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!

2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

2020 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!

2020 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It was a rather relaxing but productive day for me, doing some work, chores and getting to the gym, so I figure I deserve to open a really good bottle of wine, so tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon!  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), Merlot (6%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) sourced from the McQueen, LeFore, Bob Healy, Figgins, Flying B, Loess Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  I've reviewed this wine since the 2011 Vintage (you can see the posts here), so let's see how this vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center, with bright garnet along the edges, just what you'd like to see in a high-end Cabernet.  The nose exudes notes of leather, subtle floral notes under black fruit that hearken back to an eighteenth century library.  The first sip is a subdued combination of black raspberry, cherry and plum amid toasted oak, that transitions to notes of vanilla and baking spice.  This wine has such a velvety mouthfeel it's ridiculous, as the rich tannins provide for a voluptuous dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's just a spectacular Cabernet from a somewhat challenging vintage.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from rack of lamb to braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto to thick steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my Sunday dinner of pan seared New York strip, steamed asparagus with hollandaise and a baked potato with sour cream and chives.  Cheers!

2021 Forgeron Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon

What an arctic blast we have been experiencing the past couple days!  The low last night was -6 and the high today was barely above zero, so needless to say I have been huddled indoors.  But at least there is good food and wine to take a bit of the chill away and tonight I've opened a bottle of 2021 Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet sourced from the Minnick Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bit lighter in body than your typical Cabernet, emblazoned with bright ruby color in the glass.  The nose presents welcoming aromas of leather, toasted oak and warm cherry pie that beckons you to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of ripe blackberry, plum and cherry with a good bit of acidity, which transitions to some earthy notes of dusty loam, vanilla bean and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are youthful but well behaved, providing for a lovely, smooth dry finish with just a bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it's a very nicely composed Cabernet that will likely improve a bit with some time in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty winter dishes, from beef stew and braised short ribs, to baked pasta or risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared bison New York Strip, oven roasted white and purple potatoes and steamed green beans almondine.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills SHW Founding Vineyard Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It was a rather melancholy weekend, as I spent a good portion of it taking down all the Christmas decorations and putting them away.  Even though the house is festive for a full month out of the year, it just seems to short when it all comes to an end.  In any event, after that I did some chores and clean up around the house and now it's time for a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot, a 100% Merlot from the original vines planted by Seven Hills founder Casey McClellan and his father in the early 1980s.  I previously reviewed the 2017 vintage and the 2020 Vintage, so let's see how this one is shaping up!

The wine is deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from this classic varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass presents aromas of candied plum, blackberry and undertones of vanilla bean and violet that will have you on the edge of your seat.  Take a sip and your taste buds are unexpectedly elevated as the ripe fruit your nose expected is overwhelmed by earthy notes of basalt and cedar intertwined with toasted oak and caramel before that long-expected fruit makes an appearance with lovely blackberry, ripe plum and cherry.  The tannins are balanced with a bit of acidity that provides for a wonderfully smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this Merlot is proving itself to be a consistent performer over the past five years.  This wine would pair well with a wide range of dishes, from steaks and lamb, to hard cheeses and pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Pacific Northwest inspired Sunday dinner of pan seared salmon along with creamy butternut squash pasta and oven roasted broccoli rabe and red peppers.  Cheers!

2020 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Yesterday was the day of my annual Christmas Party, and we had a great crowd which means there were not a lot of leftovers!  I use this party as an opportunity to try some new dishes for the guests, and this year we had three new ones that were all well received.  Today, after spending a good portion of the afternoon cleaning up, it's now time to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a good dinner.  Since this is the last Sunday of the month, it's also Dinner in the Diner Sunday, the last one of this yearlong effort, but more on that later.  For the wine, tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the original vineyard planted by Seven Hills founder Casey McClellan and his father back in the early 1980s.  The other vintages I've enjoyed (including the 2017 and 2019) were well worth it, so let's see how the 2020 is faring!

