Spirit of Wine

Wine Review & Rating: ***+ $$$ Simi Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Sonoma, California, 2018

2026-04-21T19:01:00.002-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for this wine.

By way of background: The median rating for Russian River Valley chardonnay's I've sampled in these pages has been an impressive four stars. It's awhile since we tried one, so let's see how this Simi stacks up.

Inspired by this wine: We're at the ice hockey rink, lacing up our skates on the cool wooden bench by the ice.

Specs: This chardonnay is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled a robust eight years from vintage date, in April, 2026.

In the glass: Clean very light gold.

On the nose: Poured at chilled cellar temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a pleasant sweet motor oil.

On the palate: A bright, taut, almost sauvignon-blanc-ish start. The sip opens up to grapefruit and crispy pear, as the acids propel the fruit into your cheeks and upwards. The acids and fruits wisp away cleanly for a lingering, fresh finish.

In summary: Overall, rates a solid three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, almost building to a plus due to its combination of brightness and depth.

Following the black licorice test: Brings depth and sweetness to the entry, nicely layering the brighter mid-palate. Drives a remarkable full-star jump to four stars. I would definitely recommend the black salty licorice with this one!

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating: **+ $$ Le Haut Fortin Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, 2018

2026-04-17T16:30:00.002-04:00

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Inspired by this wine: By the metalworks plant, we can see the large grinders glinting in the distance.

Specs: This red wine is finished at 14.5% alcohol and first sampled eight years from vintage date, in April, 2026.

In the glass: Deep iron rust red.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows bright lively red currant along with some rusty undertones.

On the palate: Pomegranate and bright blackberry with a squeeze of sweet lemon comes in with a bracing start. The sip sweeps into your cheeks with the same wash of vigorous tart light red fruit.

In summary: Overall, rates two stars with a plus for its liveliness on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.

Following the black licorice test: Brings a sweet, rich layer to the entry that is a wonderful start to the brighter following fruit. Moves up to a full three stars, with a plus for the differentiated layers, now even showing some dusty tannins coming in later.

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating: *** $$ William Hill Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2022

2026-04-03T14:51:00.000-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for William Hill Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon.

By way of background: William Hill does offer a higher-end Napa bottling, but today we are sampling the more modestly-priced California cabernet.

Inspired by this wine: We're doing some sanding and finishing work on a friend's very old classic car, very much in need of our retouching.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13.9% alcohol and first sampled four years from vintage date, in April, 2026.

In the glass: Deep black currant with red hues, going opaque in the center.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows tangy red - not black - currants, with a sheen of circling oil and dust. Interesting, not typical.

On the palate: The sip is sleek, slick and grainy all at once. Subdued fruit, not a lot of acidity, but with the textural elements coming to the fore. Brighter acids then build into the sip, releasing a pomegranate blast into your cheeks for a sparkly finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. May still be a bit young for its best showing.

Following the black licorice test: Definitely brings more fruit to the fore, creating a better-layered experience overall. Would add a plus.

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating: ***+ $ Cali by Snoop 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted Red Blend, California, non-vintage = Best Value

2026-04-02T15:16:00.002-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Cali by Snoop 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted.

By way of background: This release by 19 Crimes is without vintage and without a description of included red California grapes. Let's see what this mystery bottling delivers.

Inspired by this wine: Watching fireworks on a hot summer's evening - somehow the fireworks are their own refreshment to the heat.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13,5% alcohol and that's pretty much all the label tells us about this wine, except that it is a California red blend. First sampled here in April, 2026.

In the glass: Deep iron ore and magenta, opaque as you move towards the center.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a tangy and yet deep black fruit.

On the palate: Slick, deep, dusty, tannic blackberries and blueberries coat your mouth, edging smoothly towards your cheeks. There the fruity, fresh sip lingers and builds for a languorous, clean finish with just a hint of sparkling acidity.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a big plus for layered balance on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a clear best value.

Following the black licorice test: Even sweeter and bigger on the entry - moves to a whopping four stars at bargain price point.

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating: **+ $ Gnarly Head Grateful Dead Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2023

2026-03-28T19:33:00.005-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon.

By way of background: In a Gnarly Head Face off three years ago (link here), I rated the cabernet sauvignon 3+ stars and gave it a big best value nod. Let's see how we're doing a few years later.

Inspired by this wine: Settling in for a friendly-enough chat with a colleague.

Specs: This cabernet sauvignon is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in March, 2026.

In the glass: Black cherry, not opaque anywhere.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a shy aroma, revealing muddled berry and old oak.

On the palate: Perky dry fruit punch as the first note, sip settles into a longer wrap-up of lighter red fruits with some feeling of sugar residue.

In summary: Overall, rates two stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for decent balance. Doesn't seem to carry the vivacity nor depth of the early, non-limited-edition cabernet sauvignon bottling.

Following the black licorice test: Similar to my finding three years ago, the black licorice test fails with this Gnarly Head offering too. Remarkably, creates a tighter, thinner entry - very different from most of my experiences with dry black licorice and deeper red wines!

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating: *** $ 1924 Limited Edition Double Black Red Wine Blend, Lodi, CA, 2022 = Best Value

2026-03-28T19:10:00.001-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for 1924 Limited Edition Double Black Red Wine Blend.

