2011 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montelcino

Well this is truly an occasion as Cellar Saturday, that first Saturday of the month also happens to be Independence Day and more significantly, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  With this in mind, I have gone back to my roots on my mother's father's side and have gone totally Italian.  With the melting pot, we will celebrate with a 2011 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montelcino, a wine that should be hitting its stride and one that's been in my cellar for at least a decade (more likely since at least 2012!).  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

A gentle swirl reveals aromas that will have you reminiscing of an old Italian grocery, with notes of mint, charred oak, dried spices and hints of anise.  The first sip is the heart of Tuscany, with a rush of strawberry, cherry and blackberry that smack you in the face as it to wake you from a nap before easing into some earthy tar and charred oak.  The tannins are well structured and perfectly integrated to lead you into a smooth, dry finish with a hint of tart cherry and oak at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderful Brunello that is just hitting its stride.  This wine would pair well with a range of Italian dishes from the Tuscan classics of toast with fava beans to Bisteca Fiorentina!  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a more subdued Italian American classic of hot Italian sausage (after all, you can't spell sausage without USA!) sautéed with onions and peppers along with linguine tossed with garlic scapes, asparagus and broccoli rabe sautéed in garlic and olive oil and topped with shaved parmesan.  Cheers! 

2018 Reininger Cima

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been really hot here lately and right now a storm front is rolling through, so hopefully the power stays on so I can post this!  Tonight, based on my dinner choice, I've decided to open a bottle that's been in the cellar for a few years.  The 2018 Reininger Cima is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Merlot (24%) and Petit Verdot (2%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and XL Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  I have been a fan of the Reininger Cima since I first tasted the 2006 vintage, though I sometimes review the out of order since I've already reviewed the 2019, I think I have reviewed nearly every vintage in that period.  So. let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, with a bit of depth owing to the influence of the Bordeaux varietals in the blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather intermingled with subdued fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry with hints of white floral over the top.  The first sip is classic Super Tuscan style with a rush of tart cherry and blackberry that gives way to notes of vanilla caramel, earthy tar and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a very smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a great expression of the varieties of Washington wine, using a range of varietals expertly blended for a memorable sip.  This wine would pair well with a range of classic Italian dishes, from hearty pasta Bolognese to risotto alla Milanese.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic New Jersey Italian dinner of hot Italian sausage with onions and peppers served with linguine tossed with broccoli rabe, asparagus and garlic scapes.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan Olivia Grace Red Wine

Happy Wine Wednesday!  With the semester coming to a close, I might be posting more during the week, so watch out!  Tonight I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a couple year, and I'm finally getting around to exploring it.  The 2022 Mark Ryan Olivia Grace Red Wine is a blend of Grenache (59%), Syrah (36%) and Mourvèdre (5%) all sourced from the Olsen Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this Rhône style blend is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, characteristic for the blend.  The nose presents a classic combination of fruit and earthy character, with aromas of strawberry, currant and cherry amid undertones of tar and basalt.  The first sip is a marked departure from what the nose prompted you to expect, with a rush of tart cherry, red currant and raspberry that eases into some notes of dried herbs and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a long, smooth dry finish with a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an interesting and well balanced effort at a GSM blend.  This wine would pair well with venison or lamb, hearty braised short ribs or cedar planked salmon.  Tonight, I am taking a different path and enjoying this wine with a midweek dinner of seared sausage with boursin cream sauce tossed with pasta and vegetables.  Cheers!

2024 DaMa Wines Grenache

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

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

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

2019 Reininger Cima

Happy Sunday!  I did a lot of chores today, from laundry to mowing to transplanting some flowers and now I am ready for a nice Sunday dinner.  It's been a little chilly here lately, so I decided to opt for some warm, hearty Italian food for dinner tonight, which calls for a nice Tuscan style wine, and thus we have the 2019 Reininger Cima.  This wine is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Merlot (25%) sourced from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and XL Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this pairs with dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity, a testament to the balance between the Sangiovese and the Bordeaux varietals.  The nose presents aromas of strawberry, red currant with undertones of leather and charred oak.  The first sip is an intriguing rush of tart cherry and raspberry that ease into some earthy notes of minerals, oak and black tea midpalate.  The tannins are firm and well integrated, providing for a classic Super-Tuscan style long dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, and although the quality is comparable to the many vintages I've tried (see my posts on the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages) I find this vintage to be a bit more interesting and complex than past vintages.  This wine would pair well with friends on the patio, hearty Italian dishes, or hard cheeses and charcuterie.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a hearty bucatini with some hot Italian sausage and spicy arrabbiata sauce, a perfect Tuscan dinner on a chilly evening.  Cheers!

