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!

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!

2018 Reininger Cima

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

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

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

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!

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!

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 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  After doing laundry and a bit of work, I had the chance to go out on my first bike ride of the summer, which was very nice.  And now that I've stopped sweating, I thought I'd open a nice bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a recent wine club selection from Seven Hills Winery, the 2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine comes from the original vineyard planted in the 1980s by Seven Hills Founder Casey McClellan and his father, making this a very special wine.  Let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, classic for a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of candied plum, blackberries and vanilla bean intermingled with toasted oak and earthy basalt.  The first sip is a rush of warm black fruit that easily transitions to notes of vanilla caramel and hints of earthy minerals and oak midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for 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 perennial favorite, but I just don't think the 2022 vintage has quite reached its prime yet.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to barbecue, fajitas to earthy mushroom risotto, or simply enjoying with friends on the patio.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus ribeye, grilled asparagus and broccoli rabe and some creamy orzo.  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!

2022 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Merlot

It was a beautiful day here, with lots of sunshine, but unfortunately we didn't quote make it into the 60s so my hope that spring will arrive is still alive.  I am excited to go see a play at the Elkhart Civic Theatre tonight, but before that, I need to have dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that just arrived in a wine club shipment yesterday.  The 2022 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Merlot is a 100% Merlot from the XL Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from the varietal.  The nose reveals aromas of bing cherry, with undertones of rose petals and a hint of mint.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that quickly mellows to some notes of caramel and dark chocolate midpalate, with a reprise of fruit, blueberry and blackberry.  The tannins are a bit in your face, which is all good when they take their place as the backbone of the smooth and exceedingly dry finish that reminds me of a nice right bank Bordeaux.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking well now, but will likely be much more approachable with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from classic steak to grilled veal chops, rack of lamb to hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am going a bit off the beaten path and enjoying this wine with some Italian sausage with onions and peppers and bucatini sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with broccoli rabe and asparagus.  Cheers!

2020 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I had a rather uneventful Sunday, did a little laundry, went to the gym, ran some errands and now I'm ready to finish my weekend with a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a rather special wine, that is seemingly always at the top of the ratings.  The 2020 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (94%), Petit Verdot (3%) and Malbec (3%) sourced from the Sagemoor, Wienbau and Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyards in Washington state.  I can't wait to take a sip!

The wine has an inky black look at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, anise, black currant, lemongrass and cocoa that egg you on to take that first sip.  And that sip is a delight as you experience a rush of ripe black fruit that fills your mouth as your brain catches up.  Soon, you are whisked to an Ivy League library with rich leather, anise and vanilla caramel midpalate, before the firm yet smooth tannins set you up for the long, velvety dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's exemplary of what great Washington Cabernet can be.  While this is likely not an everyday sipper, it's well worth opening with family and friends for a special evening.  This wine would pair well with braised short ribs or rack of lamb, but who are we kidding, this big wine wants nothing but steak!  Tonight, I am doing just that, and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus ribeye, blistered tomatoes on the vine, bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes and gravy.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills SHW Founding Vineyard Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It was a rather melancholy weekend, as I spent a good portion of it taking down all the Christmas decorations and putting them away.  Even though the house is festive for a full month out of the year, it just seems to short when it all comes to an end.  In any event, after that I did some chores and clean up around the house and now it's time for a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot, a 100% Merlot from the original vines planted by Seven Hills founder Casey McClellan and his father in the early 1980s.  I previously reviewed the 2017 vintage and the 2020 Vintage, so let's see how this one is shaping up!

The wine is deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this classic varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass presents aromas of candied plum, blackberry and undertones of vanilla bean and violet that will have you on the edge of your seat.  Take a sip and your taste buds are unexpectedly elevated as the ripe fruit your nose expected is overwhelmed by earthy notes of basalt and cedar intertwined with toasted oak and caramel before that long-expected fruit makes an appearance with lovely blackberry, ripe plum and cherry.  The tannins are balanced with a bit of acidity that provides for a wonderfully smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this Merlot is proving itself to be a consistent performer over the past five years.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of dishes, from steaks and lamb, to hard cheeses and pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Pacific Northwest inspired Sunday dinner of pan seared salmon along with creamy butternut squash pasta and oven roasted broccoli rabe and red peppers.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I finally had a day to relax on my vacation, so I did some laundry and went out for a movie, and now it's time for Sunday dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Tonight I've opened a bottle from a recent shipment from Woodward Canyon Winery, the 2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the oldest vines in the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  Let's see how this latest vintage is faring!

