• About Caspernick
  • Star Ratings
  • The Master tasting list

Wine reviews

~ My personal wine tasting notes

Wine reviews

Tag Archives: 5 stars

Bodega Garzon Reserva Tannat 2022, Maldonado, Uruguay

18 Wednesday Feb 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$18, 5 stars, 90 points, Maldonado, Tannat, uruguay, VWTC


The WOTN for almost everyone at the 42nd virtual wine tasting.  This one keeps hitting on all cylinders.  I have opened various vintages and they are all top rated wines that please the crowds.  This one was typical- deep ruby colored, with slight staining.  Medium (+) intensity aromas of black cherry, black berry, plum, licorice, charcoal, vanilla, and a touch of alcohol peeking through.  On the palate, it was dry, with med (-) acidity, a full body, and medium tannins.  Medium intensity flavors and a medium (+) length finish made this black fruit driven wine shine.  It got 90+ point from me and on our tasting score sheet- 15/20.  We paid $18 for it, making this a 5 star wine to drink till 2030.  Salut….

Bodega Garzon Reserva Tannat

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...

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Tradition 2023, Alsace, France

12 Thursday Feb 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$27, 5 stars, 92 points, alsace, france, gewurztraminer


Pale gold in color, with high viscosity (13.5% ABV).  The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of lychee, rose water, papaya, caramelized ginger, spun honey, white blossom, and tangerine zest.  The palate is off-dry with medium acidity, a full body, and a hint of bitterness.  Medium (+) intensity flavors of tropical fruit center around the lychee and rose water theme.  The bitterness is intriguing me, either a touch of skin contact or that’s what the grape shows off.  Either way, the sweetness, of which there is very little of, is a nice counterbalance.  It’s a delicious, if not heavy wine that I opened to pair with Gumbo.  I think the fruitiness will do well against the dark roux, Andouille, and chicken.  I paid $27 for this wine that gets 92 points from me which makes it a 5 star effort.  I think it has some decent cellaring capacity if you have patience.  Salut….

Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer

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...

Grifone Primitivo 2024, Puglia IGT, Italy

05 Thursday Feb 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$7, 5 stars, 88 points, Italy, primitivo, puglia, zinfandel


Medium ruby colored, with slight staining, a bluish edge, and medium viscosity (13% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of red plum, acai berry, bramble berry, vanilla pod, coffee, baking spices, and old oak.  The palate is dry, with medium acidity, a medium body, and medium (-) tannins.  It’s a very soft mouthfeel.  Medium intensity flavors of plum, vanilla, spice box, acai berry, and white pepper.  The finish of this Zinfandel, (Yes, it’s labeled Primitivo- same thing), is medium in length and retains the freshness of the acidity I got on the initial attack.  It’s a very smooth affair, albeit rather plain.  It defies the American Zin norms of being overripe, jammy and high in alcohol- this one is far more subtle, restrained in heat and certainly balanced.  I paid $7 or so at Trader Joes, what a bargain!  I think it’s worthy of 88 points,  therefore making it a 5 star wine.  Drink till 2029.  Salut….

Grifone Primitivo Puglia

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...

Lismore Wines ‘The Retreat’ Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

28 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$10, 5 stars, 90 points, marlborough, new zealand, Sauvignon blanc


Very pale lemon, bordering on straw colored, with low viscosity (12.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of papaya, cut grass, lime, lemon pith, wax, white and orange blossom, and white peach.  The palate is dry, with high acidity, and a light body.  Medium (+) intensity flavors echo the nose, with that bracing acidity keeping it all in check.   It goes down a treat and the finish lasts medium in length, albeit somewhat overshadowed by the cut.  It’s a really tasty wine that exudes aromas and flavors typical for the varietal.  I like it, and I especially like the price- $7, marked down from $10 at Costco, which would have been a bargain itself!  I think this wine gets 90 points and 5 stars for its tremendous value for money.  One to buy in bulk for the summer coming up.  I’m pairing it with Ceviche, salut….

Lismore Wines 'The Retreat' Sauvignon Blanc

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...

King Family Vineyards Meritage 2022, Monticello, Virginia

21 Wednesday Jan 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$37, 5 stars, 92 points, bordeaux blend, Cabernet franc, Malbec, merlot, Monticello, petit verdot, virginia


Deep ruby bordering on garnet colored, with medium viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of tobacco, blackberry, cassis, black plum, pine needles, coffee, and bramble berry.  The palate is dry, with medium acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium (+) tannins.  Medium (+) intensity flavors of black fruit with some tobacco, coffee, oak, spice box, and vanilla.  The finish is medium in length but I also get some heat on the back end.  I like this blend of 51% Merlot, 24% Petit Verdot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec- definitively a Right Bank style, sans Cab Sav.  It grows on me as I sip it, garnering more points for its smoothness and richness.  92 points seems fair from me for this $37 bottle, making it a 5 star wine.  Drink till 2033.  Salut….

