2019 Pope Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

 

Here's another fine example of great wine made with exceptional fruit.  The 2019 Pope Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc sets itself apart from many others made with this grape.  If you're looking for a Sauvignon Blanc that is overly grassy with an strong acidic backbone, look somewhere else.  This wine effortlessly blends tangerine, yellow baked apple, honey, and interesting hints of river rock on the outer edge and finish.  This wine is surprisingly very silky smooth and a welcome change to "traditional" SB.  And talk about a food wine!  We feel that the versatility of this offering would pair with anything from artisan breads & jams to Eggs Benedict to sashimi and beyond!  We tasted this near room temperature but served chilled, this wine would be a porch drinker for certain.  Drink now. The 2020 vintage is currently available from Pope Valley Winery on their web site.

ABV:  14.46%

Napa Valley, CA

Suggested retail price:  $32.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2018 Patland Vineyards Select Barrel Reserve Malbec

 

We have recently had the opportunity to taste several Malbec and admittedly, in the past, this has not been our favorite varietal.  Mostly it is because many of the Malbec we have tasted have been "good" but not great.  That certainly isn't the case with the 2018 Patland Vineyards Select Barrel Reserve Malbec.  Before we get into our thoughts, we will make a bold statement that this is probably the best Malbec we have EVER tasted!  Read that again.  It is absolutely stunning on all fronts - visual, aroma and taste!   In the glass is a concentrated, nearly opaque, incredibly dark colored wine.  It's gorgeous.  On the nose are lifted aromas of plum, mocha, chocolate bits, blackberry preserves and spring flowers.  This is one of those wines that fills the soul and while you can't wait to taste it, the aromas just want to make you swirl this glass over and over and really appreciate the goodness.  In the mouth is a gushing collection of dark berries, chocolate bar, ciabatta bread, and hints of espresso.  The wine finishes effortlessly and will continue to become more polished for years as it is very young right now.  This wine is drinking splendidly and we would love to visit it again in a few years.  If you are a Malbec lover, this wine is absolutely a "must have" wine for you!  

ABV:  14.8%

Napa Valley, CA

Suggested retail price:  $110.00

Drink The Bottles score:  98/100

2018 Calculated Risk Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Full disclosure here.   I purchased a few different cases of "close out" wines from an online discounter just to have some cheaper, every day drinking wine.  One of the purchases was this 2018 Calculated Risk Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.  I bought 4 bottles and for the price (and free shipping), I thought it was worth the..................wait for it...............calculated risk.  (Insert laughter here).  I digress.

This wine really didn't disappoint.  Of the wines that I purchased from the discount vendor, this one was one that I preferred over many that were less than spectacular.  There was a very distinct Cabernet nose and medium red color.  Sometimes you can open a cheap Cabernet only to find that you struggle to identify the aromas that typically accompany these grapes.  This was not the case here.  Dried fruit with dark chocolate yielded to dark, ripe cherries and a faint dusty book taste.  The finish wasn't incredibly long but it was pleasant and kept me coming back to finish the bottle.   I'm definitely not mad at myself for trying this one, although the suggested list price tag on the winery web site would leave you scratching your head (I paid $14.99 and free shipping).  I don't think this bottle would be one you could take a glass or two from and put back for another day.  It's a one and done deal!  Drink now through 2024.

ABV:  14.0%

Sonoma County, California

Suggested retail price:  $49.99

Drink The Bottles score:  86/100