Berne Inspiration Côtes de Provence 2017 Rosé, $16.99-$19.99, 90 points, was a medium salmon pink color.
Lovely aromas of strawberry, after-the-storm smells (petrichor), and a soft floral vibe were excellent.
Light-bodied Rosé with good acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas was delicious.
Finished on the fading palate, rising ginger, floral watermelon flavors, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy Mexican cuisine.
With great flavor, price (QPR), and 'tablescape' presence, this is an amazing choice to bless your guests.
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IL Paradiso Di Frassina 'Moz Art Wine' 2013 Brunello di Montalcino (D.O.C.G.), $50.99-$59.99, 93 points, poured core carmine grading to vermilion to crimson reds with a broad clear wine ring and moderately heavy legs.
Aromas of roses, toasty red cherry, and black tea were excellent.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and a firm plank of tannin managed to righteously deliver the aromas onto the palate with violets, black olives, and hints of truffles.
Finished strong on the fading palate, easy pepper spices, oak, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Ollie's loaded pizza.
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Index-of-reviewed-wines
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Masi Serego Alighieri Bello Ovile Rosso Di Toscana 2015 IGT, $13.99-$24.99, 87 points, poured deep ruby reds with a clear meniscus and arches of stained sticky legs.
Aromas of red raspberry jam, a floral vibe, and sweet black tea were good.
Medium-bodied red wine with appropriate acidity and a mellow underlayment of tannin showed loads of red fruit on the palate nuanced with blueberry and black tea.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, complementary hints of jasmine, eucalyptus, and Italian spice with a comfortable 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, and 5% Ciliegiolo.
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Château Trianon Grand Cru de Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $25.49-$29.99, 90 points, poured deep dark ruby reds with a broad clear wine ring and dense copious tears.
Aromatic red and black fruit were floral and lovely.
The Trianon red wine was a dense full-bodied wine with fair-plus acidity and drying grainy pervasive tannins.
Fighting through the strident tannins, upfront flavors of red fruits prefaced the too young a wine deliciously, but making it difficult at this time to ferret-out any tertiary flavors, especially with the intense 14.5% alcohol inspirited hot pepper spices on the finish, but nuanced mint, iron, and toast on the end were quite good.
Paired well with our Texas burgers.
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Three Brooms Marlborough (NZ) 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.44-$16.99, 88 points, was a very light gold color clearing toward the glass shallows.
Aromatic musty citrus fruits, especially tangerine, with nuanced gooseberry were powerfully fragrant.
Light, crisp, and delicious on and throughout the palate; flavors reflective of the aromas replete with grapefruit and gooseberry nuanced with a hint guava were geographically typical.
Finished on the fading palate and an accommodating 13.5% alcohol.
2018 NZ SB
Hartford Court 'Four Hearts' Vineyards, Russian River Valley 2016 Chardonnay, $35,69-$41.99, 91 points, poured a deep coppery gold color.
Smells of imagined smoky Applewood, soft pome blossoms, and whiffs of various members of orange citrus reticulata were the beginnings of a renewed appreciation for oaked Cali Chardonnay.
Full-bodied white wine with good acidity and an adroit application of oak managed to win-over an oak hating (for the most part) Chardonnay wine lover.
Flavors righteously reflective of the aromas nuanced with traces of caramel were delicious.
Finished very long on intensifying oak notes, sweet star fruit, subtle ginger, and a spot-on 14.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my crisp chicken salad.
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Marqués de Cáceres Crianza 2014 Rioja, $13.49-$14.99, 89 points, poured a rainbow of ruby reds with a broad clear wine ring and thick legs.
Aromas of earthy ripe red fruit, oak, and soft Mediterranean cooking herbs (e.g., bay leaf) were subtle and pleasant.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity, crisp grainy tannins, and lively flavors reflective of the aromas delivered a very good value, as is so often true of Spanish wines.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of eucalyptus, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha Tinta, 5% Graciano.
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Dashe Dry Creek Valley 2015 Zinfandel, $18.69-$24.99, 92 points, poured dark ruby reds which intruded weakly deep into the meniscus, and also stained the thick legs.
The profuse floral bouquet was well-balanced with wild fruit, and was uniquely spectacular.
Medium-bodied (dry) red wine of good acidity and firm grainy tannins carried a complex array of wild fruit, warm pepper spices, tangy citrus notes, violets, and a hint of sweet rosemary.
Finished very long on the trailing palate and a perfect 14.3% alcohol.
Varietals were 92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah.
