Thursday, December 30, 2021

Salcheto 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

 


Salcheto 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, $17.99-$23.99, 91 points, poured an opaque ruby red with rosewood and clear penumbras, and moderate legs.
Aromas of black tea, cinnamon, red cherry, a floral vibe, and juniper berry were excellent.
A near full-bodied racy bone-dry Sangiovese red wine with bright acidity, grainy tannins, and rich flavors of mushrooms, loam, red cherry with whispers of mint and oak.
Finished long on the trailing palate, iron, black tea, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our loaded pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Dr. Hermann Mosel 2019 Riesling

 


Dr. Hermann Mosel 2019 Riesling, $16.99-$18.99, 89 points, was a medium straw yellow color and graying midway to the rim.
Copious stone fruit aromas accented with petrichor and a faint hint of petrol were excellent.
 A medium-bodied off-dry white wine with good acidity and rich flavors of guava, lemon/lime, green melon, and honey made for an excellent tipple and pairing with our Asian cuisine.
Finished long, a bit tart, slightly sweet, showing a little more acidity, and a well-balanced 10.5% alcohol.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Monday, December 27, 2021

Luke, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, Washington 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Luke, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, Washington 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $17.84-$24.99, 90 points, poured core black transitioning to an opaque ruby red, sticky stained legs, and rosewood red and clear penumbras.
Aromas of blueberries, red raspberries, coffee, cilantro, and milk chocolate were complex and interesting.
This was a full-bodied red wine with good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, smooth mouthfeel, and rich flavors of black currants, blackberries, and licorice with hints of coffee, tobacco, and cocoa.
Finished long on the trailing palate, pencil-lead, and a well-balanced 14.4% alcohol.
Paired fine with my chili.
I enjoyed this wine better on the second day.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Saturday, December 25, 2021

Are Wine Labels Going To The Birds Part V?

 

Are Wine Labels Going to the Birds Part V?

For those who would/will buy a wine based on its wine label:
















And I can't resist posting my favorite
Snowy owl photo:


 
 


Copyright 2010-2021 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved; Template provided by Blogger

Friday, December 24, 2021

Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley 2018 Chardonnay

 


Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley 2018 Chardonnay, $33.99-$39.99, 94 points, was a medium yellow gold nearing a medium straw yellow with clearing towards the rim.
Aromas came together as a lovely bouquet of flowers, passion fruit, lemon zest, and petrichor.
This dry white wine was between light and medium-bodied and displayed bright acidity, good flavors of white chocolate, lemon oil, passion fruit, and soft ginger notes; all of which lingered very long into the finish marked by a well-balanced 14.1% alcohol.
I usually drink Riesling with my Asian cuisine, but this was a fantastic pairing.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Château Bernon-Becot 2016 Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Red Wine

 



Château Bernon-Becot 2016 Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Red Wine, $29.99-$59.99, 86 points, poured core black transitioning to a deep pomegranate red with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
Aromas were toasty, fruity, and spicy with cinnamon and clove.
A near full-bodied dry red wine with fair acidity, an underlayment of tannin, and upfront red raspberry and red cherry flavors with rather weak mid and late palates.
Finished fair on easy pepper spice, a floral vibe, and a complementary 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our parochial hamburgers.


Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2016

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Canard Vineyards, Napa Valley, Estate Bottled 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Canard Vineyards, Napa Valley, Estate Bottled 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $46.74-$61.99, 91 points, poured core black grading to a deep blood red with a deluge of stained legs and a clear meniscus.
Strong aromas of cassis were joined by black plums, red raspberry, pine resin, and cedar (fruity and interesting).
A full-bodied dry red wine which showed brightly youthful, angular, and fruity with firm grainy tannins, good acidity, and a rich spearmint throughout.
Finished long on the fading palate with easy pepper spices, a hint of anise, iron notes, and a well-balanced 14.2% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my south-western styled Mac and Cheese, but only okay with our traditional cheeseburgers.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas

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Saturday, December 18, 2021

King Rabbit 2019 Malbec (France)

 


