Arg! Wrong year, it was 2013. And it was very good.

Try a Chilean wine. They are the only ungrafted wines in the world, with one exeption that I know of. In the 1970's the phloxyra louse decimated the wine industry world wide by eating/ infecting grape roots. Most of the wine in Chile comes from valleys surrounded by high mountain ranges that the phloxyra louse does not come over. This allows ungrafted vines to thrive there. You will find the wines have a different flavor because of this. I particularly like Syrahs from there. If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon they are quite good also, just not a grape I enjoy. To try something unique, Carmenere is a Merlot like grape, that seems more flavorful than Merlot. Most of the whites are from ungrafted vines also. I am not familiar with them since I do not drink much white wine. When I do drink white wine it is from particular places.

Try salting you wine glass for improved flavor. Pour a little wine in the glass, coat the entire inside of the glass, pour wine from the glass into the next glass and repeat. After al the glasses are salted, no idea why this is called salting, pour you wine as usual.

Try swirling you wine in you glass for about 10 seconds. This will release the aromatics.

If your wine is to tight and not showing well it should have been decanted. If the wine is already in glasses grab an additional glass. Pour the wine back and forth about 30 times. This will add about 3 years of oxidation to the wine and it should open up and taste great. Do not do this with Pinot Noir, it is to delicate.

Can't find a wine you want? Become familiar with back labels. The importer/wholesaler is listed there. Become familiar with who the importer/wholesaler is of the wines you like. Odds are you will like another wine of theirs. This is also a great way to try new wines you will also like. The back label often has tasting notes, and grape blends, also useful information when picking a wine

Initiale Saint Chinian 2016 Rose
Domain Des Jougla

sirloin strip steak
steamed broccoli


Spey, says Languedoc Roussillon wine on the back...what is/are the grape(s)?
Light, dry, really like this bottle.

couldn't find the blend on the label, thanks.

Underwood Pinot Noir - Oregon

Wine in a can. Strange, but not bad at all with strawberry, cherry and a little chocolate. Enough for two glasses for the wifey and I when you don't want to open a whole bottle. Easy to transport and keep cool with the beer for outdoor events.

^ good stuff. If you find pine ridge it is worth trying.

2014 Zaca Mesa Z blanc white, Santa Ynez Valley, California. 66% Roussanne, 28% Grenache Blanc, 6% Viognier. Very good.

Rick, apparently you're not the only one that liked that cab franc:

https://thepourfool.com/2017/07/12/ledger-david-cellars-nearly-speechless-in-seattle/

2015 Mollydooker The Boxer (yum)

Interesting, cuz Cline owns so much zin

I shall search for them.

Good to see ya buddy.

Last night we had a 2013 Red Lily Tempranillo with mashed yukons, mixed green salad with Rogue Creamery blue cheese and smoked brisket point. Big flavors. My taste buds were singing for hours.

Today a new one to me, Cricket Hill Winery Vin Enchanté (40% Cab Frac, 60% Merlot)

Both are local smart producers with limited local distribution. Gonna pop a new blend from our favorite local vitner Serra later. Padre red blend.

^ Cheap Pinot Noir has beet sugar added to it. This is done to be able to reach a high enough alcohol content. I think any Pinot Noir under $10 is a gamble.

That is the number they usually shoot for when using this practice.

Try 19 Crimes "The Banished". It's a dark Red blend primarily of Shiraz. My fav of their line.


Sampling some new wines for me this month.

Flowers Pinot Nior. Nice but pricey

Murrietas Well whip and spur. They did so well with the Spur I highly recommend this red blend

And for some big coin....Faust. But man is it good.

You are correct Burner. All the 19 crimes are line priced with the exception of The Warden.

quick search suggests $12-16...but doesn't show anywhere near me.
I'd buy a few at that price

Frank, a very traditional Cotes de Provence rose. Grenache, Cinault, Syrah, and Cabernet. Any Cotes de Povence will be similar. Figure $12 to $14 a bottle, any more is to much. The color should be similar in all Cotes de Provence roses, that light, pinkish, orange is color.

2015 D'aenberg Stump Jump GSM, Australia

Nose of white pepper, jammy dark red fruit, and herbs. Big and rich, jammy brambley fruit. Wild hebs, earthyness, and wet stone flavors. Somewhat edgie. A great wine with ribs off the barbecue.

Tossed salad with garlic infused red wine vinegar.
Grilled ribs with Memphis barbecue sauce.
Sweet potato fries.
Garden fresh steamed green beans with brown butter.
Ambrosia apples drizzled with Carmel sauce.

Piatelli Malbec

This is brand new in our market.

For the price, it's solid. Should retail around $15.

I didn't like the Cab as much.

2015, SoneFly Chardonay, Russian River Valley, California.

Tossed salad with lime juice sprinkled on.
Grilled scallops with lemon juice squeezed on.
Cheese plate with 3 different Bries.
Apple and pear wedges.

couldn't find this at my locals, but did find Figuiere Signature, Magali 2016 rose

cotes de Provence

"an assemblage of 15 to 25 year old 25% grenache, 15% cinsault, 30% syrah, and 30% cabernet"

$16- good

Pinot Blanc is a mutation of Pinot Gris, which is a mutation of Pinot Noir. Step across the border into Italy. The region of Alto Adige has much in common with Alsace. The winery to look for is Alois Lageder. Their Pinot Blanc is very nice. It is not as big and rich as Trimbach, but has a very interesting minerality in it. Also the flavor is more Bartlett pear in nature. Alto Adige is also where much Pinot Grigio is grown. Pinot Grigio is less ripe Pinot Gris. When buying Pinot Grigio do not over pay. There is very little difference in Pinot Grigio. A $7 one is as good as a $20 one.