By way of background: This is a separately branded wine from Gnarly Head Wines, a bold and potent red grape blend that is reputedly reminiscent of prohibition era wines.

Inspired by this wine: Checking out the big old concrete grill, wondering what we might cook up on the ashy surfaces.

Specs: This unspecified red wine blend is finished at 14.5% alcohol and first sampled four years from vintage date, in March, 2026.

In the glass: Deep magenta, opaque almost throughout.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows ashes and a certain stale, still water element - not nearly as bad as it sounds. Actually intriguing.

On the palate: A fresh, full red currant comes in first, with rich blackberry following behind. Few acids, but the sip does extend with a certain silky texture into a moderate and very clean finish.

In summary: Overall, rates a full three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, almost touching a plus for its savory intrigue. Best value at its super modest price point.

Following the black licorice test: Smoother, richer, silkier on the entry. Just touches a plus on top of the three stars.

(c) Copyright 2023 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating: ***+ $$ Lamblin & Fils Bourgogne Blanc Cepage Chardonnay, Maligney-les-Chablis, France, 2019 = Good Value

2026-03-20T15:23:04.261-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Lamblin & Fils Bourgogne Blanc Cepage Chardonnay.

By way of background: We're trying a Bourgogne chardonnay today, from the Maligny-les-Chablis area, offered by Lamblin & Fils.

Inspired by this wine: Playing in the yard on a warm spring day, showering each other with sprays from the cool garden hose.

Specs: This chardonnay is finished at 12.5% alcohol and first sampled seven years from vintage date, in March, 2026.

In the glass: Deep yellow, light gold, with just hints of an olive sheen.

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows fresh peach with hints of chalk.

On the palate: Such a variety of flavorful stone fruits! Apple, crisp pear, peach, honeydew melon. A solid salinity weaves the fruit together and brings the sip into your cheeks for a clean and reasonably lengthy finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a big plus on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a good value at the moderate price point.

Following the black licorice test: Sweeter, bigger and rounder on the open!

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review & Rating Face-Off: Sideshow South Eastern Australia Novelties & Oddities No. 2, 3 & 5, 2024 & 2023

2026-03-07T16:57:00.008-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Sideshow wines.

By way of background: Sideshow is a line of value-priced South Eastern Australia shiraz-based wines from WX Importers. We'll sample three varieties of the wine today - a straight shiraz and two blends.

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Inspired by Sideshow No. 2 The Puppetmaster Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon, 2024: Out visiting friends on a cool autumn evening.

Specs: This shirz and cabernet sauvignon blend is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in March, 2026.

In the glass: Medium garnet and magenta.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows tangy currants and a nice dusty chalk overlay.

On the palate: A bright yet deep red currant attack, vibrant and soft at the same time. Flush into your cheeks, bringing the light chalky surround-sound to the clean finish.

In summary: Overall, rates a solid three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, giving this a best value nod.

Following the black licorice test: Nice. A touch rounder and fuller on the entry.

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Inspired by Sideshow No. 3 The Charmer Shiraz, 2024 : We're enjoying a collegial large make-your-own-salad dinner in our kitchen with lots of varied conversations going at once.

Specs: This pure shiraz is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in March, 2026.

In the glass: Red currant with edges of purple.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows gentle spicy red berries.

On the palate: Fresh red berry melange on the entry. Tightens up into a slighter acid tinge for the finish in your cheeks.

In summary: Overall, does touch three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, just making the "best value" grade at the attractive price point.

Following the black licorice test: Just softens the entry a touch. Not a dramatic conversion.

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Inspired by Sideshow No. 5 The Ring Master Aussie Dark Red Blend, 2023: We're hovering near the large outdoor grill, wondering what we'll be throwing "on the barby"!

Specs: This unspecified red wine blend is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in March, 2026:

In the glass: Deep red currant.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows soft red berry notes and some chalk, reminiscent of the Puppetmaster (and, indeed, it may well be carrying both shiraz and cabernet sauvignon within its unspecified blend).

On the palate: Balanced fruity, tannic and gently acidic entry to your palate. Fades gently to a brief but clean finish.

In summary: Overall, also touches three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, also generating best value status.

Following the black licorice test: Minor rounding lift on the entry; consistent notes otherwise.

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In summary, close call on the face-off, likely due to similar wines in the blends that include the base shiraz. The shiraz/cabernet blend just slightly punches above the straight shiraz and the unidentified red blend, with more fruit throughout the experience.

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

WIne Review & Rating: *** $ Butternut Chardonnay, California, 2022 = Best Value!

2026-02-23T18:27:00.001-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Butternut Chardonnay.

By way of background: This value-priced Butternut chardonnay from the Miller Family Wine Company is sourced from a range of California vineyards and aged for seven months in new French oak for seven months.

Inspired by this wine: Chatting by the old gray-brick fireplace, defined by its bulk and ashes everywhere!

Specs: This chardonnay is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled four years from vintage date, in February, 2026.

In the glass: Light gold with hints of olive.

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows bright white peach and hints of ash.

On the palate: Clean, fresh, taut entry, with dry peach and gentle tannic ash start. Sip lingers across the palate, holding taut and steady for an enormously-slow and clean fade to a wisp.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. Impressive for its taut beauty, and touching best value due to its attractive price point.

Following the black licorice test: Brings a touch of roundness and sweetness to the tight start. Almost touches a plus now on top of the third star!

