• About Caspernick
  • Star Ratings
  • The Master tasting list

Wine reviews

~ My personal wine tasting notes

Wine reviews

Tag Archives: $15

Bodegas Palacios Remondo ‘Finca La Montesa’ 2018, Rioja DOCa, Spain

21 Tuesday Feb 2023

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 5 stars, 91 points, grenache, rioja, spain, VWTC


When I think of Rioja I imagine dusty, leathery Tempranillo.  This bottle was different- Grenache based it was lighter colored in the glass and had aromas of blackcurrant, cherry and pepper with earthy notes.  Medium acid, body and tannins led into a slightly jammy palate of blackcurrant, dark raspberry, black cherry.  A medium finish to this semi-complex wine makes it a 91 pointer that gets 5 stars ’cause it only runs $15.  I would pair it with Filet Mignon or perhaps Veal on the charcoal.  Drink till 2026.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Donnafugata Anthilia 2021, Sicily Italy

21 Tuesday Feb 2023

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 5 stars, 91 points, catarratto, Italy, sicily, VWTC


I’ve been rather busy lately, studying for exams, attending blind tastings and conducting classes- so when the opportunity came up to drink a few bottles with friends I did just that.  We started out with this Catarratto from Sicily, which we tasted chilled and then at room temperature.  Pale gold colored it had awesome aromas of apricot, peach, yellow apple and citrus.  Crisp acidity and a medium (-) body made for a refreshing mouthfeel that was laced with grapefruit, lemon pith, melon, honeysuckle and stone fruit.  A decent finish made me award it 91 points.

The room temperature version had less citrus on the nose and more stone fruit.  We still got the apple, honeysuckle and some waxy notes.  The palate felt a bit heavier with less acidity and it was less complex overall.  90 points from me on this one.  It’s interesting how a wine morphs with temperature.  For $15 this many be on my short-list for summer patio pounders.  It is delicious, refreshing and will pair well with many lighter dishes.  I would drink it on purchase.  5 stars.  Salut….

t

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Cosentino Winery Reserve Selection Pinot Noir 2011, Sonoma Coast, California

07 Tuesday Feb 2023

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 5 stars, 92 points, california, pinot noir, sonoma coast


Pale garnet colored with a watery sheen in the glass, to be expected from an 11 year old wine.  The nose is surprisingly youthful with red cherry, strawberry and red currants that eventually blow off to reveal tertiary aromas of dank forest floor, mushroom, caramel, chocolate and wet wood.  The palate is dry with low tannins- barely perceptible in fact and medium acidity.  Super sleek mouthfeel with a medium body and flavors of chocolate covered strawberry with baked red cherry pie followed by some earthy forest with wild mushrooms and dank wood.  It’s very peculiar and exciting.  The soft finish runs for a while and I get flat cherry cola with earth on the back end.  I wrote about this wine nearly five years ago, it’s interesting to read that post.  

I will have to agree with my original assessment- the wine was at peak a few years ago, but here’s the rub.  It has matured beyond my wildest dreams and has really plateaud as a mature wine and has withstood time to allow tertiary development without losing balance.  It is super smooth, delicious and has rewarded my cellaring.  I paid $15 per bottle back in the day.  I am sticking with 92 points and 5 stars.  Excellent effort.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Rainstorm Pinot Noir 2021, Willamette Valley, Oregon

13 Tuesday Dec 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 5 stars, 90 points, oregon, pinot noir, willamette valley


Pale ruby with a touch of effervescence on the rim. The nose offers up medium intensity aromas of strawberry, cherry, cranberry, singed alder, cinnamon, pomegranate syrup and a tart red apple. The palate has juicy acidity that is medium along with very lithe tannins. Medium bodied- I get the same red fruit driven flavors with a kiss of oak. The wine finishes medium length with a touch of tartness. I like this $15 wine, it’s moderately complex with primal fruit and for the price it gets 5 stars. 90 points, drink till 2025. Salut…..

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Cristian Vallejo Bosquejo Blend 2019, Cachapoal Valley, Chile

03 Thursday Nov 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, $90, 5 stars, cabernert franc, cabernet sauvignon, cachapoal valley, carmenere, chile, syrah


This is the entry level cuveé from this excellent winemaker.  A Cabernet Sauvignon blend which includes Carménère, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.  Medium ruby colored it also has a bluish edge.  At 14.2% ABV it shows off very thin, slow moving legs.  On the nose I get ripe blackberry, plum, white and green pepper, baking spices, vanilla and violets.  The palate has medium (-) acidity (remember the blue hue?), medium tannins that are very smooth and a medium body.  The flavors are very rich- ripe blackberry and black plum dominate but I get the oak nuance of baking spice and vanilla.  The varietal influence from the Carménère and Franc show off some green pepper whilst the Syrah is offering up some white pepper.  The finish is medium length and delightful.  For $15 this 91 point wine is a must-have to drink till 2026 with grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes.  5 stars from me, time to stock up.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Eguren Ugarte Cincuenta 2016, Rioja DOCa, Spain

29 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 4 stars, 90 points, rioja, spain, tempranillo


Marked as unfiltered with no indication of aging (ie. Reserva, Crianza etc), this Joven level wine is 6 years old and showing dep ruby in the glass with pretty slow moving legs (14% ABV).  The nose is a bit tart smelling with nice red fruit aromas of raspberry, red plum, hints of vanilla, purple licorice and perhaps some menthol.  Surprisingly, no tertiary aromas yet.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity and medium tannins. The acid is making my jaw ache.  It is medium bodied with flavors of sour cherry, black raspberry, plum, feint vanilla and a bit of menthol.  The finish is medium in length and tart.  The tannins fade pretty fast on this one, leaving it a bit unbalanced by the acidity and thinning fruit.  It runs $15 nowadays and gets 90 points from me with a drink by 2024 window.  4 stars for this Tempranillo that I am pairing with grilled Chicken and plantains.  Salut….’

