Patroferno Puglia Appassimento 2021 Primitivo (IGT)

 

Patroferno Puglia Appassimento 2021 Primitivo (IGT), $12.99, 87 points, pour core black grading to a deep rosewood red, a broad clear meniscus, and dense stained legs.
Aromas of cloves, wild briar fruit, shoe polish, and mulberry were rich.
This was a full-bodied red wine, reminded me of some high alcohol big Napa Valley Zinfandels I've tasted.
This 2021 Primitivo showed fair acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and a somewhat syrupy black cherry flavor profile with an out of balance 15% alcohol; typically, Primitivo is near 13.5% alcohol.
Finished long on a alcohol infused spiciness.
Paired okay with our pepperoni pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all right reserved, Denis Tsiorbas

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Héritage de Le Boscq St.-Estèphe 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Héritage de Le Boscq St.-Estèphe 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $16.99-$29.99, 91 points, poured core black grading towards a deep rosewood red color with a broad clear meniscus and dense stained legs.
Aromas were floral, fruity, and nuanced with cedar.
This Bordeaux was full-bodied, rich and extracted with fair acidity, supportive tannins, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm pepper spices, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baby back-ribs.
Varietals were 82% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Cadre "Stone Blossom" Etna Valley 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Cadre "Stone Blossom" Etna Valley 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.99-$22.99, 91 points, was a medium yellow/gold color and a narrow clear wine ring at the rim.
Aromas of dusty lemon zest, soft pome blossoms, a hint of jasmine, and lime juice were "delicious".
Cadre was light-bodied, crisply acidic, and quite tasty if not terribly complex. Flavors mimicked the aromas.
Finished well on the fading palate, ginger, and a surprisingly balanced 14.2% alcohol.
Paired wonderfully with my Portuguese Aztec ensalada tuna. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Oyster Bay Marlborough 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 

Oyster Bay Marlborough 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $13.59-$15.99, 90 points, was a faded brass color with a broad graying penumbra.
The very grassy/gooseberry aromas were strong and impenetrable.
As is true concerning many Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc wines, this one was light-bodied, acidic, and showed outstanding flavors not only of the grass and gooseberry, but ginger ale as well.
Finished well on the trailing palate, melon rind, lemon/lime, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Portuguese sardines in olive oil and lemon.
The best vintage of this wine I've tasted.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills 2021 Chardonnay

 

Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills 2021 Chardonnay, $19.54-$24.99, 89 points, was a light brass color with a very broad clear meniscus.

Aromas of lemon oil, orange zest, a strange dusty kitten fur smell, a whisper of vanilla, and a slightly sour cantaloupe were interesting and pleasant.
I'm fascinated with Northwest Chardonnay, and this Stoller is a good example of why: it is medium-bodied, showed fair acidity, great flavors reflective of the aromas (minus the kitten fur), and a very restrained 12.5% alcohol.
Finished long, clean, citrusy, and with a balanced alcohol content.
Paired well with our grilled cheddar cheese sandwiches. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Honig Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Honig Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $35.69-$44.99, 93 points, poured a shifting opaque pomegranate, ruby, and blood red with a broad clear wine ring, and heavy-stained legs.
Aromas of ripe blackberries, cedar-box, milk chocolate, red currants, and a floral vibe weren't profuse but subtle and developing.
As always, Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was full-bodied, luscious, complex, and delicious.
Acidity was fair, tannins supportive without being rough, and good flavors reflective of the aromas showed this wine to be above its price-point.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, white pepper, and a proper 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed Angus rib-eye.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Felsina Berardenga 2020 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

 

Felsina Berardenga 2020 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $23.79-$27.99, 92 points, poured a beautiful blood-orange red with a broad clear meniscus and sticky stained legs.
The lovely aromas of strawberries, black tea, shoe polish, and a faint hint of tar were impressive.
Felsina was for the most part a typical Chianti Classico, medium-bodied, acidic, lean, supported by fine tannins, and tasty with red fruit, herbs, and a hint of spearmint.
Finished long of the fading palate, a touch of cayenne pepper, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our peperoni pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Casa Smith Quincy "Vino" Columbia Valley, Washington, 2020 Pinot Grigio

 

Casa Smith Quincy "Vino" Columbia Valley, Washington, 2020 Pinot Grigio, $10.19-$14.99, 90 points, was a medium brass color with a broad graying penumbra.
Aromas of apples, dusty white grape, and white pome blossoms were soft but pleasant.
Vino was a light-bodied white wine with fair acidity and perfectly neutral flavors of lemon, apples, and ginger.
Finished long on the fading palate and a great 12.5% alcohol.
Paired beautifully with my Portuguese sardines in olive oil and curry hummus chips.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Cafaggio Basilica Del Cortaccio 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (IGT)

 

Cafaggio Basilica Del Cortaccio 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (IGT), $16.14-$18.99, 87 points, poured a bright ruby red with violet highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and light to medium legs.
Pleasant aromas were rather soft cedar, oak, red currants, and a bit of savory.
This Italian Cabernet Sauvignon wasn't quite full-bodied, showed good acidity, unusually angular on the tongue, and with a rather straight-forward flavor profile of oak, weak black fruit, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long, spicy, and on a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired okay with a number of beef-centric meals.
This lean Cabernet is nothing like a big California Cab, but more like what a Chianti producer would fashion.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tarrica Central Coast 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Tarrica Central Coast 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.39- $15.99, 87 points, was a medium brass-yellow color and clearing towards the rim.
Aromas of slightly sour pineapple, lemon peel, white chocolate, and cured hay were okay and interesting.
Tarrica was typically light-bodied, crisp, and acidic. Flavors were strongly grassy and gingery.
Finished long on melon rind, lemon, and an easy 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my seafood platter.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Rocca delle Macie 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Rocca delle Macie 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $16.99-$19.99 92 points, poured a medium brandy copper/red color with a broad clear meniscus and fat sticky legs.
Aromas were dominated by black tea notes nuanced with cocoa, underbrush, and unripe strawberry.
Rocca delle Macie has perfected the tension between texture and a proper angular Sangiovese: showed good acidity, grainy tannins, and clean flavors reflective of the aromas with a wonderful spiciness.
Finished long on a hint of caramel, warm spices, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our pepperoni pizza.
This Chianti Classico Riserva borders the quality of Brunello, and in many cases is better, and has a far better QPR.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Waterbrook, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2019 Chardonnay

