2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  It was another hot one here today, with temperatures in the 90s and high humidity, so I did just a little bit of yard work, then mowed, and then went for a bike ride, so now I need some air conditioning and a nice glass of wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from Seven Hills Winery, the 2023 Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is a 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from the McClellan Estate and Summit View Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, here goes nothing!

The wine is a little lighter in body, with great clarity and a lovely ruby color in the glass.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of black currant, raspberry and tart cherry with hints of prune and white floral notes.  The first sip is fruity adventure, with a rush of ripe, jammy berry fruit that completely covers your palate with a rich velvety mouthfeel, and before you realize what's happening, you are introduced to some earthy tar and tobacco, before being slapped back with a spicy dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the most fun and inviting examples of this often overlooked varietal.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of dished, from broiled trout to steak au poivre, barbecued ribs to street tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled porterhouse topped with garlic scapes, with roasted baby beets and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers! 

2007 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month, which means it's time to raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making. Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in my cellar since 2010, so it definitely qualifies.  The 2007 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux is a blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Cabernet Franc (15%), and as I recall, this wine was very inexpensive when I bought it, so let's see if it was worth the wait!

The wine is a lovely garnet color in the glass, with just a hint of amber along the edges, which seems somewhat remarkable after 17 years.  The nose presents subdued aromas of leather, prune and a hint of mint, as the youthful vibrant fruit has long since left the building.  The first sip is classic aged Bordeaux, with a rush of tart cherry, that gives way to some earthy peat and mint midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, providing for the classic dry Bordeaux finish that makes you feel as though you hadn't had a sip of red wine at all.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it seems to be a bit past its prime, but still not bad for what I recall was a sub-$20 bottle of wine.  This wine would pair well with red meat, barbecue, tacos or even pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip served on potato puree, topped with Béarnaise with steamed asparagus.  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!

2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical day when I raid the cellar to find something at least a decade in the making to taste.  Tonight I've opened another vintage of a wine I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out (in this case I bought a 5-year vertical).  The 2013 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, anise and dried herbs, with a faint undertone of mint.  Take a sip and you're awash in a cascade of blackberry and currant, with notes of espresso, dark chocolate and eucalyptus that transition to some notes of dried herbs that will have you envisioning an old-school Italian grocery.  The tannins are in your face, providing for a velvety mouthfeel and a long, dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well now, but might have already reached its prime.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to baked pasta or braised lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some barbecued beef ribs, baked beans and some vinegar coleslaw.  Cheers!

2012 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month which means it's Cellar Saturday!  It's time to raid my cellar and find something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened the first bottle in a 2012-2016 vertical I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2012 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (96%) and Petit Verdot (4%) from the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, just as you might expect from a classic, big Napa Cabernet.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, lavender, eucalyptus and a bit of ripe blackberry.  Take a sip and you are immediately in big Cabernet country, with a rush of black fruit that washes over your palate, blackberry, cherry and plum, that transition easily to some notes of anise, white pepper spice and earthy loam.  The tannins are robust, providing for a velvety mouthfeel and a long, smooth dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's really matured well over the years.  This wine would pair well with a lot of hearty dishes, but like most big Napa Cabs, it would be exceptional with steak.  Tonight I am doing just that and enjoying this wine with a big dry aged prime ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with grilled leeks, oven roasted sweet potatoes, blistered cherry tomatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2007 Starmont Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the magical first Saturday of a new month where I open a bottle that's been in the making for at least a decade.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that's been in my cellar for at least a decade, perhaps longer, such that I am not even sure where I bought it.  The 2007 Starmont Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is from the second label of prominent Napa Valley producer Merryvale, and this wine happens to be from the stellar 2007 Napa vintage.  So, let's see if this wine was worth the wait!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass with just a hint of amber along the edges, as you might expect from this teenager.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of blackberry and prune with hints of cherry cola and mint.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of anise, blackberry and white pepper spice that eases into some mineral notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are still vibrant, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish with a hint of mint a the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as at first I thought it was just a bit past its prime, but after an hour or so it really opened up into beautiful expression of  vibrant, sweet fruit, earthy minerality and a lovely finish that had me wishing for another bottle at the end of the night.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled New York strip, topped with Béarnaise and grilled garlic scapes, with wild mushroom farro and steamed broccoli.  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!

