Nicolas Potel Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2020 Pouilly-Fuisse

 

Nicolas Potel Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2020 Pouilly-Fuisse, $26.39-$36.99, 91 points, was a medium amber color (not what I would expect in a young Chardonnay) with a gray penumbra.
The dominate minerality on the nose was nuanced with hints of cantaloupe, lemon zest, and white chocolate.
This Pouilly-Fuisse was light, crisp, tart, and refreshing with citrus, minerality, and a whisper of oak on the palate.
Finished mouth-puckering, a bit of sour pomelo, a hint of ginger, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my turkey club sandwich. 

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Charles Krug Carneros-Napa Valley 2021 Chardonnay

 

Charles Krug Carneros-Napa Valley 2021 Chardonnay, $17.59-$23.99, 88 points, was a medium brass color with a clear penumbra.
The floral aroma was nuanced with slightly sour orange peel and lime juice notes.
Not quite a medium-bodied white wine, dry with good acidity and flavors that mirrored the aromas.
Finished long with a sense of minerality, taste of ginger, and a big 14.3% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spinach pie.

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Pradorey Adaro Ribera del Duero 2020 Tempranillo Red Wine

 

Pradorey Adaro Ribera del Duero 2020 Tempranillo Red Wine, $15.99-$32.99, 93 points, poured a rich and stunning ruby red with a blood red penumbra, bleeding meniscus, and dense stained legs.
The lovely aromas of cinnamon, cedar, and spiced cherry fruit were a bit smoky and herbal.
This Tempranillo was unusual for me, with a dry full body, firm grainy tannins, bright acidity, and rich herbal/spicy flavors nuanced with black cherry, it was more like a Left-Bank Cabernet Sauvignon.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a bit tart, showed hints of tobacco, iron, and cayenne pepper. Alcohol was 14.5% abv.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
If you see this wine at this kind of price, you want a red wine for Mediterranean cuisine, and like a bit more tannin than Merlot or Malbec, GRAB it!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine La Vauvise, Les Trois Terroirs, 2022 Sancerre

 

Domaine La Vauvise, Les Trois Terroirs, 2022 Sancerre, $18.99, 90 points, was a very light-yellow gold color with a gray penumbra.
Aromas were bright lemon zest, fresh-cut hay, and a hint of passion fruit.
This Sancerre was dry, light-bodied, showed good acidity, and delivered the aromas to the palate with good mineral and ginger notes.
Finished long on tart citrus, a hint of fennel, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my oysters on a half shell and lemon spritz.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES 

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Vega Sindoa 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spain)

 

Vega Sindoa 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spain), $7.99-$17.99, 89 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with a broad clear wine ring and a necklace of stained legs.
Aromas were smoky and floral with hints of pine resin, chocolate, red raspberry, and cinnamon: quite deep and lovely.
Vega Sindoa was not full-bodied like a Napa Cab, but rich for an inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon. Showed good acidity, a firm plank of tannin, flavors of savory, anise, red raspberry, blackberry cordial, and a hint of chocolate.
Finished long on iron and plum notes, licorice, and red pepper with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my roast beef sub.
This a high QPR red wine, not a soft Merlot or Malbec, but not a tight Bordeaux either.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Caparzo Brunello DI Montalcino, "Why it's a Go To Winery"

 

Caparzo Brunello DI Montalcino, "Why it's a Go To Winery", is the first non-domestic winery I've labeled this way; my reasons are capricious, but sincere.
Beginning on May 29, 2011, when I had my first Caparzo Brunello DI Montalcino (vintage 2006) and continuing until February 28, 2023, when I had my last Caparzo Brunello, I have this winery to excellent in consistency, quality, and QPR.
Now I've found another reason to love Caparzo winery: Caparzo winery was the main setting for the lovey uplifting movie "Letters To Juliet".

