Cabert Cantina De Bertiolo Pinot Noir 2021

 

Brilliant ruby hue wirth aromas of  gentle raspberry, red grapefruit, and very gentle spice.

Palate-- Slightly tart first impression with flavors of raspberry, and a touch of citrusy acid which is a  bit endearing. Finishes quickly.

This $12 Pinot from Italy is a surprise in that Italy is not known for their Pinot Noir production.  It is well made and clearly a different style than domestic or French Pinot Noir. At $12 it's worth a try.

I paired it with charcoal grilled swordfish with an orange, ginger glaze and it was very nice so raise a glass.

Frescobaldi Rèmole Toscana 2020

Straw hue with aromas of green apple, sweet vanilla and citrus with mango.

Palate--First impression this well structured white is off dry with lovely flavors of understated apple, tropical fruit, and fig. It lingers with a reminder of how good Italian whites can be when made by the centuries old icons of Italian wine making.

This is a Frescobaldi creation that is "crafted" not simply made. It is lovely, balanced, and I will pair it with my French onion soup for dinner. I paid a ridiculous $6 for this but lists at $12. It is not what you might expect of a Tuscan white but it is lovely so raise a glass!

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2020

Garnet hue with aromas of sweet/sour berries, a touch of sweet and savory spice. 

Palate--First impression is a nicely made, integrated wine--even at this youthful stage--with loads of lovely rich dark berry and ripe dark plum.

Bogle is one of those always reliable vintners who make good wine regardless of the price point. This is a rich, tantalizing value Zin at the $10 price point.  I am BBQing ribs (slow cooked) tonight on charcoal and this will be great. Raise a glass!

La Finca "Oak Aged" Malbec 2022

Nice cranberry jelly hue with aromas of classic Malbec with dark berry/cherry fruit and blackberry pie.

Palate--First impression is nice structure with very good Malbec flavor of mouth watering berry fruit with a touch of cherry and a nice finish that is clean even if a bit short.

Now--check this out against the previous review on my blog of the Gestos Malbec. These are both really super value wines. The previous is more intense, deep and brooding but this one is delicious as well, a touch more gentle and not as intense. So what?  Well this wine is $6! It ought to be priced more around $15!  The previous Malbec is better for sure and even my wife noticed the difference in intensity. So while the uneducated palate might never notice the difference these are two great examples of what one Cabernet for example costing $10 but is nothing like a $25 Cabernet. 

At these prices for these Malbecs, grab them and raise a glass!

Scotto Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi) *label is not exact

Bricking, garnet hue with nice aromas above the rim, and dark berry compote in the bowl. Rich ripe, jammy black berry with ash notes, and a slight hint of grapefruit.

Palate--Integrated, with a bit of a hot baseline (acidic) but that may be due to a scorched tongue from HOT coffee in an airport this morning. Rich mid-palate full of nice mixed berries with a fairly quick finish.

This Lodi California is available at Trader Joe's for $8.50 and it is a great value. There can be some "bottle variation" as there can be with any wine but I have consumed cases of this wine over a few years and it is classic Zinfandel, spicy, full of dark fruit and always pairs well with a whole host of foods from anything grilled, anything tomato based, all sorts of pasta dishes, wild game, beef, even turkey and chicken.  It is great with cheeses that are on the hefty side so experiment and raise a glass! 

Gestos "Malbec + Malbec" 2021

Intense nearly black hue with aromas of dark plum, under-ripe Blackberry.

Palate--Big fruit bomb first impression with intense and thick flavors of gigantic black berry and savory spice.  Structurally sound, lip smacking tannins, finishing with a huge dark berry ending.

This is a gigantic wine that is well made and even in its neonatal form is delicious.  I can only imagine this wine in 3-5 years from now when it has had time to show its stuff which is already impressive.

This was $9 at Trader Joe's and it is a fabulous value if you love big, bold fruit forward wines that fill your mouth with fruit. I will be grabbing more of this I assure you so raise a glass!

Cline Old Vine Zinfandel 2021 (Lodi)

Strawberry hue (depending on the light)  with aromas of brambly red berries with classic Zinfandel nose.

Palate--Lovely zesty, Zinfandel first impression with nice balanced structure, and mouth watering Red berry fruit with a savory edge. Lingers a bit leaving a nice reminder of the wine in your mouth.

A perennial fave of mine from Trader Joe's for $10 on sale and I drink a LOT of it.  Pairing it tonight with another grilled sirloin (charcoal) and it will be prefect.  Raise a glass!

Nieto Senetiner Malbec 2021

Nice inky dark hue with a floral and hefty bouquet of rich ripe damson plum and big bold blackberry. Ash and oak.

