The Wine Cask Blog

Member's Mark RIESLING 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 23 May 2026 22:39:02 +0000

Very pale goal hue with aromas of faint --off dry tropical fruit, pineapple, green apple.

Palate-A tiny bit of "life" in the palate with a steely first impression, flaccid in every way, almost nothing there, unremarkable, no finish.

The bottle is blue glass which is odd in and of itself as wines from the Mosel--the premier wine region of Germany-- is typically bottled in green glass.

This Member's Mark Magnum is very pass uppable... (I made that word up...)

PERSEVERANCE Rioja Reserva 2018

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:36:34 +0000

Opaqueish garnet with bricking in the bowl. Aromas of smoky red berry and some mature ie., aged wine showing its time in the bottle.

Palate--Acidic first impression with a mature presence on a sturdy foundation and a fleeting finish.

Cherry/berry front palate with bold structure and loads of mouth watering, sustaining influences for a number of years of improvement.

I paid $10 for this bargain Rioja ($23) made from 100%Tempranillo (pronounced Tem-pra-NEE-O and is a nice compromise between "Old World--must be aged a decade" and "New World-- at it's prime close to release."

I reviewed this wine a couple years ago and it is aging so I would open it and drink it over the next several months though should hold for another year.... Raise a glass!

Columbia Crest "Grand Estates" Merlot (Washington State) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 18 May 2026 22:21:13 +0000

Cherry hue with aromas of vibrant blackberry, sweet musty fruit.

Palate--Nice first impression with nice structure and prominent juicy mid palate with loads of black cherry goodness. Finishes quickly but ends well.

"Columbia Crest" Is the summit of Mt. Rainer rising 14,400 feet above sea level. It is a trademark of sorts of Washington State. I climbed it when I lived out there in the early 80's with a team of experienced climbers traversing the "Gib Chute" a semi-technical route. My name is in the log book at the summit for posterity.

Like the gorgeous mountain it is, Columbia Crest makes reliable, great value wines and this is not exception. At $10--raise glass!

Castello di Amorosa Sangiovese (Napa Valley) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 13 May 2026 22:31:15 +0000

Jewel like gorgeous ruby hue with ample aromas of cherry, red berry, some sweet spice, finessed bouquet of more tantalizing red berries and maybe a touch of earth.

Palate--Stately first impression unlike an Italian Sangiovese with a more relaxed foundation and not nearly as acidic as a Chianti. Needs more time to come into the fullness of a delicious wine.

This creation from Napa Valley is made superbly well, more "crafted" than made, and a gift from my son. Not sure of the price but the quality says--higher than I am used to paying. What a treat! Raise a glass!

Layer Cake Shiraz (S. Australia) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 11 May 2026 22:26:00 +0000

Nice dark garnet hue with aromas of dense dark berry fruit, slightly stinky cheese (in a good way)

Palate--brooding fruit on a dense foundation with acidity galre, young, waiting to erupt with a balancing act as it ages. It is dense and thickish...

This is not the best an Aussie Shiraz can show but at this price point of $7 marked down from $19, it needs a couple more years to balance out some of its angularity.

Chateau Moncontour Les Ruchettes "Vouvray" 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 11 May 2026 22:19:00 +0000

Pale straw hue with gentle aromas of citrus, vanilla an a sweet presence of spring flowers.

Palate--Lively first impression with a slight spritzig (fiz) on a delicious if subdued lemon/lime foundation with a fleeting finish.

Served this with bouillabaisse made by my daughter and the soup was wonderful and the wine was a nice complement to the dish. Around $18 this Chenin Blanc--the signature grape of the French Vouvray region is a lovely white that can run the gamut of styles but always reliable as a fresh, palate cleansing quaff so raise a glass!

Sonoma Grove Zinfandel (Sonoma County) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 09 May 2026 22:21:00 +0000

Brilliant crystalline garnet hue with ample aromas wafting over the rim of bright cherry nuances, and stewed tomato juice with sweet spice lacing.

Palate--Relaxed structure on first impression with a solid mid palate of confused fruit fruit, with a slightly lingering finish that is equally ambiguous.

Previously reviewed this in October of 2025 with similar ambiguity and conclusion. It's an okay quaff for $8 but not classic Zin. You decide.

Broadbent Douro Reserve 2019

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 07 May 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Deep aubergine purple hue with aromas of brambly dark brooding berry fruit on a rustic foundation, and a hint of violets in the bouquet.

Palate--Dark berries on the palate bursting with youthful poignancy even with 6 years of aging. It has an elegant first impression with a bold profile that will keep this wine going for another 5 years or more.

The Touriga Nacional is the signature grape of the Douro region of Portugal. This is a " crafted" wine with finesse and staying power. I paid $11 for this $25 wine elsewhere. It will be great with my wife's roasted chicken thighs and root vegetable so raise a glass!

Badiolo Chianti (Riserva) 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 02 May 2026 21:40:00 +0000

Thin and watery looking on the pour showing a slightly "bricked" rim on a diminished garnet frame. Aromas of milk chocolate (unusual for Chianti) with a floral touch of spring red flowers, all on an enticing Sangiovese bouquet.

Palate--Characteristic acidic foundation with a decently balanced palate of tightly wound red berries with a fleeting finish.

I am not sure what to make of this wine as it stands. It is young and should mature into a better profile in another couple years. Right now however I am a little skeptical. It was priced at $19 but reduced to $13.

I just noticed I reviewed this wine in just a couple months ago and my review was considerably different/better.

What to make of it??? I will suspend judgement until the wine has had a chance to open up and see if it is better with my dinner which will be homemade kale and italian sausage soup with cheesy herb bread (also home made) I'll update later on...

Buehler Chardonnay "Russian River" 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 01 May 2026 22:31:00 +0000

Light golden hue with ample aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, vanilla, sweet green apple.

Palate--Classy for the price, nice balanced structure, rigid acidity, vibrant tropical fruit flavors with citrus highlights. Finishes quickly but with class.

Previously reviewed back in June of 2025. Not up to the standards of what I am used to from this producer but a value at $10 so raise a glass. Pairing it with baked Salmon with dill sauce...

Member's Mark Cabernet Sauvignon (Private Reserve) [Sonoma, Alexander Valley] "SallyVine Vineyard" 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:11:00 +0000

Dark garnet hue with aromas of pronounced berry fruit above the rim, intense ripe fruit in the bowl, lovely spice, with more berry fruit.

Palate--A bit tart, with a touch of a watery mouth feel. Nice fruit forward but not quite the expectation of a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sonoma much less Alexander Vineyard.

Well, the pedigree is outstanding, this label tells you MUCH about the wine's origins. AVA specific--Sonoma; Alexander Valley and vineyard specific, Sallyvine Vineyard. Normally a Cab from this pedigree would tun more around $40 and up...

Sam's Club offers it for around $12 and you get what you pay for. My suspicion is that these Sam' Club wines are made specifically for Sam's Club and again these are not like buying other Cabs from the same areas. Caveat emptor!

Tree Fort Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles) 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:12:00 +0000

Garnet hue with some intensity and a bouquet rising from the glass of rich ripe dark berry fruit with gentle spice and a sweet spice overtone like chinese five spice resting on a bread dough base. Nice!

Palate--Decent first impression with a bold presentation mouth filling dark fruit, that lingers with a strong finish.

I paid $8 for this AVA cabernet marked down from $18! At $8 it's a bargain and will be pairing it with pan fried sirloin steak and it will be grand. Raise a glass!

Broadbent Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2017

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:21:00 +0000

Inky dark purple nearly black with beautiful aromas dried currants/raisins, luscious deep ripe plum. I could just sit and sniff this bouquet for a good while...

Palate--Dense, thick profile of mouth watering, rich, luxuriant silky mouthfeel, that is ever so tantalizing. The rich, plum pudding and densely sweet (in all the right ways) on a balanced foundation.

This is a masterfully made LBV and if you love Port--real port...which ends in an "O" or it isn't "real" you will adore this delightful quaff. I love Port with semi-sweet dark chocolate, or strawberries, or rich cheeses like a quality bleu, etal. But I LOVE a quality Porto all by itself as well.

