Caparzo 2016 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG)

 

Caparzo 2016 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $32.29-$39.99 (same price I paid eleven years ago), 92 points, poured a bright ruby red with orange highlights, a broad clear wine ring, light clear legs.
Aromas of red cherry, red raspberry, black tea, and petrichor were soft and pleasant.
A medium-bodied dry red wine with bright acidity and easy/supportive tannins managed flavors consistent with the nose.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a touch of citrus, oak, red pepper, and a perfect 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my guacamole burgers.
This is a very consistent Sangiovese (think super Chianti) offering, food friendly, relatively inexpensive, and delicious enough to drink alone.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Domaine Jean-Michel Dupré "Le Griottier" 2019 Morgon Red Wine

 

Domaine Jean-Michel Dupré "Le Griottier" 2019 Morgon Red Wine, $18.69-$26.99, 89 points, was a deep candy-apple red with a very broad clear meniscus and thin raining legs.
Aromas of bright red cherry, shoe polish, and a perfumed floral vibe were soft but pleasant.
A medium-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, light but sufficient tannins, and odd flavors of tart watermelon, bland red cherry, and warm spices.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a whisper of iron, a rather flat tarragon, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with our chicken smorgasbord.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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La Moussiere Alphonse Mellot 2020 Sancerre

 

La Moussiere Alphonse Mellot 2020 Sancerre, $20.89-$25.99, 90 points, poured a light-yellow gold color with a broad clear penumbra and copious legs.
Aromas of grass, lemon, pome blossoms, and a wet minerality were good.
A light-bodied dry white wine with good acidity and flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished long on the trailing palate, ginger, a hint of spearmint, grapefruit rind, and a bold 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked pollock sandwich.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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La Grand Comtadine Vacqueyras Premières vendanges 2017 Rhône Red Wine

 

La Grand Comtadine Vacqueyras Premières vendanges 2017 Rhône Red Wine, $19.54-$64.99, 92 points, poured core black grading to a rosewood red with violet highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and dense stained legs.
Aromas were a bit reluctant, but rhubarb, pine resin, sun-warmed autumn leaves, and ripe mulberry were excellent.
A sleek medium-bodied bone-dry red wine with good acidity, supportive tannins, and delicious flavors of mint, cranberry, bright red cherry, and soft cayenne pepper delivered a well-balanced red wine experience.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, a bit tart, tight, intensifying spices, and a respectable 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.
Paired perfectly with my provolone meatball sandwich.
At $20 this is a big buy!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Ridge Pagani Ranch 2018 Zinfandel

 

Ridge Pagani Ranch 2018 Zinfandel, $33.99-$39.99, 93 points, poured mostly black grading to a Shiraz purple red with a broad clear meniscus and a thick curtain of stained legs.
The outstanding aromas were juniper berry, cinnamon, ripe blackberries, pine bark, and dusty Damson plums.
A full-bodied sleek and luscious dry red wine with good acidity and a firm plank of tannin which managed to deliver Ridge famous flavors of fruit and nuanced spices.
Finished very long on black berries, black licorice, red pepper, and a well-balanced 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Mexican cuisine and traditional cheese pizza.

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

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Trefethen Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2018 Chardonnay

 

Trefethen Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2018 Chardonnay, $29.74-$39.99, 92 points, was a light-yellow gold color with a very broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of squeezed lime, cantaloupe, and a hint of evergreen and mint were just okay for me.
A medium-bodied dry white wine with good acidity and luscious flavors of tangerine, ginger, and a wet-stone minerality delivered a wonderful gestalt.
Finished very long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13.3% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our chicken breast cutlet sandwiches.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Faust Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Faust Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $46.74-$62.99, 93 points, poured mostly black with broad deep ruby red and clear penumbras, and dense stained legs.
The bouquet was rich with juniper berry, loam, underbrush, black pepper, cassis, and blackberry.
This was a big, bold, full-bodied dry red wine with heavy satiny textures, firm supportive underlayment of tannin, fair to good acidity, flavors of cherry cola without the carbonation, plums, citrus, and subtle impressions of the bouquet.
Finished quite long with hints of iron, cayenne, tart lingonberry, and a punishing, though appropriate 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatball sub with provolone in a marinara sauce.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Schloss Saarstein Abfüller Mosel 2018 Riesling Revisited

