Children of the Revolution Pinot Noir 2022

Pale strawberry hue with aromas of cinnamon and cherry above the rim, a touch of spice but the win is cold so it needs to warm up a touch.

Palate--Nice first impression with a very nice "nuanced bitter" first impression which is quite endearing. What follows is not exactly "classic" pinot profile but decent enough. Spicy strawberry comes to the fore with a fleeting finish.

This Aussie wine presents itself as somehow a step above non-vegan humans as if using "dairy products or fish" according to the wine's label, is somehow immoral. The label states: "Our wine is clear and so is our conscience. Join the revolution."  

Forgetting the non-sense the wine is "ok" for the $8 I paid for it but comes with a $16 price tag which it is not worth. If you see it for $8 grab it; it's different, but that's about it.

Pet-Nat Amuse Bouche 2023

Pale pink hue with tight aromas of peach...

Palate-- Hint of burnt toast(?) with very dry profile and mild presence of stone fruit.

This is an austere quaff which I opened to pair with our take out Asian cuisine. Never having had it I presumed it would have a touch of sweetness. It is bone dry but actually did it good job with our take out.  

I paid $10 for this at Trader Joe's and while it's OK I don't think I would buy it again. But it is a "naturally" made wine meaning there is nothing added to it not even yeast etc. It is in fact the way wine was made for centuries. If for no other reason give it a try for the uniqueness of it and raise a glass.

Bogle Zinfandel Old Vine 2021

Deep black cherry hue with big Zinny aromas of dark Berry fruit, a hint of licorice, fresh black cherry, plum. 

Palate--Everything in the bouquet is there in the palate. It is juicy in structure, much tastier than its price point would indicate, which it is a regular offering on my dinner table.

This many-times-reviewed Zin is a go-to staple in my house whenever I find it for around $9. Tonight it will be served with left-over shells, garlic bread, and tossed salad. Raise a glass!

Warre's Heritage Ruby Port

 

Deep rich, eggplant purple hue with aromas of prune, perfumey red flowers, [needs to warm up]

Palate-- Wonderfully sweet port, with deep voluptuous intense, uber-ripe plum and prune whip, with lovely structure to carry the intense sweetness without being cloying. Flavor is intense, long lasting with a lasting finish, and leaving you wanting for more of the same.

This is a $20 price point port and is a fine example of want can be done with Port wine short of full blown, expensive "Vintage Port." I LOVE port and I enjoy the $8 Trader Joes's value port and I have had a 99 point Wine Spectator vintage port and while it is extraordinary, I cannot afford such wine very often. If you have the means, do try it out; it is other worldly.  But LBV ports (Late Bottle Vintage Ports) while not being "Vintage ports" are a fraction of the price and marvelous in their own right.

Drink it solo, or indulge with fresh strawberries, semi- sweet dark chocolate, rich brownies or whatever chocolate delights you. It is a match made in heaven.  So raise a glass!

MBALI 2023 Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend

Light golden hue with a touch of green and big bouquet of juicy, ripe pears, vanilla.

Palate--Lack luster first impression with a lazy profile, but loads of off dry pears and green melon and a pleasant slightly bitter mid palate which is endearing. It finishes fresh with a pleasant linger.

This delightful S. African creation is Chenin Blanc and Viognier (pronounced Vee oh Nyay!)

Lovely Chenins come out of S. Africa and have for years. This one is delicious and chilled down is a terrific aperitif on a hot summer day but I will be pairing it with my wife's homemade Swiss chard soup.

Raise a glass!

Santa Rosa Malbec 2023

Deep purple hue as a young wine should present;  surprisingly ample fruit aromas of dark berry, a touch of olive, plum and dark chocolate.

Palate--Although a little warm than ideal, palate is big fruit bomb, full of luscious Malbec, with edges of savory spice, and plum.

I think my wife grabbed this for $6 recently and thought we should try it.  It is actually a decent wine hailing from the classic Mendoza (Argentina) region for Malbec. Drinks quite well even at this youthful stage.

This will pair well with robust cheeses, red sauced pasta dishes and is even decent all by itself so raise a glass. 