 

Waterbrook, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2019 Chardonnay, $14.99-$16.99, 88 points, was a medium yellow gold color with copper highlights and a broad light gray meniscus.
Aromas were pome blossoms, a fresh mountain stream, a hint of hops, and a whisper of apple pie.
This Northwest Chardonnay had clarity, was clean, medium-bodied, showed a fair amount of acidity, delivered uncomplicated refreshing flavors of lemon, minerality, caramel, and crisp apple notes.
Finished long on the fading palate, black pepper, and a well-balanced 13.4% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spinach/feta cheese pie and baked haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Böen Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara Counties, 2019 Pinot Noir

 

Böen Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara Counties, 2019 Pinot Noir, $16.14-$21.99, 86 points, poured darker (core black) than almost any other Pinot I've had, and sported a broad purple/red penumbra, thin clear meniscus, and heavy stained legs.
Aromas began with a bit of funk, unusual for a screwcap, and was followed by earthy/mushroom-y smells (just okay for me).
Also unusual, was a full-bodied Pinot, but fair to good acidity, supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors of very ripe black cherries, Kirsch, dried herbs, and soft red pepper notes saved this wine for me.
Finished nicely on the accelerating pepper, a hint of wood, loam, and a rather big 14.8% alcohol.
Paired okay with our fried chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah (revisited II)

 

Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah (revisited II), $33.94-$46.99, 93 points, poured broadly black grading ruby red with a violet cast, a bleeding meniscus, and dense stained legs.
Aromas were toasty blackberries, coffee, cedar, and a floral vibe.
Being that this is my third tasting of this wine in seven years, I don't have too much to say outside of what has been said, but what's important is that this ten-year-old Petite Syrah is just as good as first tasted.
Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah, $33.99-$44.99, 93 points
Stags' Leap 2013 Petite Syrah (revisited), $33.94-$46.99, 92 points
The mouthfeel was luscious, smooth, and full-bodied.
Tannins formed a fine-grained underlayment.
Flavors were rich.
The finish was long, spicy, and with a spot-on 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Mexican cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Carol Shelton Wild Thing, Placer County, CA, 2021 Viognier

 

Carol Shelton Wild Thing, Placer County, CA, 2021 Viognier, $18.69-$21.99, 88 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with a broad graying penumbra.
Aromas of pine resin, orange zest, white chocolate, and a White lily floral vibe were outstanding.
This rather rare Cali Viognier was a bit heavier than light-bodied, showed fair acidity, and rather angular flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished on a hint of ginger, melon rind, lime, and a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Spanakopita and tomato salad.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Bodega Garzón, Estate Grown and Bottled, 2020 Tannat Rerserva (Uruguay)

 

Bodega Garzón, Estate Grown and Bottled, 2020 Tannat Rerserva (Uruguay), $17.99 (average price $19.99), 90 points, poured broadly black with a rosewood red penumbra, clear meniscus, and fat-stained legs.
Aromas of toasty blackberries, blueberries, plums, and coffee bean were lovely, if not terribly complex.
This Tannat was typically full-bodied, showed comfortable round tannins, acidy was fair, and flavors were a delicious reflection of the aromas with a hint of tobacco.
Finished well on a subtle spiciness, anise, and a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burgers and spinach pie.
This is an excellent red wine, quite drinkable, rich, toasty, and perfect for barbeques, beef, spareribs, or lamb. Outstanding value!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2023, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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K Vintners "Milbrandt" Wahluke Slope, Washington, 2019 Syrah

 

K Vintners "Milbrandt" Wahluke Slope, Washington, 2019 Syrah, $25.49-$32.99, 94 points, poured core black grading to a plum-skin purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and copious sticky and stained-glass tears.
Interesting aromas of cedar, citrus, flowers, a hint of bacon fat, fig, a subliminal barn yard smell, milk chocolate, and an undercurrent of ripe blackberry were about as complex as I've come across.
This stupendous Syrah began with a luscious mouthfeel, which metamorphosed into a rather edgy and spicy late palate; acidity was surprisingly good, tannins were supportive without being overpowering until the finish, and flavors were juicy with tertiary notes of tobacco, bell and black pepper, citrus, and a bitter pomegranate.
Finished long on warm spices, drying tannins, the bitter pomegranate (which some may find too coarse), and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with our beef lasagna.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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DAOU Paso Robles 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

DAOU Paso Robles 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.99-$19.99, 86 points, was a very light brass color and water-clear towards the rim.
Aromas of peach, NECCO wafer, wet hay, and Lychee were perfume-like and unique.
If a white wine had a spectrum delineating light-bodied, this DAOU would be at the heaviest end. Acidity was fair to good; the mouthfeel was unusually soft for a young Cali Sauvignon Blanc, and the flavors were true to the aromas.
Finished fair, a bit tart, and on a well-balanced 13.7% alcohol.
Paired only okay with my Yellowfin tuna salad and loaded beef frankfurter.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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