#Bargain Napa Cabernet

[wine-porn]

BV Forever

Digging into an old friend tonight, and while I have said many times I don’t think anything produced from these pillars of classic Napa cab since about 1990 will be quite as timeless as the previous 3 decades, this wine is proving a strong argument against that theory. It’s literally going NOWHERE. At least nowhere quickly. And this is a fairly chubby vintage, too–another asterisk in my book…

[delfinamaggiousa]

The 25 Best Cabernet Sauvignons for 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red grape varietal in the United States, and for good reason: With flavor notes that range from green pepper to dark cherry and leather, it’s versatile and pairs as well with a fine dry-aged steak as it does a weeknight pasta dish. And while younger Cabernet Sauvignons are enjoyed for their bold acidity and tannins, those who prefer mellower, subtle red wines will find a lot to love in older vintages.

Of course, with popularity comes a wide variety of producers and prices, which can make deciding on a bottle particularly challenging.

To help, we’ve rounded up the best Cabernet Sauvignons that we’ve tried in the last six months. The wines on this list all scored a B+ or higher in our wine reviews, and are arranged by score and price. There are a few worthy splurges, but many fit comfortably in the $20 to $50 range, and there are also some surprising bargains to be had — proving that great Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed on any budget.

Here are 25 of the best Cabernet Sauvignons you can buy right now, with reviews by VinePair Tastings Director Keith Beavers.

Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé 2015 (A+) ($81.00)

This is an all-caps stellar wine from Pauillac and it’s under $100! I feel this wine has a soul and when you pour a glass it offers it for you to enjoy. It is deep, full-bodied, and extremely elegant. The acidity is perfect and the interwoven tannins hold together its impeccable structure. The nose has descriptors, for sure — black currant, leather, tobacco, white pepper — but all that matters is the sum of those parts coming together and physically affecting your posture as you take it in. This bottle is why we humans fall in love with wine and it still has years to evolve.

Clos du Val Winemaker’s Signature Series Three Graces Red Blend 2016 (A+) ($170.00)

The legacy of fine wine in Napa Valley is highly maintained here. This is an incredible bottle with brooding dark berry and smoked salt aromas. In terms of structure, it’s the definition of full-bodied with seamless tannins still folding into the wine. This is the kind of wine that hits your palate and you can’t help but pause and enjoy the moment before you take the next sip. It’s more than the price of a pair of AirPods but damn is it amaze.

Long Meadow Ranch Farmstead Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (A) ($31.00)

This is one of the most balanced Cabs I have tasted in a while from Napa Valley. Guys, throw your money at this wine if you dig that extremely balanced style without being kicked in the face by oak and vanilla. The fruit is focused, and the tannins are woven in. It’s young, and can age, but dammit it is singing now! If you have to buy this wine online, cuz it’s not widely available, just do it. Treat yourself and good friends.

Niner Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (A) ($35.00)

This is a big, bold Cab with bountiful acidity that keeps things lively on the palate. It’s kinda plush for a Cali Cab and has a soft nose that will remind you of blackberries and soil. Tannins are present but seamlessly integrated, forming a solid framework. This is the wine you pop with good friends and a big steak.

Château Rauzan-Ségla ‘Segla’ 2012 (A) ($52.00)

This is a great Bordeaux wine that will help you get into this fine wine region without losing your rent money. It is simultaneously powerful and elegant, with a nice density on the palate balanced by racy acidity that keeps things buoyant. The nose will remind you of aged balsamic flecked with pepper and a side of wild berry compote. On the palate, there’s a delicious steak tartare note, which is probably what you should be pairing it with.

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (A) ($59.00)

These days Cali Cabs are powerful, but can lack elegance. This wine is up there in price, but is one of the most powerful, yet elegant wines from Napa. The power of this wine lies in the depth of fruit and well-integrated tannin, forming a confident structure. The elegance resides in the vibrant acidity winding through the wine, allowing you to experience the classic aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon: plum, blackberry, and cracked black pepper. On the palate these two elements are in harmony, adding some cassis and currant notes. The tannin grips the edges, letting the core fruit settle calmly on the palate. This wine is special, and worthy of a night with good friends.

Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (A) ($66.00)

This wine is a bit funky when you open it but, like science, it blows off with a swirl, opening everything up. This is a very savory Cab; you can smell the classic stuff like blackberry and cracked black pepper, but it will also remind you of miso and tart balsamic. Then, on the palate, it all comes together, harmonizing into a beautiful, full-bodied, toothsome, soulful Cab that is worthy of the Valley on the label.

Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (A) ($146.00)

This wine shows the full power of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s dark and brooding and deserves descriptors such as: dense aromas of mocha and blackberries with slight hints of white and black pepper. All this means that this bottle is straight-up amazing. It has a rustic edge on the palate that will only soften over another year or so. If you’re going to spend this much money on Napa, please consider this bottle and buy the most expensive cut of meat you can afford.

Cecchi La Mora Maremma Toscana 2015 (A-) ($13.00)

The success of this wine lies in the price. Not often can you find a wine this balanced and awesome at $13, but man, does this bottle deliver. It has the soft, plush fruit of the Merlot, contrasted by the grippy tannins and peppery notes of the Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a dry red wine, meaning the astringency of the wine greets you first, then all the awesome fruit. Buy a case or two of this wine and have it on hand for whatever; everyone is going to dig it.

Aia Vecchia Lagone Toscana IGT 2016 (A-) ($16.00)

Bringing Cabernet Franc into this blend does wonders for the wine. It brightens up the Cabernet Sauvignon and adds a juiciness to the Merlot. The nose benefits as well, showing cherry notes and some fresh-turned soil, giving it a nice earthy depth while not weighing you down. This is the perfect wine to have on a pasta night with family or friends or bring to a dinner party. Everyone will dig it.

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (A-) ($21.00)

This is really cool, because you get a lot of the structure and aromas you would from a more expensive Cali Cab, but are paying half price. It’s not as textured as a fine wine, but has soft, well-integrated tannin, and balanced blackberry, and No.2 Pencil (graphite) aromas. It sets into the palate with medium acidity, allowing you to perceive its broad depth. At just over $20 this could be a solid weeknight steak dinner wine, or even a legit dinner party wine. It has all the characteristics for a crowd-pleasing American Cab.

Eberle Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (A-) ($44.00)

So balanced and grippy with a tight fruit core that you wanna chew on. The tannins are still a bit angry around the edges but define the frame of the wine. You can tell that in a couple of years this wine is going to shine like a superstar, but it is still drinking nice and juicy now. It’s under $50 and definitely worth laying down for a minute or four. But also consider this an awesome bottle to gift to a fellow wine lover or even impress the parents.

Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (A-) ($44.00)

The cool thing about this wine is that it won’t cost you too much, and you still get some seriously powerful Cali Cab vibes. This bottle is still aging, but is showing some awesome right now. It has nice tight fruit, with classic aromas that will remind you of cherries (maybe even cranberries), a forest in October, and a whiff of cracked black pepper. The tannins are young and dry, but create a nice framework for the fruit. It’s such a nice, balanced wine, and would kill as a gift to impress the boss or maybe an in-law.

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Legende R Pauillac 2015 (A-) ($48.00)

O.K., it’s pricey, but hey, that’s why we’re here: to help you enjoy your purchase. This bottle is widely available and an excellent example of the awesome of Pauillac. Wines from this sub-region of Bordeaux are fun cuz they drink well young, but also age for a really long time. The nose is alive with aromas that will remind you of blackberry jam and fresh-cracked black pepper along with an iron whiff you get from a fresh cut of meat. The palate, you could just chew on. It’s juicy and savory, begging for a lean steak or a stinky cheese plate. Share with good friends who dig this kind of stuff and you’ll just win all night.

Mazzei ‘Philip’ Rosso Toscana IGT 2014 (A-) ($50.00)

All kinds of cool stuff here. The dude, Philip, the wine is named after was Thomas Jefferson’s winemaker, so that’s awesome. And Cabernet Sauvignon is what good ol’ Philip Mazzei was charged with making. For an Italian Cab it’s soft and deep, with good dark fruit and a nice, firm tannic grip. This would jive with some steak or even a big pile of pasta with red sauce and some bolognese. OH!

Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (B+) ($10.00)

You just can’t go wrong here. The wine is $10 and solid. It has nice medium fruit and not a ton of oak. The acidity is right, making it not too heavy. Yo, I’m thinking you should get a case of this wine to have laying around for spontaneity or to pull from when you’re on your way to a cookout, a casual dinner party, or even game night with pizza. It’s a legit go-to definitely.

Taylors Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (B+) ($13.00)

For less than $20 this is a damn gem. It’s soft and rich, with the tannin woven right in, adding to the all-around structure. It has a fun nose of classic black pepper, but with a juicy vibe that’ll remind you of blackberries and espresso. If you are a big griller, this is a great wine to have on offer at your next BBQ.

Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (B+) ($16.00)

If you like having wine on hand just in case a get-together spontaneously emerges, here is a good one to buy a case of for red lovers in your posse. It’s under $20 with proper California Cab vibes of plum and blackberry fruit aromas framed by a well-woven tannin structure promoting some wafts of black pepper. It’s nice to know that there is a wine out there that is widely available, won’t break the bank, and tastes legit.

Angelo Innocenti Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (B+) ($17.00)

This is a hell of a deal. It’s less than $20 and solid AF. It’s full-bodied, but soft and peppery, with comfy earthy smells that will remind you of wild blackberries and a forest in October. The palate is smooth and the drying tannins are not even perceptible. Wine at this price shouldn’t be this complex, but here we are. Bring this to ANYTHING. I mean, name it. BBQ, Netflix pajama jammy jam, pizza party, burger party, pool party, wine and cheese night. Like, anything. It’s also a crowd pleaser.

Tenuta dei Sette Cieli ‘Yantra’ Toscana IGT 2018 (B+) ($23.00)

This is a fun alternative if you dig Bordeaux blends or red blends. It’s medium- to full-bodied with nice tight fruit. The intense oak you’re used to will not be apparent here, but you get more complexity. The acidity keeps the fruit tart and the body in balance, making it a great wine for a lean steak like skirt.