7 Deadly Zins 2020 (Zinfandel)

Garnet hue with a slight opacity and aromas of Blackberry and plum with spice. 

Palate--Decent Zin flavors with spice on the edges, a somewhat mellow or relaxed structure on the palate with lots of nice Zin fruit.

This is a Lodi AVA (Calif.) and I tasted it side by side with another Lodi Zin of which I have drank a ton called "Scotto."  The two were basically indistinguishable from one another. If I had tasted them blind I would have said they were the same wine. 

I bought this last minute from a big box store and paid $12 for it but it was the ONLY Zin they had. The Scotto I get at Trader Joe's and I pay $9 for it so I will be stocking up with even more of my favorite standby Zinfandel.  Raise a galss!

Match Book Malbec 2021

 

Magenta hue with aromas of brooding blackberry pie and hints of spiced apple rings, quite impressive.

Palate--Silky first impression with lively acidity and spice, and blackberries galore. (Some of the reviews I read after reviewing it myself, are a bit over the top with the myriad flavors etc. one "imagines.") But I won't go there in this review...

This "Dunnigan Hills" Malbec is a good example of the grape although this is a first I believe for my experience with "Dunnigan Hills."  Listed around the $20 price point I would be disappointed at that price. I paid $10 in which case it is a good example as I said of the grape. At the lower price point, raise a glass!

Requiem Red Blend 2020

 Dark purple hue with aromas of Blackberry and plum with spice accents and brighter fresher dark berry above the rim.

Palate--Big mouth filling berry with a lackluster structure. Syrah is taking center stage with a mellowing of the overall picture thanks to the Merlot. Finishes a bit shallow but pleasant.

This Columbia Valley (Washington State) made in a popular style, this will appeal to the red wine lovers who like loads of fruit, ready to drink. It is a 50/50 blend of the two grapes mentioned.

Pairing it with home-made lasagna this evening.  I see it on line for $22 although I paid $10 for it.  At $10 I like it, at $20, not so much!

Match Book Rosé of Tempranillo 2022

 

Interesting orange hue with aromas primarily of sweet Chinese 5 spice, and gentle raspberry.

Palate--Vibrant acidity, a light citrus note in the mid palate, tart raspberry, a lighter finish but nice.

This rosé, made from the pride of Spain (the Tempranillo grape), is a well made food worthy rosé. Tonight I will have it with Brats, four cheese tortellini, salad and fresh garden string beans sauteed in butter. 

I found this for $9 marked down from $18.  Raise a glass at $9!

Hidden Hills Estate Shiraz 2021

 

Deep purple as expected from this grape with aromas Slight hint of ruby red grapefruit, gentle fruit above the rim not characteristic of the grape, subdued but very nice ripe berry fruits, plum and savory yet sweet spices.

Palate--Absolutely silky texture, with seductive tannins that grow while on the palate.  Lots of dark and mixed berries fighting to get out; needs time to come around and open up.  Fleeting finish but c'mon, read below...

Mclaren Vale is one of Australia's great wine regions and they produce gazillions of tons of grapes which means BIG production which is why they can offer this wine for the ridiculous price of $6 at Trader Joes. It is not classic Shiraz but it's a great price so...

Should improve over the next 2 years and be a value wine to be grabbed.  Raise a glass!

Chateau Hyot Reserve 2020

 

Beautiful crystalline magenta hue with lovely aromas of sweet red berry, then more mature darker red fruit with plum and a hint of mocha and cinnamon.

Palate--Bold presentation with loads of minerality on the first impression, rigid acidity, ample plum and pie cherry underneath.  

This is from the Castillon a sub region of Bordeaux and is really well made and should be holding for a number of years beyond  In fact it will only improve for the next 3-5 years, If you have the discipline buy several and lay a couple down for the future and I believe you will be rewarded.

Pairing this tonight with strip steak grilled with charcoal. At $45 retail, found it on sale for $15 and it is a bargain so raise a glass. 

Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé 2023

Bright tart cherry with an nice citrus beam even if a bit unusual, with a note of mandarin orange!

