Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva

Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva, $18.69-$23.99, 92 points, poured a deep garnet red with a broad brighter penumbra, wide clear wine ring, and dense legs.
Aromas of underbrush, truffle, black tea, cocoa, a floral vibe, and black cherry preserves were magical. 
Medium-plus body with enticing textures showed good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a bit dry, and easy pepper spices with a warm 14% alcohol.
The best vintage I've tasted.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Château Bolaire 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Bolaire 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $12.32-$14.99, 86 points, poured deep ruby red with an orange penumbra, clear meniscus, and stained dense legs.
Smells were plummy, earthy, and a bit funky.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and a solid underlayment of tannin.
Flavors were unimpressive, a bit chalky, and dominated by plum and tart pomegranate.
Finished on developing dry and astringent tannins, a hint of fig, and an appropriate 13.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my French ratatouille.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

Index-of-reviewed-wines
Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Azienda Agricola G. D. Vajra 2016 Barbera D'Alba (DOC)

Azienda Agricola G. D. Vajra 2016 Barbera D'Alba (DOC), $22.49-$24.99, 91 points, poured core black with 'holidays' of deep purple/reds, a lighter meniscus, and a clear wine ring.
Aromatic sweet mulling spices, red raspberry, and a floral vibe were excellent.
Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity and complementary fine grainy tannins sported a complex array of red fruit flavors trimmed with ripe mulberry and sweet cooking herbs.
Finished long and warm on the 14% alcohol and accenting pepper spices.
Paired perfectly with my Sicilian pizza.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Oyster Bay Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Oyster Bay Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $8.92-$10.99, 88 points, was a light brass color with a green sheen.
Aromas of fresh-cut grass, a hint of lemon, and subtle pome blossoms were excellent.
Light-bodied white wine with mouthwatering acidity and bright flavors of citrus and tropical fruit were refreshing and tasty.
Finished on the fading palate, a bit smoky, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my turkey-club sandwich.

2018 NZ SB
Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Taylor 10 Year Old Tawny Port Bottled

Taylor 10 Year Old Tawny Port Bottled  $19.99-$25.99, 92 points, poured true to its name, 'tawny', but a burnt orange caramel color could also describe this vibrant Port.
Aromatic toasty sweet mandarin caramel wafted far from my glass.
Full-bodied with good acidity and a soft backbone of tannin supported flavors reflective of the aromas, only totally energized by warm to hot alcohol (20%) infused pepper spices.
Finished long on the trailing palate and enduring warm melted caramel, peat, and bourbon-like wood notes.
A great complement to our dark chocolate dessert.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Trimbach Alsace 2014 Riesling

Trimbach Alsace 2014 Riesling,  $6.65-$19.99, 88 points, was a light gold color transitioning water clear.
First pour aroma was petrol followed by a lovely apple pie.
Light-plus body (dry and round) showed good acidity and warm flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the fading palate with a hint of orange zest, pomelo flesh, soft ginger, and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our pu-pu platter.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Château Haut Cadet Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Haut Cadet Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $14.87-$17.49, 88 points, poured deep purple/reds with a broad clear wine ring and long hanging stained legs.
Smells of dusty black fruit, especially black currant, flowers, and cooking herbs were excellent.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and a supportive underlayment of tannin carried a plum flavor profile nuanced with cherry fruit.
Finished tart and fair with cherry cola, red raspberry, easy pepper spices and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Actually liked this better with my chocolate dessert than our steak-tips.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burgraef 2017 Mosel Riesling

Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burgraef 2017 Mosel Riesling, $15.29-$16.99, 88 points, was a light gold color that cleared toward the glass shallows.
Aromatic apple cider and peach were excellent.
Light-plus body, good acidity, and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas and a hint of melon made for a great pairing with our Asian cuisine.
Finished fair and uneventful on the trailing palate and an off-dry 11% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Centonze Terre Siciliane 2016 Frappato Red Wine IGP

Centonze Terre Siciliane 2016 Frappato Red Wine IGP, $12.74-$16.99, 90 points, poured blood/ruby red at the core with a bright clear meniscus and moderately fat legs.
The lovely aroma of candied red cherry, orange zest, and hints of cedar and underbrush were unusual and fragrant.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and a mellow underlayment of tannin managed flavors reflective of the aromas with raspberry jam and fig.
Finished long on the trailing palate, easy pepper spices, a hint of tart pomegranate, and an appropriate 13% alcohol.
Paired well with our classic hamburgers.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Banfi Castello San Angelo 2018 Pinot Grigio

Banfi Castello San Angelo 2018 Pinot Grigio, $17.09-$18.99. 89 points, was a light yellow gold color with faint green highlights.
First pour aroma was lemon meringue followed by a Sauvignon Blanc-like sweet hay.
A slightly more than light-bodied white wine with good acidity and a tart lemon/lime flavor profile nuanced with tropical and stone fruit with and a floral sophistication.
Finished long on tart citrus, a hint of peach, and a mellow 12.5% alcohol.
This Italian Pinot Grigio was probably the fruitiest PG I've tasted.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Roberto Sarotto Riserva 2012 Barbaresco (DOCG)

