The Wine Cask Blog

ECLIPSE Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 23:15:30 +0000

Brilliant beautiful ruby hue with aromas of tart red fruit with notes of bright cherry and red berry.

Palate--A supple first impression with a vibrant acidity supporting lively red berry and a quick finish.

This Trader Joe's offering at $12 is a value which I just reviewed in early September which I tend to review ALL my wines no matter how many times I may have had them. It helps me to keep a check on my olfactory consistency which keeps me inline on my reviews.

I am pairing this tonight with my own created "meatloaf" a name for a cuisine that is NOT enticing to me. Too many bad memories of my mother's marginal cooking. LOL. I believe it will do well with my own created meatloaf so raise a glass!

Grifone Primitivo 2025

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:43:03 +0000

Crystalline purple hue with cherry berry fruity bouquet and entle spices.

Palate--Tart first impression with mouth watering acidity and restrained fruit but solidly built. Finishes quickly but this needs a couple years to come into its own.

"Primitivo" and Zinfandel are identical grapes at the DNA level! In other words, Primitivo you might say is the (Italian) great grand-daddy of our home grown (California) Zinfandel. There are similarities but they are quite different. Why? Because of the many variables in climate differences between California and Puglia Italy. AND--because the difference in the style and touch of our domestic vintners. Now to be fair, I have never had but a couple Primitivos so I wouldn't say I can give a fair review of the differences between our Zin and Italy's Primtivo.

But I can say that this Primitivo which is an offering from Trader Joe's at $6 so you can hardly go wrong. Pairing it with our Sunday night pizza and it will be just fine! Raise a glass!

Corvelia Zinfandel Paso Robles Lot 23

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:44:00 +0000

Nicely pigmented deep purple with aromas of good dark berry, and subtle hints of coffee.

Palate--First impression is nicely balanced and well made with robust dark fruit with gentle spice and classic Zinfandel mouth filling glory.

I LOVE this Zin from Trader Joes as it is classic Zin at a bargain price with nice qualities and while the finish is short it is still a very nice example of the Zinfandel grape. At $10 this is a must buy if you have the opportunity. Pairing with with venison cheeseburgers, and baked cheese curds! Raise a glass!

The world has lost one of the great enophiles' enophile!

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 20:12:09 +0000

PISSARRES 2019 (Priorat)

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:25:07 +0000

Deep dark aubergine hue with a big floral bouquet of intense dark berry, cola, and sweet spice.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity, balanced mid palate, bold fruit and bold structure.

This Spanish "Grenache" blend is a classic grenache structured to be served best with food or appetizers rather than all by itself. Well made, and an appreciated gift for my birthday from a friend who shares the same birthdate. Happy birthday my friend! Thank you! Raise a glass!

Too early for Thanksgiving wine advice??? NAH!

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:51:27 +0000

If you are planning a very traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with Turkey and all the assorted sides, You need to abandon the adage saying, "White meat, white wine..." This couldn't be worse advice considering all the hefty spices, gravies and sauces at Thanksgiving. In fact, because of that very fact, a red wine is the best pairing but not just any red wine. So without getting too complicated--and boring--I'll cut to the chase.

RULE #1. When thinking about pairing think more about the sauces and spices in your meal than the meat!

A host of red wines work well like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot. All of these varietals have a pretty broad range, except maybe the Zinfandel. However, I put Zinfandel on the list because it works well with cranberry sauce and heavy starches like mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. And as far as bang for the buck, my go to is Zinfandel.

In order to make things even more festive at the table, I suggest you offer guests two wine options. Most people fall into one of three categories: I'm a red wine drinker... I'm a white wine drinker... I don't drink alcoholic beverage... NOTE--There are "non-alcoholic" wines out there but they are awful in my opinion. BUT--a good host will be sensitive to the teetotaler and have some kind of options ready.

As a rule of thumb, plan for at least a half bottle per person while at the table. That may seem like a lot but, there are only 4-- 5oz. pours or 5-- 4oz. pours in a 750ml bottle! So which two wines? Try offering one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Pinot Noir, perhaps both from American wineries in the spirit of the holiday. While there a many very nice $12 Pinot Noirs, stay away from the bottom of the barrel wines. If you are able, staying in the $15 - $20 price range offers a myriad of decent wines and an actual wine store should be able to steer you in the right direction. For what it's worth, Washington State is making some really good value Cabs at this price point. Oregon the same with Pinot Noirs. California of course offers just about everything. Don't spend money needlessly trying to impress your friends who more than likely have no idea fo what is a good wine and what is plonk. Want a very unscientific tip? Avoid wines with animals on the label... or a foot prints... (eg. Bare foot brand wines are plonk FWIW...)

A reliable axiom is-- when in doubt, sparkling wines tend to pair quite well with a broad spectrum of spices that can be hard to pair with other wines. Spanish CAVA's (eg. Freixenet is a reliable value--see below) and "MUMM's Brut Prestige" is always reliable at around #$20 or under.)

While wines at the dinner table are often the focal point, don't forget that you can create a special experience with wines before and after the meal. A nice bubbly is a great way to start the festivities, especially with assorted appetizers or finger food.

To finish things off, try a nice dessert wine, something sweet but light, for example a muscat or icewine, should help wash down the pie. Do this before the coffee.

Above all else- It is a time for special consideration of the King of all Creation who came to Earth to redeem all who put their trust in Him. Raise a glass to a Thanksgiving table complete with wine!

Il Barone La Amorosa Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:09:38 +0000

An intense deep purple to nearly black with aromas of ripe blackberry, and nuanced plum.

Palate--Silky foundation first impression with integrated profile and everything well balanced. In the mouth the fruit is seductively present but nuanced.

