Artie Cabernet Sauvignon (Australia) (NV) non-vintage

I saw this in my local supermarket with a shelf tag advertising 2 for $12. I looked at the label and noted that it is a non-vintage "Cabernet Sauvignon" which means outside of the grapes originating in Australia and being primarily "Cabernet Sauvignon" grapes, this doesn't tell you much about the quality of the wine.

The label saying "Australia" means only that the grapes from anywhere and everywhere in Australia. The fact that there is no vintage showing on the label means it can be made from juice that has been sitting around from any vintage and then pulled out of storage and made into "wine." For $6, I thoiught it would be interesting to see what you get for that price.  Here goes nothing...

Actually presents with a very nice deeply pigmented hue of aubergine (egg plant.) Aromas of berries, blackberry? and gentle spicing on the rim.

Palate--The moment of truth: perky front palaste with lively acidity, decent enough dark-berry flavor with a zesty mid-palate and a finish that lingers a bit with a savory spice.

OK! Look ya have to be honest; this is a simple but decent wine for the price.  Better than what you would expect. 

This is why I learned early on not to be a wine snob. Some times in years of great harvest, farmers cannot sell off their grapes to their usual buyers because there are just too many. So they dump them for whatever they can get out of the winery buying them and what this means is that occasionally you get a decent wine.  On one rare occasion you get a FANTASTIC wine of surplus grapes that normally sell to high end wineries but the origins cannot be listed on the label.

So bottom line? At $6 I will probably buy a couple more!  Raise a glass!

Comments NOW welcome!

 

For years I have been flummoxed that no one ever leaves a comment which just didn't seem accurate in light of the number of hits my blog receives. (Currently at 1.52 million hits) I had checked my settings and everything seemed correct; still no messages. Now you should be able to leave a comment if you desire. Thanks for stopping by!

Ninety + Cellars Rioja 2020

 

Deeper garnet hue with aromas of dried cherries, leather, bright fresh cherry above the rim, hints of licorice.

Palate--Big first impression with loads of fruit, vibrant structure, dried cherry with a finish of subtle spice.

This is nice $12 wine made from the signature grape of the Rioja (Spain) Tempranillo (pronounced Temp-ra-NEE-oh) and will pair well with italian foods, bolder cheeses, bolder sauces, or even pizza. Raise a glass! 

"Ninety + Cellars" claims to produce wines that would rate 90 points or more... Not likely but they do tend to release value wines which are reasonably priced. 

Confidencial Reserva 2018

Intense aromas of ripe plum, baked bread, spicy blackberry on a deeply pigmented deep purple hie.

Palate-- Nice first impression with steely mid palate, perky structure, nice fruit, and lip smacking acidity.

Another great value at $10 so raise a glass!

McManis Petite Sirah 2021 (Lodi)

Deep dark purple black hue with aromas of sweet berry candies, maple syrup, evergreen, subtle bouquet--needs to open.

Palate--Supple mouth feel, fruit forward, penetrating rich dark berry and plum. Finishes with a big spicy berry ending that lingers a good awhile. 

The folks at McManis make this lively Petite Sirah from the AVA of Lodi Ca. At $9 it was a bargain and delicious.  I will be pairing it with my wife's homemade white bean, italian sausage, and kale soup. Raise a glass!

Mont Gravet "GSM" 2022

 

The initial pour of this wine yields an intense  dark  nearly black hue with aromas of major ripe dark fruit, a perfumy bouquet, with camphor, and more ripe berries. 

Palate--Surprisingly "sweet" front palate with robust fruit throughout, savory spices but gentle, lovely texture for such a young wine. Flavors linger for a good while begging for another sip.        

This lovely Southern French GSM; a blend of (Grenache, Syrah, *Mourvèdre) grapes the signature blend of the Rhone region of France. This blend comes from the always stellar and a bargain region called the Languedoc Roussillon!

Each of these grapes have now been made into their own **varietals with great success.  This wine is delicious, succulent, and deserving of more than the $12 I paid for it. I only hope I can buy more. 

I will be pairing it tonight with a "French onion tart" which doesn't sound too great on first blush but think of a hand tossed pizza pie, with a heaping pile of crisp bacon match sticks, a blenderized "sauce of cottage cheese and sour cream, baked in a high heat oven. Hungry yet?  It will be GREAT so raise a glass!

* Mourvedre is pronounced "More Ved" according to French as a primary language friends I have...

** a varietal is a wine made from essentially one grape variety. (local regions of the world have their own laws governing what percent of the varietal grape the wine must be in order to be called the name of the grape.

Yalumba "Y Series" Viognier 2021

 

Flowery bouquet full of ripe pineapple, mango, and tapioca pudding on a pale golden hue.

Palate-- Nice acidic structure with an off dry mouth watering juiciness full of tropical fruit, a gentle citrus beam, but finishes very quickly and wondering "what happened." 

Viognier--pronounced, Vee-oh-Nyay, is a little known grape but the signature grape and only permissible grape in the Condrieu region of France. This is an Aussie wine and it's decent enough but I am not feeling at all the 91 points James Suckling--one of my wine mentors--gives this wine.  

At around $12 it is just "OK" but chill it down a bit and I am pairing it with my homemade Chilean sea bass, Manilla clams and shrimp chowder. It should be a lovely meal. Raise a glass!

Coppola Zinfandel (Red Label) 2021

 

Young purple/garnet hue with aromas of subdued fruit, subdued spice, adn berry.

