2024 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Saturday!  It rained most of the day, which gave me time to run errands and get ready for dinner.  And now that the sun has returned, I have some time to open a nice bottle of wine and start cooking.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a long-time favorite Walla Walla producer, Seven Hills Winery.  The 2024 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from the McClellan Estate Vineyard and the Summit View Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass with great clarity.  The nose presents aromas of leather, ripe black fruit and mocha, with hints of dusty loam underneath.  The first sip is a rush of ripe blackberry, plum and currant that transition to some earthy notes of green grass and earthy peat midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but provide a nice foundation for the smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a well constructed wint that would be ideal for late summer cuisine.  This wine would pair well with classic summer disshes from burgers and brats for barbecued ribs and smoked brisket.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled pork tenderloin, hatch chiles and fresh corn on the cob that I picked up from the maaket this morning.  Cheers!

2024 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Malbec

Happy Saturday!  I had another day full of yard work, similar to what I did two weeks ago, and I must admit I am completely exhausted!  I likely will have a glass of wine and fall asleep on the couch, but at least there is wine! Speaking of which, tonight's wine is from one of my long-time favorite Walla Walla producers, Seven Hills Winery and the 2024 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Malbec.  Let's see how this new vintage is tasting!  

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Malbec.  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and plum amid hints of peppery spice.  The first sip is a rush of jammy fruit, marionberry, blackberry compote and plum that transitions nicely to some notes of cardamom, pipe tobacco and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are mellow but well structured, prviding a nice foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasant drinking Malbec that could pair with a range of hearty dishes, or just sipping on the patio (which I will not do tonight for fear of dozing off!).  This wine would pair well with brased short ribs, London broil or lamb chops, but tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip, oven roasted beets and sweet potatos and steamed sugar snap peas.  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!

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!

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 Mark Ryan Winery Lucia Rose Red Wine

Happy Sunday! Forgive my lack of posts but with the end of semester and getting ready for Christmas, time has been at a premium for me!  But tonight I submitted grades and my first semester is officially in the books, so it's time for a nice Sunday dinner and a bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2022 Mark Ryan Winery Lucia Rose Red Wine,  This wine is a blend of Petit Verdot (35% from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard), Cabernet Sauvignon (30% from block 16 of the Quintessence Vineyard), Merlot (25% from the Red Willow Vineyard) and Malbec (10% from the Henry Earl Vineyard).  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of these Bordeaux varietals.  The nose is chock full of ripe black fruit aromas, blackberry, currant and plum, with undertones of charred oak and meaty spice.  Take a sip and you're awash in black fruit, with a hint of sweetness that easily moves into some earthy notes of oak and peat, with anise and herbal notes.  The tannins are balanced, providing for long, smooth dry finish that lingers to you next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful expression of a classic Bordeaux style blend from the Columbia Valley of Washington.  This wine would pair well with the holidays, just sipping on a cold winter evening in front of the fireplace.  Thinking of Christmas dinner, this would be ideal with a prime rib and all the trimmings, but tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled T-bone steak, baked potato and steamed broccoli.  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! 

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!

2021 Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon

 Happy Sunday!  At long last, I finally finished getting all of my leaves up to the street so the city can come pick them up next week, so now it's time for a nice bottle of wine!  Tonight, I've opened a wine club selection from Reininger Winery, the 2021 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Merlot (5%) and Petit Verdot (4%) from the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills 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, a classic look for a Walla Walla Cabernet.  The nose is chock full of ripe black fruit and classic earthy notes for the Walla Walla AVA, currant, cherry and plum intermingled with leather, smoke and earthy peat.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, currant and plum that break down the doors of your palate, before easing into some mineral notes and peppery spice midpalate.  There is plenty of acidity to bring some backbone to the wine as the black fruit just guides you every step of the way.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic Reininger Walla Walla Cabernet, ideal for fall with hearty dished that will warm you spirit.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from earthy wild mushroom risotto, to classic Yankee pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a subdued Sunday dinner of pan seared filet mignon topped with Béarnaise, bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  Today was full of yard work, laundry and preparing for classes tomorrow, so now it's time to relax with a nice bottle of wine and Sunday dinner!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from the spring wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon, which seems fitting since the fall club shipment arrived on Friday.  The 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Franc was harvested from vines in the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard planted nearly two decades ago, so let's see how this latest vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, classic for this typically blending varietal.  The nose presents aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum, intermingled with some interesting floral notes of lavender and violet amid earthy notes of leather and tobacco.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, with ongoing floral undertones amid evolving notes of black licorice and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing the ideal backbone for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the best examples of Cabernet Franc I've had the pleasure of tasting.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, but I think it's highest and best use might be to accompany a standard cheese course, just before dessert.  Of course, I rarely have either cheese courses or desserts, so tonight I am enjoying this wine with some Italian sausage with onions and peppers and some classic spaghetti.  Cheers!

2017 Reininger Cima

Happy Sunday!  I spent the afternoon doing laundry and preparing for classes, then since it was a little cooler today (only the low 80s), I decided to go for a bike ride which was very pleasant (I even chased a squirrel across the river bridge, which was fun!).  Now, I am ready for a hearty Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, since I know I am having Italian, I decided to open a bottle of 2017 Reininger Cima, a classic Super Tuscan style blend of Sangiovese (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Merlot (25%) sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. Let's see if I chose wisely!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a dark and brooding testament to the heavy hands of Cabernet and Merlot in the blend.  The nose is pleasant blend of ripe blackberry, currant and plum, with undertones of leather, earthy peat and a bit of tobacco.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit with just a hint of sweetness that relents as notes of white pepper spice and cured meats take center stage midpalate.  Nicely structured tannins provide the backbone for a long, graceful finish that will have you reaching for another sip before you realize it.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's just a bit different than a typical Super Tuscan, with a bit more meat on the bone, making this ideal for heartier dishes.  This wine would pair well with a range of big meals, from Bistecca alla fiorentina to hearty pasta with Italian sausage.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some eggplant parmigiana made with the sauce I made earlier this fall and some fresh eggplant that was picked on Friday.  Cheers!

2021 Yokayo Frost Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, this Saturday was a busy one trying to get caught up with work around the yard and house, but I think I made it and now it's time for a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2021 Yokayo Frost Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that I bought recently from Wines Till Sold Out.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Frost Vineyard in the Mendocino County AVA of California.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice clarity, perhaps a bit more subdued than some of the bigger California Cabernets.  The nose is a pleasant affaire with notes of leather, ripe cherry and herbal notes.  Take a sip and you'd be forgiven for mistaking this wine for a Zinfandel with a rush of jammy fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum with a pronounced peppery spice throughout. The tannins are subdued providing for a sharp dry finish with lingering spice.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's a very nice everyday wine, that is a good value at just $12,50.  This wine would pair well with steak, tacos, barbecue or hearty pasta, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with some grilled beef kabobs with zucchini, onions, red peppers, yellow squash and shitake mushrooms, and fresh corn on the cob, and ideal Midwestern summer dinner.  Cheers!

2013 Il Palagio Sister Moon Rosso Toscana

It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means it's Cellar Saturday!  It's the day I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making to share.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a while, so long in fact that I can't recall where I bought it!  The 2013 Il Palagio Sister Moon Rosso Toscana seems to be a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (20%) for a classic Super Tuscan blend.  Let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a medium body, a testament to the impact of Cabernet and Merlot on the blend, with lighter garnet and a hint of amber along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of black plum, rich leather and oak, interspersed with fig and rose petals.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and plum with a wave of tartness washing over the top before easing into some earthy notes of dusty loam, tar, tobacco and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are nicely integrated, providing for a long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it still exhibits more oak than I would prefer, but I think it's also aged fairly well.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to grilled steak, branzino to summer barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this with my first summer grilled dish, some asada beef kabobs with onions, peppers and mushrooms served with black beans, corn and rice.  Cheers!

2019 Sequoia Grove Stagecoach Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a busy day of yard work, but alas I am all finished and ready for a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of the most recent Wines Till Sold Out mystery bottle event, which is always a fun surprise.  This time it was the 2019 Sequoia Grove Stagecoach Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) from three separate blocks in the Vineyard, along with Merlot (14%) and Petit Verdot (8%) all from the Stagecoach Vineyard in the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine has the classic look of a big Napa Cabernet, with brooding darkness lined with bright ruby.  The nose is nestled with oak intermingled with sage, leather and graphite, underscoring the subtle black fruit that tries to peak through.  The first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, blueberry, blackberry and plum that dance around a balanced acidity with some black pepper spice.  The tannins are well structured for a velvety mouthfeel and a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until you reach for your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a wonderfully classic big Napa Cabernet at a price that didn't break the bank.  This wine would pair well with much outdoor cooking this summer, from barbecued ribs to beef kabobs, cedar planked salmon to big grilled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a prime tomahawk ribeye grilled rare and garnished with the first garlic scapes of the season, along with steamed parsley potatoes and maple bacon Brussels sprouts.  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 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Well happy Saturday!  I spent much of the day mowing, then running errands and completing a little work before having dinner and heading to the theatre for our penultimate performance!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from one of my all time favorite Walla Walla wineries, the 2022 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is 100% composed of Cabernet Sauvignon from the McClellan Estate Vineyard, with some of the older vines in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine has a classic look of a quality Cabernet in the glass, inky black at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals a nose chock full of ripe black fruit and earthy elements that make Walla Walla wines so special, leather, limestone and peat.  The first sip is a rich mouthful of ripe blackberry, currant and plum that dance around your palate with hints of mint and and dried herbs.  The tannins are subtle but well structured, providing for a long, smooth, dry finish that decidedly more European in character.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fabulous example of the high-quality Cabernet that the Walla Walla Valley is capable of.  This wine would pair well with classic steaks, braised short ribs, or pappardelle Bolognese, but it would also feel right at home in a summer cookout of burgers and brats.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip with sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms, along with some oven roasted asparagus.  Cheers!

2022 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  I have to admit, I had intended to get a bunch of work done today, but I ended up spending some time with friends, going to the farmers market and picking up some groceries and before I knew it, it was time to make dinner and get to the theatre for tonight's performance!  Oh well, the best laid plans of mice and men I guess, but at least there is wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of the recent wine club shipment from Pepper Bridge Winery, the 2022 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Red Wine.  This latest vintage is a blend of Merlot (40%), Malbec (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) all from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from these varietals.  Swirl the glass gently and you're treated to aromas of blackberry, plum and cherry intermingled with baking spice, sage and a bit of vanilla caramel.  The first sip is a rush of candied cherries and boysenberry that is the opposite of what your nose had you expecting, before you take another turn toward some dusty limestone and green cedar midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and well integrated, providing for a delightfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a perennial favorite and a prime example of why Walla Walla does so well with Bordeaux style blends!  This with would pair well with a wide range of hearty dishes, from beef stew to braised lamb, hearty pasta to cedar planked salmon.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared prime New York strip, with blistered cherry tomatoes and some linguine tossed with garlic, asparagus and broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2015 Château La Tour De Mons Margaux

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of the new month, so time to raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a classic Bordeaux, the 2015 Château La Tour De Mons Margaux, which I think I bought perhaps five years ago, though I don't recall where I bought it.  This wine is a classic Cabernet focused Bordeaux blend from the left bank of Gironde, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a classic Bordeaux.  The nose presents aromas of leather, tar, lilac and cherry, the classic earthy funk of Bordeaux.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that transition easily to some earthy notes of smoke, oak, dusty limestone and tar midpalate.  The tannins are expertly crafted, providing a classic Bordeaux dry finish that will have you forgetting you were even drinking wine.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic Margaux and such a pleasure to enjoy with a great meal or just sipping with friends.  This wine would pair well with braised lamb shank or beef short ribs, classic steak au poivre or hearty stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared, grass fed New York strip with sautéed onions and peppers, oven roasted purple potatoes and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  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!