2006 Saviez Napa Valley Zinfandel

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of the month, so it's time to raid the cellar for a bottle at least a decade in the making.  Today, I found a bottle that's two decades old, the 2006 Saviez Napa Valley Zinfandel.  This wine may have moved well past its prime, as the varietal is not one known for aging, but at least we can taste it and scientifically evaluate whether my instinct on aged Zins is true!

The wine is adeep ruby in the glass with just a hint of amber along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather and prune, with some undertones of floral notes, violet and lilac.  The first sip is a rush of black fruit that is surprisingly fresh before transitioning to some earty peat and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat tired, but there was a bit of acidity on the rather smooth and dey finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a 7.5, as it's just well past its prime and was a rather lackluster wine to sip on a rainy Saturday.  I won't bother with pairing suggestions, but would note that I am enjoying this wine with some pappardelle with braised oxtail ragu, which is a classic pairing for a more typically fruit-forward Zindandel.  Cheers!

2023 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from my last wine club shipment from one of my favorite Washington producers, Chuck Reininger.  The 2023 Helix Petit Verdot is a 100% Petit Verdot sourced from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  I've enjoyed Chuck's single blending varietals before, so let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of lemongrass, bing cherry and blackberry amid undertones of cedar and spice.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, rich and luxurious that easily transitions to some notes of toasted oak and white pepper spice before cascading back to some tart cherry and hints of lilac at the end.  The tannins are well structured to provide the perfect backbone to the velvety smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really pleasant drinking example of this solitary varietal that is usually relegated to a supporting role.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from pasta primavera to barbecued brisket, burgers and brats.  Tonight, I am taking a decidedly Northwest approach and enjoying this wine with some crispy skin salmon along with linguine tossed with asparagus and garlic scapes sautéed in olive oil.  Cheers!

2024 DaMa Wines Grenache

Happy Mothers Day!  I hope all of you moms out there enjoyed a fantastic day with kids and grandkids!  I finished my grading today, so my first year as a professor is nearly concluded.  All that's left are all the ceremonies that come with graduation.  To celebrate, tonight I've opened a bottle from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers and also one of the only women-owned wineries in Walla Walla, DaMa Wines!  The 2024 DaMa Grenache is a 100% Grenache sourced from the Painted Hills Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington, so let's see how it's tasting.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a little more full bodied than you might expect from a Grenache.  The wine presents and inviting array of aromas, ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry with undertones of lilac and hints of earthy minerality.  The first sip is a rush of sweet red fruit, cherry, raspberry and currant that east into some mineral notes and oak midpalate.  The tannins are fairly sharp with a good bit of acidity on the long, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a fresh and pleasant drinking red wine that is perfect for the warmer days of summer (if they ever arrive!).  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from paella to moules frites, grilled lamb chops to pan seared halibut.  Tonight, I am taking the pacific seafood route and enjoying this wine with a crispy skin salmon filet, steamed rice and sugar snap peas.  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!

2022 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  Now that the holiday rush has largely subsided, we can once again focus on the importance of balancing work with wonderful food and wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers, Seven Hills Winery.  The 2022 Seven Hills Petit Verdot was sourced entirely from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a heavier body more reminiscent of a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry and plum, intertwined with some light floral aromas of violet and lilac that have you anxious to take a sip.  That first sip is a concert of flavors that come at you fast, blackberry and plum that east into some tart cherry before blasting some earthy limestone from the quarry walls, just before you head for a picnic lunch with smoked meat and olive tapenade on the forest floor.  At the end of the concert, the tannins sweep up for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for more.

Overall, I rate this wine a solid 9 as it's a perennial favorite for a single bottling of a typical blending Bordeaux varietal.  This wine also seems to be a perfect food-friendly wine that would pair with a broad range of dishes, from barbecue to pizza, steak to pasta, Indian to Asian cuisine.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a chicken and vegetable Thai inspired curry noodle dish.  The fruit and acidity are an ideal complement to the rich spice of the curry rice noodles.  Cheers!

