2015 Carlisle Syrah Papa's Block, USA, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$55.00USD

This is 100% Syrah with a 15.3% ABV.  That said, the alcohol isn't noticeable.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  Mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries with some spice and black pepper.  Full bodied.  On the palate, black raspberry fruit with underlying char and ash.  Light tannins.  Good finish.  At age 7 this may yet improve a bit but it just about at its prime drinking window.  It should drink well for another ten to twelve years.  This will go well  with roasted meats, fowl or veggies.  

2018 Domaine de l'Enchantoir Saumur Blanc Terres Blanches, France, Loire, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

This is a really enjoyable Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley of France.  Light gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose has lots of minerals, orange peel and slight floral notes.  Medium bodied.  Slightly sweet.  Concentrated minerality on the palate.  Long finish.  This is delicious now and should drink well for another decade.  It drinks well on its own and will work well with lighter salads and seafoods.  

2014 Weingut Knoll Riesling Selection Ried Pfaffenberg Steiner, Austria, Kremstal, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$70.00USD

Golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has some diesel and schist along with a bit of lemon/lime.  Full bodied.  On the palate, tart lemons with an underlying minerality.  It does seem like there is a slight residual sugar. Good acidity.  This is a serious Riesling that should drink well for another ten to fifteen years (at least).  This drinks well on its own but will work better with just about any food.  It should be a nice match for Thai or Indian.  

2019 Penley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Phoenix, Australia, Coonawarra, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

This is a reasonably priced Australian 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries and black raspberries cedar with a streak of mint.  Full bodied.  On the palate, there are medium tannins, black raspberries, a touch of oak.  A bit sweet/ripe.  Long finish.  This drinks well now and should continue to do so for five to seven years.  It will work well on its own and also with wings or ribs (or a burger).  

2017 Toad Hollow Merlot Richard McDowell Selection, USA, California, Sonoma, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
80
Grade: 
B-
Current Price: 
$16.00USD

Purple in color with some Ruby swirls.  There is a ton of volatile acidity on the nose (nail polish).  Some mulberries.  On the palate, this is tart and tannic.  More sour cherries on the palate.  It is better on the palate than the nose.  Past its optimal drinking window.  Drink up.  Probably better without food as it might over power most foods.  

2014 Mahoney Vineyards Pinot Noir Las Brisas Vineyard, USA, California, Carneros, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
78
Grade: 
C+
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

Purple/ruby in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is dusty with some cedar and alcohol.  Just a hint of cherries.  On the palate, just a touch of cherry cough drops.  Firm tannins.  Shorter finish.  Certainly drinkable if at a wedding but this seems past prime.  Drink now.  Better on its own than with food.  

2015 Maison Albert Bichot Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
83
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

This is an inexpensive Chardonnay.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has some gun flint with a touch of peach.  I suspect it had more fruit when it was younger.  On the palate, a bit chalky with slight peach as well.  A bit bitter on the finish.  This seems past prime and should be consumed soon.  It will work better with food, seafood would be a nice choice.  

2019 Vidigal Vinho Verde, Portugal, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$7.00USD

This is a blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, and 30% Trajadura grapes that checks in a 9.5% ABV.  It is a light and delightful white wine that makes an easy start to the evening.  Light silvery gold in color.  The nose has minerals, limes, and slight honeydew.  A slight effervescence.  Very slight oily texture.  Nice acidity.  This probably should be drunk now to enjoy the spritz and vitality.  It drinks well on its own and will work with lighter salads and seafood.  

NV Toshkentvino Kombinati Orient Stone Kagor, Uzbekistan

Score: 
86
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$12.00USD

Kagor is a fortified dessert wine made from cabernet sauvignon, saperavi and other grapes.  Usually fouund on-near the Black Sea coast of the former Russian Empire, primarily in Moldova and Crimea, though this one comes from Uzbekistan.  The name is a Russian version of Cahors from Southwest France.  Peter the Great was a fan of Cahors wines and started importing them in bulk. The Russian clergy, swayed by the deep color (Christ's blood), adopted Cahors for sacraments in 1733.

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