Red Tail Ridge Winery "Good Karma" Finger Lakes (Seneca) 2019 Riesling

 

Red Tail Ridge Winery "Good Karma" Finger Lakes (Seneca) 2019 Riesling, $12.74-$16.99, 89 points, was a light brass color with light gold highlights and clearing long before the rim.
Aromas were dominated by petrol, but muted black pepper, dusty apple pie, and apricots were good.
Red Tail Ridge gave us a medium-bodied off-dry white wine with good acidity and rich flavors reflective of the aromas and a hint of guava.
Finished well on the fading palate and a balanced 11% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my New England clam chowder and Greek spinach pie.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Volver La Mancha 2018 Tempranillo (Spain)

 

Volver La Mancha 2018 Tempranillo (Spain), $15.99-$17.99, 89 points, poured with a localized core of near black but showed mostly a deep ruby red with sticky stained legs and a clear meniscus.
In a blind tasting I would not have understood this to be a be Tempranillo as it smelled of sour plums, pine resin, mulberry, and was a bit loamy.
This Volver was near full-bodied (which could be due to the 15% alcohol) with good acidity, fine grainy tannins, and rich flavors of cherry cola, mulberry, lingonberry and black tea.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, white pepper, and citrus notes.
Paired fine with prosaic pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Lilian Ladouys Saint Estèphe 2016 Grand Vin Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Lilian Ladouys Saint Estèphe 2016 Grand Vin Bordeaux Red Wine, $23.37-$27.49, 90 points, poured mostly black with a deep purple/red penumbra, thin clear wine ring, and light stained legs.
Aromas of Damson plums, black pepper, hints of juniper, cedar, and spearmint were quite good.
This Bordeaux Red Wine was, at about seven years old, still fresh and young, grippy, nicely acidic, rich, edgy, and tasty with flavors reflective of the aromas throughout the palate.
Finished long and intensifying with juicy blackberry, cayenne, mushrooms, tobacco, a hint of tart citrus, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 62% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Paired well with my spice-rubbed beef tenderloin.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2016

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Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast 2019 Pinot Noir

 

Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast 2019 Pinot Noir, $38.24-$49.99, 95 points, was a bright ruby/pomegranate red with a very broad clear meniscus and many transparent legs.
Aromas of cinnamon, clove, red cherry, autumn underbrush, and Pinot Noir specific grape were excellent.
This Freestone Vineyard PN was medium-bodied, juicy, dry, sleek, concentrated, nicely acidic, and filled with mesmerizing flavors of cherry fruit, mulling spice, mint, cocoa, and so much more.
Finished forever on the building palate, anise, Ferrara Pan "Hot Shots", red cherry, iron notes, and a spot-on 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my chicken smorgasbord.
The best of the four vintages of this wine I've tasted, and keep in mind that this was the same price that it was in 2015.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Bucket-List- NV California Moscato

 

Bucket-List- NV California Moscato, $6.74-$7.49, 75 points, was a light pale brass color and clearing towards the rim.
Aromas of orange peel, pine needles, and pome blossoms were rather weak but pleasant.
Bucket-List- was a rather cloying sweet white wine, tart masqueraded for acidity which was, for me, insufficient to cut through the sugar.
Finished as it began. Alcohol was 10%.
Paired okay with my "hot" spicy nachos.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Gehricke Sonoma Valley 2017 Petite Sirah

 

Gehricke Sonoma Valley 2017 Petite Sirah, $29.99-$59.99 (Restaurant price), 91 points, poured core black with a slightly unfiltered garnet red penumbra, bleeding meniscus, and copious stained legs.
Aromas were rich with mulberry, blueberry, cinnamon, clove, cedar, and a bit of funky underbrush.
This Petite Sirah (Durif) was sleek, full-bodied, dry, juicy, showed good acidity, and flavors of sweet anise, mint, Sambuca, and a touch herbal.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, red pepper, sweet black licorice, and a well-balanced 14.3% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Texas-burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Duck Pond, Oregon, 2021 Chardonnay

