New Hampshire Wine-man: May 2025

Friday, May 30, 2025

Bindi Sergardi Al Canapo 2021 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG

Bindi Sergardi Al Canapo 2021 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, $19.55-$22.99, 87 points, poured a ruby red color with a pink sheen, broad clear meniscus, and light clinging legs.
Aromas were a panoply of red fruit, perfumed floral notes, and just a hint of mint.
This is a rare near full-bodied Chianti, dry, smooth, showing soft tannins, good acidity, and a tasty red fruit flavor profile nuanced with herbs and citrus notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a whisper of warm spice, and a comfortable 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my veggie pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Santa Margherita D.O.C.G. 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva

Santa Margherita D.O.C.G. 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva, $19.44-$24.99, 89 points, poured ruby to cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and a neckless for legs.
The aromas of herbaceous red fruit and earth notes were pleasant.
This dry 2021 Riserva was medium-bodied, showed good acidity, slightly astringent fine grainy tannins, and flavors consistent with the nose plus a hint of red pepper.
Finished long on the fading palate with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol, and hints of iron and rhubarb.
Paired perfectly with my ground lamb/beef burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Monday, May 26, 2025

Melini 2021 Chianti (Riserva) DOCG

Melini 2021 Chianti (Riserva) DOCG, $14.44-19.99, 89 points, poured a deep ruby red color with a broad clear wine ring and copious sticky legs.
Aromas of complex red fruit notes with hints of peat and coffee were quite nice!
This, for me, unusual Chianti Riserva was near full-bodied, upfront soft palate, dry, showed good acidity, developing warm spice and firm grainy tannins, and flavors commensurate with the nose.
Finished long, a bit astringent, tasty, and with a hefty 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my onion/olive pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Saturday, May 24, 2025

St. Michael-Eppan, Alto Adige 2023 Pinot Grigio DOC

St. Michael-Eppan, Alto Adige 2023 Pinot Grigio DOC, $19.54-$26.99, 90 points, was a very light yellow/gold color with a broad graying penumbra.
The aromas needed to be teased out with considerable effort, but subtle lemon notes, white chocolate, a hint of honey, and kiwi were pleasant enough.
This Italian Pinot Grigio was light-bodied, dry, showed bright acidity, and delivered relaxed yet tasty citrus flavors nuanced with minerality, a non-spritzy lemon Kombucha, and green melon rind.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of ginger, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Portuguese sardines in extra virgin olive oil.
Generally, Sauvignon Blanc is my choice over the more subtle Pinot Grigio, but this St. Michael-Eppan's offering was delightful.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Thursday, May 22, 2025

Rocca delle Macie RUBIZZO 2021 Toscana IGT

Rocca delle Macie RUBIZZO 2021 Toscana IGT, $8.49-$18.99, 87 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with thin light legs and a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas were light strawberries, a hint of spearmint, and Lamiaceae notes.
This IGT was light-bodied, showed good acidity and light grainy tannins, and easy red fruit and warm spicy flavors.
Finished a bit tart but seamless and with a refreshing 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my mild beef chili.
Varietals were 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, making it interesting that it's not listed as a Chianti considering it's Tuscany/Sangiovese pedigree.
A high Q/P/R red wine, light, quite pairable and tasty, especially for under $10.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Marques de Borba DOC 2023 White Wine

Marques de Borba DOC 2023 White Wine, Portugal, $6.79-$18.99, 87 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a broad graying penumbra.
Aromas of perfumed lime juice, lemon grass, and a firm minerality were pleasant.
This Portuguese white wine was light-bodied, dry, showed good-bright acidity, and tasty flavors of the nose.
Finished fair on the fading palate and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Atlantic lobster roll and Icelandic fried cod.
Varietals were 70% Arinto, 15% Antão Vaz, and 15% Viognier.
An excellent choice for fish anything cuisine white table wine, and for that Power Buy sale price, it's a steal.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Foris Vineyards Oregon 2023 Moscato USA

