Ten Sisters Marlborough Single Vineyard 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Ten Sisters Marlborough Single Vineyard 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.14-$18.99, 86 points, was a light brass color with a slight bronze sheen and a gray penumbra.
Aromas were weak lemon oil, dusty cardboard, and fresh stream minerality.
Ten Sisters was a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with good acidity and a lemon oil dominate flavor profile nuanced with minerality, ginger ale, and multifaceted citrus notes.
Finished very long on the fading palate and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired only okay with my chicken stew and veggies.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Castellare 2020 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

 

Castellare 2020 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $18.69-$24.99, 92 points, poured a deep orange/red color with a broad clear meniscus and sticky stained legs.
Aromas of black tea, rose pedal, loam, and red fruit were excellent.
Another award-winning Chianti Classico showing bright acidity, fine grainy tannins, and delicious flavors of strawberry, cola, black tea, pomegranate, and a hint of white truffle.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm spices, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Giovanni's pizza.
This is my tenth vintage of this wine, and they just seem to get better and better.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Zuccardi Q Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Zuccardi Q Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.44-$21.99, 91 points, poured a deep purple/red color with a broad clear meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromas of chocolate, smokey black fruit, hints of cinnamon and loam were excellent.
This South American Cabernet Sauvignon was full-bodied, showed fair acidity, sound layers of tannin, luscious mouthfeel, and good flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished fair with some nuanced warm spices and a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rib-eye steak.
This is a high QPR (Quality/Price/Ratio) Cabernet and way better than its price-point.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Alamos Mendoza, Argentina 2020 Malbec Selección

 

Alamos Mendoza, Argentina 2020 Malbec Selección, $9.34-$12.99, 89 points, poured core black grading purple/red with a clear wine ring and raining stained legs.
Aromas of blueberries, mulberries, loam, juniper, cigar box, and a floral vibe were layered and deep.
This hundred-year-old Alamos vineyard's Malbec Selección was full-bodied, showed fair acidity, a supportive underlayment of soft tannin, and rich dominant fruit flavors nuanced with cooking herbs and eucalyptus.
Finished long and juicy with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my sausage and onion pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2020-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Trefethen Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2021 Chardonnay

 

Trefethen Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2021 Chardonnay, $32.29-$39.99, 93 points, was a very light brass color with a yellow sheen and a broad graying penumbra.
The aromas were bright lemony minerality with hints of dusty melon rind.
This Trefethen Chardonnay was light to medium-bodied, showed bright acidity, and lively flavors reflective of the aromas carried on the refreshing cool-mountain spring-like mouthfeel.
Finished long, tart, ginger nuanced, and with a spot-on 13.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our rotisserie chicken and all the fixins.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Buehler Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Buehler Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $17.99, 92 points:
I bought this wine in 2010 along with the 2005 vintage which was an early reviewed wine of mine, and I haven't tasted a Buehler Cabernet Sauvignon since 2016, so, out the Euro-Cave and to my table it came today.
Poured a ruby-red color with an orange sheen, a thin brownish-bleeding meniscus, suspended tiny particles, and runny stained legs.
Interesting aromas were leathery, plum-like, nuanced with subtle coffee and brandy notes.
A full-bodied dry red wine with fair acidity, resolved tannins, delicious flavors of Crème Brûlée, coffee, plums, and caramel.
Finished very long on the trailing palate, a bit of warm spice, and a well-balanced 14.2 % alcohol.
Paired fine with my Shepherd's pie.

