Château Le Grand Faurie Grand Vin Saint-Émilion Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Le Grand Faurie Grand Vin Saint-Émilion Bordeaux Red Wine, $19.99, 90 points, poured a slightly unfiltered ruby red with amber highlights towards the broad clear meniscus and stained legs.
Aromas of sweet red currants, warm oak notes, and pine resin were lovely.
Typically full-bodied, showed good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and good flavors reflective of the aromas with bright spicy pepper notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, hints of mint, iron, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced Delmonico steak and okay with my cheese pizza.
Another great find at Trader Joe's, and as a winery's flagship or premier offering for under $20, a most reasonable Q/P/R. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Drylands Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Drylands Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.59-$18.99, 90 points, was a very light brass color and graying midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas of dusty fresh-cut hay, mango, passion fruit, and refreshing minerality were excellent.
Drylands was light-bodied, brightly acidic, and showed good flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of vanilla, Necco wafer, and green melon rind.
Finished refreshing, pairable with fish and chicken, and managed a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Castello Banfi 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

Castello Banfi 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva, $13.56-$20.99, 87 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with a clear wine ring and copious legs.
Smells of wood, black tea, subtle rose notes, and a bit of the farmyard were just okay for me.
Though it's been a few years since I've had the Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva (I've had three previous vintages), the 2019 fallows suite with the other vintages, a red table wine at a very fair price, showing a typical medium body, good acidity, supportive grainy tannins, and rather prosaic flavors reflective of the aromas with good red pepper notes.
Finished as it began, but with tasty red raspberry fruit flavor and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Matanzas Creek Winery Sonoma County 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Matanzas Creek Winery Sonoma County 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $19.54-$24.99, 88 points, was a light brass color tinting shaded layers of gray midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas of sour passion fruit, dusty hay notes, and gooseberry would have had me guessing Kiwi SB.
It's been eleven years since Matanzas Creek's SB has graced my table (way overdue). The 2023 was bright, appropriately acidic, and with flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the fading palate and a remarkable 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my fried clam strips.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Viu Manent Estate Valle De Colchagua, Chile, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Viu Manent Estate Valle De Colchagua, Chile, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $5.49-$9.99, 86 points, poured, a bright ruby red with a broad clear wine ring and thin glass sheeting.
Aromas of black licorice, mulberries, and toasty nondescript fruit were okay.
What I label as an International Cabernet Sauvignon for the purpose of categorizing was near full-bodied, dry, rather angular with slightly astringent tannins, a bit green, showing good acidity, and flavors reflective of the aromas with warm pepper notes.
Finished as it began with developing iron notes, a hint of citrus, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my Texas burger.
I suppose at under $10 one can't go wrong with this red wine from Chile.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Lingua Franca AVNI Willamette Valley 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Lingua Franca AVNI Willamette Valley 2022 Pinot Noir, $29.74-$39.99, 88 points, poured a bright ruby red with rose-pink highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and thin glass sheeting.
Aromas of smoky black cherry, fragrant ripe strawberries, and perfumed earthy notes were delightful.
This Willamette Pinot was just shy of medium-bodied, showed good acidity, easy tannins, tasty cherry fruit flavors with just a hint of warm spices.
Finished fair, a bit thin, a spot-on 13% alcohol with hints of candied violets and rose tea.
Reminded me of a good Beaujolais.
Paired perfectly with my grass-fed spiced beef hotdog. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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J Vineyards and Winery, Monterey, Napa, and Sonoma Counties, 2022 Chardonnay

 

J Vineyards and Winery, Monterey, Napa, and Sonoma Counties, 2022 Chardonnay, $19.99-$27.99, 89 points, was a bright medium yellow/gold color, broad clear meniscus, and obvious fat legs (I don't usually comment on white wine legs).
Aromas of wood, apple sauce, Chardonnay specific grape, and a hint of cantaloupe were pleasant.
J showed good acidity, a steely texture, and classically aroma reflective flavors.
Finished long on grapefruit zest and sour orange peel with a big 14.3% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Hawiian fried chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Castello di Bossi Berardo 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Castello di Bossi Berardo 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $23.79-$29.99, 90 points, poured core opaque ruby red with a clear meniscus and fat stained-legs.
Aromas were marked by herbal notes with soft cinnamon and red fruit smells.
This 2019 Castello di Bossi Berardo was a very good Chianti Classico Riserva, but not as good as I've been used to, with a bone-dry medium body, good acidity, grippy tannins, very grapy flavors with hints of black tea, red pepper, red raspberry, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long on the trailing palate, plum notes, with a hint of black licorice, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Spaghetti in Marinara sauce.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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The Federalist Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

