JOSH Reserve Zinfandel 2021 (Bourbon Barrel Aged)

Dark magenta hue with aromas of tightly wound rich dark berry fruit with gentle spice on the edge.

Palate--Silky first impression with supple structure and big rich dark berry flavor with a candy touch on the end. 

This is my first experience with a "Josh" (Joseph Carr Cellar) Zinfandel and it is a solid Zin but....while I paid $12 for it, the "list price" if you will is $27. This is not a $27 Zin... It is rich, it is juicy, it is lovely but it is pretty straightforward and unremarkable.

At $12, I love it!  At $27 I would be very disappointed!  Raise a glass. and Happy New Year to you and yours!

New Year's Eve Celebration!

 

What to serve for New Year's Eve?   It depends on whether you are going for the "pop the cork explosion" or an actual Champagne you want to DRINK and not waste it with a big show of expensive sparkly shooting all over the room. 

A "Champagne" is so called because it is a wine made from grapes from the geographical region of the world called Champagne, France!  All other wine is just "bubbly." So.....

Don't waste your money shooting pricey Champagne all over the room. Buy cheaper sparkling wine and have your fun! 

One of my favorite inexpensive bubblies is Mumm Napa Brut Prestige. It will run you around $18 and it is delicious! 

Sallier De La Tour Nero D' Avola 2020

 

Opaqueish garnet hue with aromas of cherry berry above the rim with a touch of leather, maybe a hint of blueberry

Palate--Tart first impression with vibrant acidity--too much?-- rough structure lip smacking foundation and short lived berry finish.

This is NOT what I was expecting!  Nero D'Avola (pronounced Nero-DA voh-la) is the signature grape of Sicily with a nice fruity profile, unassuming with no confrontative aspects to it. This one is like a street brawler with something to prove, and fails... 

I love Nero D'Avola as they are general value wines with a broad profile making them easy to drink solo or with food. This one has attitude, like it has something to prove and fails at it. *This may open up and relax but I am not optimistic. If it does it will be noted below.

Pairing it with oven baked chicken and all the sides.   

Bought this on a special buy at a favorite wine store marked down from $27 to $10 which always makes me suspicious.  The jury is out.

NIGHTHAWK (bourbon barrel aged) Cabernet Sauvignon by Bota [Mini]

Purple and ruby hue with aromas of cranberry and hint of coca and light savory spice. 

Palate--  Sour first impression with acidic foundation, thin texture, thin flavors, essentially no finish.

OK I would never have spent a dime on this but it was given to us for Christmas along with some nice gifts. I am being objective when I say this is total crap BUT...that being said, my wife was making beef stew tonight and I told her to *use this wine. It will be fine for that purpose but that's about all.

I am aware that the Wine Enthusiast rates this wine 87 points out of 100 which is absurd. But in their defense, Since it is non-vintage, there is no way of knowing which production of the wine I am tasting vs. what they reviewed.

*Rule of thumb when cooking with wine, if you wouldn't drink the wine, do NOT use it in your cooking. What this means is that if you have a wine that has gone by throw it out. Don't use it for your cooking.  You wouldn't use a rotten egg in your souffle would you?  

Belharra Single Vineyard Malbec

Rather intense garnet hue with spicy aromas of spiced apple rings like you see at Thanksgiving time, ripe plum, dark berry and a hint of blueberry. 

Palate--Mouth watering first impression with nice structure and balanced fruit forward goodness of spicy dark berry with a touch of wood in the finish that lingers.

A previously reviewed Trader Joe's value wine at $10 is a bargain you shouldn't pass up. Raise a glass!

Chateau Piney 2016 St. Emilion Grand Cru

Brick red to the rim  with aromas of gentle blackberry and plum with savory gentle spice on a lovely texture.

Palate--Mouth filling flavors licorice note, relaxed tannins with food friendly acidity.  Will improve for another 8 years plus. 

This was a guest's offering at a Christmas day dinner with friends. The dinner was ham with sundry side dishes and sauces. While not the ideal paring it was none-the-less a well done St Emilion blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  

The veritable smorgasbord of lamb "lollipop" appetizers with various cheeses, smoked trout, and an array of interesting palate pleasers required a plethora of cocktail, liquer, and wine offerings. After all, a person likes what they like whether "convention" approves or not.

