Matanzas Creek Winery Alexander Valley 2022 Merlot

 

Matanzas Creek Winery Alexander Valley 2022 Merlot, $37.39-$47.99, 90 points, poured core black grading to a deep ruby red with a clear meniscus and fat stained-legs.
Aromas of perfumed plum and cocoa notes with dried cooking herbs were pleasant.
The was a full-bodied, dry, soft, nose reflective tasty red wine with fair to good acidity and round smooth tannins.
Finished juicy, tangy, and with a well-balanced 14.3% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our lamb and beef cuisines.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Brotte Baies Dorées 2024 Viognier (Pays d'Oc)

 

Brotte Baies Dorées 2024 Viognier (Pays d'Oc), $11.89-$16.99, 86 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with a clear thin meniscus.
The warm stone-fruit aroma profile was nuanced with orange peel and a hint of vanilla.
This French Viognier was close to medium-bodied with fair acidity and neutral fruit flavors, a bit tart with a hint of ginger and lemon oil.
Finished fair on the fading palate, that exploding ginger with a touch of white pepper, and a welcome but subdued 12.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my lobster roll and baked haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Fonbadet B Vin De Bordeaux 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Fonbadet B Vin De Bordeaux 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $7.99 (Trader Joes's), 89 points, poured ruby red with soft orange flecks, a clear wine ring, and sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of thin red fruit notes, soft hints of perfumed anise, and a clean fresh minerality were pleasant.
This Bordeaux was a medium-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, soft supportive underlayment of tannin, and tasty, albeit a bit one-dimensional, red fruit flavor profile with a somewhat flat cherry cola, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long on the cola and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my cheeseburger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Taylor's Vineyard 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Musqué Clone

 

Taylor's Vineyard 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Musqué Clone, $28.89-$33.99, 93 points, was a palladium silver/white color with a light brass cast.
The dominate aroma of a perfumed dusty fresh cut hay nuanced with a hint of lemon zest was lovely.
Taylor was light-bodied, brightly acidic, cleanly crisp and sleek with delicious flavors of white grape skin, caramel, ginger-ale, lemon grass, and a touch of white pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate with a hint of mint leaf and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my homemade spanakopita. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $25.49-$32.99, 90 points, poured a bright crystal clear ruby red with a very broad clear meniscus and the legs were sticky and hanging.
The nose was basically red fruit with a soft floral vibe; pleasant but not inspiring.
This famous Riserva was derived from one of the best vintages, it was a bit bigger than medium-bodied, bone-dry, brightly acidic, and showed a smooth but strong tannic wash. Flavors were rich cherry fruit, plums, and black tea notes, yet slightly offset by a late palate astringency.
Finished on fire with hot spices and a big 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Italian veggie pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Tutela Classico Superiore Valpolicella D.O.C.

 

Tutela Classico Superiore Valpolicella D.O.C., $11.79-$17.99, 87 points, poured a lovely light vermilion red grading outward as an orange/red color with quite a broad meniscus and a neckless of clear legs.
Aromas of figs, dates, cranberries, and mountain streams were soft but pleasant.
This Valpolicella was barely medium-bodied but filled with solid flavors of warm spices yellow juicy raisins, iron, and black grape skins.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our spaghetti and meatballs.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Barossa Valley 2007 Shiraz

 

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Barossa Valley 2007 Shiraz, $24.99, 93 points, poured a deep purple/red with a slightly bleeding meniscus and light sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of peppery incense, juniper berry, blackberry, and hint of cocoa were lovely.
This was a full-bodied dry shiraz, showed good acidity, underlayment of fine grainy tannins, and a robust spicy flavor profile nuanced by flavors reflective of the aromas with a still very juicy character marked by red raspberry and fig.
Finished long on fruit notes, black ripe grape, and a well-balanced 14.8% alcohol.
Bottled with a screw-cap.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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