Averaen Willamette Valley 2016 Pinot Noir

Averaen Willamette Valley 2016 Pinot Noir, $16.19-$17.99, 88 points, poured a bright cranberry red with a clear meniscus and dense long legs.
Aromatic toasty red fruit with floral and evergreen vibes were lovely.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and soft supportive tannins managed floral cherry and blueberry flavors.
Finished dry, tangy, and long on the trailing palate, mint, and a balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired okay with my prosaic cheese burgers.

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Costa do Sol 2017 Vinho Verde (Portugal)

Costa do Sol 2017 Vinho Verde (Portugal), $6.79-$10.99, 88 points, poured the lightest gold color with a slight effervescence.
Faint aromas of wet stoniness and green melon were pleasant.
Light-bodied with a subtle effervescence and mouth-watering acidity carried refreshing flavors of lime, minerality, and ginger ale.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a hint of lemon, and a spot-on 10% alcohol.
Paired well with my spinach pita; perfect for those that want a delicate off-dry white wine with just enough citrus fruit.

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Empire Napa Valley 'Winemaker's Reserve' 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

Empire Napa Valley 'Winemaker's Reserve' 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$39.99, 89 points, poured an impregnable purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained tears.
A lovely bouquet of homogeneous black fruits with an emphasis on currants nuanced with cocoa and thyme pleased.
The full body was smooth, showed good acidity, supported lush mellow tannins, and produced flavors of blackberry liqueur, earth, and red raspberry.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, white pepper, licorice, and a modest 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my spice rubbed Australian rack of lamb.

2014 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

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Aveleda 2017 Vinho Verde (Portugal)

Aveleda 2017 Vinho Verde (Portugal), $6.99-$7.99, 86 points, poured a faint lime-green color with no apparent effervescence.
Weak aromas of floral lime and grass were okay.
A very light white off-dry wine with only faint flavors of minerality and lime.
Finished well on kiwi, ginger, green melon and an easy 9.5% alcohol, but still no effervescence.
Paired fine with my Yellow-fin tuna salad.

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Miolo Cuvée Tradition Brut NV Sparkling Wine (Brazil)

Miolo Cuvée Tradition Brut NV Sparkling Wine (Brazil), $12.74-$14.99, 86 points, poured with a good head of foam, medium-sized bubbles, and medium gold color.
Smells of yeast and apples were pleasant, and translated well onto the palate, crisply textured with good acidity and a medium body (off-dry).
Finished well on the trailing palate and a well-balance 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our traditional Thanksgiving meal.

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Bouchard Aine et Fils Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Red Wine AOC

Bouchard Aine et Fils Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Red Wine AOC, $10.99-$11.99, 88 points, poured a deep purple/pink color grading brighter at the broad clear wine ring and stained glass bowl.
Aromatic toasty licorice, cotton-candy, and a whiff of sour cherry were pleasant.
Just shy of medium-bodied, (off dry) tannin, and acidity showed a near serious plum and cherry flavor profile with a hint of marjoram.
Finished well on an accelerating dryness, a bit of serious wood, pepper spices, black cherry, and an easy 11% alcohol.

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Geroge Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Red Wine

Geroge Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Red Wine, $10.99-$11.99, 87 points, poured core candy-apple red grading quickly to a Welch's grape juice purple with a broad clear wine ring and thin stained glass sheeting.
Aromatic soft smoky Gamay grape and a hint of bubble gum were pleasant.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and surprisingly wooly tannins carried straight-forward, but bright cherry fruit flavors.
Finished on an evolving candied cherry fruit and hints of plum and savory with a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.

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Geroge Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Rosé

The Nouveau Wine Celebratory Tradition Preached And Purchased Per V.G.

Geroge Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 Rosé, $10.99-$11.99, 86 points, was a dark salmon pink greying at the glass rim.
Aromas of Tutti Frutti dominated by strawberry were fun.
Light-bodied (off dry) with fair-plus acidity delivered a weak flavor rendition of the nose.
Finished well on the trailing palate, watermelon, a hint of black pepper, and a spot-on 12.5%.
Paired okay with my Mexican cuisine.

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Twomey Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Twomey Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.94-$26.99, 91 points, poured the lightest brass color with a slight gray cast.
Sea breeze smells with a whisper of apple were pleasant.
Light, crisp, brightly acidic while showing good mineral and hay flavors nuanced with apple and pomelo.
Finished tart and tangy with intensifying ginger notes plus a balanced 14.3% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my North Atlantic lobster salad.

Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)

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Broken Earth Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Broken Earth Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $14.99-$47.99, 88 points, poured a deep ruby red grading garnet red at the broad bleeding meniscus and stained heavy legs.
Smells of black currant with hints of other black fruits, coffee, and cocoa were pleasant.
The smooth full-body built upon good acidity and a mellow supportive underlayment of tannin showed up-front boysenberry and plum flavors weakening mid to late palate.
Finished on a bit sour plum, interesting peat and mint flavors.
Alcohol was a spot-on 13.8%. 
 

2010 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

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Maison De Grand Esprit Rose L'etre Magique, Provence 2017 Rosé

Maison De Grand Esprit Rose L'etre Magique, Provence 2017 Rosé, $11.89-$17.99, 89 points, poured a medium salmon pink color fading toward the glass rim and the moderately tearing glass wall.
The floral strawberry aroma was excellent.
Light, crisp, mouthwatering, and delicious was this Provence 2017 Rosé.
Flavors followed the aroma, but were nuanced with hints of white pepper, red dragon fruit, and jasmine.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a spot-on 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Mexican cuisine.

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Maison Louis Latour Grand Vin 2016 Pouilly Fuissé

Maison Louis Latour Grand Vin 2016 Pouilly Fuissé, $18.69-$23.99, 89 points, was a medium gold color clearing just at the glass rim.
Wet limestone, pomelo, and pear aromas were lovely.
The brightly acidic body was just short of medium in weight.
Flavors followed the aromas nuanced by a bit of apple, and without much complexity, but clean and refreshing.
Finished long, tart, and tangy with lemon and a softening kiwi note.
Alcohol was a well-balanced 13.5%.
paired nicely with my grilled bacon/cheese sandwich.

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SpottsWoode Family Estate Grown Saint Helena, Napa Valley, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

SpottsWoode Family Estate Grown Saint Helena, Napa Valley, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $138.74-$174.99, 95 points, poured an opaque ruby red grading toward purple/red at the clear wine ring and stained glass sheeting.

Aromas of black currants, sweet red raspberry, blackberries, rosemary, and a whiff of sea breezes were excellent.

The full body was sleek, showed bright acidity, and was layered with palate coating fine grainy tannins, a bit dry, but totally ready to drink now, maybe better in a few years.

A cornucopia of red fruit flavors nuanced with rosemary were straight-forward and delicious.

Finished long and complex with flavors of red cherry liqueur, pomegranate, damson plum, mint, and a hint of apricot with a spot-on 13.9% alcohol.

Paired perfectly with my medium rare spiced-rubbed Angus filet mignon.

 

2013 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

 

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Dry Creek 'The Mariner' 2013 Meritage (Bordeaux Styled Red Wine),

Dry Creek 'The Mariner' 2013 Meritage (Bordeaux Styled Red Wine), $20.97-$44.99, 91 points, poured a deep sienna color with a penumbra of garnet red, bleeding wine ring, and thin glass sheeting.
Aromas of red raspberry, sweet plum, dusty cedar with hints of Bordeaux lily and chocolate, were quite good.
Sleek full-body with good acidity and a soft supportive underlayment of tannin showed up-front flavors of chocolate, earth, plum, and cherry fruit.
Finished with a burst of pepper spices, a hint of mint, and a balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc.

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Castel Giocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) 2007 Brunello di Montalcino (Revisited)

Castel Giocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) 2007 Brunello di Montalcino (Revisited), $33.99-$59.99, 92 points, poured a deep ruby red with an orange penumbra, bleeding wine ring, and moderate glass draping.
Aromas of earthy roses, cooking herbs, and sweet black tea were pleasant.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and a firm underlayment of tannin reproduced flavors rightly reflective of the aromas with cherry cola.
Finished very long on developing pepper spices, black tea, a hint of plum, and an appropriate 14.5% alcohol.

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Kettmeir Alto Adige-Südtirol 2017 Pinot Bianco (DOC)

Kettmeir Alto Adige-Südtirol 2017 Pinot Bianco (DOC), $16.21-$21.99, 91 points, was a lovely light gold color clearing at the glass shallows.
Aromatic sunflower seeds, lemon zest, and delicate pome blossoms were excellent.
Light-bodied with mouthwatering acidity delivered flavors of lemon zest. watermelon rind, and a steely minerality.
Intensifying ginger and lemon with hints of lime and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol finished one fine white wine.

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Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino 2007 Colle Grimaldesco

Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino 2007 Colle Grimaldesco, approximately $50, and bought through the mail, 93 points, poured core black brightening to a lovely ruby red and finally finished with a rainbow of purple/reds, clear meniscus, and dense stained tears.
Aromatically earthy and herbal nuanced with soft oak and rose pleased.
Full-bodied with good acidity and potent fine grainy tannins delivered textures both straight-forward steely and dry.
Flavors dovetailed from the aromas to a core of plum into the long finish marked by an intense 15% alcohol inspirited pepper spiciness.
Paired perfectly with my stuffed green pepper.

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Top 2018 Wines

NHWM's top twenty recommended wines tasted In 2018, rated by my nebulas Quality/Price/Ratio (QPR) and by my own enjoyment of each wine.
Note: twelve wines, white and red, purchased for less than $20, and five under $15; there are great value wines for the table and for gifts to be had in the tiny State of New Hampshire.

1: Château Bellevue St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2010 Bordeaux Revisited, $27.89-$97.99, 96 points

2: Domaine Séguinot-Bordet 2012 Chablis, $17.84-$22.99, 94 points

3: Ridge Pagani Ranch 2015 Zinfandel, $28.89-$33.99, 95 points

4: Château Canon 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion 2014 Bordeaux Red Wine, $59.49-$69.99, 96 points

5: Groth Napa Valley Hillview Vineyard 2016 Chardonnay, $28.04-$32.99, 94 points

6: Tenute Silvio Nardi 2006 Brunello Di Montalcino, $35.99-$49.99, 95 points

7: Ridge Estate 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.29-$57.99, 95 points

8: Ruffino "Il Ducale" Friuli 2017 Pinot Grigio, $11.89-$18.99, 92 points

9: Vina Robles Estate Paso Robles 2013 Petite Sirah, $10.19-$24.99, 92 points

10: John Anthony Carneros (Napa Valley) 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $15.29-$21.99, 92 points

11: Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri "Sassicaia" 2013 DOC Toscana Bordeaux-styled Red Wine, $144.49-$169.99, 97 points

12: Jean-Michel Dupré Morgon 2015 Cru Du Beaujolais (Grand Cras), $12.74-$29.99, 91+ points

13: Luna Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.04-$25.99, 91 points

14: Cerulli Spinozzi Torre Migliori 2012 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane, $13.99-$16.99, 91 points

14: Ryan Patrick Rock Island Columbia Valley 2015 Chardonnay, $15.29-$17.99, 91 points

16: St. Supery Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $15.29-$21.99, 91 points

17: Kettmeir Alto Adige-Südtirol 2017 Pinot Bianco (DOC), $16.21-$21.99, 91 points

18: Zuccardi Q Mendoza Valley 2015 Malbec (Argentina), $16.99-$19.99, 91 points

19: Dow's Late Bottled Vintage 2008 Port, $17.59-$24.99, 91 points

20: Gary Farrell 'Russian River Selection' Russian River Valley Sonoma County 2015 Chardonnay, $29.74-$39.99, 93 points

Post post honorable mention wines:
Southern Right Walker Bay 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa), $10.19-$11.99, 91 points

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Premier Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $89.97-$105.49, 96 points

Château Clinet Pomerol 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $101.49-$116.49, 97 points

Clos Fourtet 'La Closerie de Fourtet' St. Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $28.89-$33.99, 94 points

Château Barde-Haut Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $37.39-$43.99, 95 points

Complete list of  2018, 90 point wines

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Sixto Moxee Washington State 2015 Chardonnay

Sixto Moxee Washington State 2015 Chardonnay, $38.24-$44.99, 90 points, poured a glossy copper gold color.
Aromatic apple, pear, honeysuckle and soft oak notes were excellent.
The lush full-body with good acidity managed to work through the vanilla and caramel flavors to deliver tasty lemon/lime, pear, and green melon.
Finished long on the fading palate, floral flavors, recessive ginger, and a well balanced 13.5% alcohol.