Caparzo 2006 Brunello DI Montalcino $32.29-$37.99, 92 points
Caparzo 2007 Brunello DI Montalcino, $31.06-$37.99, 93 points
Caparzo 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, $55.99-$69.99, 94 points
Caparzo 2008 Brunello DI Montalcino, $29.06-$37.99, 93 points
Caparzo 2010 Brunello DI Montalcino, $32.29-$37.99, 92 points
Caparzo 2011 Brunello DI Montalcino, $32.29-$37.99, 92+ points
Caparzo 2012 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $32.29-$37.99, 92+ points
Caparzo 2013 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $29.74-$39.99, 92 points
Caparzo 2016 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $32.29-$39.99 (same price I paid eleven years ago), 92 points
Caparzo 2017 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $32.29-$39.99, 92+ points

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sotavento Rueda 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (Spain)

 

Sotavento Rueda 2022 Sauvignon Blanc (Spain), $9.59-$24.99, 90 points, was a light brass color and turning shades of gray midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas of fresh-cut hay, lemon oil, and a lovely floral note were pleasant.
This Spanish Sauvignon Blanc was light-bodied, showed good acidity, and delivered flavors consistent with the aromas plus hints of lime juice and ginger.
Finished long on the ginger notes, tart, and with a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.
This just might be the first SB from Sain that I've found.

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Columna Rias Baixas 2022 Albarino (Spain)

 

Columna Rias Baixas 2022 Albarino (Spain), $15.99-$21.99, 91 points, was a straw-yellow color with yellow gold highlights and a broad graying penumbra.
Aromas of lemon oil, Clemetine peel, and pine resin were lovely.
This Albarino was a dry light-bodied white wine showing bright acidity and a lively mouthfeel. Flavors complemented the aromas with a floral vibe and rich ginger notes.
Finished long, a bit tart and tangy with a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with both my Asian cuisine and fried clams.

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Frida Kahlo, Maipo Valley, Chile, Single Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Frida Kahlo, Maipo Valley, Chile, Single Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.89-$15.99, 90 points, poured core opaque grading to a pristine ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and light stained legs.
Aromas were smokey with blackberries, loam, a subtle but lovely rose pedal.
Near full-bodied with good acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and good straight forward flavors of blackberry, cigar, black pepper, and red pepper.
Finished long, showed a hint of citrus and minerality, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my grass-fed rib eye.
It seems to me that this Cab was designed for all palates, not a robust Robert Parker Cab, but refined enough to even please him (I don't know if he has tried this).
Very high Quality/Price Ratio Cab.

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Sometimes I'll look for a lower alcohol wine to have with my dinner

 

Sometimes I'll look for a lower alcohol wine to have with my dinner!
Do you ever go to the wine rack and think, "I'd like a red wine with dinner that won't put me to sleep?"
Often, I'll look at a number of wines and just choose the one with the least ABV wine.

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Tolaini Estate "Legit" Toscana Roso 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Tolaini Estate "Legit" Toscana Roso 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $31.99-$39.99, 93 points, poured a deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and sticky stained legs.
Aromas of coffee, loam, ripe blackberry, and hints of chocolate and cinnamon were lovely.
This Italian Cabernet Sauvignon was near full-bodied, showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, was tart with a slightly angular mouthfeel, and delivered tasty red and black juice flavors.
Finished long on iron and citrus notes, cayenne, lingonberry, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my beefy Mexican cuisine.

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Fantinel Tenuta Sant Helena Collio D.O.C. 2022 Pinot Grigio

 

Fantinel Tenuta Sant Helena Collio D.O.C. 2022 Pinot Grigio, $11.19-$24.99, 88 points, was a very light brass color with a coppery sheen and graying towards the rim.
Aromas of apricot, lemon oil, pomelo, and orchard blossom were gentle but lovely.
Flavors were a tart rendition of the aromas, acidity was good, and the mouthfeel was soft.
Eureka! A light just went off and it seems to me that Pinot Grigio is to Sauvignon Blanc what Merlot is to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Not surprisingly, in GENERAL I prefer Cab over Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc over Pinot Grigio, but it's the subtlety of PG that pleases so much.
Finished long on the tartness, a bit lemony, showed hints of ginger, and was well-balanced with 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my fisherman's plater.

