2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot

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

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

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

2024 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  It's been a rather relaxing day, though the weather has ranged from heat and humidity to big thunderstorms, but it seems to have calmed just in time for dinner.  And with dinner usually comes a nice bottle of wine, and tonight I have opened a recent wine club selection from DaMa Wines.  The 2024 DaMa Wines Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is sourced entirely from the XL Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry and cherry intermingled with earthy leather and green grass.  The first sip is a surprising rush of tart cherry and blueberry, which juxtaposes intersterstingly before transitioning to some notes of cardamom and baking spice midpalate. The tannins are supple yet provide a good foundation for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a really interesting take on this often overlooked varietal. This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to rack of lamb, summer barbecue to smoked brisket.  Tonight, I am taking a traditional Pacific Northwest tack and enjoying this wine with some crispy skin Scottish black pearl salmon, steamed rice and sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve

Happy Saturday!  It's bee a day full of yard work, digging up dandelions, mowing, planting flowers and my herb garden, and now I need to relax with a nice glass of wine ahead of dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a recent wine club shipment from a favorite Walla Walla producer, Woodward Canyon.  The 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Cabernet Franc (14%), Merlot (9%), Malbec (5%) and Petit Verdot (2%) all sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see what this wine has to offer!

This wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the heft of Cabernet in the blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and currant intertwined with earthy graphite and hints of peppery spice.  The first sip is a remarkably fresh burst of ripe fruit, cherry, black raspberry and currant with a warm peppery spice throughout that easily transitions to some earthy notes of oak and peat midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, providing the ideal base for a long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.  

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a supremely drinkable red wine that would pair well with a broad range of dishes, from grilled steaks to tacos, smoked brisket to hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip topped with a mushroom cream sauce along with steamed asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Mount Veeder Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, after a break of spring-like weather, we were back to shoveling snow today!  That's all right, at least now we get to enjoy some wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine from Mount Veeder Winery that I recently picked up at my local market on clearance sale for only $30!  I have enjoyed wines from this producer for a while (see my reviews of the 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2016 vintages), so I've been looking forward to this one.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%) and Merlot (18%) from a number of Vineyards in Napa Valley.  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.  The nose presents aromas of ripe plum, cedar and baking spice with just a hint of floral undertones.  The first sip bursts forth with ample red fruit, cherry, currant and plum that ease into some smoky notes of charred oak and hints of dark chocolate midpalate. The tannins are rather supple, making for a delightfully smooth, dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a pleasant drinking wine that at the price is an ideal everyday sipper.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from lasagna to mushroom risotto, braised short ribs to classic steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my Sunday dinner of a tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, oven roasted purple potatoes and steamed sugar snap peas.  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!

2018 Château Fonréaud Listrac-Medoc

Well, it was a busy Saturday, working, then working in the yard, then running errands and now I am more than ready for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought a month or so ago from Costco, the 2018 Château Fonréaud Listrac-Medoc.  I am a big fan of the Medoc in France, as this was one of the first wines I fell in love with on my first trip to France in 1995.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, so what could go wrong?

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a classic Bordeaux look.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of ripe black fruit, leather, basalt and a classic Bordeaux funk.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit at first, which instantly transitions to some notes of earthy peat and ripe plum, before transitioning to notes of black pepper spice, leather and dried herbs midpalate.  The tannins are supple yet firm, providing an ideal foundation for the long, smooth dry finish that is classically Bordeaux.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderfully drinking classic red wine, that was a terrific value at under $20 (I don't recall exactly what I paid, but I think it was around $18).  This wine would pair well with classic steaks and chops, hearty pasta dishes, or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a seared prime New York strip over a bed of sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms with some oven roasted potatoes.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere

Happy Saturday!  I spent the afternoon in the yard, pulling a lot of weed and inadvertently transplanting some irises that I pulled up with some of the weeds.  But now it's time to relax in the air conditioning and maybe stop sweating for a while, and of course enjoy dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere, a wine made from the "lost" Bordeaux varietal that's made a come back over the past few decades.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass and the nose presents aromas of ripe berries, raspberries, blackberries and currant, that give way to notes of leather, dark chocolate and tobacco.  The first sip is an interesting combination of ripe red fruit with hints of mint, that transitions to some notes of earthy peat and dried herbs midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and supple providing just the right base for a lovely warm, dry finish. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it strikes me as easy drinking and food friendly.  And speaking of food, I have a pronounced habit of enjoying a nice Carmenere with tacos, as this strikes me as a perfect taco wine.  To be sure, it would also pair well with pasta, steaks, barbecue or pizza, but tonight it's steak fajita tacos with all the trimmings!  Cheers!

2020 Forgeron Sagemoor Vineyard Barbera

Well, it's Taco Tuesday, and I thought a nice Barbera would be a good wine for this evening.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Forgeron Barbera, a 100% Barbera sourced from the Sagemoor Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  I have enjoyed Forgeron's Barbera for a long time, from the 2008 Vintage all the way to the 2021 vintage though to be fair, although I went out of order (not the first time) the '21 vintage was not sourced solely from a single vineyard.  Let's see how this wine is tasting nearly five years on!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with nice clarity, the perfect weight for the varietal.  The nose presents a lovely homage with the wines of northern Italy, with aromas of leather, ripe cherry, pipe tobacco and dried herbs.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that quickly gives way to some boysenberry and some bright acidity before transitioning to some earthy notes of toasted oak and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are supple and subservient to the acidity on this rather abrupt but very dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's a pleasant drinking, food friendly wine that is comfortable in a supporting role.  This wine would pair well with a variety of pasta dishes, summer barbecue, tacos or steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with may classic Taco Tuesday dinner, with chorizo and steak tacos and all the toppings, especially some fresh jalapenos.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petite Verdot

Happy Sunday!  Given that the last Sunday of November was 6 days ago, I missed it, so I've decided to do my "Eating in the Diner" tribute this Sunday, so you'll see what I've made from the Dining Car archives.  But first, I've selected a wine that I believe will go well with my selected repast, the 2021 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petite Verdot, a 100% Petit Verdot from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a lovely bright ruby color in the glass, with a somewhat lighter body than you might see in the prime Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.  The nose is in intriguing blend of green grass and floral notes of violet and buttercup, with undertones of leather and cocoa powder.  Take a sip and enjoy the rush of tart cherry, black currant and hints of baking spice, that easily transition to some flavors of cherry cola and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a delightful examples of a supporting cast member of the Bordeaux family that stands up well by itself.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall and winter dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty stews, pasta to pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with Swedish meatballs as prepared by the Pennsylvania Railroad on many of their signature trains, like the Broadway Limited.  Although, the recipe only includes the meatballs, I've opted for a less traditional plating, serving them with pappardelle rather than mashed potatoes, but still with the pickled cucumber salad and lingonberries.  Cheers!

2015 Titan Spring Valley District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It has been a weekend full of leaf blowing, raking and carrying, but it's almost over and over the past month, I've managed to carry about 6 metric tonnes of leaves to the front of my house in anticipation of the city coming to collect them next week!  Needless to say, I am pretty exhausted and ready for a nice bottle of wine with dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2015 Titan Spring Valley District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out about six months ago.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents an intriguing set of aromas, plum, eucalyptus, black cherry and notes of violet, that beckon you to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of old world Cabernet flavors, black cherry and blueberry, intermingled with aged leather and rustic spice box which transition easily to some notes of white pepper spice and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well structured, providing a solid base for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it seems to punch much higher than its weight class as a $30 wine.  This would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs and hearty pasta, to rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a hearty Sunday dinner of rare grilled porterhouse with grilled asparagus and a big baked potato with all the trimmings.  Cheers!

