JOSH Zinfandel 2021 "Special Reserve" (Bourbon Barrel Aged)

Ruby, garnet hue with a big bouquet over the glass with lovely brooding black raspberries, with notes of coffee, and dark chocolate.

Palate-- Fruit forward on a foundation that is well structured. There is a special twist mid-palate, and espresso, home baked berry pie, and somewhat lingering finish that makes you look forward to the next gulp! 

This $10 value from Trader Joe's is one of the better wines I have had in a long time. In fact I just got home from the store where I bought the 1 bottle and grabbed several more. Raise a glass!

Caretaker Cabernet Sauvignon. (Paso Robles) 2023

Garnet hue with aromas of nice plummy, black cherry with hints of pomegranate.

Palate--Thin texture with prominent Black cherry/berry flavors on a bed of acidity with a very quick finish.  

This is a "sort of" Cabernet Sauvignon, meaning ya don't want to judge what Cabernet Sauvignon should be like if you're wondering if you like Cab or not.  Yes this is a cheap $9 attempt but disappointing even at that price. I will chill it down for my Sunday night pizza and it will be adequate but that's about it.  

Giardino Pinot Grigio delle Venezie Rosé 2024

Pale orange/pink hue with aromas of vanilla cream with baby powder, green apple and a hint of citrus.

Palate--Off dry first impression with subdued mouth feel and presence of clean and pretty crisp fruity notes.  The pin prick bubbles are tepid but present. Finishes very quickly.

Chill it down, serve it with lighter fare or beside your pool (if you live in the deep south) and at $8 raise a glass.

Embroidery Zinfandel 2021

Garnet and ruby hue with nice fruit aromas above the rim rustic dense blackberry with a suggestion of mocha.

Palate-Finessed structure first impression with a very relaxed profile with somewhat subdued fruit that seems to be disappointingly fleeting. It may need to breath a bit... After some air time I have to say it didn't significantly change the profile.  It was a decent accompaniment to Thanksgiving Turkey but at the price point of $24, I can recommend numerous Zins for half the price which I believe are better. 

Lamarca Prosecco

Slightest hint of gold hue with aromas of light tropical fruit, a hint of citrus, and vanilla cream with pin prick bubbles.

Palate--Lively effervescence on a pretty flat palate with such light hints of flavor that seems hardly worth the effort of lifting the glass to your mouth.

I know this is a wildly popular wine amongst the restaurant by-the-glass crowd which honestly baffles me. There are SO many nice wines "out there" which are far superior to this *pricey effort. 

*Lamarca Prosecco is one the more expensive Proseccos out there at around $16 which is--IMHO--due to the amount of advertising they do. "It pays to advertise" as they say and give them kudos for success in that arena. But in my world, I avoid Proseccos at all costs--pun intended. 

Cockburn's Special Reserve PORTO

 

Lovely purple/black he to the rim with big sweet raisiny, pruney fruit and Christmas fruit cake.

Palate--Balanced profile with velvety texture and nicely touched acidic layer, on a bed of ripe plump raisins and a finish that just keeps going. 

I paid $18 for this and it is lovely for the money. Porto is such a gift to the palate so enjoy it with dark chocolate, or any sweet bite that you want to enjoy to the max and raise a glass!

Orin Swift Abstract 2022

Intense eggplant hue with aromas of  Plum, blackberry and gentle spice. 

Palate--Silky first impression with bold flavors of fruit forward goodness with immature angular profile that needs a couple more years to come into its own. 

This blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Zinfandel California sourced grapes needs more time to really show its stuff. Some of the scores I am seeing on this wine are quite over the top. 

With prices showing at $35-$85 is rather crazy. It's a decent $20 wine but beyond that, well.... to each his own.

Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Guidance!

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

Epicuro Nero D'Avola 2023

Garnet hue with gentle aromas of cherry fruit and tea.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity with a somewhat constrained fruit foundation, with savory spice and lip smacking finish that is fleeting.

Nero D'Avola--pronounced NERo da VOLa is a lively, fruity grape from the sicilian region being its signature grape. What is nice about this wine is that these are generally quite inexpensive and even at the upper end they are rarely going to exceed $25. 