Dashe is an example of how to tell why Dry Creek Valley is just about the best place on earth to produce Zinfandel.
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Confidencial Reserva Tinto 2014 Red Wine, $10.19-$13.99, 90 points, poured deep dark purple/reds with shimmering patches of black, a narrow penumbra of faded body color, a typical clear wine ring (I call them as I see them), and thin glass draping.
Smells of red currant jam, blueberries, and a soft floral perfume were pleasant.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and a welcoming underlayment of supportive tannins managed to not only deliver a delicious rendition of the aromas, but added a subtle reminder of sweet tobacco.
Finished well with some easy pepper spice, hints of plum, pomegranate, and a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
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Hall Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc,
$21.99-$24.99, 92 points, poured a glossy medium gold color clearing toward the glass shallows.
Aromas of dusty tangerine, tropical fruit, and neutral beechwood were excellent.
Light-bodied white wine with bright acidity showed flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the fading palate with building grapefruit notes, intensifying ginger, and a well integrated 14.4% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Yellow-fin tuna rolls smothered with celery and sweet onions.
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Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $107.09-$125.99, 97 points, poured core black grading to a dark ruby red with purple highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and dense sticky legs.
The profuse aromas wafted above the glass as an aura of perfumed fragrances with a cedar potpourri, luscious red fruits, and ripe blackberry liqueur dominating.
Velvety full-bodied red wine with good acidity and a lover's tannic embrace imparted a generous cornucopia of fruit flavors nuanced with mulling spice, red licorice, and truffles.
Finished long on the trailing palate, easy developing pepper spices, kirsch, tart with a hint of citrus, and a well balanced 14.7% alcohol.
Maybe the best Groth Reserve I've tasted.
Drink this BIG red wine by itself or something formidable; I chose a spiced-rubbed Angus Cowboy steak.
Groth Vineyards, why it's a "go to" winery.
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Santa Julia Mendoza Reserva 2017 Malbec (Argentina), $12.74-$14.99, 88 points, poured an impenetrable magenta with a very broad clear meniscus and a moderate sheet clinging to the bowl.
Profuse wild jammy mixed fruit, especially blueberry, wafted from the glass as I poured, but subtler aromas, like chocolate and wood notes, evolved with air-time.
Full-bodied red wine showed fair to fair-plus acidity and dense mellow tannins which enlivened robust blueberry and mulberry flavors.
Finished okay on a more noticeable and mildly drying tannic appearance, easy spiciness, and a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my braised beef.
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Château Godeau Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $19.54-$22.99, 92 points, poured near black to deep purple/red with a clear wine ring and dense stained glass sheeting.
Aromatic blackberry liqueur, cedar, chocolate, and an undercurrent of red fruit were remarkable.
This full-bodied red wine with bright acidity and firm, ubiquitous, and fine grainy tannins showed delicious and enduring; flavors of plums, licorice, loam, and black tea seamlessly moved into the long finish transitioning to an intense alcohol (15%) inspirited pepper spiciness with tart dry red fruits.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Masi 50th Anniverary Campofiorin 2014 Red Veronese Wine (IGT), $16.29-$19.99, 89 points, poured an opaque purple/red with a clear wine ring and sticky dense tears.
The lovely aromas of pine woods, red raspberry jam, and a hint of geraniums were excellent.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and a supportive plank of tannins delivered flavors of red raspberry, green and black olives, and an herbal twist.
Finished long on the trailing palate, moderate spiciness, and a restrained 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara.
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Matanzas Creek Alexander Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $15.29-$19.99, 89 points, poured a light gold color.
Aromatic dusty tangerine peel and sweet cured hay were excellent.
The light off-dry body was smoother than many 2017 Cali SB wines I've tasted, while acidity and flavors of stone fruit nuanced with citrus and grassy notes were good.
Finished with a bit of ginger, a little sour, and supported well by the 13.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my sautéed fish platter.
Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)
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I'm having spaghetti and meatballs with warm garlic bread and chocolate truffles for dessert; what should I pair with these? Eureka!
CAPANNA 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino (D.O.C.G.) Revisited, $50.99-$59.99, 95 points, poured dark purple/red (more red than purple) with a thin clear meniscus and a thin layer of sheeting on the glass wall.
Dreamy red fruit, black tea, and floral aromas were lovely.
Near full-bodied with bright acidity and refined grainy tannins translated the nose perfectly onto the palate.
Finished long on drying tannins, cherry cola, hot pepper, and a spot-on 14.5% alcohol.
Was this the perfect wine with lunch? Better than perfect.
