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!

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!

2021 DaMa GSM

Happy Saturday!  It was a wild day of yard work, as I mowed for the first time this year, but had to pause for a while to let a thunderstorm pass, but I finally finished, then changed the oil and tuned up the lawn mower, so I feel accomplished!  And now, for a nice glass of wine with dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from DaMa Wines, the 2021 GSM.  This wine is a blend of Grenache (56%), Syrah (29%) and Mourvèdre(15%) from the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a lovely bright ruby color in the glass, it really is gem-like in the light, with a bit of fuchsia along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, tart cherry and bits of earthy sandalwood and peat.  Take a sip and you're awash with rich, sweet fruit, blueberry, marionberry and cherry that dance around until you ease into some hints of cardamom and earthy notes.  The tannins are somewhat subdued but they still manage to hold everything together for a wonderfully smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an adventurous wine that will have your palate going in multiple directions.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from pastas and risotto, to Sunday roast beef.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a bit of a Pacific Northwest pairing of crispy skin salmon with a lemon dill cream sauce, along with some roasted sweet potatoes with red onion and jalapeno, and some steamed rainbow cauliflower.  Cheers!

2014 Cardoza Family Winery Knollwood Vineyard 'Right Bank'

Happy Sunday!  Last week was an early taste of summer, with highs in the 80s and lots of sun, but today the temperature has been dropping steadily and they are now predicting snow tomorrow!  Well, I can't control the weather, but I can control what's in my wine glass, and tonight I've opened up a bottle from a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2014 Cardoza Family Winery Knollwood Vineyard 'Right Bank' Napa Valley Red Blend is a classic Bordeaux style blend from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (59%), Merlot (36%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, with hints of amber around the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, toasted oak, cardamom, lavender and ripe black fruit that dares you to take a single sip!  Once you take that sip you're greeted with wonderful ripe black fruit with a hint of sweetness, blackberry, currant and plum that transition to some tawny, earthy notes midpalate.  The tannins are soft but well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that is truly reminiscent of the right bank of the Gironde
.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9 as it's just hitting its prime as a lovely food-friendly blend.  This wine would pair well with a broad range of dishes, from steaks and chops, to barbecue and Mexican dishes, to a wonderful Italian pastas.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a veal rib chop seasoned with herbs de Provence along with some grilled asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2019 Seven Hills Pentad

Merry Christmas!  I'm preparing a wonderful Christmas dinner that is far from my usual fare, so this calls for a special wine as well.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2019 Seven Hills Pentad, the most recent vintage of this special blend of five varietals from the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Malbec and Merlot creating a real taste of some of the best varietals Washington state has to offer.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, a testament to the heavy hands of Cabernet and Malbec in the blend.  Take a whiff and you're greeted with aromas of tobacco, anise, dark chocolate and dusty limestone, quite a departure from many more fruit laden Cabernet blends.  The first sip reveals wonderful black cherry and raspberry notes that ease into some flavors of vanilla bean and cardamom midpalate.  The tannins are quite subdued making for a delightfully pleasant, smooth dry finish that is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it certainly lives up to previous vintages that take the best of what the harvest offers to make a truly special wine.  And as I mentioned, I am enjoying this wine with a special Christmas dinner of a mid rare rack of venison, with potato puree, wine pepper sauce and shaved Brussels sprouts with maple, bacon and pomegranate.  Overall, a wonderfully earthy dinner on this traditional holiday.  Cheers!

2018 Anvil Dionysus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Friday!  This is day 11 of my Christmas vacation (mental note to take more PTO throughout the year in 2023!) and after the blizzard that was a dud, I did some volunteer work this morning and am now ready to relax with a nice dinner and a glass (or bottle) of wine.  Tonight I've opened a recent wine club bottle from Forgeron Cellars, the 2018 Anvil Dionysus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.  I've reviewed previous vintages, including the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, so let's see what the latest vintage has to offer!