2008 DaMa Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Well, it's April Fool's Day, but it's also the first Saturday of the new month, which means it's Cellar Saturday!  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 recently purchased from the library at DaMa, the 2008 DaMa Walla Walla Valley Merlot.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass and a gentle swirl reveals aromas of prune, blackberry and oak with just a hint of mint underneath.  The first sip reveals a rush of tart cherry and black current that eases its way to some notes of tarragon and mint midpalate.  The tannins are a bit sharp, but ease back for a wonderfully smooth finish that's both earthy and dry.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as despite its 15 years it still has a good bit of life left in it.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from wild mushroom risotto, to linguine carbonara, smoked brisket to hearty winter beef stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic bone-in ribeye with some steamed asparagus and hollandaise.  Cheers! 

2011 Alienor 'Le Troubadour' Lake County Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of March, which make this Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that hasn't actually been in my cellar very long, as I recently bought it from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2011 Alienor 'Le Troubadour' Lake County Red Wine is a blend of  Merlot (41%), Syrah (32%) and  Cabernet Franc (27%) from the Lake County AVA of the North Coast of California.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from the heavy hand of these varietals.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blueberries, prune, dried moss and undertones of mint and anise.  Take a sip and your tastebuds surprise you with a rush of fresh ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum, that transition to notes of subtle spice and earthy gravel, intertwined with a dark espresso.  The tannings are still quite robust, leading you to the smooth, dusty dry finish that lingers through your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking wonderfully right now, and at just $20, you could easily sip this throughout the week.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty, earthy dishes, from duck to wild mushroom risotto, grilled lamb to a smoked curry.  Tonight I am taking a completely different road and enjoying this wine with some quick tacos before my second to the last performance this evening.  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!

1992 Seven Hills Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  And of course, it's the first one of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday!  It's a magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making, which I must say is getting easier as time goes on and I have a cellar full of teenagers (wait, that didn't sound right).  In any case, tonight we are going way back, to perhaps the second oldest bottle in my cellar, and from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers.  The 1992 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon was Founder Casey McClellan's fourth vintage, and the label notes this was still when the winery was located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon!  So, let's see how this wine is tasting three decades later!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, with just the faintest hint of amber along the edges, showing how well this wine has stood up over time.  A swirl of the glass reveals classic aromas of prune, cedar and lavender with undertones of basalt, just what you might expect from a mature Bordeaux.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of tart cherry and rustic mineral notes of dusty limestone and basalt.  The tannins are somewhat fading, but still provide for a nice dry finish that's reminiscent of a fine, well aged Bordeaux.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's probably a few years past its peak but still drinking very nicely for a 30-year old.  This wine would be ideal with a variety of fall comfort foods, from mushroom risotto, to hearty beef stew or Yankee pot roast, but as a former Pacific Northwest resident, I'm a big fan of Cabernet with salmon, which is my choice for dinner tonight.  I'm enjoying this wine with some crispy skin salmon, steamed rice and oven roasted white asparagus.  Cheers!

2017 Mark Ryan "The Vincent" Columbia Valley Red Wine

Happy Sunday!  So, today I had the second flat tire in a week, though this time it was on my wheel barrow, so not nearly as time consuming to fix.  After an afternoon of mowing, yard work and getting a new inner tube for a tire, it's now time to relax with a nice glass of wine as I prepare my Sunday dinner.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of Mark Ryan's second label, the 2017 Board Track Racer "The Vincent" Columbia Valley red wine.  I found this wine a my local wine store on clearance, and it was the last bottle so I took home a bargain!  The 2017 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (25%) and Malbec (15%) from the Columbia Valley of Washington.  Let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, as you might expect from a heavy hand of these Bordeaux varietals.  Take a whiff and you're greeted by deep prune, with hints of cedar and earthy peat, with a bit of spice under the surface.  On your first sip you experience a rush of rich black fruit, blackberry, currant and cherry that wash over your palate before easing into some peppery spice notes midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured, providing for a round mouthfeel and a very 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 wine for under $20.  This wine would pair well with a range of Labor Day dishes, from burgers and brats to barbecued ribs and brisket.  Tonight, however, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus New York strip with grilled hatch chiles, along with some roasted root vegetables and steamed green beans.  Cheers!

