Porto Morgado (NV) "Bottled in Portugal" "Ruby"

Youthful dark purple hue with aromas of sweet floral bouquet, sweet spice and some berry goodness.

Palate--Thick, silky texture first impression with intense sweetness but balanced all in all given it's youthful release.  Very nice sweet mid palate with rich dark berry pie filling and a slightly lingering finish.

I have been drinking this port wine for years and years because it is such a great value. NO, it is not complex, NO it is not mouth filling with a mind blowing layering of emerging aromas and fruit, and NO it is not the best Port wine you can buy. LOL  But NO it does not cause you to have to take out a 2nd mortgage in order to buy it.  A Trader Joe's regular offering around $8 it is a wonderful "Raise a glass."

Porto* is a DESSERT wine! it is  VERY sweet because the wine making process is topped short by adding a high alcoholic (brandy) usually which stops fermentation of the wine leaving a residual mass of sugar.

You can pay upwards of $100 and beyond for "Vintage Port." And it is a treat!!! But serve this with dark chocolate, or strawberries, or numerous other sweet offerings and it is AMAZING.

*If there is no "O" in the name it is NOT actual Port wine and is to be avoided!  Raise a glass!

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2022

Ruby garnet hue with aromas of light black cherry/berry fruit, spices and a touch of black licorice?

Palate--Supple first impression with "hot" fruit loads of Zinfandel spiciness, but finishes quickly.

This oft reviewed Zin is a favorite because of its price point and reliability. There are far better Zins out there but you will pay dearly for them. At $8 on sale this is a no brainer. Raise a glass!

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) Lot 22

Deep young purple hue with aromas of jammy ripe plum, 

Palate--Nice mouth feel and bold flavorful presentation with ripe fruit in supply with mid palate of cranberry jelly, blackberry and plum. Lingering fruity finish.

Reviewed many times in the past this bargain Cab from Paso Robles (California AVA) is $10 at Trader Joes and I will be picking up more tomorrow. Pizza here we come but this will go with bunches of italian food, stronger cheeses, pastas, even game so raise a glass!

Claire Patelin Sauvignon Blanc (Cotes de Gascogne) 2023

Pretty gentle straw hue with prominent pear and citrus with nice lime accent highlighting the bouquet of sweet powdery white melon.

Palate--Everything in the bouquet is right there on the front palate with a lip smacking, food friendly acidity with a grassy noe typical of many Sauvignon Blancs..

I reviewed this not long ago with consistent notes. This is an amazing value at $7 (Trader Joe's) and I will be pairing this evening with my own seafood chowder and my wife's homemade cheesy, herb bread and it will be outstanding so raise a glass.

REDPURO Malbec Reserva 2023

Deep aubergine hue to the rim, with big fruit bomb aromas of intense blackberry with savory spices and saw dust. A touch of "bottle stink" on opening but be sure to read the * below!

Palate-Mouth watering acidity is first impression with gobs of young dark berry fruit that needs a couple year at least to chill out with the structure of the wine being very angular at the moment. The hefty structure is all a product of this wine's young age. 

I bought this Mendoza Argentinian Malbec for $8 on special from $17. The wine has potential for better than the tasting is at this time. I will be pairing it with my charcoal grilled venison burgers and even though very young it will be just fine!  Raise a glass to the independence of the United States on this holiday weekend!

* "Bottle stink" is a benign phenomenon of opening a bottle of wine and smelling an unpleasant odor but this is NOT to be confused with a that is "Corked" or tainted/contaminated which means the wine is not drinkable.  When you have been smelling wines for a while you will KNOW the difference between a wine that is "corked" and bottle stink. How do you know the difference?  Easy--"bottle stink" is right on opening and it disappears quite quickly, like in minutes.  A wine that is "corked" will not dissipate and the wine is ruined. I could bore you with all the chemistry involved etc. but that is not what this blog is about.

 

What to serve on the 4th of July?

 

The big day of celebratory Fun, Food, and beverage! Grilling outdoors? Remember this--using charcoal opens up a little more consideration for your wine pairing. The flavors of open coal BBQing of red meats allows you to go with *Zinfandels, Sirahs, Syrahs (depends on the country of origin--same grape!)

Seafood? Again pair your wine to the sauce if there is one, and if not Zinfandel would still work but a nice chilled rosé might be more suitable to your hot summer fun! 

