by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Full Article
I recently had the opportunity, and free time, to write a new “Battle of the Budget” article (the last one was on German Rieslings) with another matchup, this time Italian Pinot Grigios. Stepping into the ring were four pee-gees, each just about under $12...
by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Full Article
Finally, another five-star award after a string of near misses. This one goes to the delicious 2014 San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère, from the Maule Valley of Chile. This happens to the birthplace of Darth Maule, the Sith Lord who gave up fighting rebel scum...
by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Quick Review
Smooth and silky with smoky notes and bold fruit. Limited tasting, no other notes. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Quick Review
Understated and perhaps too much so, but enjoyable nevertheless. Some melon and vanilla balance out the lemon, which is a good thing. Mostly noseless but finish makes up for it, even if the lack of perfume knocks off a half star.
by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Quick Review
Very light and breezy with some citrus laying way down below. Limited tasting, no other notes.
by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Quick Review
Lemon is the dominant note here for an otherwise timid Pinot Grigio. Short finish makes this not particularly memorable but it’s pleasant enough. Acidic.
by Winepisser | Jul 2, 2018 | Quick Review
Light and slightly nautical, without any biting tartness, could use more floral notes but has an impressive grapefruit finish. Pairs easily but drinks well on its own.
by Winepisser | Jun 30, 2018 | Quick Review
Nose is bright fruit and black pepper. Flavors carry through the black pepper but with more subtle fruit notes and hints of cellar must. Bracing tannins but goes down smooth. A very well done Argentino red blend, comprised of a bruja’s brew of Bonarda, Shiraz,...
by Winepisser | Jun 28, 2018 | Quick Review
The label alone makes me happy because Jadot is consistently pleasing. Yeah, I know, I’m biased. But regardless, compared to lesser California pinot noirs, which tend to be watery messes, this has all the right stuff: ample fruit without forgetting its supposed...
by Winepisser | Jun 15, 2018 | Quick Review
Potent nose of bright fruit and hints of cellar must give way to a powerful palate filled with complex layers of black cherry, black pepper, and truffles. Legs like a giant spider, and a finish that lingers for some time with prominent cherry. I’m not a cherry...
by Winepisser | Jun 2, 2018 | Quick Review
Fruit forward cab lacking in the characteristics one expects from cabs these days. Strong red fruit flavors overwhelm all other notes, but smooth tannins help improve it overall. Suggest pairing with spicy Italian dish rather than red meat.
by Winepisser | May 30, 2018 | Quick Review
Served decanted. Nose is faint with high alcohol subduing some underlying notes of blackcurrant and pepper. Once sipped it really comes alive with powerful punches of currant, leather and ripe cherry. Tannins are moderate and the overall structure is slightly better...
by Winepisser | May 30, 2018 | Quick Review
Nearly skinny in body, this is a light tempranillo whose ruby color might fool you. Not much to it, and it almost comes off as a table wine, but it’s tasty enough to reach 3 stars.
by Winepisser | May 30, 2018 | Quick Review
“Midnight” captures the experience here: this is an inky black blend with smooth but potent notes of black cherry and sweetened leather. Muy suave, borderline erotic. Weak finish and nose knock off a star.
by Winepisser | May 30, 2018 | Quick Review
Absolutely fantastic Torrontes from the Calchaqui Valley in Argentina, with a remarkably lively palate pallet including bold notes of green apple and lemongrass, but with a surprising floral mid-note that makes it playful. This is basically a happy puppy running...
by Winepisser | May 30, 2018 | Quick Review
A step up from the 2015, thankfully, but still underwhelming. Surprisingly floral for a sauvignon blanc with some muted fruit. Serviceable.
by Winepisser | May 30, 2018 | Quick Review
Where’s the grapes? With the modern inclination to overpower chardonnay with powerful notes of everything and the kitchen sink, what a shock to find the opposite. This wine is so flaccid there’s almost nothing to review. This tastes like wine when you have...
by Winepisser | May 9, 2018 | Full Article
We’re into May, and this year is proving to be unusual. So far, only two wines — both reds — have scored a cinco (five star rating), but a startling number have come close with 4 and 4.5 star awards. It seems many are just having a tough time...
by Winepisser | May 9, 2018 | Quick Review
I am surprised by the lower ratings found on Vivino, this is a fine new world SB, with ample flavors of tart grapefruit and salty rock. A bit over acidic.
by Winepisser | May 9, 2018 | Quick Review
Fantastic if subtle nose of perfume and lemon, gives way to palate of bright tart apple. Dry, so don’t let the nose trick you. Best paired with bold dish, this is a bit powerful to drink solo.
by Winepisser | May 9, 2018 | Quick Review
Really wonderful example of the fine malbecs coming from Argentina. Strong dark cherry with hints of wood and black pepper. Dry without losing the fruit. Paired well with homemade traditional Italian lasagna.
by Winepisser | May 9, 2018 | Quick Review
Reliable malbec from a reliable source. Some smoke, some tannins, and potent flavors of blackcurrant and dark cherry.
by Winepisser | Apr 28, 2018 | Full Article
You have to be really, really oversensitive about alcohol to let it ruin fucking Disney World for you, but that’s exactly what Insider’s “culture reporter” Kim Renfro allowed happen. Renfro, apparently from California, is used to going to that...
by Winepisser | Apr 28, 2018 | Quick Review
Typical Cally SB, lacking minerals that make the NZ’s so superior. Fruit notes of melon and green apple with a marked acidic bite.
by Winepisser | Apr 28, 2018 | Quick Review
Blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, the nose is spice and leather. No tannins but with a leathery finish. Some smoke and burnt black cherry.