Palate--Bold presentation with rich, dense, dark fruit flavors on a structure of youthful tannins and solidly well made on balance.  Finishes with a lingering, brooding boldness of more dark berry goodness.

This wine is "crafted" not just thrown together. Hailing from Mendoza this wine is VERY nice and will become more complex with time. This is drinking well now but it will improve so much more in the next 5-8 years. I will have to buy jore and lay it down. 

James Suckling--formerly of the Wine Spectator--gives this wine 92 points and he is dead on. 

I paid $15 for this gem and will buy more so raise a glass!  BTW, a beautiful label!!!

Inkberry Mountain Estate Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

Lovely garnet, jellied cranberry sauce purple hue with aromas of sweet fruit, the slightest twinge of licorice, and rather one dimensional.

Palate--Tasty with decent structure, and new world fruit forward profile but again fairly simple and straightforward. 

At $12, this will appeal to the popular palate of new wine drinkers who say they don't like "red wine" because... This gives a sweet impression that is tasty, easy to drink and not bad with a piece of grilled steak. 

This Aussie creation doesn't seem like Shiraz at all nor Cabernet either and yet together they make a drinkable marriage. If you ignore the actual grapes on the label and just ask yourself if you like it, you'll probably say yes so what the heck, Raise a glass!

Gaetano D'Aquino Chianti Riserva 2018

Sweet floral bouquet on a garnet hue with slight bricking on the rim and aromas of rustic cherry-berry and spice.

Palate--First impression is acidic with Classic Chianti profile for Sangiovese. Cherry berry flavor with fresh cherry hints. Tannic residual and a savory though quick finish. 

This previously reviewed Trader Joe's bargain at $7 is always a super value. Compare the tasting notes here to the previously reviewed wine. Serving with baked Ziti tonight. Raise a glass!

Porter & Plot Pinot Noir 2020

Translucent ruby hue with aromas of savory herbs with cherry, strawberry nose, and sweeter fresh cherry in the bowl.

Palate--A juicy expression of the grape with high acidity, somewhat austere on a tightly wound profile on opening but juicy loveliness is there when it opens. A bold tannic structure is not what I normally associate with the grape but it is certainly part of this wine. 

Again this has just been opened and it needs to air out.  I will be pairing it with baked chicken and roasted root vegetables. It is listed at $27 but I paid $13 for it. We'll see if it comes through in the end.  

Substance CS Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Deep garnet/purple hue with aromas of plum. prune hints, fresher dark berries above the rim, with ashy, spicy herbs and lovely pipe tobacco.

Palate--Solid structure with dense fruit, big black berry, black cherry and over-ripe plum--but not yet prune, with lip smacking tannins, and a finish that is somewhat quick. 

I met Charles Shaw at a Maine wine store many years ago. I always appreciated his avant garde approach to making wine and marketing without being annoyingly pretentious. I am a big fan of his most of his productions and was curious about this Cabernet. Definitely not your typical Washington state Cab.

I paid $11 for this although priced at $19. I like it at $11, would have been disappointed at $19. Will pair it with my shipped in Lou Malnatti's Chicago deep dish pizza and it will be perfect so raise a glass!

Pacific Rim Gewurztraminer 2018 Ramos Vineyard

Medium straw hue with aromas of lilacs, sweet baking spices, 

Palate--Slightly "spritzig" with a shy first impression and a tantalizing, creamy, mouth feel even if a touch *"flabby". I am hard pressed to identify a specific fruit flavor in this wine which is truly unusual. I am not saying there isn't a delightful presentation of fruit, I just am struggling to find a descriptor for them. I do get rose petal at the rear palate. It finishes pretty quickly and while this tastes great there is something just "off" with the structure. 

Pacific Rim makes some easy drinking white wines for around $8 making them nice value wines. This one is around $14 perhaps because it is a single vineyard production which yields higher price tags.  Gewurztraminer is one of my favorite white wine grapes and while I do like the taste of this wine, it is not exactly a great example of "Gewurztraminer." I bashfully suggest passing it up.

*"Flabby" denotes a lack of acidity. This isn't atrociously flabby but still could use a sharper edge.

Querceto Toscana 2019

 

Subdued spicy cherry aromas on a ruby hue with with a sweet side to it which is unusual for a Tuscan Sangiovese (grape).

Palate--Again, a touch "sweeter" impression than I am used to with Tuscan red wines, simpler than most with a slight but lovely licorice beam with enticing flavor profile that is amazingly "new world." 