The wine has a classic Cabernet look in the glass, inky at the center and bright ruby along the edges. The nose is a more subtle affair, with aromas of leather, blackberry, toasted oak and basalt with undertones of lavender.  The first sip is a dynamic combination of black cherry, caramel and vanilla bean up front, that transition easily to some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are surprisingly mellow for such a young wine, providing just the right foundation for the long, smooth dry finish with just a faint bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well right now, but will likely gain a good bit of traction with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty meat dishes, from braised bison short ribs to rack of lamb to a big steak.  Tonight I have opted for the latter and am enjoying this wine with a Bisteca Fiorentina, grilled broccoli rabe and sweet potato puree.  Cheers!

2014 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's that magical first Saturday of the month when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from a producer that I've featured on previous Cellar Saturdays last year, featuring the 2013 and 2012 vintages, and not it's time for the 2014 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Atlas Peak region of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a classic Napa Cabernet, with an inky black center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of prune, blackberry and currant, with undertones of leather and tobacco that will have you imagining an Ivy League library.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of black pepper spice intermingled with caramel and vanilla notes.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a classic dry Napa finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really well made Cabernet that has stood the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a variety of aged cheeses, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, or a classis grilled steak.  I've opted for the latter and tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak, blistered yellow grape tomatoes, grilled broccolini and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Happy Saturday!  I am exhausted.  I decided to clear leaves today, which meant getting up on the roof to blow them off and clear the gutters, then blowing the front yard, then blowing from the ground cover in the back yard so I could then get them all up with the leaf vacuum, so now I really need a nice dinner and a glass of wine before I collapse!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a wine club selection that arrived yesterday, the 2022 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!  

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice body and clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry, lavender and kirsch, that beckon you to take a sip.  That first sip is a dynamic layering of flavors from an initial rush of ripe berry, which transitions to some notes of vanilla, caramel and tawny port before leading into some peppery spice notes near the finish.  The tannins are well structured to provide nice body for the long, smooth dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a perennial favorite for this underappreciated varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from Yankee pot roast to braised short ribs, lamb chops to grilled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared grass fed New York strip, bacon maple roasted Brussels sprouts and a big baked potato.  Cheer!

2020 Stags Leap Winery "The Investor" Napa Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's been a busy afternoon of leaf gathering in the yard, and now that I've cleaned up I have time for a nice glass of wine and dinner before heading off to my local community theatre for a performance.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I discovered at a restaurant when I had dinner in Gross Pointe, Michigan a couple of months ago.  The waiter indicated that this wine was not on the list as they received only a few bottles by mistake, and since it was half off bottle night we indulged in a bottle of 2020 Stags Leap Winery "The Investor" Napa Valley Red Wine.  Given my career choices, this wine is perfectly named and contains a blend of Merlot (40%), Petit Syrah (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Malbec (10%) all from the Napa Valley AVA.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is an inky black with a rind of ruby along the edges, perfect for a Bordeaux blend.  Take a whiff and you indulge in an array of black fruit, intermingled with anise and caramel, hints of dusty loam and dark chocolate.  The first sip is a wave of luscious ripe fruit, black cherry, currant and plum that ease into some warm notes of baking spice, white pepper and caramel.  The tannins are playful in the structure, easing you into a velvety, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip forthwith.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fantastic Bordeaux style blend that is somewhat surprising given its origin in Napa.  This wine would pair well with the braised short ribs I enjoyed at that restaurant, steaks, grilled lamb chops or hearty pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a quick and simple dinner of Trader Joe's tomato and burrata ravioli along with some homemade marinara and some new Bolognese mix of ground veal, pork and beef.  Cheers!