Palate-- Spicy sweet first impression, coarse profile, angular, fleeting finish.  It is thin, watery, no character--certainly not Zinfandel.

*This is surprisingly bad. I have been to the gorgeous Coppola winery, I have had some of their "higher" end productions and they are a competent, and well known producer in Napa. This particular Zin is their "table wine" (meaning bottom of the barrel) offering for the masses at $13. I do not often totally dis a wine taking everything into consideration but this one should be avoided.

*After checking what other reviewers said about this wine, I am dismayed by their generous assessment. I stand by mine.

Billings Farm Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Nice garnet hue with aromas of sweet plum and dark berry with a soapy smelling bouquet which is quite nice. (No it isn't from actual soap; I use scent free dish soap for my wine glasses as well as on my hands.) Chocolate cake comes in at the end.

Palate--Interesting first impression more like a "wine beverage" than real wine. Flavors are inviting but again, more like fruit juice than wine and yet it is definitely wine. It is cheery, juicy and almost soda popish with a steely finish. 

Now don't get me wrong or think I am snobbish, I am not and 20 years of reviews reveals my average price point is about $10!  You can't be a snob at that price point. A lot of people who say they don't like red wine might actually like this. It is easy to drink, fruity, and not all tannic despite a really bad review I read of this wine.

The grapes are all sourced from California which means it is a hodge podge of grapes from hither and yon and grapes, perhaps which weren't sold to higher end wineries, drop their grapes wherever anyone will buy them.  THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! But...... It does give a bad name to the premier grape varietal for people will taste it and think, "Why on earth do people pay hundreds even  thousands of dollars for a single bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon?" 

Trust me there is a HUGE quality and character difference in a single vineyard Cabernet grown on premier plots. Are they worth $800 for a bottle?  NO! Not in my opinion. No wine is worth that.  But there is a HUGE difference in a GOOD NAPA or Bordeaux or Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon from the myriad $10 cabs out there.

I will pair this with homemade beef stew this evening and it will honestly be simple, straight forward and lovely! Raise a glass!

Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon (NV?) Chile

*Note--Label is incorrect!  "Chile" will be written underneath "Cabernet Sauvignon"          

Nice dark purple hue with aromas of brooding blackberry, a hint of wood in the bowl and a touch of wildness that I usually associate with Zinfandel. 

Palate-- Pretty decent first impression with a mid-palate depth that is unexpected. Fruit forward with sme care in the making, spicy savory mid palate and a finish of wild blackberry.

Smoking Loon is a NAPA, Ca. winery which is why I am blown away with this adventure with Chilean Cabernet. I cut my teeth on Chilean Cabs (as they were new to the game and consequently were great values! I used to acquire Concha Y Toro's premier release--"Don Melchor" for $30-$40 bucks on release. Now you might find them for $70 on up.  

This wine my wife grabbed at a local supermarket reduced to $7.50. It is odd that it is non-vintage but my sense here is that it is a nice value.  I will be paring it with charcoal grilled "boar burgers" and homemnade Mac N Cheese.  Raise a glass!

Ninety Plus Cellars Riesling (Mosel) 2022

Straw hue with aromas of baby powder, tropical fruit compote, vibrant pineapple.

Palate--OK first impression with a slightly tepid foundation. Steely mid palate-- off dry fruitiness, with a lack luster finish. 

Mosel is perhaps the premier German wine region although I am sure many might dispute that. Having been there and cruising down the Mosel River, the steepness of the vineyard terraces look down-right frightening. Riesling at its best is absolutely charming, vibrant, and hard to say no to a 3rd glass and beyond. At $10 (on sale from $12) it's "meah." 

I will be pairing it with pork chops steamed with sauerkraut and spaetzle (a german pasta) in a nutmeg laced cream sauce. The wine is disappointing but tasty none-the-less.

Member's Mark Pinot Noir (Monterey County) 2021

 

Light ruby hue with aromas of strawberry, and fresh cherry with spice hints.

Palate--Nice first impression with sound structure, fruity strawberry, gentle and finessed cherry berry notes with nice varietal flavor. 

Another Sam's Club wine at $13 it is a decent varietal and will probably buy more so raise a glass!

Patòn-Clemente Tempranillo 2020

Garnet hue with aromas of red berry, Savory spice, candied nose with a suggestion of cinnamon.

Palate-- An austere beginning with a puckery structure, savory spices, and fruit with a bitter note.

Tempranillo is the signature grape of the Rioja region of Spain and when it is done well it is VERY good and the price tends to match the quality. This one sadly is not very good on opening however with a little time to breathe I had it with my own pasta creation consisting of tomatoes, anchovies, garlic, onion, porcini mushrooms, and basil and the wine was quite an excellent pairing. 

Some wines are basically good "food wines" and not so good by themselves. This is definitely in the latter category. 

It may be a Trader Joe's selection and I paid under $10 for it and with the right dish, Raise a glass!

Maker's Member's Zinfandel 2021 (Lodi)

Quite a nice deep purple hue with aromas of classic Zinfandel with pretty much straight berries with a touch of savory spices at the rim. 

Palate-- Surprisingly nice first impression with loads of fruit up front, a relaxed even silky structure, and while the finish is pretty quick it is none-the-less Zin all the way. 

In all my years of tasting which goes back to the mid 70's I have had probably 5 times as many Zinfandels as any other varietal. Why?  Because I love them and they are relatively unknown to the masses meaning they are bargains to buy.  