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Robert Mondavi 50th Year Anniversary Napa Valley Maestro 2013 Red Wine, $42.49-59.99 (gift), 91 points, poured a not quite sparkling clear deep dark garnet red with purple highlights, a moderately wide meniscus, and thick sticky sheeting.
During the pour smells of cocoa were lovely, and the sniff-test showed reams of plums and a floral vibe.
Full-bodied with appropriate acidity, mellow supportive tannins, a soft mouth-feel, and a good rendition of the aromas onto and throughout the palate.
Finished long on a great burst of pepper spices, chocolate truffle tart, iron, developing tannins, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 59% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec.
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Château Belle-Vue Haut-Medoc 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $17.84-$20.99, 91 points, poured deep dark purple/reds surrounding shimmering black patches abutting the broad clear wine ring and a bowl of fat stained legs.
Smells of toasty black fruit and sea breezes with hints of coffee and juniper were excellent.
The near full body showed good acidity, rich fine grainy tannins, and a dense flavor profile of plums, truffles, and mulling spices.
Finished on the fading palate, sweet black cherry, easy pepper spices, oak, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 15% Petit Verdot.
Paired perfectly with my mixed vegetables in a cheddar cheese sauce.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Château De Béchaud Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $25.99-$26.99, 90 points, poured deep dark purple/reds surrounding black amoeba-like islands abutting the broad meniscus and a bowl of moderately heavy stained tears.
The aromas were a bit dumb, but what reached me was a lovely potpourri of red fruit, cedar, and flowers.
Showing a near full body with good acidity and drying fine grainy tannins managed to deliver a brighter rendition of the potpourri plus damson plum.
Finished long on syrupy red cherry, easy spiciness, and a sweet-spot 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Albert Bichot 2016 Pouilly Fuissé, $18.69-$24.99, 89 points, was a medium gold color clearing at the glass shallows.
Floral aromas were carried away with smells of mountain streams.
Medium-bodied white wine with good acidity managed interesting flavors of lemon zest, furtive apple, and minerality.
Finished long on the fading palate, mild ginger notes, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired swell with my chicken stew.
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Château Canon Pécresse Fronsac Grand Vin 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $20.39-$23.99, 92 points, poured deep purple/reds, more red than purple, with a broad clear meniscus and dense sticky stained legs.
The nose was a lovely balanced blend of oak, cedar, flowers, red fruit jam, and blackberries.
Near full-bodied red wine with a relatively mellow mouth-feel, good acidity, and a solid basement of tannin was a made for platform of fruit and herbs on the palate which carried deeply into the long finish accentuating the red fruit flavor, igniting a plethora of pepper spices and a balanced 14% alcohol.
I have totally fallen in love with 2015 Right-bank Bordeaux, and this Fronsac is a powerfully great value (QPR) at just $20!
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Château Les Granges Vin De Bordeaux 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $14.49, 87 points, poured purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and light glass draping.
The aromas of candied red fruit nuanced with mushrooms were interesting.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and very manageable tannins delivered the aromas onto the palate with a floral vibe.
Finished fair on the fading palate, intensifying pepper spiciness, and a perfect 13% alcohol.
An out of the box Bordeaux: lighter, more a red fruit wine, and though, for a young red wine, typically textured (not silky nor austere) and tannic (slightly drying) were definitely not an issue of drinkability.
Varietals were 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 17% Cabernet Franc.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Roaring Meg Central Otago New Zealand 2015 Pinot Noir, $17.84-$22.99, 90 points, poured a core bejeweled bright ruby red softening with a tint of orange toward the thin clear wine ring and lightly draped bowl.
Smells of red cherry and lingonberry jam were pleasant.
The near medium body showed good acidity and a firm thin plank of tannin.
Flavors of cherry pie and Pinot Noir specific grape were straight-forward and lasted through the never ending finished nuanced with cranberry, a lively white pepper, and the spot-on 14% alcohol.
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Ridge Paso Robles 2016 Zinfandel, $28.89-$33.99, 92 points, poured an opaque ruby red transitioning to a purple/red penumbra, a broad clear wine ring, and a glass bowl encumbered with heavy legs.
Aromatic ripe blackberries with hints of chocolate, juniper, and a floral vibe were outstanding.
Medium-bodied with a silky texture, good acidity, and a mellow, but supportive, underlayment of tannin delivered flavors of mulberry and blackberry.
Finished long on the trailing fruit, loam, easy pepper spices, and a spot-on 14.6% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my cheese enchiladas.
Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery
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