The wine has the classic look and feel of a big, bold Cabernet in the glass.  Take a whiff and you're immersed in aromas of a classic college library with leather, dusty limestone, lavender and hints of pipe tobacco that practically beg you to take a sip.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry, plum and currant that transition easily to some tart pomegranate and cardamom midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but well integrated, providing for a delightfully smooth dry finish that leaves you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's become a perennial favorite Cabernet from the Columbia Valley of Washington.  This wine would of course be great with big steaks and chops, roast lamb or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this with my Christmas Eve Eve dinner of a rare grilled filet mignon, topped with Béarnaise sauce along with some shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon, maple and pomegranate and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2020 Pepper Bridge Winery Walla Walla Merlot

Happy Saturday!  This was a busy day for me as I had to find a new Christmas tree farm for my trees this year as my previous farm had run out of any trees over 6'/  So after driving to Fort Wayne, I bagged to wonderful spruce trees for my annual hunting trip for trees.  And now it's time for a little relaxation and dinner before the daylong decorating party tomorrow.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from the Pepper Bridge wine club shipment that literally arrived today, shortly after I got back from the tree farm!  The 2020 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Merlot is a blend of Merlot (92%) and Malbec (8%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Waliser Vineyards 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, classic for a nice Merlot.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, raspberry and herb notes of thyme and cardamom with just a hint of cinnamon underneath.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of black fruit with prominent flavors of vanilla bean, cherry and a hint of mint that transition to some dark chocolate midpalate.  The soft tannins are a lovely set up for the wonderfully smooth, lingering dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking nicely now, but could benefit from a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with classic steaks, hearty pasta or a wonderful winter venison stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime ribcap, grilled leeks, bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2017 Cave Dog Napa Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's been a busy day of cooking for a range of folks, but now it's time to relax a bit with a nice glass of wine and some hearty dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2017 Cave Dog Napa Valley Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (50%) from a stellar vintage in the Napa Valley, so let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby red color in the glass, a testament to the blend.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, earthy cedar, cardamom and peat that has a definite old world sort of vibe.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of cool black fruit that washes over your palate, transitioning easy to some earthy notes and spicy pepper midpalate.  The tannins are robust, creating a wonderfully vibrant dry finish that lingers as you reach for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking, quality wine at a value price of just $20.  This wine would pair well with steak, slow roasted pot roast, or vibrant Italian dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a thick Angus, bone-in ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare along with some bacon maple Brussels sprouts and oven roasted baby carrots.  Of course, I'll likely be finishing this bottle on the patio with a wonderful fall fire.  Cheers!

2010 Château la Tour de Bessan Margaux

Happy Independence Day weekend!  It's also the first Saturday of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday. that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making to enjoy.  Tonight I've opened a special bottle, one that's been in my cellar for more than a decade and one which longevity makes a masterful difference.  The 2010 Château la Tour de Bessan Margaux is a classic example of a high quality Bordeaux that need ample time in the cellar to fully develop.  So, let's see how this wine has developed over the past decade!

Thw wine is a deep ruby color at the center, in what could also be taken for black when looking down in the glass.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of black cherry, cardamom and oak with undertones of black plum and star anise, giving you a hint of the old world classic flavors you're about to imbibe.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of ripe, candied fruit up front, cherries, blackberries and currant that transition to some wonderful mineral notes of basalt, dusty limestone and classic Bordeaux funk midpalate.  The tannins are classically structured in an old word style creating a long, smooth dry finish that makes you hardly think you've been drinking wine at all!

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as this classic old world Margaux is just now reaching its peak.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dished and hard cheeses, from lamb chops to wild mushroom risotto. hearty steaks to hearty pasta dishes.  Tonight, I am  enjoying this wine with a class spring dinner of a rare grilled prime ribcap along with some linguine tossed with garlic, olive oil, broccoli rabe and asparagus topped with shaved parmesan.  Cheers!