Dueling Pistols 2016 (B+) ($47.00)

This wine is soft and powerful. It has a luscious, juicy core with tannins that are so woven in you won’t feel them but will know they’re there when they whisper to you in the finish. It’ll definitely pair well with some roasted chicken or steak, but damn, I dunno, that might take away from the wine’s awesome.

Galerie Wines ‘Plenair’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (B+) ($53.00)

It’s big and oaky. The fruit is rich and tart; you’ll smack your lips for real. The tannins are subtle at first but then they settle in, giving the wine a nice long finish. It could use maybe one more year in bottle to soften up a bit, but this is a typical steakhouse red that you can bring to the parents or gift the boss.

Taub Family Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (B+) ($56.00)

This is such a classic California Cab, but it’s not ready yet. The core of the fruit is shy right now, not showing its full blackberry-rich awesomeness. And these crazy tannins need to straight-up chill for a minute (O.K., maybe a year) so this wine can shine. This is a great gift for the boss (or yourself) and a home run for dinner with the parents.

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards ‘Versada’ Red 2017 (B+) ($65.00)

It’s pricey, but balanced, and worth your money if you’re diggin’ on this red blend trend we are in right now. This is a powerful wine with good acidity, and softened tannins. It’s young but smooth and drinking well now. This bottle has harmony and will please multiple palates, making it a great wine to share with good friends.

The article The 25 Best Cabernet Sauvignons for 2020 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/25-best-cabernet-sauvignons-2020/

source https://vinology1.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/the-25-best-cabernet-sauvignons-for-2020/

[yycwine]

6 Wines from Somerston Wine Company with Craig Becker

Where: Thai Sa On Royal Thai Cuisine in Calgary, Alberta

When: Nov 2nd, 2017

On a cold and snowy afternoon in Calgary, I got a chance to catch up with Greg Blyth from Vice Imports at Thai Sa-On and get introduced to Craig Becker from Somerston Wine Company out of Napa Valley.  Mr. Becker is the director of wine making  and also wears the hats of co-founder and general manager giving him unique insights into the project and its wines.  The tasting consisted of 4 wines from the Priest Ranch line and 2 of the Somerston Estate portfolio. 

2014 Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc

We started the tasting with a splash of this $33 Sauv Blanc that showcased notes of peach, lemon and a touch of lime.  While unoaked, it exhibited a roundness on the mid palate that is atypical of most Sauvignon Blanc where the acid usually takes over and finished without a hint of bitterness or burn, which is no small feat considering its rather elevated alcohol level at 14.3%.  Available at Britannia Wine Merchants and select Highlander Wine locations.

2015 Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc

Our second wine was a grenache blanc which is typically found in the Rhone in France; a region that Mr. Becker holds dear.  When prompted around other white Rhone varieties, he discussed plans to cultivate more of these Rhone varieties and was looking forward to experimenting with these.  Grenache Blanc is a pretty rare bird and this $33 retail example was outstanding with a richness of peach, lemon and flowers while maintaining acidity over a mineral tinged finish.  This was a great pairing to Thai Sa-On deep fried stuffed chicken wings and spring rolls. This is a really cool wine that your wine friends will geek out to but has a drinkability that will appeal to all.  

2013 Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 was a blockbuster vintage in Napa and this is beautifully expressed in the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Priest Ranch. This inky purple giant showcases blackberry, cocoa, licorice and herbs with additional notes of violet. It soars on the entry and is powerful and oppulent over the mid palate and finish.  It does carry a touch of heat at 15.1% alcohol but stays drinkable.  This is a 15+ year wine despite Mr. Becker indicating his goal was to make a more approachable style of Cab that you don’t have to cellar for ages.  Around $72 retail and available at Willow Park Wines and Spirits, Highlander Wine and Spirits, Crowfoot Wine and Spirits and Britannia in Calgary. 

2014 Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

While not in our Alberta market yet, the 2014 Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon provided a glimpse into the next vintage.  Again, this is 100% cab but the 2014 vintage is decidedly more elegant and less powerful than its older sibling from 2013. While it carries the standard richness of dark berry fruits, this example had more soy and balsam punctuated with gorgeous vanilla character.  The oak program for both Priest Ranch cabs is 24 months in French oak of which 40% is new.  The 2014 provides great accessibility today and will over a 15 + year cellar window. Expecting a similar price of $72 retail.

2013 Somerston Estate Stornoway

Coming in at a mere 490 cases of production, the 2013 Stornoway is Mr. Becker’s hommage to the Right bank of Bordeaux.  It is a blend of estate grown fruit from the Stornoway single vineyard for the 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc from the Deer Hound vineyard and tips the scales at a whopping 15.1% ABV.  This last detail is a moot point as this blockbuster blend showcases plum, milk chocolate, smoke and black currant wrapped by soft tannins and structured with a backbone of acid that will reward cellaring.  This wine is exactly what Bordeaux lovers are looking for in the best vintages and while retailing for around $135 is a comparitive bargain compared to wines from the likes of Pavie or Angelus.  This is the real deal friends and is a cornerstone wine for the cellar.  $135 and available at Willow Park, Highlander and Crowfoot Wine and Spirits. 

2013 Somerston Estate Celestial Cabernet Sauvignon

Another 490 case masterpiece here, this example is sourced from a single blocks of the high altitude Celestial vineyard which is home to the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown on the estate. Showcasing a bouquet and palate of blackberry and black currant initially, it evolves in the glass showing secondary notes of graphite, cola, cedar and hoisin. It is a classically scored wine at 95+ points and is the puncutation of a near perfect growing season coupled with expert wine making.  The experience will set one back about $188 retail but for those collecting / cellaring or looking for a special gift, this 2013 Celestial is an excellent consideration.  Available at Willow Park Wine and Spirits and select Highlander Wine locations. 

YYCWine would like to thank Greg Blyth from Vice Imports, Craig Becker from Somerston Wine Company, Ned Danson from Cork Fine Wine along with Sam Chanhao and his staff at Thai Sa-On for an unforgettable afternoon of wine, food and conversation.  

[topochinesvino]

We lived in Napa for nearly five years and did our best to visit wineries across all of the far-flung American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that make up the larger Napa Valley AVA.  Of course, we tasted on the valley floor at many wineries on Highway 29 . . . along Silverado Trail . . . on the mountaintops (Howell, Spring, Diamond, Veeder.   But somehow, there is one location that we had not visited:  Pope Valley.   Sure, we were aware of its existence, nestled on the other sound of Howell Mountain on the way to Lake Berryessa.  And we had had several wines made from fruit grown in Pope Valley.  But it wasn’t until a fortuitous introduction to Thomas Wargovich, the vintner at Gratus Vineyards in Pope Valley, that we had occasion to make our way there.

In fairness, there are some valid reasons why we’ve not visited any tasting rooms there.  First of all, Pope Valley is somewhat remote and not really on the way to or from anywhere else that we typically visit.  Second, and more important, there really are not too many tasting rooms there open for visitation.  This might be the reason that Pope Valley is not at AVA yet, but we expect this status will come at some point as vineyards there produce most of the grapes that go into Napa Valley-designation wines.

So we set out one Saturday right before our Europe trip to visit Thomas at Gratus Vineyards and taste the wines that we had been hearing quite a bit about from wine bloggers over the previous several months.  Seemingly, Gratus wines had become a bit of a cult hit with wine geeks of late (and for good reason we would soon learn).  The drive from our home in Mare Island to Pope Valley was about an hour as we took the back way through Green Valley and Suisun wine country, eventually crossing into Napa and taking the beautiful winding roads to Thomas’ property.  We knew we were in for a visual treat as we entered the Gratus Vineyards’ gate and made our way up the stunningly picturesque driveway winding its way up to Thomas’ home.

Now this is a nice driveway!

Once we got to the top of the hill and parked we could see that a great deal of landscaping and planting had been done over the years, which Thomas confirmed for us when he gave us the tour of his property.  Since purchasing the estate in 2001, Thomas has planted over 300 different types of trees and other plants; on the Fall day we were there, the explosion of color was eye-popping.

After our tour, Thomas took us down to a quaint tasting room on the property where we settled in to get a taste of some of the wines we had been hearing so much about, and to learn more about Thomas and the Gratus Vineyards story.  I have to say, the wines really are special and I understand what all the fuss is about: Gratus makes elegant, balanced, creative wines that capture the essence of the terroir but also have an Old World sensibility that I always appreciate.

We kicked off the tasting with the one white wine that Gratus produces – their 2018 Rhone White Blend ($29).  Most of the wine tastings we attend in Napa Valley seem to kick off with one of two white wines – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.  While I enjoy both varietals when done well, I am getting bored with them lately, especially the trend of making 100% stainless steel versions that produce wines with little to no body or mouthfeel.  By contrast, the Gratus Rhone White Blend was a lively, interesting, luscious white wine, a blend of  Grenache Blanc (50%) and 15% each of Marsanne, Rousanne and Viognier, and 5% Picpoul Blanc.   This wine was aged in neutral oak for seven months which contributed beautiful color and texture and flavor.  The wine balances fruit and acidity nicely and is excellent quality for the price.

We next tried a rose wine, a 2016 on Gratus’ new label L’ovey.  Thankfully, this was not another rose of Pinot Noir but instead an intriguing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot made in the saignee method.  This wine has a vibrant salmon color, intense floral and strawberry notes on the nose, and on the palate more strawberry.  While this is a dry  wine with nice acidity, there is some sweetness on the palate and lots of body.  Nicely priced at $23.

While we definitely enjoyed the white and rose, the “wow” moments of our tasting came when Thomas transitioned us to the Gratus red wines.  Our first red wine tasted was the 2016 Gratus Malbec, a deep and dense purple color filling my glass.

Even better than I was expecting

I have had Malbec wines from France and Argentina and this 2016 Gratus Malbec resembled neither – or perhaps, more accurately, it had the best attributes of each resulting in perhaps the best Malbec I have had yet.  There was lovely black fruit on the palate without being excessively fruit forward; there was nice acidity and integrated tannins that make this a wine perfect for food but easily consumed without.  At $55 a bottle we think this is a steal for such a high-quality Napa Valley red wine and it makes us wonder why more vintners aren’t planting this varietal in the valley.