Rosenblum was the Undisputed Heavey Weight Champion of single vineyard Zins and you paid for them, ($25-$45) a bottle.  They were worth it!  But they were bought out by one of the huge conglomerates and their 25+ iterations of Zinfandel have been reduced to a handful. 

So this Sam's Club Zinfandel priced at $8 a bottle is a great value!~ So raise a glass!!! Thank you Sam Walton...

Rock Station Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (*Napa Valley)

The hue of this so-called "Napa Cabernet" is too light for "good" napa Cab, being a medium garnet with pleasant aromas of lightly talced berry, lightly spiced, sweet pomegranate, nearly floral, cherry cream bouquet.

Palate--Uncharacteristic first impression for Napa; lots of dark berries, not much complexity, not much of anything although what's there is drinkable. Finishes super quick.

*Napa Cabernets are the cream of the crop with prices to match. (2020 Screaming Eagle is $2700 for a bottle!) 2021 was a challenging year for Napa for several reasons so the declaration of a "vintage" for Napa is almost surprising. Anyway, Trader Joe's probably bought up this lot from this never heard of--to me--winery getting it for a song but I thought I would spend the $15 for a bottle and see what was offered. I was not expecting much and that is what I got. The worst part of a winery selling such a wine is that unsuspecting people who have heard so much about "Napa Cabs" will grab this and think they have tried Napa Cab. They have not.

Now, paying $2700 for a bottle of wine is lunacy. While I don't agree with the late great, Fred Franzia who said "No wine is worth more than $10 a bottle",  this is NOT what Napa Cabernet is like--not even close.

At any rate I am grilling bone in rib eye's for my wife and I and this wine will work but honestly I would rather have a decent Zinfandel...  Pass on this!

Seaglass Pinot Grigio 2022

 

Very pale straw hue with nice aromas of vanilla pudding, lovely sweet tropical fruit, ripe pineapple.

Palate--Mouth full of tropical fruit salad, gentle citrus with a decent beam of acidity to make it super fruity without being cloying. Finishes quickly but still hints of tropical lovelliness.

At $9 Seaglass makes a nice Pinot. I will be paring this with fried ham, grits and gravy over biscuits as an homage to our stint in the deep south. Raise a glass and happy new year!

Il Borgo COLLINARE Nero d' Avola 2022

 

Medium garnet hue with aromas of baby powder, cherries, a touch of green herbs and savory spice.

Palate--Lively, bright spicy cherry laden first impression with a coarse acidity, and a bit of a biting finish. 

This is a Trader Joe's $7 offering and while Nero d'Avola is my favorite Sicilian grape, this is not thrilling even at $7. Mind you at $7 it is hard to find a potable quaff so I shouldn't complain but this grape has been a fave for years and it isn't fancy, or expensive and for the price or a couple bucks more, there are plenty of these wines easier to drink out there. For the price, give it a try, but...                

Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir 2020

Light bright cherry hue with aromas  of brioche, menthol, licorice, and evergreen--Wow!

Palate--Talked about a relaxed first impression that begins to build as it sits on your palate... An elegant, seductive presentation yielding pronounced Pinot fruit of tart raspberry, and touches of cherry/berry with a finish that lingers giving off more gentle yet definite varietal fruit.

This is decidedly old world with the fruit hailing from France--where else? The bouquet is sensational, and the palate is unique because I am so used to domestic Pinot Noir. This is truly a lovely wine and at $14 (Sam's Club) it is a must buy!

I am going to be pairing it with homemade split pea soup and my guess is, it will be nice, may be even great!  Raise a glass!

La Viña De AMAYA 2020

 

Intense deep purple hue with aromas of dark berries, pipe tobacco, blackberry pie, a touch of pie spices and floral overtones and a hint of savory spice.

Palate--silky structure with vibrant tannins, fruit forward big blackberry flavors with a mouth filling finish. Well made and will be amazing in another 2-3 years.

This Rioja red made with Tempranillo-- the signature grape of the Rioja, Spain and Garnacha (Grenache) which is a bright, fruity, cheerful grape sets this wine on a course of loveliness. What is hard to fathom is I paid $9 for this wine which I see selling for $25.  I am pairing it with leftover rib roast from Christmas and I know it will be glorious!  [And it was!]   Raise a glass!

The New Year's Toasting Beverages 2023

 

New Year's means drinking; sadly TOO much for many, but let moderation rule and you can enjoy the celebratory contribution of bubbly to the New Year's party.

 Bubbly takes all kinds of shapes, styles, quality and price tags. Many tend to use the word "Champagne" when what they mean is a sparkling wine. ie., carbonated. 

Champagne is a type of "Bubbly" that is grown and produced out of the Champagne region of France! All Champagne is "bubbly" but not all bubbly is Champagne. Candidly--Champagne is the best of the best of all bubbly's but comes with a price tag as well. And since few have the palate to appreciate the extra cost--which can run into the hundreds of dollars per bottle--you are throwing money away.

Sparkling wines will run in the area of $10 and up but no where the price of Champagne. If you ha e a Trader Joe's near you, they sell several bubblies which are down right drinkable and you will pay under $15 per bottle. 

Mumm's Napa Brut Prestige is probably my favorite for the price. But even that has escalated to over $20 a bottle....  

Spanish sparklers tend to be a pretty nice bargain. Called "CAVA" they are ubiquitous, fun a tasty. Price point $12-$18 

Korbel is a California sparkler and for the price is OK.