Foris Vineyards Oregon 2023 Moscato USA, $12.99-$16.99, 89 points, was almost clear with golden highlights and a faint gray penumbra.
Aromas of apricots, orange peel, and citrus notes were soft and lovely.
This Oregonian Moscato was medium-bodied, showed good acidity and flavors of guava, Mac apples, and hints of lemon, wood, and rock candy.
Finished fair on a tasty orange Julius and with a spot-on 8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my buffalo wings.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINE S

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Saturday, May 17, 2025

Tenuta di Nozzole D.O.C.G. 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva

Tenuta di Nozzole D.O.C.G. 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva, $16.14-$21.99, 91 points, poured a bright orange/red color with a broad clear meniscus and copious thin legs.
The pleasant floral red cherry aroma was nuanced with cinnamon and a soft perfumed black tea.
The 2021 vintage seems to be slightly lighter bodied than my previous five vintages, but as usual has bright acidity and fine grainy tannins; delicious flavors of red fruit, cinnamon, and hot peppers were excellent.
Finished earthy, warm, spicy, and with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Spanakopita and kalamata olives.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Friday, May 16, 2025

Michele Chiarlo Reyna 2020 Barbaresco

Michele Chiarlo Reyna 2020 Barbaresco, $32.29-$39.99, 92 points, poured a light cranberry red with pink highlights, a very broad clear meniscus, and light glass sheeting.
Aromas of cinnamon, clove, and ripe mulberry were pleasant.
This Barbaresco was barely medium-bodied (a true baby Barolo), brightly acidic, showed fine grainy tannins, and delivered great flavors of red fruit, spearmint, Kirsch, and cayenne.
Finished long on cherry cola, Hot Tamales candy, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with my prosciutto and feta salad.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Comte de la Chevalière, Loire, 2023 Sancerre

Comte de la Chevalière, Loire, 2023 Sancerre, $25.49-$32.99, 91 points, was a medium brass color with a graying penumbra.
A lovely, sweet apple/orange aroma was delicately nuanced with lemon zest.
This light-bodied Sancerre was appropriately dry and acidic, showed complex flavors of Necco wafer, floral and grassy notes, melon rind, and just a hint of grapefruit (quite nice).
Finished long, refreshing, a tad weak, and with a comfortable 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with fried cod and spicy veggie roll.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
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Monday, May 12, 2025

Bodegas Ugalde Bianai Gran Reserva 2017 Rioja Red Wine (DOC)

Bodegas Ugalde Bianai Gran Reserva 2017 Rioja Red Wine (DOC), $20.39-$49.99, 93 points, poured a vibrant ruby red color with orange highlights, a broad clear meniscus, and copious legs.
Aromas of ripe strawberries, black pepper, and a hint of Kirsch were lovely.
This Gran Reserva 2017 Rioja aged well and delivered a near full-bodied red wine (75% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, and 5% Carignan) showing fine mostly resolved tannins, good acidity, silky mouthfeel, and delicious flavors of black cherry, cayenne, anise, and a hint of coffee bean.
Finished long on the trailing palate, cherry cola, loam, accelerating cayenne, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my prosaic cheeseburger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Sauvignon Republic Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Republic Marlborough 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.99, 88 points, was a very light brass color, almost a platinum blond with a thin water-clear wine ring.
Aromas were dominated by a dusty passion fruit with gooseberry and a hint of lemon zest.
This Kiwi SB was light-bodied, showed acidic, tart, and tasty with the lemon upfront.
Finished still tasty but a bit thin with a hint of Moscato grape and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried clams.
Another great find at Trader Joe's.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2022 Chardonnay