Our next red wine was the 2016 Gratus Red Blend – 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec and 5% Petite Sirah.  This is a big, bold, tannic powerhouse of a wine that begs to be consumed with a slab of meat.  Intense and bold aromas and flavors, a beautiful and long finish.  At $80 a bottle, it is still a bargain compared to 3-digit Cabernet-driven wines from other Napa wineries; a very nice wine.

We moved on to a single-varietal Cabernet, the 2016 Gratus Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, another big, bold wine.  In some ways I would consider this a classic “Napa Cab” – beautiful fruit, powerful aromas, nice tannin, silky texture.  However, there is more to this wine than just the fruit:  the wine is elegant, structured, and, like the rest of the Gratus wines, there is a strong backbone of acid that balances the fruit.  This wine is $120 a bottle and is as good a Cab at that price as we have tasted.

A classic Napa Cab

Our final Gratus wine of the tasting was perhaps my favorite – the 2015 Petite Sirah.  While this is not the most commonly-grown varietal in Napa Valley, we have always enjoyed the three Petite Sirah offerings at Vincent Arroyo.  The Gratus PS was as good as anything we have tasted in Napa Valley.  When Thomas poured it into the glass, I marveled at the dense, inky color and spent several minutes just savoring the aromas – spice, earth, stewed meat, dark fruit.  A beautiful wine and, at $50 a bottle, one to stock up on before it is all gone.

Delicious Gratus Vineyards wines

  After tasting through the entire portfolio of Gratus wine, I was having such a good time getting to know Thomas and learning about the winery’s history that I canceled by lunch reservation.  Perhaps in part because of our somewhat shared family histories (I was born in Ukraine, Thomas’ ancestry is Czech and Polish), we really hit it off.  He even showed off by speaking in Russian, a language that he studied in college.  Instead of leaving to eat at Cook Tavern in Saint Helena, we proceeded to Thomas’ wine cave under his house where he keeps his personal collection of wines.

This is what I want to have when I grow up – my own wine cave

Thomas was so gracious with his time – and his wine, sharing a few bottles of his personal collection with us (and a couple of friends who popped in to join us).

We chatted all afternoon and I feel like it was the start of a real friendship.  It is always a treat when the people making the great wines are also great people.

Thomas was a cardiologist by career until the fateful day a medical convention brought him to the Bay Area and a side field trip to Napa Valley.  He fell in love with the Valley and decided to buy a spread and, as the old saying goes, one thing led to another . . . One day, he scrapped the medical career and decided the wine business would be his full-time vocation.  Partnered with winemaker-extraordinaire Robbie Meyer, Thomas is producing wines he can be proud of.  Visit the Gratus website and pick up some of these beauties before they sell out. Production is limited.  To buy wines, go here:  Buy Gratus Wine.  To learn more about Thomas or the Gratus story, go here:  About GratusAbout Gratus

  Irene Ingersoll

November 29, 2019

  Grateful for Great Wine at Gratus We lived in Napa for nearly five years and did our best to visit wineries across all of the far-flung American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that make up the larger Napa Valley AVA.

[sherrygorugh]

Geisha Coffees Continue to Shatter Sales Records — Are They Worth The Hype?

When we last wrote in depth about Geisha (also spelled Gesha) coffees in 2017, a 100-pound lot of this prized variety of Arabica, grown at Hacienda La Esmeralda by the Peterson family, had just broken the then-current record for the highest price ever paid for a green coffee: $601 per pound. Flash forward to July of this year, when that record was shattered by the Lamastus family, whose Elida Estate natural-processed green-tip Geisha sold at the annual Best of Panama auction for $1,029 a pound. Spoiler alert: The Elida coffee earned the top score in our cupping this month of Geisha coffees, an impressive 97. So, yes, it’s good. Very, very good.

But when one considers that the average price per pound of a high-grown, high-grade Arabica coffee sold through the commodity system is currently barely over one dollar per pound ($1.0035 at this moment, to be exact), what does this huge discrepancy say about the state of coffee as an industry? Is it hollowed out in the middle, increasingly divided between a tiny prestige-chasing elite and a vast, anonymous commodity machine?

Of course, from a pleasure-driven sensory perspective, even decent commodity-grade coffees like the 100% Colombias one finds on supermarket shelves (which probably fall roughly into the buck-a-pound-green price category) bear little resemblance in the cup to a fine Panama Geisha. But neither do such straightforward commodity coffees have much in common with the many fine non-Geisha specialty coffees we often rate at scores of 93 to 95, and which probably cost roasters somewhere around $4 a pound. In this context, these record-breaking auction prices for Geishas seem absurd.

Farmer Rigoberta Herrera, of Granja La Esperanza in Colombia, checking Geisha fruit as it dries. Courtesy of Bird Rock Coffee.

Barry Levine, of Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea in Connecticut, secured eight pounds of the Elida Geisha. Levine is a pioneer in the specialty coffee industry and the longest-standing juror at the Best of Panama competition. While he acknowledges the disturbing dichotomy represented by these extremes at either end of the price scale, he has also witnessed, firsthand, the evolution in quality of Panama Geisha, and he compares these small, highly allocated auction lots to what we routinely see in the wine industry. Cult Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa and first-growth Bordeaux wines — which, unlike coffee, are designed to get better with age — often sell for thousands of dollars a bottle. (In 2018, a single bottle of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti sold for $558,000.)

And, apart from the excesses of certain auction coffees, even the finest specialty coffee remains very much underpriced, particularly from a producer perspective. See Editor Kenneth Davids’ article, “Coffee’s Economic Paradox: $40 Charged in Paris, $3 Paid in Kenya” for some reflections on today’s specialty coffee prices and their relationship to producers.

Why Is Geisha the Darling of the Specialty Coffee Industry?

Why Geisha? What is the particular appeal of this relatively rare variety of Arabica? Geisha was discovered in the Gori Gesha forest of western Ethiopia in the 1930s by British Consul Richard Whalley (in the general vicinity of where the Coffea arabica species itself is thought to have originated). From there, it was carried, relatively anonymously, to East Africa, then Costa Rica, then finally to the Peterson farm in Panama. The Petersons introduced it to the Best of Panama auction in 2004, where it blew the jurors away with its extraordinary aromatics and flawless structure. Essentially, it was unlike any other coffee on the table.

We at Coffee Review have cupped hundreds of Geisha coffees over the years and can confirm its distinctive character. While not all Geishas rise to the level of an Elida or a Hacienda La Esmeralda, the best are abundantly floral, uniquely fruit-toned, and richly cocoa-laden. They really are categorically different from the rest of the world’s coffees. True, the finest coffees produced from indigenous “landrace” Ethiopia varieties often come close to Geisha’s aromatic fireworks, but they are never quite as vast and intricate in their aromatics, nor as authoritative in their structure. And the success of Panama Geishas at auction, along with their demand in the specialty coffee market, has caused farmers in just about every coffee-producing region in the world to try their hand at producing them.

This month’s report features the top-scoring Geishas we cupped from Panama, Ethiopia, and Colombia, ranging in score from 94-97.

A Rose By Any Other Name

Before we get into the details of these nine extraordinary coffees, a brief note about the spelling of Geisha/Gesha. In short, the spelling of this word is quite controversial! Last year’s article in Sprudge, “Stop Calling It Geisha, Already,” by Jenn Chen, argues that “Gesha” is the correct spelling because the coffee was first identified in the Gesha Gori forest, and that the British expedition that found the coffee mislabeled it as “Geisha.” But the Peterson family remains steadfast in its embrace of “Geisha” as the proper name, given that all the official documents related to this coffee’s arrival in Panama spell it that way. Our solution? We go with what the producer prefers. Most Ethiopia producers spell it as “Gesha,” and understandably so, while, most producers in Central and South America spell it as “Geisha,” with the exception of Ninety Plus Coffee, which grows in both Panama and Ethiopia; founder Joseph Brodsky goes with “Gesha.” (Just this week, one of Brodsky’s experimental coffees sold for a self-reported $10,000 a kilo in Dubai.)

The Nine Top-Scoring Geishas

Of the more than 40 samples submitted from five coffee-producing origins (Panama, Colombia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala), we rated one from Panama, the Elida Green-Tip Geisha Natural roasted by Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, at 97; we rated three additional Panamas at 96, 95, and 94; two Colombias at 96, and three Ethiopias at 94.

Mind-Blowing Aromatics at the Top

The Willoughby’s Geisha was truly ethereal, a nuanced, exceptionally lush cup with notes of aprium, star jasmine, pistachio butter, cocoa, pink peppercorn and almond brittle. Levine says it was particularly nerve-wracking for his roaster, Jeff Cannon, to nail the roast profile with only 80 grams of coffee to work with. Because Willoughby’s had only eight pounds total, it was imperative that they waste as little as possible. They sent 50 grams for us to cup and cupped the remaining 30 grams themselves. The plan is to sell it as an experience, in a boxed set that includes 1/4 pound of the coffee along with commemorative items still being considered. Levine may also hold a tasting event for $100 a cup.

The Best of Panama certification for Kakalove Cafe’s lot of the Finca Kalithea Panama Geisha. Courtesy of Kakalove Cafe.

At 96, the Panama Finca Kalithea Natural Geisha roasted by Kakalove Café in Taiwan is a high-toned, delicately fruit-centered cup with notes of mulberry, coconut, sandalwood, dark chocolate and lilac. And at just 750 Taiwan dollars (approximately $24 USD) for four ounces, it’s worth ordering a bag to do a side-by-side. They’re very different coffees, and both very worthy.

Relative Bargains from Colombia

We also rated two Colombia Geishas at 96, a Valle de Cauca natural-process roasted by Bird Rock Coffee in San Diego and a Finca La Maria Geisha Natural roasted by Klatch Coffee in Los Angeles. The former is a savory-sweet cup with notes of chocolate fudge, ripe wild strawberry, honey, macadamia nut and fine Roquefort cheese, while the latter is a cleanly fruit-toned natural with notes of dried raspberry, halvah, plumeria, pink peppercorn and lemon verbena. Both are a relative bargain at $60 and $54.95 for eight ounces, respectively.

