Intrinsic Columbia Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.54-$22.99, 87+ points, was a big meaty, fruity, plummy, and just a bit syrupy red wine.
Poured core black transitioning to mulberry-red at the clear wine ring and leggy glass bowl.
Aromas of blueberry, mulberry, and hints of coffee with a floral vibe were just okay.
Full-bodied with fair acidity, soft round tannins, and flavors that mirrored the aromas plus licorice were just okay too.
Finished okay on chocolate notes and a warm 14.5% alcohol inspirited alcohol.
Paired fine with my Philly cheese-steak.
Varietals were 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.
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Cape Mentelle Margaret River 2015 White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon), $11.99-$15.99, 87 points, poured almost clear with a glossy gold/green cast.
Aromas of orange-spiced potpourri with hints of honeydew melon and lemon zest were okay.
Light bodied with fair-plus acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas nuanced with gooseberry and tart lemon managed an interesting complexity.
Finished on the trailing palate and a well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Caveat: This fickle white wine tasted different from the first day into the second and in between, my description is a compilation of those two days .
Paired perfectly with my Gulf of Mexico shrimp Rangoon.
Varietals were 52% Sauvignon Blanc and 48% Semillon.
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Jorge Ordoñez And Co. "Botani" 2013 Sparkling Muscat (Moscatel, Sierras de, Malaga, Spain),
$14.99-$17.99, 89 points, poured with a moderate head of foam which dissipated quickly; the color was a light brass.
Aromas were shy and woody with a floral vibe.
Near medium-bodied with fair acidity and mostly white grape flavors, a hint of orange flesh, and spritz-y caramel; though straight-forward, medium sweet, and finishing on the trailing palate with a hint of ginger and an innocuous 7% alcohol, it was an excellent partner with my Key lime and pecan pies; a fair aperitif too.
(See Sparkling wines)
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Coto De Imaz 2008 Rioja Reserva, $19.99-$24.99, 90 points, was this displayed red wine color with a moderate clear wine ring.
Soft perfumed red fruit aromas were excellent.
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and hot spice hybrid tannins delivered good flavors of spearmint, red raspberry jam, cinnamon, and tobacco.
Finished long and quite dry on the trailing palate, a hint of pomegranate, and a well-integrated 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my burgers and chips.
This nine year old Tempranillo has lots of life left.
I'll go out on a limb and say: probably not for the sweet red wine lover, the soft Merlot devotee, and certainly not for the thick over ripe Cabernet admiring tenderfoot; like great Brunello, Tannat, and Mourvèdre the austere edge and food friendliness of these red wines require an adventurous spirit or a 'proper' wine nurturing.
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Manifesto Lodi 2015 Zinfandel, $11.99-$14.99, 86 points, poured grades of purple/red up to the broad clear wine ring and glass bowl of moderate sheeting.
Aromatic blueberry with floral and toast notes evolved into chocolate and mulberry notes, and were bright and fresh.
Medium-bodied with fair-plus acidity and a soft underlayment of tannin manage a medley of red and black fruits.
Finished well on plum, a hint of ripe peach, white pepper, and a balanced 13.8% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our pepperoni pizza.
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Shafer Napa Valley Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch 2013 Chardonnay, $44.19-$51.99, 94 points, was a light gold color with a slight green tint.
Aromas were dominated by pleasant oaky caramel, vanilla, crème brûlée, and softened by a lovely Mandarin orange.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and remarkably well-balanced flavors reflective of the aromas nuanced with lemon/lime magically transmuting the oak into pure delight.
Finished long on the trailing palate, ginger notes, faint nuanced exotic flavors, and a potent 14.9% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with a host of tasty entrees, from Turkish-spiced chicken to deep fried dry sea scallops, but barely okay with our key-lime pie (too much alcohol).
Commentary: Those that follow NHWM know I'm not a fan of substandard, slobbering, snarky, or snobby attitudes in wine or people, and typical Cali Chardonnay follows one or more of these kinds of attitudes, but this Chardonnay, I bought almost two years ago, breaks those bonds, like art nearly always transcends the artist; this was art in a bottle!
Shafer, why it's a "go to" winery.
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Herdade do Esporão Alentejano Defesa 2015 Rosé (Portugal), $12.99-$14.99, 87 points, was the darkest peach color.
Aromatic stone fruit, orchard blossoms, and a hint of strawberry were excellent.
Light-plus body with mouthwatering acidity managed red cherry and watermelon flavors which were almost a bit syrupy.
Finished long on the trailing palate, ginger, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine with my peppered baby spinach/Monterey jack cheese soft tacos with guacamole.
Varietals were Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Syrah.
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