It's been a loooong time since we've had a Recycle Bin write up, so following is a hodge-podge of wines that have arrived as samples at various points over the last several months. Enjoy.
2017 Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli $24
Here comes porch season! Though on the pricey side, this textbook PG will do the trick.
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2010 Vinas del Vero Secastilla Garnacha Somontano $32
Eight years old and the age has benefited this surprisingly refined Spanish red. Crackling tannic energy threads floral elegance and a seamless texture together into a bright, quenching fabric. Importantly, the oak regimen acts as a compliment rather than a cudgel - a welcome change from many contemporary/modern red wines from this area.
2015 Left Coast Pinot Truffle Hill Willamette Valley $42
Holy smokes! This is a BRIGHT, exuberant red with a lot to say. Acidity dominates the attack with brilliant and elegant fruit following closely behind. Slight green elements in the aftertaste hint at whole cluster fermentation, use, or both. This is one of the few Pinot noir‘s I’ve had that I’m sorry to have opened so young. It promises to evolve into
2017 Bowers Harbor Unwooded Chardonnay Michigan $16
In a slightly off dry style is something new to me, but if approached with an open mind, there’s a lot to like here. Clean, precise, and bountiful in its bright fruit, this is a versatile and friendly white that can stand up to everything from polite conversation to Chinese food.
2016 2 Lads Cab Franc Old Mission Peninsula $35
What a terrific surprise! Medium bodied and with a well built structure, this versatile red is well-made and easy to like. Bright, focused fruit comes alive thanks to sprightly, enthralling acids. Very, very good indeed.
2016 Peninsula Cellars Late Harvest Riesling Old Mission Peninsula $19
The world needs more wines like this. Exceedingly pleasing and gentle, this versatile (aperitif or dessert) wine strikes a deft balance. Requires no analysis to enjoy. Perfect to have in hand as we head into the winter months. Brilliant.
2017 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc CNW Clarksburg $15
Hell yes! Super bright, steely, maybe even flinty and with a tart squirt of passion fruit on the finish. Very likable and versatile. Pair with neighbors on your front porch this summer.
2016 Vinum Petite Sirah PETS Clarksburg $15
Rich and opaque in the glass, gorgeous nose with inviting bright floral aspects that lead into a balanced palate where toasty oak, tannins, and a respectable backbone await. Not an ounce of flab on this petite that drinks more like a quality North Coast cab. Happy to see this back!
2015 Aridus Syrah Wilcox (Arizona) $37
Close your eyes and you’ll swear this is a Northern California syrah. Powerful and focused, this supple-textured medium density red packs intense fruit character framed by toasty oak and wildflower accents into an alluring package that finishes strong. But no amount of elegance can mask the octane (almost 16%) that fuels this flavor juggernaut. Enjoy with a marbled steak, but don’t turn your back on it - this wine might eat your meat while you’re not looking!
2017 Gratvs White Blend Napa Valley $29
Flinty looking in the glass with pale hits of green. Inviting, lively nose with a round shape and alluring weight. Full palate continues the shapely theme immediately beguiling with its luxurious texture. The finish shimmers with layers of heavily scented dimension and a solid bracket of acidity. There’s more than a little something for everyone here in this serious, but versatile wine. Grenache blanc, roussanne, marsanne, and viognier.
2017 Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli $24
Here comes porch season! Though on the pricey side, this textbook PG will do the trick.
2010 Vinas del Vero Secastilla Garnacha Somontano $32
Eight years old and the age has benefited this surprisingly refined Spanish red. Crackling tannic energy threads floral elegance and a seamless texture together into a bright, quenching fabric. Importantly, the oak regimen acts as a compliment rather than a cudgel - a welcome change from many contemporary/modern red wines from this area.
2015 Left Coast Pinot Truffle Hill Willamette Valley $42
Holy smokes! This is a BRIGHT, exuberant red with a lot to say. Acidity dominates the attack with brilliant and elegant fruit following closely behind. Slight green elements in the aftertaste hint at whole cluster fermentation, use, or both. This is one of the few Pinot noir‘s I’ve had that I’m sorry to have opened so young. It promises to evolve into
2017 Bowers Harbor Unwooded Chardonnay Michigan $16
In a slightly off dry style is something new to me, but if approached with an open mind, there’s a lot to like here. Clean, precise, and bountiful in its bright fruit, this is a versatile and friendly white that can stand up to everything from polite conversation to Chinese food.
2016 2 Lads Cab Franc Old Mission Peninsula $35
What a terrific surprise! Medium bodied and with a well built structure, this versatile red is well-made and easy to like. Bright, focused fruit comes alive thanks to sprightly, enthralling acids. Very, very good indeed.
2016 Peninsula Cellars Late Harvest Riesling Old Mission Peninsula $19
The world needs more wines like this. Exceedingly pleasing and gentle, this versatile (aperitif or dessert) wine strikes a deft balance. Requires no analysis to enjoy. Perfect to have in hand as we head into the winter months. Brilliant.
2017 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc CNW Clarksburg $15
Hell yes! Super bright, steely, maybe even flinty and with a tart squirt of passion fruit on the finish. Very likable and versatile. Pair with neighbors on your front porch this summer.
2016 Vinum Petite Sirah PETS Clarksburg $15Rich and opaque in the glass, gorgeous nose with inviting bright floral aspects that lead into a balanced palate where toasty oak, tannins, and a respectable backbone await. Not an ounce of flab on this petite that drinks more like a quality North Coast cab. Happy to see this back!
2015 Aridus Syrah Wilcox (Arizona) $37
Close your eyes and you’ll swear this is a Northern California syrah. Powerful and focused, this supple-textured medium density red packs intense fruit character framed by toasty oak and wildflower accents into an alluring package that finishes strong. But no amount of elegance can mask the octane (almost 16%) that fuels this flavor juggernaut. Enjoy with a marbled steak, but don’t turn your back on it - this wine might eat your meat while you’re not looking!
2017 Gratvs White Blend Napa Valley $29
Flinty looking in the glass with pale hits of green. Inviting, lively nose with a round shape and alluring weight. Full palate continues the shapely theme immediately beguiling with its luxurious texture. The finish shimmers with layers of heavily scented dimension and a solid bracket of acidity. There’s more than a little something for everyone here in this serious, but versatile wine. Grenache blanc, roussanne, marsanne, and viognier.