2020 Le Piazze Rosso Toscana

Happy Saturday!  It's been a busy week, but I survived and now I am ready to do some cooking this weekend and enjoy some wine!  Before heading out to the theatre tonight, I am opening up a bottle that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out last year, the 2020 Le Piazze Rosso Toscana.  This wine is a classic super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Petit Verdot (5%), so let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a seemingly heavier body given the impact of the Cabernet in the blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather, strawberry, ripe plum and a hint of dried herbs, classic for a Sangiovese heavy blend.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe red fruit, strawberry, cherry and plum that east into some earthy notes of dusty limestone and charred oak midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing a base for a smooth dry finish with a hint of acidity and peppery spice at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a 7.5, as it's a pleasant wine at a value price, but it was not anything to knock your socks off.  This wine would pair with a range of classic Italian dishes, from risotto and pasta, to Tuscan toast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with something completely different, a rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2023 Helix Marvin Red Wine

I seldom get to review a new wine like I am tonight, but fortunately I received a couple bottles of the new 2023 Helix Marvin Red Wine in my last wine club shipment.  This wine is named for Marvin Tucker, who is the grandfather of the Tucker family, who are partners with Chuck in the wine business.  This particular vintage is a blend of Cinsault (49%), Mourvèdre (33%) and Grenache (19%) from the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new wine is tasting!

The wine is a lighter style, with bright ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents aromas of strawberry jam, hints of lavender and undertones of earthy tar.  The first sip is a rush of ripe red fruit, strawberry, cherry and raspberry that excite your palate before transitioning to some notes of earthy basalt and graphite.  The tannins are supple and ideal for a dry finish that fully embraces the fruit, allowing for a continuity you seldom find.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking and food friendly wine.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of dishes, from summer caprese salad to alder planked salmon, steak and brats to barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a fall classic of grilled lamb loin chops, roasted fingerling sweet potatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2024 Browne Family Vineyards Gigi's Garden Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  I spent the day running errands and now I am getting ready to head over to Notre Dame to do some volunteer work, rescuing food from the stadium.  But before I go, why not have a taste of the wine that I'll be enjoying by a fire when I get back?  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought on Thursday when I stopped at Costco, the 2024 Browne Family Vineyards Gigi's Garden Red Wine, which seemed a little premature, but I was intrigued by the painted label and the fact that this was a liter of wine rather than the standard 750 ml.  So, let's see how this new wine is tasting!

'The wine is a lighter body, with a clear ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents aromas of strawberry, candied plum, and hints of violet, perhaps indicating this might be a bit more sweet and fruit forward.  The taste is nothing that my nose expected, with a rush of tart cherry, plum and boysenberry that transition to some notes of earthy tar and some tobacco notes midpalate.  The finish is quite dry, with well integrated tannins providing for a pleasant dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it was not impressive, but it was a pleasant drinking wine for $15 per liter.  This wine would pair well with a range of cheeses and charcuterie, burgers and brats, or just sipping around a fire with friends.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip over sautéed onions and mushrooms, with steamed Italian pole beans.  Cheers!

2024 Weekend À Aix Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé

Well, I spend the afternoon blowing leaves, which means it is effectively and officially fall, so why not have a last bit of summer with a bottle of rosé?  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2024 Weekend À Aix Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out this summer.  This wine is a blend of Syrah (55%), Grenache (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), which portends and interesting wine, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a very pale peach color in the glass, almost Chardonnay like, but we'll overlook that.  The nose is just a breath of summer, with aromas of green grass, citrus, peach and a hint of strawberry.  Take a sip and you're greeted with an unexpected rush of sweet fruit, peach, honeydew and strawberry, balanced with tart notes of pineapple and citrus, and a bit of buttery smoothness heading into a crisp dry finish that leaves you refreshed.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's nothing to knock your socks off, but it's certainly a pleasant summer wine for just $13.  This wine would pair well with summer salads, lighter fish and seafood, or just sipping in the cool of the evening.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a crab fest, a giant pile of snow crab legs with drawn butter.  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!

