41 Highlands Black Granite Red Blend 2020
This was Wine Enthusiast #1 Top 100 Best Buys and I have to agree, it’s great drinking and exceptional value- rare these days!!
This is a blend of 45% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 15% Malbec, 10% Syrah, 10% Merlot and reflects in the glass. This is what I use to call an MTW Wine- something you bought to drink on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but it is equally at home around the BBQ this summer. This is so approachable and easy to drink, you should just buy a case and stash it away for any good excuse and the price will allow you to do that.
The nose is ripe raspberry and plum enticing you to want to take a sip immediately.
The palate is lively red and dark fruits dominated by raspberry, blackberry, and plum, with a touch of vanilla, spices, and ripe sweetness, without being jammy, on a long smooth finish.
Will pair well with any red meat from the grill, especially with BBQ sauce, and rich Chicken dishes including a Chicken Burger with BBQ Sauce.
Cellar out to 2027 with confidence, although I suspect it will go longer.
San Simeon ‘Stormwatch’ Estate Reserve Red Blend 2019
At San Simeon, sustainability is a top priority. Vineyards are certified sustainable by the CSWA with 100% of their power coming from Solar Panels, and wastewater recycled.
This is a blend of 42% Cabernet, 19% Petit Verdot, 15% Merlot, 13% Cab Franc and 11% Malbec. One might be forgiven for mistaking this for a Bordeaux. It’s just more fruit-forward California version.
Anthony Riboli, 4th Generation Winemaker attributes the incredible uniqueness of the vineyards and the terroir that gives their wines their distinct flavor profile. One sip and I think you will agree, they have something special.
The first thing that hits you is the power in the nose, loads of ripe blackberries and red fruits, and a hint of coffee, intertwined with vanilla and oak. The palate is where its grandeur is on full display. A smooth, welcoming mouthfeel gives way to layers of blackberries, black currant, plum, and dark cherries, with secondary notes of vanilla, sweet tobacco, and a distinct earthy attitude. Tannins are evident as well as great structure. Nice long finish.
Cellar out to 2030 and beyond.
Pairings should include grilled ribeye steaks with blue cheese butter, roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, and tagliatelle with beef ragu- winemaker suggestions.
Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2020.
“Sasseo is the embodiment of the wish to create a Primitivo with a strong personality. Today, it is one of the most internationally successful wines from Puglia.”
http://www.masseriaaltemura.it
The Winery is situated in the heart of Salento, halfway between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas- about the center of the heel of Italy. Planted in white calcareous stones and the red soil with sea breezes from both sides- think Rioja and how good their wines are.
Next thing I lay on the table, for those that do not know, Primitivo is Zinfandel. Its origins are from Croatia, gaining the name from the Italian word meaning ‘to flower first’. The name Sasseo refers to the abundance of limestone in the region.
The nose is all plums and red jam. The palate is bold and rich and is dominated by ripe black jam, and dark plums, with secondary notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and spices. Appealing mouthfeel with a long finish. You could be forgiven for thinking this is Californian, especially with a few hours of decanting.
Will pair well with big meats from the grill, Pasta with meatballs, Meat Lasagna, and of course Veggie Lasagna, Mushroom & Parmigiana Cheese Pizza, and a rich Chicken Cacciatore.
Cellar out to 2030 with confidence.
Vine to Table 