Querceto is one of my all time favorite Chianti's having visited Greve, Italy drinking a higher level bottling in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Listed at $16 I paid $10 for it and would like to buy many more but the opportunity is gone. At any rate, Raise a Glass of this charming Tuscan offering.

Renwood Estate Zinfandel (Amador County) 2019

Cranberry jelly hue with aromas of ripe blackberry, ash and spice, 

Palate-- Big, bold fruit forward blackberry cream candies, with fresh ripe blackberries besides, finishes with a vanilla cream touch with rich spicy herbs in the ending and more vanilla.

I reviewed this same wine --a  lovely Zinfandel--10 days ago and it is just as lovely as the first time around. I didn't pick up the vanilla on the first review but it is certainly there on this review.  There is something there on the rear palate which is eluding my description but whatever it is I love it. 

At $14 it is a really nice Zin and I highly recommend it. I will be pairing it with charcoal grilled chicken thighs so Raise a Glass!

Montes "Limited Selection" Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere blend 2017

Purple/garnet hue with aromas of ruby red grapefruit, citrus notes, a tinge of mushroom, violets above the rim.

Palate--Big presentation with a robust, chewy structure with dark berry notes, still the red grapefruit mid- palate, plastic like finish. Admittedly an awkward first impression, puckery tannins, and a finish that is lingering and not off putting.

Montes is one of Chile's premier vintners, and generally reliable. This is a table wine level production around $14. I am ambivalent at this point and will update when it has breathed for a while. 

Update--This balanced out and was a nice accompaniment to my dinner of left-overs. Raise a glass!

Corvo Colomba Platino Nero D'Avola 2018

 

Garnet hue with the slightest hint of aging at the rim.  Aromas of gently spiced with sweet red fruit above the rim and a nuance of lilac with more red berries.

Palate--Surprisingly bold presentation for the grape, with balanced foundation holding the red berry fruit and sweet/savory spices on the edge.

This is a different presentation than I am used to from one of my routinely inexpensive, old world varietals. Nero D'Avola--pronounced "NERo DA vola" is the signature grape of Sicily and it is fruity, cherry pronounced, with a decent acidic line making it nice to pair with all kind of food.

I paid $8 for this $16 reference priced Sicilian red with some age on it and it is drinking great now and at its peak. Grab any varietal of this type and give it a try; I expect you will like it!  Raise a glass!

Acre & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

 

Nice aubergine hue, ash and subdued fruit on opening green herbaceous notes, dark berries.

Palate--Tart first impression with lip smacking tannins, wood, coarse spices, blackberry with a quick finish and an awkward mouth feel. 

This is a Columbia Valley Cabernet which generally have a fairly distinctive "terroir" but this one is just meah. Maybe there is hope after it breaths. After some air time, it is angular, clunky and unpleasant.  Pass on this one...

Bash! Sparkling Rosé

Pinkish-orangeish hue with aromas of Cream sickle (ice cream novelty), and needs to warm up a tad  as aromas are quite subdued.

Palate--Lovely pin prick bubbles scintillate your tongue with gentle flavors of strawberry, whipped cream on a clean and very fresh palate. There's not a lot going on but I seriously LOVE this new sparkler.

This sparkler from the Plymouth Wine Co. (which is new to me) lists at $22 but I bought it for $8!  $22 is a hefty tag on such a simple wine but again I want to emphasize that although simple it is crisp, clean and hard to stop sipping...or guzzling.  I am serving it with my wife's Chicken tortilla soup and it is going to be perfect for it.  If you happen to find this around the $12 price point grab it and several more bottles because you will find it versatile, exceptional and fun!  Raise a case!

Shannon Ridge *Appellation Series "Red Blend" 2019 Kelsey Bench, Lake County

 

Medium garnet hue with aromas of a rose bouquet above the rim, black licorice, Good N Plenty candies, and sweet charcoal cherries.  This bouquet is fantastic!

Palate--Lovely textured presentation with deep brooding dark berries, tannic back bone that is silky and vibrant finishing with finesse even if a little quicker than expected.        

This has all the makings of a wine that will age for years to come and the best wine I have had in quite a few years. A friend gave me this to review and it is wonderful.  The State of NH Liquor Store was $18 but it tends to run more around the $25 price point. It's definitely worth it so raise a glass!

*Deciphering this wine label: Shannon Ridge is the winery; "Appellation Series" is the branding of the winery for a certain quality level of production; Red Blend tells you that it is a blend (duh) of various grape varieties. In this case it is comprised of Malbec, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Touriga Nacional, Shiraz/Syrah, Cabernet Franc. What is unusual is that these are not classic "California" grapes nor a classic blend and yet this has been done artistically and superbly. 2019 is the year the grapes were harvested, Kelsy Bench is the sub sector of the broader AVA (American Viticultural Area) called Lake County. This has been a highly supervised, crafted wine and you have the results for yourself. 

