2007 Bodegas Arrayan Syrah

Happy Sunday!  The end of the weekend but the beginning of the week, how does that work anyway?  Tonight I've decided to open a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out, the 2007 Bodegas Arrayan Syrah, a 100% Syrah from Mentrida, Spain.  So let's see what this one has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents aromas of tart cherry, violets and wild game with mint.  The taste is surprising it its complexity, with a rush of ripe fruit up front, cherry, blueberry and cassis that transitions to some lovely floral and spice notes midpalate.  The peppery spice subsides to reveal some wonderfully structured tannins supporting the velvety, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely Syrah that's in it's prime for drinking and it was a terrific bargain at just $17.  Tonight I am paring this with my own twist on Indian food, a chicken Tikka Masala with a broad array of vegetables served over basmati rice.  The black fruit and spice are perfect with Indian food, cheers!

2013 DaMa Columbia Valley Syrah

Happy Saturday!  I've spend much of the day running errands and getting set to do some projects around the house (this home ownership thing is the biggest racket ever!).  So tonight I've decided to make a wonderful Mediterranean inspired dinner, and to complement that cuisine I thought a nice Syrah would be perfect.  Tonight it's the 2013 DaMa Columbia Valley Syrah that I recently received in a wine club shipment.

The wine is a bright ruby in the glass with great clarity.  The nose presents aromas of leather, black raspberry and lilac, that suggest this wine is a little more sophisticated.  The taste is somewhat fruit forward, with some lovely notes of black cherry and cassis that transition nicely to some white pepper spice and mineral notes swirling in a bit of smoke.  The tannins are somewhat mellow, but persistent, leading to a long, smooth dry finish that reaches its height with a reprise of cherry.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's a very nicely structured Syrah that is much more reminiscent of the old world style of the Cotes du Roussillon. Tonight I am pairing this wine with grilled octopus along with a variety of grilled savory vegetables (red onions, garlic, leeks, white and yellow peppers), purple kale and grilled tomatoes.  What a taste of the Mediterranean right here, cheers!

2012 L'Ecole No. 41 Ferguson

Happy Friday!  It's been a long week, so I am sure glad that the weekend is here and the weather is supposed to be lovely!  So to start the weekend off right I am grillin' and uncorkin' and tonight I've uncorked a bottle of 2012 L'Ecole No. 41 Ferguson, a limited production (890 cases) blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Malbec (6%) from the Ferguson Vineyard in Walla Walla.  I recall barrel tasting the first vintage at the vineyard about three years ago, and I've previously reviewed the 2011 (see here) and 2013 (see here) so let's see how the even year stacks up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, the sort of color composition that gets your mouth watering.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, leather, tar and a hint of mint and violet.  The taste is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry and cherry that transitions effortlessly to some mineral notes of basalt and spicy black pepper and Asian spice midpalate.  The finish is smooth, dry and lingering with well structured tannins lending some vibrancy at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5 as this is my favorite of the three vintages I've tried.  It's an ideal dinner wine, as it could go with a variety of wonderful dishes, from salmon to roast beef, but tonight of course I'm enjoying this wine with steak!  In fact, it's a rare grilled bone-in Angus ribeye with a spinach salad, grilled leeks and asparagus and a baked potato.  I'll enjoy this wine with my steak and then move this party to the patio where I can continue enjoying it into the wonderful summer evening.  Cheers!

2013 Maison Bleue "Bourgeois" Grenache

Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day!  Well, my day was rather uneventful as I spend most of the afternoon doing work, but now it's time to relax with a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of 2013 Maison Bleue Bourgeois Grenache, a limited production (187 cases) 100% Grenache made with fruit from the Boushey and Monette's Vineyards in the Columbia Valley of Washington.  I reviewed the 2012 vintage (see here) about a year ago, so let's see what this vintage has to offer!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of raspberry, red currant, white pepper and slate.  The taste is a refreshing burst of fruit, raspberry, currant and tart cherry that transitions to some wonderful flavors of white pepper and smoke midpalate.  The finish is delightful, as the robust tannins provide for a bit of spice on the smooth, dry finish that keeps you wanting more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as I just love the Grenache that's produced by Maison Bleue!  This wine would be ideal for somewhat lighter fare, perfect for summer drinking with fresh fish or seafood.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with sea scallops seared with toasted sesame oil on a bed of fresh spinach along with herb roasted fingerling potatoes and steamed Brussels sprouts.  The fruit of this wine really accents the richness of the scallops and the spice of the potatoes.  Cheers!

