tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53692415987781744172024-03-27T02:37:22.035-04:00Spirit of WineWine tastings, reviews, ratings and commentary from around the world.
More than a million visitors... over 2,000 wines reviewed. Uses distinctive five star rating system, from "1) Yuck - I can't finish the glass"... to... "5) Wow!! Get between me and this wine bottle at your own risk!!".jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comBlogger2593125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-6048148184019989982024-03-26T21:18:00.000-04:002024-03-26T21:18:15.966-04:00**** $ 19 Crimes The Uprising Red Wine, South Eastern Australia, 2020: Wine Review & Rating = BEST VALUE<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/19 Crimes The Uprising?referring_site=SOW">19 Crimes The Uprising</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> I've been sampling several wines in these pages recently from the 19 Crimes line, a line of mostly bold and richer red and white Australia-based wines. Today we are trying The Uprising, a red wine blend from Southern Australia, with the notoriety of having been aged for 30 days in rum barrels for a corresponding overlay of flavors. The treatment is described as commemorating the1808 rebellion in Australia against government restrictions on the rum trade. Let's see what we've got in the glass:<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglFFky2nolpXZezMHxTmt_E9vjegAY7m4Z6M0EvKZ9OfCH6bBh3WzKFShWnEQ6fktnK0eM20WC6Iqz5JD_eD3mu8wNtt3LyDpyOSuDuIXtFugu5VpJI_hgSR_j4oSxOwoWBXxZZzQtOBXCvlQC5kx76uFdQQds_8zi_lQm2Z4yEaAmyl8vGZ5q4s1Rhw=s2295" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2295" data-original-width="1236" height="842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglFFky2nolpXZezMHxTmt_E9vjegAY7m4Z6M0EvKZ9OfCH6bBh3WzKFShWnEQ6fktnK0eM20WC6Iqz5JD_eD3mu8wNtt3LyDpyOSuDuIXtFugu5VpJI_hgSR_j4oSxOwoWBXxZZzQtOBXCvlQC5kx76uFdQQds_8zi_lQm2Z4yEaAmyl8vGZ5q4s1Rhw=w453-h842" width="453" /></a></div>Inspired by this wine:<i> Ready to step outside, putting on my "fantasy jacket" built of soft wool and cinnamon. </i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> The Uprising is finished at 14.5% alcohol and first sampled one year from vintage date, in December, 2021, and confirmed in June, 2022.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Black magenta and mahogany, starts growing opaque from just a half-inch in from the edge. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows warm, deep cinnamon spice with a soft, aromatic surround, with popping fruit elements of ripe red currant and black cherry. Stunning array of aromatics overall. Consistent on both tastings.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> The sip brings a sweet, soft but tart start, layering more of the tangy red fruits and currants across your mouth - rather than the softer, enveloping spices you may have been expecting. More acids than tannins curl into your cheeks for the slowly unfolding finish. The brightness on the palate and in the finish belies the aromas, suggesting The Uprising would want to be more of a wine accompanying food than a solitary sipping offering. The later tasting, six months after the former, shows a broader unfolding lushness throughout the sip. Less brightness and more depth.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a> with a no-brainer big plus for its entering aromas and clean, bright palate. Becomes a solid four stars with the few months extra in bottle, at about two years from vintage date. Easy best-value at its exceptional price point. <div><br /></div><div><b>Updated review, now three years from vintage date,</b> in March, 2023: </div><div><br /></div><div>Inspiration of the "fantasy jacket of wool and cinnamon" still works! The color appears a bit lighter, showing black cherry going opaque in the center. The aroma is consistent with earlier notes. On the palate, a full fruity black cherry start moves out to your cheeks with a blend of deep black berry depth and very gentle acids. Still lush and deep finish, offering four stars and a "best value" status. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Updated review, another year later, now four years from vintage date,</b> in March, 2024: </div><div><br /></div><div>Still yummy, wooly, full and spicy! Color has moved to a bit more muddled deep rustic red. Warm red fruits and spicy still on the nose. The black cherry has just a hint of tartness on your tongue, still with plenty of depth, finishing layered and clean.</div></div><div><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-83614975660582290852024-03-26T17:14:00.001-04:002024-03-26T17:14:48.612-04:00*** $ Trader Joe's Grower's Reserve Merlot, California, 2022: Wine Review & Rating = Best Value<i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsA5iPH_yvjXq-6H6-sZvlrIu9JwwXBpjj_wTsN5pNk1WKSgSgDVU9_Bk_UJ87zNmoZB9UWTNqTvKVBjgw35X3st8mbQ0rYmG4NmLRDs-Xf28MohIqM7iuJ9Rt8mOByiW-6cw0Fe5KkXynVWNtQ4iG0-Rm8nbixzzhyE6CKfUrwX9ZOMRPgKJyhL3p1mR/s3930/PXL_20240326_000203399.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3930" data-original-width="2161" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsA5iPH_yvjXq-6H6-sZvlrIu9JwwXBpjj_wTsN5pNk1WKSgSgDVU9_Bk_UJ87zNmoZB9UWTNqTvKVBjgw35X3st8mbQ0rYmG4NmLRDs-Xf28MohIqM7iuJ9Rt8mOByiW-6cw0Fe5KkXynVWNtQ4iG0-Rm8nbixzzhyE6CKfUrwX9ZOMRPgKJyhL3p1mR/w352-h640/PXL_20240326_000203399.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Trader Joe's Grower's Reserve Merlot?referring_site=SOW">Trader Joe's Grower's Reserve Merlot</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We've sampled the "Grower's Reserve" line from Trader Joe's before, including the merlot, which rated quite well. "Grower's Reserve" is the wine series just above the level "Charles Shaw", aka "Two Buck Chuck" line, in Trader Joe's retailer-labeled wines. Here we're trying the 2022 vintage merlot! <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Walking through the cherry trees while a big fireplace bellows thick smoke nearby. </i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This organic California merlot is finished at 13% alcohol and first two sampled years from vintage date, in March, 2024.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep ruby red.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a sweet red cherry. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Consistent with the cherry smell, adding a bold layer of oaky smoke. Rich and woolen in the mouth, resolving to clean, sandy tannins which carry along a bright red berry and deeper smoke underpavement. Clean finish which turns just a touch bright at the edges. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three full stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, almost touching a plus with its layers. Best value at its attractive price point.<div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Not much changed. Actually lightens up the sensory elements, rather than enhancing them. <br /><br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2024 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-3767817150220207002024-03-20T18:59:00.003-04:002024-03-20T18:59:43.036-04:00Connecting across *** ***+ $ The Connections - a California red wine odyssey<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/the collection?referring_site=SOW">The Collection wines</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> <a href="https://www.thecollectionwine.com/about" target="_blank">The Collection</a> is a line of value-based, mostly single-varietal wines from California, from a family-owned set of vineyards, Delicato Family Wines. Today, we will be sampling four lightly-aged reds from the collection of The Collection!<br /><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNf6FRDpQD8oiqSNpk1T01QIaqXzT_igANf8goXMwMpKvshi1cFjoFYtUdhyphenhyphenrhY7jpmqhFRCYV7BtVFiWAF61b17zjb5aGlyeSJDQa8zEzhHGSSxIl2xnmI1OERZjJsWeVtAJ6JZrmFp4a_thNTJ2m2UZyrE1HwQGzilDUvN7mm5Uwd4u7BAdL9DR31N_/s3338/PXL_20240319_205513657.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2709" data-original-width="3338" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNf6FRDpQD8oiqSNpk1T01QIaqXzT_igANf8goXMwMpKvshi1cFjoFYtUdhyphenhyphenrhY7jpmqhFRCYV7BtVFiWAF61b17zjb5aGlyeSJDQa8zEzhHGSSxIl2xnmI1OERZjJsWeVtAJ6JZrmFp4a_thNTJ2m2UZyrE1HwQGzilDUvN7mm5Uwd4u7BAdL9DR31N_/w640-h520/PXL_20240319_205513657.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: 400;">----------</span><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><br /></span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by The Collection Pinot Noir, Monterey, California, 2020:<i> Enjoying chocolate-coated caramels waiting with a few friends before classes start.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This pinot noir is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled four years from vintage date, in March, 2024.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> A light orange/red/purple. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows sweet fragrant caramel with a touch of just-ripe strawberry. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A fresh and bright red berry start on your tongue, rushing quickly into your cheeks. Soft but still bright pomegranates hold fast for a modest, lingering finish with a wisp of smoke. Just a tiny touch of sweet syrup into the ending, as though the caramels haven't completely dissolved. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a full three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, almost touching a plus for layers and depth, making this a best value at its affordable price point.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Sweeter and more layered on the entry. Solid throughout.<br /><br />----------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by The Collection Red Wine Blend, California, 2021:<i> Pulling on a comfortable down jacket for the short winter walk in town.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This undisclosed blend of red grapes is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in March, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep mahogany with ruby highlights. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a shy nose of wool mittens.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Much more bold and expressive as it touches the palate, opening into a bold melange of ripe red and black berries, with elements of oak and cinnamon. The sip slips gently into your cheeks, rich and lithe without notable acids. There is settles for a slow, clean finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, with a big plus for its friendly layers and solid finish. No-brainer best-value. Almost touches four stars, which is remarkable at this price point.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Slightly more bold and expressive overall. Brings it up a notch.<div><br />----------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by </span><span style="font-weight: 700;">The Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2021: We're helping our cousin paint the inside of his newly-purchased woodland cottage, hanging painters' tarps on the walls.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This single varietal cabernet is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in March, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Light magenta with purple hues.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows lifted woolen cloth, probably purple in color. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Comes onto your tongue with bright but ripe red berries, boysenberry and pomegranate. Sandy tannins lighten the acids, which settle into your cheeks for a clean finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a robust three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making this another best value from the collection. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Sweetens the entry, leaving all the bright red fruit though. Middle is consistent. </div><div><br />----------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by </span><span style="font-weight: 700;">The Collection Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2021: We're actually baking sweet breads on the big, smoking outdoor stone hearth. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This barrel aged cabernet is finished at a comparatively whopping 15% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in March, 2024. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Rich magenta. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows swirls of smoke, milk chocolate and ripe cherries.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> The sip enters on big maroon velour robes, bringing sweet black cherry fruit across your tongue. The sip moves gently into your cheeks, with gentle sandy tannins holding the bold fruit intact for a slow fade. Ends impressively slow and equally impressively clean!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a spectacular four stars for depth, layers and pleasurable fruit on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making this an incredible best value. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> The sip was so bod and round originally, the licorice adjustment didn't seem to make a material difference. </div><div><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2024 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-21534382833350040202024-03-05T16:15:00.001-05:002024-03-05T16:15:12.447-05:00***+ $ Trader Joe's Block 67 Red Cabernet Sauvignon: Wine Review & Rating = Best Value!<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Block 67 Cabernet Sauvignon?referring_site=SOW">Block 67 Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> Trader Joe's offers a series of wines in the "Block" line of boxed wines. They all (or mostly all) hail from ASV Wines in McFarland, California. We tried this Block '67 Cabernet Sauvignon back in 2022 and awarded it best value, and the highest rating (so far) of the Block varietals. We're two years later now, and trying the same non-vintage label, but in a new bottling year. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJOyzTdqeuwGn1fDBH34ld-gV2JWSBk7MwE3O6K7T5bR0203FlI7ieDMWlZ_TA1sKxbbbVNn0QSh5Dnu9R0sK3cY9ZyQG2i0XsNY7yxZwhuG8m4ECbQuqAecx9xnh4vcJlnRUZpqzL9KP6FYcdjEGaB7enl_uaPC00PKFvtu57Fab6FT5MEF3E1Rh9wRl/s4032/PXL_20240305_210921535.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJOyzTdqeuwGn1fDBH34ld-gV2JWSBk7MwE3O6K7T5bR0203FlI7ieDMWlZ_TA1sKxbbbVNn0QSh5Dnu9R0sK3cY9ZyQG2i0XsNY7yxZwhuG8m4ECbQuqAecx9xnh4vcJlnRUZpqzL9KP6FYcdjEGaB7enl_uaPC00PKFvtu57Fab6FT5MEF3E1Rh9wRl/w480-h640/PXL_20240305_210921535.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Heading towards the park with a few friends for a community picnic in the cool spring air.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This non-vintage California cabernet sauvignon is finished at 13% alcohol. It is labeled as having been bottled in January, 2024, and is being first sampled in March, 2024. The vintage date for the grapes is not specified. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Medium bright ruby, much lighter than most cabernet sauvignons, and lighter even than most California pinot noirs.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, show a soft and clean fresh blueberry and blackberry melange.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Comes into your mouth silky and super-clean. The mineral layering brings fruit slowly into view. Shy, sleek and with the tiniest touch of crystallized sugar. Lighter red raspberries and cherries. No tangy acidity to speak of, just slick mineral and light tannins. The finish fades slowly, not changing rhythm or tempo as it slowly drifts away. Super clean finish.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, and does achieve a plus for its unusually clean, sleek, almost saline-like litheness. Best value for sure!<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Brighter, sweeter and lighter entry. But the rest of the sip unfortunately fades a bit from view, rendering it somewhat vanishing and indistinctive. Surprising, but I'd stay away from the black licorice hack with this wine!<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2024 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /><br /></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-68141340125376910052024-03-04T18:16:00.002-05:002024-03-04T18:16:32.019-05:00****+ $ Apothic Merlot, California, 2021: Wine Rating & Review = Best Value!!<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/apothic merlot?referring_site=SOW">Apothic Merlot</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We've reviewed (and enjoyed) a number of Apothic wines in these pages in the past, but never this merlot. It is characterized on the label as "Untamed & Unbound". Let's see if it lives up to the generally positive record of its siblings...<div><span><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9oqgZnLnkUHsNi575uQaJ0SxnNWiypLRKJzFu_8ODZyLrmXhjmfVNRnLsdyW9gAJfGpT_FQZbZ_844TuQZZfWAX0zZGqKNKx1bBVWmy9oytYVE_zbUYRKvq2M08rfCUnajgCob3gs8qStK0I2YwCAxnX7UhcTErDnyVymZhQy-NZj-7SzBmJoDt5RkIQ/s3733/PXL_20240303_221948646.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3733" data-original-width="2233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9oqgZnLnkUHsNi575uQaJ0SxnNWiypLRKJzFu_8ODZyLrmXhjmfVNRnLsdyW9gAJfGpT_FQZbZ_844TuQZZfWAX0zZGqKNKx1bBVWmy9oytYVE_zbUYRKvq2M08rfCUnajgCob3gs8qStK0I2YwCAxnX7UhcTErDnyVymZhQy-NZj-7SzBmJoDt5RkIQ/w382-h640/PXL_20240303_221948646.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="382" /></a></div></i></span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine: <i>The burgers just came off the smokey hickory grill and are layered with rich, aromatic barbecue sauce. </i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This Apothic Wines California merlot is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from the 2021 vintage date, in March, 2024.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep maroon and mahogany with purple edges.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings sweet smoke into your nostrils, layered out with ripe black cherry.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A rich, ripe, full and deep black cherry start; feels like a velvet robe slowly wrapping your tongue. The sip then brings forth soft tannins and the lightest touch of acid to lift the fruit, parlaying it gently to your cheeks. There it sits, crawls slowly upwards and even more slowly fade to a soft, clean, crisp whisper. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a stunning four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, even gaining a plus for its labrador-retriever-level friendliness. No-brainer, awesome, remarkable best value!<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> More sugar on the entry; the rest of the experience may be just a touch softer (not in a bad way), but preserves the helpful layering.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2024 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /><br /></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-54127141301862384912024-02-16T20:53:00.000-05:002024-02-16T20:53:35.515-05:00***+ $ 19 Crimes Dracula Red Blend, South Eastern Australia: Wine Rating & Review = Best Value!<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/19 Crimes Dracula Red Blend?referring_site=SOW">19 Crimes Dracula Red Blend</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> I've sampled a number of the 19 Crimes line of wines before in these pages. Quite a few have attained good- or best-value status, given solid quality and attractive price points. Today we are sampling a red blend notable for its dramatic label. Let's see if the wine itself is equally notable. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine: <i>Wow, I've never been able to sip the inside of a fresh cherry pie before with a straw!</i></span><div><b><i><br /></i></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOVJg-F4G-o1vtdAMgsbn7LvS5-wVZAD9a489Jd-NBYY2Ncpv61wWgl9qLurIsu0WFY6wXuoTCt3XO9I0BSOtBnc1yvQxa-6GKHXrc4ueuoTioWTxFDl4EmPRquttWW7faXZlX0UmllkqPHohikL8QQDEtFlu9TPGAGRdkv8nXQI2wcuJC0pL4r11Fkid/s3576/PXL_20240215_230018634.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3576" data-original-width="1528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOVJg-F4G-o1vtdAMgsbn7LvS5-wVZAD9a489Jd-NBYY2Ncpv61wWgl9qLurIsu0WFY6wXuoTCt3XO9I0BSOtBnc1yvQxa-6GKHXrc4ueuoTioWTxFDl4EmPRquttWW7faXZlX0UmllkqPHohikL8QQDEtFlu9TPGAGRdkv8nXQI2wcuJC0pL4r11Fkid/w274-h640/PXL_20240215_230018634.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="274" /></a></div></i></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This South Eastern Australian red blend with no vintage date and unidentified varietals is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024. Based on the style and location, we can surmise the likely varietals include:<div><br /><div>Shiraz: A common backbone of Australian red blends. Provides rich dark fruit flavors and spice.<div>Grenache: Adds ripe fruitiness and can soften tannins.</div><div>Cabernet Sauvignon: Provides structure, tannins, and hints of blackcurrant.</div><div>Mourvèdre: Can contribute dark fruit, spice, and earthiness.</div><div><br /></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Bright pomegranate red in color.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a shy nose of blackberry and sand.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Soft, fresh and sweet red cherries and currants meet your tongue, spreading evenly across your mouth. A light brush of slightly-bitter tannins and hints of acid curl with the red fruit into your cheeks, bringing a clean, crisp, yet still soft finish. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars with a plus for its perky balance on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making this a clear best value at its affordable price point.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Moves the sip to brighter and sweeter notes: one of those fairly rare equations where it seems to detract from the original experience.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2024 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-70338027031674415372024-02-08T20:53:00.001-05:002024-02-08T20:53:21.042-05:00Taking One for the Team!! Big Sipper Red Wine Face-Off: Wine Reviews & Ratings<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/big Sipper wine?referring_site=SOW">Big Sipper Wine</a>.</b></i><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> Big Sipper Wines, sold by the bottle and by the box, trade in the "Practically Free" category of Spirit of Wine. At their most economical, Big Sipper Wines come in a five liter bladder box with a pour spout. They are vinted and packed in Napa, CA, but there is no assertion that any of the grapes hail from Napa. All three of these red wines are non-vintage and designated only as "California"; today we have a pinot noir, a merlot and a cabernet sauvignon.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5Kzj8d0OpTab08FJh1T-kejr9DlBeafmUVkvVkNeBt0pI45Xp_L-W8QBWcXa6NDtrbfi_MODjsqc1ejsjirsAs8lToua0ip0Luk6FjDlZ_ZLXUhvB7wt8dQfqdV-ppM3oKTB3uvIHdTQVqGmoZWWr8fkNliy3sm3wzEJ5yxtHAyBaGSa5TBPeqH6GA3O/s3745/original_4b937052-9fef-4ef6-99e7-5e2d335ffa6a_PXL_20240125_152436030.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="3745" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5Kzj8d0OpTab08FJh1T-kejr9DlBeafmUVkvVkNeBt0pI45Xp_L-W8QBWcXa6NDtrbfi_MODjsqc1ejsjirsAs8lToua0ip0Luk6FjDlZ_ZLXUhvB7wt8dQfqdV-ppM3oKTB3uvIHdTQVqGmoZWWr8fkNliy3sm3wzEJ5yxtHAyBaGSa5TBPeqH6GA3O/w640-h348/original_4b937052-9fef-4ef6-99e7-5e2d335ffa6a_PXL_20240125_152436030.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">----------</div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Juicy Pinot Noir Wine:<i> Muddling bright blackberries with apple compote for an interesting dessert.