This isn't the best example of the grape but it's not bad for the money.  At Trader Joe's I think I paid around $8 for it so it is a definite "raise a glass."

SYRAH The Originals 2023

 

Deep purple to black hue with light aromas of blackberry and plum.

Palate--Decent enough first impression of bold dark berry fruit, with vibrant mid-palate with a lack-lustrous unilateral presentation.

The wine is a tad too cold which may explain some of the lack of interesting complexities, or it may just be a wine in what is called the "dumb-phase."  

This Washington State varietal is disappointing for a Syrah. One would expect an inky black hue with jammy dark berry and plum with a lingering fruity finish. Yes this is a very young wine but never-the-less it should be showing better than it is.

Syrah is the quintessential wine for wild game and tonight I will serving lamp chops grilled indoors. A trader Joe's offering fro about $9 it isn't bad just very simple.

Villa St. Jean. "Picpoul De Pinet" 2022

A beautiful golden hue is accented with a gorgeous floral, lemony, green apple with powdery edges.

Palate--Fresh squeezed lemon juice, with a rigid beam of acidity, and makes your mouth water so much you have to swallow a bit to make room in your mouth for the wine. Finishes quickly but leaves you wanting another quaff.

This is a palate cleanser for buttery sauce dishes like Maine lobster, steamers (also dipped in butter) broiled salmon, pasta with a light buttery based cheese sauce and a host of other wonderful possibilities. This was closeout from $17 to $9 and I I am glad I snagged it when I did.  Raise a glass!

"GSM" Le Graal Du Chevalier 2021

Pretty magenta hue with aromas of brioche and cinnamon suggestion with dark Plum and berry fruit.

Palate-Slightly watery texture first impression with mouth filling fruit in a delicately balanced foundation. Very well made wine that is quite delicious although it finishes abruptly.

This Languedoc Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, clcassy for the price although a bit simple.  But at $10 it's a "raise a glass" kind of wine!

Seghesio Zinfandel 2023

Youthful purple hue with light aromas of spiciness, gentle dark berry fruit and not much more.

Palate--Nice first impression with balanced acidity, intense fruit on mid-palate with lovely dark blackberry and a hint of espresso. Not much of a finish but this young wine needs to open up.

At the $20 price point, this Seghesio Zin is well structured and distinguishes it from a decent $10 Zin from Sonoma of which I just grabbed a case.  If you "know wine" ie., have an experienced palate it is worth the difference. If you do not, stick with the $10 Zins.  FWIW.     Raise a glass! 

Wente Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon "Southern Hills" 2022

 

Dark plum hue with bright aromas of crushed dried plum, fresh blackberry, but needs some time to open up.

Palate-- Very elegant structure with relaxed tannins, very integrated blackberry and plum with spicy herbs on the finish.

Wente is a wine maker I cut my teeth on way back in the mid 70's! I was fresh out of the Army and could not afford much but then I was just beginning my life-long wine journey which would take me to some of the great wine growing regions of the world. On a pure luck of the draw, I happened to be in NAPA Valley and randomly went to Mondavi Vineyards. I was gobsmacked to be standing 100 feet away from the iconic, king of NAPA Valley wine--Robert Mondavi himself celebrating his 90th birthday.  (I think) :) 

Anyway, Wente is a solid, reliable vintner making value wines and this Cab at $18 is what you might expect.  Raise a glass!

Fuerza 2020

 

A very pretty dark ruby sets this wine off right appealing to the eyes then coming in to play is the rich lovely ripe ruby red grapefruit notes, on top of ripe juicy red berries.

Palate--Big fruity front palate with silky tannins and a nice acidic line to carry the weight of the fruit.  The fruity mid palate lingers for a good bit and leaves you wanting another taste.

I paid a meagher $11 for this Jumilla (Spain)  of Monastrell (known as "Mourvédre" in other countries) and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is a very well made wine and at this price point quite surprising so raise a glass. I will be pairing it with oven roasted chicken and root vegetables.

Villa Cerrina Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2024

Aubergine hue that is gorgeous, with aromas as I pour it filling my senses with memories of Italy ventures years ago exploring the wonders of Tuscany, and other great, storied wine regions of this great wine country. big gob smacking bold lovely black berry fruit with with plum, spice and something elusive to description.