2020 Kirkland Signature Malbec

Well, tonight's blog post is made possible almost entirely by Costco!  Of course the main reason I went there today was to get some less expensive gas, since I was on the last orange bar, and about to get the warning light on my car.  But one thing led to another and I ended up with a cart full of meat, wine, coffee and snacks!  So, to celebrate, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Kirkland Signature Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer and what else Costco provided for this evening!

The wine is a classic Malbec, deep, inky purple in the glass with bright ruby along the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, black cherry and charred oak, with some undertones of pipe tobacco.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a blast of tart cherry that gradually subsides to notes of plum, blackberry and currant, intermingled with some earthy mineral notes of basalt.  The tannins are bright and well structured, providing for a rounded finish that's dry with a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's a very solid Malbec and a terrific value for just $7 on sale, but it could use a year in the cellar to mellow a bit.  This wine was practically made to be enjoyed with a fatty steak, as the acidity would cut right through the richness of a prime steak.  And wouldn't you know it, Costco is a great source for prime beef, so I'm enjoying this wine with a prime tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, along with some grilled leeks and asparagus and a big baked potato with sour cream and chives.  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!

2017 Heart of the Valley Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The weekend is rapidly approaching, so I thought I might get a head start with a nice bottle of wine with my dinner this evening.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of a recent find on Wines Till Sold Out, the 2017 Heart of the Valley Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, though from a less than stellar vintage, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a Cabernet, though it's a bit lighter in weight than the standard Napa fare.  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and sage, intermingles with some subdued spice notes.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and a bit of prune, that transitions easily to some notes of smoke and cocoa powder midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but there is a good bit of acidity on the long, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's not a "knock your socks off" Napa Cabernet, but it's an easy everyday wine for just $20.  This wine would pair well with steaks and chops as well as barbecue or even tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a tomahawk and tots, a rare grilled bison tomahawk ribeye topped with melted bleu cheese, along with some tater tots!  An ideal Thursday dinner!  Cheers!

2011 Tenuta Vitanza Beunello di Montalcino Riserva

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's that magical first Saturday of the month when I raid the cellar and open a bottle that's been in development for at least a decade.  I am a lover of Sangiovese, and since Brunellos usually hit their stride at the 10-year mark, why not spend a Cellar Saturday on one of these?  So, I've opened a bottle of 2011 Tenuta Vitanza Beunello di Montalcino Riserva that I know has been in my cellar for at least five years, so let's see if it was worth the wait!

The wine is a lovely garnet color in the glass, with just the faintest hint of amber along the edges, just as you might expect from an adult Brunello.  A gentle swirl releases aromas of anise, prune, cedar and spicebox that bring be back to the aromas I smelled when walking into a small grocer in Florence.  Take a sip and you are greeted with a surprisingly vibrant bit of fruit, strawberry, red currant and raspberry that ease into earthy notes of tar and tobacco, with a hit of black pepper spice over the top.  The tannins are still quite vibrant, providing for a long, smooth and exceptionally dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a really pleasing example of a nice Brunello from a somewhat lackluster vintage.  This wine would pair well with a broad range of Italian fare, from risotto to classic pasta, steak or veal.  Tonight I am enjoying this with a poor man's version of bistecca Fiorentina, a porterhouse grilled Pittsburgh rare on a bed of grilled leeks with a baked potato and steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2014 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I had a busy work day, that being doing professional work which was good, since it was rainy and markedly chillier today than yesterday, so I was happy to huddle indoors.  And now that I'm done with work for the moment, I've decided to make dinner and open up a bottle of wine.  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle that's been sitting in my cellar for at least a few years, the 2014 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvigon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Birch Creek, Minnick Hills and Seven Hills Vineyards in 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, just as you'd expect from a Walla Walla Cabernet.  After letting this one breathe for a couple hours, a quick swirl in the glass reveals aromas of prune and green olive, intermingled with dark chocolate and ripe black fruit.  Take a sip and the doors open to a more old work style of wine with a rush of blackberry, cherry and currant with notes of anise, before transitioning effortlessly to some spice notes of white pepper midpalate.  The beefy tannins are still holding up well, providing for a velvety mouthfeel amid the long, smooth and very dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's really singing at this point in its life.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from a big grilled steak to pork tenderloin or mushroom risotto.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of a rare grilled USDA Prime ribcap, along with some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and a big baked potato with sour cream and scallions.  Cheers!

