Da Ne

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2014, Columbia Valley

Artificial and overdone. The nose delivered some hopeful aromas, only to be followed by an fake and flabby palate

Luc Belaire Rare Sparkling Rosé

Sweet strawberries (not those of quality from quebec , more of an artificial/sugarfied taste) and not much else. Bubbles do not seem to be produced by yeast (though that may be the case) and comes across syrupy. for those who enjoy this, it might be more cost effective to have some vodka with strawberry soda.

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County

First off this acts far more like a zinfandel than a pinot. It is overly extracted, over-oaked and the fruit tastes and smells artificial, like low quality jam blended with some water and some pure alcohol to top it off. Cheers!

Otazu Reserva 2008, Navarra

Norton Privada Family Blend 2013, Luján De Cuyo, Mendoza

Brings a lot more freshness and less concentration than one would expect from such an Argentinian blend. The acidity is high and it is quite juicy. That said, the profile is one dimensional and not all that appealing; austere dark fruit reminiscent of generic wines from different around the world that lack a sense of place (from northern italy to portugal to the Beaujolais) and vibrant fruit.

Cline Viognier 2015

Aromatics of peach concentrate and pot-pourri are pleasant, but on the palate it tastes and feels like melted down Fuzzy Peaches (the candy found in convenience stores). Although these were a childhood favorite of mine, the result is a wine that is flabby and tastes somewhat "artificial". That said, I am sure that many will enjoy this

Otazu Premium Cuvée 2012, Do Navarra

Umberto Cesari Riserva Sangiovese Di Romagna 2013, Doc

(may referring to the 2014 vintage, but i'd doubt that these products vary all that much from year to year)
Maybe we can tell that it is warm climate italian on the palate, but this has an ultra commercialized, artificial kick, much like most of what comes from this producer. The sweet oak and sour fruit clash, the finish is vanillafied (fake!)It may appeal to many, but i suggest avoiding umberto cesari products if you are looking for a real italian wine experience rather than fast-food like, glutinous satisfaction

Hacienda Araucano Syrah Reserva 2015, Lolol Valley

Gritty tannin, nice peppery(clasic syrah)/candied fruit profile with trademark chilean herba/menthol quality. Tastes like what it is, which is refreshing at this price point. little if any oak treatment. A bargain, but be prepared for fruit with a slight artificial quality (something that many are ready to pay for).

P K N T Carmenere Reserve 2013, Central Valley

This far exceeded my expectations. Loads of pepper and distinct birds eye flavors with spice and dark ansd red fruit. The fruit is not of the purest type, to be sure, but it is not, from my vantage point, overdone (with respect to the style and price point) by oak nor jam. I picked it up on sale for under 11$, sales for around 12 normally, a steal in my opinion. Cannot be mistaken for anything but chile in a blind tasting, and there are not many other places around the world that can pull off expression of place (though it is clear there is intervention in this wine) for 12$.