 

Duck Pond, Oregon, 2021 Chardonnay, $12.74-$14.99, 90 points, was a dull medium brass color with a large gray penumbra.
Aromas of apples, subtle peach, pome blossoms, and just a hint of lemon peel were quite pleasant.
Duck Pond has given us a very fresh, vibrant, barely medium-bodied white wine with fair to good acidity and surprisingly complex flavor nuances consisting of melon rind, tangerine zest, ginger, and lemon juice.
Finished fair on the fading palate and a well-balanced 13.2% alcohol.
Paired okay with my chicken smorgasbord.
I think this Chardonnay got a little lost in the intense flavors of salt and vinegar chicken wings, tempura chicken breast, and honey barbeque wings, ergo better with a delicate white fish, for example, much like a Gavi or a Soave. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Charly Nicolle Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2019 Chablis Premier Cru

 

Charly Nicolle Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2019 Chablis Premier Cru, $28.00-$32.99, 92+ points, was a rather pale brass color with a very broad gray penumbra.
Aromas of light lovely vanilla, pome blossoms, white chocolate, lime zest, wet stones, and white grape notes were outstanding.
This Chablis was tart, brightly acidic, bone-dry, and light-bodied; showed good up-front flavors, diminished mid-palate, but zoomed brightly flavored late palate with trailing flavors reflective of the aromas and nuanced by good lemon juice and ginger.
Finished long, juicy, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Was a surprisingly good pairing with our Asian cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Clos Pegase Mitsuke's Vineyard Carneros-Napa Valley 2020 Chardonnay

 

Clos Pegase Mitsuke's Vineyard Carneros-Napa Valley 2020 Chardonnay, $22.94-$26.99, 89 points, was a medium yellow-gold color and clearing only at the rim.
Aromas were light and lively oak, caramel, white chocolate, white grape, and wet stone which were quite good.
This was a full-bodied white wine with fair acidity and a well-balanced oak flavor along with those reflective of the other aromas.
Finished long on a rather juicy caramel, an easy spiciness, and a big 14.2% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my spinach pie and battered chicken livers.
Note that the price was the same as it was seven years ago.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Bertani 2017 Valpolicella Ripasso (DOC)

 

Bertani 2017 Valpolicella Ripasso (DOC), $10.19-$24.99, 88 points, was ruby red at the core and radiated a more cranberry red towards the clear wine ring while the legs were very light in appearance.
Aromas were delicate cinnamon, Orange-pekoe tea, red cherry, and not a hint of raisin which seems a bit unusual.
Bertani 2017 Valpolicella Ripasso was a medium-bodied dry red wine with good acidity and thin but grippy grainy tannins.
Flavors, though not typical, were tasty red cherry, black tea, and citrus notes.
Finished fair on a slowly fading palate without much change except a hint of anise and an easy 13.5% alcohol.
Commentary: Though atypical, this was still a tasty red wine, inexpensive, and paired nicely with my marinara and thick sliced mozzarella pizza. More like a Chianti than a Valpolicella Ripasso.

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Villa Vetti 2016 Amarone Della Valpolicella (D.O.C.G.)

 

Villa Vetti 2016 Amarone Della Valpolicella (D.O.C.G.), $25.49-$59.99, 92 points, poured a dark ruby red with orange highlights, a thin clear meniscus, and intense stained smudging on the glass wall terminating in a dense necklace of teardrops.
Aromas of Sambuca, black plums, alcohol, and herbaceous Lamiaceae were pleasant.
This Amarone is quintessential, it's dry, full-bodied, with fair acidity, and a raisin/anise flavor profile nuanced with plums, red pepper, and big (15%) alcohol, texture was rich and smooth with an edgy spice and alcohol.
Finished long on the fading palate with a developing muted mint.
Paired perfectly with my beef lasagna.

