A boatload of wine
2014 Rafael et Fils Pour Rosie Chardonnay (Oak Knoll Napa, CA)… $32.
Very Burgundy like on the nose with notes of burnt match, wet stone and subtle apple and pear notes underneath. Citrus notes on the front of the palate backed by fresh acidity. Pear notes sneak in on the mid-palate with wet stone joining the party. Wet stone notes lead into the Lemon driven, bright finish. Excellent balance of minerals, acidity and fruit. Just think of this as a good white Burgundy for a prayer. (A-/A)
2013 Ambassador “Envoy” Red (Red Mountain, WA)… $32.
Aromas of licorice and baked earth joined by dark cherries a touch of cinnamon candy and hints of chocolate. Tobacco and cherry notes hook-up front to finish with underlying bark and earth notes that integrate nicely with the fruit. A hint of cranberry and citrus sneaks in on the long finish. This is classic Red Mountain juice. (B+/A-)
2014 J Scott Cellars Syrah (Rogue Valley, OR)… $27.
A little stink action on the nose with notes of meat, licorice, ripe plums and hits of bacon fat and blueberries. Notes of plums and boysenberries lie on a bed of licorice, roasted meats, violets and under ripe blueberries on the palate. Almost lush, but kept in check by a serious dose of tobacco joining the palate party. Tobacco notes strengthen on the finish which lingers. A classic northern Rhone style Syrah. (B+/A-)
2014 De Vescovi Ulzbach Empeiria Bianco (Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Italy)… $22.
Aromas of peaches, wet stone and white flowers with hits of melon. Peaches and citrus front to finish in the mouth joined by notes of underlying wet stone. Citrus notes take over on the finish. Fresh and lively on the palate with minerals thrown into the mix. Clean and bright on the finish without feeling acidic. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Incrocio Manzoni (B+)
2015 La Ritournelle Rose` (Bourgueil Loire Valley, France)… $22.
Pink rose petals, cherries and hints of bubblegum on the nose. Rainier Cherry notes come through big time on the palate with a little celery and pea pod action thrown in on the back-end. Finishes bright and clean with hints of Bazooka and citrus lingering. It has veggie on it but the fruit balances it out. 100% Cabernet Franc (B+/A-)
2013 De Vescovi Ulzbach Teroldego (Teroldego Rotaliano, Italy)… $18.
Aromas of perfumed blackberries, rose petal, forest floor, beef broth and black cherries. Intense blackberry and cherry notes hit hard on the front of the palate and then joined by notes of crushed rock leather and earth. Solid acidity that is integrated nicely. Very savory on the finish with tiny hits of citrus coming through on the back-end. (B/B+)
2014 Breton Bourgueil “Trinch” (Loire Valley, France)… $22.
A little poopy on the nose with notes of earth and currants coming through, joined by notes of wilted rose petal, licorice and leather. High tone on the palate with notes of red currants and an undertow of tomato stem and twigs with a little green tobacco and green tea coming through. Veggie notes come through front to finish. Mineral notes join the party on the long acidic finish. Wound up tight but true to the region. (B+)
2013 Breton Nuits D’Ivresse Bourgueil (Loire Valley, France)… $30.
From 50-year-old vines, this Cab franc exhibits aromas of leather, red cherries and minerals with hits of violets and dried herbs. Violets and lavender dominate on the palate with a backbone of bark and leather. Bright acidity drives floral notes on the palate with underlying mineral notes. A hit of citrus comes through on the finish. Balanced and tight, this baby will age nicely over the next 8-10 years. (B+/A-)
2014 Force of Nature Red Blend (Paso Robles, CA)… $16.
A touch smokey on the nose with notes of bark, cherries and a pinch of tobacco. Surprisingly earthy. Ripe cherries all day on the palate, joined by ripe currant, white pepper and spice notes. Savory spine of bark, tobacco and earth. Sturdy tannins with just a touch of grip on the tobacco driven finish. A blend of Merlot, Cab, Syrah and Cinsault (B-/B)
2012 Rare Wines Black Blend (Lodi, CA)… $9.
Licorice and cherries on the nose with a backdrop of raspberries. Ripe fruit notes on the palate that stay away from flabby. Licorice and cherry notes come through with an undertow of black currants. Slight tobacco notes hit on the mid-palate with interesting veggie notes sneaking in on the slightly thin finish. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel (C/C+)
Non-Vintage Cantina Coviolo Lambrusco (Reggiano, Italy)… $12.
Deep currant and cherry notes on the nose with hits of vanilla, maple and bark. Spritzy, earthy dark cherry and currant notes with a little cherry skin action. Dried twig notes join up on the mid-palate into the fresh, clean finish with a little raspberry action on the back-end. (B-/B)
2014 Twelve Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton, OR)… $20.
Earthy on the nose with notes of black tea, cherries and Root Beer. Near perfect weight in the mouth for a Pinot Noir. Notes of ripe cherries, bark, black tea and sarsaparilla come through with a touch of Asian spice on the mid-palate into the finish. Fruit notes and acidity are nicely balanced. sarsaparilla and Asian spices linger on the finish. Light on its feet but packs a punch. (A-)
2015 Donkey & Goat “The Gadabout” White (California)… $22.
Smells a lot like a hard apple cider with just a hint of sulfur. Funky on the palate with notes of apples, lemon, grass and yeast. Leans toward bitter, but avoids it. Balanced acidity leaves notes of fresh apples and hints of baking spice on the finish. Starts funky then finishes clean. Very interesting wine. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Vermentino (C+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
