2017 Giordano Barolo

Happy Saturday!  I spent my day running errands and then mowing and fertilizing the lawn before it might rain tomorrow, and now I am ready for a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I have modestly broken an unwritten rule about never opening a Barolo until it's at least a decade old, but I really wanted something Italian with my Italian inspired dinner this evening.  I have opened a bottle of 2017 Giordano Baraolo, and hopefully this 9-year-old Nebbiolo is having a well behaved year, so let's find out!

The wine is a lovely bright ruby color in the glass with great clarity.  The nose presents classic aromas of cedar, ripe raspberry and dried herbs amid undertones of lavender and kirsch.  The first sip an interesting combination of black cherry, cedar and earthy peat that transitions to some funky notes of dusty limestone and powerful floral notes midpalate.  The finish is subdued, with mellow tannins providing for some dryness amid a lingering earthy funk.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8, as it has great potential, but seems to be misbehaving like a petulant child this evening.  I have another bottle, so perhaps I'll try this one again in a few years.  This wine would pair well with some hard cheeses or hearty southern Italian cuisine that can put this little child in its place.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some hot Italian sausage with onions and peppers along with linguine sauteed with garlic, olive oil, asparagus and broccoli rabe.  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!

2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a few weeks since I posted on Wine Wednesday, so let's enjoy it!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot, a single varietal bottling of what is usually a blending varietal harvested from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is deep ruby in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents an enticing blend of ripe plum, leather and oak, with subtle undertones of pipe tobacco.  The first sip is wonderfully fruit forward, with a rush of black cherry, marionberry and blueberry that ease into some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, with a rush of acidity towards the long, smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasant drinking wine from an often overlooked varietal. This is also quote a versatile, food friendly wine, as I could see this pairing with a range of casual summer fare, from burgers and brats, to barbecue and steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some spicy Cajun dirty rice with onions, peppers and andouille sausage.  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!

2023 Reininger Carmenere

Happy Sunday!  Tonight marks the end of my weekend of All-American meals, so let's make it a good one!  What a fantastic semiqincentennial weekend, with great food, wine and fireworks to celebrate the greatest nation on earth!  For the last celebratory night, I've opened a bottle from a perennial favorite Washington producer (see, we can't celebrate the founding without Washington!), Chuck Reininger.  The 2023 Reininger Carmenere is a 100% Carmenere completely sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, sparking like a gem.  The nose presents aromas of dusty limestone, black cherry, green grass and blackberry, beckoning you to take a sip.  That first taste is a rush of ripe, rustic berries, black cherry, marionberry and currant, with a good bit of tartness before transitioning to some notes of vanilla bean and oak midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated and subdued, bringing nice structure to the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this a solid 9, as Chuck has seemingly mastered the craft of this lost Bordreaux varietal.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer favorites, from burgers and brats to steaks and tenderloin.  Tonight, I am taking a classic approach and enjoying this wine with barbecue, but not just any barbecue.  I am enjoying this with slow cooked barbecued baby back ribs with Yankee black strap molasses barbecue sauce, coleslaw and fresh corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2024 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere

Happy Sunday!  I spent the day doing some indoor chores and relaxing, so not particularly productive, but that's what weekends are for!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from one of my long-time favorite Walla Walla producers, Seven Hills Winery.  The 2024 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere is a made from a varietal that not long ago was thought extinct, so let's see how this lost Bordeaux varietal is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass while the nose presents aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum with undertones of green grass and spice.  The first sip is a refreshing burst of ripe berries with a bit of tartness underneath that eases into some notes of blueberry compote midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but fully structured to provide a long, smooth dry finish with a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a pleasant, easy drinking red that would pair well with a range of summer dishes.  This wine would pair well with barbecued ribs, burgers or brats, ideal for the 4th of July.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some beef kabobs and fresh corn on the cob.  It's been a while since I've brought out the skewers, but this turned into a wonderful summer dinner.  Cheers!

2022 Helix Cabernet Franc

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It was a rather uneventful day here, but then it started raining in the afternoon, so a bit melancholy now, all the more reason to enjoy a nice glass of wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from one of my favorite makers, Chuck Reininger and his Helix label for the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  The 2022 Helix Cabernet Franc is a limited production wine that's 100% Cabernet Franc from the Weinbau Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep inky purple at the center with bright ruby along the edges, reminiscent of a Cabernet Sauvignon.  The nose presents aromas of aged leather, blackberry and cherry amid hints of lavender over the top.  The first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, black cherry, raspberry and plum in a continuous cascade before transitioning to some earthy oak and basalt midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a wonderful smooth dry finish with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a blending varietal that stands on its own with excellent posture.  This wine seems very easy going, making it ideal for a range of dishes, from pizza and pasta to barbecue and brats, the perfect red for summers on the patio!  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a cowboy crusted ribeye over sautéed onions and mushrooms and grilled asparagus, the last of the season.  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 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a busy week, but I have a break tonight, so why not make a post on the blog?  I had a few thoughts on what I would have for dinner tonight, and most importantly, I think I picked the right wine.  The 2022 Helix Petit Verdot is a 100% Petit Verdot sourced from the Stone Tree and Seven Hills Vineyards in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a look of a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of wild blueberry compote, green tea, hints of anise and lilac.  The first sip is a rush of ripe blacfook fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that envelop your palate before transitioning to some warm Asian spice notes midpalate.  The finish is dry but has a nice note of vanilla caramel that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as I think this is a relatively strong vintage (having reviewed the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020).  This wine would pair with a wide range of dishes as we head into summer grilling season, burgers and brats to kabobs and barbecued ribs as this food friendly wine is very versatile.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Polish dinner of roasted kielbasa, sour kraut and pierogis with grilled onions.  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!

2023 Doubleback Merlot

Happy Sunday!  I am officially on spring break, which means I am spending a lot of time grading and preparing for the second half of the semester, but I still have some time to enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that has been a couple years in the waiting, but also out of order (as I realized I still haven't opened any of my bottle of the prior vintage).  In any case, let's enjoy the 2023 Doubleback Merlot, a blend of Merlot (91%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) from the Shafer, McQueen and LeFore Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of Merlot in the blending.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, green grass and graphite that will have you rapt in anticipation.  Take a sip and it's like a warm wool blanket enveloping your palate with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate and cola that is a classic Walla Walla feature, eventually transitioning to some earthy limestone.  The tannins are somewhat chalky, but still provide an ideal base for the lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for your glass.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an elevated example of what the Walla Walla Valley is capable of producing in Merlot.  This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty stew to wild mushroom risotto, roast beef to zesty steak tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rather elevated Sunday dinner of a pan seared filet mignon on a base of Béarnaise sauce, along with farro simmered with oyster and trumpet mushrooms and bacon roasted brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan Long Haul Columbia Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  I admit, I am finally catching up on some older wine club shipments, this time from 2024 (and no worries, I am sure I have some in the cellar lingering since 2016 or so!).  The 2022 Mark Ryan Long Haul Columbia Valley Red Wine is a blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Quintessence, Red Willow and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a few years on!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a bit of darkness at the center.  The nose presents aromas of black cherry, leather and hints of green grass.  The first sip is a surprising rush of tart cherry that eases into some flavors of vanilla bean, savory herbs and toasted oak midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but still provide enough backbone for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic expression of the great Bordeaux style blends coming from Washington.  This wine would pair well with hard cheeses and charcuterie, beef  bourguignon, or a classic grilled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared Angus New York Strip over a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms, steamed asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a relaxing day, so I've decided to open a bottle of wine from one of my all-time favorite Walla Walla producers.  The 2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot is a classic Merlot from a region of the country with acute expertise in producing Bordeaux varietals, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of classic leather, oak and gentle floral notes that will have you anxious to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that wash over your palate before transitioning to some wonderful earthy notes of dusty limestone and black pepper spice.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish that will have you easing back into your easy chair. 

Overall,. I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a perennial favorite Merlot that really treats this varietal with the respect it deserves.  This wine could be enjoyed as an easy sipping wine with friends or family, but it would also pair well with grilled steak, hearty baked pasta, beef stew or grilled lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled bone-in ribeye on a bed of sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms, grilled broccoli rabe and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's bitterly cold here today as I witnessed our high temp of the day of just 7 degrees mid-afternoon, and now we are headed back to zero!  This is a perfect day to stay indoors with a bottle of big Cabernet Sauvignon, and that's what I'm doing, with a bottle that I just picked up from my local market today.  The 2022 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is a long-time favorite from Paso Robles (see my reviews of the 2013, 2015 and 2017), consistently a solid wine at a very reasonable price.  Let's see what this vintage has to offer.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, perhaps a bit lighter bodied than you might expect.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak and cassis that will have you imagining being transported to a nineteenth century library complete with smoking room.  The first sip is a rather surprising combination of earthy notes and ripe fruit, roasted hazelnuts, black cherry, dusty limestone and toasted oak that transition easily to some hints of green grass and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are rather subdued, but still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish that lingers with oak on your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, it's a lovely Cabernet, but perhaps a bit too heavy on the oak for some tastes (though I find it delightful when sitting by the fireplace).  This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty beef stew to baked lasagna, braised short ribs to Yankee pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared bone-in ribeye over a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms, with a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Thanksgiving!  Yes, I know it was two days ago, but this is the official start to the holiday season, and in the past 48 hours we've had over a foot of snow, the Christmas lights, garland and wreaths are all up and I am enjoying my "White Christmas" preview!  Of course, the holidays are better with wine, and tonight I've opened bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon Winery, the 2023 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a perennial favorite, and I think I've reviewed just about vintage since the 2010 Vintage, so let's see how the latest is shaping up!

The wine has the classic look of a deep, brooding Cabernet, inky black at the center, ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of earthy, leather, graphite and toasted oak, amid fruit notes of blackberry, cherry and plum.  The first sip is a total fake out from the nose, with a rush of black fruit up front, before moving into earthy notes of dusty limestone, peat and hints of oak midpalate.  The tannins are just the right amount of structure and ease to provide for a delightfully smooth finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic expression of Washington Cabernet that is so consistent year after year.  This wine would go perfectly with a fire in the midst of a snowstorm, but as for food, enjoy this one with a range of winter comfort foods, from braised short ribs to alder planked salmon, hearty beef stew to roast lamb shank.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a very beefy dinner of a grilled thick ribeye, mushroom farro and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!