2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block

Wine: 2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block
Estate: Wirra Wirra Wines
Sub-Regions: Whites Valley, McLaren Flat, Blewitt Springs and Seaview
Region: McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia

Location: At home on 3/3/2016

Tasting Note:

We have been on an Australian wine binge of late and are continually looking for QPR/Value Aussie wines. Wine was dark crimson red. Slightly savory on the nose to start with some grilled herbs and lots of red cherries. Definitely needs a year or two to fully integrate but great potential. Moderate tannins (6/10) and rustic on the palate. Slight heat. Slightly dry finish and moderate plus in length and with a moderate body. Will not touch the next bottle till 2017 for another touch point. Very excited to see how this wine develops! Great value australian wine!
Rating: 89+

Price: $ - Purchased at Costco in Pentagon City for $15.81.

2012 Bodegas Volver Monastrell Tarima Hill Old Vines

Wine: 2012 Bodega Volver Monastrell Tarima Hill Old Vines
Estate: Bodega Volver
Region: Alicante, Valencia, Spain

Location: Drank at home on 2/23/2016

Tasting Note:
This note is compiled from two days of tasting this wine. Color was an intense crimson red, with a deep and dark core. Nose started off very savory, with some animal leather and meaty notes. Definitely had some floral notes of lavender, clean and fresh. Some light undertones of dark berries. Creamy attack followed by hints of black cherry. Very earthy with some greenery too. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body that grips the sides of your mouth and dries it out. Some heat in the finish that should wear off given a year or two more in the bottle, making this extremely balanced and smooth. Dry long and lingering finish. Excellent QPR that could easily make it to a 90 - 91 with time. Made of 100% Monastrell (commonly known as Mourvedre) aged in French oak for 14 months. 15% alcohol and 4,000 cases produced. Drink from 2017 till 2022.

Rating: 89+

Price: $ - $12.71 from Costco

2009 Vital Vineyards California Syrah

Wine: 2009 Vital Vineyards California Syrah
Estate: Vital Vineyards
Region: Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California

Location: Drank at home on 2/18/2016

Tasting Note:
Very hard to find details about this estate online. From the limited information found online about Vital Vineyards we discovered a few things. Firstly the grapes for this wine come from Santa Barbara County in California but is made by Vital Vineyards which is located in Dundee, Oregon. Secondly it is made by the winemaker of Lillian Wine Estate, Maggie Harrison. Thirdly, this is a killer QPR!

Wine was bright ruby red. Initially started off very tight and closed off with just a few notes of boysenberries and plums. Once it started to open up the complexity grew. A few earthy and vegetal notes started to appear, like herbs (oregano and thyme) and red bell peppers. Finished off with a little bit of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5/10) with a moderate body. Lots of red cherries and grilling herbs. As it opened up the heat turned into a light and soft cherry liquor. Undertones of vegetal notes like dried up jalapenos and light dark fruits. Slightly dry and moderate finish. Tried twice (day one and day two). Definitely more complex on day two with a vinturi aerator. Definitely worth the price and a great QPR wine! Drink now till 2022.

Rating: 91

Price: $ and $$ - $23.23 from Garagiste can be found for $25.99 from GetWineOnline.com

2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells

Wine: 2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells
Estate: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State

Location: Drank at home on 2/10/2016

Tasting Note:
Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest wine estates out of Washington State. One venture that Chateau Ste. Michelle is known for is forming winery partnerships, such as with the Piero Antinori from Tuscany with the Col Solare Estate and with Ernst Loosen from Mosel with Eroica. Additionally, they are specifically known for two things. 1. Riesling and 2. several vineyards in Eastern Washington. The Eastern Washington vineyards include Canoe Ridge, Indian Wells and Cold Creek. 

This specific bottling contains 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. These grapes came from all three of the Eastern Washington vineyards, 67% from Indian Wells vineyard, 26% from Cold Creek vineyard and 7% from the Canoe Ridge Estate. Aged in 51% new American and French oak for 16 months. The winemaker is Bob Bertheau.