The Federalist Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.74-$17.99, 87 points, was a light to medium straw yellow color with a thin water-clear wine ring.
Aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, dusty grassiness, and a hint of gooseberry were pleasant.
This Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was light-bodied, showed good acidity, was tart, and tasted much like the aromas suggested with a bit of white pepper.
Finished long on lemon squeeze, a hint of ginger, and restrained 12.5% alcohol.
Paired only just okay with my baked haddock filet.
Overall, a typical Kiwi SB, but a bit thin early on.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Stella Rosa L'Originale 2023 Moscato D'Asti DOCG

 

Stella Rosa L'Originale 2023 Moscato D'Asti DOCG, $11.98, 87 points, was a light yellow/gold color with almost no effervescence.
A panoply of smells was awakened in the swirl, with green melon, Clementine peel, Necco wafer, and a dried hay field among them.
This was a medium-bodied Moscato, rather sweet (17 grams of natural sugar per serving), mildly viscus with good flavors of rock candy and Moscato specific grape, typical of a sweet Moscato.
Finished as it began and paired well with my hot-wings and jalapeno nachos.
For me, this was a fine wine for spicy meals, not complex enough and a bit too sweet for an aperitif (good Q/P/R). 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Castello di Verrazzano 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG

 

Castello di Verrazzano 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG, $16.99-$21.99, 91 points, poured a bright pomegranate red with a broad clear meniscus and deeply stained legs.
Aromas of red raspberry, black tea, and milk chocolate were dominant.
This Castello di Verrazzano was a bone-dry full-bodied Chianti with an opulent mouthfeel and a tantalizing plum and dried herb flavor profile.
Finished long on the fading palate, iron, subtle spice notes, tenuous, tasty, and tart cranberry with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Italian Pizza Pomodoro Mozzarella E Basilico.
Outside of a special occasion wine, with such great wines as this, it is more and more difficult to "pull the trigger" for wines over $50.00.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES
Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Stonestreet Estate Vineyard Alexander Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Stonestreet Estate Vineyard Alexander Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $52.69-$64.99, 95 points, poured core black grading to an opaque ruby red with a clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
The lovely bouquet was complex, perfumed with flowers, cocoa, sweet cooking herbs, and dusty black fruit.
Stonestreet produced a dry full-bodied Alexander Cab with good acidity, firm fine grainy tannins, and great flavors of anise, citrus notes, hints of oak, a rich panoply of fruit, and warm spices.
Finished very long on the trailing palate, a whisper of mint and iron, and a spot-on 14.3% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed T-bone steak.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2024, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Duvergey Taboureau Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2022 Chablis 1ER Cru

 

Duvergey Taboureau Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2022 Chablis 1ER Cru, $24.99, 91 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of tart apple, cantaloupe, and stone fruit were pleasant.
This Chablis was dry and light-bodied with bright acidity and good flavors reflective of the aromas with subtle ginger notes.
Finished long on the fading palate with hints of lemon zest and a remarkable 11% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked porterhouse pork chop.
This was another great find at Trader Joe's.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Capanna 2023 Moscadello di Montalcino DOC

 

Capanna 2023 Moscadello di Montalcino DOC, $19.12-$24.99, 93 points, was a light amber-gold color with a clear meniscus.
Aromas were lovely profuse honey with dusty Clementine peel and perfumed pine resin.
This was the first Moscadello I've come across and I grabbed it, not to mention that Capanna is a vineyard I love anyway.
I found this white wine to be medium-bodied, slightly sweet, showing good acidity, and with evolving complex flavors ranging from honey to Crème brûlée and stone fruit with a hint of ginger between.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a spot-on 10.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my Swiss cheese spicy pork loin-melt, but amazingly wonderful with my sourdough apricot whipped-cream pastry.
If Sauternes are a bit pricy to you, then I think this is a fair substitute, not as age worthy, but not a wilting violet either.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Val Delle Roso 2021 Morellino Di Scansano DOCG

