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!

2020 Dablon Vineyards Tempranillo Tannat

Happy Sunday!  It's been a whirlwind of a day, went to church this morning, then to the airport to see a B-29 bomber, and then off to the Elkhart County Fair to see all the animals and tractors and now that I have a horrible sunburn, I am ready for a relaxing glass of wine and dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that a friend gave me a few weeks ago.  The 2020 Dablon Vineyards Tempranillo Tannat is a blend of Tempranillo (90%) and Tannat (10%) from the Dablon Estate Vineyard in Baroda, Michigan. I will admit, I am generally not a fan of Michigan red wines, though I have found a few gems over the years, let's see with this one is a gem.

The wine is a lighter bodied, ruby color in the glass and the nose presents aromas of green grass, dried herbs and cherry cola.  The first sip is a rather subdued combination of blackberry and tart cherry with quite a bit of acidity, which transitions to some dried herbs and smoke midpalalte.  The tannins are so subdued as to be unnoticable, yet the finish is tart and dry, but brief.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 7.5, it's interesting but typifies the challenge Michigan growers have with red varietals, though the lighter complexion would make this a plesant drinking summer red.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer fare, from barbecued ribs to burgers and brats.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a crispy skin Scottish black pearl salmon, steamed rice and some steamed Italian green beans.  Cheers!

2020 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  It's been a day full of yard work as I cleared out a pile of invasive bushes and trees and then trimmed the hedges in the front yard.  And now that I'm exhausted, I need to make dinner and get to the theater for a performance of "Dear Even Hansen" tonight!  Well, at least there's wine and tonight is a really good one I bought trom Wines Till Sold Out a month or two ago. The 2020 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon is part of their Distinguished Vineyard Series, this time celebrating Soda Canyon Vineyard from the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a little over five years in.

The wine has the classic inky black and bright ruby complexion you'd expect from a high-quality Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of ripe blackberry, tart cherry, macerated plum and the charactheristic leather and oak you might expect at the Cornell Club.  The first sip is a surprisingly sweet rush of ripe black fruit that evolved into some wonderful mineral notes midpalate, before careening into some acidity in the warm, dry finish that lingers on your palate..

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's an excellent Napa Caberenet, with a bit more earhiness than you might typically find in such a wine, making this one a bit of a different animal.  As for pairing, this wine would pair well with hearty steak, classic Bolognese or earthy mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribeye finished with a bit of truffle butter over a bed of sauteed onions and mushrooms along with some fresh corn on the cob.  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! 

2023 Reininger Syrah

Happy Sunday!  It was a bit cloudy today, so I didn't get much done in the yard, but at least I finished the laundry, so it wasn't a complete waste.  And now I am ready for a nice Sunday dinner, which of course means that I need to pick an appropriate wine.  Tonight, I've settled on a perennial favorite, but a new vintage with the 2023 Reininger Syrah.  This wine is a 100% Syrah harvested from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's have a taste, shall we?

The nose is a rush of roasted game and fruit, with aromas of cherry, blackberry and currant intermingled with dried herbs, leather and beefy notes, amid charred oak.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry, boysenberry and currant amid dried herbs, earthy peat and dusty limestone that transition easily to some notes of tawny port bank black olive notes midpalate.  The tannins are well structured providing an ideal base for the long, smooth dry finish with a reprise of spice. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a consistent high-quality Syrah that pairs well with food.  This wine would pair well with a range of summer dishes, from summer salads to alder planked salmon, barbecued ribs to grilled brats.  Tonight, I am taking a classic approach and am enjoying this wine with a herb crusted rack of lamb over potato puree and steamed snow peas.  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!

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!

2022 Mark Ryan Olivia Grace Red Wine

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

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

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

2019 Reininger Cima

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

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

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

2015 Château Faugères St.-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month, so it's time to raid the cellar and find a bottle that's at least a decade in the making!  Tonight, I've gone back to the genesis of my love of red wine, a classic Bordeaux, in this case, the 2015 Château Faugères St.-Émilion Grand Cru Classé that I purchased a few years ago from Wines Till Sold Out.  This particular vintage is a blend of Merlot (80%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), so let's see how this wine has matured!

The wine seems to be as fresh as the day it was bottled, with deep ruby color throughout.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry, charred oak and tawny herbaceousness that will leave you with a firm impression of classic Bordeaux funk.  The first sip is a surprising rush of ripe fruit, tart cherry, raspberry and currant that wash over your palate before easing into some notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but still an ideal foundation for the long, smooth dry finish that reminds me of springtime in Paris.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classically formed St.-Émilion with plenty of fruit, structure and funk to have Bordeaux fans standing at attention.  This wine would pair well with a range of classic French dishes, from Coq au Vin to braised lamb shank.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rather unconventional dinner of an oven roasted stuffed pork chop, steamed sugar snap peas and mashed potatoes and gravy.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan Long Haul Columbia Valley Red Wine

