The Wine Cask Blog

TGA "Iconic Macedonian Red Wine" 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 22:13:23 +0000

A lovely jellied cranberry hue sets off this aromatic fruit filled bouquet of sweet pomegranate, and a host of red fruits that are tantalizing out of the gate with a gentle sweet spice accompaniment.

Palate--First impression is that this is well made, if a bit light in texture but with a nice line of acidity, leaving a somewhat sparse mid palate of red fruit (ripe raspberry?) that vanishes pretty quickly.

I had no idea what to expect as I may have had 2 or 3 bottles from this part of the world in all my 50 years of wine experience. In one sense there "isn't much there" yet in another, it is so balanced as to be seductive and wanting to be imbibed. From the grape named "Vranec" again, unknown to me it is the signature grape of the region from what I read.

I am pairing it tonight with my wife's oven baked chicken with root vegetables. I paid $12 for it and I am glad I gave it a shot. If you happen to stumble on it I think it is worthy of a try. Raise aglass!

Two Intriguing worlds: Enology and Horology!

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:15:04 +0000

Pictured is a stately bottle of Il Barone La Amorosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. I reviewed this wine New Years 2025 and it was a gift from my son who at the outset of this blog was my I.T. Marketing genius.

Crowning the neck of this great wine is my new Atelier Loreti "Celestial Tourbillon with Aventurine dial.

Like the wine which was a gift, my new watch was also a gift from my wife of 53 years who has been battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia since Aug. 2025. Her care has been intense enduring 6 different chemos in preparation for an allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant. Since I am a watch collector she wanted to get me a "thank you" watch for all I am going through with her. (Her words not mine...)

The Il Barone Cabernet took several years of expert productioncare, oversight and meticulous attention to detail yielding a memorable and special wine. Such bottles capture the event of the occasion yielding years of memories of their significance.

The Atelier Loreti Celestial Tourbillon is the result of several years of production of this complicated movement first invented by Abraham-Louis Briguet in 1801 to counter the effect of gravity on the balance wheel of the pocket watch compromising its inherent accuracy. The stunning beauty of this time piece reminds me of the love and life my wife and I have shared together since high school where we met.

Two different worlds: Enology (science of wine) and Horology (science of watch making). I think they blend extraordinarily well. Raise a glass!

Kramer Vineyards "Pinot Gris" Estate 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:46:05 +0000

Nearly translucent hue with aromas of very light lemon, a hint of melon, and a touch of pineapple and tropical fruit.

Palate--First impression is one of a very relaxed structure but with sufficient acidity to carry through.This is SO relaxed that there isn't a single over whelming burst of fruit that says, "HEY look at me" but if there were it would be lemon.

I am pairing this tonight with Salmon and a lemon dill/butter sauce. I think it will work! BTW the label of this wine is quite stately and attractive. Well done! List price on this wine is $18 but I found it for $9 which is more reasonable as this is not a great pinot gris.

Wente Cabernet Sauvignon "Southern Hills" 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:34:19 +0000

Nicely pigmented with that bold Cab hue with aromas of bold blackberry above the rim with a nuanced gentler cherry berry underneath.

Palate--A rather stately or modest first impression well crafted as I would expect but really needs to open up. Integrated and silky tannins making this Cab go down OH SO easily. Finishes with a more robust blast of acid (in all the right ways.) With lingering plum trailing off.

Listed around $20, I found it for $13 and wish I would have bought more. Pairing it with charcoal grilled short cut steak so Raise a Glass!

PETIOLE Pinot Noir "Willamette Valley" 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:07:38 +0000

Lighter beautiful, crystalline ruby hue with aromas of subtle bouquet with light ripe raspberry, and sweet cherry & spice, again very subtle.

Palate--Elegant first impression with nice structure and balanced. There's just not a lot happening here. It is a delightful "wine" but as Pinot Noir, I am not sure I would have known that tasting it blind and Pinot is one of the easiest (for me) to identify. Never-the-less at $9 (Trader Joe's) I'd buy it again which means "Raise a glass!"

