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), so you can get right to the point and decide if they’re for you (or not). Cheers!
- 2019 Paul Tagliaferro Cullen Rockin’ Rosso (Langhe): A robust, mineral reminder that wine’s primary mission in life is to bring joy. $26 B+
- 2011 Coppo Moncalvina (Moscato d’Asti): Still alive, still delicious, still giving a floral middle finger to the haters. $NA B+
- 2016 Ranch 32 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Monterey): Lots of currant, cherry, graphite, and prettiness. $20 B+
- 2019 Pope Valley Winery 1897 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley): Boisterous, big, but balanced, barely showing its high abv (let alone its age). $42 A-
- 2019 Balletto Pinot Gris (Russian River Valley): Now all honey, toast, and citric verve. $19 B
- 2023 Cattleya ‘Alma de Cattleya’ Rose of Pinot Noir (Sonoma County): Think Tavel meets bright Sonoma red berries. $25 A-
- 2023 Cattleya ‘Alma de Cattleya’ Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County): A great, green-herbal, grassy, sassy delight. $26 B+
- 2015 Brooks Runaway Red Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley): Leather, black tea, forest floor, black cherry, all a little brooding, all very good. $24 B+
- 2022 Troon Vineyard Druid’s Red (Applegate Valley): Spicy, spicy, spicy, brimming with dark red fruits and vibrant energy. $25 A-
- 2021 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec (Mendoza): Fruit first, leading the charge; and very tasty fruit it is. $20 B