9/14/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle as a gift from a neighbor.
15.0% abv

Had a sip. Dark red on the pour with purple tinges around the edge; Opaque in the glass. Nose of Cherry and Blackberry, with alcohol hints on the nose. Full-bodied and hearty, with a robust explosion of flavor on the initial sip; followed by grippy tannins. "Sweetish" notes of cured meat and fruit on the palate. Peppery, but not as spicy as their Zinfandels. Nice acidity. Pleasant lingering finish with a little 'pucker.' Full of character; Smooth and refined.

9/5/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
13.5% abv - $7

Served (aerated, 1 hr decant) with Stuffed Bell Peppers, Green Beans and Fruit Salad.

Dark ruby red on the pour, clear in the glass. Nice aroma of Dark red fruit, Cherry, Blackberry and Cassis. Medium-bodied, with Cherry, Cassis, and Chocolate notes on the palate along with some earthiness. Moderate tannins and nice acidity. Tart, pleasant, lingering finish. Not a hearty wine, more refined than rustic; an enjoyable, inexpensive Bordeaux. Spouse enjoyed; I'll get more.

9/3/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
13.5% abv - $6 (after $5 off)
Grenache - 60%; Syrah - 40%

Served (aerated; 1-hr decant) with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, Chips and Salad.

Dark purplish red on the pour; clear in the glass. Dark fruit; Blackberry and plum on the nose, carrying over to the palate along with some black pepper and some minerality. Medium to Full Bodied; robust and full flavored. Mild tannins, but enough to leave a fuzzy tooth feel, with moderate acidity. Medium tart finish with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Good everyday wine.

8/25/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco. (Recommended by their wine steward)
13.0% abv - $10

Served @ 12c/55f with Baked Salmon, Basmati Rice, Broccoli and green Salad.

Clear, pale yellow in the glass. Floral Nose of White Peach and Apricot. Full-bodied, dry, with just a hint of fruity sweetness. Nice round mouth-feel. Lightly-oaked, Ample acidity for a nice, tart, lingering finish.
Usually served around 10c/50f, serving a little warmer (12c/55f) brings the floral and fruity characteristics to the fore.

A very pleasant Chardonnay from the Côtes Catalanes IGP (Languedoc-Roussillon).
Spouse Endorsed; I'll get more!

8/6/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
13.0% abv - $8

Served (Pop & Pour) with Beef Tri-tip, Heirloom Potatoes and Pear Salad.

Dark purplish red on the pour; opaque in the glass. Red Plum on the nose. Plum and blackberry with earthtones on the palate along with hints of tobacco and chocolate. Medium body, yet hearty and full-flavored. Subdued tannins and moderate acidity. Nice finish.

Originally not impressed, with a slight unidentifiable 'whang' upon opening. Wine was much better on the second day. Highly recommend aerating and/or decanting before serving. Spouse Endorsed. I'll get more.

8/31/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle to try from my oenophile neighbor
13.4% abv

Had a sip. Semi-translucent Ruby red in the glass. Cherry aroma on the nose with pepper. Cherry & some cola on the palate, along with some spice. Siliky smooth with subdued tannins and acidity. Nice lingering finish. Exquisite, elegant wine, but probably nearing the end of it's drinking window. If I had any more lurking around in my cellar I'd be drinking-up.

9/3/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco
15.9% abv - $25

Served following a 2-hr decant with Beef Tri-tip, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables & Caprese Salad.

Nice Ruby-red on the pour; clear, & translucent in the glass. Cherry with oak notes on the nose. Elevated alcohol not apparent on the nose. Dark raspberry on the palate, with some cranberry, along with Pepper and Baking spices. Medium body, yet full favored and complex. Subtle tannins and acidity provide for a nice smooth mouth feel. Pleasantly tart finish. Not harsh at all despite its youth, ready to drink now.

An elegant, refined wine.

8/24/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle as a gift from a neighbor.
14.0% abv; Sangiovese

Had a sip. Clear, but slightly dusky Garner Red in the glass. Lighter-bodied, tart; nice acidity and ample tannins. Nice lingering finish.