At $23 it was a decent approach and enhanced both the dinner and conviviality of the occasion!  Raise a glass.

Merry Christmas from the Wine Cask Blog!

Christmas celebration without Jesus the Christ, is like hosting a great feast and serving up a bottle Chateau Lafite......... that is empty.  As a guest you would wonder, "What is the point?" Exactly!

Over 700 years before the birth of the Savior Jesus, Isaiah foretold the coming of God's Redeemer.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Jesus is born miraculously to Mary, a child herself, to come as God Almighty for no other reason than to secure the salvation of all who will come to Him.

“"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."” (Acts 4:12)  

Have a VERY Merry Christmas this year!

Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2023

 

Very pale straw hue with aromas of big ripe pineapple, green apple, and sweet summer melon.

Palate-- Lovely balance of acidity and overall structure, vibrant flavors of luscious summer fruits, ripe pineapple and crispy green apples with a subtle touch of cinnamon! The acidity is nicely balanced. Although finishes quickly this is a well done Sauvignon Blanc. 

At the $12 price point this is a well made and well offered profile of the S. Blanc grape. I paired it tonight with a lobster and "steamer clams" dinner.  It is one of the benefits of living in Maine. The acid cleanses your palate nicely after each bit removing any coating of butter that may obscure all the wondrous flavors of the sea.  This is a definite "Raise a glass!"

Grady Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2019

A more ruby hue with aromas of rich black berry, savory spice, 

Palate--Silky foundation with flavors of bold, ripe blackberry, rigid acidity, with finish of dark unsweetened chocolate, and more brighter dark cherry and strawberry on the end.

I paid $12 for this Zin wishing I had bought more. It's a solid Zin worthy of pairing of all manner of bold cuts of meat, italian cuisine, or all by itself. I am grilling venison burgers on charcoal!   Raise a glass!

Terra Starkenburg Riesling 2023

Gentle straw hie with aromas of subtle, apple, baby powder and tropical fruit.

Palate--Lively "spritzig" in the mouth with gentle spicing of apples and a fleeting finish.

This is a marginal example of how glorious Riseling can be. It is fresh, fruity, drinks easily, and with a chill on it is an all purpose kind of wine sticking with appetizers, of a milder sort and would also do OK with Asian cuisine.  

BUT--Riseling can be a big, wonderful memorable quaff with palate cleansing acidity. This is not that wine. I think I paid under $10 for this "Qualitatswein" Riesling which  is the lowest "title" on a German label.  There are better ones out there at the same price point so use your discreation.

Big Churn Chardonnay 2023

 

Straw hue with aromas of fresh lively fruity bouquet hints of lime, sweet baby powder, but the temperature is too cold to appreciate all what's there.

Palate--Flabby first impression, with clove suggestion, tepid fruit, (again perhaps due to the temp.) overall weak in all characteristics...

The label over states the assessment of the wine. It is a very light, refreshing kind of chilled down Chard but is pretty much devoid of any real character. The fact of being a NAPA company I thought there might be a value here but meah... nothing offensive and nothing notable.  About $10 so...........

A day later I had left overs with sauerkraut and pork chops and this Chard was quite good with it!

Hidden Hills Estate 2021 Shiraz

 

Nearly opaque dark purple hue with aromas of a tightly wound bouquet of dark plum, sweet/savory spice gently on the end.

Palate--Silky first impression with loads of ripe dark berry and plum fruit right out of the gate.

This McLaren Vale Aussie wine comes with a good pedigree but this wine is just opened and needs to breath not to mention a couple more years to be really ready to enjoy.  It needs to breathe, and air out for a couple hours. At the price point of $10 it is a drinkable Shiraz (known as Syrah) in other parts of the world but not a good representation of the grape.

I am grilling on my (charcoal) Weber grill and end cut ribeye. It is winter in Maine but I grill through the winter.  This will be a good enough pairing for an "economy" meal...  Raise a glass!

Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva 2016

 

Brick red with slight notes of age at the rim.  Aromas of cherry, spiced apple rings, violet, and grape.

Palate--Acidic foreground as expected with puckerey tannins, mature dark fruit (plum) with intense savory spice. 

I would have expected this Tuscan "Riserva" to be a touch more integrated and classy at this stage of its age. It drinks atypical for Sangiovese but for the $10 Trader Joe's price point it is a nice wine at this price point.

