Category Archives: Wine reviews

Edna Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Central Coast, USA

17 Monday Apr 2017

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Deep purple yet see-through.  Nice nose of plums, eucalyptus and blackberry.  On the palate I’m getting really nice black berry, super smooth tannins and a hint of black Cherry liquor.  The mid palate boasts more berries and a roundness that gives this wine a really nice mouthfeel.  The finish is smooth, with a nice drying feeling that coats the gums.  90 points form me although the pro’s were down at the 86 level with this one.  I disagree.  For $13, this is a 4 star wine that I will be buying again.  I would pair it with Roast Chicken, perhaps meatloaf and definitely with some charcuterie out on the patio now that the weather has turned.  Salut….

edna valley cabernet sauvignon

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 15 Strip Block Pinot Noir 2015

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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I love this wine, so every time I see a bottle, it’s in the bag.  This latest vintage is no exception.  I forgot to take a picture so have had to use a stock photo.

Dark purple, nearly see-through.  Nose is gorgeous, a mix of strawberry, cherry and the key component….vanilla cherry cola.  The palate is amazing- black cherries, strawberry pie and super smooth acidity.  There are just a hint of tannins, perfect for a Pinot Noir.  This wine is 100% New World, totally awesome and necessary for any cellar.  This is a spectacular wine that gets 93 points from me and 5 stars.  If you can find it, buy it.  My sources are coming up at $25.  Drink this wine all by itself to truly appreciate its nuances, or if you must pair it- Lamb chops, Venison, Steak au Poivre.  Salut….

Bodega Tapiz ‘Zolo’ Malbec 2015, Mendoza, Argentina

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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Disclaimer- this was served on a United flight (No one was hurt BTW).  For an airplane wine-  Dark and brooding in the glass.  Barely a nose due to cabin air and plastic cup but I’m getting black currants, plum tart.  At first I get plums, iodine and a dose of oak.  The mid palate shows off the rather dry tannins that balance out the acidity.  On the finish I sense mostly tannins, not much fruit.  Overall, an enjoyable airplane wine to go with my pasta and meatball.  86 points from me and I was able to find it for $12 which make it a 2 star wine in my opinion.  Salut….
Bodega Tapiz 'Zolo'

Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose 2015, Provence, France

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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I’m not a huge Jolie-Pitt fan, but when they teamed up with the French Perrin Family they caught the wine world by surprise.  I have only just seen this wine for sale and had to try it.  The last time I drank a Rose was…..  no idea.  I must say I am way out of my comfort zone when it comes to drinking this style of wine, which I do not really like nor dislike.

Orangy pink in the glass, it reminds me of peach juice.  A nose of- you guessed it, peach!  I also get some citrus, of the tangerine variety. Intriguing.  On the palate, this wine is offering strawberry, lemon zest and pineapple.  It has very little acidity yet packs a certain bitterness I can’t quite put my finger on.  The mid palate is generous with more fruit and the finish is long.  More strawberry with flower notes on the tail end.  88 points, served with panko/parmesan crusted chicken.  I paid $21 for this light and refreshing wine.  It gets 3 stars from me but scored really well with the pros.  Salut….

Chateau Miraval Cotes de Provence Rose

Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico DOCG 2014, Tuscany, Italy

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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See-through purple.  Nose of sweet strawberries and spring flowers, very intriguing.  On the palate I get more strawberries and nutmeg.  The wine is juicy but not biting with acidity.  I am enjoying the mouthfeel, it is very subtle yet supple.  The tannins are so carefully hidden that I barely perceive them.  The mid palate exhibits some more spices and the core fruit.  The finish is short in length but pleasant enough.  This wine is a nice, easy to drink wine that has an interesting nose.  I think it gets 89 points and can be found for $10.  This is a good deal, 5 stars from me.  Pasta, pizza or a rack of ribs come to mind.  Salut….

Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico

Chakana Maipe Reserve Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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Dark purple in the glass.  A nose of black cherry, black currants and plum.  A spice is there too, but I can’t pinpoint it.  On the palate, very juicy with plum jam, blackberry tort and cassis.  This is a very smooth wine that shows great fruit expression, silky tannins and a mild dose of acidity.  The mid palate has dark plums and the tannins start to dry the gums.  On the finish, another dose of plum and the final lashing of tannins with a taste of oak. 91 points is what I came up with but others only went 88. For $13, you cannot go wrong with this 5 star wine.  Salut….

Chakana Maipe Reserve Malbec

Nederburg The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Paarl, South Africa

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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Dark purple in the glass.  Nose of black cherry and dark fruits.  The palate is somewhat muted, but notes of tar, black currants and cedar abound.  The wine possesses a certain level of acidity that balances the very mild tannins, which leave a drying sensation on the finish.  This wine is decent, but somewhat boring.  It does not transcend into anything different.  It is good, yet plain.  88 points is where I feel this wine sits and I would pair it with lamb chops, venison and perhaps roast Guinea fowl.  It can be found for about $12, which make it a 3 star wine in my books.  Salut….

Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, California

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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Dark purple, but not as ‘heavy’ as I was expecting.  A nose of black currant and blackberry with hints of vanilla.  On the palate- really soft and supple profile that offers up delicious black fruit sorbet, juicy acidity and very fine grained tannins.  This wine makes my mouth water, it’s bizarre.  I am really enjoying it!  The mid palate is more down to earth with plain Jane blackberry and some oak.  The finish gets ramped up with the tannins that linger for a long time while more dark fruits emerge.  This is a tasty little number that begs for Osso Bucco, eggplant parm or even a hearty stew.  91 points from me and drink till 2022.  All yours for $12 which makes this a 5 star wine.  Salut….

Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Cono Sur Bicicleta Carmenere 2015, Central Valley, Chile

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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It has been a while since I have bought this brand.  Chilean value is what I think of when I see it.  Let’s see how this Carmenere fares. Very purple hues in the glass make for a good beginning.  On the nose I am getting candy, some oak and black currants.  My first taste is quite nice.  The wine is fresh, fruity, upbeat and charming.  Black berries and twizzlers come to mind.  The acidity pops up and there is a very slight trace of tannins on the back end.  This is not a complex wine but would rock a BBQ party, perhaps some pizza or even hamburgers.  It will keep everyone happy with its $10 price tag and it get 88 points from me.  This 4 star wine should be a staple, especially if you have parties and barbecues.  Salut….

Cono Sur Bicicleta Carmenere

Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Merlot 2013, California, USA

23 Thursday Mar 2017

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No nose- I’m sitting in an airplane with a plastic cup.  The initial impression I get is of mellow plums, really nice acidity and some earthiness.  The mid palate is generous with the dark fruits and I am enjoying the very mild dryness the tannins are giving.  On second thought, it is really packed with plum flavors.  The finish is shortish but tasty.  The strength of this wine lies on the generous mid palate, which is where the flavors and technical components all seem to materialize.  Considering I am cooped up in a pressurized tube I think the winemakers have a winner here.  They have crafted something I am really enjoying.  90 points and kudos.  I paired it with pasta and meatball, courtesy of United Airlines.  For $19 this wine gets 4 stars and is widely available.  Salut….

kendall jackson merlot

The meatball and pasta