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Faust Napa Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Faust Napa Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $43.99-$64.99, 92 points, pour a high-clarity ruby red with a violet sheen, moderately broad meniscus, and sticky stained legs.
Aromas showed a bit of cedar and cinnamon but were predominately herbal, fruity, earthy, and floral, quite lovely!
Faust produced another full-bodied dry red wine with all the good earmarks of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; flavors echoed the aromas but were a bit overwhelmed with mulberry, yet with good acidity, round supportive tannins, a lovely hint of cayenne, and rich black fruit nuances, still a very impressive offering.
Finished long with hints of black plums, fig, chocolate, more warm spice, and a well-balanced 14.9% alcohol.
Paired fine with spice-rubbed rib eye.

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Familia Barberis Mendoza, Argentina 2020 Malbec

 

 

Familia Barberis Mendoza, Argentina 2020 Malbec, $12.74-$16.99, 88 points, poured a pristine pomegranate red with a broad clear meniscus and faintly tinted legs.
Plums, blackberry, mulberry led a fruit driven bouquet nuanced with herbs, cinnamon, and a floral hint.
This Malbec was round, full-bodied, showed fair acidity, tangy fruit flavors with a whisper of warm spice and a cloying Kirsch.
Finished long on the fading palate and a well-balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

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Castello Di Bossi Berardo 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

Castello Di Bossi Berardo 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva, $25.59-$33.99, 92 points, poured a deep cranberry red with a very broad clear meniscus and copious fat legs.
The smokey aroma was nuanced with black tea, cinnamon, red currant, and lovely earth notes.
This, Chianti Classico Riserva, my third vintage of this wine, was as usual a wonderful vino experience. It was full-bodied, showed good acidity, rich indulgent flavors of plums, cherry fruit, mushrooms, oak, dried cooking herbs, and warm red pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a robust 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my pepperoni pizza and feta cheese.

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Neyers Carneros District, Sonoma County 2020 Chardonnay

 

Neyers Carneros District, Sonoma County 2020 Chardonnay, $27.99-$38.99, 90 points, was a medium yellow/gold trending straw yellow with a broad gray penumbra.
Aromas were strongly Chardonnay specific with hints of wood, lemon oil, and cantaloupe.
Neyers produced a nearly full-bodied intense white wine with fair acidity, an angular mouthfeel, and rich flavors that mirrored the aromas plus a hint of pine resin.
Finished long, tart, citrusy, and with a spot-on 13.6% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my Greek Spanakopita.

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Penfold's Bin 407 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Revisited # II)

 

Penfold's Bin 407 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Revisited # II), $25.49, current price is approx. $85, 93 points, poured an unfiltered rosewood red with a thin bleeding meniscus and sticky fat legs.
Aromas were floral and earthy with a touch of prune and cedar chest.
Full-bodied, round and soft but wonderfully spicy, showed fair acidity, resolved tannins, and rich flavors of anise, plums, cayenne pepper, and black truffe.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spiced-rubbed rib eye.
I'm so glad I bought several bottles of this wine in 2010!

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Domaine Herbert Meyer Alsace 2021 Sylvaner

 

Domaine Herbert Meyer Alsace 2021 Sylvaner, $5.59-$19.99, 90 points, was a very light brass color and turning water clear midway towards the rim.
Aromas were dusty lime notes with a lovely floral vibe and a mountain lake minerality.
This Alsace dry white wine was light-bodied with good acidity and strong flavors of lemon oil, lime juice, white pepper, and just a hint of jasmine.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired great with my baked Dijon Porterhouse pork chops.