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Christophe Patrice Beauroy 1-er Cru 2020 Chablis

 

Christophe Patrice Beauroy 1-er Cru 2020 Chablis, $29.74-$34.99, 91 points, poured a rather dull medium golden color with a broad clear penumbra.
Aromas of subtle dusty fried tangerine peel, slightly sour cantaloupe, a hint of canned pear, and a deep artesian well were excellent.
This Chablis was a medium-bodied dry white wine with good acidity, a sleek mouthfeel, and rather austere sense of minerality, lemon juice, and a good building flavor of ginger.
Finished long on the fading palate, citrus, white chocolate, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spanakopita pie.

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Joseph Drouhin 2020 Pouilly-Vinzelles Burgundy White Wine (Chardonnay)

 

Joseph Drouhin 2020 Pouilly-Vinzelles Burgundy White Wine (Chardonnay), $23.79-$29.99, 91+ points, was a light-yellow gold color graying and changing to water clear at the glass rim.
Aromas of wet granite, white chocolate, and just a hint of dusty lemon zest were subtle but good.
A sleek and clean light-bodied white wine with good acidity and steely flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long and building on flavors of ginger, citrus, tart honeydew melon rind, a hint of Doublemint gum with a spot-on 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our barbequed chicken, feta cheese salad, and sesame seed dessert.

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Pouilly-Vinzelles

 

Pouilly-Vinzelles

(Burgundy)

Joseph Drouhin 2020 Pouilly-Vinzelles Burgundy White Wine (Chardonnay), $23.79-$29.99, 91+

See also: Pouilly Fuissé

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Tenuta di Nozzole D.O.C.G. 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

Tenuta di Nozzole D.O.C.G. 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva, $15.99-$21.99, 92 points, poured a bright ruby red with a very light orange sheen, a massively broad clear meniscus, and sticky glass sheeting.
Interesting aromas of subtle lacquer, rose pedal, black tea, and cinnamon-spiced red cherry were excellent.
This Chianti Classico Riserva was just more than medium-bodied with bright acidity, a supportive plank of grainy tannin, and rich flavors of red fruit, black tea, and bright earthy herbal flavors all of which made for a wonderfully balanced red wine.
Finished long, showed a hint of mint, easy spiciness, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with both our pepperoni pizza and chicken parmesan.
This is a red wine with an edginess to it and may benefit by two or three years of bottle aging.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Mastroberardino 2019 Fiano di Avellino (DOCG)

 

Mastroberardino 2019 Fiano di Avellino (DOCG), $14.44-$16.99, 88 points, was a dull medium yellow gold color and graying toward the rim.
Aromas of subtle lime juice, dusty stone fruit, and mango-tinged white chocolate were very interesting and pleasant.
This Fiano was dry and slightly more than light-bodied with good acidity and tart flavors of citrus, toasted lemon zest, and a spiced gelatin which were somewhat complex and tasty.
Finished anticlimactic but long on the fading palate and a soft 12.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my Maine lobster pie.

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Seaside Cellars 2019 Pinot Noir (New Zealand)

 

Seaside Cellars 2019 Pinot Noir (New Zealand), $11.89-$15.99, 88 points, poured a transparent orange/red with copious light legs and a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas began a bit funky showing hints of rubber transitioning to an earthy cherry fruit and a hint of citrus.
This Seaside Cellars Pinot Noir was barely medium-bodied, not quite a dry red wine, showed easy tannins, good acidity, and a rather tasty straight forward cherry fruit and black tea flavor profile.
Finished a bit tart, a slightly more pronounced tannic presence, subtle eucalyptus, and a tidy 13.5% alcohol.
Paired surprisingly well with my soft tacos.
Commentary: a tasty high QPR PN.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Faugères, Saint-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Faugères, Saint-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $46.32-$54.49, 93 points, poured core black grading to a deep pomegranate red with heavy stained legs and a moderately broad clear wine ring.
Aromas of cinnamon, ripe black raspberries, cedar box, and Arabica toffee were excellent.
The 2018 Château Faugères was a dry full-bodied red wine with good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and rich fruity flavors with mint, red pepper, a bit of wood, herbal, and showing hints of tarragon and fennel.
Finished quite long on its spiciness, tartness, and a big but balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my prosaic cheeseburger with blue cheese tomatoes and kalmata olives. 