2006 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Jean-Luc Colombo Terroirs du Vent La Violette 2022 Viognier (France)

 

Jean-Luc Colombo Terroirs du Vent La Violette 2022 Viognier (France), $16.49, 87 points, was a light-yellow gold color and graying midway towards the glass shallows.
Aromas of pine resin, lemon zest, and dusty orange peel were pleasant.
This Viognier was light to medium-bodied with good acidity and pronounced early and late palate flavors beginning with NECCO wafers and finishing with ginger-ale (mid palate was a bit thin).
Finished long and tart with a complementing 13% alcohol.
Paired well with our baked beer-battered Pollock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Alamos Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Malbec

 

Alamos Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Malbec, $14.44-$19.99, 89 points, poured a dark purple/red color with a broad clear meniscus and copious stained-legs.
This Malbec smelled herbal, earthy, fruity, and accented with subtle coffee notes.
Full-bodied, showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of grainy tannin, and tangy flavors of mulberry, red raspberry, warm pepper spices, and a citrus zest.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with several beefy cuisines.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills 2021 Chardonnay (California)

 

Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills 2021 Chardonnay (California), $28.04-$34.99, 92 points, was a medium straw-yellow color with a broad gray penumbra.
Aromas of orange peel, hints of cantaloupe and oak, and dusty Chardonnay specific grapes were pleasant.
This Cali Chardonnay has good even bright acidity (a bit unusual), a steely mouthfeel, and good flavors reflective of the aromas with outstanding ginger-ale notes.
Finished very long on the fading palate with hints of lemon meringue, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our baked chicken dinner.
As of late, I've been a fan of Northwest Chardonnay, but this brings me back "home" to California.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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David Finlayson 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon -South Africa

 

David Finlayson 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon-South Africa, $16.99-$19.99, 92 points, pored an opaque pomegranate red with an unfiltered purple/red penumbra, a clear meniscus, and a torrent of stained fat legs.
Aromas of Bordeaux lily, mushrooms, black plums, and a hint of cocoa were excellent and unusual.
This South African Cabernet Sauvignon was priced way below its value; a full-bodied red wine with good acidity, firm supportive tannins, a steely but comfortable mouthfeel, and delicious flavors of blackberries, plums, cooking herbs, and just a hint of raisins and mint.
Finished very long on a cayenne infused alcohol (14%) and anise.
Paired perfectly with my Sheperd's pie.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2019 Malbec (Argentina)

 

Achaval Ferrer Mendoza 2019 Malbec (Argentina), $16.99-$22.99, 91 points, poured core black grading to a rich purple red color, a broad clear meniscus, and stained-glass sheeting.
Aromas of cinnamon, mulberry, wood, and smokey floral notes were lovely.
Achaval Ferrer Malbecs have been my most go-to Malbec wines, and with good reasons.
Full-bodied dry red wine of good acidity with intensity, depth, and an angular mouthfeel complemented with rich flavors reflective of the aromas plus warm spice accents.
Finished long on a grainy substrate of tannin, spice, juicy red fruit, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Texas burgers.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $25.49-$29.99, 90 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with fat stained-legs and a wide clear meniscus.
Aromas of rose pedal, mulberry, coffee notes, a hint of dusty caramel, and red raspberry were soft and pleasant.
This Chianti Classico Riserva was near full-bodied, astringent (tempered with air), showed good acidity, grainy tannins, and tart flavors of red fruit, black tea, oak, and a touch of mint.
Finished long and with a hint of bourbon, warm spices, and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired only okay with my pepperoni pizza.
If you like soft, round, smooth Merlot or Malbec wines, I'm thinking this wine isn't for you, but " in vino veritas".

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES
Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Les Tours De Laroque Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Les Tours De Laroque Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $20.99-$32.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with a broad clear wine ring and stained hanging legs.
Pleasant aromas were toasty black fruit, loam, and dried cooking herbs.
This full-bodied Bordeaux red wine showed dry, a bit tannic, brightly acidic, spicy, and archetypical for a Saint Émilion red blended wine. Flavors of plums, currants, coffee, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs were heavily influenced by tannin and alcohol (14.5%).
Finished long on the trailing palate and developing tartness.
Paired okay with my Tenderloin Steak and Pepper Kabobs.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Weingut Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof - Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese 2021 Riesling

 

