2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a good weekend, but now it's winding down, so let's enjoy a nice bottle of wine before the work week begins.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a couple years now.  The 2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot is a 100% Merlot from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a few years in!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of  leather, blackberry and cassis that let your palate know it's in for a treat.  The first sip is a flavor party with dancing plums, mocha and dark chocolate that dive into notes of baking spice and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are supple and balanced, prividing a nice foundation for the velvety smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a high quality Merlot, but still a bit young.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from barbecue to braised pork, hearty pasta to grilled steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, roasted hatch chiles, mushroom farro and steamed Italian pole beans with roasted red peppers.  Cheers!

2021 Reininger Carmenere

Happy Saturday!  It's been a relaxing day of running errands, then a bike ride before I finalize my plans for the first day of classes on Monday!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers, Chuck Reininger!  The 2021 Reininger Walla Walla Carmenere is one of the longest production runs of this "lost Bordeaux" varietal, in fact, I think I've reviewed almost every vintage since 2009 (you can peruse them here). Tonight, I've opened a bottle of the 2021 vintage, which is out of order as I've previously reviewed the 2022 vintage and the 2023 vintage, but let's go back in time and see what was going on five years ago!

The wine is a beautiful ruby color in the glass with great clarity.  The nose presents aromas of leather, bright raspberry, green grass and a hint of mocha.  The first sip is a rather tawny affair, with a rush of ripe black fruit that easily transitions into some earthy elements of leather, vanilla bean and black strap molasses.  The tannins are subtle but well structured, providing an ideal base for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a wonderful and easy drinking edition of this forgotten varietal.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer casual dinners, from burgers and brats to grilled steaks and barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some barbecued ribs, steamed corn on the cob and sriracha cole slaw.  Cheers!

2024 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Saturday!  It rained most of the day, which gave me time to run errands and get ready for dinner.  And now that the sun has returned, I have some time to open a nice bottle of wine and start cooking.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a long-time favorite Walla Walla producer, Seven Hills Winery.  The 2024 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from the McClellan Estate Vineyard and the Summit View Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass with great clarity.  The nose presents aromas of leather, ripe black fruit and mocha, with hints of dusty loam underneath.  The first sip is a rush of ripe blackberry, plum and currant that transition to some earthy notes of green grass and earthy peat midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but provide a nice foundation for the smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a well constructed wint that would be ideal for late summer cuisine.  This wine would pair well with classic summer disshes from burgers and brats for barbecued ribs and smoked brisket.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled pork tenderloin, hatch chiles and fresh corn on the cob that I picked up from the maaket this morning.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Friday!  It's been a stressful week, and I am happy to have some time to relax this weekend and what better way to start a weekend than with a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Tonight I have opened a bottle from one of my long-time favorite producers from Walla Walla, Seven Hiss Winery!  The 2023 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a full Cabernet harvested from the original Seven Hills Vineyard planted by Casey McClellan and his father back in the early 1980s.  Let's see how this latest vintage is treating us!

The wine has the classic look of a nice quality Cabernet, dark at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak and a cascade of ripe cherry and marionberry with undertones of freash herbs and floral notes.  The first sip is a rush or ripe red fruit, cherry, raspberry and marionberry that transitions easily to flavors of mocha, cherry cola and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing an ideal base for the long, 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 classic example of a quality Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer dishes, from barbecued ribe, burgers and brats to charbroiled steaks or alder planked salmon.  Tonight, I am taking the traditional route and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse topped with grilled hatch chiles (yes, it's finally hatch chile season!) and roasted gemstone potatoes.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a few weeks since I posted on Wine Wednesday, so let's enjoy it!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot, a single varietal bottling of what is usually a blending varietal harvested 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 deep ruby in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents an enticing blend of ripe plum, leather and oak, with subtle undertones of pipe tobacco.  The first sip is wonderfully fruit forward, with a rush of black cherry, marionberry and blueberry that ease into some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, with a rush of acidity towards the long, smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasant drinking wine from an often overlooked varietal. This is also quote a versatile, food friendly wine, as I could see this pairing with a range of casual summer fare, from burgers and brats, to barbecue and steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some spicy Cajun dirty rice with onions, peppers and andouille sausage.  Cheers! 

