juniacke

Graffigna Malbec 2015

Bouquet of violets, graphite, tomato leaf, and earth. Not fruit-forward. It's well-balanced easy drinking with medium to light tannins. Drinks more like a European wine (was elevated by food) but doesn't lose its South American characteristics. It's a super quality/price ratio.

Umberto Cesari Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Igt Rubicone

A 2014 Italian blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are prominent. Oak, leather, vanilla, spices. Really long finish of blackberry and cardamom.

Cabernet Sauvignon H3 Columbia Crest 2015

Meiomi Pinot Noir 2016

Strong fruity aroma. Bright and juicy cherry and strawberry. Not a dry wine. Peppery woody finish. Does not taste like Pinot Noir.

Michael David Petite Petit 2015, Lodi

A 2015 California blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot. Medium aromas of blackberries, plum, blueberries. The tannins are really high, which I like, and not surprising with these grape varieties. I love that quality but the finish it prolongs reminded me of the bitterness of licking a peach pit. I got some earth and lilac after a while but this wine isn't too complex. Acidity low, alcohol high.

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz 2015, Barossa Valley

The fruit aromas are prominent (baked blackberry, cassis).

Pietra Pura Mandus Primitivo Di Manduria 2016, Doc

Not great. It smells like nothing. Swirl it and stick your nose in the glass, nothing. There's a hint of damp basement. On the palate, a mouthful of potpourri. Dried flowers, acid. The tannins are medium to high which I liked.

First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley

A 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Medium intensity aromas of vanilla, juicy mouth watering cherry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry. Mint, violets, silky milk chocolate. Long tongue-tingling spicy black pepper finish. There's a confected icing sugar thing going on. Alcohol and acidity don't jump out. This is what you'd call smooth. I could drink this any time. Textbook Napa cab at a great value.

Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2013

Light to medium aromas of dark purple fruit like blackberry and plum. There's some vanilla, thyme, corriander and oak. The tannins are grippy, giving a long peppery hot finish. The acidity complemented a rich cheese and meat lasagna. The wine really opened up over time. So decant.

Conundrum 2014

Blueberry blackberry compote, brown sugar, vanilla, chocolate. There's some pepper and oak on the finish but it's mild. This is a sweet wine, but I thought too sweet. I couldn't drink two glasses in one sitting. There's depth to the flavor though.