Palate--Steely front with the same citrusy mid palate with cherry notes and citrusy finish that lingers.

Tavel is the only area in the Rhone Valley of France which has made a quality Rosé for decades.  When the world was producing nothing but "Plonk" in many countries Teval made a lovely wine which iit is to this day. It has Character, finesse, structure and is well worth seeking out. At the $10 price point at Trader Joe's. 

I will pair it with my chinese dinner and it will be great so raise a glass!

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Washington State 2020

 

Youthful purple hue with aromas of Beautiful dark berry fruit with subtle notes of savory spice.

Palate--Relaxed tannins with nice fruit forward rich berry presence, ripe plum in the middle and a lasting finish that keeps on giving.

Columbia Crest is the highest point on the breathtaking glaciated Mt. Rainier. My name happens to be recorded in the book at the summit having been as climber back in the 80's.  Living there for about 3 years we loved the majestic vista, Rainier Nat'l Park and this was all before the Silicon Valley migration to seattle.

Columbia Crest Wines have established themselves as reliable value producing wines that you can buy without hesitation. This is no exception.  At the $12 price point raise a glass!

Four Vines Old Vines Zinfandel 2021 (Lodi)

Bouquet is rather lighter than usual with pronounced strawberry bouquet, with chilled tomato juice notes, and spices.

Palate--Nice fruity front with aging strawberry notes with savory spices, a twinge of dark cocoa in the finish.

It's been a while since I have had Four Vines Zinfandel and I always enjoy them. At the $12 price point it's a no brainer! Raise a glass...

Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva 2014

Purple deep hue in center of bowl with a tinge of bricking at the rim. Aromas of raw beef, in the bowl with unique minced meat nuances, and more but needs to open. Smoked mushrooms,...

Palate--Mature structure with sophisticated tannins, nice balance with acid and structured, around fruit that eludes me! 

This will be a nice pairing with my strip steak (charcoal grilled) for my bride and our 51st anniversary. Funny thing is I bought this recently at a Sam's Club and thought it was $10. It was in the wrong bin and I was surprised to see my receipt at home for $25.  But even at that, this is a  very nice wine, and worth every bit of qhat I paid for it so "Raise a glass!"

 

Foncastel Picpoul De Pinet 2023

 

Lighter golden hue with aromas of Cantaloupe, musk melon with a squeeze of lime juice on top with sweet vanilla pudding on the edge.

Palate--Vibrant mouth feel, nice acidity with loads of zesty fruit, lovely structured wine with a nice mouth feel and finish that lingers.

The Languedoc region of France is a reliable producer of all manner of the wines they ship and they are always a very nice value.  This is no exception. 

Serve this chilled at pool side, with cheeses and crackers, or pair it with a variety of seafoods and French onion soup as I am having tonight.  At $13, this is a definite raise a glass!

Masciarelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

Opaque, garnet hue with aromas of subtle milk chocolate, cherry berry, strawberry licorice.

Palate--Clean cherry and berry flavors with rigid acidity, mid-palate savory spices and cocoa, finishing with a black licorice ending.

This is one of my favorite budget Montepulciano D'Abruzzos and never disappoints. It goes with all kinds of Italian themed dishes but I served it with my wife's special dinner of boneless rib eyes on the charcoal and hardwood grill. It was perfect.  I grabbed this for $9 at my favorite wine shop in Portland, Maine and will return tomorrow to see if I can score any more.  Raise a glass!

Cooperativo Sociale "Primitvo" 2020

 

Purple/garnet hue with aromas of nice sweetish red/purple flowers, violets, with a savory yet sweet spice note overlying it all.

Palate--Decent first impression, with relaxed tannins and structure. Notes of Berry beams down the middle, with nuances that remind of numerous fruity, Italian wines, but honestly not much of *Zinfandel.

I am having this with indoor pan grilled Bratwurst--due to heavy rains, sauteed onions and green peppers on top and it will be great! 

*Primitivo is the genetic "parent" of what we know as Zinfandel. Zinfandel was unique to the United States although S. Africa and Australia now produce Zinfandel as I understand.  I have never seen one however. 