Wine was light violet with a deep core. Lovely nose with quite a few different notes. Slightly savory, broken tree branches and blackberry notes. Solid acidity (6/10) and light tannins (4.5/10). Acidity gives the medium body a little bit of a bite or spiciness. Lots of darker fruits notes like blackberries and black cherries. Moderate finish that lingers for around 5 to 6 seconds. Slightly vegetal and earthy in the finish with some green peppers and dry slate rock. Drink till 2019.

Rating: 88

Price: $ - $16.95 from Total Wine & More.

2012 Lyeth Meritage

Wine: 2012 Lyeth Meritage
Estate: Lyeth Estate

Location: Sonoma County, California

Winemaker: Katie Carter
Elevage: Unknown
Varietal: 35% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot 

Decant: PnP

Location: Drank at home on 2/7/2016

Tasting Note:

Lyeth is a winery out in Sonoma County that specializes in Meritage wines. Pure ruby red and bright foam. Slightly savory and earthy to start on the nose with a little bit of black cherries. Really enjoyed the nose on this one. Light overall mouthfeel with moderate tannins (5/10) and crisp light to medium body. Soft black cherries throughout that changes to cassis as it breathes. Short to moderate finish with slight acidity that dies off quickly. Overall a great wine for under $15.00, would use this as a great refreshing, lighter, everyday drinker. We really want to try to find their other wines to give them a shot.

Dates: Now

Rating: 88

Price: $ - $14.83 at Total Wine & More

2013 Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2013 Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Warwick Estate

Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Norma Ratcliffe

Elevage: 18 months in French Oak.

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: Tasted on day five

Location: Tasted at home on 2/3/2016.

Tasting Note:

Supposedly tried this on day five. And boy were we impressed. Garnet red color. Pure South African nose. Was initially a little dirty, with bell peppers and lots of chalk. Moderate tannins (5/10) with a moderate body that was starting to thin a little as time passed. Hints of black cherries and slightly savory near the end as well. Slightly dry and moderate finish. Amazing QPR wine! A great wine for an everyday drinker, will not disappoint.

Dates: Drink till 2019.
Rating: 88
Price: $ - $10.99

2006 August Cellars Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir

Wine: 2006 August Cellars Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir
Estate: August Cellars 

Region: Chehalem Mountains AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Winemaker: Jim Schaad

Elevage: Unknown

Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir.

Decant: 2 hour decant.

Location: Tasted at home watching James Bond on 1/21/2016.

Tasting Note:
Gave this bottle a two hour decant before trying. Wine was garnet red and very close to brick red especially around the edges. Very floral and full of lilacs. A little bit of raspberries and metal near the end. Moderate tannins (5/10) and light refreshing body coated with some solid acidity. Moderate finish that is slightly metallic and tangy. Light red berries. Very smooth and fresh. Just what we expected a well made Oregon Pinot Noir to be like. Could improve past 90 if the metal wears off. 
Dates: Drink till 2017.

Rating: 90+
Price: $ - $24.00

2012 Burgess Cellars Merlot

Wine: 2012 Burgess Cellars Merlot
Estate: Burgress Cellars
Vineyards: Triere Vineyard

Region: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Kelly Woods and Matt Reid

Elevage: Unknown

Varietals: 100% Merlot.

Decant: Day two.

Location: Tasted at home on 1/20/2016.

Tasting Note:

Deep red with violet hues. Complex nose that started with lots of earthy and woody notes. Such as tobacco leaves, wet barrels, dirt, acorns, and a cigar box. Additionally had some red cherry undertones. Moderate plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Slightly savory with lots of red and black cherries that add a refreshing acidity to the long lingering finish. Great body and could easily last for another five years.

Dates: Drink now till 2023.
Rating: 90
Price: $ - $24.99

NV Marietta Cellars Lot Number 3

Wine: NV Marietta Cellars Christo Lot Number 3
Estate: Marietta Cellars

Region: Sonoma County, California

Winemaker: Chris Bilbro

Elevage: Unknown.

Varietals: 70% Syrah, 17% Petite Sirah, 10% Grenache and 3% Viognier.

Decant: Coravin.

Location: Tasted at home on 1/18/2016.