The wine has the classic look of a big Cabernet, inky black at the center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate, inviting you to take a sip.  That first sip is a wild ride of flavors as you experience and eruption of sweet cherry up front, that eases into some earthy notes of toasted oak and dusty limestone, before transitioning to some espresso and dark chocolate notes midpalate.  The tannins are youthful, but well behaved, providing for the wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic example of the age worthy potential of Walla Walla Cabernets.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from rack of lamb and braised short ribs, London broil to hearty pasta dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a main course derived from the dining cars of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, fried country ham with red gravy, along with some mashed sweet potatoes and green bean casserole.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I finally had a day to relax on my vacation, so I did some laundry and went out for a movie, and now it's time for Sunday dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Tonight I've opened a bottle from a recent shipment from Woodward Canyon Winery, the 2021 Woodward Canyon Estate Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the oldest vines in the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  Let's see how this latest vintage is faring!

The wine has a classic Cabernet look in the glass, inky at the center and bright ruby along the edges. The nose is a more subtle affair, with aromas of leather, blackberry, toasted oak and basalt with undertones of lavender.  The first sip is a dynamic combination of black cherry, caramel and vanilla bean up front, that transition easily to some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are surprisingly mellow for such a young wine, providing just the right foundation for the long, smooth dry finish with just a faint bit of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well right now, but will likely gain a good bit of traction with a few years in the cellar.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty meat dishes, from braised bison short ribs to rack of lamb to a big steak.  Tonight I have opted for the latter and am enjoying this wine with a Bisteca Fiorentina, grilled broccoli rabe and sweet potato puree.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Tonight's wine represents another installment of a great series of Washington wines that I've been reviewing since the 2010 vintage more than a decade ago!  I didn't say the latest, as I just received the next vintage in my wine club shipment a week or so ago, but at least I'm trying to catch up!  The 2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Petit Verdot (7%), Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate, Weinbau and Sagemoor Vineyards of Washington State.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, enticing ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a great Washington Cabernet.  The nose presents vibrant aromas of sweet cherry, violet and toasted oak, with an undercurrent of dark chocolate and espresso.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, marionberry and currant that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and dusty loam midpalate.  The tannins are pronounced and expertly structured, providing for a silky smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of my favorite Washington Cabernets, given its quality and consistency over many years.  This wine would pair well with a big steak, grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or almost any hearty winter dish that needs a big wine to dance with.  Tonight, I am taking the advice of the winery and enjoying this wine with a big ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and classic mashed potatoes.  Cheers!

2020 Anvil Syrah

Happy Sunday!  And since it's the last Sunday of the month, it's time for Dinner in the Diner, where I explore a recipe from the dining cars of some of the most famous passenger trains of the 20th Century.  So, what to pair with my dinner?  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Anvil Syrah, the premium label from Forgeron Cellars.  The 2020 vintage is a 100% Syrah from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this wine has going on!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, with moderate body and clarity, just what you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  The nose reveals aromas of blackberry, blueberry and eucalyptus with undertones of basalt minerality.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black fruit, blackberry, blueberry and currant that dance around a bit of cocoa powder and toasted oak midpalate, with a trail of black peppery spice.  The tannins are still a bit sharp, but still provide for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a wonderful example of a single-vineyard Syrah from one of the premier areas of Washington for production of this varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from braised short ribs, to rack of lamb, earthy wild mushroom risotto to Beef Wellington.  Tonight, I am taking a road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a recipe from the diner on the New York Central, the individual deep dish chicken pie from the 20th Century Limited.  The recipes for the filling, crust and rich sauce (this is superb) are presented below (though to be fair, I substituted boneless chicken breast for the white/dark meat combination suggested).  Cheers!

2016 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Happy Sunday!  Today was an adventurous afternoon as I harvested the first of my tomatoes and then proceeded to immediately use the tomatoes and basil I grew myself to make 3 quarts of sauce, my first sauce of the year and a special one since it is the product of my own agricultural urges!  And though I used some wine in making the sauce, I've decided to open up something completely different to enjoy while the jars of sauce are processing.  The 2016 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a wine I bought last year from Wines Till Sold Out, and is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot from the best of the fruit from the 2016 vintage. So, let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center with garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blackberry and toasted oak with undertones of plum and cassis.  The first sip is not at all what I was expecting, a rush of tart cherry envelops your palate, easing into some dusty limestone and tawny port notes midpalate.  The fruit continues to cascade in your mouth as you get to the white pepper spice near the finish, which is supported by velvety smooth tannins for a classic long, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's drinking well now, but would likely improve even more with some time in the cellar.  This wine was also a good value at just $27 when I bought it.  This wine would pair well with meat, especially red meat!  This would do well with hearty steaks, rack of lamb, grilled pork tenderloin or even barbecued ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak, grilled broccolini and hatch chiles, and mushroom pasta.  Cheers!