My wife bought this for me for Father's Day and I believe it runs around $16. Raise a glass!

J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié 2022

Purple hue with aromas of fresh grape, some spice, and since we just came through a rain on my ripe strawberry patch, well, there you go!    

Palate--Cranberry driven first impression with a sweet tartness, andsome stern minerality.

I'm not sure about this wine as a matter of preference. It is a decent enough summery kind of wine chilled down well, and reminds me of Beaujolais Nouveau in the sense that it can be quaffed without having to parse every nuance of the grape but rather just enjoy it with friends.

I am going to have it with charcoal grilled venison burgers and we'll see what happens. For around $9 its worth a try.

Warres LBV (Late Bottled Vintage Port) 2009

Brownish purple hue with aromas of prune whip, raisin,  super sweet, dark, brooding fruit.

Palate--Silky textured, sweet prune, currant, raisin, lingering, lovely mouth filling dark prune flavors with a lasting finish that reminds you what you were just blessed with.

This is a great treat my wife gave me for Father's Day and it is wonderful! Since most normal human beings cannot afford "Vintage Port" LBV is a great way to experience a close proximity to Vintage Port. This is thickish, balanced, complex and glorious in its presentation. 

For a splurge of $35 enjoy it all by itself or try it with strawberries or dark Chocolate and Raise a Glass!

Joseph Handler Riesling 2022 (Pfalz)

 

Very pale gold hie with aromas of tropical fruit, melon, green apple, and oil.        

Palate--Very slight "spritzig" (sparkle) with balanced flavors of tropical melange and gentle sweet baking spice.

I LOVE Riesling! People will say it is SWEET but it is actually FRUITY! Sweet means there is unfermented sugar remaining in the wine which is not the case.

Another Trader Joe's bargain at $6 grab some, chill it down and serve it on the deck, patio, pool-side all by itself or with fruit and light cheeses.  Raise a glass!

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 21 (Paso Robles)

Deep purple hue with aromas of  Rich dark berry, plum and black berry and savory spices.    

Big first impression with rich, ripe jammy berry fruit, well structured, youthful, tasty and savory. Finish lingers a while with rich dark berry goodness and blackberry pie.

Reviewed many times because it is such a value wine from Trader Joes. At $10 for an AVA Cab is a bargain and Corvelia is super so raise a glass!

Spasso Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

Deep dark plum hue with aromas of berry fruit tart, with baking spice, Washington State cherries.

Palate--Relaxed structure, almost lazy but not, big spicy front with berry in the middle. 

Hmmm, not sure what to make of this.  First--the label is eye catching and fun! I love Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and maybe it's youthfulness is getting in my way.  Not in a bad way, just ambivalent.  I am going to guess the structure of this will make this an exceptional food wine, so I withhold judgement *until I get my charcoal grilled lamb shanks of the grill.  

*My cumin laced grilled lamb shanks was spectacular with this wine!  Or should I say this wine was spectacular with my lamb shanks?  

Whatever; at $9 for this bottle, it was a perfect pairing and made you want more of everything.  So, raise a glass!

Bogle Pinot Noir 2021 (California)

A rather dark hue for Pinot Noir with aromas of strawberry and bright red fruit.

Palate--Nicely constructed even if a bit harsh, with a big lip smacking foundation, decent fruit and some sweet/savory spices.

Bogle is reliable and a value wine producer. At $7 for this wine on closeout (more likely to see it upwards of $10-12). Reviewed previously, so compare.  Raise a glass!

Frei Brothers Chardonnay (Russian River) 2022

Pale straw hue with aromas of tropical fruits, pear and steamed fruit cocktail.        

Palate--Balanced front with masterful structure, brimming with stewed pears, vibrant chinese five spice, with a lingering finish, and lovely integrated acidity making it a very powerful, food friendly quaff. 

The Russian River AVA of Sonoma is one of the best America has to offer of this iconic varietal. I will be putting it through its paces with tonight's spicy shrimp, and polish sausage pasta.  

At the $20 price point, Raise a glass! 