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

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Marqués de Griñón, Rueda, 2021 Verdejo

 

Marqués de Griñón, Rueda, 2021 Verdejo, $11.69-$12.99, 88 points, was a light-yellow gold color with a broad gray penumbra.
Aromas of dusty mandarin peel, white chocolate, and a floral pear were lovely.
This Verdejo was a bit viscus, thus medium-bodied, with fair acidity, showed robust stone fruit flavors and hints of those reflective of the aromas.
Finished tart, showed subtle flavors of lime juice and ginger, and was complemented by a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

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Cambria Katherine's Vineyard 2020 Chardonnay

 

Cambria Katherine's Vineyard 2020 Chardonnay, $15.29-$21.99, 86 points, was a pale straw yellow color and graying midway towards the rim.
Aromas of apple cider, oak, white chocolate, and Chardonnay specific grape were just okay for me (too much oak).
More than a medium-bodied dry white wine with fair acidity but overwhelming oak flavors, a bit of Crème Brûlée, and a pleasing crisping ginger.
Finished a tad sour and with a rather dominating 14.1% alcohol.
Paired unsatisfactorily with my turkey club and chips.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Ridge Geyserville 2019 Red Wine

 

Ridge Geyserville 2019 Red Wine, $41.64-$48.99, 92 points, poured core black grading to a purple red with dense stained fat-legs and a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of briar fruit nuanced with hints of mint, mulberry, and underbrush were good.
This Geyserville was full-bodied, dry, robust, and showed fair acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and with flavors reflective of the aromas demonstrated its pedigree.
Finished long on the trailing palate, red pepper, and a bit unbalanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with mu Tuscan pizza.

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Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG)

 

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG), $34.99-$39.99, 92 points, poured a medium cranberry red color with a penumbra tinged with orange, a broad clear meniscus, and copious stained legs.
Aromas of rose pedal, black tea, and a hint of shoe polish were interesting.
This Gran Selezione (select) Sangiovese red wine was medium-bodied, bone dry with good acidity, and showed masked red fruit flavors nuanced with tea, mint, and red pepper.
Finished long on the fading palate, a bit tart, an unfolding hint of iron, and a rather intense 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our pepperoni pizza.

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Wenikellerei Römerhof Mosel (Trittenheim) 2020 kabinett Riesling

 

Wenikellerei Römerhof Mosel (Trittenheim) 2020 kabinett Riesling, $13.59-$14.99, 82 points, was a medium brass color and graying midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas were muted, metallic, and with just a hint of lemon oil.
This was a medium-bodied semi-sweet white wine with fair acidity and a rather dull tropical fruit flavor profile.
Finished slightly tart, demonstrating a rock-candy sweetness, and with a soft 8.5% alcohol.
Paired just okay with our Asian cuisine.
A rather disappointing white wine experience.

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Louis Pommery Single vineyard, Carneros 2019 Chardonnay

 

Louis Pommery Single vineyard, Carneros 2019 Chardonnay, $21.24-$24.99, 90 points, was a light brass color with a wide grayish penumbra.
Aromas of floral apricots, soft white chocolate, white pepper, and just a hint of hazelnuts were subtle and complex.
This Carneros Chardonnay was barely medium-bodied, was dry yet with an easy mouthfeel, showed fair to good acidity, and flavors that meticulously followed the aromas garnished with a sprinkling of lemon zest.
Finished well, mildly tart, showed just a hint of ginger, and matched the balanced texture and flavors, with a 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our baked chicken/veggie pie.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

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Domaine J. A. Ferret 2019 Pouilly Fuissé

 

Domaine J. A. Ferret 2019 Pouilly Fuissé, $28.89-$35.99, 91 points, was a medium straw yellow color and grading clear only at the rim.
Aromas of tart apple, soft lemon curd, wet stones, and hints of white grape were good but unremarkable.
This Pouilly Fuissé was dry, medium-bodied, tart, crisp with acid, lively with white pepper and ginger, and quite steely.
Finished with flavors of oak, lemon, that lively ginger, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my lobster pie and baked haddock.

