2021 Brendel Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday!  I rushed around doing errands today and now I am home for a quick dinner before tonight's community theatre performance.  In any case, I've opened a bottle that I picked up on said errands as it was on clearance at my local wine store.  The 2021 Brendel Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (94%), Petit Syrah (5%) and Merlot (1%) from the North Coast appellation of California.  Let's see if this one was worth the clearance price!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, classic look of a North Coast Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of tart cherry, blueberry and hints of green grass.  The first sip is a rush of green grass intermingled with snoky oak with a crown of ripe black fruit that is at once engrossing yet shy.  The flavors echolve into some earthy graphite and hints of tobacco.  The finish is very smooth and dry, with supple tannins in support.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's punches well above ite weight class for a cleatrance wine of $17!  This wine would pair well with hard cheeses and charcuterie, rustic Sunday diahes of braised shortribs or pit roast, but it really seems to call for a steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip with a mushroom cream sauce, roasted broccoli rabe and a bit baked potato. Cheers!

2024 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Malbec

Happy Saturday!  I had another day full of yard work, similar to what I did two weeks ago, and I must admit I am completely exhausted!  I likely will have a glass of wine and fall asleep on the couch, but at least there is wine! Speaking of which, tonight's wine is from one of my long-time favorite Walla Walla producers, Seven Hills Winery and the 2024 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Malbec.  Let's see how this new vintage is tasting!  

The wine is a deep ruby in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Malbec.  A gentle swirl in the glass reveals aromas of leather, blackberry and plum amid hints of peppery spice.  The first sip is a rush of jammy fruit, marionberry, blackberry compote and plum that transitions nicely to some notes of cardamom, pipe tobacco and vanilla bean midpalate.  The tannins are mellow but well structured, prviding a nice foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasant drinking Malbec that could pair with a range of hearty dishes, or just sipping on the patio (which I will not do tonight for fear of dozing off!).  This wine would pair well with brased short ribs, London broil or lamb chops, but tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip, oven roasted beets and sweet potatos and steamed sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot

Happy Wine Wednesday!  It's been a few weeks since I posted on Wine Wednesday, so let's enjoy it!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2023 Seven Hills Winery McClellan Estate Petit Verdot, a single varietal bottling of what is usually a blending varietal harvested from the McClellan Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this new vintage is shaping up!

The wine is deep ruby in the glass with nice clarity.  The nose presents an enticing blend of ripe plum, leather and oak, with subtle undertones of pipe tobacco.  The first sip is wonderfully fruit forward, with a rush of black cherry, marionberry and blueberry that ease into some notes of dark chocolate and mocha midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, with a rush of acidity towards the long, smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a really pleasant drinking wine from an often overlooked varietal. This is also quote a versatile, food friendly wine, as I could see this pairing with a range of casual summer fare, from burgers and brats, to barbecue and steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some spicy Cajun dirty rice with onions, peppers and andouille sausage.  Cheers! 

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!

2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  Today was full of yard work, laundry and preparing for classes tomorrow, so now it's time to relax with a nice bottle of wine and Sunday dinner!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle from the spring wine club shipment from Woodward Canyon, which seems fitting since the fall club shipment arrived on Friday.  The 2022 Woodward Canyon Estate Cabernet Franc was harvested from vines in the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard planted nearly two decades ago, so let's see how this latest vintage is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, classic for this typically blending varietal.  The nose presents aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum, intermingled with some interesting floral notes of lavender and violet amid earthy notes of leather and tobacco.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, with ongoing floral undertones amid evolving notes of black licorice and peppery spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing the ideal backbone for the long, 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 the best examples of Cabernet Franc I've had the pleasure of tasting.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, but I think it's highest and best use might be to accompany a standard cheese course, just before dessert.  Of course, I rarely have either cheese courses or desserts, so tonight I am enjoying this wine with some Italian sausage with onions and peppers and some classic spaghetti.  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!

2017 Reininger Cima

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

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

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

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! 

2023 Seven Hills Walla Walla Carmenere

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

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

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

2020 Helix Cabernet Sauvignon XM

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

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

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

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!

