Quick Reviews
Bodegas Santa Ana Malbec – Argentina – 2019
Potent blueberry nose will make you think of blueberry waffles, but on the tongue it is brisk, dry and bearing less fruit than expected. Not particularly deep with a brief finish but surprisingly enjoyable. Stood up to spicy pasta. Better than some reviews suggest.
Canard-Duchêne Cuvée Léonie Brut Champagne – France
Slightly flinty with only hints of citrus, mostly lemon. Somewhat unremarkable, which is about right since it was served on an airplane.
Bodega K5 Pilota – Spain – 2017
Example of the hondarrabi zuri grape you’ve likely never heard of. Color is deep gold, nose is very faint with hint of minerals. On the palate it’s citric, dry and evoking little fruit. By itself it came off as a bit dull, but paired well with duck confit to help boost its rating. Pairing this well is absolutely essential.
Domaine des Coltabards Sancerre – France – 2017
Nose is slightly grassy with some surprising vanilla notes. On the tongue it’s nearly buttery but not in overbearing chardonnay way; just not something you’d expect in a sauvignon blanc. Another example of just how far apart Loire SB is from the New Zealand craze offerings. Very nice with a hint of citrus but only a hint
Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon – Washington – 2015
Silky smooth cab, heavy on fruit but sufficiently dry to avoid an insult of jamminess. Blackberry is dominant and carries through to the nose, notes of fresh leather add some bookish kick. Finish is long if subtle. From the Red Mountain region of Columbia Valley WA. Long form review coming.
Piattelli Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – Argentina – 2017
Licorice dominated for me, so much so that it nudged down a half star since I’m not a fan of licorice. Blackberry is strong, but middling tannins and some unevenness suggest this either needs more time or possibly should sit open in the glass a good hour before drinking. Also, licorice!
Oliver Soft White – Indiana – NV
Very sweet wine wrongly marketed by the maker as “semi.” Equally dubious is their refusal to name the grapes and instead just call them “Niagara,” making me suspect it’s concord. The wine definitely tastes suspiciously close to concord but there’s so much sugar here it could be masticated twinkies. If this was better produced it might make a good, cheap ice wine, but alas it’s not. Not recommended. Sold in an Indiana airport, so….
J. Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling – California – 2017
Another flowery California reez but this one comes with a mild tartness that spices it up a bit. Pear finish.
Imagery Sauvignon Blanc – California – 2017
Flower power baby! A surprisingly floral SB with little of the usual notes other than some mildly citric pink grapefruit. No asparagus or cat pee here, this leans into a chenin blanc territory but with some hints of minerality. Would be a great choice to win back anyone who thinks they hate sauvignon blanc’s more aggressive flavors.
Allegrini Valpolicella – Italy – 2018
Cherry cherry and more cherry, you’d be excused if you were afraid of swallowing a pit. Back end suffers from a bit of bittermess that subtracts a full point. Moderate tannins. Paired well with meat dish, though.