2020 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

2023 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

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!

2018 Reininger Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  Last week was spring break and though it started out promising, we are ending the week with a clear reminder that mother nature rules the calendar!  In any event, tonight I have opened a bottle that has regretfully been in my cellar too long so it's well past time to open this one.  The 2018 Reininger Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Merlot (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%) from the XL, Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge 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, with an inky black center, just as you'd expect from a high-quality Cabernet.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of ripe black fruit, lavender, smoke and candied plum that will have you hankering for a sip.  Oh, that first sip is worth the wait, with a rush of ripe blueberry, blackberry and currant that wash over your palate before transitioning to some earthy mineral notes of dusty limestone and graphite midpalate.  The tannins are expertly integrated and well structured to provide the perfect base for a lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a perfect representation of the earthy pinnacle of a great Walla Walla Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from roasted lamb to hearty beef stew, braised short ribs to mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic pairing of a grilled bone-in ribeye, blistered cocktail tomatoes and a big baked potato with butter, sour cream and scallions.  Cheers!

2023 Doubleback Merlot

Happy Sunday!  I am officially on spring break, which means I am spending a lot of time grading and preparing for the second half of the semester, but I still have some time to enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that has been a couple years in the waiting, but also out of order (as I realized I still haven't opened any of my bottle of the prior vintage).  In any case, let's enjoy the 2023 Doubleback Merlot, a blend of Merlot (91%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) from the Shafer, McQueen and LeFore Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hand of Merlot in the blending.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, green grass and graphite that will have you rapt in anticipation.  Take a sip and it's like a warm wool blanket enveloping your palate with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate and cola that is a classic Walla Walla feature, eventually transitioning to some earthy limestone.  The tannins are somewhat chalky, but still provide an ideal base for the lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for your glass.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an elevated example of what the Walla Walla Valley is capable of producing in Merlot.  This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty stew to wild mushroom risotto, roast beef to zesty steak tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rather elevated Sunday dinner of a pan seared filet mignon on a base of Béarnaise sauce, along with farro simmered with oyster and trumpet mushrooms and bacon roasted brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Thanksgiving!  Yes, I know it was two days ago, but this is the official start to the holiday season, and in the past 48 hours we've had over a foot of snow, the Christmas lights, garland and wreaths are all up and I am enjoying my "White Christmas" preview!  Of course, the holidays are better with wine, and tonight I've opened bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon Winery, the 2023 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a perennial favorite, and I think I've reviewed just about vintage since the 2010 Vintage, so let's see how the latest is shaping up!

The wine has the classic look of a deep, brooding Cabernet, inky black at the center, ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of earthy, leather, graphite and toasted oak, amid fruit notes of blackberry, cherry and plum.  The first sip is a total fake out from the nose, with a rush of black fruit up front, before moving into earthy notes of dusty limestone, peat and hints of oak midpalate.  The tannins are just the right amount of structure and ease to provide for a delightfully smooth finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic expression of Washington Cabernet that is so consistent year after year.  This wine would go perfectly with a fire in the midst of a snowstorm, but as for food, enjoy this one with a range of winter comfort foods, from braised short ribs to alder planked salmon, hearty beef stew to roast lamb shank.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a very beefy dinner of a grilled thick ribeye, mushroom farro and steamed asparagus.  Cheers! 