I am not being a snob here but Zinfandel means the robust red wine, NOT WHITE Zinfandel which is neither Zin, nor White. 

Confused with all the choices out there? Sparkling wines tend to go well with just about everything.

So remember the reason for the holiday if you're American and raise a glass to the Founding Fathers who gave us the most prosperous, and wondrous nation on Earth. Raise a glass! 

AND.....of course, there's always BEER!  

Castella di Amorosa La Castellana (Super Tuscan) 2018 Napa Valley

First review on opening:   Nearly black hue, with a "bouquet" on opening of a mixed flower bouquet! (Pun intended) *tightly wound fruit aromas bundled up waiting to release their charm and individualism. 

Palate--First review on opening is a silky foundation with a melange of fruit flavors--again--waiting to burst out. All you really know at this point is that this is a well crafted wine. *I had this wine in my temperature regulated fridge, which means the wine needs to "warm up" from its storage temp. of 56 degrees. The colder temperature closes down the volatilization of aromas which makes them harder to detect. And since taste is a function of smell, a wine will also seem rather uni-layered when cold. 

Only serve really cheap wines--red or white nice and cold!  The chill covers a multitude of sins... LOL.

My son bought me several wines for Father's Day from this winery out in NAPA he had visited in the recent past. 

Palate--2nd review about 20 minutes after opening. A juicy foundation with supple tannins is starting to give glimpses of what's laying underneath. Rich berry flavors with a black/strawberry licorice presence. The tannins are bordering on elegant and present enough to give a hope of more future aging.  Perhaps another 5-8 years???  This wine is balanced remarkably well with all things working harmoniously together. And it was of course perfect with my charcoal grilled bone in Strip steak.

So this wine will run you over $100... I know right?  But if you can afford it, Raise a glass!

Clos Du Bois "Buttery Chardonnay" (Rich and Creamy) 2023

Light golden hue with a green tint and aromas of vanilla, sweet tropical fruit with a citrus note and hint of ripe pineapple.

Palate--Nice acidity and structure with prominent delicious fruit first impression with heft and elegance.

The odd little label says exactly what I have in the post!

I previously reviewed this not long ago and it is just a winner. I paid $12 for it and that is an absurdly great price for the quality of the wine. I will be pairing it with oven baked lemon-dill fresh caught salmon given to us by a friend this weekend. It should be a beautiful thing so raise a glass!

Josh Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

Gorgeous purple hue with a nice deep garnet rim and aromas of ripe blackberry and plum with gentle savory/sweet spice.

Palate-- Mouth filling fruit on a gentle structure with deep baker's chocolate mid--palate. Lingering fruit of dark berry goodness.

Previously reviewed this bargaon I found on closeout for $7 and it is a super steal at that price.  Raise a glass!

Renacer Punto Final Malbec 2023 (Mendoza)

Vibrant youthful purple hue with huge ripe plummy, jammy fruit, and I am tempted to go a little crazy with the nuanced bouquet but what's the point?  LOL. You don't drink the bouquet...

Palate--Weighty thickish textured mouth feel with intense gigantic fruit bomb presentation of jammy plum which is so big it drowns other good "stuff" that i know is there but the youthfulness of this immature wine needs another 3-5 years to show its stuff.

Thanks to the masterful artistry of famous wine consultant Michel Rolland many wines world wide have been influenced by his wisdom in teaching wineries in numerous countries how to make wine that is ready to drink on release rather than having to "lay it down" for a decade or more.  What's easy is to make a wine ready to drink on release, what is NOT so easy was how to produce wines that having aging potential but are quite enjoyable on release. 

Whether this is such a wine influenced by Rolland I do not know, but this fits that bill!  It is a HUGE wine but there is SO much more there that needs more time to display the benefits of waiting.  What I recommend with such wines is to buy a couple to drink now and a few to lay down if you like the wine.

I paid $12 for this normally around $18 so raise a glass as I pair it with my own homemade venison chili!

UNDONE Dry Riesling 2021 (Rheinhessen)

 

Pale straw hue with the slightest green tint.  Aromas of "*oil" sweet green melon, with honeydew melon notes around it, with a note of pineapple.

Palate--Nice foundation of acidity which may be a bit over blown, subdued flavors of everything in the bouquet, with crisp, clean lingering notes of citrus.