A Uniquely Composed Washed-Process Panama

Boulder, Colorado’s Dragonfly Coffee submitted a Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Super Mario 6 Geisha, the most unusual of the top-scorers in that it forgoes the more common delicately fruit-toned profile for an overtly umami-centered approach, with a throughline of white peppercorn ensconced in lush florals, deep chocolate, and crisp pear notes. It’s a coffee with a distinct personality that invites you to get on its wavelength and is perhaps the most polarizing of the Geishas reviewed this month. We love it, as it defies expectations in the best possible way. It’s available for $60 for eight ounces on the Dragonfly website.

A Panama, a Colombia, and Two Ethiopias at 94

Caffe Luxxe’s Panama Alto Jaramillo is one of two Panama Geishas reviewed here that is a washed-process coffee (and one of only three washed Geishas on this list of nine). It’s austere only in comparison to the unabashedly fruit-forward naturals; in and of itself, it’s exquisitely balanced, crisply and sweetly bright, with notes of tangerine zest, lavender, cocoa, cedar, and fresh apricot ($40 for four ounces).

Based on the two exceptional Ethiopia Geshas (one natural-processed and one washed) we review here, there is potential for a broad range of sensory pleasures from Geshas emerging from their original home. Both were produced by Adam and Rachel Overton at Gesha Village Estate in the Bench-Maji Zone of southern Ethiopia. The washed coffee, roasted by Mudhouse Roasters in Charlottesville, Virginia ($50 for eight ounces) is richly sweet-savory and deeply floral-toned, with notes of honeysuckle, bergamot, toffee, myrrh and a surprising (but pleasing) hint of fresh coriander. The natural Gesha was roasted by Taiwan-based GK Coffee (1200 Taiwan dollars, about $38.75 USD, for 100 grams), a balanced, sweetly tart cup with notes of honey, lilac, guava, frankincense and cacao nib.

Gary of GK Coffee in Taiwan, serving coffee in his shop. Courtesy of GK Coffee.

The remaining 94 is the Laderas Del Tapias Estate Natural Colombia, roasted by Cafetaster in Taiwan (1350 Taiwan dollars, $43.50 USD for 230 grams), thoroughly berry-toned with notes of baking spices and cocoa throughout and a subtle hint of sweet fruit ferment.

More Questions In Lieu of Conclusions

It’s not really possible to answer all the questions raised by the Geisha/Gesha variety’s startling success across the world. What’s clear is that we’re going to be seeing much more of it in the coming years, and from origins beyond its original home, Ethiopia, its pioneering adopted home, Panama, and rising star Colombia. Coffees we don’t have space to report on here that performed very well include a Geisha from Costa Rica at 93 and one from Guatemala at 92. One might argue that the proliferation of this variety across many origins, if quality continues to improve, will benefit farmers by commanding higher prices and elevating the perceived status of coffee production, generally. Or it may just drive a wedge between coffee for the one percent and coffee for the rest of us. It’s hard to predict, but the emphasis on quality that Geisha has brought with it — because of its relative rarity and the precise conditions it needs to be grown successfully — can only be viewed as a positive.

The post Geisha Coffees Continue to Shatter Sales Records — Are They Worth The Hype? appeared first on Coffee Review.

Geisha Coffees Continue to Shatter Sales Records — Are They Worth The Hype? published first on https://linlincoffeeequipment.tumblr.com/

[jackiedluke]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel (Napa Valley): Jammy, spicy, and maybe needs a personal trainer to take care of that soft-in-the-middle thing it has going on. $38 B+

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Dark, potent, deliciously evil spells are being cast, and I’m actually totally okay with that. $54 A-

2014 Broadside Margarita Vineyards Merlot (Paso Robles): Won’t wow you with its penchant for simplicity, but what’s there is as juicy and meaty as one could reasonably hope. $18 B

2016 Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley): Stellar fruit, capable hands, killer packaging… fifty clams well-spent, especially if you like your Chard messages to be powerful but understated. $50 A-

2016 Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): There’s a sexy-ass red car on the label; annnnnd there’s a sexy-ass red wine in the bottle. $65 A-

2016 Baker & Brain Paragon Vineyard Grüner Veltliner (Edna Valley): It’s bigger, and bustier than your normal GV, but yeah, someone with a brain for wine clearly baked this one up for us. $28 B+

2010 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja):What. The. Actual. F*CK?!?? Spicy vibrancy that amounts to a downright incredible bargain. $25 A-

2015 Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc Collio (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): Refreshing, spicy, and tart red fruits… someone needs to get some pasta bolognese up in here, stat! $30 B+

NV Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut (Alsace): Puttin’ the creamy in Cremant. Also putting the delicious in Cremant. Ok, that doesn’t work… anyway, shut the hell up, you know what I meant! $20 B+

2013 Odfjell Aliara (Central Valley): As silky smooth as a ship’s brand new sail, and as alluring as, well, pick your favorite maritime voyage imagery. $40 A-

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

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Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018 from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-october-29-2018/

source https://meself84.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-october-29-2018/ from Sommelier Courses https://sommeliercourses.blogspot.com/2018/10/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for_29.html

[canvasclothiers]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel (Napa Valley): Jammy, spicy, and maybe needs a personal trainer to take care of that soft-in-the-middle thing it has going on. $38 B+

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Dark, potent, deliciously evil spells are being cast, and I’m actually totally okay with that. $54 A-

2014 Broadside Margarita Vineyards Merlot (Paso Robles): Won’t wow you with its penchant for simplicity, but what’s there is as juicy and meaty as one could reasonably hope. $18 B

2016 Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley): Stellar fruit, capable hands, killer packaging… fifty clams well-spent, especially if you like your Chard messages to be powerful but understated. $50 A-

2016 Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): There’s a sexy-ass red car on the label; annnnnd there’s a sexy-ass red wine in the bottle. $65 A-

2016 Baker & Brain Paragon Vineyard Grüner Veltliner (Edna Valley): It’s bigger, and bustier than your normal GV, but yeah, someone with a brain for wine clearly baked this one up for us. $28 B+

2010 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja):What. The. Actual. F*CK?!?? Spicy vibrancy that amounts to a downright incredible bargain. $25 A-

2015 Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc Collio (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): Refreshing, spicy, and tart red fruits… someone needs to get some pasta bolognese up in here, stat! $30 B+

NV Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut (Alsace): Puttin’ the creamy in Cremant. Also putting the delicious in Cremant. Ok, that doesn’t work… anyway, shut the hell up, you know what I meant! $20 B+

2013 Odfjell Aliara (Central Valley): As silky smooth as a ship’s brand new sail, and as alluring as, well, pick your favorite maritime voyage imagery. $40 A-

  Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018 from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers!

Source: http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-october-29-2018/

[wine-porn]

Heaven-Smithed

This one’s gonna need a bit of a decant, a fact ridiculously obvious from first sniff. Normally–even with young cabs requiring air–I begin formulating my review–or even writing it–from first pop, but allow things to evolve before solidifying my analysis on paper. But this one. Oh boy. Just clamshell-tight. Which seems odd from a vintage WS gave 99 points, because… well… I don’t have to explain…

[johnboothus]

25 of the Best Red Blends for 2020

“Red blend” is a “does what it says on the tin” kind of term — it tells you everything and nothing about what’s inside. Put simply, a red blend is a wine made with a blend of red wine grapes. The category has come to signify a particular type of New World red wine, often from California, that has been blended to resemble classic European regional wines, such as Bordeaux. (No, Bordeaux, although a classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, is not considered a “red blend.” Yes, we need to come up with better terminology around red blends.)

If your red wine preferences tend toward monovarietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, it’s time to give red blends a chance. The fact that they are tailor-made to suit individual winemakers’ preferences and goals means that there is a wide range in flavor profiles — and prices — of red blends.

To help you navigate an admittedly ambiguous category, we’ve pulled together a list of the best red blends we’ve tried in the past six months. The wines on this list have all been graded A+ to B in VinePair’s wine reviews written by VinePair tasting director Keith Beavers.

Within each letter “grade,” wines are listed by price, lowest to highest. While half the bottles on this list are $35 or under, there are also a few worthy splurges that decisively prove that “blended” isn’t a synonym for “cheap.”

Here 25 of the best red blends you can buy right now.

Tablas Creek Vineyards Cotes de Tablas Red 2018 (A+) ($36.00)

This is a great American wine. It has depth and a big personality, while not sacrificing subtlety. This bottle is a joy to drink, and I am not sure I want to share. The nose smells like blackberry compote and fresh cracked black pepper. Also, if you’ve ever been in an herb garden, your brain will go straight there when you stick your nose in the glass. The tannins are grippy, framing all of this awesome. Instead of steak, I’m thinking about roasting some pork or maybe grilling up lamb. BRB.

Clos du Val Winemaker’s Signature Series Three Graces Red Blend 2016 (A+) ($170.00)

The legacy of fine wine in Napa Valley is highly maintained here. This is an incredible bottle with brooding dark berry and smoked salt aromas. In terms of structure, it’s the definition of full-bodied with seamless tannins still folding into the wine. This is the kind of wine that hits your palate and you can’t help but pause and enjoy the moment before you take the next sip. It’s more than the price of a pair of AirPods but damn, is it amaze.

P.S. Garcia Bravado Red Blend 2016 (A) ($21.00)

This wine is so well built. It’s comprised of five grapes and the result is a seamless, fruit-driven, earthy, incredibly balanced wine. It smells like herbed steak tartare and blackberry compote sprinkled with fresh cracked black pepper. The palate is full and juicy, with excellent integration of tannins, making you just want to chew on it. Buy as many as you can afford, because this wine is only going to get better. But it’s ready for a lean steak dinner, stat.

Tablas Creek Vineyards Patelin de Tablas 2018 (A) ($23)

This wine has concentration and depth, along with some great acidity giving it a nice grip on the palate, but not at all overwhelming. It smells like rich earth and a batch of just-plucked wild berries, still smelling of the bark of the vine they grew on. You will also recognize the subtle hint of balsamic (the thick, aged stuff). If there ever was a focused casual wine for a meal with good friends and a rack of lamb smothered with garlic and mint, this is it.

