Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana IGT 2015 Red Wine, $14.44-$20.99, 91 points, poured with a deep core of ruby grading garnet red, ringed with a clear meniscus, and a sheet of hanging stained legs.
First pour aromas were briefly influenced by a whisper of funk, but quickly transitioned to a rich red cherry and black tea.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity, smooth mouth-feel, supportive underlayment of tannin, and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas with a bit of plum.
Finished long on the fading palate, warm pepper spices, a hint of cola, fig, and a well balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were an unspecified blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Antinori 'Bramito Della Sala' Umbria 2016 Chardonnay, $19.79-$21.99, 91 points, poured a light gold color and grading water clear before the glass rim.
Aromas were faint apple, honeysuckle, and freshwater minerality.
Light-bodied for a Chardonnay, and showed excellent acidity, minerality, and Chablis-like character.
Flavors were delicate as were the aromas, but though unobtrusive, certainly delicious.
Finished long on nuanced flowers, ginger, and the well-balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Thanksgiving-like dinner.
If Cali oak is your thing, you're not likely to appreciate this Italian gem.
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Château Quinault L'Enclos Grand Cru de Saint-Émilion 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $36.97-$43.49, 91 points, poured a deep ruby red grading purple/red with a broad super clean meniscus and hanging stained legs.
Aromatic toasty red and black currants with a floral vibe were pleasant.
Full-bodied red wine with good acidity and a buoyant layer of tannins managed a well blended bounty of plums, currants, coffee, and truffle flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, pomegranate, tobacco, easy white pepper, and a spot-on 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 69% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc.
Paired well with my rare spice-rubbed Angus rib eye.
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Fountain Grove Napa Valley 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, $7.99, 88 points, poured the lightest of brass colors, almost silver, and trending water-clear toward the glass rim.
Smells were nearly 'dumb', but subtle grass notes with a hint of lemon were okay.
Light-bodied with good acidity and delicious flavors of melon, lime, lemongrass, and dragon fruit shook-off the lacking aromas.
Finished fair with a touch of ginger and a well-balanced 13.9% alcohol.
Paired nicely with a smorgasbord of appetizers.
Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Cali)
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The Calling Alexander valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.99-$29.99, 89 points, was a swashbuckler of a red wine; showed richness, texturally smooth and dense, smells and flavors of truffles and black fruits, deep purple/red colors, broad clear meniscus, generous legs, and finished long with building flavors of black licorice, black cherry syrup, and a 14.5% alcohol inspirited pepper spiciness.
Paired fine with our American chop suey.
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Santa Rita Valle De Casablanca, Chile 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.89-$13.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color.
Bright grassy aroma with sweet hay and a floral vibe were excellent.
Light-bodied white wine which was appropriately acidic delivered flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished on soft passion fruit, white pepper, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my sautéed Sea scallops.
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