Double 'T' Napa valley 2016 Chardonnay

Double 'T' Napa valley 2016 Chardonnay, $15.29-$17.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color clearing toward the glass rim.
The lovely light aromas of honeysuckle, green melon, a touch of oak, and hints of Necco wafer impressed.
Medium-bodied white wine with fair to good acidity was a wonderful expression of restraint that could be interpreted as 'weak', but I saw as unobtrusive.
Flavors of subtle peach, apricot, guava, ginger, and faint oak notes won't wow folks, but will complement roast chicken well.
Finished on the trailing palate with a balanced 13.5% alcohol.



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G-11 Velazquez family estate "Casa Los Frailes" 2014 Cabernet sauvignon (Spain)

G-11 Velazquez family estate "Casa Los Frailes" 2014 Cabernet sauvignon (Spain), $14.99-$29.99, 89 points, poured core black grading deep purple to purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and dense stained hanging sheets.
Smells of dusty black fruit, black tea, a bit of coffee, and underbrush were quite interesting if not perfume-fragrant.
Not measuring truly full-bodied, this red wine (100% cabernet Sauvignon) showed good acidity and a firm plank of tannins supporting a plum and espresso flavor profile.
Finished fair on easy pepper spices, a persistent espresso, and a warm 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spice-rubbed Angus rib eye steak.
An excellent, rustic, and QPR Cabernet Sauvignon.


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Domaine De La Joliue 2018 Sancerre

Domaine De La Jolive 2018 Sancerre,  $15.99-$17.99, 88 points, was a light brass color, but clear towards the rim.
Devine floral lemon/lime aroma impressed.
Slightly more than a light-bodied white wine with good acidity and fair flavors of citrus, kiwi, and melon rind paired well with my lobster salad and sautéed sea scallops.
Finished okay with tangy citrus, a hint of ginger, a bit of minerality, and a balanced 13% alcohol.

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Replica Knockoff 2016 Chardonnay

Replica Knockoff 2016 Chardonnay, $11.05-$12.99, 86 points, was a medium yellow/gold color.

Smells were dominantly oak notes with floral and white grape whispers.

More than a medium-bodied white wine with fair acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas.

Finished okay with a bit of black pepper, mint, and a well-balanced 13.8% alcohol.

Paired fine with my Thanksgiving type of dinner.

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Banshee Paso Roble 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Banshee Paso Roble 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.79-$24.99, 87 points, poured a deep purple/red grading more red at the bleeding meniscus and glass bowl covered with stained fat legs.
Smells of mulberry and cloves transitioned to a more black currant and underbrush.
Near full-bodied red wine with fair to good acidity and a round underlayment of tannin managed strong flavors reflective of the early aromas; this was a rather straight-forward wine.
Finished long on tangy red fruit and a balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired okay with my Mexican cuisine.


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Gibbs Three Clones Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Gibbs Three Clones Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $26.99-$29.99, 91 points, poured opaque purple/red with a broad clean wine ring and copious fat stained legs.
Aromas of black currants, cedar, loam, and coffee were rich and fragrant.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and firm grainy tannins delivered a complex array of nuanced flavors, of which I enjoyed the spearmint, chocolate, black currants and it herbaciousness.
Finished long on the fading palate and an escalating warm (14.4% alcohol) pepper spiciness.
Paired fine with my Australian grass-fed rib eye.

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Silverado Vineyards Carneros 2017 Chardonnay

Silverado Vineyards Carneros 2017 Chardonnay, $17.98-$34.99, 89 points, poured a lovely light yellow/gold color while clearing at the rim.
Aromatic light dusty green grape, oak, hints of orange peel and honeysuckle were pleasantly complex.

Medium-bodied white wine with fair acidity delivered a rather oaky rendition of the aromas which lent itself a proper pairing with fried chicken, an okay pairing with my pasta and chicken in a creamy lemon sauce, but was disappointing with my sautéed fresh scrod.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a touch of white pepper, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.