Monterra Merlot (Monterey) 2021

Garnet hue with purple highlights and aromas of rather "grapey" bouquet which is unexpected from a Merlot or actually ANY wine that is not made for guzzling or is plonk.

Palate--Understated, but with red berry fruit with spices at the edges, and not  the "grapey" presentation it gave in the nose. Still not very "Merlot" like.

This is a Trader Joe's offering and even at $7 it is fleeting barely drinkable though the uninitiated would never notice.  If you don't mind plonk, there is worse but this is not characteristic Merlot. Pass...

Cameron Hughes Lambrusco Lot 841

 

Grapey color and grapey bouquet with a slight apple aroma.

Palate--Effervescent on the palate with bright, grapey, cheery, flavors with a very quick finish.

Lambrusco is a very playful, uncomplicated, easy to drink red wine with low alcohol content (8.5%) and is wonderful chilled down and served with light appetizers or all by itself llpool side or just enjoying a Summer day.  I think I paid around $9 for it and it is simple, lively and refreshing so raise a glass!

PRADOREY 2019 VALDELAYEGUA (Single Vineyard)

Intense aubergine purple hue with aromas of rather elegant berry bouquet with floral violet, and a touch of cumin!

Palate--Fruit forward beginning with spicy, rich berry fruit, savory spices, with a rear palate of darker berry pie. Finishes with lingering berry and spice.

This "Single Vineyard" Tempranillo is quite lovely.  Listed at $25 I found it for $15 and it is quite a find at that price point. I am having a bone in grilled rib eye steak which will be perfect for this wine. If you can find it, raise a glass!

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2021 (Lodi)

Garnet hue with aromas of tighter blackberry fruit, with sweetish and spiced nuances

Palate--Heavy on the palate, loads of luscious dark berry fruit, with loads of zesty spices that are both savory and yet sweet. Finish is a touch coarse but it works!

I found this today at a local Walmart on closeout at $7.  What a steal!  I only bought 4 bottles but should grab the rest. Raise a glass!

Vignobles Lacheteau "Touraine" Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Very pale straw hue with aromas of classic Sauvignon Blanc grassy bouquet, with light lemon/lime undertone aromas and perhaps light melon but the grassy bouquet is over powering.

Palate--Green melon first impression with a somewhat flabby structure but grassy S. Blanc flavors are strong and solid with a slightly bitter ending but lingering notes of grass.

Central France is the home of the Touraine and the Loire Valley. This producer makes lovely super value wine around the $8 price point at trader Joes.  I have never had this particular bottle by them and it is another nice value if you like Sauvignon Blanc. It is surprisingly "new world" in its make up and I won't bore you with the blah blah blah wine speak.  Branch out and see what you think.  Chill it down first and raise a glass!

I am pairing this tonight with home-made asparagus soup... which is a particularly challenging pairing so we shall we see what happens.  

Rosa Dell'Olma Langhe Nebbiola 2021

 

This is one of my favorite Italian grapes, the Nebbiolo. When you pour it, because of its very pale cherry red hue that it might be watermelon juice.   But that is classic Nebbiolo. Aromas of floral spring flowers, with a light touch of sweet savory spices.

Palate--It is a bit tart, with mouth watering acidity, stingy cherry fruit with those same spices you get in the bouquet.  

Now first the "get a grip" factor. Nebbiolo can cost you into the $20-$40 range and higher and they are quite lovely. This Trader Joe's regular is under $10!  Is it the classic Nebbiolo profile? Not if you mean voluptuous fruit, no, but with food friendly, mouth watering acidity, yes; Old world structure, yes, an eye pleasing shimmering ruby red in the glass, yes, and will it go with lovely tomato based pastas as well as Pizzas, ravioloi.s etc., yes.

So for Pete's sake, if you see these, grab them and enjoy them for what they are--a nice value wine!  Raise a glass!

"Vint" Mondavi Pinot Noir 2022

Thin Pinot hue with aromas of strawberries, ash and spice.

Palate--Juicy structure with more structure than flavor; solid acidity, austere Pinot flavors but what's there is tasty.  Finishes better than it starts.