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Bedrock Old Vines 2021 Zinfandel

 

Bedrock Old Vines 2021 Zinfandel, $18.39-$25.99, 91points, poured core black grading to a deep pomegranate red with a broad clear meniscus and fat sticky legs.
Aromas of bright red raspberry, cinnamon, mulberry, and a floral note were quite nice.
My first Bedrock Zin was full-bodied, showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas with a dollop of warm spices.
Finished long on the trailing palate with hints of citrus, red grape, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my nacho supreme.

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Coats and Seely NV Brut Reserve Sparkling white wine (England)

 

Coats and Seely NV Brut Reserve Sparkling white wine, $39.99-$52.99, 94 points, was a light brass color with a broad clear penumbra and a small bubble eruption.
The aromas were lovely floral warm fresh French bread, wood notes, and just hints of hops.
This, my first English wine (sparkling) was intense, rich, showed bright acidity, flavors that complemented the bouquet, and was quite quaffable.
Finished long, bone dry, citrusy, showed just a touch of ginger.
Varietals were 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

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ConQuista Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Malbec

 

ConQuista Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Malbec, $8.49-$12.99, 88 points, poured an opaque rosewood red with a moderately broad meniscus and copious tinted legs.
Aromas of smokey fruit, hints of vanilla, chocolate, and dried cooking herbs were pleasant.
Like most Malbec red wines, this was full-bodied, soft with easy (early) tannins, showed flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of blueberry, a bit astringent green stem and citrus notes.
Finished very long, slightly spicy and metallic, and with a very comfortable 13% alcohol.
Paired well with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

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J. L. Quinson La Larme d'Or 2022 Chablis

 

J. L. Quinson La Larme d'Or 2022 Chablis, $16.99, 88 points, was a light yellow/gold color clearing towards the glass rim.
The aromas were dominated by a spring stream minerality nuanced with fresh hay notes, a hint of white chocolate, and just light whiffs of lemon zest and Chardonnay specific grape.
This Chablis was typically lean, clean, acidic, and driven by its minerality, but the flavors were a bit thin and short, though one thing was NOT typical, the price; bought at Trader Joe's, it was typically good for the price.
Finished fair on the fading palate, a bit of ginger, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with Spanakopita.

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Rocca delle Macie 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Rocca delle Macie 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $15.99-$19.99, 90+ points, poured a deep cranberry red with a very broad clear meniscus and fat sticky legs.
Aromas of cloves, blackberries, tarragon with hints of cedar and loam were deep and pleasant.
This Chianti was full-bodied, showed good acidity, firm grainy tannins, and good flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on the fading palate, a hint of cayenne pepper, citrus notes, and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my soft-spiced cheese enchiladas with sour cream and guacamole.
Another high QPR red wine.  

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Hillick and Hobbs Seneca Lake Estate Vineyard 2020 Dry Riesling

 

Hillick and Hobbs Seneca Lake Estate Vineyard 2020 Dry Riesling, $27.99-$34.99, 93 points, was a very light brass color and near water-clear midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas of petrol dominated the more nuanced dusty paper-pulp, lime juice, lovely hints of white chocolate, fig, and apricot, all of which made for a pleated whole.
This New York Riesling was light-bodied, dry as advertised, showed bright acidity, and a complex evolution of flavors: from green grapes, fresh hay, lemon peel to white pepper, a rich minerality, and orange zest.
Finished quite long, subtly tart, unfolded apple flavor notes, and with a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried haddock.

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Brendel Napa Valley Coopers Reed 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Brendel Napa Valley Coopers Reed 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.59-$39.99, 90 points, poured an unfiltered burgundy red with thin rosewood red and clear penumbras and light stained legs.
The complex and complementary aromas were earthy, floral, fruity, and herbal.
As is typical with Napa Cabs, this Brendel was full-bodied, rich, reflected the aromas onto the palate, and showed fair acidity and not so typical round unobtrusive tannins.
Finished with loads of warm spice, fennel, plums, and that fairly balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired great with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
At $29.59 this is a buy Napa Cab (JMO).