Early Mountain Eluvium 2016 (A) ($35.00)

If you aren’t comfy with e-commerce this might be the time to figure that out, because this wine is only available on the site and is one of the best red wines coming out of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Heck, it’s just an amazing red wine, period. It is soft yet powerful, elegant yet structured, with balanced fruit aromas of cherries and blackberries with a waft of fresh tobacco (a sign of well-managed vineyards) for good measure; and the palate is velvety, yet deep. You’ll drink this wine and keep saying, “Really? Virginia?” Yeah, really, this wine is wonderful.

King Family Vineyards Mountain Plains Red 2016 (A) ($70.00)

Damn, this is how I like my big, full-bodied, Bordeaux-inspired, higher-alcohol, oaked red blends. That it’s all these things, and extremely balanced, is such a success. It sets into your palate like a comfy duvet with blackberry fruit and black pepper, and a tight tannic framework. This wine will cost you some pennies, but it is a great wine to see how structured Virginia wine can age (it’ll go for another 10 years, easy). It’s only available on the winery’s site, but is worth your e-commerce time online.

Castello di Cacchiano Rosso Toscana IGT 2015 (A-) ($17)

Welcome to old school Chianti, when white wine was blended in. It’s no longer allowed for DOCG, but not IGT! This wine is an exact representation of how it used to be done, while showing absolute quality (OK, there’s a skosh of Merlot, too; whatever!). The white wine (Malvasia Bianca) folds into the wine, touching the structure with light acidity and livening up this extremely soulful (meaning you sip, pause, and can’t help but reflect), and earthy wine. You’ll get the classic aromas of cherry and strap leather, and I doubt this wine is filtered because it has serious depth and tannins that are still softening. Ever made a Florentine steak? When you sip this wine, you’ll be Googling recipes.

Intrinsic Red Blend 2017 (A-) ($21.00)

It’s not often that we get a badass label with a badass wine inside but, hell, yeah! Here we are. The tagger/writer/full-sleeve tat vibe the bottle conveys comes through in the wine. Soft and fruit-forward with a juicy palate, it’s easy to sip and share. This wine is straight-up chill (actually, you could chill it. #feelme). You’ll dig this wine and keep looking at the bottle thinking, damn, this is good. Pair this with designing your next tag or tat (just get the tat) or open it for a straight-up pizza party. What a crowd pleaser.

San Pedro Sideral 2017 (A-) ($23.00)

It’s time to take a new look at Chilean wine. It’s not the bargain wine you are used to. More and more great wine from the Andes are in our market, like this one. At a quarter of the price of high-end Cali red blend, this wine has what you are looking for. Tight, dark, focused fruit, with slightly peppery notes. There is a little more acidity here than on the West Coast, too, so this wine won’t weigh down your palate, but make that meat dish you’re preparing taste like it was awarded five stars.

King Family Vineyards Meritage 2016 (A-) ($36.00)

Virginia wine is coming along so well. The only setback is that most of it is only available on e-commerce. But damn if some are worth your time and money online. This is a wonderful, full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend with depth and aromas that will call to mind blackberries, cracked black pepper, and cassis. It’s just under 14 percent alcohol, which is a perfect environment for the wine to show it’s layers as it opened in the glass.

Gamble Family Vineyards Paramount Red 2016 (A-) ($91.00)

The definition of high-end, well-structured, and impeccable California/Bordeaux style (only in grapes, not character) lies in this bottle. It’s powerful yet elegant, showing off its awesome right now. It’s not done, though, and wants to soften a bit around the edges. It has a beautiful concentrated fruit core, with great acidity teaching your palate lessons in balance. It’s crazy expensive, but if you’re ballin this is a great bottle to ball out with, in a year or two that is.

Murphy-Goode Red Blend 2015 (B+) ($12.00)

There are nine, NINE grape varieties in this wine. NINE! And somehow it works. Tons of this wine is made, and there are no real discerning characteristics, other than some dark-fruit notes, silky tannins, and a palate you want to chew on. Which is great! Because this is a big ol’ sloppy, juicy burger bottle. This bottle wants to get messy with you and wash it all down. And it’s under $15. Buy a case, fire up the grill, and get on that group text chain. It’s time for a cookout.

Santa Julia Reserva Mountain Blend 2018 (B+) ($12.00)

This is a solid, affordable go-to for red blend lovers. It has deep, dark fruit, and a nice heft on the palate. You’ll dig the mocha and vanilla, and the concentration. If you need a wine for a steak night with a big group, this is a great bottle. Hell, get a case.

Newton Vineyard ‘Skyside-Red Label’ Claret 2017 (B+) ($21.00)

Well, this wine is nice and smooth. It’s also a success in this price range. You will dig the soft, supple fruit, framed by a nice, prominent tannin structure. You’ll enjoy the subtle aromas of blackberry and blueberry fruit with a waft of pepper. It’s also balanced enough that it will appease the softer palates as well as the more full-bodied wine lovers.

Tenshen Red Blend 2018 (B+) ($24.00)

This wine is huge. It has 15.5 percent alcohol, which is way up there. It has dark stewed berry fruit aromas and some mocha. It has all the makings of an intrusive, intense wine that can’t pair with anything other than itself, but it isn’t. Instead, the palate is soft and smooth with well-integrated tannins and deep blackberry fruit and a mocha core. The acidity (so Central Valley) is nice and high so it won’t overwhelm you. I’m thinkin’ messy BBQ slaw and some sunshine with this wine. Enjoy!

Coquelicot Estate Mon Amour 2017 (B+) ($45.00)

This is a wine that leans heavy into the organic side of things. It’s balanced, with soft fruit and good acidity. The tannins are well integrated, with a nice light weight on the palate. But with all this there is a definite leathery soil aroma masking what would be vibrant blue and blackberry aromas. If you dig that “natural” feel in wine, this is your higher-end Cali style, and would jive with good friends and a cheese plate.

Dueling Pistols 2016 (B+) ($47.00)

This wine is soft and powerful. It has a luscious, juicy core with tannins that are so woven in you won’t feel them but know they’re there when they whisper to you in the finish. It’ll definitely pair well with some roasted chicken or steak, but damn, I dunno, that might take away from the wine’s awesome.

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards ‘Versada’ Red 2017 (B+) ($65.00)

It’s pricey, but balanced, and worth your money if you’re diggin’ on this red-blend trend we are in right now. This is a powerful wine with good acidity and softened tannins. It’s young but smooth and drinking well now. This bottle has harmony and will please multiple palates, making it a great wine to share with good friends.

Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise 2017 (B) ($15.00)

This is a party wine, hands-down. The wine does not reflect the blend, but who cares, right? The alcohol is high and will burn a bit going down, but that’s rock ’n’ roll. The label is a skull with flaming dice for eyes, like a concert poster from the ’70s, so it will look cool at a Halloween party, a rager, or paired with BBQ at a cookout.

Quinta do Vallado Tinto 2017 (B) ($20)

The alcohol here is a bit too high, and it messes with any subtle aromas that might emerge. But it’s deep, dark, and inky with some prune and blackberry fruit flavors that are somewhat balanced for a boozy wine. It won’t do for a simple Netflix and chill night, but for a big, protein-heavy meal it could work.

Maison les Alexandrins Cotes du Rhone Les Terrasses de l’Eridan Rouge 2016 (B) ($21)

If you are in a wine shop or supermarket and see this wine, it works as a last-minute pickup. It has balance and dark general fruit, with good acidity and tannin. It is not going to knock anyone out of the park, but is a solid, easy-drinking red for a wine table at a party, or maybe a gift for a host.

Bootleg Sonoma County ‘Prequel’ Red 2015 (B) ($31)

The label looks like a Lichtenstein on weed after a Quentin Tarrantino film and the liquid doesn’t smell or taste like the grapes that made the wine. It has a whopping high alcohol content, and whatever subtleties the wine had have been eaten by the heat. But it has a sweet fruit core and good acidity, so, with its cool bro label, it’s a fun gift wine or a bottle to drink with goopy BBQ. But hydrate, cuz yes, that says 15.1 percent alcohol.

Aia Vecchia Sor Ugo Bolgheri Superiore 2016 (B) ($35)

If you like big, oaky, high-alcohol, dark fruit, and vanilla-driven red blends from the likes of California, you’ll like this wine. It’s hot and sweet with young tannins that grip your palate and hang on well after you’ve sipped and swallowed. It requires heavy doses of protein to balance with a meal, making it a good steakhouse or steak- in-your-house wine.

J. Lohr Cuvee Pom Red Wine 2015 (B) ($47.00)

The name “Pom” is a nod to the Merlot-based wines on the right bank of the river in Bordeaux, and the wine has hints of this, but with much higher alcohol. The Bordeaux vibes come in waves of plush peppery fruit and some subtle tannic edges. But the core of the wine is all Central Cali, where the heat really ripened the hell out of these grapes, calling for a good amount of oak. The result is a bold red blend with good acidity and chocolate and plum aromas that would be a nice gift for full-bodied wine lovers.

Le Dix de Los Vascos 2015 (B) ($60.00)

This wine may need some more time in the bottle. There are indications of soft fruit and a juicy structure, but it’s still a bit rough. This may be a good bottle to lay down for a year and see where it goes. Or gift to someone who digs that stuff.

The article 25 of the Best Red Blends for 2020 appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/25-best-red-blends-2020/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/25-of-the-best-red-blends-for-2020

[delfinamaggiousa]

The 50 Best Wines of 2019

It’s been another wine-filled year at the VinePair HQ, and while the months passed by in a blur, 50 bottles stood out above the rest and etched a place in our memories. To help readers enter the new year (and decade!) with a list of wonderful experiences to discover with a glass in hand, we’re sharing our top 50 wines of 2019.

As in previous years, this annual ranking tells a story in 50 bottles. These labels are not only the wines we enjoyed the most over the past 12 months; they’re what we consider to represent the most important trends in wine right now.

Leading the conversation is the class and quality offered by American Chardonnay. The days of “anything but Chardonnay” became a distant memory when we tasted the bottles of several domestic producers, who are highlighting the wonders and nuance of the world’s most popular white variety.

As the months went on, we became increasingly excited about Spanish wines, especially those from less explored regions, grapes, and producers. Our staff, panelists, and wine director agree Spain is currently offering some of the best value for money, and most exciting drinking experiences right now.

It’s also been a year of triumphant comebacks from grapes that, but for the noble work of a few producers, could have become extinct. Italy more than any other nation proved notably nostalgic in this respect.

