2020 Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  With the summer winding down, I've been hard at work getting ready for classes to begin in just a few short weeks.  But there is alsways time for wine and tonight I've opened a wine that has become more of a favorite of mine.  The 2020 Stag's Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, but likely has some other Bordeaux varietals included in the blend, but unfortunately I could not find a tech sheet at the winery website, so we'll just go with it!

The wine is a classic inky black at the center with ruby edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, green grass, lavender and a hint of oak.  The first sip is an explosion of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that transitions easily to some notes of vanilla and clove midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing an ideal backbone for the exceptionally long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an ideal example of a fine Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine would pair well with braised short ribs, rack of lamb or hearty pasta, but what it really needs is a big steak.  And I'm in luck, as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a thick bone-in ribeye, grilled rare and topped with garlic scapes, along with roasted beets and carrots.  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! 

2023 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Wine Wednesday!  After all the holiday hullabaloo, I thought it might be time to relax midweek with a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I have opened a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from one of the early pioneers of Walla Walla wine, Seven Hills.  The 2023 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black complexion at the center with bright ruby along the edges, classic for a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of black cherry, currant and floral notes of violets and rosehips with the faintest hint of vanilla.  The first sip is an intriguing combination of tart cherry intermingled with sweet blueberry that transitions nicely to some earthy mineral notes amid vanilla caramel notes midpalate. The tannins are well structured, providing for 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 a very pleasant drinking wine with the quality that befits its heritage.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs to grilled lamb, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye covered with sautéed onions and mushrooms along with pan fried potatoes and steamed Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

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! 

2022 Reininger Malbec

Happy Father's Day!  To all you fathers out there, I wish you the very best and hope you had a wonderful time with you kids today!  As I thought about a manly dinner for tonight, I also thought about a manly wine to celebrate and decided to open a bottle of 2022 Reininger Malbec!  This wine is a 100% Malbec from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let see if this wine live up to my manly expectations!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, bordering on the look of a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry and spiced meat, raspberry and tawny elements of aged leather and oak.  The first sip is rush of ripe berry fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that wash over your palate before transitioning to notes of spicy black pepper and earthy notes of dusty limestone.  The tannins are robust and well 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 great example of a quality Malbec from the northern hemisphere, perfectly welcoming to the gauchos bringing in grilled beef.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dished, from braised short ribs to roasted rack of lamb, but what it really yearns for is a big steak!  Tonight we are in luck as I'm enjoying this wine with a grilled ribeye topped with truffle butter along with some oven roasted beets and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2023 Helix Petit Verdot

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

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

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

2023 Punch Winery Napa Valley Red Blend

Happy Saturday!  Today was Graduation at Saint Maty's College and I have so many emotions as I saw some of my dearest young ladies step forward to become the prominent leaders of women in business, I feel pride, anxiety and joy as I know they will make my accomplishments look small in comparison to what they will do, but for now I will celebrate with them with a bottle of wine and a great meal!  Tonight, I have opened a bottle of wine that is a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2023 Punch Winery Napa Valley Red Blend is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot, all harvested from the Napa Valley AVA of California.  Let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you'd expect from a Napa Valley blend.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, raspberry compote and toasted oak, just as you'd expect from the Valley.  The first sip is a rush of black fruit that eases into some earthy notes of dusty limestone, toasted oak and spicy pepper midpalate,  The tannins are well structured and vibrant, lending a firmness to the long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an excellent red blend comparable to those of Bordeaux, but easily approachable.  This wine would pair well with a range of grilled steaks, braised short ribs, or grilled rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse with some grilled asparagus. Cheers! 

2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chase Creek Merlot

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month which means it's Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight is a special Cellar Saturday, as this wine has not been in my cellar long, but it has been brewing for double my decade requirement, this one being 20 years in the making, thanks to a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2006 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chase Creek Merlot is a blend of Merlot (77%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) from the Chase Creek, which lies between the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine has been spending the last two decades!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with hints of amber along the edges, just as you'd expect from a mature Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of leather, black cherry, rich spices and toasted oak that have you immediately thinking of an Ivy League library.  The first sip is just a rambunctious affair with a rush of tart cherry, blackberry and currant that ease into some earthy mineral notes, caramel and vanilla bean notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured and still vibrant, leading to a wonderful lingering dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this is a classic Merlot that has every element which that stupid movie lacks!  This wine would pair well with a midafternoon cheese platter, rustic beef stew and classic grilled lamb.  Tonight I am taking the road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a pan seared salmon with steamed basmati rice topped with smoked paprika and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2019 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Valentines Day!  I hope you are enjoying the evening with the love of your life!  Tonight I am enjoying a fabulous dinner (as always) and have decided to open a wine that I recently purchased from a local market, from a big producer that I have not tried before.  The 2019 Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the 119th year that this producer has been crafting fine Napa Valley wines, so let's see what this one has to offer.