King Rabbit 2019 Malbec (France), $7.89-$13.99, 87 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with a very broad clear meniscus and copious fat-stained legs.
Aromas were redolent juniper berries, pepper spices, blueberries, and a floral note.
This was a full-bodied near dry red wine with soft tannins (plush mouthfeel) and fair acidity.
Flavors righteously reflected the aromas with a bit of pencil lead and plum.
Finished fair and easy on the fading palate and the reticent 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my avocado tostadas.
A lovely red wine for under $10, and a buy for the those that have a proclivity for soft Merlots.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2020-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas

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Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Eroica (Chateau Ste Michelle-Dr. Loosen) 2019 Columbia Valley Riesling

 




Eroica (Chateau Ste Michelle-Dr. Loosen) 2019 Columbia Valley Riesling, $15.29-$20.99, 92 points, was a light brass color clearing mid-way towards the glass rim.
Aromas of apples, pome blossoms, white chocolate, and dusty orange zest were excellent.
This light-bodied dry white wine showed bright acidity, tart, and a bit of sour lemon with good flavors of lime rind, jasmine tea, ginger, and a hint of limestone.
Finished long on the acid-driven rind/ginger.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES


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Monday, December 13, 2021

Heitz Wine Cellars Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

 



Heitz Wine Cellars Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $50.99-$64.99, 89 points, poured a rosewood red with violet highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and moderately thick legs.
Aromas of plums, hot cinnamon/cherry candy, tobacco, and ripe mulberry were complex and interesting.
A full-bodied dry red wine, with a sound sublayer of tannin, fair to good acidity, and flavors of spearmint, teaberry gum, red cherry and plum fruit were by themselves satisfying and tasty.
Finished a bit thin, but the 14.5% alcohol infused pepper spices were quite good.
This was the third vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon I had; the first two were outstanding, but this 2016 was a REAL bust for me.
Pairing this wine was difficult: T-bone steak or tacos were not good pairings, but batter-fried chicken livers were better, but not perfect.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Friday, December 10, 2021

Kunde Sonoma Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Kunde Sonoma Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.54-$25.99, 90 points, poured core black waxing deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and fat stained-legs.
Aromas were fruit-driven with red currants, cherry fruit, and Hot Cinnamon Sunset tea.
A full-bodied, bone-dry, and a bit tannic red wine with good acidity and a flavor profile that mirrored the aromas quite well, but with a hint of anise.
Finished long, drying, steely, and with a sometimes breakthrough 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rare dry-rubbed filet mignon.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Wente Southern Hills Livermore Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Wente Southern Hills Livermore Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.89-$16.99, 88 points, poured a deep purple/red color with a broad clear wine ring and moderate legs.
Aromas were fruit-driven with hints of cinnamon and juniper.
A full-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, tight and tart with tannins and edgy fruit flavors accented with iron, mint, and the sage-family of herbs.
Finished long, spicy, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my beef and vegetables stew.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
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Sunday, December 5, 2021

Cecchi 2017 Chianti Classico

 



Cecchi 2017 Chianti Classico, $10.12-$14.05, 87 points, poured a deep pomegranate red, almost a blood red, with a broad clear meniscus and thin long legs.
Aromas of red raspberry, plums, cinnamon, and black tea were soft, but pleasant.
This was a medium-bodied bone-dry red wine with mouth-puckering acidity and tannin complemented by tight thin flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long and tart on a straight-forward black tea, a touch of mint, limestone minerality, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my beef lasagna.


INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Friday, December 3, 2021

Chasing Venus Marlborough 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 


Chasing Venus Marlborough 2020 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $12.74-$19.99, 88 points, was a very light brass color with gold highlights and clear toward the glass rim.
Soft aromas of Lychee, passion fruit, lemon zest, and a floral vibe were good.
A light-bodied dry white wine with appropriate acidity, and early palate weak flavors 
of lemon oil, Honeydew melon rind, a hint of passion fruit, and not too late, finally this SB was complimented by loads of ginger and the intensifying early palate flavors with a balanced 13% alcohol, which improved the late palate and finish.
Paired well with my fried Atlantic Sea scallops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Thursday, December 2, 2021