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Menage a Trois Wine Review Face-Off: Decadence Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2023, versus Red Blend, California, 2023

2026-02-13T21:46:00.000-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for this wine.

By way of background:
We've sampled several Menage a Trois wines in these pages, some of them rating as best values. You can see the roundup here. Today we're sampling two red Menage a Trois wines from the 2023 vintage.

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Inspired by Menage a Trois Decadence Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2023: Standing on the porch in the cool fall twilight; enjoying a good chat.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in February, 2026.

In the glass: Deep, iron red almost to black.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a bright dark violet streak, with bright whiffs of silicone spray.

On the palate: Full, dry, tannic elements, with definite grip and bite. Settles with some fruit emerging on the taut, lengthy finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, touching best value at the attractive price point.

Following the black licorice test: Brings a bit more furry fruit to the start of the sip.

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Inspired by Menage a Trois Red Blend, California, 2023: The family is preparing a buffet luncheon, with plenty of conversation filling the time during preparation.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in February, 2026.

In the glass: Deep magenta, almost opaque in the center.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a smoky aromatic deep element.

On the palate: Fresh and bold deep tannins, a bit more fruit showing up front versus the cabernet sauvignon. Clean yet brief finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars as well on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, also just touching best value status at its value price point.

Following the black licorice test: Pulls the fruit and depth forward, almost adds a plus to the experience.

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

+ $ Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2021 and 2023: Wine Tasting and Review = best values

2026-02-08T17:12:00.000-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon.

By way of background:  Dark Horse Wines claims to make $20 wines at half the price. Today, we'll challenge that notion with a formal tasting of their 2021 cabernet sauvignon from California.

Inspired by this wine: Hiking along a narrow path by the pond, we're climbing a gravelly ridge.

Specs: This wine is finished at a big 14.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in August, 2023.

In the glass: Bright and dark red cherry throughout.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, offers a spicy mix of cinnamon, black pepper and dill surrounding a deep ripe blueberry core.

On the palate: The sip begins with a bold and flush wash of ripe blueberry and very ripe blackberrry compote across your tongue, sweeping across with silty tannin sands. The fruits turn towards ripe red cherry and pomegranate as they spread to your cheeks, where they sit for a lengthy visit, folded in with touches of oak. There, they slowly release hints of acid as the bold sip fades gently into memory.

In summary: Overall, rates an impressive three plus stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale for its boldness, balance and layers, a remarkable "best value" showing for sure at the bargain price point. We'll have to agree with Dark Horse's claim to be offering wines that may indeed be worth twice the price.

Following the black licorice test: All the elements hold together and the sip is very consistent with the baseline.

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Updated Review, three years later, 2023 vintage, now three years from vintage date, February, 2026:

Inspired by this wine: A group of relatives connecting for some serious political discussions, a couple of cigars being lit.

Comments: Consistent color and nose with the earlier vintage, but a brighter attack and mouthfeel. The ripe red cherry and pomegranate come right from the start! Still a best value at the price point.

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(c) Copyright 2023 and 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Bourbon Barrel five-star alert!: ***** $$$ Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Red Wine Blend, California, 2019 = BEST VALUE!

2026-02-08T16:47:00.000-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Red Wine Blend.

By way of background: We've sampled and enjoyed a number of bourbon-barrel-aged red wines before (you can see past reviews here). Today, we're heading back to one of my favorites - a wine that I've sampled before but that has not seen a proper Spirit of Wine review. It did however take the top spot in a neighborhood blind wine tasting amongst a range of other wines mostly in the $30-ish and under price range. Let's look a little more closely at what Cooper & Thief is offering to this part of the red wine portfolio.

Inspired by this wine: I'm putting on my finest sleek and soft blue blazer, we're heading out for an evening that's likely to include a fine cigar somewhere.

Specs: The Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Red Wine Blend is finished at a whopping 16% alcohol and is being first sampled three years years from vintage date, in March, 2022. The blend of red varietals is mostly merlot, syrah and zinfandel, with a smattering of zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and other varietals thrown in. The locale is identified as California and the aging is specified as three months in "smoky Bourbon casks". The wine was vinted and botttled in Acampo, California.

In the glass: Inky black cherry, opaque from a few millimeters of the edge.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, wafts succulent deep vanilla spices up to your nose and well beyond. Wouldn't surprise me if people from the condo upstairs came down to see what I'm up to! Picks up elements of plush violets and deeply ripe blueberries.

On the palate: Appears as lush, vibrant, deep and spicy as the sip would suggest. There is a noticeable smoky oak curl around the deep black/red fruit. The mouthfeel begins sleek and deep, and moves to a brighter red fruitiness as the sip matures. The sip does linger seemingly forever on your tongue and in your cheeks, slowly falling away to a gentle-but-clean sweetness. It certainly readies you for the next sip!

In summary: Overall, rates a rare five stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, meaning you will get between me and this wine entirely at your own risk! A wonderful find and rates a best value at its perfectly reasonable price point.

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Updated review four years later, February, 2026: Omigosh, this is Rip Van Winkle! The color, nose and palate differ UNDETECTABLY from four years ago. Lovely, lush, deep and flavorful still. I'm so glad I still have a few of these in the cellar!