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Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley 2020 Dry Riesling

 

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley 2020 Dry Riesling, $11.19-$13.99, 88 points, was a very light yellow/gold color with a narrow clear meniscus.
The aromas of dusty apricot, floral petrol, multifaceted citrus notes, and a whisper of lime squeeze were lovely.
A light-bodied dry white wine, a bit thin up front, but with a good evolution of flavors and showing good acidity and minerality.
Finished well, a bit metallic, showed a fair layer of ginger, and supported by a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Paired great with my fried chicken wing buffet.
A very good QPR Riesling.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Catena Padrillos-Mendoza, Argentina-2022 Malbec

 

Catena Padrillos-Mendoza, Argentina-2022 Malbec, $10.19-$13.99, 88 points, poured a bright rosewood red color with a broad clear wine ring and copious stained legs.
Aromas of blueberries, rose pedals, red cherries, and dried Lamiaceae herbs with a hint of chocolate were pleasant.
This Malbec was last tasted nine years ago, but seems more refined, lush, full-bodied, showed soft tannins, tart flavors of blueberries, citrus, a hint of chocolate, red raspberry and loam notes, and still with good acidity.
Finished long on the fading palate, a whisper of orange peel and warm spice, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

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Doña Paula High Altitude Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Malbec

 

Doña Paula High Altitude Mendoza, Argentina 2021 Malbec, $13.59-$17.99, 86+ points, poured a very deep ruby red with violet highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and sticky fat legs.
The dominant aroma was black grapes nuanced with citrus and earth notes.
Of all the recent Mendoza Malbec wines I've had, this Doña Paula Malbec was the most angular, and that might just be the effect of the high 14.5% alcohol, otherwise of note were the grapy flavors, citrus, and loamy character of this wine. It showed soft tannins and fair acidity.
Finished as it began but with a bit or tart mandarin zest.
Paired fine with my Greek Spanakopita.

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Givon, Galil 2021 Chardonnay (Israel)

 

Givon, Galil 2021 Chardonnay (Israel), $7.99, 87 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a broad clear penumbra.
The lemony aroma was nuanced with lime and a dusty melon rind.
This Chardonnay from Galilee was rather steely and showed good acidity and straightforward citrus flavors in a matrix of minerality.
Finished long on that straightforward palate without complexity but a good purity and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired nicely with fired chicken livers and Mac and cheese.
A good QPR white table wine.

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Jean- Claude Boisset Ladoix 1er Cru “Hautes Mourottes” 2019 Grand Vin De Bourgogne

 

Jean- Claude Boisset Ladoix 1er Cru “Hautes Mourottes” 2019 Grand Vin De Bourgogne, $39.19-$48.99, 93 points, poured a rich ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and light legs.
Aromas of toasty black cherry, cinnamon, cloves, and lovely complex floral notes were excellent.
This Pinot Noir was rich, medium-bodied, showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and cerebral flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished very long on cherry fruit, hints of iron, citrus notes, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed Porterhouse steak.

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Gruet Brut N/V Sparkling White Wine

 

Gruet Brut N/V Sparkling White Wine, $15.29-$19.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color with copper highlights, a fair head of foam, and a broad clear penumbra.
Smells of barley hops, orange peel, and a hint of lemon meringue pie were pleasant.
This Gruet was a bit pungent with strident flavors of a citrusy IPA with an aftertaste of ginger, wood, and a whisper of lemon.
Finished quite long, showed a lovely crème brûlée and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired fine with my bone-in fried thin pork chops.
This is an "everyday" sort of bubbly, being inexpensive, tasty, and ever so pairable.