RAISE A GLASS!

El Coto Rosado 2020 (Rioja)

 

A rosé orange blush with aromas of sweet baking spices and a touch of strawberry!

Palate--Lively on the tongue with a touch of carbonation, bone dry although seemingly sweet due to the bountiful fruit melange. The flavors of this wine are manifold and large! This is a wonderful Rosé and one of the best I have had in a LONG time.  

I paid $8 for this normally available at $12 but worth every penny at the top end. Grab a case or two of this and keep it around for that uncertain wine drinker who doesn't like this, that or the other. Raise a glass or better a CASE! 

Josh Cellars Chardonnay 2021

Straw yellow hue with citrus notes, tart white peach, perfumy vanilla, 

Palate--Fruity first impression with a nice balanced acidity, loads of citrus and a creamy finish.

Josh Cellars has been one of the up and coming producers of reliable value wine around the $12 pricepoint. This is a decent expression of the grape and a good wine at this price so raise a glass!

Renwood Estate Zinfandel (Amador County) 2019

 

Gorgeous Purple-Maroon hue with aromas of wild, brambly zin bouquet with lovely rustic spices, dark cherry and red berry fruit that is sweet and beautiful above the rim.

Palate-Structurally bold first impression with baker's bittersweet chocolate mid-palate, ash, finishing with more zesty spice and lingering dark fruit.

This will be even better when it's had some time to open up more. I stock up when I go out of state where there is no sales tax (There's a savings of 5.5% for me even before their specials. They have super bargains on a lot of wines. This was $14 but I ended up paying $10.50 for it when the going price is $25.  

Renwood is a reliable producer of some nice wines and this Zin is a winner at this price point.  It will only improve for the next 5 years or more so "raise a glass!"

Flat Rock Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Nice deep purple hue with aromas of one dimensional red berry fruit.

Palate-flavorful, mixed berry fruit, with a fleeting finish.

This is not a good example of the classy Cabernet Sauvignon nor did I expect it would be at the price I paid. This is sourced from California cabernet grapes and is not off-putting if you're not expecting a superior, complex wine.  

So here's the deal, after the various sales reductions on this bottle I ended up paying about $4.50. I am having it with our traditional Sunday pizza and it will be an okay pairing for the occasion.  So at this price point "raise a glass" but not $1 more.  

Angeline Vineyards Pinot Noir (Mendocino County) 2021 RESERVE

Beautiful crystalline hue with subtle aromas of milk chocolate, enticing strawberry, red berry and really nice touch of brambly wildness.

Palate--On opening, the palate is clean, razor sharp acidity, lip smacking structure, ultra fruity, and produced with an elegant edge to it. It finishes quickly but again, this is on opening. I'll update a necessary. 

I paid $15 for this Reserve Pinot and is very well made and a great buy.  Raise a glass!

Seven Daughters --Red Blend-- 2017

 

Really light red hue with aromas of cherry, and well, cherry...

Palate--Very sweet first impression with a touch of "sparkle" on the tongue. Light blue berry and cherry fruit, super simple but honestly, kind of delicious even though I don't want to admit it.  Finishes with a lingering blueberry aftertaste.

Okay stopped at a State Liquor store where I tend to stock up since they get these ridiculous "Outlet Buster Buys." So this California sourced blend of who knows what was $6 and then another 15% off because I bought a case of "West Coast" wines which was another "special" they were running.  

So--here's the story: You wouldn't want to pair this with real food, LOL, but chilled down on the sunny summer deck, or pool side or just having a let your hair down afternoon, this is really easy to drink so be careful and raise  a glass!

Vignobles Lachetteau Muscadet Sévre Et Maine (Sur Lie) 2021

Pale straw with aromas of citrusy (lime) and vanilla pudding, 

Palate--Nice off dry first impression with tropical fruit melange, balanced acidity, and a slightly tart finish making this a nice wine to pair with a nice buttery dipped lobster or clams or whatever!

Trader Joe's bargain at $10 so chill it slightly with food or give it a good chill to sip poolside all by itself. Raise a glass!

*Reviewed not long ago my notes are fairly consistent. So raise a glass!

Fior di Vino Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

Med. crystal garnet hue with prominent aromas of dried cherries, cherry cream candies, floral nuances and hard cherry candies.

Palate--Lovely first impression with loads of Tuscan sangiovese, terroir, well made and down right delicious especially at the price point of $8.

