2021 Carlisle The Derivative White, USA, California, Sonoma, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$32.00USD

While this is good every year (and I don't know if it is always the same blend), this vintage might be the best yet.  According to the web site, it appears that it is a blend of mostly Semillon from Rossi Ranch with some Muscadelle from Pagani vineyard.  Light to medium yellow/gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose  is great with slight tropical fruit (Pineapple and Guava?) along with slight almonds and a bit of minerality.  Medium bodied.

2017 Zoltán Günzer Cabernet Franc Villányi, Hungary, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$17.00USD

This is a nice, solid Cabernet Franc from Hungary.  Varietally correct and fairly priced.  Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, tobacco, green bell pepper and spice.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, black cherries with some tobacco and a slight green note.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  A nice wine to pair with stuffed pepper.  Drink over the next few years.  

2022 Weingut Fichtenbauer-Mold Cuvée Rosé, Austria, Niederösterreich, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This is a Rosé from Lower Austria made from a blend of Zweigelt, St. Laurent, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Deep salmon pink in color, clear and bright. The varietals are vinified separately and then blended.  The nose is nice with strawberries and cherries and slight salinity.  Light to medium bodied.  Silky texture.  On the palate, this is refreshing with flavors of strawberries and slight cherries.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This is delightful on its own and will work nicely with grilled foods.  A nice choice for a grilled Burger this summer.

2022 Petra Unger Rosé vom Zweigelt, Austria, Niederosterreich, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2022
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$37.00USD

This is a Rosé wine from Austria made from Zweigelt grapes.  Deep salmon pink in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with cranberries, cherries, and a slight minerality.  Slightly viscous.  Light bodied.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this is refreshing with cherries and slight cranberry notes.  Good finish.  This is very food friendly and would work nicely with lighter dishes such as a Ham Casserole.  Drink now.

Sea Smoke 2021 Pinot Noir, Southing

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$95.00USD

This Pinot Noir drinks like Santa Barbara with a little bit of Oregon. The cool climate of the Santa Rita Hills allows for the development of pomegranate, rhubarb, black cherry, and green and black tea leaves, while its earthiness and minerality are the best attributes of Oregon Pinot Noir. Here the Southing, which has matured greatly over the years, stands apart of the run of the mill Pinot Noir. If you’ve ever been to Santa Barbara you can see the layer of clouds that hug the mountains like a blanket. Underneath that blanket are the Sea Smoke vineyards that were planted 25 years ago.

2008 Bocale Montefalco Sagrantino Passito, Italy, Umbria, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2008
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

From a 375ml bottle. This is 100% Sagrantino made as a desert wine.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, black currants, and spice.  Full bodied.  Slightly sweet.  On the palate, black currants, soy sauce and spice.  Intriguing and a bit exotic.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own and would be nice with a piece of Biscotti.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years. 

2019 Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico Riserva Lareale, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo.  Ruby in color, purple at the core, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is nice with cherries, dust, sandalwood and herbs.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this has nice cherry fruit with some spice.  Good finish.  This is better with food and would work well with pasta with a red sauce.  Drink over the next eight to twelve years.

2018 San Felice Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$50.00USD

It was interesting trying this along side a bunch of Chianti Classico Riservas including this winery's 2019.  While both were good, I preferred the 2019 CCR.  And, its half the price.  This is inky purple in color with slight ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose comes across very "Bordeaux" like.  Aromas of black cherries, cigar box, fresh tobacco and spice.  Light to medium bodied.  Good acidity.  Light tannins.  On the palate, cherries, sour cherries and slight forest floor.  Good finish.  This is drinking well now and should continue for another six to nine years.  It will be b

2019 Canonica a Cerreto Chianti Classico, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$15.00USD

Another great value in Chianti.  Ruby in color, purple at the core, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is dusty with cherries, thyme, and sandalwood.  Light to medium bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, cherries and some sour cherries.  Good finish.  This is an easy drinking wine that is ready to go.  Better with food, this would be perfect with weeknight Spaghetti & Meatballs.  Drink over the next couple of years.

2019 San Felice Chianti Classico Il Grigio Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$28.00USD

Ruby in color, purple at the core, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is slightly earthy with cherries, anise, and spice.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this is tasty with sour cherries, black cherries, herbal notes and spice.  Good finish.  This is drinking well and should continue for another ten years.  Better with food although nice on its own.  Braised meats would work well (and of course, Fava Beans and Liver).