Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red – Napa – 2014

Only the second 5 star wine of 2017, this knockout proves yet again that the mad scientists of Napa are the world’s Kings of red blends. Oozing chocolate and dark cherry, this is a gooey glass of horny passion that earns your last. With legs like this you will...

Los Haroldos Nampe Malbec – Argentina – 2015

Out of the bottle the nose was chemical and powerful, but allowing it to sit in the glass (better yet, decant it) for at least a half hour gave way to roses and cinnamon. This is a fruit forward malbec with subtle tannins and low acidity. A great example of the breed....

Santo Tomás Colombard – Mexico – 2014

Color is pure white, nearly like grain alcohol; Slight taste of ammonia fouled the perfume of some underlying lavendar. Bad bottle? Overall, not a great glass, but need to try again under better conditions so I am giving them an extra half star.  

Ondarre Rioja Reserva – Spain – 2010

Blend with majority of tempranillo; notes of black pepper but with a finish of garlic. Overall dominance is black cherry and plum. Powerful so it paired well with a traditional penne dish, but drank well by itself, too. Recommended.