8/8/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
14.5% abv - $6

Served (aerated and 30 minute decant) with Stuffed Bell Peppers,Brocolli and Caprese Salad.

Dark Cherry red on the pour. Fragrant nose of Cherry and Raspberry, carrying over to the full flavored palate. Medium bodied, but robust, with spice notes and ample tannins (fuzzy-tooth feel) and nice acidity. Pleasant lingering finish.

Spouse Endorsed Will get more.

8/14/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle as a gift from a neighbor.
12.5% abv; Red Rhône - Syrah

Had a sip. Dark red on the pour; translucent in the glass. Lighter-bodied, but smooth and mellow. Ample acidity, prominent tannins. Lingering finish.

7/27/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
14.4% abv

Had a sip. Dark cherry red on the pour, semi-transluscent in the glass. Lovely nose of cherry and dark red fruit. Cherry and cassis on th palate with Cola notes and vanilla. Exceptionally smooth and silky with pleasant mouth feel. Moderate acidity and prominate tannins. Nice lingering finish. An Elegant wine.

8/18/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Supermarket Impulse Purchase to accompany Calamari Steaks.
13.0% abv - $10

Served @ 12c/54f with Calamari Steaks in a caper and lemon, butter sauce.

Lovely pale salmon pink in the glass. Served slightly warmer than typical and belying the pale color, nose is a fragrant bouquet of strawberries with some hints of citrus. Palate is surprisingly flavorful with Bright red fruit. Slightly off-dry, wine is crisp and refreshing. Ample acidity provides a clean, minerally finish. Perfect accompaniment to the Calamari (or Al Fresco with a summer salad). Spouse endorsed, I'll get more.

7/31/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Re-purchase @ Costco
12.5% abv - $11

Served @ 10c/50f with a summer Romaine & Tuna Salad with Oil and Vinegar Dressing and Garlic Toast.

Spouse and I have particularly enjoyed this wine each time we've opened a bottle, it seems to be particularly good vintage. Wine is lightly-oaked (rather than unoaked), Crisp, Bright and Fruity. Fruit is not sourced from the prestigious Santa Lucia Highlands, as the 2016 vintage, but the 2018 vintage as well as this vintage are sourced from the generic Central Coast AVA. Nonetheless the 2021 vintage seems particularly good.

Wine is from a group of Boutique vintners who do not necessarily offer successive vintage years. The 2021 Chardonnay may be difficult to find as only 1,000 cases were produced and distributed mostly California.

7/20/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco (Recommended by their wine steward)
13.5% abv - $11

I've tried several wines by this niche group of vintners previously and wanted to try their Sauvignon Blanc from the Sierra Foothills.
Myka seems to acquire fruit from local vineyards, depending on local conditions, and they may not offer successive vintages for each of their wide range of product.

Served @ 11c/52f with Chicken Pot Pies, Peas & Salad.
Pale Yellow in the Glass. Fragrant nose of apple flowers and some citrus. Bright and lively with flavors of white peach, and pear. Flavorful and refreshing, with ample acidity to provide a pleasant lingering finish. The wine seemed somewhat bland on the first sip, but blossomed as it warmed. Eleven degees C may be a little too cold for serving, and 13C (55f) brings out the aromas and flavor. A very nice Sauvignon Blanc; I would buy again.

7/17/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase at Trader Joe's
12.0% abv - $7

Served @ 12/54 w/Baked Pacific Snapper & Salmon, Broccoli, Jasmine Rice & Salad.

Pale yellow in the glass. Nose of White flowers and citrus. Light-to-Medium Body with Pear and Melon on the palate along with hints of mineral. Nice acidity for a crisp refreshing taste. Medium finish. Spouse Endorsed.

7/16/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
15.3% abv

Had a sip. Dark red color on the pour, opaque in the glass. Lovely nose ot Blackberry & dark red fruits. Blackberry & Cassis on the palate with vanilla notes. Great, full-body, pleasant mouth feel, Nice acidity and Tannins with a 'bit-o-bite.' Great lingering finish.