Roberto Sarotto Riserva 2012 Barbaresco (DOCG), $23.79-$39.99, 93 points, poured to a deep core of ruby red grading to a garnet red toward the clear wine ring and stained fat legs.
Aromatic sweet red fruit, a hint of cedar, and apricot were excellent.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and grainy firm tannins embraced a lovely cornucopia of fed fruit, black tea, tar, and cherry cola.
Finished quite long on the fading palate, warm pepper spices, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Antinori Peppoli 2015 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

Antinori Peppoli 2015 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $19.54-$24.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with a bright broad meniscus and a necklaced string of hanging 'pearls'.
Aromatic red wine that wafted fruity, herbal, and floral.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and a comfortable underlayment of tannin supported delicious cherry fruit flavors nuanced with cola and black tea.
Finished long with easy pepper spices, fig, a hint of ginger, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Firehouse meatball sub.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

The Little Sheep Of New Zealand, Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

The Little Sheep Of New Zealand, Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.59-$13.99, 89 points, was an amazingly light brass color, almost grey in color.
Lovely aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit, and lemon grass impressed.
Light-bodied off-dry white wine with good acidity and flavors of grapefruit and nuanced peripheral flavors reflective of the aromas impressed as well.
Finished uneventfully on the trailing palate and the 12.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my Gulf of Maine lobster roll.

2018 NZ SB
Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Graff Ürziger Würzgarten Mosel Auslese 2006 Riesling

Graff Ürziger Würzgarten Mosel Auslese 2006 Riesling, $8.99-$18.99, 85 points, poured a copper/gold color.
Aromas of caramel, apples, and petrol were just okay.
Medium-bodied with just a touch of sweetness, fair acidity, and good flavors reflective of the aromas were okay without the pairing I tried with my New England lobster rolls.
Finished on the trailing palate and an appropriate 9% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Château Haut-Pezat St. Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Haut-Pezat St. Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $22.49-$24,99, 93 points, poured a deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and light glass draping.
Aromatic Bordeaux lily, cinnamon, and floral cherry fruit were outstanding.
Near full-bodied red wine with bright acidity, wooly fine grainy tannins and rich flavors reflective of the aromas were also outstanding.
Finished long on cherry cola, warm pepper spices, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, though there seems to be some confusion from one source to another.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Les Portes De Bordeaux 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Les Portes De Bordeaux 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $7.99, 85 points, was a light brass color clearing before the rim.
Aromas of lemon and subtle grapefruit were fine.
Light-bodied, appropriately acidic, and showed a straight-forward Sauvignon Blanc profile of flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished unremarkable with hints of sweet hay and a soft 12% alcohol.
Paired well with my fried Ipswich clams.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2015 Red Wine

Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2015 Red Wine, $19.54-$25.99, 92 points, poured with mottled patches of deep ruby and opaque dark areas with garnet red and broad clear penumbras.
Bright aromas were floral, fruity, and earthy.
The near full body was supported by appropriate acidity and a firm underlayment of grainy tannins.
Flavors were toasty, tart, and tasty.
Finished quite long with cherry cola, warm spicy pepper, a hint of mint and black tea with a strong backbone of alcohol (14.5%).
Varietals were 34% Sangiovese, 33%Merlot, and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Paired perfectly with my spiced rack of Australian lamb.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Placido Terre Siciliane 2017 Pinot Grigio (IGT)

Placido Terre Siciliane 2017 Pinot Grigio (IGT), $8.09-$8.99, 86 points, was a straw yellow color.
Aromas were soft pome blossoms and honeydew melon.
Light-bodied white wine (off dry) with good acidity and fair flavors reflective of the aromas passed the table-wine test with my Father's Day fried Ipswich clams.
Finished long on the fading palate, hints of lemon zest, ginger, and melon rind with a mild 12% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Trione, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Trione, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.99-$19.99, 92 points, was a light brass color clearing toward the glass shallows.
Aromatic lemon meringue and light grass notes were excellent.
Light-bodied white wine with bright acidity and delicious flavors of peach, lemon, and sweet hay were delicate and sure.
Finished fairly long on the trailing palate with hints ginger, tropical fruit, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my sautéed Red fish.

Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Villa Pillo Borgoforte 2014 Toscana Red Wine IGT (Revisited)

Villa Pillo Borgoforte Toscana 2014 Red Wine IGT (Revisited), $12.74-$14.99, 90 points, poured deep purple/reds with a clear meniscus and copious stained legs.

Aromatic cherry fruit with nuanced juniper and oregano were excellent.

The medium-bodied red wine showed mouthwatering acidity and a firm saturation of tannin, a bit racy, managed to deliver flavors reflective of the aromas.

Finished long, tart and showing furtive flavors of eucalyptus, pomegranate, a bright spiciness, and a well-integrated 13.5% alcohol.