I will pair it with my own creation of shrimp in a tomato base with italian spices served over pasta and it will be grand.  Raise a glass!

Vignobles Lacheteau Muscadet Sévre et Maine Sur Lie 2022

 

Straw hue with aromas of lime, summer melon, sweet spice

Palate--Slightly effervescent with lively structure giving a foundation for a tropical fruit melange, and green apple which begins well and ends quickly.

Normally a regular "summer" quaffing wine pool side but can't resist the $8 price point for spicy food accompaniments. My wife is making baked spiced pork loin with some hot spices so we'll see how this does. 

A Trader Joe's offering at $8 and always a bargain so raise a glass!

The connection between wine and price...

 

It has been frustrating to me over the years to have reviewed thousands of wines and such a small percentage of them are remarkable.  That is they stand out from all the others. This evening I reviewed anb $8 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles California. It was drinkable, it was worth the $8 but if I had to identify this wine in a blind tasting I would not be able to tell you what I was drinking.

I suppose you could assert, "You have a bad palate..."  I am getting up there in years I admit but the issue is really that when all you ever drink are the $10 price point wines, while there are a handful of standouts here and there, for the most part they all rather taste the same broadly speaking.

Sure you can tell a Pinot Noir from a Zinfandel, a Chardonnay from a Sauvignon Blanc but that is about as far as you can go. The price point of the wine is where you separate the exquisite from the mundane; the distinctive from the ho hum everyday varietal.  

Since I stopped monetizing my blog (many years ago) I have to be realistic about how much I pay for a wine. I am after all retired... And the point here is that inexpensive wines are inexpensive precisely because they are mundane, ho hum, and predictable. 

Meaning "these" are NOT the kind of wines you sit down to with the bottle hidden from you and you try and guess the grape, the vintage, the part of the world they came from and the maker. 

So all this is to say, with rare exception, pay more attention to my final judgement on every wine.  Basically, "Would I buy it again?" Is it worth what I paid for it? Which is to say pay attention to the "Raise a glass" tag on put on the wines I taste if they are worth the money and and worth buying again.

Stay tuned for Christmas wine suggestions!

Four Vines "The Kinker" Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) 2021

Deep aubergine hue with aromas of dark berry with a hint of strawberry and spice. 

Palate--Interesting first impression and not sure what to make of it. Fruit is more subtle than I expected and the structure more sedate than anticipated. Flavor is confusing and non descript. 

I would not be able to ID this wine for the grape that it is supposed to be.  It's not that it is a bad wine; just nondescript which is not a surprise for an $8 Cabernet. 

The grapes are sourced from Paso Robles which is a wide open consideration regarding the quality of the grapes. It is drinkable but unremarkable with a fleeting finish which is to say no finish and yet I want to take another sip.  It will go well with my wife's pan seared chicken legs with tomato sauce and noodles etc. 

Bogle Essential Red 2021

Deep dark garnet/purple hue with aromas of lovely even perfumy red berry fruit with with intense black berry and a hint of blueberry with savory spices and after breathing a touch of cola.

Palate-Rather gentle first impression with a plush structure and loads of dark rich berries mid palate, with big bold finish and lingering spices with blackberry edges.

This is a California sourced blend of Petite Sirah and Syrah with Zinfandel in the mix. The inky dark color is classic of the Sirah varietals and the spicy Zin is a nice complement to the other grapes. 

Bogle is one of the growing, reliable California vintners that know how to make popularly structured wines at a value price.  For $10 you cannot go wrong so raise a glass!

Aglianico Sannio 2019

 

Beautiful Rich, dark magenta hue with musty aromas of spicy red berry and spiced plum with notes of cocoa cream.

Palate--Tart, mouth watering acidity, nearly overpowering the fruit that is trying to break out. Spicy mid palate with bitter cranberry rescues this structurally BIG wine.

This is a BIG wine, that needs to come into its own which could take a few more years. The acidity is overpowering at this time.  I will  be pairing it with dinner which is oven roasted, salted chicken thighs with roasted root vegetables.  It will handle everything quite well but is certainly not backing down. 

I would love to try this wine in another 5 years.  I paid $14 for it which is a nice price point. Raise a glass!

Butter Pinot Noir 2022

Lighter garnet hue with aromas of faint strawberry with fresh cherry near the rim.

Palate--*Chewy lump of something in my mouth with unremarkable sort of Pinot flavor but basically plonk.  

I really didn't want to buy this but I did and I should have listened to that inner voice. This is throw away worthy and the "chewy lump was a fly that was still alive.  (We heat with wood and flies tend to come alive with the heat so.....)  At any rate don't bother with this $8 crap.

Four Vines "The Maverick" Pinot Noir 2019

 

Cherry hue with a cola kind of suggestion emitting notes of chocolate covered strawberry, and tantalizing sweet/savory spices on the edge.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity with those savory spices pushing right to the top. Puckery tannins and a fleeting finish but is rather impressive.

I drink a lot of Four Vines Zinfandel but this is the first Pinot (Monterey) I have seen from them. It is quite different and I like it. *I found it for $10 at a fave liquor store we frequent about once every couple months as it is a bit of a travel. I also grabbed a Cabernet from Four Vines as well which I will review in the near future.

I am making a spur of the moment tomato based shrimp dish to serve over rice. We'll see what happens. Raise a glass!

*I see this online for around $20....

Campi Rudi *"Appassimento" Rosso Puglia IGT Passito 2021

 

Nice intense deep ruby hue with aromas of cranberry, red raspberry and red berry with loads of spice. Hints of perfume above the rim!

Palate-- Mouth watering structure out of the gate, with clean and vibrant spicy berry compote with tart cranberry with a finish that is quick but balanced.

I paid 4 times this for our Thanksgiving wine what I paid for this and it is nothing near as good as this $7 bargain! A Trader Joe's super value so grab it and pour it and drink up!  Raise a glass!

*A word about the label of this wine and how to read it: The wine's name is Appassimento, Rosso Puglia means red wine from the Puglia region of Italy and IGT is an abbreviation for the specific area which governs the various mandates of the Italian governing the making of this wine.

Tertre Du Moulin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2021

Dark aubergine hue with aromas of musty blueberry, fresh red berry, and a hint of strawberry and spice.

Palate-- Tart first impression puckery tannins, mouth watering acidity, lip smacking tannins. lingering slightly bitter finish.

This wine needs to breath which is why I opened it 5 hours prior to our Thanksgiving feast. There's much more in waiting once it warms up from my cellar temp of 56 degrees, and has time to air out. Read below for the final verdict.

3 hours later:

Palate--A touch more integrated, strawberry diminished, nice cherry berry flavors...

At $18 from Trader Joes this will be a very nice pairing with our turkey feast!

Raise a glass and be thankful!

"I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” (Psalms 9:1)

Old Vines Zinfandel (LODI) 2021

 

Garnet hue with some dark purple and aromas of cranberry and red berry with a touch of savory spice and dark chocolate.

Palate--Bright first impression with juicy structure and bright red berry (strawberry?) flavors with a energetic profile.

I have had this Zin numerous times and I don't believe I have ever given quite a review like this. It is reliable, delightful and a steady value if you love Zinfandel as I do.  Raise a glass!

BTW--A nice Thanksgiving suggestion able to handle the numerous spices and flavors...

Epicuro Nero D'Avola 2022

 

Pretty ruby hue with aromas of raspberry, with a twinge of sweet red berry.

Palate--First impression is more acidic than usual, straight forward red fruit and palate cleansing structural finish.

This is a *Trader Joe's frequent offering and always around the $6 price point which is hard to beat especially when the wine is very drinkable and enjoyable.  For the price it is a super value so raise a glass!

*I have been drinking this particular wine since 2006! 

2006 Palate--a little hot with bright cherry fruit, and frankly for the price, its a nice value and good pizza wine so raise a glass!

2008  Palate--Steely front, with relaxed tannins, summery red-berry fruit, a minerally finish.

2009    Palate-- Silky tannins, shallow on opening but needed to breathe it. Beneath the obvious immature grapiness, is a solid wine waiting to mature. After breathing, there is black cherry fruit that is dark and fairly deep.

2020   Palate--Nice red fruit flavors bursting on a nicely acidic foundation with some savory spice and cinnamon.

Manchuela Mary Taylor Moravia Agria 2020

 

Pours with a very intense, nearly black hue with a touch of magenta. Aromas of unique, fresh grape juice subtly present at the rim yet with mature dark black cherry at the core.

Palate--First impression is clear front of black pepper, a very berry mid palate and juicy red berry in the rear with lip smacking tannins and acidity.

