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.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

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. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

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

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger

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

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

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

Template provided by Google Blogger

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

Template provided by Google Blogger

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

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

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
Template provided by Google Blogger

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

Template provided by Google Blogger

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

Copyright 2010-2022

Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved; template provided by Google Blogger

Marqués Del Atrio 2019 Rioja Red Wine

 

Marqués Del Atrio 2019 Rioja Red Wine, $11.69-$12.99, 89 points, poured an opaque garnet red with a broad clear meniscus and copious fat stained-legs.
This was one of those red wines that mostly smelled of, yes, black grapes (sun warmed grapes at that), but nuanced with mulling spice and a bit herbal.
This Rioja was made with Graciano grape as well as the customary Tempranillo varietal, showed bone-dry with good acidity, a firm underlayment of grainy tannin, a rather angular texture, and good flavors of cola, anise, and black plums.
Finished quite long with notes of iron, red pepper, and an interesting tart citrus. Alcohol was a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Italian beef burger.
Not really a red wine for soft Merlot or Syrah lovers, but as a food friendly red wine or for those that like a bit of an edge, this has a great QPR.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger

The Seeker Mendoza, Argentina, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

The Seeker, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.59-$13.99, 88 points, was a medium steely-brass color and graying midway towards the rim.
Aromas of stone fruit, hay, and a floral vibe were pleasant.
This was a light-bodied dry white wine with good acidity and intense tart flavors of lime, orange, and melon rind.
Finished long on the trailing palate, accelerating ginger, a touch of white pepper, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Canadian maritime lobster in drawn butter.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Joseph Drouhin 2020 Pouilly Fuissé

 

Joseph Drouhin 2020 Pouilly Fuissé, $25.49-$31.99, 93 points, was a light-yellow gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of lemon bitters, soft honeysuckle, pome blossoms, ginger, and a stony minerality were outstanding.
This Joseph Drouhin Pouilly Fuissé was barely medium-bodied with good acidity, crisp and clean tactile qualities, and flavors righteously tied to the aromas, though the minerality is more a sense of limestone.
Finished very long, showed a bit of green melon rind, lime juice, building ginger notes, and a spot-on 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our smorgasbord. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Diatom Santa Barbara, 2020 Chardonnay

 

Diatom Santa Barbara, 2020 Chardonnay, $21.24-$26.99, 90 points, was a medium straw yellow color with golden shimmers and clearing at the glass rim.
Swamp smells were early and almost pungent, Granny Smith apple notes were quite lovely, hints of cantaloupe, honey, and pome blossoms were complex.
Diatom was a medium-bodied bone-dry white wine with good acidity, an almost crisp texture, and rich field flavors reflective hay harvesting, tangerine, and whispers of wood.
Finished on the trailing palate, soft ginger notes, and a big, but balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my baked chicken pie.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Beaujardin Salamandra, Touraine, France, 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Beaujardin Salamandra, Touraine, France, 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99-$27.99, 91 points, was a very light brass color and water clear towards the rim.
Aromas were pleasantly sweet apple with soft hay and Meyer lemon.
This was a light-bodied white wine with good acidity (not anything like the bright acidity of NZ SB) and gentle easy to drink flavors of sweet apple not quite ripe kiwi, green melon rind, soft hay notes, and nuanced with ginger.
Finished with the finessed universal palate flavors, soft/clean mouthfeel, and a spot-on 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my batter-fried haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2012-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Palazzo Vecchio 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

Palazzo Vecchio 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva, $14.44-$29.99, 92 points, poured an opaque cranberry red with a thin bleeding meniscus and medium legs.
Aromas of toast, rose pedal, black tea, a whisper of red cherry, and underbrush were soft but excellent.
This Chianti was medium-bodied with bright acidity, easy supportive tannins, and complementary flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long, showed a sense of minerality, accelerating red cherry flavor, a hint of citrus, an easy spiciness, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my deep-dish pizza supreme.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger

V.Sattui Anderson Valley 2019 Pinot Noir

 

V.Sattui Anderson Valley 2019 Pinot Noir, $23.99-$48.99, 91 points, poured a Sangiovese-red with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
Aromas were dominated by Pinot Noir specific grape but nuanced with dusty cherry pie and was rather herbal.
This Anderson Valley Pinot Noir was a medium-bodied dry red wine with ample acidity, unobtrusive yet supportive tannins, and good flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a touch of white pepper, and a well-balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Shepherd's pie.
Note that this was a closeout price and well worth it.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger

Tournon "Mathilda" Victoria 2017 Shiraz

 

Tournon "Mathilda" Victoria 2017 Shiraz, $6.79-$15.99, 86 points, poured a rather unusual (for a Shiraz) deep cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
Aromas were very grapey with hints of black pepper, plum, and cedar, but surprisingly thin for this varietal.
This was not a quite full-bodied red wine, was bone-dry, showed a firm thin plank of tannins with good acidity and flavors dominated by anise.
Finished long on residual flavors reminiscent of the aromas with easy spiciness and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spiced/broiled Australian rack of lamb.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2022, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Google Blogger