2019 Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Happy Sunday!  Well, since it's the last Sunday of the month, it's time for Dinner in the Diner, where I explore a recipe that once graced the dining cars of some of the classic trains of the 20th Century.  Tonight, I've once again decided to go with a nice Bordeaux with my dinner and I've opened a bottle of 2019 Château Lalande de Gravet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that I purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  This wine is a blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) hand harvested from 45-year-old vines.  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 Merlot heavy blend.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum, with undertones of espresso, cedar and classic Bordeaux funk.  Take a sip and you are immediately awash in tart cherry fruit that quickly eases into some sweeter notes of plum and blackberry, before transitioning to some notes of dusty limestone and green cedar midpalate.  The tannins are nicely structured to provide the base for a long, smooth dry finish that is classic old world.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant tasting Bordeaux that hits all the right notes at a value price of just $20.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a comfort food Sunday dinner of Corn Bread Pie using the recipe from the B&O Railroad (posted below), which is simple to prepare and has a sweet and spicy filling, with a hearty cornbread crust.  I took a few liberties with the recipe and topped it with come shredded cheese and jalapenos to add just a little more zip. Cheers!

2020 Forgeron Cellars Syrah

Happy Saturday!  It's been a half relaxing, but busy day, with shopping, errands and then a trip to the gym, and now I am making dinner before heading out to a new event in town that a friend of mine is putting on.  At least there is wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2020 Forgeron Cellars Syrah.  This wine is composed of Syrah (94%) co-fermented with Viognier (6%) from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, perhaps somewhat heavier than you might expect from a Syrah.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of plum, blackberry, black cherry and peppery spice with floral undertones of violet.  The first sip is a rush of wild flavors, black cherry and plum up front, intermingled with toffee, cocoa powder and oak, before heading back to some black pepper spice at the finish.  The tannins are velvety smooth, making a fine foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a very pleasant drinking Syrah and certainly not priced out of the range of most consumers.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from braised short ribs to rack of lamb, pork tenderloin to mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some crispy skin salmon, mushroom pasta and asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir

Happy Sunday!  Well, tonight I've brought out a forgotten bottle of wine, as apparently I've reviewed the 2018 vintage, the 2020 vintage and the 2021 vintage, but now I'm finally getting around to the 2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir!  As a loyal shareholder, I am a big fan of Willamette Valley Vineyards' wines, and although the whole cluster Pinot Noir is ideal and approachable on release, tonight we'll find out how they perform five years on!

The wine is a delightful ruby color in the glass with nice clarity, just as you'd expect from the varietal.  A gentle swirl of my Pinot glass reveals aromas of raspberry, bing cherry, green cedar and a hint of eucalyptus.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe red fruit, cherry, raspberry and currant with just a bit of tartness that eases into some earthy notes of dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a smooth, dry finish that lingers with a reprise of berry at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a wonderful example of a solid Pinot Noir, that is approachable and ideal for pairing with a broad range of casual dinner fare.  This wine would be great with barbecue, pizza or tacos, grilled seafood or pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some miso glazed pan seared Coho salmon topped with microgreens, along with some farro and steamed broccolini.  Cheers!