2010 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot

Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month which means it's Cellar Saturday!  This is the magical day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that was recently added to my cellar with an extended vertical vintage purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2010 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot is a blend of Merlot (76%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and represents an exploration of the "valley floor" with much of the fruit coming from the Coombsville area of Napa Valley.  After 15 years to develop, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a lighter garnet color with a good bit of amber, reflective of some age.  The nose presents aromas of prune, raspberry hints of charcoal and just a bit of lilac.  The first sip is a surprising rush of fruit, blackberry, cassis and tart cherry that transition to some notes of baking spice and forest floor midpalate.  The nose had me expecting a wine that was well past it's prime, but the taste reflects a youthful vibrancy that has really stood the test of time.  The tannins are still well structured, providing an ideal backbone for a smooth, dry finish that likely has many years to go.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's always good to see a quality Merlot that can stand the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, mushroom risotto to thick steaks, but tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pappardelle Bolognese, made over six hours to coax as much flavor as possible into the hearty ragu.  Cheers!

2020 Helix Petit Verdot

Happy Saturday!  I have been working on my annual sauce production today, combining 25 pounds of tomatoes, freshly roasted garlic, pancetta, basil, wine and olive oil to make a festive Italian treat for my friends and neighbors.  And as that is simmering, I have time for a glass of wine and dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Helix Petit Verdot, a highlight of a normal blending varietal for Bordeaux, so let's see how this wine is shaping up! 

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, with nice clarity, almost having the look of a Cabernet, but just a bit lighter.  The nose presents aromas of leather, lilac and blackberry, with just a hint of anise over the top.  The first sip is a rush of ripe berry, blackberry, cherry and marionberry that wash over your palate before transitioning to some earthy loam midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a fine example of a single varietal that normally takes a back seat in a blend.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hard cheeses, but would also fare well with burgers, steaks and barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled T-bone, with roasted hatch chilies, and some fresh corn on the cob that was just picked yesterday!  Cheers!

2015 Château La Tour De Mons Margaux

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

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

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

2022 DaMa Wines GSM

Happy Monday!  Back-to-back posts, though this one is a bit later than usual, only because I had a long day of work.  At any rate, it's time for wine, and tonight I've opened a bottle from the recent wine club shipment from DaMa Wines, the 2022 GSM.  This wine is a blend of Grenache (52%), Syrah (30%) and Mourvèdre (18%) from the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a somewhat lighter body, with bright ruby color, just as you'd expect from a good GSM blend.  The nose presents aromas of lilac, strawberry and a bit of rustic earth.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of vibrant red fruit, cherry, plum, strawberry and currant that completely envelop your palate before transitioning to some lively notes of white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing an ideal foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a fine example of the quality GSM blends emanating from Washington, and it's just a pleasant wine to drink.  This wine would pair well with a variety of holiday dishes, including a very popular bird that's likely on many of your menus this coming Thursday!  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a sesame crusted Ahi tuna steak, with steamed rice and sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  I had a matinée performance today, but that gave me some time to get my dinner in the oven between Church and heading to the theater, so I feel as though I accomplished a lot today!  So as I relax on this Sunday evening, I am ready to enjoy some wonderful comfort food for Sunday dinner, along with a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a Bordeaux varietal from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers, the 2020 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petit Verdot.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this often blending grape.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, leather and oak, amid undertones of violet and lilac.  The first sip is an adventurous ride between fruit and spice, with a rush of black cherry, blackberry and currant dancing amid baking spice, vanilla bean and anise before easing into some tawny spice midpalate.  The tannins are wonderfully vibrant, providing for a lovely backbone to the long, smooth and exceptionally dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a perfect balance of sweet ripe fruit and earthy dryness that makes this an ideal wine for enjoying with food or just sipping with friends.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to beef stew and hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some braised short ribs, served over roasted garlic mashed potatoes and red wine reduction, with oven roasted broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2007 Silverado Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday!  This month I went deep into the cellar to find a bottle that I've had squirreled away for more than a decade, from one of the most stellar vintages of Napa Valley.  The 2007 Silverado Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those classic wines from a classic vintage, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center, and a bright ruby along the edges, without any hint of amber, you'd be hard pressed to tell this 16-year-old from a current vintage.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, anise, tar and just a hint of lilac.  Take a sip and you're greeted with ripe black cherry, blackberry and plum intermingled with some black pepper spice before transitioning to some notes of tarragon and pipe tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are still vibrant and well structured to ease into a wonderfully smooth, dry finish that will have you appreciating this mature wine.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's truly lived up to the hype of this vintage, and maintained its structure and drinkability edging toward two decades on.  This wine would be fantastic just sipping with friends, but it's still hearty enough to pair with a big steak, braised short ribs or a hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled New York strip topped with alderwood smoked salt, grilled asparagus and oven roasted baby potatoes with herbs de Provence.  Cheers!

