Stan The Wine Man

In a weeks time, I taste a boatload of wine (seriously). I lot of my friends think I’m lucky. Well, they’re right, and I wouldn’t give this job up for the world. The only thing that makes my job hard, is my feeling of responsibility to taste the samples given to me as quickly as possible and to put my reviews either in my Moleskine, on my Youtube channel (Stan The Wine Man TV), or right here on Stanthewineman.com. Here for your reading pleasure, are thirteen wines that I have reviewed in my Moleskine (good or bad), this past week.

2015 Frey Field Blend ( Mendocino, CA)… $15.

Aromas of Menthol, licorice and blackberries with an interesting hit of oatmeal. Blackberries and red berries dance together on fresh acidity with notes of blueberries trying to cut in. Polished, structured tannins support the palate show and they have a little attitude. Ball bearing notes lie underneath front to finish where notes of tobacco join in. Biodynamic and organically grown grapes. (B/B+)

2014 Frey Agriculturist Red (Mendocino, CA)… $12.

Blackberry Cola with a splash of tobacco on the nose. Light on the palate with blackberry notes front to finish. Currant notes sneak in a bit underneath the blackberry. Sweet tannins and laser sharp fruit notes. It might be light but it carries a punch. Gamay lovers wine for sure. Biodynamic and organically grown grapes. (B-)

2014 Frey Zinfandel (Mendocino, CA)… $15.

Aromas of raspberry and strawberry jam with a punch of cherries. Nice jammy edge on the palate with a fresh backbone. Hits of white pepper join the dark cherry notes Good balance and intensity of fruit. Currant and blackberry notes sneak in on the back of the mid-palate into the finish. Organically grown fruit and a very good, true to Zinfandel Zin. (B/B+)

2015 Frey Biodynamic Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendocino, CA)… ?

Currants and black cherries on the nose with a pinch of licorice. Sharp currant and dark cherry notes with a fresh underbelly. Tobacco notes join the party on the mid-palate with a kiss of licorice on the finish and a little black currant cough drop action lingering. (B/B+)

2011 Teutonic Wine Co. Pinot Noir Adams Vineyard (Chehalem Mountains, OR)… $48.

Aromas of Cola, cinnamon, Asian spice, bark and cherries (awesome!). Balanced acidity is in harmony with Cola, Asian spice and cherry notes. Red flower and licorice notes sneak in underneath front to finish. Good balance and well-integrated. (A-)

2015 Teutonic Wine Co. Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Laurel Vineyard (Chehalem Mountains, OR)… $30.

Cherries, cranberries and a kiss of leather on the nose joined by hits of orange peel and Root Beer. Root Beer and cherry notes dominate the palate with cranberries and a little bark action joining in. Root Beer notes linger with a touch of orange peel. Acidity keeps this baby fresh in the mouth. (B-/B)

2015 Teutonic Wine Co. “Pigs and Swords” White (Willamette Valley, OR)… $24.

Aromas of mushrooms and apple with a kiss of white flowers. Acidity gives it a laser sharp feel on the palate. It is both sweet and dry at once with vibrant notes of honey, peaches and apricots on a bed of white flowers and tangerines. The sweet notes are kept in check by solid citrus notes making this a wild, yet enjoyable ride in the mouth. Tangerine notes linger. 60% Pinot Noir, 35% Muller-Thurgau, 5% Chasselas (A-)

2015 Teutonic Wine Co Pinot Gris Crow Valley Vineyard (Willamette Valley, OR)… $21.

Aromas of apples and a hint of pear. A touch sugarfied on the palate with solid acidity that sharpens it up. Notes of apple, lemon and tangerine dance around the palate leading into a steely, fresh, vibrant finish. (B+/A-)

2014 Wines of Substance Super Substance Sauvignon Blanc (Ancient Lakes, WA)… $20.

Hits of pears and apples on the nose with an herbal component sneaking in. Dried herbs and white pepper notes on a bed of pears on the palate with a backdrop of apples. A little odd on the palate due to the oak treatment, but it’s fresh underneath. Not a Sauv. Blanc for everyone, but well made. (B/B+)

2014 Mersoleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay (Monterey County, CA)… $22.

Figs and pears all day on the nose with a little hit of banana. Smooth and round on the palate with a fresh finish that shows some weight. Sweet fig notes front to finish with a backbone of ripe pears. This baby is fruit-forward but certainly a 10 in the delicious category. (B-)

2015 Custard Chardonnay (North Coast, CA)… $18.

Aromas of Creme Brulee, orange Sorbet, Rubber Band and hits of mint. Baking spice, figs and pears on the palate. Seamless flow across the palate with oak in the background that is nicely integrated with the fruit. Fig and pear notes linger on the finish. Another “10” in the delicious category. ((B-)

2016 14 Hands Rose`(Columbia Valley, WA)… $13.

Aromas of strawberries, cherries, herbs and orange peel. Orange peel notes lie underneath a bed of strawberries on the palate. There is a slight hit of Bazooka on the mid-palate leading into a citrus driven, dry finish. Sweet fruit up front and then finishes dry. Good balance. A great Rose` for those just breaking into the category. (B)

2014 Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State)… $17.

Black tea and toasty currants on the nose with a backdrop of dark cherries and licorice. Dark fruit notes rest on solid acidity and chalky tannins. Currants, licorice and Kirsch notes front to finish. Good concentration, balance and structure. (B)

Cheers!
Stan