This Riesling from the storied Rheinhessen region of Germany is not great but for the $7 I paid for it, it just needs to be chilled down and I will use it to make a risotto tonight and it will accompany the meal.

*Oil German Rieslings generally in my experience have a profound "oily" note in the bouquet. It is not a "bad" kind of oily, just oily.  :)  

Querceto Chianti 2023

Red garnet hue with opaquish appearance with aromas of rustic cherry, spice, a surprising nuance of cocoa, and red berry.

Palate--somewhat subdued first impression with high acidity typical of Chianti, with unremarkable flavors in hiding. 

This is surprising in all the wrong ways. I have tons of experience with this producer, the wines and chianti and this is seriously closed. It is also too warm given our 99 degree day yesterday and normally my wine cellar stays rather moderate throughout the Summer. I am hoping it just needs some time to breathe as it is quite young.  

After some time and with my homemade carbonara the wine was a fitting accompaniment but quite shallow for Querceto's usual profile. $17 marked down to $10 it was alright but...

Spritz Almare Italy Classico

Interesting orange hue with Cinnamon aromas and a host of awkward, strange, weird other aromas that I can't say I have ever come up against in *wine. (LOL) 

Palate--Bitter with peculiar and varied flavors with a notable bitter mid-palate. 

To be fair, I would not classify this as a "wine" but as an alcoholic beverage. Again--to be fair, even though my wife took one taste, looked at me ascance and said, "YUCK!" I laughed... It is unique to be sure BUT....honestly, if you really chill it down icy cold, and serve it even with an ice cube at pool side, with some light appetizers (mild cheeses, fruit) it isn't bad in such an occassion and since it is low in alcohol relatively speaking (8%) it may be just fitting for a sweltering Summer day (as we are experiencing currently in Maine...

I find myself not liking it yet wanting just a little bit more so go figure. 

I think I grabbed this earlier in the year at Trader Joe's being enamored by the color of the "wine." I am pretty certain I would not have paid more than $8 for it.

*Here is what the internet says:  "Almare Spritz Classico is a ready to drink take on the traditional Italian Spritz. Made from 100% Glera and infused with bitter orange and botanicals, Classico has flavors of bitter orange, rhubarb and herbs and is pleasantly refreshing and bitter. Serve over ice with a slice of orange and enjoy!"

Zinfinity (Sonoma) Zinfandel 2018

Deep purple with slight bricking at the rim showing some age with coarse ground black pepper with rustic blackberry and plum with savory spice.

Palate--Burst of vibrant blackberry out of the gate with plum following behind. Mouth watering tannins, balancing out well.  Finishes with more fruit.

I would not have pegged this as a Sonoma Zin. But I just read the label and realize it is a blend of Petite Sirah which explains a lot. (BTW, I love Petite Sirah...) Nice job blending two great varietals.

Having this with my charcoal grilled sirloin steak and it will be great. I paid $10 for this while it was selling for twice that so raise a glass!

Sinergia Cabernet Sauvignon (Spain) 2020

Nicely dark youngish purple/garnet hue with aromas of intense dark berry and black cherry/berry fruit with gentle spicing at the edges.

Palate--Integrated, finessed foundation in balance with lovely blackberry and rustic notes, with lingering dark berry fruit though fleeting.

This is a straight forward, well crafted Cabernet from Spain. No gimmicks, no frills, just solid fruit that will complement my onion-bacon tart.  

The Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 93 points which is over the top. While listed at $23, I found it for $9 and I am glad I grabbed one.  At $23 it would be disappointing but at $9 it is a definite "raise a glass!"

Buehler Vineyards Chardonnay (Russian River) 2021

 

Pale straw hue with aromas of stone fruit, pineapple, mango and lime.

Palate--Nice acidic foundation with subdued fruit, fruit compote, and a structurally vibrant finish with little fruit.

This Russian River Chard from California is one of my favorite Chardonnay AVA's but this one is surprisingly lacking in what I normally expect from this vintner. I have had a lot of this Chardonnay of varying vintages and this is disappointing.  It normally runs at the $20 price point but I found this for $10.

Not the best Buehler has had to offer but at this price, "Raise a glass!"

Fetzer Pinot Grigio (NV)

Nearly clear hue with slight yellow and aromas of sweet fruit compote.

