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!
- 2017 Domaine Elodie Balme Côtes du Rhône (Rhône): A bit funky, a lot peppery, and even more fruity, friendly, and crowd-pleasing. $NA B+
- 2016 Domaine Combe Juliere (Rasteau): Sexy, grippy, and with the kind of density that requires advanced physics calculations. $30 B+
- 2016 Domaine du Trapadis ‘Les Adrés’ (Rasteau): Red fruits and spices, tied together with leather straps that are still tightening. $NA B+
- 2013 Cave de Rasteau Ortas Rasteau Prestige (Rasteau): Licorice, lavender, and power, in an easy to appreciate package. $18 B
- 2017 Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel ‘Autrement Tavel’ (Tavel): A modern take on the Tavel power structure, and one that’s dangerously easy to imbibe. $NA B+
- 2016 Youngberg Hill ‘J Block’ Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley): Apparently the “J” is short for “jubilantly spicy.” $60 A-
- 2013 Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Double Lariat Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Getting earthy; as in, roots-to-branches earthy. $40 A-
- 2017 Halter Ranch Estate Adelaida District Picpoul Blanc (Paso Robles): Underrated region, underrated grape, damned good wine. $28 B+
- 2016 Wrath Wines Ex Dolio Falanghina (Monterey): Well, that’ll teach me about formulating premature hating notions on orange wines… $29 A-
- 2013 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley): Nearing the end? Dunno about that; there’s a lot of leathery, perky goodness left… $34 A-