2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I did some laundry and mowing today and now I am ready for Sunday dinner.  As for the wine, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from the oldest blocks of the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass with the look of a high-caliber Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, cherry and prune amid toasted oak such that you could practically feel yourself in the barrel room of the winery.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, jammy plum, blackberry and currant that usher you into a warm spicy adventure midpalate.  The tannins are warm and subtle, providing a perfect launching pad for the long, smooth dry finish that beckons you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a spectacular example of the upper echelons of Walla Walla Cabernets.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hard cheeses and charcuterie to braised short ribs or barbecue.  More than anything, this wine wants to be enjoyed with a big steak, and we are in luck as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye topped with some sauteed onions, peppers and mushrooms and served with grilled asparagus and corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2022 "The Grappler" Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  I did a bit of yard work today and set up my new fire pit to enjoy a cool evening fire.  And now it's time for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a rather fun bottle that I purchased a few weeks ago from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2022 "The Grappler" Red Wine is a primarily a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County.  I could not get over the various masks on the label, so let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blackberry and peppery spice that matches the label well.  The first sip is a rush of peppery spice intermingled with warm fruit, cherry, blackberry and cassis, that transitions to some earthy tar and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are rather subdued, but still provide a nice foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's not spectacular, but represents a solid value at just $15, making this a prime everyday drinking wine.  This wine would pair well with a range of casual dishes, from tacos to barbecue, pasta to pizza, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye with a bit of cranberry horseradish, grilled asparagus and garlic stapes (my favorite season is here!) and oven roasted root vegetables.  Cheers!

2023 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Memorial Day!  I spend the day planting flowers at the cemetery for my family, and now it's time to enjoy the classic cookout that we all enjoy.  Before I get to grilling, it's time to open a nice bottle of wine. Tonight it's a recent wine club shipment from a Walla Walla favorite, Pepper Bridge!  The 2023 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine is a blend of Merlot (37%). Cabernet Sauvignon (27%). Malbec (27%) and Petit Verdot (9%) all harvested from the Pepper Bridge Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this latest vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry and leather with undertones of oak.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that transition easily to some notes of charred oak and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.  

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant red wine, ideal for meals or just sipping on the patio with family and friends.  This wine would pair well with braised short ribs, rack of lamb or hearty pasta, but what it really wants is a big honkin' steak!  And we are in luck, as I am enjoying this wine with a prime tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare on a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms with fresh grilled corn on the cob and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!