Dr. Beckermannn Rheinhessen 2018 Liebfraumilch

Dr. Beckermannn Rheinhessen 2018 Liebfraumilch, $5.99, 87 points, was a light brass color with green highlights and clear at the rim.
Though the aromas were a bit nondescript, hints of lime and honey made what I could sense quite pleasant.
Light to light-plus bodied white wine with good acidity and flavors of guava and apricot were tasty if a bit nondescript.
Finished with just a spark of ginger and a slightly-sweet 9.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my chicken and vegetable stew.

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Caparzo 2007 Brunello DI Montalcino

Caparzo 2007 Brunello DI Montalcino, $31.06-$37.99, 93 points, poured core opaque ruby red grading more a copper/red toward the broad bleeding meniscus and almost non-existant legs.
Aromas were a dominant caramel with hints of black and jasmine tea.
Medium-bodied red wine (bone dry) with good acidity and a smooth supportive plank of tannin delivered excellent flavors of mint, menthol, black tea, and just hints of plum, caramel, and black cherry.
Finished long on white pepper, judicious oak, the residual palate, and a warm 13.5% alcohol.
Many others are not fans of this vineyard, but I've always found their wines to maybe the best value Brunello; certainly not one of the big complex Brunello wines, but tasty, taut, lingering, and harmonious. 

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Château La Fleur De Boüard Lalande-de-Pomerol 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château La Fleur De Boüard Lalande-de-Pomerol 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $31.87-$37.49, 94 points, had an unfiltered opaque purple/red appearance with a broad clear wine ring and fat stained legs.
The predominantly herbal aromas marked by red and black fruit and nuanced with chocolate, cinnamon, and toast were pleasant.
Nearly a full-bodied red wine with grippy grainy tannins managed the cornucopia of fruit, spice, and more subtle earthy flavors.
Finished very strong on pepper spices, tart red cherry, and a warm 14.5% alcohol.

Varietals were 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Paired perfectly with my pot-roast dinner.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Joseph Händler Pfalz 2018 Riesling

Joseph Händler Pfalz 2018 Riesling, $7.99, 88 points, was a light brass color clearing before the rim.
Aromas were dominated by apple with soft pome blossoms and dusty apricot nuanced by the faintest whiff of petrol (quite nice for an eight dollar Riesling).
Light-bodied white wine with good acidity and interesting flavors of guava, apples, and apricots.
Finished fair on the trailing palate with hints of ginger and black pepper.
Alcohol lend itself toward a well-balance off-dry 10.5%.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

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Château Cantemerle, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, Haut-Médoc 2015 Red Bordeaux

Château Cantemerle, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, Haut-Médoc 2015 Red Bordeaux, $33.99-$39.99, 94 points, poured a deep blood red grading to a pomegranate red toward the broad clear meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromatic mulling spice, a touch of cocoa, ripe red raspberry, and savory notes were excellent.
Full-bodied red wine too tannic for most palates, but I like tannin; The 2015 Cantemerle is/was a complex wine with good acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas with crème Brulé, peat, and a medley of red fruit.
Finished forever on pepper spices, a trailing palate, and an appropriate 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015
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Pedroncelli Sonoma County Dry Creek 2017 Chardonnay

Pedroncelli Sonoma County Dry Creek 2017 Chardonnay, $7.64-$16.99, 88 points, was a medium brass color.
Aromas were subtle honeysuckle, toast, citrus, and dusty orange peel.
Medium-bodied white wine showing minerality, fair acidity, and flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the fading palate with hints of dragon fruit, kiwi, and tart citrus with a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Asian cuisine.

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Cristom Willamette Valley 2017 Pinot Noir

Cristom Willamette Valley 2017 Pinot Noir, $29.74-$36.99, 92 points, poured a lovely candy-apple red with a broad clear meniscus and medium legs.
First whiffs were cinnamon and cloves transitioning toward toasty red cherry and Pinot Noir specific grape smells.
Medium-bodied red wine, soft, fruity, and round with good acidity, sufficiently supportive tannins, and interesting tart and herbal flavors.

Finished long on easy white pepper spice, a spot-on 13.5% alcohol, and tart cherry fruit.

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Ca 'dei Frati Turbiana (Trebbiano di Lugana) 2018 Lugana DOC

Ca 'dei Frati Turbiana (Trebbiano di Lugana) 2018 Lugana DOC, $16.99-$19.99, 92 points, was a medium yellow/gold color.
Aromatic citrus, subtle tropical fruit, and pome blossoms were exceptional.
The body (quite dry) was a bit more than light, acidity was good to bright, and the flavors of citrus, kiwi, and an outstanding lime were deep and generous.
Finished strong on a trailing palate, tangy, evolving, and properly matched with a 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Gulf of Maine steamed lobster in drawn butter.

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Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2016 Red Wine

Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2016 Red Wine, $19.54-$25.99, 92 points, poured a deep ruby red with purple highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and dense hanging stained legs.
Aromatic truffle, cherry fruit, bay leaf, and a floral vibe were excellent.
Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity, firm supportive tannins, and flavors reflective of the aromas were carried seductively on early-palate silkiness while tannins soon kicked-in with a pleasant firmness.
Finished long, balanced, and delicious on warm pepper spiciness, black tea, red cherry, and a potent, but properly integrated 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 39% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Monique Cellars Central Coast 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

Monique Cellars Central Coast 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $5.99, 85 points, was a medium brass color and clear at the rim.

Smells were mostly grass and a soft honeysuckle.

More than a lightweight white wine with fair to good acidity and rather dull, but not unpleasant flavors of hay, green grape, and ginger-ale.

