The Wine Cask Blog

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!

Famille Perrin Cotes Du Rhône Réserve 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:25:00 +0000

Scintillating ruby hue with aromas of raspberry, tomato jelly, a touch of bakery bouquet, and

Palate--Mouth watering acidity, tightly wound (young profile) a touch flat (again due to youthfulness) and a very quick finish.

This is the classic GSM Rhone blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) just seems flat even for such a young wine, especially as "Reserve" wine at that. I think it will improve as it ages another year but not even sure of that.

I think I paid around $12 for this and it's pretty darn good, for a distinguished history of the producer. I will pair it with roasted chicken thighs and root vegetables and it will show better than it is all by itself.

Clemente VII Chianti Classico 2021

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:36:00 +0000

Opaque deep purple with aromas of dried cherry, rustic spices and wood.

Palate--Silky tannins, rigid acidity, nice mid palate vibrancy, with lingering finish.

At the $20 price point it is a lovely Chianti Classico and it was paired with a stew my daughter made with polish sausage. It was a perfect compliment so raise a glass!

LAGUNILLA Reserva 2018 (Rioja)

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:28:00 +0000

This Rioja (pronounced Ree-oh-hah) has a slightly *bricked garnet hue with aromas of savory spicy, ripe cherry/berry with fresh dough in the middle, accented with more spices and hints of wood.

Palate--Acidic foundation in front with integrated fruit throughout, mature tannins, and a lasting finish that cries out, take another quaff!

Tempranillo is the signature grape of the Rioja and some can get very pricey. This is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha, (Grenache) and another blending grape. At the $15 price point this is a very nice wine being excellent with food more than a sip on its own kind of wine. If you manage to find one with this kind of age on it grab it and be rewarded. Raise a glass.

*Bricking is a term describing the "brick red" hue again red wines will reveal showing that their time is limited. This one is peak and will hold and improve for another couple years so drink up!

Tortoise Creek Zinfandel 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:51:00 +0000

Crystalline ruby hue with aromas of vibrant Zin fruit, with a tart nuanced cranberry notes, but overall just pure quality Zinfandel at a ridiculously bargain price.

Palate--Balanced, lovely first impression of purity and prudence, but ready to drink Zinfandel even better than a previous review of this wine back in January.

I bought a couple cases of this the first time around and then my source dried up. I stumbled upon it again and bought another case. For $7-- That's SEVEN DOLLARS--this is just a crazy value. If you happen upon it, grab all you can. Even at twice the price, this is a very nice Zinfandel so raise a glass!

BTW--Pairing it with braised, smoked pork hocks over egg noodles and it will be glorious!

Badiolo Chianti Riserva 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 22:49:00 +0000

Brilliant cherry juice hue with aromas of lightly rustic, cherry/blackberry bouquet, with a sweet mid-glass sweet floral flowers.

Palate--Very nice first impression weighing lightly on the palate, with robust structure although a bit thin in the flavor profile somewhat unusual for the many Chiant's I have had over the decades. It could be it's youthfulness and needs a couple more years to come around.

It is never-the-less a very light but delightful Chianti and will be nicce with my homemade pizza tonight. I paid $13 for this marked down from $19. Raise a glass!

Cross Springs Zinfandel (Lake County) 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:09:00 +0000

Brilliant ruby with pleasant aromas of cranberry, sweet spice, bread dough, spiced apples.

Palate--A touch tart (in a good way) first impression, nicely structured, lighter body, nice spicy Zinfandel fruit, quick finish.

If you follow this blog you know that I am heavy on the Zinfandel reviews. This sale Zin was listed at $18 at an out of state liquor store so I grabbed a couple bottles. I am glad I did not pay the aforementioned price but am super glad I bought two bottles at $7.50 each! Pairing it with my fabulous French onion and bacon tart (pizza) with blenderized cottage cheese and sour cream on top of which goes a ton of previously crisped bacon bits.

What's not to love? Raise a glass!

Warres Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2010

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 01:14:00 +0000

Inky Dark blackish purple with aromas of rich ripe raisins, prunes, rose petal and spiced apple rings.

Palate--Thickish, intensely sweet but balanced acidity with mouth filling rich, ripe lovely raisiny, pruney, fruit.

The beauty of late bottled vintage porto (LBV) is that you get some of the glory of expensive, very aged vintage port at a fraction of the cost.

I don't remember what I paid for this treat but I am sure it was not the listed reference price of $36, perhaps $22!

Whatever it is a lovely treat and can be enjoyed all by itself, or even better with semi-sweet dark chocolate, or try it with strawberries and whipped cream! You will swoon!!! Raise a glass!

Inscription Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) 2023

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:10:00 +0000

Lighter bodied, light ruby hue with a subtle and fleeting tangerine rind, with a sharper tart strawberry nuance.

Palate--slightly tart first impression with a somewhat tightly wound raspberry mid palate. Finish is fleeting.

This is not a great example of the storied Willamette Valley AVA known for some really nice Pinots.

Fortunately I padi only $9 for this otherwise $17 wine. Even at $9 it is a pass. I am pairing it with cheese curds, 4 cheese tortellini, with shrimp and green peas in a self created cheese sauce.

I previously reviewed this wine back in December and had the same basic review so.........

Canto Del Principe "TRE CIPRESSI" Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 2019

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:38:00 +0000

This lovely cherry hued Brunello has bright red fruit, cinnamon, cherry, mulled wine, and leather with a classic "bricking" at the rim.

Palate--Integrated, very relaxed tannins, bright cherry and berry filling the mouth.

This is a delicious and inexpensive Brunello which is why although it is made well, it is rather shallow when you know what Brunello can be...and you'll pay handsomely for it.

I paid around $18 for it and it is decent for the money but not a representation of how fabulous the grape can be. But like I said, Brunellos can age well and you'll pay MUCH more than this $18 sample.

I am pairing it with Ny strip steaks made in doors in a hot iron skillet. The pairing should be glorious so raise a glass!

"The Originals" Horse Heaven Hills RED WINE 2022

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:03:00 +0000

A dark, eggplant hue with amazingly big black berry and caramel aromas wafting up from the glass. Blackberry cobbler at the edge.

Palate-- Minerally front, confusing mid palate, with a shockingly tepid impression in the mouth. Essentially NO finish.

This is one of the strange wines that are amazing before you taste them. And then on the palate it is a huge flop. This might explain why it was marked down to $7. Horse Heaven Hills is a very respectable AVA in Washington state and known for some value cabernets Even at $7 this is a dud!

What's the Best Wine for Superbowl Sunday?

noreply@blogger.com (PB) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:14:00 +0000

BEER! Go Pats!