TuaTea Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

When I first tasted TuaTea Sauvignon Blanc five years ago, I pegged it as a personal favorite, a notch above other New Zealand Sauvignons on the market. And it still sells for $5.99 at Trader  Joe's. Why have I neglected it for so long?

Light color even for a young Sauvignon Blanc. Grapefruit, a touch of passion fruit, lemon zest and freshly cut grass. Elegant on the mid-palate with a long clean finish. A pleasant touch of salinity on the finish. As I have said before: cheap at twice the price.
 

Pertinace Barbera d'Alba, 2019

Usually available at an every day price, Pertinace's Barbera d'Alba meets all of my requirements for an every day wine, a good match for pizza or pasta dishes.

Bright, medium light ruby. Dark cherries, berries, plums and spice. Medium bodied with moderate tannins and the Barbera acidity to please the palate. By the end of the meal, the finish has become very mellow and friendly, inviting sip after sip.
 

Phillips Hill Oppenlander Mendocino Pinot Noir, 2007

Oppenlander Vineyard on the Comptche Ridge in Mendocino County is a special place for growing Pinot Noir, and this 2007 from Phillips Hill is a prime example.

Bright ruby, darker than most Oppenlanders I have seen and tasted. This 2007 is particularly rich but still has the complexity and finesse that I espect from Oppenlander. Red berries with wild fruit intensity, minerals and a touch of cinnamon. Ripe fruit on mid palate and finish. Bright, fresh and acidic...even at age 17. Hard to quit sniffing and sipping.
 

Sandrone Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore, 2019

I have written previously about the good value Nebbiolo wines from Roero, located on the other side of the Tanaro River and only a few miles from the more highly regarded and expensive vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco. The Valmaggiore vineyard is in Roero, but wines from this micro-climare are highly prized and often sell in a price range more typical of Barolo and Barbaresco. Luciano Sandrone is among the winemakers who have recognized the special qualities of Valmaggiore Nebbiolo and  promoted it as a distinct interpretation of the grape.

Medium deep with some orangeish Nebbiolo tints. Rose petals, red berries, sea salt and more subtle savory qualities. Ripe and lovely. Surprisingly accessible for its age but has serious depth and concentration with a glorious finish. Some say Valmaggiore drinks best 6 to 12 years after the vintage but will certainly keep and improve for much longer. Now at 5 years, this 2019 Valmaggiore is drinking beautifully, one of the best wines I have had this year. I am looking foward to following its evolution over the next decade.

Broadsides Vineyard Ferment Central Coast Chardonnay, 2022

This Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards in Edna Valley on California's Central Coast.

Medium deep gold. Captivating scents of nectarines, pears, minerals and honey. Matured in both American and French oak but does not come across as oaky. Medium bodied, medium plus acidity, distinctive flavors, clean finish. Excellent value for $15 to $20.

Domaine Brunely Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne, 2018

The Domaine Brunely estate is located on the Sarrians hills between the Rhone and Ventoux. Although most of the vines are in the Vacqueyras appellation, the estate has added vineyards in Cairanne, Ventoux, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. This 2018 Cairanne is still young but beginning to open up and display its charms.

Dark violet color. Black and red raspberries, spices and minerals. Firm still on the mid-palate but fruit peeking through nicely. 50% Grenache plus Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault. Energetic finish. Has room to grow.
 

Domaine du Haut des Terres Blanches Chateauneuf du Pape, 1994

It has been several years since I have had this old favorite Chateauneuf du Pape, and I assumed it had gone over the hill. No chance. It is showing at least as strong as any of the bottles we have had over the past two decades and showing no sign of decline. Unfortunately, though, it is my last bottle.

Medium deep with some bricking. Unmistakeable nose of mature Chateauneuf, bright and fresh. Grenache red berries, fresh and dried, countered against savory notes of sea salt, minerals, spice and peppercorn. Lovely ripeness carried by mouth watering acidity from front to back. Beautiful finish with layers of ripe flavor. This is what Chateauneuf is all about. A perfect match for grilled rack of lamb.