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.