Palate--Tart first impression which mellows out quickly and leaving mouth filling berries and a super quick finish. Honestly the best part of this wine is in the bouquet and color. But at the price point of a Trader Joe's offering around $8 it is a decent enough table wine to enjoy with pizza, pastas, and cheeses of a slightly bolder stripe. 

I have had this wine often over the years and ya can't beat the price so raise. a glass!

St. Michael Riesling (*Qualitätswein) 2020

 

Pale straw hue with aromas of sweet citrus and green melon, and light sweet spice.

Palate--First impression is off dry light flavors of citrus and melon.  It lacks structure and is flaccid without a decent acid foundation to carry the wine properly. Finish is short with a hint of honey.

This is a Member's Mark (Sam's Club) offering at $10.  It is surprising that it is still holding at this age. But it does the wonderful grape of German pride no service for what even inexpensive Riesling can be.  Trader Joes has a couple Rieslings at the $8 price point which are better than this. But splurge a few more dollars to see what this nice proud grape of Germany can be!

*Qualitätswein--German wines have lots of information on their labels if you know how to read them.

This wine has the "QBA" designation meaning it is the lowest of 6 designations of which 5 are  "pradikats" or "titles" relating to the wines level of sweetness. 

(search this blog for a previous post of an explanation of German wine labels and titles if interested)

**In fairness this wine's age is beyond this level of Riesling's ability to remain all that it can be, so try another vintage no more than 2 years old.

"7 Deadly Zins" Zinfandel (Ancient Vines). Lodi 2022

 

Presents with a lighter but bright crystalline garnet hue with aromas of spicy red candy apple and cherry cream.

Palate--Just "OK" first impression with definite zesty red cherry and dark berry fruit. Structure is skillful, and will drink OK.

Zinfandel is my go to grape and I have had probably 5 times more Zins than any other grape. This is priced at $17 which I would not have paid that for it, as Bogle, Scotto, and a couple other widely available Zins routinely run around $10 and they are consistently better.  Having this with Pizza as Sunday ritual. Raise a glass!

Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Co.) 2021

Nice garnet hue with some depth and a bouquet of cherry cream and flowers above the rim, with rich black cherry and black tea in the bowl. 

Palate--First impression not striking, with youthful foundation and a beam of acidity that needs to mature out of the limelight. Finish is angular and again needs more time to come around.

I paid $20 for this Cab expecting a bit more given the name as well. But in fairness, it is a young wine which will improve over the next 5 years. I am paring it tonight with charcoal grilled NY Strip steak and it will be great!  Raise a glass!

I will update when I have it with my steak!  

Embroidery Zinfandel (Paso Robles) 2021

Slight bricking at the rim (unusual for a wine this young) with lighter cherry hue and aromas which are subdued yet subtle sweet spices and red berry notes. 

Palate--OK first impression has a balanced structure yet again a lack luster and confusing palate. I would be hard pressed to know this was a Zin. 

This was a $24 mark down to $12 and even at that it is just "Meah." At $12 it's just passable.

Clos Du Bois "Buttery Chardonnay" 2023

 

Gentle golden hue with aromas of sweet yet off dry, vanilla and citrus foundation with creme brûlée notes.

Palate--Lovely, sophisticated structure with lemon/lime foundation and creamy (malolactic fermentation?) Its "off dry" presence is lovely and the perfect foil to a rich, buttery lobster and steamer clam birthday dinner!

I bought several bottles of this a couple years ago for a ridiculous $12 and it is fantastic. IF you have to fortune to stumble upon it, BUY IT!  And raise a glass!

Forajidos Origenes 2023

On the pour the hue is so lightly cherry in color but it is a very pretty, crystalline presentation. Aromas of spiced apple rings, yeast, spicy sweet cherry/berry. 

Palate--mouth watering acidity, with a gentle presence of fruit that is pretty straight forward, but there is a strangeness to this wine that is somewhat unpleasant to my palate. 

This wine is *unoaked and made from a grape I have never heard of--"Pais" which could very well be the awkwardness to my palate. Pais is a jug wine grape and ought to remain as such. 

*Oak gives complexity and new dimensions to what you get with the just fermented grape juice. This Maule Valley, Chile creation has a storied reputation for very nice wine but this is NOT one of them. 