2011 Girard Napa Valley Petit Sirah

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month and that means it's time to raid the cellar and find a bottle at least a decade in waiting to open and enjoy.  Tonight I've found a bottle that I likely bought while I still lived in Michigan, before they eliminated the requirement to place price tags on all retail products, so even though I can't remember where I bought this wine, I know I paid $26.99 for it!  The 2011 Girard Napa Valley is a big bold wine, as is often the case with this varietal, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black with bright ruby along the edges, still holding up well a dozen years after harvest.  The nose is rich in ripe black fruit, cherry, currant and plum intermingled with some lilac notes intertwined with some charcoal.  The first sip is a rush of black cherry, blueberry and plum that eases into some notes of basalt and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a velvety dry finish with a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful example of the hearty wines from this oft overlooked varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of steaks, rack of lamb, hearty roast beef or rich braised bison short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a seared petite prime filet mignon along with some mushroom risotto and roasted baby cauliflower.  Cheers!

2019 Forgeron Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I feel like I got a lot accomplished this weekend as I managed to trim all the hedges yesterday before I had 16 people over for a cookout (and yes, my arms are really sore today, thanks for asking!).  Then today I finished the yard work with some mowing before easing into some dinner and wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2019 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon that I got in a wine club shipment last spring I think.  In any case, this wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Minnick Hills and Seven Hills Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky purple color in the glass, a testament to a pure Cabernet.  Take a whiff and you're treated to a cascade of aromas of ripe blackberry and currant, intermingled with floral notes of lilac and classic dark chocolate that is such a tradition of Walla Walla Cabernets.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, blackberry and cassis that transitions well to some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate, amid undertones of dusty minerality.  The tannins are a bit sharp early, but they open up nicely with some time, supporting the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as it's a really pleasant drinking wine now, but I think it will improve markedly with a few more years in the cellar.  It's also a good value at just $35 before any club or case discounts.  This wine would pair well with a variety of late summer and early fall dishes, from grilled steaks and barbecue to eggplant parmesan or hearty beef stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, grilled poblanos and hatch chiles and some roasted white and purple potatoes.  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!

2007 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means this is Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight is a special treat as I had long forgotten I had this wine, the 2007 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a treat as well as this was the last vintage with the old school house label that was the signature of L'Ecole until they updated to a photo of the schoolhouse at the 25th anniversary vintage in 2008.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting now that it's nearly old enough to drive.

I decanted the wine for about an hour before tasting which is always a risk with an older wine, but we'll see whether it was a mistake.  The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with just a hint of amber along the edges.  Take a whiff and you're greeted by aromas of prune, blackberry and cherry, intermingled with floral notes of lilac.  Take a sip and your mind it blown at the rush of tart cherry at the outset, that easily transitions to notes of mocha, dusty loam and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are still firm and well structured, providing for a velvety smooth, dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's drinking marvelously after 16 years, but clearly has a lot of life left in it.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to barbecue or tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus ribeye along with some grilled corn on the cob with elote spice.  Cheers!

