Thursday, February 28, 2019

Jolie-Pitt And Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence 2017 Rosé





Jolie-Pitt And Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence 2017 Rosé, $16.99-$27.99, 90 points, was a medium Salmon color.
The dominant strawberry aroma was excellent.
Light-bodied, goodly acids, and rich flavors of Necco Wafer candy, strawberries, and a dash of tart cherry bitters were quite good.
Finished long on the fading palate and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy Mexican cuisine.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2016 Zinfandel





Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2016 Zinfandel, $27.19-$33.99, 91 points, poured a deep  latam red wine color  with a bleeding wine ring and thick copious stained tears.
A cornucopia of wild black fruit aromas with a touch of slightly sour red plums and nuanced by a bit of earth translated well onto the palate.
Medium-bodied red wine showed vibrant acidity and and a firm plank of supportive tannins.
Finished long with black licorice, plums, a hint of mulberry, a bit chalky, and with a spot-on 13.8% alcohol.
Varietals were 78% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, and 2% Carignane.
Paired perfectly with our Papa Ginos pepperoni pizza.

Frog's Leap Napa Valley, Why it's a "Go to Winery."


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Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Francois Carillon 1611 Bourgogne 2016 Chardonnay






Francois Carillon 1611 Bourgogne 2016 Chardonnay, $18.69-$21.99, 92 points, poured a lovey yellow-gold color.
Aromatic honeysuckle and orange peel were delicious.
Barely medium-bodied white wine with good acidity carried clean delicate flavors of wet limestone-minerality, Applewood, and kiwi.
Finished long, tart, ginger-spicy, and with a spot-on 13% alcohol.
paired perfectly with my Thanksgiving-like dinner.

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Monday, February 25, 2019

Bodega Numanthia Terms 2009 Tinta de Toro






Bodega Numanthia Terms 2009 Tinta de Toro, $21.60-$24.00, 90 points, poured an impenetrable garnet red grading brighter at the clear wine ring and thick stained legs.
Soft floral perfumed aromas broke through a thin haze of funk toward an overall pleasant experience.
Full-bodied, good acidity, and a fine grainy underlayment of tannin supported an interesting array of tertiary flavors including tobacco, coffee, dried herbs, black licorice, and truffles.
Finished well with an alcohol (15%) infused warm spiciness and the trailing palate.
Paired perfectly with our fried spiced sirloin steak.

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Sunday, February 24, 2019

Ravines Finger Lakes 2015 Dry Riesling





Ravines Finger Lakes 2015 Dry Riesling, $14.44-$18.99, 91 points, poured the lightest of gold colors clearing way before the glass edge.
Aromas of sweet pome blossoms and fruit were delicate and lovely.
This dry Riesling showed good acidity, and the flavors righteously reflected the aromas which faded deep into the long finish nuanced with apple, ginger, hints of stone fruits, and a well balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

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Saturday, February 23, 2019

Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon




Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.89-$36.99, 93 points, poured dark purple/reds with a broad meniscus and thick sticky glass sheets.
Lovely aromas were earthy, floral, fruity, and nuanced with spice box.
Full-bodied, perfectly acidic, and sweet firm tannins with flavors reflective of the aromas dived deeply into a long finish of mint, pepper spices, licorice, black berries, cocoa, and currants perfectly supported by a 14.4% alcohol.
Best of the five vintages of this wine I've tasted.

2015 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

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Friday, February 22, 2019

Bread And Butter California 2016 Chardonnay





Bread And Butter California 2016 Chardonnay, $10.79-$11.99, 85 points, was a deep straw yellow color.
Smells of strong caramel and vanilla were archetypical Cali oaky Chardonnay.
Full-bodied white wine showed fair acidity and sported sour citrus flavors, a hint of turpentine, and an oaky rendition of the aromas.
Finished quite long on the fading palate, a touch of black pepper, apricot, and a well balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with our rotisserie chicken.