2016 Raymond Vineyards Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a busy day of volunteer work and chores for me.  It started early as this month I've volunteers to provide refreshments for the green room at church, so I got to make a breakfast casserole for the worship band and singers to enjoy.  Then this afternoon I went over to a local food rescue called Cultivate Culinary (please support their great work if you can: https://cultivateculinary.com/), and helped pack meals for food insecure students in a three county area.  Then it was back home to finish laundry and now have a glass of wine!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of the next vintage of the Raymond District Series, the 2016 Raymond Vineyards Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which I bought from Wines Till Sold Out (you can see my review of the 2015 Vintage here).  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center, with deep garnet along the edges, just as you might expect from a nice, big Napa Caberent.  A quick whiff and your senses are immersed in a basket of earthy aromas, bright fruit and spice, leather, black currant and cassis, amid dried Moroccan spice.  The first sip reveals a rush of black currant, cassis and plum that transitions effortlessly to some notes of cardamom and smoke midpalate.  The tannins are intimately structured, providing for a wonderfully long, dry finish with enough acidity to keep your interest and ease you into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's another great example of the wonderful quality Cabernets that Raymond produces, at a price point that doesn't leave you depressed.  This wine practically begs to be paired with a big steak, but it would also find a nice home with lamb, smoked beef brisket or even a rustic pasta.  Tonight I am taking the easy way out, and enjoying this wine with a big, rare grilled porterhouse with some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and a baked Yukon gold potato.  Cheers!

2017 Raymond Vineyards Yountville Napa Valley District Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been a fairly busy day as I drove up with friends to Grand Rapids for an antique show, and arrived back home in time to open a nice bottle of wine and enjoy a little dinner.  So, tonight I've decided to open a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out, from a perennial favorite Napa Valley producer, the 2017 Raymond Vineyards Yountville Napa Valley District Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.  Last year I had an opportunity to taste the 2014 vintage of this wine (you can see here), so let's see what this latest vintage has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a nice, big Napa Valley Cabernet.  Swirl a bit in the glass and take a whiff and you're greeted by aromas of leather, blackberry and a hint of cardamom that dare you to take a sip.  And once you give in, you are hooked, as the flavors of black plum, blackberry and cassis wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of vanilla bean and pipe tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are rounded and well integrated, providing as stellar base for a long, smooth dry finish with a nice bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a great tasting and classic big, bold Napa Valley Cabernet.  As such, this wine practically begs to be paired with a big grilled steak, and I think it would pair very well with a broad range of steaks, from the rich fattiness of a ribeye to a well seasoned New York strip.  Tonight I can oblige, as I'm enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared prime filet mignon, along with some oven roasted sweet potatoes and some asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2017 Pure Bred Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out during their case sale (this one included all wines for $10 each, or $120 per case).  The 2017 Pure Bred Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendocino County California.  I had the chance to go to Costco today and pick up some prime New York strips, so I needed to open a nice Cabernet this evening, so let's see how this one is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, inky, brooding affair at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a California Cabernet.  The nose is a rush or ripe, red fruit, cherry, currant and raspberry, dancing with aromas of green grass and cardamom.  The taste is a bit different from the heavy hand of Napa, with a rush of tart cherry at the outset that transitions to earthy notes of tar and dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are still a bit tightly wound, but a nice backbone to the long dry finish with a kick of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, it's a bit young still but has all the makings of a nice quality Cabernet that's priced for everyday drinking.  This wine would pair well with steaks, chops, barbecue or hearty fall dishes like stews of chili.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with the aforementioned prime New York strip grilled rare, along with some grilled leeks, oven roasted Yukon gold potatoes and steamed asparagus with Hollandaise.  Cheers!

2012 Keiser Wine Company Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I have to admit, I've been quite busy lately, and that's been cutting down my time for both food and wine but soon enough it will be over and I can get back to at least a bit of a routine.  Have I mentioned that I am in a play?  Yes, my acting debut is coming at the Elkhart Civic Theatre as we put on "It's a Wonderful Life" as a radio play.  It's been so much fun, but it's been eating into my evening wine and food time!  At any rate, tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out, the 2012 Keiser Wine Company Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  It was relatively inexpensive (maybe $20?) and I figured how can you go wrong with a Napa Cabernet from that vintage?  So let's see how this one tastes!