 I paid $9 for this and I am not sure what happened here but this is a pass for me...

Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2024

 

Straw hue with wondrous aromas of sweet tangerine, mandarin orange, a gentle beam of citrus, and vanilla curd.

Palate--With a lively structure and balanced all around, this is a juicy, fruity, off-dry, Riesling, and although it finishes with a quick pineapple ending it is so tasty and fresh you could really put it away...  :) 

I will be pairing this with tonight's dinner of Indian lamb curry and while such cuisine is sometimes difficult to pair wine with this is easy. 

At $12 Kung Fu Girl is one of my go-to faves for a summer chilled refresher, an apéritif, or a host of light cheeses on the "sweet" side so raise a glass!!! 

Castle Rock Pinot Noir (Mendocino) 2023

Crystalline cherry hue with aromas of ripe strawberry, and cranberry.

Palate--Mouth filling flavors of vibrant Pinot fruit, with a strawberry foundation with nice structure presenting a wine that is "crafted" rather than just "made."  

Castle Rock just makes stupid good wines at a bargain basement pricing. At the $10 price point this is a no brainer.  I will be serving it with chicken and rice baked int he oven in a cream of mushroom base. It will be perfect so raise a glass.

Sadler's Well Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) 2022

Lighter cherry hue with aromas on opening of jellied cranberry, the subtlest hint of mint at the rim with savory spice, black cherry with the slightest beginning of *"bricking" at the rim.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity, on a lively structure with a solid dark fruit mid-palate, and a very quick finish.

I paid $14 for this at a local liquor store that I frequent and whereas I tend to stay right around the $10 price point (or less) I splurged (LOL) for this Paso Robles, California AVA.  For the money it is one of the better Cabernets I have had--again, for the money. I am having it with my wife's and my traditional Sunday evening after church pizza so raise a glass!

*Bricking is a term for the change in coloration of wine as it gets older.  At the beginning red wines start to go slightly amber, to brown as they are getting near the end of their longevity. It is a sign that you should drink up any bottles you may have laying around in fairly short order.

Sonoma Grove Zinfandel (Sonoma County) 2022

 

Lighter red hue with slight bricking already at the rim... Aromas with a very different profile than what I am used to with Zinfandel.  It is elusive with gentle spice, with a mulled wine kind of bouquet.  

Palate--Confusing first impression with ok structure, but awkward flavors not like any Zinfandel I have ever tasted and no finish.

OK then: I saw this at Trader Joe's and have never seen it before there or anywhere else. Because I live over an hour a way from the store I figured at $7.99 a bottle I could not, NOT buy a case. (My rule is--ya don't buy a case of wine you have never tasted...) It's a pretty sound rule but I have regretted it many times having bought a couple bottles of a wine I was unfamiliar with at a store 2 hours away and then wished I had bought a case.

Hence the case purchase of a Zinfandel (my favorite wine) from Sonoma, (my favorite Zinfandel AVA) even though I have never heard of it.  After I got home and Googled it, I could not find it anywhere on the web.

So now I have 11 more bottles of something I have no idea what the heck it is, (it sure isn't any Zinfandel I have ever had) so even at $8, all I can say is maybe try a bottle and then decide. :( 

MATI Barbera D'Asti 2022

Cherry/garnet hue with fruity aromas above the rim of crusty bread, spicy cherry, chocolate cream at the rim, and more spicy red fruit.

Palate--Medium bodied with a robust acidity and old world charm with loads of fruit (not quite mature but drinkable) not quite ripe plum and stone cherry, with a lip smacking finish that lingers a bit.

Cooking a simple tortellini with a simple parmesan cheese over the buttered pasta. Nothing fancy, quick and easy which is what both me and my precious wife needs after a long day in a Chemo clinic for AML... 

At $13 a bottle, raise a glass!

Bogle Essential Red 2022

 

Dark purple nearly black hue with aromas of spicy plum, blackberry, fruity dark cherry, cherry Twizzlers.

Palate--Sophisticated mouth feel with bold fruit forward black berries and plum. Tannins are silly, structure bold with Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and ??? 

The Petite Syrah gives this wine its intense dark pigmentation and bold nose.  This is a great value running around $10-$12 so grab a few, lay one down and check it out a year later after you've enjoyed the other 2.  Raise a glass!

