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!

2013 RJV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of a new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical time where I open a bottle from the cellar at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out, but it's been in the cellar for nearly a decade since I bought it.  The 2013 Robert John Vineyard (RJV) Cabernet Sauvignon (RJV) Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the D'Ambrosio Vineyard in the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is an inky black at the center, with deep ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of big jammy fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant amid notes of oak, tawny fruit and enticing spice.  The first sip is a clash of flavors, with earthy tar and limestone crashing against ripe blackberry and cassis amid undertones of tawny port before transitioning to some earthy limestone and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued yet still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish of a classic Napa Cabernet.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as I think it may be just a bit past its prime.  This wine would pair well with just about any big, hearty dish, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, mushroom pasta to smoked beef brisket.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic pan seared filet mignon over béarnaise sauce with steamed asparagus and mushroom farro.  Cheers!

2022 "The Grappler" Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  I did a bit of yard work today and set up my new fire pit to enjoy a cool evening fire.  And now it's time for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a rather fun bottle that I purchased a few weeks ago from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2022 "The Grappler" Red Wine is a primarily a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County.  I could not get over the various masks on the label, 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 leather, blackberry and peppery spice that matches the label well.  The first sip is a rush of peppery spice intermingled with warm fruit, cherry, blackberry and cassis, that transitions to some earthy tar and mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are rather subdued, but still provide a nice foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's not spectacular, but represents a solid value at just $15, making this a prime everyday drinking wine.  This wine would pair well with a range of casual dishes, from tacos to barbecue, pasta to pizza, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye with a bit of cranberry horseradish, grilled asparagus and garlic stapes (my favorite season is here!) and oven roasted root vegetables.  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!

2021 Esteban Martin Red Wine

Happy Thursday!  It's been an interested day or so, as I drove home from work in a snowstorm yesterday, but since it was all lake effect, by the time I got home there was hardly any snow at all!  Meanwhile there was about a foot at my office, so I worked from home today and now it's time for dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I picked up at Costco in a "case sale" which they tend to do around the holidays, selling cases of wine for low prices, in this case $49 or just over $4 a bottle for the 2021 Esteban Martin Red Wine.  This one is a blend of Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%) from Spain, so let's see how it's tasting.

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass as you'd expect from these varietals.  The nose presents aromas of cherry, oak, hints of anise and a bit of peppery spice.  Take a sip and you're awash in classic red fruit, cherry, currant and plum with just a bit of tartness, leading you into some earthy notes of tar, oak and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but still play along for a nice smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it's nothing spectacular, but for $4 a bottle this is a very easy weekday wine.  This wine would pair well with a lot of casual dinners, from pizza and burgers to pasta or Chinese.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic linguine and meatballs as the wine holds up well to the spice of the sauce and richness of the meatballs.  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!

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!

2022 Stag's Leap Artemis

Happy Sunday!  It's been very hot here today, though I did make it out for a bike ride for about an hour and just got cooled off.  In any case, now it's time to make dinner and open a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out in one of their recent Mystery Selections which have featured two wines from this outstanding producer, this time it's the 2022 Stag's Leap Artemis.  I've been a fan of this wine for well over a decade having reviewed the 2010 vintage and the fabulous 2012 vintage previously.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with a brooding black center, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl and your nose is treated to aromas of caramel, tar and lavender with undertones of leather and ripe black fruit.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit having a throw down with tart cherry before easing up to notes of warm baking spice, earthy minerality and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are still a bit sharp, but ease right into the warm dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking nicely now, but will likely improve handsomely with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair with a variety of hearty dishes from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, but more than anything, this wine begs for steak.  And it's a good thing my local market had a good variety yesterday, so tonight I can enjoy this wine with a rare grilled tomahawk ribeye topped with grilled garlic scapes and served with grilled asparagus and broccoli rabe.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Cabernet Franc

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

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

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

2013 Il Palagio Sister Moon Rosso Toscana

It's the first Saturday of the new month, which means it's Cellar Saturday!  It's the day I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making to share.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that's been in the cellar for a while, so long in fact that I can't recall where I bought it!  The 2013 Il Palagio Sister Moon Rosso Toscana seems to be a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (20%) for a classic Super Tuscan blend.  Let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a medium body, a testament to the impact of Cabernet and Merlot on the blend, with lighter garnet and a hint of amber along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of black plum, rich leather and oak, interspersed with fig and rose petals.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and plum with a wave of tartness washing over the top before easing into some earthy notes of dusty loam, tar, tobacco and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are nicely integrated, providing for a long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it still exhibits more oak than I would prefer, but I think it's also aged fairly well.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to grilled steak, branzino to summer barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this with my first summer grilled dish, some asada beef kabobs with onions, peppers and mushrooms served with black beans, corn and rice.  Cheers!

2015 Château La Tour De Mons Margaux

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of the new month, so time to raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a classic Bordeaux, the 2015 Château La Tour De Mons Margaux, which I think I bought perhaps five years ago, though I don't recall where I bought it.  This wine is a classic Cabernet focused Bordeaux blend from the left bank of Gironde, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a classic Bordeaux.  The nose presents aromas of leather, tar, lilac and cherry, the classic earthy funk of Bordeaux.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that transition easily to some earthy notes of smoke, oak, dusty limestone and tar midpalate.  The tannins are expertly crafted, providing a classic Bordeaux dry finish that will have you forgetting you were even drinking wine.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic Margaux and such a pleasure to enjoy with a great meal or just sipping with friends.  This wine would pair well with braised lamb shank or beef short ribs, classic steak au poivre or hearty stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared, grass fed New York strip with sautéed onions and peppers, oven roasted purple potatoes and bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  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!