2019 Yokayo Buteo Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I am exhausted, I spent seven hours working in the yard today, trimming hedges and cleaning up all the scraps and now I need to relax with a nice dinner and glass of wine!  Although I may find it a strain to lift a glass to my mouth, tonight I've opened a bottle that was an impulse add on to an order from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2019 Yokayo Buteo Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Malbec (16%) and Petit Verdot (9%) from the Rockpile appellation in Sonoma. So, let's see if I can lift this glass and taste this wine!

The wine is an inky black at the center with deep garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big California Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, plum and green cedar.  The first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, cherry, strawberry and plum with undertones of earthy peat and cedar that transition to some notes of mocha and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are firm and vibrant, providing an ideal foundation for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant drinking Cabernet that punches above its weight class, as this wine was available for the bargain price of $17!  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from crispy skin salmon to mushroom risotto, steak to grilled lamb chops.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak, oven roasted shishito peppers with flaky salt and grilled corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2020 Doubleback Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  Tonight, It's been exceptionally hot and humid here lately, but despite the heat, I am enjoying a special dinner, so I've decided to open a special bottle of wine to match.  The 2020 Doubleback Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a very special wine, one that I think arrived at my door a couple years ago and I'm just now opening a bottle!  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Petit Verdor (10%) and Merlot (3%), from the McQueen and LeFore Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  The wine has been patient, aging 22 months in barrel, and now I'm finally getting around to opening a bottle, so here goes nothing!

The wine is an inky black at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, and it seems like a monster of a wine.  A brief swirl of the glass releases a banquet of aromas, from ripe blueberry to green pepper, basalt to mocha.  The first sip is like a warm hug from your mom, blue fruit up front along with some earthy mineral notes that transition easily to some warm white pepper spice, vanilla bean and red currant midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and supple, providing the ideal backbone for the long, smooth dry finish that provides a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, it's s pricy bottle, but worth every penny, as this is perennially one of the nicest Cabernets to come out of the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with hard cheeses and charcuterie as an appetizer, braised short ribs or hearty salmon, or as it practically begs, a wonderful steak!  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared filet mignon from Snake River Farms (my local market just started carrying their steaks) along with some oven roasted beets and leeks and steamed broccoli.  Cheers!

2019 Gramercy Cellars Lower East Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy New Year's Eve! I had to post tonight since I am really having my New Year's dinner tonight, as I'm heading to a pot luck with friends tomorrow.  So here we go!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out, as they had a nice selection of wines from Grammercy Cellars, producers of some top notch Syrah.  But tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2019 Gramercy Cellars Lower East Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Merlot (9%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Phinney Hill (50%), Pepper Bridge (25%) and Grammercy Estate Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is deep ruby color in the glass, not as heavily bodied as some Cabernets, but still quite endearing.  The nose presents aromas of leather, cedar and a beautiful forest floor, intermingled with ripe Bing cherry, Marionberry and wonderful dried herb notes.  The first sip is classic Columbia Valley Cabernet, with a rush of blackberry and cherry fruit that ease gracefully into some tawny vanilla bean notes, before transitioning into some classic dark chocolate and mocha notes midpalate.  The tannins are smooth as silk for the lovely smooth dry finish, with a reprise of dried Italian herbs at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it punches way above its weight class, particularly as a $20 purchase from WTSO.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty winter dishes, from leg of lamb to braised short ribs, grilled tri-tip London Broil to hearty mushroom pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my New Year's Eve dinner of a rare grilled petit bison tomahawk with some linguine tossed with garlic, olive oil and sautéed broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2022 Clos de Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I finished all the leaves and fall trimming today, and now I am doing laundry and getting ready for a nice Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that I picked up at Costco yesterday, I'm not sure how great it will be, but certainly the price was amenable.  They had two different bottles from this maker, and I bought a bottle of each, but we will start with the 2022 Clos de Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a nice varietal from a troublesome vintage, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, fairly standard for a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose displays aromas of broad floral notes over the top with undertones of black currant and cherry, a very surprising result.  The first sip is classic Napa Cabernet, with a rush of blackberry, black currant and cherry that wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of mocha and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for the classic dry finish of a Napa Cabernet.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant drinking Cabernet at an outstanding price of just $15 at Costco.  This wine would pair well with steak, rack of lamb or hearty pasta, almost any dish with a backbone that need a big wine.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye with Cowboy crust seasoning, topped with blistered yellow grape tomatoes, an oven roasted purple sweet potato and some steamed asparagus with Hollandaise.  Cheers!

