Quick Reviews
Cruz Alta – Sauvignon Blanc / Sémillon – Argentina – 2010
50% split between sauvignon blanc and semillon, the latter dominates here. Fruity and light this resembles SB not at all but it’s very drinkable. Paired well with blue shark in garlic cream sauce.
St. Supery Estate Sauvignon Blanc – Napa – 2015
Very faint pineapple on the nose, with green apple on the tongue. Crisp but not acidic, low minerality, generally lovely.
Lustau East India Solera Sherry – Spain
Disappointing, this sherry reeks of soy sauce, and lacking appropriate sugar. Surprised at positive reviews for this. Pair with chow mein, as in pour it over the chow mein.
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa – 2013
Bad glass? I was excited by the reviews but found this woefully lacking. Nice mouthfeel but lacking oomph and not much fruit. Dull overall. Perhaps needed more air. May re-rate this if I try it again.
Luigi Bosca Las Compuertas – Riesling – Argentina – 2013
Dry almost mineraly reez, utterly unlike its cousins in the old world. Gasoline nose is nicer than it sounds, and gives way to a crisp, slightly acidic blend of sour melon and bitters. Pair with a bold fish plate. Riesling fans may not like this unless they are adventurous.
DC Flynt MW Cuvée A Dair Les Chanvrieres Sancerre – France – 2014
Good value. Wishing for something more. Maybe crispness? But definitely drinkable and perfect refreshing accompaniment to summer lunch.
Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon – California – 2015
Like mule urine with food coloring. Only good if you really, really like food coloring.
Bodegas Caro Amancaya Gran Reserva Malbec – Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina – 2012
From the Rothschild/Catena families, strong dark fruits crash together with firm but not overpowering acid. This is a bold glass and worth whatever price you pay for it.
Los Haroldos Nampe Malbec – Argentina – 2015
Out of the bottle the nose was chemical and powerful, but allowing it to sit in the glass (better yet, decant it) for at least a half hour gave way to roses and cinnamon. This is a fruit forward malbec with subtle tannins and low acidity. A great example of the breed. Only the initial nose keeps this from a five-star rating.
Bodegas Santa Ana Caracter Shiraz-Malbec – Argentina – 2016
Horrid, petroleum reek makes you think you’ve put a pile of oil-soaked rags in your mouth; once it’s inside you, it only gets worse. Imagine acid mixed with carcass, and you’re getting the picture. The only sure thing about this wine is that it will absolutely ruin any dish you eat it with. Recommend keeping a stock of these on hand to use in saloon fights, so you can smash the bottle, let the wine fall on the floor, and then use the sharp bits to beat up some horse thieves.