2015 Seven Hills Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month, which means it's time for me to raid the cellar and open a bottle at least a decade in the making!  Tonight it's a special selection from one of my favorite Walla Walla wine makers, the 2015 Seven Hills Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a perennial favorite harvested from some of the oldest vines in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine has matured!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of prune, leather and earthy basalt as it opens up.  The first sip is a blast of black fruit, ripe plum, cherry and currant, intermingled with earthy minerality and peppery spice that sings with mature notes.  The tannins are still vibrant with a strong backbone for the lingering dry finish that will have you pleasantly surprised at this mature wine.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it seems to be just hitting its stride.  This wine would pair perfectly with fall, as the hearty structure of this wine is ideal for chilly temperatures and hearty meals, like beef stew, braised short ribs or big steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a big porterhouse grilled rare, with some steamed asparagus and a baked potato.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It was a stormy day here today, so I mostly stayed inside and did laundry and a few other chores around the house and now I'm ready for a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from one of my long-time favorite Walla Walla producers, Seven Hills Winery.  The 2021 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the old vines of the original Seven Hills Vineyard planted by founder Casey McClellan and his father back in the 1980s.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of sweet blackberry, currant, spice box and a hint of floral.  The first sip is a surprising rush of tawny earthiness, with notes of leather, peat and cedar, that easily transition to some notes of white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are chewy and coat your mouth as you head for a delightfully long, dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderful wine, but just not quite up to the level of the 2020 vintage.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dished, from classic grilled steaks to seared lamb chops, braised short ribs to wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an Angus ribeye grilled rare with grilled leeks and broccolini, along with a big baked potato with sour cream and chives.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Sunday!  I had a rather relaxing day, doing some chores, going to the gym, and now getting ready to make Sunday dinner and enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from some of the oldest blocks of the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  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 Cabernet led Bordeaux style blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blueberry and hints of lavender amid subtle notes of tobacco and black pepper.  The taste is a mind-bending rush of tart cherry, intertwined with blackberry and blueberry creating a fruit cocktail before transitioning to some notes of dried herbs and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but well structured to provide the backbone to the lingering dry finish that will have you easily reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic Washington version of a Left Bank Bordeaux.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops, braised lamb shank or wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared filet mignon, mashed potatoes and shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon, pomegranate and 25-year white balsamic.  Cheers!

2021 Pepper Bridge Trine

Happy Thanksgiving!  I'll admit this is one of may favorite holidays as we look back throughout the year and give thanks for the many blessings we have. Sure, the world is not a perfect place, and not everything turned out as we might have imagined, but when you shift your focus from what might have been to what is right there in front of you, a heart of gratitude begins to develop and you can truly appreciate the multitude of blessings the Lord has bestowed.  And of course, one of those blessings is wine, as "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man..." Tonight, my heart is gladdened with a bottle of 2021 Pepper Bridge Trine, which is a blend of Cabernet Franc (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Merlot (13%), Malbec (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%) from the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the Bordeaux varietals employed.  The nose emits aromas of violet, black plum and cassis with faint undertones of leather.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe fruit, gushing with plum, cherry and currant, intermingled with earthy notes of cedar and tobacco.  Midpalate, you are treated to a dose of vanilla and white pepper spice interspersed with hints of floral notes.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant and easy drinking Bordeaux style blend that is compatible with so many dishes, it's ideal for the holidays.  This wine would pair well with a variety of holiday dishes, from turkey to ham, prime rib to green bean casserole, but since I am cooking today and I'm not a fan of Turkey, I am enjoying this wine with an herb crusted rack of lamb, saffron potatoes and steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2015 Force Majeure Parvata

Happy Sunday!  Well, I finished the last of the leaves today, but by tonight there are even more in the yard, so I guess I know what I'll be doing next weekend!  In any case, it's time for my Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from a Washington producer about which I have heard good things, but have never had a chance to try, but fortunately I sourced a few bottles from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2015 Force Majeure Parvata is a blend of Mourvèdre (46%), Syrah (34%) and Grenache (20%) from Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting and whether I made a good pairing choice for my dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hands of Mourvèdre and Syrah in the blend.  A gentle swirl and the nose reveals aromas of earthy peat, cured meats with an undertone of a variety of black fruit, from currant to blackberry to cherry, but honestly the aromas are supremely understated in this wine.  The first sip packs a wallop, which is not what you would expect based on the subdued aromas, a rush of sweet black fruit, that easily transitions to some notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and a hint of tawny port.  The tannins are well integrated for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate as your mind catches up to your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's just a fabulous example of some of the southern Rhone style blends being produced in Washington today.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty, earthy dishes, from seared duck breast, to braised lamb shank.  Tonight, I am taking a very different approach with this wine and enjoying it with a last gasp of summer, barbecued beef back ribs, sriracha slaw and baked beans.  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!

