Medium dark ruby with some orangeish tints, though not as much as you would expect from 100% Nebbiolo. The aroma, though, is pure Nebbiolo--very floral with dark cherries and pomegranates. Bright fruit on the palate with dark licorice on the finish. Engaging but maybe not quite as vibrant as bottles we had a few years ago. Even with a good portion of Nebbiolo, this is a wine to drink early and often.
Medium deep crimson. Bright red fruit smells and flavors--red raspberries, currants, pepper and spice. 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Mourvedre. Great mouth feel with just the right balance of fruit and acidity. Long finish. For those familiar with Southern Rhones, this has the correct Rasteau personality and is a fantastic bargain for $9..99 at Trader Joes.
Medium light garnet color. Vibrant aromas and flavors--cranberries, red raspberries, cherries with a hint of cinnamon. 2024 was a dream vintage, according to the winemaker, "allowing the fruit to hang on the vine and develop a solid personality." I am just starting to enjoy that personality...and the special price. It is plenty good tonight, and I am sure it will get even better before I reach the bottom of the case.
Deep ruby/purple. 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 10% Carignane. Mostly dark fruits at the moment: black raspberry, currants, black pepper. More Syrah than Grenache. Medium body, more tannins than I expect from a five-year-old Cotes du Rhone. Probably has seen some new oak and may be more inviting in a few years. Still a good dinner wine and was a good buy at $14.99 on Wines Till Sold Out.
Fairly deep gold betrays its age. It is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourbulenc, Viognier, Rousanne and Marsanne, and early reviews stressed its vibrant acidity. Much of that zing has faded by now, and I don't smell or taste any of the floral notes associated with Viognier. It does have body and apricot-like richness, however, what you might expect from Marsanne. It is okay but not what I expected.
Bright maroon, still dark but lightening at the rim. Quite a bit of sediment crust. Beautiful nose: fresh berries with some floral tones. Red and black fruits with spice and pepper. More acid and less alcohol (12%) than most New World Syrah wines but not much resemblance to Northern Rhone Syrah. Tannins have faded away, and the wine is very drinkable right now. No need to wait.
The color, once a deep, dark ruby, has lightened appropriately, and the smells and flavors have become more mature and complex. Still some blackcurrants and dark fruit but also sun dried tomatoes and leather with a top note of lavender. Acidity carries it all gracefully to a long, glorious finish. Full Thalabert personality.
Medium deep ruby color, more like Dolcetto than Nebbiolo. Lovely smells and flavors of dark cherries, black berries, rose petals. Nebbiolo demeanor with a fruit friendly smile. Medium body, silky texture, tannic grip that leads to a long finish. I love this wine, and for $17 to $18 a bottle (Saratoga Wine Exchage), I can afford to keep a good supply on hand
Beautiful ruby red, not too light, not too dark. Aged in new, 2- and 3-year old French and American hogsheads. Lifted fruit-oriented aromas announce the flavors that are to come. Red as well as black raspberries. Excellent fruit/acid balance. Deep flavors. Black olives, black pepper., spice. Long finish. Robert Parker gave this wine a good review and 92 points. He predicted aging potential of 5 to 7 years, but this lovely 24-year-old could drink beautifully for another five years.
Medium deep yellow. Very distinctive smells and flavors. Lemon curd, butter, mango with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon Medium bodied with fantastic texture. Moderate use of oak. Has the acidity of a good Oregon Chardonnay plus the spicy complexity of Russian River Valley.
Full lemon yellow. Lemon curd, white peaches, sea salt with floral notes. Legs clinging to the glass indicate good viscosity and body. But cool rather than warm (13.5% alcohol). Rich mouth feel with mineral-laden flavors that seem to expand with each sip. Finish is broad as well as long. One of my favorite Oregon Chardonnays.
Medium ruby, bright and clear. 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan. Fresh fruit smells. Raspberry, blueberry with hints of anise seed. Firm but friendly tannins with a peppery finish. Excellent balance
Syrah dark, all the way to the rim. Black fruit, cassis and a touch of black olives on the finish. Just what I like in French Syrah. Matured 12 months in old oak barrels (similar to my prized Domaine Thalabert wines from the 1980s that are still drinking beautifully). Don't get me wrong; this is not Domaine Thalabert quality, but it has good fruit, good acidity and developing complexity on the finish. I like it.
