Clos Henri, Wairau Valley, Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Clos Henri, Wairau Valley, Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.70-$22.99, 91 points, was a very light brass color graying midway up to the glass rim.
Aromas of dusty gooseberries, passion fruit, and white grapefruit were rich and pleasant.
A light-bodied, dry white wine, brightly acidic, and with a robust flavor of cumquats nuanced with lemon oil, grapefruit, and ginger.
Finished long, juicy, still robust, and with a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my breaded baked haddock.
JMO, but it seems to me that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the most consistent, reliable, and reasonably priced white wine in the world.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sergio Zingarelli 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG)

 

Sergio Zingarelli 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG), $54.99-$109.99, 93 points, poured a sunburst orange/red with copper highlights, a thin bleeding meniscus, and thick stained legs.
The bouquet of perfumed forest floor with sweet licorice, pine, and plume notes were special indeed.
This Gran Selezione was medium-bodied, bone dry, still showing refined somewhat resolved tannins, good acidity, and tasty flavors reflective of the bouquet accented with bourbon notes and bright cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Italian prosciutto pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine Serene Evenstad Dundee Hills 2021 Chardonnay

 

Domaine Serene Evenstad Dundee Hills 2021 Chardonnay, $48.49-$59.99, 92 points, was a light-yellow gold color with a graying penumbra.
Aromas of Necco Wafer candy, dusty clementine zest, and hints of white chocolate and cantaloupe were outstanding.
My first Domaine Serene Chardonnay was a clean, dry, medium-bodied white wine showing good acidity and flavors, though quietly reflective of the aromas, were dominated by lively citrus notes and a lingering ginger.
Finished long on lemon oil, ginger, and a well-balanced 13.7% alcohol.
This Evenstad Dundee Hills 2021 Chardonnay reminded me of a very good Pouilly Fuissé.
Paired perfectly with our traditional Thanksgiving cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine Séguinot-Bordet 2022 Chablis

 

Domaine Séguinot-Bordet 2022 Chablis, $27.49-$31.99, 91 points, was a medium brass color with a broad gray meniscus.
Aromas were dominate by a slightly sour, slightly floral, and dusty pomelo nuanced with white pepper and ginger.
Always a wonderful wine from a reliable vineyard, this vintage was no exception: medium-bodied dry Chardonnay, brightly acidic, tasty, clean, showing fine minerality, citrus notes, and crisp ginger accelerating towards the long finish with a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
paired perfectly with our baked breaded haddock.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Taveggia 2022 Barbera D'Asti DOCG

 

Taveggia 2022 Barbera D'Asti DOCG, $9.99-$19.99, 86 points, poured a deep ruby red with sticky glass sheeting and a broad clear meniscus.
The fruity strawberry aroma was accented with Sambuca, earth notes, and a floral vibe.
This Barbera red wine was medium-bodied, bone-dry, brightly acidic, a bit astringent showing an underlayment of tannin and a rather linear flavor profile reflective of the nose with a constant alcohol (14.5%) presence/companion.
Finished fair, slightly green but still tasty as it paired okay with my spaghetti in a tomato/basil meat sauce.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Villa Cerna Primocolle 2022 Chianti Classico

 

Villa Cerna Primocolle 2022 Chianti Classico, $9.79-$24.99, 88 points, poured a deep/dark ruby red with a cast of orange tinge, a very broad clear wine ring, and sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of black tea, a perfumed strawberry, red cherry, and delicate plum blossoms was rather simple yet pleasant.
As is typical for Chianti Classico, this was medium-bodied, bone-dry, appropriate food friendly acidic, showed fine grainy tannins, and a red fruit flavor profile nuanced with tea and dried herb notes.
Finished long, a bit spicy, showed hints of mint and a creamy brandy with a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and lamb/beef tomato sauce.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Château Puyfromage Côtes de Bordeaux Grand Vin De Bordeaux 2020 Red Wine

 

Château Puyfromage Côtes de Bordeaux Grand Vin De Bordeaux 2020 Red Wine, $13.01-$54.99, 90 points, poured an opaque ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromas of sour black currant jam, smoke with hints of cedar, cocoa, and citrus were pleasant.
This Côtes de Bordeaux was full-bodied, dry, showed a solid foundation of tannin, good acidity, and tasty flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished long, showed residual blackberry and iron notes with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Varietals were mostly Merlot with dollops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.
This close-out price was a steal!