2021 Reininger Sangiovese Grosso

Happy Sunday!  I think I had a productive day, mainly because I feel like I'm about to collapse on the couch!  I went to church, then rehearsal this afternoon, then I pulled two gallon buckets of dandelions (I think it's getting better since it's one less bucket than last weekend!) and then I mowed for the first time this year before starting dinner.  Which brings me to the wine for this evening, the 2021 Reininger Sangiovese Grosso from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is tasting and whether I made the right choice for my Sunday dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass with great clarity, just what you'd like to see in a Sangiovese Grosso.  The nose presents enticing aromas of candied cherry, strawberry with some hints of lilac.  The first sip is a blast of ripe red fruit, cherry, strawberry and currant, but with none of the sweetness the nose was projecting.  Midpalate, you have some notes of pipe tobacco and white pepper spice, before a reprise of warm berry cobbler.  The tannins are silky smooth, providing a perfect base for the long, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a classic tasting Italian varietal that pays homage to the European heritage.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, but it really needs to be paired with the food of Italy, from hearty Florentine steak, to classic pasta, from baked lasagna, stuffed shells to a hearty Bolognese.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a long-time favorite, bucatini with mussels fra diavalo, topped with fresh basil and shaved parmesan.  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!

2019 Reininger Walla Walla Malbec

Happy Saturday!  It's been a crazy weather day today, with cold and freezing rain, but I made it through grocery shopping and am back home for a nice dinner and glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been hanging around and ignored with it's siblings from 2020 and 2021.  The 2019 Reininger Walla Walla Malbec is a 100% Malbec sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard (86%) and Stone Valley Vineyard (14%) in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting after a few years in the cellar!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a classic Malbec.  The nose presents aromas of violet, espresso and blackberry, an fresh earthy blend that will have you anxious for a sip.  The first taste is a rush of tart cherry, blackberry and espresso that gives way to some earthy loam and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are expertly structured to provide for the perfect foundation for the smooth, long dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a quintessential example of the promise of Malbec in the capable hands of a Walla Walla winemaker.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, but honestly this wine just begs to be paired with steak, like the gauchos of Argentina.  Well, we're in luck as tonight I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared filet mignon, mashed potatoes and gravy and steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Sunday!  I had a rather relaxing day, doing some chores, going to the gym, and now getting ready to make Sunday dinner and enjoy a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2021 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from some of the oldest blocks of the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in the Columbia Valley 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 this Cabernet led Bordeaux style blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blueberry and hints of lavender amid subtle notes of tobacco and black pepper.  The taste is a mind-bending rush of tart cherry, intertwined with blackberry and blueberry creating a fruit cocktail before transitioning to some notes of dried herbs and black pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but well structured to provide the backbone to the lingering dry finish that will have you easily reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic Washington version of a Left Bank Bordeaux.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops, braised lamb shank or wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared filet mignon, mashed potatoes and shaved Brussels sprouts with bacon, pomegranate and 25-year white balsamic.  Cheers!