This is a first for me having never experienced this obscure Spanish grape.  I have to say--I like it a LOT!  It is juicy and should be a very nice food wine but drinks well all by itself.  I bought this because I had never heard of it and I have been doing this since the mid 70's.  At $12, I would buy more in a heart beat!  Raise a glass!!!

Marques De Borba "Colheita" "Alentejo D.O.C. 2022

 

Intensely dark purple hue with big aromas of heavy brooding fruit, pure blackberry and gentle savory spices, and sweet pure berry above the rim.

Palate--Acidic front with loads of fruit trying to fight for prominence in this youthful creation. This is much too young to enjoy the promise of all that is there. 

This is a very nice foot-trodden grape blend, from the Alentejo DOC. "Colheita" and will pair well with Italian foods, tomato based spicy fare and strong cheeses. I paid $8 for this marked down from $19.  This should be a favored wine in a few years down the road. I will be serving it tonight to something I am creating with prosciutto, bacon and pasta. it    It will be fine so raise a glass!

Stella Rosa "L'originale" BLACK

 

Dark Purple/red hue with lots of bubbles, with a ton of blackberry liqueur aromas, and blueberry pie underneath.

Palate--Vibrant bubbles with mouth filling blackberry and blueberry on a somewhat flaccid foundation which in light of its intense sweetness could use a lot more acidity. Finishes quickly.

Okay, not to be snobby but this wine is crap; however.....it will appeal to someone who isn't into wine, says they don't like red wine, prefers sweet wine having no clue really what that actually means. This is a wine that you want to chill down a lot, serve it with some fruit perhaps, or all by itself and even with--dare I say it--*with a couple of ice cubes in the glass.   

OK--My wife bought it at Walmart on close out for around $6 I think. The label has a "medallion" awarding it 90 points and Gold medal winner from the Beverage Tasting Institute. (Never heard of it myself...) All I can say is, you cannot necessarily such "reviews" on a bottle label. And the people that awarded this were either snockered,  or this was the only bottle in the competition. :) 

If you like sweet, sparkling wine knock yourself out.

*This may be the first and only time in 40 years of wine reviews I have actually said to put ice in the glass...   

Wines for Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving Day meal with friends and family provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy nice wine. Because so much fuss is made over food and wine pairings in general, I find people get a little stressed out about what to serve guest on this special day. Fortunately, many wines have a much broader range than they get credit for. With that in mind, I have some basic suggestions that might help.

If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides,

Rule #1 You need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that very fact, a red wine is the best pairing but not just any red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.

 A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel. 

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wines. This is especially easy if you are able to provide you guests with two wine glasses and allow them to pour and sip as they like. Simply place the bottles on the table and allow your guests to discover the different pairings as they please.

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours in a 750ml bottle! So which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, stay away from the bottom of the barrel Cabernets.  If you are able spend closer to $15 - $20 for your Cabernet.  Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point.

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food. (I like a Cava from Spain which are ubiquitous and very inexpensive. It will say Cava on the label) 

To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine or Champagne. Something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.

Above all else-  It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!

M. Chevallier Cava "Carte Noire" Brut

 

Pale straw hue with pin prick bubbles gathering around the edge of the glass. Aromas of perfumy, sweet, powdery citrus notes.

Great mouth feel with off dry goodness, somewhat stayed, but definite citrus beam mid palate, and fleeting finish. 

A Trader Joe's regular is a value sparkler if you want very economical ($8) yet very fresh and fun. Raise a glass!

Indomita Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Nice rich looking dark burgundy hue with aromas of dark berry fruit, a hint of green produce, with a touch of leather, and wood.

Palate--Silky first impression with bold fruit and bold structure with youthful tannins that will become even more silky than they are. It is angular ta the moment due to its youthful profile but a decent Maipo (region) of Chile which produces some excellent cabernets.

I paid $10 for this and it is a keeper and if you are able it would be fun to buy 6 bottles and taste them each year for the next 6 years.  You would learn a lot.  Raise a glass.

Oxte Red Blend 2023

 

Ruby hue with aromas of raspberry, savory spice and there's a touch of "funk" in the nose which smells like *"cork taint." (I don't think it is or at least it is not very serious at this stage...

Palate--Decent first impression with smooth structure, tart raspberry but not off putting, berry mid palate which is quite nice. 