Weingut Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof - Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese 2021 Riesling, $39.94-$46.99, 94 points, was a medium brass color with platinum highlights and a broad gray penumbra.
Aromas were decidedly apple in nature but with a whisper of orange zest and petrol.
This Mosel Spätlese Riesling was more a "sweet" medium-bodied white wine, and the quotes are intended to draw your attention to the perfect balancing-act that its tart counterpoint accomplished. Bright acidity, splendid flavors of caramel-rock candy, apple cider, citrus, and melon rind, a touch of petrol, along with a luscious mouthfeel just won me over to this style and producer.
Finished quite long, mouth-watering/puckering, a bit orangey, and with a soft unobtrusive 8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Buffalo-wings, Mexican tacos, and Danish dessert.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Eroica (Chateau Ste Michelle-Dr. Loosen) 2021 Columbia Valley Riesling

 

Eroica (Chateau Ste Michelle-Dr. Loosen) 2021 Columbia Valley Riesling, $15.29-$20.99, 93 points, was a medium brass color with a gray penumbra.
Aromas of dusty tart apple, hints of petrol, whispers of white chocolate, touch of mint, and citrusy orange and lemon peel were exalted.
Eroica was steely crisp and clean with good acidity, minerality, and distinctive flavors of the aromas but accented with ginger ale.
Finished brightly on the trailing palate, a pucker, and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.
Eroica Rieslings always score in the nineties, and this 2021 was no exception, and don't say that "Rieslings are too sweet"; these are not "them"!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Château Carbonnieux Grand Cru Classé De Graves 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Carbonnieux Grand Cru Classé De Graves 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $39.52-$46.49, 92 points, poured core black grading to a deep Burgundy red color with a clear wine ring and copious stained-legs.
Aromas of rose pedal, mulberry, and hints of marjoram and clove were pleasant.
This Bordeaux (65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot) was full-bodied, showed fair to good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and rich flavors of tobacco, black licorice, warm spice-infused black cherry, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long on fennel, mushrooms, cayenne pepper, a hint of mint, and a warm 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my prime rib.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Langoa Barton Saint-Julien 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Langoa Barton Saint-Julien 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $57.37-$67.49, 92 points, poured broadly black grading to a deep purple/red with a clear meniscus and slippery fat stained-legs.
The fragrant and complex array of aromas was a cornucopia of fruit with currants, blackberries, pomegranate nuanced with mint and flowers.
This 2018 Château Langoa Barton was a bit astringent, tart, tannic, dry, and way too young, but still satisfyingly delicious; showed developing flavors of fruit, coffee, tangy cooking herbs, red cherry bitters, and spicy warm pepper.
Finished long and puckering with good acidity and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Mexican cuisine.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Felsina Rancia 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

Felsina Rancia 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva, $50.99-$59.99, 93 points, poured a bright cranberry red with orange highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and light sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of strawberry rhubarb pie, dusty clementine peel, rose pedal, and black tea were soft but deep and enduring.
Not quite a medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, round/soft tannins, and delicious but the slow to develop flavors of spicy-infused red raspberry, black tea, and a whisper of violets were deceptively furtive, but quite wonderful on the second day.
Finished long on the fading palate and the spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our meat-man's pizza.
Not as good as I remember this wine from twelve years ago and about $14 more, but still a great wine for a special occasion.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Virtus Ribera Del Duero 2014 Tempranillo Red Wine

 

Virtus Ribera Del Duero 2014 Tempranillo Red Wine, $17.99-$34.99, 92 points, poured broadly black with a rosewood red penumbra, a thin bleeding meniscus, and heavy stained legs.
Subtle aromas of cedar, coffee, fig, black fruit were good.
This Tempranillo was full-bodied with a round luscious mouthfeel, showed big alcohol (15%), fair to good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors of black licorice, plum, pomegranate, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long and warm on its spice infused alcohol, a bit tart and plummy.
Paired well with my nacho supreme and my baked pork loin chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Ego Bodegas -Infinito- Jumilla 2018 Monastrell

 

Ego Bodegas -Infinito- Jumilla 2018 Monastrell, $16.99-$22.99, 91 points, poured a bright rosewood red with a broad clear meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromas were earthy, fruity, and nuanced with chocolate and dusty oak.
This 100%  Monastrell was full-bodied, showed good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas and set on fire by spicy infused alcohol (15%).
Finished long with hints of iodine, Damson plums, and citrus.
Paired perfectly with my organic cheeseburger.
A BIG red wine with a high QPR (Quality/Price/Ratio).

