Allan Scott Family Winemakers Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Allan Scott Family Winemakers Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $10.19-$13.99, 88 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a broad clear meniscus.

Aromas of passion fruit, lemon zest, and hint of white chocolate and grapefruit were lovely.

Light-bodied with bright acidity, and flavors dominated by a lemon squeeze and fresh cut lemon grass nuanced with various citrus and ginger notes were refreshing, tart, and tasty.

Finished on the fading palate with a spot-on 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Hoopes Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Hoopes Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $31.99-$45.99, 93 points, poured with a blood red core grading garnet red toward the thin clear meniscus and fat stained-legs.
Aromas of cinnamon, rich cherry fruit, mushrooms, and flowers were mercurial and pleasant.
Typically, full-bodied for a Napa Cab, showed fair acidity, round, supportive, and grainy tannins, rich flavors that mirrored the aromas with intense cayenne pepper throughout.
Finished very long on that cayenne, Kirsch, iron notes, and a warm spice-infused 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tenuta Poggio Alla Sala 2019 Vino Nobile Tenuta Poggio Alla Sala 2019 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano

 

Tenuta Poggio Alla Sala 2019 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, $23.99-$29.99, 93 points, poured an orange pekoe red color with fat sticky legs and a broad clear meniscus.
The aromas of loam, rose-pedal, black olives, and figs were rich, redolent, and pleasing.
This Vino Nobile was near full-bodied, brightly acidic, rightly tannic, and richly spicy. 
Finished long with mint, red cherry, fennel, and cayenne pepper notes with a big 14.5%.
Paired perfectly with our Gragnano spaghetti in Marinara sauce.
Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano is typically an excellent region of the Sangiovese wine (think Chianti), and this one was exceptional.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Casarito Acquesi 2022 Moscato D'Asti

 

Casarito Acquesi 2022 Moscato D'Asti, $9.59-$11.99, 87 points, was the lightest of yellow gold colors, clear towards the rim, and with a fair frizzante which poured into a foam head.
Smells of lemon meringue, limestone minerality, and a hint of white bread yeast were clean and refreshing.
This Moscato D'Asti was medium-full-bodied, weakly acidic, cloyingly sweet/sugar dominate, and yet sweet tooth appealing.
Finished long on rock candy, a hint of white chocolate, sweet white grape, and a soft 5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spicy Mexican cuisine (Jalapeno Steak Chile Con Queso Nachos topped with Guacamole).
The bottle was a showstopper!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Google Blogger isn't responding well with some editing issues

 

Google Blogger isn't responding well with some editing issues, so, if some format discrepancies are apparent, I'm waiting for them to be resolve.

Thx for following!

Altovinum Evodia, Aragon, Spain, 2020 Old Vine Garnacha

 

Altovinum Evodia, Aragon, Spain, 2020 Old Vine Garnacha, $10.39-$14.99, 87 points, poured a medium ruby red color with sticky stained legs and a broad clear meniscus.
Smells of oil-paints, ripe mulberries, and finished oak were unique.
After five vintages of this wine, I'd think it would be familiar, but . . .
This 2020 Old Vines Garnacha was full-bodied, showed good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and flavors of blueberries, mulberries, dried cooking herbs, red pepper, and in the long finish, cocoa-butter.
Alcohol was 14.5%.
Paired fine with my stewed tenderloin with broccoli.  

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Altocedro Año Cero Uco Valley, Mendoza 2022 Malbec

 

 

Altocedro Año Cero Uco Valley, Mendoza 2022 Malbec, $9.59-$24.99, 89 points, poured an opaque ruby red with fat-stained legs and a broad clear wine ring.
Aromas of over-ripe black plums, anise, cigar-box, chewing tobacco, blueberries, and shoe polish were complex, and carried onto the palate with an extraordinary presentation.
Full-bodied, showed fair acidity, soft round tannins, and those complex flavors.
Finished a bit tart, a tad syrupy with a rich red cherry flavor, and a big 14.3% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spice-rubbed bone-in rib eye.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Louis Jadot Premier Cru 2020 Pouilly Fuissé

