Quick Reviews
Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc – California – 2017
This isn’t a New Zealand SB, but like a perv sitting next to you in a movie theater, it comes close.
Carl Sittmann Riesling – Germany – 2017
Great Rheinhessen riesling with notes of honey, apricot and apple. Moderately sweet. Long finish.
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages – France – 2015
The Georges Duboeuf label is always reassuring. This one is great, and lively if a bit too smooth. Like Kojak after an arrest. Who loves ya, baby?
Zuccardi “Serie A” Malbec – Argentina – 2017
Nose is all jam and jelly but this doesn’t mean the flavors are jammy. Instead it’s a bold, dry and dark leathery cup. Bracing tannins.
The Prisoner “Saldo” Zinfandel – California – 2016
Despite the Prisoner label, this one was a surprising let-down. Over-subtle, lacking typical zin notes and punch, and appearing overprocessed. It’s fine, and it paired well with a traditional US grilled hamburger, but just didn’t live up to the hype.
Carta Vieja Sauvignon Blanc – Chile – 2016
Surprisingly sweet and floral for a sauvignon blanc, but not oversweet. Comes off almost as a blend with chenin blanc. Still, it’s very drinkable but at 12% alcohol be careful. Pink grapefruit is the dominant note here.
Undurraga Sibaris Gran Reserva Carmenère – Chile – 2015
I’m surprised the Underraga carmeneres don’t rank higher, but they just don’t knock my socks off. Either my taste in carmy is too picky or I need looser socks. This one has some meaty notes with a little smoke and dark fruit, but a slight unnecessary bitterness harms the final product. Allowing to sit a while didn’t help. Not a bad wine, just not great.
Carta Vieja Kidia Single Vineyard Reserva Late Harvest – Chile – 2013
Sweet baked apple replaces the usual raisiny notes that mark these wines, so this is pleasantly different. Zero bitter aftertaste, and silky smooth. Light, not syrupy. Another five-star dessert wine, for those that love them. Blend of Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier but I dare you to identify the SB.
TerraNoble Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon – Chile – 2014
Very dry and came off as bitter, but improved after allowing to sit in the decanter for 30 mins and then running through an aerator. That was a lot of work to get the wine to break 3 stars though. Strong tannins make for a good pucker. Some wood comes through but the fruit is simplistic. So-so unless you put some muscle into it.
Domaine Delsol Picpoul de Pinet – France – 2016
A nose that hinted at cupcake suggested this might be interesting (or weird), but the taste is neither. Fairly tepid generic white, you’d be forgiven if you thought this was a routine pinot grigio. The pairing was unfair: put up against a bold soy glazed scallop plate, the wine all but disappeared. Pair this only with light fish. Still, very drinkable though.