Javier San Pedro --Randez-- Tempranillo 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 22:07:51 +0000

Dark garnet hue with nice bouquet of seductively slightly savory/sweet fragrance of light raspberry and black cherry.

Palate-Stern acidity is the first impression with a relaxed mid-palate with a melange of berries that is surprisingly thin and fleeting.

After a little more time to breath it is a bit relaxed overall but still relatively thin. Tempranillo is the signature grape of the Rioja and classic bottles can get quite expensive. I am pairing it with Sirloin Steak indoors because of rain and it will be a decent pairing even if a little disappointing at $10. Never-the-less, raise a glass!

Reggiano "Lambrusco" (NV)

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:23:33 +0000

Red wine (LOL) with sweet, berry aromas...

Palate--Simple, not offensive, sweet profile with light berry fruit and a refreshing sparkle in the mouth.

OK...This $6 "beverage" is the kind of "wine" someone who doesn't like wine might like! Why? Because it doesn't really taste like wine...very much. LOL OK I am admittedly being a bit snobby but truthfully I enjoyed it with my wife's bacon, cheese, spinach quiche and it was quite delightful.

At $6 from Trader Joe's chill it down, enjoy it poolside or at a BBQ in the glorious hot Summer and raise a glass!

Sheep Ranch "Matchbook" Malbec 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 21:31:31 +0000

Garnet hue with aromas of subtle root beer, ripe berry with a slightly rustic twinge, and berry pie.

Palate--A burst of acidity first impression with bold tannins that need some time, tightly wound, restrained fruit all of which points to a wine not quite ready to be enjoyed as much as it could.

This Malbec (not the usual grape you think of when you think California) but it is well constructed and just needs more time in bottle like a couple years... This wine lists around $18 and might be worth it if you have the time to try one now and lay a couple bottles down. I believe you would be rewarded if you have the inclination.

RAIMUND PRÜM Riesling. "Essence" 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:34:54 +0000

This German Riesling is a beautiful golden hue with a bouquet of nice tropical fruit hints, subtle citrus, with sweet baby powder notes on an apple pie crust bouquet.

Palate--A seductive first impression with a classic "off dry" presence with subtle tropical fruit melange that is more shallow than I would have expected. It finishes quickly and is very nice yet disappointingly "one dimensional."

At $15 I would expect a bit more as Mosel (Germany) Riesling is one of my favorite white wines. It lacks the acidity that I look for in a nice Riesling but since it has been a while since I have had this grape I am sure it will pair well with my Chinese dinner take out so raise a glass!

EPICURO "Aglianico" Puglia 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:06:25 +0000

Intense and beautiful, cytaline youthful purple hue with aromas of blackberry and a spicy presence.

Palate--First impression is rich and metallic with gobs of ripe blackberry through and through.

This youthful Aglianico is a touch thin, and quickly fleeting but then again this is a $6 Trader Joe's offering which is a delicious casual, and affordable red wine for Pizza although I am pairing it with my homemade Beef stroganoff.

Serve this when you need an affordable but reliable wine with casual company, and hors d'oeuvres with friends who are there for the company and not the food. Raise a glass!

Three Finger Jack "Wild Country" RED BLEND 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 22:19:28 +0000

Really pretty translucent garnet with expansive bouquet of lush ripe red berry, sweet plum, mellow savory spice,

Palate--A touch watery in the mouth as first impression with rigid acidity, but loads of rich ripe red and black fruit, with a hint of those spices in the bouquet on the rear palate. Finishes quickly but leaves your palate clean!

I paid $15 for this Lodi (California) creation and it is tasty, a well crafted. It is very young but drinking nicely even in its youth. It should drink well for the next 4-5 years I would say. I will be pairing it with our traditional Sunday night pizza and it will do quite well. This would be a versatile wine working with a host of robust meats and sauces, strong cheeses, or all by itself so raise a glass!

Porto Morgado LBV 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:11:05 +0000

Deep deep eggplant hue with aromas full of dark ripe berries, a touch of raisiny richness but needs to warm up (from cellar temp which is 55 degrees)

Palate--Intensely rich with massive ripe black berry on a silky foundation that sits "thick"in the mouth. It is wondrously textured, sweet but simple in that it is not complex never-the-less begs to be drunk.