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Castello Banfi Fontanelle 2020 Chardonnay

 

Castello Banfi Fontanelle 2020 Chardonnay, $18.69-$24.99, 90 points, was a medium straw-yellow color with a thin gray penumbra.
Smells of dusty white grape, nuanced lemon zest, and a hint of jasmine were pleasant.
I am almost always a fan of Italian Chardonnay and this Banfi was no exception. 
A light to medium-bodied Chardonnay with good acidity and minerality which translated into a rather angular steely white wine as opposed to a Cali round soft oaky Chardonnay. Flavors followed the aromas while trailing lemony/citrusy and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked pork chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Stoller Family Estate Willamette Valley 2021 Pinot Noir

 

Stoller Family Estate Willamette Valley 2021 Pinot Noir, $18.69-$24.99, 90 points, poured a lovely dark rose-pedal pink with a broad clear meniscus and sticky legs.
Aromas of cherry fruit, a bit herbal, and with a whisper of burnt rubber were okay.
Stoller produced a medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, light, but noticeable grainy tannins, and good flavors of cherry fruit nuanced with cooking herbs.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, accenting cayenne pepper, and a stated 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with several main dishes and would be great for Thanksgiving.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Ramos Pinto RP20 2012 Bottled Tawny 20 Year Port Crème Brûlée

 

Ramos Pinto RP20 2012 Bottled Tawny 20 Year Port, current prices range from $59.99-$89.99, (I bought this about ten years ago), and just a note as to Port, Tawny Port typically does not improve with age (see Vintage Port), and I seldom drink Port, but with the coldest morning of this season a warm-up wine seemed appropriate.
Poured a deep caramel reddish-brown color with orange fringing, heavy glass sheeting with fat legs, a broad clear meniscus, and so many tiny, suspended particles I had to strain it twice.
Smells were profoundly alcohol and raisins nuanced with wood and caramel.
This Tawny was full-bodied, showed good acidity, the mouthfeel was sleek and smooth, and the flavors were hot renditions of the aromas (just what a cold night called for).
Finished forever on wood, alcohol, and Sambuca.
Paired perfectly with my Belgian Praline Crème Brûlée.
Scoring Port is rather shaky for me, but I'd say between 91-93 points describes my satisfaction.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Brown Family Vineyards-Bitner Estate- Columbia Valley 2021 Chardonnay

 

Brown Family Vineyards-Bitner Estate- Columbia Valley 2021 Chardonnay, $25.49-$29.99, 93 points, was a deep burnished bronze with a broad gray penumbra.
Aromas of dusty apple, caramel, citrus, and a whisper of lemon oil were lovely.
The Brown family gave us something special with its near full-bodied Chardonnay of distinction, with fair acidity, a sleek mouthfeel, and delicious unobtrusive flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on a ginger infused caramel, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my New England clam chowder.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Carol Shelton -Rockpile- Florence Vineyard 2019 Zinfandel Reserve

 

Carol Shelton -Rockpile- Florence Vineyard 2019 Zinfandel Reserve, $36.54-$42.99, 94 points, poured a deep burgundy red with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained-legs.
Aromas of underbrush, wild briar fruit, and mulling spices were excellent.
This Rockpile Zinfandel Reserve was near full-bodied with good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, a luscious mouthfeel, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of chocolate, citrus, loam, and cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a big 14.8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my beefy chili.
Best Zinfandel I've had in a long time.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Schmitt Söhne Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese 2020 Riesling