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 22

Deep rich almost black purple hue with aromas of rich dark black berry and melted milk chocolate with almost floral nose.

Palate-Deep berry first impression all over the palate with bold spices mid palate, more fruit rear palate, a finish that is quite bold for the price point of this oft reviewed wine. 

This Paso Robles (California AVA) is a steel at $10 which is why have reviewed so much of it.  Trader Joe's carries and it is a must buy at this price point so raise a glass!

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc--Viognier 2024

 

Light yellow hue with lovely aromas wafting into the air from the freshly opened bottle. Tropical fruit melange, with citrus notes, with pronounced lime.

Palate--Steely front palate, with light sparkle, nice acidity, lemon-lime and tropical fruits mid palate with a creamy texture. A light finish that is fresh and clean makes you want a repeat.

Chenin blanc was a throw away kind of wine decades ago being marketed in big jugs.  The grape was not appreciated then but it is he signature grape of the Loire Valley in France where it it gets the respect it deserves. Viognier (pronounced Vee-oh-Nyay) is the only acceptable grape for the wine Condrieu from the Rhone region of France. 

Pine Ridge tends to make very nice wines at very reasonable prices and this is no exception.  This is not my first review of this wine but it has been over a decade so compare it with past reviews of mine.  I think I paid around $12 and will be pairing it with my wife's Broccoli Cheese soup so raise a glass! 

Javier San Pedro "Randez" Tempranillo 2021

A grapey purple hue with aromas of yeast, boiled beets, cherry, bright red berry, cola on the edge and *wool.

Palate--Tart first impression, with silky presentation, robust flavors of spicy red berries, and a finish that lingers.

Tempranillo is the signature grape of the Rioja region of Spain and they do it very well. This is another Trader Joe's offering at the $10 price point and it is a winner so raise a glass!

*This may be the first time I used "wool" as an adjective in a tasting.

Monte Antico Toscana 2020

 

Garnet hue with aromas of musty, rustic forest floor, cherry and blackberry with wood.

Palate--Lackluster first impression with an acidic back bone, rather a unidimensional, rustic profile, again with forest floor nuances on the palate and cherry/berry fruit. 

A rather typical Tuscan wine made from the grape of Tuscany-- Sangiovese--with a blend in small amounts of cabernet Sauvignon and merlot according to the laws of wearing a "Tuscan" label.

I have been drinking this wine for decades and it is always a value around the $10 price point. Despite what you read above, I am confident that this will not disappoint once it has a little time to breath so raise a glass!

Cotes De Provence Rosé 2023

Pale orange hue with aromas of tangerine, lite citrus, with sweet nuances.

Palate--Off dry presentation with nice acidity and lime/tangerine flavors, with a slightly lingering finish with a crisp ending. 

Not sure what I paid for this but it is a decent enough  Rosé not at all like the overly sweet plonk that is sold globally and especially in the U.S. It is actually fresh and not wearying to the palate. While not a big fan of these rosés this one is quite lovely at the $12 price point so raise a glass!

Epicuro Nero D'Avola 2023

 

Garnet hue with aromas of spicy cherry and a touch of black cherry.

Palate--Surprisingly off dry first impression with rigid acidity, nice texture and a pretty mouthful of flavor considering the price point of this wine. Cherries are robust and even though the finish is quick.

This Sicilian staple is a versatile wine for pizza, medium bodied cheeses, lighter tomato based sauces or beef stew which is what I am having with it tonight.  For the price of $8 a bottle at Trader Joe's this is a raise a glass kind of wine.  Grab a couple and see what you think!

POMMARD "CLOS DE LA PLATIÈRE" 2020

Egg Plant Hue with elegant aromas of sweet cherry-berry with a floral note and spice.

Palate--Surprising foundation of acidity, with luscious mouth watering tannins, and a spicy sweet berry finish. 

This review sounds tepid but it is not. This is just a seriously delicious wine and will only get better for years to come.

This Burgundy is tantalizing, delicious, well structured, and even at this young stage it is mouth watering juicy and the perfect accompaniment to baked chicken with root vegetables. 

This bottle disappeared quickly. This was a gift from a dear friend and at around $100 a rare treat but raise a glass!  

