2016 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is a go to wine at parties, weddings, etc. as it is often served due to its low price.  It retails for around $13 and is an exceptional value.  Of course, in great vintages, it is usually even better and 2016 is another great vintage.  Purple in color.  The nose has boysenberries, dark cherries, charcoal and pepper.  On the palate, there is some fruit here but this is not a fruity wine.  It has nice fruit with an underlying minerals/earthy streak and good balance.  Works well with a wide variety of food.  Drinks easy but has some interest and depth.  

2012 Torrin Akasha, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
97
Grade: 
A+

Torrin is one of the most underrated wines out of California.  Maybe underrated is not the right word.  I just don't understand why it doesn't get the buzz it deserves.  To my mine it is one of the five top wineries producing Rhone varietals in California.  Yes, the wines are big, but so far, they seem to be ageing just fine.  This one is fantastic.  These are big, warm climate Syrahs that are similar in style to SQN or Saxum.  Purple in color.  The nose is great with black raspberries, grilled meats, and hot tar.  On the palate, this is lush with lots of fruit and medium tannins.  Black ra

2014 Denner Syrah, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, blueberries, spice, slight grilled meats and black pepper.  On the palate, this is a bit more restrained than I expected but still outstanding.  Black raspberries, blueberries, and slight earthiness.  With air some charred earth as well.  Nice texture.  Some complexity.  Enough acidity to work with hearty foods.  Good finish.  There is plenty of fruit and slight tannins; this seems like it might improve or it might just age out.  Either way it easily has a decade or more left.  

2015 Carlisle Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This is one of the most straight-forward, "classic styled" Zins that Mike Officer makes.  It is always outstanding although it might not be as individualistic as some other vineyards.Purple in color.  The nose has dark cherries, spice and bramble.  Very ripe fruit.  On the palate, the dark cherries continue along with some underlying plum and spice.  Smooth and no heat.  Very nice texture.  Long finish.  

2014 Bonny Doon Vineyard A Proper Claret, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Grade: 
B

Ruby/purple in color.  This is a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot,Tannat, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah.  A sort of kitchen sink blend that costs around $15.  It's a nice wine for the money and easy to drink.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is a bit warm with alcohol but also some cherries, black raspberries and slight char.  On the palate, this is mostly cherry fruit.  Easy drinking.  Warm but not hot.  There is some varietal complexity.  Fun label.  Good party wine.  

2014 Antigal Malbec 1, Argentina, Mendoza, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

This is an inexpensive crowd pleaser made from the Malbec grape.  Available for under $15 almost everywhere.  Purple in color.  The nose has plums and slight cherries.  On the palate, this has slight tannins.  Easy drinking.  Plums that are ripe and just a hint of sweetness.  Clean finish.  Solid all the way around and a great choice for parties.  This will last a few years but its not made for long term cellaring.  Friendly with hearty foods.  

2016 Bonny Doon Vineyard Grenache Clos de Gilroy, USA, California, Monterey, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

Bonny Doon makes some fun wines!  This is Grenache for under $20.  It's a fun and great for parties.  Light ruby in color.  The nose is all about strawberries.  So is the palate.  This wine is light and easy drinking.  Some acidity but drinks more like a rose.  Food friendly-ish.  

Had a second bottle of this and it had some Brett (barnyard notes).  If that is an issue, look for well stored bottles.  

2014 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Cune Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

My second time trying this.  The first was with my dinner in the Barcelona train station from a 375ml.  We need more trains in the US.  Ruby in color.  The nose has nice cherries.  On the palate, this has a slight amount of acid.  Cherries and slightly bitter cherries.  No real tannins.  Just a nice, little bot of fruit wine.  Drink in the next couple of years.  For under $15, this is a good value and may be the choice from time to time on a restaurant list.  

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