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Castello di Cigognola Barberasso Provincia Di Pavia 2018 Barbera (IGT)

 

Castello di Cigognola Barberasso Provincia Di Pavia 2018 Barbera (IGT), $12.74-$35.99, 88 points, poured an opaque blood red with violet highlights, copious stained-legs, and a clear meniscus.
Aromas of juniper berry, underbrush, and hints of smoke, chocolate, and savory were pleasant enough.
This Barbera was full-bodied dry red wine with good acidity and a firm underlayment of tannin.
Flavors were reflective of the aromas but more fruit-driven with plum, black raspberry, and tart pomegranate.
Finished long, tart, accelerated tannin, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my steak-tips.

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Domaine William Fevre 2018 Chablis

 

Domaine William Fevre 2018 Chablis, $28.04-$32.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color and fading to a light gray at the rim.
Aromas began quite lemony, and gradually showed white chocolate, wet stone, and Chardonnay specific grape.
This Chablis was light to medium-bodied with bright acidity, crisp, edgy with intense ginger notes, a bit tart, sour, and fresh.
Finished long on lemon zest, green melon rind, ginger, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my veggie and rice with marinated chicken breast spiced Cajun. 

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Tenuta di Arceno 2019 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

 

Tenuta di Arceno 2019 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $18.69-$25.99, 89 points, poured a creamy cranberry color with a violet sheen, a thin clear wine ring, and copious stained legs.
Aromas were fruit-driven with a candied red raspberry, slightly sour plum, perfumed roses, and mushroom-earthiness.
This Chianti was a bone-dry medium-bodied red wine with tight grainy tannins, good acidity, and rather edgy flavors reflective of the aromas with a bit of black tea and red pepper (not a soft Merlot-styled red wine).
Finished long, a bit metallic, tart, tannic, and with a spicy infused 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my meat-lovers calzone.

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Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $28.04-$74.99, 90 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with a clear meniscus and medium clear legs.
Aromas of cinnamon-spiced red cherry, red raspberry, hints of cedar, and dried herbs were good.
This Bordeaux was just barely full-bodied with good acidity, comfortable tannins, and a juicy flavor/texture profile, but notable flavors of anise, cherry fruit, a hint of Sambuca, and white pepper were balanced.
Finished long on Sambuca, pepper, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our prosaic cheeseburgers.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

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MT. Tabor 2019 Chardonnay

 

MT. Tabor 2019 Chardonnay, $14.44-$16.99, 90 points, was a pale brass color with a light green sheen and clear midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas were very fresh and light with notes of fresh-cut grass, honeydew melon, and white blossoms.
This Israeli Chardonnay was not quite medium-bodied, dry, tart, angular, crisp, and showed unusually bright acidity for a Chardonnay.
Flavors were lemon zest with a zip, ginger ale, lime oil, and wet stone were more interesting on the second day.
Finished long on the fading palate, a sour melon rind, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired great with my broiled pork chops.
Note, on the first day my opinion was this was just a serviceable white table wine without much distinction, but today I'm far more impressed.

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Erath Willamette Valley Estate Selection 2018 Pinot Noir

 

Erath Willamette Valley Estate Selection 2018 Pinot Noir, $21.92-$27.99, 90 points, poured a medium cranberry red with a garnet penumbra, a broad clear meniscus, and many thin cascading legs.
Aromas of perfumed black cherry, floral red cherry, autumn underbrush, and Pinot Noir specific grape were pleasant if not profound.
This Estate Selection was a medium-bodied dry red wine, with good acidity, mellow round tannins, and a grape juicy flavor profile, what I think of as an anti-Sideways Melot-like Pinot, a bit herbaceous, but with a finish that wouldn't quit and showed a hint of mint surfacing through a rather innocuous 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed center porkchops.