7/14/2023 - red freddy wrote:

Impulse purchase @ Costco
12.0% abv, $8

Served @ 10c/50f with Ling Cod, Saffron Rice, Sauteed Zucchini/Onions and Salad.

Light yellow in the glass. Nose of White lemon flowers with hints of grapefruit. Light-bodied with a crisp, tart palate (maybe a bit too tart for my taste, moderating by the next day), and prominent notes of melon. A pleasant, casual sipping wine by the second day, with a nice minerally finish.

6/30/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
14.9% abv

Spouse and I each had a half glass. Dark red on the pour, dense and opaque in the glass. Heavenly nose of dark red fruit; Blackberry, Cassis and Plum. Great, full, round mouth feel. Smooth and Elegant. Tannins and acidity do not come in to play until mid-palate. Pleasurable, prolonged finish, leaving a slight fuzzy-tooth feel. Delicious!

6/24/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
14.0% abv
90% Merlot & 10% Cabernet Franc

Had a half glass. Deep purple on the pour; opaque in the glass. Fragrant nose of Blackberry, Plum & Cassis, carrying over to the palate. Surprisingly smooth texture with a great mouth-feel. Plush. Nice acidity with moderate, velvety tannins. Pleasant, lingering finish. Already an elegant wine despite its youth; Will only get better, and better with cellaring.

7/4/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received as a gift.
14.5% abv

Served following aeration and 1-hr decant with Beef Tri-Tip, Broccoli, Mashed Potatoes and Green Salad.

Garnet red on the pour; lovely, clear, ruby-red in the glass. Fragrant Nose of Cherry & Raspberry with hint of Strawberry. Medium body, yet full-Flavored. Robust, with notes of leather, tobacco and spices. Ample acidity (high) with moderate, but surprisingly grippy tannins after the initial burst of flavor. Pleasantly tart, lingering finish. Refined, yet retaining a modicum of Rusticity, characteristic of the varietal.

6/29/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco (2020)
13.5% abv, $24
Sangiovese - 90%; Merlot - 10%

Served following aeration and 4-hour decant, with Meat Lasagna, Garlic Bread & Salad.

The 1st bottle of this wine I opened (2020) was rather disappointing (I gave it 87 points). I had 'Popped & Poured' with no aeration or decanting. What a difference additional cellar time and decanting has made.
Lovely, clear garnet red on the pour and in the glass. Nose of Red fruit, predominately cherry and raspberry.
The first sip opened with a burst of flavor(s) on the palate; predominately cherry. Exceptionally smooth with a nice round, polished feel in the mouth. But Only After one experiences the initial burst of flavor do the tannins and acidity appear; coming to the fore with the characteristic 'Earthiness' and 'Rusticity' of the varietal; You Know, all the 'Usual Suspects,' like leather and tobacco, pencil lead, etc, along with earth notes, a little smoke and spice.

"SRH" commented on my prior tasting note (as well as commenting on tasting notes of others) providing more details on the "Ser Lapo" wine for me. Designated as the 'Sommelier' for his family's restaurant in San Diego (I only wish I knew which restaurant), "SRH' built the extensive knowledge of wines that he was so willing to share. Sadly, "SRH' has now passed-on; the Cellar Tracker community has lost a valuable resource and true friend. Here is to you "SRH" 🍷; This tasting note is dedicated to your memory. 🙏🏿

7/7/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Repeat Purchase (new vintage) @ Costco
Varietal: Turbiana, 12.5% avb - $14

Served @ 14c/58f with entrée of baked Snapper, Basmati Rice, Peas & Salad. It seems like the wine needs to be served a little warmer than most whites, i.e. 55-60f.

Pale canary yellow in the glass. Pleasant floral nose of White Peach with almond notes, carrying over to the palate with melon evident. More body than expected, yet delicate flavor and aromas. Pleasant acidity (spouse thought a little too tart). Nice lingering minerally finish with some salinity. Crisp, zippy and refreshing.

6/30/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Costco.
13.0% abv - $8

Served @ 10c/50f with Baked Salmon & Honey Mustard Sauce, Peas, Latkas with Sour Cream and Tomato Salad.

