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 Vietto Nas-Cëtta (Langhe): Laser-focused citrus action with a mineral crystal power source. $NA B+
- 2020 Marengo Mauro Nas-Cëtta (Langhe): A gorgeous, vivacious, palate-refreshing adventure starring apples, herbs, pears, with additional talented tree fruits in supporting roles. $NA A-
- 2019 Cantine San Silvestro Nas-Cëtta (Langhe): Apricots and blossoms that would be much happier if you came back in a few years. $NA B+
- 2019 Herdade do Rocim Amphora Tinto (Alentejo): Perky, persistent, pleasurably plummy, pure, and practically priced. $21 B+
- 2019 Fort Ross Vineyard Sea Slopes Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast): Lots of zing, lots of breadth, lots of length, lots of bang for the buck. $30 A-
- 2019 Fort Ross Vineyard Sea Slopes Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): Perfectly happy in its own understated, refined, and elegant skin. $35 A-
- 2018 Biltmore Estate Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley): Meaty and spicy, but there just isn’t a whole lot of “there” there. $40 B+
- 2017 Sosie Wines Cavedale Vineyard Moon Mountain Red Blend (Sonoma County): Wow – precision balance between lip smacking juiciness/firm structure, & ripe black/tangy red fruitiness. $45 A-
- 2017 Martellotto ‘Le Bon Temps Roule’ Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County): Kudos for the lighter touch, though that touch might be just a tad too light… $40 B+
- 2018 Pascual Toso Finca Pedregal Single Vineyard Malbec – Cabernet Sauvignon (Barrancas): Come for the jamminess; stay for the deep, serious mineral undertones. $75 A-