New Hampshire Wine-man

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Wine in decline?

It appears that wine is no longer the cat's meow!

In 2023 wine purchases worldwide were down by a reported 8.7%.
What's up? Lots of speculation, but what I see is costs are up, prices are up, and income is down.
Occam's razor suggests that supply and demand of equipment, disposables, qualified employees, energy, relative income, and taxes have made true "never send to know whom the bell tolls . . ."
You get the government you deserve.
Yesterday I posted a wine I bought eleven years ago, but today it is about twice as much, and for the hoi polloi who don't want to spend more than ten dollars for a dinner wine, those that have a mature palate and want to spend under fifty dollars, or even that special celebratory purchase of a hundred-dollar gift wine, just might say NO to a $250 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, or a $53 bottle of Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, or even a $14 bottle of plonk wine.
I'm guessing that many are doing what I'm doing: buying Argentina Malbec and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $84.99-$94.99, 95 points, poured a dark ruby red with a still broad meniscus sitting on a thin layer of a bleeding penumbra, and fat stained-legs.
The fresh clear-water lake smell was nuanced with cinnamon, briar blackberries, and a soft lovely floral vibe.
Groth Cabernet Sauvignon wines are always full-bodied, and the 2010 Reserve was no different; showing good acidy, firm but soft tannins, an opulent mouthfeel, and flavors of truffle, mint, anise, blackberry cordial, and "Hot Tamales" candies without the sweetness.
Finished very long, smooth, spicy, a bit tart, and with a spot-on 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rib eye.
A superior Cabernet Sauvignon, but the current price is close to $200 a 750ml, while this has been in my Euro cave for eleven years.

2010 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Dry Creek Vineyard (Hillside and Benchland Vineyards) 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry Creek Vineyard (Hillside and Benchland Vineyards) 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, $23.99-$34.99, 92 points, poured a clear ruby almost blood red color with a broad clear meniscus and a glass neckless of sticky legs.
Aromas were savory, fruity, and floral with hints of smoke and anise.
Dry Creek has given us (me) another rich and opulent full-bodied Cabernet sauvignon with fair acidity, round supportive tannins, and rich flavors of red currants, blackberries, licorice, and a hint of violets.
Finished long and a bit tart on the trailing palate, hints of loam, cayenne, citrus, and supported nicely with a 14.1% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatball/parmesan sub.
A $50 Cab for $25.

2019 California Cabernet Sauvignon wines tasted

Dry Creek Vineyard, why it's a "go to" winery

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Friday, May 3, 2024

Bartenura Kosher 2022 Moscato D'Asti (DOCG)

Bartenura Kosher 2022 Moscato D'Asti (DOCG), $13.59-$18.99, 90 points, was a very light white-brass color and nicely frizzante.
The gentle and lovey aromas of white chocolate, orange zest, and dusty rock candy were delightful.
Bartenura fizzy sweet white wine was just shy of medium-bodied with fair acidity and delicious flavors of orange creamsicle, white grape juice, and a whisper of vanilla.
Finished long, addictive, and on a soft 5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy chili.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Gravel and Loam Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Gravel and Loam Marlborough, NZ, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.74-$14.99, 90 points, was a light brass color with a lime-green sheen and a clear meniscus.
The striking nose just might be quintessential Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc! Smells of gooseberry, a solid sense of minerality, and hints of grapefruit and lime juice.
The crisp dry light-bodied white wine was brightly acidic, angular, and delivered the nose onto the palate.
Finished long on the grapefruit, ginger notes, a hint of crème brûlée, and a well-balance 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried scallops.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Virginie De Valandraud Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

Virginie De Valandraud Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $43.99-$85.99, 92 points, poured an opaque ruby red color with fat-stained legs and a clear meniscus.
The soft floral aromas were nuanced with black plums, cedar box, and milk chocolate.
Full-bodied Saint-Emilion Grand Cru was inviting with tempered tannins, good acidity, and rich floral/fruity flavors with dried herbs and resin notes.
Finished long, peppery, with a whisper of pomegranate and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Spanakopita.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Averaen Willamette Valley 2021 Pinot Noir

Averaen Willamette Valley 2021 Pinot Noir, $18.39-$24.99, 91 points, poured a deep ruby red color with violet highlights, a neckless of sticky legs, and a broad clear meniscus.
The lightly smoky aroma was showered with hints of pine lumber, black cherry, and black grape, not overwhelming, but lovely.
This Pinot Noir was medium-bodied, showed fair acidity, soft tannins, and a smooth/clean mouthfeel, and delivered delicious and ironically nondescript flavors of black cherry, cinnamon, and pomegranate.
Finished well on slightly tart lingonberry, plum, and white pepper with a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Thanksgiving cuisine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES