Santa Rosa Malbec 2023

Deep purple hue as a young wine should present;  surprisingly ample fruit aromas of dark berry, a touch of olive, plum and dark chocolate.

Palate--Although a little warm than ideal, palate is big fruit bomb, full of luscious Malbec, with edges of savory spice, and plum.

I think my wife grabbed this for $6 recently and thought we should try it.  It is actually a decent wine hailing from the classic Mendoza (Argentina) region for Malbec. Drinks quite well even at this youthful stage.

This will pair well with robust cheeses, red sauced pasta dishes and is even decent all by itself so raise a glass. 

7 Deadly Zins 2020 (Zinfandel)

Garnet hue with a slight opacity and aromas of Blackberry and plum with spice. 

Palate--Decent Zin flavors with spice on the edges, a somewhat mellow or relaxed structure on the palate with lots of nice Zin fruit.

This is a Lodi AVA (Calif.) and I tasted it side by side with another Lodi Zin of which I have drank a ton called "Scotto."  The two were basically indistinguishable from one another. If I had tasted them blind I would have said they were the same wine. 

I bought this last minute from a big box store and paid $12 for it but it was the ONLY Zin they had. The Scotto I get at Trader Joe's and I pay $9 for it so I will be stocking up with even more of my favorite standby Zinfandel.  Raise a galss!

Match Book Malbec 2021

 

Magenta hue with aromas of brooding blackberry pie and hints of spiced apple rings, quite impressive.

Palate--Silky first impression with lively acidity and spice, and blackberries galore. (Some of the reviews I read after reviewing it myself, are a bit over the top with the myriad flavors etc. one "imagines.") But I won't go there in this review...

This "Dunnigan Hills" Malbec is a good example of the grape although this is a first I believe for my experience with "Dunnigan Hills."  Listed around the $20 price point I would be disappointed at that price. I paid $10 in which case it is a good example as I said of the grape. At the lower price point, raise a glass!

Requiem Red Blend 2020

 Dark purple hue with aromas of Blackberry and plum with spice accents and brighter fresher dark berry above the rim.

Palate--Big mouth filling berry with a lackluster structure. Syrah is taking center stage with a mellowing of the overall picture thanks to the Merlot. Finishes a bit shallow but pleasant.

This Columbia Valley (Washington State) made in a popular style, this will appeal to the red wine lovers who like loads of fruit, ready to drink. It is a 50/50 blend of the two grapes mentioned.

Pairing it with home-made lasagna this evening.  I see it on line for $22 although I paid $10 for it.  At $10 I like it, at $20, not so much!

Match Book Rosé of Tempranillo 2022

 

Interesting orange hue with aromas primarily of sweet Chinese 5 spice, and gentle raspberry.

Palate--Vibrant acidity, a light citrus note in the mid palate, tart raspberry, a lighter finish but nice.

This rosé, made from the pride of Spain (the Tempranillo grape), is a well made food worthy rosé. Tonight I will have it with Brats, four cheese tortellini, salad and fresh garden string beans sauteed in butter. 

I found this for $9 marked down from $18.  Raise a glass at $9!

Hidden Hills Estate Shiraz 2021

 

Deep purple as expected from this grape with aromas Slight hint of ruby red grapefruit, gentle fruit above the rim not characteristic of the grape, subdued but very nice ripe berry fruits, plum and savory yet sweet spices.

Palate--Absolutely silky texture, with seductive tannins that grow while on the palate.  Lots of dark and mixed berries fighting to get out; needs time to come around and open up.  Fleeting finish but c'mon, read below...

Mclaren Vale is one of Australia's great wine regions and they produce gazillions of tons of grapes which means BIG production which is why they can offer this wine for the ridiculous price of $6 at Trader Joes. It is not classic Shiraz but it's a great price so...

Should improve over the next 2 years and be a value wine to be grabbed.  Raise a glass!

Chateau Hyot Reserve 2020

 

Beautiful crystalline magenta hue with lovely aromas of sweet red berry, then more mature darker red fruit with plum and a hint of mocha and cinnamon.

Palate--Bold presentation with loads of minerality on the first impression, rigid acidity, ample plum and pie cherry underneath.  

This is from the Castillon a sub region of Bordeaux and is really well made and should be holding for a number of years beyond  In fact it will only improve for the next 3-5 years, If you have the discipline buy several and lay a couple down for the future and I believe you will be rewarded.

Pairing this tonight with strip steak grilled with charcoal. At $45 retail, found it on sale for $15 and it is a bargain so raise a glass. 

Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé 2023

Bright tart cherry with an nice citrus beam even if a bit unusual, with a note of mandarin orange!

Palate--Steely front with the same citrusy mid palate with cherry notes and citrusy finish that lingers.

Tavel is the only area in the Rhone Valley of France which has made a quality Rosé for decades.  When the world was producing nothing but "Plonk" in many countries Teval made a lovely wine which iit is to this day. It has Character, finesse, structure and is well worth seeking out. At the $10 price point at Trader Joe's. 

I will pair it with my chinese dinner and it will be great so raise a glass!

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Washington State 2020

 

Youthful purple hue with aromas of Beautiful dark berry fruit with subtle notes of savory spice.

Palate--Relaxed tannins with nice fruit forward rich berry presence, ripe plum in the middle and a lasting finish that keeps on giving.

Columbia Crest is the highest point on the breathtaking glaciated Mt. Rainier. My name happens to be recorded in the book at the summit having been as climber back in the 80's.  Living there for about 3 years we loved the majestic vista, Rainier Nat'l Park and this was all before the Silicon Valley migration to seattle.

Columbia Crest Wines have established themselves as reliable value producing wines that you can buy without hesitation. This is no exception.  At the $12 price point raise a glass!

Four Vines Old Vines Zinfandel 2021 (Lodi)

Bouquet is rather lighter than usual with pronounced strawberry bouquet, with chilled tomato juice notes, and spices.

Palate--Nice fruity front with aging strawberry notes with savory spices, a twinge of dark cocoa in the finish.

It's been a while since I have had Four Vines Zinfandel and I always enjoy them. At the $12 price point it's a no brainer! Raise a glass...

Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva 2014

Purple deep hue in center of bowl with a tinge of bricking at the rim. Aromas of raw beef, in the bowl with unique minced meat nuances, and more but needs to open. Smoked mushrooms,...

Palate--Mature structure with sophisticated tannins, nice balance with acid and structured, around fruit that eludes me! 

This will be a nice pairing with my strip steak (charcoal grilled) for my bride and our 51st anniversary. Funny thing is I bought this recently at a Sam's Club and thought it was $10. It was in the wrong bin and I was surprised to see my receipt at home for $25.  But even at that, this is a  very nice wine, and worth every bit of qhat I paid for it so "Raise a glass!"