Member's Mark Rioja Reserva Tempranillo 2017

Subdued garnet with slight bricking at the rim. Damson plum aromas with a touch of cherry and black berry. Dried dark berry fruit in the core.

Palate--Nicely integrated first impression with good structure, decent berry flavors with a touch of nice spice. Finishes with a decent lingering finish. 

While not classic Tempranillo this is not your classic Tempranillo price so be thankful for what this is and at the price it is offered. 

For the Sam's Club (AKA Member's Mark") price of $10 this is a bargain and must buy. Raise a glass!

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2022

Dark ruby/garnet hue with aromas of dark cherry /berry with notes of spice. 

Palate--Tried and true, Zinfandel profile with big berry fruit bombish presentation, but structured for food as well.

My go to Zin selling for around $10 is always reliable and a winner so raise.a glass! 

Phigment Red Wine Blend 2023

Purple hue with aromas of baby powder with a cherry overtone, and pipe tobacco.

Palate--First impression is a watery, but tasty, fruity wine with a decent acidity to make it both food friendly or by itself. It is uncomplicated in its presentation and not an impressive kind of quaff but never-the-less, with a slight chill on it should be fine for the average palate.

A California sourced wine that is just "meah" but workable. At $7 from Trader Joe's it is a pizza kind of wine or cheese and crackers. 

Compass Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma) 2023

 

Deep rich aubergine hue with bold aromas of dark rich blackberry, cola.

Palate--So-so first impression with nice fruit, angular, lacking depth and richness but it was just opened and needs to breathe! Expresses with gentle tannins, fruit forward with and is mellowing out with time.

This cab is just too young to appreciate at this time.  Enology has come a LOOOONG way since the days of buying a nice Cab and laying it down for a decade because you had to...  

I thinnk I may have paid around $15 for this but not sure.  I like it for the money; raise a glass!

When wine consultant Michelle Roland came on the scene perhaps 20 years ago he revolutionized the process of making wine so they could be appreciated much quicker.  Thus was born what was called the *"Modavization" of the wine world where everything tasted pretty much the same.  That is over simplification but... This is gentle as it breaths, rather elegant and opening up quite nicely. 

In honor of the late great Robert Mondavi... 

Chateau St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia valley) 2022

 

Darker garnet hue with aromas of cherry/berry, hint of orange rind, and spring flowers.

Palate-- Nice first impression with a gentle foundation with pronounced dark fruit flavors, decent structure, and a fruity finish. 

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest when St. Michelle was an embryo I grew to love their wines especially their Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Today they are the foundation of the Pacific Northwest AVA's and deservedly so. 

At $12 this is a steal so raise a glass!

Roustabout Meritage (Paso Robles) 2023

 

Slightly opaque slightly bricked garnet hue with aromas of "stuffy" strawberry/blackberry and raw beef.  I don't believe I have noted such a presence in a wine... Perhaps it will clarify as it opens up.

Palate--Slightly watery texture but with nice fruity profile if a little confused and a fleeting finish. 

This Meritage isa  blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec but they can vary. I have not had many because I tend not to like the blends I have had.  This one is no exception. I am not sure what I paid for it but whatever it was it was probably too much.  Give it a pass...

Taylor Fladgate "Fine Tawny" Porto

Garnet hue with a rim showing the "tawny" (golden/light brown) characteristic presentation. Aromas of fermented fruit, 

Palate- First impression is a thick, silky texture with a rich foundation of lively bold dark fruit with a finish that is hard to parse.

This "Tawny" port is unlike any I have had.  I am a porto lover and this, for its texture and mouth feel alone, is enticing. It will be excellent with dark chocolate, molten lava cake, a quality dark chocolate ice cream, and many other deserts. (Try strawberries and whip cream with this wine!) You'll love it.  At $17 it is a worthy purchase so raise a glass!

Member's Mark Old Vine zinfandel. 2023 (Lodi)

 

Pretty ruby hue with aromas of ruby red grapefruit, red berries, and subtle spice.

Palate-- Silky texture with pleasant enough flavors of spicy red berry, brooding cherry, grapefruit rind, and a finish that leaves quickly.

The get a grip factor is in play here. This is Sam's Club's own offering from the LODI AVA of California and at $7 you really cannot find a better value for such a wine.  It is "case worthy" so raise a glass!

