Quick Reviews
Dominique Ferret – Vignoble de Cœur Côtes de Gascogne Rosé – France – 2018
Noseless and tepid, a hint of strawberry but only if you squint.
Evolúció Furmint – Hungary – 2017
Crisp and very clean Hungarian Tokaj, notes of melon and slight grass. Was served over chilled which probably hindered the tasting. Nice floral nose.
Mascota Vineyards OPI Cabernet Sauvignon – Argentina – 2016
Just in time for Christmas I tried this Scrooge of a wine: bitter and unpleasant, and overdue for a visit from the Ghost of Cabs Past. Very disappointing. Nose is black cherry, palate is finely aged gasoline.
Xabregas Spencer Riesling – Australia – 2014
Dull reez with little zip and less character, like a beaten up Volkswagen that’s had its radio stolen.
Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon – Chile – 2015
Nose explodes, filling the room with great fruity notes after uncorking. On the palate it’s more refined and shy, a fairly typical new world cab that is fine for its pedigree but not up to California snuff. Basement must, nuts and black cherry. Paired well with charcuterie at a cheese tasting.
Bodega Garzón Reserva Tannat – Uruguay – 2017
Another incredible Tannat from Uruguay, with heavy notes of plum and other dark fruits. Lacking the smokiness and earth of other Uruguayan Tannats, but it’s still very good. A bit young. Improves with air.
Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional – Portugal – 2016
Fantastic red from Portugal. Nose is complex, smacking your smoother with equal parts fruit and earth. Smooth tannins and notes of blackcurrant and leather. Finish is long but a bit bitter, robbing this of one half star. Otherwise very, very good.
Henry Fessy Gamay Noir – France – 2017
Nose is grape jelly. Everything else isn’t, though. Medium dry, with some earthy notes that take it far away from jammy. Moderate but smooth tannins surprise. A bit of green olive hides beneath the fruit. Not bad, but was expecting more from this grape.
E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France – 2015
Milk chocolate and slight dark earth on the nose. Palate is smooth, silky plum. Tannins come around only at the end. Very good but so-so finish keeps this from a higher score.
Ammunition The Equalizer Red Blend – California – 2015
Came recommended but fell short. Blackberry is the main note but it gets bitter quickly. Nice back end and finish but not enough to improve the score. Some weird fruit notes (peach in a red?) at the start but they burn away quickly. Meh