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This California pinot noir wine is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Light burgundy color.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows light, sandy blackberries.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Gently sweet and light red fruit on the entry. Lifts gently in the mid-palate and finishes cleanly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates two stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, touching a plus for clean fruit elements. Good value at the attractive price point.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Brings sweeter, rounder and yet lighter fruit at the start. Still a very clean finish. Nudges closer towards the three-star level. <div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">----------</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Velvety Merlot Wine: <i>Bit of a smoky fireplace heating up for the outdoor grilling event.</i></span></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This California merlot is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep rose.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a shy sandy element.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Brings a fresh and bright entry, stays with bright berries right into the fresh close.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, reaches two stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, with a plus for its clean brightness throughout, making it a good value by our reckoning.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Fun, clean and fresh berries. Bolder, bigger and very clean. Would actually move this to a third star!</div><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">----------</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Bold Cabernet Sauvignon Wine:<i> Dressing with a warm flannel jacket for a walk in the cool fall evening</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This California cabernet sauvignon is also finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Classic cabernet color throughout.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a deep, ripe blackberry and blueberry.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Enters with a deep, full round of super-ripe blackberry. Rests cleanly on your palate, and finishes with modest length and complete cleanliness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, just touches three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making this a "best value" and a stand-out among the Sipper reds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> An overall better balanced, rounder and yet still lively experience. Moves into solid three-star range.</div><div><br /></div><div>----------</div><div><b>In summary</b>: The three Big Sippers were at least good values at their attractive price points, but did not match the slightly stronger ratings achieved by the Big Sipper White Wines. <br /><br /><i>(c) Copyright 2024 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</i><br /><br /></div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> </i></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This wine is finished at % alcohol and first sampled years from vintage date, in <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> <br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-66841292283804427732024-02-08T19:18:00.004-05:002024-02-08T19:18:36.763-05:00Taking One for the Team!! Big Sipper White Wine Face-Off: Wine Reviews & Ratings<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/big Sipper wine?referring_site=SOW">Big Sipper Wine</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> Big Sipper Wines, sold by the bottle and by the box, trade in the "Practically Free" category of Spirit of Wine. At their most economical, Big Sipper Wines come in a five liter bladder box with a pour spout. They are vinted and packed in Napa, CA, but there is no assertion that any of the grapes hail from Napa. All three of these white wines are non-vintage and designated only as "California"; two are chardonnays, one is a white grape blend of indeterminate breeding.<br /><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJJuNFvet21HidrzZ0i43u348y5j5NpaGzbsBbKBWYp8UnfJ0w7zQ-4awaz7HgUCdHH4P9xaPaxItedXh4BPsIBVrqGEDEJgQcLXaX2UF9b2rJ20gWw1lHDR67efZMhov-Q9EYFOmE2LitaT1fo3O_k7GguTPmcEp4JDGRwgrw38X-OxO29M9rPj8hvWp/s3726/original_c45849dd-e756-47d9-9e9a-aca2d400b1ac_PXL_20240125_152240558.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2099" data-original-width="3726" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJJuNFvet21HidrzZ0i43u348y5j5NpaGzbsBbKBWYp8UnfJ0w7zQ-4awaz7HgUCdHH4P9xaPaxItedXh4BPsIBVrqGEDEJgQcLXaX2UF9b2rJ20gWw1lHDR67efZMhov-Q9EYFOmE2LitaT1fo3O_k7GguTPmcEp4JDGRwgrw38X-OxO29M9rPj8hvWp/w640-h360/original_c45849dd-e756-47d9-9e9a-aca2d400b1ac_PXL_20240125_152240558.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">----------</div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Delightful White Wine:<i> We're hanging from fresh-washed linens on the outside clothes line in the early spring.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This mixed varietal white wine is finished at 12% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clear with a very light yellow/gold glint.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows sweet, gentle grapefruit.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Soft, sleek, slightly sweet, mineral-tinged entry. The sip slides cleanly across your palate, bringing a saline wash that keeps the experience elevated. Quick, but infinitely clean, finish.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, and actually notches a plus for its mineral elements. Screaming best value at the practically free price point.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Even richer upfront, still nice sleek maturation and finish. Improves experience a notch. Almost to an incredible four stars.<div><br /></div><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">----------</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Tropical Chardonnay Wine: <i>Chopping some ripe kiwi to add to the mixed fruit salad.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This California chardonnay is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clear with the faintest yellow wash.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows just a faint touch of beach sand and pear.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A perkier start than the Delightful White blend, with some sparky fruit quickly tucking into your cheeks. This comes along with a tiny touch of muskiness. Fruits resolve as the sip matures, with a little bit of a sugar "cloy" at the finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, just manages to touch three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making it another best value by our reckoning.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Sweet bright fruit at the start glides across your palate, staying clean. The finish is sleek and loses all its cloy. Improved experience overall.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">----------</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Oaky Chardonnay Wine:<i> Yumm, biting into a chilled apple crisp with a bubbly crust.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This California chardonnay is also finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in February, 2024.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clear with a yellow/olive/gold overtone.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shy aroma with a touch of toast.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A vanilla-tinged honeydew melon reaches first into your palate, resolving with just a touch of oak combining with apple crisp, all surrounding a soft chardonnay. Finish brightens and then resolves softly and cleanly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, also just touches three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, with very different style from the Big Sipper Tropical Chardonnay, but also tapping "best value" status.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> A sweeter, and slightly sleeker entry. Similar finish to the original.</div><div><br /></div><div>----------</div><div><b>In summary</b>: All three white Big Sippers achieved "best value" status at their attractive price points. Don't think complex; just think good value at practically free price points!<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div><br />jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-59903055951595050102023-12-21T18:41:00.000-05:002023-12-21T18:41:48.072-05:00Two decade-apart reviews: *** $$ Potel Aviron Moulin a Vent Vielles Vignes, Beaujolais, France, 2009<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Potel+Aviron+Moulin+a+Vent?referring_site=SOW">Potel Aviron Moulin a Vent</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnARRiIDUT7VnSXTRTFC9HC_r2uAqeyku2MCNSIFaBTMu2_XCRt0k9qoFW1DJ-v1QC06HPMGOVUfT0QE9lUHAZMRybzIRtY3_gFcDtzaXQvSuJ1nqjTQNUf6ZUPgXG4osYuCYEiY3h8Ho/s1600/potel+aviron+moulin+a+vent+.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnARRiIDUT7VnSXTRTFC9HC_r2uAqeyku2MCNSIFaBTMu2_XCRt0k9qoFW1DJ-v1QC06HPMGOVUfT0QE9lUHAZMRybzIRtY3_gFcDtzaXQvSuJ1nqjTQNUf6ZUPgXG4osYuCYEiY3h8Ho/s320/potel+aviron+moulin+a+vent+.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background, opening thoughts:</span> As distinguished from beaujolais nouveau, cru beaujolais wines can be serious red wines made from the same gamay grape, and appropriate even for short- to intermediate-term cellaring. Today we are tasting an old vine cru beaujolais from the Moulin a Vent region.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Original tasting and review</span> :<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> This is Potel Aviron Moulin a Vent Vielles Vignes, Beaujolais, France, 2009, finished at 12.5% alcohol, first sampled two years from vintage date, in March 2012. (See updated review a decade later below)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep burgundy with purple highlights, opaque from about an inch from the edge. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkkcIONBEqRrAp5R2BTvgwQAgCHxytM5ZgmuKWMGrS5xdPnQh5lXfOnMyeoATRSjkf2ECWG5YMfaJFndMVJ5BEw7xoJQCNZY_TPwDy9t3rIh6c6u6LbQjcm76qPGnGM5wlS418Q-4t88/s1600/potel+aviron+moulin+a+vent++%281%29.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkkcIONBEqRrAp5R2BTvgwQAgCHxytM5ZgmuKWMGrS5xdPnQh5lXfOnMyeoATRSjkf2ECWG5YMfaJFndMVJ5BEw7xoJQCNZY_TPwDy9t3rIh6c6u6LbQjcm76qPGnGM5wlS418Q-4t88/s640/potel+aviron+moulin+a+vent++%281%29.JPG" width="542" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows subtle, deep purple aromatics with a hint of fresh clean laundry. From the aroma, seems like this will be sleek and deep. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> The primary elements on the palate are in fact a very full, polished, balanced mouthfeel, surrounded by perfumed violets and crushed mulberries. Red berries, especially dry red cherries, come through in the aftermath. Finishes clean and svelte with blackberry and raspberry wisps in your upper palate. A unique cru beaujolais experience.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates an easy three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>. It is straining towards a plus with some air time. There is a smokiness and restraint that suggests air and time in bottle may serve this well. We'll see...<br />