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Wente Vineyards Entwine 2011 Merlot

Wente Vineyards Entwine 2011 Merlot, $8.99-$12.99, 86 points, poured a deep cranberry red with a bleeding meniscus.
Smells were earthy with a bit of cinnamon and anise.
Medium-bodied red wine with fair acidity and soft tannins managed to hold my attention with fair flavors reflective of the aromas with a dominant plum.
Finished well with  the anise, a bit of black pepper, and an appropriate 13% alcohol.
Paired okay with my mac and cheese with burgers.
This wine held-up well in my cellar for the last five years.

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Schmitt Söhne Spätlese (Intense and Fruity) 2015 Riesling

Schmitt Söhne Spätlese (Intense and Fruity) 2015 Riesling, $10.13-$13.99, 87 points, was a light brass color greying toward the glass rim.
Light aromas of petrol, apricot, and date were pleasant enough.
Medium-bodied (a bit sweet) white wine with fair acidity and a blend of tropical, citrus, and pome fruit actually worked well with my melted cheddar/broccoli and brine-fried chicken.
Finished unremarkably with a hint of not quite ripe guava and a sweet 8% alcohol.

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Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate 2017 Chardonnay (Oregon)

Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate 2017 Chardonnay (Oregon), $23.79-$27.99, 91 points, was a medium gold color.
Lovely peach aroma dominated the fist pour, and was supplanted by subtle melon, citrus, and oak.
The slightly more than medium-bodied white wine managed well its acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on traces of apple, lemon, and a more pronounced ginger. Alcohol was a balanced 12.5%.
I paired this with a chicken salad which brought-out the oak notes that otherwise were less noticeable.

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Paxis Vinho Regional 2013 Red Table Wine (Portugal)

Paxis Vinho Regional 2013 Red Table Wine (Portugal), $11.69-$12.99, 87 points, poured a deep orange/red with a lavender sheen, a clear wine ring, and copious hanging legs.
Smells were an unusual blend of plums, blackberries, juniper, and a soft rose-like floral vibe.
Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, a supportive plank of tannins, and red fruit typical of red raspberry and strawberry dominated the flavor profile, but nuanced jasmine and anise shown more brightly on the fair finish marked by a bit of chalkiness and a balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our beans and beef chili.

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Château Bel Air Gloria, Haut-Medoc 2014 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Bel Air Gloria, Haut-Medoc 2014 Bordeaux Red Wine, $21.24-$24.99, 88 points, poured an opaque and cloudy purple/red with a bleeding wine ring and heavy stained legs.
Aromas were earthy, woody, black fruity, and a bit herbal.
Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity and firm, but friendly tannins.
Flavors reflected the aromas with a touch of spearmint.
Though the finish was trending thin and the tannins a bit drying, the trailing palate with hints of cocoa, easy pepper spices, and a balanced 13% alcohol succeeded in delivering an overall good red table wine.

Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2014
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Domaine Séguinot-Bordet 2018 Chablis

Domaine Séguinot-Bordet 2018 Chablis, $21.24-$26.99, 91 points, was a light yellow-gold color clear long before the glass rim.
Subtle aromas of honeysuckle, apple, and green melon were quite pleasant.
Light-bodied white wine showed crispness, fruity flavors, clean, and minerality.
Finished with finesse, having good ginger energy and a complementing 12.5% alcohol.
Paired well with a variety of buffet foods.

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Ridge Lytton Springs 2015 Red Wine (revisited)

Ridge Lytton Springs 2015 Red Wine (revisited),  $35.69-$41.99, 92 points, poured a mottled black/ruby red with a thin clear wine ring and copious stained fat legs.
Smells of red raspberry, dried cooking herbs, and black cherry pie were excellent.
Near full-bodied red wine with bright acidity and a supportive underlayment of tannin sport flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the trailing palate, cherry cola, warm pepper spices, licorice, and a spot-on 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Nadeau's steak and cheese subs.


Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery.

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Antinori 'Bramito Della Sala' Umbria 2018 Chardonnay

Antinori 'Bramito Della Sala' Umbria 2018 Chardonnay, $13.49-$14.99, 89 points, was a pale gold color and almost clear at the rim.
Aromas were bright clean apple, a whisper of orange peel, and pome blossoms.
Medium-bodied white wine with good acidity and a fair rendition of the aromas translated to the palate and which carried into a somewhat weak finish marked by a hint of black pepper, kiwi, and a rather weak 12% alcohol.
Paired fine with my brine and vinegar marinated fried chicken wings, as well as with a baklava dessert.