Palate--First impression is lack-luster with off dry structure and a fruity mid palate with a gentle spicy finish. And there is an unexpected fruity green apple finish even after the finish 

Fetzer was one of my earliest wines on which I cut my enophilic teeth back in the mid 70's. It was an up and coming force in the California wine scene but somewhere along the way I suspect market forces pushed them to end up here--an inexpensive,  NON-VINTAGE sourced wine meaning it is a compilation of grapes from anywhere in California. (Had I know that I would not have purchased it on principle.)

I paid $9 for this Pinot Grigio and it is drinkable but a huge disappointment from one of my iconic wineries. Pass on this!

Greg Norman Cabernet Sauvignon (Limestone Coast) 2021

Intense inky dark nearly black hue with aromas of green salad mixings, awkward fruit of extracted dark berries and a little "stink."

Palate-- Supple texture, first impression with ripe extracted fruit. 

A very nice Aussie Cabernet that will benefit from another 2-4 years to come into its own but it is enjoyable now. On sale from $16 to $13 it is a definite "raise a glass!"

Old Soul Petite Sirah 2020 (Lodi)

Intensely dark aubergine hue with big aromas of dark brooding black berry fruit with blueberry hints,  notes of black licorice and dark chocolate.        

Palate--Rich first impression with again, big brooding dark berry fruit with a nice foundation, a silky foundation, and rich intense Petite Sirah lingering fruit in the finish. 

This was on sale for $9 from $19 and I grabbed two.  This is so powerful and tannin and acid balanced that it will only get better for another 5 years or more...

The Lodi AVA in California is a great AVA and one of my favorites.  Glad I was able to snag this for the price I did.  Raise a glass or a case better yet!

The Wine Enthusiast--which I tend to be critical of their over blown scores nails it on this one. Giving it  a 91 is legitimate!

Finca Bacara "3015" Monastrell 2021

***Be sure to read the addendum below!

Deep purple hue with garnet touches and aromas of jammy blackberry and brioche hints.

Palate--Tart first impression--too tart-- which is off putting and over powering everything else. The fruit does battle its way out eventually but finishes quickly and again, is rather unpleasant on opening. Hopefully it will open up, and equilibrate with some air...

Monastrell is not your typical varietal but is rather a "blending" grape.  The great wines of France and particularly the Rhone are GSM blends which stand for Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.  (Monastrell is the same grape as Mourvedre but coming from Jumilla (Spain) it is called Monastrell.)

I guess this explains why this wine was on sale from $18 to $8.  I am making venison/bacon burgers on the grill and hopefully this will be much better with that offering.  Never-the-less I would pass on this. Once again the good folks at the Wine Enthusiast gives this wine 93 points which is absurd.  For what it's worth...  

***Addendum After breathing, and served with the anove mentioned dinner, the wine was acceptable at the $10 price point but definitely not the 93 points mentioned in my reivew. 

Corvo Nero D'avola 2021

Burnt cherry hue with aromas of cherry and a hint of strawberry and gentle spices.

Palate--Relaxed first impression with red fruit in the front with spices mid-palate and a nice, power packed finish!

Nero D'Avola--pronounced NER-o DAH-vola, is the signature grape of Sicily and they do it WELL!  It is always fruity, generally cherryish, with a decent acidity to make it frood friendly but gentle enough to drink as an aperitif or with appetizers, cheese and crackers of just about any stripe.  It is an inexpensive wine tending around the $12 price point although I found this on closeout at $7.

I am making homemade pasta tonight and it will be perfect.  Raise a glass!

 

Beaujolais-Villages 2023 (Louis Jadot)

Purple jellied cranberry sauce hue with nice Gamay aromas of tart cherry, cranberry, perhaps a hint of cinnamon and spice.

Palate--Nice first impression with a remarkable and forthright presentation that is more vibrant than I remember in many years. The cherry-cranberry is pronounced and has back bone which again is not my usual experience with the Gamay grape. This even has some structure which is quite well done. 

The light hitting the rim where the color ends is absolutely gorgeous. If I could find a gem stone its color I would have a ring made. :) 

Gamay is the singular grape of Beaujolais but there are several "step" or grade ratings which you know by their name.  

From least expensive and simple to most expensive and complex.

1. Beaujolais Nouveau (This is the celebratory wine of Beaujolais released with great fanfare world wide on the same day. the third Thursday in November.) It is uncomplicated and tasty in great years having spent only about 6 weeks from vine to the bottle. It runs now around $12 on relears and is meant to be drunk within the year if not sooner!