A couple to avoid--Barefoot Bubbly... Cook's 

If you have read this far--Search this blog for key words New Years, or bubbly, etc.

Lamarca Prosecco

 

Nearly clear hue with a hint of straw color with aromas of apple, peach and citrus.

Palate--A lackluster presentation with decent effervescence, clean fruit flavors and off dry meaning it is actually "dry" while tasting sweet. 

This Italian bubbly is not a "sweet" wine by definition.  Fruity wines are often confused for sweet wines which means they have residual sugar, meaning not all the sugar has been converted to alcohol via fermentation. This wine is ubiquitous, wildly popular but I am not a fan.  It is overpriced by half--especially in restaurants where you can pay the price for a glass that you would pay for a whole bottle retail.  But hey!  People like what they like.  From $15-$22 a bottle this is a pass in my book!

Ilex Daino 2019 (Terraine Siciliane)

Purple/Garnet hue with a big bouquet with aromas of cinnamon and cherry candy, spring bouquet of flowers, a nuance of orange peel at the end. Very nice!

Palate--Cherry berry front with forward savory spices, lip smacking tannins, and a nice line of acidity. Lingering finish!

This is still young and will benefit from another 2-5 years.  Nero D'Avola is the signature grape of Sicily and this is an elegant rendition. I was pressed to pair with my standing rib roast for Christmas and while I didn't want to open this as I just received it for Christmas and it is not the best pairing, I had no other reds ready to drink. We'll see how it goes with my roast. 

But the most important thing of this day is the celebration of the birth of the Savior of mankind. So I will focus on that and all my blessings which are too numerous to count.

This wine seems to run about $30 and I would say for the price you could find a Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon that would do better with my menu. But I give thanks and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Chateau St. Michelle "Harvest Select"-- Sweet Riesling-- Columbia Valley 2022

Straw hue with aromas of wondrous summer melon, vanilla pudding, tropical fruit salad, and a citrus beam under all.

Palate--vibrant "*spritzig" on the palate, with well made sweet, but not cloying, tropical fruit melange, hints of mango, cantelope, and a finish that says "I want more!"

This is a brilliantly beautiful wine and sells for around $10. It is hard to stop drinking it. I have a ham in the oven right now and this will be my wine. This is great all by itself as an aperitif too. Put a chill on it and have plenty on hand and raise glass after glass!

*Spritzig--a German term for "sparkle" or what we might call a touch of carbonation.

5 more days to the Christmas feast

 

Prime rib roast?  Turkey?  Lobster?  Asian cuisine? Vegetarian?

What to pair with what main course. Well, here's one axiom of wine pairing you may not realize. You pair more to the sauces and spices than you do the actual meat, seafood, or whatever. 

So again--here are rules of thumb.

Asian cuisine is one of the more difficult food to pair wine with but you will find that sweeter wines go very well with Asian dishes. They compliment the food rather than fighting with it.  *New world Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chenin Blanc do a nice job with those tricky, but delicious asian spices and they are affordable! 

*New world in this context means California, Oregon, Washington State primarily. The Finger Lakes (NY) also offer some nice "sweeter wines."

Beef roasts etc. are wonderful with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Malbec, Rioja and many others.

Turkey (see Thanksgiving post for ideas) But even a decent Pinot Noir is nice with the varied flavors and structures of all the trimmings.

Lobster-  I live in Maine and a number of friends traditionally have lobster. Sauvignon Blanc, both old world and new world, high acidic white wines will cleanse that buttery coating off your palate refreshing it for another tasty mouthful of the ocean's premier offering.

Vegetarian--my son is a vegetarian and loves sparkling wines but particularly Champagne!  But here again , it is the sauces(s) you want to pair to with your wine selection. And if you are at a "real" wine store, they almost always have someone who knows wine and can be a great help to you. Just tell them your price point and you'll be all set! 

Ham--a salty ham needs a nice chilled, sweet white wine to make the perfect pairing.  Pretty much the same wines that go wtih Asian food work well with ham!

19 Crimes Shiraz 2021

Lighter hue than the nearly black presentation I am used to from this intense grape!  Big ripe, black berry aromas dominate, a touch of sweet red berry and maynbe a tinge of dark chocolate. 

Palate--Bold front palate full of dark brooding blackberry flavors on a bed of sweet and savory spices with just a singular beam of blackberry pie.

Australia has one of the greatest Shiraz wines called the Grange by Penfolds. Current releases will run you around--sit down--$800!  That's not for a case, that's for ONE bottle! Rest assured I have NEVER and will never have the luxury of tasting such a wine.

This is not the best expression of Shiraz from Australia but it is a value at under $10. It pairs well with a thick grilled steak; prime rib or any number of bold dishes and cheeses. If you want to experience a hint of what this grape can do, go higher around the $40 price point and be wowed by this grape.  Raise a glass!

La Vielle Ferme 2022

Light orange/pink hue with aromas of gentle tropical fruits with orange blossom notes.

Palate--Off dry fruitiness with nice acidity, tropical fruit flavors with a twinge of lime and grapefruit.

This line of wines has been a reliable and value wine for the past 2 decades I have been following their productions. They always run around $8 and are certainly worth grabbing even a case keeping it on hand for any number of occasions. Chill it down and Raise a glass!

Joseph Handler Riesling 2022

 

Pale straw, nearly clear, with aromas of melon, lime and sweet spices with vanilla.

