Domaine Tempier Cabassaou Bandol Rouge 2022, Provence, France

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim, and medium intensity.

Fruity nose with red and black fruits, spices and chocolate notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, cherries, plums, light oak, spices, chocolates, coffee, licorice, tobacco leaf, earth and light black tea.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Single Vineyard Mourvedre from a great vintage in Bandol. Fruit forward and rich. Nicely balanced with a smooth mouthfeel. Complex and entertaining.

Already very approachable, although still very young, and needs time to mature properly. Will continue to age nicely in the next 20 years. Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years and see how it evolves.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with food.

A blend of 95% Mourvedre, with Cinsault and Syrah. Aged in large French oak barrels for 18 months. A small production of less than 3,000 bottles.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$140.

Nalle Winery Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, California

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Pretty nose of red and blue fruits with light cedar, chocolates, herbs, spices, earth, green beans, light cloves, light vegetables, tobacco leaf, black tea and black pepper.

Medium plus in body and elegant, with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with cherries, currants, cooked plums, light oak, spices, chocolates, licorice, herbs, peppercorn and green vegetables.

Tangy finish with medium tannins and raspberries.

This is a very tasty Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley in California. Fruity and entertaining. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. Showing lots of earth notes at this point.

Showing great complexity, especially on the nose, and easy drinking right out of the bottle. I did not decant it and let it open in the bottle.

This 11 year old Cabernet Sauvignon gets earthier as it opens up, and feels like a California Cabernet with a touch of old world.

Drinking at its peak now, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years. I had it 6 years ago, and it is drinking better now.

A good sipping wine that will pair nicely with food too.

A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. A small production of only 1,400 bottles.

13.7% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$70 (current vintage).

Pinon Damien Domaine de La Poultière Tuffo Vouvray 2014, Loire, France

Sometimes you find treasures in restaurants.

Pretty color of dark gold.

Nose of citrus, over ripen apples, peaches, honey and herbs.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with apples, over ripened citrus, limes, spices, apricots, bitter herbs and light honey notes.

Tangy finish with limes and lemon rind.

This is an interesting 12 year old Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France. Rich and engaging. Tangy and spicy, complex and interesting.

Still showing good balance with enough fruits for the acidity.

Good right out of the bottle, and better when properly chilled.

A great sipping wine that also paired nicely with my seafood salad.

Always nice to try these kind of aged wines.

100% Chenin Blanc grapes.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

Opus One 2022, Napa Valley, California

Dark ruby in color with a wide purplish rim.

Earthy nose and medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing red and black fruits with cedar, earth, tobacco leaf, herbs, peppercorn, mediterranean spices and chocolate notes.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and raspberries.

This Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley is extremely young and needs 10 years in the bottle to mature properly. Elegant and fruit forward, yet restrained.

I’ve had many different vintages of this wine, but never had it so young. Not as powerful as some other vintages, but already complex and nicely balanced.

Feels like a good quality Left Bank Bordeaux, and will continue to age nicely, and get better in the next 20 years.

Robert Parker 95 points. Wine Spectator 92 points.

A good sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months.

14% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$490.

Iron Horse Vineyards North Block Pinot Noir 2023, Green Valley, California

Purplish in color with light intensity.

Medium bodied with medium acidity, and dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing cherries, currants, chocolates, light wood, tobacco and spices

Long finish with soft tannins and tangy cherries.

This Single Vineyard Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley is still young, but already enjoyable even by itself.

Soft and elegant, fruit forward and complex. Nicely balanced, spicy and entertaining.

Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years and see how it evolves.

Wine Enthusiasts 92 points.

A good sipping wine that will also pair nicely with food.

100% Pinot Noir grapes were hand picked and aged for 10 months in French oak barrels. A tiny production of only 2,400 bottles.

14.7% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$87.

Chateau de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015, Rhone, France

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Beautiful nose of blueberries, black plums, cherries, spices, dark chocolates, oak, licorice and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black plums, cooked cherries, herbs, spices, light cedar, earth, chocolates and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and raspberries.

This is a delicious GSM blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Elegant and rich. Fruit forward and complex.

This 11 year old, from the great 2015 vintage, is drinking beautifully now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

I’ve had the 2021 vintage not too long ago, and this one is drinking much better now.

Nicely balanced, and good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.

A blend of mostly Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvedre.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$70.

Chateau D’yquem Sauternes 2017, Bordeaux, France

Light golden in color.

Beautiful nose of honeydew, apples, honeysuckle, tropical fruits, spices and melons.

Full-bodied with high acidity and long legs.

Sweet on the palate with apples, citrus, mangoes, spices, honeysuckle, herbs, honey and light earth.

Long finish with sweet honey notes.

