2009 Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture Il Sigillo, Italy, Basilicata, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$127.00USD

This is made in the "arch" of the boot in southern Italy utlizing a similar method as Amarone.  The grapes are dried out on straw mats prior to being crushed, but the wine is fermented (mostly) dry.  This is a big fruity and ripe wine that even at age 12, is young.  Purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, tobacco, roasted herbs, anise and smoke.  Full bodied.  Dry.  On the palate flavors of black raspberries, black cherries over burnt forest floor.  Great texture.  Complex and layered depth.  Good acidity.

2018 Cadia Langhe Arneis, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

This is a white from the Piemonte region of northern Italy.  Light silvery gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with a bit of pear and nice minerality.  On the palate, this took some time to open but eventually, the pear come thru as does the minerality.  Nice, slightly oily texture.  It could use a bit more acidity but nevertheless worked nicely on its own and with some Bruschetta.  Drink over the next few years.  

2004 Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2004
Score: 
97
Grade: 
A+
Current Price: 
$125.00USD

Great showing for this wine.  Pop and pour, it is close to fully mature but not quite.  Medium ruby in color.  The nose took about thirty minutes to open.  Cherries, slight roses, slight menthol, tar and spice.  Full bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, plenty of cherry fruit, some dried cherries, underlying spice and dry earth.  Lots of energy.  Nice balance.  Delicious.  Long finish.  This should easily do another ten and probably 15 more years.  It drinks well on its own, but is better with food.  It went nicely with a Spinach Lasagna.  

2017 Costaripa Valtènesi Rosamara, Italy, Lombardia, Riviera del Garda Classico DOC, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$17.00USD

This Rose is made in the Lake Garda area of northern Italy.  It is a blend of Uve Grapello, Marzemino, Sangiovese  and Barbera.  Salmon pink/orange in color, clear and bright.  Very different nose with cherries, green tea and an herbal note.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, the cherries and the herbs come thru.  Dry.  These should be consumed sooner than later.  It went nicely with Fricos with artichoke dip - not an easy match.  

1999 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
1999
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$200.00USD

Purchased on release and well cellared.  Pop and pour, the cork was stained about half way up but not compromised.  The first sip really grabs one's attention.  Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great with black raspberries, lots of earthiness, black cherries and a bit of roasted meats.  Full bodied.  On the palate, this is complex and layered.  Lots of vibrant fruit; black raspberries and black cherries.  Great balance.  Seems to be just about at mature peak.  Nice finish.  The bottle improved over a few hours before just starting to tail off.  Drink over the nex

2015 J.L. Chave Sélection Hermitage Blanche

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$60.00USD

Nice to try this on its own (not compared to its big brother).  Very crisp and refreshing.  What it might lack in depth it makes up for in energy.  Medium golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has slight wax, peach, and slight white flower notes.  Medium to full bodied.  Lovely acidity.  On the palate, ginger, tangerine and peach with some minerality.  Nice finish.  This will drink well over the next ten to twelve years.  It worked very well with vegetarian spring rolls and chips and guacamole.  

2019 United Ink Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

This is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from Washington state.  It is a nice value in Cabernet.  Deep garnet in color, clear and bright.  The nose has cassis and an ash quality that is interesting.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, nice cassis fruit.  Medium tannins.  Nice finish.  This is a solid, easy drinking wine that will work well with steaks, roasted chicken or all but the lightest foods.  Drink over the next three to five years.  

2019 United Ink Red Blend, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

At a recent tasting of United Ink Wines, this was the runaway crowd favorite.  It is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington state.  Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black cherries, chocolate and slight black raspberry.  Mice mouthfeel.  Light to medium tannins.  On the palate, nice black raspberry and black cherries fruit with some chocolate.  Firm tannins on the finish.  This is delicious.  It drinks (easy).  Great on its own, this would be great with a burger or other foods off the grill.  Drink over the next five year

2019 United Ink Pinot Noir, USA, Oregon, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$22.00USD

This is a 100% Pinot Noir from Oregon.  Lightly colored ruby, clear and bright.  The nose has a friendly cherry candy quality.  Light to medium bodied. On  the palate, cherries, and tart red berries with a slightly bitter note on the finish.  Light tannins.  This is an easy drinking Pinot Noir that would be a nice choice for parties.  Drink on its own or with lighter foods over the next few years.  

2020 United Ink Riesling Columbia Valley, Washington, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$12.00USD

This was a very enjoyable Riesling from Washington state.  The back label talked about dry wine, but this is semi-dry.  Screw capped.  Silvery/gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is more about minerality than fruit.  Tight but opens with some air to show some tropical fruits.  On the palate, there is a nice pineapple streak with minerality and yes a bit of sweetness.  Enough acidity to balance this nicely.

Pages

Pages