2012 Galante Vineyards Ace High Malbec

I think I first started writing about Galante Vinyeards wines in 2012 and I remember really falling for these at the time.  The 2012 Ace High Malbec is another fine example of what Jack and this team do to bring a smile to my face.  Smoke, leather and violet are the dominant aromas and the cherry adds a touch of fruit on the nose but only faintly.  The color of his wine is absolutely gorgeous and after some generous swirling, it shows it's sexy legs.  Full of blackberry and plum flavors, there is distinct and welcoming dill and dried spices marriage that helps make this a beautiful drinking experience.  The tannins are petite and polished and the finish is long and juicy.  Only 531 cases produced!

ABV:  13.5%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $32.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2016 Falcone Family Vineyards Syrah

Syrah is a wine I love to drink with hearty meat dishes and beef stew.  But it's also a wonderful, bold wine that can be enjoyed solo - by itself or by yourself!  The 2016 Falcone Family Vineyards Syrah is farmed from Paso Robles vineyards and expresses some familiar dark cherry and smoky tobacco aromas that are hauntingly welcoming.  I really love smoky wines and red fruits; I can get lost in the swirling and smelling.  This has a wonderful deep red to purple color, and the small amount of Petit Syrah they add to this wine builds the complexity.  The smokiness joins black raspberry and cooked cherries with polished petite tannins that lead to a memorable finish.  This is my first bottle from Falcone and I hope it won't be my last.  I think this vintage in another year or two will be even more remarkable, as this has only been in the bottle for less than six months.  Solid wine!

ABV: 14.5%

Paso Robles, California

Suggested retail price:  $30.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2016 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc

Dry Creek Vineyard has been a favorite of mine for several years, as they have a great selection of red and white wines and this 2016 Fumé Blanc is one of their staples.  This varietal has become more popular over the years, but still pales in comparison to a Chardonnay or Riesling.  And if you're going to put yourself out there, you better make this wine stand out and make it memorable.   That's exactly what the good people at DCV give you with their latest Fumé Blanc.  Tons of lemon and lime fruits are front and center at swirling.  A little bit of honey and pineapple are faintly familiar.  Oh, I guess this would be a great time for me to tell you that I drink most of my white wines at room temperature or just slightly cooler than that.  I hate going to someone's house where they pull a white wine out of the refrigerator and start pouring.  Refreshing?  Sure.  Flavorful?  Not as much as if the wine is warmer.....at least, in my opinion.  In the mouth this wine is bright and airy and the lemon shines through with a flavor at the end reminiscent of cut grass, which is what you would expect from a wine made with 100% with Sauvignon Blanc grapes.  Dried herbs and light brown sugar make up a very flavorful finish.  Although I didn't drink this with any food, I think fried calamari (yes, it's 2018 and I still eat fried food) would be a favorable pairing.  

ABV:  13.5%

Sonoma County, California

Suggested retail price:  $15.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2014 Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast Estate Merlot

I wish I had a dollar for every time over the years someone has asked me, "What's a good wine"?  That's such an open-ended question, especially if you don't know someone's taste preference or budget.  I could spend hours recommending good wines, but you really need some trial-and-error in your life to see what you like.  Even if you like California wines, the flavor profiles vary greatly from appellation to appellation.  Remember, it starts with the soil!  Ok, I think I've rambled on enough here, right?  So, let's talk about this 2014 Cline Cellars Sonoma Coast Estate Merlot.  For those who think they don't like Merlot, it's typically because they haven't had any delicious, 100% Merlot like this one, or they have watched Sideways too many times.  This beautiful wine is a medium ruby red in color with aromas of dark cherry, chocolate and burnt cedar after intense swirling.  (And if you aren't swirling your wine, you're cheating yourself out of the full tasting experience!).  The oak aging adds some complexity to this wine which is evident by the very smooth finish with cherries, a kiss of plum and semi-sweet chocolate.  This Merlot will pair with a wide variety of pasta and roasted meat dishes.  Pick this wine up, drink it and then call Cline Cellars and thank them for making such a delicious and affordable 100% Merlot!

ABV:  14.0%

Sonoma Coast, California

Suggested retail price:  $22.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2015 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon

I figured since it was time to start writing again, I might as well start with my favorite varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon.   Now don’t start putting your nose in the air and poo poo this wine because it’s not a 100% Cab.  It’s also not priced like a full blooded red that we love to drink by ourselves and not share with the neighbors.   This 2015 Avalon CAB is a generous blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon along with Merlot (7%), Tannat (4%), Petit Sirah (2%) and Zinfandel (2%).  With this you’re getting a very affordable and tasty medium to dark red wine that has treats you with baking spices, black cherry, raspberry and some touches of vanilla.   This wine has spent some time in oak barrels which further brings out some mocha on the smooth finish.  The important thing here is that this wine is very good.  And this wine pairs great with just about anything hearty – a meatloaf, burgers, pizza, some medium to stout flavored cheeses.    You can’t go wrong here and you can impress your friends and your accountant at the same time.  *The 2014 vintage is pictured.

Suggested retail price:  $11.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100