This is a Trader Joe's wine which sells for $7 which is a steal but with the taint, ya need to pass on it! 

*Cork taint is caused by a contaminant called TCA--2,4,6 tri-chloro anisole. It is what prompted the change from cork to screw tops. It smells like wet cardboard or mildew...  

Chateau Beauchene Grande Reserve Cotes Du Rhone 2022

 

Youthful aubergine hue with aromas of nice but subdued dark berry fruits, blackberry pie filling, gentle sweet yet spicy bon bons.

Palate--Coarse first impression due to its youth no doubt, angular but rich mid palate, expressive tannins; everything tightly wound which is not surprising at this stage. 

Too young to be enjoyed right now so lay it down for a couple years and it should pay off nicely. I paid a ridiculous $7 for this $15 wine which is still a value price. If you have the patience grab a couple and lay them away for a couple years. Raise a glass!

Schloss Biebrich Sekt

Staw hue with aromas of fresh vanilla, light citrus and melon. 

Palate--Lovely pin prick bubbles (Spritzig in German) with an off dry presentation which is simple but clean, fresh and enticing. 

This Sparkler is always reliable and bargain at $6 at Trader Joe's. It goes great chilled all by itself or with Asian cuisine as I am having tongiht. On of my faves--raise a glass!

Cameron Hughes Reggiano Lambrusco Lot 841

 

Grapey purple hue and bouquet with a bubbly rim in the glass.

Palate--Flaccid bubbles, subdued grape flavors, quickly turns flat in the mouth and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste and mouth feel.  

I paid $7 for this pseudo lambrusco which was $9 too much.  Lambruscos can be fun, simple, yes grapey but well made. This is total crapola!  Avoid!

N.D.P. Viognier 2022

 

Pale straw with aromas of a beam of lime with tropical fruit compote, and spicy tropical fruit.

Palate--Nice acidity on first taste, with lively foundation and mouth watering acidity. A hint of lemon, with loads of tropical fruits. Finishes quickly.

The label's name comes from the Notre Dame de Paris, the storied cathedral that has seen its challenges in recent years. The wine from the Pays D'oc (Southern France) pronounced Pay Doc is made from the VEE Ohn Yay grape known for ut powerful bouquet.   They produce reliably value wines and this one is no different.  It is not exceptional but for the money it is well made!  Raise a glass!

I will be paring it with pork chops and sauerkraut so raise a glass! 

Old Soul Pinot Noir 2021

 

Strawberry juice with a cranberry hued tint. Aromas of strawberry and raspberry, savory spice notes on the edge.

Palate- Juicy structure with middle palate of "rough" spices with flavors of raspberry/strawberry and a finish that hangs on a bit. 

Thisa lists at $15 but I grabbed one to try at $7. For $7 it is drinkable but it is not a good representation of Pinot Noir. I am having it tonight with a homemade shrimp pasta, with bacon bits and peas with some spices which I have not yet determined. It will work but I won't be buying this wine again.

Guarda Rios "Red Blend" 2020

 

Opaqueish--garnet with aromas of plum, gentle savory spice, and sweet berry pie above the rim.

Palate--Nice first impression with a decidedly intelligently structured wine with loads of berry goodness, silky tannins, plum and dark berry notes. Finishes a little quickly but a very nice wine.

The "Decanter" gave this wine 97 points.  OK this is a shame because while this is a nice wine especially for the price, there seems to have been a real dumbing down of objective ratings. I expect this may be due to the pressure of so many in the media are all trying to monetize their blog, their website, what ever so their reviews are inflated.

97 points displayed on the label is absurd. It IS a very nice wine and super value but anyone who would give this 97 points simply does not know what they are talking about in an objective, enophilic way. But enough of the sophistry; The Wine Enthusiast gave this $9 bottle 86 points is about right.  For the money, it is worth seeking out and raising a glass!

Sunrise Cabernet Sauvignon NV Valle Central Chile

Purple hue with strange bouquet, steel, some berries showing, but barely.

Palate--Watery mouth feel, a touch sour, not pleasant in the mouth and overall, utter crap. (Or "PLONK" as we say in the wine industry.)

This Non Vintage wine (that's what NV means) is from a respectable region of Chile where they can produce some dynamite Cabernets.  Don Melchor is one of the premier world Cabs around.  I used to be able to buy it on release for around $40 before it became known to the world.  It now runs around $100 on release. 

