Moniker Mendocino County 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.74-$22.99, 90 points, poured core black grading purple/red toward the glass shallows, meniscus, and sticky tears.
Aromatic chocolate, juniper/cedar, black olives, and soft round black fruit smells were interesting and pleasant.
Full-bodied with good acidity and enduring ubiquitous, almost astringent tannins managed to deliver good flavors of plums, cocoa, and nondescript dark fruits.
Finished long, dry, and spicy with a hint of mint and a warm 14.5% alcohol.
My recommendation: At this price, for those that love Cali Cabs and don't mind drinking the same wine over time, or have need for a substantial quantity, this is a wine to buy by the case!
2013 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted
Index-of-reviewed-wines
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Robert Craig Napa Valley 'Affinity' 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $56.94-$66.99, 94 points, poured a slightly unfiltered Burgundy purple/red with a broad clear wine ring and clinging stained sheets turning the bowl into a crystal goblet.
Aromatic thuds of black currants were garnished with lovely whiffs of chocolate, toasty plums, and trailing mulling spices.
The full body showed good acidity and firm, but comfortable layers of tannin.
Flavors of truffle and black cherry with those reflective of the aromas and accented with an accelerating spiciness, trailing plum notes, a whisper of pomegranate, and topped-off by a spot-on 14.8% alcohol, made for a well-balanced Cali Cab.
2014 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted
Index-of-reviewed-wines
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Kim Crawford 2016 Chardonnay (New Zealand), $11.99-$15.99, 88 points, was a straw yellow with a greenish gold sheen.
The nose was rather complex with smells of apple, tropical fruit, citrus, and a subtle allspice.
Medium-bodied with good acidity managed to overcome slightly burnt caramel flavors with a good balance of flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished well with warm spices, toasty apple-pie, and a circumspect 13% alcohol.
Paired nicely with our fried chicken.
Index-of-reviewed-winesCopyright 2010-2018 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger
Fun with family, new and old friends, food, and wine (wine is for food), was a day to treat others with wines stored away for such a time as this; we poured three wines (links and a review below), tasted some succulent treats (cheeses, fruits, and meats), and had good fun in general.
Conversations included the value of Spotify, scary spiders, spine-chilling snakes, and more 'importantly': "You made me like three wines" (Swedish teetotaler).
Have a safe trip back home!
Cheers!
Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2010 Riesling Spätlese, $36,54-$42.99, 94 points
Ridge Lytton Springs 2014 Red Wine, $33.14-$38.99, 94 points
Domaine Séguinot-Bordet 2012 Chablis, $17.84-$22.99, 94 points, poured a glossy medium gold color.
Aromas of soft pome blossoms, warm wet stones, and hints of citrus were outstanding.
The light-plus body with good acidity sported engaging, yet sophisticated flavors of tangerine, lemon zest, edgy minerality, and peach, all of which contributed their own excellence to a harmonious gestalt.
Finished long and sublime on the enduring palate, bright ginger notes, and a perfect 12.5% alcohol.
Index-of-reviewed-wines
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Viberti Giovanni Langhe 2014 "Dolbà" Red Wine (DOC), $7.64-$17.99, 89 points, poured an impenetrable purple/red with a broad clear rim and moderately leggy bowl.
The nose was soft dusty red fruit and floral notes.
The medium body gave a round, soft, and fruity mouth feel; fair acidity and easy tannins carried flavors of mulberry and red raspberry throughout the palate culminating in a mildly spicy finish with hints of fig and tobacco.
Alcohol was a compatible 13.5%.
Varietals were 60% Barbera and 40% Dolcetto, thus the "Dolbà" designation.
Paired fine with our BLTs.
Index-of-reviewed-wines
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Villa Maria Marlborough 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $10.99-$15.99, 89 points, was a very light brass color clearing toward the glass rim.
Competing aromas of passion fruit and pink grapefruit were nuanced with fresh-cut hay and gooseberries.
Light-bodied with bright acidity managed flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished on an enduring palate with ginger and a spot-on 12.5% alcohol.
Index-of-reviewed-wines
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Col D'orcia 2012 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $33.14-$39.99, 91 points, poured a core ruby red radiating a sunburst orange/red toward the broad meniscus and heavy hanging tears.
Aromas of red fruit and leather were just okay for me.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and a grainy underlayment of tannin carried flavors reflective of the aromas with black tea.
Finished long on a hot 14.5% alcohol and white pepper with truffle notes.
Index-of-reviewed-wines
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