 

Schmitt Söhne Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese 2020 Riesling, $8.49-$15.99, 87 points, was a light brass color transitioning water clear midway towards the rim.
The weak aromas of dusty white grape and hints of petrol, newspaper, and a fresh minerality were pleasant.
Spätlese, meaning late harvest, is a relatively sweet Riesling, and this one was no different: it was light-bodied, showed good acidity, was apple-tart with flavors of caramel, lemon, and of course that apple.
Finished fair on the fading palate, rock candy, and a balanced 8.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my fiery barbeque pork loin-chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Lorenzo Melani 2017 Brunello di Montalcino

 

Lorenzo Melani 2017 Brunello di Montalcino, $25.49-$64,99, 93 points, poured a cranberry/orange red with a clear meniscus and copious legs.
The aromas of red cherry, mint, and black tea were pleasant.
Lorenzo Melani delivered a medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity, firm grainy but comfortable tannins on a typically angular mouthfeel, and the delicious flavor of spearmint imbued red fruit.
Finished very long, warm and spicy, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my three-cheese pizza.
Frankly, when I saw this Brunello at such a low price, I figured it wouldn't be very good, not all Brunello Sangiovese wines are worth $65, but I was wrong about this one.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine Alain Et Adrien Gautherin 2020 Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons

 

Domaine Alain Et Adrien Gautherin 2020 Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons, $39.09-$49.99, 94 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with a very broad gray penumbra.
The lovely aromas were bee's wax, lemon zest, with hints of juniper and a floral note.
This medium-bodied Premier Cru was bright, ginger spicy, and delicious on fresh notes of melon rind, lemon meringue pie, and a hint of caramel.
Finished forever on that ginger infused lemon/caramel and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our roasted chicken dinner.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES  

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Foral De Melgaço Old Vines 2022 Alvarino

 

Foral De Melgaço Old Vines 2022 Alvarino, $14.44-$16.99, 93 points, was a medium brass color with degrees of lightening towards the glass rim.
The sweetly perfumed aromas of lemon/lime with hints of Lychee nut were unique and lovely.
Light-bodied, bright acidity, and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas nuanced with white pepper and melon rind were wonderful.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, a whisper of rock candy, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked seafood platter.
My first Alvarino white wine, and I'm sold.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020 Malbec

 

La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020 Malbec, $14.44-$19.99, 91 points, poured broadly black with a sienna penumbra, clear meniscus, and fat stained-legs.
The lovely aromas were floral, fruity, and earthy with a hint of mint.
This Malbec was full-bodied, soft, rich (almost decadent), showed good acidity, and earthy flavor notes with mulberry, hints of mint and eucalyptus.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of blueberry, iron notes, soft spiciness, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my chili pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Mitolo G.A.M. McLaren Vale Australia 2007 Shiraz REVISITED

 

Mitolo G.A.M. McLaren Vale Australia 2007 Shiraz REVISITED, $33.18-$38.99, 93 points, poured core black grading to an unfiltered rosewood red with a coppery sheen, a bleeding meniscus, and stained legs.
Good aromas of earth, coffee, fennel, and hints of rose peddle and cinnamon were outstanding.
Finished long on the fading palate, a hint of iron, and a well-balanced 15% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger and chips.
Last time I had this wine was thirteen years ago, and my comments proved to be prescient: this wine improved in some areas with time, and not many Sixteen-year-old Shiraz wines can say that.
The latest G.A.M. Shiraz averages $46.00.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Babich Marlborough 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Babich Marlborough 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.44-$16.99, 90 points, was a pale brass color and beginning to gray midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, gooseberry, and dusty fresh-cut grass were well blended and rich.
The first Babich I've had in eight years and right off the bat this white wine is so much better than one I remember.
Almost a medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc, showed good acidity, a rather soft mouthfeel, and deep flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long, a bit tart on lemon zest, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked Pollock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Brancaia 2017 ILATRAIA Rosso Toscana IGT