2014 Arbor Bench Meritage

Happy Saturday, of note, the first Saturday of the new month, which means it Cellar Saturday!  This is the magical day where I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I bought a couple months ago from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2014 Arbor Bench Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Merlot (32%) and Malbec (30%) from the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect with these three varietals.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, vanilla bean and dusty limestone with hints of violet undertones.  The first sip is rush of tart cherry that eases into some notes of blackberry jam, toasted oak and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are quote chewy, but still capable as the backbone for the lingering dry finish with a reprise of cherry at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully satisfying blend that will no doubt pair well with a variety of dishes.  This wine would pair well with hearty braised short ribs, spicy barbecue or classic steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared ribcap topped with sunflower sprouts, along with some broccoli rabe and asparagus sautéed in garlic and olive oil and tossed with linguine.  Cheers!

2016 Reininger Syrah XM

Happy Sunday!  It's been another weekend of non-spring weather, with rain an highs in the 40s, and it looks like the next four days will be between 30 and 45, so I guess the "Summer of George" will have to wait a few weeks.  I just finished a virtual tasting with the fine folks from Reininger, focusing on their white and rose wines, and since I didn't have any of those on hand, I decided to open a bottle of their red wine for dinner.  The 2016 Reininger Syrah XM is another interesting wine from Chuck Reininger, one of the most creative winemakers I know.  This wine is an "XM" which stands for extended maturation, so he reserves some of his wine (in this case the 2016 Walla Walla Syrah) and let's it age in barrel for a few extra years and releases it under the XM moniker.  This wine is a 100% Syrah from the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this new, old wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass that has the look of a hearty Cabernet as opposed to a Syrah.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas that bring you right back to the barrel room, with leather, toasted oak, blackberry and cassis dancing in your mind.  Take a sip and you're greeted with one of the most velvety smooth Syrahs you can imagine, a rush of blackberry, cherry and currant envelop your palate with a thick almost syrupy mouthfeel that just makes your mind explode.  The fruit is encased in earthy elements, oak, peat and basalt that evolve to some twang midpalate.  The tannins are almost perfectly integrated, providing for that velvety smoothness to extend to the long, dry finish that will have you begging for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it has to be one of the most perfect examples of Syrah I've ever tasted.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and lamb, to heaty pastas or stews.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Sunday barbecue dinner (oh how I long for summer!), of barbecued beef baby back ribs, grilled corn on the cob, mustard baked beans and sriracha slaw.  Cheers!

2014 Cardoza Family Winery Knollwood Vineyard 'Right Bank'

Happy Sunday!  Last week was an early taste of summer, with highs in the 80s and lots of sun, but today the temperature has been dropping steadily and they are now predicting snow tomorrow!  Well, I can't control the weather, but I can control what's in my wine glass, and tonight I've opened up a bottle from a recent purchase from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2014 Cardoza Family Winery Knollwood Vineyard 'Right Bank' Napa Valley Red Blend is a classic Bordeaux style blend from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc (59%), Merlot (36%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, with hints of amber around the edges.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, toasted oak, cardamom, lavender and ripe black fruit that dares you to take a single sip!  Once you take that sip you're greeted with wonderful ripe black fruit with a hint of sweetness, blackberry, currant and plum that transition to some tawny, earthy notes midpalate.  The tannins are soft but well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that is truly reminiscent of the right bank of the Gironde
.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9 as it's just hitting its prime as a lovely food-friendly blend.  This wine would pair well with a broad range of dishes, from steaks and chops, to barbecue and Mexican dishes, to a wonderful Italian pastas.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a veal rib chop seasoned with herbs de Provence along with some grilled asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2019 Reininger Syrah

Happy Sunday!  As you know, I've been cast in a local production of "Murder on the Orient Express" and we just finished our first weekend of performances, which is why I've been so slack in my posts. But since today was a matinee, I've had a chance to come home to cook a nice Sunday dinner and open a nice bottle of wine.  Today, I've opened a bottle of 2019 Reininger Syrah, which was a wine club shipment from a few months back.  This wine is a 100% Syrah sourced from the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards 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, just as you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry, boysenberry and plum, along with notes of toasted oak and blackened spice.  Take a sip and you are greeted with a rush or tart cherry at the outset, which transitions to some floral notes and a bit of charred meat midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a wonderfully long, smooth dry finish that lingers on the palate with notes of peppery spice and a hint of smoke. 

