London Cru, Chardonnay, 2020, California, USA
Made in the USA, Santa Barbara this is a clean, crisp and flavour full Chardonnay which is absolutely cracking. At £30 a bottle it should be but excellent. The wine has great length and the citrus is soft with a buttery under tone that is a great example of Chardonnay at its best. Pair with fish, zesty salad or just on its own, Stonking.
Mazza Vineyard, Cabernet Franc, 2020, Lake Erie, USA
This dry red wine from the Lake Erie region, USA is pretty good. Good length and depth of red and black fruits with a note of spice. Its USD20 a bottle which is good value and is what I call a first party wine, opened first with friends and just enjoy.
Milea Estate, Blau Frankisch, 2021, New York State, USA
This Blau Frankisch fron New York State is dry, light and rather refreshing. Cherry flavours with a hint of spice and served alittle chilled, it’s perfect sitting in the garden in the sun. At USD35 a bottle it’s abit pricey which is a shame as its very good.
Reininger, Syrah, 2017, Walla Walla Valley, Washington State, USA
This 2017 Syrah from Reininger got a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards with 90 points which may have been a little stingy because its really rather good. Its a dry red wine with a silky texture and well integrated tannins. Aromas and flavours of plum, blueberries with licorice and hints of pepper. At USD50 a bottle its not cheap but rather good. Serve with steak and or sip slowly and just enjoy.
Elysium, Black Muscat, 2018, California, USA
Elysium, Black Muscat, 2018, California, USAA rather good desert wine is how best to describe this wine from Elysium. Made with black Muscat grapes there’s lots of plum with a dollop of chocolate in each glass’s. It’s sweet but it’s not sticky or sickly. We’ll balanced and very drinkable. At £14 a half bottle it’s decent value
Marks and Spencer, classics No 24, Zinfandel, California, USA
This is a really good red that u think Marks and Spencer can be proud of, A bold, soft wine ggat has plenty of black fruit flavours and aromas. There’s hints of vanilla and spice but the best is how easy it is to drink. Sure have it with stew or a strong curry but it goes well on its own. At under £10 a bottle it’s get value.
Trump, New World Reserve, 2016, Virginia, USA
President Trump may be tea total but his wine maker can make a very good wine.
Madd with Cabernet Sauvignon this is a bold, dry red with good integration and fitm tannins. There’s plenty of black fruit with oak, chocolate, smoke and earthy undertone. At USD60 a bottle it’s expensive, good but too much. Then again it’s from an unconventional man.
California Republic, Pinot Noir, 2019, California, USA
American Pinot Noir is generally very good, not at least when we in the UK can get it. This one from California is no exception. Excellent red fruit flavours and aromas with decent length this is a dry, smooth that won’t fail to be enjoyed. Unless your a tea totaler of course 😀 . Have it with chicken or smoked foods and just enjoy.
Cakebread Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013, Napa Valley, USA
I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I try a Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon and this 2013 vintage is no exception. Dry, bold, smooth and with plenty of aromas and flavours of plum, blackberry, tobacco and oak with a hint of earthiness and vanilla. The only down side to this is the price of about £60 a bottle
Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 1993, USA
To say that this 29 year old Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel from Napa Valley was a surprise its an understatement. Found in the depths of the wine store we expected it to be “dead”, lifeless and only good for the sink but how wrong we were.
Flavours and aromas were still there, with plenty of plum, blackcurrant, a hint of mint and eucalyptus to note. Its dry and very smooth and even decanted it had good length and that lasted all evening as we went back to try it as it was so unexpected.
At £30 a bottle its not cheap but it was truly excellent.