Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $25.49-$32.99, 90 points, poured a bright crystal clear ruby red with a very broad clear meniscus and the legs were sticky and hanging.
The nose was basically red fruit with a soft floral vibe; pleasant but not inspiring.
This famous Riserva was derived from one of the best vintages, it was a bit bigger than medium-bodied, bone-dry, brightly acidic, and showed a smooth but strong tannic wash. Flavors were rich cherry fruit, plums, and black tea notes, yet slightly offset by a late palate astringency.
Finished on fire with hot spices and a big 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Italian veggie pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Tutela Classico Superiore Valpolicella D.O.C.

 

Tutela Classico Superiore Valpolicella D.O.C., $11.79-$17.99, 87 points, poured a lovely light vermilion red grading outward as an orange/red color with quite a broad meniscus and a neckless of clear legs.
Aromas of figs, dates, cranberries, and mountain streams were soft but pleasant.
This Valpolicella was barely medium-bodied but filled with solid flavors of warm spices yellow juicy raisins, iron, and black grape skins.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our spaghetti and meatballs.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Barossa Valley 2007 Shiraz

 

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Barossa Valley 2007 Shiraz, $24.99, 93 points, poured a deep purple/red with a slightly bleeding meniscus and light sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of peppery incense, juniper berry, blackberry, and hint of cocoa were lovely.
This was a full-bodied dry shiraz, showed good acidity, underlayment of fine grainy tannins, and a robust spicy flavor profile nuanced by flavors reflective of the aromas with a still very juicy character marked by red raspberry and fig.
Finished long on fruit notes, black ripe grape, and a well-balanced 14.8% alcohol.
Bottled with a screw-cap.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Shafer Napa Valley 2007 Merlot Revisited

 

Shafer Napa Valley 2007 Merlot Revisited, $34.99-$48.00 (current average $93.99), 93 points, poured a deep pomegranate red with orange highlights, a broad bleeding meniscus, and sticky stained-legs.
Aromas were dominated by slightly funky yet perfumed sweet plum notes.
Full-bodied dry red wine with a round soft mouthfeel, showed fair-good acidity, resolved tannins, and flavors of plums, black licorice, and warm pepper spices.
Finished long on the fading palate and with a balanced but big 14.9%.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs, and delicious with our milk chocolate dessert.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Tenute Silvio Nardi 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino DOC

 

Tenute Silvio Nardi 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino DOC, $20.39-$23.99, 91 points, poured a deep ruby red with a clear meniscus and copious sticky legs.
Aromas of red cherry, black tea, and a floral vibe were pleasant if a bit soft.
This 2023 vintage Silvio Nardi Rosso was a dry medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity, easy fine grainy tannins, and tasty baby Brunello flavors reflective of the nose with warm spice and a hint of coffee.
Finished fresh, clean, and long on the fading palate with a whisper lingonberry and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced lamb rib chops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Jermann Friuli Venezia Giulia 2024 Pinot Grigio DOC

 

Jermann Friuli Venezia Giulia 2024 Pinot Grigio DOC, $25.50-$32.99, 92 points, was a medium brass color at the core quickly grading to lightening grays towards the rim.
Aromas of subtle kiwi, honeydew melon, and green grape in a mineral matrix was lovely.
This Pinot Grigio competes with Sauvignon Blanc (which is usually my preference), it was medium-bodied, dry, showed bright acidity, delivered robust flavors of white pepper, tart lemongrass, lime juice, and Pinot Grigio specific grape.
Finished long on the trailing palate with a hint of ginger and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried clams.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Ferrari-Carano Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2021 Zinfandel

 

Ferrari-Carano Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2021 Zinfandel, $23.75-$49.99, 92 points, poured core black with a Burgundy-red sheen, clear meniscus, and a neckless of sticky stained-legs.
First pour aromas were a lovely profuse panoply of briarberries which tamed to subtle spicy red fruit and chocolate notes.
This Dry-Creek Zin was medium-bodied with an up-front silky mouthfeel, quite dry, showed good acidity, supportive underlayment of fine tannins, and robust flavors reflective of the aromas with enhanced cayenne pepper and a hint of marzipan.
Finished long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 14.8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced grass-fed Australian lamb rib chops, and good with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Ultimate AOP Côtes De Provence 2024 Rosé

 

