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.

Famille Arnaud La Roseliere Co du Rhone, 2021

The Arnaud family has been working vineyards on sandy, silaceous soil in te Southern Rhone since 1641. La Roseliere gives a nod to modern tastes and international style, but it is srill traditional enough to satisfy me. The blend is 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache. 10% Carignan and 10% Cinsault--not the usual Grenache-heavy profile for a Cotes du Rhone.

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.

Chateau Grand Traverse Grand Traverse Select Pinot Grigio, NV

Although no appeollation is listed on the bottle, I am fairly certain most of the grapes come from the Chateau Grand Traverse vineyards on Old Mission Penisula in Michigan.

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.

 

L'Armangia Piemonte Chardonnay Paratorondo, 2018

I saw this in my local grocery store in Kalamazoo. $7.49 for a Piedmont Chardonnay, I thought. Wow. I didn't bother to check the vinage date, but even if I had, I would still have bought the wine. Based on my experience, seven years is not too old for a Piedmont Chardonnay. I was wrong.

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.

 

G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso, 2020

 

The winemaker describes this as a "hug from Piedmont." It is produced from young vines of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera with smaller quantities of Albarossa, Freisa and Pinot Noir. It is not just a hug but several sweet kisses.

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.

Negro Lorenzo S. Francisco Roero Riserva, 2011

Here is another Nebbiolo from the sandy soils of Roero across the river from Barolo and Barbaresco. The sand provides good drainage and is associated with expressive aromas. and forward flavors. The limestone underneath creates depth and complexity.

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.
 

Jose Maria da Fonseca Anticiclone Peninsula de Setubal Red, 2022

If you are looking for good wine at rock bottom prices, Portugal is the place to look. I paid about $6 at Costco for this gem from Fonseca, and while it is now gone from the shelves, I saw two or three excellent red wines there today for $50 to $60 a case.

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.