Quick Reviews
Louis M. Martini California Barbera – California – 2015
Absolutely fantastic barbera from California, nose is fruit with some mild wood notes, glass is blackcurrant with earl grey tea and mild tannins. From earlier reviews in 2015 this appears to have aged nicely and drinks well now, and will only improve. Long finish of sweet fruit even if the glass itself is moderately dry. First five-star winner for 2019.
Chappellet Mountain Cuvée Proprietor’s Blend – California – 2016
First sip from the glass was all cherry, and a bit too much of it. After sitting a bit, it calmed down. Strong dark fruit notes make this palatable only to fruit-forward fans. Light tannins but the smoothness is cut by the brash fruit. Comes off sweeter than it probably is. Cabernet sauvignon.
Bertani Bertarose Chiaretto – Italy – 2017
Peach with sauvignon blanc like grass notes, despite the actual grapes. Only mildly tart, very slightly off dry. No nose but long floral finish. Paired very well with Ruth’s Chris lobster bisque. A blend of Sangiovese, Corvina, Molinara, Merlot.
Cristom Viognier – Oregon – 2016
Another reviewer mentioned sorbet and that’s accurate, but also awful. There’s a sooth butteriness here that is just off putting. The overall flavor note is floral but the end result is like a daisy smoothie. Off dry.
Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc – California – 2016
Tasted this while suffering beginnings of a cold, so couldn’t comment fairly on the nose. Flavors are wonderful though, with bright green apple and citrusy lemony, slight hints of grass. So many of these US sauvignon blancs are disappointing but this one is very good.
Torres Sangre de Toro Tempranillo – Spain – 2016
Good wine in general but I was slightly disappointed because it’s only a fair tempranillo, which usually fares better in my reviews. Some timid notes of cherry and moderate tannins, but you’d be forgiven if you couldn’t remember much else afterwards. Paired OK with home made lasagna.
Séptima Lote Especial Malbec – Argentina – 2015
Reliably great Malbec from Argentina, with smooth tannins and deep near-black color. Blackcurrant and plum present here.
Cousiño-Macul Isidora Sauvignon Blanc – Chile – 2016
Much better than the tepid 2014 vintage, this is bright and tart and just a little spicy. May be too tart for some though. Green apple is the dominant note here.
Amalaya Blanco de Corte – Argentina – 2017
Fantastic white blend of Torrontes and Riesling with a surprising perfumy nose and bright apples coming through in the glass. You’d swear there was a bit of Chenin Blanc in here. Off dry. Paired well with a spicy chicken dish. Came very close to a five-star rating.
Patrón Santiago Gran Reserva Tinto – Argentina – 2007
Delicious red blend that might have scored higher but was served at the wrong temperature. Musty cellar with bright fruit and strong tannins. Vivino reports it as a blend of cab, merlot and syrah; but it’s cab heavy. That’s a good thing.