Archives: Wine Reviews

Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Harvester 2022

93
Austin Hope
Fanciful Name: Harvester
Vintage: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Paso Robles Estrella District
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: This cabernet hails from one of Paso Robles’ eleven districts, Estrella. The nose is full of ripe tomato and herbaceous notes. While still a full-bodied wine, this is a more delicate style of Paso Robles cabernet, with balanced tannins and notes of bright red fruit, red currants and crisp cranberries.
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Harvester 2022

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Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

93
Ironstone Vineyards
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: It would be unfair to describe this as their entry-level wine, as it overdelivers for the price. Sourced from the families Thorton Ranch property, it benefits from the Lodi AVA maritime influence: perfect for pinot noir with cool nights and warm days. Addition of 10% syrah really adds to the complexity, and adds deep-cherry coloring. Classic earthy notes add to a meaty texture. This was perfect with our cedar plank salmon.
Ironstone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021

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Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec 2021

94
Bodega Catena Zapata
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Altamira
Retail Price: $27

Tasting Notes: A huge mouthful of black current and violets, silky and lush. Give it some time to open and sip it with your favorite grilled meats.
Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec 2021

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Château de Ribebon Cabernet Franc 2018

88
Château de Ribebon
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2018
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur
Retail Price: $15.00

Tasting Notes: Almost entirely merlot from older vines, accented by cabernets producing a user-friendly red and black-fruited beauty with earthy tones. A great value.
Château de Ribebon Cabernet Franc 2018

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Bodegas Larchago (Chavarri) Tempranillo Izarbe Reserva Selección 2014

89
Bodegas Larchago (Chavarri)
Fanciful Name: Izarbe Reserva Selección
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Spain
Retail Price: $28.00

Tasting Notes: All tempranillo from the highest elevation of the three subzone of Rioja- Rioja Alta. Aging in oak gives this wine its hallmark dill, coconut and sawdust aromas on a sleek and immediately accessible wine.
Bodegas Larchago (Chavarri) Tempranillo Izarbe Reserva Selección 2014

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Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils Chardonnay 2020

90
Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Chablis
Retail Price: $40.00

Tasting Notes: A benchmark style showcasing the minerality that chardonnay from this northerly cool climate (Burgundy) displays.
Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils Chardonnay 2020

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Famille Bouey Red Bordeaux Blend Cuvee 58 2020

90
Famille Bouey
Fanciful Name: Cuvee 58
Varietal: Red Bordeaux Blend
Vintage: 2020
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: AOC Bordeaux
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: The Bouey family has been farming the Medoc region for more than 200 years, and the Cuvee 58 pays homage to the founding of Famille Bouey group. Blending sourcing from the best sites in the AOC designation with the best of modern winemaking (minimal sulfites, no chemicals, HVE certification) makes for wines that are very user friendly. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet epitomizes the classic Bordeaux style of blending. Classic earthy musk on the nose leads to hints of anise, currant and blackberry on the nose. Silky as you sip with balanced acidity and a definite potential for aging. A value-driven introduction to the Bordeaux region.
Famille Bouey Red Bordeaux Blend Cuvee 58 2020

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Sanvito Sangiovese 2021

90
Sanvito
Varietal: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: Puglia IGT
Appellation: Puglia IGT
Retail Price: $9.99

Tasting Notes: This sangiovese is medium bodied, but its fruit-forward nature may deceive you. Intense notes of tart cherries, oranges, strawberries and a hint of spice develop into light tannins. Great value for sangiovese lovers.
Sanvito Sangiovese 2021

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Weingut Esterhazy Blaufränkisch 2019

90
Weingut Esterhazy
Varietal: Blaufränkisch
Vintage: 2019
Country of Origin: Austria
Appellation: Leithaberg
Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: Wake up the chardonnay drinkers with this exceptional gruner! A nose full of fresh fruit and nuts, the peppery, spicey palate is full of pear and quince. The balanced acidity brings any food to life. Perfect for a holiday party.
Weingut Esterhazy Blaufränkisch 2019

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Artesania Portugal Alvarinho Alvarinho 2022

90
Artesania Portugal Alvarinho
Varietal: Alvarinho
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Vinho Verde
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Juicy and fresh. This white wine shows notes of peach, apricot and white blossoms that practically jump out of the glass. The long, lingering finish is brought to life by rich citrus flavors like orange and lemon. A creamier mouthfeel than expected, this would pair well with any seafood dish.
Artesania Portugal Alvarinho Alvarinho 2022

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Les Filets White Blend Piquepoul & Terret 2022

90
Les Filets
Fanciful Name: Piquepoul & Terret
Varietal: White Blend
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Côtes de Thau
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: From one of the oldest planted vineyard areas, Cotes de Thau, this wine is a solid choice for piquepoul fans. It’s golden yellow with notes of mango, lemon curd and a minerality that lends it a crisp and refreshing finish.
Les Filets White Blend Piquepoul & Terret 2022

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Vinhos Sogrape White Blend Nobilis

90
Vinhos Sogrape
Fanciful Name: Nobilis
Varietal: White Blend
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Vinho Verde
Retail Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: Pale yellow gold color with aromas of citrus, orange and grapefruit rinds. This is a “better for you” take on vinho verde with a lower 9% alcohol and only 84 calories. The palate is light and almost effervescent with a light lime zest finish.
Vinhos Sogrape White Blend Nobilis

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