 

Schloss Saarstein Abfüller Mosel 2018 Riesling Revisited, $17.99-$19.99, 88 points, was a light brass color with copper highlights and a broad grey rim.
Aromas began with more petrol than in 2021, a hint of shoe polish, and redolent summertime wet asphalt were more interesting for sure.
A near medium-bodied off-dry white wine with good acidity and interesting apple and petrol dominated flavors.
Finished fair, a bit tart, showing citrus, and an easy 10% alcohol.
Paired well with my Liver Pattee and seeded rye toast.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Dr. Beckermannn Rheinhessen 2020 Liebfraumilch

 

Dr. Beckermannn Rheinhessen 2020 Liebfraumilch, $6.99, 88 points, was a light brass color with a very broad grey penumbra.
Aromas of muted grass notes, white chocolate, lemon zest, and subtle pomelo juice were soft but pleasant.
A light-bodied white wine with medium acidity and a delicious albeit straight-forward flavor profile marked by hints of guava, melon rind, and a touch of lemon zest.
Finished fair on the delicious fading palate.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Cristom Willamette Valley Eola- Amity Hills, Jessie Vineyard, 2018 Pinot Noir

 

Cristom Willamette Valley Eola- Amity Hills, Jessie Vineyard, 2018 Pinot Noir, $55.24, $64.99, 94 points, poured a bright cranberry red with violet highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and lightly stained legs.
A bouquet reminiscent of a black cherry/red raspberry infused Cinnabon, underbrush, and soft lavender notes were lovely.
This dry red wine's body was a bit heavier than medium-bodied, texture was relatively round and smooth, acidity good, and flavors reflected the bouquet righteously.
Finished long, nuanced with subtle spices, cherry pie, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly (too perfectly) with our Thanksgiving styled supper.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Viña Marchigue Pichilemu DO. Curico Valley, Chile, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Viña Marchigue Pichilemu D.O Curico Valley, Chile, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, $6.99, 89 points, was a light brass color with a clear meniscus.
Aromas were early wonderful pineapple with hints of grapefruit and developing fresh-cut grassy notes.
A light-bodied dry white wine with bright acidity and explosive flavors of ginger, passion fruit, and lemon grass.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, melon rind, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked Haddock filet, and vegetable fried rice.
Another great find at Trader Joe's.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Famiglia Castellani 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

 

Famiglia Castellani 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $14.44-$18.99, 92+ points, poured a pomegranate red with flashes of purple, a clear meniscus, and light glass sheeting.
Aromas of perfumed Bordeaux lily, cinnamon, red cherry jam, and muted orange zest took a bit of time for the wine to open up.
A medium-bodied bone-dry red wine with bright acidity, a grainy underlayment of tannin, and good flavors of eucalyptus, red raspberry, Kirsch, cayenne, and a floral vibe were complex and interesting.
Finished very long on the fading palate, spearmint, and a modest European 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our pepperoni pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Antucura ‘Barrandica’ 2019 Cabernet Franc (Argentina)

 

Antucura ‘Barrandica’ 2019 Cabernet Franc (Argentina), $16.14-$18.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with violet highlights, copious stained legs, and a moderately wide meniscus.
Aromas were engulfed in an herbal matrix with hints of underbrush, Heath bar, and cranberries.
A full-bodied dry red wine with a round-leaning mouthfeel, good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and flavors of chocolate, blackberry cordial, cassis, dried cooking herbs, and licorice which made for a very good red table wine.
Finished long on hints of spearmint, iron, red raspberry, and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our New York styled pepperoni pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Domaine J. A. Ferret "Clos des Prouges" 2018 Pouilly Fuissé

 