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(c) Copyright 2022 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Dark Horse Chardonnay Face-Off Wine Review: 2024 Chardonnay + versus 2024 Buttery Chardonnay

2026-02-05T21:18:00.002-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Dark Horse Chardonnay.

By way of background: Dark Horse is a value label, from generic California vineyards. They offer both a "chardonnay" and a "buttery chardonnay". Let's check out the difference.

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Inspired by Dark Horse Chardonnay, California, 2024: Fresh air and clean breezes at the ice-skating rink, about to head onto the ice.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in February, 2026.

In the glass: Clear, light glints of gold

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows clean fresh laundry notes with a hint of white grapes.

On the palate: Clear, fresh, bright attack, fades quickly but immensely clean. This is fresh, white, starched linen laundry.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a big plus for clarity on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. Best value.

Following the black licorice test: Adds some brighter fruit tones to the mid-palate. Nice!

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Inspired by Dark Horse Buttery Chardonnay, California, 2024: Chopping kiwis and honeydew for a midday fruit salad in early fall.

Specs: This wine is finished at a whopping 14.5% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in February, 2026.

In the glass: Light gold and yellow tones.

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, bright lemon and lime notes.

On the palate:  The melons do come to the fore, wrapped in a light acid cloak. The sip tips up into the nose (perhaps from the higher alcohol levels), before settling back into your cheeks and finishing clean but bright.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, still achieving a best value status given its value price point.

Following the black licorice test:  Softened some of the brightest points, creating a gentler effect overall.

(c) Copyright 2026 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review: **** $$ Oliver B Les Amidyves Rouge, Ventoux, Rhone, France, 2019 = Best Value

2025-07-18T21:28:00.000-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Les Amidyves.

By way of background: This is a southern Rhone blend with a good following. Some folks have noted a fizziness in some bottles from this vintage.

Inspired by this wine: Running through the backyards and even the junkyards towards home, where we're rewarded with some of the sweetest, juiciest watermelon possible.

Specs: This wine is finished at 14.5% alcohol and first sampled six years from vintage date, in July, 2025. The bottle has been opened and partially emptied for a couple of days, under vacuum.

In the glass: Deep, rusty black cherry, almost black, and opaque from about a quarter inch of the edge.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, an unusual and somewhat beckoning mix of deep red fruits, old tires, ripe meats.

On the palate: A slightly spritzy, but very deep and luscious ripe black cherry open, which widens into a perky ripe blueberry wash across your palate. It finally settles to a languorous close, with tannins tucking into your cheeks and fruit holding fast for ages.

In summary: Overall, just touches four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a Best Value!

Following the black licorice test: Sweetens the entry point a bit, and rounds and flattens the entire balance of the taste. Different than the original, but just as nice.

(c) Copyright 2025 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Initial and Updated review: ***** $$$$ Modus Operandi Cellars Vicarious Red Wine, California, 2008

2025-06-22T19:26:00.000-04:00

Find prices and retail availability for Modus Operandi Vicarious.

Initial review, January, 2011, by way of background: This is Modus Operandi Cellars Vicarious Red Wine, California, 2008, finished at 15.% alcohol, a blend of 35% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 20% syrah and 20% petite sirah from various vineyards in Napa Valley and the Sierra foothills of California. The winemaker Jason Moore held the wine for 22 months in 65% new French oak barrels.

In the glass: Vicarious Red is dark purple/magenta, muddy opaque starting only a quarter inch from the edge of the glass.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this red blend shows a funky, almost over-ripe nose even in this young bottle, blending mashed ripe plums with tomato sauce in a unique and spicy melange.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are a concentrated, slick, sexy robe of deep, viscous fruit - blueberries mostly - that trickle along your mouth and cheeks ever-so-slowly, lodging in your cheeks with just enough tannins and acids to hold the fruit for almost a minute after you thought you finished your sip. Hints of pipe tobacco come into the aromas as the sip slowly fades away. None of the high, 15% alcohol comes across as heat in the fully-balanced palate.

In summary: Overall, a luxury experience with no rough edges that rates a full five stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. Not formally considered a best value because of its premium price, but definitely a keeper. Only 12 barrels produced, so not likely to be found widely available.

Following longer decant, one day kept cool in a partially filled bottle: The funkiness is gone in the still-unusual melange of aromas on the nose. The blueberries are brighter red now on the palate, and the tobacco turns just a little bit burnt. Remains concentrated, full, lush and unique.

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Updated review, a whopping 14 years later, now 17 years from vintage date, June, 2025: Color is precisely as it was 14 years ago. Aromas of deep and bold, sharp plums, fork their way up into your brain! Ripe and rich blueberries still make the first assault on your palate, but with perky, prickly acids surrounding them, creating an almost blueberry pie effervescence! And yes, still just a hint of that pipe tobacco in the lingering finish. Still has all the makings of a four to five star triumph. Remarkable ager!

Following the black-licorice test: Rich, sweet AND perky! Very nice.

Find prices and retail availability for Modus Operandi Vicarious.

Battle of the red box wines: Big Sipper, Franzia and Almdaden - taking one for the team!

2025-06-11T19:20:00.002-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Big Sipper.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Franzia.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Almaden.

