Quick Reviews
Amapola Creek Cuvee Alis – Sonoma – 2013
Nose was a but chemical like burnt plastic which carried through to the glass. Smooth tannins, hints of coffee and black cherry. Wilted when paired with goat cheese plate. I don’t like burnt plastic, apparently.
Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France – 2014
Earthy like fresh stable hay, very smooth tannins which might be a bit too smooth. Nose is fantastic enough that they should sell it as a fragrance. Black cherry finish.
Chappellet Cervantes Mountain Cuvée – Napa – 2016
Long-legged and rich, like the 6-foot tall daughter of a shipping magnate. The primary flavor here is plum, but not sweet. Some black coffee in there too. Highly recommended. Grapes are Petit Verdot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah.
Carletto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Italy – 2017
Bright and breezy like a physics university freshman in a sundress. Some spiciness for the back end and fruity cherry up front. Wilted when paired with simple pasta dish, though.
Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Ivory Label) – Napa – 2016
Blackberry and some mild spice with smooth tannins, but abrupt finish. A bit sleepy given the hype.
Z.Alexander Brown Uncaged Proprietary Red Blend – California – 2016
Very fine red blend with notes of cherry and charred vanilla, but with a brief finish and general inability to rise up with food. Drinks well on its own but pairing may be difficult if you’re fussy about your pairings. Grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.
The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – 2018
Slight lemon with bright slate notes, grassy nose, but very low tartness. Pretty damn good. Another great Marlborough NZ offering.
Château de la Roulerie Chenin Blanc – France – 2016
Middling Loire chenin blanc with way too much tartness. Pairing this with a plate that would ordinarily go well with see-bee will not work here. Strong green apple and steely sharp bite means you’d better put this up against a spicy cream sauce dish. There’s very little sugar here, but the finish makes you swear you just ate tart children’s candy.
Les Hauts de Montmirail Gigondas – France – 2016
Strong plum flavors backed by cloves and mint. Nose is jammy but on the tongue it’s not, so don’t worry. Drinks very well on its own, but will pair well with red meat as well as veal. Short finish and lack of some depth keeps this from 5 stars. The grapes here are Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.
Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato Bolgheri – Italy – 2016
Powerful prunes dominate but the wine is still dry and not necessarily fruity. Moderate tannins and medium peppery finish. Drinks only OK by itself, needed to be paired with spicy Italian pasta dish. Blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese.