2014 Domaine de la Borde Arbois Pupillin Trousseau Sous la Roche, France, Jura, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This is from the Arbois region in the Jura Division of France (just to the west of Switzerland).  It is cool there and getting grapes ripe presents challenges.  This is definitely a love it or hate it wine.  Made from the Trousseau grape.  Light ruby in color, some Rose's are deeper in color.  The nose is bright rhubarb with some cranberries.  On the palate, this is tart rhubarb and slight cranberries.  It is light bodied and easy but has a concentrated depth at its core.  Would work well with a limited number of foods.  Definitely a wine to geek out and observe the subtleties.  This would

NV Caves de Grenelle Peche Imperiale, France, Loire, Wine Review

Score: 
80
Grade: 
B-

This is a Chenin Blanc based sparkling wine that is infused with Peaches.  It is not meant to be a serious wine that should be cellared for long term.  It is made to be a fun wine, buy it, take it home and pop a cork.  At $13, it does this nicely.  Deeper golden in color.  The nose is unmistakably - peaches.  Duh!  There is a slight effervescence to the wine.  The peaches carry thru to the palate.  Light bodied and easy drinking.  Nice for a party.   

2016 Michael Pozzan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Annabella Special Selection. USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
78
Grade: 
C+

There are a lot of people who would love this wine for $20.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has sweet cassis with slight coffee.  On the palate, the sweet cassis continues.  Slight tannins.  To some, this wine will be delicious, slightly sweet and great on the back deck.  For others, this will be goopy and cloying and not a wine made for cellaring.  Both sides are probably correct.  

2014 Lacour-Peyrade Bergerac, France, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
72
Grade: 
C-

This wine is from Bergerac which is just east of Bordeaux in south west France.  2014 was a very difficult year in Bordeaux so I will presume as much for Bergerac although their wines are not often seen in the US.  This bottle was unfortunately, not very good and even at $10, it can not be recommended.  There is a chance that the bottle tasted was not representative so keep that in mind.  Bergerac wines tend to be Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot on Cot (Malbec).  The Ruby in color, a bit thinner.  On the palate, this has a strong geranium scent.  There is also a dusty cherry note

2015 Matteo Correggia Barbera d'Alba, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

Deep ruby in color with some purple swirls.  The nose is dusty with black cherries.  On the palate, this is slightly bitter with bracing acidity.  Some cherry fruit.  slight to medium tannins.  Finishes with sour cherries.  This wine really demands food but should work with a wide variety.  At $20, it is fairly priced.  

2017 François Chidaine Sauvignon Touraine, France, Loire, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B+

From a top producer in the Loire Valley, this is a basic Sauvignon Blanc.  For $16, this is a nice value.  Light green/gold in color.  The nose is a bit dusty with some pine notes.  With air a bit of grass and minerals emerge.  On the palate, this is like eating sweet tarts.  It has a dry but sugary quality to it.  Tart citrus.  It took some getting used to but then it drank fine.  Long finish.  Worked great with an assortment of cheeses which really helped the wine come together.  

2016 Castelfeder Pinot Grigio Pertico, Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Green/gold in color (not the typical copper notes).  The nose is nice with minerals and limes.  Slightly oily texture.  This is all about minerals on the palate.  Slightly sour lime note.  There is a bit of warmth but only 12.5% Alc.  Very food friendly with all but the heartiest of foods.  At $10, this is a great value.  Drink now.  

2011 Corison Cabernet Franc Helios, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2011
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This is another label from Cathy Corison who is known for making old school Napa Cabs and other wines.  Despite the coolness of the vintage, this wine manages to not show under ripe qualities and yet be consistent with the Corison style.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, cigar tobacco and slight dustiness.  On the palate, this has a nice complexity.  Drinks a bit older than it is but that is more profile than age.  Dust, tobacco, dried and fresh cherries.  Good balance.  Food friendly.  Nice finish.  $53.  This is a nice change of pace for Napa and easily has an

1976 Zind-Humbrecht Eau de Vie Marc de Gewurztraminer, France, Alsace

Vintage: 
1976
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is an Eau-de-Vie ariginally made by Leonard Humbrecht back in 1976.  It was bottled in 2017 by his son Olivier and purchased at the winery a few weeks later.  This bottle had been opened last winter and about halfway consumed.  It seemed a perfect drink to finish off an Alsatian Gewurztraminer tasting.  Deep red-orange in color.  The nose has a lot of alcohol.  There is also some peach schnapps and lychees and a dried tea note.  On the palate, this is warm.  63.1% Alcohol will do that.  After the first sip it was welcoming though.  It has a nice depth and complexity to it.  Certainly,

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