2011 Mark Ryan Winery "The Dissident"

Happy Saturday!  I've been working in the yard all afternoon so now it's time to relax with a glass of wine.  Tonight I've decided to open up a bottle of wine I brought back from my 2013 trip to Walla Walla, the 2011 Mark Ryan Winery "The Dissident" a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Syrah (28%), Merlot (20%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Mourvedre (7%) and Petit Verdot (6%).  I've tasted several of vintages every time I go to the tasting room in Walla Walla, and I've loved this wine, so let's see how this one stacks up!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents inviting aromas of black plum, cocoa powder, tobacco and licorice.  The taste is lovely, with flavors of blackberry and cherry up front that transitions to some notes of vanilla bean and mineral notes midpalate.  The finish is luscious, with firm tannins setting the stage for a long, smooth and very dry finish that makes you reach for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an outstanding Bordeaux style blend that reaches its height in Washington's Columbia Valley.  This wine would be great just sipping on the patio, or perfect with steak, so tonight I am enjoying this one with a rare grilled prime Porterhouse from Allen Brothers Steaks, some cajun rosted potatoes and grilled asparagus and rainbow carrots.  Cheers!

2015 L'Ecole No. 41 Grenache Rose

Happy Monday!  I know it's unusual for my to post on Mondays, but what the heck!  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of 2015 L'Ecole No. 41 Grenache Rose, since it seems summer has decided to come early this year - it's been in the upper 80s today and expected to stay hot all week long.  And since this is the summer of rose, why not go back to the pioneer of roses in Walla Walla, since I think they started the trend back with their 2009 vintage.  So let's see how this rose will get us through the summer!

The wine is a pale pinkish hue, almost a peach color in the glass.  The nose presents aromas of pink grapefruit and melon, accented by some floral notes of orange blossom and white roses.  The taste is just lovely, with some soft fruit notes up front, melon, strawberry and a hint of citrus that transition to some pomegranate and a bit of minerality midpalate.  The finish is crisp and very dry, just as a fine rose should be.

Overall, I would give this rose a solid 8.5, as I've been a fan of this one for quite a while.  This would be ideal for just sipping on the patio in the evening, or enjoying with a variety of picnic fare.  Tonight I'm enjoying this one with grilled hot dogs served Chicago style, a perfect day at the beach.  Cheers!

2012 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a remarkably short weekend as I've been busy doing work around the yard among other chores and yesterday was unbearably hot and humid, which just makes me feel that much more exhausted.  So tonight I plan to relax with an excellent bottle of wine, the 2012 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon!  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Petit Verdot (4%) and Syrah (4%) from many of the best vineyards in Washington.  Blended together, they make a truly memorable wine, so here goes nothing!

The wine is an inky black color in the glass, with a bit of bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, smoke, baking spice and ripe berries, the sort of aroma that hints at the pleasure you're about to receive.  The taste is wonderful, with a blast of ripe fruit up front, black cherry and berries, that transition to some wonderful black pepper spice and mineral notes midpalate.  The elegant finish it worth the wait, as the well integrated tannins support a warm, voluptuous finish that seems to go on and on.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's perennially one of my favorite wines from Washington, and this one is certainly living up to the reputation.  It would be ideal with a variety of big hearty meals, particularly a nice steak, which ironically enough is on the menu tonight!  I'm enjoying this wine with a rare grilled bone-in Angus ribeye with some grilled asparagus (farewell asparagus season!) and baked potato.  A classic Sunday dinner, cheers!

2014 Peller Estates Cabernet Merlot

Happy Hump Day!  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of wine I bought a month or so ago when I was in Toronto.  I travel on business to Canada once or twice a year and when I fly I usually take Porter Airlines as they fly into the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which I find very convenient.  On the flights, they serve Canadian wines from the Niagara Penninsula and they have a really nice Cabernet Franc.   So on my last trip I decided to get a bottle of Niagara wine at the duty free shop, the one I've opened tonight, the 2014 Peller Estates Cabernet Merlot, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,  Cabernet Franc and Merlot.  So here goes nothing!

The wine is a bit light, with a consistency more like a Pinot Noir than a Cabernet or Merlot.  It's also a bit low on alcohol at only 12.8%.  The nose presents aromas of ripe berries and plum, with a hint of oak and candied cherries.  The taste is pleasant, with a rush of jammy fruit up front that transitions to some flavors of oak midpalate.  The tannins are firm providing a nice foundation for the smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 7, it is very pleasant for a mid-week wine and it was a nice value at just $13 CDN or about $11 US, but it was a little light for my tastes.  This would be a very nice summer red, as the lighter body is ideal for hotter temperatures.  This wine would pair well with barbecue or a nice simple steak as I'm enjoying tonight, along with some grilled asparagus and a baked potato.  Cheers eh?

2009 Reininger Cima

Well, it's a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon, perfect grilling weather, so it's time to pick a wine to enjoy.  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of 2009 Reininger Cima, a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Merlot (20%) and Petit Verdot (10%) from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards of Walla Walla Valley.  I've reviewed a number of other vintages of Cima over the years, so let's see how this one stacks up!

