New Hampshire Wine-man

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Clos Henri Marlborough Single Vineyard 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Clos Henri Marlborough Single Vineyard 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $25.49-$34.99, 93 points, was a light brass color with yellow/gold highlights.
Aromas of fresh-cut grass, gooseberry, faint dusty vanilla, a hint of grapefruit and pome blossom vibes were quite lovely.
As with many Kiwi SBs, this Clos Henri showed bright acidity flavors of citrus, but late palate and finish were intense lemon/lime with ginger and white pepper notes.
Alcohol content was a well-balanced 13.5%.
Paired perfectly with my baked haddock filet.
I've only spent this much money on a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc once before, but that wine couldn't hold a candle to this 2022 Clos Henri, and this was my highest scoring one at that.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba DOCG 2008 Barolo (Italy) Revisited Eight Years After

Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba DOCG 2008 Barolo (Italy) Revisited Eight Years After, $14.99-$25.99 (500ml), 93 points, poured a deep garnet red with an amber sheen, much micro-sediment, a remarkably clear meniscus, and fine glass sheeting.
Aromas of steamed sweet plums, subtle notes of mint, pine needles, and minerality with a floral vibe were quite good.
This sixteen-year-old Barolo was near full-bodied, showed good acidity, shadows of fine grainy tannin, a tasty reflection of the aromas with warm pepper spices and a hint of espresso.
Finished long on the fading palate with a hint of iron and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our spaghetti and meatballs.
Better now than when tasted in 2016.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

Castellare 2021 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

I don't buy Castellare Chianti for the wine labels, those are lovely ribbons on beautiful packages.
Okay, I review what seems to be a bias towards Italian wines, and that has a few good reasons: largest wine producing country, availability, and great wines.
Castellare 2021 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $18.69-$23.99, 93 points, poured a bright ruby red with amber highlights, moderately stained legs and clear meniscus.
Aromas of softly perfumed red cherry, whispers of tar and tea, nuanced the herbaceous character of this wonderful 2021 Chianti Classico showing bright acidity, angular mouthfeel with grainy tannins, and luscious flavors adorned with warm pepper spices.
Finished long on the trailing palate, hints of mint and iron, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my loaded Giuseppe's pizza.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Monday, October 21, 2024

Il Borro Lamelle Toscana 2022 Chardonnay (IGT)

Il Borro Lamelle Toscana 2022 Chardonnay (IGT), $25.21-$32.99, 93 points, was a light brass color graying midway towards the glass rim.
Aromas of perfumed fresh-cut hay, soft Necco wafer notes, and dusty mandarin peel were lovely and fresh.
This Tuscan Chardonnay brags on its organic bona fides, but I brag on it being lean, clean, and perfectly balanced: showed good acidity, light to medium-bodied, and accompanied with steely flavors reflective of the aromas and brisk white pepper/ginger notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate with a hint of cantaloupe, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my baked haddock filet.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Chronic Cellars "Sir Real" Paso Robles 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon

Chronic Cellars "Sir Real" Paso Robles 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.59-$17.99, 87 points, poured a dark cranberry red shading close to ruby red with a broad clear wine ring and fat-stained legs.
This Cab had a very grapey smell with red cherry, a hint of milk chocolate, and a floral vibe.
Chronic Cellars does a good job at producing successful table wines and this full-bodied cab was no different: showed fair acidity, soft round tannins, fruity flavor profile with hints of dried cooking herbs and chocolate.
Finished great on a spicy infused 14.3% alcohol with a hint of mint.
Paired well with my grass-fed cheddar cheeseburger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Saturday, October 19, 2024

Tenuta Di Arceno 2020 Chianti Classico

Tenuta Di Arceno 2020 Chianti Classico, $23.99-$31.99, 91 points, poured an opaque pomegranate red with a clear meniscus and fat stained-legs.
The earthy/herbal aromas were nuanced with black tea and hints of red fruit.
Unlike most Chianti Classico red wines, this one was near full-bodied, this one was typically dry, showed fine grainy tannins, and tasty floral flavors with red fruit, dried cooking herbs, and hints of cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the trailing palate, hints of fig, red cherry, and a big but balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatball sub.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sonoma County 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sonoma County 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, $16.99-$21.99, 89 points, was a pale-yellow gold color and graying midway towards the rim.
The aroma of dusty hay dampened the lemon zest, vanilla, and wood notes.
Alexander Valley delivered a cut and dry light-bodied white wine with good acidity and straight-forward flavors reflective of the aromas with bright ginger notes.
Finished long on a fabulous ginger and a big but comfortable 14% alcohol.
Paired well with my chicken club sandwich.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES