2019 Hidden Treasure Dead Man's Gulch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  I had to work late today, so I am a little behind schedule, but at least I convinced myself that I should have a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a recent sale at Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2019 Hidden Treasure Dead Man's Gulch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and Petit Syrah (5%) sourced from the Howell Mountain and Spring Mountain AVAs of Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is evolving after a few years!

The wine is an inky black at the center with lovely garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a quality Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents an intriguing combination of blackberry, currant and boysenberry amid undertones of leather and white floral notes.  Take a sip and you're awash in classic big, bold Napa Cabernet, a rush of ripe blackberry, cherry and plum that give way to earthy mineral notes of dusty limestone and leather before departing with a ring of dark chocolate and cherry.  The tannins are well integrated providing a perfect foundation for the long, velvety smooth dry finish. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic Napa Cabernet that punches way above its weight class.  I could easily see this as a $50-70 wine, but I bought this wine for only $20!  This wine would pair well with a range of classic American dishes, from smoked brisket to barbecued ribs, classic steaks to braised lamb shank.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip topped with Béarnaise sauce along with roasted sweet potatoes, onions and Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2023 Pope Valley Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  I've been traveling, so it's been a bit since my last post, but I'm back!  Tonight, I am ready for a nice dinner and a bottle of wine.  After doing a bunch of leaf blowing today, I am ready to relax and given my dinner choice, I think I've opened the right bottle.  The 2023 Pope Valley Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Petit Verdot (11%) and Petit Syrah (7%) from the Napa Valley AVA of California.  I recently bought this wine from Wines Till Sold Out, so let's see how it's tasting! 

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Napa Cabernet.  The note presents aromas of leather, blackberry and currant amid undertones of basalt and dusty limestone.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and plum that is at once sweet but also savory.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lasts until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this is a great example of a classic Napa Valley Cabermet at a great value as I bought this one for just $25.  This wine would pair well with a range of hard cheeses and charcuterie, but it practically begs for a nice steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare pan seared New York Strip with a mushroom pan sauce, along with wild mushroom farro and steamed broccoli.  Cheers!

Seven Hills Winery Defiant Chapter 1

Happy Saturday!  I've had a busy day and now it's time for a rather rushed dinner before heading out to see a youth play this evening.  Tonight, I've decided to open a bottle that's been in the cellar for about three years, and since I just received chapters 2 and 3, I thought it would be good to finally open a bottle of Seven Hills Winery Defiant Chapter 1.  This wine is a new creation from Seven Hills, based on fruit from their 4.5 acre parcel in the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater.  This wine is a blend of Syrah (82%), Grenache (11%) and Carignan (7%) from the 2021 and 2022 Vintages.  Let's see how this interesting wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, with nice clarity, a bit darker given the heavy hand of the Syrah in the blend.  The nose presents exotica aromas of blackberry, anise and black olive amid undertones of and hints of violets.  The first sip is a surprising explosion of ripe fruit, blueberry, blackberry and plum that gently subside as the earthy minerality of the Rocks district starts to shine through.  The tannins are soft and supple, classic for Rhone varietals as they gently guide you to the long, smooth finish that will have you reaching for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a much more refined version of so many wines coming out of the Rocks district.  This wine would be perfect for a wide range of fall dishes, from hearty stews and casseroles, to roast beef or chili.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Mediterranean classic, of Greek pork tenderloin stuffed with feta, roasted peppers and artichoke hearts along with balsamic roasted tomatoes and burrata tossed with linguine.  Cheers!

2013 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cellarius I Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means it's time to raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I have opened a bottle that hasn't been in my cellar long, as I bought it from Wines Till Sold Out back in May.  The 2013 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cellarius I Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to 17th Century Dutch-German scholar and map maker, Andreas Cellarius, as Stag's Leap seeks to explore Napa Valley winemaking through a variety of unique perspectives.  For the 2013 vintage, the winemakers explore trellising, specifically Moser trellising which creates a split canopy microclimate resulting in supple and elegant Cabernet.  Let's see if it worked!

The wine has the look of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet, inky black at the center, garnet along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and oak with subtle floral undertones that let you know something elegant is about to happen.  The first sip is an explosion of ripe blackberry and cherry that is vibrant yet supple at the same time as the ripe fruit gives way to some earthy mineral notes.  As you approach the finish, you are reminded a bit of a tawny port, as the tannins provide the perfect foundation to the velvety smooth dry finish that will have you wanting to slowly sip this wine through an afternoon.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's a fantastic example of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet that exudes quality and luxury.  This wine would pair well with a range of hard cheeses and charcuterie, but it really wants to be enjoyed with a steak, ideally a rich, marbled prime steak that will balance the mouthfeel of this wine.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared prime ribcap on a bed of sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers, wild mushroom farro and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2022 Forgeron Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It’s been a busy day full of training an errands and now I am ready for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I am opening a bottle from a long-time favorite Walla Walla producer, Forgeron Cellars!  The 2022 Forgeron Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon is a Cabernet sourced from the Minnick Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine if tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, an ideal Cabernet representation.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, basalt and dusty limestone, a wonderful representation of the terroir of Walla Walla.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that washes over your palate in expectation of what’s to come.  The tannins are subtle, yet well structured and perfectly suited to support the long ,smooth dry finish with a reprise of the earthy leather and minerals that started your journey.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it’s a classic example of what a solid Walla Walla Cabernet is capable of achieving,   This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty fall stews to pasta or wild mushroom risotto. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared prime rib cap, garnished with fresh rosemary and horseradish, bacon roasted brussels sprouts and a big baked potato with sour cream and chives.  Cheer!

     

2021 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  With not rehearsal this afternoon, I had plenty of time to catch up on yard work, laundry and now I am ready to ease into dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers, Chuck Reininger, and in this case his Helix label of Columbia Valley wines.  The 2021 Helix Petit Verdot is a 100% Petit Verdot from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of leather, ripe blackberry and cassis amid undertones of lilac and sage.  The first sip is a rush of ripe blackberry and plum that easily step aside for flavors of oak and peppery spice.  The tannins seem to start out grabbing your lapel and shaking you awake, before settling down to support the smooth dry finish that lingers on the palate.  

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an intriguing wine that continues to evolve as it opens up.  This wine would pair well with a range of casual summer dishes, from burgers and brats to beef kabobs and barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying what seems like the last gasp of summer and having some Carolina barbecued spareribs, corn on the cob and fresh sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

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 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 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!

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 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  It was a rather mellow day here, so I took the opportunity to cut the grass and do some laundry before the new work week begins.  And now after a bike ride, it's time for dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon.  The 2023 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color, with an inky black center, of a similar characteristic to a Cabernet Sauvignon.  A gentle swirl and the nose reveals aromas of blackberry, currant and peppery spice, amid hints of lavender.  The first sip is a rush of cherry cola that eases into some ripe black fruit and dark chocolate midpalate, before heading into some pronounced acidity and oak at the finish.  The tannins are very well structured, allowing for the velvety smooth and lingering dry finish that will last until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's really a nice example of the potential of a common blending varietal.  This wine is ideal for summer and would pair with a range of dishes, from burgers and brats to barbecue and tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic summer patio dinner of barbecued beef ribs, corn on the cob and sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

2020 Dablon Vineyards Tempranillo Tannat

Happy Sunday!  It's been a whirlwind of a day, went to church this morning, then to the airport to see a B-29 bomber, and then off to the Elkhart County Fair to see all the animals and tractors and now that I have a horrible sunburn, I am ready for a relaxing glass of wine and dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that a friend gave me a few weeks ago.  The 2020 Dablon Vineyards Tempranillo Tannat is a blend of Tempranillo (90%) and Tannat (10%) from the Dablon Estate Vineyard in Baroda, Michigan. I will admit, I am generally not a fan of Michigan red wines, though I have found a few gems over the years, let's see with this one is a gem.

The wine is a lighter bodied, ruby color in the glass and the nose presents aromas of green grass, dried herbs and cherry cola.  The first sip is a rather subdued combination of blackberry and tart cherry with quite a bit of acidity, which transitions to some dried herbs and smoke midpalalte.  The tannins are so subdued as to be unnoticable, yet the finish is tart and dry, but brief.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 7.5, it's interesting but typifies the challenge Michigan growers have with red varietals, though the lighter complexion would make this a plesant drinking summer red.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer fare, from barbecued ribs to burgers and brats.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a crispy skin Scottish black pearl salmon, steamed rice and some steamed Italian green beans.  Cheers!

2020 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

2023 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

2021 Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

2011 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montelcino

Well this is truly an occasion as Cellar Saturday, that first Saturday of the month also happens to be Independence Day and more significantly, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  With this in mind, I have gone back to my roots on my mother's father's side and have gone totally Italian.  With the melting pot, we will celebrate with a 2011 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montelcino, a wine that should be hitting its stride and one that's been in my cellar for at least a decade (more likely since at least 2012!).  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

A gentle swirl reveals aromas that will have you reminiscing of an old Italian grocery, with notes of mint, charred oak, dried spices and hints of anise.  The first sip is the heart of Tuscany, with a rush of strawberry, cherry and blackberry that smack you in the face as it to wake you from a nap before easing into some earthy tar and charred oak.  The tannins are well structured and perfectly integrated to lead you into a smooth, dry finish with a hint of tart cherry and oak at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful Brunello that is just hitting its stride.  This wine would pair well with a range of Italian dishes from the Tuscan classics of toast with fava beans to Bisteca Fiorentina!  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a more subdued Italian American classic of hot Italian sausage (after all, you can't spell sausage without USA!) sautéed with onions and peppers along with linguine tossed with garlic scapes, asparagus and broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil and topped with shaved parmesan.  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!

2022 Reininger Malbec

Happy Father's Day!  To all you fathers out there, I wish you the very best and hope you had a wonderful time with you kids today!  As I thought about a manly dinner for tonight, I also thought about a manly wine to celebrate and decided to open a bottle of 2022 Reininger Malbec!  This wine is a 100% Malbec from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let see if this wine live up to my manly expectations!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, bordering on the look of a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry and spiced meat, raspberry and tawny elements of aged leather and oak.  The first sip is rush of ripe berry fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that wash over your palate before transitioning to notes of spicy black pepper and earthy notes of dusty limestone.  The tannins are robust and well structured for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a great example of a quality Malbec from the northern hemisphere, perfectly welcoming to the gauchos bringing in grilled beef.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dished, from braised short ribs to roasted rack of lamb, but what it really yearns for is a big steak!  Tonight we are in luck as I'm enjoying this wine with a grilled ribeye topped with truffle butter along with some oven roasted beets and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  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!