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!