King Family Vineyards Meritage

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...

McBride Sisters Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand

15 Thursday Jan 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$14, 5 stars, 90 points, marlborough, new zealand, Sauvignon blanc


Pale lemon colored, with a medium viscosity (13.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of cut grass, cat pee, tangerine, lemon verbena, lime zest, passion fruit, and pink grapefruit.  The palate is dry, with high acidity, and a medium (-) body.  Medium (+) intensity flavors of grapefruit, lemon, passion fruit, cut grass, and that telltale cat pee. The finish is medium (+) in length.  A consistent wine that I have really enjoyed discovering- read up on the McBride sisters sometime.  90 points from me for this $14 bottle makes it a 5 star effort to stock up on for the summer.  Drink till 2030.  Salut….

McBride Sisters Collection Sauvignon Blanc

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...

Domaine Laurent Martray Brouilly Corentin 2022, Beaujolais, France

13 Tuesday Jan 2026

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$30, 5 stars, 92 points, beaujolais, brouilly, france, gamay


Deep ruby colored, with slight staining , and a medium viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium (-) intensity aromas of very ripe mulberry, sweet tobacco, vanilla, baking spice, blackcurrant reduction, and pine needles.  The palate is dry, with medium (+) acidity, a medium body, and medium tannins that are powdery.  Medium (+) intensity flavors make up for the lack of intensity on the nose.  The ripeness of the fruit is amazing- the flavors of which mimic the nose but in a much more concentrated way.  The tannins are really silky smooth and lead to a nice mouthfeel.  This is not your Parisian café quaffer, it’s a pretty rich, complex, balanced and age worthy wine that is compelling me to take another sip.  It’s delicious and drinking en pointe.  The finish is medium in length and yummy.  92 points for this Gamay that I paid $30 for, getting 5 stars.  Drink till 2030.  Salut….


Domaine Laurent Martray Brouilly Corentin

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...

Rosa dell’Olmo 2021, Barolo DOCG Piedmont, Italy

30 Tuesday Dec 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$30, 5 stars, 91 points, barolo, Italy, nebbiolo


Pale ruby-red colored, with high viscosity (14% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of black cherry, rose petal, pomegranate, smoke, a hint of licorice, and leather.  The palate is dry, with medium (+) acidity, a medium (+) body, and high tannins that are still young and gritty.  Medium (+) intensity flavors embody the fruit but really highlight the old oak aging.  The tannins grip for days yet allow for a decently long finish with fruit and secondary notes present.  The cherry and leather dominate.  It’s a young wine for sure, with loads of cellaring capacity yet it could be drunk soon if decanted/aerated.  I think it is worthy of 91 points and available for $30 which makes it a 5 star effort in my books.  Drink from 2028-2035.  Salut….

Rosa dell'Olmo Barolo

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...

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand

28 Sunday Dec 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$11, 5 stars, 91 points, marlborough, new zealand, Sauvignon blanc


Pale lemon colored, with a watery sheen (13% ABV).  The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of lemon verbena, cut grass, jalapeño, white blossom, papaya, grapefruit, and lime zest.  The palate is dry, with high acidity and a medium (-) body.  Medium (+) intensity flavors that mirror the nose are sharpened up by the cutting acidity.  The finish is medium (+) in length.  What a shockingly good value wine that is so consistent and tasty.  I paid $10 for this 91 point effort which makes it a 5 star bottle to buy en mass.  Drink till 2028 (would be interesting to see how it matures and what cellaring capacity it may have).  I’m pairing it with seared scallops and garlic linguine.  Salut….

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

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...

Domaine la Guintrandy Louise d’Agoult 20, Beaumes de Venise, France

13 Saturday Dec 2025

Posted by caspernick in Wine reviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

$15, 5 stars, 90 points, beaumes-de-venise, france, grenache, southern rhone, syrah


Medium ruby colored with medium viscosity (14.5% ABV).  Medium intensity aromas of black plum, black raspberry, cracked pepper, bacon, green herbs, licorice, and açaí berry.  The palate is dry with medium acidity, a full body and medium tannins.  Medium (+) intensity flavors, with black pepper being the most noticeable.  The tannins sneak up on the mid palate.  The finish has a slight green note and is medium in length.  Decent cellaring capacity unless you like a fresh wine with a slightly tannic mouthfeel.  A blend of Grenache and Syrah from the Southern Rhone that gets 90 points from me.  At $15 it’s a 5 star wine to drink till 2030.  Salut….

Domaine la Guintrandy Louise d'Agoult Beaumes de Venise

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

RSS Me!

RSS Feed

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

Join 199 other subscribers
Follow Wine reviews on WordPress.com

Archives

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Wine reviews
    • Join 187 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Wine reviews
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d