This Côtes de Provence Rosé by 8th gen French Vintner, Olivier Sumeire continues to Delight. Floral nose and palate; flavorful, yet crisp and refreshing. Dry, with nice acidity and minerality. Rêver à warm summer afternoons/evenings, Al Fresco, with a seafood entrée or salad.

6/15/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
14.5% abv
100% Single Clone Pinot Noir - Maggy Hawk Estate Vineyard

Had a half glass with dinner of Stuffed Bell Peppers and Salad. Lovely, clear, Ruby-red in the glass. Fragrant nose of Cherry and Raspberry, carrying over to the palate with spice and cola notes. Smooth, and surprisingly full-bodied and flavorful for a Pinot Noir; almost Kosta Browne or Williams Selyem-like. Noticeable tannins, but clearly in the background. Moderate acidity; pleasant lingering finish. Both Spouse and I thoroughly enjoyed. An Elegant wine.

6/8/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
14.5% abv
57% Cabernet Sauvignon; 43% Shiraz

Both spouse and I had a half glass with dinner. Deep opaque Purple in the glass. Prominent nose of Cherry, Blackberry & Cassis. Smooth on the palate; Big, Bold and Lush with notes of graphite (pencil lead) and tobacco. Tannins come to the fore, leaving a fuzzy feeling on the tooth, but there is some lingering sense of harshness. Ample acidity for a pleasantly tart, lingering finish.
As noted by some in prior tasting notes, Good now, but should be Great with additional cellaring.

5/30/2023 - red freddy wrote:

Received as a Gift
13.7% abv

Served (2-hr decant) with Pot Roast, Baked Potato and Salad.

Rather atypical Pinot Noir; Clear, Ruby-red in the glass with Cherry, Raspberry and dark red fruit on the nose. Light-to Medium bodied. Robust, especially for a Pinot Noir. Cherry and Raspberry on the palate, along with a little Pomegranate pucker and some Bramble and Spice notes. Somewhat harsh. Moderate Tannins and Acidity for a Nice, Lingering Tart finish.

While writing this tasting note spouse suddenly burst out laughing: "Pomegranate? You wouldn't know a pomegranate if you saw one." (Sorry for any typos: I didn't get much sleep all night; spouse was laughing (about pomegranate) so much it was rocking the bed.)

6/2/2023 - red freddy wrote:

Repeat Purchase; New Vintage @ Costco.
13.0% abv - $8
Blend: Grenache - 37%, Cinsault - 29%, Syrah - 10%, Carignan - 7%, Tibouren - 7%, Vermentino - 6%, & Ugni Blanc - 4%

Served @ 10c/50f (13.0% abv) with Baked Salmon & Slaw.

A Provence Rosé I've thoroughly enjoyed over the past several vintages by French Vintner, Olivier Sumeire; I believe his best iteration yet. Pretty pale pink in the glass. Floral on both the nose and palate with summer fruit yet dry and crisp. Notes of apricot and peach. Lingering minerally finish, yet without any hint of bitterness. Exudes images of a summer afternoon.

5/21/2023 - red freddy wrote:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
12.5% abv - $13 (after $5 discount)
100% Unoaked Chardonnay

Served @ 10c/50f with Roast Turkey Breast.

Oh Boy, I thought. Here's my chance to stock-up on a good "Old World" Unoaked Chardonnay from a renown vintner at at discount. But both spouse and I were disappointed in the presentation.

Light yellow in the glass. Pleasant nose of Lemon Flowers and citrus. Light bodied, with citrus and minerality, slight bitterness on the palate. Acidic; Tart and crisp but we both thought quite bland. Long finish. Overall; rather undistinguished.

We did an informal taste comparison with a 2021 Myka Cellars, Central Coast, Chardonnay, lightly-oaked that we had opened (90-91 Points; $11 @ Costco). Perhaps it was the light oak, but we both found the Myka, while not as Tart, fuller-bodied and more flavorful. Were it a choice between the Domaine Les Chenevières or the Myka Cellars, I'd buy more of the Myka Cellars.