Dry Creek Vineyard (Hillside and Benchland Vineyards) 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Dry Creek Vineyard (Hillside and Benchland Vineyards) 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $21.24-$26.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with violet highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and moderate stained legs.
Aromas of plums, loam, mulling spices, pine needles, and blackberry were pleasant.
A full-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and rich flavors of black fruit, cranberry, cinnamon, mint, and a hint of black truffles proved quite tasty.
Finished long on the trailing palate, pepper spices, pomegranate, and a well-balanced European-styled 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Australian grass-fed rib eye.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Monday, November 29, 2021

Vina Robles, Paso Robles 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 





Vina Robles, Paso Robles 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$21.99, 90 points, poured core black grading to a deep rosewood red with a broad clear meniscus and copious fat legs.
The bouquet was a cornucopia of fruit, cinnamon, clove, and a whiff of juniper berry.
This was a very full-bodied dry red wine showing fair acidity, round and soft up-front, but the tannins kick-in late palate with a spice infused 14.5% alcohol, and rich flavors of mint, blueberries, black licorice, and plums.
Finished long, tart, and with a touch of citrus.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sunday, November 28, 2021

Wente Wetmore Vineyard, Livermore Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Wente Wetmore Vineyard, Livermore Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $21.24-$34.99, 91 points, poured a Welch's-grape purple with Burgundy red highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and fat-stained legs.
Aromas of tar, plums, cassis, red currants, and a floral vibe were complex and fragrant.
This full-bodied dry red wine was a tad angular and straight forward, but with good acidity and a firm underlayment of tannin, supported an "aquafer" of interesting flavors reflective of the aromas with a bit of black tea.
Finished long on an intensifying red pepper spiciness, blossoming tannins, toast, iron, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my avocado/steak tostadas.
This is an excellent value Cabernet Sauvignon; one I recommend for Christmas gift-giving; the only one so far this year!

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Friday, November 26, 2021

Clay Shannon El Coyote, Lake County, California 2019 Chardonnay

 


Clay Shannon El Coyote, Lake County, California 2019 Chardonnay, $12.74-$17.99, 85 points, was a medium straw yellow color, graying midway towards a clear wine ring.
Aromas of sweet apples, mandarin zest, and Necco wafer were pleasant.
A medium to full-bodied white wine with weak to fair acidity and mainly flat flavors reflective of the aromas, which patiently waited until a more interesting finish of subtle hints of ginger and tart citrus to open up upon the back of a soft expression of what is rated an ABV of 14.4%.
Paired okay with Thanksgiving dinner.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Halley and Lex Margaret River 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

 




Halley and Lex Margaret River 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$19.99, 91 points, poured a deep Burgundy red color with a broad clear meniscus and copious legs.
Hints of coffee, cigar box, spearmint, pine resin, and wild blackberries were excellent.
This was not quite a full-bodied red wine, but good flavors of anise, cassis, coffee, and plums were well supported with an underlayment of tannin and good acidity.
Finished bone-dry and long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced, but warm 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my loaded Chicago-styled pizza.
Not your typical Napa Valley type of Cab, and though a bit angular, this, to me, is an excellent red wine with a high QPR.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas

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Sunday, November 21, 2021

Domaine Cherrier 2019 Sancerre

 


Domaine Cherrier 2019 Sancerre, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color and clearing towards the rim.
Delightful aromas were Macintosh apples, ginger snap cookies, Meyer lemon, and wet stones.
The near medium-bodied dry white wine was steely, appropriately acidic, and lean; showed flavors of slate, lemon, a touch of guava and melon rind.
Finished long on citrus, ginger, and a potent 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my beer-battered baked cod.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 20102021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
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Friday, November 19, 2021

Nickel and Nickel C.C. Ranch, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 




Nickel and Nickel C.C. Ranch, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $109.99-$117.99, 95 points, poured basic black with a broad purple/red penumbra and clear meniscus while showering the glass with stained legs.
Aromas of cassis, toasty rye, ripe blackberry, java, and mulling spices were outstanding.
A full-bodied dry red wine operated on an opulent mouth-feel, good acidity, and firm "sweet" tannins which delivered cerebral and pensive flavors which were rich and delicious.
Finished long on anise, iron, mint, cayenne, tobacco, a cornucopia of fruit, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rare Texas-spiced Angus rib eye, asparagus, and onion buns with ranch-smothered tomatoes.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Thursday, November 18, 2021