The wine has the classic look of a big Napa Cabernet in the glass, bright ruby, with a dark brooding center.  The nose presents aromas of leather, sweet cherry, aged oak and hints of baking spice.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, with distinctly tawny elements, blackberry, cherry and cassis, amid undertones of oak and earthy minerals.  The first rush of fruit easily transitions to some classic earthy notes of tar, dusty limestone and peat, before some acidic notes at the finish.  The tannins are well structured providing for a long, voluptuous finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a prime example of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet, without the big, punch-in-the-face tannins that you often see.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from braised lamb to grilled steak, hearty pasta to classic pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic surf and turf, a rare grilled bone-in ribeye along with a grilled lobster tail and some grilled asparagus (by the way, if your man didn't make you a dinner like this, it might be time for a conversation!).  Cheers!

2023 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  It's been a relaxing day, but a cold day, and a good day for a hearty red wine!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2023 Pepper Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Malbec (9%) all harvested from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a very deep ruby color in the glass, with the exact look you'd expect from such a Cabernet dominant wine.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals the classic earthiness of this Walla Walla wine, green grass, mushroom, earthy peat and black pepper spice with hints of umami and floral notes.  The first sip is a rush of earthy elements emblazoned with spice, blackberry, cherry and currant that eases into some notes of baking spice, dusty limestone and tart cherry notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing the base for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until you take your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it represents the quintessential Walla Walla Bordeaux-style red blend that has me coming back year after year. This wine would pair well with winter, whether simply sipping next to the fireplace, or enjoying with a hearty supper of beef stew, braised short ribs or wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled bone-in ribeye, grilled asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2020 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Merlot

Happy Sunday!  I did a lot of chores today and now I'm ready for Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine.  On that count, I've decided to open a bottle that I've had in the cellar for a while now, the 2020 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Merlot.  This wine was sourced from the Minnick Hills Vineyard, a favorite source for this wine maker, located in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is drinking!

A deep ruby look in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of oak, cherry, limestone and graphite, a classic look for a Walla Walla red.  The first sip belies the nose as you're treated to s rush of ripe cherry, blackberry and currant that easily transition to some earthy mineral notes of basalt, oak and tar midpalate, with a bit of tawny notes at the finish.  The tannins are well structured, so a long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's certainly a pleasant, easy drinking wine, with a good bit of Walla Walla character built in.  This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty stews and chili to braised short ribs and hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a bit of surf and turf for my Sunday dinner, a grilled porterhouse along with some pan seared sea scallops, and some sugar snaps for good measure.  Cheers!

2019 Forgeron Cellars Zinfandel

Let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year, as this will likely be my last blog post of 2025!  Tonight, as I prepare for a relaxing New Year's Eve, I've decided to open a bottle of 2019 Forgeron Cellars Zinfandel to enjoy with my Taco Tuesday dinner!  This wine was sourced from the Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA of Washington.  Let's see if I picked a winner for my dinner!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Zinfandel.  The nose presents aromas of toasted oak, ripe cherry and currant intertwined with hints of earthy basalt, suggesting a more subdued affair than the typical jammy Zinfandel that is so common.  The first sip is an complex and layered journey that starts with a rush of tart cherry amid a flood of oak that transitions into some earthy mineral notes and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, for the long, smooth dry finish with a bit of acidity at the end.

If you are a fan of jammy Zins, this wine is not for you, which is why I rate this one a solid 9, as it's a pleasing and complex wine that offers many avenues to explore.  This wine would pair well with a range of everyday dishes, from tacos on Tuesday to pizza or alder planked salmon.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some steak fajita tacos with all the trimmings.  Cheers!

2023 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

2017 Reininger Cima

Happy Sunday!  I spent the afternoon doing laundry and preparing for classes, then since it was a little cooler today (only the low 80s), I decided to go for a bike ride which was very pleasant (I even chased a squirrel across the river bridge, which was fun!).  Now, I am ready for a hearty Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, since I know I am having Italian, I decided to open a bottle of 2017 Reininger Cima, a classic Super Tuscan style blend of Sangiovese (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Merlot (25%) sourced from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. Let's see if I chose wisely!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a dark and brooding testament to the heavy hands of Cabernet and Merlot in the blend.  The nose is pleasant blend of ripe blackberry, currant and plum, with undertones of leather, earthy peat and a bit of tobacco.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit with just a hint of sweetness that relents as notes of white pepper spice and cured meats take center stage midpalate.  Nicely structured tannins provide the backbone for a long, graceful finish that will have you reaching for another sip before you realize it.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, it's just a bit different than a typical Super Tuscan, with a bit more meat on the bone, making this ideal for heartier dishes.  This wine would pair well with a range of big meals, from Bistecca alla fiorentina to hearty pasta with Italian sausage.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some eggplant parmigiana made with the sauce I made earlier this fall and some fresh eggplant that was picked on Friday.  Cheers!