By way of background: I make de-alcoholized wine by "cooking" low-cost wines at 180+ degrees fahrenheit to burn off alcohol for approximately 90 minutes. This brings alcohol levels to an estimated 3-4%, low enough for my target. To the "cooked" wines, I add modest amounts of monk fruit to offset the depth and sweetness that the alcohol would otherwise have provided. For these wines, as you can imagine, I do not depend on my high-end bottles. But I reach to the most modestly-cost box wines of decent quality. Today, I have five box red wines that are to be subjected to the cooking process, but I felt it would be worth a first assessment of these wines on their own merits, as part of my "taking one for the team" commitment! Here we go, with two Big Sipper reds, two Franzia reds and one Almaden red.

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Inspired by Big Sipper Robust Red: Enjoying the cotton candy at the local fair.

Specs: This wine is finished at 12% alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: Deep, rusty red.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a shady and bold fruit.

On the palate: Rich and deep ripe blueberry fruit. Sleek and friendly. Almost no tannins to note.

In summary: Overall, rates three plus stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, great value!

Following the black licorice test: Slightly sweeter at the start, but not a different experience overall.

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Inspired by Big Sipper Velvety Merlot: Bringing the clan together around the gathering tent at the basketball game.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: Deep ruddy red.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, is very shy with deep red fruit.

On the palate: Rich, deep peach and blackberry.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, just touching a plus for friendliness.

Following the black licorice test: Oh, yes, richer and wider!

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Inspired by Franzia Cabernet Sauvignon : Deep black cherry aromas around the flaming fire pit.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13.5% alcohol and first sampled , in June, 2025.

In the glass: Deep magenta.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a deep fruit and smokey nose. Potent.

On the palate: Soft, deep, bold and black fruity entry, followed by a languorous, smooth finish, with minimal acids or tannins.

In summary: Overall, rates a remarkable four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.

Following the black licorice test: Brings a sweet start to the sip, continues with the deep and flavorful finish.

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Inspired by Franzia Dark Red Blend: Bringing my friends together to root for our high school team!

Specs: This wine is finished at13.5 % alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: Dark magenta.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a deep bold magenta violet.

On the palate: Brings a soft and bold fresh blueberry and musk base. Softens as it sits on the palate.

In summary: Overall, rates three plus stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale

Following the black licorice test: Soft and bold, now touching four stars. Crazy best value!

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Inspired by Almaden Merlot: Enjoying the gaggle of folks at the goodie stand.

Specs: This wine is finished at 12.5% alcohol and first sampled years from vintage date, in June, 2025.

In the glass: Deep magenta.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, enjoyed the deep, musky berry notes.

On the palate: Full and musky notes right upfront, holding through a bold finish.

In summary: Overall, rates an impressive four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale

Following the black licorice test: Oh, wow, a richer and sweeter entry. AND a finish that suggests a bolder and more robust finish. Awesome value!!!

(c) Copyright 2025 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Battle of the white box wines: Big Sipper and Franzia - taking one for the team!

2025-06-08T16:54:00.002-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Franzia.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Big Sipper.

By way of background: I make de-alcoholized wine by "cooking" low-cost wines at 180+ degrees fahrenheit to burn off alcohol for approximately 90 minutes. This brings alcohol levels to an estimated 3-4%, low enough for my target. To the "cooked" wines, I add modest amounts of monk fruit to offset the depth and sweetness that the alcohol would otherwise have provided. For these wines, as you can imagine, I do not depend on my high-end bottles. But actually reach to the most modestly-cost box wines of decent quality. Today, I have four box white wines that are to be subjected to the cooking process, but I felt it would be worth a first assessment of these wines on their own merits, as part of my "taking one for the team" commitment! Here we go, with three Big Sipper whites and one Big Sipper.

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Inspired by Big Sipper Tropical Chardonnay: At the carnival with friends, considering jumping on the carousel.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: Clear with light yellow gold hints.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows gentle sweet melon fruits.

On the palate: Brings a fresh mellow, sweet entry. Holds in the palate to a smooth and remarkably sleek finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three full stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, touching a plus for its poise and balance, being a great value.

Following the black licorice test: Just a touch smoother and sweeter. Nice experience.

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Inspired by Big Sipper Delightful White: We're waiting for the popsicle sticks which will cool us on this warm summer afternoon.

Specs: This wine is finished at 12% alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: White with faint hints of yellow/olive hues.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a bright, slightly reisling-esque style.

On the palate: Soft easy entry with melon and hardly any acid. The sip holds fast and fades gently. No cloying, no acids, just a sleek easy finish.

In summary: Overall, rates full three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, gets a plus because of its gentle, beckoning nature. Great value!

Following the black licorice test: Lifts more aromas and acids into the start of the sip. Interesting for that.

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Inspired by Big Sipper Oaky Chardonnay: We've collected a few friends, who are sitting down for a proper wine tasting of admittedly-friendly wines.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: Clear, the faintest hint of yellow/olive.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows just a slight hint of time and aging.

On the palate: Soft, full fruit upfront, tinged with butter and the slightest touch of new caramel. Fades slowly and clean.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a plus for balance on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this also a best value. The Big Sipper's are three-for-three on the best-value-for-price scale this round!

Following the black licorice test: Creates more energy on the opening act of the sip.

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Inspired by Franzia Buttery Chardonnay: We're chopping apples for a strudel, already sensing the aromas from the apples already in the stew.

Specs: This wine is finished at 12.5% alcohol and first sampled in June, 2025.

In the glass: Clear with yellow and golden hints.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a soft and gentle honeysuckle element.

