Terramata Barbera d'Alba, 2017

This is the last bottle of a case that I bought on close-out for $60 at MegaBev (formerly Russo's) in Grand Rapids. At nine years of age it is showing no decline whatsoever.

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.
 

Reserve del Puech Cotes du Rhone, 2022

Cotes du Rhone wines were eminently drinkable and affordable in the 1980s and 1990s. Times have changed and it is now hard to find a CDR for less than $15. I found this Reserve del Puech for $8.99 at MegaBev  (formerly Russo's) in Grand Rapids, and it satisfies my longing for the wines of yesteryear.

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.
 

Kirkland Signature Cotes de Provence Rose, 2024

I usually think of rose wines as being a bit sweet. This one is definitely dry, less than 1 gram residual sugar, and delicious.

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.

 

Greenwing Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2024

Goldeneye by Duckhorn is one of the best (and most expensive) Pinot Noirs from the Anderson Valley of California. At a lower level and price point Duckhorn is now offering this Greenwing Pinot from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It is well worth a try, particularly at the $16 price now being offered by Plum Market online.

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.
 

Sartori di Verona Pinot Noir, 2022

This Pinot Noir hails from Verona, the Italian area just north of Venice. The Sartori family has been making wine there for more than 100 years.

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.
 

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso, 2008

This Etna Rosso is the last bottle of a case we have been enjoying bottle by bottle since 2010. You can use the search function to find my previous notes. This is the first bottle showing what I perceive as a decline.

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.

Cecchi Chianti Classico, 2021

Ordering from the wines by the glass menu at Carrabba's Italian Grill, I was torn between the Bonizio by Cecchi Rosso ($7.79 for 6 ounces) or the Cecchi Chiantiu Classico for a bit more ($10.79 for 6 ounces)--both very good prices for resttaurant wine. While the Bonizio was tempting and had many positive reviews, I decided it was worth taking a step up to the Chianti Classico. I did not regret my choice.

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.