Finished more lively than the rest of the palate where the ginger and the 13.8% alcohol combined with a touch of watermelon.

2018 Cali Sauvignon Blanc

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Château La Clotte Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château La Clotte Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $74.79-$87.99, 93 points, poured an opaque garnet red with a clear wine ring and moderate fat stained legs.
Aromas were earthy, toasty, perfumed, floral, and fruity.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and firm grainy tannins delivered generous fruit flavors marked by nuanced cocoa, plums, and cola.
Finished long and warm on the trailing palate, easy pepper spices, pomegranate, and a well balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my barbequed baby-back ribs.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja 2005 Red Wine

Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja 2005 Red Wine, $16.99-$44.99, 93 points, poured a pristine deep ruby red grading garnet red with a bleeding meniscus and a few lightly stained legs.
Aromatic loam, plum, warm strawberry jam, clove, and floral notes were outstanding.
Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and flavors of violets, fennel, red fruit, rhubarb, and bay leaf were delicious.
Fantastic finish of red and white pepper accenting the fading palate with a spot-on 13.5% alcohol made for an excellent climax.
Paired perfectly with my cheeseburgers.
Varietals were Tempranillo, Graciano, and Carignan.
One of the best red wines for the price (QPR) I've had this year.


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Vignobles Lacheteau 2018 Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie

Vignobles Lacheteau 2018 Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie (France) $7.99, 85 points, was a pale brass color clearing way before the glass rim.
Aromatic flowers, orange zest, and a hint of Circus-peanut marshmallow were excellent.
Light-bodied white wine with fair to good acidity up front with flavors reflective of the aromas impressed, but faded and never climaxed in the finish; still a good table wine with nothing ill about it saving its weakness.
Paired fine with my Asian cuisine.

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Fontella 2016 Chianti (DOCG)

Fontella 2016 Chianti (DOCG), $9.34-$13.99, 89 points, poured a deep ruby radiating to a more cranberry red toward the broad clear wine ring and light glass legs.
Aromatic iodine and cedar seemingly stole the day from Chianti-typical fruit, herbs, flowers, and tea, all which took a back seat.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and firm grainy tannins delivered black tea, caramel, and black cherry flavors (a bit unusual).
Finished warm and tangy with a touch of oak and a deceptively low 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my mushroom and cheese ravioli in a beefy marinara sauce.

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Château De Beauregard~Ducourt Grand Vin 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château De Beauregard~Ducourt Grand Vin 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $9.99-$11.99, 87 points, poured opaque ruby reds with a clear wine ring and light glass sheeting.

The aroma of floral red raspberry jam was soft, but lovely.

Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity and gritty firm tannins managed to deliver a fair rendition of the aroma onto the palate with a bit of plum and anise.

Finished well on the trailing palate, spicy white pepper, pomegranate, and a seemingly under-rated 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Paired fine with our sausage and pepperoni pizza.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Emma Reichart Dry 2018 Riesling (Germany)

Emma Reichart Dry 2018 Riesling (Germany),  $4.99, 85 points, was a medium gold color and clearing at the rim.
The predominantly apple aroma was soft, as was the flavor profile, but pleasant enough; finished a bit tart and with faint hints of tropical fruit.
Light-bodied white wine with good acidity faired okay as a white table wine and paired well with my Asian cuisine.





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Lava Cap El Dorado Sierra Foothills 2017 Chardonnay

Lava Cap El Dorado Sierra Foothills 2017 Chardonnay, $18.69-$21.99, 91 points, was a deep yellow gold color.
Aromatic pear, orange zest, and a whisper of oak were outstanding.
Near full-bodied white wine with good acidity and a well-balanced flavor profile, showed a sensible oak core enhancing lively flavors of stone fruit, ginger ale, and citrus notes.
Finished very long on the fading palate with a dollop of tropical fruit and a big, but restrained 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my salt and vinegar marinated fried chicken wings.

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Pinot Envy Willamette Valley 2016 Pinot Noir

Pinot Envy Willamette Valley 2016 Pinot Noir, $16.99-$22.99, 90 points, poured a core magenta color radiating to a blood red and finally cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and light legs.

Aromatic toasty cherry fruit and a hint of cedar was excellent.

Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity and grainy supportive tannin carried splendid flavors of cherry cola, Pinot-specific grape, earth, and tangy pomegranate.

Finished long on the trailing palate, red licorice, Kirsch, and a warm 13.5% alcohol.

Paired well with my Thanksgiving typical dinner.

Besides the psyche-ops of the name and label, which I found a bit silly, the wine was quite good, and at this price-point, a big buy from me.

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New Zealand 2018 Sauvignon Blanc White Wines Tasted

New Zealand 2018 Sauvignon Blanc White Wines Tasted.

Since Trader Joe's came to the area (Bedford) I've been drinking quite a few New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc white wines; so I thought I'd make a special post for the 2018s to make referencing them a bit easier. Trader Joe's wines usually can be differentiated from other wine shops by the single price indicated.

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

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

Fortune Cove Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $7.99, 87 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

Raorao Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $6.99, 88 points

Saint Clair Family Estate, Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $15.29-$22.99, 93 points

Sauvignon Republic Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.99, 89 points

Seaside Cellars Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.89-$15.99, 89 points

Sileni Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.04-$14.99, 89 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

The Pass NZ Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $8.99, 86 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

URLAR Wairarapa, NZ, 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $20.69-$22.99, 92 points

Villa Maria Marlborough Cellar Sellection 2018 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $8.09-$8.99, 90 points

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

Wither Hills Marlborough 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $8.49-$13.99, 87 points

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