Tag Archives: 4 stars

De Toren Fusion V 2015, Stellenbosch, South Africa

13 Sunday Oct 2024

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Deep ruby colored with slight staining and medium viscosity (14.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of blackberry, mulberry, smoke, coffee, dark chocolate, licorice, violets, caramel and ripe black plum.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity, a full body and medium (+) tannins that are melding nicely.  The flavors consist of slightly tart black fruit with dark chocolate, coffee, licorice, some smoky hints and silky caramel.  The finish is long but the tartness of the fruit is noticeable yet refreshing even though this wine has got some heat.  Already 9 years old, it has plenty more cellaring capacity and should evolve with more tertiary notes developing from this classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  I’m going with 93 points and for the princely sum of $65 it gets 4 stars.  It’s pairing with Sunday Roast.  Salut….

Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2016, Monticello, Virginia

27 Friday Sep 2024

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Deep garnet with copper highlights and medium viscosity (13.7% ABV).  The nose of this Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend has medium (-) intensity aromas of rich black plum, black cherry, cassis, bramble berry, espresso, chocolate, menthol, anise and violet.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a medium body and medium (+) tannins that are very fine grained.  The wine hits with a bit of tannic grip but opens to layered dark fruit, mainly plum.  The coffee, anise, menthol and chocolate notes are present but there is a black tea note, along with its astringency that has popped up.  The finish is quite dry and medium (+) in length.  I like it but think a little air will benefit the tannins and help smooth out the mouthfeel.  When I tasted this vintage at the winery it was poured from a sealed case, but obviously had some air- it was stunning.  I hope this one opens up tonight for our guest dinner of grilled Strip steak and roasted veggies.  I am going with a potential 93 points on this $65 bottle that gets 4 stars.  Drink till 2033.  Salut….

Clos de Luz Massal 1945 Carmenere 2021, Central Valley, Chile

09 Monday Sep 2024

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Medium ruby colored with medium viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium (-) intensity aromas of funky green pepper, smoke, licorice, black cherry, mint, espresso, dark chocolate, blackberry and black raspberry.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, medium body and medium (-) tannins.  The flavor profile is more fruit driven versus the nose, which was funky and oak derived.  Black plum, black raspberry and coffee dominate with the greeness finally appearing on the mid palate.  There is less complexity here but the easy drinking structure makes it pleasant.  The finish is of decent length and I am actually enjoying the pyrazine sourced green notes, which I used to dislike immensely.  This is a $23 bottle that scored big, I am going with 89 points and therefore 4 stars.  We are pairing it with Lamb chops- I was hoping for more acidity and tannins but it will do.  Drink till 2026.  Salut….

Winzer Krems Kellermeister Privat Blauer Zweigelt 2022, Niederosterreich, Austria

03 Tuesday Sep 2024

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Medium garnet colored with high viscosity (13.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of sour cherry, cranberry, tomato stalk, white pepper, red licorice and a hint of strawberry right at the end.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity, medium (-) body and medium (-) tannins that are a touch astringent.  Flavors of red fruit with that crispy greenness and some spice make for a very interesting and refreshing taste profile.  The finish is tart and carries on for a decent length.  A delicious wine that is counter to heavy, oaked, tannic wines- this one will pair beautifully with my leftover BBQ Ribs and smoked chicken wings.  The acidity will sort out the sweet and tangy sauces and temper the smoke.  90 points from me for this $24 effort makes it a 4 star wine to drink till 2028.  Salut….

Tara Bella Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Russian River Valley, California

12 Monday Aug 2024

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Deep ruby colored with blue highlights, slight staining and medium viscosity (13.4% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of black plum, blackberry compote, charcoal, black olives, black cherry akin to Luxardo, a hint of green herb and some medicinal notes from oak.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a medium (+) body and medium tannins that are melded.  The quality of fruit is ripe and tantalizing, which initially had me wonder if there was any RS.  Ripe black cherry, blackberry, black plum, mint, oaky warmth with that medicinal note alongside cocoa powder.  It’s delicious and finishes medium in length with a silky mouthfeel.  I like it, a lot.  92 points for this $80 bottle makes it a 4 star wine to drink till 2030.  Salut….

Domaine Bernard Serveau Les Sentiers 2009, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Burgundy, France

06 Tuesday Aug 2024

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I took this bottle to a meeting of fellow sommeliers where one of our own was practicing for a presentation exam.  No notes were taken but I will say that this wine has finally hit its stride.  Beautifully balanced with gentle acidity, fully melded tannins, a medium (-) body and loads of tertiary notes alongside plenty of primary and secondary notes.  It is probably close to peak and will age gracefully for another decade.  Delicious stuff that I reviewed three other times, with different scores each tasting.  I feel this is the time for this wine, it is hitting on all cylinders.  92 points from me for this $70 bottle makes it a 4 star effort.  Salut….

Ochavado Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Castilla, Spain

14 Sunday Jul 2024

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Pale gold colored with low viscosity (12.2% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of white blossom, peach, nectarine, papaya and honeysuckle.  The palate is dry with a light body and is packed with tropical fruit flavors.  Mango, papaya, soursop with nectarine and peach present.  The white blossom was predominant on the nose but sorta wafted away.  It’s a very interesting wine that may be at or past peak (7 years old) but it is intriguing to say the least.  I am giving it 89 points and I paid $10 as a bin-end which makes it a 4 star wine to drink now.  I’m grilling Yuzu marinated chicken thighs to pair.  Salut….

Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Napa Valley, California

14 Sunday Jul 2024

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Pale lime colored with platinum highlights and a watery sheen (14% ABV). The nose has intense aromas of cut grass, passion fruit, guava, papaya, lemon, jalapeno, lemon verbena and white blossom. The palate is dry with high acidity and a medium body. Medium (+) intensity flavors echo the scents. A medium (+) length finish makes me reach for more. 91 points from me for this $34 bottle makes it a 4 star effort to drink till 2029.  Salut….

Bodegas Balbas ‘Pagos de Balbas’ 2021, Ribera del Duero, Spain

08 Monday Jul 2024

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Deep ruby colored with light staining and a high viscosity (15% ABV).  Medium (-) intensity aromas of charred oak, black cherry, blackberry, coconut and dill plus a generous wafting of alcohol that is noticeable.  The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity, a full body and medium tannins that dissipate rapidly.  Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, coconut, dill, mint, coffee and some char lead to a medium (-) length finish.  This is a young wine but is drinking nicely now and will develop over time.  It gets 89 points from me as I feel the alcohol throws it out of balance.  This Tempranillo runs $23 and gets 4 stars.  Drink till 2029.  Salut….

Muirwood Unoaked Chardonnay 2022, Arroyo Seco, California

02 Tuesday Jul 2024

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Pale lemon with some green highlights and a watery sheen (13.5% ABV). The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of lemon, peach, pineapple, white grapefruit and orange blossom. The palate is dry with medium acidity and a medium body. Flavors of white pear, pineapple, white grapefruit, orange blossom with a hint of lemon/lime. The finish has a touch of bitterness- perhaps a little bit of phenolics. It’s medium (+) in length and sits nicely on the palate. There are times when I feel like enjoying an un-oaked Chardonnay that hasn’t gone through any MLF or Sur Lie treatment, like today. We are pairing it with Chicken Divan after a hot day in the sun. 89 points.  This bottle ran me $15 and therefore it gets 4 stars.  Drink now.  Salut….