New Hampshire Wine-man

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Dark Horse California 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark Horse California 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.00-$12.00, 84 points, poured an opaque, somewhat murky purple/red with a bleeding broad wine ring and a sticky neckless of legs.
The aroma was herbaceous and showed perfumed plums, hints of chocolate and an oaky floral vibe.
Dark Horse was full-bodied, chewy, candied (slightly cloying) though bone-dry, showed soft acidity and tannin while delivering a black licorice flavor profile accented with black fruit, plum, and Margerum.
Finished a tad tart, long on the fading palate, iron, red cherry, a hint of black pepper, and the 14.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my wife's chili.
Does this wine make me a wine snob?

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Luke Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Luke Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.99-$21.99, 88 points, poured a dark ruby red with faint amber flecks, a broad clear meniscus, and fat, sticky stained-legs.
Aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, plums, and a floral vibe were lovely.
This Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was up-front soft, round, and full-bodied, showed dry, fair acidity, underlayment of tannin, with the flavor of anise dominating blackberry, red cherry, and alcohol (14.4%).
Finished a bit hot and spicy with the alcohol becoming prominent.
Paired perfectly with my spiced sauerkraut grass-fed burger.
If noticeable alcohol isn't a problem for you, this is a wonderful choice, especially if you're looking for a good Cab under $20.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Trefethen Oak Knoll Napa Valley 2023 Chardonnay

Trefethen Oak Knoll Napa Valley 2023 Chardonnay, $29.74-$39.99, 93 points, was a light brass color that transitioned midway towards the rim in lightening gossamer gray hues.
Aromas of white pome blossoms, pleasant sour lemon peel, and a hint of mint leaf were excellent.
Trefethen is always one of my favorite Chardonnay white wines, and this 2023 was no exception as it showed a dry medium-body with good acidity, a bit tart, slightly/intriguingly bitter, and delivering delicious flavors which were earthy, malty, citrusy and with hints of green melon and mint.
Finished long on the trailing palate, bright ginger ale, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried chicken breast.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Monday, May 4, 2026

Castellare 2023 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

Castellare 2023 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $21.99-$24.99, 91 points, poured an almost unfiltered pomegranate red with a clear meniscus and copious stained-legs.
The perfumed floral red raspberry aroma was a standout and nuanced with hints of chocolate and cinnamon tied a lovely red "ribbon" to it.
Typically, medium-bodied, bone-dry, food-friendly acidic, and showed fine grainy tannins.
Flavors of red raspberry, black tea, and fresh dried cooking herbs were a delight.
Finished with a bit of spiciness, a touch tart, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with everything Italian (esp. our spaghetti in tomato sauce).
One of my favorite labels and Chianti Classico.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Corvo Terra Siciliane 2022 Moscato IGT

Corvo Terra Siciliane 2022 Moscato IGT, $9.99-$14.99, 90 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a gray penumbra.
The powerful aroma of dusty orange zest was nicely nuanced with lemon and pine resin.
This medium-bodied Moscato was luscious, showed fair acidity and tasty flavors of guava, mango, and citrus notes.
Finished long on semisweet rock-candy, a metalic hint, and a moderating 8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Mexican cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Monday, April 27, 2026

Jordan Russian River, Sonoma County 2023 Chardonnay

Jordan Russian River, Sonoma County 2023 Chardonnay, $29.74-$36.99, 93 points, was shimmering light lemon yellow/gold colors with a thin clear meniscus.
The bouquet was a rather complex panoply of citrus notes with hints of white blossoms and cantaloupe.
This 2023 Sonoma Chardonnay was tight, tart, and tasty, showed bright acidity and a tasty rendition of the bouquet with white pepper and lemon peel; reminded me of a very robust Chablis.
Finished a bit flinty with a well-balanced 12.7% alcohol.
Paired fine with my baked halibut.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Justin Paso Robles 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Justin Paso Robles 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $17.00-$19.00, 87 points, poured ruby red with a clear meniscus and massive stained legs.
The aromas of ripe black fruit, flowers, and hints of coffee and chocolate were very good.
A full-bodied Paso Robles Cabernet, round and lush, showing big soft tannins, fair acidity and tasty candied fruit flavors but with a 15% alcohol that was a bit out of balance.
Trailed long into the finish with a hint of citrus and herbal red cherry notes.
Paired okay with my spice-rubbed Australian lamb rib chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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