Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling – Germany – 2021

Younger twin matches brother’s aptitude. A dead tie for the 2020 vintage, and nearly identical in notes. Perhaps a bit more tang, but only slightly so. This is of the German “Qualitatswein” level of labeling, indicating a more varied and less...

Osado Blend de Tintas – Argentina – 2017

Faded photos from a vacation you already forgot. So-so, cheapo red blend from Argentina. Color was a bit brown which made me worry for heat damage, but didn’t translate to the taste. Main notes are black cherry, a bit of vanilla and some smoke. Overall not...

Appetit de France Chardonnay – France – 2020

Local carpenter winds up being an artesan. French table wine proves the French must make great tables. This cheap-o, appellation-free chardonnay nevertheless beats so many of those pretentious California poseurs. Crisp but not tart, this is smooth pear and baked...

Domaine Saint Germain Persan – France – 2020

If this painting is fake, it was done by a master. Wine was delivered without foil or seal, so suspicion was high. Cork appeared fine, and after tasting all fears dissipated. Nose is black cherry with some earth. On the tongue it’s fruity AF but not at all...

Getting a 5-Star Review Just Got Harder

As some of you may know, I typically publish my initial review reactions to a wine on the Vivino app. Then I hone them a bit before porting them over here to Winepisser. Well, Vivino just upgraded their rating system to allow for more incremental ratings. Whereas you...

Philippe Dreschler Riesling – France – 2019

Leather elbows on a tweed coat, is that the best you can do? Far too slate-y with weird citrus notes makes this closer to a Sauvignon Blanc than an Alsace Riesling. I had to check the label to make sure I had poured the right bottle. Some slight slice notes save this...

Cicchitti Red Blend – Argentina – 2016

But, sir, this passport is genuine. This Argentino Bordeaux blend may have you suspecting “cabernet fauxvignon” but it’s very good. Nose upon decorking was shoe leather, but flavor notes included blackcurrant, spice and licorice. Label says it was...

Matayac Malbec – France – 2019

November spawned a monster. Nose has earth, soil, bell pepper and eucalyptus. Flavor notes include basement must, black cherry. Super smooth tannins shows just how France does Malbec as compared to California cousins of the same age. Witchcraft maybe? This is a...

Philippe Dreschler Sylvaner – France – 2018

Minor league baller on the way up. Easy drinking but with 13% alcohol points to how mischievous those Alsatians can be. Nose is faint apple, tongue is a bit stronger of the same, but very, very subtle. Some slight citric tang, but only barely. Medium sugar. Very...

Château Ferrande Graves – France – 2016

That new politician has great oratory, but needs more time on the stump. Rich but still not as soft as it will be someday. Nose has some earth and leather, and palate is black cherry and slight wood. Reliable example of Graves region of Bordeaux. The grapes are Merlot...