Quick Reviews
Two Vines Riesling – Washington – 2015
If Inca Kola and Chateau St. Michelle had a baby: way too sweet to the point it could pass for an ice wine. Too bad because there’s probably some good fruit notes under there, but it’s buried under a dumpload of aspertame.
M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem – France – 2013
Leathery nose yields to moderate tannins and somewhat complex crescendo of blackberry and a dozen other notes. A slightly bitter finish keeps it from a higher score. I wouldn’t have placed the grapes (Syrah, Grenache and Carignan) without reading the brew ingredients beforehand, so it might make for a fun party game.
E4 Locations – Spain – NV
Smooth, low tannin silk bomb that you would swear comes from those Cally labs, which makes sense given its handlers, which includes the designer of the popular Prisoner blend. Fig and subtle dark cherry dominate. Tasted this paired not with food but a pipe of vanilla Cavendish and it held up well. Would be a hit with casual wine drinkers as well as a few snobs, but for me it didn’t rank higher because it falls into a sea of similar competitors. Being from Spain doesn’t excuse this.
St. Urbans-Hof Bockstein Ockfen Riesling Kabinett – Germany – 2011
Apricot and more apricot, with slightly syrupy texture and total lack of earthy elements. Did I mention the apricot? For a Mosel reez, this didn’t rank as high as it should have. Too much apricot!
Justin Isosceles – California – 2016
Smooth and silky with smoky notes and bold fruit. Limited tasting, no other notes. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Cantine Leonardo da Vinci Pinot Grigio – Italy – 2015
Understated and perhaps too much so, but enjoyable nevertheless. Some melon and vanilla balance out the lemon, which is a good thing. Mostly noseless but finish makes up for it, even if the lack of perfume knocks off a half star.
Ca’Donini Pinot Grigio – Italy – 2015
Very light and breezy with some citrus laying way down below. Limited tasting, no other notes.
Kris Pinot Grigio – Italy – 2016
Lemon is the dominant note here for an otherwise timid Pinot Grigio. Short finish makes this not particularly memorable but it’s pleasant enough. Acidic.
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige – Italy – 2016
Light and slightly nautical, without any biting tartness, could use more floral notes but has an impressive grapefruit finish. Pairs easily but drinks well on its own.
Durigutti Familia Red Blend – Argentina – 2016
Nose is bright fruit and black pepper. Flavors carry through the black pepper but with more subtle fruit notes and hints of cellar must. Bracing tannins but goes down smooth. A very well done Argentino red blend, comprised of a bruja’s brew of Bonarda, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.