Altos de Valdoso 2018

Nearly black inky hue with aromas of magnificent rich dark berry and touches of blueberry, chocolate covered cherry candies and leather I just want to sit and smell the amazing bouquet...

Palate--heavy structure with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, mouth filling blackberry and a luscious finish of cherry. After breathing, there is a cinnamon beam mid-palate.

This wine has received 93 points out of 100 which is an exceptional score for any wine and this one is deserving!  It was a phenomenal buy usually running around $30 which is a bargain price for such a wine.  I found it special for around $10 and I wish I had bought a case.  

The structure of this Tempranillo will carry out out for a decade so grab a couple to lay down; it will only get better but is GREAT right now!  Raise a case!

Plungerhead old vine Zinfandel (Lodi) 2020

 

Deep pomegranate hue with aromas of spicy ripe plum and berries with a touch of smoke, 

Palate--Tart raspberry, a hint of mocha, juicy fruit, and a lingering brooding berry finish.

Honestly at the price point of this Zin ($18 and above) I am finding equally vibrant Zins for nearly half the price. Scotto, Bogle, and several others are as enjoyable.  

This is a solid example of Zinfandel and it was a gift from my wife so raise a glass and enjoy.

Los Bocheros Malbec 2022

 

Intensely dark purple nearly black hue with aromas of rich, dark ripe blackberry pie, spice and violets.

Palate--Intense fruit bomb first impression with heavy structure oak, and angular at this youthful age. Nice lingering finish. Full of potential and will improve in the years to come.  

This is a HUGE wine that will take a couple more years to come into it's wondrous age.  But it is drinking quite well at the moment.  Pair it with a bold main dish and/or big bold spicy sauces.  I paid $9 for this thought it sells for more like $18.  Raise a glass at either price point!

Barone Montalto Cabernet Sauvignon Collosiane di Familglia 2019

 

Reddish/purple hue with aromas of light milk chocolate with grape and blackberry jam, a twinge of ash and spice.

Palate--Perky presentation with mouth-watering acidity, tart pie cherry filling with a robust blast of savory spice and heat.

This is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Nero D'Avola (40%) which is usually made to stand on its own as the signature grape of Sicily. I love Nero D'Avola  as it is a fairly simple wine with delicious, fruity goodness yet with structure and staying power.  It is an easy accompaniment to a variety of cheeses and dishes and drinks well all by itself.

I paid $8 for this wine which lists at $19 and it will be paired with homemade oven baked beef stew. Raise a glass!

Simi Chardonnay 2022

 

Nice golden hue with aromas of tropical fruit, lemon, green melon and apple.

Palate--Citrusy front, vanilla, tropical fruit salad and nice structure with decent acidic foundation.

This Simi *sourced creation was $20 but I got it for $10 and it is lovely.

*"Sourced means rather than the fruit coming from a specific area or parcel or vineyard, the grapes were "sourced" from-- in this case-- California which must be shown on the label which it is. It is the lowest level of wine so it tends to be very inexpensive and generally a lower quality. In this case however, this is a very fine crafted Chard presenting with a quality well above what you would expect. If I had paid the $20 list for it I would not have been disappointed which is kind of crazy for a "sourced" wine. But Simi has produced a value wine that keeps you coming back for more.  So whether you find it for $20--shout "YES!" or $10--shout OH YEAH! Raise a glass! 

Masciarelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

 

Deep dark eggplant hue with aromas of intense ripe red berry goodness and ripe plum  with rich sweet lovely bright fruit above the rim.   

Palate--Bright first impression with loads of rich berry compote, spicy zestiness, lip smacking structure and a finish that reminds you of why you bought this in the first place!

Masciarelli always produces an excellent value wine with the signature grape of D'Abruzzo.  I paid $8 for this wine but normally runs around $15.  At either price point is it a superior and is an excellent foro wine for all things Italian.  Raise a glass!

*Reviewed this past June and had a remarkably different impact on my taster. (It happens...)

OZV Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) 2021

 

Purple hue with aromas of spicy dark berry and plum.

Palate--Plummy first impression with big spiced front end that is quite invigorating. Structure is well done with nice acidity and a pretty decent integration for a young wine.  Finishes with all that's on the tongue.

This $15 (list) Zin picked up for $8 is a keeper and wish I have bought a lot more.  Raise a glass!