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Icon Rock "Signature" Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Icon Rock "Signature" Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $17.20-$24.99, 93 points, was a very light brass color with palatium highlights and a broad graying meniscus.
The aroma profile was a panoply of citrus notes with passion fruit, a crisp minerality, and a hint of white chocolate (lovely).
As is typical for this white wine from New Zealand, this Icon Rock was light-bodied, dry, acidic, crisp, tart and yet taste wise (flavors followed the nose) it was superior to many.
Finished long on a developing lemon zest and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried clams.

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La Grand Comtadine Héritiers Cheron-Misset 2022 Cotes-Du-Rhone Red Wine

 

La Grand Comtadine Héritiers Cheron-Misset 2022 Cotes-Du-Rhone Red Wine, $16.99-$44.99, 88 points, poured an opaque ruby red with a bleeding meniscus and sticky glass sheeting.
The dominant red fruit nose was nuanced with alcohol, licorice, and dried herbs with a whisper of a floral vibe.
This Côtes du Rhône was full-bodied, bone-dry, tannic, brightly acidic, spicy and tasty yet a bit astringent.
Finished long on a hot spicy profile with hints of brandy.
Paired okay with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2021 Red Wine

 

Ruffino Modus Toscana I.G.T. 2021 Red Wine, $23.99-$29.99, 91 points, poured an opaque ruby red with a broad clear wine ring and sticky stained legs.
Aromas of savory black fruit nuanced with smoke and cedar were lovely.
This Toscana was full-bodied, bone-dry, showed good acidity, firm tannins, and tasty flavors of blackberry, anise, mint, oak, and cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the fading palate and the big 15% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Guinigi 2018 Brunello Montalcino

 

Guinigi 2018 Brunello Montalcino, $49.99-$59.99, 93 points, poured a brandy-red with a broad clear meniscus and fat sticky legs.
The complex and lovely aromas were that of fig jam, raisins, caramel, and black cherries.
Guinigi delivered to me a medium-bodied, bone-dry, appropriately tannic, and spicy red wine with brandy notes nuanced with a lean cherry and cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of iron, and a warm spice-infused 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Daniel Pollier Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2022 Pouilly Fuissé

 

Daniel Pollier Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2022 Pouilly Fuissé, $27.24-$36.99, 90 points, was a medium brass color with a broad graying meniscus.
The citrus based (I like) aromas were soft and nuanced with minerality and a lightly perfumed white grape.
This Pouilly Fuissé was light-bodied, dry, appropriately acidic, and showing good clean flavors of caramel, ginger, citrus notes, and white grape.
Finished long, a bit tart, a tad spicy, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rotisserie chicken in gravy.

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Purple Hands, Haakon-Lenai Vineyard, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Purple Hands, Haakon-Lenai Vineyard, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley 2022 Pinot Noir, $54.59-$67.99, 94 points, poured a bright cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and light very sticky legs.
The lovey but soft aromas of toasty cherry fruit were nuanced by ripe mulberry and cinnamon.
This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir was light-medium-bodied, dry, supported fine grainy tannins, showed good acidity, and delivered a cerebrally delicate and persistent cherry and spice flavor profile.
Finished forever long on the fading palate with hints of fig, iron, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Care should be applied to pairing, as pungent or too powerfully flavored cuisine will drown-out the artistry of this wine.

