Another week has flown by and it’s time once again to share with you my notes I’ve taken as I taste through samples that have been presented to me. Writing down my thoughts on wines I’m tasting is a satisfying endeavor and one I take quite seriously. When I feature a wine at the store, I want to put tasting notes that help you the consumer make an informed decision whether or not to spend your money on that wine. So, here for your reading pleasure are five wines I have reviewed recently.
2020 Cloudline Cellars Pinot Noir Rose’ (Willamette Valley, OR)… $18.
Strawberries and cherries on the nose with a splash of pink rose petals and earth. Watermelon rind notes come through on the palate, joined by notes of strawberries and cherries. Dry and juicy at the same time with watermelon rind notes hitting big-time on the finish, joined by a hit of citrus. Fresh, clean, well-made Rose’. (B+/A-)
2017 Les Vignobles Gueissard Bandol Cuvee G Red (Provence, France)… $25.
Aromas of currants, tobacco and earth, with a little cinnamon action underneath. Earthy currant and BBQ spices on the palate backed by a solid spine of acidity. Structured, approachable tannins that have a little grip on the back-end. Red flower and leather notes (not red leather) hit on the mid-palate into the long, earthy finish. This wine is bright and intense at the same time. Good balance and complexity. Lay it down for five years and it will just get better. 70% Mourvedre, 15% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault (B+/A-)
2017 Vietti Langhe Freisa Vivace (Piedmont, Italy)… $25.
Barnyard and baking spices on the nose, joined by notes of blackberries, plums and worn leather. Blackberry cola on the palate with a little barnyard action and leather. Crunchy tannins and fresh acidity make this baby bright and tight front to finish where the barnyard notes sneak out on the back-end. 100% Freisa (B-)
2017 Caymus-Suisan Grand Durif (Suisun Valle, CA)… $61.
Big-time boysenberry notes on the nose with an undertow of plums, brown sugar and tobacco. Brown sugar-coated boysenberries on the palate with plum and leather notes on the underbelly on sweet, soft tannins front to finish. This is a hedonistic style wine that is just a bit too much money for what you get. Durif is another name for Petite Sirah, (C+)
2018 Brickhouse Chardonnay (Ribbon Ridge, OR)… $26.
Pears and orange citrus on the nose with a little white flower action sneaking in. Solid pear notes on the palate with citrus notes sneaking in underneath front to finish where oak and citrus notes linger with a kiss of fig. Nicely integrated acidity keeps it fresh in the mouth. This is made for food. (B/B+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
