Quick Reviews
Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuissé – France – 2015
Faint but floral nose flirts to reveal a fruit forward, bright and almost tart glass once on the tongue. California should pay attention, this is how chardonnay is supposed to be made. Just lovely.
Tom Gore Sauvignon Blanc – California – 2016
Pungent nose of apple and onion grass is way better than it sounds, and really gives this a unique character. On the palate it’s a bit more traditional in the Cally SB sort of way, with tart fruit prominent here. Lacks the nautical mineral noted of New Zealand offerings but is a fine US option; probably the best US SB I’ve tried this year.
Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay – California – 2015
Ugly blend that is too fruity by half with another half of nearly chemical reek. Only some bright acidity saves this from a 1 star rating.
Marietta Christo Estate Grown Red Blend – California – 2014
Color is like a 70s blacklight poster, deep purple baby. Potent blend with legs like an octopus, and just-right tannins. Finish was slightly lacking for me and it didn’t break out as particularly original, but it’s a very fine wine nevertheless.
Hay Maker Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – 2016
Grassy and citric like it should be, but lacking nearly any hint of fruit. It’s rare that I would say this, but this SB comes off as overdry for a Marlborough offering. Many might like that, though.
Bodegas Salentein Portillo Malbec – Argentina – 2015
From other reviews I was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. Nose gives off tobacco and only hints of fruit, but the palate just explodes with a melange of dark berries. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a blend but it’s all malbec. Very well done. Paired very well with spicy Italian chicken dish.
Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel – California – 2014
Wow, what a disappointment. Unusually fruit forward for an old vine zinfandel. Comes across as black cherry with an emphasis on the cherry. Actually came off as TANGY, if you can imagine that for a zin. The smooth tannins actually work against this, since they can’t overcome the odd tartness. Overall it’s OK, but definitely not great.
Spellbound Petite Sirah – California – 2014
Put up in a one-on-one PS battle against the horrible Handcraft offering, this one won the contest by a mile. Well made petite sirah, with mild tannins being the main characteristic. Earth and fruit on the nose, while the palate puts forth cherries with an ever so slight bit of tartness. Almost comes off as a blend. Drank well solo but would probably pair well with mild red meat dishes.
Handcraft Petite Sirah – California – 2015
Handcrafted by robots, or maybe people without hands? Mediocre PS that wilted when paired with a relatively bland chicken dish. Fruit disappears quickly and this has less legs than a cabaret show performed by amoebae. Probably good for cooking, if you don’t want any wine flavor in your sauce.
Danzante Pinot Grigio – Italy – 2015
Considering they are generally respected as the masters of pinot grigio, I’m rarely impressed the Italy’s latest offerings of this variety. This one presents more of the same: bright yellow color but little else; some notes of lemon and flowers but only if you squint. Too watery and lacking character, making this utterly unmemorable.