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2018 Levo Under The Gun Petite Sirah, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$42.00USD

This is a blend of 78% Petite Sirah, 18% grenache, and the remainder Syrah and Roussanne.  It is a big, bold wine that is drinking well.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, gravel, black cherries, and spices.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, lots of black cherry fruit with some black raspberries and char.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own and would work well with meats or poultry off the grill.  Drink over the next six to ten years.  

2022 Desire Lines Riesling Cole Ranch, USA, California, Mendocino, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$22.00USD

Cole Ranch AVA is the smallest AVA in the United States.  It is west of Ukiah in Mendocino County.  The vineyard was planted in 1973.  It is a very interesting take on Riesling and certainly one of the better ones tasted from California (yes, that is a bit of a back handed compliment).  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has peach, some ginger and plenty of minerality.  Medium bodied.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this is dry.  Minerality dominates but also some ginger and slight peach.  Good finish.  It is nice on its own, but really, better with good.  It was perfect with

2019 Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta I, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
99
Grade: 
A+
Current Price: 
$260.00USD

Yes, this is young and will improve.  But you know what?  Some days you just want your wine to do the talking.  This perfect after one of those days.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, black pepper, roasted meats and roasted herbs.  Full bodied.  High energy.  Great balance.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, this is deep and delicious.  Black raspberries, char and black pepper.  Long finish.  This will get even better but was great.  Drink over the next twenty to thirty years.  We had it on its own, but this would be just fine with a steak or (veggie) Bu

2002 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select, USA, California, Napa, Stags Leap, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2002
Score: 
100
Grade: 
A+
Current Price: 
$400.00USD

if Napa had First Growth designations, this would be on the list.  The Lafite of Napa.  Long history, Great wines, and a Reasonably large production.  Such consistency.  At age 22, this is cruising along without showing any old age.  Purple in color, garnet at the rim, opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, pencil lead, cedar, smoke and just a hint of leather.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Great balance.  On the palate, this is deep and complex.  Flavors of cassis, slight earthiness, char and just a bit of leather.  Long finish.  Delicious.  Great on its own, this would be classic with

2021 Donnafugata Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé, Italy, Sicily, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$45.00USD

This is from an Island located south west of Sicily.  Although part of Italy, it is actually closer to Africa (Tunisia).  It is a fascinating dessert wine. Made from Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) grapes.  Amber in color with some golden hues.  The nose is great with canned peaches, apricots and candied oranges.  Viscous.  On the palate, this is sweet but not cloying.  Delicious.  Enough acidity to carry the fruit.  Also a touch of honey.  Long finish.  Great on its own, this would work well with Biscotti or shortbread.  Fun.

 

2019 David & Nadia Chenin Blanc Plat'Bos, South Africa, Swartland, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$72.00USD

In trying to explore Chenin Blanc, this one came highly recommended.  It is expensive for Chenin, but quite good.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is lovely with red apples, salinity, peach and slight floral notes.  Medium bodied with a crisp, slightly oily texture.  On the palate, the apples come thru along with a bit of peach and great minerality.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own and better with food.  It would be nice with a dish that combined pork and roasted apples.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  

2017 TH Estate Wines Syrah The Hedge, USA, California, Paso Robles, Willow Creek, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is what used to be Terry Hoage  Winery.  It is 98% Syrah and 2% Mourvedre.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, roasted meats, black pepper and char.  Full bodied.  Medium to firm tannins.  On the palate, this is a big wine.  Full throttle.  Flavors of black raspberries with some black pepper and char.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own but will take big food.  Roasted or grilled meats and/or veggies would work.  Drink over the next eight to twelve years.  

2021 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah California, USA, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$23.00USD

Another great value from Bedrock.  This is their basic Syrah and it is excellent and reasonably priced.  Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, char, slight black pepper and roasted herbs.  Medium to full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this is delicious.  Black raspberry fruit with some  black pepper and char.  It should drink well for another ten years.  Nice on its own, a great choice for a mid week burger.  

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