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Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne 2015 Pinot Noir

Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne 2015 Pinot Noir, $15.29-$19.99, 86 points, showed as a lovely cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and moderately fat legs.
Red fruit aromas nuanced with a floral vibe and a hint of blueberry were quite nice.
Almost medium-bodied with good acidity and a thin layer of grainy tannins delivered flavors of black tea and weak cherry cola.
Finished very long on the trailing palate, a hint of spearmint, and a perfect 12% alcohol.

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Château La Tour De Mons Margaux 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château La Tour De Mons Margaux 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine, $19.49-$33.99, 87 points, poured an impenetrable purple/red grading brighter toward the clear meniscus and dense glass draping.
Aromas of sandalwood, cedar, and black currant were pleasant.
Full-bodied with fair-plus acidity and a sufficiently supportive underlayment of tannin delivered herbal and earthy flavors with a hint of dried plum and citrus.
Finished well on escalating and drying tannins, a tad of blackberry, trailing herbal and earth flavors with a balanced, but warm 14% alcohol.

Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2010

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Château Bellevue St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2010 Bordeaux Revisited

Château Bellevue St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2010 Bordeaux Revisited, , $27.89-$97.99, 96 points, poured an opaque ruby red with shimmering black patches grading to a penumbra of garnet red at the clear wine ring and stained glass sheeting.
The soft cedar/mulling spice potpourri nuanced with floral vibes was outstanding.
Full-bodied with good acidity and fine grainy tannins throughout sported a panoply of red raspberry, cherry cola, mint, spices, lavender, and truffles.
Finished forever on the trailing palate, a hint of blackberry liqueur, white pepper, and a well-balanced 15% alcohol.
This wine has remarkably improved over the more than five years in my Euro-cave.

Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2010

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Cade Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Cade Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $29.74-$34.99, 92+ points, poured a very light gold color grading clear way before the glass edge.
Superior aromas of tropical fruit with citrus and pome blossoms were lovely.
The light, but substantial body with good acidity showed balanced flavors of sweet hay, pear, peach, and ginger.
Finished on an intensifying ginger, Yellow dragon fruit, a hint of Necco wafer, and a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Yellow snapper.
Vinification of these varietals: 94% Sauvignon, 3% Sauvignon Musqué, 2% Sémillon, and 1% Viognier, was a rather complex affair using grapes from five properties in similar proportions, and fermented in French oak, stainless steel, and cement.

Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)

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Viberti Giovannni Langhe 2013 Nebbiolo (DOC)

Viberti Giovannni Langhe 2013 Nebbiolo (DOC), $18.69-$21.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with an orange/red penumbra, broad clear wine ring, and light draping.
Aromas of soft perfume and ripe red raspberry were excellent.
More than a medium body showed mouthwatering acidity and drying pervasive tannin which managed to deliver earthy herbal flavors nuanced with black tea, citrus, and red fruit.
Finished long on an intensifying wooliness, the trailing palate, and a 14% alcohol inspirited spiciness.

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Planeta 2017 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy)

Planeta 2017 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy), $28.04-$34.99, 91 points, was a medium gold color clearing at the very edge of the glass.
Oak aromas accented with pome blossoms and lemon, nuanced with hints of peach were outstanding.
Flavors followed the aromas with peaks of lemon zest and caramel.
The body displayed a well balanced acidity with an angular, but clean texture making for a crisp yet generous mouth-feel.
Finished long on the intensifying palate energized by a robust 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my chicken salad.

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Austin Hope Paso Robles 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

Austin Hope Paso Robles 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $41.30-$50.99, 91 points, welled-up black with patches of impregnable purple/reds, a broad clear wine ring, and thick sticky tears.
Smells of earthy cedar, black currants, and milk chocolate were agreeable.
Full-bodied with good acidity and a comfortable grainy bed of tannin managed to righteously reflect the aromas onto he palate with intensifying flavors of cedar and chocolate.
Finished long on blueberry, licorice, easy pepper spices, and a sneaky 15% alcohol.

 2015 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

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