Lobster Reef Marlborough 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Lobster Reef Marlborough 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $10.19-$13.99, 86 points, was a light brass color with a glimmer of green.
The aromas of floral pink grapefruit and gooseberry were good.
Lobster Reef was a light, crisp, energetic, and refreshing white wine displaying the flavors reflective of the aromas; an archetypical NZ SB and without much distinction at that.
Finished as it began, and paired perfectly with my Ipswich fried clams.
The 13% alcohol was appropriate to the wine.

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Château Bellevue St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2014 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Bellevue St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2014 Bordeaux Red Wine, $40.79-$47.99, 93 points, poured heavily viscous on the glass followed by a broad clear rim ring and increasingly impregnable purple/reds terminating black at the core.
The bouquet was busy with an unusual chocolate crème brûlée, followed by red raspberry, lavender, blueberry, and black fruits.
Full-bodied with good acidity and ubiquitous tannins managed to show off the bouquet to the palate, but with dissipating intensity.
The finish was a long ride with passengers of plum, licorice, chocolate, young tobacco, and parented with spicy peppers and a well-integrated 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our meat-lovers pizza and garden salad.

Bordeaux Red Wine vintage 2014
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Moët & Chandon Mini Imperial (187ML) Champagne

Champagne, sardine's perfect pairing!

Moët and Chandon Mini Imperial (187ML) Champagne, $4.49-$11.99, 89 points, poured with a vigorous head of foam made-up of medium-sized bubbles, and a very light gold color grading clear long before the glass edge.
The nose typically showed toast, yeast, and a hint of lemon.
Crisp light-plus body showed good acidity and rightly reflected the nose with a touch of apple onto the palate.
Finished long on the fading palate (highlighting the lemon), a fizzy ginger, and a well-balanced 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with King Oscar's baby sardines in extra virgin olive oil.
For other wines to pair with sardines, and other unusual pairings, see:
Wine Pairing; exempli gratia (e.g.) PB-and-J

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Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG)

Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG), $50.14-$58.99, 92 points, poured a flawless ruby red with a bright clear rim-ring and moderate draping.
Aromatic red cherry, flowers, and a hint of mint were excellent.
The medium-plus body, early palate smooth, with good acidity and a plank of supportive tannin developed into an accelerating tart/spiciness which enlivened flavors of cherry fruit, earth, bay leaf, and fennel.
Finished very long on the trailing palate, a tingling white pepper, and an appropriate 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our BLT wraps.
Varietals were 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Pommery Brut Royal NV Champagne

Pommery Brut Royal NV Champagne, $25.49-$44.99, 88 points, was a coppery/gold color with a ferocious effervescence of variable sized bubbles.
The aromas of toasty yeasty apple and caramel were just okay for me.
The flavors mirrored the aromas and carried throughout the palate, but finished well on a fizzy inspired ginger and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Light-bodied with good acidity made for a perfect companion with our native corn-on-the-cob and garden salad.
Varietals were an equal amount of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

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Tenute Silvio Nardi 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino

Tenute Silvio Nardi 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino, $38.24-$49.99, 92+ points, poured a rainbow of ruby and garnet reds with a broad clear wine ring and heavy draping.
Aromas needed some air before the treasures of roses, leather, toasty oak, and red cherry could be appreciated.
Near full-bodied with bright acidity and fine grainy tannins delivered flavors of cherry fruit, black tea, and truffles with a hint of tobacco.
Finished very long on the trailing palate and a warm 14.5% alcohol inspirited spiciness.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti in a heavy beef marinara sauce.

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Cline Contra Costa County 2017 Mourvèdre Rosé

Cline Contra Costa County 2017 Mourvèdre Rosé, $9.34-$10.99, 87 points, was a deep salmon red color.
Smells were a profuse strawberry with a floral vibe.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and a tender touch of tannin managed well the hint of residual sugar and flavors of strawberry and blood orange.
Finished fair on hints of Red dragon fruit, cinnamon, and a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spicy tostadas.

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