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

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

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

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

2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a crazy few weeks, starting a new semester while at the same time spending evenings rehearsing for a production at Elkhart Civic Theatre, but today I have the day off, so I am enjoying a nice bottle of wine with my Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a recent 8-vintage vertical of Stag's Leap Merlot that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  Tonight, I've opened the 2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Winemakers Series Lot 1 Napa Valley Merlot, which is composed of Merlot (89%). Cabernet Franc (8%), Petit Verdot (1.5%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5%).  Let's see how this vintage is faring a year or so after release.

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, cedar and dusty limestone under inviting layers of ripe cherry and currant.  The first sip is a warm embrace of ripe red fruit, coffee and baking spice that eases into some notes of earthy minerals and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured and well integrated, to form the backbone for a velvety smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an ideal example of a high-quality Merlot that is likely to stand the test of time.  This wine would be an ideal sipping wine on the patio with friends and family as the temperatures start to fall, but it would also pair well with hearty pasta dishes, thick steaks or cedar planked salmon.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye, asparagus with hollandaise and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2010 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Syrah

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of the month and time to raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from one of the earliest wine producers in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  The 2010 L'Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Syrah is harvested from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the heart of Walla Walla.  So, let's see how this wine has matured!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, and a gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, candied cherries and mild undertones of mint.  Take a sip and your palate is awash is ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum that transition to some earthy notes of peat and dusty limestone with an added measure of Bordeaux-esque funk midpalate.  The tannins are still very well structured, providing for a smooth dry finish with a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's proven to be a great age-worthy Syrah that has stood up for 15 years and is drinking remarkably well.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from alder planked salmon to cold Thai noodle salad, grilled chicken kabobs to steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a grilled Angus T-bone, with grilled leeks and asparagus.  Cheers!

2020 Helix Cabernet Sauvignon XM

Happy Sunday!  I made the critical error of pulling weeds and then mowing in the current heatwave, and now that I've been indoors for 4 hours I think I may have finally recovered from the heat!  In any case, it's time for a nice dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Helix Cabernet Sauvignon XM, which is one of the latest trends pioneered by Chuck Reininger in allowing wine to age in barrel for an extended period of time, hence the XM for extended maturation.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), Tempranillo (7%) and Malbec (4%) from the Phinny Hill, StoneTree, and Stone Valley Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see if this wine was worth the wait!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity, but a bit lighter than your typical Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak amid hints of black pepper, umami and black olive.  The first sip is a rush of ripe cherry, blueberry and currant that transitions easily to notes of charred meat, tobacco and dried herbs midpalate.  The tannins are smartly structured, providing a velvety, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an interesting departure from your typical big, bold Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with summer dishes, from grilled burgers and brats to steaks and barbecued ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an eclectic Sunday dinner of a grilled porterhouse with garlic scapes, steamed purple broccoli and risotto alla milanese.  Cheers!

2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  After doing laundry and a bit of work, I had the chance to go out on my first bike ride of the summer, which was very nice.  And now that I've stopped sweating, I thought I'd open a nice bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a recent wine club selection from Seven Hills Winery, the 2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine comes from the original vineyard planted in the 1980s by Seven Hills Founder Casey McClellan and his father, making this a very special wine.  Let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, classic for a nice Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of candied plum, blackberries and vanilla bean intermingled with toasted oak and earthy basalt.  The first sip is a rush of warm black fruit that easily transitions to notes of vanilla caramel and hints of earthy minerals and oak midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a long, smooth dry finish with a bit of acidity at the end. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a perennial favorite, but I just don't think the 2022 vintage has quite reached its prime yet.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to barbecue, fajitas to earthy mushroom risotto, or simply enjoying with friends on the patio.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Angus ribeye, grilled asparagus and broccoli rabe and some creamy orzo.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills Pentad

Today was my annual pilgrimage to Illinois to plant flowers at the cemetery for all my family members and at least the weather was very pleasant.  Five flats of flowers planted and now I'm ready for a nice dinner and a glass of wine, before the serious flower planting commences tomorrow.  Tonight I've opened a perennial favorite, and although I have gone out of order in reviewing the 2021 vintage before this one, I am happy to share the 2020 Seven Hills Pentad this evening.  This wine is a blend of the five primary Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere, but I can't find the fact sheet for the 2020 vintage, so we'll just have to enjoy this wine without knowing the breakdown of the blend.  Here goes nothing!

The wine is has a hearty look in the glass, inky black at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of green grass, leather and undertones of blackberry and currant.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit that transitions easily to some earthy notes of olive tapenade, and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a wonderfully dry finish that has just enough earthy funk to pay homage to the Bordeaux heritage.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's a classic version of what Walla Walla does so well with Bordeaux style blends.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from rack of lamb to braised short ribs, thick steaks to grilled octopus.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak with cowboy crust seasoning, oven roasted purple fingerling potatoes and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!