This wine is drinking well but will benefit from another 3 years plus on the shelf. I will be pairing this *gift wine which has a price point over $100. I will be paring it with a way too expensive boneless ribeye, in the process of being brined before pan seared and served. It will be an excellent experience. Raise a Glass!

*The benefactor of this wine was one of the foundational partners in this blog many years ago which now has over 3.5 million views.

Cross Springs Zinfandel Lake County 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:56:26 +0000

Nice Ruby/garnet hue with aromas of blackberry with a blueberry suggestion. Sweet spice at the end.

Palate--Solid first impression with flavors of rich ripe blackberry and hints of sweet/savory spice finishing quickly.

This is bit of a different review from the last time I had this which is why I review all my wines every time. It was a super steal at $7.50 a bottle listed at $18. I would be disappointed if I had paid the list price for it but I didn't so raise a glass!

Messias "Tawny" Porto

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:19:11 +0000

Classic "Tawny" hue with aromas of dried orange peel, a slightly "baked" fruit nuance above the rim, with hints of a more classic "*Porto" bouquet.

Palate--Super sweet initial first impression is a super silky mouth-feel that is thickish and almost syrup like. The fruit is strangely suppressed with nothing really "popping" on the palate and the finish is also quite fleeting.

I am not familiar with this producer nor the wine in particular. While it is delicious for to this big fan of Port wine, it is rather vapid--and yet as already stated, well crafted.

This wine cost me $15 and I am glad that I tried it. I am not disappointed at this price point.

NOTE Port wine is a classy "dessert wine" pairing REALLY well with anything of a chocolate nature, but also a variety of cheeses like a good Stilton, bleu cheese, and even a number of fruits. Try this with dried figs, with a honey and bleu cheese touch then cleanse your palate with this port after taking a bite. I think you'll be hooked. Raise a glass!

*There are in supermarkets some wines labeled "PORT" but they are NOT!!! They are awful and sugary and nasty. Any authentic "Port" wine will read "PORTO" on the label. If it does not, pass it up.

OZV Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:50:45 +0000

This Lodi Zinfandel presents with a dark purple hue with aromas of pure Zinfandel fruit with gentle spiciness, and a nearly perfumy. bouquet of fresh bright dark berry fruit.

Palate--Supple mouth fell with an integrated palate very unusual for a wine this young. Kudos to the winemaker!!! Pure Zin goodness with plenty of room for more age but is delightful as it is.

I paid a ridiculous $8 for this wine listed at $15 and I would not have been disappointed if I had paid more than the list. Pairing it with my favorite venison chili rich with roasted cumin seed which is stratospheric all by itself. OK, suffice it to say RAISE A GLASS!

Terra Starkenburg Riesling 2025

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:28:30 +0000

Very pale straw hue with aromas of lovely sweet citrus, with tropical fruit nuances, and a perfumy powdery note that is enticing.

Palate--Nicely structured with a decent off dry profile with acidity enough to make this is quality food wine OR all by itself. I just opened this at cellar temperature which is a chilly 55 degrees so it is a bit tightly wound until it warms up a touch.

In a half hour or so this will be even better than it is right now out of the wine fridge. I am pairing it with oven roasted chicken thighs and root vegetables. It will be lovely so raise a glass at a ridiculous $6 a bottle at Trader Joes. Raise a case at this price!

(Previously reviewed with consistent notes...)

Trapiche "Broquel" Malbec 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:11:45 +0000

Lovely garnet/ruby hue with aromas of Dark berry, plum, a hint of coffee, and finessed savory spice.

Palate--This young Malbec needs time to work everything out but first impression is slightly acidic, but fighting to mature. Needs a couple years at least to. be appreciated.

Trapiche and Argentina is all about Malbec! Well crafted Malbec I sometimes think of the poor man's Cabernet. This one is a bit confounding and really just needs time. I am pairing it with venison blended bacon cheese burgers with cheese curds. List on this wine is $17 which would be really disappointing at this time but I paid $9 for it and while it is still disappointing, it is well made and needs to come of age. Be patient!

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Lot 23

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 22:07:36 +0000

Deep purple hue with aromas of bright expressive blackberry and plum and a floral bouquet.

Palate--Decent structure with decent blackberry and plum flavors on a decently structured foundation.

At $10 Corvelia makes a nice product so raise a glass!

Gaetano D' Aquino Chianti Riserva 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 22:06:17 +0000

Slightly opaque garnet hue with *bricking at the rim. Simple bouquet of cherry and dark berry both subtle.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity, with a relaxed structure, supple mouth feel, and essentially no finish.

This is a perennial Trader Joe's offering and in the past (many years ago) it was quite a steal at the $7 price point and I used to embibe of many bottles of it annually. If you are on a tight budget, go ahead and serve this with cheese and crackers with friends or even with light tomato based pasta dishes. It is not going to enhance the food but it won't hurt it either.

*Bricking is the oxidation of red wine as it ages turning a light yellow to brown at the rim first and then increasingly more. A wine this young should not be bricking but then again, a Chianti really shouldn't run $7 a bottle.

Castello di Querceto "Quercetino" 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:21:01 +0000

Deep Garnet with aromas of Cherry with art raspberry bouquet that is quite lovely.

Palate--Predictable acidic foundation, with subdued flavors all around. Nothing stands out at all but I just opened this so in its youth it probably needs to open up a great deal.

This blend is 40% Sangiovese, 40% Merlot and 20% Syrah which explains a LOT. But in fairness my taster may be off today... It is soft and easy drinking but it's just not going it for me but then again I was expecting Sangiovese.

I probably paid around $12 for this and as it stands it is marginal, but again it could be ME... Caveat Emptor!

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!