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Château La Gorce Médoc Grand Vin De Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château La Gorce Médoc Grand Vin De Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $12.74-$24.99, 91 points, poured core black grading to a bright ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and light legs.
Aromas of rose pedal, chocolate, black fruit, a hint of oak, and a touch of leather were pleasant.
This Bordeaux was typically full-bodied, showed good acidity, firm comfortable tannins, and a mouthfeel somewhere between soft and angular, and flavors that nicely mirrored the aromas with good cayenne pepper accents.
Finished long with hints of anise, chocolate, blackberry, that pepper, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
I would call this a high quality/price/ratio (QPR) red wine, and under-rated by many.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

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Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills 2022 Chardonnay (California)

 

Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills 2022 Chardonnay (California), $26.39-$34.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color and graying towards the broad clear meniscus.
aromas of dusty roasted mandarin peel, a hint of lemon meringue, and washed linen were excellent.
This Sta. Rita Hills 2022 Chardonnay was near full-bodied, showed fair acidity and steely tart citrus flavors, a hint of wood, whisper of pomelo, and white pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my salmon burgers in white gravy.

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La Crema Sonoma Coast 2021 Pinot Noir

 

La Crema Sonoma Coast 2021 Pinot Noir, $18.39-$24.99, 89 points, poured a deep red raspberry red with a very broad and clear meniscus and light runny legs.
The aromas were floral red fruit nuanced with thyme and petrichor.
It's been almost ten years since I had a La Crema Pinot Noir and after this bottle, I need to rectify that: medium-bodied, a firm unobtrusive layer of tannins, good acidity, and tasty flavors of Pinot Noir specific grape, a hint of milk chocolate, white pepper, and red raspberry.
Finished long on the trailing palate, eucalyptus, a floral vibe, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my Buffalo chili.

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Trefethen Eshcol Oak Knoll 2020 Chardonnay

 

Trefethen Eshcol Oak Knoll 2020 Chardonnay, $15.99-$19.99, 89 points, was almost clear with a light yellow/gold sheen.
Aromas of lime juice, dusty lemon zest, and a hint of pine resin were light and refreshing.
This Trefethen Chardonnay reminds me of the Bordeaux "Second growth" wines; Trefethen is one of my favorite go-to Chardonnay wineries and this Second growth was wonderful.
Really quite light-bodied with a fresh spring-like texture with good acidity and gentle flavor hints reflective of the aromas plus a touch of ginger.
Finished fair on the trailing palate with a well-balanced 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked ham dinner.

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Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut Champagne

 

Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut Champagne, $38.99, 90 points, poured with a powerfully explosive fizz and a medium brass color.
Aromas were dominated by ginger ale notes with subtle oven-fresh white bread.
A very excited tipple with flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on all that liveliness and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Varietals were 40% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay.
Paired great with all our birthday party treats and fried chicken, vegie pizza, and Polish ham.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Cave de Ribeauvillé Lieu Dit Mühlforst Alsace 2019 Riesling Réserve

 

Cave de Ribeauvillé Lieu Dit Mühlforst Alsace 2019 Riesling Réserve, $15.99-$26.99, 93 points, was a medium brass color turning shades of gray midway towards the rim.
Complex and lovely aromas began with a good petrol note nuanced with jasmine, pine resin, pears, and floral vibes.
This Alsace brut-dry Riesling was light-bodied, showed good acidity, and complex flavors that righteously mirrored the aromas on a rather steely mouthfeel.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, a hint of citrus, and a big sneaky 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Dry Creek Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Revisited

 

Dry Creek Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Revisited, $16.14-$21.99, 91 points, was a light brass color and clearing towards the glass rim.
Aromas were lime juice, dusty lemon zest, and a whisper of jasmine.
This 2021 Sauvignon Blanc was nicely acidic, light-bodied, showed good flavors dominated by grass and hay nuanced with citrus and ginger notes.
Finished long on the fading palate, ginger notes, sour lemon, and a well-balanced 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked haddock filets.

