Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve Madeira

 

This fine wine is from the "Rare Wine Co. Historic Series Madeira.  I opened it today as today is "Patriot's Day" in America for those who live in New England where the Revolutionary War began. 

Madeira was one of the common wines enjoyed by the Founding Fathers and this is a special one given to me by my wife a while back.  It is unique!

Beautiful Brown crystalline tint with orange hues in the mix. 

The Bouquet:  A glorious melange of sweet burnt orange peel, toffee, baked molasses and more!

Palate--Powerful yet elegant flavors of brown sugar, baked orange, baking spices on a foundation of acidity which carries it all superbly! Finishes with a lingering, beauty of roasted almonds and more baked orange peel.

A special wine that comes at a price of $75 more or less!  A real treat so raise a glass!  And may the Lord forgive America for it's wretched godlessness today.

Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi) 2021

Intense dark purple hue with aromas of Vibrant, black berry/cherry and tar, with fresh grape above the rim.

Palate--Big first impression loaded with dark berry fruit, savory spices, bold structure, with a cherry berry finish with more ash.

I love Zinfandel and while I prefer Sonoma Zins, I love Lodi for all its expressions and value Zins which abound. This Bogle I pay any where from $7/bottle as what I paid for this one on a closeout at Walmart to $12 in the local grocery stores.  It is always well made, reliable and a nice value for the price so raise a glass!

Yes, I review this a bunch for reasons explained in a previous post(s). CF. if interested...

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2021 Columbia Valley

Lovely golden hue with aromas of lemon-lime with gentle nudges of vanilla, not quite ripe pineapple, and a touch of steel.

Palate--Bright, lively acidity with lush stone fruit, slight vanilla nuance and steely finish on a creamy rear palate.

It was a lifetime ago that I visited St. Michelle with my wife as we were living in the Seattle -Tacoma area well before the silicon valley migration. It is a spectacular winery located in a spectacular, scenic topography and perfect for the outdoor sportsman who loved fishing, back-packing and mountain climbing. (My name is in the registry on the summit of Mt. Rainier at "Columbia Crest" the very peak of the 14,410 foot glaciated behemoth.) 

At a bargain price of $10, this is a must buy Chardonnay which I will be pairing tonight with my wife's Kale, white bean and parmesan soup.  Raise a glass!

Roustabout "Meritage" 2022 (Paso Robles)

 

Medium garnet hue with aromas of cherry pie crust, lots of fresh cherries, light cigar ash

Palate--Heftier first impression than expected with big fruity flavors of black cherry, very nice structure with surprisingly balanced tannins and acid with a palate cleansing freshness at the end. 

This "Meritage" (pronounced like "heritage") is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The blend can differ.  I have never had an affinity for Meritage but I honestly LOVE this one especially at the $8 bargain basement price I paid.  

If you happen onto the is wine buy it and enjoy it!vI am pairing it with Cuban sandwiches and mac and cheese so raise a glass!

Buehler Vineyards Chardonnay (Russian River) 2019

Pale gold hue with aromas of slight citrus note on the front with sweet fresh summer fruit in the middle with a subtle vanilla edge.

Palate-- *Solid structure with nice acidity an a bone dry fruitiness with lime mid palate.   Finishes quickly and is showing the beginnings of losing it's youthfulness but still drinking well.

This often quaffed Chard from a great AVA (Russian River) is always a nice California Chardonnay.  This one--marked at $25-- which is high for this Chard, was a special buy selling at $8 which is a steal! Normal price for this --pre-Biden inflation was $12-$15. Pair it with all kinds of lighter far. I am having Chicken and rice tonight and it will be perfect so raise a glass!

*Compare to my review of this wine back in 2022

Vignobles Lecheteau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2022

This numerously reviewed wine, albeit a different vintage is always a please and a great value.  Let's see if this vintage holds up under scrutiny! Pale straw ue with aromas of minerally citrus and tropical fruit cocktail, with a hint of vanilla pudding.

Palate--Classic acidity supporting an off-dry creation that seems not to be quite as potent as previous vintages. Never-the-less it is lovely, drinking qwell in its youth, full of tropical fruit and a nice palate cleansing acidity.

This Trader Joe's regular was on special at $8 which is a bargain! Put a bit of a chill on this and it should pair well with buttery dishes, seafood, possibly even some Asian cuisine. Chill it down a lot and serve it all by itself pool side and raise a glass! 

MBALI 2023

 

Lovely golden hue with aromas of sweet tropical fruits, the slightest twinge of citrus, a honeyed hint and ripe cantaloupe.

Palate--Wonderfully off dry big fruity palate with tremendous acidity to carry the *sweet profile, all kinds of wonderful fruits I can't even relate to in this quaff. 

*Sweet in this case means the sensual experience of sweetness when in fact this wine is quite dry. But fruitiness gives the sensation of sweetness. 

This wine from the cape of S. Africa is comprised of Viognier (pronounced VEE-oh--nyay) and Chenin Blanc, one of the cape's great growths. This is a lovely wine (Trader Joe's) which will pair with many varieties of foods and cheeses so experiment and at $6?  Raise a glass! 

Member Marks Zinfandel Old Vines 2021 (Lodi)

 

Deep garnet hue with aromas of tart raspberry pie, with sweet and savory spice.

Palate--Nice Zin first impression with fruit forward goodness and sweet/savory spice. Relaxed structure but fully Zinfandel.

This Sam's Club offering is a quality production for Walmart and because of their huge buying power they get great wine for a bargain price. I think I paid $8 for this and it is a great buy so raise a glass!

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 21

Beautiful intense aubergine hue with aromas of dark chocolate, Lovely blackberry pie and fresh blackberries, with fresh blackberry above the rim.

Palate--Thickish texture with intense fruit forward dark berry presentation with luxuriant structure, tannins and acid melding together with a lingering finish of more dark berry fruit!

I reviewed this Paso Robles Cab back in October. This one has a bottle variation that is rather distinct. That this wine sell for $10 at Traders Joes is remarkable and is a definite more now kind of wine!  Raise a glass!

OXTE The Silence Red Blend 2022

Lighter crystalline purple/garnet hue with aromas of fresh and dried crushed red berries, ash and some spice.  Pretty nice!

Palate--First impression is tantalizing, with bolder presentation than I expected, with solid berry mid beam; loads of savory spice and ash. Finishes quickly but for the money -- $6 at Trader Joe's ya cannot pass this up.  

Blend of  Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo (the signature grape of Spain) although it doesn't present like Shiraz (lighter) but this is an amazing value and will go well burgers on or off the grill, pizza, and pretty much all kinds of middle of the road cheeses. Raise a glass!