 

Val Delle Roso 2021 Morellino Di Scansano DOCG, $12.74-$24.99, 90 points, poured a deep garnet red with a broad clear meniscus and copious legs.
Aromas of rose pedal, soft smoky wood notes, black cherry, and hints of chocolate and citrus were rich and complex.
This was a full-bodied Sangiovese with bright acidity, fine grainy tannins, and good flavors reflective of the nose with just a whisper of peat.
Finished long on the trailing palate, soft spice notes, a hint of iron, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and Italian garlic tomato sauce.
If you like Chianti, this a great choice at a great sale price (Q/P/R).

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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il fauno DI ARCANUM 2018 Toscana IGT

 

il fauno DI ARCANUM 2018 Toscana IGT, $34.85-$42.99, 94 points, poured an opaque ruby red with a broad pomegranate penumbra, clear wine ring, and sticky sheeting on the glass bowl.
A panoply of perfumed fruit, herbs, and tertiary notes were lovely.
This Toscana was full-bodied, showed good acidity, supportive underlayment of tannin with an accompaniment of lush roundness, and delicious flavors reflective of the bouquet with sweet fennel and gentle Kirsch notes.
Finished very long on the fading palate, mint, plum, and warm spice-infused alcohol (14.5%)
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.90-$33.99, 91 points, poured an opaque ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and fat stained legs.
Aromas of coffee, ripe blackberry, and hints of wood were excellent.
L'Ecole gave me a near full-bodied red wine with good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, rich round mouthfeel, and tasty fruit-driven palate nuanced with herbal subliminal tertiary notes.
Finished long on the fading palate, gentle spiciness, and a balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my hamburger and jalapeno nachos.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Scenic Valley Farms, Willamette Valley, 2023 Chardonnay

 

Scenic Valley Farms, Willamette Valley, 2023 Chardonnay, $16.26-$22.99, 89 points, was a medium straw yellow color with a broad clear wine ring.
Smells that were Chardonnay grape specific with lemon zest and a dusty slightly sour melon note were just okay for me.
Scenic Valley Farms delivered a medium-bodied white wine with good acidity and delicious flavors of Necco wafers, tart apple, a hint of wood, and stone fruit notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of ginger, and a remarkably comfortable 12.3% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my roasted chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2024, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Maison Lispaul Shirley-David Maudry 2023 Sancerre

 

Maison Lispaul Shirley-David Maudry 2023 Sancerre, $29.74-$38.99, 90 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
Dominant aromas of sweet apples were nuanced with hints of dusty orange peel and minerality.
This Sancerre was close to being medium-bodied with good acidity and delicious flavors of lemongrass, minerality, melon rind, apricot, and a hint of lime juice.
Finished long on the fading palate, ginger notes, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our baked haddock filets.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Greenwing Columbia Valley 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Greenwing Columbia Valley 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $24.99-$32.99, 88 points, poured a deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and sticky, fat, and stained legs.
The muffled aromas of sour wood, perfumed mulberry, and red currant were just okay for me.
This Columbia Valley Cab was full-bodied, showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, quite angular, and delivered rich flavors of anise, red currants, and warm spices.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of iron, and a well-balanced 14.2% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my Chicken Cacciatore.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG)

 

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG), $33.99-$44.99, 93 points, poured a light pomegranate red with a very broad clear meniscus and fat stained-legs.
The nose began with a hint of funk which vanished and was replaced by lovely red fruit, perfumed rose pedal, and hints of black tea and loam notes.
Unusually full-bodied for a Chianti (mouthfeel was upfront smooth), but more typically acidic, tannic with fine grainy tannins, and delivering great flavors of spiced strawberry, black tea, cayenne pepper, and a hint of eucalyptus.
Finished very long, tart, spicy, and with a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Margherita pizza.
Of the four vintages of this Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro I've had, this was among the best, and at under $35, a good Gran Selezione (Selection) to try.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Col Dei Venti, Tùfoblu, 2019 Barbaresco DOCG Revisited

