Milbrandt Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Milbrandt Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.89-$15.99, 88 points, poured a pretty purple/red, with the emphasis on purple, a necklace of clear legs, and a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of smoky red fruit, pine resin, mulberries, and blueberries were profuse and a bit ominous.
A robust full-bodied red wine with fair to good acidity, enough tannins to cut the fruit-bomb down to much less ominous with rich flavors that mirrored the aromas.
Finished long with a welcome tart cola, warm pepper, spearmint, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tenuta Argentiera Poggio Al Ginepri 2019 Vermentino

 

Tenuta Argentiera Poggio Al Ginepri 2019 Vermentino, $9.99-$21.99, 88 points, was a slightly unfiltered light yellow gold color with a lime green sheen and graying towards the rim.
Aromas of grapefruit, Honeydew melon, and a hint of sour lemon were good.
A light-bodied dry white wine showed good acidity and a tart rendition of the nose onto the palate which carried fairly long into the finish marked by the tart grapefruit and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my baked Halibut.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Vignals Pays D'OC 2020 Viognier

 

Vignals Pays D'OC 2020 Viognier, $6.99, 87 points, was a brassy gold color and clearing with a very broad graying meniscus.
Aromas of peach, apples, a stark minerality, and pome blossoms were lovely.
A medium-bodied dry white wine with fair acidity and good flavors of white chocolate, minerality, and weak notes of cantaloupe exceeded expectations.
Finished a bit short but showed some good ginger notes with a balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our baked Pacific Haddock.
At $6.99 from Trader Joes, this is a very good buy!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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14 Hands Columbia Valley 2018 Merlot

 

14 Hands Columbia Valley 2018 Merlot, $8.99-$9.99, 86 points, poured a deep rosewood red with a broad clear wine ring and copious legs.
Aromas of chocolate, cinnamon, blueberries, and mulberries were profuse and "delicious".
A full-bodied dry red wine with fair to good acidity, tight grainy tannins, and a toasty almost syrupy rendition of the aromas on the palate were okay.
Finished long, slightly sour, and with cayenne, black licorice, and a favorable 14.2% alcohol.
Paired fine with my cheese-steak sub. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Flora Springs Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Flora Springs Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $34.84-$45.99, 92 points, poured mostly black with a large deep purple red penumbra and a clear wine ring.
Aromas of currant fruits, brewing coffee, juniper berries, and underbrush were excellent.
A full-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, firm expressive tannins, and rich flavors of cassis, anise, hints of chocolate, and mulling spices.
Finished long, intense, and warm on a 14.2% alcohol and pepper spices.
Paired perfectly with our Chicago-styled pizza, and okay with my spice-rubbed rare ribeye. 

2016 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Giuseppe Cortese 2017 Barbaresco (DOCG)

 

Giuseppe Cortese 2017 Barbaresco (DOCG), $33.99-$39.99, 91 points, poured an Orange Pekoe tea off-red color with a broad clear meniscus and a torrent of legs.
Aromas were earthy with a floral component, black tea, and cinnamon strawberries.
A lean bone-dry red wine with bright acidity, firm grainy tannins, and flavors true to the nose.
Finished long on the fading palate, red pepper, and a balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Italian sausage and provolone ravioli in tomato sauce.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Stone Castle Vineyard and Winery, Kosovo, 2018 Merlot (PGO)

 

Stone Castle Vineyard and Winery, Kosovo, 2018 Merlot (PGO), $9.99-$18.99, 90 points, poured a bright ruby red with copper highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and clear copious hanging legs.
Aromas were pleasantly loamy with underbrush, plums, and a hint of juniper berries.
Not quite a full-bodied dry red wine, a bit angular and austere (in a good way), showed good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and flavors of coffee, plums, and a hint of anise.
Finished long on the trailing palate, iron notes, loam, unsweetened cherry cola, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my cheese steak-tip sub.
More a lean Right-bank Bordeaux styled Merlot verses any Cali Merlot I've tasted.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine Pichot ~ Le Peu de la Moriette 2019 Vouvray

 

Domaine Pichot ~ Le Peu de la Moriette 2019 Vouvray, $16.19-$19.99, 89 points, was a light-yellow gold color with a very broad grey penumbra.
Aromas of grilled mandarin peel, lime juice, and pome blossoms were good.
A medium-bodied off-dry white wine with fair to good acidity and lovely flavors of guava, lime, and a hint of white chocolate made for a tasty tipple and white table wine.
Finished on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine, and the next day with our fried North Pacific Haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Casale Dello Sparviero "Paronza" 2015 Chianti Classico Grand Selezione (DOCG) Revisited

 

Casale Dello Sparviero "Paronza" 2015 Chianti Classico Grand Selezione (DOCG) Revisited, $26.99-$36.99, 89 points, poured core black sliding into a pomegranate red with a clear meniscus and dense hanging-stained legs.
Aromas were cinnamon-red cherry, juniper, violets, and black tea.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity, an underlayment of tannin, and a metallic flavor profile nuanced with black tea, violets, and black plums.
Finished long on the fading palate, iron, red pepper, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my loaded pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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J. L. Quinson Côtes de Provence 2020 Rosé

 

J. L. Quinson Côtes de Provence 2020 Rosé, $11.99-$15.99, 86 points, was a dark peach skin pink with a gray penumbra.
Aromas of Necco wafers, soft under-brush notes, strawberries, and stone fruits were good.
A medium-bodied off-dry Rosé wine which was a bit soft up front with fair acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas and increasing towards the fair finish marked by a bit of tart strawberry, red pepper, and a balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my beer-battered fried haddock filets.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast 2019 Chardonnay

 

Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast 2019 Chardonnay, $20.99-$29.99, 88 points, was a a light straw yellow color and water clear towards the rim.
Aromas of oak, Chardonnay specific grape, and a floral vibe were good.
A medium to full-bodied white wine with fair to good acidity, a rather round texture, and an oak-driven flavor profile nuanced with lemon, melon rind, and tart kiwi.
Finished long, a bit racy on a tighter tongue feel, and a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired fine with both our chicken stew and our steamed Gull of Maine lobster in drawn butter.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Family Napa Valley 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Family Napa Valley 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.44-$19.99, 89 points, was a very light brass color quickly grading to a water clear.
Aromas of fresh-cut grass dominated whiffs of passion fruit, lime, and Honeydew melon.
This is a light-bodied dry white wine with plenty of excitement for a Napa Sauvignon Blanc of only 12.9% alcohol. Showing bright acidity and remarkable late palate depth marked by rich ginger, tart citrus, and a touch of sour pomelo combined to give a full expression of this varietal.
Finished long on the late palate, a touch of melon rind, passion fruit, and creamed mint.
Paired well with my Atlantic lobster salad.
Interesting that Saint Helena was left off the label.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Cadre Sea Queen 2020 Albariño (USA)

 

Cadre Sea Queen 2020 Albariño (USA), $19.54-$24.99, 89 points, was a medium straw yellow color with gold highlights and clearing at the rim.
Aromas of cantaloupe and melon rind with hints of grapefruit, caramel, and lemon were deep and interesting.
This was a marginally weightier dry white wine than a light-bodied wine and was rather steely showing fair to good acidity and delivering the nose well onto the palate with a late eruption of ginger.
Finished long on the alcohol (14.2%) infused ginger.
Paired well with my fried Ipswich clams.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Penley Estate Coonawarra, Australia, 2020 Cabernet Franc

 

Penley Estate Coonawarra, Australia, 2020 Cabernet Franc, $16.99-$19.99, 88 points, poured a light ruby red color with pink rose highlights, a very broad clear wine ring, and light thin legs.
Aroma of coffee beans, toast, mulberry, blueberry, and allspice were interesting.
A very young intense dry red wine with bright acidity, firm grainy tannins, and warm pepper, mint, and blueberry flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, spearmint, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my guacamole burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Purple Hands Wichmann Vineyards Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2018 Pinot Noir

 

Purple Hands Wichmann Vineyards Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2018 Pinot Noir, $46.74-$59.99, 94 points, poured a slightly cloudy cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and copious thin legs.
Aromas of cinnamon cherries, chocolate, and a floral bouquet were excellent.
A full-bodied Pinot Noir!? There were loads of pepper, tangy red fruit, good acidity, and very fine grainy tannins within a palate genesis of silk transitioning late palate tight and vigorous.
Finished long on cherry cola, iron notes, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Thanksgiving styled dinner.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Tattoo Girl Columbia Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Tattoo Girl Columbia Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.74-$16.99, 88 points, poured an opaque pomegranate red with a broad clear wine ring and fat clear legs.
Aromas of chocolate, blueberries, cinnamon, red cherry, and a whisper of orange zest were rich.
A robust full-bodied, fruity, and dry red wine with flavors consonant with the aromas, and with a succulent texture supported by good tannins and fair acidity.
Finished long on the trailing palate, pencil lead, a hint of red pepper, and a well-balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Philly steak and cheese sub.
Varietals were 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Alexander Valley (monument block) 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Alexander Valley (monument block) 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $44.19-$54.99, 93 points, poured core black to a deep purple/red with a thin clear meniscus and hanging stained legs.
Aromas of coffee, currant fruit, lavender, and cedar were lovely.
This full-bodied dry red wine showed still fine grainy tannins, good acidity, and good flavors reflective of the aromas, red cherry, and pomegranate.
Finished long on the fading palate, a hint of citrus, cherry cola, and a well-balanced 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my guacamole burger.

2016 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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2016 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

 

2016 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

Banshee Paso Roble 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.79-$24.99, 87 points

Bread And Butter 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (California), $14.99-$15.99, 87 points

Clos Du Val, Yountville-Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $38.24-$89.99, 95 points

Darioush Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $84.99-$109.99, 92 points

Duckhorn Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $59.39-$75.99, 93 points

Flora Springs Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $34.84-$45.99, 92 points

Gibbs Three Clones Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $26.99-$29.99, 91 points

Heitz Wine Cellars Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $50.99-$64.99, 89 points

Honig Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $32.29-$39.99, 93 points

Jed Steele's Shooting Star Lake County 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.99-$16.99, 87 points

Juggernaut Hillside 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.29-$22.99, 89 points

Maggio Family Vineyard 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $8.09-$11.24, 85 points

Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $31.44-$39.99, 89 points

Pey Family Napa Valley 'Textbook' 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.79-$32.99, 90 points

Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $38.99-$43.99, 93 points

Souverain (Chateau) North Coast 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.99-$12.99, 90 points

Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Alexander Valley (monument block) 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $44.19-$54.99, 93 points

The Calling Alexander valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.99-$29.99, 89 points

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Dennis Tsiorbas

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Santa Margherita 2020 Pinot Grigio (DOC)

 

Santa Margherita 2020 Pinot Grigio (DOC), $17.99-$24.99, 92 points, was a pale brass color with a broad graying penumbra.
Aromas were a cornucopia of tropical fruit, notably pineapple, and nuanced with green melon, bees wax, and subtle citrus notes.
A light-bodied dry white wine with bright acidity (outstanding) and tangy flavors of lemon/lime, ginger, and a refreshing wash of not quite ripe watermelon.
Finished long on the trailing palate, pomelos, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried Ipswich clams.
I was recently very disappointed with the Banfi 2020 PG, but very pleasantly surprised with the Santa Margherita!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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