2.  Beaujolais Villages  This is Gamay produced with some age on it though not much and is a big step above the Nouveau in complexity and flavors.

Beaujolais Cru is the most finessed and most expensive with the labeling of one of the 10 "Cru" from which it came.  These can run from upper teens into the $30 range and even above.

Maslin "Red" (NV)

Inky black hue with aromas of intense, thick heavy aromas of very extracted and dark berry fruit with a "heavy" quality in the nose.

Palate--Surprising first impression expectating what, I don't know, but I am a bit confused with the whole presentation. An interesting little tartness at the front edge which is quite interesting making my mouth water. For as bold as it is it finishes rather quickly. 

This "on special" wine at an out of state liquor store is from S. Australia and by the hue and bouquet I would guess it is primarily Syrah if not entirely.  The label said $22 on special for $10... If I had noticed it was a NV wine I probably would have still bought out of curiosity but it is just strange.

It will work ok with our Sunday night pizza but as interesting as it is, I would give this a pass.

M. Chevallier Brut (NV)

Straw hue with pin prick bubbles with lime notes, touches of vanilla, 

Palate--Roundly sparkly with bone dry and somewhat austere flavors that dissipate quickly but what is there is fresh, with suggestions of melon and citrus.

This is a favorite $7 sparkler which is nice with asian take out food.  A trader Joe's regular and always reliable so raise a glass!

Castello di Amorosa Zingaro Old Vine Zinfandel 2021

Lovely purple hue with garnet rim and lovely aromas of blackberry, spicy violets, hints of espresso, and a floral bouquet.

Palate--Mouth filling flavors of Zinfandel joy on a silky texture with mouth watering structure, rich berries, mid-palate of baker's chocolate, and a finish of more savory spice. 

I received a Father's Day delivery to day from Fed Ex from my son who lives in Minnesota but visited Napa/Sonoma several months ago and was taken by the Castello Di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan inspired castle in the hills above Napa. This Russian River AVA, ancient vine (usually means over a hundred years old) Zin is juicy, mouthwatering, full of character and finesse and for as youthful as it is, another 5 years will do it well.  Raise a glass!

Josh Cellars "Hearth" Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Purple hue with aromas of blackberry and spice.

Palate--Vibrant acidity with big ripe berry flavors all over the palate, with spicy notes mid-palate, and dark unsweetened chocolate and touches of berry pie.

Previously reviewed recently I found this on close out for $7 at Walmart and bought all they had. At $7, it's a definite 'raise a glass' kind of wine!

Tuatea Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) 2024

 

Straw hue with aromas of summer stone fruit, lemon/lime, and baby powder.

Palate--Robust acidity, with grassy notes and classic "new world" Sauvignon Blanc flavors with a slightly ongering zest that says, "Drink Me!"

It has been a good while since I have had a Sauvignon Blanc and I always loved the grassy notes in a new world, S. Blanc.  They are versatile pairing well with all kinds of light cheeses, or all by itself chilled down for pool side pleasure.

New Zealand has been making Sauvignon Blanc for a good while now and Marlborough is one of the premier regions for the grape. At $10 (or less) at Trader Joe's I will be pairing this with a concoction I'll create of shrimp and scallops over pasta and it will work very well so raise a glass to Summer!

Cecilia Beretta (Valpolicella *Ripasso) "Superiore" 2022

Ruby/garnet hue with aromas of a slight hint of mint (?) with fragrant hints of spices and a candy berry note at the rim.

Palate--Understated, herbal cherry profile with interesting if non-descript notes of earthy spice.

Very recently reviewed with a different sense about it.  Never-the-less at $12 (Trader Joe's) this is a nice wine made by a storied producer so raise a glass!

*Ripasso essentially means a "redo"!  The short explanation is that another great wine called "Amarone" pronounced "Ahm a ROH nay" is a great Italian wine made from partially dried grapes and the wine is fermented with skins etc. After the Amarone wine is completing its process, the skins are reused when making a "ripasso" wine. It adds character, some structure and is just a nice change to the ordinary.

La Sonriente Garnacha 2023

Slightly opaque garnet with aromas of baked bread, vibrant juicy cherry berry fruit

Palate-Slightly tart first impression with somewhat tight fruit, and needs to open up. Tart cranberry and cherry/berry fruit.