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Thursday, February 21, 2019

Ridge Lytton Estates 2015 Petite Sirah





Ridge Lytton Estates 2015 Petite Sirah, $33.14-$38.99, 92 points, poured core black grading a Shiraz purple/red toward the broad clear wine ring and dense stained legs.
Generous aromas of black fruits, cedar, chocolate, and lavender were outstanding.
This silky full-bodied red wine was marked by good acidity and firm grainy tannins.
Flavors of blackberry liqueur, anise, and blueberry pie were rich.
Finished hot with pepper spices, an easy 13% alcohol, and a tangy pomegranate.
Paired well with our onion burgers.


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Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Schramsberg Blanc De Blanc Traditionnelle Méthode 2015 Sparkling Chardonnay (California)




Schramsberg Blanc De Blanc Traditionnelle Méthode 2015 Sparkling Chardonnay, (California) $33.99-$44.99, 92 points, poured with a good head of frothy foam formed by vigorous small to medium-sized bubbles; the light gold color cleared far from the glass edge.
Smells of yeasty apples with nuanced fresh hay, green grapes, and a hint of vanilla were excellent.
The light-plus body showed brut-dry, intense spritz, good acidity while delivering flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished so effervescent that the subtle trailing of pome and citrus flavors were mostly masked, but quite a lovely and refreshing bubbly.
Paired perfectly with my bourbon/maple roasted chicken.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Château Larcis Ducasse 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine




Château Larcis Ducasse 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $75.64-$88.99, 95 points, poured broadly black with a blood red penumbra, a bleeding meniscus, and moderately heavy sheeting.
Aromatic smoky blackberries nuanced with cedar, cherry fruit, a floral vibe, and chocolate were excellent.
Flavors of an oaky rendition of the aromas were excellent as well.
The full body showed bright acidity and firm grainy tannins, but was drinking beautifully.
Finished long on a complementary spiciness, spearmint, plums, cherry bitters, and a spot-on 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my beef stew.
Varietals were 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc.
Drank over two days.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Monday, February 18, 2019

Domaine Pierre-Luc Bouchard 2017 Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie, Loire, France





Domaine Pierre-Luc Bouchard 2017 Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie, Loire, France, $12.99-$14.99, 87 points, poured a light brass color clearing way before the glass rim.
Smells of orange zest and pome blossoms were delightful.
Light-bodied off-dry white wine with fair to good acidity which served-up a delicious if a rather plain wine with nondescript flavors of orange peel, dragon fruit.
Finished pretty much as it began, but with a whisper of white pepper.
Paired perfectly with my spicy Asian cuisine.

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Sunday, February 17, 2019

Château Malartic Lagraviere Grand Cru Classé De Graves Pessac-Léognan 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine




Château Malartic Lagraviere Grand Cru Classé De Graves Pessac-Léognan 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $56.09-$65.99, 91 points, poured a deep ruby red with a bright red penumbra, bleeding meniscus, and moderately heavy legs.
Early smells of coffee and fig gave way to black currants and red raspberry.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and surprisingly comfortable tannins sported flavors of black licorice, cedar, black currant, and red cherry.
Finished long and spicy nuanced with blackberry liqueur, mint, and supported with a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Paired well with my beef and vegetables in a rich spicy gravy.
Varietals were 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.


Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Saturday, February 16, 2019

Palagetto Bellarina 2013 Brunello di Montalcino (D.O.C.G.)




Palagetto Bellarina 2013 Brunello di Montalcino (D.O.C.G.), $44.19-$55.99, 92+ points, poured a deep garnet red grading brighter at the clear wine ring and heavy stained legs.
Fetching floral aromas were matched by a cornucopia of red fruits and Orange pekoe tea.
The medium-plus body supported by bright acids and a firm grainy underlayment of tannin enlivened flavors reflective of the aromas nuanced with oak, subtle oregano, and bay-leaf.
Finished with an intense pepper spiciness balanced appropriately with a big 15% alcohol, and a hint of mint.
Paired well with our meat-lovers pizza and coffee-chocolate dessert.


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Friday, February 15, 2019

Sean Minor Central Coast 2017 Chardonnay





Sean Minor Central Coast 2017 Chardonnay, $10.79-$11.99, 88 points, was a medium glossy gold color clearing at the glass edge.
Aromas of honeysuckle, pome blossoms, and apple were quite good.
Near full-bodied white wine with fair acidity and rich flavors of green melons, ripe pear, and a hint of citrus were good as well; the restrained oak flavors were pleasant enough, but definitely Cali-like.
Finished long on the fading palate, a touch of ginger, and the 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my BLT sandwich.