 

Louis Jadot Premier Cru 2020 Pouilly Fuissé, $34.39-$42.99, 90 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with a clear meniscus.
Aromas were dominated by ripe cantaloupe and dusty minerality nuanced with hints of wood and a lime squeeze.
This Premier Cru was medium-bodied, showed good acidity, a tart rendition of the nose onto the palate plus lemon zest and ginger notes.
Finished on a protracted Pouilly Fuissé intensity and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my New England Lobster roll.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Col Dei Venti, Tùfoblu, 2019 Barbaresco

 

Col Dei Venti, Tùfoblu, 2019 Barbaresco, $36.79-$45.99, 94 points, poured a blood orange-tinted bourbon color with dense stained legs and a clear meniscus.
Aromas of pine resin, spiced vanilla, red raspberry, and shoe polish were amazing.
This Barbaresco was no baby Barolo, but this medium-bodied Col Dei Venti was intense, cerebral, brightly acidic, showed firm fine tannins, and tart flavors of black tea, citrus notes, red fruit cordial, and cayenne.
Finished forever long on the trailing palate and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatballs and spaghetti.
If the only red wines that appeal to you are soft Merlots or round fruity Malbecs, then this wine probably isn't for you, but if robust, angular, complex, and tannic reds are in your favor, then this is a "buy" red wine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Castello di Bossi 2020 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

 

Castello di Bossi 2020 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $15.99-$21.99, 89 points, poured a deep cranberry red with moderately fat clear legs and a clear meniscus.
Aromas were fruity with black tea, dried cooking herbs, and a floral vibe.
This flagship Chianti was silky smooth up front, showed bright acidity, and developed a rich red cherry flavor nuanced with pomegranate and anise.
Finished long on red pepper, mulberry, citrus notes, a developing tannin presence, and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti in marinara sauce.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Chasing Venus Marlborough 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 

Chasing Venus Marlborough 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $13.59-$19.99, 90 points, was a light frosted brass color with a broad clear penumbra.
Aromas of passion fruit, white chocolate, an interesting slate infused mineral water, and a hint of warm orange peel were good.
Chasing Venus showed lovely flavors reflective of the nose, delivered bright acidity, and a typically Sauvignon Blanc crispness.
Finished long on citrus notes, a touch of ginger, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my seafood platter.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Battle Axe, Argentina 2020 Malbec

 

Battle Axe, Argentina 2020 Malbec, $12.74-$17.99, 87 points, poured a clear ruby red with a broad clear wine ring and fat sticky legs.
Aromas of marzipan, smoke, milk chocolate, pine resin, and sun-ripened blackberries were deep and pleasant.
Battle Axe was full-bodied, showed fair acidity, soft round tannins, and flavors of mulberry, blackberry, red licorice, and citrus notes which were complex and good.
Finished long, fielded a slight sour plum and black licorice, hints of warm spices, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my roast beef sub.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Karthäuserhof Bruno, Mosel 2021 Dry Riesling

 

Karthäuserhof Bruno, Mosel 2021 Dry Riesling, $15.19-$21.99, 87 points, was a medium yellow-gold color with a graying penumbra.
The aroma of dusty lemon/lime was accented with a hint of petrol and stone-ground barley.
Bruno was light-bodied, dry (as expected), tart, brightly acidic, and if slate minerality is a thing, then think of the flavor of this white wine as slatey with lemon bitters.
Finished long on the tart palate and a well-balanced 11% alcohol.
A clean and refreshing Riesling.
Paired only okay with our Asian cuisine, but better with my fried haddock filet.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wine in decline?

It appears that wine is no longer the cat's meow!