2022 Post & Beam Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a busy weekend of volunteering and leaf blowing, and I am very tired now, and surely ready for a nice bottle of wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that I bought on sale at my local wine shop yesterday, as it reminded me of my old boss who liked Far Niente wines (he was a bit of a Napa wine guru) and when I saw the 2022 Post & Beam Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon I had to buy a couple bottles to try it.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Merlot (6%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%), so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine seems a bit lighter in body than your typical over-muscular Napa Cabernet, which is a potentially good sign.  The nose reveals aromas of blackberry and cassis, with undertones of vanilla and a bit of earthy green grass.  The first sip is a rush of bold black fruit with just a hint of sweetness, blackberry, cherry and plum, that transition to some notes of mocha and cocoa powder midpalate.  The tannins are supple, but well structured, supporting a lengthy, smooth dry finish that exhibits more complexity than many big Napa Cabernets.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasing wine to sip, but would also pair with a broad range of dishes.  On sale for $38, this wine was also a reasonable value.  This one would pair well with the Napa classics of big grilled steaks, lamb and duck breast, but would also feel right at home with a classic risotto, crispy skin salmon or hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare pan seared New York strip, topped with rosemary and flaky salt, with bacon maple Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes.  Cheers! 

2021 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  I must admit it's been a while since I've posted on a Wednesday, but I suppose that's what holiday vacations are for!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of the most recent wine club shipment from Pepper Bridge Winery, one of my favorite wineries in Walla Walla!  The 2021 Pepper Bridge Merlot is a blend of Merlot (82%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (9%) harvested from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Waliser and Octave Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a lovely, deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry and currant amid subtle floral notes of violet and sandalwood.  The first sip is a ripping adventure of tart cherry that eases into some calmer notes of black currant and a bit of mocha, before hitting its earthy stride with flavors of earthy peat and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are ripe and supple, providing for a velvety dry finish with a reprise of tartness at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely example of this underappreciated varietal from the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of more casual dishes, from smoky barbecued ribs to pizza, burgers and brats to tacos, or even the classis steak dinner.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some fajita steak tacos, with all the spice I can muster!  Cheers! 

2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Merry Christmas!  It's been a relaxing day, just watching Christmas movies (I am finishing up White Christmas with A Christmas Carol on deck!) and now it's time to have a nice glass of wine with dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2017 Preferred Stock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which I purchased recently from Wines Till Sold Out.  Of course, I'm a sucker for innovative labeling and anything that looks like a stock certificate or currency, so this was a natural choice.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet from Napa Valley produced by the Toulon Wine Company.  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 big Napa Cab.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of earthy leather and graphite intertwined with ripe plum and black cherry fruit.  The first sip is a mesmerizing mix of ripe sweet black fruit and tart cherry and pomegranate that eventually transitions to some earthy notes of dusty limestone with some mocha and white pepper spice notes midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully approachable Napa Cabernet with the solid drinking quality while avoiding the pretense.  It was also a good value at just $25!  This wine would naturally pair well with a big steak, but also would fair well with braised short ribs, veal osso bucco or leg of lamb.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye, baked potato and maple bacon Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2019 Backstage Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I recently purchased during a Cabernet event at Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2019 Backstage Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Green Room Vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a big, bold Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals luxurious aromas of leather, candied cherries and oak, with undertones of mocha and dark chocolate.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum, that ease effortlessly to some notes of earthy tar and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing and ideal foundation for the long, velvety smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a pleasant drinking and classic example of the big Cabernets of Napa Valley.  I could enjoy sipping on this wine on a lovely fall evening in front of a fire, but I could also enjoy this wine with rustic charcuterie, a big grilled steak or a rare rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a prime ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with grilled leeks and hatch chilis, and some linguine tossed with broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil.  Cheers!