The wine is a lovely bright ruby color in the glass, with great clarity, somewhat lighter than the typical big, bold Cabernets of Napa.  The nose is an elegant combination of leather, cardamom, tobacco and smoke, with an undercurrent of rich fruit.  The taste is rich, with a rush of ripe blackberry, plum and currant that envelop your palate before transitioning to some wonderful herb and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured and positioned perfectly to provide nice backbone to support the long, supple and very dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderful example of a nice Napa Cabernet that's not build to beat you in the face with a mallet.  This wine is still begging to be paired with a big piece of meat, and lucky for me I have some thick cut prime sirloin from Costco that's punching way beyond its weight class.  So rare prime sirloin, grilled asparagus and a big baked potato, what else could you ask for a perfect Sunday dinner?  Cheers!

2006 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino

Happy Sunday!  I have to admit, I've been a total slacker when it comes to Cellar Saturday, I totally missed in last month, and I totally forgot about it yesterday too!  So I'll make up for it today, as I have a delayed Cellar Saturday blamed entirely on Daylight Savings Time!  So instead of yesterday, tonight I've decided to raid the cellar for a bottle that's been at least a decade in the making, and tonight it's the 2006 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino!  I am a big fan of Brunello, and like a good Barolo, I remain convinced they need at least a decade to show their true potential, so tonight this one has a chance to shine.  Keep in mind, I've decanted this wine and let if breathe for about an hour, so let's see how it tastes!

The wine is a lovely bright garnet color in the glass, with great clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Sangiovese.  The nose is classic Brunello, with strong notes of smoke, leather, dried Italian herbs and some floral notes of lavender and rose.  The tastes is a rush of ripe fruit, strawberry, raspberry and cherry that transitions nicely to some notes of dried herbs, cardamom and peat midpalate.  The finish is quite nice, as the tannins are robust and support the long, smooth and very dry finish that treats to a reprise of red fruit at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's not the best Brunello I've had, but it's quite good, particularly 11 years on in its life.  This wine would pair well with bistecca alla fiorentina or a variety of Italian dishes, but tonight I've gone rogue and I'm enjoying this wine with some pan seared lake perch topped with pineapple jalapeno salsa, roasted baby potatoes and grilled baby bok choy.  The bright red fruit of this wine really compliment the lighter flavor of the fish.  Cheers!

2015 Mark Ryan "Little Sister" Columbia Valley Merlot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  Tonight I have multiple special treats from what I'm drinking to what I'm eating, but let's start with the important business of what I'm drinking, after all, this is a wine blog!  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle that came with a recent wine club shipment from Mark Ryan Winery, the 2015 "Little Sister" Columbia Valley Merlot, a blend of Merlot (97%) with just a touch of Cabernet Franc (3%) to mellow things out.  You know how I love me some Merlot, so let's check out the Little Sister!

The wine is a deep, inky purple with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose is an intriguing blend of leather, tart cherry, cardamom and baking spice.  The taste is classic, old school Merlot with a rush of ripe fruit up front, cherry, currant and plum, that transitions to some interesting notes of buttered popcorn jelly belly midpalate.  The finish is smooth, with young tannins providing a bit of punch to the long, smooth and dry finish.  This wine is such a pleasure to drink!

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the nicest Merlots I've had in quite some time.  Although I'm happy as a clam just sipping this wine, it would be ideal with a variety of dishes, from lobster bisque, to steak, to hearty pasta.  Tonight I'm enjoying this wine with a 28-day dry aged Prime New York strip, with grilled asparagus and a baked potato.  The sweet to dry fruit of this wine is ideal for a hearty steak, cheers!

2015 DaMa Columbia Valley Tempranillo

Happy Friday!  In a holiday shortened week, it's such a pleasure to get to the weekend so much sooner than normal!  To kick things off, I've decided to open a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from DaMa Wines in Walla Walla, the 2015 DaMa Columbia Valley Tempranillo.  This wine is a 100% Tempranillo from the Chene de Mille vineyard in the Columbia Valley.  So let's see how this one stacks up!