Seaside Cellars Pinot Noir 2022

 

Cherry juice colored hue with aromas of strawberry, and spicy raspberry. 

Palate--Unremarkable first impression with understated fruit, some structure, and a fleeting finish of strawberry. 

Trader Joes offers this at $7 and that is the limit for this pinot plonk. Even at $7 it is pretty ucky. If you iced it down in the fridge for a while it might be a touch more palatable but never mind.  

La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve

 

Very pale straw hie with aromas of gentle lime with visible pin prick bubbles.

Palate--Lively tiny bubbles which burst with a splash of lime juice, cleansing bubbles and a very quick finish with a nice acidic salty impression.

At $11 from Trader Joe's this is a no brainer.  Uncomplicated, but delicious chilled well down.

MAN Shiraz. "Cape Coast" (S. Africa) 2023

Dark cherry garnet hue (not the intensity and blackness of domestic Shiraz) with aromas of nice cranberry, dark cherry, and plum.

Palate--Tart first impression with mouth watering acid, stern mixed berry fruit, which is a bit confusing. The finish is unremarkable and quick.

This is not a great example of S. African Shiraz and at $10 this is the most I would pay for it. Pairing it with lamb chops on the grill. Just "Meah!"

Chateau St. Michelle Gewürztraminer 2023

Very pale straw hue with aromas of peach and apricot, and a light touch of citrus at the end. 

Palate--Lively first impression on the tongue with a slight effervescence. Flavors of stone fruit, which is nice but lacking the vibrant acidic structure that punctuates this great grape. A touch flabby.

I had a Trader Joe's (microwaved) frozen Fiery Chicken Vindaloo and this wine pulls it off tamping down the super hot palate of the vindaloo.  This is why wine pairing matters! Just for kicks I also had a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and it only added to the fiery presentation--ouch!

At $12 this is just "ok" but St. Michelle does better.

Bishop Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma 2021

Deep purple hue with lovely aromas of lovely dark blackberry, violets, and sweet black raspberry at the rim.

Palate--First impression is a little watery, but nice integrated presentation of slightly chewy tannins, decent acidic line, and a gentle but lingering finish of more fruit.

 I had never heard of this winery so I grabbed it from a local supermarket for $15. A Sonoma Cab would normally sell for twice that and above.  I was curious...

For the money it is a worthy buy. I am pairing it with charcoal grilled bone in strip steak.  Raise a glass

MLB Punto Final Malbec 2023

 

Youthful black cherry hue with aromas of rich plum, black cherry and an unusual "stink" for lack of a better adjective but it is rather endearing.

Palate-Lovely first impression with a rich texture loads of dark fruit all over but a quick finish..

James Suckling gave this Argentinian Malbec wine 91 points. It lists around $25 but I found it for $12. It's nice for $12 but a disappointment at $25. 

Ca' Belli Prosecco Extra Dry

Pale straw hue with aromas of vanilla pudding and light lemon. 

Palate--Decent bubbles, bone dry, light touch of lemon and a fleeting finish of more lemon. 

Disclaimer--I am not a fan of Prosecco in general.  That's just me. I seems to be wildly popular among the  female class which on the up side, seems to have unthroned the ubiquitous and annoying "White Zinfandel" that dominated the restaurant wine lists everywhere. So there's that.  :) 

I am planning to make a "Hugo Cocktail" with this which is Elderflower liqueur, seltzer, lime juice and mint leaves. We are experiencing a heat wave here in Maine and this seems to be the perfoil to blistering heat.

On the upside, I do like this more than most presecco's I have had and at the $11 price point, raise a glass!

Seaside Cellars Pinot Noir 2022 (New Zealand) *label is slightly different than shown...

Very pale garnet hue with a touch of "brisking" at the rim???  Bouquet of strawberry.

Palate--Acidic first impression with a watery texture, bold spice, and rustic red berries, with a quick and watery finish.

I grabbed this on closeout from a local liquor store selling this New Zealand Pinot for $7. If you're desperate for something to serve the unwary friends of yours, chill it way down and serve it with light refreshments and will be fine-ish. But please do NOT use this is a yardstick to judge whether you like Pinot Noir or not.