I don't remember what I pad for this but it was around $20 I believe and it is a BARGAIN! Raise a glass!

Lustrous Chardonnay (Russian River Valley Sonoma) 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:11:00 +0000

This Chard from one of my favorite California AVA's is lovely gold hue with pronounced aromas lovely lemon laced with a sweet beam of something like "cherry" ( cinnamon?) almost with crisp green Granny Smith apple on a good chard foundation with a touch of vanilla.

Palate--Mouth watering acidity, nice first impression with structure finesse, lemon galore, vanilla bean and creme brulee nuances.

Because of what I pad for this at Trader Joes, I was lowering my expectations despite its pedigree. NOT disappointing!!! *For $9 this is a BUY a case lot and raise a glass!!!

*The Wine Enthusiast gives this $19 Chard 90 points and for once I AGREE!

Gaetano Di Aquino Chianti "Riserva" 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:14:00 +0000

Brickish red hue with aromas of rustic forest floor with sweet berries, and perhaps a suggestion of wintergreen and spruce.

Palate--Sharp acidity out of the gate with lively structure--though immature--a seriously good fruity foundation that will mature over the next 5 years yielding a super value Chianti from this producer I have followed for years. Finishes quickly yet urges you to keep drinking!

I have been drinking and reviewing this wine since 2009! 17 years of reviewing various vintages at various times and always comes in at the ridiculous price point of about $8! A perennial winning selection from Trader Joe's which I will be pairing with my wife's chicken Cacciatore and it will be superior so raise a glass!

Cross Springs Zinfandel Lake County 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:11:00 +0000

A lighter cherry pour seemingly a little watery, maraschino cherry bouquet, a touch of wood, and space on the end.

Palate--First impression is very nice, with an integrated and supple foundation with prominent Zin goodness, a rather pronounced cherry mid-palate, decent structure and a fairly quick finish but the finish is quite nice.

I was prepared NOT not like this and I cannot even say why. Perhaps it was the somewhat "watery" looking light hue on the pour but the palate is much better than I pre-judged. I paid $7.50 for this bargain Zin which is a steel!

I will be pairing it with my homemade venison chili which uses some Zin in my recipe. The wine pairs very well with the Ancho chili powder, brown sugar, cayenne and bacon. I have had this combination at least 50 times and it never gets old. So grab one or three and raise a glass!

Castle Rock Pinot Noir "Monterey Co." 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:18:00 +0000

Watermelon juice hue on the pour with delicate aromas of strawberry with slight spice. On second glance there seems to be slight "bricking" at the rim, a sign of aging...

Palate--Big out of the gate, with metalic first impression with slightly tart raspberry/strawberry, and a lingering finish that is crisp if quick.

I found this at an out of state liquor store marked down to $7.50. Castle Rock makes super value Pinot's from actual AVA's (American Viticultural Areas) which puts them at a higher level of quality. (Usually...)

At this price, Raise a glass!

Storybrook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel Napa Estate (Mayacamas Range) 2019

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:26:00 +0000

Crystalline hue with the clarity 0f a ruby gem stone. Bouquet is fresh with an interesting but ever so subtle touch of mint in the bowl, with classic spicy Zin fruit, and raspberry on the end.

Palate--First impression is a bit disappointing with a somewhat awkward profile, a tad watery, and never which quite develops. Seriously disappointing. Finishes shallow, and quickly. Hmmm???

What to make of it? Well this wine was listed at $46 as it's normal price but the State liquor store where I love to shop out of state always has some spectacular bargains. This however, even at the $21 I paid for it is--wait for it--disappointing.

Just for kicks I am tasting a much guzzled $10 Zin I love from Trader Joes and candidly, gimme the $10 Zin! I calls em as I tastes em so until this gets marked down to $10 it will not be a repeat.

Corvelia Zinfandel (Paso Robles) Lot 23

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:08:00 +0000

Purple rich hue with a bouquet of pronounced spicy Zin aromas with a hint of coffee I never noticed before and an almost floral, overtone.

Palate-Hefty front palate with nice first impression, mouth watering acidity, chewy tannins, spicy richness with juicy fruit. Finishes with a lingering dark brooding berry goodness.

