Burgess ‘Contadina’ Cabernet 2018 – Screams Napa Quality.

Established by Tom Bergess in 1972, this Howell Mountain Winery had a reputation for making elegant Cabernets, was sold to the owners of Heitz Cellars in 2020. I can see exciting times are ahead for this winery. This is mostly Cabernet- 90% with 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Aged for 22months in 15% newContinue reading “Burgess ‘Contadina’ Cabernet 2018 – Screams Napa Quality.”

Prazo de Roriz 2021 – Douro. Exciting red that won’t break the bank.

The grapes were sourced primarily from Quinta de Roriz and the balance from Quinta da Perdiz and Cima Corgo and then aged in 400-liter French oak barrels for 6 months. I should also point out that the 2021 vintage was excellent and as good as the 2019 vintage- a vintage considered one of the best.Continue reading “Prazo de Roriz 2021 – Douro. Exciting red that won’t break the bank.”

Two Hands Charlie’s Garden Eden Valley Shiraz 2020

I have been drinking Two Hands Wines for 20 years or so and their passionate pursuit of single vineyard and single regional varietals reflecting the specific terroir is not only admirable but exceptionally rewarding, not to mention satisfying for us as wine drinkers. My case in point is the Garden series- seven Shiraz from 6Continue reading “Two Hands Charlie’s Garden Eden Valley Shiraz 2020”

Scaia Rosso 2021 and Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2021.

Q: What do four brothers do when they inherit 50 acres of vineyards in the eastern section of Valpolicella from their father? A: Buy 75 more acres and start a Winery of course. They released their first wine in 1995 under the Tenuta Sant’Antonio label before launching a new project in 2006 under the ScaiaContinue reading “Scaia Rosso 2021 and Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2021.”

“There’s Gold In Them Hills” and sometimes it’s in the form of vineyards in Paso Robles.

Tooth & Nail Wine Co. Two wines from the Tooth & Nail Wine Co. located in Paso Robles that sit outside the box of your Paso expectations- that will not disappoint. The Possessor 2021 This is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, 6% Malbec, and 3% Petite Verdot. I decanted this forContinue reading ““There’s Gold In Them Hills” and sometimes it’s in the form of vineyards in Paso Robles.”

Labyrinth Wines

The website will tell you “Labyrinth Wines are dedicated to making bold wines to enhance your life” and that is pretty accurate. Doesn’t all wine enhance your life? Winemaker and Owner Rick Hill founded Labyrinth in 2000 and released his first wine from fruit sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyard from the Santa Maria Valley. InContinue reading “Labyrinth Wines”

Belasco De Baquedano Llama Series from Argentina- these two wines could be the very definition of ‘over-deliver’

Belasco De Baquedano Llama Cabernet Franc 2021 This is 100% Cabernet Franc made from 35-Year-old vines and aged for 6 months in French Oak Barrels. The Consulting Winemaker is none other than Michael Rolland, who is a Bordeaux-based oenologist, with hundreds of clients spread over 13 countries as well as several wineries he owns orContinue reading “Belasco De Baquedano Llama Series from Argentina- these two wines could be the very definition of ‘over-deliver’”

Domaine Bousquet Winery- Part 2

The Winery was established in 1997 by Jean Bousquet in barren, almost desert-like conditions in Tupungato, Uco Valley (Mendoza). An area written off by locals- an area without water, electricity, or roads and only 6 inches of rainfall per annum. Today, this picturesque winery covers 240 acres and sits at an altitude of 4,000 feetContinue reading “Domaine Bousquet Winery- Part 2”

Brancatelli Valle Delle Stelle 2020- great Italian red but needs decanting!

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon- 89% with just a splash of Cabernet Franc- 11%. from Tuscany that is dominated by cherries with little room for a hint of floral and spices. The palate is silky smooth (I must point out that I allowed 2-3 hours decanting) with tannins evident but not obtrusive. ThisContinue reading “Brancatelli Valle Delle Stelle 2020- great Italian red but needs decanting!”

Two Great Italians I got to Hang out with this week.

Angelo Negro Onorata Lange Favorita 2022 This wine is sourced from the Langhe region in Piedmont, known as the Favorita del Roero- we know it as Vermentino. Vibrant shimmering greenish-yellow hues with aromas of peach, citrus, honeysuckle, and pear issue an invitation to taste. The palate is tight and focused with crisp mouthwatering acidity wrappedContinue reading “Two Great Italians I got to Hang out with this week.”