2021 Le Quart du Roi Côtes-du-Rhône

Happy Sunday!  I confess I've sheltered in place today with the heat wave we've been having, 87 degrees and 78% humidity is not my cup of tea!  So, I did some laundry and a few other indoor chores and now it's time for Sunday dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Le Quart du Roi Côtes-du-Rhône which I bought last year from Wines Till Sold Out.  This wine is a classic Rhône blend of Syrah (50%), Grenache (30%), Cinsault (10%) and Carignan (10%).  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a beautiful deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity.  The nose is chock full of ripe red fruit, cherry, plum and currant with hints of green pepper and dried herbs.  The first sip is a fruit forward affaire, with almost jammy red fruit, cherry, currant and strawberry that eases into some spicy notes of white pepper and a bit of rosemary.  Having tasted many French wines, I come to expect a bit of earthiness on the finish, but this wine is well balanced with firm tannings and a smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderfully drinking and food friendly wine that was a terrific value at just $12.49!  This wine would be exceptionally well paired with unusual, hard-to-pair dishes, like Asian or Indian, which is a good thing, since tonight I am enjoying this wine with some chicken Tikka Masals with lots of veggies over basmati rice and a bit of naan to mop up the sauce.  Cheers!  

2021 Reininger Sangiovese Grosso

Happy Sunday!  I think I had a productive day, mainly because I feel like I'm about to collapse on the couch!  I went to church, then rehearsal this afternoon, then I pulled two gallon buckets of dandelions (I think it's getting better since it's one less bucket than last weekend!) and then I mowed for the first time this year before starting dinner.  Which brings me to the wine for this evening, the 2021 Reininger Sangiovese Grosso from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting and whether I made the right choice for my Sunday dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity, just what you'd like to see in a Sangiovese Grosso.  The nose presents enticing aromas of candied cherry, strawberry with some hints of lilac.  The first sip is a blast of ripe red fruit, cherry, strawberry and currant, but with none of the sweetness the nose was projecting.  Midpalate, you have some notes of pipe tobacco and white pepper spice, before a reprise of warm berry cobbler.  The tannins are silky smooth, providing a perfect base for the long, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic tasting Italian varietal that pays homage to the European heritage.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, but it really needs to be paired with the food of Italy, from hearty Florentine steak, to classic pasta, from baked lasagna, stuffed shells to a hearty Bolognese.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a long-time favorite, bucatini with mussels fra diavalo, topped with fresh basil and shaved parmesan.  Cheers!

2023 Eberle Côtes du Rôbles

Well, what do you know, three days of posting in a row!  I thought it was a good idea to open another one of my mistakenly free bottles of wine, this time it's the 2023 Eberle Côtes du Rôbles.  This wine is a blend of Grenache (58%), Mourvèdre (34%) and Syrah (8%) all harvested from Paso Robles, California.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a seemingly heavier body than you might expect from a GSM blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals enticing aromas of strawberry, rose petals and green grass that will have you fully engaged.  The first sip is an unexpected rush of sweet ripe fruit, cherry, strawberry and a hint of raspberry that easily transition to some earthy notes of tar and espresso midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, providing for a pleasant dry finish, with a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's a pleasant and easy drinking Rhône-style blend that would pair well with a variety of dishes, from fish to tacos, barbecue to grilled lamb chops.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared salmon filet, steamed rice and sugar snap peas, as I sip this wine for the remainder of my Monday evening.  Cheers!

2022 DaMa GSM

Happy Saturday!  Today I went on my annual hunting trip to bag a couple of trees to decorate for Christmas, and it was a successful venture (more on that tomorrow).  I also had a chance to meet some new friends at a wine bar that opened here in town, which could be an interesting development, but again more on that later.  Tonight, I am focused on enjoying a nice bottle of wine that would offer an excellent pairing with my dinner this evening.  The 2022 DaMa GSM is a classis blend of Grenache (52%), Syrah (30%) and Mourvèdre (18%) from the Yakima Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a lighter bodied affaire, with bright garnet color in the glass, just as you might expect.  The nose presents aromas of strawberry and plum, intermingled with notes of lavender, green grass and basalt.  The first sip has a lot going on, a rush of cherry cola with a hint of tartness that will have you second guessing what is happening in you mouth. Midpalate you are treated to some ripe black fruit and undertones of floral notes and earthiness.  The tannins are well integrated providing for a wonderfully mellow dry finish, with a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it's a very good example of a pleasant drinking GSM that is food friendly.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to crispy skin salmon, braised lamb to prime steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classing pairing of risotto with butter poached lobster tail as the subtle fruit and mild acidity pair well with the richness of the dish.  Cheers!

2022 DaMa Wines GSM

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

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

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

2022 DaMa Wines Grenache

Happy Thursday!  Since I was too busy to post last weekend, I decided to do a midweek post.  Tonight, I've decided to open a bottle of a recent wine club selection from DaMa Wines, the 2022 Columbia Valley Grenache.  This wine is a perennial favorite of mine, as it's a 100% Grenache, offering a true perspective on this fascinating and food-friendly varietal.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is lighter bodied, exuding a bright ruby color, just as you'd expect from a nice Grenache.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, violet and kirsch, with undertones of peppery spice.  The first sip is a rush of sweet fruit up front, strawberry, plum and raspberry, that takes an unexpected turn toward some tart cherry midpalate.  The tannins are supple and supportive of the smooth dry finish, with just a hint of spice at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really interesting take on Grenache, that is likely the best vintage I've had from DaMa. This wine would pair well with a wide range of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to butternut squash bisque, herb-crusted rack of lamb to wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic fall dinner of grilled pork tenderloin and blistered cherry tomatoes, served with mashed sweet potatoes and oven roasted Brussels sprouts.  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!