Palate--Off dry first impression with a somewhat lethargic foundation. Flavors of green melon and tropical fruit are subdued which could be hampered by the temperature of the wine. Finishes very quickly with a lack luster overall profile.

 Riesling is one of my favorite white wine grapes and is the signature grape of Germany. This one hails from the "Pfalz" region bottled in blue glass which is a kind of signature of the region's wines. 

This is a Q.B.A. which is a German quality notation. It is essentially the beginning point of german wines and goes up from the there.  This is not a great example of the nature of Riesling but chill it down, it is tasty enough and economical. 

Vignobles Lacheteau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2021

Pale straw hue with aromas of sweet pie spices on a light bed of citrus, creme brulee, on top of a tropical fruit melange.

Palate--Vibrant acidity hosts a somewhat tepid presentation of muted, tropical fruit flavors and a solid beam of citrus.

I am tasting this chilled, and had it last night with homemade seafood chowder. It was an "OK" pairing but nothing special. I reviewed this wine back in June, and having just checked what I wrote then, and I like it better this time around then back in June. It does seem a bit more vibrant than in my initial review which could be a number of factors. At any rate, this Trader Joe's offering is OK for the money.

Bread & Butter Pinot Noir 2021

Questionable watery, watermelon juice-like hue with slight bricking at the rim.  Distinctive bouquet like that of a bathroom soap dish that no longer has soap in it and a slight pickle juice scent at the end.

Palate--Pleasant first impression with nice structure, some acidic longevity, with balanced delicate flavors of confused red fruit. Finishes better than its first presentation.

I paid $11 for this at Sam's Club today and was hoping for a bargain. No deal.  It's weird, it's awkward, it is drinkable but won't be getting anymore.

Chateau La Tuilerie Du Puy 2020

 

Deep garnet hue with aromas of mild spice and cherry berry notes.

Palate--Tart, juicy, woody, harsh, awkward and lip smacking tannins.  No finish.

This "Vin De Bordeaux" is the lowest ranking in the Bordeaux scheme of labeling. Grand Vin De Bordeaux, and then the stellar--and expensive-- Grand Cru Classé.  My wife bought this for $12 and I am not thrilled with it, in fact I am not even drinking it.  

Marquis De Colbert Utiel-Requena Reserva 2017

 

Garnet hue with some opacity and a nice bouquet of interesting red fruits, some dried, slik dried cranberry...

Palate--juicy tannins, with sharp edged red berry powder and awkward presentation.

I noted back in June that this wine was fading quickly and it that is what's going on with this bottle. This will be the last bottle of this I will get for that reason. I paid $7 for this wine which is silly for the kind of wine it is and the age etc. and it was well worth the chump change I laid out for it with no regrets. But it has run its coarse and we'll note the experience. 

Knock on Wood Chardonnay (Willamette Valley) 2021

Oregon Chard opens with a straw hue and aromas of sweet powdery melon, baking spices and a touch of citrus.

 Palate-A rigid beam of acidity that takes a moment in the mouth to come forth, lemony mid palate, *off dry pretty straight forward for an Oregon Chard.

*Off dry means it tastes SWEET when in fact it is bone dry meaning there is no residual sugar to be fermented. Off dry gives the impression it is sweet when it is FRUITY. 

This is a nicely made Chardonnay and paired wonderfully with my baked cod with parmesan laced spaetzle. I see it selling for up to $25 but I found it for $8 and of course wish i had bought more. At any rate, raise a glass! 

Castle Rock Pinot Noir Monterey County 2020

Hue is a lovely crystalline cherry-red with aromas of sweet strawberry, ripe raspberry.

Palate--Vibrant fruit out of the gate with bold structure and loads of Pinot varietal fruit all over the palate. Juicy, sill a touch angular needing a little more time in bottle to reach its optimum.

Castle Rock makes numerous Pinot's from various AVA's and they are all, always value wines! They are reliable, juicy, tasty and classic Pinot Noir.  At the $10 price point, you just can't go wrong so raise a glass!

Le Fraghe Rodon 2022

A pink orange watermelon hue sets the gentle aromas of vanilla pudding with a citrus note with red rose petal notes and a hint of orange blossom.

Palate-- Tart first impression with a wildly acidic back bone, citrusy mid palate, red cherry/raspberry flavors and more juicy acidity. 

This is a lively creation with a robust-- slap you awake-- kind of presentation.  I love it!  I paid around $10 for this though ranges from at $10-$27. 

Pairs with a lot of foods due to its structure and vibrant profile; Raise a glass!

Christmas gift guidance for the wine lover in your life

If there's a wine lover in your life it can be tough getting a meaningful gift for them. With nearly 50 years in the study of all things wine, here's the struggle: if you are NOT a wine enthusiast yourself, you may be led astray into the "cutesy," the novel, or the gimmicky trying to please your recipient. Let me help you not waste your money or embarrass your gift recipient.

 

Let's begin with what NOT to get. 

Consider wine related "doo-dads" that hang on a wall off limits.  Eg. a hangable meme stating "Life is too short to drink cheap wine." Don't do it, even calligraphy can't enhance such a "gift." 

Little stuffed toys holding wine themed signs, or a plush figures holding a corkscrew are off limits too. Custom made, carved wood signage with wine allusions or references are inane UNLESS they have meaningful significance. Eg. My wife had a friend make me a wood sign with the name "Ornellaia Del Cripini" on it.  It still hangs in my *"cellar" and was a wonderful surprise. At the time I had a very small vineyard in my yard from which I made 1-2 cases of wine from my own hand nurtured wine grapes.  I called my wine the name emblazoned on the sign! I love it! Most everything else--avoid with a couple exceptions.