Impressively deep red with purple tones. After a gentle pressing, the wine was aged in a combination of French oak and "fine grained American oak" for 14 months. Even so, the wine is showing a strong fruit presence with minimal oak influence on the smells or flavors. Blackberries, boysenberries--ripe up front and carrying nicely to the medium long finish. Some heat from the 14. 5% alcohol. Under a screw cap, this wine has maintained its youthful fruit very well over 15 years.
Lots of amber in the color and not very bright. Smells are lively and pretty. Dark fruit. With a couple of hours of aeration, sweet Merlot flavors emerge. Not much acid, not much tannin at this stage and not very complex. Modestly priced wines from the 1980s and early 1990s probably did not have best conditions for transport and storage.
Medium cherry red. Very aromatic--red cherries, flowers, a touch of licorice. Ripe fruit with enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively. Probably at its peak now, but I suspect, from past experience, it will stay there another three to five years, maybe longer.
Very light ruby. Magical scents of red raspberries, ripe strrawberries, spring flowers. And more of the same on the tongue. Donna likes white and rose wines to be well chilled so I put this in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. As an aperitif wine, it was very good at that temperature, but as it warmed through the meal, light tannins began to emerge, expanding the ripe, fruity flavors. This is not a wine for those who like them "big"; it is deliberately small and decidedly delicious.
Light color, as to be expected. Mature Grenache scents of strawberries (dried and fresh), mint, a touch of cinnamon. Takes its time opening up but no disappointment. Compact, concentrated red berry fruit. Savory, salty tones with acidity that keeps it lively on the tongue. Oh, I do love well aged Chateauneuf du Pape, and this is a prime example
Mediuum deep ruby. Proabbly has had some time in barriques but not enough to spoil the wonderful scents and flavors of Nebbiolo. Dried fruits and flowers, some toasted oak. Dark cherry but also some red raspberry, mint, spice and dark licorice tones. All of this is hidden behind tannin in the early going but opens up with airing, as to be expected from good Nebbiolo. This is a fine baby Barolo, usually selling for $25 to $30.
Bright ruby. Black raspberries, boysenberries, dark tones of peppercorn and black licorice. Fresh fruit and approachable tannins coupled with the complex savory qualities of a top Southern Rhone. Fills out substantially on the second night and even the third. Good now, will get even better.
The Brunier brothers of Vieux Telegraphe bought this estate in the early 2000s because they liked the old vineyards on the Plateau of Pielong. The soil is sandier than that of Vieux Telegraphe and, as a result, produces wines that are more accessible early. As stated on the label, the Bruniers' "priority is to express the character of the local terroir."
Good Chateauneuf color, bright and relatively dark. Has some sediment crust on one side; it has not been fined or filtered. 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. Dark cherry, raspberry with a touch of menthol and garrigue. Strong fruit presence with a youthful edge but also the savory traits that I love in Chateauneuf du Pape. Great concentration and depth.
The color has lightened, of course, with brickish tones. And the smells and flavors are tertiary. Red and black fruits, savory, salty, meaty. Proper acidity: cured meats and grilled tomatoes. Light in body with a cool, silky texture. Nuanced flavors that keep growing through the meal. During my birthday month, I am drinking cellar treasures, and this is by far the best I have had so far.
The color has lightened with garnet/amber tones. The cork was sound and dry with wine stain less than a quarter of the way up from the bottom of the cork. I bought the wine soon after release at the old Sam's Wine store near the subway on North Streetr in Chicago. $11.95 says the sticker, a markdown from $13.95. Smells and flavors are glorious after all that time in the bottle. Ripe strawberry, red currants, sweet spices. Could easily be mistaken for a mature Pinot Noir. No tannin but enough acid to brighten the flavors. I'm sure the wine was even better 10 years ago, but tonight I have no complaints.
On a small tasting pour, the color is medium light with amber creeping in from the edges. But on a full pour, it is almost opaque! Lifted bouquet with a touch of mint and herbs. Sweet Cabernet and Merlot flavors on a savory, slightly salty background. Not soft but no obstructive tannins. Red fruit acidity keeps it fresh and lively.
1975 was a very backward vintage in Bordeaux and critics worried that the fruit would not outlast the tannins. As the Village Corner salesman told me, this wine, selling for only $9.95, was an exception. "Just give it time," he said. And I did.
