Archives: Wine Reviews

Domaine André Brunel Grenache 2021

87
Domaine André Brunel
Varietal: Grenache
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Southern Rhône
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: The Brunel family has been making wine in the Rhone region of France for five generations, and this value offering combines this expertise with the grapes from the Vin de Pays region in the southern Rhone. Old vine grenache is blended with 10% mouvedre. Natural winemaking (concrete tank fermentation) is combined with a new-age eco approach (no chemicals). Fresh and vibrant with very balanced tannins and acidity. A great way to explore red wines beyond ABC (anything but cabernet). Great pairing with shepherd’s pie.
Domaine André Brunel Grenache 2021

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Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Verdejo 2022

88
Bodegas Ramon Bilbao
Varietal: Verdejo
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rueda
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: A great example of the crop of “discovery” wines from Spain. Higher altitude sourcing from estate grapes yields vibrant herbaceous fruit. Beautiful yellow/green color highlights the soft floral notes with citrus hints. Fennel and fresh cut grass notes add to the appeal. Medium-bodied with zippy acidity. Great wine to welcome the arrival of spring!
Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Verdejo 2022

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Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2022

88
Geyser Peak
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Founded in 1880, this storied winery has been producing great wines for over 140 years. This entry tier offers exceptional value. Winemaker Derek Irwin shows his skills, sourcing from cool and warm climate vineyard sources to achieve great balance between zippy acidity and rich tropical smoothness.100% stainless steel fermentation and a touch of Viognier offer up great aromatics and purity of fruit. Wonderful pairing with Clam Casino appetizer.
Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2022

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Mar de Frades Albariño 2022

88
Mar de Frades
Varietal: Albariño
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rías Baixas
Retail Price: $26.99

Tasting Notes: This is the white cousin to the famed tempranillo grapes of Spain. Sourced from the cool coastal climate of the Atlantic, this wine reflects both the terroir and the cuisine of the region. Meticulous natural farming techniques result in a soft style with light acidity. Floral notes of wildflowers mingle with light minerality and hints of lime and mint. This is a true discovery wine not that far off the beaten path. A classic pairing with fish and shellfish, especially classic paellas.
Mar de Frades Albariño 2022

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Altocedro Malbec 2021

88
Altocedro
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: La Consulta
Retail Price: $16.00

Tasting Notes: When looking for value, Argentina has the market cornered. A ripe and dark-fruited, powerful Malbec with dusty tannins. Named after the large cedar trees on the property.
Altocedro Malbec 2021

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Mary Taylor Merlot 2020

89
Mary Taylor
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Côtes de Gascogne
Retail Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: A blend of indigenous white varietals: colombard, gros manseng, ugni blanc and a dash of sauvignon blanc. A juicy, floral, citrus-inflected crisp white from Southwestern France.
Mary Taylor Merlot 2020

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La Crema Pinot Noir 2022

89
La Crema
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $28.99

Tasting Notes: This winery was a huge factor in bringing pinot Noir to the masses. A well-made product at an attractive price with consistent quality from vintage to vintage — not an easy feat with this fickle grape. The cool Sonoma Coast AVA’s yielded intense, concentrated flavors. Mainly hand-picked fruit underwent cold soak and open tank fermentation. Aging was in French oak for six months. Beautiful combination of classic European style with vibrant California fruit. Rich fruit aromas of plum and cherry highlight the rich color and soft finish. A great value for the pinot category
La Crema Pinot Noir 2022

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Decoy Chardonnay Limited 2022

89
Decoy
Fanciful Name: Limited
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: Duckhorn continues to fine tune the Decoy portfolio with this offering. Shared winemaking expertise and great contracts and estate sourcing yield spectacular results. Stainless steel aging then light oak aging and malolactic fermentation maintains the purity of the fruit. Kiwi, lemon and butterscotch notes dominate. Light oak and balanced acidity lead to a smooth finish with a hint of eucalyptus. Great for that spring picnic, with cold grilled chicken.
Decoy Chardonnay Limited 2022

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Prado Rey Tempranillo Sr. Niño 2022

89
Prado Rey
Fanciful Name: Sr. Niño
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Ribera del Duero
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: A dark purple tone, with high-intensity inviting aromatics that lead to juicy, fruit and plummy notes on this festive and fun wine. Organically farmed, with carbonic maceration that brings liveliness to its style.
Prado Rey Tempranillo Sr. Niño 2022

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RouteStock Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

90
RouteStock Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $29.00

Tasting Notes: An elegant balance of black fruit is balanced with hints of stone fruit. The juicy fruit and slightly firm tannins all tie in with a hint of vanilla and gentle yet satisfying finale.
RouteStock Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

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Roccalta Red Blend 2022

90
Roccalta
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Chianti 
Retail Price: $9.99

Tasting Notes: Approachable and easy drinking chianti. Fruity and intense aromas with the typical notes of orange peel and tart cherry that follow through on the palate. Toasted oak barrel and balanced tannins give this wine a balanced structure and finish.
Roccalta Red Blend 2022

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Forever Vineyards Chardonnay 2022

90
Forever Vineyards
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $15.99

Tasting Notes: A chardonnay made for those who enjoy the oaky style with a creamy finish. This wine is bright yellow in color, full-bodied with vanilla, nutmeg and baking spice notes.
Forever Vineyards Chardonnay 2022

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