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!
- 2020 Domaine Haut-Gleon Rose (Vallee du Paradis): Long on tasty refreshment, short on personality (and finish). $15 B
- 2009 Le Ragose Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (Piedmont): An acquired taste combo of sweet, prune fruits and exciting vibrancy. $53 A-
- 2016 El Coto ‘Coto de Imaz’ Reserva (Rioja): Come for the game, tobacco, & cherry fruits; stay for the charming old school energy. $25 B+
- 2019 Rodney Strong ‘Upshot’ White Blend (California): Aptly named—Lots of tropical, zingy upsides, & very little downsides. $22 B+
- NV Laetitia Vineyard & Winery Brut Rose (Arroyo Grande Valley): Almost aggressively sexy red berry action… of that’s your thing, have at it! $25 B+
- 2019 Lake Sonoma Winery Lazy Dog Vineyard Malbec (Sonoma Valley): Quaffable and spicy, but might have you wondering “Where’s the beef?” $45 B
- 2018 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley): Delicious congruence of freshly tanned leather and pure, transparent raspberry fruit. $32 B+
- 2019 Mettler Family Vineyards ‘Epicenter’ Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi): Plucky, plummy, perky and (lip-smackingly) POTENT! $25 B+
- 2018 Four Vines ‘The Kinker’ Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles): Herbal, juicy, and satisfying… and particularly satisfying for your bank account. $18 B+
- 2018 OG de Negoce n 32 Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Creek Valley): Like the pencil lead factory! What a spicy, gamey, and elegant bargain. $18 A-