On the palate: A soft and full first sip enters the palate, bringing honeydew melon. It holds for a moment and fades gently, without movement either towards sweetness nor acidity, staying clean and fresh.

In summary: Overall, rates three plus stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making it a best value.

Following the black licorice test: Brings a bit of brighter berry-elements to the first sip, thought not a dramatic change to the overall experience.

Updated: Checking out ***+ Black Box California Merlot

2025-04-06T18:49:00.000-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Black Box Merlot.

By way of background: Some folks have been recommending the Black Box varietal as among the best of the "boxy" merlots. So, given my general willingness to "Take one for the team", I figured I would try it out. Sampled first in 2021 and then again almost four years later, in April, 2025,

Inspired by Black Box California Merlot: The Halloween party scored us a bunch of old-school chocolate treats: milk chocolate, caramel chocolates and crispy ones too!

Specs: This is Black Box Merlot, California, vintage 2019, finished at 13.5% alcohol, packaged in Madera, California, and first sampled two years from vintage date, in November 2021.

In the glass: Deep magenta, deeper in the middle of the glass, but not opaque anywhere.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a very light blush of cocoa, but little red or berry or dark fruit at all. Quite restrained.

On the palate: Brings a rich, sweet sip to the middle of your mouth, opening up waves of creamy chocolate surrounded by deep supporting red and black fruit. The sip rests for an unusually long time, finishing sleek with a nice resonant balance of tannins and darker fruit. Very gentle acids lead you toward the next sip.

In summary: Overall, rates a very impressive three stars with a plus for balanced layers on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. This is an easy best-value at its bargain per-bottle equivalent price. I can see why the "boxers" give it a thumbs up!

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Updated review, almost four years later, April, 2025: Very consistent color and aromatics. And the sip of this version is very consistent, showing a soft and sleek entry with a gentle fade into the finish.

(c) Copyright 2021, 2025, Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Updated: Wow: Plenty of great value among the Locations Wines (E, F, WA and NZ)!

2025-03-26T19:58:00.000-04:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Locations Wines.

By way of background: This review comprises four wines exclusively from the Locations Wine series, which represents a unique line of wines built specifically to be typical of their country or region of origin, and labeled accordingly. So today, we will be sampling E5 from Spain (think"Espana"), F5 (and F7) from France, WA5 from Washington State, and NZ7 from New Zealand. While not explicitly described by the winery, the "5"s and "7" are believed to represent the vintage year for these wines (2005 and 2007).

The first three wines are made of typical red blends from the associated regions, while NZ5 is made exclusively from sauvignon blanc. The red wines all tip in at 15% alcohol, while the sauvignon blanc is a somewhat more modest 13.5% (though still admittedly big for a white wine. All of these wines were built under the direction of winemaker Dave Phinney, and are being sampled three years from vintage date, in April, 2018. Each wine comes in at a US list price below $20. Review wines were provided by the winery through their representatives at Balzac Communications & Marketing.

We have updated this posting for Locations F, in this case F7, seven years later!

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Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Locations Wines.

Original tasting and review: This is **** $$ Locations E5 Spanish Red Wine, Spain (2005), sampled April 2018. It is a blend of grenache, tempranillo, monastrell and carignan, sourced from Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

Inspired by this wine: A cool evening at the county fair, we're chatting by the ferris wheel.

In the glass: Mahogany with a deep orange wash.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a depth of red berries with a sweet spiciness.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact full, flush, sleek ripe red and black berries washing across your tongue. Bright red fruits climb a gently sweet ladder into your cheeks, where the sip rests and fades, very, very slowly. Clean and inviting finish.

In summary: Overall, rates four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this an easy win as a "best value" on our scale.

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Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Locations Wines.

Original tasting and review : This is *** $$ Locations F5 French Red Wine, France (2005). It is a blend of grenache, syrah and other unnamed red varietals from the regions of Rhone, Roussillon and Bordeaux.

Inspired by this wine: Playing cards with friends - so much lively banter!

In the glass: Crimson, burgundy and mahogany.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows soft yet lively floral and berry notes.

On the palate: The palate brings a first sensation of sleek red fruit, with surrounding light spices. Balanced acids and tannins lift the sip aloft for a modest-length finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, almost touching a plus for its clean balance.

Updated review, seven years later for Locations F7, now eight years from vintage date, in March, 2025. This wine now samples at 15.5% alcohol: Soft blueberry and red currant on the nose. The sip comes in bright red and tangy, as spicy ripe red cherry at first. Things fade gradually and evenly, bringing just lingering wisps of dusty acids perking up your cheeks. Remarkable ager for eight years since vintage. Again, an absolutely solid three stars; and again, almost garnering a plus for its lively vigor.

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Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Locations Wines.

Original tasting and review : This is ***+ $$ Locations WA5 Washington Red Wine, Washington State (2005). It is a blend of syrah, merlot and petit sirah. It is also the first Locations offering from Washington State.

Inspired by this wine: Talking in the living room, but deciding to sit together on the appealing purple horsehair blanket.

In the glass: Burgundy moving to opaque only a half inch from the edge.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows deep violet and blackberry fruits.

On the palate: The palate brings nice silty black and red berry fruit, resting bold at first, then fading to a gentle, clean, somewhat bright finish.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a plus for its lively depths on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a "good value".

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Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Locations Wines.

