2016 JACK Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

I had the pleasure of tasting this 2016 JACK  Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, but I missed the mark by not enjoying it over a major league baseball game.  (Check out their story to see what this means!).  What first catches the eye on this specimen is the beautiful golden color and the logo that ties into the story of the founders.  This bottle is as handsome as Vernon and Chris are and popping the cork permeates the air with wafting aromas that suggest something special is about to happen to you.  I love California Sauvignon Blanc because it doesn't express overly grassy aromas like its New Zealand counterparts and it spotlights more fruity and floral aromas, which is the case here.  Honeysuckle and spring bouquet are dominant and inviting.  In the mouth is a silky example of a wine that has been well refined and initially has me dreaming of pineapple whip ice cream. This wine has bits of honeycomb and loads of baking spices along with a crisp green apple finish that is long and does not overpower the pineapple and spice.  I taste nearly all wines at room temperature so the flavors aren't muted, but I suspect this wine would be enjoyed best slightly chilled with a couscous salad or accoutrement of cheeses and herbaceous breads.  This is such a wonderful wine and I think it will drink amazingly for 3-5 years without hesitation!

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2015 Krupp Brothers The Water Witch

I have long been a fan of Krupp Brothers wines and absolutely love the story of the determination and passion behind how this winery became to be today.  Some of the best terroir in the area was there, but getting to it by removing a nearly infinite amount of rock and having little to no water were two huge obstacles.  This wine pays homage to the dowser that found water for Krupp Brothers and helped turn it into.......wine!  This 2015 Water Witch is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Malbec (24%) Petit Verdot (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Tempranillo (9%), Syrah (6%) and Merlot (3%).  This blend is a home run with a medium to dark ruby red color and long legs that run parallel to the glass stem. Aromas of cherry turnover, clove, cigar box and floral bouquet dance in the glass and sing loudly with some vigorous swirling.  This wine is very young but you know that it will continue to gain weight in the bottle over the next 10+ years.  Velvety in the mouth with a finish that seems to linger for minutes, the cherry leads the way with semi-sweet chocolate, cigar smoke and dried earthy spices falling in suit and helping create a memorable and delicious treat.  With just over 500 cases made, this wine is an exceptional value and would be a great accompaniment to smoked brisket if you're wanting to show off your taste of great wine to friends.

ABV:  14.8%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $70.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2015 Betz Family Winery Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

I do not drink many French wines for one reason or another, so when I tasted this 2015 Betz Family Winery Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon I was incredibly pleased and surprised by what I found.  I did absolutely no research on this wine before decanting and tasting it, and this wine immediately moved me to a quaint cafe, sipping this gem with good friends along the Champs Elysees under a mid day sun.  This medium to dark purple wine has very balanced aromas of blackberry pie, campfire smoke, seeping tea and cocoa powder, and none of these are overpowering.  This wine is an eyebrow raiser for sure and the flavors of blackcurrant, blueberry, smoke, dark chocolate-covered coffee beans and hints of grilling spices all combine for a velvety, savory broth-like feel that fills the mouth and lingers for many moments.  This wine was such a lovely surprise to taste and could end up as a "perfect" wine with a few more years under its belt in the cellar.  You'd never know that this is tipping close to an alcohol content of 15%.  It is made so beautifully and really puts a smile on your face. Simply incredible!  

ABV:  14.7%

Red Mountain, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $110.00

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100

2016 Mollydooker Carnival of Love Shiraz

I fell head over heels for Mollydooker wines about seven years ago.  It was an accidental tasting on my previous wine blog, Midwest Wine Guy, that allowed me to taste a bottle from everything they produced, and I was like a kid in a candy store.  Fast forward to the 2016 Carnival of Love and once again, I am completely enamored by the quality, value and overall loveliness of Mollydooker wines.  Gorgeous dark purple colors with plum, vanilla, country gravel road and raspberries that you just picked and squished in your hands are the wonderful, wafting aromas that leap out of the glass.  The balance on this wine is incredible and despite a 16% alcohol content, this wine does not come across as hot or with any type of medicinal feel.  This is truly skilled wine making at its best.  The mouthfeel is full, warm and inviting.  Flavors of raspberry cream, vanilla custard, earthly herbs and grilling spices blend beautifully and leave you wanting more....and more!  You cannot and will not go wrong with this Shiraz.   And yes, I did the Mollydooker shake!