I reviewed this same wine just a few weeks back which I like to do especially if there is something that just seems a little off but more I do it as a check of my own tasting consistency. While I have not gone back and checked my previous review, I know I liked it the first time around and I also believe that the bouquet is more expressive on this bottle and just all around even better than the first time I reviewed one.

*After checking back at this point to my earlier review, this wine is much more charming and fuller than the previous one. How do you explain this? Well, "bottle variation" is a "real" thing in wines finding them a bit variable here and there, though not wildly. But there is a profound difference in this bottle with my previous bottle. This is just plain better.  So again, at the Trader Joe's silly price of $8, RAISE A GLASS!

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) 2016

 

Dark gorgeous plum purple hue with aromas of prune whip, with fresh ripe plum behind, 

Palate--Thickish, supple, velvety texture with rich, mouth-filling flavors of elegant sun ripened plums transitioning into prune, with a touch of tar, and a lingering, epicurean, taste sensation reminding one why it's worth spending a bit more on a quality port. 

I paid under $20 for this and it is simply marvelous. I have had "Vintage" ports at three times the price that were not this good. Do yourself a favor and make the splurge! Raise a glass!

LAGRANJA (Cava Brut)

 

Straw hue with pinprick bubbles and very subtle aromas of hazelnuts, citrus and a touch of maple.    

Palate--Lively effervescents with somewhat benign flavors with nothing standing out. Flavors are minimal, very dry, and fleeting to no finish.

At Trader Joe's this runs around $7 and honestly for that it is the kind of wine you would buy for a Summer pool party without breaking the bank and yet providing a fresh, vibrant (because of the bubbles) chilled down, sparkler that will not offend. (Unless you paid $15 for it which I have seen it listed at this.) 

I paired it with our Easter ham and I should have chosen the Gewurztraminer I had in the cellar but this was a good foil to the fatty, smoky, salty ham we had.  So again, at $7 considering what I have said raise a glass for a frugal occasion! 

*D'Aquino Gaetano Sangiovese di Toscana 2021

Watery garnet appearance on the pour with aromas of lovely sweet cherry edged Sangiovese with fresh cherries in the nose and savory spice that is gentle.

Palate-- Awkward first impression although the flavor profile is not bad for the price. Cherry, savory spices, dried cherry and pie cherries round out the palate with a very quick finish.

Another Trader Joe's offering that is priced at $5! Let that sink in and then taste it again. If you're having the gang over and need a half a case of drinkable wine that has come character rather than some bottle with animals on the label, I'd take this everyday. 

*Do not confuse this wine for a recently reviewed wine by the same producer.

Lodole Rosso di Toscana 2018 (Super Tuscan)

 

This "*Super Tuscan"(Trader Joe's)  is brimming with rich Sangiovese rustic cherry with big bold hefty Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the ride.  Sweet red licorice notes, all bound up in this beautifully aubergine colored quaff.

Palate--Lively, youthful palate even with 5 years of age on it, Sangiovese is somewhat subdued beneath the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blending grapes. As the wine breathed, there is an unfortunate trace of "cork taint." 

The average person probably wouldn't detect the "cork taint" which tastes and smells like mildewed cardboard. 

This one isn't horrible on opening but it may be why the bottles are selling for $7 (instead of $16) they were released at earlier on in their life. 

*A "Super Tuscan" is a regional blended Italian wine which does not adhere to the strict wine making laws governing the production of Sangiovese. A "Super Tuscan" is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot as this one is but it can be made from pretty much anything. When done well these can be rather pricey approaching even $100 a bottle. They are extraordinary and prized but beyond most people's wallets including mine. Obviously at $7 this is not a good example of a Super Tuscan.

Sauvignon de Seguin 2022

 

Light straw hue with aromas of grassy, lemon/lime citrus, and sweet vanilla.

Palate--Tart first impression with off dry, fruit with vanilla beam and citrusy mid palate and a slightly bitter finish that lingers and a nice mellony ending.

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the key white wine grapes of the world being produced in many countries. This is not a good example of the grape although it is characteristic of the basic profile--sort of...

Trader Joe's sells this for $7 and if you chill it down well, it would be "ok" for serving poolside with some light fare and cheeses. But don't let this sway you from trying a better Sauvignon Blanc which can be found for $12. I would pass on this myself.

Chateau De L'eClair "Beaujolais Villages" 2020

 

Surprisingly intense dark eggplant hue with aromas of the classy Gamay Beaujolais grape with suggestions of strawberry, fresh grape, and gentle spicing.

Palate--Surprisingly robust on the palate with lovely fruit filled freshness of sweet raspberry, strawberry and even a gentle tannic presence.