My wife bought this because it was cheap.  Bless her heart. It will be the second bottle I pour down the drain tonight.  The first one I opened from a long, reliable, Chilean producer was "corked" which is flaw in the production; usually a contaminant. 

Mbali Chenin Blanc/Viognier 2023

 

Gentle golden hue with amp,earomas of tropical fruit compote, baby powder, citrus beam, cantaloupe.

Palate--Tingly mouth feel, with lots of exotic fruits from warmer climes, a little lite on the acidity, with a clean finish that lingers a while. 

A Trader Joe's offering previously reviewed not long ago, and interestingly my April review noted nice acidity, whereas the last two reviews noted a rather lethargic structure.  Meaning--drink up NOW.  At $6 you can't beat it so raise a glass!

Vintage Northwest Riesling 2020

Straw hue with aromas of subdued tropical fruit, with a touch of citrus at the end.

Lackluster first impression with pretty much a flacid structure, gentle flavors of tropical fruit which disappear almost as quickly as they arrive. 

This is a $5 Riesling worthy of dumping but if you're desperate, chill it down well, and maybe on a hot hot day at the pool you can tolerate it.  I know I have reviewed this wine back in May and I had a pretty consistent review. 

Columbia Valley is well know and great AVA but this wine should be an orphan....

Cockburn's Fine Ruby Porto (NV)

 

Deep dark purple nearly black hue with aromas of gentle sweet prune somewhat tightly wound.

Palate--Thickish mouth feel, with super sweet, structured foundation of rich Douro Porto goodness. Finish is quick but definite and makes you want more.

I don't think many people understand "Port" wine. It is a "fortified" wine meaning it is vinified and then fermentation is stopped before the sugar from the grapes is fully fermented. The stopping of fermentation is done by "fortifying" or adding a high alcohol beverage generally brandy which kills the yeast and leaves the remaining sugars to stand alone. Porto is sweet by design and at its best--"Vintage Port" it is incredibly complex, lovely, wonderful, awesome and pricey! 

This however is not "Vintage port" and runs around $15 which is great for those of us who cannot afford to shell out $50-$150 and above for "Vintage port." So this is a great way to experience the joy of "port" wines without having to take out a loan.  Raise a glass!

Maison Vialade Pinot Noir (PAYS D' OC) 2022

Garnet hue with aromas of cherry, strawberry and leather.

Palate--Juicy structure with predominant flavors of tart strawberry, and cherry berry with a lip smacking finish that's a bit clunky.

Wines from the PAYS D'OC  (France) are generally reliably value wines. This one is not up to snuff for the reputation of the region. I hardly recognize this as Pinot Noir... 

Listing at $20 I am glad I didn't pay that for it but $8.50. Even at that price I would pass on this.

Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé 2023

Gorgeous strawberry juice red hue with aromas of strawberry, almost a touch of citrus and vanilla.

Palate--Juicy, simple, delightful, well structured, tastes "intentional" even carrying a lightly acidic foundation making it decent enough to pair with food. Finishes quickly.

At $10 this is a rare Rosé that is enjoyable and careingly made.  

As a Trader Joe's offering which I have had before.  *Rosé fell out of fashion in the 70's being peddled as a crappy, cheap quaff kind of made for people who don't like wine.  It was virtually all "plonk!"  Then years later something happened and wineries started taking rosés seriously and made some very nice ones.  During those year Tavel (France) was one of the rare standouts who took pride in making something of a work of art and for some reason a global change took place as global wineries took it seriously and the Rosé revolution took hold.

*cut and pasted from one of my previous posts on this wine.

Run Amok Meadery "Geoff's Chocolate Waltz

 

Amber hue with a peculiar nose consisting of aromas of almond, honey, and a faintest nuance of cocoa.

Palate--Super sweet, decent mouth feel with a silky presence, but the taste profile is unique.  Aftertaste is a little wonky but not off putting and at the very end there is a semblance of dried orange rind.

This was a gift so I don't know what the price point is but it is made in Gardiner, Maine. I like new experiences and this is basically a "wine" but is made from honey. It has a 15% alcohol content and is definitely a dessert wine.  It isn't "my thing" but I appreciate the chance to experience Mead as I know a couple peolple who have attempted to make it and it was a huge fail.  