This was reviewed previously in January of this year. Some stark differences which could be due to any number of things not the least of which is that my body is quite beaten up (fatigued) from caring for my ailing bride with a very serious Leukemia. Living out of a hotel in Boston for a month; trips to Boston weekly now (350 mile RT.) And it takes a toll. Please note the only reason I mention this is because the condition of your body every time you sit down to review a wine all kinds of variables can come into play.

With 2.6 million views to date, I want to educate a bit as well as just give my experienced and professional opinions. At $10 this is a no brainer. Raise a glass!

Saint-Julien Du Domaine Madone Pays D'OC MERLOT 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:18:00 +0000

Opaqueish garnet with purple notes with a bouquet of a touch of years, dried cherries, and dark cherry on the edge.

Palate--Juicy structure with a metallic mid palate, angular in its youth,dried cherry, with lip smacking tannins that are youthful needing some time to mature. Finishes quickly without a lasting impression.

This was marked $20 but marked down to $10. At $10 it's ok. I will pair it with oven roasted chicken thighs and root vegetables.

I'd give this a pass!

LuLu Chardonnay (Washington) 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Delicate golden hue with aromas of tropical fruits, vanilla, citrus and green apple.

Palate--vibrant acidity, with a delicate structure yielding tropical fruit flavors, tangy citrus, and a subtle finish that lingers.

I am making baked salmon with a dill sauce to go with this Washington State Chard. Listed at $19 I paid $9 for it which is the right price point. It doesn't have the oomph to be a $20 Chard. Raise a glass!

Saint-Hillaire Brut 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:44:00 +0000

Gentle golden hue with aromas of lemon/lime, hints of vanilla, with dancing pin-prick bubbles.

Palate--Notes of lemon/lime with a clean citrus, off dry palate, and a fleeting creamy mouth feel.

This was my pairing for our daughter's Easter ham. Saint-Hillaire has a storied and aged history but in the end ya just want to drink it. It was a decent pairing and at $18 a pretty decent value so raise a glass!

*The photo of the wine is set in my daughter's home where she is an accomplished artist. Ya might want to check out her work; it is quite stellar and sit with a glass of bubbly and admire her works.

https://williamsfineartdealers.com/shop

Tortoise Creek Zinfandel LODI 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Pretty magenta/purple hue with aromas of sweetly spiced tomato jam and/or spiced apple rings and lovely Zin fruit through and through.

Palate--Lovely first impression sitting integrated and balanced in the mouth with everything just playing in harmony. Varietal fruit abounds and structure is finessed and lovely.

I bought a couple cases of this over a year ago and the store where I found these was sold out finally. I was bummed. Then a couple months ago they had more of this incredible Zin again at the $7 price point. I had them hunt in their back room as they only had a couple out front. They found more--EUREKA!

I love this Zin and will pair it with my own french onion/bacon tart (pizza) and it is fabulous based on history! Raise a case!!!

BANFI San Angelo PINOT GRIGIO 2024

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 21:47:00 +0000

Pale green hue with aromas of light citrus, green melon, and subtle tropical fruit.

Palate--Tart first impression, with bitter mid palate, a suggestion of tropical fruit, a touch of citrus on a bitter ending.

I am not a fan of Pinot Grigio but I splurged(ish) $20 for this one and it is not even palatable for my liking. I had a Pinot Grigio a couple months back and it was less than $10 I think. It was actually enjoyable. This one is getting dumped. Understand this is not a "flawed" wine, just a very crappy example of Pinot Grigio. AVOID!

FYI. see my review of Gabbiano Pinot Grigio from 2025 for a nice $9 Pinot...

MUMM Sparkling Brut Rosé

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:58:00 +0000

This California sparkler is a pretty pink/orange hue with black cherry fruit wafting above the rim on a hint of citrus and sweet spice.

Palate--pin prick bubbles scintillate the palate making ready for an off dry debut in the mouth. Flavors are subtle on a crisp palate with a fairly quick finish.

I paid $24 for this eye pleasing California bubbly and it's a fresh quaff so raise a glass!