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<b>Following extremely long decant</b>, four days kept cool in partially filled bottle: Clean, deep, fragrant purple fruit on the nose. The palate has knitted nicely together, weaving the dry red berries together in a tapestry that includes significant acids and some smoky tannins. Gains my respect for its attitude. <div><br /></div><div>---------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Following a whopping decade-plus in the bottle, now 14 years from vintage date,</b> sampled December, 2023: Still clean purple aromatics, no laundry freshness apparent. Bright with blackberry and some raspberry fruit. Clean, crisp and refreshing. And still some underlying very dry red fruit - could be cherries, but not enough sweetness to tell. Red currants maybe? I'm hardly picking up any age. No oxidation for sure. Remarkable with the low alcohol level. <b>With the black licorice test</b>, - adds just a touch of sweetness and roundness to the red cherries - yes, cherries now!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2012, 2023, <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwinepress.blogspot.com/">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br />
<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Potel+Aviron+Moulin+a+Vent?referring_site=SOW">Potel Aviron Moulin a Vent</a>.</b></i></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-18836906334680170512023-11-21T17:17:00.002-05:002023-11-21T17:17:37.140-05:00**** $$ Meiomi Red Blend, California, non-vintage: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/?referring_site=SOW">this wine</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We've liked the rich, layered Meiomi style in its pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon before; today we'll try the red blend.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Pc1QVCzRDXlWFLMqQAvnJ0_RUVOgcUN6ohvDVwALUj73bLaxIdqVRtC9U01xyVfRoPCFVHQDiqxkjIkAKGXTcat6JawCjHEmFk8mMafFnn0Ue4bKrLQHrMY6SJQ5sIALKCQafnaTJUzhEjq4IwQA0y5lI9u7BQLKRDZkLM6zA3gtkj3eTDBM_cP5j7zJ/s4032/PXL_20231121_053911923.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2696" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Pc1QVCzRDXlWFLMqQAvnJ0_RUVOgcUN6ohvDVwALUj73bLaxIdqVRtC9U01xyVfRoPCFVHQDiqxkjIkAKGXTcat6JawCjHEmFk8mMafFnn0Ue4bKrLQHrMY6SJQ5sIALKCQafnaTJUzhEjq4IwQA0y5lI9u7BQLKRDZkLM6zA3gtkj3eTDBM_cP5j7zJ/w428-h640/PXL_20231121_053911923.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Working with just a couple of good friends on the old - but promising - car in the driveway.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This non-vintage wine does not have its varietals revealed, nor does its "California" appellation say much about the grapes' region(s). We can tell it is finished at 13.7% alcohol and we know we are first sampling it in November, 2023. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Dark burgundy, almost black, with deep purple hues at the edge.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows motor oil plus sweet chocolate caramel. Some rich, ripe blackberry jam tucked in there too.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Soft, rich, layered woolen robes of deep red fruit to open the sip. The deep rich blackberry layers coat your mouth, and fade cleanly to a simple, but clean finish.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a full four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a> for its depth, layers and richness, making this a best value.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> All the same layers and elements are there, each widened out and opened just a little.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-87476395954618964512023-11-17T17:17:00.000-05:002023-11-17T17:17:28.936-05:00Battle of the Box California Chardonnays: ***+ Big Sipper Tropical; **** Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Buttery; ***+ Bota Box Nighthawk Gold Buttery<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Big Sipper Tropical Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW">Big Sipper Tropical Chardonnay</a>.</b></i><div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Woodbridge Buttery Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW">Woodbridge Buttery Chardonnay</a>.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW">Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay</a></b></i></div><div><span style="color: #0000ee;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span><i><b><a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKRt-10vuPm8U__v-p3fYJuK0hHZ5AclyJbRyVkrP14S7nZcf_R4tqXNP_yApeR0lOfna8qZrIvk7OOkoBsJzxn3Rt2YWtVsiHblLeOADk35I0FU8djT5S4kj6OH11ex7kd_oLlt2_iMgGkvTd9SE5FQnuKKfSupjrO6fuAeuM8Nga1GPHnxXEHJPWsNE/s3619/PXL_20231117_161143990.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2657" data-original-width="3619" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKRt-10vuPm8U__v-p3fYJuK0hHZ5AclyJbRyVkrP14S7nZcf_R4tqXNP_yApeR0lOfna8qZrIvk7OOkoBsJzxn3Rt2YWtVsiHblLeOADk35I0FU8djT5S4kj6OH11ex7kd_oLlt2_iMgGkvTd9SE5FQnuKKfSupjrO6fuAeuM8Nga1GPHnxXEHJPWsNE/w640-h470/PXL_20231117_161143990.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>.</b></i><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We're "taking one for the team" today, sampling three boxed California chardonnays in the "practically free" per-bottle price category. We've tried and actually liked a couple of these brands before, though not necessarily the same labels. Let's see what we've got!<br /><br />-----------</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUtoa-pYSvJcrv9UXXOrSKFpPMsqWozKB8SZBf71AqTr9a46ZKn6Ch3rEPwuzgR8sPxf0Qf7hSkFo-GRL-PR8c6lg7EOvJDoUVVDqrfuREM4moh1qnWF8_au8AXB1OTlSpzxGO3zJP0A_2qGiOGzmHgiKPA7LwXqgg8HpE0Oc7Ipihro5j_y88fK0Fb58/s2767/PXL_20231117_161209473.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2699" data-original-width="2767" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUtoa-pYSvJcrv9UXXOrSKFpPMsqWozKB8SZBf71AqTr9a46ZKn6Ch3rEPwuzgR8sPxf0Qf7hSkFo-GRL-PR8c6lg7EOvJDoUVVDqrfuREM4moh1qnWF8_au8AXB1OTlSpzxGO3zJP0A_2qGiOGzmHgiKPA7LwXqgg8HpE0Oc7Ipihro5j_y88fK0Fb58/w320-h312/PXL_20231117_161209473.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Big Sipper Tropical Chardonnay:<i> We're at the large picnic table, chatting and chopping melons and other fruits for our shared fruit salad bowl. </i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This chardonnay is finished at 13% alcohol, with no vintage date (as it true with most boxes) and first sampled in November, 2023.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Transparent with light vanilla hints.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, offers a light celery element.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Clean, fresh and, yes, tropically fruity, entry. Light but bright wash of gentle acids to accompany. Brings a mineral sheen to the finish.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a solid three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, just managing a plus for the surprising minerality at the close. Great value.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Widens out the opening notes, pulling the minerality right up front. Nice complement. <div><br /></div><div>----------</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_S99160_BhqGeGSDkHaj0fS8sJTmDbmENWO7gJVZlDHTH0crDKDkwV8_p-W58dvc4VL8n7e23mdu77XoVmL2wpfispEivWSIdlSUpsOR00GkdY66cTLY-SDqE1WJezKW_6NpIfXQQdyM01QhaSPjNnA9UXdlmcVfnTe5MAeozSmh9EOb103ZrIviw9WR/s2877/PXL_20231117_161218696.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="2090" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_S99160_BhqGeGSDkHaj0fS8sJTmDbmENWO7gJVZlDHTH0crDKDkwV8_p-W58dvc4VL8n7e23mdu77XoVmL2wpfispEivWSIdlSUpsOR00GkdY66cTLY-SDqE1WJezKW_6NpIfXQQdyM01QhaSPjNnA9UXdlmcVfnTe5MAeozSmh9EOb103ZrIviw9WR/w232-h320/PXL_20231117_161218696.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Buttery Chardonnay:<i> Walking with my buds after school, we're enjoying those chocolate caramel fudge bars my mom gave us.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This chardonnay is finished at a slightly heftier 13.5% alcohol, with no vintage date, and first sampled in November, 2023.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Light yellow, vanilla and hint of gold.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a very shy nose. Seems like the slightest hint of hay in a seltzer base.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A round entry, touches of just-sweet caramel and milk chocolate. The flavors hold in your mouth, and settle gently for a still round, but not cloying, finish. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, I'm amazed but this just touches four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>. Crazy awesome value at this ridiculous price point.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> All the elements still there, just a little rounder and sweeter.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>----------</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgKy_99pBDj__883RKFwNtHMKmvrNhbl5vSK7SQDWGzJk6qxKE5NPpSn41sNw_xufkV2dbFMdLR3QdjCJU1kx6UlKg_EI7U_2Ir40OP8HvED9C3YTo_laPHazwvx5kwxkhnFbxqOBepelPHXEoOMH6CA86wuGOSfV55zLS9oDN2eojJVGYhyYEASk4wqL/s3602/PXL_20231117_161229428.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3602" data-original-width="2385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgKy_99pBDj__883RKFwNtHMKmvrNhbl5vSK7SQDWGzJk6qxKE5NPpSn41sNw_xufkV2dbFMdLR3QdjCJU1kx6UlKg_EI7U_2Ir40OP8HvED9C3YTo_laPHazwvx5kwxkhnFbxqOBepelPHXEoOMH6CA86wuGOSfV55zLS9oDN2eojJVGYhyYEASk4wqL/w213-h320/PXL_20231117_161229428.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Bota Box Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay:<i> We're down at the brook, it's running pretty strong, we're hungry and ready for lunch.</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This chardonnay is finished at a mammoth 14.5% alcohol, with no vintage date, and first sampled in November, 2023.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clear with a light yellow/olive cast apparent.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, carries just the tiniest note of yeastiness on an otherwise clean veneer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Rich, sweet, layered and full on the start, brings ripe muskmelon and lime. Holds for a structured and generally clean finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars with a really big plus on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, just shy of four stars, making this another great value. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Riper and yet still bright entry. Clean mid-palate and finish. Raises to the four-star notch!</div><div><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-81958020906575253442023-10-21T14:34:00.001-04:002023-10-21T14:34:07.610-04:00**** $$ Domaine Combe Juliere Rasteau, Rhone, France, 2017: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Domaine Combe Juliere Rasteau?referring_site=SOW">Domaine Combe Juliere Rasteau</a>.</b></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcphC6IthFy5xejUVh2Ia80yTkMHPRkEv8g6L1egpa0qNIMN5ZvlNpGc7eC7pYtqp5AGlTZ0U7z5W0bufEEJT5L7ifccDWS6uEfUkc24Kx4eZnB8sLRLGNme8nWy6vwpIKn_9CUbHodxm39SGsPJh_Z5_zRSUlQhvqKr448UFGuNvPsVZjWp-7M3Ds5fVt/s4032/PXL_20231021_171516381.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcphC6IthFy5xejUVh2Ia80yTkMHPRkEv8g6L1egpa0qNIMN5ZvlNpGc7eC7pYtqp5AGlTZ0U7z5W0bufEEJT5L7ifccDWS6uEfUkc24Kx4eZnB8sLRLGNme8nWy6vwpIKn_9CUbHodxm39SGsPJh_Z5_zRSUlQhvqKr448UFGuNvPsVZjWp-7M3Ds5fVt/w480-h640/PXL_20231021_171516381.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>By way of background:</span> Rhone wines often bring forward both robust fruit along with layered aromatics. We've tried a couple of Rasteau region offerings <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/search?q=rasteau" target="_blank">before</a>, to good effect. Keep in mind that Rasteau only earned its own wine designation in 2010. Today, we're sampling the Domaine Combe Juliere Rasteau, with a solid six years of age. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> We're in town and stopped into the CUTEST curio and antique shop, browsing among the collectibles and fun old toys and games.