ABV:  16.0%

McLaren Vale, Australia

Suggested retail price:  $75.00

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

2011 Arns Winery Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

This is the first selection I've had the pleasure of tasting from Arns Winery and I will say without a doubt that they have spoiled me.  Sandi Belcher, winemaker for Arns Winery, had a challenging year as did most in California for this vintage.  But persistence pays off and it has paid off in a BIG way with this 100% varietal 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon!  Bright garnet in the glass and solid to the rim, this wine is not a big fruit bomb and certainly doesn't present itself like a wine of this age.  This gorgeous Cabernet is more reminiscent of an old world Bordeaux style, with muted fruit being replaced by rose petals, barn wood, ripening vegetables and shoe leather.  Instantly, you are transported to a place that is surrounded by people who don't just pop and pour, but truly savor wines that are complex like this with chocolate bits, braised beef, crushed black cherries and again with that beautiful, old world style barn wood and damp earth.  The finish isn't exceptionally long, but it is satisfying and you'll be going back for seconds and thirds of this wine.  The tannins are small and juicy and this wine is absolutely perfect for drinking right now.  I anticipate that it will continue to age gracefully for another 10 years.  After this, I am super excited to taste the 2012 and 2013 vintages soon!

ABV:  14.0%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $85.00

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

2014 Truchard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

If you're looking for a very affordable and spicy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvinon, this 2014 Truchard Vineyards wine should be on your radar.  Forward aromas of cherry, plum and spice box are framed with similar flavors that also include raspberry marmalade, vanilla and red licorice.  While the flavors all blend very evenly and compliment each other, the finish on this wine is the star, in my opinion.  The finish is long, spicy and very memorable.  Some air time in the decanter or some intense swirling really opens up this wine and softens the focused tannins.  You really can't go wrong with this wine and it should age gracefully for a very long time.   This would be a fun one to try again in 5 and 10 years as I think it will go through a beautiful transformation that will only further reward the wine fanatic.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (1%) and Malbec (1%) and is beautifully blended.  Well done!  We are planning a trip to Napa Valley this summer, and Truchard might just have to be on our "must visit" list.

ABV:  14.2%

Carneros, Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2016 1000 Stories Zinfandel

When we think of red wine, we commonly think French or American oak barrel aging.  We wouldn't normally think bourbon barrel aging in present day when the aforementioned are so prevalent and readily available, certainly more than they were 50 years ago.  But aging Zinfandel in new and used bourbon barrels in small batches is exactly what 1000 Stories Wines is doing.  The use of used barrels is smart because the barrels provide a mellowness that makes this wine ripe for immediate drinking and the barrels also add some character to the wine.  Not overly complex but beautiful in a medium red color, this California Zinfandel exhibits primarily bright cherry aromas with spicebox and vanilla.  In the mouth is a softer Zinfandel with flavors of cherry, strawberry hard candy, carmel and hints of vanilla syrup.  This is a fun and very drinkable wine that I personally wouldn't pair with a food due to it's softness and sweet flavor.  It packs an alcohol content that is nearly 16% but it is so mellow that it isn't a distraction.  Pick up a bottle and enjoy it for yourself!

ABV:  15.5%

California

Suggested retail price:  $18.99

Drink The Bottles score:  86/100

2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2015 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that can be enjoyed immediately and often with its incredibly soft tannins and welcoming mouth feel.  Smooth and supple, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Merlot (6%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petite Verdot (2%) offers a solid medium purple color and slender legs in the glass.  The aromas of rapsberry, cedar and licorice aren't necessarily the stars here, but rather the supporting cast to a wine that offers the same in the mouth and adds red licorice, roasted coffee beans and soft spices to the mix.  Even with the four blended grapes, I had anticipated a much younger feeling and more acidic wine that would be bright and benefit from a few more years in the bottle.  That was certainly not the case here!  This wine is completely approachable and one that I think you will enjoy with a pot roast dinner if you're looking for a food pairing.  But, it can certainly stand on it's own merit.

ABV:  14.3%

Knights Valley, Sonoma, California

Suggested retail price:  $36.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2014 Gamble Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

I was super excited to taste my first (and certainly not last) wine from Gamble Family Vineyards.  This 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a flavorful and classy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Malbec (8%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Merlot (1%) and Petit Verdot (1%).  On the britgher red side in the glass with fiery red streaks at the rim, this wine expresses well-blended aromas of black fruits, blackberry jam, well toasted French bread and pencil lead.  In the mouth is a medium bodied wine that feels polished and refined.  It's really difficult to imagine that this wine is so young.  It drinks like a wine that has been in the cellar, aging appropriately and gracefully for ten or more years.  In the mouth are flavors of the same dark fruits, cocoa powder, mocha, clove and some sweet spices.  The finish isn't extremely long, but this wine is one that keeps you wanting to tip the bottle in your favor.  I am genuinely impressed!

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $50.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100

2015 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The best part of being a wine blogger is the discovery of all types of wines from all over the world.  Many of these wines are from small, boutique wineries and many are mass-produced, with appeal to everyone who loves wine.  The best part of the 2015 Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is that it is such a special wine that anyone can purchase, share and enjoy.  This is an incredible wine from a Napa Valley icon.  I had the pleasure of tasting Cathy's wine back in 2011 or 2012 and fell instantly in love.  And again, several years later, this wine and I connected and the romance blossomed once more.  Not yet released (coming soon), I was honored to sample this medium-to-dark red wine with aromas of black raspberry, rose petal, cigar wrapper, vanilla and plum.  Swirling this young wine really opens up the flavor profile and layers of plum, blackberry pipe smoke, spice cake and dark chocolate shavings are incredibly blended and memorable.  If there is one thing you can guarantee from Cathy Corison, it is consistency and unparalleled quality in Napa Valley Cabernet.  While many wines are commonly enjoyed with great foods, I prefer to enjoy this one independent of any food to completely appreciate and enjoy the complexity and flavor that is in the craft!  The 2015 Napa Valley vintage was all over the board, but as expected, Corison comes out on top again. Cheers!

ABV:  13.6%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $100.00

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

2016 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Amador County Barbera

Barbera, in my opinion, lacks popularity in the US compared to many other red wines, and that is a shame.  This Italian grape produces a memorable and flavorful wine that is incredibly inviting and easy to drink.  The 2016 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Barbera from Amador County is a fine example of this dark purple, crisp wine.  Black cherry and steel on the nose, this lovely wine exhibits flavors of sour cherry, black cherry, floral bouquet and juicy young raspberries.  This wine would be an excellent companion with braised spare ribs and stuffed mushroom caps.  Very mouth watering wine!

ABV:  14.0%

Amador County, California

Suggested retail price:  $28.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

2013 Galante Vineyards Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold, chewy and satisfying are adjectives that come to mind with this single vineyards select 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  No doubt that 100% Cab is among my top favorite varietals, and this 2013 Galante Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from the Blackjack Pasture is a fine example of a California classic.  Potpourri bouquet of dried cherries, chocolate, Italian herb and prime rib blend evenly  introduce swollen and balanced tannins throughout.  The predominant black cherry flavors are joined by hints of tar and dried herb.  This wine would be a good friend to the biggest, mouth-watering piece of beef that you can find.  The worst part?  Only having one bottle.  Drink for 12+ years!

ABV:  14.2%

Carmel Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2016 Chateau St Jean Creamy California Chardonnay

Bright golden yellow in the glass, this 2016 Chateau St Jean Creamy California Chardonnay is a solid pairing for spicy Spanish foods.  A complete steal at under $15, this wine displays notes of baked apple pie, lemon and mineral.  In the mouth is a medium bodied and luscious creamy combination of creamy lemon cheesecake, stone fruits, dry mineral and hints of cedar.  Straight forward with a finish that is silky and sweet, this Chardonnay could be a daily drinker and I've seen it closer to the $10 price tag online, so you're going to really win with this one!

ABV:  14.5%

California

Suggested retail price:  $12.99

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

2013 Burgess Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Back when I first began blogging many years ago on Midwest Wine Guy, Tom Burgess was so kind to take my phone call and talk to me about his winery, his vineyards and the valley.  As a wine novice, I was super impressed but probably didn't realize the complete impact of such a wine legend answering my call and talking to me like an old friend.   I will forever appreciate those minutes.  Fast forward several years and again I'm honored with tasting and writing about this 2013 Burgess Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is a lovely and tasty blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (12%), Petit Verdot (11%) and Malbec (2%).  Dark crimson color with black rim, balanced aromas include black and red currant, natural dried herbs and cedar planks.  In the mouth, you're greeted with a wine that is as smooth as glass and drinks absolutely amazingly with flavors of blueberry, black raspberry compote, mocha and mild vanilla bean.  You would be remiss not to drink this bottle for yourself.  It is as smooth as any wine that I've had in recent memory.  Excellent bottle that should last 15+ years.

ABV:  14.7%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

2015 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay

When one thinks of white wine in the Napa Valley, Chardonnay is the immediate varietal that pops into mind and almost always the star of the show.  What I love about Chardonnay, is like Cabernet, you can taste 10 of them glass-to-glass and have 10 very distinct flavor profiles and tasting experiences.  The 2015 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay displays a bright lemon peel color in the glass, aromas of pineapple, Caribbean fruits and buttery biscuit.  On the tongue is a really nice, brighter feeling that makes this wine a good companion with many types of food.  I would imagine this with a hot buffalo chicken dip, jalapeno poppers or a spicy Thai dish.  The flavors of nectarine, brown sugar and creamy bread pudding are well blended and lead to a bright and airy finish.