Altos de Valdoso 2018

Nearly black inky hue with aromas of magnificent rich dark berry and touches of blueberry, chocolate covered cherry candies and leather I just want to sit and smell the amazing bouquet...

Palate--heavy structure with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, mouth filling blackberry and a luscious finish of cherry. After breathing, there is a cinnamon beam mid-palate.

This wine has received 93 points out of 100 which is an exceptional score for any wine and this one is deserving!  It was a phenomenal buy usually running around $30 which is a bargain price for such a wine.  I found it special for around $10 and I wish I had bought a case.  

The structure of this Tempranillo will carry out out for a decade so grab a couple to lay down; it will only get better but is GREAT right now!  Raise a case!

Plungerhead old vine Zinfandel (Lodi) 2020

 

Deep pomegranate hue with aromas of spicy ripe plum and berries with a touch of smoke, 

Palate--Tart raspberry, a hint of mocha, juicy fruit, and a lingering brooding berry finish.

Honestly at the price point of this Zin ($18 and above) I am finding equally vibrant Zins for nearly half the price. Scotto, Bogle, and several others are as enjoyable.  

This is a solid example of Zinfandel and it was a gift from my wife so raise a glass and enjoy.

Los Bocheros Malbec 2022

 

Intensely dark purple nearly black hue with aromas of rich, dark ripe blackberry pie, spice and violets.

Palate--Intense fruit bomb first impression with heavy structure oak, and angular at this youthful age. Nice lingering finish. Full of potential and will improve in the years to come.  

This is a HUGE wine that will take a couple more years to come into it's wondrous age.  But it is drinking quite well at the moment.  Pair it with a bold main dish and/or big bold spicy sauces.  I paid $9 for this thought it sells for more like $18.  Raise a glass at either price point!

Barone Montalto Cabernet Sauvignon Collosiane di Familglia 2019

 

Reddish/purple hue with aromas of light milk chocolate with grape and blackberry jam, a twinge of ash and spice.

Palate--Perky presentation with mouth-watering acidity, tart pie cherry filling with a robust blast of savory spice and heat.

This is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Nero D'Avola (40%) which is usually made to stand on its own as the signature grape of Sicily. I love Nero D'Avola  as it is a fairly simple wine with delicious, fruity goodness yet with structure and staying power.  It is an easy accompaniment to a variety of cheeses and dishes and drinks well all by itself.

I paid $8 for this wine which lists at $19 and it will be paired with homemade oven baked beef stew. Raise a glass!

Simi Chardonnay 2022

 

Nice golden hue with aromas of tropical fruit, lemon, green melon and apple.

Palate--Citrusy front, vanilla, tropical fruit salad and nice structure with decent acidic foundation.

This Simi *sourced creation was $20 but I got it for $10 and it is lovely.

*"Sourced means rather than the fruit coming from a specific area or parcel or vineyard, the grapes were "sourced" from-- in this case-- California which must be shown on the label which it is. It is the lowest level of wine so it tends to be very inexpensive and generally a lower quality. In this case however, this is a very fine crafted Chard presenting with a quality well above what you would expect. If I had paid the $20 list for it I would not have been disappointed which is kind of crazy for a "sourced" wine. But Simi has produced a value wine that keeps you coming back for more.  So whether you find it for $20--shout "YES!" or $10--shout OH YEAH! Raise a glass! 

Masciarelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

 

Deep dark eggplant hue with aromas of intense ripe red berry goodness and ripe plum  with rich sweet lovely bright fruit above the rim.   

Palate--Bright first impression with loads of rich berry compote, spicy zestiness, lip smacking structure and a finish that reminds you of why you bought this in the first place!

Masciarelli always produces an excellent value wine with the signature grape of D'Abruzzo.  I paid $8 for this wine but normally runs around $15.  At either price point is it a superior and is an excellent foro wine for all things Italian.  Raise a glass!

*Reviewed this past June and had a remarkably different impact on my taster. (It happens...)

OZV Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) 2021

 

Purple hue with aromas of spicy dark berry and plum.

Palate--Plummy first impression with big spiced front end that is quite invigorating. Structure is well done with nice acidity and a pretty decent integration for a young wine.  Finishes with all that's on the tongue.

This $15 (list) Zin picked up for $8 is a keeper and wish I have bought a lot more.  Raise a glass!