2022 Post & Beam Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

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 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot

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

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

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

2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It was a lovely day here today, mostly sunny and temperatures in the low 80s, so I got the last of my hedge trimming done in the back yard!  Now that I'm done with the heavy chores, it's time to relax with a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine from the first winery I ever visited in Walla Walla, Woodward Canyon!  Back at the turn of the century, Woodward Canyon and L'Ecole No. 41 were the first wineries you came to as you headed east on US 12 from the west side of the state, so that was my first stop on that first visit.  Back to today, the 2019 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) and Petit Verdot (8%) all sourced from the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a high-quality Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry, black cherry and earthy tar that will have you visualizing an Ivy League library.  Take a sip and you're awash in sweet ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant that ease into notes of dusty limestone and graphite midpalate.  The tannins are supple, providing for a velvety, smooth dry finish that lingers till your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant drinking Cabernet that would stand up to some of the heartiest dishes.  This wine would pair well with many beef dishes, from steaks to braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled New York strip topped with blistered cherry tomatoes, along with some mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2019 Reininger BDX Red Wine

Happy Friday!  It's been a long week, so I am definitely in need of a nice glass of wine to start the weekend.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of a wine club shipment from one of my favorite Washington wineries, Reininger, and honestly after tasting this I'm sorry I waited so long to open a bottle!  The 2019 Reininger BDX Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Merlot (32%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills, Stone Valley and XL Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you might expect from a blend of Bordeax varietals.  A gentle swirl and you take a whiff to be transported to the Walla Walla Valley, amidst the barrels with notes of leather, black cherry and cassis, with a whiff of smoke in the background it tells you all you need to know about the state of Bordeaux style blends in the Walla Walla Valley.  Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum that wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of leather, vanilla bean and toasted oak midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, supporting a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers on the palate, with just a hint of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's the quintessential Bordeaux style blend at the pinnacle of the Walla Walla Valley.  This wine would pair well with steaks, lamb, rustic pasta dishes or standing rib roast, as it could stand up to the boldest of cuisines.  Tonight, I've decided to pair this wine with a rare grilled porterhouse, topped with some blistered cherry tomatoes, along with oven roasted white asparagus and baby cauliflower.  Cheers!

2020 Mark Ryan "Crazy Mary" Mourvèdre

Happy Sunday!  It was the first full day of leaf activity, with the blower, the vacuum and lots of tiring labor!  But, at least I've caught up for a week and am ready to enjoy Sunday dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I recently received from Mark Ryan Winery, the 2020 Crazy Mary Mourvèdre, which is a blend of Mourvèdre (78%) and Syrah (22%) from the Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, which is characteristic of the varietals.  A gentle swirl of the glass unlocks aromas of strawberry, red currant and hints of smoke and pipe tobacco.  Take a sip and you know you're in for a ride with crazy Mary in the driver's seat, a rush of strawberry and sweet red berry fruit up front veers into some spicy pepper notes before spinning right back to some earthy tar, tobacco and black tea notes before heading right off the cliff for some salty mineral notes on the finish.  The tannins are supple and unobtrusive, making a parting gift for the long, smooth dry finish that beckons you to take another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the better vintages I've tried, with wonderfully intriguing characteristics that would be wonderful to enjoy with friends.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from venison to roasted rack of lamb, hearty beef stew or braised short ribs, but tonight I am going the Pacific Northwest route and am enjoying this wine with salmon!  Specifically, I am enjoying this wine with my Sunday dinner of crispy skin black pearl Scottish salmon, steamed brown rice and some oven roasted baby carrots and beets.  Cheers!