I have been drinking bottles and bottle of Porto Morgado ports for years because they are offered routinely at Trader joes for an absurd price of $7 several years ago, to a still ultra value price of $9. This *LBV (*Late Bottled Vintage Port) is again offered at a ridiculous price of $16. I have NEVER seen this wine at Trader Joe's for the many years I have been shopping there. I was giddy as a school boy seeing this for the first time and at such a TJ's value price. See it; grab it, drink it; buy more! Raise a glass!

For a desert treat, drink port with strawberries, or bleu cheese or my favorite, semisweet dark chocolate which is lovely!

Late means that, unlike true vintage Port (aged two years before bottling and released to be aged much longer), producers release LBV four to six years after the vintage.

Once bottled, LBV should be ready to drink, not several years down the road. LBV that is true to its name should have some of the character of a vintage—balanced fruit and tannin from a single year and good depth of flavor.

CLAYHOUSE Adobe Red Blend 2020

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:51:21 +0000

Intense deep purple with garnet glow. Aromas of strong black cherry and ripe plum.

Palate--Supple first impression with lovely integration and structure. Uber fruity all over with straight forward ripe fruit all around. Well made and easy to drink and will pair well with my home made onion/bacon tart (pizza).

This wine is a bit of a mystery of what the "blend" is. My guess would be Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon but I could be out to lunch...

I paid $8 for this but it runs around $20. It's a super value at $8 and decent at $20 so raise a glass!!!

Chateau HYOT Reserve 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:36:23 +0000

A surprising brick red at the rim which is premature in my book. Aromas of dark fruit,

Palate--Surprisingly bitter front as first impression with soft tannins, rich berries mid palate and a thin construction,with not a lot going on here. I want to be generous and say perhaps that it needs more time, but I am not seeing more time as helping.

Perhaps my above review explains why I have seen this wine at $45 on line and then again I have seen it at $27 and even less than that. I am pairing this with a charcoal grilled Sirloin and I am hoping that it is better with food (as most Bordeaux wines are.)

With dinner--this wine is much more friendly but not great even at the $14 price point I found it at.

Flor DE Zalin (Red blend) 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:28:46 +0000

Light on the pour with ruby presentation with aromas of dark berries with an edge of shadowy spices.

Palate--with a firm presentation of very berry flavors which are rather nondescript.

This Spanish red is a blend of 40% Carignan (pronounced Car-in-YAN) 40% Syrah and 20% Grenache. The Syrah seems to have gotten lost, the Grenache is the backbone of fruity goodness, and the Carignan is a classic blending grape.

I expected more from this wine, but it is unremarkable and at $12 from Trader Joe's, I would give it a pass. I am having it with venison/bacon burgers and cheese curds! Meah...

"OVZ" Old Vine Zinfandel 2022 (LODI)

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:09:18 +0000

Lighter garnet hue with nice aromas of lively almost perfumy sweet red berry, and a berry fruit compote.

Palate--Nice acidity, with expressive foundation, of juicy cherry berry and "sweet" yet not sweet mid-palate that is enchanting. Although it is lighter bodied it is fully expressive of very nice fruit!

I bought this at an out of state liquor store for $11 which is a great price for this *LODI--Oak Ridge Winery--creation. I paid $11 for it and I am glad I bought at least two bottles. Raise a glass!

*LODI is one of many California AVA's (American Viticultural Area) which are select areas of grape growing that have met certain stringent requirements to get the particular designation. In this instance it means that a certain percentage (usually very high) of the grapes used in the wine-making have to be from this particular location. NAPA for example is a well known AVA but there are over 200 around the country. Wines from an AVA are reliably "better" than say a label showing just "California." Generally speaking, means the grapes used in that wine can be from anywhere in California.

Logan Farrell Chardonnay (NAPA Valley) 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:35:24 +0000

Straw hue with aromas of Lemon and tropical fruit compote with citrus flower notes.