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's an incredibly easy-drinking Syrah that could be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, or simply sipping with friends.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from hearty pastas and risotto, to a rare charbroiled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a more Rhone-esque dinner of an herb crusted rack of lamb with Yukon gold potato puree and some maple bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2019 Château de l'Annonciation Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Happy Saturday!  I spent a good portion of the day practicing lines for the upcoming play that I'm a part of, then I went to the thrift store and found a new addition to the thrift store art collection for only $7.50 and now I am ready to enjoy dinner with a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2019 Château de l'Annonciation Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that I recently bought from Wines Till Sold Out.  I'm  a big Bordeaux fan, so I couldn't resist this wine, which is a blend of Merlot (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).  So, let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from the heavy Merlot concentration.  A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of lavender, black cherry and toasted oak.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of black fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum, which transition easily to some earthy notes of oak, vanilla bean and graphite midpalate.  The tannins are in your face, yet still provide for a smooth but exceptionally dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's still developing, but will likely improve a bit with some time in the cellar.  This wine was also a terrific value at just $18.  This would pair well with steaks, roasted game, braised short ribs, or hearty cheeses.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled New York strip, with some blistered cherry tomatoes and asparagus with hollandaise.  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 Eberle Paso Robles Barbera

Happy Saturday!  Today was a day of modest achievement, as I visited with some friends, then went grocery shopping, then came home and started preparing for my taxes, which was quite the adventure (at least is doesn't seem like I'll be writing any large checks in April!).  And now it's time to relax with a bottle of wine as I cook some of what I bought at the store today.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Eberle Paso Robles Barbera, which was a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle, as they are big fans of this winery and Paso Robles wines generally.  This wine is a 100% Barbera from the Bootjack Ranch (35%), Steinbeck (33%) and Partridge (32%) vineyards in Paso Robles.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bright garnet color in the glass, with great clarity.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of blackberry, fig and cherry, with undertones of vanilla bean, dried sage and toasted oak.  A first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, black cherry, plum and blackberry that easily shifts gears toward some oak and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but still provide for a very smooth dry finish than lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's just a very pleasant drinking wine that would pair well with a range of dishes.  This wine would be ideal with hearty Italian pasta dishes, lamb, venison, or earthy wild mushroom risotto. Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner a day early, herb crusted roast beef with carrots, celery, onions, sweet potatoes and regular potatoes, along with a fresh gravy I made with the broth. Cheers!

2018 Saint Veeder Mount Veeder Crouse Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Thursday!  It's been a busy week, but at last I have a night free tonight so I can enjoy a nice dinner and a good glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that I purchases not too long ago from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2018 Saint Veeder Mount Veeder Crouse Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the 7th vintage produced by St. Veeder, sourcing the fruit from 30-year-old vines in the Mount Veeder appellation of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky black at the center, with bright ruby along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, bold black fruit notes of blackberry, currant and plum, with undertones of anise and cassis.  Take a sip and you plunge into the depths of big, bold Napa Valley Cabernet, with a rush of ripe black fruit at the front, blackberry, currant and cherry that transition easily to some notes of toasted oak and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, but well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish, with a hint of sage at the very end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic big bold Cabernet that would pair well with big steaks, hearty pastas, earthy mushroom risotto or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled bone-in ribeye, grilled leeks and oven roasted white asparagus.  Cheers!

2016 Lasorda Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I've spent the afternoon wrapping presents and getting ready for my first neighborhood Christmas party this evening.  But first I need to cook dinner and enjoy a nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I bought a couple years ago at a local wine shop, the 2016 Lasorda Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from a nice Cabernet.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of prune, boysenberry and toasted oak, with just a hint of mint underneath.  Take a sip and you're blasted with a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, currant and cassis that transitions nicely to some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are refined, providing the base for a very long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a pleasant drinking everyday Cabernet that would pair well with a variety of big beef dishes, from steaks to prime rib to braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Kansas City strip along with some bacon roasted white asparagus and a big baked potato.  Cheers!