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Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard, Yountville, Napa Valley 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Ghost Block Morgaenlee Vineyard, Yountville, Napa Valley 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, $22.59-$28.99, 91 points, was a light brass color with a frosty palatium sheen and a modest graying penumbra.
The aromas reminded me of Marlborough, NZ SB with bright passion fruit, grassy notes, and a flinty minerality.
Morgaenlee (single) Vineyard gave us a complex light-bodied dry white wine showing good acidity, lean, and lovely flavors reflective of the nose nuanced with citrus notes, ginger, black and white pepper.
Finished long, tart and spicy with a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with both my baked haddock and yellowfin tuna salad.

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Marques de Borba Colheita Alentejo 2023 Red Wine DOC

 

Marques de Borba Colheita Alentejo 2023 Red Wine DOC, $7.22-$18.99, 88 points, poured gem clear ruby red with a bleeding meniscus and a sheeted glass wall.
A panoply of fruit dominated the nose with hints of dried cooking herbs and smoke were rich and pleasant.
This Portuguese Red Wine was full-bodied, round, dry, mildly tannic, a bit tart, and showing good acidity and flavors of black grape, cranberry, hints of wood and white pepper.
Finished fairly long with notes of iron and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired well with our Mac and Cheese with hamburger.

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Domaine Armelle et Jean-Michel Molin, Fixin Old Vines 2022 Grand Vin De Bourgogne Red Wine

 

Domaine Armelle et Jean-Michel Molin, Fixin Old Vines 2022 Grand Vin De Bourgogne Red Wine, $33.99-$41.99, 92 points, poured a dark red raspberry red with a broad clear meniscus and fat raining legs.
Aromas of cherry fruit, perfumed dried cooking herbs, and a lovely floral vibe were soft but pleasant.
This Bourgogne Red Wine was medium-bodied, dry, soft upfront palate with good acidity, tempered tannins, and delicious red cherry, chamomile tea, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (late palate) flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate with subtle hints of wood/iron and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with a number of red-meat cuisine.

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Ramey Vineyard Napa Valley (Russian River-Sonoma County) 2022 Chardonnay

 

Ramey Vineyard Napa Valley (Russian River-Sonoma County) 2022 Chardonnay, $42.49-$52.99, 93 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a very broad graying penumbra.
The panoply of tropical fruit aromas was well nuanced with a balanced minerality and orange/lemon zest.
Ramey gave me an on-the-light side of a medium-bodied dry white wine which showed a wonderful acidity, crispness, and an extremely well-balanced Chardonnay delivering flavors true to the nose with a bright ginger accent.
Finished quite long on the trailing palate, a bit tart and lemony with a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my chicken stew.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Il Borro 2020 Super Tuscan IGT

 

Il Borro 2020 Super Tuscan IGT, $64.99-$69.99, 93 points, poured core black grading to a deep ruby red with a clear meniscus and fat-stained legs.
Aromas were herbaceous with earthy peat notes and rich black fruit.
This Toscana was full-bodied, dry, showed good acidity, firm comfortable tannins, and flavors true to the nose.
Finished long with hints of warm pepper spices, iron, and a compatible 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed lamb rib-chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Shafer Napa Valley 'TD-9' 2019 Proprietary Red Wine

 

Shafer Napa Valley 'TD-9' 2019 Proprietary Red Wine, $94.99-$84.99, 92 points, poured a deep blood-red with a broad (ironic) bleeding meniscus and very dense, fat, and sticky legs.
The earthy aroma profile was accented with rich black fruit, perfumed sage, and a hint of Hot Tamale candy.
2019 "TD-9" was full-bodied, but I think much of that sensation was its high alcohol (15.3%). It was bone-dry, showed good acidity, a firmly supportive underlayment of tannin, and good flavors reflective of the nose, not as complex as I remember from 2018.
Finished long on the fading palate, a whisper of spearmint, and of course that high alcohol.
Paired fine with our grass-fed beef burgers. 