In 2023 wine purchases worldwide were down by a reported 8.7%.
What's up? Lots of speculation, but what I see is costs are up, prices are up, and income is down. 
Occam's razor suggests that supply and demand of equipment, disposables, qualified employees, energy, relative income, and taxes have made true "never send to know whom the bell tolls . . ."
You get the government you deserve.
Yesterday I posted a wine I bought eleven years ago, but today it is about twice as much, and for the hoi polloi who don't want to spend more than ten dollars for a dinner wine, those that have a mature palate and want to spend under fifty dollars, or even that special celebratory purchase of a hundred-dollar gift wine, just might say NO to a $250 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, or a $53 bottle of Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, or even a $14 bottle of plonk wine.
I'm guessing that many are doing what I'm doing: buying Argentina Malbec and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

 

Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $84.99-$94.99, 95 points, poured a dark ruby red with a still broad meniscus sitting on a thin layer of a bleeding penumbra, and fat stained-legs.
The fresh clear-water lake smell was nuanced with cinnamon, briar blackberries, and a soft lovely floral vibe.
Groth Cabernet Sauvignon wines are always full-bodied, and the 2010 Reserve was no different; showing good acidy, firm but soft tannins, an opulent mouthfeel, and flavors of truffle, mint, anise, blackberry cordial, and "Hot Tamales" candies without the sweetness.
Finished very long, smooth, spicy, a bit tart, and with a spot-on 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
A superior Cabernet Sauvignon, but the current price is close to $200 a 750ml, while this has been in my Euro cave for eleven years.

2010 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Dry Creek Vineyard (Hillside and Benchland Vineyards) 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Dry Creek Vineyard (Hillside and Benchland Vineyards) 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, $23.99-$34.99, 92 points, poured a clear ruby almost blood red color with a broad clear meniscus and a glass neckless of sticky legs.
Aromas were savory, fruity, and floral with hints of smoke and anise.
Dry Creek has given us (me) another rich and opulent full-bodied Cabernet sauvignon with fair acidity, round supportive tannins, and rich flavors of red currants, blackberries, licorice, and a hint of violets.
Finished long and a bit tart on the trailing palate, hints of loam, cayenne, citrus, and supported nicely with a 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatball/parmesan sub.
A $50 Cab for $25.

2019 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

Dry Creek Vineyard, why it's a "go to" winery

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Bartenura Kosher 2022 Moscato D'Asti (DOCG)

 

Bartenura Kosher 2022 Moscato D'Asti (DOCG), $13.59-$18.99, 90 points, was a very light white-brass color and nicely frizzante.
The gentle and lovey aromas of white chocolate, orange zest, and dusty rock candy were delightful.
Bartenura fizzy sweet white wine was just shy of medium-bodied with fair acidity and delicious flavors of orange creamsicle, white grape juice, and a whisper of vanilla.
Finished long, addictive, and on a soft 5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy chili.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Gravel and Loam Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Gravel and Loam Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.74-$14.99, 90 points, was a light brass color with a lime-green sheen and a clear meniscus.
The striking nose just might be quintessential Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc! Smells of gooseberry, a solid sense of minerality, and hints of grapefruit and lime juice.
The crisp dry light-bodied white wine was brightly acidic, angular, and delivered the nose onto the palate.
Finished long on the grapefruit, ginger notes, a hint of crème brûlée, and a well-balance 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried scallops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Virginie De Valandraud Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Virginie De Valandraud Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $43.99-$85.99, 92 points, poured an opaque ruby red color with fat-stained legs and a clear meniscus.
The soft floral aromas were nuanced with black plums, cedar box, and milk chocolate.
Full-bodied Saint-Emilion Grand Cru was inviting with tempered tannins, good acidity, and rich floral/fruity flavors with dried herbs and resin notes.
Finished long, peppery, with a whisper of pomegranate and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Spanakopita.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Averaen Willamette Valley 2021 Pinot Noir

 

Averaen Willamette Valley 2021 Pinot Noir, $18.39-$24.99, 91 points, poured a deep ruby red color with violet highlights, a neckless of sticky legs, and a broad clear meniscus.
The lightly smoky aroma was showered with hints of pine lumber, black cherry, and black grape, not overwhelming, but lovely.
This Pinot Noir was medium-bodied, showed fair acidity, soft tannins, and a smooth/clean mouthfeel, and delivered delicious and ironically nondescript flavors of black cherry, cinnamon, and pomegranate.
Finished well on slightly tart lingonberry, plum, and white pepper with a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Thanksgiving cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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