Domaine J. A. Ferret "Clos des Prouges" 2018 Pouilly Fuissé, $36.54-$46.99, 91 points, was a medium straw yellow color with a very broad clear penumbra.
Aromas of subtle pomelo, cantaloupe, wild stream minerality, and floral perfume were complex and interesting.
A dry white wine with good acidity and rich flavors that mirrored the aromas with hints of lime and loads of ginger.
Finished long, a bit tart, steely, and with a perfect 13% alcohol.
Paired well with our Asian cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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BACA "Double Dutch" Dusi Vineyard, Paso Roble, 2019 Zinfandel

 

BACA "Double Dutch" Dusi Vineyard, Paso Roble, 2019 Zinfandel, $29.74-$34.99, 91 points, poured a light cranberry red with violet highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and fat legs.
Aromas of chocolate, wild briar fruit, ripe mulberry, and a hint of fresh oregano were pronounced and interesting.
A full-bodied bone-dry red wine with firmly accelerating tannins tied to a warm (15%) alcohol and cayenne spice nuanced with blueberry and and red raspberry.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, a hint of citrus, and Zinfandel grape specific.
A lively yet sophisticated Zinfandel.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Inama Veneto, Italy, 2020 (Vin) Soave Classico, DOC

 

Inama Veneto, Italy, 2020 (Vin) Soave Classico, DOC, $11.99-$17.99, 87 points, was a medium yellow gold color and cleared long before the rim.
Aromas of slightly sour apples, petrichor, and a hint of cantaloupe were just okay.
A light-bodied dry white wine with fair acidity and flavors of lime, good slate-like minerality, and cantaloupe had a balanced presentation.
Finished nicely on a tart rendition of the palate, a whisper of white pepper, and a soft 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked Alaskan Pollock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Mendoza Vineyards "Chamuyo" 2020 Malbec

 

Mendoza Vineyards "Chamuyo" 2020 Malbec, $6.79-$15.99, 90 points, poured an opaque purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and thin stained legs.
Complex, in flux, and interesting early tertiary aromas of tobacco, chocolate, toast, cinnamon, pine resin, and rose pedal were on par with developing plum and blackberry notes.
A full-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, grainy underlayment of tannin, and slightly metallic black fruit flavors nuanced with subtle cocoa, bacon, and cayenne were delicious.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a hint of citrus, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our guacamole burgers.
This Malbec was a bit racier and more interesting than the 2019 King Rabbit Malbec I had recently (which was quite soft), and was a GREAT BUY for $6.79, and if price is your thing, then this one is for you.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Symington Family Estates Altano 2019 Douro Red Wine

 

Symington Family Estates Altano 2019 Douro Red Wine, $11.69-$12.99, 87 points, poured a lovely pristine pomegranate red with a very broad clear meniscus and fat-stained legs.
Aromas of red fruit, cedar box, roses, fresh linin, and a hint of cinnamon were light and airy.
A not quite medium-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, easy underlayment of tannin, and easy flavors of cola, strawberry, a touch of cayenne, and a hint of citrus were good, but a bit weak.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a hint of iron, tobacco notes, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 40% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Franca, and 30% Tinta Barroca.
Paired perfectly with my Sheperd's pie.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2010 Riesling Spätlese Revisited after Nine Years

 

Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2010 Riesling Spätlese Revisited after Nine Years, 95 points, $29.99, (375 ml), was a coppery caramel color with a clear meniscus.
Aromas of petrol. honey, cocoa, and bee's wax were excellent.
A medium-bodied not quite medium sweet white wine with intriguing flavors reflective of the aromas with a touch of guava and Manderino peel pleased.
Finished long on the fading palate, a touch of melon, and a well-balanced 8.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.
Not many white wines can do this! And no wonder that Riesling is a noble white wine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Domaine Du Colombier 2018 Chablis Revisited

 

Domaine Du Colombier 2018 Chablis Revisited, $22.99-$26.99, 90 points, was a repeat lovely performance!
See last April's review: Domaine Du Colombier 2018 Chablis

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, All rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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