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Chateau du Jaunay Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2021, Loire, France

27 Thursday Oct 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 3 stars, 88 points, france, loire, melon de bourgogne, muscadet, pais nantais


Pale lemon-lime colored with a watery sheen on the wall (11.5% ABV).  The nose is of medium intensity with aromas of green pear, lemon/lime, white blossom, brioche and firm pineapple.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity and a medium (-) body.  Tart fruit with lemon and lime kick off the show with pear and flower petals rounding it out.  I’m a little surprised that this wine is so crisp and lightweight considering it was aged Sur-lie.  I don’t get any autolytic flavors, just the initial aroma of brioche from this Melon De Bourgogne varietal.  Must be from a cool vintage that struggled to ripen, hence the lower alcohol and sharp acidity.  Overall a tasty drop to pair with pan roasted Pork cutlets and potato puree.  88 points.  For $15 it’s a 3 star effort in my books to drink till 2025.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Benjamin Darnault Côtes du Rhône Plus 2020, Rhone Valley, France

25 Tuesday Oct 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 4 stars, 89 points, Cotes du rhone, france, grenache, Naked Wines, rhone valley, syrah


This Grenache/Syrah blend is deep ruby colored with thick, slow moving legs (14.5% ABV).  The nose has nice aromas of red plum, black raspberry, red licorice, herbs, candied cherry and rose.  It’s quite complex once you swirl it around.  The palate is dry with medium acidity and medium tannins- the grip I got initially quickly faded.  Flavors of plum, black raspberry, charred oak, some red licorice and earthy florals/herbs.  It is medium (+) bodied with a medium finish of dark red fruit plus a healthy dose of heat.  Made from very ripe fruit, it is flavorful but at a price- the alcohol is quite noticeable on the back end.  We are pairing this bold wine with spiced burgers and potato wedges.  It would also go well with hearty BBQ, maybe smoked brisket with a rich sauce.  89 points from me for this $15 effort makes it a 4 star wine to drink till 2026.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Luis Vieira Montaria Tempranillo-Alicante Bouschet 2019, Lisboa, Portugal

11 Tuesday Oct 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 5 stars, 91 points, Alicante Bouschet, IG Lisboa, Naked Wines, portugal, tempranillo


This wine is a blend of Tempranillo and Alicante Bouschet which is a Teinturier grape (flesh is also red).  It’s a deep shade of purple in the glass and it stains the walls.  On the nose- ripe red plums, black cherry, menthol, vanilla and almond pith.  The palate is dry with medium acidity and high tannins (remember the stained walls of the glass?).  The flavors are rich and ripe- dark red fruit, charcoal, vanilla, menthol and an espresso strength coffee note right at the end.  Full bodied, it finishes with medium length along with some very tannic grip.  It is a rather complex wine for $15 that gets 91 points from me and 5 stars.  If you like ’em dry, pop-n-pour or else cellar this wine for a few years but drink up by 2030.  I am pairing with grilled meat and roasted cauliflower rubbed with Chorizo seasoning.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...

Hermes Mavrodaphne Of Patras NV, Greece

08 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, greece, Mavrodaphne, patras


I went looking for Port and this bottle popped onto my radar.  A sweet red Greek wine that has a pale garnet hue.  The nose is interesting, unlike any other wine I have smelled.  Baking spices with stewed black cherry and baked plum.  There’s also a cola component that is throwing me off!  The palate is obviously not dry- I would say off-dry but not cloying.  The first thing I notice is the heat (15%ABV).  Next up I get medium (-) acidity and low tannins.  Flavorwise- loads of stewed/baked/cooked dark fruit with spice and cherry cola.  A medium to full body on this delight leads me to a medium length finish that also shows off the alcohol.  I like the flavor profile, the mouthfeel and the structure.  I just think the alcohol is presenting itself too much.  This wine reminds me of a lightweight Tawny Port.  I might use some to bolster a stock I am making for Sunday roast, burning off the alcohol to reveal the fruit and spice better.  I might also pour some with my cheese course.  This is my first try of this style so I will not grade it- but you should try for yourself.  At $15, it’s an easy buy.  Salut….

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
  • Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print
Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

RSS Me!

RSS Feed

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 196 other subscribers
Follow Wine reviews on WordPress.com

Archives

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    Wine reviews
    Join 184 other subscribers

    Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.

  • Wine reviews
    View site in Reader
    Manage subscriptionsSign upLog in
    Report this content
    Collapse this bar
Loading Comments...
%d