5/18/2023 - red freddy Does not like this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco
12.5% abv, $10

Served @ 10c/50f with Baked Chicken.

Oh Boy, Alsace, I thought. A Fragrant & Fruity Moselle White. What a disappointment. Very pale Jaune in the glass. Apple Cider on the nose with faint floral notes. Tart apple on the palate; minerally with some bitterness. Body seems 'thin' and bland. Quite Acidic; long tart finish with some bitterness, like citrus peel. Won't repeat.

5/19/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Repeat Purchase @ Costco
13.5% abv - $7 (after $4 discount)

Served (1-hr decant) with Salmon, Basmati Rice & Salad.

Bought more. Paired perfectly with the Baked Salmon. Delicious, A Hit!

5/11/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from a neighbor
14.5% abv

Had a (few) Sip(s).

Dark red on the pour, Dark Cherry & Raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied with Cherry and Blackberry on the palate along with some spice notes and prominent minerality. Ample tannins leaving some of a pucker and fuzzy-tooth feel. A hearty wine, Big & Bold with nice acidity. Nice round mouth feel. Long, pleasantly tart finish.

5/9/2023 - red freddy Does not like this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco.
13.5% abv - $11

Served @ 10/50 w/Roast Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables & Caprese Salad.

Pale, Straw Yellow in the Glass. Light-bodied with flavors of apple and pear. Seemed overly-bitter and metallic. Won't repeat.

5/11/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
13.5% abv - $7 (after $4 discount)

Served (aft 1-hr decant) with Stuffed Bell Peppers & Caprese Salad.

Clear, light Ruby Red in the glass. Floral nose of Raspberry & Cherry with a hint of anise. Light-bodied, yet flavorful palate with notes of white pepper and baking spices. Nice mouth-feel. Tannins don't come to the fore, yet ample enough to leave a little pucker and fuzzy feel on the tooth. Low acidity for a Medium, Tart Finish. Spouse Endorsed. Will Buy More.

5/6/2023 - red freddy wrote:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco.
Red Blend - Composition not given
14.0% abv, $5
I had previously tried the Dynamite Merlot from Australia and thought I'd also try the Red Blend.

Served (3-hr decant) with Meatloaf.

Clear Dark Ruby Red with Red Fruit on the nose. Medium-bodied with Blackberry on the palate. Moderate acidity and tannins provide a little pucker with some fuzzy-tooth feel, but not harsh. Finish is short with a minerally after-taste. Initially rather disappointing, but had improved somewhat on Day 2. Overall, not a bad pizza wine for the price.

5/12/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco (Recommended by their wine buyer)
12.5% abv - $11

Served @ 10c/50f with Red Snapper & Rice.

I've tried several wines by this niche group of vintners previously and wanted to try their Chardonnay (Central Coast). Their Chablis-style (unoaked) wine is a pleasant surprise. Clear, light-straw, yellow in the glass with a fragrant nose of white flowers and hint of lemon. Light bodied, the palate is flavorful, with distinct Pear and minerality on the finish. Bright and refreshing it is good as an accompaniment with a meal or just for sipping on its own, say on a leisurely summer afternoon. Spouse Endorsed.

5/16/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Served well-chilled (6c/43f) for a celebratory occasion (Birthday). It's been some time since I've submitted a tasting note for this Prosecco, but it continues to be a pleasant surprise on each occasion, now our "Go-To" Prosecco. DOCG, Superiore, as compared to the less stringent DOC standards.

There is a nice nose of green apples with a hint of yeast, and good effervescence, retaining bubbles even after a couple of days. Crisp & Refreshing on the palate with mineral, citrus and some pear notes, leading to a pleasant finish. Good as an accompaniment to food/appetizers or just by itself.

5/14/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Served well-chilled for Mother's Day. Lovely salmon pink color, Nose of strawberries and raspberry. Nice bubbles. Well-balanced and Crisp on the palate with a pleasant mineral finish. A Go-to sparkling wine for casual or celebratory occasions.

