2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a good weekend, but now it's winding down, so let's enjoy a nice bottle of wine before the work week begins.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a couple years now.  The 2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot is a 100% Merlot from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a few years in!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of  leather, blackberry and cassis that let your palate know it's in for a treat.  The first sip is a flavor party with dancing plums, mocha and dark chocolate that dive into notes of baking spice and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are supple and balanced, prividing a nice foundation for the velvety smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a high quality Merlot, but still a bit young.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from barbecue to braised pork, hearty pasta to grilled steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, roasted hatch chiles, mushroom farro and steamed Italian pole beans with roasted red peppers.  Cheers!

2024 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  It's been a rather relaxing day, though the weather has ranged from heat and humidity to big thunderstorms, but it seems to have calmed just in time for dinner.  And with dinner usually comes a nice bottle of wine, and tonight I have opened a recent wine club selection from DaMa Wines.  The 2024 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is sourced entirely from the XL Vineyard 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 with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry and cherry intermingled with earthy leather and green grass.  The first sip is a surprising rush of tart cherry and blueberry, which juxtaposes intersterstingly before transitioning to some notes of cardamom and baking spice midpalate. The tannins are supple yet provide a good foundation for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a really interesting take on this often overlooked varietal. This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to rack of lamb, summer barbecue to smoked brisket.  Tonight, I am taking a traditional Pacific Northwest tack and enjoying this wine with some crispy skin Scottish black pearl salmon, steamed rice and sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2021 Helix Cabernet Franc

Happy Saturday!  It's been a hectic week, but now it's time to relax with a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from one of my favorite Washington producers that has been in the cellar for more than a year.  The 2021 Helix Cabernet Francis a 100% Cabernet Franc from the Weinbau Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up a half decade into its life!

The wine is a deep ruby color, with an inky black at the center, just as you might expect from this traditional blending varietal.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, baking spice, blackberry and currant, a wonderfully earthy identity that will have you thinking of Bordeaux.  The first sip is a rush of warm ripe fruit, blackberry, currant and plum intermingled with earthy spice notes and smoky charred oak that will have you waiting for another sip.  The tannins are subdued, creating a nice base for a long dry finish, with a reprise of dark spice and smoke.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking wine that would be welcome at a range of occasions.  This wine would pair well with a variety of roast meats, stews and hearty pasta dishes as you transition from winter to spring.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an ideal dinner transition between the seasons, a grilled bone-in ribeye with some oven roasted sweet potatoes with julienne green peppers and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers! 

2022 Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, after a break of spring-like weather, we were back to shoveling snow today!  That's all right, at least now we get to enjoy some wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine from Mount Veeder Winery that I recently picked up at my local market on clearance sale for only $30!  I have enjoyed wines from this producer for a while (see my reviews of the 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2016 vintages), so I've been looking forward to this one.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%) and Merlot (18%) from a number of Vineyards in Napa Valley.  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.  The nose presents aromas of ripe plum, cedar and baking spice with just a hint of floral undertones.  The first sip bursts forth with ample red fruit, cherry, currant and plum that ease into some smoky notes of charred oak and hints of dark chocolate midpalate. The tannins are rather supple, making for a delightfully smooth, dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking wine that at the price is an ideal everyday sipper.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from lasagna to mushroom risotto, braised short ribs to classic steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my Sunday dinner of a tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, oven roasted purple potatoes and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2019 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Valentines Day!  I hope you are enjoying the evening with the love of your life!  Tonight I am enjoying a fabulous dinner (as always) and have decided to open a wine that I recently purchased from a local market, from a big producer that I have not tried before.  The 2019 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the 119th year that this producer has been crafting fine Napa Valley wines, so let's see what this one has to offer.