Gamy is a simple yet lovely grape yielding Summer joy and and a guzzling kind of quality.  It pairs well with lighter cheeses, poultry, and I am pairing it with grilled pork chops tonight. At $7, I again hope to snag more of it so raise a glass!

Barone Albergotti Toscana Rosso 2015

This lovely 8 year old Tuscan Red wine has a magnificently fresh bouquet that I just kept enjoying without even touching the glass. It pours with slight bricking at the rim with a deep plum hue.  Loads of fresh fruit that has a purity to it I haven't smelled in a long time and unexpected for Sangiovese. Fresh daffodil with a floral bouquet of both flowers and fruit. Very nice!    

Palate-- A polished if subdued first impression but flavors emerge while holding in the mouth. Lovely Sangiovese with Tuscan spcieness, cherry mid palate and a nicely integrated profile with a smoky finish.

I paid $10 for this when it runs around $18 so I grabbed it because it was cheap for a Tuscan with 8 years on it. I am hoping I can get more. Pairing it tonight with a pasta and venison creation in a tomato based sauce.  Should be great so raise a glass!

Ca' Storica Amarone della Valpolicella 2019

 

A slightly amber rim on the pour with aromas of seductive, cherry, blackberry, rose petal, and violette.

Palate--Wonderfully textured with a lively presence on the tongue with flavors of sweet and sour cherries like a well made raspberry/cherry pie. It finishes with a lovely reminder of why you took the first sip and want another and another.

I LOVE AMARONE!  It is made from partially dried grapes concentrating the lovely qualities of the grapes and when done well, is exquisite. Because of the process the yields tend to be less than a regularly vinified wine so it tends to be a bit more expensive.  Good Amarones can be pricey but I paid $16 for this one and it is fabulous even if on the simple side.  Treat yourself, and see another delightful wine without having to take out a second mortgage on your home.  Raise a glass!

Gaetano D'Aquino Chianti Riserva 2018

Garnet hue with the slightest bricking with nice aromas far from the glass of sweet cherry,  spring bloom daffodils, and dried fruit in the bowl.

Palate--Integrated, well made, classic Chianti, lip smacking tannins and bright acidity. Tuscan terroir with dried cherry nuances, a hint of fresh cherry and spice.

This is a perennial Trader Joe's offering and I used to consume this by the case. I had so much of it, I just got tired of it so it has been quite a few years since I last had one. So I grabbed one this past week. It is as I remembered it! A super value wine, with Tuscan terroir, and just well made.  For a wine of this quality at this price point--$7-- is crazy.  Serve it with italian fare, or any red sauce dish with tomatoes and raise a glass! 

Member's Mark Zinfandel (Old Vine) 'Lodi' 2020

Pours with a slightly garnet/purple hue with aromas of nice Zin fruit with a touch of sweet spices, violets and blackberry jam.

Palate--Surprisingly "sweet" first impression but comes off with a mouth watering acidity which means really fruity because at 14.5% alcohol, this is bone dry! It's mouth watering juiciness makes it an easy quaf, even if finishing with a really quick raspberry ending. 

This Zin is sourced from the Lodi (California) [AVA] vines for Sam's Club and sells for around $8. At this price point, it is a party kind of wine and will drink well all by itself or with your favorite (charcoal) BBQ'd meats. 

Zinfandel is an underrated grape which makes it a great value for those of us who just flat out LOVE Zinfandel. This particular Zin is a first for me and it's a keeper so raise a glass! 

Rain Cloud "Red Wine" California 2020

 

Dark purple pour with nice "fruit bomby" aromas of deep rich dark berry fruit, enticing blackberry and ripe plum. 

Palate--Nice first impression made  for the popular palate, with big flavors if blueberry pie, dark chocolate, blackberry jam, rich textured structure that finishes with a lasting super fruity finish. 

I am guessing this sourced California red wine is a blend of Zinfandel and Syrah or Petite Sirah, and maybe Petite Verdot.  After checking: Turns out to be Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah. Not a bad ID since the Cab. Sauv. is eclipsed by the fruity Shiraz/Syrah, and Zinfandel. And I do not know the percentages of each in the blend.

This will suit the popular-palate wine lovers who enjoy a fruit bomb as I do on the right occasion which it is; celebrating Spring in Maine with charcoal grilled BBQ Chicken.  At $10, raise a glass! 

Columbia Crest "Grand Estates" (Washington State) Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

On opening, pours with an already aged hue for this young wine. Bouquet is quite nice with a warm bowl full of red berries with some skilled aging and with some fresher aromas of cherry/berry fruit.

Palate--First impression is nice with a structured presentation, with a perky, mouth full of red berries with a touch of raspberry fruit that needs time to kiss the air and allow what's there to rise up. (I just opened this 5 minutes before these remarks and will *review it after a couple hours as well.)  

*This is still pretty tight three hours later but mostly due to it's youthfulness in the bottle.  This is a decent inexpensive Cabernet and will only get better over the next 2-3 years but is enjoyable right now so Raise a Glass!

This is a $10 offering from Columbia Crest winery blended with small amounts of Syrah and Merlot. C.C. has a well established reputation for solid, value wines at the $10-$15 price point. I can't say I have ever been disappointed in several decades of experience with these wines. 

The "Washington State" on the label tells us the grapes were sourced (taken from) a variety of vineyards from various vineyards in the state.  As mentioned in other posts, the more focused the parcel from which the grapes are sourced the higher the quality of wine (and price) the wines will be. (There are however many exceptions to this rule.) So for example, if the label had said "Horse Heaven Hills" that tells you the grapes came from vineyards in that specific AVA (**American Viticultural Area).

**AVA is a legally, denoted area based on many rules/laws pertaining to quality and geological qualities of the different areas. This is true of wines all over the country and even the world however they have different terms etc. for them.

Ornelia Del Cripini Sparkling Apple 2022

Ornelia Del Cripini is my own home-made sparkling apple wine.  

I am hesitant to call something "wine" that is not made from grapes and I do not do "fruit wine" reviews. But THIS happens to be my own creation. After attempting to make Marechel Foch with my own home grown grapes over a decade with pathetic results (strictly a hobby) I abandoned my vineyard and switched to making apple wine because apples were abundantly available for free. 

As it turned out, it is actually a very fresh, bright, super fruity wine that tastes like--wait for it--APPLES!

I put it through a double fermentation to raise the alcohol content and then put it through a 3rd fermentation in the bottle patterned after the "Methode De Champenoise" method of the great Champagnes from Champagne France. 

This is strictly for private use and I reviewed it just for fun! I am raising a glass tonight pairing it with a salty "boiled dinner" for St. Patrick's Day! Happy St. Patty's Day to all you Irish out there! 

Belles Vignes Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Straw hue with big aromas of sweet new mown grass, a citrusy lime suggestion, and vanilla pudding.

Palate-- First impression is steely, mouth wateringly juicy, and dry with classic grassy S. Blanc mid palate. Lingers on the palate a bit with a creamy textured finish.

I was a bit surprised (pleasantly) at the pronounced "grassy" presence as I generally associate this profile with American (California) Sauvignon Blancs. This French S. Blanc is well made and delightful.

It has been awhile since I reviewed this grape and it used to be my preferred "go-to" white wine for a number of seafood soups, and stews. This one is just a great value at $7 from Trader Joe's so raise a glass!

Fior di Vino Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

 

Lightly turning magenta hue showing its first sign of age with aromas of violets, cherries, and cherry hard candies.

Palate-- Mouth watering tannic structure with solid acidity and showing off the classic Chianti "cherry" profile of Sangiovese--the grape. Finishes a bit stern but quite lovely with pizza! 

Another Trader Joe's offering for $8 and would buy another to have with any tomato based pasta dish so raise a glass!

Emma Reichart Riesling 2021

Straw hue with aromas of mango, citrus, and a hint of vanilla.    

Palate-- Tart first impression with subdued fruit. Nice acidic beam with a citrusy and juicy middle.

This previously reviewed Trader Joe's offering is a very inexpensive Riesling ($7)  but has been quite enjoyable in the past.  The last two bottles I have had have been less than expected based on the past. I think I will not be getting anymore of this vintage so I would let it pass!

What is Port wine?

 

Port wine gets a bad wrap! What's worse, is that some people I know have bought "Port" wine when in actuality they weren't buying real port wine at all.  So as briefly as I can make it, "Real" Port wine is a "fortified" wine which I will explain in a second, that must come from Portugal!  So anything you might see in your grocery store where the label says PORT but is from any country other than Portugal  is not actually port wine. Real Port wine will often be labeled "Porto" or "Oporto" and originate from the Douro region of Portugal.  But there are exceptions.

So what is it and what makes it so different? When the port wine grapes are being fermented the maker stops the fermentation BEFORE all the sugar from the fruit is converted to alcohol. In order to do this, the wine maker adds a high alcoholic liquid--usually brandy-- which kills the yeast which is gobbling up the sugar producing alcohol. With the yeast killed the residual sugar from the grapes remains yielding a very sweet wine. And because the brandy used to stop fermentation is high in alcohol, port wines are also higher in alcohol than a normal red wine, sometimes up to 22% alcohol.