Happy Saturday!  I admit, I am finally catching up on some older wine club shipments, this time from 2024 (and no worries, I am sure I have some in the cellar lingering since 2016 or so!).  The 2022 Mark Ryan Long Haul Columbia Valley Red Wine is a blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Quintessence, Red Willow and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting a few years on!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a bit of darkness at the center.  The nose presents aromas of black cherry, leather and hints of green grass.  The first sip is a surprising rush of tart cherry that eases into some flavors of vanilla bean, savory herbs and toasted oak midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but still provide enough backbone for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic expression of the great Bordeaux style blends coming from Washington.  This wine would pair well with hard cheeses and charcuterie, beef  bourguignon, or a classic grilled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared Angus New York Strip over a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms, steamed asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2016 Sodaro Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in the cellar very long, but still worthy, the 2016 Sodaro Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a solid Napa Valley Cabernet.  The nose presents luxurious aromas of leather, green grass, blackberry compote and prune amid undertones of anise and expresso.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry and black currant that easily gives way to some earthy peat and herbal notes of mint and sage midpalate. The tannins are well integrated for the cool, smooth dry finish that lingers like an old friend.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant, classic Napa Valley Cabernet, with depth of character that matches its age.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised short ribs or rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared Angus ribeye, wild mushroom farro and steamed sugar snaps.  Cheers!

2022 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Sunday!  Now that the holiday rush has largely subsided, we can once again focus on the importance of balancing work with wonderful food and wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine from one of my favorite Walla Walla producers, Seven Hills Winery.  The 2022 Seven Hills Petit Verdot was sourced entirely 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 a deep ruby color in the glass, with a heavier body more reminiscent of a nice Merlot.  The nose presents aromas of blackberry and plum, intertwined with some light floral aromas of violet and lilac that have you anxious to take a sip.  That first sip is a concert of flavors that come at you fast, blackberry and plum that east into some tart cherry before blasting some earthy limestone from the quarry walls, just before you head for a picnic lunch with smoked meat and olive tapenade on the forest floor.  At the end of the concert, the tannins sweep up for the long, smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for more.

Overall, I rate this wine a solid 9 as it's a perennial favorite for a single bottling of a typical blending Bordeaux varietal.  This wine also seems to be a perfect food-friendly wine that would pair with a broad range of dishes, from barbecue to pizza, steak to pasta, Indian to Asian cuisine.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a chicken and vegetable Thai inspired curry noodle dish.  The fruit and acidity are an ideal complement to the rich spice of the curry rice noodles.  Cheers!

2012 Angwin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy New Year!  And it's also the first Saturday of the new year, which means it's Cellar Saturday, that special day where I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I've not had in the cellar very long, but it's still mature, as I bought this one a few months back from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2012 Angwin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Howell Mountain appellation in Napa Valley, and hails from one of the stronger vintages for Napa Valley.  Let's see what this wine has been doing for the past 13 years or so!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, and after a gentle swirl it presents aromas of blackberry, olive and smoke.  Take a sip and you're greeted with some mulberry, tart cherry and currant that eases into some earthy notes of dusty limestone and oak midpalate.  The wine has a lot of acidity which amplifies the earthy notes and overpowers the fruit notes.  The tannins are subdued, making for a rather brief, dry finish. 

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it's rather one dimensional, with a bit too much acidity for my taste.  I can see the winemaker's attempt to make this into more of an old-world style Cabernet, but I think they fell a bit short.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, particularly steak, where the acidity might cut through some of the natural fattiness of a cut like ribeye.  And I'm in luck as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a big ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare over sautéed mushrooms, onions and peppers and some grilled asparagus.  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!

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!

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 Mark Ryan Water Witch

It was another very hot and humid Sunday, so I decided to go see a friend of mine perform in a play and stay in the air conditioning for most of the day.  Now it's time to brave the heat and grill dinner, which means it's time to open a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Mark Ryan Water Witch, which I was surprised was the first vintage I've reviewed since the 2015 vintage!  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (22%), Malbec (6%) and Petit Verdot (2%) from the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep indigo at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, a testament to the impact of Cabernet in the blend.  The nose is a a surprisingly floral affair, with aromas of violet and rose, intermingled with notes of must and blackberry, for what would portend to be a very earthy affaire.  The first sip is an unexpected rush of tart cherry and blueberry that transitions to some earthy mushroom notes midpalate.  The tannins are well balanced, providing for a smooth dry finish with a bit of oak at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's very pleasant drinking, but not a terrific value for the price.  This wine would pair well with steak, grilled lamb or barbecued beef ribs, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a trio of my summer favorites, a cowboy ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare with grilled hatch chilies and fresh local corn on the cob.  Cheers!

2020 Browne Family Vineyards Bitner Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been another inordinately hot weekend, with highs in the mid- to upper-80s with high humidity, so working out in the yard today was just exhausting as I think I must have sweat through a gallon of water.  Now, I am tired and sore and ready for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I picked up at Costco a few months back, the 2020 Browne Family Vineyards Bitner Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a classic Columbia Valley Cabernet with fruit sourced from the Browne Estate Vineyard (30%), Shaw (25%), Quintessence (17%), Red Mountain Vineyard (9%),  Blackwood Canyon (9%), Pepper Bridge (5%), and Aqualini (5%).  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a classic look for a Columbia Valley Cabernet.  The nose is a rush of leather and oak, with support from ripe blackberry, candied plum and hints of violet.  The first sip is a surprisingly fruit forward affaire, with blackberry, blueberry and plum that give way to a bit of tart cherry before heading to some toasted oak and earthy minerality midpalate.  The tannins are graceful yet firm, providing just the right foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it punches way above it's weight class (I think I bought this at Costco for around $20, but even the full retail price online is only $35).  This wine would pair well with grilled steaks and chops, roasted vegetables, cedar planked salmon or barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip with butter and rosemary, mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus.  Cheers!