Rich, well-made pour from the Monson Family, one of the major players in Washington State and Pacific Northwest wines. Dark fruits. Its tannins have mellowed after four years, but this still has a bit more bite than expected from a mid-shelf Merlot. That is offered as praise rather than criticism. Good value at $18-22. Continue reading “Among the Giants Estate Merlot, Goose Gap AVA, Washington 2022”
Category: Tasting Notes
Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône 2023
Smooth, juicy GSM, a simple, pleasing dark-fruit pour that works at its lower price point. You can do better in the GSM lane if you go for something priced $20 or more—and Jean-Luc Colombo has many such options—but there are times when good enough is good enough. Continue reading “Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône 2023”
Domaine Allimant-Laugner Pinot Noir, Vin d’Alsace 2023
Excellent, affordable pure Pinot play from Alsace backed by a rich history of vineyards and winemakers. You typically think white with Alsace, but the region produces cool-climate reds, too. This presents somewhat more substantial red fruit and mouthfeel than expected from Alsace Pinot Noir while still delivering typicity of France’s northeastern wine region on the border with Germany. Very nice value. $19-22 Continue reading “Domaine Allimant-Laugner Pinot Noir, Vin d’Alsace 2023”
Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022
Leans toward elegance and approachability rather than power while still possessing the allure of Napa fruit. Medium-full body. Moderated tannins, acidity, alcohol, power. A Napa cab on its best behavior so as not to offend anyone. Continue reading “Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022”
Casadei Sogno Mediterraneo Blend Rosso, Toscana IGT 2022
Tuscan version of a Southern Rhône GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre), in this case dominated by Syrah. Serious dark fruit flavors. Not an accommodating easy-drinker, best deployed alongside hearty food after time in air. $20-28 Continue reading “Casadei Sogno Mediterraneo Blend Rosso, Toscana IGT 2022”
Clos Mogador Nelin White Priorat DOQ, Catalunya, Spain 2022
Balanced, impressive, age-worthy white with a parade of delicious fruit and enchanting aromatics. This is a serious white. Creamy, complex, harmonious. $75-85 Continue reading “Clos Mogador Nelin White Priorat DOQ, Catalunya, Spain 2022”
J. Lohr P&G Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Arroyo Seco, Monterey 2023
Limited-release, high-quality Pinot Blanc with an intriguing harvest strategy. First pass harvests greener, more acidic fruits to achieve an Alsatian element. Second pass is for riper grapes for softer, melon elements. The two are blended and spend six months sur lie in both concrete and large, neutral oak vessels. No malolactic conversion. Sold through the winery. $35 Continue reading “J. Lohr P&G Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Arroyo Seco, Monterey 2023”
Symington Family Estates Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021
Refined, elegant 100% Syrah from a high-elevation vineyard (for Portugal). This is their flagship Syrah effort in their limited Varietal Series. Symington’s Quinta da Fonte Souto bottlings already are noteworthy in white wine; this is a solid element of their emerging red wine program. $45-50 Continue reading “Symington Family Estates Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021”
Del Dotto Vineyards St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Centre Taransaud French Oak, Connoisseurs’ Series 2019
Impressive, higher-end Napa cab that is sensationally smooth that delivers plush, hedonistic delights. All you demand from wine in this price neighborhood. $250 Continue reading “Del Dotto Vineyards St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Centre Taransaud French Oak, Connoisseurs’ Series 2019”
True Myth Chardonnay Central Coast 2023
Pays homage to the classic oak-and-butter style of California chardonnay while avoiding the ponderous excess of that style. You do not have to worry about wood splinters or think of milk when you sip this pour. $16-18 Continue reading “True Myth Chardonnay Central Coast 2023”