Original tasting and review : This is **** $$ Locations NZ7 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (2007), and represents Locations' second release of wine from this location. The 100% sauvignon blanc wine was sourced from the New Zealand valleys of Wairau, Awatere and Waihopai.

Inspired by this wine: Running across the wide inclined meadow, arms outstretched and absorbing the sun and light breezes.

In the glass: Transparent with the slightest yellow glints.

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows stainless steel, cut grass and a slight, but pleasant, funky hay.

On the palate: The palate brings a funky, minerally and saline-tinged sweet wash of white grapes and gooseberries. The sip sits in your mouth just long enough to have been enjoyed, then clenches for a completely crisp and clean finish.

In summary: Overall, rates a rare four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, showing a lovely balance of depth, crispness, funk, fruit and minerality. "Best value" by our assessment.

(c) Copyright 2018 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review: **** $ Apothic Chardonnay, California, 2023 = best value

2025-02-21T16:34:00.001-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Apothic Chardonnay.

By way of background: We've sampled and reviewed a bunch of the value-priced Apothic wines before, but not yet the chardonnay. Others in the line have generally seen excellent results. You can view the whole set here.

Inspired by this wine: Chopping fresh kiwis and honeydew melons in the cool spring midday air.

Specs: This chardonnay is finished at 13.9% alcohol and first sampled two years from vintage date, in February, 2025.

In the glass: A very light golden, maybe a couple of olive hints here and there.

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, shows bright stainless steel gleaming white grape.

On the palate: The kiwi moves front and center with its sleek stainless steel sheathing. The sip opens up and spreads with clean white grape juice and just-ripe honeydew melon. Settles serenely and slowly, without acids.

In summary: Overall, rates your stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale for its layered, languid yet superbly clean lines. Awesome best value.

Following the black licorice test: Sweeter and somehow crunchier. Still delightful.

(c) Copyright 2025 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Updated: ***+ $$ Vale do Homem Loureiro, Vinho Verde, Portugal, 2020: Wine Review & Rating = GOOD VALUE

2025-02-15T17:01:00.000-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Vale do Homem Loureiro.

By way of background: It is over a decade since we last reviewed a single varietal loureiro wine, which you can read about here. These crisp whites mostly hail from Portugal, in the Vinho Verde region. Today's Vale do Homem wine comes from the sub regio do Cavado.

Inspired by this wine: We're spread out on a big blanket at the beach, cool breezes complemented our array of sweet fruits.

Specs: This loureiro is finished at 12% alcohol and is first being sampled two years from vintage date, in July, 2022.

In the glass: Light yellow with green and gold glints.

On the nose: Poured at chilled temperature and swirled vigorously, brings a stainless steel minerality, reminiscent of a dry vintage riesling. There are some notes of furry white currants as well.

On the palate: The sip comes on with velvet and mineral, adding some ripe but bright kiwi fruit to the occasion. As the sip relaxes, a note of clean, sugar sweetness comes forward, then engulfed by big, bright cleansing acids that dart across your tongue and up into your cheeks. Those perky acids hold fast til you move to your next sip.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a big plus for brightly balanced layers on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a good value at its modest price point.

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Updated review, three years later, now five years from vintage date, February, 2025: Actually, there is not a word I would add or retract from the review of three years ago. That is very rare here, and especially so for a white wine. Just as juicy, minerally, furry and bright as ever. Remarkable longevity bones in this one!

Following the black licorice test: The sip opens up wider at the start, still clean and bright into the finish. Nice tuning of the experience.

(c) Copyright 2022, 2025 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review: *** $$$ Rocky Pond Stratastone, Double D Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2017

2025-02-15T15:19:00.004-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Rocky Pond Stratastone.

By way of background: The Double D Vineyard of Rocky Pond is situated along the Columbia River, in an area the winery reports has climate comparable to the Rhone region in France. This red blend is a combination of 48% grenache, 33% syrah and 19% mourvedre, so a proper GSM. Let's see what it delivers.

Inspired by this wine: A lively ocean breeze is lifting and flapping the sheets drying on the clothesline overhead.

Specs: This Washington state red blend is finished at 14.7% alcohol and first sampled eight years from vintage date, in February, 2025.

In the glass: Bright ruby with black cherry overtones.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings bright and deep purple and violet notes, sprinkled with hints of sea breeze and oxidation. Interesting.

On the palate: Bright red currants attack your tongue, but then settle quickly and let red raspberries and blackberries move in. The red and black fruit melange visits for awhile and then curls up into your cheeks, grows mature with a touch of rust and oxidation and waves goodbye.

In summary: Overall, rates a solid three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, almost gaining a plus for its lively aromatic and flavor layers.

Following the black licorice test: Builds a nice richness and roundness into the sip right from the start. Adds a big plus to the rating now! Not a good or best value because you're paying for the quality in the price, but an excellent experience nonetheless.

(c) Copyright 2023 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Wine Review: *** $$ Laurent Fayolle Sens Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France, 2017

2025-02-13T19:44:00.002-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail for Sens Crozes-Hermitage.

By way of background: It is over a decade since we last sampled a Crozes-Hermitage in these pages. That 2006 edition of this syrah from the Rhone area of France fared quite poorly in our review back in 2014. Today in 2025, we will similarly sample an eight-year-old syrah from the 2017 vintage.