2015 Cobblestone Atlas Peak Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Well it's the first Saturday of a new month, which means it's Cellar Saturday!  This is the magical day when I raid the cellar for something that's at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2015 Cobblestone Atlas Peak Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that I purchased from Wines Till Sold Our in 2023.  Even though it's only been in my cellar for about a year and a half, I am hoping this warm vintage Napa Cabernet has withstood the test of time.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, not as heavy and brooding as you might expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry and currant, intermingled with earthy leather and cedar with undertones of anise and white pepper spice.  The first sip is a strange rush of currant, and sweet tarts, that ease into some notes of blackberry, earthy tar and cedar midpalate.  The tannins are well structured and still provide a good backbone for the 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 solid example of a nice Napa Cabernet, that was also a descent value at just $27.  This wine would pair well with variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised lamb shank or beef stew.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared New York strip over sautéed onions and mushrooms, with oven roasted broccoli rabe and a baked potato.  Cheers!

2019 Helix Cima Piccola

Happy Saturday!  I am pleased to say that I have completed all of my Christmas shopping, and all the the presents have been wrapped and are awaiting delivery to their intended recipients.  So, now that I can breathe a little easier, it's time to open a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2019 Helix Cima Piccola, which is a Super Tuscan style blend composed of Sangiovese from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard as well as Merlot (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) sourced from other vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's have a taste of this Pacific Northwest interpretation of Tuscany!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a somewhat heavier body no doubt a credit to the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.  The nose presents an intriguing combination of cedar, violet and spice box that marks the Sangiovese in the blend.  The first sip is not what I expected at all, a rush of blueberry and tart cherry wash over your palate before transitioning to some earthy tar and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannings are so well integrated, you can miss them entirely as you enjoy the lush smooth finish that will have you coming back for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this vintage is right up with the wonderful 2017 vintage I enjoyed nearly four years ago.  This wine is very food friendly and would pair well with a range of dishes, from classic pasta and risotto, bisteca Fiorentina, or simple Tuscan toast.  Tonight, I am going the classic as classic can get route and enjoying this wine with a mixed green salad with pomegranates and sage blossom vinaigrette along with linguine and meatballs.  Cheers!

2010 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Grenache

Happy first Saturday of October, which of course means it's Cellar Saturday, that magical day where I raid the cellar for a wine at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in my cellar very long, as I bought it from Wines Till Sold Out back in August.  The 2010 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Grenache is a 100% Grenache grown from old vines in South Eastern Australia, using whole berry fermentation with wild yeast, in an effort to enhance the Provencal character of the wine.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting 14 years after harvest!

The wine is a lovely ruby color in the glass, with a hint of amber along the edges as you might expect from such a vintage.  A gently swirl of the glass reveals aromas of earthy tar, black cherry, vanilla bean and hints of leather.  The first sip is a rather surprising rush of fruit, with black cherry, fig and plum that easily transition to some earthy notes of peat and wild mushroom midpalate, before easing into some black pepper spice at the finish.  The tannins are silky smooth, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I appreciate this wine for it's decidedly French character, despite being grown a half a world away.  This wine would pair well with a variety of Mediterranean dishes, from grilled lamb, mellow seafood or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Mediterranean classic of grilled octopus with grilled summer squash, red onions and peppers.  Cheers!

2019 B by Fonbadet Bordeaux

Happy Sunday!  Well the long holiday weekend is almost over, but there's still time for Sunday dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a nice bottle of Bordeaux that I think I bought a few months back at Costco, and I have no idea about the wine or it's composition, but being a Bordeaux, I can only imagine it has some Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and any other combination of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, so let's just try it out shall we?

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a nice Bordeaux.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, toffee, earthy mineral notes and baking spice.  The first sip is a rush of stark minerality, with notes of basalt and tar, that transition nicely to some notes of black cherry and cassis, intermingled with black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are classically structured for a Bordeaux, leaving you with a dry finish that you scarcely notice.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it was a solid example of a daily drinker in the heart of France, and like so many Bordeaux, this wine is very affordable as I think I paid about $15 for this one at Costco.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from pasta and jambalaya to hearty steaks and chops.  Tonight I am opting for the latter and enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Cajun spiced ribeye with sautéed onions, mushrooms and peppers and some bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  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!

2020 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Happy Saturday!  I had so much planned for today, but as I look back, I pretty much accomplished nothing on my list of chores.  That's all right though, weekends are meant for relaxing and I am feeling more relaxed this evening, so I'll call that a win!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, which I believe will be a great wine to pair with tonight's dinner and as a shareholder, I'm always happy to support my investments!  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a beautiful pale ruby color in the glass, with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Pinot Noir.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of strawberry, earthy peat, basalt and hints of peppery spice.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe red fruit, cherry, strawberry and currant that easily transition to some earthy notes of tar and basalt, with a good bit of peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but still present a nice backbone for the smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really pleasant example of a quality Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, with all the character and funk you'd expect.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from fresh salmon to Dungeness crab, hearty lamb shank to an earthy risotto.  Speaking of which, tonight I am pairing this wine with a new dish I've been anxious to try making, a hearty roasted beet risotto, topped with shaved parmesan and amaranth microgreens.  Cheers!