1 Eg. I have a vintage poster from NAPA Valley back around the latter 70's. It is not only gorgeous but enologically meaningful. It too hangs in my cellar.

So let's look broadly at what TO get.

My first pick would be a wine aerator. I have had a Vinturi ($27 Amazon) for over a decade. There are numerous styles and price points and many are galmy, too big, and just too ostentatious. Mine cost under $20, it is held in your hand and wine is poured through it into your glass. They actually work! Avoid the ones that attach to the bottle, look like pot stills or something from Star Wars.

A very functional cork screw is a must and you are talking from $7 to $50.  (The expensive ones don't work any better than the cheaper ones. If you go this route, here is a MUST for a great wine cork. The leg of it, which hooks on the lip of the bottle needs to  be "articulated." This means the "leg" should be jointed in the middle. The purpose is so that when you are putting that hard to screw auger in a very dry and hard cork, you have to get that auger way down into the cork before you can pull the cork out using the little "leg." If it is articulated, you don't have to get that auger buried as deep into the cork making it much easier to extract even the toughest corks.

Wine glasses are a nice gift and should be clear!  Meaning NOT colored at all. They should have thin stems and you want what is typically known as a "Bordeaux" glass. These work well for all wines! But glasses get broken so you want a good quality glass as it truly does enhance the wine experience. I suggest you buy a single, VERY nice, higher end Riedel for the wine lover that will be HIS/HER own tasting glass. Everyone else can have decent glasses too but not the kind you loose your breath over when it tips over on the granite counter-top and breaks.  There are also wine glasses that are break resistant being made of glass and plastic. They feel good, they look good, and while they will break, they are much tougher than classical glass or crystal.  Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal are very nice.

Unscented dish soap-- Not sexy but if your recipient is a budding taster,  There is nothing worse than opening a lovely $45 wine and taking a first whiff of perfumy lemon scented soap. 

A wine aroma kit is wonderful but unless you make it yourself, it is cost prohibitive.. 

Wine books are good only if you know the wine lover likes to read and desires to learn more about wine.  The choices are myriad. But a "general" kind of book with nice pictures, are another nice gift.

Buying a special wine is always a good score and this is where "professional" help is very helpful. Go to a decent wine store and ask who their wine expert is. If they laugh, you're not in a good wine store. A real expert will ask you questions about how much you are thinking to spend and will try and get a feel for the level of hobby you are buying for. And do NOT be shy about saying "I don't want to spend more than $15 if that's what you are hoping.  (If you follow this blog-- which now has close to 1.5 million hits--I believe it is because I blog about the kinds of wine a "normal" person buys.  Sure I have been privileged to taste many extravagant wines but not that came out of my pocket.  :) 

If you are able to spend a couple to a few hundred dollars consider a wine refrigerator! I have one that holds maybe 30 bottles, keeping them at 55 degrees. I did not pay but a couple hundred bucks.

I will post more in the days ahead of New Years so check back! 

El Castilla Syrah 2021

 

Lovely dark aubergine hue with aromas of a leading blast of cinnamon, chinese 5 spice, clove and dark berry.

Palate--Cinnamon on the first introduction to my palate, followed by rich, borroding black spiced fruit, with another layer of "sweet" goodness that I don't even have a descriptor for on hand. Finishes with more chinese five spice.

This may be the most unusual (and I mean this in a good way) Syrah I have ever had. It hails from Spain no less and may be my first one from Spain. It is seductive, enticing, and just plain good! 

I am pairing this with a grilled pork Loin and I think it will be awesome.  At $7.50  raise a case!

Gestos "Malbec + Malbec" 2021

Dark cherry hue with big aromas of black cherry and black berry pie, perfumy bouquet with lovely dark fruit everywhere in the bowl and perhaps a touch of baker's chocolate.

Savory spices on a bed of rich blackberry fruit and a hint of tart pie cherry.

This nice value wine from Trader Joe's is a lovely Malbec for the money. You can't go wrong at this price point as it is well made and structurally sound. 

I am grilling on charcoal a pork loin with spices and maybe some BBQ sauce at then end. At $9 grab this one and raise a glass.

Makers Mark Cabernet Sauvignon "Private Reserve" 2020

Decent, dark garnet hue with remnants of youthful purple.  Aromas of nice black berry, cherry chocolate bon bon hints, gentle savory spice, with a very nice touch of milk chocolate at the rim.

Palate--Nice first impression with a well made wine and decent grape stock from the Alexander Valley AVA. Finish lingers a bit and what's there is nice. There is a dense mid palate with sharp tannins and some acid. 

I grabbed a Sam's Club membership today as it has been years since I have darkened their doors. I was surprised at how many "bargains" their weren't.  Not just in the alcohol section but the whole store. Bidenomics is killing a once great country.  That being said, this was the only interesting thing I saw and thought I would try it because an Alexander Valley Cabernet should run around $18 and go up from there. 

For a $10 Cabernet, this is a very nice value.  I am pairing it with apple wood charcoal briquette grilled venison/bacon burgers.  Raise a glass. 

Kiona "Lemberger" 2020

Light ruby hue looking like a Pinot Noir with aromas of dried cherry and tart pie cherries, a slight licorice notes.