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This Rhone red is a blend of 80% grenache, 10% mourvedre and 10% carignan, finished at 14.5% alcohol and first sampled years from vintage date, in <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep rust with dark ruby tones throughout.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a light and lively mix of red berrries and apple pie spices together with a solid spine of softly tannic black grapes.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> The spices rise quickly into your palate, being the trumpet calls that foreshadow the troops of layered red fruit that come quickly marching along. The sparkling cinnamon-toned spices join with the deep red berries, layering across your tongue and sprinting into your cheeks. There they all rest with gentle tannins for a leisurely slide into a finish that leaves you thirsty for the next sip.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, does just touch four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making this a best value at an attractive price point. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> More chocolate and sweet fruit come to the fore, making the sip quite dramatically rounder and bolder. The sweetness, depth and layers persist, essentially bringing the wine up a full half point to a remarkable 4+ stars. With the sliver of black licorice, this becomes an incredible best value! Among the more dramatic transformations along these lines.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br />jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-9736061706333041332023-10-18T17:44:00.006-04:002023-11-19T15:49:40.188-05:00Face-Off: Two Four-Star Contenders in the Boxed Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Wine Tasting & Review = best values<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/black box deep dark cabernet sauvignon?referring_site=SOW">Black Box Deep & Dark Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Bota Box Nighthawk Black Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon?referring_site=SOW">Bota Box Nighthawk Black Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.</b></i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIenRCKrgczXkuORswUtEOYx-LLsynLAVB_bU7TPNTtnotRfoBpMJyAf-c1ImgufyazaqnaOGMuiq-_u2c1NJCj2Oh5Ex-n7lji8e_7HzcWgPl94fcz-swhMHS8h5ZFSTMZtfZgbb5hzAtkrttw0NA1QWl1FPCXa69QK2NwBHJPavOedpqC_dY2AUqWgy/s3849/PXL_20231014_213408149.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3849" data-original-width="2165" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIenRCKrgczXkuORswUtEOYx-LLsynLAVB_bU7TPNTtnotRfoBpMJyAf-c1ImgufyazaqnaOGMuiq-_u2c1NJCj2Oh5Ex-n7lji8e_7HzcWgPl94fcz-swhMHS8h5ZFSTMZtfZgbb5hzAtkrttw0NA1QWl1FPCXa69QK2NwBHJPavOedpqC_dY2AUqWgy/w360-h640/PXL_20231014_213408149.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We've been "taking one for the team" a lot lately - pouring and tasting through a series of boxed wines. Although, to be fair, we've been focused on those wines most likely to fare well in our scoring system, with high probability of achieving "best value" status at their "practically free" price points. Today, we will be re-sampling the <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2021/11/boxing-match-between-two-bold-bota-box.html?q=black+box" target="_blank">Bota Box Nighthawk Black Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, which DID attain four-stars in an earlier tasting</a>. We'll also try the Black Box Deep & Dark Cabernet Sauvignon. While we have not sampled this particular label before, its sister wines scored very well: the <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2021/11/face-off-of-little-cabernet-sauvignon.html?q=black+box" target="_blank">Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile </a>scored three-plus-stars; and the <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/battle-of-big-red-boxes-nighthawk-black.html?q=black+box" target="_blank">Black Box Red Blend from California</a> scored four-stars. </div><div><br /></div><div>----------- </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhK1GHsusPc76BjL7R1EsSdicImioy84U3iLpIie14pIo8Rwcv5qCnzPZxcvPcxI3nKRskOOL1Om6fYTJx6oqQ9nu5t_F9unBZb6CB7NB-wiBZ_EobdkmN7zidyQkDJF7HLe027gmcxafBup5viuyzzVvTOwW7QbJBdSgUe1g9NA398IsN_vsaB1Uhrg-/s4032/PXL_20231014_213850687.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhK1GHsusPc76BjL7R1EsSdicImioy84U3iLpIie14pIo8Rwcv5qCnzPZxcvPcxI3nKRskOOL1Om6fYTJx6oqQ9nu5t_F9unBZb6CB7NB-wiBZ_EobdkmN7zidyQkDJF7HLe027gmcxafBup5viuyzzVvTOwW7QbJBdSgUe1g9NA398IsN_vsaB1Uhrg-/w225-h400/PXL_20231014_213850687.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by </span><span><b>Black Box Deep & Dark Cabernet Sauvignon, California, non-vintage</b><b>:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> We're lined up at the corner candy score, with our coins ready for our small friendly stashes of treats.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This cabernet sauvignon is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled in October, 2023.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep burgundy with mahogany edges, going opaque about a half inch in. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, bright violet notes surround a deep black cherry.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Starts with a bright muddle of red and black raspberries. Brings fresh and tangy berries across your tongue. Settles crisply and brightly on your tongue and gently into your cheeks. Cleansing finish, with a closing wash almost reminiscent of a sauvignon blanc somehow.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates an easy three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, garners a plus for its layers, depth and cleanliness throughout.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Rich and bolder on the start. Balance of the sip is consistent.</div><div><br /></div><div>-----------------------</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by Bota Box Nighthawk Black Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, non-vintage:<i> We're bundling up for a fun autumn hike along the dusk dirt road.</i></span></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ3plkUdnZLw1TBuRRUmmKP3Z2nJ59_clNB1KXPEkmfMbLCwTgAhnyllzGyO3IH2oXYx2r-MUZ_6jedMD-Z5CqpJT_iUfSGLIlT8RcZUGbUkmSbAfxWvRT2ESjufVzphQQAj6gdMlEPl3mW8Hx7DV-vWHssfmN4gbmFUej2lySJ_wzIkJtmqgLr79Rh7P/s4032/PXL_20231014_213903836.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ3plkUdnZLw1TBuRRUmmKP3Z2nJ59_clNB1KXPEkmfMbLCwTgAhnyllzGyO3IH2oXYx2r-MUZ_6jedMD-Z5CqpJT_iUfSGLIlT8RcZUGbUkmSbAfxWvRT2ESjufVzphQQAj6gdMlEPl3mW8Hx7DV-vWHssfmN4gbmFUej2lySJ_wzIkJtmqgLr79Rh7P/w225-h400/PXL_20231014_213903836.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div></i></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This bourbon barrel aged cabernet sauvignon is finished at 14.5% alcohol and first sampled in October, 2023.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Black cherry with some ruby notes at the edge, opaque from about a half inch in.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a touch of smoke and oil atop a sweet, ripe black cherry base, interlaced with some pepper, cinnamon and caramel. A true potpourri for the nose!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A sleek, sophisticated caramel opens the sip, spreading with ripe red cherry and ripe blackberry across your tongue. The tannins are there, accompanied by only slight whispers of acid. So, all in all, a long, languid experience, finishing with hints of the caramel reappearing in your cheeks. Just the slightest wisp of residual sweetness unravels the otherwise-joyous finish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, does touch four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, making this an exceptional "best buy" based on our criteria.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Big and round on the open, layers in the middle and this actually seems to crisp up the finish as well. Now a solid four stars. <br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-20831438547894424352023-10-17T16:55:00.007-04:002023-11-19T15:51:05.508-05:00*** $ Franzia Dark & Luscious Dark Red Blend: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Franzia Dark Red Blend?referring_site=SOW">Franzia Dark Red Blend</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jjuXGYLkE4efmjT12uV3JzVT6NTY2qqC8Ihsck2yww_ar0EXAEX5VS0WYLNKewMl-xs6DllMUN96EVYMTuuQlH_waxQA_pKezKpEdEhMEXQyjeyPRE5AJUeSWdASS3MUQvgzwGrp6zTr2tEqoIvoTx4pybzwebpmV-queGfWtHahuu1JTHsiEJBlL2lN/s3429/PXL_20231014_213311042.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3429" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jjuXGYLkE4efmjT12uV3JzVT6NTY2qqC8Ihsck2yww_ar0EXAEX5VS0WYLNKewMl-xs6DllMUN96EVYMTuuQlH_waxQA_pKezKpEdEhMEXQyjeyPRE5AJUeSWdASS3MUQvgzwGrp6zTr2tEqoIvoTx4pybzwebpmV-queGfWtHahuu1JTHsiEJBlL2lN/w424-h640/PXL_20231014_213311042.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>By way of background:</span> We've tried the <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2022/05/practically-free-franzia-dark-red-blend.html" target="_blank">Franzia Dark Red Blend</a> before. This updated version has a new name - Franzia Dark & Luscious Dark Red Blend - but seems to be fundamental an equivalent offering of unidentified American grapes, finished dark, bold and on the sweeter side of dry. Let's see what the offering brings, still operating at a "practically free" price point. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Telling stories with the family while standing in the cold around a big smoking stone hearth.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This red blend wine is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled in October, 2023.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep rust, with magenta overtones at the edge.<div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows sweet sandy violets. Smoky and sweet notes.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Soft ripe blueberry spreads across your tongue, bringing lightly gritty tannins and gentle acids along for the sleigh ride. The finish settles in for a moderately lengthy visit in your cheeks, then slowly fades leaving just a hint of blueberry skin.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a> almost a plus for layers and pleasure, making this a solid best value!<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Sweeter on the entry, with the other flavors coming along just as with the original tasting. Slightly stronger, but same overall rating. <br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-14815164904062985572023-10-16T17:13:00.001-04:002023-10-16T17:13:28.109-04:00Face-off: Two Best Value Box Chardonnays: ***+ Almaden versus **** Nighthawk Gold!<div><i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Almaden Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW">Almaden Chardonnay</a>.</b></i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;">Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW">Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay</a>.</b><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We've done some formal reviews of boxed wines from time to time, and, surprisingly enough, with a number of those reaching best value status. Today we will do a face-off between two box chardonnays, both of which achieved 3+ stars and best value status on the Spirit of Wine scale.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxHAaAJkyxv7lKStFtqSNStkc1GzvbypS7RWYZqw4_1b_VYQmb7XnpQ56PpKbYIMBanWCDO3gYBgl5xEgsjVH9Klqm_gNStvUIydNKP9NY3dQ1AFhmuNlvH0WbQHh2FYHMRU9EVgF1sOv1VeqoL20ffJbQNxTFiIWbiWi2nrvKTL2XOkXeHPOTu0Ehycm/s3570/PXL_20231014_213544875.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3570" data-original-width="2245" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxHAaAJkyxv7lKStFtqSNStkc1GzvbypS7RWYZqw4_1b_VYQmb7XnpQ56PpKbYIMBanWCDO3gYBgl5xEgsjVH9Klqm_gNStvUIydNKP9NY3dQ1AFhmuNlvH0WbQHh2FYHMRU9EVgF1sOv1VeqoL20ffJbQNxTFiIWbiWi2nrvKTL2XOkXeHPOTu0Ehycm/w402-h640/PXL_20231014_213544875.PORTRAIT~2.