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Azienda Agricola Podere La Pace Maremma Toscana Rosso 2014 Red Wine (DOC)

Azienda Agricola Podere La Pace Maremma Toscana Rosso 2014 Red Wine (DOC), $29.99-$59.99, 92 points, poured a deep ruby red brightening to an orange/red with a clear meniscus and copious stained fat legs.
Aromatic cherry fruit, loam, and mulling spices were lovely.
Near full-bodied red wine showed quite dry, lively acidity, and firm fine grainy tannins.
Flavors of truffle, plums, black cherry, dried herbs, and olives were excellent, if a bit obscured by the overall weightiness of the wine's strident body.
Finished a bit chalky, but long on the trailing palate, cocoa, and a alcohol (14.5%) inspirited pepper spiciness.
Varietals were 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 25% Petit Verdot, and 25% Merlot.

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Schmitt Söhne Riesling QbA - Crisp & Fruity

Schmitt Söhne Riesling QbA - Crisp & Fruity 2016 Riesling, $8.49-$11.99, 89 points, poured a light gold color clearing toward the glass rim.
Aromas were a lovely blend of apples, pome blossoms, and a light touch of apple pie.
Light-bodied white wine with good acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas made for an excellent table wine; paired great with our buffet.
Finished well on the trailing palate, off-dry, and showing a balanced 9.5% alcohol with flavors of citrus and an enduring apple pie.

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Rutherford Ranch Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay

Rutherford Ranch Napa Valley 2014 Chardonnay, $15.29-$17.99, 89 points, poured a medium straw yellow color.
Aromas of apples, honeysuckle, and Chardonnay-specific grape were good.
Medium-bodied white wine with fair acidity delivered a bit of oak, apple, citrus, and floral flavors.
Finished long with orange zest, ginger, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried pork gyoza, chicken egg roll, and fried brine chicken.


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Goose Ridge Columbia Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

Goose Ridge Columbia Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.74-$18.99, 90 points, poured core black grading to a deep blood-red toward transitioning bright red and clear wine rings.
Aromatic underbrush, cedar, clove, mint, and a floral vibe were excellent.
Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity, slightly astringent tannins, and a moderately silky mouth-feel enlivened flavors reflective of the aromas with a touch of anise.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a touch of cherry cola, easy pepper spices, and a spot-on 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Texas burgers.
Better the second day; this is a hard Cab to beat, as it has a high quality/price/ratio (QPR).

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Domaine Frederic and Celine Gueguen 2017 Chablis

Domaine Frederic and Celine Gueguen 2017 Chablis, $22.49-$24.99, 88 points, was a medium yellow-gold color.
Aromas were a bit weak, but white grape, fresh sweet hay, pome flowers, and a hint of Necco wafer were without wrong.
A not quite medium-bodied (off-dry) white wine with good acidity carried slightly tart flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished fair on the fading palate, lemon zest, a hint of ginger, and a balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Yellow-fin tuna salad, but better with my sautéed Sea scallops.

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2018 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

2018 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

13 Celsius Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $13.74-$17.49, 90 points

Allan Scott Family Wine Makers 2020 Marlborough, NZ, Sauvignon Blanc, $11.99-$13.99, 89 points

Craggy Range Martinborough 2018 Sauvignon (New Zealand), $15.29-$19.99, 92 points

Kono Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $8.99, 86 points

Picton Bay Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $8.99, 87 points

Oyster Bay Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $8.92-$10.99, 88 points

The Infamous Goose Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $11.04-$15.99, 90 points

The Little Sheep Of New Zealand, Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.59-$13.99, 89 points

Three Brooms Marlborough (NZ) 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.44-$16.99, 88 points

TOHU Marlborough, New Zealand 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99-$16.99, 91 points

Tuatea Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $7.99, 90 points

Whitehaven Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.37-$15.99, 91 points

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