2003 Merk Aquileia Treuve Bianco, Italy, Friuli - Wine Review

Score: 
83
Grade: 
B-

Sometimes wine fool you and they last.  Not so much this time.  At 14 years from vintage, this is not dead but well past prime I think.  Of course, with age, all bottles are different, but if you own any of this, you should probably check in on it.  Deep golden in color.  The nose has note of bell pepper and asparagus.  No fruit.  On the palate, its a bit better with a nice minerality but has a metallic note on the finish.  All that sounds terrible and its not leading me to believe younger vintages may have something to offer.  This one is worth dirnking if you have it (as oppose to dumping

2013 Antinori Villa Antinori Toscana IGT, Italy, Tuscany - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

I have always been a fan of this wine going back decades.  It used to be labeled as a Chianti but now they add fruit outside the zone and about 55% Sangiovese.  It is still a great value and a wine that will age in the cellar for ten years at least.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is earthy with sandalwood and cherries and an underlying char.  It is complex on the palate.  Great texture.  Cherries and cherry liqueur.  Nice acidity making it food friendly. 

2016 Familia Torres Pazo das Bruxas

Score: 
85
Grade: 
B

Light golden in color.  A very nice nose of crushed sea shells with bits of lime.  Not as good on the palate but still ok.  Nice minerality but it turns a bit bitter.  I would like to see a bit more acidity as well.  It would work well with sea food for sure.  

2017 Chandon Brut XO Rebecca Minkoff Limited Edition, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

A very nice dometicc sparkling wine.  Honestly, i have no idea who Rebecca Minkoff is, but congrats to her.  The packaging on this bottle is very pretty and it would make a welcome and tasty Holiday or Host gift.  Light golden in color, lots of small bubble.  On the nose, there is some yeast and some citrus.  On the palate, this is tsaty and would work well with a variety of foods.  I would drink this up sooner than later but it is easy to drink. At under $30, this is a nice value for a bit of a more serious sparkler.  

2015 Paul Dolan Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, USA, California, Mendocino - Wine Review

Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

An under $20 California Sauvignon Blanc that is respectable and a little bit more.  Gold/green in color.  The nose is slightly grassy but also has some nice tropical fruit (mango?) notes.  On the palate, this has a slightly oily, fuller texture that is very nice.  Don't serve it too cold as the fruit gets masked.  At cellar temp (60F), this has nice fruit and works well with lighter foods.  Very nice on its own as well.  It drinks dry but there may be just a touch of residual sugar to give it body and take away any bitterness.  Nice value.  

2015 Cline Cellars Cashmere Black Magic

Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

I really liked this wine and find it to be an exceptional value.  While the exact cepage is unknown to me, there is some Syrah and other Rhone varietals (and perhaps some Petite Sirah), which I love.  YMMV.  For under $20, however, it is hard to argue the QPR.  Purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, a bit of black pepper, some dark cherries with a bit spice.  On the palate, this falls just short of being jammy.  It is deep with good acidity.  A delicious wine that is great for a BBQ or holiday party.  I wouldn't age it for more than a few years, but I would be curious about it. 

2014 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, USA, California - Wine Review

Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

There was a time that I drank a lot of this wine (back in the early parts of this century).  It had been a while but this seemed to still have that level of quality.  At under $20, this is a very nice value for people who like ripe California Cabs with a bit of oak and lots of fruit.  Purple in color.  The nose has cassis, fresh cut lumber, spice and cherries.  On the palate, the juicy red fruit takes a more predominant roll with just a touch of oak in the background.  Mild tannins.  Nice finish.  All in all, easy drinking wine made to share with lots of friends.  

2013 Conte di Bregonzo Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy, Veneto - Wine Review

Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

This is a staple at Trader Joe's (at least my local store).  For under $20, it is hard to find a less expensive Amarone.  The only problem is that it really doesn't taste like an Amarone.  At least not like the better ones that have eanred this area's reputation.  That said, it is a good solid wine that if it had been labelled Valpolicella I might have said it a fine value.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries and slight dark cherries.  The fruit carries over to the palate.  Nothing dried or rasin about this.  Good acdity.  A solid wine.  

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