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Albert Bichot Long Depaquit 2016 Chablis





Albert Bichot Domaine Long Depaquit 2016 Chablis, $16.99-$21.99, 88 points, poured a medium brass color greying at the glass edge.
Aromas of honeysuckle and pome fruit were pleasant.
Light-bodied with good acidity managed a stony white wine with flavors of apples, honeysuckle, and hints of citrus.
Finished well with subtle kiwi, soft ginger notes, and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Madrigal Napa Valley 2010 Petite Sirah





Madrigal Napa Valley 2010 Petite Sirah, $23.99-$31.99, 88 points, poured broadly black with a blood red penumbra, clear meniscus, and sticky stained tears.
Aromas were herbaceous with lovely smoky blackberry and cloves.
Full-bodied red wine with fair acidity and a supportive underlayment of tannin delivered flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished well on black cherry syrup, mild pepper spiciness and a noticeable 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Texas burgers.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Dark Horse California 2015 Petite Sirah





Dark Horse California 2015 Petite Sirah, $4.49-$10.99, 86 points, poured an impenetrable ruby red brightening at the clear wine ring and glass wall of dense stained legs.
Profuse smells of dark chocolate, blueberries, and an ever-so-slightly sour black cherry grew on me.
The full-bodied red wine was saddled with fair-plus acidity and firm, slightly astringent tannins.
Flavors amounted to a straight-forward black cherry/plum charge and nuanced with blueberries and licorice.
Finished on a galloping hot 14.5% alcohol-infused pepper spice, a hint of tobacco, and drying tannins.

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Monday, February 11, 2019

Josh North Coast 2017 Sauvignon Blanc





Josh North Coast 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.77-$16.99, 88 points, poured a light gold color clearing before the glass wall.
Weak aromas of pome fruit were pleasant.
The light and crisp white wine delivered a lovely peach flavor nuanced with pome fruit.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a bit of citrus, and an easy 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Skipjack tuna salad, but better with my Italian sub.
The best Josh wine I've tasted.

Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)

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Sunday, February 10, 2019

Camigliano 2013 Brunello Di Montalcino (D.O.C.G.)






Camigliano 2013 Brunello Di Montalcino (D.O.C.G.), $33.99-$39.99, 87 points, poured a deep ruby red grading almost orange at the clear wine ring and glass bowl of light to moderately fat legs.
Aromas were soft and floral with black tea, and a hint of funk.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and a thin plank of tannins supported weak flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished with a little pepper spice flare, the faltering palate, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired okay with chili-mac (lunch) and pepperoni pizza (supper).
This is only one of maybe two Brunello wines, I've tasted, I would not recommend.

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Saturday, February 9, 2019

Line 39 Central Coast 2012 Cabernet Franc








Line 39 Central Coast 2012 Cabernet Franc, $8.99-$9.99, 83 points, poured an impenetrable purple/red with a murky meniscus and clinging tears.
Smells were funky and floral with plums to prunes, all of which did not improve with time.
Medium-plus body showed good acidity with soft tannins.
Flavors were sour red fruit, tart pomegranate, and unripe fig.
Finished long, but a bit thin, on the fading palate, emphasizing a sour red raspberry, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.




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Friday, February 8, 2019

Merriam Dry Creek Valley Jones Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Franc



Merriam Dry Creek Valley Jones Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Franc, $28.79-$35.99, 91 points, poured purple/red (more red than purple) with a thin penumbra of light garnet red followed by a thin clear wine ring.
Aromas were soft floral perfume, lingonberry jam, and marzipan.
The more than medium weight showed good acidity and a thin foundation of tannin supporting a flavorful herbal/spice rack with a rosemary and anise base.
Finished long on the fading palate, a bit chalky, hot white pepper, gossamer red fruit, and a spot-on 14.7% alcohol.

