2013 Familia Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi Altamira, Argentina, Valle de Uco, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$36.00USD

This is a blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Ancellotta.  It is a big wine made from Estate grown fruit in Paraje Altamira.  It is a big wine that clocks in at 14% Abv although it seems a bit higher.  It is also delicious and makes a great drink when sitting around with friends.  Deep purple in color.  The nose has plums, some black raspberries, spice and slight coffee bean.  On the palate, this has medium tannins.  It is thick and voluptuous.  Plums and cassis flavors with some oak.  Slightly ripe/sweet on the finish.  A fun wine that should be consumed in the next few yea

2016 Boen Wines Pinot Noir, USA, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$30.00USD

This is a bigger styled RRV Pinot Noir but the fruit seems a bit less ripe.  It makes for an interesting wine.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose shows rhubarb, slight cherries, a hint of cola and plenty of oak/spice.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  It feels high in alcohol without having any heat.  It is smooth and easy drinking with a ton of rhubarb and some cherry flavors.  Slight tannins.  This probably makes a better drink on the deck than at the dinner table.  Probably best drunk over the next couple of years.  

2015 Burrowing Owl Merlot, Canada, Okanagan Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$32.00USD

From the Pacific Northwest in Canada, this is a very nice fruit forward styled Merlot.  It is interesting that they were able to get this wine ripe that far north.  14.8% Abv on the label.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has cherries, cherry preserves and slight dark chocolate.  On the palate, this is a big wine, slightly viscous.  Jammy cherry fruit.  Probably better to drink on its own.  Tasty.  Good finish.  This will be a love it or hate it wine for many people.  I enjoyed it very much.  

2014 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$70.00USD

Always a top Chardonnay known for its richness, this does not disappoint.  Light golden/green in color.  The nose has tropical fruits, melon, and a bit of a vanilla/floral note.  Very pretty.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  Enough acidity to make it lively.  Melons with a touch of butteryness.  Long finish.  It is a delicious wine and drinks well without food.  It will work with richer foods or even a lighter salad.  Drinking at peak right now, no hurry but probably should be consumed in the next five years.  

2015 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

This winery has recently been sold to new owners.  They are one of the largest producers in South Africa having opened in 1989.  Mostly known for their Chenin Blanc, this red is affordable and a great value too.  It is a blend of 32% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec.  The new label is plain and classy, but I always liked the old one with a picture of a dog.  A note for the 2013 is on this site and features that label.  The wine itself is drinking very well.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cassis, plums, baking spice and slight tobacco not

2013 Palazzo Proprietary Red Reserve, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$90.00USD

Scott Palazzo makes some mighty fine wines out in Napa.  This one is no exception.  This is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon hence the "Right Bank" name.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is very nice with black cherries, cherries, a bit of dark chocolate, slight cigar box and spice.  On the palate, this has a lush texture but is by no means a fruit bomb.  Good acidity.  This will work well with a wide variety of foods especially roasts.  There are still tannins present and this did improve a bit with air.  It should continue to improve for the next few ye

2015 Sebastien Dampt Chablis 1er Cru Les Beugnons, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$35.00USD

Chablis continues to be an excellent source or white Burgundy especially when considering the price and the premox issues.  While Chablis is not immune on either issue, it is a bit better on both.  This is a newer-ish producer making some great wines and reasonable pricing.  Light silvery gold in color.  The nose is very nice with green apples and chalk.  Very clean.  On the palate, those flavors continue with a nice depth and complexity.  Very nice acidity.  Some grapefruit as well.  Long finish.  This will work great with salads and sea foods but also with fowl dishes.  It really does beg

2016 Domaine Naturaliste Chardonnay Discovery, Australia, Margaret River, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$19.00USD

Well, the label says they apply sustainable and holistic Grape growing and winemaking techniques to craft perfumed wines with sympathetic textures.  So, there's that.  In spite of that gibberish, I tried the wine and it's a good wine and a nice enough price point under $20.  Light golden in color.  The nose shows some sawdust and butter but also some nice grapefruit fruit.  Even a bit of a floral note.  On the palate, the oak is not so pronounced.  The grapefruit comes thru with a decent acidity.  Nice finish.  This will work nicely on its own or with some lighter foods.  Probably needs to

2015 Rhys Chardonnay Anderson Valley, USA, California, Mendocino, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$45.00USD

I love Rhys Chardonnays, however, this is not at their top level.  That said, it is half the price of those and this is very much in the style of those making this also a wine I love.  Golden/green in color.  The nose has vanilla and lemon curd with a nice minerality.  On the palate, this has a creamy texture.  Minerals with lemon curd.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  There is some oak showing here but not much.  It needs a bit of heft for a food pairing but will go nicely with heavier fish and fowl dishes.  Great on its own too.  

2016 Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$60.00USD

Though young, this is drinking quite well and in "Burgundy" terms a good value.  Deep garnet in color.  The nose has cherries, spice, and slight black cherries.  The texture on this wine is very pretty.  Round but intense.  Lots of black cherry fruit and some underlying earthiness.  Good balance.  Nice finish.  This should continue to improve for five to ten years and be good for another five to ten after that.  It will pair well with game or fowl.  

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