Category Archives: Wine reviews

Stone Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand

28 Monday Aug 2017

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Very pale greenish yellow in the glass.  The nose is delicious- passion fruit and mango.  The initial palate reveals a cleat slate on which I get citrus, mainly grapefruit, with some pear.  The passion fruit comes around again on the mid palate which is absolutely intriguing me.  It brings along some nice acidity and freshness.  The tartness begins halfway through and builds into the finish, where it leaves me with a nice fresh mouthfeel and some lingering tartness on the gums.  This wine is really interesting, from a flavor profile to the way it morphs on the palate.  I pulled it from the fridge as Moxie is making Stir Fried Shrimp and something else, I figured a Sauvignon Blanc would pair well.  I was right.  This wine gets 90 points from me and for the $13 I paid, a sure thing 5 star effort.  Drink now and for the next two years.  Salut….

 

24 Thursday Aug 2017

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Just when things were running on rails, the wine world throws a curve ball.  I’m talking about LBV Port, specifically Unfiltered.  Turns out this is a whole different beast that I don’t have a clue about , being untrained and just a commoner.  There are several links to explain the differences:

http://www.winespectator.com/drvinny/show/id/40319

Port_wine

Now, back to my bottle, an unfiltered LBV from 2011.  Veyy dark purple in the glass.  A nose of dark, rich plums, some alcohol and a touch of nutmeg.  On the palate- very rich dark berries, plums and a hint of spice.  Lovely.

The mid palate shows off very smooth plum compote, with a warm blackberry jam extraction and some ripe tannins.  The wine has spent time in the wood and has some vanilla notes to boot.  The acidity hits the finish along with more dark berries and some tobacco.  There is a certain dryness to this wine that I am really digging.  The mouthfeel is a little rough for me, with a green tannin compound but overall, very enjoyable.  91 points from me and 5 stars for this $18 effort.  If you enjoy a dessert wine, buy this one by the case.  Salut….

Napa Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Napa Valley, USA

19 Saturday Aug 2017

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I would describe the color as ‘peachy’.  The nose does in fact offer up some peach stone, banana and pineapple. Intriguing.  On the palate I get more stone fruits, some pear and a citrusy hint.  The acidity is very subdued here, which is a welcome change.  The mouthfeel, especially on the midpalate is very nice, gentle and somewhat unctuous on the tail end.  The finish is very refreshing with green pear and a lemon component.  This wine certainly has a lot going on with a very easy going structure.  I’m really enjoying it while cooking up some pasta that will be finished with lobster and fresh veggies.  89 points and for $14 this will be a repeat 4 star wine.  Salut….

Pagos del Rey Condado de Oriza Reserva 2011, Ribera del Duero, Spain

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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Dark purple in the glass.  An intriguing nose of Cloves, black pepper and blackberry.  On the palate- dark berries, ink, dust.  Delicious.  The mid palate is a smooth transition to some blue fruits including a plum reduction.  The finish has some very fine grained tannins and blueberry compote.  A very intricate wine that needs a cellar imho. Drink from 2018 to 2025.  90 points and 4 stars for this $20 effort.  Salut….

Pagos del Rey Condado de Oriza Reserva

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2015, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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I have been a fan of Trivento for a while now and have reviewed several vintages of the Golden Reserve Malbec.  This one is particularly good and I am glad I bought a few bottles for the cellar.  I suggest you do too!  Almost inky in the glass, it is brooding and alluring.  On the nose I’m getting blackberry, sweet plums and a touch of cedar plank.  The palate is very much dominated by black fruits and a bold tannic attack.  The blackberry component really shines through on the midpalate with a core of tannins that grip the gums.  Acidity is present but the tannins are very fresh and dominate.  The finish is medium long with a jam component and some chocolate dust.  The ever present tannins do not taper off for a while.  This wine is young but drinkable now. It will last and develop for at least 15 years.  I’m thinking it needs a Portehouse steak with au gratin potatoes and a Caeser salad.  91 points and for $22, 5 stars.  Salut…

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec

Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz 2015, Barossa, Australia

15 Tuesday Aug 2017

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I splurged, $25 a bottle for Jacobs Creek.  It’s not just any JC though.  In the glass it is dark, brooding and enticing. Rich, ripe plums on the nose with port wine accent.  It smells the business.  On the palate, it is super smooth and exhibits rich blackberries, plum extract, caramel, vanilla and a nice toast.  The midpalate transition is seamless and the wine continues on to a very long finish.  I’m astounded at the depth and purity of this wine. The balance is good but there are barely detectable tannins to go up against the slight acidity.  That’s what gives this wine a great mouthfeel, yet detracts from its cellaring potential.  It is the style of wine that I would use to introduce a novice red-wine drinker to.  Easy on the tannins, the dryness and the acidity.  This wine drinks beautifully now and will run well for another 5 years, till 2022.  I would serve it with a rich stew, grilled lamb chops or perhaps a very well seasoned Cornish Hen.  I’m going 91 points and 4 stars.  Salut….