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Thursday, February 7, 2019

Red Newt Cellars Finger Lakes 2012 Cabernet Franc




 
Red Newt Cellars Finger Lakes 2012 Cabernet Franc, $19.79-$21.99, 87 points, poured a deep candy-apple red with a very broad clear meniscus and light glass draping.
Smells were toasty with cherry pie and a bit of rubber to boot; it was more reminiscent of Pinot Noir than Cabernet.
Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity and soft supportive tannins managed to forgo the rubber on the palate, and deliver the cherry pie.
Finished well with a panoply of red fruit, cola, easy pepper spices, and a balanced 13.5% alcohol.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Château Teyssier 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine





Château Teyssier 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $19.54-$22.99, 89 points, poured deep dark purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and dense stained sheeting.
The fruity/herbal aromas were well balanced with subtle juniper and lavender.
Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity and firm grainy tannins sported rich flavors of mulberry, cola, plums, tobacco and black tea.
Finished long on the fading palate and an alcohol (14.5%) inspirited spiciness.
Paired well with my spicy beef stew.


Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Benziger Sonoma County 2014 Merlot





Benziger Sonoma County 2014 Merlot, $12.59-$15.99,  86 points, poured an impenetrable purple/red with a bleeding wine ring and thick stained legs.
Smelled herbal with blueberries and a hint of mint.
Full-bodied red wine with fair acidity and rich soft tannins carried herbal plum and blueberry flavors nuanced with tobacco and cola.
Finished well on the fading palate, pepper spices, licorice, and an appropriate 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our cheeseburgers.

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Monday, February 4, 2019

Dashe McFadden Farm Potter Valley, California 2017 Dry Riesling






Dashe McFadden Farm Potter Valley, California 2017 Dry Riesling, $19.54-$22.99, 89 points, was a yellow/gold color.
Aromas of apples and wet stones were pleasant.

The light-plus soft/round body with good acidity delivered the aromas righteously onto the palate.
Finished on a building pome fruit medley, ginger, a citrus vibe, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy Szechuan cuisine.

Warm-weather Riesling done well, although grapes grown at an elevation of 2,000 feet, even in California, may not be considered grown in a 'warm-weather' terroir.

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r

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan 2011 Bandol Red Wine




Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan 2011 Bandol Red Wine, $33.49-$59.99, 90 points, poured a deep purple/red with a magenta sheen, a bright clear meniscus, and moderate draping.
A lovely bouquet of flowers nuanced with red raspberry jam were excellent.
The medium-plus body carried bright acidity, firm, but comfortable, grainy tannins, and flavors of Kirsch, violets, damson plum, and red raspberry.
Finished long, intense, and off-dry on hot pepper, cherry cola, fig, a fading palate, and a well-integrated 14% alcohol.
Varietals were a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah.

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Saturday, February 2, 2019

Mayacamas Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon





Mayacamas Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $106.24-$124.99, 95 points, poured broadly black grading a deep garnet red at the bleeding wine ring and glass bowl burdened with thick stained sheets.
Excellent aromas were soft floral and red fruit perfumes nuanced with subtle herbal and faint chocolate smells.
The near-full body showed a steely sleek character, good acidity, and a firm underlayment of tannin.
Delicious flavors of black currants, peat, cherry cola, and pomegranate cut across the palate and deep into the long finish energized by the 14.25% alcohol inspirited pepper spices.
Paired perfectly with my Australian spiced rack of lamb.

2013 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

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Friday, February 1, 2019

Robert Mondavi Oakville 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon



Robert Mondavi Oakville 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $48.44-$62.99, 95 points, poured core black grading Bordeaux purple/red with a bleeding meniscus and dense stained glass sheeting.
Aromatic black licorice, floral incense, iodine, pencil, and a soft black currant smell were fantastic.
Full-bodied red wine embraced a soft mouth-feel, showed good acidity, sported a solid underlayment of tannin, and delivered generous flavors of red fruit, plum, and violets.
Finished long on a well-balanced 15% alcohol-infused trailing palate while being tart, herbal, spicy, dry, and nuanced with cinnamon and clove.
Best R. Mondavi wine I've tasted. 

2010 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted
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