The wine is a lighter ruby color with great clarity, which is classic for the varietal.  The nose is chock full of spice, cardamom, nutmeg and lavender over lovely ripe fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry.  The taste is warm and inviting, with a vapor of fruit flavor at the outset that transitions to some lovely earthy mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and well structured, though young, providing for a lovely, warm and dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it really reminds me of some of the best Tempranillos of Spain, smooth fruit with a bit of a spicy edge.  This wine would pair well with a variety of summer dishes, from caprese salad to grilled salmon, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with some barbecued baby back ribs, corn on the cob and potato salad, it doesn't get more summery than that!  Cheers!

2011 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval

Happy Tuesday!  Well, this continues to be a busy time for me, so I'll try to make blog posts when I can, and tonight is one such time!  I've opened a bottle of 2011 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval, a blend of Cabernet Franc (52%) and Merlot (48%) from the Columbia Valley of Washington. I happened to get this wine from Wines Till Sold Out at a decent price below retail, but not necessarily cheap!  I've often seen Andrew Will wines, but this may be the first that I've tried one, so here goes nothing!

The wine is an inky indigo at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents tantalizing aromas of ripe berries, blackberry, blueberry intermingled with leather and tobacco.  The taste is very nice, with subtle fruit that gives way quickly to vanilla spice and cocoa powder, with a bit of cardamom and the faintest hint of cinnamon.  The tannins are very mellow, leading to a softer, more complex but very dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, it was much more complex than your standard Cabernet Sauvignon based blend, so it would take some effort to truly appreciate.  The wine was a relative bargain at $35 compared to the usual $45-plus I've seen locally, but not the least expensive.  I think this would be a more food friendly wine, a little more versatile, with the flexibility to be Zin-like with barbecue or Merlot-like with steak.  Of course, tonight I'm enjoying this bottle with a rare grilled Angus ribeye along with grilled corn and Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2013 Origami Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Black Friday!  Tonight amidst all the hubbub, I've decided to open a bottle of 2013 Origami Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, as I recently bought a case from Wines Till Sold Out.  I must admit this was not at all what I was expecting from a '13 vintage Napa Cabernet, in fact at first glance it appears to be a very nice Pinot Noir, with very light body and classic Pinot aromatics.  So let's see how things develop!

As mentioned this is a very light bodied wine, with lovely ruby color in the glass.  The nose is everything a pinot should be, lovely ripe red fruit, raspberries, tart cherries, green grass and dusty limestone.  The taste is such a mind blowing reversal, as your nose has you fully prepared for a Pinot and the taste is all Cabernet, with a blast of ripe red fruit, cherry, blackberry and raspberry, that transitions to some lovely vanilla bean, cardamom and oak notes midpalate.  The finish is just lovely, with rather subdued tannins providing a nice base for the long, smooth dry finish that beckons another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, it doesn't seem like it at first, but this is a wonderful Cabernet that plays mind games on the nose.  Although this would be a great wine with red meat, tonight I am enjoying this with a more Pinot inspired pairing with snow crab legs, drawn butter, cornbread and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2007 Quarto Ducale Rosso di Cerignola

Ahhh...hump day (cue the camels) and what better day to enjoy a nice bottle of wine than the middle of the week as we are heading rapidly towards a holiday weekend!  Have I mentioned that we should be incredibly excited this year as Memorial Day falls as early as it possibly can while Labor Day falls as late as it possibly can which means this is going to be the longest summer humanly possible!  So to celebrate I've opened a bottle of 2007 Quarto Ducale Rosso di Cerignola, a blend of Uva di Troia and Negroamaro from Puglia, better known as the heel of the Italian boot!

The wine is a lighter color, somewhere between a pinot noir and a syrah.  The nose is very interesting, with a tart combination of cherry, fresh cut grass and spice box over hints of leather and prune,  The taste is quite nice, with some rich black fruit up front, blackberry, cherry and plum that transitions nicely to some notes of cardamom and minerals.  The finish is smooth with a velvety mouthfeel amid a final rush of flavor that reminds me of an Italian grandmother.

Overall I would rate this wine a solid 7.5, it's a very nice example of the wine and a terrific value at around $15.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some grilled terriyaki glazed pork tenderloin along with some grilled asparagus and steamed wild rice.  The wine is ideal for pork as the ample fruit makes a nice foil to the other white meat.  Cheers!