2021 Pepper Bridge Trine

Happy Thanksgiving!  I'll admit this is one of may favorite holidays as we look back throughout the year and give thanks for the many blessings we have. Sure, the world is not a perfect place, and not everything turned out as we might have imagined, but when you shift your focus from what might have been to what is right there in front of you, a heart of gratitude begins to develop and you can truly appreciate the multitude of blessings the Lord has bestowed.  And of course, one of those blessings is wine, as "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man..." Tonight, my heart is gladdened with a bottle of 2021 Pepper Bridge Trine, which is a blend of Cabernet Franc (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Merlot (13%), Malbec (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%) from the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the Bordeaux varietals employed.  The nose emits aromas of violet, black plum and cassis with faint undertones of leather.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe fruit, gushing with plum, cherry and currant, intermingled with earthy notes of cedar and tobacco.  Midpalate, you are treated to a dose of vanilla and white pepper spice interspersed with hints of floral notes.  The tannins are well structured, providing 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 pleasant and easy drinking Bordeaux style blend that is compatible with so many dishes, it's ideal for the holidays.  This wine would pair well with a variety of holiday dishes, from turkey to ham, prime rib to green bean casserole, but since I am cooking today and I'm not a fan of Turkey, I am enjoying this wine with an herb crusted rack of lamb, saffron potatoes and steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2014 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's that magical first Saturday of the month when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from a producer that I've featured on previous Cellar Saturdays last year, featuring the 2013 and 2012 vintages, and not it's time for the 2014 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Atlas Peak region of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a classic Napa Cabernet, with an inky black center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of prune, blackberry and currant, with undertones of leather and tobacco that will have you imagining an Ivy League library.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of black pepper spice intermingled with caramel and vanilla notes.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a classic dry Napa finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really well made Cabernet that has stood the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a variety of aged cheeses, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, or a classis grilled steak.  I've opted for the latter and tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak, blistered yellow grape tomatoes, grilled broccolini and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I spent the afternoon working in the yard and enjoying the sunny, cool weather, and now it's time for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of the inaugural vintage of a new Cabernet from Mark Ryan that was just delivered to me last week.  The 2022 Mark Ryan 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of the humble beginnings of Mark Ryan Winery and the 216 mile trip between Woodinville and the vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Phinney Hill and Quintessence Vineyards of Washington.  So, let's see how this first vintage is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a solid Washington Cabernet.  The nose reveals aromas of tart cherry, green grass and dusty loam.  The first sip is an adventure, with a rush of tart cherry, raspberry and currant that easily transitions to some notes of dark chocolate and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are well structured to provide for a warm dry finish that will have you imagining an afternoon at a wonderful Red Mountain vineyard at harvest time.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant Cabernet at a price under $40.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from barbecue to tacos, hearty pasta to braised lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of a rare grilled T-bone, baked potato and bacon roasted broccolini.  Cheers!

2020 Browne Family Vineyards Bitner Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's been a busy day, from running to the farmers market to having lunch with two cousins who flew in from Chicago, to blowing leaves and mowing the lawn, I am about ready for a nice dinner and a glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of Washington wine that I recently purchased at Costco, the 2020 Browne Family Vineyards Bitner Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  As I recall, the last time I visited Walla Walla, Browne Family Vineyards had just opened a tasting room in the same building that Rotie Cellars was located (or maybe next door, my memory isn't what it used to be!).  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep, inky indigo at the center, with garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a big Cabernet.  A little swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, graphite, oak and cassis reminiscent of an Ivy League library.  The first sip is a velvety rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that coat your palate, before transitioning to some pipe tobacco and violet notes midpalate.  The tannins are big but well behaved, providing for a wonderfully dry finish with a bit of bitter herbs at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a pleasant drinking Cabernet, but I admit I am not as much of a fan of the bitter end notes.  This wine was also a good value, as I found it at Costco for just $25.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs to grilled steak, rack of lamb to hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared prime filet mignon with a big baked potato and some oven roasted broccolini and shishito peppers.  Cheers!

2020 Helix Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Today has been an extra work day as I try to catch up on a number of projects (I think I have a bad habit of allowing too much on my plate, and not just at dinner!), so now I've decided to open a bottle of wine that just arrived yesterday.  I think I ordered this around Father's day as Reininger was running a sale, but because of the heat of summer it didn't ship until last week.  The 2020 Helix Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend if Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), Tempranillo (7%) and Malbec (4%) from the Phinny Hill, Stone Tree and Stone Valley Vineyards in the Columbia Valley 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 reveals and intriguing and complex layer of aromas, graphite, blackberry, leather, pipe tobacco, floral notes of violet amid hints of basalt, all of which have your mind racing in anticipation of the taste.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit, blackberry, cherry and currant, surrounded by bright acidity that catapults you to some wonderful mineral notes midpalate.  The fine grain tannins provide for a lengthy dry finish amidst notes of toasty oak that make this wine a rustic champ.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a wonderfully complex, yet easy drinking wine that belies it's inexpensive price tag (I bought a half case for $160, and wish I'd bought more!).  This wine would pair well with a range of fall comfort dishes, from hearty beef stew or chili, pasta and risotto, or classic grilled steaks or lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled, prime bone-in ribeye with sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms with some steamed corn on the cob.  Cheers!