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Ferrari Carano Middleridge Ranch Anderson Valley 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Ferrari Carano Middleridge Ranch Anderson Valley 2022 Pinot Noir, $25.49-$64.99, 89 points, poured a light cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and sticky fat legs.
Aromas of strawberries, red cherries, cinnamon, and a hint of tarragon were pleasant.
This Middleridge Ranch Pinot Noir was medium-bodied, dry, showed fair acidity, soft sufficiently supportive tannin, and tasty, if a bit unembellished, reflection of the nose with a touch of cayenne.
Finished long on the pepper, cherry, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spaghetti and meatballs. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Nikau Point Marlborough 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Nikau Point Marlborough 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, $6.99 (Trader Joe's), 86 points, was a light brass color with palladium highlights and a graying penumbra.
Aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, and lemongrass were robust and pleasant.
Nikau Point gave us a light-bodied, not quite dry white wine with an upfront explosion of acid-driven flavor reflective of the aromas but declined midterm; still it finished okay with a hint of lemon oil, ginger, and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired fine with my Atlantic lobster roll.
Once again, Trader Joe's delivers a Q/P/R wine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Outlot Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Outlot Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.99 (Trader Joe's), 88 points, poured a light ruby red with soft pink highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and drippy fat legs.
Aromas of perfumed plums, warm wood notes, and a hint of cinnamon-cherry were pleasant.
This Oak Knoll cab was not quite full-bodied, showed a bit austere, appropriately acidic, delivered firm tannins and interesting flavors of alcohol (14.2%) infused spice, especially cinnamon, red fruit, oak, and a hint of eucalyptus.
Finished quite long of the trailing palate with hints of iron and spearmint.
Paired well with my beef nachos. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Faust Napa Valley 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Faust Napa Valley 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $46.74-$64.99, 93 points, poured core black grading to a slightly creamy ruby red with a clear meniscus and a dense necklace of stained legs.
Aromas of soft floral and wood notes were accent by a panoply of red and black fruit with a hint of shoe polish.
After five vintages of this wine, I feel safe to spend a little more for this Napa Cab than I would for your everyday red wine: this 2022 vintage showed tasty, sufficiently complex, a dry full body, appropriately acidic, and supported with soft upfront tannins leading to a rich round mouthfeel. The flavors were mostly reflective of the nose accompanied late palate with cayenne pepper, a more aggressive tannic presence, black plums, licorice, a hint of cocoa, and a balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.

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Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Côtes du Roussillon 2019 Red Wine

 

Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Côtes du Roussillon 2019 Red Wine, $20.99-$38.99, 88 points, poured core black grading to a ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and sticky stained legs.
Aromas of perfumed raisins, anise, unctuous black fruit, and Sambuca were accented with alcohol.
This Côtes du Roussillon was first and foremost an alcohol imbued raisin-rich black fruit bomb with its energized spiciness, bright acidity, and masked tannins.
Finished very long on this diet.
Paired okay with our provincial hamburger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Proemio, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022 Chardonnay

 

Proemio, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022 Chardonnay, $7.99-$16.99, 91 points, was a medium yellow-gold color with a broad clear penumbra and noticeable fat legs.
Aromas of heated Mandarin orange peel, fresh ginger, a hint of wood and minerality were excellent.
This unusual Chardonnay just might be the blind-taster's nemesis: light-bodied, dry, bright acidity, relatively low alcohol (12.4%), citrusy, and spicy.
Finished long, tangy, gingery, almost like an intense Chablis.
Paired well with my rotisserie chicken. 