Jordan Russian River, Sonoma, 2022 Chardonnay, $29.74-$36.99, 94 points, was a light brass color with a thin clear meniscus and noticeable fat sticky legs.
The lovely aromas of sweet apples, pome blossoms, and dusty dried hay notes with just a hint of lime juice impressed.
A delicate Chardonnay with good acidity and rich stone and citrus flavors, as usual, impressed as well.
Finished long on the trailing palate, quite juicy, slightly tart, a whisper of ginger, and spot-on 13.7% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with several chicken cuisine creations.
Some people ask why I continue reviewing just a few Cali Chardonnays, and my answer is they are great wines at mostly reasonable prices. When a wine (winery) lets me down, like Nickle And Nickle Far Niente Napa Valley did, I'll stop buying them (too expensive for an everyday wine).
Here's some of the wineries that I highly recommend for the hoi poli: Dry Creek, Gary Farrell, Grgich, Jordan, Ramey, Trefethen.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Poe Split Rock Ranch, Mendocino, 2022 Dolcetto Red Wine

Poe Split Rock Ranch, Mendocino, 2022 Dolcetto Red Wine, $11.89-$27.99, 87 points, poured a light cranberry color with thin legs and a broad clear wine ring.
Aromas of fennel, strawberry, and a very milky chocolate were okay.
This Dolcetto was light in appearance and in body, showed good acidity, very fine tannins, and a fennel/red raspberry flavor profile accented keenly with white and red pepper.
Finished tasty, with flowery cinnamon hot red cherry candy and a slightly off-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired surprisingly well with my mild Mexican cuisine.
This is a list of my typically uncommon domestic red wines: Mourvèdre, Barbera, Grenache, Malbec, Sangiovese and Dolcetto Red Wines (not mentioning White Wines).

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, May 4, 2025

St. Supéry Estates Vineyards Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Supéry Estates Vineyards Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, $46.36-$59.99, 93 points, poured an opaque ruby red with a clear meniscus and densely clustered, fat, and stained legs.
Aromas of cinnamon, cloves, coffee, plums, and slightly sour ripened blackberries were subtle yet complex and pleasant.
This Napa Valley 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was full-bodied, showed soft round and grainy tannins, good acidity, and rich flavors of red cherry, cinnamon, warm blackberries, fennel, and dried cooking herbs with an escalating cayenne pepper.
Finished long on warm cayenne, iron notes, and a comfortable 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed Delmonico steak.

2019 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Kidia 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)

Kidia 2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Chile), $6.99, 87 points, was a very light yellow/gold color and graying midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas were subtle dusty grass and nearly mute passion fruit notes, okay, but weak.
This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc was a dry light-bodied white wine with bright acidity and tasty flavors of lime, mint, lemongrass, and tart passion fruit.
Finished long on lemon oil and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired PERFECTLY with my sardines in olive oil.
Had a lovely tablescape presence.
This was another fine offering from Trader Joe's.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Friday, May 2, 2025

Château Abelyce Grand Cru Saint-Émilion 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Abelyce Grand Cru Saint-Émilion 2018 Bordeaux Red Wine, $29.74-$34.99, 90 points, poured an opaque ruby red with copper highlights, a thin clear meniscus, and copious legs.
Aromas were a bit quiet, but a dusty perfumed plum with a hint of coffee were pleasant.
This Grand Cru Saint-Émilion was just barely full-bodied, showed good acidity, mostly resolved tannins, and delicious nondescript flavors of plums, black olives, cooking herbs, and white pepper.
Finished long on the fading palate and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my veggie/sausage pizza and cheeseburger.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2018

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Schloss Saarstein Kabinett 2020 Riesling

Schloss Saarstein Kabinett 2020 Riesling, $28.04-$35.99, 93 points, was a light yellow/gold color with a broad clear meniscus.
Aromas were dominated by a non-offensive petrol with hints of lime juice, juniper, and dusty vanilla.
This semi-sweet Riesling was light-medium-bodied, showed good acidity, had a surprisingly crisp texture, and delivered delicious flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of tangerine, guava, and rock candy.
Finished long on the fading palate and a well-balanced 8.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy Mexican cuisine and our salt and vinegar fried chicken.