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!
- 2018 Calvet Cremant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé (Bordeaux): Fruity, fine and refreshing and… all Cab Franc? Oh my! $18 B
- NV Markus Molitor ‘Molitor’ Riesling Sekt Brut (Mosel): Delightful performance of quince, apple and apricot that will class up poolside sipping. $19 B+
- 2018 Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige): Elegance and energy in that “richly fruity meets nervy and structured” Elena style. What a bargain! $27 A-
- 2018 Zulal Areni (Vayots Dzor): Vibrant, peppery, and absolutely ready for a prime time fight against Fleurie Beaujolais. $22 B+
- 2019 Sosi Wines Rossi Ranch Red Blend (Sonoma Valley): very floral, very juicy, and VERY crowd-pleasing (maybe buy 2 bottles…). $43 A-
- 2017 The Steven Kent Winery Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley): At turns perfumed, mineral, spicy, deep, complex, and even stately. $65 A-
- 2019 Lucia Vineyards Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands): A generous slice of peach, apricot and yellow apple heaven (with a side of white flowers for good measure). $65 A-
- 2019 Lucia Vineyards Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands): First shouting an emphatic “boysenberry!” But then seductively whispers black cherry, black raspberry wild strawberry, black tea leaf, & X-mas spices… $70 A
- 2018 Viña Maquis Cabernet Franc (Colchagua Valley): Offering the complete CF experience – dark fruit, structure, iodine, smoke, green herbal spices – at a price that feels almost ridiculously low (lucky us!). $17 B+