Varietals were Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Paired perfectly with my cheese manicotti.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

The Infamous Goose Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

The Infamous Goose Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $11.04-$15.99, 90 points, was a pale yellow gold color and water clear at the glass shallows.
Bright aromas of passion fruit and grapefruit were lovely.
This was a delightful and robust light-bodied white wine (off dry) with mouthwatering acidity and good flavors of Necco wafer, gooseberry, and passion fruit.
Finished long on the fading palate, nuanced ginger, dragon fruit, and 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with our roast chicken.

2018 NZ SB
Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Castello di Verrazzano 2016 Chianti Classico

Castello di Verrazzano 2016 Chianti Classico, $14.44-$19.99, 89 points, poured a deep ruby red color with a broad clear wine ring and light glass draping.
Aromatic red cherry, rose, black tea, and a hint of celery salt were excellent.
Medium-bodied, good acidity, slightly astringent tannins, and flavors reflective of the aromas combined to pair famously with our loaded Ollie's pizza.
Finished long, a bit tart, dry, easy pepper spices, and a complementary 14% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Château Des Gravettes Graves Grand Vin 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Des Gravettes Graves Grand Vin 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $9.99-$19.99, 89 points, poured a bright garnet red with a very broad clear meniscus and stained hanging legs.
Aromas of plums, toasty black currants, and licorice with a faint sour note were okay.
Firm and brut dry overwhelmed this full-bodied red wine, but through that 'fog' were good flavors of black fruit, blackberry liqueur, and licorice.
Finished long and earthy with a hot alcohol (14%) inspirited pepper spiciness.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

Index-of-reviewed-wines
Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Château Couhins Grand Vin Pessac-Léognan 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine Red Wine

Château Couhins Grand Vin Pessac-Léognan 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine Red Wine, $24.22-$28.49, 91 points, poured core black grading a deep lovely blood red with a bright clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
Aromatic toasty black fruit, rose pedal, cedar, and  mulling spices were excellent.
Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity, firm underlayment of tannin, and cherry cola, truffles, Kirsch, and a medley of well balanced fruit flavors which were tasty. Nothing cloying here, but knife-edge textured, taut, firm, and appropriate for that steak, lamb chop, or game-meats.
Finished long on the trailing palate, plum, loads of pepper spices, and a warm 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot.
Commentary: I believe this wine will be BETTER in five to ten years, but for this price, it is a gem.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Coppo Costebianche Piemonte 2014 Chardonnay (DOC)

Coppo Costebianche Piemonte 2014 Chardonnay (DOC), $15.29-$19.99, 89 points, poured a straw yellow trending medium gold colors.
Smells were dominated by apple cider and a dusty floral note.
Medium-bodied white wine with good acidity and flavors of apples, melon rind, ginger, and a hint of dragon fruit were tasty.
Finished on the trailing palate with an ascending ginger and the soft 12% alcohol.
Paired well with our roast turkey.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Borgo Scopeto 2015 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

Borgo Scopeto 2015 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $10.19-$19.99, 88 points, poured a bright pomegranate red color with a broad bleeding wine ring and clinging glass-sheets.

Aromatic floral cherry fruit and black tea were soft, but fragrant.

Medium-bodied red wine with mouth-watering acidity and slightly astringent tannins gave a 'rustic' character to its red fruit flavor profile nuanced with a touch of bay leaf.

Finished long on the trailing palate, spicy white pepper, a hint of mint, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol

Paired well with Trader Joes beef and beans chili.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Imagery California 2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Imagery California 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.89-$17.99, 87 points, was a medium gold color.
Aromas were lively sweet white grape with hints of passion fruit and juniper (very nice).
Light-plus body (off dry) with fair to good acidity carried good flavors of lemongrass, Necco wafer, and kiwi.
Finished a bit truncated on the fading palate, a hint of lime, and a soft 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my deep fried wild-caught haddock.

Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

El Coto Tinto Crianza 2013 Rioja Red Wine

El Coto Tinto Crianza 2013 Rioja Red Wine, $12.99-$14.99, 89 points, poured a bright garnet red with a broad clear wine ring and long fat legs.
Aromatic red fruit, flowers, and a hint of cedar were excellent.

Slightly heavier than medium-bodied, this red wine delivered good acidity and fine-grained tannins which supported a rather straight forward red fruit flavor profile nuanced by oak and earth.

Finished long on the trailing palate, easy pepper spices, and a spot-on 13% alcohol.

Paired well with my beef and beans chili.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Argiano NC Toscana Rosso 2016 Red Wine

Argiano NC Toscana Rosso 2016 Red Wine, $16.14-$22.99, 88 points, poured lovely purple/reds (more red than purple) with a broad clear wine ring and fat stained legs.
Aromas left me wanting; they were rather nondescript with a hint of funk and sour fruit, but a gentle floral vibe and an earthiness helped in its redemption.
Slightly heavier than medium-bodied, this red wine showed strident grainy tannins (brut dry), good acidity, and favorable flavors of tobacco, a medley of red fruit, and Damson plum.
Finished a bit astringent, but long on the trailing palate and a hot 14% alcohol infused pepper spiciness.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2019 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger