Quick Reviews
Karl Kaspar Riesling – Germany – 2016
Slightly tart and medium sweet, this drink well by itself but the sugar might make it tough to pair. Apricot is the main note here with a very faint touch of spice. Vivino members rated this lower than I did, but this may be due to my preference for German Riesling. I would recommend this but not for those who like standard fare pinot gris or new world Riesling.
Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvée – California – 2016
A bit understated to the point of mumbling, this blend lacks any oomph to distinguish it from a million competitors. Notes of blackberry and smoke are subdued, but fans of subtle wine may find this acceptable. For me, it was just too timid. Paired with steak, it didn’t hold up. Insane blend invokes a wine made of floor sweepings: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. Seriously?
Justin Sauvignon Blanc – California – 2016
Subtle sauvignon blanc that gets close to a French offering but falls slightly short. Nose is asparagus but this doesn’t show up in the glass. Instead it very subdued hues of lemongrass and white raisin, but still adequately dry. It’s a fine glass but just lacking in what makes SB memorable.
Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon – California – 2016
Charming if understated, has some tannins but not too much, some fruit but not too much, and some slight spice but not too much. Paired very nice with a Ruth’s Chris ribeye.
Raymond Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon – California
[No year noted.] A bit too smooth and it loses edge as a result. Certainly silky but also lacking in potent flavors. If you like your cabs subtle this is fine, but this disappeared when paired with a simple steak. Nose is mighty powerful but that doesn’t make up for the overall boredom of the glass.
Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel – California
[No year noted.] Robust with oodles of fruit but enough other characteristics to prevent it from being called fruit forward. Some cellar must and black pepper and powerful tannins that screw up your puss. Put together and it’s pretty damn good. Lack of a back end and some excess tartness keep this from a higher score.
Ravage Cabernet Sauvignon – California – 2014
This is a smooth cab and evidence that sometimes if you smooth something enough, you remove all the interesting details. Yes, there’s fruit and, yes, there’s some spice, but it’s covered over by a dense velvet blanket that hinders the final product. In the end, it’s just so-so. Like drinking a wine-flavored blanket.
Boordy Riesling – Maryland – 2016
Agree with other reviewers who said this is a tad bit sweet to pair with food but nevertheless is really fantastic. This is fruity but not overly so, with a spicy apple kick that gives it a gewurtztraminer tilt. Long spicy finish. Recommended. Who new Maryland made great reez?
Roth Cabernet Sauvignon – California – 2015
The opposite of a fat cab, this one may have a slight eating disorder as it’s way too skinny. Brief finish and underwhelming depth, you’d be excused for thinking this was a blend. Fruit is a bit overripe and I caught none of the leather or tobacco promised by other reviews. Disappointed.
Attems Pinot Grigio – Italy – 2016
Tart apple slams home hard but it’s very drinkable if you’re OK with that. Acidic bite differentiates this from its New World brethren. Pleasant finish that reveals some flowers at the end, but it’s that tartness that you’ll remember.