2020 Forgeron Anvil "The Minnick" Proporietary Blend

Happy Sunday!  I spend much of the afternoon doing work (boo!), but now I am done and ready for a nice glass of wine and a wonderful Sunday dinner.  For my wine tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club selection from Forgeron Cellars, the 2020 Anvil "The Minnick" Proporietary Blend.  This wine gets its nickname from the Minnick Hills Vineyard where the grapes are sourced, in this case a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Malbec (18%), Cabernet Franc (16%), Petit Verdot (16%) and Merlot (12%).  So, let see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy Cabernet hand in the blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of anise, lilac, cocoa powder and dusty limestone, a perfect beginning to usher you into the presence of this Walla Walla Bordeaux style blend.  Take a sip and be greeted by a rush of blue fruit, blueberry and currant that ease into some notes of caramel and baking spice midpalate.  The fine grain tannins are a perfect welcome to the smooth, long and exceptionally dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as I think it's quite a bit better than the past few vintages I've reviewed.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty meat dishes, from grilled lamb and veal, to hearty steaks and barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared filet mignon, with grilled pearl onions sautéed in butter and rosemary, mashed potatoes and some steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2018 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  That weekend really went fast, but at least the weather turned somewhat spring like today so I could enjoy a bike ride.  And now I'm ready for a nice bottle of wine and Sunday dinner, which made for an interesting pairing challenge.  Undeterred, I have opened a bottle of 2018 Helix Petit Verdot, a 100% Petit Verdot from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky indigo at the center, with bright ruby along the edges as might be expected from the smaller berries of this varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, dusty loam and a hint of lilac with some undertones of dark chocolate and caramel.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of tart cherry, black currant and raspberry that transitions easily to some earthy notes of dusty loam and green grass midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured to provide a bit of backbone for the long dry finish that lingers to a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an interesting single-varietal wine for what has long been a simple blending grape.  This wine is a classis for some of those harder to pair dishes, like duck or pork tenderloin, or even smoked brisket.  Tonight I am taking a pairing challenge and enjoying this wine with some chicken and vegetables simmered in some Trader Joe's Thai green curry simmer sauce over some steamed jasmine rice.  The fruit and earthy character of this wine is ideal to counter the richness of this dish.  Cheers!

2018 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  The weather really turned cold here this weekend, with highs in the 20s and lows approaching single digits, so it's definitely time for some hearty wine and warm comfort food.  As for the wine, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2018 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington State.  So. let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with excellent clarity, perhaps a bit lighter in color than some big Cabernets.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, Bing cherry, green herbs and a bit of lilac.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of cherry and plum that gives way to some earthy graphite and black pepper midpalate.  The velvety dry finish is based on some well structured tannins and features a bit of vanilla caramel right at the end that brings the wine together.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant Walla Walla Cabernet that's sure to acquire a bit more heft with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised short ribs or wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight I am definitely taking the comfort food route and enjoying this wine with a slow cooked bison Yankee pot roast, with potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and turnips topped with a bit of scallion and fresh parsley.  Cheers!

2012 DaMa Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy New Year!  Not only is this the first day of 2022, but it's also the first Saturday of the new month, making this a Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  And tonight we open up a new vintage to eligibility, so I've opened a bottle of 2012 DaMa Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  I'll admit, this wine hasn't been in my cellar long, as it was part of some verticals of Cabernet and Merlot included in our fall wine club shipment.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, still vibrant despite its maturity.  A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of black cherry, currant and plum, with hints of oak and vanilla undertones, creating an almost tawny sort of vibe.  A sip reveals rich black fruit bursting forth, blackberry, currant and plum that transition easily to some notes of caramel and umami midpalate.  The tannins are supple and create a fine base for the smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully mature Columbia Valley Cabernet that is really hitting its stride as a mature wine.  This wine would pair well with hard cheeses, earthy dishes like braised short ribs or wild mushroom risotto, or even a nice steak.  I'm enjoying one such steak tonight with this wine, a rare Angus New York strip, mashed potatoes and some asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers! 

2017 Time Waits for No One Monastrell

Happy Sunday!  It was a rainy day today, so I didn't do a whole lot except for indoor chores like laundry.  As tiring as all that can be, it's now time for a nice bottle of wine with my Sunday dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that was a recent Costco find, the 2017 Time Waits for No One oak aged Monastrell, a fine Spanish Varietal that should go nicely with my dinner.  And besides, with Halloween rapidly approaching, who could resist a label with a skull and crossbones?  So, let's see how this one tastes!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with great clarity as you might expect from this varietal.  A gentle swirl in the glass releases aromas of rose petals, tawny dark fruit and a good bit of oak.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a tempest of flavors, with a rush of mulberry and cherry up front that transitions nicely to some vanilla caramel notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured to provide for a wonderfully long, smooth dry finish that lingers with a bit of oak.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a value (I think this was around $12) that is quite food friendly.  This wine would pair with a variety of Spanish dishes, grilled lamb, wild mushroom risotto or a hearty pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a Zhatar seasoned New York Strip grilled rare on a bed of grilled leeks with grilled purple cauliflower and some oven roasted rose fingerling potatoes.  Cheers!