I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.
They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), and are presented links to help you find them, so that you can try them out for yourself. Cheers!
- 2018 Tenuta di Aglaea Rosato Etna (Sicily): A dose of focused, floral, precise, and relaxed elegance. $NA B+
- 2017 Tenuta di Aglaea Etna Bianco (Sicily): Co-fermented, oak-aged, and offering a minerality explosion rare for even Etna. $NA A-
- 2020 Tenuta di Aglaea Linophryne Lucifer Etna Bianco (Sicily): A textural, citric treat that’s begging for a grilled fish accompaniment. $NA A-
- 2016 Tenuta di Aglaea ‘Santo Spirito’ Contrada Etna (Sicily): A rigorous, energetic, minor masterpiece from a rigorous vineyard & an energetic crew. $70 A
- 2015 Baron de Montfort Chateau Monbadon (Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux): Proof that you could probably have made decent Bordeaux in a toilet in 2015… I am NOT saying that’s how this savory little number was made!!! $16 B
- 2020 Qupe Bien Nacido Vineyard ‘Y’ Block Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley): An old friend at this point, as reliable and attractive as ever. $20 B+
- 2021 Quivira Vineyards Fig Tree Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek Valley): Rarely do they come as appropriately named as this figgy, herbal, & almost ludicrously delicious white. $28 B+
- 2021 La Follette ‘Los Primeros’ Chardonnay (California): Apricot action that’s bordering on irresistible. $25 B+
- 2020 La Follette Zephyr Farms Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast): Excellent. Hope you like fresh stone fruits. And elegance. $60 A-
- 2018 Susana Balbo Wines Crios Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza): Stewed plums, tart red fruits, spices, and an overachieving, “can-do” attitude. $15 B+