2003 Helix Columbia Valley Merlot

Well, it's Cellar Saturday!  That magical first Saturday of a new month where I open a bottle that's been maturing in the cellar for a decade or more.  This month, I've opened a bottle that has only been in my cellar for a month.  You see, Reininger Winery recently had a virtual "mystery" tasting featuring some older vintages of Helix Merlot, and I tasted the 2005 that night (you can see that post from a coupler weeks ago here) and tonight I've opened the oldest of the four bottled, the 2003 Helix Columbia Valley Merlot.  So let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a hint of garnet along the edges, as you might expect from a Merlot of this maturity.  Aromas of prune, cherry and fig intermingling with earthy graphite and lavender notes greet you as you prepare to take a sip.  The taste is somewhat of a departure from the nose, with a rush of tart cherry and blackberry compote that transitions easily to some earthy notes of toasted oak and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but well integrated for a long, smooth dry finish that hits you with a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a lovely Merlot that has survived the test of time.  This wine may have a few more years left to drink, but I'm happy I opened this now.  This would be a great winter wine, with great fruit and a hefty presence in the glass and it would pair well with a lot of winter comfort food, from soups and stews, to chili and pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some ham and bean soup that I made in the slow cooker today from last weekend's ham bone along with some corn muffins.  Cheers!

2005 Helix Columbia Valley Merlot

Happy Saturday!  So, I've taken the rest of the year off from work, so you might expect me to be posting a bit more, particularly since I have a number of great dinners planned over this time.  Today, however, I was busy Christmas shopping and getting ready for the holidays and came home mid-afternoon to enjoy a virtual "mystery" tasting of Helix Merlots with Chuck Reininger and Dorian Williams, the cellar manager for Reininger Winery.  I was able to order a pack of four "mystery" library Merlots for the tasting, including a 2003, 2005 Columbia Valley, 2005 Stillwater Creek and 2006, and I decided to open just the 2005 Columbia Valley for the tasting (but don't worry, I'll be sure to share the rest with you through future blog posts!).  So let's see how this wine is tasting after 15 years!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry and prune at first, but once it opens up for a few minutes in the glass, the prune gives way to rich black cherry.  The taste is filled with black cherry, blackberry and plum intermingled with Asian spice and smoke that transitions to some notes of vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured with a good bit of acidity, providing for a wonderfully smooth, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just about to peak, perhaps another year or two before it gets over the hill.  This wine would pair well with a lot of casual dishes, from tacos and pizza to burgers and sushi.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled bison New York strip served with mashed potatoes and gravy and some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2012 Barons Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

 Ok, let me start by saying by all accounts I should be asleep on the couch right now, after spending so much of the weekend battling the leaves!  Yes, it's ,y annual battle, but today was the epitome of the battle as not only was I battling the leaves, I was also battling wind and our first snow of the season!  But alas, I think we are now past the halfway point, so it's all downhill from here (famous last words!) and now it's time for a nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out, the 2012 Barons Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvigon (90%) and Merlot (10%) from the Hedges Estate Vineyard in the Red Moutain AVA.  So let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, suggesting a big wine.  The nose is classic big Washington red wine, suggestive of a Bordeaux style, with some black cherry, and plum edging toward prune, vanilla bean and suggestive spices.  The taste is a rush of black cherry and cola, that transitions to some notes of mint, dark chocolate and spicebox midpalate.  The tannins are round, but I have to admit the finish left me wanting, as it was just a bit flat.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, it's probably approaching it's peak but still a nice easy drinking Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with a lot of heaty fall and winter dishes, from beef stew, to the venison chili I had last night.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of a rare grilled Angus T-bone on a bed of grilled leeks, some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and a big baked potato with sour cream and scallions.  Cheers!