2018 Chateau Beaumont Haut-Medoc

Happy Sunday!  I've been working in the yard all afternoon, so I am not pretty tired and ready for a nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2018 Chateau Beaumont Haut-Medoc that I recently picked up at Costco, which was also a pleasant choice since one of my personal favorite Bordeaux from my first visit to Paris in 1995 was the Haut-Medoc.  This wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot is an ideal way to end my weekend, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, as you might expect from this Cabernet heavy blend.  A swirl of the glass reveals classic Bordeaux aromas of leather, black cherry and cassis that beckon you to take a sip.  After imbibing you are confronted with a rush of ripe black fruit intermingled with hints of mint that eases into some black pepper notes midpalate.  The tannins are supple but well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that is classic Bordeaux. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a great example of the Haut-Medoc I grew up on in the mid-1990s, and it was a terrific value at just $18!  This wine would play well with pasta, seafood and steaks, as well as a great charcuterie wine.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled prime ribcap (also from Costco) on a bed of grilled leeks and topped with horseradish and fresh rosemary, some tomato basil farfalle with some fresh pesto and shredded parmesan, and some bacon maple roasted brussels sprouts!  Cheers!

2012 DaMa Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy New Year!  Not only is this the first day of 2022, but it's also the first Saturday of the new month, making this a Cellar Saturday, that magical time when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  And tonight we open up a new vintage to eligibility, so I've opened a bottle of 2012 DaMa Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  I'll admit, this wine hasn't been in my cellar long, as it was part of some verticals of Cabernet and Merlot included in our fall wine club shipment.  So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, still vibrant despite its maturity.  A gentle swirl of the glass releases aromas of black cherry, currant and plum, with hints of oak and vanilla undertones, creating an almost tawny sort of vibe.  A sip reveals rich black fruit bursting forth, blackberry, currant and plum that transition easily to some notes of caramel and umami midpalate.  The tannins are supple and create a fine base for the smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully mature Columbia Valley Cabernet that is really hitting its stride as a mature wine.  This wine would pair well with hard cheeses, earthy dishes like braised short ribs or wild mushroom risotto, or even a nice steak.  I'm enjoying one such steak tonight with this wine, a rare Angus New York strip, mashed potatoes and some asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers! 

2019 Pepper Bridge Merlot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  I admit it's been a while since my last post, but I've been so busy between work and the play I was in at our local civic theatre, but the last performance was a Sunday matinee and now I am officially done with work for the year, so expect more than a few postings between now and early January!  Tonight, I've opened a perennial favorite Merlot, the 2019 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot.  This wine is a blend of Merlot (77%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Malbec (8%) sourced from the Seven Hills, Waliser, Pepper Bridge and Octave Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, somewhat lighter than the more boisterous Cabernets, but just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  A gentle swirl in the glass releases aromas of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry with an overlay of baking spice, cocoa powder and just a hint of green cedar.  At your first sip, you're greeted with a rush of ripe black fruit up front, blackberry, cherry and currant that transition easily to some warm spice notes, intermingled with some earthy minerality.  The tannins are supple and velvety, providing for a wonderfully smooth, dry finish that already has me reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's always a wonderfully build Merlot.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty, comfort dishes so prominent in the winter months, from braised short ribs to Yankee pot roast, wild mushroom risotto to truffle mac and cheese.  Tonight though, I am enjoying this wine with a tomahawk ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, along with some oven roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2018 Forgeron Malbec

Happy Friday!  I've been waiting for the weekend, though not to relax as I have a lot of leaf gathering yard work to accomplish over the next two days.  So, since it's dark by the time I'm done with work, I can't start early, so I may as well enjoy a bottle of wine before the hard work begins.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from a wine club shipment I received today, the 2018 Forgeron Malbec, a 100% Malbec from the StoneTree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, inky purple in the glass, with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a nice Malbec.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of smoke, ripe blueberry and currant, with undertones of leather and earthy limestone.  Take a sip and a wash of ripe fruit overruns your senses, blueberry, blackberry and currant that transition easily to some earthy mineral notes intermingled with espresso and white pepper, for an intriguing combination midpalate.  The tannins are supple and fully comfortable in a supporting role for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a Malbec that tastes and feels like something more than a Malbec.  This wine would pair well with a variety of rich and hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to linguine carbonara, as well as midweek easy dinners like pizza or burgers.  Tonight I am going with the latter and enjoying this wine with some chorizo and black bean tacos on corn tortillas and topped with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado and fresh sliced jalapenos.  Cheers!