The wine is a deep, inky purple at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak, kirsch, and a hint of violet.  The taste is wonderfully fruit forward, with a blast of black raspberry, plum and black cherry that transition nicely to some notes of tobacco, mocha and a hint of dark chocolate midpalate.  The finish it lovely, with some very round and supple tannins that prepare the way for the long, voluptuous and very dry finish that seems to last a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's been well worth the wait for the six and a half years this wine has spend in the barrel.  It would be perfect with big hearty and meaty meals, and tonight I am doing it justice with a nice grilled sirloin, baked potato with sour cream and some grilled organic rainbow carrots.  The fruit in this wine just goes perfectly with a bit of char on a steak.  Cheers!

1998 Fontanafredda Vigna La Delizia Barolo

Happy Saturday!  And of course this being the first Saturday of the new month, it's Cellar Saturday!  That magical day when I reach deep into the cellar and open a more mature bottle to enjoy.  Tonight I have a treat that's actually only been in my cellar for a day, but it's a mature wine I bought last week from Wines Till Sold Out, the 1998 Fontanafredda Vigna La Delizia Barolo!  Now Barolo is one of those prized Italian wines made from the Nebbiolo grape from the Piedmont region of northern Italy. My personal preference is that I really don't think you can appreciate a nice Barolo if it's less than 10 years old, and this one being 18 should be just about hitting its stride by now.  I've decanted this wine for about an hour and a half, so let's see what this one has to offer!

The wine is a nice garnet color with a bit of brownish tint along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, anise, blackberry and spice box that makes you feel like you've just walked into and old school Italian deli in New York, just what you would expect from a mature Barolo.  The taste is just wonderful, a brief blast of ripe fruit up front, blackberry and prune that transitions to some lovely mineral and spice notes midpalate, mint and a bit of dried thyme with a hint of dried flowers.  The tannins are still alive and well, leading this fine lady to a long, smooth and exceptionally dry finish that goes on and on.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's just perfect for drinking right now, but definitely as a number of years left.  This wine was not inexpensive at $50, but a considerable discount to the $190 retail price, so I can't complain too much.  This wine would be perfect with almost anything Italian, but it would be ideal with risotto or a pasta with a nice red sauce.  Tonight I've gone a little off the beaten path and am enjoying this wine with some herb roasted chicken, fresh asparagus and a bit of linguine tossed with fresh garlic and olive oil.  Tutti a tavola a mangiare!

2010 Reininger Walla Walla Merlot

Happy Friday!  Have I mentioned lately that I'm an idiot?  So yesterday two cases of wine arrive at my office from Reininger Winery in Walla Walla.  Now I knew I ordered one case last week and they were shipping it 2 day air, so I thought maybe they sent half in each box,  But I opened the first case and it was my complete order, so I called the friendly folks at Reininger and explained that I had an extra case of wine so we opened it and there were 3 bottles of 2010 Helix Merlot, 3 bottles of 2011 Reininger Merlot and 6 bottles of 2010 Reininger Merlot, one of which I opened tonight.  So apparently I ordered this wine last July and was supposed to pick up the case when I went to Walla Walla on vacation, but I didn't, and ironically I have no memory of any of this!  So dumb me gets a surprise when something he orders finally arrives!  Senility can be fun on days like this I guess!  Anyway, on to the wine.

The wine is a lovely deep ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, cherry leather and hint of violet floral notes.  The taste is classic Merlot, a rush of ripe berries, cherry and warm spice with the lovely Walla Walla hints of dark chocolate that come to play midpalate.  The tannins are firm but very nicely integrated into the long, warm and very dry finish that seems to last a minute or more.

All the great wine that I received yesterday!

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's the ideal representation of a great Walla Walla Merlot.  I can't speak to value, as I have no memory of ordering this wine much less what I paid for it, but I'm guessing since I ordered a half case it must have been a deal!  This wine would be perfect for steak, or big hearty Italian dishes and tonight I am enjoying this one with a nice rare grilled sirloin tri-tip steak, baked potato with all the fixins and some grilled Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2012 Twenty Rows Napa Valley Merlot

Happy Hump Day on this holiday shortened week!  Tonight I had to work late, so I'm just getting around to opening a bottle of wine, and tonight it's the 2012 Twenty Rows Napa Valley Merlot, a blend of Merlot (90%) with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) to take the edge off.  I actually picked this bottle up at a local Italian restaurant that was changing up their wine list and all the old wines had to go at just $20 a bottle!  Well, you know how much I love me some Merlot so let's see what this one has to offer!

The wine is a deep, inky purple at the center with a bit of garnet along the edges,  The nose presents wonderful aromas of green cedar, mocha and black currant, perfect for a classic Merlot.  The taste was wonderful, with a blast of ripe berries and cherry cola at the outset that transitioned nicely to some mineral notes and warm spice.  The tannins are somewhat soft but nicely integrated for the long, smooth and very dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's drinking very nicely right now and was a solid bargain at just $20!  This would be an ideal steak wine, which ironically enough it my humpday dinner, as I'm enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime petit filet mignon with a baked potato and grilled asparagus.  Cheers!