2020 Anvil Syrah

Happy Sunday!  And since it's the last Sunday of the month, it's time for Dinner in the Diner, where I explore a recipe from the dining cars of some of the most famous passenger trains of the 20th Century.  So, what to pair with my dinner?  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Anvil Syrah, the premium label from Forgeron Cellars.  The 2020 vintage is a 100% Syrah from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this wine has going on!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, with moderate body and clarity, just what you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  The nose reveals aromas of blackberry, blueberry and eucalyptus with undertones of basalt minerality.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black fruit, blackberry, blueberry and currant that dance around a bit of cocoa powder and toasted oak midpalate, with a trail of black peppery spice.  The tannins are still a bit sharp, but still provide for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a wonderful example of a single-vineyard Syrah from one of the premier areas of Washington for production of this varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from braised short ribs, to rack of lamb, earthy wild mushroom risotto to Beef Wellington.  Tonight, I am taking a road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a recipe from the diner on the New York Central, the individual deep dish chicken pie from the 20th Century Limited.  The recipes for the filling, crust and rich sauce (this is superb) are presented below (though to be fair, I substituted boneless chicken breast for the white/dark meat combination suggested).  Cheers!

2010 Tiedmann Signature Series Napa Valley Red Wine

Well happy Saturday, and since this is the first Saturday of the 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 although it was harvested 14 years ago, has been in my cellar for less than two weeks!  The 2010 Tiedmann Signature Series Napa Valley Red Wine is a new one for me, as after doing some sleuthing on the web, I learned that this wine was made by or for a local resident who would source wines from Napa and either blend them himself or have them made and bottled.  Unfortunately, I also learned that this person passed away in 2022, but somehow I managed to find a few bottles of the 2010 vintage at my local wine store, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

Although a blend, this wine has the classic look of a Napa Valley Cabernet, inky black at the center and bright garnet along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and cassis, reminiscent of a university library.  The first sip is a wonderful blend of blueberry, blackberry and currant with undertones of sweetness that transition easily to some earthy notes of basalt and black tea midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth, providing for a lengthy and very dry finish that lingers until you take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking blend from a local guy in Elkhart, Indiana with a passion for making great wine.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from barbecue and fajitas, to roast lamb or grilled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared prime filet topped with béarnaise and served with oven roasted purple potatoes and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2020 Mark Ryan Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Well, I admit I'm a bit embarrassed as I chose my wine for this evening as I was considering my Sunday dinner choices, and I realized that I went out of order on the Mark Ryan Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, as last month I reviewed the 2021 vintage (see here) but had never reviewed the 2020 vintage (curse you shiny object focus!).  So, I am making amend and opening a bottle of 2020 Mark Ryan Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100% Cabernet from the Red Willow and Ciel du Cheval vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up with an extra year in the cellar!

The wine is an inky black at the center, with deep ruby all around, just as you'd expect from a nice Cabernet.  A little swirl reveals aromas of black cherry, currant, leather and cedar signaling a perfectly Northwest experience ahead.  The first sip is a rush of intriguing fruit with tart cherry, leading into blueberries and blackberries, all easing into some mint and dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured to provide the backbone to the lingering dry finish that will have you pondering the shortness of summer at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's not quite as nice as the 2021 vintage, but still a lovely Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with classic steaks and chops, grilled lamb or hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am celebrating the start of Hatch chile season, as I just picked some up at my local market, so I'm enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye with fire roasted Hatch chiles, oven roasted purple potatoes and asparagus with Hollandaise, for a completely random Sunday dinner!  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills the Rocks District Syrah

Happy Sunday!  I spent my afternoon at the county fair, looking at all the animals and tractors and of course eating a bit of fair food, but I didn't spoil my appetite.  Tonight I am having a bit of a different Sunday dinner, which calls for a little different wine, and nothing more different than the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater when it comes to Syrah!  The 2021 Seven Hills the Rocks District Syrah is the inaugural vintage of this 100% Syrah from Seven Hills, so let's see what this new wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep crimson in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, currant and cherry with undertones of oak.  Take a sip and you experience a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that carefully ease into the classic Rocks District earthy mineral funk that makes these wines such fun ones to imbibe.  The mineral notes intermingle with floral notes of violet and before you know it, you are experiencing the well structured tannins for a wonderfully lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful young example of what a classic Rocks District Syrah should be.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised lamb shank or short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some grilled Za'atar seasoned lamb rib chops along with roasted garlic mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy and steamed green beans.  Cheers!