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Castellare 2022 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

 

Castellare 2022 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $21.99-$24.99, 92 points, poured a bright ruby red with orange highlights in the shallows, a medium-sized clear meniscus, and copious stained legs.
Aromas of perfumed strawberries, red cherry, black tea, subtle blueberry syrup, and sweet cooking herbs were lovely if a bit soft.
The 2022 Castellare Chianti Classico was typically medium-bodied, dry, showing bright acidity and spiciness, fine grainy tannins, and delicious flavors reflecting much of the aromas.
Finished long, a tad tight, tart, and tangy with a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with Mister Mac's taco mac and cheese.
This is my twelfth vintage of this wonderful Tuscan gem.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Benmar Springbok, Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley 2023 Pinot Noir

 

Benmar Springbok, Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley 2023 Pinot Noir, $22.99-$31.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and copious thin legs.
Aromas were herbaceous with good cherry-fruit notes.
This Willamette Valley Pinot was atypically lively with spiciness, good acidity, grainy tannins, and typically with a dry medium body.
Finished long, tart, with that intense spiciness, red fruit notes, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Te Mata Estate Hawke's Bay 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Te Mata Estate Hawke's Bay 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $19.99-$27.99, 91 points, was a very light brass color with a graying penumbra.
Aromas were dominated by passion fruit with citrus and grassy notes.
This Kiwi SB was light-bodied, showed bright acidity and lively flavors reflective of the aromas with white grapefruit and a whisper of ginger.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my baked Icelandic cod, and our fried chicken.

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Ruffino Riserva Ducale 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva

 

Ruffino Riserva Ducale 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva, $19.99-$23.99, 93 points, poured a bright ruby red with orange highlights, a clear meniscus, and thick sicky legs.
The bouquet of perfumed red fruit with black tea, rose pedal, and a hint of licorice were lovely.
This Riserva was medium-full-bodied, bone-dry, showed bright acidity, grainy tannins, and tasty flavors reflective of the bouquet plus an intense alcohol (14%) infused spiciness.
Finished long on the fading palate, spearmint, and oak.
Paired perfectly with my prosaic hamburger.

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Matanzas Creek Winery, California, 2024 Chenin Blanc

 

Matanzas Creek Winery, California, 2024 Chenin Blanc, $18.99-$21.99, 87 points, was a very light brass color with a broad graying penumbra.
The faint aromas of mandarin peel, mint leaf, and lime juice were just okay for me.
This light-bodied Cali Chenin Blanc had surprising flavors of black pepper and Necco wafer to accent citrus and ginger notes; showing good acidity with a lean mouthfeel.
Finished long on the fading palate, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 11.5% alcohol.
Paired only fair with my fried chicken but better with my Dungeness crab salad.
I found this Chenin Blanc to be competent, but a tad pricy.

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Pampa Estate Mendoza 2022 Malbec

 

Pampa Estate Mendoza 2022 Malbec, $9.99-$14.99, 88 points, poured a somewhat debris ridden deep pomegranate red with a thin clear wine ring and fat legs.
Aromas of smoky black fruit, cedar notes, and petrichor were pleasant.
Typically, a South American full-bodied Malbec with fair acidity soft round tannins, and lush fruit flavors with a hint of anise.
Finished long on hints of anise, mint, and iron with a comfortable 12.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my roast beef and goat's cheese sandwich.
A tasty straight-forward easy to drink red wine.

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Caymus Napa Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Caymus Napa Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $67.99-$79.99, 94 points, poured core black grading to a deep purple/red similar to a rich Shiraz, and a bleeding meniscus with dense copious legs.
A bouquet of black fruit, coffee, chocolate, and subtle cedar notes were typical, for Caymus, complex and a bit overwhelming.
A Big, unctuous, dry Cabernet Sauvignon, almost like drinking a vanilla pudding covered in a chocolate sauce smothered in over ripe blackberries and a dash of thyme.
This Caymus showed fair acidity, was rather soft and round, and was supported by a rather gentle underlayment of tannin; just maybe a Merlot-lovers Cab.
Finished long on the fading palate with a hint of iron and a very well-balanced 14.6% alcohol.
Not typically my style of Cabernet Sauvignon but was better than I remembered.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.

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Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne

 

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, $56.79-$74.99, 94 points poured a rich glossy yellow gold color with a coppery sheen and ferocious bubbles.
Aromas of pome fruit, sun-dried hay, and hops were outstanding.
This Brut Reserve was a complex medium-bodied dry bubbly with bright acidity and great depth of character, flavors rich in pome fruit, citrus notes, and fermented hops and grape notes influenced by Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.
Finished long on ginger ale, a non-descript spiciness, and a welcome 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried clams.
I don't drink Champagne often, but this sure was a treat.