Palate--Lacking structure right out of the gate, flaccid in the mouth, not impressive and not worthy of the NAPA branding. Still Lemon beam mid-palate but then gets overwhelmed by the lack of character.

I just reviewed this review with a previous review I did of this same wine a year ago. Sadly very consistent. I am glad I only bought a couple bottles. Live and learn!

Rossino Merlot (Veneto) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:13:25 +0000

Light but pleasant fruity bouquet with a hint of gentle spice on a crystalline ruby hue.

Palate--Acidic first impression withgood fruit but quite angular and needs anoter year or two to settle down. Finish is quick, uncomplicated and drinkable.

This Italian red from the Veneto region lists at $17 which is high but I paid $8 for it which is a nice price. Buy two, drink one now and lay the other one down for a couple years. Raise a glass!

Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:08:28 +0000

Crystalline ruby hue with aromas of raspberry/strawberry with a candy like fragrance in the bouquet.

Palate--Surprising acidity with non-descript subdued flavors.

New Zealand makes some spectacular wines; this is not one of them...

$25 list. I paid $12 for it and that was too much...

Tips on ordering Restaurant wine off the menu

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 17:44:15 +0000

(By the way, this ^ is a horrible wine menu that is meaningless...)

Restaurant's are make a killing on their alcohol, that's not a surprise. And if you're like me, I love a decent glass of wine with my dinner. But being as aware as I am of the retail costs of LOTS of wines, I really cannot get myself to pay 2 1/2 to 3 times the retail cost of a drink (or bottle) at many restaurants.

In my vast experience the average mark-up on wine in restaurants is generally at LEAST double of what you could buy the bottle for in your local shop or supermarket. And if you want wine by the glass, I have seen a glass of wine sell for $8-$12 in a restaurant when I could buy the bottle for that...

So let's talk about the lame excuses I have heard justifying their expense.

#1 We have to keep an inventory which means they have to be handled differently and be kept refrigerated. REALITY? I was sitting in a James Beard award winning restaurant which I went to specifically because it was an award winner of what used to be a prestigious merit. But as I am sitting at my table I am staring right at the kitchen grill and above the grill maybe 4 feet over it were racks of bottles of wine. Seriously? Stewed grape juice anyone?

#2. I sometimes inquire about their prices and not often but enough to mention that I have been told, "Well we have specially trained people to handle the wine orders and of course that costs money."

REALITY: The most recent restaurant I was in on a special occasion with my wife where I had been told this, the wine service was inept; The person didn't even know how to properly remove a cork much less present the bottle, much less pour your glasses. (Suggestion--Don't let the restaurant pour your wine after the first taste for whoever ordered it, politely tell the person, "I'll pour our wine from this point, Thank you."

Why? I can nurse a glass of wine pre-dinner and still have plenty left for dinner and whoever you have along with you. The restaurant's job is to sell wine; that's where the big profit margin lies. I have NO problem with that! But I want to be the one to portion out our wine knowing the people I am with and how much they would like and when.

The worst excuse I ever heard: #3 This was not at a restaurant but in a column about why wine prices are so high in restaurants. "Well a sommelier (if they are actually a genuine Sommelier (pronounced. Soh-MAHL-Yay) which takes ridiculous study and examinations to become a genuine one, and they are worth their weight in gold! And hence they are WELL PAID deservedly so! But, I am a common person with a common income and I have only ever been to two restaurants in my life that actually had a genuine "Master of Sommelier" on staff.

And if you ever wondered how many glasses of wine you get from a 750ml bottle, the industry standard is 4, 5-ounce pours or 5, 4-ounce pours.

Now the secrets to reading a wine list. These are "general" observations: Always preview the wine list on line of the restaurant to which you are planning to go. Compare the prices of their wines to retails prices. Again--expect 100% mark up over retail prices. Anything less than that is a relative bargain!

Beware when you are ordering a bottle making SURE the bottle they bring you is the bottle you ORDERED off the list! Meaning--if you saw a bottle of "XYZ Pinot Noir vintage 2020" and they bring out a bottle of the same name but a different year you can and should refuse it!

