, poured broadly inky black with a blood-red penumbra, clear meniscus, and massive stained glass sheeting.
The nose was lovely lavender, black currants, and savory.
Full-bodied with good acidity and fine grainy tannins delivered flavors reflective of the nose with pomegranate and truffles.
Finished long on a massive alcohol attack (15.5%) of inspirited pepper spices, blackberry liqueur, and licorice.
Having this wine stored in my Euro-cave for the last six years at 55 degrees, I believe, could not overcome the out-of-balance alcohol (JMO), and probably would have been better if had a few years earlier.
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon just may have been the biggest disappointment in a wine I've ever bought.
2010 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted
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Chalk Hill Estate Bottled Chalk Hill Appellation 2015 Chardonnay, $35.69-$44.99, 89 points, poured a straw yellow color clearing at the glass rim.
Crème brûlée, caramel, and Chardonnay grape-specific flavors dominated the near full-bodied white wine until the long finish nuanced with a 14.9% infused ginger and a slightly sour note relieved the intensity of the oak's influence.
Aromas were rather soft toast with a floral vibe.
I will give this wine no quarter for it being unabashedly too oaky for my acquired Chablis bias, and even pairing this Chardonnay with a spiced rotisserie chicken with all the Thanksgiving fixins couldn't tone-down the oak for me, but a bit better with barbecue spiced/smoked pulled-pork.
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