2021 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  I must admit it's been a while since I've posted on a Wednesday, but I suppose that's what holiday vacations are for!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of the most recent wine club shipment from Pepper Bridge Winery, one of my favorite wineries in Walla Walla!  The 2021 Pepper Bridge Merlot is a blend of Merlot (82%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) harvested from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Waliser and Octave Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a lovely, deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry and currant amid subtle floral notes of violet and sandalwood.  The first sip is a ripping adventure of tart cherry that eases into some calmer notes of black currant and a bit of mocha, before hitting its earthy stride with flavors of earthy peat and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are ripe and supple, providing for a velvety dry finish with a reprise of tartness at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely example of this underappreciated varietal from the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of more casual dishes, from smoky barbecued ribs to pizza, burgers and brats to tacos, or even the classis steak dinner.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some fajita steak tacos, with all the spice I can muster!  Cheers! 

2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Merry Christmas!  It's been a relaxing day, just watching Christmas movies (I am finishing up White Christmas with A Christmas Carol on deck!) and now it's time to have a nice glass of wine with dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which I purchased recently from Wines Till Sold Out.  Of course, I'm a sucker for innovative labeling and anything that looks like a stock certificate or currency, so this was a natural choice.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet from Napa Valley produced by the Toulon Wine Company.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cab.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of earthy leather and graphite intertwined with ripe plum and black cherry fruit.  The first sip is a mesmerizing mix of ripe sweet black fruit and tart cherry and pomegranate that eventually transitions to some earthy notes of dusty limestone with some mocha and white pepper spice notes midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully approachable Napa Cabernet with the solid drinking quality while avoiding the pretense.  It was also a good value at just $25!  This wine would naturally pair well with a big steak, but also would fair well with braised short ribs, veal osso bucco or leg of lamb.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye, baked potato and maple bacon Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2019 Anvil Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon

Merry Christmas!  I know it's only Christmas Eve, but I so love the Season that the joy is overflowing!  I hope that all of you and your families are enjoying a time together enjoying each other's company and realizing the true nature of this season as we think on the birth of Jesus as the savior we all need.  I confess that as much as I've tried to have traditions for this time of year, none of them have taken root, so what you see is what you get!  Tonight, as I make a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, I've opened a bottle of the recent wine club selection from Forgeron Cellars, the 2019 Anvil Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) and Petit Verdor (8%) from the Dionysus Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a Washington Cabernet.   A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of warm blackberry, plum, baking spice amid hints of oak in the background.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of cool ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that give way to some earthy mineral notes midpalate, before easing into some white pepper notes heading into the finish.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a nice base for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers until you take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as the Dionysus Cabernet is a perennial favorite of mine.  This wine is ideal for the winter months, as the hearty structure and ripe fruit make it perfect for the hearty dishes we all enjoy this time of year.  This wine would pair well with steak, lamb, hearty pasta dishes or rustic risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared center cut prime ribeye, haricots verts almondine and a big baked potato with all the trimmings.  Cheers!

2019 DaMa Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  I was in full holiday mode today, watching Christmas movies while writing out cards and wrapping presents, and now it's time to wind down with a little dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of  2019 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Franc.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the XL Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  I know some of the best Syrah I've tasted came from XL, so hopefully it does as well with Cabernet Franc!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, dark at the center, just as you'd expect. A gentle swirl reveals aromas of Italian herbs, with some spicy pepper and a hint of oregano amid rich notes of ripe black plum.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of black fruit, plum, raspberry and cherry, with an undertone of tawny port, that easily transition to some mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a velvety mouthfeel as you ease into the long, smooth dry finish with a bit of mocha at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the better examples of a pure Cabernet Franc that I've tastes.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from steak to lamb, hearty pasta to shepherds pie.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a taste of the Pacific Northwest, as my local market had fresh sockeye salmon on sale, so I've enjoying this wine with a pan seared sockeye filet along with some linguine sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with asparagus and broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a busy weekend with my annual hunting trip to find Christmas trees, and I was successful in bagging a blue spruce and a Norway spruce, and today I spend much of the day decorating!  So, now I am ready for a nice dinner and a bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2016 Rutherford Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  Opening a 7-year-old Napa Cabernet is always a treat as this wine should just about be hitting its stride about now, so let's see what it has to offer!