 

Brancaia 2017 ILATRAIA Rosso Toscana IGT, $50.99-$64.99, 92 points, poured core black with a deep unfiltered pomegranate red towards the glass rim, fat-stained legs, and a clear meniscus.
Aromas were fruity, earthy, minty, a bit flowery, and lovely.
The ILATRAIA Rosso was full-bodied, deep, complex, and satisfying; showed fair to good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors of plums, cherry fruit, loam, mushrooms, herbs, and citrus.
Finished long, minty, spicy, and on a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my loaded pizza.
A bit pricy but delicious and different.
The trick for the hoi polloi wine reviewer is to find great wines at fair prices (QPR). This morning I saw a wine review for a Harlan Cabernet, it was 96 points and $1700.00. Not a typical wine my family and friends are interested in.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Villa Maria "Earth Garden" Marlborough 2021 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 

Villa Maria "Earth Garden" Marlborough 2021 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $15.29-$19.99, 91 points, was a light brass color and clearing midway towards the glass rim.
The lovely aromas were rich and deep with white chocolate, dusty fresh-cut hay, pome blossoms, and a hint of white grapefruit.
This is not my first Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, but it is the most "expensive" Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, and well worth it; it was light-bodied, showed good acidity, and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas nuanced with a delicate ginger.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my English-styled fish and chips. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Les Hauts de Granget Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine Revisited

 

Château Les Hauts de Granget Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine Revisited, $25.49-$69.99, 91 points, poured an opaque rosewood red with a clear meniscus and stained legs.
Aromas were dominated by a lovely perfumed rose pedal nuanced with plums and earth notes.
I have a strong fondness for Bordeaux red wines, especially for Left-bank sourced wines, and this Saint-Émilion is no exception, it was full-bodied, showed fair to good acidity, round but firm and supportive tannins, and flavors of Damson plum, warm spices, and hints of mint and Kirsch.
Finished lively on an alcohol (14%) infused spiciness.
Paired fine with my Texas burger.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Bodega La Flor Pulenta Wines, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020 Malbec

 

Bodega La Flor Pulenta Wines, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020 Malbec, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points, poured an opaque purple/red with a clear wine ring and fat stained-legs.
The earthy and fruity aromas were rather simple and straight forward.
La Flor was typically full-bodied, and the flavors though reflective of the earthy/fruity aromas, were alcohol (14.5%) infused spicy: tannins were supportive but not too pronounced, and acidity was fair.
Finished long on the fading palate with hints of mint, blueberry, and licorice.
Paired fine with my Texas burger. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Gomba Cascina Boschetti 2018 Barolo

 

Gomba Cascina Boschetti 2018 Barolo, $24.99-$49.99, 92 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with a very broad clear meniscus and sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of rose pedal, white toast, cranberries, and just a whisper of milk chocolate were subtle.
This Barolo was medium-bodied with good acidity, grainy manageable tannins, angular flavors reflective of the aromas nuanced with warm pepper spices.
Finished long, tart, and spicy with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my steak and chips.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Lamadrid Mendoza, Argentina, Single Vineyard 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

 

Lamadrid Mendoza, Argentina, Single Vineyard 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, $10.19-$23.99. 90 points, poured a deep purple/red with a broad clear meniscus and light legs.
The straight-forward earthy aromas were nuanced with cedar and plum.
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina was not quite full-bodied, but showed good acidity, round/soft tannins, and delicious flavors of blackberry, plum, anise, and citrus.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a modicum of warm spice, and a welcomely restrained 13% alcohol.
Paired well with many different cuisines.
Though not a complex Napa Valley Cab, not full-bodied, or big in alcohol, this is a fabulous red wine at a fabulous price. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Welmoed 2019 Chenin Blanc (South Africa)

 

Welmoed 2019 Chenin Blanc (South Africa), $3.99-$11.99, 86+ points, was a medium straw-yellow color with a broad light gray penumbra.
Aromas were muted citrus and apple.
Welmoed was light to medium-bodied, showed bright acidity, and delicious, if a bit thin, flavors of lemon flesh, cantaloupe, and nondescript dusty citrus.
Finished enlivened with white pepper and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Yellowfin tuna salad and fried clams.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Root-1 Estate Vineyard Colchagua Valley, Chile 2018 Carménère

 

Root-1 Estate Vineyard Colchagua Valley, Chile 2018 Carménère, $9.34-$12.99, 86+ points, poured a dark ruby red color with a bleeding transitioning to clear wine ring and light legs.
Aromas were surprisingly rich with cedar notes, mulberry, plum, and hints of shoe polish and black grape.
This Carménère was medium-bodied, was a bit angular, showed good supportive tannins and acidity, upfront palate was a bit thin, but flavors nicely evolved to mirror the aromas.
Finished quite long on a touch of iron, chocolate, plum, mint, and spicy cayenne pepper with a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
There's much to this wine, though it doesn't quite seem focused, however, if a rather spirited and a great GPR (think value) red wine is for you, don't let Carménère confuse you, then try this one.
Pairs well with beef.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Barde-Haut Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Barde-Haut Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $41.64-$48.99, 93 points, poured core black grading to an unfiltered purple/red color with a clear meniscus and heavy sained legs.
The complex aromas of red fruit were nuanced with rose pedal, citrus, loam, and hints of cocoa and cinnamon were curiously evolving.
This Bordeaux showed good acidity, firm (maybe a too firm at this point) tannins, and a very complex palate throughout: flavors of mint, cocoa, red raspberry, cayenne pepper, and plums were swaddled in oak.
Finished long on the developing flavors, a bit astringent, and with a robust 15% alcohol infused spiciness.
Pairing was a bit rough, as this wine just overpowered our Texas burgers.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Banfi Castello Poggio Alle Mura 2008 Brunello Di Montalcino

 

Banfi Castello Poggio Alle Mura 2008 Brunello Di Montalcino, $60.34-$74.99, 92 points, poured an unfiltered deep cranberry red with copper highlights, sticky glass sheeting, and still a broad clear meniscus.
The interesting bouquet blossomed with truffles, red fruit, loam, a floral vibe, and a hint of shoe polish.
As a superior Brunello Di Montalcino, this wine which I've had in my Euro-Cave for almost ten years, still showed good acidity, fine grainy tannins (albeit soft), and enough fruit to complement the tertiary notes of coffee, leather, and mushrooms.
Finished long on the fading palate with a good splash of cayenne pepper, a touch of mint, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my pepperoni pizza.
I would have preferred this wine one or two years earlier.

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St. Supery Napa Valley 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

St. Supery Napa Valley 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $23.79-$29.99, 91 points, was a light-yellow gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
The spectacular aromas showed Necco wafer candy, dusty kiwi, passion fruit, a hint of banana and fresh-cut hay.
This St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc verged on medium-bodied, showed good acidity and good flavors reflective of the amazing aromas.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a touch of ginger, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my fried chicken breast and Mac and Cheese.

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Casa De Campo Argentina 2021 Malbec

 

Casa De Campo Argentina 2021 Malbec, $6.37-$13.99, 86+ points, poured an opaque ruby red with violet highlights, moderate legs, and a broad clear wine ring.
Lovely bouquet of earth and fruit notes were nuanced with a hint of cigar box.
Casa De Campo was rich, thick, and rather straight forward with flavors of plums, cherry fruit, and warm spices. Acidity was fair and the tannins very soft (an almost cloying red wine).
Finished as it began, quite consistent throughout the palate, but showing a bit of tang and mint at the very end. The 12.5% alcohol was unobtrusive.
Paired fine with our beefy tostadas.
Low alcohol, low price, good quality: who could ask for more!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES 

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