In an exceptional growing year, a "vintage" is declared and makers may produce "Vintage Port."  Vintage Port" is the highest quality of port there is and can run starting in the $25 range on release and just goes north from there. As a port ages, and Vintage ports need many years to reach their peak, can run well over $100 a bottle. And oh what an ethereal treat a good port is. Silky textured, immense, big bold, juicy flavors and while very sweet, the high alcohol, tannins, and acid make it an absolute delight to drink.

But well made ports in the $20 range are delightful as well and "Late Bottled Vintage port" (not to be confused with "Vintage Port") can be seductive, round, velvety, and spectacular in the $20-$35 range. What to serve with Ports?  Blue cheese, Stilton, salty big cheeses, dark chocolate, flourless chocolate tarts, and really anything strong and sweet.  But there are few things better than Port all by itself. Just make sure it is the real deal and raise a glass!

Porto Morgado "Ruby Port"

This may be a Trader Joe's exclusive. I have been buying this value "Port" for years and have never been disappointed.  A bouquet of currants, ripe sun dried raisins and prunes are the routine aromas of this *"fortified" wine from Portugal.

Palate-Super sweet but nicely acidic to carry such intensity without being cloying. Intense raisiny, pruney front palate with loads of baker's chocolate, dried fruit and a decent texture for such an inexpensive Port.

At $6, this ruby Port is a fantastic accompaniment by itself or even more so with a variety of chocolates but my fave is DARK chocolate and makes you keep drinking and eating. At such an affordable price point, ($6) RAISE A GLASS! 

Rosa Dell Olmo Barbera D'Asti 2021

 

Simple purple hue with aromas of Bubble gum (seriously) crushed fresh grape with dried grapes, a sweet yet savory touch of spices, ruby red grapefruit!

Palate--unremarkable first impression, tannis, steely, angular, tightly wound with all the wonderful aromas in the bouquet rather lost on the palate.

This has been open for at least a half hour and if it's this austere at this point it may not ever come around. The bouquet is the best part of the wine at this stage but I will update when it has more time to open and dinner (tortellini's with an invented sauce by me).  Stay tuned...

Okay, actually this wine was another "value" food wine that was very nice with my tortellini. For $6 you really can't beat this. Just make sure you serve it with something friendly to an acidic, italian wine and then "raise a glass!"

Schloss Biebrich (Trocken)

 

Very pale straw hue with aromas of Lime, sweet spring flowers, orange blossom

Palate--Fine bubbles on the palate, decent structure, pleasant fruity mid palate, and a finish that is quick but satisfying.

This is a Trader Joe's wine for around $6 and it can't be bit for the price.  It is structured, fruity and pleasant. I have sparklers for many more times that price I didn't enjoy as much.  I am pairing it with Chinese take out and it will be great so raise a glass!

Domaine De Argentine "Terroir Selection" Malbec 2021

 

With a hue of jellied cranberry sauce, the aromas of ripe plum, a suggestion of eucalyptus or mint and blackberry jelly.

Palate--Forthright first impression with a tannic backbone, dark fruit, a bit chunky, and needs to breathe.  Considering the price point of this wine, it is drinkable with a tomato based pasta, three cheese raviolis which I will be serving tonight but it is a bit hard to drink by itself. It finishes quickly but should be OK with dinner. 

This may be a Trader Joe's exclusive and at $5 it's worth a try. I won't be going back to it, but I'm glad I grabbed one.

  

Vignobles Lacheteau 'VOUVRAY" 2021

Crystalline straw hue with aromas of sweet tropical fruits, lime hints, a touch of cinnamon, and a nuance of baking spices.

Palate-An absolute explosion of a tropical fruit melange with sweet lime, ripe pineapple, and a structure that is gloriously close to perfect being razor sharp but integrated over all. 

This is NOT a sweet wine as much as it is an "off dry" FRUITY wine. What makes a sweet wine is residual (meaning unfermented) sugar. Cheap white wines and even some red wines can be purposely made to be sweet by either adding sugar after fermentation or stopping fermentation before all the sugars are turned into alcohol which can be disgusting though popular to some. "White Zinfandel" would be one example of MANY.  The Chenin Blanc grape--the signature grape of the Vouvray region of France, was co-opted in America and went through a very sad phase of being used for cheap jug wines. 

This fantastic grape emerged decades later being respected for the wonderful, spicy, zesty, wonderful wine that it can be and while Vouvray sets the bar, many "new world" wineries around the globe are now making quality Chenin Blancs as well.  At $10 this is a must buy and I will be serving it with our salty ham dinner which will be awesome.  If there is any wine left when dinner comes out, "Raise a glass!"