The wine has the classic Napa Cab look, deep, inky black at the center and bright garnet along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, currant and dried herbs.  The first sip is an interesting combination of black fruit, blackberry, currant and cherry with a bit of sweetness that transitions to some spicy notes with hints of tea midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, but the finish is dry and rather subdued.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely, easy sipping Cabernet that has likely reached it's prime.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall and winter dishes, from roast beef to pasta casseroles, chili to rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Cabernet pairing of a pan seared ribeye, steamed Brussels sprouts and oven roasted root vegetables.  Cheers!

2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical day when I raid the cellar to find something at least a decade in the making to taste.  Tonight I've opened another vintage of a wine I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out (in this case I bought a 5-year vertical).  The 2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, anise and dried herbs, with a faint undertone of mint.  Take a sip and you're awash in a cascade of blackberry and currant, with notes of espresso, dark chocolate and eucalyptus that transition to some notes of dried herbs that will have you envisioning an old-school Italian grocery.  The tannins are in your face, providing for a velvety mouthfeel and a long, dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well now, but might have already reached its prime.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to baked pasta or braised lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some barbecued beef ribs, baked beans and some vinegar coleslaw.  Cheers!

2021 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Red Wine

Well, it's the last day of a long weekend, so let's go out with a bang!  It's been snowing most of the day, so I think it's appropriate to open a nice hearty red wine to enjoy with dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Red Wine, a lovely blend from the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington combining some interesting fruit from both the Red Mountain and Yakima Valley regions.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (4%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (3%), from the Quintessence, Olsen, Quinn, Henry Earl, Phinny Hill, Stanton and Klipsun Vineyards, a real powerhouse cast!  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect for such a Cabernet heavy blend.  Take a whiff and you're greeted with aromas of cedar, black cherry and plum, with faint undertones of mint and lavender.  The first sip is a warm rush of ripe cherry and anise with some tawny undertones, that transitions to some notes of vanilla bean and cherry cola midpalate.  The fine grain tannins provide an ideal backbone for a smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant drinking red blend that is an affordable everyday drinker at just $35 before wine club discounts.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty fall and winder dishes, from Yankee pot roast to hearty chili or beef stew, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribeye, baked purple potato and some oven roasted romanesco.  Cheers!

2021 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's been a real waste of a day, I had such plans to get a bunch of work done, but by the end of the day I could only accomplish some basic errands and then I just decided to enjoy some cocktails before dinner.  But at least I selected a nice wine to go with my dinner.  The 2021 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (14%), Malbec (10%) and Petit Verdot (10%) all from the Seven Hills 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 just as you'd expect from this Bordeaux style blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals an interesting combination of aromas with some ripe red fruit, strawberry, cherry and currant intermingled with some dusty mineral notes of limestone and basalt.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe fruit and minerality, cherry, currant and raspberry that give way to some notes of dusty loam, cocoa powder and baking spice midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued but well integrated to provide a wonderfully long, dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal red blend for a variety of occasions and food pairings.  This wine would pair well with hearty steaks and chops, braised lamb shank, wild mushroom risotto or any number of hearty fall dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a reprise of summer and some bourbon glazed barbecued baby back ribs, mustard baked beans and cole slaw made with pomegranate, honey, olive oil and sage blossom vinegar.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Red Wine

Happy Friday!  I'm enjoying a long weekend, so a perfect time for finishing some yard work and enjoying a nice dinner and bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in my cellar for about a year, the 2020 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Red Wine.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, one of the most established vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this wine is tasting like!

The wine is a deep brooding indigo with bright ruby along the edges, as you'd expect from a classic Bordeaux style blend.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, black cherry and hints of sage.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, currant and plum that ease into some notes of olive, white pepper and dried herbs midpalate.  The tannins are thick and chewy, providing for a wonderfully long, dry finish that seems to linger a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a delightful wine, though the fruit can seem a bit heavy at the outset.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty winter dishes, from pasta and casseroles, to chili and stews.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, grilled leeks, parsley buttered potatoes, asparagus and hollandaise.  Cheers!

2019 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I finished my leaves today (and this may actually be the finish as there are scant few leaves left up in the trees!) then since the weather was nice I decided to go for a bike ride. And now I'm back home ready to make my Sunday dinner and enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of the fall wine club shipment from DaMa Wines, the 2019 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Heather Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine has the classic look of a big Cabernet, with an inky black center and bright garnet along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, ripe blackberry and cherry, intermingled with some dried herbs and a hint of hibiscus that will have you intrigued.  The first sip is a carnival ride of flavor, with a rush of tart cherry that eases into some ripe blackberry and plum with a bit of vanilla, before heading off into some earthy minerals and a hint of tarragon midpalate.  The tannins are velvety, providing for some wonderful texture as you ease into the wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just everything you could ask for a pleasant sipping Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with steaks, prime rib, barbecue or classic pasta dishes, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime rib cap, oven roasted purple potatoes and some maple bacon Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2020 Stags Leap Winery "The Investor" Napa Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's been a busy afternoon of leaf gathering in the yard, and now that I've cleaned up I have time for a nice glass of wine and dinner before heading off to my local community theatre for a performance.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I discovered at a restaurant when I had dinner in Gross Pointe, Michigan a couple of months ago.  The waiter indicated that this wine was not on the list as they received only a few bottles by mistake, and since it was half off bottle night we indulged in a bottle of 2020 Stags Leap Winery "The Investor" Napa Valley Red Wine.  Given my career choices, this wine is perfectly named and contains a blend of Merlot (40%), Petit Syrah (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Malbec (10%) all from the Napa Valley AVA.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is an inky black with a rind of ruby along the edges, perfect for a Bordeaux blend.  Take a whiff and you indulge in an array of black fruit, intermingled with anise and caramel, hints of dusty loam and dark chocolate.  The first sip is a wave of luscious ripe fruit, black cherry, currant and plum that ease into some warm notes of baking spice, white pepper and caramel.  The tannins are playful in the structure, easing you into a velvety, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip forthwith.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fantastic Bordeaux style blend that is somewhat surprising given its origin in Napa.  This wine would pair well with the braised short ribs I enjoyed at that restaurant, steaks, grilled lamb chops or hearty pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a quick and simple dinner of Trader Joe's tomato and burrata ravioli along with some homemade marinara and some new Bolognese mix of ground veal, pork and beef.  Cheers!

2020 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a weekend of yard work as I am nearing the end of leaf harvest, and soon all the trees will be bare and several metric tons of leaves will be hauled to the front of my house.  And now that it gets dark before suppertime, I suppose it's appropriate to open a nice bottle of wine in anticipation of dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a perennial favorite, the 2020 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon (you can see the many other vintages I've reviewed here).  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Petit Verdot (12%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Merlot (4%), and 1% each of Syrah, Barbera and Dolcetto.  So, let's see what this vintage has to offer!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you would expect from a nice Cabernet.  Take a whiff and you're greeted by aromas of black cherry, leather, anise and a hint of mint.  The first sip is rush of ripe black fruit that transitions to some notes of dried spice and earthy notes of tar and basalt.  The velvety mouthfeel and well integrated tannins offer and appropriate yin and yang to a Cabernet that really shines through the Bordeaux aspects of Washington state.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, and since it's still relatively young, there is plenty of opportunity to mature with some time in the cellar.  This wine would pair exceptionally well with hearty steaks, braised short ribs or hearty fall stews.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare American Wagyu strip from Snake River Farms, along with some oven roasted sweet potatoes, leeks and maple bacon Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2012 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month which means it's Cellar Saturday!  It's time to raid my cellar and find something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened the first bottle in a 2012-2016 vertical I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2012 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (96%) and Petit Verdot (4%) from the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a classic, big Napa Cabernet.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, lavender, eucalyptus and a bit of ripe blackberry.  Take a sip and you are immediately in big Cabernet country, with a rush of black fruit that washes over your palate, blackberry, cherry and plum, that transition easily to some notes of anise, white pepper spice and earthy loam.  The tannins are robust, providing for a velvety mouthfeel and a long, smooth dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's really matured well over the years.  This wine would pair well with a lot of hearty dishes, but like most big Napa Cabs, it would be exceptional with steak.  Tonight I am doing just that and enjoying this wine with a big dry aged prime ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with grilled leeks, oven roasted sweet potatoes, blistered cherry tomatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2020 Mark Ryan Winery "The Dissident" Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been cold an rainy today, so I confess I haven't done much outside of some laundry, but at least there's wine!  Tonight I am getting ready for a bit of Italian for dinner, and though I seriously thought about opening a nice bottle of Italian wine, I opted for a bottle of wine I just recently received from a special promotion by Mark Ryan Winery.  The 2020 Mark Ryan Winery "The Dissident" Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (24%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from 11 different vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a classic Washington Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe cherry, aged leather, currant and a hint of tarragon.  The first sip is a rush of sweet cherry, intermingled with charred oak, hints of tobacco and dark chocolate which transition easily to some mineral notes of dusty limestone and basalt midpalate.  The tannins are expertly structured, providing the ideal base for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers and beckons you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic example of the new world meets old world character of Washington Bordeaux style blends.  This wine is an easy drinking, hearty Cabernet, that was also a terrific value (normally $45, there is a wine club special for just $32 through the end of the month). This wine would pair well with a big steak, hearty stews, or fall pasta dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some squid ink linguine tossed with some sautéed shrimp in some of my homemade sauce.  Cheers!

2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 191

Happy Sunday!  I meant to do some yard work today, but by the time I went grocery shopping, went to Costco and finished all my other errands, there was just enough time left to do laundry and open up a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight's wine is a special one, the 2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 191.  You may be familiar with Clone 191, as it's the same one that is featured in Seven Hills' Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's one of the highest rated Bordeaux clones for Cabernet.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just what you'd expect from the varietal.  Take a whiff and you'll note aromas of graphite, blackberry, cassis and rich leather that offer a prelude to a special wine.  The first sip starts with a rush of tart cherry that eases into ripe blueberry, black olive and cedar notes with a velvety mouthfeel that will set your mind racing.  The balanced tannin structure offers a perfect foundation for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, knowing that it's still early in its development, so I'd expect this wine to improve even further with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty pasta, beef stew to roasted lamb shank, but above all this wine wants a steak!  So, tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, grilled leeks, blistered cherry tomatoes and grilled asparagus.  Cheers!

2020 Stolen Horse Syrah

Happy Saturday!  It's certainly starting to feel like fall, in fact we are supposed to get some frost tomorrow night!  Thankfully I made a quick call to my sprinkler guy yesterday and we got everything winterized before the first freeze.  In any case, tonight it's time for a nice dinner that might be a last hurrah of summer, along with a wine that I've enjoyed for nearly a decade (see my previous reviews of the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages).  The 2020 Stolen Horse Syrah is a Syrah (97%), co-fermented with a bit of Viognier (3%) sourced from the Loess, Flying B, Kenny Hill and LeFore Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, ideal for a nice Syrah.  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of smoked meat, blackberry jam, blueberry and hints of lavender.  Take a sip and you're treated to an evolving mix of black and blue fruit, charred oak, and a bit of tart cherry before easing into some notes of earthy tar and white pepper midpalate.  The tannins are silky smooth, a perfect base for the long dry finish that will have you contemplating the depth of flavor you just experienced.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a lovely example of the varietal with a cascade of terroirs from the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from cedar planked salmon to barbecue, fall pasta to risotto.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a last gasp of summer, some barbecued beef ribs, corn on the cob and sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

2021 Bledsoe Family Winery Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  So the past two weekends have been raining so I haven't been able to mow and my grass desperately needs it.  But there is one small problem, this being autumn my grass was covered with leaves which need to be removed before I could mow.  So, I spent six hours on the only non-rainy day of the weekend to blow leaves and mow, making me tired and sore at this point.  What to do?  I know, I'll open up a nice bottle of wine and cook a good dinner to make me feel better!  Tonight, I've opened a recent wine club shipment from Bledsoe Family Winery, the 2021 Walla Walla Cabernet Franc.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the McQueen, LeFore and Schafer Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky purple in the glass just as you'd expect from a nice Cabernet Franc.  Take a whiff and you're greeted by aromas of tart cherry, dusty limestone and a bit of tobacco that is more reminiscent of a nice Syrah.  The first sip is a rush of black fruit, plum, cherry and currant that dance around some nice minerality midpalate.  The tannins are still developing, but the finish is pleasant and smooth, with a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine s solid 8.5, as it's a solid example of this Bordeaux varietal that will likely improve quite a bit with some time in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with hearty beef dishes, barbecue or risotto, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared Scottish black pearl salmon filet, steamed rice and some oven roasted broccolini.  Cheers!

2016 L'Esprit De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan

Happy Sunday!  It's been a rainy afternoon, so I decided to dispense with the yard work and focus on some indoor projects, like replacing the backing on a new painting I bought at the thrift store, fixing my live trap to catch the second groundhog that roamed into my yard on Friday and other assorted household chores.  So, now I'm ready for a nice dinner and a glass or few of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a magnum of 2016 L'Esprit De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan that I bought a month or two ago during the Wines Till Sold Out magnum event.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Merlot (45%) and Petit Verdot (10%), making this a classic Bordeaux blend.  I'm going to need some of this wine for the red wine demi that I'm making for my main course, so if there's enough extra for another glass or two that seems fine to me!  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is an inky black at the center with just a touch of ruby along the edges.  The nose is a lovely presentation of leather, ripe black fruit and hints of anise and pepper.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of cool black fruit that's a bit tart at first, before transitioning into some blackberry and cherry sweetness.  The tannins are refined and well structured, which works well with the spicy dry finish with just a hint of acidity at the end. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a great example of the old world styling and craft of Bordeaux.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from grilled steaks to braised short ribs, hearty beef stew to wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Sunday dinner of herb crusted rack of lamb with red wine demi, potato puree and some grilled asparagus.  Cheers!

2007 Silverado Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday!  This month I went deep into the cellar to find a bottle that I've had squirreled away for more than a decade, from one of the most stellar vintages of Napa Valley.  The 2007 Silverado Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those classic wines from a classic vintage, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center, and a bright ruby along the edges, without any hint of amber, you'd be hard pressed to tell this 16-year-old from a current vintage.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, anise, tar and just a hint of lilac.  Take a sip and you're greeted with ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum intermingled with some black pepper spice before transitioning to some notes of tarragon and pipe tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are still vibrant and well structured to ease into a wonderfully smooth, dry finish that will have you appreciating this mature wine.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's truly lived up to the hype of this vintage, and maintained its structure and drinkability edging toward two decades on.  This wine would be fantastic just sipping with friends, but it's still hearty enough to pair with a big steak, braised short ribs or a hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled New York strip topped with alderwood smoked salt, grilled asparagus and oven roasted baby potatoes with herbs de Provence.  Cheers!

2021 Mas de la Baronne Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé

Happy Sunday!  Today I did some actual work as well as some chores around the house, went for a bike ride and was run off the path by an idiot pedestrian that didn't want to move, so now that I've stopped the bleeding on my shin I am really ready for a glass of wine!  And since it's still 82 degrees, it must still be rosé season despite the face that it's October!  So, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2021 Mas de la Baronne Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out over the summer.  This wine is  blend of Grenache and Syrah, so, let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a pale peach color in the glass, very light as seems to be the recent popular trend in rosé.  After a gentle swirl, the wine offers aromas of peach, lemongrass and strawberry.  The first sip is a surprising rush of ripe berry, raspberry, strawberry and currant, that transition to some earthy mineral notes midpalate.  The finish is crisp and very dry with some mild acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a classic rosé from Provence that would be an ideal summer sipper, especially at a value price of just $10.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fish, from pan fried lake perch to a nice salmon filet, summer salads or a cold pasta salad.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some roasted chicken breasts that I coated in bread crumbs mixed with a bit of Nashville hot spice powder I recently bought, along with some pasta and sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2020 Forgeron Cellars Mourvèdre

Happy Taco Tuesday!  I bet you'll never guess what's for dinner tonight... In any case, I needed to find something to pair with my tacos, which I find to be an adventurous food for pairings as you can go anywhere from an Argentine Malbec to Napa Cabernet to Spanish Rioja.  Today, I've taken the road less traveled and am enjoying them with a Rhone blending varietal, the 2020 Forgeron Cellars Mourvèdre!  This wine is a 100% Mourvèdre from the Heart of the Hill Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this one tastes!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, a bit darker than you would see in the Grenache that you might normally blend with Mourvèdre.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of sweet cherry, mint and tawny port, with mild oak undertones.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, currant and plum that ease into some earthy notes of dusty limestone and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are robust and well integrated for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as I think it's one of the better examples of a Mourvèdre that I've tasted.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from steaks and barbecue, to Mediterranean Cioppino, but as I alluded earlier, tonight I am enjoying this wine with some fajita steak tacos with all the trimmings.  This wine holds up exceptionally well to the spice I employ, cheers!

2022 Hazlitt Dry Rosé

Happy Sunday!  Yesterday I had one of the busiest days I can remember, so today I've decided to take it easy, cooking some slow roasted comfort food for dinner, doing a bit of yard work and laundry, and now I'm ready for a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of rosé that I picked up on my recent vacation and wine tasting side trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York.  The 2022 Hazlitt Dry Rosé is made from 100% Cabernet Franc from the Hazlitt 1852 Home Farm Vineyard in the Seneca Lake region of the Finger Lakes.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a lovely pale peach color in the glass, quite in character for the current trends in rosé.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, watermelon and green grass with a hint of lemon zest.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a fresh, clean depth of peach, strawberry and citrus that wash over your palate, before transitioning to some notes of green grass and a bit of minerality midpalate.  The finish is crisp and dry, ideal for summer sipping on the patio (which is rapidly coming to a close!).

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as this wine stacks up to some of the finest rosés from California and Washington to the South of France.  I have to admit I was skeptical of the Finger Lakes when I went to visit, but I was pleasantly surprised.  This wine would pair well with fresh summer caprese salad, a variety of cheeses, seared salmon or barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a dinner inspired by the other end of my vacation, a Vermont maple syrup glazed ham, mashed potatoes and steamed peas. Cheers!

2019 Backstage Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I recently purchased during a Cabernet event at Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2019 Backstage Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Green Room Vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a big, bold Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals luxurious aromas of leather, candied cherries and oak, with undertones of mocha and dark chocolate.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum, that ease effortlessly to some notes of earthy tar and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing and ideal foundation for the long, velvety smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a pleasant drinking and classic example of the big Cabernets of Napa Valley.  I could enjoy sipping on this wine on a lovely fall evening in front of a fire, but I could also enjoy this wine with rustic charcuterie, a big grilled steak or a rare rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a prime ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with grilled leeks and hatch chilis, and some linguine tossed with broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil.  Cheers!

2021 Nathaniel J. Moore Zweigelt Rosé

Happy Sunday!  It was a more subdued day today as I did some work and finished my laundry before going for a bike ride just before the rain began.  Now I've opened a nice bottle of wine from my recent vacation which included a stop in the Finger Lakes wine region in New York State.  One of the wineries I visited was the Inspire Moore Winery, where I picked up a bottle of this wine.  The 2021 Zweigelt Rosé is bottled under the Nathaniel J. Moore label, which is the namesake of the current winemaker and the second generation of this family owned winery. Nathaniel succeeded his father who unfortunately passed away in 2019 just as Nathaniel graduated from a local Enology & Viticulture program.  

As head winemaker, Nathaniel has continued his father's passion for Austrian varietals, including this wine.  Zweigelt is a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, and has become one of the most planted red varietals in Austria.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!  The wins is a bright pink color in the glass, somewhat deeper in color than the typical rosés of the past few years.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of green grass, tart cherry and a bit of minerality.  The first sip is a subdued blend of strawberry, candied cherry and some earthy peat that eases into some notes of cranberry toward the finish.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a wonderfully crisp dry finish ideal for the closing days of summer.

Beyond the wines, I must admit, I was impressed with the cozy tasting room at the winery in Naples, as I had the chance to enjoy a tasting on the deck overlooking the vineyard, an idyllic place to sip wine!  And when you finish, there is a lovely restaurant next door that has some fantastic lunch fare.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very interesting varietal with a great flavor profile less likely to overwhelm the food you pair it with.  This wine would be wonderful with light summer fare, a variety of seafood and salad.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared, sesame crusted tuna steak, steamed jasmine rice and sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2019 Forgeron Boushey Vineyard Grenache

