Vina Robles, Paso Robles 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Vina Robles, Paso Robles 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$21.99, 90 points, poured core black grading to a deep rosewood red with a broad clear meniscus and copious fat legs.
The bouquet was a cornucopia of fruit, cinnamon, clove, and a whiff of juniper berry.
This was a very full-bodied dry red wine showing fair acidity, round and soft up-front, but the tannins kick-in late palate with a spice infused 14.5% alcohol, and rich flavors of mint, blueberries, black licorice, and plums.
Finished long, tart, and with a touch of citrus.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Goggle Blogger

Wente Wetmore Vineyard, Livermore Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Wente Wetmore Vineyard, Livermore Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $21.24-$34.99, 91 points, poured a Welch's-grape purple with Burgundy red highlights, a broad clear wine ring, and fat-stained legs.
Aromas of tar, plums, cassis, red currants, and a floral vibe were complex and fragrant.
This full-bodied dry red wine was a tad angular and straight forward, but with good acidity and a firm underlayment of tannin, supported an "aquafer" of interesting flavors reflective of the aromas with a bit of black tea.
Finished long on an intensifying red pepper spiciness, blossoming tannins, toast, iron, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my avocado/steak tostadas.
This is an excellent value Cabernet Sauvignon; one I recommend for Christmas gift-giving; the only one so far this year!

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Goggle Blogger

Clay Shannon El Coyote, Lake County, California 2019 Chardonnay

 

Clay Shannon El Coyote, Lake County, California 2019 Chardonnay, $12.74-$17.99, 85 points, was a medium straw yellow color, graying midway towards a clear wine ring.
Aromas of sweet apples, mandarin zest, and Necco wafer were pleasant.
A medium to full-bodied white wine with weak to fair acidity and mainly flat flavors reflective of the aromas, which patiently waited until a more interesting finish of subtle hints of ginger and tart citrus to open up upon the back of a soft expression of what is rated an ABV of 14.4%.
Paired okay with Thanksgiving dinner.

2019 Vintage California Chardonnay

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Goggle Blogger

Halley and Lex Margaret River 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Halley and Lex Margaret River 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99-$19.99, 91 points, poured a deep Burgundy red color with a broad clear meniscus and copious legs.
Hints of coffee, cigar box, spearmint, pine resin, and wild blackberries were excellent.
This was not quite a full-bodied red wine, but good flavors of anise, cassis, coffee, and plums were well supported with an underlayment of tannin and good acidity.
Finished bone-dry and long on the trailing palate and a well-balanced, but warm 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my loaded Chicago-styled pizza.
Not your typical Napa Valley type of Cab, and though a bit angular, this, to me, is an excellent red wine with a high QPR.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Goggle Blogger

Domaine Cherrier 2019 Sancerre

 

Domaine Cherrier 2019 Sancerre, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points, was a medium brass color and clearing towards the rim.
Delightful aromas were Macintosh apples, ginger snap cookies, Meyer lemon, and wet stones.
The near medium-bodied dry white wine was steely, appropriately acidic, and lean; showed flavors of slate, lemon, a touch of guava and melon rind.
Finished long on citrus, ginger, and a potent 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my beer-battered baked cod.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 20102021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Goggle Blogger

Nickel and Nickel C.C. Ranch, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Nickel and Nickel C.C. Ranch, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $109.99-$117.99, 95 points, poured basic black with a broad purple/red penumbra and clear meniscus while showering the glass with stained legs.
Aromas of cassis, toasty rye, ripe blackberry, java, and mulling spices were outstanding.
A full-bodied dry red wine operated on an opulent mouth-feel, good acidity, and firm "sweet" tannins which delivered cerebral and pensive flavors which were rich and delicious.
Finished long on anise, iron, mint, cayenne, tobacco, a cornucopia of fruit, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my rare Texas-spiced Angus rib eye, asparagus, and onion buns with ranch-smothered tomatoes.

2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Tasted

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas

Template provided by Goggle Blogger

Château La Justice Fronsac 2016 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château La Justice Fronsac 2016 Bordeaux Red Wine, $16.19-$19.99, 89 points, poured core black transitioning to a deep purple/red with a broad clear meniscus and heavy stained legs.
Aromas of coffee, a hint of the barnyard, clove, black fruit, and a floral vibe were good.
A full-bodied bone-dry red wine with good acidity, firm, almost austere tannins, and flavors of black plums, anise, coffee, and dried cooking herbs made for a better than average red table wine, but unusual for a North American 100% Merlot palate.
Finished long with red fruit rather than early palate black fruit, a hint of mint, warm pepper spice, and a potent 14.5% alcohol.
Paired magically with my Mexican cuisine.

Bordeaux Red Wine Vintage 2016

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2021, All rights reserved; Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Goggle Blogger