Quick Reviews
Louis Jadot Beaujolais – France – 2014
I always get giddy when I see the Jadot label. I’m a fanboy, even of their lower end stuff. This one is on that side of the spectrum, alas. Faint cologne like nose, wine itself is fruit forward, mostly lacking in character and clearly unsophisticated. Minerals compete with the fruit for what little oomph there is. As a fanboy, I may be being kind with the rating, but this is entirely drinkable, if also entirely forgettable.
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo – Argentina – 2012
We battled this against a Protos tempranillo and while the Protos won out, this fell just shy of 5 stars due a some slight imbalance and tannins which just didn’t work for me. Dark ruby in the glass, it’s all blackcurrant, blackberry and black pepper. I’m thinking some black magic, as well? Paired well with spicy chicken, of all things. Reminded me of a gamay but with more oomph. Highly recommended.
Cousiño-Macul Sauvignon Blanc- Chile – 2015
Sometimes you encounter a bad wine pairing and this was one of them. Since I prepared the food, I thus blame the wine. This tasted of sour apple and petrol, which is never good. Had none of the usual SB aspects, except for a touch of grassiness. Not recommended.
Marqués de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc – Spain – 2016
Slightly more lively than the 2014 vintage but not much so. Lacks almost all of the characteristics of SB bit has a hint of apple. Generally unexciting.
Kaiken Terroir Series Sauvignon Blanc – Argentina – 2016
Wildly erratic, I have had bottles of the same vintage that were dull and flat, and others that were flavorful. This review found a generally good glass, with aspects of apple and green pepper, which paired very well with a tame chicken and rice dish. Your mileage will vary.
Domäne Wachau – Grüner Veltliner – Austra – 2015
Nose was obscured by the restaurant kitchen smells so can’t comment on it. But on the tongue it’s a mineraly experience with a slight tanginess, and relatively dry. I paired this with a salmon burger and it lined up very nicely. Very subtle flavors but I am confident this would be a hit with dry wine lovers when paired with seafood.
Cavit Collection Pinot Noir Provincia di Pavia- Italy – 2015
Garnet color looks nice in the glass and nose is very subtle, almost nonexistent. Tasty though, with enough fruit to please most folks but still dry enough to pair with most Italian plates. Seeing the name Cavit on the label was disappointing but it was nevertheless very nice for the price.
Pine Ridge – Chenin Blanc Viognier Blend – Napa CA – 2016
Slightly tart, slightly citric, slightly fruity, but no one thing dominates the others. Not bad, and paired well with a spicy fish dish. Drinks well on its own, too. Overall a very surprising blend with very surprising results, all of them good.
Riverlore Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough NZ – 2015
Very nice with a perfect balance of grassy goodness and fruit, without either overdoing it. A great example of the miracle that is Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Easy minerality too, so it avoids the cat pee that turns off some SB fans. Nice bite. Recommended.
Alcance Carmènère – Chile – 2015
Not complex or particularly robust but nevertheless very nice. Strong red cherry notes on the nose. Pleasant, but will probably be much, much better in a few years.