Third review of this wine although one was an earlier vintage.  At $7 (Trader Joe's) it's a solid value so raise a glass! 

Josh Cellars "Hearth" Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Youthful garnet hue with aromas of blackberries and blueberry pie, and gentle spice.

Palate--Pleasant and relaxed structure with bold rich, ripe berries, unsweetened dark chocolate mid palate and plenty of spice.

Recently reviewed, this bargain sale Cabernet was $7 and I bought all the store had. At its normal $14 price point it would still be a nice value so raise a glass!

Chateau Haut Claribes (Boprdeaux Supérieur) 2022

Inky dark "black" hue with aromas of sour cherry, blackberry, sweet fresh berries above rim, floral bouquet of spring flowers. Lovely!!!

Palate-Hefty first impression with weighty mouth feel, intensely rich, big young bold berries and loads of   other "things" trying to burst out. Wow!!!

This is a gargantuan big, bold, young, and lots waiting to come of age but will take another 3-5 years to be at its prime. This $9 Trader Joe's selection is ridiculous in value and I will be getting more to lay down. Pairing with my bone in ribeye charcoal grilled! Raise a glass! 

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2022

Deep purple with garnet rim and aromas of classic Zin with zesty, spiced berries, dark plum 

Palate--Consistent Bogle profile with heads up dark berry fruit with loads of zippy spicing and structure.

I wait for this go on sale at our local grocery stores and find it for $9.  I'll grab it every time so raise a glass!

Cecilia Beretta Valpolicella Ripasso "Superiore" 2022

Youthful purple/garnet hue with aromas of dried cherries, fresh floral spring flowers, with a *bright red berry like citrus note.

Palate--Lively acidity but not over-whelming, with lively red berry and perky structure bolstering the cherry notes.

I reviewed this same wine back in January and it was a somewhat different profile. It is the Trader Joe's value offering at $12 from a storied producer. I will pair it with my own carbonara and I know it will be grand so raise a glass! 

*I don't believe in all my years I have ever used such a description...  :) 

Schloss Biebrich "Troken" (NV)

Very pale straw with aromas of lightly sweetened lemon lime 

Palate--Off dry first impression with fresh, light citrusy fruit. Quick finish.

This is a regular of mine as I love the econ0my of it and how well it goes with Asian cuisine, and other hard to pair dishes like curry... At the $7 price point at Trader Joe's ya just can't get any better value so raise a glass!

*Richebois Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2023

Purple/garnet hue with aromas of watermelon first impression with pomegranate, cranberry and a red floral suggestion at the rim.

Palate--Clean vibrant acidity, with a crisp mid-palate of assertive red berry fruit and cherry nuances.
The youthful structure will only mature over the next t years to a very nice expression of the Cotes Du Rhone Villages quality.

The classic Cotes Du Rhone Villages blend is GSM--Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and this expresses more GM than S.  :)  Such a value wine from Trader Joe's yet again for around $9 it HAS to be acquired! 

BTW--pairing it with my wife's baked chicken thighs and root vegetables. So raise a glass!

*Reviewed this wine just a couple months ago so compare for consistency and education!

Poggio Al Casone (Toscana) 2019

Lovely and mature garnet hue with aromas of bright cherry, a hint of menthol, cherry licorice.

Palate--Nicely mature wine with rather mellow acidity for a Tuscan but never-the-less quite lovely on balance, with a fleeting cherry licorice finish.

Another Trader Joe's offering that is a crazy bargain at $8 (reference price of $20. It is a nice wine I will try to get more of. Raise a glass! 

Moon X Pinot Noir 2023 (California)

Young purple hue with aromas of light red berries, a hint of a strawberry.

Palate--Decent first impression with good structure, balanced body and fruit with a steely front with light berries and light strawberry with a quick but satisfying finish.

At $7 (Trader Joe's) it is a value buy so raise a glass!

Josh Cellars "Hearth" Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Very pretty deep magenta hue to the rim with aromas of lovely rich dark berry with gentle lightly sweet/savory spices that say "drink me!"

Palate-Nice bold first impression with big mid palate of rich brooding berries and plum. Nice structure for such a young Cabernet and a lingering finish of dark fruit. Josh Cellars just makes good wine.

I paid $7 for this $16 bargain on a closeout and I grabbed the last 7 bottles on the shelf so I obviously like it and a great value.  Raise a glass.