2020 Reininger Walla Walla Valley Syrah

Well, after a long holiday weekend of planting flowers, cleaning off the patio furniture and grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for a dozen guests, it's nice to be back to normal.  It's funny how holidays tend to be so much more work than actual working!  So, tonight I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from one of my long-time favorite Walla Walla producers.  The 2020 Reininger Walla Walla Valley Syrah is a 100% Syrah sourced from the Pepper Bridge (69%) and Seven Hills (31%) vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, reddish purple in the glass, with bright ruby at the edges, just as you might expect from a nice Syrah.  After some time to breathe, the nose presents a lovely cascade of aromas ranging from ripe blackberry, plum and kirsch, intermingled with leather and lilac amid undertones of earthy loam and meat.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in fruit, boysenberry, black raspberry and lingonberry that transition easily to some earthy mineral notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The fine grain tannins are expertly integrated to support the velvety smooth, dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a fabulous example of the lovely Syrah being produced in the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with a variety of summer dishes, from grilled pork tenderloin to barbecued ribs, steaks to caprese salad.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled veal loin chop with herbs de Provence along with Portobello mushroom farro and grilled asparagus.  Cheers!

2012 Lachini Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month and new year, which makes it Cellar Saturday!  This is the magical day where I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making, and tonight I have something a bit off the beaten path.  I bought a bottle of the 2012 Lachini Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir just a few months ago from Wines Till Sold Out, as it seemed a terrific bargain, so why not try some?  So, let's see what this Pinot Noir from the Chehalem Mountains of Oregon has to offer!

The wine is a deep rose color in the glass, somewhat lighter than your typical Pinot Noir.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, cherry, sweet lilac and hints of forest floor, a classic funky combination for this varietal.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe cherry that cascades through your palate, transitioning easily to some earthy elements of fresh cut grass and peat midpalate.  The tannins are quite subdued, but still bring forth a delightfully dry finish that lingers lightly for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, and although I am not the biggest fan of Pinot Noir, I find this wine to be an interesting departure.  As for pairings, this wine would pair well with a variety of aged cheeses, earthy dishes like wild mushroom risotto, or hearty winter favorites like Yankee pot roast or hearty beef stew.  Tonight I am taking that latter approach and enjoying this wine with some braised elk and bison short ribs on creamy mashed potatoes with some oven roasted carrots.  Cheers!

2010 Syzygy Columbia Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  And since it's the first Saturday of the new month, it's also Cellar Saturday, that magical day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I bought on the way out of town from my last trip to Walla Walla, as I met the winemaker at his tasting room near the airport (truly old school for those familiar with how Walla Walla's wine scene has developed over the decades).  The 2010 Syzygy Columbia Valley Red Wine is a blend of Syrah (45%), Cabernet Sauvignon(25%), Merlot (18%) and Malbec (12%) from the Conner Lee, Wallula and Stone Valley Vineyards in the Columbia Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting a dozen years in!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the heavy Bordeaux varietals.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry, lilac and prune.  Take a sip and you're greeted with vibrant fruit that belies the mellow nose, a rush of blackberry, currant and cherry cola that easily transition to some mineral notes and a bit of peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and well structured for a velvety dry finish that will have you reaching for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as I feared from the nose that I would be disappointed with a wine past its prime, but nothing could be further from the truth as this wine is vibrant and fruit forward more than a decade into its life!  This wine is also an amazing bargain at $27 (still available on the Syzygy website here)!  This wine would pair well with a variety of hard cheeses and charcuterie, grilled steaks, lamb or mushroom risotto, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse along with some grilled leeks and broccoli rabe and some corn on the cob (it's the first of the year, likely from Florida, so I'm not expecting much!) 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!

2014 Raymond Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a hot, humid day of working around the house, completing a few random projects, including cleaning all the patio furniture and getting them out, now that my new roof is done.  And now I'm about ready for a nice glass of wine and a bit of relaxation.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine from a favorite Napa producer, the 2014 Raymond Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, part of their district collection.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a single vineyard in the district.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center, with deep ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Napa Cabernet.  After letting this one breathe for an hour or so, a quick swirl in the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, tart cherry and currant, intermingled with some floral notes of lilac and violet.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum, with some bright acidity, which is somewhat unexpected.  The tannins are extremely smooth, and well structured, providing for a wonderfully long, dry finish that's reminiscent of a quality Bordeaux.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful example of a lovely Napa Cabernet from a single district that punches well above it's weight class, particularly at a price of $43 from Wines Till Sold Out.  This wine practically begs to be paired with a big steak, and it just so happens I picked up some enormous prime tomahawk ribeyes from Costco yesterday.  I'm enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime tomahawk ribeye along with some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!