New Hampshire Wine-man

Friday, November 26, 2021

Clay Shannon El Coyote, Lake County, California 2019 Chardonnay

Clay Shannon El Coyote, Lake County, California 2019 Chardonnay, $12.74-$17.99, 85 points, was a medium straw yellow color, graying midway towards a clear wine ring.
Aromas of sweet apples, mandarin zest, and Necco wafer were pleasant.
A medium to full-bodied white wine with weak to fair acidity and mainly flat flavors reflective of the aromas, which patiently waited until a more interesting finish of subtle hints of ginger and tart citrus to open up upon the back of a soft expression of what is rated an ABV of 14.4%.
Paired okay with Thanksgiving dinner.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Halley and Lex Margaret River 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

Halley and Lex Margaret River 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$19.99, 91 points, poured a deep Burgundy red color with a broad clear meniscus and copious legs.
Hints of coffee, cigar box, spearmint, pine resin, and wild blackberries were excellent.
This was not quite a full-bodied red wine, but good flavors of anise, cassis, coffee, and plums were well supported with an underlayment of tannin and good acidity.
Finished bone-dry and long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced, but warm 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my loaded Chicago-styled pizza.
Not your typical Napa Valley type of Cab, and though a bit angular, this, to me, is an excellent red wine with a high QPR.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Sunday, November 21, 2021

Domaine Cherrier 2019 Sancerre

Domaine Cherrier 2019 Sancerre, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color and clearing towards the rim.
Delightful aromas were Macintosh apples, ginger snap cookies, Meyer lemon, and wet stones.
The near medium-bodied dry white wine was steely, appropriately acidic, and lean; showed flavors of slate, lemon, a touch of guava and melon rind.
Finished long on citrus, ginger, and a potent 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my beer-battered baked cod.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Friday, November 19, 2021

Nickel and Nickel C.C. Ranch, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Nickel and Nickel C.C. Ranch, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $109.99-$117.99, 95 points, poured basic black with a broad purple/red penumbra and clear meniscus while showering the glass with stained legs.
Aromas of cassis, toasty rye, ripe blackberry, java, and mulling spices were outstanding.
A full-bodied dry red wine operated on an opulent mouth-feel, good acidity, and firm "sweet" tannins which delivered cerebral and pensive flavors which were rich and delicious.
Finished long on anise, iron, mint, cayenne, tobacco, a cornucopia of fruit, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rare Texas-spiced Angus rib eye, asparagus, and onion buns with ranch-smothered tomatoes.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Thursday, November 18, 2021

Château La Justice Fronsac 2016 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château La Justice Fronsac 2016 Bordeaux Red Wine, $16.19-$19.99, 89 points, poured core black transitioning to a deep purple/red with a broad clear meniscus and heavy stained legs.
Aromas of coffee, a hint of the barnyard, clove, black fruit, and a floral vibe were good.
A full-bodied bone-dry red wine with good acidity, firm, almost austere tannins, and flavors of black plums, anise, coffee, and dried cooking herbs made for a better than average red table wine, but unusual for a North American 100% Merlot palate.
Finished long with red fruit rather than early palate black fruit, a hint of mint, warm pepper spice, and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired magically with my Mexican cuisine.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2016

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Bella Union Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Bella Union Napa Valley 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $55.24-$72.99, 94 points, poured core black grading to a deep purple/red, copious semi-transparent legs, and finally a fairly broad clear meniscus.
Aromas of plums, black pepper, a bit of loam with a hint of spearmint, and a whisper of clove were reminiscent of Left-bank Bordeaux.
A full-bodied angular dry red wine showing good acidity, fine grainy tannins, a rather lean, but voluptuous mouth-feel, and a rich expression of the bouquet on the palate, which exploded towards the late palate with a warm spiciness.
Finished long and strident with a bit of limestone, tart red cherry, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my steak and cheese sub.
At fifty-five greenbacks, this was an excellent purchase, provided a typically lean Bordeaux-styled Cabernet is your preference.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, November 14, 2021

R. Stuart Willamette Valley 2018 Pinot Noir

R. Stuart Willamette Valley 2018 Pinot Noir, $16.99-$21.99, 88 points, poured a deep cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and sticky glass sheeting.
Aromas of floral red fruit, Heath-bar, and black tea were pleasant.
This Pinot didn't quite pass the medium body threshold, but was tasty, nicely acidic, sandy-tannic, and with good cherry cola flavors accented with easy pepper spices, Pinot Noir specific grape, and a well-balanced 13.1% alcohol.
The lingering finish tied a bow to this red/dry wine with hints of iron.
Paired perfectly with my BTL.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES