2023 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Friday!  It's been a stressful week, and I am happy to have some time to relax this weekend and what better way to start a weekend than with a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Tonight I have opened a bottle from one of my long-time favorite producers from Walla Walla, Seven Hiss Winery!  The 2023 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a full Cabernet harvested from the original Seven Hills Vineyard planted by Casey McClellan and his father back in the early 1980s.  Let's see how this latest vintage is treating us!

The wine has the classic look of a nice quality Cabernet, dark at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak and a cascade of ripe cherry and marionberry with undertones of freash herbs and floral notes.  The first sip is a rush or ripe red fruit, cherry, raspberry and marionberry that transitions easily to flavors of mocha, cherry cola and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing an ideal base for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic example of a quality Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer dishes, from barbecued ribe, burgers and brats to charbroiled steaks or alder planked salmon.  Tonight, I am taking the traditional route and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse topped with grilled hatch chiles (yes, it's finally hatch chile season!) and roasted gemstone potatoes.  Cheers!

2020 Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  With the summer winding down, I've been hard at work getting ready for classes to begin in just a few short weeks.  But there is alsways time for wine and tonight I've opened a wine that has become more of a favorite of mine.  The 2020 Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, but likely has some other Bordeaux varietals included in the blend, but unfortunately I could not find a tech sheet at the winery website, so we'll just go with it!

The wine is a classic inky black at the center with ruby edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, green grass, lavender and a hint of oak.  The first sip is an explosion of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that transitions easily to some notes of vanilla and clove midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing an ideal backbone for the exceptionally long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal example of a fine Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine would pair well with braised short ribs, rack of lamb or hearty pasta, but what it really needs is a big steak.  And I'm in luck, as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a thick bone-in ribeye, grilled rare and topped with garlic scapes, along with roasted beets and carrots.  Cheers!

2020 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been a day full of yard work as I cleared out a pile of invasive bushes and trees and then trimmed the hedges in the front yard.  And now that I'm exhausted, I need to make dinner and get to the theater for a performance of "Dear Even Hansen" tonight!  Well, at least there's wine and tonight is a really good one I bought trom Wines Till Sold Out a month or two ago. The 2020 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon is part of their Distinguished Vineyard Series, this time celebrating Soda Canyon Vineyard from the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a little over five years in.

The wine has the classic inky black and bright ruby complexion you'd expect from a high-quality Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry, tart cherry, macerated plum and the charactheristic leather and oak you might expect at the Cornell Club.  The first sip is a surprisingly sweet rush of ripe black fruit that evolved into some wonderful mineral notes midpalate, before careening into some acidity in the warm, dry finish that lingers on your palate..

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an excellent Napa Caberenet, with a bit more earhiness than you might typically find in such a wine, making this one a bit of a different animal.  As for pairing, this wine would pair well with hearty steak, classic Bolognese or earthy mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribeye finished with a bit of truffle butter over a bed of sauteed onions and mushrooms along with some fresh corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been an odd weather day, starting with heat and humidity, then thunderstorms and now a return of heat, humidity and wildfire smoke from Canada.  I just hope the rain holds off as we are supposed to have our Independence Day fireworks tonight as they were postponed due to storms two weeks ago.  Whatever happens, at least there is wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine from one of my early wineries that I visited on my first trip to Walla Walla more than 25 years ago.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (88%), Malbec (7%) and Petit Verdot (5%) from the Weinbau, Bacchus and Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyards in Washington State.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine has the classic Cabernet look, with deep indigo and bright ruby.  The nose presents an elegant expression of ripe blackberry, leather, cocoa and just a hint of graphite.  The first sip is a rush of black currant, tart cherry and a bit of earthy peat that gives way to some dried herbs and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well structured providing for a lush mouthfeel that envelops your palate ahead of the lingering dry finish that will leave you satisfied.

I would easily rate this wine a solid 9, with claims to a 9.5 with a bit of age.  This wine represents the pinnacle of Washington Cabernet, rich character and earthiness that connects you to the soil.  As for pairings, enjoy it with a range of hard cheeses, grilled lamb or slow cooked ox tail stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled T-bone over grilled leeks with oven roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.  Cheers!