ABV:  14.1%

Napa Valley, California

Suggested retail price:  $24.00

Drink The Bottles score:  87/100

2016 Farmhouse Red

So, I was super excited to get this bottle of wine, which is produced by Cline Cellars of California.  Why?  Because to me this wine represents much more than what is inside.  This bottle represents to me heritage, education, appreciation and love for farming and the earth.  I guess I feel, in some way, that I have a "six degrees" connection with this bottle and what it stands for because farming has run in my family for generations.  Be good stewards of the earth and ye shall be rewarded.  

The 2016 Farmhouse Red wine has some real energy.  As I was pouring this wine, the raspberry, smoky, scorched earth actually leaped from the glass.   Swirling only accentuated the same and completely filled the nose and throat with delicious, full, warm aromas.  In the mouth is a wine that makes a presence with the blackberry pie, toasted dark bread and sweet cherries that combine with a peppery and luscious finish that doesn't necessary linger, but is memorable and delicious.  If fruit-forward wines are your jam, than this wine is calling your name.  This wine would be a great cheese wine or pair well with meat that has been on the smoker all day.  This is a blend of Merlot (39%), Syrah (21%), Zinfandel (20%), Grenache (9%), Petite Sirah (7%) and Mourvedre (3%).  Solid!

ABV:  14.0%

California

Suggested retail price:  $15.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2014 Abacela Barrel Select Tempranillo

One of the most enjoyable things about wine blogging is the ability to not only share stories of great wines through the blog, but also the occasion to physically share a bottle of wine with friends.  And that is exactly what happened with this 2014 Abacela Barrel Select Tempranillo.  I was lucky enough to introduce a new varietal to a friend, honestly not knowing his palate or his preference in wines.  To say that he was impressed would be a gross understatement.  I chuckle inside when someone finds a wine that they love, they take a sip, discover something new, talk about it....and repeat!  Gorgeous dark purple velvet in the glass with blackberry smokiness combines with espresso and exotic spices on the nose, this wine is made proper in all aspects.  In the mouth is a very welcoming and delicious basket of dark fruits, smoke-charred hickory wood and spices that wake you up at first taste and follow this wine all the way to it's very long and memorable finish.  The good news?  This wine is really an amazing example of Tempranillo.  The bade news for my friend?  He might expect all Tempranillo to be made this fine!   Outstanding example of Oregon grapes and stellar wine making.

ABV:  14.8%

Umpqua Valley, Southern Oregon

Suggested retail price:  $33.00

Drink The Bottles score:  93/100

NV Treveri Cellars Blanc de Noirs

I had so much fun tasting this sparkling wine that I had to share it with friends.  I mean, after all, isn't that what loving wine is all about?  Let me first start by saying that if I find out anyone is taking this Treveri Cellars Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine and making mimosas out of it, I might throat punch you.  Go buy some blah blah blah $6.99 rot gut at the grocery store for that.  You'd be completely remiss and wasting a fantastic opportunity to taste a beautifully made, delicate sparkling wine from Washington state.  Lovely bouquet of strawberry and warm, handmade biscuits on the nose and that carries through to the flavors and micro bubbles that celebrate in the mouth.  This sparkling wine is so good that it is difficult to take your time and sip it.  I served this well chilled and think that was the right call.  The finish on this is extremely fine and smooth and leaves you wanting more.  

ABV:  12.8%

Columbia Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $20.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

2014 Readers Cabernet Sauvignon

I've thoroughly enjoyed tasting the "Readers" wines over the past 45 days and I'm so pleased every time I have the opportunity to do so.  This 2014 vintage from Bookwalter Winery stands up to Cabernet blends that are easily twice the price.  While I am a staunch supporter of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the blends that have been coming out of the west coast for the past 10-12 years have really helped pull in more non-traditional red wine drinkers and in many cases, have helped create wines that are more flavorful and expressive.  This blend boasts blackberry jam, dusty library books and a distinct mocha aroma that is reminiscent of your favorite coffee shop.  In the mouth is a solid wine that doesn't feel tight or young at all, but rather more mature than it is with predominant flavors of blackberry, wet stone and steak seasoning.  In the glass, this wine has sexy legs and a color that puts a smile on your face.  The Readers branded wines are an exceptional value.

ABV:  14.9%

Columbia Valley & Yakima Valley, Washington

Suggested retail price:  $28.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

2016 Dawn's Dream Winery Rachael Pinot Noir

You'll really become infatuated with the color and aromas of this 2016 Dawn's Dream Winery "Rachael" Pinot Noir.  Smoky cedar and baked cranberries on the nose, the smokiness flows right across the lips and is joined by vanilla, cardamom, dark cherries and flaky pie crust.  I could swirl this beautiful wine for hours, becoming mesmerized by the medium purple body with dark rim and gorgeous legs  For me, this Pinot Noir is a solo drinker and each taste is more enjoyable than the previous one.  I think it would pair very well with a very ripe fruit cobbler.  Wonderfully made!

ABV:  13.5%

Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Suggested retail price:  $40.00

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100