2018 Jigar Wines Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been a while since I've posted because I was away on my summer vacation road trip, this time to Maine with stops in the Finger Lakes of New York (stay tuned for a future post!), Vermont and New Hampshire.  And now that I'm back, I just made a giant pot of pasta sauce from a 25-lb box of tomatoes I brought back from the Finger Lakes, which I will be canning tomorrow.  But aside from all this activity today, I've opened a bottle of wine to enjoy before heading to the theatre tonight (man, I do lead a busy life!).  Tonight's wine is a 2018 Jigar Wines Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out, a 100% Cabernet from vineyards in eastern Sonoma County.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and dried herbs that bring images of subdued luxury to mind.  The first sip brings a rush of ripe berry flavors, blueberry, blackberry and sweet cherry that ease into some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are soft but well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish with a reprise of cherry at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a nicely drinking Cabernet that could be an everyday sipper at the value price of just $20.  This wine would pair with a variety of hearty dishes from steaks and roasts, pasta dishes (stay tuned for a sauce update!) or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye steak, grilled hatch chilis and leeks, along with some linguine tossed with broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil.  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!

2021 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere

Happy Independence Day!  It's very hot today, but I still got a bunch of yard work done and now I'm ready for some cookout feast and a glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened up a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from Seven Hills, the 2021 Walla Walla Carmenere.  I needed a wine to go with 4th of July food, so let's hope this one fits the bill!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from this lost Bordeaux varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe blackberries, blueberries and baking spice, with undertones of vanilla bean.  Take a sip and those warm spice aromas quickly succumb to cool fruit, as blackberry, blueberry and plum wash over your palate before transitioning to warm spicy notes of white pepper intermingled with cocoa and mocha notes midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a perennial favorite from Walla Walla and such a versatile, food-friendly wine.  This wine would pair well with steak, chops, pasta or hearty fish like salmon, we well as casual summer foods like barbecue and burgers.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some barbecued baby back ribs along with some roasted corn on the cob, mustard baked beans and cucumber salad.  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!

2016 Lasorda Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I've spent the afternoon wrapping presents and getting ready for my first neighborhood Christmas party this evening.  But first I need to cook dinner and enjoy a nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I bought a couple years ago at a local wine shop, the 2016 Lasorda Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a nice Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, boysenberry and toasted oak, with just a hint of mint underneath.  Take a sip and you're blasted with a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and cassis that transitions nicely to some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are refined, providing the base for a very long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a pleasant drinking everyday Cabernet that would pair well with a variety of big beef dishes, from steaks to prime rib to braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Kansas City strip along with some bacon roasted white asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2019 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a busy weekend, but since it was windy for most of it, I hardly did any leaf blowing.  I got the front yard cleared, but the back yard is going to be a challenge.  In any case, it's Sunday night, time for a nice meal and a good bottle of wine.  I was in Grand Rapids last week and stopped at Total Wine and found a few bottles to bring home, including tonight's selection, the 2019 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon.  I've been a fan of Drew Bledsoe's wine efforts for a while now, and this latest vintage is a blend of Cabernet (87%), Merlot (6%), Petit Verdot (4%) and Malbec (3%) from the McQueen, Lefore, Bob Healy and Figgins Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this Sunday wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, brooding ruby color in the glass, as you might expect from a big, expressive Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, cassis, sandalwood and graphite, all expressive of the vineyards from whence this wine came.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of sweet black fruit, blackberry, cherry and marionberry, which transition easily to some notes of mocha and earthy notes of tobacco and graphite.  The fine grain tannins are well integrated, providing for a velvety smooth finish that lingers until you take your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a perennial favorite for the best of what Walla Walla has to offer to the Cabernet drinkers of the world.  This wine would pair well with a wide variety of hearty dishes, from lamb and steaks, to alder planked coho salmon.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime ribcap, with oven roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!