Chateau de Macard Reserve 2020

 

Slightly opaque magenta hue with aromas of burnt cherry, dark blackberry, watermelon and slight bricking at the rim.

Palate--First impression slightly watery texture but with a prominent explosion of steely berry, cinnamon nuances, with a surprisingly big steely finish that hangs on for a while.

This Bordeaux Supérieur (mostly Cabernet Franc) is a Trader Joe's offering at $9 which is pretty crazy. This wine seems to retail for around $40 on line... It needs to breath and I believe it will go VERY well with my charcoal grilled rib eye. It is surprising that it is *bricking already.  Agt $9 this is a definite BUY more; at $40 not so much.  Raise a glass!

*Bricking is a term for the color of brick red appearing at the rim when the glass is tilted. It is indicative (usually) depending on the grape type, revealing that it is starting to go down hill. If this is the case I would drink this wine within the next two years. 

Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Chardonnay 2023

 

Lovely light golden hue with aromas of sweet summer fruit, perfumed baking spices, a clear lemon edge, 

Palate--Nice forthright first impression of a classy Chard with lemon beam through the mid palate, summer fruit, balanced structure, and a pleasant elegant finish that lingers with a slight steely presence at the very end.

Russian River is one of my top regions (AVA) for Chardonnay that is really nice and quite moderately priced for what you get. *Pair it with all kinds of dishes or even by itself with a slight--SLIGHT--chill on it.  I paid $25 for this and a funny-not-funny story with this experience below.... 

*I went to my wine fridge to grab a Chard for my country scramble dinner. (Fried left-over easter ham, with a milk gravy made from the drippings, homemade biscuits, grits, and scrambled eggs.) It all gets put one on top of the other on your plate and is is marvelous!  The label on this "special" wine I had bought had a very similar label to 3 other Chards I had in my wine fridge. I thought I was grabbing one of them ($10) a bottle and it paired really well.  I also was commenting what a SUPER value this wine was--thinking I had opened the lesser wine.  Today I realized why it was such a GOOD wine... Regardless, it was a very lovely Chard!   RAISE A GLASS!

Kees-Kieren Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Beerenauslese 2006

 Golden hue with a bouquet of stewed apples with a baked honey glaze, 

Palate--Thickish texture with ultra sweet, honey tinged mid palate, on a luxurious foundation. It finishes with more ebullient honey that lingers!

Pairing it with home-made lemon tart.

This could use a touch more acidity to better float the intense sweetness of this two decades aged, marvelous German Riesling. 

At around $40 if you could find it it's a real treat!  

Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2018 (Louis Jadot)

 Presenting with an artistic hue of Burgundy as in the color with seductive bouquet of perfumed, notes of gentle cumin, hard cherry candies on a bed of rose petals and so many different layers it takes time to parse them and this is on a 55 degree opening. 

Palate--Somewhat tart first impression, with gentle, silky texture, bitter mid palate, youthful tannins, mouth watering acidity but very closed at the moment with only hints of cherry/strawberry. 

This is a crisp, clean, somewhat austere, and frankly much too young Burgundy Pinot Noir from a storied vineyard to have opened it. These also are made to age very well. Another 10-20 years would not have been unreasonable but then again, I am 71 and honestly.... well you can figure out the rest. :)  At $220-$250 on avg. It really needs to be another 8-10 years old to come into its own.

*I will be pairing it with bourbon glazed baked ham and we shall see how it does.

*Well my many years of experience and instincts were correct--sadly. This was not a good pairing despite what the "experts" said. A nice Riesling of any stripe (of any country) would have been great with the salty smokiness of the ham. 

A few hours later (more breathing) the wine is much better and having it with pub cheese and aged gouda was magical.

On this glorious Resurrection Sunday when Christ followers around the world celebrate mankind's one and holy hope for eternal life from the One who said Himself, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; NO ONE comes to the Father but by ME!"

Schloss Biebrich "Troken" (NV)

 

Golden hue with aromas of tart peach, sweet cream and citrus.

Palate--Nice tiny bubbles with light citrus and peach flavors with essentially no finish.

This is a Trader Joe's routine sparkling wine that runs around $7 and for the price I love it. It is a nice pairing with asian food or spicy Indian dishes.  For the money, chill it down well and raise a glass.

Josh Cellars HEARTH Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Such a young looking hue of purple you'd think it was grape juice.  Aromas of blackberry opened too cold...