All wines in this ranking were first sampled and reviewed by VinePair’s tasting department. We then compiled a “short list” of bottles that received an A+ or A rating, and whittled that list down to 50 wines using multiple criteria.

All bottles must be readily available in the U.S., offer great value for money, and be drinking well right now. None of the wines from last year’s list could be considered for inclusion, and we placed a limit of one bottle per winery.

The VinePair staff then debated, and debated again where each bottle should place. We finally tasted the potential top 10 multiple times to cement our final ranking.

Here are VinePair’s top 50 wines of 2019, tasted and ranked.

50. Trivento Amado Sur 2016 ($14)

Malbec lends a medium-bodied, dark-fruit core to this affordable Argentine blend. Bonarda lifts the wine, adding juicy strawberry notes, while a splash of Syrah finishes things off with peppery, herbaceous vibes. This wine is fun and lively, and we believe everyone will love it.

49. Château Rieussec R de Rieussec Blanc Sec 2018 ($25)

Bordeaux might be best-known for its red blends, but the region also makes awesome whites like this zippy Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend. It is simultaneously salty and sweet, yet racy acidity and tart green apple notes are present to balance it out.

48. Peter Zemmer ‘Rollhutt’ Pinot Noir 2017 ($19)

From Alto Adige in northeastern Italy comes this soft and elegant Pinot Noir. Dark cherry and redcurrant flavors give the wine a fruity flavor, while notes of crunchy leaves and freshly turned soil add nuance. A bonafide bargain at less than $20.

47. LAN Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 ($23)

A regional stalwart, LAN’s three-letter name is shorthand for wines of quality, balance, and exceptional value. Its 2010 Gran Reserva, the current release, is rich in tart red-fruit character, sweet and spicy oak notes, and the leathery, tobacco-leaf hallmarks of age.

46. Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 ($24)

This soulful Chianti Classico stays true to the traditional style, with aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and forest floor. Some swirling and a little patience coax out vibrant blackberry notes and a crack of black pepper. Did someone say pasta dinner?

45. Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé NV ($10)

Made from organic, hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes in Argentina’s Uco Valley, we can’t figure out exactly how this wine is so cheap. But affordability is by no means its only attribute. This South American sparkler is concentrated, fruity, and refreshing, and begs to be bought by the case-load.

44. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($44)

This structured Cabernet Sauvignon is beautifully balanced, offering nuanced notes of blackberry, cherry, fresh tobacco leaf, and leather. While $44 is no paltry sum, in the realm of Napa Cab, and from a noteworthy, historic producer, this is as close as you will find to a bargain bottle in the category.

43. Sokol Blosser Evolution White Blend NV ($15)

An outlier in every sense, this multi-vintage white blend contains a total of nine different grape varieties, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Semillon. Intensely aromatic, it is the perfect answer to that trickiest of wine pairing conundrums: What pairs well with spicy, fusion-style cuisine?

42. Gustave Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV ($24)

Outside of Champagne, Crémant d’Alsace is France’s leading sparkling wine appellation. This 100 percent Pinot Noir rosé is a great example of why the category deserves international attention. Grapefruit brûlée leaps out on the nose, while the palate is a soft and silky mix of wild strawberries and cherry coulis.

41. Cantina Tramin Kellerei ‘Stoan’ 2017 ($33)

This aromatic white wine contains a non-traditional mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer grapes. Each variety is individually fermented in large oak barrels before the wines are blended and left to age for several months in bottles. The end result is an impeccably balanced wine with intense fruity aromas and flavors, and a lasting, creamy finish.

40. Niner Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($35)

A sprawling wine region on California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles highlights the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon. This bright and juicy red has a velvety palate that’s rich in black-fruit flavors. The variety’s signature tannins are present but seamlessly integrated, while refreshing acidity keeps things lively.

39. Bodegas Nekeas ‘El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa’ Old Vine Garnacha 2018 ($26)

Made from grapes grown on 70- to 100-year-old vines in Spain’s Navarra wine region, there’s a lot going on in this wine. Red fruit aromas are seasoned with hints of clove, mint, eucalyptus, and cracked pepper. The palate is lean, fruity, and structured. For just $14, this is outstanding winemaking.

38. Jean Reverdy et Fils Sancerre ‘La Reine Blanche’ 2018 ($21)

Displaying all the hallmarks of classic Sancerre, this wine has a citrus and green fruit core, topped off with subtle bell pepper and a flinty finish. Lively acidity calls out for some creamy goat cheese or a light seafood dish.

37. Markham Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($21)

One of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries, Markham Vineyards offers this stunning Merlot for just over $20. Off the bat, it’s a little reserved, but soon serves fruity cherry and plum flavors, textured by black pepper and earthy cassis. Grab a decanter, fire up Netflix, and your Saturday night is sorted.

36. Domaine Matrot Meursault 2017 ($99)

This Meursault is exactly the style of Chardonnay many New World producers dream of emulating. It is the definition of balance and delicate oak influence, with vanilla and baking spice aromas mingling with pear and green apple. The palate is rich and luxurious, and goes a long way to justifying the wine’s lofty price tag.

35. Torbreck Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2017 ($23)

Sure, the bottle label reads 15 percent ABV, but your palate will say otherwise when sipping this graceful Shiraz. You’ll focus on its punchy sour cherry fruit notes, soft tannins, and long, earthy finish. It’s full-bodied, but in a comforting way, like your favorite below-40 winter jacket.

34. Viña Garces Silva Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25)

Character-wise, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc falls midway between the in-your-face nature of New Zealand “Savvy B” and the elegantly restrained wines of Sancerre. Viña Garces creates an excellent example of this with notes of gooseberries, white peaches, and basil. Its acidity is less intense than other wines made from the variety, providing a slightly heavier texture, which we love.

33. Remhoogte Reserve ‘Honeybunch’ Chenin Blanc 2017 ($25)

Earthy aromas of a bruised apple, lime, and honeysuckle leap out of this South African Chenin Blanc, and are soon followed by notes of quince paste, jasmine, and a waft of ginger. The depth of descriptors continues onto the palate, which has a soft, creamy texture and zesty finish.

32. Domaine Le Tour Vieille Banyuls Reserva NV ($24)

Sweet, fortified Banyuls wines are made in a similar manner to Port but feature the native grapes of France’s Roussillon region (namely Grenache and Carignan). As with all great dessert wines, the most attractive aspect of this Banyuls is its refreshing acidity, which holds together sweet dried apricot and caramel notes. A lengthy, nutty finish means you won’t forget about it in a hurry.

31. Marco Felluga Molamatta Collio Bianco 2015 ($24)

From Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, this wine is full-bodied and structured, but refreshing at the same time. It pairs with almost all foods, though jibes best with poultry and seafood. Best of all, it will comfortably age for a few years in your cellar (read: wine rack inside your closet).

30. Bodegas Agro de Bazán Granbazán Etiqueta Verde 2018 ($19)

When Albariño is “done” right, the wine’s intense acidity is matched by concentrated fruit flavors. This bottle is one such success story, with mouthwatering acidity that seems to magnify flavors of lemon, ginger, dried apricots, and wet stones. It is an ideal pre-dinner bottle, pairing well with Spanish cheeses, almonds, and salty olives.

29. Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 ($65)

The nose on this wine is alive with aromas of savory baking spices, caramelized plums, and cracked black pepper. It’s full-bodied and vibrant on the palate, with added notes of dark cherry and espresso. Neither its profile nor its price tag make this an “everyday” wine, but this is Amarone at its harmonious best, and a bottle fit for special occasions.

28. Craggy Range Winery Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 ($27)

If your prior experiences with New Zealand only include Sauvignon Blanc and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, it’s time you discovered the nation’s expressive Pinot Noir wines. This one has a fruit-forward character with notes of seasoned dried herbs, truffle, and pipe tobacco. Oak aging gives further aromas, including desiccated coconut, and adds playful tannins to the palate.

27. Inama Vigneti di Foscarino Soave Classico 2017 ($24)

Soave means “smooth” in Italian, and that’s the perfect descriptor for this wine. It has a rich nose that opens with intense aromas of pears and wet rocks. With a swirl, sweet jasmine petals float with the scent of tart white peaches. The palate is rich and weighty, but kept in check by medium acidity.

26. Domaine Karydas Naoussa Xinomavro 2015 ($30)

The translucent cherry hue of this Xinomavro belies its powerful character. Reminiscent of the Nebbiolo wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, this complex red has striking aromas of cherries and potting soil that continue onto the palate. They’re met there by intense tannins and bracing acidity, which eventually give way to the graceful perfume of violet petals.

25. Rusack Vineyards Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2017 ($29)

From the moment this Chardonnay hits your palate, it doesn’t let go. Prepare to be tongue-struck with green apples, lemon zest, and chalk dust (sounds strange, tastes delicious). There’s oak influence too, but the typical descriptors (vanilla, toast, and butter) are subtle.

24. Nalle Winery Dry Creek Valley Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 ($45)

In an ideal world, all old vine Zinfandels would follow this wine’s lead: relatively low alcohol content (13.8 percent ABV), refreshing acidity, and concentrated fruit flavors that include earth, dark berries, and pepper, rather than just jammy dark fruit. It’s only available from the winery’s website, and will set you back almost $50, but this wine is worth it.

23. Domaine Matrot Auxey-Duresses Côte de Beaune 2016 ($40)

This a relatively affordable introduction to the red wines of Burgundy. It’s heavy on the nose but treads lightly on the palate, with baking spice aromas and dark cherry notes traveling to the supple, velvety palate. You could stash it away for a few years, but this wine is drinking more than fine right now.

22. Tenute Cisa Asinari Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga ‘La Serra’ Moscato d’Asti NV ($18)

This is the best Moscato d’Asti on the market right now. This low-ABV sparkling wine will brighten up any brunch or aperitivo hour with its gentle bubbles, orange blossom, sage, honeysuckle, and lavender notes.

21. Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ($16)

Made using the “traditional method,” where secondary fermentation takes place in-bottle, this majority-Pinot-Noir Blanc de Noirs spends a minimum of 24 months aging on lees. The result is a complex, layered sparkling wine, with notes of baked apples, vanilla, and toasted brioche on both the nose and palate. The wine retails for a barely believable $16, and can be found pretty much everywhere, making it a staple on our wine shelf.

