Frank Cornelissen
Susucaru Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese 2018
Day three: still showing bright, fresh, and playful. Ash and brine, with kriek beer/framboise elements. A balance of fruit forward and dry, peppery notes. All in all an easy drinker, perhaps too highly esteemed by wine geeks, because it’s not accessible and affordable enough to be a daily drinker. Interested to taste the Rosato and looking forward to the 2019. — 6 years ago
Domaine du Coulet (Matthieu Barret)
Petit Ours Côtes du Rhône Syrah
Upon opening I found it peppery, sharp and full of life. The French might describe it as “vivant,” but I know little about French wines, culture, or language, so consider this me learning. Day 2: Even more alive, air brought out the best of this vintage at the present: velvety texture, mouthwatering pomegranate, and a long finish with herbaceous characteristics. I’m blow away and can’t imagine Barret’s Cornas, or even more age on this particular bottle. Looking forward to learning more about Syrah and the Rhone region, for the price and based on my experience I would consider this an excellent natural entry. It tastes like staring into the night sky. — 5 years ago
Cincinnato
Castore Bellone
100% Bellone. This is my first native wine grape from Lazio. Entirely unexpected and unlike other whites. For $15 you get: rich and fatty fullness that crosses syrupy honeydew with unripe cantaloupe. This may seem contradictory, but that’s exactly how the wine tastes, contemplative and bridging flavors to the point of confusing. It makes me want to try the more expensive Bellone offering from Cincinnato. — 6 years ago
Broc Cellars
Solano County Trousseau Rosé
A vibrant red with surprising depth considering the youth of the Trousseau, grafted in 2016. That could have something to do with the cuttings coming from vines planted in 1888. This is listed here as a rose but drinks more like a easygoing red, fresh and tart, balanced with subtle tannins and notes of ripe stone fruit. A wine to chill slightly and watch evolve as it warms. Pair with roasted vegetables or lighter pasta dishes. — 6 years ago
Mason Powell
Decanted 30 minutes before serving with beef roast. Melts in your mouth at first, having surprising suppleness and fruit for 15.2 alcohol. As it warms and is exposed to oxygen it heats up without losing finesse. The best Zinfandel I’ve tried, and this is a blend from 29 vineyards. I need to climb my way up the Turley ladder and I don’t think I’ll come back down. — 5 years ago