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

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Scattered Peaks Napa Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Scattered Peaks Napa Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.79-$39.99, 93 points, poured a bright pomegranate red with a broad clear meniscus and very fat stained-legs.
Aromas of oak, cedar, dusty red fruit, warm dusty hay, and a floral vibe were lovely.
This Napa Valley Cab was big and chewy with good acidity, pervasive but comfortable tannins, and delicious layered flavors of plums, blackberries, coffee notes, dried cooking herbs, and cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate with accenting pepper and tannin accompanied by a compatible 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
Some of the Vintage Charts say Napa Valley 2020 was not a particularly good vintage, but this Scattered Peaks defies that.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine Alain Et Adrien Gautherin Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2021 Chablis

 

Domaine Alain Et Adrien Gautherin Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2021 Chablis, $26.39-$34.99, 90 points, was a dark yellow/gold color with a copper sheen and a broad lighter penumbra.
Aromas of dusty white chocolate, lemon zest, orange peel, and a dominant minerality were lovely.
This 2021 Chablis was sleek, steely, crisp, and medium-bodied with good acidity and nuanced flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long with tart citrus, ginger, a bit of flint, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried haddock filet.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Vina Robles, Paso Robles 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Vina Robles, Paso Robles 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.99-$22.99, 89 points, poured broadly black with a large transitioning ruby red penumbra, a clear meniscus, and copious stained-legs.
Aromas were earthy with nuanced mint, cedar, rose pedal, mulberry, blackberry, and cocoa which were deep and interesting.
This 2021 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon was full-bodied and round, showed fair acidity and a supportive underlayment of tannin, while flavors righteously reflected the aromas.
Finished long, accentuating the cocoa, a touch of cayenne, a slight hint of iron, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Bison burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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J.J. Vinent Grand Vin Bourgogne 'Marie Antoinette' 2021 Pouilly Fuissé

 

J.J. Vinent Grand Vin Bourgogne 'Marie Antoinette' 2021 Pouilly Fuissé, $34.39-$45.99, 94 points, was a glossy medium/gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of tangerine, multi-faceted white blossoms, whisper notes of white chocolate, lemon zest, and a dusty minerality were outstanding.
This 2021 Pouilly Fuissé was bright showing good acidity in a medium body with crisp/pure flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long and steely with ginger notes and lemon with a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with Greek Spanakopita and baked bone-in center-cut pork chops.
Sadly, this wine costs $10.60 more since just last year but is still very competitive with excellent Cali Chardonnays.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Pédesclaux Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine Revisited

Château Pédesclaux Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine Revisited, $47.17-$55.49, 93 points, poured broadly black grading to a rich Burgundy red with a clear meniscus and sticky stained legs.
Aromas of cinnamon, cedar, cloves, plums, earth notes, and perfumed rose pedal were excellent.
This revisited Bordeaux was full-bodied, showed a firm underlayment of tannin, good acidity, and earthy flavor notes of peat, loam, and mushrooms nuanced with blackberries, plums, and late palate red pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a whisper of citrus, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
This wine is improving with age.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Ramey Vineyard Napa Valley (Russian River-Sonoma County) 2021 Chardonnay

 

Ramey Vineyard Napa Valley (Russian River-Sonoma County) 2021 Chardonnay, $39.99-$52.99, 94 points, was a light-plus yellow/gold color with a gray penumbra.
Aromas of ginger ale, tangerine juice, lemon zest, and mineral water with hints of cantaloupe and melon rind were excellent!
Ramey Vineyard gives us another outstanding Napa Chardonnay with good acidity, a sleek/steely mouthfeel (medium-bodied), and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on a slightly sour cantaloupe, ginger, tart lemon, a hint of white chocolate, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my bone-in center pork chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2021 Chardonnay

 

Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2021 Chardonnay, $29.59-$36.99, 93 points, was a medium yellow/gold color with copper highlights and a gray penumbra.
Aromas of lemon juice, orange peel, dusty roasted mandarin, orchard blossoms, and falling mountain stream spray were lovely.
Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2021 Chardonnay was a medium-bodied dry white wine with fair to good acidity, a slightly angular mouthfeel, and rich flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on lemon meringue, a hint of ginger, and a well-balanced 13.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our marinated salt and vinegar wings.  

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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