Tasting Note:

Decided to coravin something new tonight. Come out of the coravin a think purple that coated the sides of the glass. Nose started with lots of red fruits like red cherries. As it opened there were a ton of floral and perfume notes such as lavender and lilacs. Very refreshing with solid acidity from beginning to end. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) with a moderate body. Lots of red berries throughout. Slightly savory near the finish with a little dark cocoa. Furry and dry moderate length finish. Insanely refreshing. This could easily age for a few years or good to go now with a short decant.

Dates: Drink now till 2022.
Rating: 91+
Price: $ - $17.59

2007 Ruston Family Petit Verdot Stagecoach Vineyard

Wine: 2012 Ruston Family Petit Verdot Stagecoach Vineyard

Estate: Ruston Family Vineyards

Vineyards: Stagecoach Vineyard

Region: Atlas Peak AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Joshua Krupp
Elevage: Unknown
Varietal: 100% Petit Verdot

Decant: Day Two with Vacuvin

Location: At home on 1/2/2016.

Tasting Note:This was way too tight on day one so we left it till day two. Rich garnet red. Even on day two the nose is still very tight. Started out with a little dark fruit like light cassis. Then became slightly savory and something like a hint of yeast. But definitely more fruity notes than savory ones. As a Petit Verdot should be, there are heavy tannins (7.5/10) backed up by a full bodied. This wine coats your mouth and contains some nice fur texture. Finish sticks with a full body and is long. A good amount of cassis in the finish. Our first time with an 100% Petit Verdot,  even thou we have two others in the cellar, and we were happily surprised. This definitely needs a couple more years to fully develop and open up. Great QPR!

Drink Dates: Until 2022.

Rating: 90+

Price: $ - $15.39

2013 Mystique King of Feasts

Wine: 2013 Mystique King of Feasts
Estate: Rabbit Ridge Winery
Region: Paso Robles, California
Winemaker: Erich Russel and Label by Rick Riva
Elevage: Unknown
Varietals: Around 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Charbonno
Decant: One hour.
Location: Tasting at home on 1/9/2016.
Background: 

This wine was a part of Rabbit Ridge Winery's Artist Series, which was made for their Rabbit Hole Tasting Room and Bubbly Lounge in downtown Paso Robles. All the wines created in this series are made by Erich Russell and the labels are designed by artist Rick Riva. Now onto the tasting note!

Tasting Note:

Initially very tight on the nose. With a mix of dark berries and baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark garnet red. The palate threw us off quite a bit. We know it is not supposed to be as full bodied as their main wines but this did not seem like a 95% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yes we were told there was 5% Charbonno but there definitely seems like something Zinfandel related. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) with a medium body. Very rich, thick and jammy. Slightly sweet finish, but starts to thin out by the finish. Hopefully with a little more time the jammy zin - like qualities will subside and give way to the Cabernet hiding underneath. Decent wine for the price point. We are very interested to see how their other wines far. We will definitely mark this down as a wine estate we would like to visit when we make our first trip to Paso Robles later this year or early next!

Dates: Drink till 2018.

Rating: 86
Price: $ - Around $17.80.

2013 Paserene Marathon

Wine: 2013 Paserene Marathon
Estate: Paserene Wines
Region: Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Martin Smith
Elevage: 16 months in 30% new French oak.
Varietals: Blend of Petit Verdot and Carmenere.
Decant: One hour.
Location: Drank at Ian's House on 12/23/2015.

Tasting Note:

Bright ruby red with an opaque purple center. Nose started off very tight with a little bit of chalk. After another 15 minutes or so in the glass it began to open up a little. Starting with some raspberry and baking spices like cloves. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and moderate plus body. Furry mouth feel and thick. Solid acidity with a long and dry finish. This is a big wine that definitely needs a few years on its side to develop and integrate more. We would love to find some more of this wine state side.

Dates: Drink till 2035.
Rating: 91+
Price: $ - R220.00 or around $14.67, trying to find it in the States, will keep you updated!

2011 Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2011 Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 24 months in 50% new French oak and 50% second fill French oak.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red.

Nose/Smell: Tea leaves, slight cassis and a lot of smoke.

Palate/Taste: Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and a full body. Lots of red cherries and slightly tangy. Sandpaper mouthfeel. Dry finish. Long and lingering finish. Tannins are heavy throughout.

Opinion: Built in the French style, nice and dry. Not fruit forward or silky at all. Can easily age for 20 years. This wine is fermented in open top fermentors. Kanonkop continues to surprise with these powerful wines. A must stop location in Stellenbosch.

Dates: Now till 2035.
Rating: 92

Price: $ - R300.00 or $20.00 as of 12/19/2015

2006 Kanonkop Pinotage

Wine: 2006 Kanonkop Pinotage
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 16 months in 80% new French oak, primarily Vicard barrels, and 20% second fill French oak.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red with some bricking around the edges.

Nose/Smell: Very savory, meaty notes and mesquite smoke.

Palate/Taste: Moderate tannins (6/10) and full bodied. Very well integrated and savory. Solid acidity and all fits very well together. Long and lingering finish.

Opinion: A lot more approachable than the 2013. Of course a lot softer tannins and more integrated. Can easily last up to another 10 years but would be perfect before 2020.

Dates: Now till 2026.
Rating: 93

Price: $ - R370.00 or $24.67 as of 12/19/2015

2014 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage

Wine: 2014 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 14 months in second and third fill French Nevers oak.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Crimson red.

Nose/Smell: Lots of dark fruits, such as plums and mulberries.

Palate/Taste: Very interesting, on the palate there are red fruits not dark fruits. Crisp and refreshing. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body. Clean and moderate finish.

Opinion: Same ageability as the cape blend but slightly better. Definitely an amazing QPR wine!

Dates: Now till 2020.
Rating: 88

Price: $ - R90.00 or $6.00 as of 12/19/2015

2013 Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend

Wine: 2013 Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 12 - 14 months in second and third fill French Nevers oak.
Varietal: 54% Pinotage, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red.

Nose/Smell: A little dirty initially with notes of hay. Undertones of light red fruits.
Palate/Taste: Lots of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and a light to moderate body. Lighter finish but the tannins stay strong throughout.
Opinion: This is one of the entry level wines from Kanonkop. Could possible benefit from aging, max 5 years.
Dates: Now till 2020.
Rating: 87

Price: $ - R80.00 or $5.33 as of 12/19/2015

2015 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rose

Wine: 2015 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rose
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 100% Stainless Steel.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Slightly orange pink. Nose was clean, fresh and contained some light spices. Additionally this has a ton of lighter tropical fruits such as melons and guavas. Slightly metallic attack. Crisp with low acidity (4/10) which could easily be masked by the temperature this wine is served at (46°F). Has a little bite and a little spiciness. Light body but is very well balanced. Nothing overpowering that gives us a migraine. Dry and clean finish. This would be a great summer picnic wine. The color comes from 2 hrs on the skins.
Dates: Now till 2017.
Rating: 85

Price: $ - R50.00 or $3.33 as of 12/19/2015.

2013 Finca Villacreces Ribera del Duero Pruno

Wine: 2013 Finca Villacreces Ribera del Duero Pruno
Estate: Finca Vellacreces

Region: Ribera del Duero, Castile and Leon, Spain

Winemaker: Lluis Laso
Elevage: 12 months in third fill French Oak (Darnajou and Taransaud)
Varietal: 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decant: PnP

Location: Home on 12/30/2015.

Tasting Note:
Deep crimson red. Lots of interesting nuances on the nose. Starting with a little expresso, some dark chocolate, graphite and finishing off with some plums. After breathing for a couple hours some meaty notes appeared. Started off a little fruity with plums and then had some dark chocolate. After opening up and breathing it became more savory. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body. Most of activity in this wine occurs in the mid palate where it continues to develop. Dry (6/10) and moderate finish. This wine is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. We are trying to explore more wine regions. This is a well structured tempranillo that you can taste how the Cabernet Sauvignon adds to the structure of this wine, beefing it up a little bit. Delicious and need to grab a couple for some aging.
Dates: Now till 2019
Rating: 90

Price: $ - $18.99