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!
NV Cockburn’s No. 1 Special Reserve Port (Portugal) : Getting the job done with rich, baking spice-laden flair. $20 B
NV Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut (Champagne) : Nutty, toasty, fruity, poised, and surprisingly up for a good time. $60 A-
2019 Tinto Pesquera Crianza (Ribera del Duero) : This is all smoky, gamey, plummy goodness, with a side of warming spices. $28 B+
2016 Tenute Silvio Nardi Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany) : Time has proven to be very kind to this tangy, brambly, tobacco-heavy, and refreshing sipper. $30 A-
2022 Dry Creek Vineyard Fume Blanc (Sonoma County) : An old friend who never lets you down, and smells like lemongrass. Just go with it. $16 B+
2021 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) : Red raspberry, rhubarb, and refined craftsmanship. $45 A-
2021 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) : Delicious and balanced, as always. Both lemony fresh and tropically rich. $35 A-
2016 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) : A big, buttery, beautiful trip down RRV’s more robust flavor spots. $30 B+
2017 Foppiano Vineyards Estate Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) : Wow. The clock has almost stood still for this lemony-fresh little wonder. $25 B+
2018 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley) : Excellent, especially considering this isn’t exactly a boutique operation. Big, structured, dark and delicious. $25 B+
Related