The wine has the classic look of a big Napa Cabernet in the glass, bright ruby, with a dark brooding center.  The nose presents aromas of leather, sweet cherry, aged oak and hints of baking spice.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, with distinctly tawny elements, blackberry, cherry and cassis, amid undertones of oak and earthy minerals.  The first rush of fruit easily transitions to some classic earthy notes of tar, dusty limestone and peat, before some acidic notes at the finish.  The tannins are well structured providing for a long, voluptuous finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a prime example of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet, without the big, punch-in-the-face tannins that you often see.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from braised lamb to grilled steak, hearty pasta to classic pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic surf and turf, a rare grilled bone-in ribeye along with a grilled lobster tail and some grilled asparagus (by the way, if your man didn't make you a dinner like this, it might be time for a conversation!).  Cheers!

2021 Mark Ryan Winery Crazy Mary Mourvèdre

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a while since I've had a midweek post, but it's the holiday season and I don't have to work tomorrow so why not?  Tonight I am enjoying a new fall dish, so why not open a wine that is perfect for fall?  In this case, the 2021 Mark Ryan Winery Crazy Mary Mourvèdre, sourced from the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  Let's see how it's shaping up!

The wine is a dark, brooding ruby color in the glass, much more characteristic of a Cabernet, than a Rhone varietal.  The nose presents aromas of lavender, baking spice, prune and smoke, classic for a Mourvèdre.  The first sip is a cleansing rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and plum with plenty of acidity to provide a nice backbone for this wine's structure.  The acidity seems to pause a moment midpalate to let some pepper spice and vanilla bean make a cameo appearance before the dry, sultry finish.  

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an interesting take on a single Rhone varietal that is just perfect for Fall.  This wine would pair well with aged cheese, hearty braised short ribs, or classic Yankee pot roast.  Tonight, I am veering off into a different autumnal highway and enjoying this wine with a roasted acorn squash risotto topped with a bit of crème fraiche and chopped parsley.  Cheers!

2010 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot

Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month which means it's Cellar Saturday!  This is the magical day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that was recently added to my cellar with an extended vertical vintage purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2010 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot is a blend of Merlot (76%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and represents an exploration of the "valley floor" with much of the fruit coming from the Coombsville area of Napa Valley.  After 15 years to develop, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a lighter garnet color with a good bit of amber, reflective of some age.  The nose presents aromas of prune, raspberry hints of charcoal and just a bit of lilac.  The first sip is a surprising rush of fruit, blackberry, cassis and tart cherry that transition to some notes of baking spice and forest floor midpalate.  The nose had me expecting a wine that was well past it's prime, but the taste reflects a youthful vibrancy that has really stood the test of time.  The tannins are still well structured, providing an ideal backbone for a smooth, dry finish that likely has many years to go.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's always good to see a quality Merlot that can stand the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, mushroom risotto to thick steaks, but tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pappardelle Bolognese, made over six hours to coax as much flavor as possible into the hearty ragu.  Cheers!

2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a crazy few weeks, starting a new semester while at the same time spending evenings rehearsing for a production at Elkhart Civic Theatre, but today I have the day off, so I am enjoying a nice bottle of wine with my Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a recent 8-vintage vertical of Stag's Leap Merlot that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  Tonight, I've opened the 2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot, which is composed of Merlot (89%). Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (1.5%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5%).  Let's see how this vintage is faring a year or so after release.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of leather, cedar and dusty limestone under inviting layers of ripe cherry and currant.  The first sip is a warm embrace of ripe red fruit, coffee and baking spice that eases into some notes of earthy minerals and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured and well integrated, to form the backbone for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an ideal example of a high-quality Merlot that is likely to stand the test of time.  This wine would be an ideal sipping wine on the patio with friends and family as the temperatures start to fall, but it would also pair well with hearty pasta dishes, thick steaks or cedar planked salmon.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, asparagus with hollandaise and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Stag's Leap Artemis

Happy Sunday!  It's been very hot here today, though I did make it out for a bike ride for about an hour and just got cooled off.  In any case, now it's time to make dinner and open a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out in one of their recent Mystery Selections which have featured two wines from this outstanding producer, this time it's the 2022 Stag's Leap Artemis.  I've been a fan of this wine for well over a decade having reviewed the 2010 vintage and the fabulous 2012 vintage previously.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with a brooding black center, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl and your nose is treated to aromas of caramel, tar and lavender with undertones of leather and ripe black fruit.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit having a throw down with tart cherry before easing up to notes of warm baking spice, earthy minerality and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are still a bit sharp, but ease right into the warm dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking nicely now, but will likely improve handsomely with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair with a variety of hearty dishes from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, but more than anything, this wine begs for steak.  And it's a good thing my local market had a good variety yesterday, so tonight I can enjoy this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye topped with grilled garlic scapes and served with grilled asparagus and broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2022 Reininger Syrah

Happy Sunday!  I've been somewhat relaxed today, taking a break before doing a full day of flower planting and yard work tomorrow.  So, to celebrate my doing nothing, I've made a wonderful Sunday dinner and have opened a bottle of 2022 Reininger Syrah.   This wine is a 100% Syrah sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  A gentle swirl of the glass and you're greeted with aromas of rich black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum just dripping with sweetness amid undertones of anise and baking spice.  The first sip is an intriguing rush of ripe black fruit that melts into notes of tea, black licorice and earthy loam midpalate.  The tannins are silky smooth, with bit of acidity on the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant example of the vibrant Syrah that Chuck and his team are producing in the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would be ideal for sipping on the patio in front of a fire, or if you must eat, try this one with some grilled venison, lamb or carne asada.  Tonight, I am enjoying this with my Sunday dinner of rack of lamb with potato puree, red wine reduction and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2022 Accendo Cellars Laurea Napa Valley Red Wine

Happy Sunday!  It's been chilly and rainy all day here, so I did some laundry, had our first rehearsal of tech week, and now I'm ready for Sunday dinner.  As for the wine, tonight I opened a surprise bottle from Wines Till Sold Out, well I guess technically this was a "mystery pack" of deeply discounted, higher end wine.  The 2022 Accendo Cellars Laurea Napa Valley Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (94%) and Petit Verdot (6%) from the Napa Valley, Yountville, Diamond Mountain  and St. Helena AVAs.  Since I love surprises, let's see how this surprising wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a quality Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents a cascade of ripe blueberry and blackberry intermingled with earthy leather, cedar and dusty loam, with just a hint of lavender.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe black fruit that eases into some earthy notes of leather and dusty mineral notes, before swinging back around to some backing spice and a reprise of blackberry.  The tannins are well structured, providing for an elegant, lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an overall, pleasing Cabernet that will stand the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dished, from braised short ribs to hearty wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight I am taking a more traditional approach and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, seasoned with Cowboy crust along with some asparagus with hollandaise and parsley buttered red potatoes.  Cheers!

2022 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Palm Sunday!  As we head into Holy Week, I find it's a good time to take stock of the important things in life and let the things of the world fade.  Our faith and our families are among those important things, and one of the best ways to celebrate with family is with a good meal accompanied by a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I'm having both, and the wine I've opened is the 2022 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Petit Verdot (6%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Merlot (4%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Octave and Yellow Jacket Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  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 nice Cabernet.  The nose is an elegant affair, with aromas of aged leather, ripe berries and undertones of lavender and vanilla bean.  The first sip is a rush of cool fruit, blueberry and currant with just the faintest hint of sweetness, that easily gives way to some earthy home cooking midpalate, with baking spice and anise with some light hints of pepper.  The tannins are a bit tight, but very well structured, providing a solid foundation to the velvety smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking Cabernet with all of the character and nuance of the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with the heartiest of dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty baked pasta, thick steaks to Texas barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared bison ribeye with sautéed mushrooms, onions and peppers, steamed asparagus with hollandaise and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills Pentad

Happy Saturday!  It's been a somewhat relaxing day today, finishing up a few chores and errands before settling in for dinner before the theatre tonight.  For this post, I've opened up a bottle of 2021 Seven Hills Pentad, a classic Bordeaux style blend of five grape varietals (hence "Pentad") from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (19%), Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (8%), so let's see how this previous vintage is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with an inky center, a testament to the heavy hand of Cabernet Sauvignon on the blend.  The nose presents welcoming aromas of leather, cedar and ripe blackberry amid undertones of baking spice.  The first sip is a marked departure from the Cabernet heavy expectations, as you are awash in mellow notes of boysenberry and plum, before the heavy hand of Cabernet makes its presence known with a rush of acidity, leather and earthy limestone midpalate.  The tannins are up front but well structured, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it represents the best of Walla Walla when it comes to blending Bordeaux varietals, and although I think it's drinking well now, it will likely improve with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with hearty meals, pasta, beef stew, braised short ribs or lamb rack, and of course steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a cowboy crusted ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, oven roasted potatoes and steamed sugar snaps.  Cheers!