2021 Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a relaxing day, I did some indoor chores and then went for a bike ride before the intense heat returns next week.  So, now it's time to open a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I think I bought from Wines Till Sold Out, the 2021 Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic Napa wine from a very solid vintage.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine has in inky black center, with bright ruby throughout, just as you'd expect from a nice Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry and cherry with notes of leather and oak that will have you thinking you're sipping wine in an Ivy League library.  The first sip is a rush or ripe blackberry and currant intermingled with tart cherry that transitions nicely to some earthy limestone and oak midpalate.  The tannins are vibrant and well integrated, providing for an ideal foundation for the long, voluptuous dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal expression of the upper echelons of Napa Valley Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with friends and hard cheeses on a patio, or perhaps with a big steak for dinner/  Tonight, I am taking the classic route and enjoying this wine with a classic summer dinner of a grilled bone-in ribeye over onions and portabella mushrooms sautéed with Worcestershire sauce, steamed sugar snap peas and corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  After all the holiday hullabaloo, I thought it might be time to relax midweek with a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I have opened a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla wine, Seven Hills.  The 2023 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black complexion at the center with bright ruby along the edges, classic for a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of black cherry, currant and floral notes of violets and rosehips with the faintest hint of vanilla.  The first sip is an intriguing combination of tart cherry intermingled with sweet blueberry that transitions nicely to some earthy mineral notes amid vanilla caramel notes midpalate. The tannins are well structured, providing for 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 a very pleasant drinking wine with the quality that befits its heritage.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs to grilled lamb, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye covered with sautéed onions and mushrooms along with pan fried potatoes and steamed Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2018 Reininger Cima

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been really hot here lately and right now a storm front is rolling through, so hopefully the power stays on so I can post this!  Tonight, based on my dinner choice, I've decided to open a bottle that's been in the cellar for a few years.  The 2018 Reininger Cima is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Merlot (24%) and Petit Verdot (2%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and XL Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  I have been a fan of the Reininger Cima since I first tasted the 2006 vintage, though I sometimes review the out of order since I've already reviewed the 2019, I think I have reviewed nearly every vintage in that period.  So. let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, with a bit of depth owing to the influence of the Bordeaux varietals in the blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather intermingled with subdued fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry with hints of white floral over the top.  The first sip is classic Super Tuscan style with a rush of tart cherry and blackberry that gives way to notes of vanilla caramel, earthy tar and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a very smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a great expression of the varieties of Washington wine, using a range of varietals expertly blended for a memorable sip.  This wine would pair well with a range of classic Italian dishes, from hearty pasta Bolognese to risotto alla Milanese.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic New Jersey Italian dinner of hot Italian sausage with onions and peppers served with linguine tossed with broccoli rabe, asparagus and garlic scapes.  Cheers!

2023 Precision Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I spent the afternoon digging up my water meter (long story, don't ask!) and now I'm ready for a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle I picked up at Costco a few weeks ago and I am hoping it is an under-the-radar wine that I can enjoy (but never find there again!).  The 2023 Precision Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a Napa Valley Cabernet and that's about all I know!  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, textbook for a Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of leather, smoke, dusty limestone and ripe black currant.  The first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, black cherry, currant and plum with a good bit of tart acidity before transitioning to some ripe plum and peppery spice notes midpalate.  The tannins are well behaved, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, not because it's a spectacular wine, but because it's a very good wine that was only $15!  This tremendous value wine will let you glimpse at how the other half lives as you sip a very solid wine on a random weeknight!  This wine would pair with a range of casual dinners, from pizza and tacos to burgers and brats.  Since it's Sunday, tonight I am enjoying this wine with something a bit more elevated, a grilled bone-in ribeye with oven roasted fingerling potatoes and cippolini onions and grilled asparagus.  Cheers!

2013 RJV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical time where I open a bottle from the cellar at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out, but it's been in the cellar for nearly a decade since I bought it.  The 2013 Robert John Vineyard (RJV) Cabernet Sauvignon (RJV) Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the D'Ambrosio Vineyard in the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is an inky black at the center, with deep ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of big jammy fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant amid notes of oak, tawny fruit and enticing spice.  The first sip is a clash of flavors, with earthy tar and limestone crashing against ripe blackberry and cassis amid undertones of tawny port before transitioning to some earthy limestone and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued yet still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish of a classic Napa Cabernet.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as I think it may be just a bit past its prime.  This wine would pair well with just about any big, hearty dish, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, mushroom pasta to smoked beef brisket.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic pan seared filet mignon over béarnaise sauce with steamed asparagus and mushroom farro.  Cheers!

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!

2023 Punch Winery Napa Valley Red Blend

Happy Saturday!  Today was Graduation at Saint Maty's College and I have so many emotions as I saw some of my dearest young ladies step forward to become the prominent leaders of women in business, I feel pride, anxiety and joy as I know they will make my accomplishments look small in comparison to what they will do, but for now I will celebrate with them with a bottle of wine and a great meal!  Tonight, I have opened a bottle of wine that is a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2023 Punch Winery Napa Valley Red Blend is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot, all harvested from the Napa Valley AVA of California.  Let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you'd expect from a Napa Valley blend.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, raspberry compote and toasted oak, just as you'd expect from the Valley.  The first sip is a rush of black fruit that eases into some earthy notes of dusty limestone, toasted oak and spicy pepper midpalate,  The tannins are well structured and vibrant, lending a firmness to the long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an excellent red blend comparable to those of Bordeaux, but easily approachable.  This wine would pair well with a range of grilled steaks, braised short ribs, or grilled rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse with some grilled asparagus. Cheers! 

2019 Reininger Cima

Happy Sunday!  I did a lot of chores today, from laundry to mowing to transplanting some flowers and now I am ready for a nice Sunday dinner.  It's been a little chilly here lately, so I decided to opt for some warm, hearty Italian food for dinner tonight, which calls for a nice Tuscan style wine, and thus we have the 2019 Reininger Cima.  This wine is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Merlot (25%) sourced from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and XL Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this pairs with dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity, a testament to the balance between the Sangiovese and the Bordeaux varietals.  The nose presents aromas of strawberry, red currant with undertones of leather and charred oak.  The first sip is an intriguing rush of tart cherry and raspberry that ease into some earthy notes of minerals, oak and black tea midpalate.  The tannins are firm and well integrated, providing for a classic Super-Tuscan style long dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, and although the quality is comparable to the many vintages I've tried (see my posts on the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages) I find this vintage to be a bit more interesting and complex than past vintages.  This wine would pair well with friends on the patio, hearty Italian dishes, or hard cheeses and charcuterie.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a hearty bucatini with some hot Italian sausage and spicy arrabbiata sauce, a perfect Tuscan dinner on a chilly evening.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve

Happy Saturday!  It's bee a day full of yard work, digging up dandelions, mowing, planting flowers and my herb garden, and now I need to relax with a nice glass of wine ahead of dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from a favorite Walla Walla producer, Woodward Canyon.  The 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Merlot (9%), Malbec (5%) and Petit Verdot (2%) all sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see what this wine has to offer!

This wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the heft of Cabernet in the blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and currant intertwined with earthy graphite and hints of peppery spice.  The first sip is a remarkably fresh burst of ripe fruit, cherry, black raspberry and currant with a warm peppery spice throughout that easily transitions to some earthy notes of oak and peat midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, providing the ideal base for a long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.  

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a supremely drinkable red wine that would pair well with a broad range of dishes, from grilled steaks to tacos, smoked brisket to hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip topped with a mushroom cream sauce along with steamed asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan Winery Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

Well it's been a rainy day that turned much colder, and now I'm ready to head out to the theater for a play after dinner, but there's always room for wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that's been in the cellar for a couple years, the 2022 Mark Ryan Winery Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (88%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Malbec (2%) and Petit Verdot (2%) from the Quintessence, Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just what you like to see.  The nose presents aromas of earthy graphite and oak intermingled with notes of blackberry and currant that get your mouth to watering.  The first sip is a rush of black fruit, that quickly evolves into multiple layers of mineral, spice and earthy notes so classic in Washington Cabernet.  Midpalate, we settle on some vanilla caramel notes with a tail of peppery spice on the finish.  The tannins are well integrated into the warm and exceedingly dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9 as it's a very pleasing and drinkable Cabernet in its youth.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from pasta to hearty stews, braised short ribs to rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye with some charred Romanesco and a big baked potato with sour cream and chives.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve

Happy Easter!  I hope you are enjoying this sacred day with you families and enjoying a nice ham or lamb or whatever you choose on this special holiday.  As for me, I am opening up a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon to enjoy with my rather subdued holiday dinner.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Cabernet Franc (16%), Malbec (11%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Merlot (9%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of the varietals in the blend.  The nose reveals aromas of lavender, black cherry, earthy basalt and hints of vanilla bean that will have you hankering for a sip. That first sip is a refreshing cascade of ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and raspberry that transition easily to some notes of dusty limestone, tawny vanilla bean and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are integrated but subdued, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal Bordeaux style blend that the Walla Walla Valley is renowned for.  This wine would pair well with a range of Easter dishes, from braised leg of lamb to an herb crusted rack of lamb, classic ham to a prime rib roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an easy dinner of a grilled ribeye steak with cowboy crust, steamed asparagus and oven roasted Yukon gold potatoes.  Cheers!

2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chase Creek Merlot

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month which means it's Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight is a special Cellar Saturday, as this wine has not been in my cellar long, but it has been brewing for double my decade requirement, this one being 20 years in the making, thanks to a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chase Creek Merlot is a blend of Merlot (77%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) from the Chase Creek, which lies between the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine has been spending the last two decades!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with hints of amber along the edges, just as you'd expect from a mature Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of leather, black cherry, rich spices and toasted oak that have you immediately thinking of an Ivy League library.  The first sip is just a rambunctious affair with a rush of tart cherry, blackberry and currant that ease into some earthy mineral notes, caramel and vanilla bean notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured and still vibrant, leading to a wonderful lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this is a classic Merlot that has every element which that stupid movie lacks!  This wine would pair well with a midafternoon cheese platter, rustic beef stew and classic grilled lamb.  Tonight I am taking the road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a pan seared salmon with steamed basmati rice topped with smoked paprika and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2023 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a while since I've made a mid-week post, so here we are!  Tonight I was making a red meat dinner, so I thought it appropriate to open up a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Pepper Bridge Winery.  The 2023 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), Petit Verdot (4%), Malbec (4%), Merlot (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Octave and Yellow Jacket vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is starting out!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice body, just what you'd like to see in a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents a classic Bordeaux-esque combination of black cherry, blackberry and currant amid hints of dark chocolate, graphite and light floral notes that are waving to invite you in for a pleasant evening.  The first sip wraps your palate in ripe black fruit, earthy minerals and hints of anise and dried herbs before transitioning to some vanilla caramel and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing the structural backbone for a long, smooth dry finish that will compel you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a consistent old-world style of Cabernet that is a favorite every year.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to roast lamb, hearty beef stew to pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a bistro classic pan seared hanger steak with a mushroom cream sauce, parsley buttered red potatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2021 Helix Cima Piccola

Happy Sunday!  It's been a while since I've posted and I apologize, but life has been incredibly busy lately!  At least now I have a little time to post, and tonight it's a favorite Washington Super Tuscan produced by Chuck Reininger and his crew at Helix.  The 2021 Helix Cima Piccola is a blend of Sangiovese from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) and Merlot (24%) from the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The nose presents a delightful combination of ripe red cherry, raspberry and currant amid hints of floral and sandalwood.  This first sip a classic Tuscan adventure as the flavors of the Sangiovese come up front and center with cherry notes intermingled with dried herbs, that transition easily to some earthy mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish with just the right amount of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a classic wine in the style of a Super Tuscan that would make any Italian dish just a bit better.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from pizza and pasta to Florentine steak, but tonight I am going vegetarian and enjoying this wine with a homemade eggplant parmesan.  The fruit and spice of this wine are ideal for the hearty depth of flavor of a good eggplant dish.  Cheers!