Palate--A little surprising at how robust the first impression is in the way of maturing dark berry fruit, hefty savory spices, lip smacking tannins but for their youthfulness are rich and tantalizing. Rich dark berry fruit lingers a bit.

This wine needs to warm up a bit.  I paid $7 for this at Walmart and grabbed it because I have never had it. Considering it's youthfulness and lack of airtime, I am impressed at the moment.

Pairing this with charcoal grilled chicken thighs and it will be perfect!  Raise a glass! (I will be going back for more at this price!)

Vignobles Lacheteau Vouvray 2023

Pale straw hue with aromas of peach, citrus, melon, and??? (a bit too cold...)

Palate--Nice citrusy first impression with a relaxed structure but enough foundation to carry all the wonderful fruity flavors. Momentary lingering of summer fruit.

A regular of mine from Trader Joe's for the $9 price tag this is value "Chenin Blanc" the signature grape of the Vouvray region of france.

Pairing it with my wife's stir fry and it will be delightful; raise a glass!

Fetzer Gewürztraminer (California)

Very Pale straw hue with aromas of  sweet baby powder and tight fresh summer fruit with a touch of pineapple and muskmelon.

Palate--Sweet first impression with a flacid structure, stayed fruit, nothing standing out, except ill defined sweetness. 

Well then.... Gewürztraminer is the grape and pronounced GeVURTS-tra-MEEN-er which means "spicy traminer." It is one of my favorite white wine grapes but sadly this is real loser. Fetzer was one of my early wine experiences dating back to the mid 70's and they were one of the "always reliable" producers. 

This non-vintage wine is lacking acidity making for a very bland presentation. The flavors are scant, the structure is poor and the finish is fleeting. VERY disappointing from Fetzer. 

Who knows what changes have taken place at this winery over the ensuing past 50 years but survival is an annual challenge for many, many California wineries. At the end of the day, this is NOT a representation of the glorious grape that Gewurztraminer is and it's style various greatly between domestic, Alsatian, and German production of this fabulous grape. Don't spend a dime on this particular bottle but DO treat yourself to wonderful wine experience with a better producer.

Fetzer might do well to concentrate more on the value of their product and less about the environment which has fared quite well for the past millennia. 

Fox Creek Three Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 

Opaqueish garnet with bricking at the rim with hints of woody smoke, latent black cherry and blackberry fruit, with toasted oak.

Palate--First impression is a tart. mid weight Cabernet, with spicy center,  oaky dark berries, with camp fire mid palate, and a puckery and smoky finish.

This may be one of the strangest reviews I have given and a confusing Cabernet to boot.  I am honestly not sure what to make of it. It is beyond its prime but still enjoyable in a "this is strange" kind of way. It is an Aussie Cab from the esteemed McClaren Vale region.

I will pair it with charcoal grilled rib eye and it was perfectly fitting.

The Horologist Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) 2022

Light golden hue with robust aromas of staunch, grapefruit, lemon and a slight grassiness on the edge.

Palate--Big first impression of grapefruit and citrus, with a grassy finish.

@$9 Wine Enthusiast gives it a 90 point rating which is way too high in my estimation. While I like the robustness of the structure, it is out of balance, way out of balance to the point of obnoxiousness. Pass on this!

Clos Du Bois Buttery Chardonnay "Rich and Creamy" 2023

Moderate gold hue with aromas of tropical fruit melange, floral with honeyed notes and ripe pineapple.

Palate--on opening there was a lovely sparkle but quickly faded but a surprise none-the-less. Mouth filling goodness, with a lovely structured and crafted foundation belying the $12 price point of this very nice Chardonnay though I see it for as high as $20.

This was really VERY nice for the price and I could drink this all night. I am pairing it with my french onion and bacon tart (pizza) and it will be fantastic.  Definitely Raise a glass!

La Sonriente Garnacha 2023

Ruby hue with lovely red berry fruit and some spice...  

Palate--Vibrant structured first impression, with nice acidity balanced against the robust foundation of lively tart cranberry,  juicy red cherry/berries and fleeting finish. 

Pairing this with an interesting experiment of Chicken with a tomato based paprika sauce and sour cream over noodles. Garnacha (Grenache in other countries) is a fruity, middle to lighter body with easy to drink structure. Previously reviewed a $7 Trader Joe's pick and a value at that. Raise a glass!

BTW--the paring was perfect!