Medium deep gold. Showing a maturity that I like in a Chardonnay. Pear, citrus, flowers. Lively on the tongue with a fine array of flavors on the finish.Some Chardonnays are best at 3 to 5 years; some at 5 to 7 and a few (very few) will last 10 years or longer. I rank this one in the mid-range and would gladly go back for more from a recent vintage
Dark ruby, bright and clear. Has been aged 30 months, at least 12 of which were in wood. From the aromas and flavors, I would say that some of the wood was new. Vibrant red cherry with leather tones. Layered flavors, nuanced and complex. Medium body, bright acidity. Silky texture. I bought this last year for $14.99; the 2020 vintage is now on the shelves for $15.99--still an excellent value.
Medium deep ruby. Dark cherries, anise, maybe a touch of vanilla. I believe this has seen some new oak but it is highlighting rather than dominating the smells and flavors. Medium deep body. Barbera acidity. Long ripe fruit finish.
Medium deep ruby, bright and clear. 60% Grenache and it shows its face: strawberries, red raspberries, ripe cherries. 30% Syrah for color, body and weight. 10% Cinsault for that spicy, peppery flavor. Ripe enough to drink easily with no hard edges. Enough acid and tannin for structure and complexity. For the price, I should have bought more.
Light pink, bright and beautiful. Lovely aromas of flowrers and wild strawberries. 44% Grenache, 26% Carignan, 15% Syrah and 15% Vermentino grown by the Sumeire family who have been winemakers and growers in the Cotes de Provence since the 13th century. Pears, melon, minerals. Savory rather than sweet. Light body and crisp finish. Would be great on the deck on a warm summer day, but it is also a match for garlic tomato pasta in the dead of winter. I don't buy Rose often but this one is on my listl.
Deep ruby/violet--dark for a Pinot. Cherry, cranberry, cinnamon, earth, lemon zest. Medium body, smooth texture. Acidity even higher than I expected from the Willamette Valley. A great match for grilled salmon.
Bright ruby, medium dark. Black raspberry, cherry, plums. Ripe fruit balanced by brisk acidity. Black pepper, spice, vanilla on finish. Medium body, supple mouth feel but it lacks the lacy texture of a fine Pinot Noir. For $12 to $15, a good wine for frequent use at the table.
Light ruby, similar to that of a Pinot Noir of comparable age. The bouquet is a bit lacking. Somewhat cooked; maybe simply a bad bottle or one that was exposed to heat before I purchased it. (The case was filled from bottles already on the shelf.) With swirling, though, the flavors emerge--red fruit acidity and minerals. Still has the detail and definition that I found in previous bottles. Pinot Noir delicacy and texture. Still a very enjoyable wine.
Deep and dark violet ruby. From the first sniff and taste, I was impressead by the depth, complexity and concentration. Great balance between the ripe fruit, firm tannins and Sangiovase acidity. Cherries, flowers and vanilla on the nose Red fruit, leather and spice on the palate. Powerful wine. Later in the meal, the tannins seemed to dominate. I would like to taste it in 2029 or later, but at this price it is a good choice for drinking now or later.
Medium dark crimson. Probably Syrah rather than oaj. Ripe red berries and herbs on the nose. Dark cherries on the palate with a peppercorn finish. More tannin than to be expected from a CDR but still very approachable now and for at least a few more years.
Light straw. Fresh and clean from start to finish. Green apples, white peaches, lemon zest. Less herbal than Italian Pinot Grigios such as MezzaCorona and lighter bodied than Alsace or Oregon Pino Gris. A pleasant twist of sweet fruit on the finish. The chart on the label shows this wine as semi-dry, but it comes across as crisp and tart because of the vibrant fruit flavors.
At $10 to $12, it is a good value every day white.
Very dark, old gold color. Nothing fresh in the smells or flavors. More oxidation than I can tolerate. My view is that it has been exposed to too much heat at some time or is over the hill. It may just be a bad bottle. It may just be my tasting bias. I don't know, but if you see this wine on the shelf, I advise you to try it first before buying in quantity.
Reddish violet. Flowers and fresh fruit in the aromas Red berries and plums with hints of cinnamon and mint. Lifted flavors on the mid-palate and a long, lovely finish. From the winemaker: "fruity delicately complex."
Vajra makes many great Barolos for long aging. This Rosso is for current enjoyment, although I am sure that this bottle is better than the ones we had several years ago.
Deep ruby red with not as many Nebbiolo orange tints as I expected. Probably has had some new oak maturation. Beautifully aromatic. Roses, ripe red and black berries. Tannin is noticeable but well balanced by red fruit acidity. Sweet vanilla flavors on the finish. Now in its 14th year but improves noticeably with two hours of aeration. On the third night after being opened and re-corked, it is showing beautifully.