Why-- because I ordered a bottle of wine at a plush restaurant in L.A. which I specifically ordered being very aware of the quality and price of the wine for the particular year. It was a bargain! I was excited to have it coming to the table but when the presenter showed me the bottle which is standard procedure they do so precisely to make sure they are bringing you what you ordered. Well it was a different vintage. I happened to know the bottle they were trying push on me was substantially inferior and a less expensive Pinot from the same vintner. I refused it of course and their answer was that they had run out of the vintage I ordered. That's shameless! So beware of the bait and switch.

Finally: Hot Tip!

Restaurants often put the "bargain wines" further down the wine list so you might be less likely to choose it. Also remember that a wine that seems to be the popular wine of the day eg. White Zinfandel, Prosecco, a generic Rosé just to name a few, are likely to also be jacked up due to their popularity.

ECLIPSE Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:05:14 +0000

Intense Deep magenta hue with yeasty nose on opening that mellows out to a fruit laden fresh berry with cherry nuances.

Palate--I love the first impression as it is integrated and supple with balanced texture and tannins which are mature with simple and straight forward fruit that is tasty and lovely. Finishes with a clean albeit fleeting finish.

I snagged this lovely Montepulciano wine for $12 and it is a super value! It was perfect with my Puttanesca. It is at its very best right now but will hold for another couple years. Raise a glass!

MAN Family Chenin Blanc (Cape Coast) 2025

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:24:09 +0000

Lovely sunny hue with nice aromas of flowery, lemony, baby powdery nose!

Palate--Supple structure with perfectly integrated acidity on a lemon drop foundation asking to be quaffed more!

Chenin Blanc is one of my very favorite white wine grapes and while I am very heavy on red wine reviews, when I do whites they better be well made, juicy, tasty and begging to be drunk.

At $10 this is an excellent grab for the money so chill it down a touch, serve it all alone or with a variety of comestible choices. Whatever you do--Raise a glass!!!

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:23:06 +0000

7 years down the road and this Cab from NAPA and the hallowed Ch. Montelena which put NAPA Valley wine on the global map having beaten the best of France's wines.. (Chardonnay to be exact which I will be reviewing at a latter date.)

It is an inky dark black with a DEEP purple hue. Aromas of (too cold let it warm up)

Palate--first impression at cellar temp. is well crafted Napa Cab. seductively integrated with yet to come MUCH MORE if you have the patience...

This wine seems to list as high as $150... Obviously it was a gift from my son who many years ago got the winecask.blogspot.com off the ground technologically.

If you're inclined to be a wine geek, You should enjoy the Movie "Bottle Shock." It is the (essentially) TRUE story of the famous "Judgement of Paris" wherein Ch. Montelana's Chardonnay beat out the greatest French wines made. It changed the world of wine and put Napa Valley on the map! You'll love it! Raise a glass!

Sin Zin Zinfandel 2021 (Sonoma)

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:40:36 +0000

Darker magenta hue with aromas of robust ripe dark berry, and a hint of cherry.

Palate--Gentle first impression with a soft texture, a bold mid-palate full of dark Zinfandel goodness and a touch of tart raspberry finishing quickly.

I think I paid $15 for this but saw it in the past couple days at a local store for $22. That's over priced but at $15 and under it's a raise a glass kind of bold wine which I am pairing with my homemade venison chili. Raise a glass!

EPICURO NERO D'AVOLA (Silicia DOP) 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:06:50 +0000

Light to medium bodied hue of cranberry jelly with aromas of vibrant Cherry/berry, cranberry, violets, and nuanced blueberry pie.

Palate--Acidic foundation with a solid fruit beam of all that's in the nose, with a longer lsting finish than the price point would predict.

This Trader Joe's regular offering I have been buying for years. It is always a nice value and drinks easily pairing with many cheeses, dishes, or by itself. At $7-8 it is a must buy! I am having it with charcoal grilled chicken BBQ'd.

Pronounced, NERo Da VO la it is the signature grape of Sicily. Grab it, enjoy it and raise a glass!