Château La Justice Fronsac 2016 Bordeaux Red Wine

 


Château La Justice Fronsac 2016 Bordeaux Red Wine, $16.19-$19.99, 89 points, poured core black transitioning to a deep purple/red with a broad clear meniscus and heavy stained legs.
Aromas of coffee, a hint of the barnyard, clove, black fruit, and a floral vibe were good.
A full-bodied bone-dry red wine with good acidity, firm, almost austere tannins, and flavors of black plums, anise, coffee, and dried cooking herbs made for a better than average red table wine, but unusual for a North American 100% Merlot palate.
Finished long with red fruit rather than early palate black fruit, a hint of mint, warm pepper spice, and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired magically with my Mexican cuisine.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2016

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Bella Union Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Bella Union Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $55.24-$72.99, 94 points, poured core black grading to a deep purple/red, copious semi-transparent legs, and finally a fairly broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of plums, black pepper, a bit of loam with a hint of spearmint, and a whisper of clove were reminiscent of Left-bank Bordeaux.
A full-bodied angular dry red wine showing good acidity, fine grainy tannins, a rather lean, but voluptuous mouth-feel, and a rich expression of the bouquet on the palate, which exploded towards the late palate with a warm spiciness.
Finished long and strident with a bit of limestone, tart red cherry, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my steak and cheese sub.
At fifty-five greenbacks, this was an excellent purchase, provided a typically lean Bordeaux-styled Cabernet is your preference.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sunday, November 14, 2021

R. Stuart Willamette Valley 2018 Pinot Noir

 


R. Stuart Willamette Valley 2018 Pinot Noir, $16.99-$21.99, 88 points, poured a deep cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of floral red fruit, Heath-bar, and black tea were pleasant.
This Pinot didn't quite pass the medium body threshold, but was tasty, nicely acidic, sandy-tannic, and with good cherry cola flavors accented with easy pepper spices, Pinot Noir specific grape, and a well-balanced 13.1% alcohol.
The lingering finish tied a bow to this red/dry wine with hints of iron.
Paired perfectly with my BTL.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
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Friday, November 12, 2021

Sea Slopes, Fort Ross Winery, Sonoma Coast 2019 Pinot Noir

 


Sea Slopes, Fort Ross Winery, Sonoma Coast 2019 Pinot Noir, $27.19-$33.99, 88 points, poured a beautiful ruby red with orange highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and copious legs.
Aromas of black cherry, dried cooking herbs, and black tea were soft, but pleasant.
This was a medium-bodied dry Pinot with the Pinot Noir grape specific flavor dominating cherry fruit, the black tea notes, the cooking herbs, and a steely minerality.
Finished long, tart, a bit spicy, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my BLT.  

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Château Larose-Trintaudon Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2015 Bordeaux

 



Château Larose-Trintaudon Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2015 Bordeaux, $22.99-$26.99, 89 points, poured a faded purple/red behind a tinted glass appearance with a broad clear meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromas were rich black plums, cinnamon, juniper berry, and blackberry cordial.
A near full-bodied red wine with good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and slightly weak flavors of blueberry, black fruit, unripe mulberry, and citrus notes.
Finished long, tart, a bit astringent, whispers of mint and red raspberry with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol were quite good.
Paired perfectly with my baby-backed ribs.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sunday, November 7, 2021

Casa al Vento "ARIA" 2016 Chianti Classico (DOCG) Revisited





Casa al Vento "ARIA" 2016 Chianti Classico (DOCG) Revisited, $14.44-$32.99, 89 points, poured a dark purple/red with copper highlights, a clear wine ring, and light glass sheeting.
Aromas of cinnamon, black cherry, and a whisper of lavender were quite good.
A medium to medium-plus body carried balanced flavors of black cherry, plum, and black tea all buoyed by supportive tannin and acidity.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a touch of red pepper, minerality, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my provolone meatball sub.



INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Friday, November 5, 2021

Tiefenbrunner 2019 Pinot Grigio (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy)

 


Tiefenbrunner 2019 Pinot Grigio (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy), $14.99-$16.99, 89 points was a dark straw-yellow color and clear only at the rim.
Aromas were soft white chocolate, juniper, and peach skin.
A near medium-bodied dry white wine with fair to good acidity and good flavors of tangerine zest, lemon oil, and ginger.
Finished long on the trailing palate, melon rind, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my baked battered Haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Thursday, November 4, 2021

Trefethen Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2019 Chardonnay

 


Trefethen Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2019 Chardonnay, $32,29-$39.99, 93 points, was a light-yellow gold color and clear towards the rim.
Aromas of pome blossoms, lemon zest, and tropical fruit were outstanding.
This light/lean-bodied dry white wine showed bright acidity and balanced citrus flavors with hints of pineapple and grapefruit.
Finished long on the fading palate, lime, a hint of passion fruit, and a perfectly modest 13.2% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Asian cuisine.
Nothing like most Cali Chardonnays; more like a robust less mineralized Chablis.
I loved it!

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Mirassou California 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 


Mirassou California 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $5.72-$$7.95, 85 points, poured a dark cranberry red with a clear meniscus and moderate stained legs.
The quiet bouquet of floral and woody notes was pleasant enough.
This was a full-bodied "industrial" red wine without much character, but without any offense; a well-suited wine for large groups as a red table wine or for the low-budget everyday tipple; showed a soft underlayment of tannin, fair acidity, red fruit, plum, and a bit of licorice flavors.
A fair conclusion with a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol on the finish; a super-priced but uneventful Cabernet.
Paired okay with our deep-dish pepperoni pizza.


2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley 2018 Merlot

 





Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley 2018 Merlot, $49.99-$56.99, 94 points, poured a deep ruby red grading to a slightly unfiltered red garnet towards a "rainbow" penumbra and thick stained sheeting on the glass bowl.
Aromas were softly floral with an abundance of ripe fruit, mulling spice, and a hint of juniper.
A full-bodied dry and round Merlot with deeply interwoven flavors of fruit, cocoa, and spice.
Finished long on the trailing palate, white pepper, limestone, and a spot-on 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Nedeau's steak tips and cheese sub.


INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sunday, October 31, 2021

Diora La Petite Grace Monterey Conty 2018 Pinot Noir

 




Diora La Petite Grace Monterey Conty 2018 Pinot Noir, $16.14-$21.99, 92 points, poured a deep dark pomegranate red with a broad clear wine ring and copious fat-stained legs.
Aromas were milk chocolate, cocoa, and more chocolate with black cherry accents, hints of red raspberry, and a floral vibe.
An unusual near full-bodied Pinot with good acidity, significant tannins, and rich flavors of, yes, chocolate, cherry cola, Kirsch, and red raspberry.
Finished long on the trailing palate, iodine, and a surprisingly balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced pork loin.
I loved this Pinot Noir, but a bit out of varietal-character.


INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Friday, October 29, 2021

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley 2018 Merlot

 


Robert Mondavi Napa Valley 2018 Merlot, $23.99-$27.99, 88 points, poured core black grading to a deep purple/red with viscous fat-stained legs and a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas were overwhelmingly herbal with hints of tobacco and cocoa. 
A full-bodied bone-dry red wine with good acidity, firm grainy tannins, Damson plum, red raspberry, Teaberry gum, and cayenne pepper flavors.
Finished long on the high 15% alcohol-infused spiciness, iron, and slightly astringent tannins.
Paired okay with my beef lasagna.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Cadis 2019 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie (DOC)

 







Cadis 2019 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie (DOC), $8.99-$9.99, 87 points, was a deep straw yellow color with graying at the rim.
Aromas were lovely floral notes with hints of pineapple and stone-fruits.
A light-bodied dry white wine with good acidity and up-front flavors reflective of the aromas, but faded a bit mid palate, and yet gained a nice minerality towards the finish which concluded fairly on lemon and green melon notes with a balanced 11.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my fried haddock plate.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES


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