New Hampshire Wine-man: May 2026

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Dark Horse California 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark Horse California 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.00-$12.00, 84 points, poured an opaque, somewhat murky purple/red with a bleeding broad wine ring and a sticky neckless of legs.
The aroma was herbaceous and showed perfumed plums, hints of chocolate and an oaky floral vibe.
Dark Horse was full-bodied, chewy, candied (slightly cloying) though bone-dry, showed soft acidity and tannin while delivering a black licorice flavor profile accented with black fruit, plum, and Margerum.
Finished a tad tart, long on the fading palate, iron, red cherry, a hint of black pepper, and the 14.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my wife's chili.
Does this wine make me a wine snob?

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Luke Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

Luke Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.99-$21.99, 88 points, poured a dark ruby red with faint amber flecks, a broad clear meniscus, and fat, sticky stained-legs.
Aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, plums, and a floral vibe were lovely.
This Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was up-front soft, round, and full-bodied, showed dry, fair acidity, underlayment of tannin, with the flavor of anise dominating blackberry, red cherry, and alcohol (14.4%).
Finished a bit hot and spicy with the alcohol becoming prominent.
Paired perfectly with my spiced sauerkraut grass-fed burger.
If noticeable alcohol isn't a problem for you, this is a wonderful choice, especially if you're looking for a good Cab under $20.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Trefethen Oak Knoll Napa Valley 2023 Chardonnay

Trefethen Oak Knoll Napa Valley 2023 Chardonnay, $29.74-$39.99, 93 points, was a light brass color that transitioned midway towards the rim in lightening gossamer gray hues.
Aromas of white pome blossoms, pleasant sour lemon peel, and a hint of mint leaf were excellent.
Trefethen is always one of my favorite Chardonnay white wines, and this 2023 was no exception as it showed a dry medium-body with good acidity, a bit tart, slightly/intriguingly bitter, and delivering delicious flavors which were earthy, malty, citrusy and with hints of green melon and mint.
Finished long on the trailing palate, bright ginger ale, and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried chicken breast.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Monday, May 4, 2026

Castellare 2023 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

Castellare 2023 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $21.99-$24.99, 91 points, poured an almost unfiltered pomegranate red with a clear meniscus and copious stained-legs.
The perfumed floral red raspberry aroma was a standout and nuanced with hints of chocolate and cinnamon tied a lovely red "ribbon" to it.
Typically, medium-bodied, bone-dry, food-friendly acidic, and showed fine grainy tannins.
Flavors of red raspberry, black tea, and fresh dried cooking herbs were a delight.
Finished with a bit of spiciness, a touch tart, and with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with everything Italian (esp. our spaghetti in tomato sauce).
One of my favorite labels and Chianti Classico.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES