thewineguy

Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz 2011- uniquely Australian and excellent drinking.

This blend of Cabernet and Shiraz is quintessentially Australian and has been compared to a genie in a bottle. This is a 62% Cabernet and 38% Shiraz blend sourced from some of the best vineyards in South Australia, including Robe, Bordertown, Coonawarra, the Barossa Valley, and the Riverland. Each region offers its unique perspective onContinue reading “Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz 2011- uniquely Australian and excellent drinking.”

Tait Family ‘The Ball Buster’ Shiraz 2022- a consistently good drop.

This wine has an impressively consistent track record, with 20 consecutive vintages scoring 90 points or more. 2022 was a fantastic vintage, and this release scored 91 points. If you’re wondering about the name, it was originally intended to be more delicate and elegant and was going to be named after Bruno, the winemaker’s wife.Continue reading “Tait Family ‘The Ball Buster’ Shiraz 2022- a consistently good drop.”

Dry Creek Vineyard Sea Quelle 2021- exceptional drinking.

David Stare, the winery founder’s passion for wine, was fueled by living in Germany for a spell and a 2-week trip to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Upon returning to the US in 1970, he read a Wall Street Journal article about California’s bright future for making excellent wines. That was enough for him toContinue reading “Dry Creek Vineyard Sea Quelle 2021- exceptional drinking.”

Is it Primitivo or is it Zinfandel (or Zin as it’s come to be known as)?

Origins- Croatia. Primitivo originally comes from an indigenous Croatian grape called crljenak kaštelansk (Kjell-nak Cas-tell-lansky)- try and pronounce that after your second glass. Before emerging as a single varietal, it was mainly used as a blending grape to increase the overall alcohol content. It’s not uncommon to be up around 16% from both Italy andContinue reading “Is it Primitivo or is it Zinfandel (or Zin as it’s come to be known as)?”

Dry Creek Vineyard Sea Quelle 2021- exceptional drinking.

David Stare, the winery founder’s passion for wine, fueled by living in Germany for a spell and a 2-week trip to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Upon returning to the US in 1970, he read a Wall Street Journal article about California’s bright future for making excellent wines. That was enough for him to packContinue reading “Dry Creek Vineyard Sea Quelle 2021- exceptional drinking.”

Penfolds Grange 1999

While this doesn’t come near its predecessor, the 1998 (one of the greatest vintages of all time), it is, nevertheless, a Penfolds Grange in all its majestic glory. This didn’t become Australia’s Icon Wine for no reason. This is 100% Shiraz, which possesses beautiful, elegant structure with impeccable balance and immense depth and complexity. WeContinue reading “Penfolds Grange 1999”

Anne Annie Vineyards Pinot Noir 2023

This is the Willamette Valley with elegance and appeal at a price point that won’t break the bank. Grapes are sourced and hand-selected from two vineyards- Anne Amie Estate & Twelve Oaks Estate, with impressive results. They are located in the rolling hills of the Yamhill-Carlton District and on the steep hillsides of the ChehalemContinue reading “Anne Annie Vineyards Pinot Noir 2023”

Famiglia Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2019- 100 Years in the making.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the historic Pasqua Winery, located in Verona, in northeastern Italy. Innovation is at the core of their philosophy, as well as focusing on sustainable practices with an eye on the future. In 2024, they received the Innovator of the Year award for 2023 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. TheyContinue reading “Famiglia Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2019- 100 Years in the making.”

Two Burgundies I tasted this week- delicious, and won’t break the bank.

Domaine Dominique Guyon ‘Les Dames de Vergy’ 2022Dominique founded his Domaine in 1980 with approximately 55 acres in Hautes Côtes. It is separate from the well-known family Estate Domaine Antonin Guyon, his grandfather founded, and which he also manages. The Les Dames de Vergy vineyard lies just outside of Nuits-Saint-Georges, which goes a long wayContinue reading “Two Burgundies I tasted this week- delicious, and won’t break the bank.”

Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2020 – excellent release from volcanic soil.

The vineyards for this impressive wine are perched on the southern side of the largest volcano in Europe- Mount Etna, planted on black soils at an altitude of 600 – 750 meters. Diego and Alberto Cusumano hold just over 500 hectares of Estate Vineyards, producing 3 million bottles annually- not bad for a vineyard establishedContinue reading “Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2020 – excellent release from volcanic soil.”