February 16, 2023

2019 JAQK Cellars High Roller Pinot Noir

I previously reviewed the High Roller Cabernet Sauvignon, saying it was a terrific wine and a terrific bargain. I can say much the same of this bottle. According to the international Wine Report (IWR),” This Pinot Noir has classic aromatics [....]
January 12, 2023

The Reserve Delightful and Strange Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley 2018

This wine has been assembled from great Napa Valley grapes. Which ones? We can’t say; the wine is protected by a strict NDA. The force behind the bottle[...]
May 12, 2022

Pioneiro – Vinho Regional Peninsula de Setubal Tinto 2018

I’ve lifted the following from the website of Chain Bridge Cellars, a McLean, VA retail store and online presence. See what you think. “Portugal’s wine fame rests on the light, fresh, whites of Vinho Verde and the darkly intense and powerful reds (both sweet and dry!) of the Douro Valley inland from Oporto. But value seekers know that Portugal’s dizzying variety of unfamiliar grape varietals [...]
February 3, 2022

2018 Frei Brothers Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

What a great taste treat! The 2018 version of the wine was just rated among Wine Spectator’s top-ten value wines of 2021, with a list price of (never-pay-this-much) $27. Wine Spectator gave the wine 90 points. So, too, did Wine Enthusiast, saying, “Opening on a hearty nose of clove, this[...]
November 10, 2021

2016 Carlson Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Barbara County, California

I was surprised by the paucity of professional reviews of this outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. This one, from a professional employed by an online retailer, seems more or less right on: “As I sit and taste this wine, the first thing that comes to me is the dark crimson color. This to me indicates richness and [....]
September 23, 2021

2016 Chateau Bernadotte

Neal Martin of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the wine 89 points and this review: “The 2016 La Bernadotte has a clean and precise bouquet with cigar smoke infused blackcurrant and bilberry fruit. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied and [...]
May 27, 2021

2016 Villa Malacari Rosso Conero 2016

Malarkey it’s not! In fact, this is an amazingly wonderful Italian wine that rated 92 points from Vinous Media critic Eric Guido, who had this to say: “The 2016 Malacari Rosso Conero explodes from the glass with a mix of ripe cherries and blueberries, complemented by [...]
April 29, 2021

Mauro Molino DiMartina 2018

I hadn’t tasted this lovely Italian blend before, but the low price – probably accompanied by free shipping – made me want to give it a try. There was also the review by Wine Advocate critic Monica Larner, who is most definitely not known for “easy grading.” [...]
April 15, 2021

Santa Julia Reserva Mountain Blend Malbec (70%)-Cabernet Franc (30%) 2019

The winemaker’s description of the wine is actually pretty accurate: ” Red violet with good intensity. Complex nose with Malbec – a bouquet of plums, cherries & jam [...]