This delicious 9 year old Sauternes is drinking beautifully now. Complex and interesting. Elegant and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel.

Feels very fresh, but a bit subdued and earthier right now, compared to other vintages. Will continue to age nicely in the next 40 years.

Loved the nose more than the palate here. So expressive.

Wine Spectator 96 points. Robert Parker 99 points.

A blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Aged in all new French oak barrels for 24 months. Drank from a 750ml bottle.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$450.

Clos du Val Yettalil 2022, Stags Leap District, California

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose of blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, light cedar, licorice, light vanilla, chocolates and light spices.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate and fruit forward with blackberries, black plums, cooked cherries, cedar, licorice, chocolates, light earth, coffee, herbs, spices and tobacco.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley. Elegant, complex and rich. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. Extracted and fruit forward.

Still young, but already drinking beautifully, and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly. Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years. Showing good potential to become a 94+ point wine.

Robert Parker 93 points. Wine Spectator 91 points. Wine Enthusiasts 93 points.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with food.

A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 5% Carménère and 3% Merlot. Aged for 20 months in (40% new) French oak barrels.

14.8% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$200.

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2023, California

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let’s bring Merlot back!

Deep purple in color with a short reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black currants, black plums, light cedar, black tea, tobacco leaf, spices and light chocolate notes.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black plums, cooked cherries, currants, oak, light licorice, spices, dark chocolates, bitter herbs and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This Merlot from Napa Valley is still very young, but already enjoyable, even by itself. Rich and fruit forward. Nicely balanced and tangy. Showing nice complexity already, tangy and interesting.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 7 to 10 years, and has good potential to become a 93+ point wine.

Wine Spectator 92 points.

Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.

A blend of 78% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 15 months in (40% new) French Oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$45.

Ramey Wine Cellars Hyde Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023, Los Carneros, California

Pale lemon in color with a golden hue.

Beautiful nose of citrus, lemons, apples, pears, light earth, light oak and spices.

Medium-bodied and elegant, with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with lemons, apples, citrus, pears, spices, light oak, sea salt, light earth and minerals.

Long finish with limes and almonds.

This is a delicious Chardonnay from Napa Valley. Nicely balanced, complex and engaging. Tangy, soft and interesting. Feels like an upscale White Burgundy.

This Single Vineyard Chardonnay is still young, but already drinking beautifully, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years. Showing good potential to become a 94+ point wine.

Good right out of the bottle, and better when not too cold.

100% Chardonnay grapes were aged in (20% new) French oak barrels for 20 months.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$85.

KNA Wines Pella Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley, California

Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.

Beautiful nose and very complex.

Full-bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate and fruit forward with nice complexity.

Showing blackberries, black currants, plums, cooked cherries, dark chocolates, toast, cedar, light vanilla, spices, coffee, licorice, light earth, black tea and black pepper.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 18 year old Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is drinking beautifully now. Elegant and rich. Complex and fruit forward.

Drinking at its peak, and will continue to do so in the next 5 to 7 years. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Needed 2 hours to open up properly, and it’s worth the wait, so be patient.

This Single Vineyard Cabernet is a wonderful sipping wine, that will also pair nicely with food.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were aged in all new French oak barrels for 24 months. A tiny production of 1,000 bottles.

14.8% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$100.

Grapeseed Wines Sassoferrato Monte de Ferrato 2020, Alexander Valley, California

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity nose with red and black fruits.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with cherries, plums, currants, light wood, spices, coffee, dark chocolates, earth and tobacco leaf.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a very tasty Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from Alexander Valley. Rich, elegant and soft. Fruit forward, complex and entertaining. Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel.

I had the 2018 vintage not too long ago, and this vintage is drinking better now.

Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.

A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 7% Sangiovese. Aged for 20 months in (25% new) French Oak barrels. A tiny production of only 1,700 bottles.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$75.

Cellar Beast Winehouse La Bete 2022, Yakima Valley, Washington State

Ruby in color with a wide reddish/ brick rim.

Red and black fruits on the nose with light oak, chocolates, vegetables, herbs, earth, light bell pepper, spices and black tea.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with black currants, cherries, light wood, herbs, spices, earth, coffee, light vegetables and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This Carmenere blend from Yakima Valley is drinking nicely, and at its peak. Fruity with lots of earth and vegetable notes. Spicy and nicely balanced.

As it opens up, it feels more like a Chilean Carmenere. Tangy, interesting, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

I had this vintage 2 years ago and it is drinking better now.

Good right out of the bottle, and good by itself or with food.

A blend of 60% Carmenere and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in French oak barrels for 14 months.

14.8% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$35.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards Summit Chardonnay 2024, Alexander Valley, California

Golden in color with a green hue.

Light nose and medium in body with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing lemons, citrus, green apples, light spices, earth and herbs.

Nice length on the finish with limes and spices.

This young Chardonnay from Alexander Valley is already drinking very nicely. Complex and spicy. Elegant and nicely balanced.

Needs a couple of years in the bottle to mature properly, and will continue to age nicely in the next 7 years.

A good sipping wine that will also pair nicely with food.

100% Chardonnay grapes were aged for 9 months in French and Acacia oak barrels. A small production of only 1,800 bottles.

13.7% alcohol by volume

91 points.

$48.

Shiloh Winery Mosaic 2020, Israel

Very pretty color of dark ruby, with a wide reddish rim.

Nose of blueberries, black plums, black currants, cherries, light cedar, earth, bitter herbs, chocolates, black pepper, tobacco and black tea.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with black currants, fresh cherries, plums, light oak, spices, dark chocolates, tobacco leaf, herbs, peppercorn, earth and light licorice.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Bordeaux blend from Israel. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. Complex and engaging. Rich, fruit forward and tangy.

This 6 year old is starting to drink beautifully now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 7 to 10 years.

I’ve had a few vintages of this wine and it is very consistent.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 90 minutes of airtime. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a Braised Lamb dish.

A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Kosher and Mevushal.

15.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$80.

TOR Wines Tierra Roja Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Oakville, California

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Beautiful nose of black currants, black plums, blackberries, cedar, licorice, chocolates, spices, light vanilla, tobacco leaf, herbs and peppercorn.

Full bodied and soft with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, cooked cherries, cedar, toast, spices, light vanilla, dark chocolates, licorice, peppercorn and coffee.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Rich and extracted, fruit forward and elegant. Complex, well balanced and entertaining. A beautiful wine.

This Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is starting to drink at its peak now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years. Has good potential to become a 96 point wine.

Good right out of the bottle and better after 90 minutes of airtime.

Robert Parker 94 points.

Thank you John for sharing this with me.

Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.

Grapes were aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months. A small production of only 2,700 bottles.

15.1% alcohol by volume.

94 points.

$160.

Anomaly Vineyards St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Napa Valley, California

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Inky in color with a reddish rim.

Fruity nose of currants, plums, cherries, light cedar, herbs, light tobacco, chocolates, metals and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cooked cherries, sweet raspberries, oak, spices, chocolates, dark coffee, black pepper, licorice and light herbs.

Spicy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Rich and fruit forward. Complex and entertaining. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel.

Still very young, and needs time in the bottle to mature properly. Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.

Good by itself or with food, like a nice piece of steak. I paired it with a delicious pizza.

A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot. Aged for 22 months in (90% new) French oak barrels. A small production of only 900 cases.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$185.

Bernardus Winery Marinus Vineyard Merlot 2021, Monterey, California

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let’s bring Merlot back!

Pretty color of dark ruby with a wide reddish rim.

Fresh red berries on the nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Showing red fruits with dark chocolates, earth, spices, coffee, tobacco leaf, herbs and black pepper.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 5 year old Merlot from Carmel Valley in California is starting to drink very nicely now. Tangy, interesting, and feels like a California Merlot with a Right Bank Bordeaux touch.

This Single Vineyard Merlot is elegant and rich, fruit forward and complex. Would be nice to revisit it in 5 years and see how it evolves. Loved the low alcohol level here.

Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food.

Grapes were aged in steel vats. A small production of less than 10,000 bottles.

12.7% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$50.

Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Russian River Valley, California

Dark gold in color.

Pretty nose of flowers, apples, pears, light earth, light herbs and spices.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with citrus, green and red apples, limes, grapefruits, herbs, spices, earth and light vegetables.

Tangy finish with grapefruits and limes.

This 9 year old Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley is still drinking very nicely, with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

It is interesting to taste an older Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma. Feels more like a California Unoaked Chardonnay blend with Chenin Blanc and Viognier.

The high alcohol is well integrated by now. Good right out of the bottle, and better when properly chilled.

15.4% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$35 (current vintage).

Vazisubani Estate Saperavi Qvevri 2021, Georgia

Inky/purple in color with a short purple rim.

Strong fruity nose of black currants, cooked plums, light cherries, earth, light oak, spices, chocolates, coffee, herbs, peppercorn and light vegetables.

Full bodied and bold with medium plus acidity.

Dry on the palate with blueberries, black currants, plums, red cherries, light oak, chocolates, herbs, earth, black tea and peppercorn.

Short finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a tasty red wine from Georgia. Fruit forward, complex and extracted. Thick and chewy, tangy and entertaining.

This 5 year old Saperavi is good right out of the bottle, and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 years. Has good potential to become a 92 point wine.

Good by itself and better with food.

100% Saperavi grapes were hand picked and aged in Qvevri.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

90 points

$20.