Trader Joe's Reserve Vinsobres, 2023

52% Grenache, 48% Syrah from Vinsobres grapes grown in the norrthern reaches of the Southern Rhone and produced by the cooperative at Tulette.

Bright and deep crimson color. Black raspberry, Provencal herbs, black licorice and pepper. Grenache friendly on the tongue with Syrah backbone. Medium plus body. Good fruit filled finish. Seems perfectly balanced. Hard to believe the 15% alcohol although that may show up with some heat in future years.

Probably does not not measure up to the Perrian Family's Les Cornud, but it's less than half the price ($9.99 at Trader Joe's in 2024).

 

Tornatore Etna Rosso, 2023

Made from Nerello Mascalese with a bit of Nerello Cappuccio grown on volcanic soils in the north of Italy, this wine captured my senses.

Medium deep ruby with some purple tints. Intense aromas of dark cherries, red berries and menthol. Similar fruit flavors but with savory notes. Dark tones of black truffle, pepper and smoke on the persistent finish. Has the depth and complexity of a mature wine, and who knows how much more it will have to offer in another 5 to 10 years

Left Foot Charley Old Mission Peninsula Blaufrankisch, 2023

One advantage of early dining (no later slots were available) at the excellent Amical restaurant in Traverse City is the Happy Hour 50% discount on full bottles of wine. We paid $22 for this bottle, which is less than its retail price at many wine stores. It was worth it plus plus.

Deep plummy violet color. Black raspberries, flowers, black licorice. This is a high acid wine, similar to Cab Franc, and it grows well in Michigan soil and cool climate. Plush texture. Medium body (13% alcohol). A very enjoyable wine to accompany my black pepper/truffle fettucine and Donna's French onion soup/ham and cheese tart.
 

Elio Sandri Barbera d'Alba Superiore, 2012

On tasting my first bottle of this wine on September 10, 2018, I said: "This wine has good balance even though it feels a bit aggressive on the palate right now. Five years from now? I can't wait." Actually, eight years later, it has developed into the robust but complex wine that I anticipated.

The color has lightened, much more amber now. Best at cellar temperature; I put it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, to bring back some of the tannins that had melted a bit over eight years. Once aggressive, it is now mellow with bright fruit smells and flavors. Red cherry, raspberry, black licorice. Ripe fruit on friendly mid-palate tannins. Signature Barbera acidity keeps it fresh and lively on medium-long finish. Unfortunately, this is my last bottle.
 

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, 2004

This wine, according to the Penfolds web site, "is a showcase for warm climate Australian Shiraz--ripe, robust and generously flavored." It is a style that has long been favored by Australian wine drinkers. 

Kalimna is the name of a vineyard that once produced a popular Kalimna Dry Red, the forerunner of this Bin 28.  The Kalimna Vineyard has moved up the Penfolds ladder, but this wine, sourced from several vineyards in Barossa and elsewhere, is made in a similar style. It was matured for 12 months in one-, two-year and older Americnn oak hogsheads.

Very dark, almost opaque. Enticing smells and flavors. Blackberries, plums, anise and mint. Ripe fruit still takes center stage, now even more prominent as the tannins have softened. Generally well balanced but with some heat (14.5% ABV) on the finish. Has aged very well over 22 years and should continue to drink well for at least another year or two.
 

Yorkville Cellars Anderson Valley Petit Verdot, 2010

I have had Petit Verdot as part of the blend in many Bordeaux wines, but this is my introduction to 100% Petit Verdot.

Deep dark Cabernet color with some amber at the rim. Has aged well. Black currants, blueberries, cassis. Bright fruit smells and flavors. Very Cabernet in personality. Medium body with a velvety texture. Medium long finish. I can see why it the grape works so well in Bordeaux blends.
 

J.M. Gerin la Champine Syrah, 2013

J.M. Gerin has excellent vineyards in Cote Rotie. A less expensive option than Gerin's single vineyard Cote Roties, la Champine is made from younger vines on the property plus purchased produce from Collines Rhodabienne, an unclassified region in the Northern Rhone. This 2013 is just rounding into shape for my taste.

Deep ruby with minimal amber at the rim. Beautiful Northern Rhone bouquet in mid development. Black raspberries, anise and brambly herbs. Young fruit is giving way to savory, tangy tones. Black olives and freshly ground black pepper. Just the way I like it.