5/5/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor.
15.4% abv
96% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Merlot

Served with Baked Salmon. Beautiful dark opaque red in the glass. Heavenly nose of Cassis and Dark red fruit. Full-bodied; Big, Bold, & Lush. Nice acidity for a pleasantly tart, lingering finish. "May I have just one more sip, Please!"

5/4/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
13.5% abv - $9

Served (PnP) with Roast Duck Breast in Orange Sauce.

Clear Ruby Red in the Glass. Dark Red fruit on the nose; Blackberry and Cherry on the palate. Light to Medium bodied, seemed a little 'thin' in mouth-feel, yet pleasant. Tannins leave a slight pucker, somewhat tart, lingering finish. The Cherry notes complimented the Duck Breast. Sampled again the following day and the wine had opened up a little more.

5/2/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received as a Gift.
Coppola Diamond Collection, Appellation Series, Paso Robles
13.5% abv

Served (1-hr decant) with Cross-rib roast.

Dark clear purplish red on the pour. Blackberry and Cherry on the nose. Cassis and Cherry along with Cola notes on the palate. Soft tannins leave just a slight fuzzy tooth feel. Moderate acidity, full-bodied with a velvety, round feel in the mouth. Pleasantly tart, lingering, finish with a hint of mineral. An Elegant wine. Spouse (partial to Paso Robles wines) Endorsed.

4/29/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Repeat purchase of new vintage.
12.0% abv - $9 @ TJ's.

Served @ 10c/50f with Roasted Pork Loin, Hasselback Potatoes and roasted green onions.

It's time for me to give this perennial favorite it's due, say 90 points. Lettie Teague (WSJ reporter) has written she doesn't quite know what foods to pair with Gewürztraminer, but I don't seem to have that problem; anything that is relatively strong-flavored, like Thai, Indian, Oily fish, sauced (i.e. mustard or even fruit), or even simpler fare like Crab, Turkey or just a summer salad.

Clear pale yellow. Aromatic, Spicy, Flavorful, in a word, Lush. Slightly off-dry fruitiness with a hint of effervescence. Spouse Heartily Endorses.

4/20/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle
2012: Cabernet Sauvignon- 79%; Petite Verdot - 10%; Merlot - 6%; Cabernet Franc - 5%
14.1% abv

Gift of a partial bottle from my Oenophile neighbor. Served with BBQ Pulled-pork. Another Quality wine from a California Napa Valley winery.

Dark Ruby-red on the pour and in the glass. Heavenly aroma of Blackberry and Dark red fruit on the nose. Dark Cherry with raspberry and cassis on the palate, along with some earth/bramble. Smooth, yet intense, flavor with ample tannins providing a little pucker and slightly fuzzy tooth feel. Full, round, mouth feel, hint of pepper. Nice acidity for a pleasant, lingering, slightly minerally finish. An Elegant Wine!

4/9/2023 - red freddy wrote:

Impulse purchase @ Costco
11.0% abv (Screwcap)

Opened for an occasion.

Fragrant nose of lemon blossoms and slightly yeasty. Dry and Citrusy. Refreshing and clears the palate. Pleasantly tart, but not very long-lasting. Effervescence seems to disappears within about a half hour in the glass.

4/5/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco
13.4% abv - $10
Zinfandel, co-fermented with a touch of Petite Sirah skins. No Vintage given. Fruit believed sourced in the Sierra Foothills AVA. Fringe Wines, Modesto, CA (not related to the 'Fringe Collective') is related to Myka Cellars/Estates, Diamond Springs, CA (Mica Raas, Vintner).

Served (1 hr decant) with Spaghetti & Meat Sauce and Caprese Salad.

Lighter red on the pour; clear Ruby-red in the glass. Predominately Cherry & raspberry on the nose. Tart on the palate with cherry, raspberry and plum. Light-to-medium bodied. Smooth, but gives the impression of being a little 'thin.' Enough tannins to leave a little fuzziness on the tooth, Ample acidity. Lingering, tart, finish. Spouse Likes.

4/4/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco (Recommended by their wine buyer)
13.8% abv - $10
Blend of Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Mataro, and other Spanish varietals (composition not given) believed sourced in the Sierra Foothills AVA. Fringe (Wines), Modesto, CA (not related to the 'Fringe Collective') is related to Myka Cellars/Estates, Diamond Springs, CA (Mica Raas, Vintner).

Served with Roast Pork Loin, Broccoli, and salad.

Lighter Ruby-red on the pour; darker red, but clear in the glass. Fragrant, earthy nose of raspberry and cherry. Cherry, raspberry, and red plum on the palate, some pepper spices; and being a 'Cowboy,' leather notes too, along with a hint of sweet tobacco. Medium-bodied, Full-flavored and Fruity, yet not overly extracted. Moderately tannic; enough for a slight pucker, yet smooth and well-integrated. Nice acidity for a pleasantly tart lingering finish. An immediate Hit; Spouse Endorsed. I have repurchased.

3/21/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco
13.5% abv - $17
Label: "One of the oldest estates in Sicily"

Served (1-hr decant) with BBQ Beef, egg noodles, peas and salad.

Like Ryan.Tolusso this my first Nero D'Avola, as far as I know. He & Micklethepickle have good takes on this wine.
Clear, dark red in the glass. Fragrant, almost floral, nose of Dark Cherries and Raspberry. Medium-bodied, with Cherry and Blackberry on the palate, with some Bramble/Garriue and spices. Pleasant, fruity, not overly-extracted. Ample, yet smooth tannins (even smoother on Day #2) leaving a slight pucker. Pleasantly tart, clean Finish. Have repurchased.

3/24/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Received a partial bottle
14.1% abv Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Bottling

Had a sip from a partial bottle received from my Oenophile neighbor. Dark,clear, ruby red in the glass. Delightful aromas and flavors of Cherry, Raspberry, on the nose and palate with spices and some cola. Exceptionally smooth with well-integrated tannins, and just enough acidity for a pleasant lingering finish. An Elegant Wine; Classic Williams Selyem. Spouse Loves - I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven.

2/10/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse purchase @ Costco (Sta.Rita Hills AVA)
13.8% abv - $15 ($26 less $11 off)

Served (2-hr decant) with Baked Salmon Filet, Basmati Rice, Vegetables, and Caprese Salad.

Somewhat lighter-colored Red on the pour, but fuller-bodied than I might have thought. Smooth and full-flavored; predominately cherry with raspberry, plum with spices and just a hint of cola. Moderate, but ample, tannin and acidity. Spouse Loved - A Hit! Have already purchased more to cellar.

Gave remaining 1/3 bottle to my oenophile neighbor (see, it's not just a one-way street, I do give him some wines to try) who enjoyed during the Super bowl, saying: "The Brick Barn is smooth; Hits the spot tonight."

3/20/2023 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco
12.0% abv - $12
Sémillion - 45%; Sauvignon Blanc - 35%; Sauvignon Gris - 15%; Muscadelle - 5%
Home château of Pierre Lurton, who also runs Cheval Blanc & d'Yquem.

Served @ 10/50 with Baked Tilapia, Broccoli, French Fries & Slaw.

Very Pale yellow in the glass. Pleasant, floral nose of white grape, green apple, and citrus. Unoaked, fruity with apricot and pear on the palate. Sémillion contributes to the smooth mouth feel. Nice acidity that is refreshing and cleanses the palate. Crisp, tart, minerally finish.

Good with food,or just for sipping on its own. Spouse Endorsed, I'll get more.

12/29/2022 - red freddy Likes this wine:

Impulse Purchase @ Costco - Recommended by their wine-buyer.
14.5% abv $14

Served (30 min decant) w/Prime Beef Sandwiches.

Purplish red on the pour. Dark red fruit on the nose. Blackberry, Plum and Dark Cherries on the palate. Supple tannins, initially slightly harsh, smoothed out during the course of the meal, ending with just a touch of pucker and fuzzy-tooth feel. Ample acidity; Pleasant lingering finish with a hint of residual minerality.

I did an informal taste test with a 2019 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon, Decoy Limited Edition wine that I had previously opened. In comparison the Clos l'Hermitage seemed to be a little smoother and refined.