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Castello Del Poggio 2021 Barbera D'Asti DOCG

 

Castello Del Poggio 2021 Barbera D'Asti DOCG, $11.89-$28.99, 90 points, poured a bright cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and fat sticky legs.
The interesting spicy cinnamon red cherry was nuanced with comforting linin and evergreen notes.
Another medium-bodied, bone-dry, and spicy red wine with bright acidity, fine grainy tannins, and tasty flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on spearmint and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my roast beef and goat's cheese sub.

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G.D. Vajra-ALBE, 2021 Barolo DOCG

G.D. Vajra-ALBE, 2021 Barolo DOCG, $34.99-$41.99, 93 points, poured a rustic pomegranate red with copious sticky and stained legs and a broad clear meniscus.
The aromas vacillated between competing notes of flowers, perfume, red fruit, and hints of mint and milk chocolate.
This 2021 Barolo was medium-bodied, bone-dry, showed bright acidity, supportive fine grain tannins, very hot and spicy, and a tasty red cherry, lentils, black tea, and mint leaf flavors.
Finished long and spicy with a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my grass-fed burger.
This is not a wine I recommend for soft Malbec/Merlot lovers stuck on soft round easy gulping red wines.

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Château De PEZ 2ND Saint- Estèphe 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château De PEZ 2ND Saint- Estèphe 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $29.74-$34.99, 89 points, poured a rich cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and sticky glass sheeting.
Soft, almost dumb aromas of funk, wood, cedar, and plum were just okay for me.
This wineries 2nd was a tasty near full-bodied dry red wine showing flavors of red fruit, mint, wood, and warm spices, good acidity, fine grainy tannins, and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Finished long on the trailing palate with spearmint most noticeable.
Paired fine with my meatball sub.

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Château Apogée Lalande-de-Pomerol 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Apogée Lalande-de-Pomerol 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $27.99-$54.99, 90 points, poured deep ruby red with copper highlights, a cloudy meniscus. and fat-stained legs.
The aromas of plums, cinnamon, clove, and hints of mint and red fruit were quite nice.
Upfront silky full-bodied dry red wine showed soft tannins excited by the 13.5% alcohol and spice notes; showed good acidity and tasty anise, plum, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long on the trailing palate with a hint of iron.
Paired perfectly with my beef and cheese enchiladas. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Caparzo 2019 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG)

 

Caparzo 2019 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $33.99-$41.99, 93 points, poured a slightly unfiltered ruby red with copious stained legs and a clear meniscus.
Aromas of licorice, pine resin, and a rich perfumed red fruit were pleasant and interesting.
This Caparzo Brunello was more full-bodied than previous vintages I've tasted (this being my eleventh), rounder more mellow tannins, showed good acidity, and delivered tasty tea notes with hints of oak, black cherry and cayenne pepper.
Finished long, a bit austere, and with a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatballs and spaghetti.
This is high quality reasonably priced Sangiovese; always has been.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Castel Giocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) 2010 Brunello DI Montalcino Revisited

 

Castel Giocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) 2010 Brunello DI Montalcino Revisited, $33.99-$65.99, nine years later scored 92 points, poured a deep brandy color with copper colored fat legs and a clear meniscus.
The aromas of sweet raisin, caramel, and an oxymoronic floral funk were interesting and somewhat unusual.
This twenty five year old Brunello was bone-dry, medium-bodied, still showed good acidity and an underlayment of grainy tannins. Flavors were reflective of the aromas with a hint of mint and intense alcohol (15%) infused spiciness.
Finished on the spice and heat.
Paired okay with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Raymond Napa Valley, Reserve Selection, 2021 Chardonnay

 

