Heitz Ink Grade Vineyard Napa Valley 2014 Zinfandel

Heitz Ink Grade Vineyard Napa Valley 2014 Zinfandel, $29.99-$34.99, 91 points, poured core black with patches of seneca red, a broad clear meniscus, and dense stained legs.

Aromas of black cherry, hints of coffee, and soft floral notes were excellent.

Medium-bodied (mellow mouth-feel) red wine with good acidity, soft tannins, and a straight-forward briar fruit (blackberry) flavor, though not particularly complex, was very tasty.

Finished on the trailing palate, a hint of pomegranate, easy pepper spice, and a perfect 14.5% alcohol.

Paired well with my spicy chili nachos.

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Groth Napa Valley 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

Groth Napa Valley 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $24.39-$26.99, 90 points, poured a light gold color grading water clear toward the glass rim.

First pour wafted lovely lemon zest which evolved into a sweet hay aroma with a hint of cantaloupe.

Light-bodied robust white wine with good acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas was as usual a great tipple.

Finished long on the fading palate, gentle ginger notes, and a well-balanced 14.7% alcohol.

Paired fine with my sautéed halibut and baklava dessert.

2018 Cali Sauvignon Blanc
Groth Vineyards, why it's a "go to" winery.

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July 26, 2019 Marks Nine Years Of New Hampshire Wineman's Wine Blogging!

July 26, 2019 Marks Nine Years Of New Hampshire Wineman's Wine Blogging!

Please turn down your volume, because drinking wine doesn't make me a videographer.

Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $76,49-$89.99, 97 points (today's retail price in NH is $139.99), poured core black grading to a deep ruby red with thin red and clear penumbras.

Aromas were fragrant black fruit with floral notes and quite savory.

Full-bodied red wine that should be described in superlatives like generous, unctuous, complex, cerebral, and last but not least, luscious.

Finished long on black currants, blackberry liqueur, anise, a touch of kirsch, easy warm spices, and a perfectly balanced 14.9% alcohol.

Paired to perfection with my spice-rubbed rare Angus rib eye steak.

Groth Vineyards, why it's a "go to" winery.

Commentary:
Back in March Vinogirl said:
"So consistently good! One cannot hardly ever go wrong with a Provence rosé."
It's quite freeing to be able to say: One can hardly go wrong with a _____ wine.
It doesn't take nine years to get to that place, but a bit of effort, more than a few pesos, and a modicum of experimentation should do the trick.

I know this wine blog's confidence building has rubbed-off on at least a few close friends and family members.
Mission accomplished!

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Bob Marley - Red Red Wine (sorry for the commercial)

Château Haut-Brisson Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Haut-Brisson Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $22.94-$26.99, 94 points, poured core black radiating deep blood reds, showing a broad clear meniscus, and dense clinging stained legs.
Aromatic lavender, cinnamon, toasty black plums, and ripe blackberries were outstanding.
Full-bodied red wine with a soft mouth-feel, good acidity, and a firm underlayment of grainy tannin supported a well-balanced flavor profile reflective of the aromas.
Finished long (very) on the trailing palate, mint, a touch of oak, red cherry, and a 14% alcohol inspirited pepper spiciness.
One of the best buys in a red wine all year.
Paired perfectly with my barbeque ribs.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Craggy Range Martinborough 2018 Sauvignon (New Zealand)

Craggy Range Martinborough 2018 Sauvignon (New Zealand), $15.29-$19.99, 92 points, was a light gold color grading clear at the rim.
Amazing medley of orange zest, passion fruit, grapefruit, gooseberry, and lemon were impressive.
A shade more robust than light-bodied, this 'Kiwi' SB delivered much of the bouquet onto the palate with another kind of zest.
Showed good acidity, and finished well on the trailing palate, bright ginger, a hint of Necco wafer, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my deep battered fried Icelandic cod loin.

2018 NZ SB
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Paul Hobbs 'Crossbarn' Sonoma County 2016 Chardonnay

Paul Hobbs 'Crossbarn' Sonoma County 2016 Chardonnay, $21.24-$24.99, 90 points, was a straw yellow color trending clear at the rim.
Aromatic pome blossoms, peach, lemon, and honeysuckle were excellent.
A mid-weighted white wine with good acidity, a modicum of oak, a touch of yeast, and subdued pome fruit were well-balanced.
Finished long on the trailing palate, ginger, and a spot-on 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our fried chicken and ham sandwiches.


