Caymus Napa Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Caymus Napa Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, $67.99-$79.99, 94 points, poured core black grading to a deep purple/red similar to a rich Shiraz, and a bleeding meniscus with dense copious legs.
A bouquet of black fruit, coffee, chocolate, and subtle cedar notes were typical, for Caymus, complex and a bit overwhelming.
A Big, unctuous, dry Cabernet Sauvignon, almost like drinking a vanilla pudding covered in a chocolate sauce smothered in over ripe blackberries and a dash of thyme.
This Caymus showed fair acidity, was rather soft and round, and was supported by a rather gentle underlayment of tannin; just maybe a Merlot-lovers Cab.
Finished long on the fading palate with a hint of iron and a very well-balanced 14.6% alcohol.
Not typically my style of Cabernet Sauvignon but was better than I remembered.
Paired perfectly with my Texas burger.

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Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne

 

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne, $56.79-$74.99, 94 points poured a rich glossy yellow gold color with a coppery sheen and ferocious bubbles.
Aromas of pome fruit, sun-dried hay, and hops were outstanding.
This Brut Reserve was a complex medium-bodied dry bubbly with bright acidity and great depth of character, flavors rich in pome fruit, citrus notes, and fermented hops and grape notes influenced by Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.
Finished long on ginger ale, a non-descript spiciness, and a welcome 12% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my fried clams.
I don't drink Champagne often, but this sure was a treat.

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Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Castello Del Poggio 2021 Barbera D'Asti DOCG

 

Castello Del Poggio 2021 Barbera D'Asti DOCG, $11.89-$28.99, 90 points, poured a bright cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and fat sticky legs.
The interesting spicy cinnamon red cherry was nuanced with comforting linin and evergreen notes.
Another medium-bodied, bone-dry, and spicy red wine with bright acidity, fine grainy tannins, and tasty flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on spearmint and a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my roast beef and goat's cheese sub.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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G.D. Vajra-ALBE, 2021 Barolo DOCG

G.D. Vajra-ALBE, 2021 Barolo DOCG, $34.99-$41.99, 93 points, poured a rustic pomegranate red with copious sticky and stained legs and a broad clear meniscus.
The aromas vacillated between competing notes of flowers, perfume, red fruit, and hints of mint and milk chocolate.
This 2021 Barolo was medium-bodied, bone-dry, showed bright acidity, supportive fine grain tannins, very hot and spicy, and a tasty red cherry, lentils, black tea, and mint leaf flavors.
Finished long and spicy with a big 14.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my grass-fed burger.
This is not a wine I recommend for soft Malbec/Merlot lovers stuck on soft round easy gulping red wines.

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Copyright 2010-2024, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Château De PEZ 2ND Saint- Estèphe 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château De PEZ 2ND Saint- Estèphe 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $29.74-$34.99, 89 points, poured a rich cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring and sticky glass sheeting.
Soft, almost dumb aromas of funk, wood, cedar, and plum were just okay for me.
This wineries 2nd was a tasty near full-bodied dry red wine showing flavors of red fruit, mint, wood, and warm spices, good acidity, fine grainy tannins, and a balanced 14% alcohol.
Finished long on the trailing palate with spearmint most noticeable.
Paired fine with my meatball sub.

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Château Apogée Lalande-de-Pomerol 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine

 

Château Apogée Lalande-de-Pomerol 2019 Bordeaux Red Wine, $27.99-$54.99, 90 points, poured deep ruby red with copper highlights, a cloudy meniscus. and fat-stained legs.
The aromas of plums, cinnamon, clove, and hints of mint and red fruit were quite nice.
Upfront silky full-bodied dry red wine showed soft tannins excited by the 13.5% alcohol and spice notes; showed good acidity and tasty anise, plum, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long on the trailing palate with a hint of iron.
Paired perfectly with my beef and cheese enchiladas. 

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Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Caparzo 2019 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG)

 

Caparzo 2019 Brunello DI Montalcino (DOCG), $33.99-$41.99, 93 points, poured a slightly unfiltered ruby red with copious stained legs and a clear meniscus.
Aromas of licorice, pine resin, and a rich perfumed red fruit were pleasant and interesting.
This Caparzo Brunello was more full-bodied than previous vintages I've tasted (this being my eleventh), rounder more mellow tannins, showed good acidity, and delivered tasty tea notes with hints of oak, black cherry and cayenne pepper.
Finished long, a bit austere, and with a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatballs and spaghetti.
This is high quality reasonably priced Sangiovese; always has been.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025. all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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