2021 Mark Ryan Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I'm glad to report that the weather finally broke here, as yesterday it was incredibly hot and humid, but a cold front came through and today we are enjoying highs in the low 70s and expected lows in the upper 40s tonight.  This was good news as I have been waiting for a cool day to don my long sleeves, jeans and gloves to remove some of the poison ivy that's grown up this spring (the price you pay for living in a personal forest!), but now it's time for a special dinner!  Tonight is the last Sunday of the month, which means it's time for Dinner in the Diner, where I craft dinner from a recipe served in the dinning cars of some of the great long-distance trains of the 20th Century.  But before we get to that, we have to open the wine! Tonight's selection is from Mark Ryan Winery, a personal favorite harkening back to my grunge years, the 2021 Mark Ryan Winery Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) and Merlot (5%) from some of the oldest vines in the Quintessence, Red Willow, Ciel du Cheval Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how these old vines are producing!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity, much different than some of the big Cabernets you commonly see.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of black cherry, strawberry and red currant intermingled with dried herbs and a hint of green cedar.  The first sip is a rush of fresh green herbs that transition easily to ripe red fruit notes of cherry, currant and marionberry, before easing into some notes of black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth and expertly integrated, providing for such a pleasing, long, dry finish that you'll be immediately reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9 as it's just a wonderful example of the great quality of Cabernet being produced in Washington.  This wine would pair well with just about any red meat, from steaks and chops, to braised short ribs or classic burgers for the 4th of July.  Tonight, I am pairing this wine with a classic recipe from the Northern Pacific Railroad, the sirloin of beef with mushroom sauce.  I took the chef's prerogative and adjusted this slightly to grilled T-bone instead of baked sirloin, but the roasted vegetables and mushroom sauce stayed true to the recipe.  Cheers!

2020 Forgeron Cellars Boushey Vineyards Syrah

Happy Sunday!  It cooled down a lot here overnight, so I'm ready to enjoy a nice red wine with my dinner (but don't worry, the summer of rose will continue!). Given my meal choice, I've opened a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from Forgeron Cellars, the 2020 Forgeron Cellars Boushey Vineyards Syrah from the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting and whether I made the right choice for tonight's dinner pairing!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, with great clarity, just as you'd expect from this varietal  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, tart cherry, green grass and dried herbs, beckoning you to take a sip.  That first sip is a complex rush of fruit and mineral flavors, fresh strawberry and blackberry intermingle with tart cherry before transitioning to some tar and earthy peat notes midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, perhaps unnoticeable, as they provide the foundation for the long, smooth dry finish with a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as it's just a classic expression of Grenache that would pair well with a variety of dished from the Mediterranean or any coastal clime.  This wine would be ideal with grilled white fish, shellfish salad or a light seafood pasta, but tonight I am taking a classic Pacific Northwest approach.  I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared salmon filed with some risotto and steamed asparagus, along with some Asian barbecue demi and edible flowers.  Cheers!

2022 Seven Hills Columbia Valley Rosé

Happy Saturday!  We've been suffering through a real heatwave here, so what to do except enjoy some of the official wine of summer, rosé!  Tonight I've opened a bottle that was delivered a couple months back from one of my favorite Walla Walla wineries, Seven Hills.  The 2022 Seven Hills Columbia Valley Rosé is made from a blend of red varietals, but primarily Cabernet Franc.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up for the summer!

The wine is a lovely salmon pink color in the glass, perhaps hinting at an ideal pairing.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, peach and honeydew, readying your taste buds for a summer treat.  The first sip is just a rush of fresh fruit, strawberry, melon and a hint of granny smith apple that transition easily to some honeysuckle and a mineral notes midpalate.  The finish is crisp and dry, with a nice bit of acidity that will have this wine as a sure favorite with family and friends on the patio.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasing rosé that I can see myself enjoying all summer long.  This wine would pair well with a variety of summer salads, feta and roasted beets or sweet pickled cucumber, or some lighter seafood dishes, like cedar planked salmon or grilled octopus.  Tonight, I am enjoying this with a local summer favorite, panko crusted walleye with some wild rice and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!