Quick Reviews
The Federalist Sonoma County Chardonnay – California
Fortunately it’s not the margarine mess that passes for California chardonnay these days (CA should just cede the wineries to the dairy industry), so this is pleasant enough. Slightly crisp with hints of citrus but with enough oak to please the fans. (No year noted.)
Cigar Zin Old Vine Zinfandel – California – 2014
Mediocre zin from Cosentino winery will pair nice with a meaty plate, but don’t expect much if drinking it by itself. OK but not memorable.
Château Smith Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé – France – 2012
Rich black cherry and silky smooth tannins. Really luxurious. Drinks great right now.
Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz – Australia – 2015
Very fine Shiraz, very smooth with light and subtle fruit sneaking behind the deep ruby color. A great glass for those trying Shiraz for the first time, but pleased this seasoned lover of the grape as well. Recommended.
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Latitude – New Zealand – 2013
This year proved to be a huge year for New Zealand SBs, with dozens of them reviewed recently. It’s no secret I am a fan. This Stoneleigh from Marlborough, which I am pretty sure is where the Garden of Eden once existed, throws off a blast of lemon and fresh cut lawn. Maybe too much lemon, keeping the rating a half star lower than otherwise. Nevertheless refreshing and tasty.
Concannon Founder’s Chardonnay – California – 2014
This Monterey County chardy has an interesting nose bearing the usual chardonnay scents but with a hint of cedar which really makes this intriguing. On the palate it’s the usual stuff, light cream and timid fruit. Not bad at all but just not memorable. At least it avoids the margarine texture of so many California chardies.
Hindsight Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa California – 2014
Nose reminded me of the musty New York City apartment of my grandparents; that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Fruit forward but avoids jamminess, thankfully. Heavy berry flavors dominate with robust but not overpowering tannins. Came recommended by the server and didn’t disappoint. Will probably get better in a few years so you may want to wait. Not a “big fat red,” if you’re wanting that; but delicious, nonetheless.
Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay – California – 2015
I am just not a fan of buttery chardonnay and this is only that. Hits all the usual beats, without anything to make it unique. Chardy enjoyers will, erm, enjoy; but I am utterly bored by this formula.
De Bortoli Willowglen Merlot – Australia – 2014
Pedestrian but not bad. The used sneakers of wine.
Domaine de la Mordoree La Reine Des Bois Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France – 2012
You can rarely go wrong with CDP, and I usually am ecstatic over any that I encounter. This one, however, left me wanting. A timid nose hinted at little of what the glass would offer the palate;in general, this hinted at a fruity back end, but was dominated by a peppery overtaste that dulled much of anything else. That’s not necessarily bad, but for me this doesn’t rank as high as other CDPs I’ve had.