Raymond Napa Valley, Reserve Selection, 2021 Chardonnay, $19.99-$24.99, 90 points, was a medium straw yellow color with a broad gray meniscus.
Aromas of dry hay, lemon oil, and an unripe cantaloupe meat were pleasant.
This, my first Raymond Chardonnay was a dry medium-bodied white wine with good acidity and for a Chardonnay, quite zesty marked by ginger, white pepper, lemon oil, and wood notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my fried chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Montes D. O. Valle De Colchagua, Chile, Classic Series 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Montes D. O. Valle De Colchagua, Chile, Classic Series 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.99-$14.99, 86 points, poured an opaque core pomegranate red with a clear wine ring and stained legs.
The nose was dominated by a perfumed fruit-forward wash with hints of cooking herbs and wood.
This Chilean red wine was full-bodied, textually between soft and angular, showed good acidity, a structured underlayment of tannin, and flavors true to the aromas.
Finished long, herbal, spicy, and with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired okay with our Texas burgers.
A competent Cabernet Sauvignon, but more a table wine rather than a "show piece".

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Gaetano D'Aquino 2021 Chianti Riserva DOCG

Gaetano D'Aquino 2021 Chianti Riserva DOCG, $7.99 (Trader Joe's), 88 points, poured a bright ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and thin stained legs.
Aromas of red raspberry, black tea, a bit of wood, and a floral vibe were good.
This Chianti Riserva was a dry medium-bodied red wine that showed typical Sangiovese acidity, softer tannins than I would have expected, and a dominant flavor profile of cherry syrup nuanced with black tea, dried cooking herbs, and a hint of cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my cilantro salsa burger.
Very good Q/P/R Chianti. 

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Louise d' Estree Brut Sparkling Chenin Blanc

 

Louise d' Estree Brut Sparkling Chenin Blanc, $10.99 (Trader Joe's), 90 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a clear meniscus and good effervescence.

The pleasant aromas of sweet apple, lemon peel, and a hint of hops pleased.
A light-bodied Champagne with good acidity and straight-forward flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a touch of ginger-ale, and a well-balanced 11% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Asian cuisine and our baked-spiced chicken wings.
An excellent Q/P/R Sparkling white wine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Castellare 2017 Chianti Classico (DOCG) Revisited

 

Castellare 2017 Chianti Classico (DOCG) Revisited, (reviewed in 2019), $21.99-$24.99, 92 points, poured a clear ruby red with light amber highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and copious stained legs.
Red fruit and wood aroma notes dominated hints of perfumed floral and tea notes.
This rendition of the Castellare 2017 Chianti Classico was a soft and dry medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, a sufficient underlayment of tannin, and tasty red fruit flavors with hints of mint and black tea.
Finished long on the fading palate, a whisper of oak, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Caprice pizza and my Italian spaghetti and meatballs.
I think the six years in my Euro-cave aged this wine well.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Allegro California 2023 Moscato

 

Allegro California 2023 Moscato, $9.99-$13.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color with a broad graying penumbra.
Aromas of orange zest, pome blossoms, and hints of white chocolate and a minty lime were lovely.
This Cali Moscato was near medium-bodied, showed fair acidity, sweet flavor profile marked by tasty stone fruit and rock candy.
Finished well with an 8% alcohol.
Paired great with my Mexican cuisine and just okay with my baked red raspberry dessert.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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La Devise de Lilian Grand Vin De Bordeaux Saint-Estèphe 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

La Devise de Lilian Grand Vin De Bordeaux Saint-Estèphe 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $19.99 (Trader Joe's), 89 points, poured core black grading to a slightly unfiltered pomegranate red, showed fat stained legs and a fairly broad clear meniscus.
Rich black fruit and earth notes were nuanced with plum and a floral vibe.
This 2018 Bordeaux was full-bodied, showed good acidity, a sure foundation of tannin, and tasty flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished long with a slightly tart wood note, spearmint, iron, and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my cheese pizza with black olives.
Varietals were 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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