I could write a book on Robert Mondavi and the legacy he left to Napa Valley and the country of wine as a whole. When he passed, Mondavi wines changed. They "may" still produce elegant, desirable wines but I am now at an income level where I probably couldn't afford them even if I wanted them. 

At any rate this is a $7 dollar Pinot Noir sourced from California and it is to be passed on. My wife grabbed it on sale which I am glad she did as I have not had a Mondavi wine in many years.  I STILL haven't had a Mondavi wine...  Pass on this.

Saint Roch Old Vines Red 2020

 

Deep purple hue with aromas of ash, and tart plum.    

Palate--Velvety texture, with spicy red fruit, cherry and a touch tannic, with black olives galore.

This blend of Grenache and Syrah is from the Cotes Du Roussillon Villages where they just tend to turn out value wines. 

I am not crazy about this one and for the tag of $16 I was hoping for more. I will pair it with charcoal grilled rib eyes and we'll *see how it goes...

*It was "ok" with my steak but not exceptional...

Hook or Crook Old Vine Zinfandel Reserve 2018

Solid ruby hue with aromas of blackberry pie, spice.

Palate--First impression is a bold, juicy, fruit filled wine that is drinking at peak. It is fleeting in its presence but what's there is solidly Zinfandel.  

I have had this very wine several times and I will review my previous reviews of it when it is much younger. 

I paid $9 for this 6 year old Zin and has much life left in it so raise a glass.

Pecchenino San Luigi Dogliani 2021

A glistening ruby with aromas of baked bread, savory and sweet spices, Loads of red berry hard candies and violets. 

Palate--A rather relaxed yet nicely structured first impression with gentle if not playful red fruit trifle, with a strong beam of those spices right down the middle.

This Piedmont (Italy) grape called Dolcetto, are derived from various vineyards in the region. It is a grape that doesn't get the respect it deserves being over shadowed by the great Nebbiolo and the more forward, Barbera.  I would liken it to "Chenin blanc" in the white wine world in that it gets little respect but deserves so much more.  The advantage of this is that it is a relative bargain.

I am pairing it tonight with my wife's home made "Italian sausage and kale" soup with homemade cheese bread.  At $9 this is a definite raise a glass! 

BTW--Put a nice chill on it and enjoy it pool side with appetizers of all sorts!

Series '68' (Calif. Red Blend)

Garnet hue with aromas of spicy plum and black cherry.

Palate--Fruity front, a somewhat "clunky" structure but decent fruit comes through with a decent finish that might be better than the original presentation.

A somewhat confused if non-descript attempt at making a red blend with who knows what grapes... Fetzer has such a prestigious name that I am afraid they are grasping at bulk, cheap wines in order to stay profitable. I hope I am wrong. At $10 I would pass on this.

 

Espiral Vinho Verde

Pale straw hue with aromas of lovely stone fruit, a hint of lemon lime, and a touch of vanilla pudding.        

Palate--Gentle spritzig (sparkle) on the tongue with a nice beam of balanced citrusy, sweet fruit, with a very dry finish.

This Portuguese white wine is a non vintage creation and is inexpensive and ever so nice to quaff with a nice chill on it.

I may have paid $6 for this Trader Joes offer and it is a lovely summer sparkler for pool side, light appetizers.  How can you resist at this price.  Raise a glass!

ZOLO "RED" Argentina 2020

Lovely purple hue and a dark black bowl with lighter savory and yet sweet spiced apple and mixed berry fruit.

Palate-- Bright red berry fruit and, wait for it, grapey nuances, with nice structure and a hint of red grapefruit. Finishes quickly with lip smacking tannins and a jellied berry compote.

This is a mash up of numerous Argentinian grapes for an interesting blend that will pair with a variety of more robust cheeses, BBQ'd chicken, pizza and red sauce pasta.

A the $10 price point it is a change from the usual and is worth a peek so raise a glass.

Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (California)

Truly gorgeous magenta-crimson hue with aromas of blackberry compote, mocha above the rim and a sweet bright red fruit I cannot put my finger (or should I say "nose" on).

Palate--A pleasant tartness out of the gate but is mitigated by the ample blackberry fruit in the mid palate. It held up well to my charcoal grilled rib-eye for my wife for Mother's Day. 

Benziger Family has been doing wine well for a long time and this $17 Cab actually has some Cabernet characteristics.  For the $10 I paid for it, I'd do it again so raise a glass!

 

Noble Vines 337 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi) 2021

 

Nice garnet hue with aromas of gentle red berry and cinnamon nuanced bouquet. 

Palate--Slightly "sweet" first impression but this is NOT a sweet wine. It is a well made inexpensive Cabernet that stands out for its care in structure. 

If you read the previous review a bout $10 price point Cabernets this may confuse you and understandably so.  Yes this is another $10ish Cabernet and yet it is actually froman AVA named "Lodi." This in itself puts it above all the myriad "California" Cabernets. Lodi being a much more narrowed region for the terroir to express itself in these grapes and it shows.  

I would buy this wine again even though it is a cheap $10 Cab. So, raise a glass!

Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (California)

Ruby/garnet hue with aromas of light cherry/berry and savory spice.

Palate-Plum on the front palate, with spices and finishes with a fairly weak but fruity berry finish.

Another "California" generic Cabernet that is in a field of gazillions of such wines. This is no more a good example of Cabernet Sauvignon  as the myriad other $10 Cabernets that flood the fields of cheap wine.

If you follow my blog and understand my vast experience of wine for over 40 years it might seem like I sing the same song over and over and over with respect to the vast majority of wines I review.  You would be correct.  This is the result of having a limited budget, on a fixed income, so I focus on the $10 price point wines which is what most people buy.  You will never experience or understand the particular grape varietals and how distinct and glorious they can be.  Because you have to be willing to pony up the price.

A $10 Cabernet, or Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay or --fill in the blank-- is going to have the same basic profile regardless of where it is from.  Yes there are exceptions but exceptions are exceptions because they are "exceptional."   [You can quote me on that!]  :)  

Pradorey 2019 Fince VALDELAYEGUA (single vineyard)

 

Inky dark black hue with huge aromas of blackberry and plum, gentle sacory spicing--needs to breath.

Palate--Bold youthful presentation with gigantic fruit bomb flavors, silky tannins, and so much fruit you almost overload...almost!  :) 

This (crianza) Tempranillo wine is from the Valdelayegua vineyard then aged for 12 months (which is what "crianza" means). 

*I will add notes when this has had time to open.  I paid $15 for this gem though it lists at $25. I am serving it with charcoal grilled chicken. It is a wonderful pairing and wished I would have bought a case!

*This is a majestic Tempranillo, expertly crafted and wonderfully presented. I am fortunate to have found it.  Raise a glass!

Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red Lake County 2020

Dark garnet hue with aromas of juicy fresh rd berry, pipe tobacco, and gentle spice.

Palate--sophisticated first impression with bold fruit profile and numerous iterations of red berry and some black berry as well.  Finishes with a lod of savory spice once it opens, and lingers for a good bit.

Shannon Ridge in my limited experience with their wines has a nice blend of structured wines and a talent of blending all sorts of grapes.  This is a melange of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Sirah. It tends toward a slightly confused presentation but is never-the-less tasty.  Listed at $20, I found this for $9. 

Having it with our Sunday night pizza and it will be perfect so raise a glass at the $10 price point.

Vintage Northwest Riesling Columbia Valley 2020

Very pale straw hue with scant aromas of "oily" tropical fruit, and not much of it.

Palate--Flabby, structure, subdued flavors of some tropical fruit but seriously lacking.

I paid $5.50 after discounts and sale of an otherwise price tag of of only $7.  Is it drinkable?  Yes.  But... if you aren't familiar with Riesling and how glorious it can be, you want to avoid this effort.  Washington state can do very nice Riesling but this is not one of them. And the fact that it is over 4 years old doesn't help its cause. 

The Immortal ZIN 2021 (*Lodi-ancient vines)

Nice darker black-cherry color with aromas of rich blackberries, violets, and rose petal.

Palate--Rich, intense, baked bread under a rich layer of deep brooding dark berries. Finishes with a gentler presence of cherryberry but it's fleeting. Nicely structured and endearing.

This $14 Zin was marked down to $9 and I am always on the hunt for solid but affordable wines. This is pretty decent for the price and it will pair excellently with my homemade venison chili.  Raise a glass!

*Lodi as one of many California "AVA's" [American Viticultural Areas] giving it a special (higher) status.  The designation "Old Vines" is to suggest that because the vines of these grapes are generally close to 100 years old or greater, They have been stressed through weather, fires, etc. which at least in theory gives the grapes and the wines more "character" of the area called "Terroir." 

The Orignal SMOKING LOON Old Vine Zinfandel (NV)

 

I am not going to even review this properly since it is a total loss!  I just noticed it is not even a "Vintage" Zin. It is sourced from California Zinfandel grapes and that's about as far as this wine goes being "Zinfandel" like.  

It is fairly awful so pass it up. I do not know what they were thinking as they cam produce some pretty decent wine.  This is NOT one of them.  Even at $7 it is a LOSER.   Caveat Emptor!

Mark West Pinot Noir 2022 (california) (No picture available)

Light cherry colored hue typical of domestic Pinot with stingy aromas of fresh baked bread, (yeast) light strawberry.

Palate -- Light weight Pinot, fruit, steel, and well, not much else to commend it.

This is a cheap California Pinot that is not typical for Mark West. You would never know what you drinking even with an experienced palate. Is it drinkable?  Well yeah, but then most things are. While this isn't offensive, it isn't a good example of what is one of the most prestigious rapes in the world. For the same price ($13) there are numerous an Oregon Pinot's that out shine this by far.  

Clos Du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon (California) 2021

Medium Garnet hue with aromas of black cherry sweet/savory bright red fruit.

Palate-- Watery texture, with forward dark cherry-berry fruit, and a touch of savory spice.  Finishes better than it starts but is just "meah."

Clos Du Bois (pronounced "Do-Bwah") was one of the early California wineries I cut my teeth on some 45 years ago when beginning this lovely journey through viticulture. Clos du Bois can make some nice wine. This isn't one of them.

"House Wine" Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

Nice darker garnet hue with aromas of light plum and dark berry with subtle ash and savory spice.

Palate--Fruity dark berry with a savory foundation. Mouth feel is a bit clunky and finishes quickly.

Charles Smith can make good wine.  But that takes time and selection etc. This is called House Wine I am guessing because it is a generic kind of red wine that you might see on a typical chain restaurant. But in a restaurant a glass of this might cost you as much $10 whereas the whole bottle costs around $10.

It's what you would expect out of a $10 Cabernet.  I will have it with charcoal broiled chicken smothered in BBQ sauce.

Martin Ranch "Thérèse Vineyards" 2017 Pinot Noir

Some serious *bricking going on with subdued strawberry, savory spice on the rim with fresher  fruit above the rim. A slight hint of caramel which is attributed to its aging hence the bricking.

Pallet-- lovely acidity, A bit of an old world flare, hint of milk chocolate rear pallet and what you taste up front is what lingers on.  

*Bricking--A a red wine ages it oxidizes and begins to take on a brownish tint first noticeable at the rim when tilted under good lighting.  This is a characteristic of an aging wine is not a flaw. Some people love it, (I happen to be one of them) others do not. It does mean that the wine should be drunk fairly quickly...

I was not familiar with the producer of this very nice Pinot Noir.  It is quite different demonstrating "terroir" and the appeal of "single vineyard wines.  They also tend to cost a good bit more. 

This was served by my daughter on a recent visit and runs around $35. 

OXTE "Red Blend" 2022

Purple garnet hue on the lighter side with aromas of spicy sweet red fruit with a hint of cinnamon perhaps.

Palate--Lively structure with a balanced presentation of fruit and body, very nice savory spiced cherry/berry fruit with a fleeting finish.

This Spanish blend of 40% Tempranillo, 25%Syrah, 25% Garnacha, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon is well made and for the money $7, I mean you really cannot pass this up. Raise a glass!