Casa Santos Lima Reserva 2015

Intense inky, black hue with aromas that come flowing out of the bottle with the extraction of the cork.  A bouquet of sophisticated and complex fruit nuances with perfumy, dark berry fruit full of mixed spices that

defy pinning down, a range of aromas that are seriously amazing I just want to keep sniffing this bottle.

Palate--The intensity of the hue carries though with a commensurate intensity of gargantuan mature fruit as a first impression with seductive complexities galore and again are confusing my senses! Raspberry and blueberry, blackberry trifle all in balance and begging for another quaff. Surprisingly, with all that is going on it has an unusually quick finish although there is a lingering subtle melange of wild berries at the very end. Dang!

I grabbed this at my fave wine store which is out of state sadly... If I had paid the list price of $26 for this I would NOT have been disappointed!  Tragically I bought only 1 bottle.  :( 

This is a blend of Syrah and some of the indigenous grapes of Portugal. It is AMAZING and here again the Wine Enthusiast misses the mark.  They tend to shoot to high on their reviews in recent years, but this one they amazingly really down played it giving it a mere 91 points.  I am being a bit facetious because 91 points out of 100 is a nice score but this wine deserves something special. I would give this wine 94 points. 

Despite its 9 years of age it will be drinking well for another 5-10 years so raise a glass.

Member's Martk "Old Vine" Zinfandel (Lodi) 2022

 

Light watermelon red hue with aromas of Zinfandel and light cinnamon.

Palate--Nice presentation with a slightly tart foundation that is actually kind of fun. Mouthwatering strawberry and spicy mid palate with a quick finish but never-the-less obviously Zinfandel.

Straightforward, not complex, but pleasant and and easy to drink.  This Sam's Club offering at under $7  is a decent quaff for the money so raise a glass!

Ballard Road Pinot Noir (Oregon) 2020

Lightly "bricked" hue with aromas of bread yeast with strawberry fruit.

Palate--Decent acidity and a front palate with steely strawberry, and a rear finish with light raspberry. Finish lingers a bit with an aftertaste of band-aids...

Unusual to have a Pinot showing the "brick" hue of aging at only four years of age. It is a bit awkward.  I bought it marked down from $19 to $8. It is not good even at $8.  The taste of "band-aids" is classic of a contaminant called brettanomyces. It is the scourge of any winery as it means something in the process is contaminated. Avoid this particular Pinot!

 

Beaulieu Vineyards Reserve "Tapestry" (NAPA) 2013

Substantial "bricking" on the garnet hue with lovely bouquet of mature, dark berries, cinnamon, leather and more.

Palate--First impression is a fully mature crafted wine with all the essentials of a wine with some capacity to age. Loads of red and dark berries with cinnamon, leather, and spice. Finishes with a graceful ending that is both enticing, lasting and seductive.

Expect to pay around $50 for this particular label and if you chance to see this 2013, open it immediately as it is head on its way out but it is drinking superbly now and can be enjoyed for another year if lucky!  Raise a glass!!!

This was a birthday present from my son who had just visited NAPA Valley. Me and BV's "Tapestry" have a romantic history with great memories as I have always been taken by this wine.  So much so that years ago I carried this wine to Tuscany and opened a bottle in the courtyard of Vignamaggio, a working vineyard/winery and the birthplace of Mona Lisa! My artist daughter immortalized it in an oil painting she did for me many years ago.

Thanks Beege!  <3

Javier San Pedro Randoz Tempranillo 2020 (Rioja)

 

Lovely garnet hue with really nice aromas of dried cherry, a touch of menthol,  and darker berry fruit with a hint of spice. 

Palate--Balanced, well structured, integrated with lively acidity, pie crust, ripe plum.

Another Trader Joe's spectacular value wine at $9 you have to buy more and raise a glass!

La Sonriente Garnacha 2022

Youthful deep purple with aromas of ripe plum 

Palate--Fruity front with lively acidity which tingles on the tongue, lots of spicy dark fruit of rich plum with a touch of a rustic finish.

Garnacha aka Grenache is one of Spains treasures and is always fruity, lively and fairly uncomplicated making it a nice quaff for appetizers, a main course or all by itself. At $7 ya gotta grab at least 6 of these for the versatility it brings and the economy as well.

Pairing it with charcoal grilled chicken so raise a glass!

SYRAH The Originals (Washington State) 2022

 

Deep purple with aromas of sweet berry pie or jam with gentle pie spicing.

Palate--Fruity first impression, made in a straight-forward manner, yet with big dark berry goodness that is rich and pleasing. Finishes quickly. 

I paid $10 for this at Trader Joe's thinking it was one of Charles Shaw's creations due to the Shaw-like labeling. It is uncomplicated and will pair well with a great variety of cheeses and cuisine. Tonight I am pairing it with a beef stir fry and it will work quite well.  Raise a glass!

NDP Red Blend (Vin de Pays d'Oc) 2012

 

Fairly intense *brickish red hue with aromas of grapefruit peel, subdued red berry fruit, slightest note of forest floor...

Palate--Big first impression with a blast of vibrant, lively fruit on a bold structure, with mid-palate of slightly sweet and savory spice albeit very gentle. Finishes quickly yet leaving a reminder that you might want another sip.

This is a non-vintage blend of I don't know what grapes. Which means it is a hodge podge of grape varieties as well as may be a hodge-podge of grapes or grape juice from one or more vintages. I think I paid about $8 for this at Trader Joe's and it is tasty enough and made well.  In general wines from the Pays d'Oc (region of France) tend to be value wines and tasty. I reviewed this wine back in Feb. of 2023 so you can see how the wine has fared over that time.  At $8 it's not a bad quaff at all so raise a glass.

Wine geek stuff:          *Brickish red hue--"Bricking" in wine terms refers to a brick red colored rim on the bowl of the wine indicative of a wine that is [potentially beginning] to show its age. However a grape like Nebiolo will show an appearance of bricking when in fact it is simply the color of the grape juice even when it is young.

Patôn-Clemente Tempranillo (La Mancha) 2021

Deep garnet hue with nice aromas of balanced cherry-berry fruit with gentle spices and other cherry berry notes.

Palate-Lively structure with youthful mouth feel and plenty of berry goodness but needs some time to ease up on the angularity of the it all.  Finishes abruptly.

This is a crazy $7 Trader Joe's wine and is worth the money for sure.  Should be a nice food wine so pairing it with homemade lasagna this evening.

"B" by Fonbadet 2019

Deep dark black cherry hue with amazing aromas of plum, black cherry, licorice, eucalyptus and probably more to emerge.

Palate-  Favorable first impression with rigid acidity, tannic backbone, steely front palate, impressive dark berry and plum fruit, with a lively finish that keeps on giving. 

OK this is somewhat surreal. I see this wine listed on line as high as $35 but I paid 
$8 for it from Trader Joe's.  What the heck is going on???  This is a hefty wine that will pair well with a large variety of foods but I am putting with charcoal grilled chuck eye steaks. I will also be hoping to grab a lot more of this fro TJ's as it has the gusto to age well for another decade so raise many glasses!!!

1000 Stories (Bourbon barrel aged) Zinfandel 2021

 

This sourced Zin presents with a slightly bricked red hue with aromas of blackberry fruit.    

Palate-- Gives a "sweet" first impression but of course it is NOT sweet but fruity!  Decently structured with big Zinfandel plum and berry flavors and to me not a hint of the "bourbon barrel aging" which for my taste is a good thing! 

This runs around $16 which is about 20% to high just for reference. 

Four Vines Zinfandel 2021 (Lodi)

 

Garnet hue with what seems to be a slight bricking at the rim with aromas of touch of blueberry, espresso.

Palate--a touch thin texturally, with solid Zinfandel fruit but with a surprising metallic mid palate, with more dark berry fruit and a hint of tomato juice at the finish.

Previously reviewed, I haven't had this in a few months so I grabbed one to see what was happening with it.  Served a bit too warm but at the right temp it's still a good quaff so raise a glass!  $12 will do it for ya.

Dr. Fischer Steinbeck Riesling 2021

 

Pale straw hue with aromas of Lemon, lime, tropical fruit, and oil.

Palate--The slightest spritzig present with enticing flavors of wonderful fruity fruit salad, (that's right I said it) and sufficient acidity to make it quite nice!

Pairing with Asian take-out tonight and it will be prefect.  Marked down from $15 to $7 it is a steal so raise a glass!

Belhara Estates Single Vineyard Malbec 2021

 

Deep rich, eggplant hue with aromas of "thick" ripe blackberry fruit, maybe a hint of blueberry, pie crust, spices, and more.

Palate--Finessed first impression with silky tannins, bold dark berry fruit flavors, spice, rich rear palate with a lingering finish of more blackberry fruit.

This previously reviewed wine just a couple months ago is a very nice expression of the Malbec grape, the signature grape of Argentina. A "Single Vineyard" wine is generally significantly higher in price because of limited production and consistency of quality and care over a particular parcel of grapes. To think of finding a single vineyard wine of any strip for around the $10 price point is foolhardy and yet here it is. 

Another Trader Joe's super value wine is worth buying in a case lot as it will only get better for the next 5-7 years so raise a glass! I am pairing it with BBQ'd chicken thighs and it will be perfect!

Reserve des Chastelles Tavel Rosé 2023

Beautiful pink hue with bigtime strawberry nose.

Palate--An acidic beam is front and center, with sharp strawberry, raspberry notes and biting citrus in the background with an apple finish at the end.

Rosé fell out of fashion in the 70's being peddled as a crappy, cheap quaff kind of made for people who don't like wine.  It was virtually all "plonk!"  Then years later something happened and wineries started taking rosés seriously and made some very nice ones.  During those year Tavel (France) was one of the rare standouts who took pride in making something of a work of art and for some reason a global change took place as global wineries took it seriously and the Rosé revolution took hold.

This is a $10 Trader Joe's offering that is quite a genuine wine with character and place so raise a glass!

Joseph Handler Riesling 2023

Pale Straw hue with aromas of green apple, melon, powder, sweet lemon

Palate--Slight sparkle with tropical fruit compote, ripe melon, green apple.

Reviewed in June I still review wines I have had even recently.  I do this to test myself and keep myself on track, (consistency) but also to look for bottle variation, and or a wine beginning to fail. 

Another Trader Joe's value at $6 and while not head turning, it is a sound enough wine at $6 to recommend it so raise a glass!

Val Delle Rose Morellino DI Scansano 2021

 

Dark aubergine hue with aromas of dried cherries, roasted bread, 

Palate--Watery first impression but big robust, Tuscan fruit, spices, rigid acidity, wood, and a lingering finish that has staying power.

This is a gripping Tuscan creation, with vibrant structure and will reward one with the ability to age this wine for several more years. There's a lot going on here that just hasn't had time to reveal its power. 

I will be pairing this tonight with my wife's homemade Italian soup and it should be a perfect pairing.  It was listed at $25 but I found it for $15.  Raise a glass!

Wild Thing 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel (Mendocino County)

 

Dark cherry hue with aromas of big bold black cherry with plenty of 'Zinny" spice.

Palate--Tart first impression with an austere structure, "hot" with watery texture and fleeting Zin fruit.

My wife picked this up while traveling and paid $22 for it. I would not have purchased this wine as I am familiar with it and it isn't a $20 wine... But the love of my life thought she was getting a "treat" for her husband so I will drink it with delight and being reminded (though I don't need a reminder) of why we have been married for over 50 years.  

This will be OK with my grilled bratwurst so it will be a good meal!  For what it's worth, the Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 93 points and a vigorously complex bouquet and palate. I would give it an 86...maybe.

Navesu 2022 Verdejo (Rueda)

 

Straw hue with a distinctive bouquet of citrus, and a hard to pin down basket of wonderful aromas. 

Palate--Tart first impression with rigid acidity, citrus galore, unripe peach, and a melange of exotic spices.

The Verdejo grape is a Spanish concoction with an interesting profile. The Rueda region of Spain is the home of this pungent grape. It is a novel treat with an exciting palate with nice acidity to cleanse the palate of anything buttery or fat laden. I paid $7 for this mark down from $15 and it's a nice experience so raise a glass! 

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (California)

Nearly clear but slight straw hue with aromas of lime, white summer melon, and stones.

Palate--Super minerally first impression a tad "flabby" for my preference, (meaning lacking acidity) nice fruity lime and melon with wet stones, and a clean finish that is quick.

I paid $6 for this marked down from $15 at an out of state liquor store. Geyser Peak is one of the many wines that takes me back in time my early days of wine exploration.  We're talking late 70's...

I live in Maine so on this Labor Day my wife of 51 years took in a portion of the coastline with a spectacular day in Rockland, Camden and Belfast. After coming home I ordered 2 soft shell lobsters, and a pound of steamer clams. They are cooked for you and you just pick them up.  Total cost excluding the wine--$30.  Raise a glass!

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2021

Dark purple/garnet hue with zesty blackberry pie, oak and spice.

Palate--Concentrated blackberry, with a note of blueberry, and wood.

This oft reviewed wine is a go to when I find it on sale ($9) and it pairs well with such a variety of foods and drinks well all by itself. Tonight it will  be served with our Sunday night tradition of pizza; Lou Malnatti's imported from Chicago by the case and the pair never disappoints so raise a glass!

Conde Valdemar Rioja 2019

 

Dark garnet with lovely bouquet of cherry, cola, savory spice!

Palate--Tart first impression; constructed very nicely with juicy tannins, flavors of  big, balanced and integrated cherry fruit through and through with a nice lingering finish. Drinking at its prime...

This needs to open up and will be even better than it is which is pretty darn good! For some loose change under your car seat, you can enjoy what good wine tastes like so raise a  glass at $14!

Shannon Ridge Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Medium garnet hyue with aromas of rich plum and dark berries with savory spice 

Palate--Unremarkable first impression with spicy berries maybe a touch of blueberry, and a berry pie finish.

I paid $12 for this and it is, well as I said, unremarkable. It is what you get for $12 in a Cab so I guess you can't complain but it is tiring. 

I just read a review of this wine from the Wine Enthusiast and I swear, there has to be dumbing down of "wine reviews."  This wine was rated 93 points which is absurd, and the reviewer defies science with 367 nuanced aromas and tastes. Yes I am exaggerating but you catch my drift.  Don't believe it! This is a big reason why I stopped getting the Wine Enthusiast. Caveat Emptor...

Wente Vineyards Mount Diablo Highlands "Red Blend" 2021

 

Magenta hue with aromas of red hot cinnamon candies, sweet cherry-berry and a touch of baking spice.

Palate-Elegant first impression with supple tannins, balanced acidity, integrated wild berries and a rear palate of savory spices. Finish lingers a good bit and then flees.

This $10 Went creation is nice treat for the price. Pairing it with pizza tonight so raise  a glass!

Rodney Strong "Red Blend" 2019 Sonoma

 

A lovely dark garnet hue with aromas of blackberry jam, sweet black cherry with a touch of spice at the edge.

Palate--First impression is a tantalizing "sweet" dark berry with a mid palate of vibrant spices, and solid acidity. Tannins are mature and easy to drink. Finishes with a bitter (the pleasant kind) presence that lingers a good while.

The price posted on this is $23 but I paid $10 for this Rodney Strong Sonoma creation. I like it a lot. If I have the opportunity I will snag some more so raise a glass!

Rosa Dell Olmo Langhe Nebbiolo 2021

Lighter garnet hue with aromas of Light nuances of cherry cinnamon, and spice    

Palate-- Juicy structure, with mouth watering tannins, spice up front, red bright fruit and and a spicy finish.

This previously reviewed Nebbiolo grape is not "classic" but a good example of the varietal. Another Trader Joe's value selection at $9 it is a definite "Raise a glass!" (see previous review) 

Chateau De Ribebon 2020 Reserve

Purple hue with garnet rim and aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, a touch of cedar, woith ash and spce at the end.

Palate--Pronounced front palate with sateely front, relaxed tannins adequate fruit mid palate but short finish and nothing remarkable over all.

I had this wine about a a half a million years ago when I was cutting my teeth on all things wine. It was just "OK" then and it is just "OK" now.  I don't get the 90 point rating the Wine Enthusiast gave it but oh well.  I paid $15 for this marked down from $25.  $15 is a good price point and it well pair well with my charcoal grilled "short cut" steak.  So raise a glass at the lower price.

Passione Reale Appassimento 2021

Intensely dark purple almost black hue with aromas of blackberry pie, light sweet savory spices, dusty fruit in the bowl.

Palate--Silky texture with balanced acidity and tannins, even keeled fruit from beginning to end with a finish of bold black cherry pie filling.

I paid $15 for this somewhat unremarkable wine even though it is well made and rather elegant.  Never-the-less it is subdued from beginning to end never really showing its stuff. It was on sale from $25 and I am glad I did not pay that for it but it is a very nice quaff for the $15 price point.  

I am pairing it with a homemade pasta dish of my own creation with herbs from my wife's gardens. It will be superb so raise a glass at $15!

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!"