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Elouan, Oregon, 2019 Chardonnay

 

Elouan, Oregon, 2019 Chardonnay, $11.49-$17.99, 87 points, was a medium brass/gold color and gray towards the rim.
Aromas were largely white grape, NECCO wafer, and apples.
This Elouan was medium-bodied, dry, showed fair acidity, and was very juicy with hints of lemon and apple pie flavors, but was rather one dimensional, yet tasty and certainly qualified as a good table wine.
Finished long, tart, and with a big 14.2% alcohol content.
Paired fine with our white fish and chicken smorgasbord.

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NOBILO ICON Marlborough, NZ, 2017 Pinot Noir

 

NOBILO ICON Marlborough, NZ, 2017 Pinot Noir, $12.74-$15.99, 87 points, poured a medium cranberry red with a light orange sheen, a clear wine ring, and a good necklace of legs.
Smells of a breezy coniferous forest, soft sun ripened red grapes, and hints of cherry fruit were pleasant but almost insignificant.
This was barely a medium-bodied dry red wine with a good underlayment of soft tannins, good acidity, and uncommitted flavors of red cherry, citrus notes, and white pepper which were tasty if not contemplative, making for a great unobtrusive pairing with my buffet.
Finished long on the trailing palate with a bit of anise and a gentle 13% alcohol.
Keep in mind that this a Pinot Noir without flaw, distraction, or ill flavor, and under $20, and for that QPR, rates relatively high for me.

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Rombauer Vineyards, Carneros 2021 Chardonnay

 

Rombauer Vineyards, Carneros 2021 Chardonnay, $33.99-$43.99, 92 points, poured a medium yellow-gold color and trending water-clear long before the rim.
Aromas were an array of rich passion fruit, mandarin flesh, lemon zest, and slightly dusty Chardonnay-specific grape. 
Rombauer provided a delicious medium-bodied robust and quite dry white wine in this very young and fresh presentation. Acidity was fair to good, and flavors delicately followed the aromas with a more solid apple and ginger.
Finished long on the fading palate stiffened with a big 14.5% alcohol and a touch of oak.
Paired perfectly with my center-cut, bone-in, spice-rubbed pork chops. 

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Ramey Vineyard Napa Valley (Russian River-Sonoma County) 2019 Chardonnay

 

Ramey Vineyard Napa Valley (Russian River-Sonoma County) 2019 Chardonnay, $32.30-$39.99, 93 points, poured the lightest of yellow-gold color with graying towards the rim.
Aromas were delicate and subtle, but hints of beechwood, pome blossoms, apple, and dusty white grape were lovely.
Not quite a medium-bodied white wine, dry, sweet-spot acidic, and for the discerning palate with gentle flavors reflective of the aromas with peripheral notes of vanilla and ginger.
Finished long on hints of lemon peel, the ineffable sense of minerality, and easy ginger ale.
Paired perfectly with our baked turkey pie.
Comment/JMO: The last three Cali Chardonnays posted have totally restored my faith in Cali Chardonnays!!! If you love Sauvignon Blanc but find them often too acidic or tight on citrus, let me recommend these last three Chardonnays.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

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Goldeneye Anderson Valley 2019 Pinot Noir

 

Goldeneye Anderson Valley 2019 Pinot Noir, $42.49-$59.99, 95 points, poured a very deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and surprisingly fat legs.
Smells of Sambuca, bright sour red cherry, cinnamon, subtle hints of cocoa powder, and mulberry were cerebral and delightful.
This vintage Goldeneye Pinot Noir was more full-bodied than most Pinots and showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas with well-nuanced cayenne pepper.
Finished long with gentle metallic notes, juicy cherry fruit, and a well-balanced 14.2% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my salmon cake.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2019 Chardonnay

 

Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2019 Chardonnay, $28.04-$34.99, 95 points, was a light yellow-gold color with a broad clear penumbra.
Aromas began quite appley but more complex aromas of cantaloupe, honey, beeswax, hints of warm dusty wood pith, and white blossoms developed.
Jordan was a light-bodied dry white wine, was crisp and clean, with bright acidity and lovely delicate flavors of lemon zest, ginger, Granny Smith apple, and white grape.
Finished long, a bit tart, hints of B and W pepper, and a spot-on 13.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with non-spicy Asian cuisine.
I can't tell you just how impressed I am with this Jordan and the Gary Farrell 2019 Chardonnays, but if you're looking for BIG oaky Chardonnays, these aren't that, but rather clean, crisp, and refreshing.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Château Les Grands Chênes, Bernard Magrez, Medoc, 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Les Grands Chênes, Bernard Magrez, Medoc, 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $17.84-$20.99, 89 points, poured core black grading to a deep purple red with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
Aromas were a good blend of prunes with spring underbrush, rich cherry fruit, and showed quite herbal.
This 2018 Medoc red wine was a bold very full-bodied dry red wine with fair acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and good flavors of cherry cola, dried cooking herbs, and easy red pepper.
Finished long with developing iron notes, tannin, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired okay with my grilled steak tips in roasted green peppers and onions.
Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Editions D'Art Jack was a print from a box of chocolates altered for my non-commercial review purpose.

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Gary Farrell 'Russian River Selection' Russian River Valley Sonoma County 2019 Chardonnay

 

Gary Farrell 'Russian River Selection' Russian River Valley Sonoma County 2019 Chardonnay, $32.29-40.99, 96 points, poured a pristine delicate yellow/gold grading light gray towards the rim.
Aromas of subtle pome blossoms, stony minerality, and dusty white grape were outstanding more so on the second day.
This was barely a medium-bodied dry and sleek white wine with brighter acidity than is typical for Cali Chardonnay.
Flavors were reflective of the aromas with gentle lemon oil notes and bright ginger (a near perfectly balanced Chardonnay)
Finished very long with a spot-on 13.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced chicken stew.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Warre's 2017 Vintage Port

 

Warre's 2017 Vintage Port, approximately $35-375ml, 95 points, poured black with a deep purple/red penumbra, a thin bleeding meniscus, and a veil of dense stained legs.
Smells of raisins, prunes, anise, and concentrated black grape perfume were rich and unctuous.
This port had a massive-luscious body, showed fair acidity, a sleek delivery of rich spicy flavors with those reflective of the aromas, and carried deep and long into an intensifying peppery finish with notes of Kirsch, graphite, and a potent 20% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my chocolate desserts.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Cline Ancient Vines, Contra Costa County, 2020 Zinfandel

 

Cline Ancient Vines, Contra Costa County, 2020 Zinfandel, $15.29-$17.99, 88 points, poured a slightly cloudy ruby red with a violet sheen, a broad clear wine ring, and heavy class sheeting with drop-down tears.
Smells of birch bark, briar fruit, a hint of red cherry, and a bit black grapey all of which were pleasant if not cerebral.
A very full-bodied red wine with an early palate softness, fair acidity, lush flavors of cinnamon infused cherry fruit, red raspberry, blueberry, and also showed a bit herbal.
Finished on a growing spiciness, tannic presence, and its big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Mexican cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Tablescapes (emphasis is on the wine) For Thanksgiving and the Holidays

 

 Tablescapes (emphasis is on the wine) For Thanksgiving and the Holidays for those who want to think of other things than our troubles or just take pleasure in presenting the "dinner" table with class.
 How might wine complement your table-setting? I used to think of this as table-settings with gravatas, for some of us the wine plays almost as an important role for special occasions as the centerpiece, silverware, plates, clean floor, roast turkey. baked ham, Peta (ha), or even lobster (Think M Tagalakis, Helen, or Marilyn).
 At any rate, maybe some ideas might be had for some!
Cheers!

Looking for wine recommendations, especially if you are in New Hampshire?

I have an Index with twelve years of reviews and suggestions:

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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