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz

Dutton-Goldfield Spectrum Red NV, Russian River Valley, USA

13 Sunday Aug 2017

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Very dark purple for a Pinot?  On the nose- it screams heavy duty new world Pinot Noir- Except it isn’t.   I was misled by the bartender who stated it was PN, not a blend of Zin, Syrah and Pinot Noir.  No wonder I was confused!

Strawberry, raspberry, a touch of wood, and some espresso bean comes across on the nose.  On the palate it’s a whole lotta strawberry meets cherry jam and reb currant coulis.  Very rich and flavorful.  This is not a subtle wine, more like ‘HELLO, IT’S ME!’

I like this wine, a lot- albeit it’s not my preferred style.  It offers depth, muscle, extraction and is not afraid to show it.  The mid palate continues the same theme as does the long finish.  Some would say this is one -dimensional, I like it every so often.  It is focused on its core elements and sticks with it.  The tannins are barely perceptible as is the acidity.  Drinking beautifully now, I would pair it with Filet Mignon and creamed Swiss Chard, perhaps a roasted duck with earthy veggies.  Deelish and worthy of 92 points from me.  I think it can be found for around $20, which makes it a steal.  (My rating was way higher than others, I guess I must see something in this wine.)  5 stars.  Salut….

Dutton-Goldfield Spectrum Red

Domaine Louis Boillot Clos de la Chapelle 2008, Volnay Premier Cru, France

11 Friday Aug 2017

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I wrote about the 2008 Louis Boillot Volnay back in 2012 and promised to re-taste.  It was not a year later, but several.  Anyway, here goes.

Almost an orange purple see-through complexion.  Signs of middle age perhaps?  The nose has an earthiness to it alongside cranberries, strawberries and some wheat kernels.  You probably never saw that one as a descriptor!  The wine tastes much better than I remember, with a nice intro to some strawberry, barnyard and green peppers. It is very smooth with barely perceptible tannins until they reach a crescendo on the finish.  The wine’s acidity is on pointe with a nice cut to it.  The mid palate is all about secondary flavors.  The development is a treat.  This wine has evolved very nicely from what I thought was atypical Burgundy, into the quintessential Pinot Noir that defines Old World charm and character.  I am loving it!  I paid $40 per bottle back in the day and it looks like I ordered 6 bottles, I am hoping to cellar dive and come up with the other 4!  92 points and 5 stars.  Salut….

louis billet volley Close de la Chapelle

Croft Fine Ruby Port, Portugal

11 Friday Aug 2017

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Nearly black in the glass, which is what I expected from a Ruby Port.  The nose is fresh, full of spice, dark plums and rich leather.  The palate is delicious, with warm plum ganache, spice box and an earthy tobacco note that I am finding very interesting.  The mid palate exhibits a slight bitterness, like almond seed, plus some caramelized plum essence.  The finish is delicious, in fact, the best part of this package.  Nice warm plums, some more earth and a touch of tobacco and cedar.  The spiciness is an interesting addition.  It takes this wine to the 91 point level for me.  At $16 this is a must buy if you  like the Ruby style Ports.  I’m buying more. 5 stars and a great post dinner treat .  Salut….

Cono Sur Bicicleta Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Chile

07 Monday Aug 2017

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If you read my previous post on the 2015 Cono Sur Cab, you will recall that I ended up with two different vintages from the store.  The 2016 is much darker purple, more extracted with heavier oak on the nose which disappoints me.  I don’t like too much of the stuff.

On the palate, a much different story.  Rich, thick plums alongside blackberry jam and oak shavings.  The midpalate offers up black fruits and a tapenade note.  The finish is short, with some black fruits and gentle tannins.  This version is not as balanced and smooth as the 2015.  It’s still a good deal though and should be on everyone’s party stocking list.  I’m thinking dry rubbed ribs, burgers or even shish kebabs would pair nicely here.  88 points form me and for $9, 4 stars all day long.  No picture taken BTW.  Salut….