Banyan (Beautiful) Monterey County 2015 Gewürztraminer, $11.04-$13.99, 89 points, poured a light brass color clearing quickly before the glass shallows.
Gewürztraminer is supposed to be very aromatic, and if the Harvest Moon Estate and Winery 2015 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer were the standard, it would certainly be true, but not finding a 'classic' Gewürztraminer anywhere, I make do with less than pronounced bouquets, which is the case here; finding barely hints of pome blossoms and honey, though pleasant enough, did not impress.
Light-bodied with adequate acidity managed a rather nondescript tropical/pome fruit flavor profile that was quite delicious and paired perfectly with my Mexican cuisine, and okay with my sardines and Greek olives.
Finished fine on the trailing palate, a hint of ginger, and a slightly sweet nuanced 11.8% alcohol.
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Chateau St. Jean 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $10.99-$13.99, 88 points, poured a medium brass color with yellow highlights.
The aroma was predominantly grassy.
Light, crisp, appropriately acidic, and showing bright flavors of lemon/lime and ginger.
Finished well on the trailing palate, Necco wafer, and hay flavors with a well-balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my batter-fried Ipswich clams.
Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Cali)
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Mazzocco Alexander Valley 2014 Chardonnay, $11.49-$18.99, 89 points, was a solid brass color.
Aromatic apple with hints of Lychee and pear were excellent.
Medium-bodied with an easy mouth-feel and fair acidity displayed a restrained oak influence of vanilla, and allowed the flavors of apple and lemon a place on the Cali wine stage and thus receiving accolades from this audience.
The finish was mostly Chardonnay grape, a hint of ginger, the trailing lemon, and a well-integrated 14.1% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my tequila/lime rotisserie chicken.
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Château Canon 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion 2014 Bordeaux Red Wine, $59.49-$69.99, 96 points, poured an opaque purple/red with a clear wine ring and a glass bowl heavily laden with tears.
Lovely aromas of crème de cassis, freshly laundered linen, violets, and cocoa were outstanding.
Full bodied with sound acidity and sturdy tannin unraveled layers of luscious black fruit, plums, chocolate, truffle, dried cooking herbs, appropriate oak notes, and warm spices.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a trace of iron, and a well-integrated 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc.
Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2014
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Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate 2010 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $10.99-$14.99, 88 points, poured an opaque dark red wine color with a broad clear rim and light glass sheeting.
Aromatic toasty cherry fruit with hints of violets and truffles were excellent.
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and appropriately supportive tannins carried plum, tangy red cherry, and mushroom flavors.
Finished long on the fading palate, intensifying truffle and spice notes, hints of pomegranate, black tea, and an apropos 13% alcohol.
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Domaines Schlumberger Alsace Saering Grand Cru 2008 Riesling (France), $30.39-$37.99, 91 points, poured a dark coppery gold color clearing in the glass shallows.
The nose was petrol driven with a lovey honeysuckle carriage.
Medium-bodied with good acidity carried slightly sweet succulent flavors of Asian pear, apple, honey, melon rind, and just a hint of petrol.
Finished long and tangy on the trailing palate and a well-integrated 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Japanese cuisine.
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