Inspired by the Sens Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France, 2017: Standing by the deep clear pond, wondering where the big bass are hanging out.

Specs: This red Rhone wine is first sampled eight years from vintage date, in February, 2025.

In the glass: Deep black cherry, muddy and opaque from a quarter-inch of the edge.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a deep, oxidized ripe blackberry.

On the palate: Rusty cola coats your mouth on the first entry. But, better than it sounds, it slickly spreads deep fruit across your palate. Perky acids lift the fruit in the center of your tongue, and the deep fruits slowly settle into your cheeks and subside.

In summary: Overall, a robust experience that rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. I've poured off and sealed 375 ml just to see what happens in the future.

Following the black licorice test: Sweeter, richer, slicker on the attack. Now deep, bold and fragrant in style. Actually adds a plus to the rating. At the black-licorice-revised 3+ stars, this would even qualify as a good value.

(c) Copyright 2025 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

*** $$ Domaine Patrice Colin Coteaux du Vendomois Rouge “Emilien”, Loire, France, 2019: Wine Review & Rating

2025-02-12T17:04:00.000-05:00

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By way of background: We seem to be huddling in with Loire reds this week, today with one from the Coteaux du Vendomois sector. Yesterday, we enjoyed a Loire red from Chinon. Unlike the Chinon reds, which are primarily cabernet franc (with a touch of cabernet sauvignon permitted), the Loire reds from Coteaux du Vendomois are a minimum of half pineau d’aunis (minimum 50%), with cabernet franc, pinot noir and gamay permitted as additions.

Inspired by this wine: We're setting the sails up, looking forward to sailing this sunny afternoon on the cool, breezy bay.

Specs: This wine is finished at 13% alcohol and first sampled three years from vintage date, in May, 2022.

In the glass: Deep burgundy, not opaque, even in the center.

On the nose: Poured at cellar temperature and swirled vigorously, shows a fresh, vibrant, breezy wash of red berries, peppery and lifting with just a hint of violet.

On the palate: Clean, sleek wash of lightly-sandy red-fruited tannins coat your tongue. The fruit stays hidden, and a following wave of light clean acids come to clear your palate. Stays shy of fruit throughout, but impressively clean and sleek.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. Awesomely balanced. Does feel as though it wants even more years in bottle, and I shall pour off a measure of the Colin to explore that.

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Updated review, three years later, now six years from vintage date, February, 2025: Color is a shade lighter; and the aromatics still carry the red berries and violet, but without the breezes. Bright red currants come with lightly prickly acid and a furry surround as the first note. The sip settles ever so gently with a clean fade. Still a robust three stars. And yes, could even perhaps do with more than the six years of age. We'll pour off a small bit and see!

Following the black licorice test: Does deepen and darken the entire experience slightly. A generally bolder feel now. Almost brings a plus to the rating.

(c) Copyright 2022, 2025, Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved. If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review. No charge. Particulars are here. If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Updated Wine Review: **** $$ Meiomi Pinot Noir, California, 2021: best value

2025-02-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Meiomi Pinot Noir.

By way of background: It's been a long time since we've sampled the Meiomi pinot noir line, which has attained best value status regularly. (You can see our full line of Meiomi-related reviews here.) Today we'll sample a Meiomi pinot noir vintage almost a decade younger than the last one we reviewed!

Inspired by this wine: We're enjoying some crunchy, caramel-coated dark chocolates before heading out on a fall hike.

Specs: This 2021 pinot noir is finished at 13.5% alcohol. That troubles me just a little, because 13.5% is the alcohol level that many - if not most - broadly-distributed commercial red wines show up at. Meiomi's earlier vintages were at more specific alcohol levels, suggesting a vinting towards a taste profile and not a commercial mandate. Also, whereas prior vintages of Meiomi identified the specific AVA's in California from which the grapes were sourced, this vintage just punts and calls the grapes from "California". Hmmm. Those concerns aside, let's continue with this sampling, which is first made two years from vintage date, in September, 2023.

In the glass: Deep burgundy and black cherry, opaque from about a half inch in.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, brings some deep violet flowers and firecrackers to the fore, with a soft base of chocolate and coconut.

On the palate: Soft, fragrant, deep violet berries - if such berries were to exist. Think sweet blueberries without any acidic bite. The sip flows across your tongue, settles into your cheeks with bold and ripe insistence, very little acidic snap. But it does sit for awhile, letting the sweet blueberry settle out without any cloying sugar. Modest, fresh and clean finish. The ripe fruit feels like it may be willing to age for awhile.

In summary: Overall, once again, rates four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. You almost might not recognize it as a pinot noir, but may think of it more as a blend of petite sirah and zinfandel given its fat fruit and friendly composure. Nonetheless, and despite my reservations above, this is still a best value. That is an unusual finding for any pinot noir.

Following the black licorice test: Still very round on the entry, but with an additional and friendly slight peppery note. Clean and balanced throughout. Oddly enough, the licorice may have even cut the deep roundness a little and provided a bit more balance to the layerings. But very consistent overall.

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Updated review a year and a half later, now four years from vintage date, in February, 2025: This has held its boldness, its sweetness, its layers and its luster entirely intact. Still a richly layered, black cherry and chocolate style pinot noir. Awesome!

Following the black licorice test: Also very consistent findings - just a touch brighter, in a good way, with layers remaining.

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