Quick Reviews
Altitude Project Chardonnay – 2014
Airports are Hell but at least they serve a good chardy while you’re waiting to abandon all hope.
Conundrum White – 2014
Melon, sure, but good lord, the cinnamon! Did they bake this in a pie? That’s not a bad thing either. Finicky pairing options keeps this from a 5-star rating.
Barton and Guestier Cotes-du-Rhone 2014
Like Gérard Depardieu, proof that French things can be boring. Pair it with a shoe or something.
El Enemigo Malbec – 2011
Film noir wine, sexy, dark, smooth and dangerous; goes down like liquid silk with dry hints of blackberry. As with the body in the gangster’s trunk, give it lots of air.
Dr Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett – 2013
Another fine Riesling from the mad German reezambassador, this one is a fruity, acidic, bold cup best paired with outrageous cheese or maybe spicy chicken tacos. Low price and screwtop hide its estate origins and may turn off snobs, to their loss.
Intipalka Valle del Sol Sauvignon Blanc – 2014
Like most of the Intipalka line, this Peruvian white isn’t going to excite anyone, but it’s fine for cheap parties with cheap guests with cheap palates. And if you drop a bottle and smash it, you aren’t going to cry a tear.
Narbona Tannat Roble – 2010
Apparently aged in barrels of beef, this meat-infused tannat from Uruguay will send any meat plate you pair with it into high atmosphere; warn NASA before drinking. Five stars, full review here.
Resplandy Muscat – St. Jean de Minervois
Fantastic muscat boasts mango, peach syrup and papaya, balanced to perfection, and priced to sell even to small children looking for a cheap treat; but don’t sell to children, of course, you horrible person. Highly recommended
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Alamos Bonarda – 2013
India Ink colored, half-bodied, cupric pepperpot with strong alcohol finish, pair this with steak au poivre; better yet, throw some in the pan as well. Fine example of what Argentina has done with the douce noir grape.
Dr. Loosen “Dr L” Riesling – 2014
Great flavor, perhaps oversweet, this bottom-shelf hospital grade Mosel reez is nevertheless just what the doctor ordered if you don’t mind the nurses snickering at the label.