Quick Reviews
MontGras Antu Syrah – Chile – 2012
Low tannins in this vintage make it chocolatey smooth but also hinder the character just a bit. Nose of tobacco and cocoa and then a rush of smoke and deep, deep black cherry follows through on the tongue. A touch of sugar keeps this from being called dry, but blink and you’ll miss it. I think if this has a bit more bite it could be a five star knockout but it’s still fantastic.
Arca Nova Vinho Verde – Portugal – 2014
Noseless but bright and fizzy on the tongue, lack of initial oomph makes you think you’ve just swigged seltzer water but give it a second and some pleasant floral tones come through. Needs more fruit to give it character but those who like their wines more subtle might like this. Pair only white bland dishes, because this won’t hold up to anything else.
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough NZ – 2016
Now that’s more like it! The 2014 vintage left me wanting (review here) but this one is a knockout. Nice straw and cat scents without one dominating the other with a great balance of light, bright fruit and gravely minerals. Medium dry. Highly recommended.
Unparalleled Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough NZ – 2014
Much better than the 2016 vintage (review here), this one hits enough of the right notes to earn a recommendation, albeit a cautious one. Tart fruit would benefit from more gravely minerals, but it’s nevertheless a very nice glass. I paired this with a steak which probably wasn’t smart, so stick with a classic fish pairing and your experience will likely be better.
Cooper & Thief – Red Blend – Lodi CA – 2014
Jammy and spammy. Too much fruit and the bourbon barrel thing comes off as gimmicky. It’s also way the hell too sweet, bordering on port. I’m not sure what this wine wants to be. Packs an alcoholic punch though. 38% Merlot, 37% Syrah, 11% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% random floor sweepings dipped in Jack Daniels or something.
Lo Nuevo Covello Albariño – Spain – 2015
Some will say this is overtart, with strong green apple present here, but I paired with a spicy portobello mushroom soup and it really matched nicely. Floral notes on the nose while apple and melon are dominant on the palate. You’d be forgiven for thinking this is a new world riesling from the nose, but one taste proves its something else. Perfect low sugar. It won’t be a hit for everyone but for me this was a knockout.
Cantine Della Corte Negroamaro Salice Salentino – Italy
Silky but maybe too much so. Fruit forward with nearly zero tannins, this wine was slightly disappointing since it was recommended by someone. Lovely nose promises an experience the rest of the glass can’t deliver on.
Marchesi di Barolo Gavi – Cortese – Italy – 2014
Cakey, with melon and very slight lemon hints, this was served too cold, but when allowed to get closer to ambient, really came forward. Don’t make the mistake our host did, and serve this overchilled! Pairs well with salad course, breads, and fish, but I daresay you could get crazy and try it up against bolder dishes. A little tart.
Fritz Zimmer Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Auslese – Germany – 2010
Low acidity, medium sugar, and a velvety texture. Tangy hints of pineapple mix with floral notes making this very drinkable, if unusual. It’s from Mosel, so of course it’s fantastic.
Apothic White – California – 2016
Remember the 5-star winning, Winepisser 2015 Best Wine of the Year, Apothic Red? Remember the follow-on near-winner Apothic Dark, which won 4 stars?
This isn’t either one of those.
Instead, this is just the thing you need if you are craving those artificial banana cream cakes they sell in all night gas stations, but liquefied and then poured directly into your mouth. Tastes like plastic and aspartame. Shockingly bad.
Worst wine of 2017 so far.