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HandCraft Artisan Collection 2013 Petite Sirah

HandCraft Artisan Collection 2013 Petite Sirah, $5.89-$9.99, 89 points, poured widely black grading to a Shiraz purple red toward the bleeding meniscus, thin clear wine ring, and dense stained legs.
Aromas were soft floral black fruits with nuanced dusty plum.
Full-bodied red wine with a soft round palate, good acidity, and a supportive underlayment of tannin.
Flavors of tangy red raspberry, mulberry, and other fruity goodness dominated licorice and a hint of cilantro.
Finished with a 14.5% energizing alcohol, warm pepper spices, red cherry, a bit chalky, but quite delicious.
Paired perfectly with my barbequed baby-back rips would be an understatement.

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Château Ethyan Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Ethyan Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $25.49-$29.99, 86 points, poured core black with opaque ruby reds, a broad clear wine ring, and copious stained legs.
Aromas of woody plum and soft rose pedal were only okay for me.
Full-bodied, round, good acidity, firm, but comfortable tannins, and flavors of chalky plum, slightly sour pomegranate, and a bland blackberry jam just did strike me as a 2015 Bordeaux competitor, especially at the retail price of $30.
Finished well however on energized pepper spices and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Ravines Argetsinger Vineyard Finger Lakes 2015 Dry Riesling

Ravines Argetsinger Vineyard Finger Lakes 2015 Dry Riesling, $25.49-$29.99, 90 points, poured a lovely light gold color and clearing toward the glass shallows.
The dominant apple pie aroma was nuanced with the slightest hint of petrol.
Light-bodied white wine (dry) showed good acidity and hints of orange zest with the more straight-forward gingery apple flavors which paired well with my Korean noodles in vegetables.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a spot-on 12% alcohol.

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Château Beauchene Premier Terroir 2015 Côtes du Rhône Red Wine

Château Beauchene Premier Terroir 2015 Côtes du Rhône Red Wine, $22.49-$24.99, 90 points, poured a blood red grading ruby and drifting into a light red penumbra, a broad clear meniscus, and thin copious legs.

Aromatic smoky perfumed blackberries, cedar, cinnamon, and a floral vibe were amazing.

Nearing full-bodied status, this Côtes du Rhône Red Wine was on the rounder/smoother side of a young wine with good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and an earthy red fruit flavor profile.

Finished long on pepper spices, fennel, mint, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.

Paired well with our meat-lovers pizza.

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Ridge Geyserville 2017 Red Wine

Ridge Geyserville 2017 Red Wine, $36.54-$43.99, 93 points, poured core black grading to a Shiraz purple/red with a broad clear meniscus and stained glass sheeting.

Profuse aromas were typically lovely mulling spices, licorice, plums, vilotes, and ripe red raspberries.

Full-bodied red wine with a soft velvet feel, good acidity, suppotive underlayment of tannins, and rich generous flavors that mimicked the aromas plus a bit of cherry cola to boot.

Finished very long on the trailing palate, blackberry liqerur, and a warm 14.5% alcohol.

Paired perfectly with my hot chili nachos.

Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery
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Willm 2017 Alsace Riesling Réserve (France)

Willm 2017 Alsace Riesling Réserve (France),  $14.39-$15.99, 90 points, was a light gold color transitioning clear toward the glass shallows.
A floral lemongrass aroma was lovely.
Light-bodied (dry) with bright acidity and good flavors of lime, sweet hay, and Lychee made for a delicious tipple.
Finished long on the fading palate, and energized by intense ginger and a perfect 12% alcohol.
Paired smashingly with my crab Rangoon and lobster salad.

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Doga Delle Clavule 2015 Morellino Di Scansano (DOCG)

Doga Delle Clavule 2015 Morellino Di Scansano (DOCG), $9.34-$19.99, 88 points, poured core black with deep red 'holidays', a broad clear wine ring, and thick stained legs.

Aromatic mulberry, cinnamon, black tea, and orange zest were quite lovely.

Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, slightly astringent fine grainy tannins, and a tart straight-forward red fruit flavor profile.

Finished well on earthy cherry fruit, iron, easy pepper spice, and a well balanced 13.5% alcohol.

Paired perfectly with my Firehouse meatball sub.

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Viu Manent Valle De Colchagua 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva (Chile)

Viu Manent Valle De Colchagua 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva (Chile), $9.00-$9.99, 87 points, was a light brass color with a grey cast and clearing at the rim.
Aromas of dusty sweet hay and lemon zest were pleasant.
Light-bodied white wine with good acidity and a straight-forward and upfront grassy flavor which was superseded toward and through the long finish with energizing ginger, dragon fruit, kiwi, and a warm 13% alcohol.




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Anton Bauer Gmirk 2017 Grüner Veltliner (Wagram/Austria)

Anton Bauer Gmirk 2017 Grüner Veltliner (Wagram/Austria), $13.50-$14.99, 89 points, was an exceptionally light brass color throughout.
Aromatic with light lemon meringue and pome floral notes.
Light-bodied (dry) white wine with appropriate acidity and straight-forward delicious citrus and melon flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, melon rind, ginger, and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my battered deep-fried Halibut filets.



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ZinSane Lodi 2014 Zinfandel

ZinSane Lodi 2014 Zinfandel, $12.99-$14.99, 88 points, poured a cranberry red with a transitional orange/red penumbra, broad clear meniscus, and prolific stained legs.
Aromatic red fruit, cinnamon, and a floral vibe were quite pleasant.
Medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, a supporting plank of tannin, and flavors faithful to the aromas.
Finished tart, spicy, and tasty with a bit of spearmint and a well-balanced 14.4% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Buffalo hot-wings.

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Château Saint-Sulpice 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Saint-Sulpice 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $12.99-$15.99, 88 points, poured garnet red with burnt orange highlights, stained hanging drapes, and a broad clear wine ring.
Aromas of licorice, loam, a floral vibe, and plums were okay.
Medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and slightly astringent tannins managed flavors reflective of the aromas with a hint of dill.
Finished long on the fading palate, hot pepper spices, subtle red fruit, and a seemingly underrated 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc.
Paired well with my rare spice-rubbed filet mignon.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2015

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Santa Rita Medalla Real 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Revisited)

Santa Rita Medalla Real 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Revisited), $7.65-$12.00, 91 points, poured a deep clear purple/red with a bright wine ring and moderate legs.
Aromas were a wonderful cornucopia of red fruit and chocolate.
Near full-bodied red wine with good acidity and still abundant grainy tannins (look for this wine to trek another ten years).
Flavors reflective of the aromas trailed into a long finish nuanced with a floral vibe, pepper spices, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with out sharp cheddar, soda and fig crackers, Kalamata/fig tapenade, and Greek salad.
Seldom have I witnessed such a positive transition in a Cabernet Sauvignon in just eight years.

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1 er Château Guiraud Grand Cru Classé 2009 Sauternes

1 er Château Guiraud Grand Cru Classé 2009 Sauternes, average price $70, 95 points, poured a lustrous orange copper color.
Profound smells of honey, bees wax, pine resin, and burning Mandarin peel were amazing.
Full-bodied with a saber for its acidity, nutmeg, honey, orange zest, and apricot pushing its flavors from summer to autumn, to winter, and finally to spring as metaphors representing the generous profundity of this wine; if anything, this Sauterne was over-stimulating.
Finished forever on the trailing palate, ginger, and ripe pineapple with an appropriate 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my rustic blueberry/peach tart.


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Stival Venezia 2017 Pinot Grigio (DOC)

Stival Venezia 2017 Pinot Grigio (DOC), $8.09-$8.99, 87 points, was the lightest of brass colors and graded toward water clear.
Aromas were soft, but up front the pleasant odor of cat-fur, orange zest, and lemon with a floral note were lovely.
Light-bodied white wine with good acidity and gentle flower-sweet flavors nuanced with Necco wafer were straight-forward and tasty.
Finished long, unremarkable, and accented by a well-balanced 11% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my sautéed Halibut filet.

Italian Pinot Grigio Vendemmia (Vintage) 2017 Has Finally Begun To Trickle Into New Hampshire! Yea!

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SIMI Sonoma County 2018 Sauvignon Blanc

SIMI Sonoma County 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $10.16-$17.99, 87 points, was a very pale brass color and clearing toward the glass rim.

Aromatic candied lemongrass was quite lovely.

Light-bodied with good acidity, while packed up front with flavors of yeasty sweet hay, ginger ale, and a hint of Necco wafer faltered a bit late palate.

Finished very long on the trailing palate and a comfortable 13.5% alcohol.

2018 Cali Sauvignon Blanc
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