New Hampshire Wine-man

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Proemio, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022 Chardonnay

Proemio, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022 Chardonnay, $7.99-$16.99, 91 points, was a medium yellow-gold color with a broad clear penumbra and noticeable fat legs.
Aromas of heated Mandarin orange peel, fresh ginger, a hint of wood and minerality were excellent.
This unusual Chardonnay just might be the blind-taster's nemesis: light-bodied, dry, bright acidity, relatively low alcohol (12.4%), citrusy, and spicy.
Finished long, tangy, gingery, almost like an intense Chablis.
Paired well with my rotisserie chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Castellare 2022 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

Castellare 2022 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $21.99-$24.99, 92 points, poured a bright ruby red with orange highlights in the shallows, a medium-sized clear meniscus, and copious stained legs.
Aromas of perfumed strawberries, red cherry, black tea, subtle blueberry syrup, and sweet cooking herbs were lovely if a bit soft.
The 2022 Castellare Chianti Classico was typically medium-bodied, dry, showing bright acidity and spiciness, fine grainy tannins, and delicious flavors reflecting much of the aromas.
Finished long, a tad tight, tart, and tangy with a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with Mister Mac's taco mac and cheese.
This is my twelfth vintage of this wonderful Tuscan gem.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Benmar Springbok, Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley 2023 Pinot Noir

Benmar Springbok, Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley 2023 Pinot Noir, $22.99-$31.99, 90 points, poured a deep ruby red with a broad clear meniscus and copious thin legs.
Aromas were herbaceous with good cherry-fruit notes.
This Willamette Valley Pinot was atypically lively with spiciness, good acidity, grainy tannins, and typically with a dry medium body.
Finished long, tart, with that intense spiciness, red fruit notes, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Te Mata Estate Hawke's Bay 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

Te Mata Estate Hawke's Bay 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, $19.99-$27.99, 91 points, was a very light brass color with a graying penumbra.
Aromas were dominated by passion fruit with citrus and grassy notes.
This Kiwi SB was light-bodied, showed bright acidity and lively flavors reflective of the aromas with white grapefruit and a whisper of ginger.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my baked Icelandic cod, and our fried chicken.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Friday, September 19, 2025

Ruffino Riserva Ducale 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva

Ruffino Riserva Ducale 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva, $19.99-$23.99, 93 points, poured a bright ruby red with orange highlights, a clear meniscus, and thick sicky legs.
The bouquet of perfumed red fruit with black tea, rose pedal, and a hint of licorice were lovely.
This Riserva was medium-full-bodied, bone-dry, showed bright acidity, grainy tannins, and tasty flavors reflective of the bouquet plus an intense alcohol (14%) infused spiciness.
Finished long on the fading palate, spearmint, and oak.
Paired perfectly with my prosaic hamburger.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Matanzas Creek Winery, California, 2024 Chenin Blanc

Matanzas Creek Winery, California, 2024 Chenin Blanc, $18.99-$21.99, 87 points, was a very light brass color with a broad graying penumbra.
The faint aromas of mandarin peel, mint leaf, and lime juice were just okay for me.
This light-bodied Cali Chenin Blanc had surprising flavors of black pepper and Necco wafer to accent citrus and ginger notes; showing good acidity with a lean mouthfeel.
Finished long on the fading palate, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 11.5% alcohol.
Paired only fair with my fried chicken but better with my Dungeness crab salad.
I found this Chenin Blanc to be competent, but a tad pricy.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Monday, September 15, 2025

Pampa Estate Mendoza 2022 Malbec

Pampa Estate Mendoza 2022 Malbec, $9.99-$14.99, 88 points, poured a somewhat debris ridden deep pomegranate red with a thin clear wine ring and fat legs.
Aromas of smoky black fruit, cedar notes, and petrichor were pleasant.
Typically, a South American full-bodied Malbec with fair acidity soft round tannins, and lush fruit flavors with a hint of anise.
Finished long on hints of anise, mint, and iron with a comfortable 12.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my roast beef and goat's cheese sandwich.
A tasty straight-forward easy to drink red wine.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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