Fonseca produces a number of excellent vintage and tawny ports. Anticiclone is decidedly dry. It received 90 points from Wine Spectator and was included in the publication's top 100 wines of 2024.
Deep red with slight bluish tints. Black berries, dark chocolate, coffee. Comes on with bold strokes then settles into an elegant mid-palate and a spicy, peppery finish that is far from simple.
Deep, dark red. May have had some new oak aging but, if so, it has not been to the detriment of the wine. Still has a traditional profile. Upfront smells and flavors of fresh red and black berries and spice. Medium bodied (despite 15% alcohol content). Actually, it carries 15% quite well. No heat, no heaviness. Classic Southern Rhone pepper and spice.. Long, delicious finish. The best value in CDR that I have seen in many years.
Second night: The oak and the alcohol are clearly showing tonight. If you are a hard core Southern Rhone traditionalist, as I claim to be, you might want to try a bottle before you load up the trunk. But it's an enjoyable wine at a good price that might suit your non-traditionalist friends and family better than an old-timey CDR.
Dark red. A high percentage of Mourvedre was included in this vintage and it shows. Scents of violets, more black than red fruits. Firm on the mid-palate. Deep fruit under the tannins. After a couple of hours of aeration, Grenache red fruits start to appear. Long, peppery finish. At 10 plus years of age, I think this could go even longer.
Deep brilliant ruby shading to garnet. The wine was aged in large vats--traditional Slavonian oak and not so traditional French oak. Enchanting floral/fruity smells but a bit laid back at the moment. On the palate, dark cherries, red berries, balsamic and a bit of licorice on the tail end. Very dry, Barolo dry, on the mid-palate. Has a lot to offer, either mid week or for a special occasion.
Fairly deep ruby for Nebbiolo but some garnet at edges. Opens with beautiful scents of rose petals, violets and fresh fruit. Dark cherry compote expands on the mid-palate, takes on some licorice tones and then slinks into a finely textured finish. Softer tannins than a Barolo or Barbaresco but the fruit flavors are just as intense and profound.
Color may be a tad lighter than that of the Cabernet but still dark and bluish. Dark cherries, mocha and sweet spices. Silky texture, good acid, delicious fruit flavors.This wine suffers mainly by comparison to the luscious chocolate creme brulee. It has been a long night and a lot of food and wine. I would like to try this wine again with a less fatigued palate.
Donna and I were introduced to Goldeneye Pinot Noir by our good friends, Dave and Nancy Randall, who live in Redding, CA, withing driving distance of the Anderson Valley. Goldeneye is usually priced a bit high ($50 a bottle) for my wine budget, but the enjoyment I got from those early bottles lured us into a satisfying relationship with other Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs such as those from Toulouse, Couloir, Mary Elke and Phillips Hill. I was anticipating good things from this Goldeneye Pinot, and I was not disappointed.
Medium light ruby shading to garnet. The lightest color of all of the Duckhorn reds... and rightly so. Haunting smells and flavors: raspberry, cherry, red currants, black tea and a hint of mushrooms. Great acidity to match the spicy marinara sauce. Long, intriguing finish.
The 2023 Lucky 9 White wine is a blend of nine varietals--Muller Thurgau (25%), Chardonnay (24%), Gewurztraminer (19%), Sauvignon Blanc (15%), Riesling (11%) and Early Muscat (5%), not to mention Pinot Gris, Semillon and Muscat Canelli. Grapes are not necessarily from the estate or even the Willamette Valley but purchased from other areas of Oregon, Washington and California.
Light, bright straw color. Very forward fruity nose. Apples, lime zest, melon--fresh and lively. If I had to guess (and I did before researching the wine), I would have identified Riesling as the dominant grape, and it does have some petrol tones associated with Riesling. The blend works well, producing a wine of substance and interest that drinks well with just about any meal. Lucky 9 White sells for about $15 but if you are on the Sokol Blosser mailing list, you often qualify for discounts. I have enjoyed the Evolution Pinot Noir and the Evolution Sparkling Pinot Noir. The bottles of single vineyard Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay I had were spectacular.
Medium deep ruby, bright and clear with good saturation. Smells and tastes like Syrah: black fruits, cassis, black olives and some herbal tones. A bit more stand-offish than it was in 2023, but I think that augurs well for it. Should be even better in a couple of years.
