2022 Cline Cellars Eight Spur Zinfandel

 

From Cline Cellars and the Dry Creek Valley Appellation comes the 2022 Eight Spur Zinfandel.  Dry Creek Valley is one of the oldest growing regions in California and the Zinfndel vines resemble small trees that are spur pruned to eight canes, hence the name of this affordable and completely approachable wine.  Coming in at 15% alcohol by volume, the 2022 release is showing off some ripe red raspberries, cranberry and baking spice aromas.  The palate is full of sweet and sour cherry candies, plum, sage, beef stake tomato and sweet spices on the finish.  This is a straightforward and tasty Zinfandel that is very versatile and would pair very well with braised short ribs, a bold blue cheese or even a burger and fries.  This wine is very food friendly with an MSRP of only $35.00 you really can’t go wrong here.  This, in our opinion, is a solid 90-point wine all day long.

The 2023 release is currently available on the Cline Cellars website.  While we have not tasted that particular release, we can bet that it is as equally tasty as the 2022 vintage.  We will tell you that we have never tasted anything from Cline Cellars that wasn't top notch!

Cline Cellars was founded by Fred & Nancy Cline in 1982.   Their portfolio of businesses is impressive and includes a wide array of exceptional products and experiences that we think you’ll enjoy.   If you’re not familiar with the story and history of Cline Cellars, visit ClineCellars.com.

ABV:  15.0%

Dry Creek Valley AVA

Winery:  Cline Family Cellars

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2018 Lagana Cellars Eritage Vineyard Chardonnay

 

Fans of crisp, bright Chardonnay are sure to love the 2018 Lagana Cellars Eritage Vineyard Chardonnay.  This Walla Walla Valley selection isn't heavy and would be a perfect selection for sushi or a lighter baked fish dish.  Pale color yellow in the glass with stone fruits dominating the nose.  Wet river rock also makes an appearance.  In the mouth is a delightful and welcoming combination of more stone fruits, apple tart filling and hard pineapple candy.  This wine combines the right amount of sweetness and acidity, leading to a solid finish.  Best over the next 10 years.  This one is a reliable choice if you're looking for some Chardonnay to keep in your cellar.

ABV:  13.4%

Walla Walla Valley, WA

Suggested retail price:  $22.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2016 Lagana Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah

 

While Syrah and Shiraz are virtually the same grape, we feel that quality Syrah often gets over-shadowed by its Australian counterpart.  The 2016 Lagana Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah is a fine example of a tasty and memorable Washington State wine that will be easy on the bank account while popular at the dinner table.  Wonderful deep purple in the glass with magenta accents, this wine presents black fruits, balsamic glaze, sweet tobacco and suggestions of smoke after some heavy swirling.  Medium bodied and full of flavor, the dark fruits are dominant and joined by very mild pepper, herbs and pork belly for a tasting experience that will surely bring a smile to your face.  We think that this wine is drinking at or close to it's peak now, so add this one to your short list.  This Syrah was tasted solo and with grilled cheeseburgers.   GREAT pairing!  You won't regret it!

ABV:  14.7%

Walla Walla, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $32.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2017 Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir

 

It's not every day that we get to taste wines from New York's Finger Lakes Regions.  But if you're going to have the experience, then the 2017 Ravines Wine Cellars Pinot Noir is a great place to start!  All of the berries are estate grown and there are two things that instantly got me excited about this wine even before tasting it.   The color of the wine on the cork was exceptional for a Pinot Noir and the familiar Pinot aromas were hurdling out of the glass.  The color was medium burgundy and crystal clear to the rim.  Aromas of late season violets, dusty book, damp earth and muddled red fruit blended seamlessly and kept our interest throughout the tasting.  There's a very bright and definitive acidity that marries cranberries, damp earth and cigar box flavors to make way to a medium finish.  Wine was tasted over two nights - the first right out of the bottle - with similar notes.  This Pinot Noir would easily hold its own against more expensive Oregon Pinot and we highly recommend this!  Well done.

ABV:  13.0%

Finger Lakes, NY

Suggested retail price:  $24.95

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100