 

Col Dei Venti, Tùfoblu, 2019 Barbaresco DOCG Revisited, (New Hampshire Wine-man: Col Dei Venti, Tùfoblu, 2019 Barbaresco), was just fabulous, as it was in May when I last had this wine, this vintage.
94 points! At less than $40 is a steal!
Paired perfectly with my grass-fed rare rib eye and asparagus. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Palazzo Vecchio 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

 

Palazzo Vecchio 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, $16.99-$39.99, 91 points, poured a light cranberry red with orange highlights, with clear sticky narrow legs, and a bright wine ring.
Very aromatic mulling spices were nuanced with floral herbal tea, black tea, and brandy, but I couldn't sense any fruit (not a negative for me).
This Chianti Classico Riserva was typically medium-bodied, showed good acidity, fine grainy tannins, and warm spiciness, however the dominant flavor was brandy-like with just a hint of funk.
Finished long on citrus, pepper spice, and a eucalyptus note with a balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with Amy's Margherita pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Fess Parker Sanford and Benedick Sta. Rita Hills 2020 Chardonnay

 

Fess Parker Sanford and Benedick Sta. Rita Hills 2020 Chardonnay, $30.09-$56.99, 95 points, was a medium burnished yellow/gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
Lovely aromas of mixed pome, citrus, and melon nuanced with floral vibes were outstanding.
Near full-bodied, this Cali Chardonnay show good acidity and rich flavors reflective of the aromas with white pepper, wood, and ginger notes.
Finished very long on the trailing palate with an emphasis on ginger, pepper, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced roasted chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Cancer and alcohol

 

  I'm not an oncologist/researcher, but I am a wine drinker and don't want to do harm to myself by drinking wine, so, a few reflections on cancer and alcohol.
  I don't drink wine to get drunk.
  I drink wine to enhance my dinner and because wine can be magnificent.
  I have heard VERY reliable studies that point to a correlation between alcohol and cancer.
  Italy, France, and Luxemburg are counties with the longest lifespans in the world and incidentally have the highest wine consumption of all other countries, Portugal and Spain are among the largest wine producers and yet have something like a 5–8-year higher lifespan than the United States.
  My musing is that something is out of whack here, and I am suspicious that broadbrush studies maybe throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
  Any comments on this subject would be appreciated.
  Just a note on the wine I drink: $1,000 bottles of wine are fine for the right application and or magazine, but I've moved into more parochial parameters of $10-$50 wines with exceptions, like my stored wines and an occasional splurge.
  I don't normally do commentary posts, and my wine consumption has changed considerably with my three major surgeries and just the weight of nearly fifteen years of wine reviewing. I do use my own reviews in buying wine and am confident that past experiences are helpful in my present purchases. If the quality/price/ ratio (Q/P/R) is out of whack or if a wine fails me, I'm not likely to buy it again.

Cheers and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Dennis Tsiorbas
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Brancaia 2021 Chianti Classic Riserva DOCG

 

Brancaia 2021 Chianti Classic Riserva DOCG, $36.54-$47.99, 95 points, poured a broad spectrum of cranberry red grading to a tinted amber towards the clear meniscus and slightly stained legs.
Warm aromas of red fruit, rose pedal, perfumed dried cooking spice, and a hint of wood were outstanding.
My first Brancaia Chianti was medium-bodied, showed bright food friendly acidity, was a bit tannic (to be expected with such a young Sangiovese), and delivered complex flavors of herbs, tea, fruit, flowers, and warm spices.
Finished very long on the trailing palate, iron notes, cherry cola, citrus, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my not-so prosaic cheeseburgers and chocolate ganache dessert.
Looking like Vintage 2021 in Tuscany was remarkable.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Domaine Du Colombier 2022 Chablis

 

Domaine Du Colombier 2022 Chablis, $22.09-$28.99, 88 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with a broad clearing meniscus.
The aroma of sour lemon dominated soft orange blossoms and lime peel.
This Chablis was near medium-bodied with bright acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas with good minerality, a hint of apple, and developing ginger notes.
Finished lean and with a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Didn't pair well with my spiced baked chicken but was excellent with my Latvian sardines and Swiss cheese.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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