Bogle Petite Sirah 2020

Classic inky, intense purple--nearly black--hue with aromas of big fruit above the rim-- dark plum, a touch of cigar ash,  and more as it opens

*Palate--Silky texture with lovely immense, ripe mouth filling dark dark berry flavors, lip smacking tannins,  warm, lingering finish with more dark berry pie on the end.

This wine runs around $10 normally but is $8 on sale at my local super market and I will be buying more. Petite Sirah is such an unknown grape variety to most people that this kind of wine just sits around which means a great opportunity for us!  It is a wonderfully big fruit bomb of a wine but Bogle structures their wines well and this will be great all by itself, with robust cheeses, or with a big grilled steak or even grilled venison which I will be cooking tonight.

BTW--it was wonderful with my venison! All and all this wine will be drinking well for the next 8 years! So raise a glass!

*I just read another review which panned this wine. I didn't even recognize a single portion of the person's review. It may be they don't know wine, or it may be they just do not like this particular type of profile in a wine. This is why it is important to follow several reviewers and when you try some the wines reviewed, see which one you tend to agree with after experiencing the particular wines reviewed. Then you know you can buy a wine with some confidence that you'll not be disappointed.

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 21

Very nice garnet/purple hue solid to the rim with aromas of blackberry cream cordials, slightest hint of eucalyptus with light touch of savory spices on the edge.

Palate--Nicely made with standup blackberry fruit with savory touches and a light finish of the lovely blackberry beam.

This is a great value Cabernet that actually tastes like the varietal which is unusual for a Cab at the $10 price point. I have reviewed three other vintages of this wine each one nuanced a touch differently but each one just a stellar value. A trader Joe's bargain so raise a glass!

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2018

 

Nice dark, aubergine hue with aromas of dark black berry, a hint of raisin, a touch of mint and smoke.    

Palate-- Mellow structure with relaxed tannins, stewed prune in a flash, tar, currant, and a lingering finish.I paid $16 for this Sonoma Cab and it's pretty decent but not remarkable. 

I grabbed this evening while grabbing a rib eye to grill since the restaurant my wife and I were going to was closed because of a shooter who has killed 18-20 people last night and is still on the run. So my little disappointments are nothing compared to the people whose lives have been changed because of madman. So I pray for the victims and the sorrow and comfort that only the Lord Almighty can bring at such times. So grab your loved ones, tell them how much you love them and count your blessings!

Les Portes de Bordeaux "Bordeaux" 2022

 

Nearly cola colored hue with nice bouquet of crushed dried red berries, and cola on the edge.

Palate--Unpleasant first impression but big flavors of red fruit, young tannins, and a lingering finish that is beyond expectations for this cheap Bordeaux.

A Trader Joe's wine this Bordeaux cost $7.50 and how can you go wrong at that price point?  Well actually you good but this isn't the case here. It is a bit stern and lacks finesse but is a serious wine that should pair well with robust foods and cheeses.  Not the best "all by itself" wine but should be great with my grilled Chicken thighs.  If it turns out differently, you will read it here!  Raise a glass.

Bosman Family Vineyards "Generation 8" Shiraz 2020

 

A much lighter crimson hue than what one would expect from a Shiraz with a very slight brownish tinge to it supporting aromas of fresh berry fruit laying on top of aged fruit, sweet and savory gentle spicing, lovely floral notes, a suggestion of menthol, and a blast of dark cocoa taffy on the end.        

Palate--a bit thin in texture for my expectation of Shiraz, there's alot going on here, and a bit confusing. I am going to let it breathe more and we'll see.  This is a wine with robust structure, able to accompany a variety of dishes, or enjoyed all by itself. Definitely not at all like the fruit bombs I have come to expect from other parts of the "new world."  

This South African creation is unique, pleasant, crafted with care but just not what I expect from Shiraz.  That is not a negative!  It is just the reality of the creativity of vintners.  At the $15 price point I would give it a shot, but probably not my cup of tea; I mean wine. Raise a glass!

Villa Borghetti Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022

 

Nearly clear with aromas of citrus, Lime notes, sweet vanilla at the rim.

Palate-- Vibrant acidity leads off the first impression of this mouth filling lemon/lime Pinot Grigio with ultra tart green apple nuances to the rear.

I had planned this wine for a dinner a couple nights ago where the base dish was a home-made squash soup but I knew it was not going to work so I screwed the cap back on immediately and refrigerated it.  Not a recommended protocol but it worked well.  Tonight this wine was perfect with our steamer clams and Maine lobster. 

I don't remember what I paid for it gut I believe it was probably $8 if not less.  At this price, serve it chilled with creamy, buttery sauced dishes, and raise a glass!

M. Chevallier Carte Noire Brut Cava *(NV)

Yellow/golden hue with aromas of cinnamon, creamy butterscotch, and a touch of lemon.    

Palate--Unremarkable first impression with very little taste, but the pin prick bubbles are quite nice in mouth feel and appearance. What flavor is there is subtle with light notions of apple, and cream.

This is a Trader Joe's perennial at a budget level price of around $8 and if you ice it down enough it will be a fresh palate cleanser with greasy foods, and/or harder to pair foods like the Polish sausage I am having with it tonight. If you're on a budget--and who isn't these days-- $8 raise a glass.

*NV means Non Vintage--meaning it is made from grapes sourced from various years' productions.

Marqués De Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Finca La Moura 2020

 

Very nice dark purple/garnet hue with aromas of tightly wound red fruit with tightly wound spices and ash. (Obviously needs to be breathed!) After some air--tart pie cherries emerge. 

Palate-Scintillating mouth feel on opening with a near "sparkling" effect but is from the vibrant structure rather than actual bubbles. (Unique)  Big flavor profile but again needs time to open up and reveal all what is there.  With air it is full of lovely cherry and red berries with a nice beam of food friendly acid. Finishes very quickly!

This previously reviewed value wine has a lot going for it but has just been opened and needs time to let itself go. This is a single vineyard Cabernet from Spain...

I paid $9 for this normally found around $15.  I paired it with with my carbonara and it was lovely so raise a glass!

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2021

Nice deeper garnet hue with aromas of cola (that's a new nuance) licorice, and spicy big fruit.

Palate--Good first impression with a load of rich berries, brooding flavors of more dark berries, and lip smacking structure.

This oft reviewed Zinfandel--albeit a different vintage-- is a reliable production and if you love Zinfandel it can be found very reasonably for $8.00-$12.00. I buy it when it's at the lower range.

Tonight I make my wonderful Venison chili and the spices of toasted cumin, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic and onion works very well with this nice wine so raise a glass!

GPV Grady Family Vineyards Petite Sirah (Lodi) 2019

 

Inky dark, nearly black hue with aromas of licorice, eucalyptus, rose blossom above the rim, espresso, and more!

Palate--Hefty profile with thick texture, deep brooding rich dark fruit, tar, and this is all on opening. I wonder what breathing will do!

I bought this at a nice wine shop in our area for $17.00. It is the best and most complex wine I have had in a long time since I tend to stay around the $10 price point for my wines.  This wine, at this price is a powerhouse treat and great value that some will not appreciate as it is a 20 megaton fruit bomb--my term for the style. Snobs tend to prefer the more austere, food friendly old world wines which need 10 years or more to really appreciate. Don't get me wrong; I do as well, but being retired now I have be a bit more frugal. 

When this wine warms up a bit from my cellar temp (55 degrees) and has had time to breathe, it should yield more delight. I will be pairing it with grilled lamb chops.  If you're interested, this wine could improve over the 10 years so raise a glass and if you can, lay a couple down for the future. 

Wente Cabernet Sauvignon (Southern Hills) 2020

Nice dark garnet hue with aromas of cranberry and pomegranate, red berries, and gentle spice.  

Palate--First impression--tannins dry as dust, decent fruit, prominent classy fruit, with a finish that lingers mite.

The Southern Hills *AVA is a Central coast (California) grape growing region. I paid $13 frpo this wine listed at $17.  It is an "OK" cab especially at the $13 price point and Wente has a special place in my heart as I cut my teeth over 40 years ago on Wente wines.

I will pair this with charcoal grilled "short cut" steak. 

*AVA = American Viticultural Area--which has been granted "special" recognition for its grape's quality and character and must meet certain standards to claim the AVA classification..   Raise a glass!

The Wine Enthusiast rated this a 90 point wine. That's a leap although 88 would be more appropriate!

Pairing with my charcoal grilled short cut steak so raise a glass!

Giardano Pinot Grigio delle Venezie Rosé 2021

The classic "blush" hue (a hint of pink) in this sparkler with aromas of gentle pink grapefruit with a musty edge, a light hint of cinnamon red hot candies, and bright cherry.

Palate--Lively sparkle tingles tha palate giving a lively sensation which can only help this generally lack luster grape.  Presents with an off-dry fruitiness and a surprising hint of *structure. Is generally pleasant, with very light pear fruit. Finishes very quickly on the palate.

Prosecco, White Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio tend to be much favored wines at the local restaurant especially among the feminine gender.  This is unfortunate as they tend to be *poorly made wines overall, lacking anything worth their price especially at the routine, insanely marked up prices at restaurants. At many restaurants a single glass of one of these costs you almost as much as you can buy a bottle for at your local supermarket. But they are easy to drink, and relatively low in alcohol.  That being said I actually like this one!  It seems conscientiously vinified with an air of pride.  

I will be pairing this with my wife's homemade chicken chili soup and it will be a perfect pairing foil to the hot peppers in the soup.  At Trader Joe's for around $7 it is a definite buy again kind of wine! Raise a glass!

Cecilia Beretta Valpolicella "Ripasso" Superiore 2021

 

Pretty garnet hue with aromas with floral notes, touches citrusy red fruit, sweet cherry above the rim.         

Palate--Juicy, mouth watering structure with spicy fresh fruit and a nice food friendly structure. Finishes fairly quick but all around a winner.

I paid $12 for this very nice Valpolicella.  Ripasso is a method of wine making wherein grapes that have been semi-dried are used in making a wine called "Amarone" and is pricey and delicious.  Those grapes once used are then used again to make "Ripasso."  They are distinctive, and some of my favorite Italian wines.  

You really should seek some of the se out and give them a try. They are easy to like and are very food friendly so raise a glass!

Embroidery Zinfandel (Paso Robles) 2021

 

A lighter pour than expected but somewhat irrelevant. A gentle presentation of Zinfandel fruit with touches of briars and ripe berries.    

Palate--Mouth filling flavors and body with robust Zinfandel fruit that is classic, voluptuous and large and finishes rather quickly.  

I don';t remember what I paid for this but it was about $12. It specs out for more than that but it is a nice Zin and full bodied. I like it, so raise a glass!

Hook or Crook 2018 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel

 

Deeper magenta hue with big time cigar ash aromas consisting of rustic of dark berries, hints of red grapefruit, and a touch of daffodil.

Palate--Youthful zippiness and clean, first impression with well structured big time dark berry fruit and a blast of smoke and wood. 

You can find this for about $12 and it is a very nice expression of my favorite grape--Zinfandel!  This Lodi creation is very well made and a bargain at the $12 price point so raise a glass!