Happy Sunday!  Today has been an adventure as I completed the sauce making endeavor by canning 13 quarts of fresh pasta sauce with roasted garlic and peppers, in addition to doing laundry and other sundry chores around the house.  So, I figure I've earned a nice glass of wine, and tonight that wine is the 2019 Forgeron Grenache, a 100% Grenache from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  This is Forgeron's second vintage of a pure Grenache (you can see my review of the first vintage here), so let's see how this second effort is tasting!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, with a lighter body, somewhat reminiscent of a Pinot Noir.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of cherry, plum and currant amid floral notes of lavender and a hint of minerality.  The first sip is a rush of ripe berry, that quickly evolves into sweetness and acidity coming to fisticuffs!  As these two settle down, the wine gracefully transitions to some mineral notes midpalate before easing into sweet cherry and white pepper notes on the finish, which is wonderfully smooth and dry.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as I wasn't quite as impressed with this vintage as I was with the inaugural, but it's still a wonderful representation of the varietal.  This wine would pair well with lamb, Yankee pot roast or summer barbecue, which is a good thing given my dinner selection.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some slow cooked barbecued baby back ribs, corn on the cob and green beans, a perfect end of summer dinner!  Cheers!

2018 Jigar Wines Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been a while since I've posted because I was away on my summer vacation road trip, this time to Maine with stops in the Finger Lakes of New York (stay tuned for a future post!), Vermont and New Hampshire.  And now that I'm back, I just made a giant pot of pasta sauce from a 25-lb box of tomatoes I brought back from the Finger Lakes, which I will be canning tomorrow.  But aside from all this activity today, I've opened a bottle of wine to enjoy before heading to the theatre tonight (man, I do lead a busy life!).  Tonight's wine is a 2018 Jigar Wines Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out, a 100% Cabernet from vineyards in eastern Sonoma County.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and dried herbs that bring images of subdued luxury to mind.  The first sip brings a rush of ripe berry flavors, blueberry, blackberry and sweet cherry that ease into some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are soft but well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish with a reprise of cherry at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a nicely drinking Cabernet that could be an everyday sipper at the value price of just $20.  This wine would pair with a variety of hearty dishes from steaks and roasts, pasta dishes (stay tuned for a sauce update!) or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye steak, grilled hatch chilis and leeks, along with some linguine tossed with broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil.  Cheers!

2011 Girard Napa Valley Petit Sirah

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month and that means it's time to raid the cellar and find a bottle at least a decade in waiting to open and enjoy.  Tonight I've found a bottle that I likely bought while I still lived in Michigan, before they eliminated the requirement to place price tags on all retail products, so even though I can't remember where I bought this wine, I know I paid $26.99 for it!  The 2011 Girard Napa Valley is a big bold wine, as is often the case with this varietal, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black with bright ruby along the edges, still holding up well a dozen years after harvest.  The nose is rich in ripe black fruit, cherry, currant and plum intermingled with some lilac notes intertwined with some charcoal.  The first sip is a rush of black cherry, blueberry and plum that eases into some notes of basalt and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a velvety dry finish with a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful example of the hearty wines from this oft overlooked varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of steaks, rack of lamb, hearty roast beef or rich braised bison short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a seared petite prime filet mignon along with some mushroom risotto and roasted baby cauliflower.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Saturday!  I have been trying to relax today after two busy days of volunteer work as well as some near disasters with my plumbing and A/C on Wednesday, it's been a challenging week to say the least.  And that my friends is why the Lord gave us wine to cheer our hearts.  Tonight I've opened up a wine club exclusive bottle from Seven Hills, one of my all time favorite wineries in the Walla Walla Valley.  The 2021 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc sourced entirely from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a lovely deep ruby color in the glass with excellent clarity.  A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of black cherry, vanilla bean and toffee with undertones of peppercorn and a hint of sage.  As the first sip washes over your palate, a rush of ripe cherry, black raspberry and plum tickle your senses, before evolving into some earthy notes of graphite and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are soft but well integrated, providing for a luxurious, smooth dry finish that seems to linger until you next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an excellent example of pure bottling of what is historically a blending varietal, providing room for the grape to shine and highlight some of the wonderful characteristics of Walla Walla fruit.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from steaks and chops to pasta Bolognese, barbecued ribs to spicy chicken fajitas.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, with grilled hatch chiles and poblano peppers, and oven roasted rainbow carrots.  Cheers!