Ultimate  AOP Côtes De Provence 2024 Rosé, $19.54-$24.99, 85 points, poured a light salmon pink with shimmering rainbow highlights and a gray meniscus.
Aromas of peach, Strawberry, and Necco wafers, were lovely.
A light-bodied dry Provence with good acidity, no noticeable tannins, and rather thin flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished fair and with a 12.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my Mexican cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Penner-Ash Willamette Valley 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Penner-Ash Willamette Valley 2022 Pinot Noir, $50.14-$58.99, 95 points, poured a deep and bright ruby red at the core grading to cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and light thin legs.
Aromas of perfumed cherry fruit with hints of milk chocolate, soft evergreen, floral and citrus notes were excellent.
This Willamette Valley Pinot Noir was a robust medium-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, very fine grainy tannins, and rich developing flavors throughout the palate; flavors commensurate with the nose leap-frogged one another cascading in a never-ending Pinot Noir grape specific flavor, warm white pepper, and a touch of virgin olive oil.
Alcohol was a well-balanced 14.1%.
Paired perfectly with my beef stew.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Altocedro Ano Cero, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Altocedro Ano Cero, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.59-$11.99, 85 points, poured core black transitioning to a deep rosewood red with a thin bleeding meniscus and sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of mulberry with hints of chocolate, flowers, and blueberries were pleasant.
This red wine from Argentina was full-bodied, showed good acidity, a plank of underlayment tannin, and an astringent mouthfeel with tart mostly raisin flavors nuanced with burnt caramel, iron, and red pepper.
Finished long on a spice-infused 14.4% alcohol.
Did not pair well with our burgers.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Greywacke Marlborough New Zealand 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Greywacke Marlborough New Zealand 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, $19.99-$21.99, 91 points, was almost water clear with lemon peel yellow highlights.
The dusty citrus smells were nuanced with subtle tropical fruit and minerality.
This Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc was typically acidic, showed bright and refreshing with the citrus/Tropical fruit flavors.
Finished long on grapefruit, ginger, and an appropriate 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried clams.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Chateau Graves de Pez Saint-Estèphe 2022 Red Wine

 

Chateau Graves de Pez Saint-Estèphe 2022 Red Wine, $25.70-$69.99, 89 points, poured core black grading to a deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and sticky glass sheeting.
The perfumed black fruit aromas were nuanced with a lovely cedar box, loam, a subtle violet notes.
This Saint-Estèphe 2022 Red Wine was full-bodied, showed good acidity, a supportive underlayment of round tannins, and delivered robust flavors of red raspberry, black currants, anise, and intense late palate peppery spice.
Mid-palate struggled a bit with a lack of substance, but overall, a worthy table wine.
Finished spicy, showed a strong iron flavor, and what seemed an underrated 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot.
Pair with beef or lamb.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Coppo Costebianche Piemonte 2022 Chardonnay (DOC)

 

Coppo Costebianche Piemonte 2022 Chardonnay (DOC), $19.49-$24.99, 87 points, was a medium yellow-gold color with a broad gray meniscus.
Aromas of dusty mandarin peel, minerality, and a hint of lime juice were okay.
This Italian Chardonnay was light to medium-bodied, with an angular mouthfeel, fair acidity, and delivered a rather straightforward tart citrus, caramel, and mineral flavor profile.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and a soft 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Thanksgiving-styled dinner.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Revisited

 

Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Revisited, $37.99, 89 points, poured core black transitioning to an unfiltered garnet with a thin bleeding meniscus and thin "raining" legs.
The herbal/earthy aromas dominated a soft floral vibe.
This Frog's Leap has evolved towards a medium-bodied red wine, a bit thin, but still quite tasty with licorice, loam, and herb notes nuanced with plums, warm spice, and mushrooms while showing resolved tannins and fair acidity.
Alcohol was 13.6%.
Paired fine with our spaghetti and meatballs.
I first had this wine almost exactly 15 years ago, and this bottle has been in my Euro-cave ever since. 

2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Revisited

 

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Revisited, $39.15-$58.00, 92 points, poured an opaque ruby-red with just a hint of copper coloring towards the still clear meniscus.
A perfumed bouquet of melted tertiary notes of flowers, ripe black fruit, coffee, dried cooking herbs, and conifer needles were lovely.
This 2007 Stag's Leap Cab was near full-bodied, showed good acidity, a still supportive underlayment of tannin, and rich flavors of anise, Damson plum, brandy and earth notes, but the 14.5% alcohol was a bit of a distraction.
Finished long on a spice infused alcohol, chocolate, and black licorice.
Paired perfectly with my spiced Australian lamb rib chops.
When I reviewed this wine more than 14 years ago, I said: "drink now, drink for years to come." The years to come was on target for this wine.

2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Concha y Toro Don Melchor Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Puente Alto, Chile)

 

Concha y Toro Don Melchor Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Puente Alto, Chile), current price begins at $164.99, 93 points, poured core black and barely transitioning to a muddy purple/reddish towards the thin bleeding russet meniscus.
The bouquet of subtle tertiary notes of coffee, brandy, floral red licorice, and herbal notes were rich.
The 2007 Don Melchor which sat in my Euro-cave for a dozen years, was full-bodied, showed good acidity, fine mellow tannins, and lively spice-infused flavors reflective of the bouquet.
Finished long, a bit tart, showed hints of mint, iron, and loam notes with a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2026, all rights reserved Dennis Tsiorbas

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