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><div>--------------------<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> <b>Almaden Rich & Smooth Chardonnay, California, non-vintage </b>is finished at 13% alcohol and now sampled in October, 2023. Our earlier review <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2021/11/chardonnay-box-ing-match-franzia-versus.html" target="_blank">here</a> was in November, 2021. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clean and clear, with light glints of gold.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at slightly cool room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows clean apple crisp.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Comes bright and light on the initial sip, spreading soft pear across the palate. As in the earlier tasting, shows gentle salinity and a very clean finish.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, I'm still good with the 3+ stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, leaving this a good value, purchased two years after the initial sampling. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Softer and rounder on the entry. Consistent notes for the rest of the tasting. <br /><br />--------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> <b>Bota Box Nighthawk Gold Buttery Chardonnay, California</b>, non-vintage is finished at a whopping 14.5% alcohol and now sampled in October, 2023. Our earlier review <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2021/12/battle-of-buttery-chardonnay-boxes.html" target="_blank">here</a> was in December, 2021. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clear with the merest glints of gold.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a light sandy oak surrounding a bready pear.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Enters your palate with a friendly, sweet pulse of gentle white grapes, soft pear compote and gentle salinity surrounding everything. Settles so clean and gentle!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a whopping four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, exceeding its earlier strong showing in 2021 and becoming a no-brainer best value!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Sweeter entry, all the other accolades survive!</div><div><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-2243517550226559402023-10-15T13:36:00.000-04:002023-10-15T13:36:44.837-04:00Updated! The vines are old, the box is new: ***+ Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel, California<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/bota box old vine zinefandel?referring_site=SOW">Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel</a>.</b></i><div><b><i><br /></i></b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmWJtVtsJuqQb2jyBmv1r8IRUkvOYYo0nG8C9VQ_3hiOZh-SWTJ5Un5zNwZlaynOlUPBO4A-9t2O2AA9jely528zYIg7B1TR9Sxiz5EfIUTa4bAYG8bfwiNwYtzFUKGtbkCbXV_rPwYyT/s4032/PXL_20211116_181706729.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmWJtVtsJuqQb2jyBmv1r8IRUkvOYYo0nG8C9VQ_3hiOZh-SWTJ5Un5zNwZlaynOlUPBO4A-9t2O2AA9jely528zYIg7B1TR9Sxiz5EfIUTa4bAYG8bfwiNwYtzFUKGtbkCbXV_rPwYyT/w300-h400/PXL_20211116_181706729.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>
</div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span>By way of background:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> I've been a bit intrigued by boxes lately. Wine in boxes, that is. There does seem to be something efficient and green in the approach. But, much as with the early days of screw-cap closures, the better wine seemed to be kept away from them in the early years. So I'm thinking some of the same trend may emerge over time with bag-in-box wines. So I'll keep my eyes peeled - and my glass at the ready. So, today we are taking one for the team with an attempt at assessing an old vine California zinfandel in a three liter box.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> A bright spring day, we're headed to the ball field to enjoy some of the high school baseball game!</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This is Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel, designated as "California", finished at 13.5% alcohol, vintented and bottled in Manteca California, non-vintage and first sampled in November, 2021.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> A deep ruddy magenta, moving almost towards opaque in the center. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows sleek dark fruit, some oak, with perky spikes of violet and purple aromas. Deep but also with a touch of tang. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Moves freshly across your cheeks, bringing a pleasant muddle of ripe red and black berries, sleek with very soft tannins. The sip holds for a respectable period, finishing crispy and dry with a slight acid tang. </div><div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, and garners a big plus for its layers, length and overall pleasant demeanor. This is a best value by our measure, box or no box!</div><div>---------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Updated review, two years later, sampled in October, 2023: </b>Still non-vintage, and still finished at a generic 13.5% alcohol level. Lighter rust/magenta in color than the earlier tasting. Similar inspiration and nose. Still sleek and soft on the palate, but sweeter this time. Soft, easy finish. Yes, I'll still allow it a plus above the three stars!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Following the black licorice test:</b> Even sweeter, fatter and rounder on the entry. Plums and gentle tannins as the sip fades. Notches it up a touch, not quite to four stars though. <br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2021, 2023, <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-9268777821061777072023-10-04T19:19:00.005-04:002023-10-04T19:19:58.823-04:00***+ $$ Caterina Zardini Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy, 2005: Wine Tasting & Review = good value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Caterina Zardini Valpolicella Classico Superiore?referring_site=SOW"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Caterina Zardini Valpolicella Classico Superiore?referring_site=SOW"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-e7oScvGAuy6MxcLHRduZD6u4dVM_yG3Hs-3GYmes7P29ExjuLtdwy0v8dueWQJfCmhIv4bFNGRIFYVGCZWW6-Y5ZUyAVgQSMtN448NH5rV7iGhhVQpx1VcWQAu3Y-TMwN3eMpFZ9ysAcEbQTZd5I3bJRQshKkAeeX_Cu3XLo9vWGYKHtzuwhRfEAVbN/s3239/PXL_20231004_005819803.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3239" data-original-width="1149" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-e7oScvGAuy6MxcLHRduZD6u4dVM_yG3Hs-3GYmes7P29ExjuLtdwy0v8dueWQJfCmhIv4bFNGRIFYVGCZWW6-Y5ZUyAVgQSMtN448NH5rV7iGhhVQpx1VcWQAu3Y-TMwN3eMpFZ9ysAcEbQTZd5I3bJRQshKkAeeX_Cu3XLo9vWGYKHtzuwhRfEAVbN/w228-h640/PXL_20231004_005819803.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>Caterina Zardini Valpolicella Classico Superiore.</b></i>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a red wine made from a blend of grapes, typically Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Molinara, with a minimum of 65% Corvina. The wines are dried before fermentation and aged for a minimum of one year before release. But today, we'll be sampling a wine with a mere 18 years of age!<div><br /></div><div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Gathering at a friendly community center for some local music.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This Valpolicella is first sampled 18 years from vintage date, in October, 2023.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep burgundy rust.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, scents of cinnamon, dark red cherry and caramel. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Fresh muddle of ripe blackberries and deep red currants, soft wash across the palate. The sip lifts with light acids into quickly disappearing wisps into your cheeks. Friendly, clean and light.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, adding a plus for it lightness and litheness given its 18 years of age! Good value.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Bold, fresh and rich entry. Rest of tasting is consistent.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div><br />jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-18377641487951730432023-10-04T18:49:00.000-04:002023-10-04T18:49:00.098-04:00**** $$ Simi Sauvignon Blanc, California, 2021: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Simi Sauvignon Blanc?referring_site=SOW">Simi Sauvignon Blanc</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> We've sampled a number of Simi wines in these pages before, but never a sauvignon blanc. The Simi Sauvignon Blanc we're trying today hails from the broad California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu0lj_KVxluwnvhPhhY3hDm0_CW6Envp0mMoDf89mmIp5sb-AMAK5BHQgJ61JV_tOkHDvbHYhgV4MtOfGl5uyfzmEyI-knvViaRE67kYfVNgCHEJQ4Achgp7xaMXHKKLOzo6syaiSiGg-81Sn6LrvkUSVVJFWIIdWWhmy1D9G4sk42JlTPV6AzwQImpaU/s3214/PXL_20231004_223828151.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3214" data-original-width="2130" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu0lj_KVxluwnvhPhhY3hDm0_CW6Envp0mMoDf89mmIp5sb-AMAK5BHQgJ61JV_tOkHDvbHYhgV4MtOfGl5uyfzmEyI-knvViaRE67kYfVNgCHEJQ4Achgp7xaMXHKKLOzo6syaiSiGg-81Sn6LrvkUSVVJFWIIdWWhmy1D9G4sk42JlTPV6AzwQImpaU/w424-h640/PXL_20231004_223828151.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="424" /></a></div> appellation, in contrast to some of the more targeted regional varietal offerings of the past Simi reviews.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> We're in an amazingly sleek, stainless steel factory, all the machines humming along absolutely noiselessly.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This sauvignon blanc is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in October, 2023. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Water clear with light gleeming yellow/gold.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a light smoky stainless steel mineral note. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A soft, sweet but minerally crisp entry of kiwi fruit and cosmic crisp apple, more sleek than acidic as it flows across your tongue. Light acids perk at your cheeks, and the sip finishes modestly long and stainless steel crisp and clean throughout. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, manages to touch an impressive four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, given its pleasant layers and sleekness throughout. Best value!<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Actually softens up some of the attractive sleek, saline nature of the base sip. Flattens the entire experience a little bit. One of the relatively small proportion of instances where the black licorice test is a detractor from the tasting for me.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br />jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-42111325523623171602023-09-24T16:09:00.000-04:002023-09-24T16:09:03.108-04:00**** $$ Meiomi Pinot Noir, California, 2021: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Meiomi Pinot Noir?referring_site=SOW">Meiomi Pinot Noir</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> It's been a long time since we've sampled the Meiomi pinot noir line, which has attained best value status regularly. (You can see our full line of Meiomi-related reviews <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/search?q=meiomi" target="_blank">here</a>.) Today we'll sample a Meiomi pinot noir vintage almost a decade younger than the last one we reviewed!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMXzl-Vm0vdd1ayBYwxbhnkrsNEGQlU1yp-0VzXXHucHfJNbnfc7ZHzGqV8dy9aZhCY1Dkzl7h0xgR20AKqDO8Gw34lYpJfvNY76bLT_BCvVeo3TgO2HIkdKYoTp5g5MEB_leJqjquQEx0kK4E4kgIkx2fuyVcpBSJoQGi-OKHUTI7nOCEU-run_DluSc/s3983/PXL_20230923_164345272.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3983" data-original-width="2987" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMXzl-Vm0vdd1ayBYwxbhnkrsNEGQlU1yp-0VzXXHucHfJNbnfc7ZHzGqV8dy9aZhCY1Dkzl7h0xgR20AKqDO8Gw34lYpJfvNY76bLT_BCvVeo3TgO2HIkdKYoTp5g5MEB_leJqjquQEx0kK4E4kgIkx2fuyVcpBSJoQGi-OKHUTI7nOCEU-run_DluSc/w480-h640/PXL_20230923_164345272.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> We're enjoying some crunchy, caramel-coated dark chocolates before heading out on a fall hike.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This 2021 pinot noir is finished at 13.5% alcohol. That troubles me just a little, because 13.5% is the alcohol level that many - if not most - broadly-distributed commercial red wines show up at. Meiomi's earlier vintages were at more specific alcohol levels, suggesting a vinting towards a taste profile and not a commercial mandate. Also, whereas prior vintages of Meiomi identified the specific AVA's in California from which the grapes were sourced, this vintage just punts and calls the grapes from "California". Hmmm. Those concerns aside, let's continue with this sampling, which is first made two years from vintage date, in September, 2023. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep burgundy and black cherry, opaque from about a half inch in.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings some deep violet flowers and firecrackers to the fore, with a soft base of chocolate and coconut.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Soft, fragrant, deep violet berries - if such berries were to exist. Think sweet blueberries without any acidic bite. The sip flows across your tongue, settles into your cheeks with bold and ripe insistence, very little acidic snap. But it does sit for awhile, letting the sweet blueberry settle out without any cloying sugar. Modest, fresh and clean finish. The ripe fruit feels like it may be willing to age for awhile. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, once again, rates four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>. You almost might not recognize it as a pinot noir, but may think of it more as a blend of petite sirah and zinfandel given its fat fruit and friendly composure. Nonetheless, and despite my reservations above, this is still a best value. That is an unusual finding for any pinot noir.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Still very round on the entry, but with an additional and friendly slight peppery note. Clean and balanced throughout. Oddly enough, the licorice may have even cut the deep roundness a little and provided a bit more balance to the layerings. But very consistent overall.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-83074262459946845462023-09-24T14:28:00.000-04:002023-09-24T14:28:45.162-04:00**** $$ 19 Crimes (Snoop Dogg) Cali Red, Lodi, California, 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages: Wine tasting, review & rating = BEST VALUEs!<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/19 crimes cali red?referring_site=SOW">19 Crimes Cali Red</a>.</b></i><br />
<h1><span style="font-size: large;">19 Crimes (Snoop Dogg) Cali Red, California, 2019, 2020: Wine tasting, review & rating </span></h1>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> A bold barbecue roast out by the swimming pool with a bunch of our friendly neighbors stopping by.</i></span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimF-qGWBXQi0GZMQ-iFk27bZJqk1Yz4U2sJgNAuHnouAXNYcIpzXugAvfqGv3HUKYngHQIROnlpluMi3xCi9gPRGsAutg2TGvjWbFkkQLNUxV0syM7baHZaSpMc0plmg5F4kjZqVDLP7T8/s3796/original_2167d03d-1cc0-41a0-9ba3-9eec06761c36_PXL_20210411_202131745.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3796" data-original-width="2411" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimF-qGWBXQi0GZMQ-iFk27bZJqk1Yz4U2sJgNAuHnouAXNYcIpzXugAvfqGv3HUKYngHQIROnlpluMi3xCi9gPRGsAutg2TGvjWbFkkQLNUxV0syM7baHZaSpMc0plmg5F4kjZqVDLP7T8/w406-h640/original_2167d03d-1cc0-41a0-9ba3-9eec06761c36_PXL_20210411_202131745.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>Specs:</span> This is 19 Crimes (Snoop Dogg) Cali Red, California, 2019, finished at 14.1% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in April, 2021. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> 19 Crimes is a line of wines, both blends and pure varietals, noted for their edgy, topical themes and labels.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep burgundy, almost moving to opaque at the center.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a soft, fragrant, violet woven wool blanket. Deep and velvety.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Soft, lush fruit first rises into your cheeks with layers of deep berry, pepper and oak. Settles there, "killing you softly with its song", then letting you go free with a simple settling into your tongue and the edges of your mouth. Not so much lively, as luscious and long. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a quite easy four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, remarkable showing for a wine at this price point. Easy best value based on the Spirit of Wine measure.</div><div>----------</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Updated, 2020 vintage</b>, tasted March, 2022: Same alcohol level as 2019 vintage. Varietals are confirmed as coming from Lodi, CA, a mix of 65% Petite Sirah,30% Zinfandel, 5% Merlot. Notes around color, aroma and palate are virtually identical to earlier vintage. Aroma seems it may be just a touch more perfumed. Still a clear best value!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>And updated again, 2020 vintage, a year later</b>, tasted March, 2023: </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_evGEgvylIgeu9dtNxjM52CDU7k-crvGKpm1N3_mAh-h9CLfgmqxjfDg5JvpENzIq9h7iGCZYVAOPBYSzBS85ZVqwSoWwKQjriMUrblg35bMeap5Qk6VmBuwzkjuXvoXdp_vaTe2gVWYZWi1pXRPk0vGf2uMsbBKIS_yygV5tDHKBdOyx9wgyIlHsw/s4013/PXL_20230401_022055629.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4013" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_evGEgvylIgeu9dtNxjM52CDU7k-crvGKpm1N3_mAh-h9CLfgmqxjfDg5JvpENzIq9h7iGCZYVAOPBYSzBS85ZVqwSoWwKQjriMUrblg35bMeap5Qk6VmBuwzkjuXvoXdp_vaTe2gVWYZWi1pXRPk0vGf2uMsbBKIS_yygV5tDHKBdOyx9wgyIlHsw/w260-h400/PXL_20230401_022055629.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Inspired by this wine:</span><i style="font-weight: 700;"> Now huddled with a few friends on the cozy living room rug, lots of laughs and reminiscences. </i></div><div><i style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></i></div><div><b>Notes around color, aroma and palate</b> are virtually identical to earlier tasting. Aroma is sweet and sleek. Super sleek on the palate, with a warm, smooth, luscious finish. Still an easy four stars and having handled the three years of aging with ease. Definite best value still! </div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b>And updated again, 2020 vintage, a few months later</b>, tasted August, 2023: Base sip remains outstanding, with notes consistent with those in March of this year. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Following the black licorice test in August, 2023:</b> All of the elements hold consistent with the base tasting. The open may be just a touch rounder, but the mid-palate and finish notes are consistent.</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">----------</span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>And now the 2021 vintage, tasted in September, 2023: </b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>Inspired by this wine: </b></span><span><i><b>I'm putting on a heavy down jacket, ready to walk out into the cool evening.</b></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>Updated notes</b></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">: This vintage has come down quite a bit in its alcohol content, to 13.5%, a standard commercial red wine level. That gives me some pause. 19 Crimes hasn't widely published the varietal mix, though I still believe it to be petite sirah with zinfandel, and perhaps with some merlot still incorporated. Deep rust red in the glass, not veering toward opaque. Soft ripe blackberry on the nose. Still fresh and luscious on the palate, perhaps not quite as lingering as in the earlier vintages. A touch brighter and lighter, but still garnering that hard-fought fourth star! Remains a best value. The black licorice test, similar to the earlier tastings, doesn't materially change the tasting notes. Oddly enough, in this case, it almost lifts the entering brightness of the sip. <br /></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2021, 2022, 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-41144553777193112592023-09-19T17:20:00.000-04:002023-09-19T17:20:34.148-04:00Original and Updated Wine Tasting & Review: **** $$$ St. Francis Pagani Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma, California, 2007<i><b>Find prices and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/St.+Francis+Pagani+Zinfandel?referring_site=SOW">St. Francis Pagani Zinfandel</a>.</b></i> <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4CGEpCPweUqqqlMY50DtMga1aNTB0iBPLF5hPZ6RcIZ8Pdp-tJpDyww4VPLmsfirEKb0Zn6Ybt0oHZjuw9EvXl1fpYwFRnuYg5JvYMTU48GXLVZevYQifL14D5-YrrdYiCC3Anm8IpU/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4CGEpCPweUqqqlMY50DtMga1aNTB0iBPLF5hPZ6RcIZ8Pdp-tJpDyww4VPLmsfirEKb0Zn6Ybt0oHZjuw9EvXl1fpYwFRnuYg5JvYMTU48GXLVZevYQifL14D5-YrrdYiCC3Anm8IpU/s640/IMG_0074.JPG" width="410" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Initial review, March, 2011, four years from vintage date</span>, by way of background:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> This is St. Francis Pagani Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma, California, 2007, finished at 15.4% alcohol. Some of these vines date back to original plantings from 1880. Aging is over a year in new oak. With the big alcohol, this should be a full-throated wine. Let's see...<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Deep magenta, almost opaque in the middle, with showy purple at the fringe.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows bold, sticky blackberry, some bright fruit elements. From the aroma, seems like this will be bold, bright, potentially hot with alcohol. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> The primary elements on the palate are in fact sweetness plus red fur on the first sip. A pleasant balance, supported quickly by apparent acidity and brighter red fruit that I expected. Alcohol only shows up in the finish, and that is probably exacerbated by the room temperature of this wine. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, while this is definitely a "big" zin, it is not big in the more classic jammy and deep way. It is big with its bright, sparkly red fruit, and a lengthy, more prickly, acid-toned finish. Rates four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, and would be an excellent zinfandel with appropriately "big" meals. I'm going to experiment with additional decanting and aging with this St. Francis Pagani as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Following long decant</b>, six hours in wide-bottomed decanter: The nose is more shy though better knit together now. Still furry red bright berries on the palate. Held up well. <div>-------------------</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Updated notes, 12 years later, now a whopping 16 years from vintage date, September, 2023: </b> Magenta in color now, without the purple highlights. On the nose is big furry red fruit, consistent with the palate from a decade ago. The palate holds true as well, with ripe red pomegranate taking the forefront rather than a deep bold zin style. Very very solid on the round, sleek follow-through and slow, clean and soft finish. Spectacular ager at a modest price point. <b>Following the black licorice test:</b> No dramatic change to the experience. A little rounder entry, perhaps. This seems to be my evolving experience with black licorice: to wit, less impact on older wines with substantial layers already. </div><div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) Copyright 2011 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. (If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.) </span><br />
<br />
<i><b>Find prices and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/St.+Francis+Pagani+Zinfandel?referring_site=SOW">St. Francis Pagani Zinfandel</a>.</b></i></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-45969377210184999342023-09-18T21:11:00.004-04:002023-09-18T21:11:44.104-04:00****+ $$ Empathy Red Wine, California, 2019: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/empathy red wine?referring_site=SOW">Empathy Red Wine</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> Empathy Wines are Gary Vaynerchuk's foray into vinting, using purchased grapes blended and aged apart from the winemakers. Today we'll sample the initial red blend from 2019. (We'll have some 2020 to compare soon!) <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj4FSfclxzXgDjYUFmd9pSTGsxoYdot9qEYCtF7CPAY2vbGMGuErzJyhT89NgY6f7dvpeB-504awJJuRAKZx8GZo7uZnr94dOLfVCVFDtIDHPqcHCrzF0GVaikMxmt9x7kkOrIShUELRzBYtBdIy-TLNSela2vqX0J6wujIuXiFzfE8eF0h3-ASjsuqka/s4032/PXL_20230919_004317612.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj4FSfclxzXgDjYUFmd9pSTGsxoYdot9qEYCtF7CPAY2vbGMGuErzJyhT89NgY6f7dvpeB-504awJJuRAKZx8GZo7uZnr94dOLfVCVFDtIDHPqcHCrzF0GVaikMxmt9x7kkOrIShUELRzBYtBdIy-TLNSela2vqX0J6wujIuXiFzfE8eF0h3-ASjsuqka/w640-h480/PXL_20230919_004317612.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> We're on the way with our school pennants to root for the team's first high school football game this year.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This blend is finished at a bit 14.9% alcohol and first sampled four years from vintage date, in September, 2023. The blend is petite sirah, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel, sustainably grown and harvested by Markus Bokisch of Bokisch Vineyards and Clay Shannon of Shannon Ridge.<div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Dark magenta and motor oil, opaque from a quarter inch of the edge!<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows blooming violet balloon rubber. Funky and interesting. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Rich and round violet blueberry fruit drenches your mouth on the first sip. The experience actually widens and deepens as it sits, lounging across your tongue with soft tannin blankets pulling the deep fruit into your cheeks. There it settles, clean and deep, with slightly growing acids to balance the sweet fruit and tannins. Sweet fruit but no cloying notes to the big and lengthy finish. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, an exceptional experience at this attractive price point. Rates an impressive four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, and gains an almost-unheard-of plus on the four stars for its deep friendliness along with its layers and depth. Spectacular best value.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Still a sweet and round entry. But overall consistent with the already-stunning baseline tasting.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-55717911379990521162023-09-17T15:08:00.002-04:002023-09-17T15:08:46.947-04:00*** $ Vieux Papes Rouge, France, non-vintage: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Vieux Papes Rouge?referring_site=SOW">Vieux Papes Rouge</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> A bargain-priced French red wine with little definition about location or grape varietals. Let's see what it offers:<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Playing bingo with the locals in a friendly town hall.</i></span><div><b><i><br /></i></b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p-7qvcOaPbTGjP75Knq0KYSWFmqtuXRd5o3C_-fhJv4Q36scPq2hkm2rrjoe6X-JVOR5PoXhP1p03DY_of4szyZ4HcyoC5pWhAe8G2iO3HecLGFzfe9l6XS6Xrkaf5aztV1MkTzIAxIs0lbFuUi4oZCvzDhg2yoqAmPmMTEmQp7NEWH4ErmTwLoyyPpl/s3093/PXL_20230917_185059953.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2942" data-original-width="3093" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p-7qvcOaPbTGjP75Knq0KYSWFmqtuXRd5o3C_-fhJv4Q36scPq2hkm2rrjoe6X-JVOR5PoXhP1p03DY_of4szyZ4HcyoC5pWhAe8G2iO3HecLGFzfe9l6XS6Xrkaf5aztV1MkTzIAxIs0lbFuUi4oZCvzDhg2yoqAmPmMTEmQp7NEWH4ErmTwLoyyPpl/w640-h608/PXL_20230917_185059953.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This wine is finished at a mere 12% alcohol and first sampled shortly after acquisition, in September, 2023. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Red pomegranate.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a faint red berry nose, think bright red cherries.<div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> Offers a fresh red entry of pomegranates and blackberries. The sip holds and slowly settles, not running into your cheeks, but simply fading over time. Very light tannins and very gentle acids accompany the red fruits into the finish. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates a solid three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>, and is actually a best value due to its attractive price point. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Slightly rounder with bolder red fruits on the entry, but overall retains the same tasting characteristics as the base case. <br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-87653247732805198972023-09-16T13:08:00.000-04:002023-09-16T13:08:59.169-04:00*** $$$$ Robert Mondavi The Estates Sauvignon Blanc, Stags Leap, Napa, California: Wine Tasting & Review<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Robert Mondavi The Estates Sauvignon Blanc?referring_site=SOW">Robert Mondavi The Estates Sauvignon Blanc</a>.</b></i>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> The Estates is a top-tier selection of wines from Robert Mondavi. For this sauvignon blanc selection, the majority of grapes were selected from a single vineyard block on Wappo Hill in the Stags Leap District. The Mondavi team feels the Wappo Hill block expresses a special intensity of flavor for its sauvignon blanc. Let's see what it delivers in the glass:<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG_BIA8KS5F6XS4KDplLbRRnc0YfC6Vcvb2LSXHjAikUGrtT4YAiH_L7A8m4bA9aDFujC5-SlDEOVb2AVE75i1bFQ3dR6xS9nJOLo1gBC7bTNpggMvUnXZ2uP8XI-DaEXIydSYgWn9S8K9tMDig1IEnM-w6OIzgSCm66aHtvRPUXOn5V6ZP_U-8Ksm0Es/s3905/PXL_20230910_192600783.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3905" data-original-width="2285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyG_BIA8KS5F6XS4KDplLbRRnc0YfC6Vcvb2LSXHjAikUGrtT4YAiH_L7A8m4bA9aDFujC5-SlDEOVb2AVE75i1bFQ3dR6xS9nJOLo1gBC7bTNpggMvUnXZ2uP8XI-DaEXIydSYgWn9S8K9tMDig1IEnM-w6OIzgSCm66aHtvRPUXOn5V6ZP_U-8Ksm0Es/w374-h640/PXL_20230910_192600783.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><div><div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> Crisp apples are lined up in the cellar, we're grabbing a bite.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This sauvignon blanc is finished at a very big 14.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in September, 2023.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Transparent with just the faintest of yellow/green/olive glints.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows crispy apples overlaid with a funky, slightly basement element, elements of sweet grapefruit intermixing. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A sleek, sweet, mineral coating to your tongue is the first element, with grapefruit and lemon citrus quickly driving into your cheeks. The sip settles and stays in your cheeks, with the citrus becoming a gentler orange combined with white peach. At the end, almost finishes as a dry lemonade. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, rates three stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a>. May even pick up a plus or a full star after some age, of which it feels worthy.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Smoother, rounder, much more layered on the entry. Sip settles sleekly across the palate with a nice gentle edge into the just-slightly-bright finish. Remarkable improvement with black licorice at this young age. Actually would move to four stars if this were the baseline tasting.<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div></div></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5369241598778174417.post-1674970010156885002023-09-15T16:50:00.000-04:002023-09-15T16:50:20.636-04:00**** $ Trackers Crossing Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, 2020: Wine Tasting & Review = best value<i><b>Check out today's pricing and retail availability for <a href="http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Trackers Crossing Chardonnay?referring_site=SOW">Trackers Crossing Chardonnay</a>.</b></i><div><b><i><br /></i></b><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_mZgaj_1JKkPPr3nk3By7C_Sm0MOfd6UcQvYAZEzgz9P5wXfumu0-oTM2T3VvwECMFB1cAknOBDiRnr9M1f-JlM3BC2EB-yw2f8OtQ_QSSVuCiuW6p3meohOoCg6S2z2krgLFlm50k7sqKidUPxouL7N9mZXM-FVRLnrX0tgPYmryAgIVtsmdeIhVoES/s4032/PXL_20230914_013946621.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_mZgaj_1JKkPPr3nk3By7C_Sm0MOfd6UcQvYAZEzgz9P5wXfumu0-oTM2T3VvwECMFB1cAknOBDiRnr9M1f-JlM3BC2EB-yw2f8OtQ_QSSVuCiuW6p3meohOoCg6S2z2krgLFlm50k7sqKidUPxouL7N9mZXM-FVRLnrX0tgPYmryAgIVtsmdeIhVoES/w480-h640/PXL_20230914_013946621.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></b></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">By way of background:</span> This Australian chardonnay is a newly-released bargain brand from Reynella Wines, which interestingly enough is the same winery that made the 21-year-old grenache that we sampled recently <a href="https://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2011/05/spirit-of-wine-review-rating-chateau.html">here</a>.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired by this wine:<i> We're picking a few wildflowers for grandma from the grassy hill near the house.</i></span><br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Specs:</span> This chardonnay is finished at a relatively big 13% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in September, 2023.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In the glass:</span> Clear with overtones of yellow and the faintest of green glints.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the nose:</span> Poured at slightly chilled room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows sparky green grasses with some hay. <br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">On the palate:</span> A flush and full entry of just-ripe honeydew melon and the tiniest sprinkle of lemon juice. The sip sits clean and sleek in your cheeks, and slowly fades for a lengthy, but classy and subtle finish<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">In summary:</span> Overall, actually touches four stars on the five-star <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2009/10/spirit-of-wine-scale.html">Spirit of Wine scale</a> due to its sleek, clean and layered nature. A surprising no-brainer best value at bargain prices, still a best value at retail ($$) price.<br /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Following the black licorice test:</span> Truly a round and sweet entry now, with the full mid-palate and sleek, bold, round finish. Actually improves slightly on the super-strong baseline score!<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">(c) Copyright 2023 <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/">Spirit of Wine</a>, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are <a href="http://spiritofwine.blogspot.com/2015/04/spirit-of-wine-review-policy.html">here</a>. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.</span></i> <br />
<br /><br /></div>jorrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08091347621678409530noreply@blogger.com