Palate-- Watery mouth feel with pronounced fruit, tannic, juicy, slightly tart, bitter rear palate, possibly a hint of smoke with a touch of a lingering finish.

*Lemberger is the grape of this wine which is a new varietal I've not only never had, but never heard of. Its origins are the "Red Mountain" AVA (American Viticultural Area) which is another unheard of wine term. 

*Okay, after looking this up, Lemberger is a grape I AM familiar with which goes by "Blaufränkisch." This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Merlot.  There was care taken in producing this wine and a bold adventure to be sure. At $8 I am glad I grabbed it when I did. It will pair nicely with robust cheeses, tomato based dishes and tonight I am having it with Chicago style pizza. At this price point, raise a glass!

 

Fonseca Vintage Port 2007 (and a tale of woe...)

Nearly black hue to the rim with the first overwhelming aroma is that of WET CAR BOARD! Buried beneath the stench is lovely super rip plum, raisin and prune. 

Palate--Ultra rich, texture with gorgeous thick sweetness, with flavors of stewed prune, raisin, unsweetened chocolate and a lingering finish.

After waiting for 14 years to open this, it was quite disappointing to get a *"corked wine" on THIS wine when I experience cork taint SO rarely! Why this wine?  Never-the-less, I forced myself to get past the ugliness and enjoy what was there. 

*Now the tale of woe: I bought this vintage port on release in 2009 for around $80 and laid it down in my temperature controlled wine fridge. "Vintage port" needs to be cellared for a long time, some up to 40 years or more.There it sat until last night for an after Thanksgiving surprise.  On opening and my first smell was the gross mildew nastiness of a damp basement with cardboard boxes that are beginning to rot. So what happened? Cork taint is what happened... It occurs when contaminated cork is inserted into a bottle. It is not "common" but neither is it "rare." Industry types assert that 15% of cork finished wines have cork taint.  That number is grossly over-stated in my 40 years of experience.  After drinking over many thousands of bottles of wine I would say cork taint is more like 2-3%. At any rate--it was enough to propel the controversial use of screw tops which commenced about 15 years ago perhaps more. 

In spite of this, in the grand scheme of things, this is a mere nuisance and I am blessed far more than I ever deserve.  Now let's head into the season of Christmas! 

Esprit De Fonrozay "Grand Vin De Bordeaux" 2020

Lighter than expected garbet hue with aromas of dried red raspberry, ash, tart cranberry notes, intriguing aromas as it's warming up. Fresh fruit burst at the rim of cherry cream bon bons and a perfumy edge away from the glass..

Palate--Tart first impression, with medium, thickish mouth feel. It is tightly wound and needs to breathe. This is a lip smacking youthful Bordeaux that is well crafted and will bring rewards for laying it down for another 3-5 years. *I am pairing this value wine ($9) with my turkey dinner being thankful for the bountiful blessings of salvation by grace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Raise a glass! 

*This wine is too young to enjoy right now. Another 2 years at least...

Thanksgiving wines!

 

A Thanksgiving Day meal with friends and family provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy nice wine. Because so much fuss is made over food and wine pairings in general, I find people get a little stressed out about what to serve guest on this special day. Fortunately, many wines have a much broader range than they get credit for. With that in mind, I have some basic suggestions that might help.

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

Rule #1 You need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that very fact, a red wine is the best pairing but not just any red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.

 A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel. 

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wines. This is especially easy if you are able to provide you guests with two wine glasses and allow them to pour and sip as they like. Simply place the bottles on the table and allow your guests to discover the different pairings as they please.

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours in a 750ml bottle! So which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, stay away from the bottom of the barrel Cabernets.  If you are able spend closer to $15 - $20 for your Cabernet.  Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point.

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food. (I like a Cava from Spain which are ubiquitous and very inexpensive. It will say Cava on the label) 

To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine or Champagne. Something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.

Above all else-  It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!

Promesses De France Cotes Du Rhone 2020

Dark red hue with some intensity and youthful purple. Bouquet is full of medium dark berries with white pepper at the edge and a touch of menthol. It needs to breathe. (With some air, it yields more goodness and is yielding some bright fresh sweet red berry goodness with spices.)

Palate-- Mouth watering tannins, bright acidity, fruit is a bit tight--again needs to breathe--but there is some nice structure here and a very nice Classic GSM profile as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (I am assuming by the profile) is the classic Rhone blend. 

*After checking it is indeed a GSM blend and is very well done for the ridiculous price of about $10.

I see some "community reviews" of this wine giving it an average of 84.5 points. That's pretty tough grading. This is a value Cotes Du Rhone and is worth looking to snag if your see one. I am pairing it tonight with homemade beef stew and it will be great so raise a glass!

Georges Duboeuf "*Beaujolais Nouveau" 2023

A beautiful garnet with opaque rose-pink tints at the rim when illuminated from able. Aromas of classic Gamay with touches of spiced apple rings, pear, and sweet baking spices, chocolate covered cherries.

Palate--Slightly tart first impression and a lite hint of "sparkle" which is wonderful finishing with a gentle touch of fresh ground black pepper.

*Beaujolais Nouveau is a "special" wine made in a special way and released with a VERY special fan fare. From vinification to release the wine is only 6 weeks old!  It is released worldwide on the the third Thursday of November at midnight and there is a raucous bacchanalia in Beaujolais and a lot of headaches and perhaps regrets in the morning.

This Nouveau is remarkable in two ways: 1. It is far and away much better than the same production last year which I noted was fit for pouring down the drain. 2. It is also much more expensive this year than last year's offering. $12 last year to $15 this year... That is pushing the limits of he desirability of this wine. 

If it wasn't for the "Tradition" of France's Nouveau celebration this wine--at this price--wouldn't make it off too many shelves. At it's best it is an uncomplicated, fresh, lively and fun quaff. If it goes any higher next year, I will probably pass on it.  For this year? Raise a glass and enjoy it for what it is.!

Mark West Pinot Noir 2021

 

Light, bright, happy "spring fruit" with a sweet, beautiful bouquet of spiced apples on a hue of crystalline garnet.

Palate--Sweet with red berries, strawberry, spice, mild beam of cocoa. finishing with a hint of smoke.

This  "sourced" Pinot from California is usually a reliable quaff at the $10 price point. It is at its best when slightly chilled.  This will pair with all kinds of cheeses and dishes as long as they tend to be on gentler side of the "taste spectrum."

Pinot Noir is such an iconic grape I would suggest you splurge and look for an Oregon or regional California Pinot at the $15 and up price point. The slight difference in cost may pay off big dividends.

Cecilia Beretta {Freeda} Rosé Trevenezie 2022

Orangeish, pinkish, golden hue with lovely aromas of white grapefruit, pomegranate, and hints of citrus.

Palate--Juicy profile with mouth watering acidity, off dry sweet/sour, with lip smacking structure and a crisp finish with more grapefruit. 

This is one of the most intriguing Rosés I have had in ages. I am making cod with a creamy Spaetzle and tomato sauce. At the $10 price point this is a rosé to be on the lookout for as it is far and away the rest of myriad plonk seems to be overtaking the market once again. Raise a glass!

Western Edge "Red Blend" 2017 (Columbia Valley)

 

Dark purple nearly black with aromas of jammy fruit, black berries, plum, a touch of prune, a hint of wood.

Palate--Relaxed tannins with a big fruit bomby front but loaded with all kinds of juicy, mouth watering rich ripe dark berries and other savory fruit.

Purchased at a N.H. Liquor store on sale for around $8 I believe and this is a big wine that drinks easily. It has a fleeting finish but is a nice accompaniment to the pizza I have going right now in the oven from Chicago--deep dish of course.   This drinks nicely all by itself if you are a fan of this style--which I am...

I am unable to find a single reference on line for this wine which is odd. At any rate, raise a glass!

Rioja Burgo Viejo 2019

Purple/garnet hue with aromas flowing far from the glass of sweet lovely red berry fruit, and savory spice.  In the bowl, nice sweet and savory spices overall, with compelling nuances of mixed berry compote and a hint of cola.

Palate-- Nice first impression of well made, structured, artful presentation of Tempranillo the signature grape of the Rioja (Spain). Finishes surprisingly quickly for the robustness of the initial taste. 

This is a juicy, flavorful lovely Rioja begging to be sipped one mouthful after another.  The Wine Enthusiast gave this wine a crazy low score of 84 points out of 100.  James Suckling gives it a 91. I am more in the camp of Mr. Suckling.  

At around $10-$17 this Rioja is a good example of the region's wine. I am attempting to pair it with a hot-ish spiced (Ancho chili powder) charcoal grilled chicken. *I am not certain..... I'll let you know! Raise a glass. 

*It paired quite well!

Alta Alella "PB" 2019

Very light golden hue with aromas of green melon before the swirl for after the swirl it is a different profile. Lemon and vanilla notes; *fresh laundry just out of the washer. (smells like our detergent.)

Palate--Razor sharp acidity is what smacks you out of the gate. Quince, and bitter almond hints with juicy lemon and vanilla with a fleeting Finish.

I LOVE a big acidic white but this is a bit over the top. It does mellow out once you have had a few tastes of it. The Xarello (pronounced--Sharello) grape is the first time I have had a Spanish wine as a varietal.  It has been a blending grape in some Spanish Cavas. I paid $15 for this and I admit the classy label and particularly the name of the wine is what grabbed me. I was a pastor for 40 years and went by the moniker of "PB" so I kinda had to buy this.  The Wine Enthusiast gave this an 88 point rating which I believe is generous.

The jury is still out on this one.  I will be pairing it with homemade chicken pot pie. We'll see if it gets redeemed.

*First time i have used this aromas comparison in 40 years of wine tasting. LOL

Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay (Alexander Valley--Sonoma) 2017

 

Slight amber hue with a spectacular golden hue from age accompanied by aromas of burnt orange, fresh notes of tangerine, hints of caramel.

Palate-- Previously reviewed back in April, I opened my last bottle tonight. Still lively though with muted fruit, lively acidity, a citrus beam still prevalent, and actually quite enjoyable even more so than the other 2 or 3 bottles I reviewed previously.  

I paid $15 for this Sonoma Chard and the first bottle was "ok" as was the 2nd and third.  This one was really quite amazing and a value at $15 for the 375ml (a full bottle is 750ml).  Aged wines--and while this isn't all that old, most wines are not made to "age!"  In fact most aged wines are pretty crappy.  But this one is appropriately priced and in my estimation is a value that I was even able to find a few. 

Would be great with buttery sauces, lobster, French onion tart--which is what I had it with a moment ago and it was perfect. If you manage to find one, grab it and expand your horizons and raise a glass.