2020 Groth Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  On Friday, I needed to stop at my local market to pick up ingredients for a team meeting and cooking event at church, and as I walked down the quiet aisles (pro tip, shopping at 9 pm on a Friday avoids the crowds!) I happened upon a display of clearance alcohol.  I usually check to see if there are any interesting wines on clearance and what should I find but four bottles of tonight's wine for just $10.97 each!  Needless to say, I bought all four that were left and tonight I am enjoying the first bottle of 2020 Groth Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  I reviewed the 2008 vintage here on a Cellar Saturday, highlighting the aging potential of this wine.  Let's see how this vintage is shaping up!

The wine has the classic look of a big Napa Cabernet, inky black at the center, bright ruby along the edges.  The nose is chock full of juicy, ripe fruit, blackberries, cherry and plum, with undertones of eucalyptus and baking spice.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that gives way to some more nuanced notes of blackberry and currant, before transitioning to some earthy notes of leather, dark chocolate and espresso midpalate.  The tannins are well structured to provide for a smooth dry finish that will leave you reaching for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a lovely example of a big Napa Cabernet that would be well worth it, even if it wasn't a spectacular bargain!  This wine would pair well with many hearty winter dishes, from beef stew and braised lamb shank, Bolognese pasta or Yankee pot roast.  But who are we kidding, this wine practically begs to be paired with steak, and tonight I am enjoying it with a rare grilled thick ribeye along with oven roasted sweet potatoes and cauliflower.  Cheers!

2021 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Taco Tuesday!  Well I guess that ruined the surprise of what's for dinner this evening.  Of course, there are so many good red wines to enjoy with classic tacos, but tonight I've settled on a bottle of 2021 Pepper Bridge Vineyard red wine.  This wine is a classic Walla Walla red blend of Merlot (34%), Malbec (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Petit Verdot (9%), making this an ideal wine for steak tacos! This wine is composed of varietals exclusively sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington, so let's have a taste shall we?

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, as you might expect from such a blend.  The nose presents an intriguing blend of aromas, blackberry, ripe plum with undertones of anise, baking spice and cocoa powder.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit counterbalanced with tart cherry, that eases into notes of cedar and dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a lush mouthfeel and a deliciously 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 solid example of the quality of red wine blends consistently produced in Walla Walla.  This wine would pair well with grilled steak, classic spaghetti and meatballs, rack of lamb, tacos or barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my Taco Tuesday dinner of steak fajita tacos with all the trimmings.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petite Verdot

Happy Sunday!  Given that the last Sunday of November was 6 days ago, I missed it, so I've decided to do my "Eating in the Diner" tribute this Sunday, so you'll see what I've made from the Dining Car archives.  But first, I've selected a wine that I believe will go well with my selected repast, the 2021 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petite Verdot, a 100% Petit Verdot from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a lovely bright ruby color in the glass, with a somewhat lighter body than you might see in the prime Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.  The nose is in intriguing blend of green grass and floral notes of violet and buttercup, with undertones of leather and cocoa powder.  Take a sip and enjoy the rush of tart cherry, black currant and hints of baking spice, that easily transition to some flavors of cherry cola and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a delightful examples of a supporting cast member of the Bordeaux family that stands up well by itself.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall and winter dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty stews, pasta to pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with Swedish meatballs as prepared by the Pennsylvania Railroad on many of their signature trains, like the Broadway Limited.  Although, the recipe only includes the meatballs, I've opted for a less traditional plating, serving them with pappardelle rather than mashed potatoes, but still with the pickled cucumber salad and lingonberries.  Cheers!

2019 B by Fonbadet Bordeaux

Happy Sunday!  Well the long holiday weekend is almost over, but there's still time for Sunday dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a nice bottle of Bordeaux that I think I bought a few months back at Costco, and I have no idea about the wine or it's composition, but being a Bordeaux, I can only imagine it has some Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and any other combination of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, so let's just try it out shall we?

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a nice Bordeaux.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, toffee, earthy mineral notes and baking spice.  The first sip is a rush of stark minerality, with notes of basalt and tar, that transition nicely to some notes of black cherry and cassis, intermingled with black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are classically structured for a Bordeaux, leaving you with a dry finish that you scarcely notice.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it was a solid example of a daily drinker in the heart of France, and like so many Bordeaux, this wine is very affordable as I think I paid about $15 for this one at Costco.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from pasta and jambalaya to hearty steaks and chops.  Tonight I am opting for the latter and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Cajun spiced ribeye with sautéed onions, mushrooms and peppers and some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2021 Forgeron Barbera Barrel Select

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  I hope you enjoyed a pleasant day with your families, as I have decided to make a special dinner on this hot summer evening, so I struggled with what wine to pair with it until I spotted a recent wine club shipment from Forgeron Cellars.  The 2021 Forgeron Barbera was crafted from select barrels of Barbera from the White Bluffs appellation in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Since the White Bluffs are located on a plateau that can extend the growing season by as much as 45 days over the surrounding areas.  With this classic varietal and the wine makers' commitment to the Piedmont style, this wine seems ideal for my Sunday dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Barbera.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and peppery spice notes with undertones of lavender.  The first sip is like stepping into an Italian grocery, a rush of black cherry and blackberry fruit with ample baking spice and floral notes, that ease into some earthy mineral and peat midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, as the acidity takes charge for a lingering dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasing domestic example of this Italian varietal.  This wine would pair well with grilled steaks, lighter salad with broiled branzino, but tonight I am going more traditional with this wine.  I am enjoying this wine with a crab risotto garnished with sautéed garlic scapes and shaved parmesan.  The acidity of this wine is an ideal foil to the richness of the risotto.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  I had a matinée performance today, but that gave me some time to get my dinner in the oven between Church and heading to the theater, so I feel as though I accomplished a lot today!  So as I relax on this Sunday evening, I am ready to enjoy some wonderful comfort food for Sunday dinner, along with a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a Bordeaux varietal from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers, the 2020 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petit Verdot.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this often blending grape.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, leather and oak, amid undertones of violet and lilac.  The first sip is an adventurous ride between fruit and spice, with a rush of black cherry, blackberry and currant dancing amid baking spice, vanilla bean and anise before easing into some tawny spice midpalate.  The tannins are wonderfully vibrant, providing for a lovely backbone to the long, smooth and exceptionally dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a perfect balance of sweet ripe fruit and earthy dryness that makes this an ideal wine for enjoying with food or just sipping with friends.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to beef stew and hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some braised short ribs, served over roasted garlic mashed potatoes and red wine reduction, with oven roasted broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2018 Château Palais Cardinal Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Happy Sunday!  I finally had at least a few hours to relax this afternoon, but then laundry, rehearsals and other chores broke into my day.  At least now I am ready for a nice glass of wine and a good Sunday dinner!  Tonight I've opened a nice Bordeaux, the 2018 Château Palais Cardinal Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  This wine is a blend of Merlot (73%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Cabernet Franc (4%), so let's see how it's tasting.

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass with great clarity, just as you'd expect from this Bordeaux appellation.  The nose presents aromas of black cherry, sage and undertones of lavender and oak.  The taste is a subdued affair, with some calming red berry fruit of raspberry and currant up front that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and tart cherry midpalate.  The tannins are well suited for this classic Bordeaux, providing for a finish that's so dry you hardly notice it before reaching for another sip.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking classic Bordeaux at a terrific price of just $23.  This wine would pair well with classic hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised lamb shank or moules frites.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a lovely wild mushroom risotto topped with some fresh pea tendrils.  Cheers!