20. Familia Zuccardi ‘Aluvional’ Paraje Altamira 2014 ($89)

When you first inhale this wine’s aromas, for a brief millisecond it feels like you’re about to taste the type of jammy, approachable Malbec that won over American palates in the early aughts. Then, from nowhere, complex notes of herbs, flinty minerals, and dried earth take center stage. From this point onward, it’s overwhelmingly apparent that this is an outstanding bottle and the future of fine wine in Argentina.

19. Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2018 ($32)

If you like zesty, mineral-rich whites, or have a big ol’ fillet of fish waiting to hit the plancha, this is the wine for you. The very same lemon zest you’ll season your fish with is present on the wine’s nose, as are wet rocks, pepper, and crisp white pears. Its palate is lively, with vibrant acidity and a concentrated green-fruit flavors.

18. Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé 2015 ($81)

One of the oldest estates in the Médoc, Château Batailley is a fifth-growth producer located in Pauillac. Within the appellation, its wines have a longstanding reputation for great value (relatively speaking), and the 2015 vintage is no exception. It has concentrated black currant, leather, tobacco, and white pepper aromas. On the palate, it is simply luxurious. If you want to splurge on Bordeaux, look no further.

17. Bodegas Avancia ‘Cuvee de O’ Mencia 2017 ($16)

While Mencía is best associated with Spain’s Bierzo D.O., when grown in the neighboring Valdeorras D.O., the wines take on a slightly lighter profile and offer more complexity. This bottle is a stunning example of that and shows further nuance from oak aging. Its aromas include wild berries, cracked pepper, and dried herbs. Blackberries and a savory vegetal note arrive on the palate, along with grippy tannins and a persisting finish.

16. Angela Estate ‘Abbott Claim’ Pinot Noir 2015 ($57)

Hailing from a tiny subregion within the Willamette Valley AVA, the Yamhill-Carlton District, this Pinot Noir is decidedly Old World in character. It is complex and nuanced with an attractive bouquet that includes topsoil, green leaves, and tart red cherries. Red-fruit flavors continue on the palate, which has well-integrated tannins and textured minerality.

15. Clos Du Val Three Graces 2016 ($180)

From a famed wine estate in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District, Three Graces is a Cabernet-Sauvignon-driven blend that also includes Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is fruity, structured, and layered, with well-incorporated tannins providing the finesse its name suggests. This wine is drinking remarkably well right now, despite its young age. It promises to get even better with time.

14. Ravines Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc 2017 ($21)

This wine is a great example of why Cabernet Franc is fast becoming the Finger Lakes’ signature red variety. Its aromas transport you to an afternoon walk through an autumnal forest, with brambly black fruit backed up by fallen leaves and damp stones. The palate has a subtle grip and generous acidity, and its 12.9 percent ABV allows a lengthy drinking experience.

13. Elvio Cogno ‘Anas-Cetta’ Langhe Nascetta di Novello 2016 ($30)

Elvio Cogno was one of a handful of producers that saved Nacsetta, Langhe’s only indigenous white variety, from extinction in the early ‘90s. This wine proves what a loss that would have been. It’s highly aromatic, with citrus and tropical fruit notes, plus a whiff of cannabis. Savory flavor kicks in on the palate, with hints of sage and rosemary.

12. Copain ‘Les Voisins’ Syrah Yorkville Highlands 2015 ($34)

Restrained and balanced, this is California Syrah at its finest. Made using grapes from three different vineyards in Mendocino County’s Yorkville Highlands, this wine has scents of bold blackberries, tart plums, and just a sprinkling of baking spices. The aromas carry through to the palate, which is medium-bodied with firm, well-rounded tannins. Pair with lamb or any other grilled red meat.

11. Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siècle’ No. 24 ($140)

Laurent-Perrier makes its prestige cuvée, Grand Siècle, using a blend of three wines produced exclusively from grand cru vineyards in vintage-quality years. Each release comprises a different blend, distinguished by an “Iteration” number displayed on the bottle’s label. Number 24, the current release, has a lively, complex bouquet of green apples, dried white flowers, orange zest, and flint. Its palate is concentrated and vibrant, with a strong fruit core. This is an expressive, age-worthy Champagne and offers great value compared to the prices of other prestige cuvées.

10. Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT 2017 ($23)

Seldom do we think of Pinot Grigio as a variety that can offer depth and character, but Jermann proves this is absolutely the case. From Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy, this wine is aromatic, elegant, and texturally intriguing. It starts with aromas of flowers and citrus fruit, before stone fruit and mineral notes emerge. The wine has a broad mouthfeel that’s lifted by energetic acidity and textured by chalky minerality. While it’s more expensive than many wines made using this variety, this is absolutely not your average Pinot Grigio.

9. Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($36)

Long Meadow Ranch farms 90 acres of organic vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley. Though better known for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, the estate’s 2014 Merlot was the bottle that really grabbed our attention. From one of the warmest and driest vintages on record, this Merlot is big, bold, and balanced with acidity and tannins for long-term aging. At present, it has pronounced cherry tree aromas (fruit, leaf, and bark) and hints of vanilla and plums that continue onto its silky palate. The definition of a fine wine, this bottle promises to get better still with age.

8. Graci Etna Rosato 2018 ($21)

This Sicilian rosato (in French, rosé) is made from Nerello Mascalese, a dark-skinned red variety commonly grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Graci transforms those grapes into an attractive copper-colored rosé via gentle pressing, avoiding maceration. It then ferments the must in large concrete tanks. What emerges is a perfectly balanced rosé that serves equal parts fruit character, acid, and tannins. The concentration of flavors and aromas is intense, while the wine’s mouthfeel is soft, smooth, and even slightly creamy. Forget Provence, Etna rosé is where it’s at.

7. Château Fonplégade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2012 ($46)

Founded in 1852, Château Fonplégade is located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, on the southern hillside of Saint-Émilion. The property’s name translates to “fountain of plenty” and derives from a 13th-century stone fountain situated on one of the estate’s vineyards. Grand Cru Classé, the property’s flagship wine, is a soulful Merlot-dominant blend that also contains a seasoning of Cabernet Franc. Prior to bottling, the wine spends 20 months aging, with 85 percent of the blend resting in new French oak, and 15 percent in concrete eggs. Pouring an intense dark ruby, the wine’s aromas are reminiscent of cranberry sauce and cherry compote, while bottle age has added earthy notes of leather and tobacco leaf. It’s plush and velvety on the palate, and serves a long-lasting finish.

6. Ridgeview Cavendish Brut NV ($43)

While winemakers around the world strain to adapt to warming climes, a handful of regions are currently reaping its benefits. Among the most notable is southern England, whose high-quality sparkling wine industry continues to garner international attention. Ridegview, one of the frontrunners of the movement, founded in 1995, has spent the last two decades producing sparkling wines using the same grapes and techniques as Champagne. Pinot Noir drives the estate’s Cavendish blend, which whiffs of cherries and sweet pastry and lands a structured, mineral-rich mousse on the palate. Perfect for parties and food pairings, next time you’re in the mood for bubbles or life calls for celebrations, take this bottle over your go-to Champagne.

5. G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2017 ($22)

Piedmont is the home of the Nebbiolo grape, which famously stars in the fabled wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. For much more affordable expressions of the variety, and wines that are approachable in their youth (read: ready to drink ASAP), drinkers should look to the Langhe hills and bottles such as this from G.D. Vajra. This wine serves a fruit-forward expression of Nebbiolo, with concentrated sour cherry notes that are pleasurably disrupted by a vibrant acidity on the palate. The acidity stops the wine’s heavy fruit character from overwhelming the palate, while a rigid but approachable tannic structure holds everything together. The beauty of this wine is its youth, and for this price, you can afford to serve it on the midweek dinner table.

4. Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Viognier 2017 ($22)

If you have yet to try Viognier or are looking to take a dive into the wines of Virginia, start here. Founded by Virginia Governor James Barbour in 1814, and purchased by Italy’s Zonin family (of Prosecco fame) in 1976, Barboursville Vineyards provides compelling evidence of Virginia’s potential as a world-class winemaking region. With this release, the estate also cements the notion that Viognier should be Virginia’s signature white variety. This wine is an excellent example of its aromatic grace and the balance Viognier can display. Its nose is rich in mineral notes, apricot, and orange blossom, while the low-alcohol palate shows great acidity and luxurious viscosity.

3. Mastroberardino ‘Radici’ Taurasi DOCG 2014 ($54)

The Mastroberardino family’s contribution to preserving the legacy of quality winemaking in Italy’s Campania region cannot be overstated. With local vineyards ravaged by phylloxera and World War II, many farmers understandably decided to rip out indigenous vines and replace them with higher-yielding varieties. Not the Mastroberardinos, who stayed true to the region and, in turn, saved such native varieties as Greco, Fiano, and Aglianico from almost certain extinction. The latter of the three is showcased in the Radici Taurasi DOCG, Mastroberardino’s flagship wine. Hugely age-worthy, and released following already-considerable periods in oak and bottle, this wine is the standard-bearer for Aglianico. It’s one of the finest examples of balance you will come across and sets the bar for both the variety and region.

2. Comando G ‘La Bruja de Rozas’ Sierra de Gredos 2017 ($25)

Made from Garnacha grapes grown on high-altitude old vines in Spain’s Sierra de Gredos region, this wine’s aromas include dark cherries, cranberries, earth, pepper, raw meat, and star anise — to name just a few. The palate starts light, before the grape’s intense fruit character kicks in. And it’s not over there. Mouthwatering acidity and grippy, complex tannins quickly present themselves, prolonging the fiesta taking place in your mouth. If there’s a better wine being made at this price point in Spain or anywhere else in the world right now, we’ll be damned. La Bruja de Rozas will grab your senses with its depth of aromas and flavors and never let go, then leave you dazed knowing that you have tasted something truly special.

1. Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016 ($50)

Though its history stretches back to the late 19th century, Chateau Montelena is best known for the success of its Napa Valley Chardonnay during the now-legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting. Deemed by a group of (mainly) French judges to be the best Chardonnay of 10 bottles from California and Burgundy, the victory signified a coming-of-age for America’s wine industry, helping place Napa Valley on the map of the world’s finest wine regions. Produced on the 40th anniversary of that historic event, Chateau Montelena’s 2016 Napa Valley Chardonnay shows that the estate is continuing to operate at the highest level. It offers a blueprint for what oaked American Chardonnay should taste like — beyond butter. Instead, elegance and power shine through in the grape’s mineral-driven flavors of fresh melon, apple, and honeysuckle. Meanwhile, careful and considered oak aging provides nutmeg notes and a soft, creamy texture. Buy this wine and raise a glass to the past, present, and future of Napa winemaking.

The article The 50 Best Wines of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2019/

source https://vinology1.wordpress.com/2019/12/11/the-50-best-wines-of-2019/

[static-pouring]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel (Napa Valley): Jammy, spicy, and maybe needs a personal trainer to take care of that soft-in-the-middle thing it has going on. $38 B+

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Dark, potent, deliciously evil spells are being cast, and I’m actually totally okay with that. $54 A-

2014 Broadside Margarita Vineyards Merlot (Paso Robles): Won’t wow you with its penchant for simplicity, but what’s there is as juicy and meaty as one could reasonably hope. $18 B

2016 Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley): Stellar fruit, capable hands, killer packaging… fifty clams well-spent, especially if you like your Chard messages to be powerful but understated. $50 A-

2016 Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): There’s a sexy-ass red car on the label; annnnnd there’s a sexy-ass red wine in the bottle. $65 A-

2016 Baker & Brain Paragon Vineyard Grüner Veltliner (Edna Valley): It’s bigger, and bustier than your normal GV, but yeah, someone with a brain for wine clearly baked this one up for us. $28 B+

2010 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja):What. The. Actual. F*CK?!?? Spicy vibrancy that amounts to a downright incredible bargain. $25 A-

2015 Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc Collio (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): Refreshing, spicy, and tart red fruits… someone needs to get some pasta bolognese up in here, stat! $30 B+

NV Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut (Alsace): Puttin’ the creamy in Cremant. Also putting the delicious in Cremant. Ok, that doesn’t work… anyway, shut the hell up, you know what I meant! $20 B+

2013 Odfjell Aliara (Central Valley): As silky smooth as a ship’s brand new sail, and as alluring as, well, pick your favorite maritime voyage imagery. $40 A-

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

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Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018 from 1WineDude.com - for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-october-29-2018/

[cacophonyofolives]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel (Napa Valley): Jammy, spicy, and maybe needs a personal trainer to take care of that soft-in-the-middle thing it has going on. $38 B+

2015 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Dark, potent, deliciously evil spells are being cast, and I’m actually totally okay with that. $54 A-

2014 Broadside Margarita Vineyards Merlot (Paso Robles): Won’t wow you with its penchant for simplicity, but what’s there is as juicy and meaty as one could reasonably hope. $18 B

2016 Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley): Stellar fruit, capable hands, killer packaging… fifty clams well-spent, especially if you like your Chard messages to be powerful but understated. $50 A-

2016 Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): There’s a sexy-ass red car on the label; annnnnd there’s a sexy-ass red wine in the bottle. $65 A-

2016 Baker & Brain Paragon Vineyard Grüner Veltliner (Edna Valley): It’s bigger, and bustier than your normal GV, but yeah, someone with a brain for wine clearly baked this one up for us. $28 B+

2010 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Gran Reserva (Rioja):What. The. Actual. F*CK?!?? Spicy vibrancy that amounts to a downright incredible bargain. $25 A-

2015 Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc Collio (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): Refreshing, spicy, and tart red fruits… someone needs to get some pasta bolognese up in here, stat! $30 B+

NV Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut (Alsace): Puttin’ the creamy in Cremant. Also putting the delicious in Cremant. Ok, that doesn’t work… anyway, shut the hell up, you know what I meant! $20 B+

2013 Odfjell Aliara (Central Valley): As silky smooth as a ship’s brand new sail, and as alluring as, well, pick your favorite maritime voyage imagery. $40 A-

 Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For October 29, 2018 from 1WineDude.com - for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! source http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-october-29-2018/

[sommeliercourses]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For June 18, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2017 Bota Box Dry Rosé (California): One hell of a pithy, fruity, well-rounded bargain, except without any of the actual Hell part. $22.99 B+

2013 Bonny Doon Vineyard 30th Anniversary Le Cigare Volant (Central Coast): Lovely, lovely, lovely; a fitting, reserved, and perky tribute to a venerable legacy. $45 A-

2015 Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc (Arroyo Seco): Curvy and pretty, floral and perfumed, living up to the Beeswax vineyard namesake, and coming off as a veritable bargain. $28 A-

2015 Clos du Val Winemaker’s Signature Series Three Graces Red Blend (Napa Valley): The Napa deal, the whole Valley deal, and nothing but the deal, and basically the real deal. $180 A

2015 V. Sattui Winery Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Boldly going where, well, where many Napa reds have gone before, but doing it with both gusto and a sense fo prestige. $100 A-

2012 Donnafugata Mille e una Notte (Sicily): Check it out, somebody is doing their sexxaaaahhhhh dance!!! $75 A-

2015 Rocca Sveva Castelcerino (Soave Superiore Classico): Substantive, textural, interesting, anda little nutty; so, basically, a really good Postmodern novella. $17 B+

2015 Selbach Riesling Kabinett (Mosel): Subtle and understated, but to be overlooked only at your lime-blossom-missing peril. $25 B+

2016 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Lesquerde ‘L’Esquerda’ (Cotes du Roussillon Villages): Could use a bit more verve, but otherwise you’ve got an incredibly tasty, sweet maple sausage breakfast in a glass here. $28 B+

2013 The Infinite Monkey Theorem “The Bubble Universe” Sparkling Wine (Grand Valley, CO): Like a bubble, rich in texture, beautiful to behold, and yet light as a feather throughout. $55 A-

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

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Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For June 18, 2018 from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-june-18-2018/

from Linda Johnson https://meself84.wordpress.com/2018/06/18/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-june-18-2018/

[jackiedluke]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For September 3, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2016 Cornerstone Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley): For those times when you need both weight and lift, but not lift as in the lifting weight kind of lift. $30 B+

2015 Jack Winery Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain District): Basically like hitting a thrilling, multiple-run, game-winning homer late in the 9th. $125 A

2015 Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel (Calistoga): Supple and rich upholstery, and true to form; hopefully you’re not shy about a little – or more than a little – wood furninshing. $39 B+

2017 Chateau Montelena Potter Valley Riesling (Mendocino County): Lithe, fruity, friendly, but also serious and pure to the core. $27 B+

2017 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg): If you can’t get excited about a bargain that’s this raging, then you might want to check your pulse… $15 B+

2013 Hedges Family Estate ‘Descendants Liegeois Dupont – DLD’ Cuvee Marcel Dupont Syrah (Red Mountain): The only thing confusing about this meaty, bouncy, chewy deliciousness is the outside label. $25 B+

2016 Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere (Cachapoal Valley): Black fruits, green herbs, and pretty much nothing but sunny blue skies ahead. $21 B+

2014 Simonsig ‘Tiara’ Red (Stellenbosch): Meaty, firm, almost addictive, but not lacking class; think artisinal beef jerky and you’ll be in the right ballpark. $39 A-

2016 Simonsig ‘Chenin Avec Chene’ Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch): Woody, heady, floral, lifted, perfumed… *this* is what all of the Steen fuss is about, folks. $36 A-

NV Danzante Spumante Extra-Dry Prosecco (Veneto): You’re paying a premium for that extra bit of dry refinement, but it’s not so snooty that it won’t get the party started in hurry. $17 B

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

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Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For September 3, 2018 from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-september-3-2018/

source https://meself84.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-september-3-2018/ from Sommelier Courses https://sommeliercourses.blogspot.com/2018/09/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for.html

[canvasclothiers]

Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For June 18, 2018

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!

2017 Bota Box Dry Rosé (California): One hell of a pithy, fruity, well-rounded bargain, except without any of the actual Hell part. $22.99 B+

2013 Bonny Doon Vineyard 30th Anniversary Le Cigare Volant (Central Coast): Lovely, lovely, lovely; a fitting, reserved, and perky tribute to a venerable legacy. $45 A-

2015 Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc (Arroyo Seco): Curvy and pretty, floral and perfumed, living up to the Beeswax vineyard namesake, and coming off as a veritable bargain. $28 A-

2015 Clos du Val Winemaker’s Signature Series Three Graces Red Blend (Napa Valley): The Napa deal, the whole Valley deal, and nothing but the deal, and basically the real deal. $180 A

2015 V. Sattui Winery Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Boldly going where, well, where many Napa reds have gone before, but doing it with both gusto and a sense fo prestige. $100 A-

2012 Donnafugata Mille e una Notte (Sicily): Check it out, somebody is doing their sexxaaaahhhhh dance!!! $75 A-

2015 Rocca Sveva Castelcerino (Soave Superiore Classico): Substantive, textural, interesting, anda little nutty; so, basically, a really good Postmodern novella. $17 B+

2015 Selbach Riesling Kabinett (Mosel): Subtle and understated, but to be overlooked only at your lime-blossom-missing peril. $25 B+

2016 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Lesquerde ‘L’Esquerda’ (Cotes du Roussillon Villages): Could use a bit more verve, but otherwise you’ve got an incredibly tasty, sweet maple sausage breakfast in a glass here. $28 B+

2013 The Infinite Monkey Theorem “The Bubble Universe” Sparkling Wine (Grand Valley, CO): Like a bubble, rich in texture, beautiful to behold, and yet light as a feather throughout. $55 A-

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up For June 18, 2018 from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers!

Source: http://www.1winedude.com/wine-reviews-weekly-mini-round-up-for-june-18-2018/

[wine-porn]

Madrone District

Mmmmm Cabernet. I love Cabernet. I love Napa Cab. All my Cab-haters out there be like meh… but I like GOOD Napa Cab, and Smith-Madrone makes a good one. Year-in, year-out. I’ve never had a bad one. Not even one *weird* or *odd* or *bad vintage* or even remotely *off*. And the price–a tired topic constantly making rounds through the blogosphere–remains an absolute bargain. Checking in on this 4YO…