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Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Franc 2013

Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Franc 2013

A rare treat tasted with Gramercy Cellars co-winemaker Brandon Moss—this was, we were told, the last remaining bottle of this limited club release—it’s a testament to the longevity of Walla Walla Valley fruit when vinified correctly, one feels that this bottle has another decade left in it. Brimming with aromas of mulberries, plums, crushed violets, […]

Va Piano Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rosebud Vineyard 2015

Va Piano Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rosebud Vineyard

A standout in the lineup from wines we tried from Va Piano on our recent visit to Walla Walla—Rosebud Vineyard, formerly Rosebud Ranches, as it was known when I sourced fruit from it—brought back fond memories for me as a vintner. Va Piano’s 2015 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon expresses sexy aromatics of red currant, red […]

Brooks Amycas 2016

Brooks Amycas 2016

Straw yellow in the glass, Brooks’ 2016 Amycas is an aromatic white blend of 44% Riesling, 21% Muscat, 18% Pinot Blanc, 10% Gewurztraminer, and 7% Pinot Gris. At this stage in its evolution, that classic Muscat florality takes the center stage. White flowers and chamomile segue into delicate fruit aromas of Asian pear, lemon drop, […]

Barón Balché Sauvignon Blanc Spiral 10 2013

Barón Balché Sauvignon Blanc Spiral 10

My first Mexican wine, it’s clear that I’m long overdue—the 2013 Baron Balche Spiral Sauvignon Blanc displays modest tropical aromas of guava, gooseberry, pine, and dried mint. Lower acidity seems to be the tip-off to a warmer climate. There’s also quite a bit of mouthfeel which suggests some skin contact—it drops off at the finish, […]

Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley 2010

Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley 2010

A massive wine, but not lacking in sophistication—the 2010 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley is baritone in style, and opens with a throaty chorus of burnt sugar, plums, blackberries, espresso, and sweet tobacco. Grippy, structured tannins on the attack give way to an intense black-fruited core that leaves in its wake a spicy trail of […]

El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary Cabernet Franc 2011

El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary Cabernet Franc 2011

We sipped the 2011 El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary Cabernet Franc blind and I thought it was perhaps from Italy, such is this wine’s enigmatic profile and finesse. A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec all sourced from high-density plantings in Gualtallary—the highest of the Valle de Uco’s viticultural sub-zones, in […]

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2015

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2015

Outstanding for its price point, Trivento’s 2015 Golden Reserve Malbec is another wine I prefer on the second day or post decanting. It’s a serious effort from the Luján de Cuyo district. Opaque with a violet rim, it opens with sensual aromas of plum, black cherry, balsam wood, mocha, and violets. Juicy black fruit is […]

Santa Julia Malbec Organica Rosé 2017

Santa Julia Malbec Organica Rosé 2017

The color of a ballet tutu, From the Zuccardi family, Santa Julia’s organic rose of Malbec offers up aromas of pie cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and warm spice. It’s round, with a core of sweet red berries that are nicely balanced against a backdrop of lively, refreshing acidity. A nice, very quaffable summer sipper. 14.0% ABV […]

Wine By Joe Oregon Pinot Noir 2015

Wine By Joe Oregon Pinot Noir 2015

For those looking for an excellent value Pinot Noir from Oregon (and trust me, they’re hard to find) Wine by Joe offers quality for the price. The nose unfurls with classic aromas of black cherry, macerated strawberries, cola and a touch of underbrush. In the mouth, a softly-fruited core is bolstered by thoughtfully balanced acidity […]

Domaine Bousquet Winemaker’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Domaine Bousquet Winemaker’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

I much preferred Domaine Bousquet’s 2017 Premium Cabernet Sauvignon on the second day—aromatically speaking, it’s far more expressive with air and time—youthful primary aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry, cassis, dark chocolate shavings and bay leaf unwind against an earthy, muscular backdrop. The tannins are fine, evenly dispersed, and there is a green […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com