2023 Bledsoe Family Winery Healy Rosé

Happy Sunday!  I spent yesterday trimming hedges and mowing, so today I needed a break!  I did some laundry and now I'm ready for a nice glass of wine and my Sunday dinner.  Given the recent heat and humidity, I thought it appropriate to once again celebrate rosé season!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from the Bledsoe Family Winery, the 2023 Bledsoe Family Winery Healy Rosé.  This wine is a 100% Syrah from the Flying B Estate, Los Oidos and Kenny Hill Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how summer is treating this wine!

The wine is a pale peach color in the glass, with a more solid color than some recent rosé vintages.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of peach, orange blossom and citrus that signal a bit of refreshment coming your way.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of sweet summer fruit with subtle acidity that practically begs you to enjoy this bottle fully engaged on your patio. The mild acidity and well integrated tannins create a finish that is lingering on the palate, much different from the acidic crush of most rosés.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as I think it's the best vintage yet of this fun summer wine.  This one would pair well with summer salads, particularly a nice caprese with aged balsamic, seared tuna or fun fish tacos.  Tonight, I am taking a decidedly Mediterranean route with this wine and enjoying it with some grilled octopus and fresh summer veggies grilled with herbs de Provence and flaky sea salt.  Cheers!

2021 Forgeron Barbera Barrel Select

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!  I hope you enjoyed a pleasant day with your families, as I have decided to make a special dinner on this hot summer evening, so I struggled with what wine to pair with it until I spotted a recent wine club shipment from Forgeron Cellars.  The 2021 Forgeron Barbera was crafted from select barrels of Barbera from the White Bluffs appellation in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Since the White Bluffs are located on a plateau that can extend the growing season by as much as 45 days over the surrounding areas.  With this classic varietal and the wine makers' commitment to the Piedmont style, this wine seems ideal for my Sunday dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Barbera.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and peppery spice notes with undertones of lavender.  The first sip is like stepping into an Italian grocery, a rush of black cherry and blackberry fruit with ample baking spice and floral notes, that ease into some earthy mineral and peat midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, as the acidity takes charge for a lingering dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasing domestic example of this Italian varietal.  This wine would pair well with grilled steaks, lighter salad with broiled branzino, but tonight I am going more traditional with this wine.  I am enjoying this wine with a crab risotto garnished with sautéed garlic scapes and shaved parmesan.  The acidity of this wine is an ideal foil to the richness of the risotto.  Cheers!

2014 Arbor Bench Meritage

Happy Saturday, of note, the first Saturday of the new month, which means it Cellar Saturday!  This is the magical day where I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought a couple months ago from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2014 Arbor Bench Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Merlot (32%) and Malbec (30%) from the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect with these three varietals.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, vanilla bean and dusty limestone with hints of violet undertones.  The first sip is rush of tart cherry that eases into some notes of blackberry jam, toasted oak and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are quote chewy, but still capable as the backbone for the lingering dry finish with a reprise of cherry at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully satisfying blend that will no doubt pair well with a variety of dishes.  This wine would pair well with hearty braised short ribs, spicy barbecue or classic steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribcap topped with sunflower sprouts, along with some broccoli rabe and asparagus sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with linguine.  Cheers!

2020 Mark Ryan Manu Propria Ex Animo

Happy Saturday!  Today was relatively relaxing, as I went to the annual train show in Middlebury today, to see a bunch of trains (I bought a couple books and some ephemera), then went to Costco and the supermarket and now I'm ready for dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Mark Ryan Manu Propria Ex Animo, which is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (clone 191 and 337) sourced from a one-acre block of the Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a solid Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry with undertones of green cedar and earthy peat.  The first sip is a rush of ripe cherry, plum and currant that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are well structured but definitely take the supporting role for the lingering dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a solid example of the high quality of Cabernet that coming from Washington state today.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of hearty dishes, from pasta, beef stew or prime rib, to steaks, lamb or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with oven roasted white asparagus and a big baked potato with sour cream and scallions.  Cheers!