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It’s time for an additional version of “Random Samples”–I sometimes get samples from advertising and marketing companies and/or producers. These can typically be grouped collectively into some kind of over-arching theme: Drink Them and It Will Come, Summer time is Right here, So That Means (Extra) Rosé, If It Doesn’t Sparkle, It Doesn’t Matter.
Different occasions, I get only a bottle or two that should not have any obvious connection or hyperlink. As a substitute of holding on to these bottles till the “proper” mixture comes alongside, I made a decision to hyperlink all these “random” bottles collectively, making their very own class (and, being the maths geek that I’m, “random pattern” has a little bit of a double entendre).
2022 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Cameleon Signature, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina: Retail $22. Accountable Bottle (580g; 20.4oz). 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Malbec. I’ve been reviewing Domaine Bousquet wines for fairly a while now, however I imagine that is the primary classic of the Chameleon wines that I’ve tried (DB has a ton of various wines making it tough to maintain up at occasions, however I really like making an attempt!). One other unbelievable wine from (at the very least in my thoughts and ought to be your opinion, too) the preeminent producer in Argentina. Good fruit, weight, and tartness with loads of intrigue and depth, this can be a wine for that weekday that wants a bit additional: a celebration, a commiseration, a conclusion, all work nicely with this magnificence. Glorious. 90 Factors.
2019 Ketcham Property Pinot Noir Allie’s Reserve, Russian River Valley, CA : Retail $98. Heavy Bottle (628g; 22.1oz). That is now the fourth bottle from Ketcham I’ve tried during the last a number of days and so they have all been unbelievable (that Viognier? Yowza.). This Pinot? I’m certain there’s a enormous fan membership. Wealthy pink and black berry fruit with noticeable oak (18 months on French oak). All these attributes discover their option to the palate as nicely, which is wealthy, layered, and wealthy (did I point out wealthy?). There’s additionally a tartness that kicks in straight away and lasts by the end. Once more, there’s some oak right here, however it appears to work. Glorious. 92 Factors.
2022 Ketcham Property Viognier, Russian River Valley, CA: Retail $48. Accountable Bottle (502g; 17.7oz). Agglomerated stopper. I don’t drink a ton of Viognier for a few causes. First, there’s not rather a lot made and those which might be? They aren’t superb. (OK, that was technically two causes which is sweet, since that’s all I’ve.) Not this one. Holy cow. Fairly tropical on the nostril, with lychee, guava, hyacinth, and a bunch of different aromas. The palate is wealthy, unctuous, full-bodied, and freaking scrumptious. Yeah, Viognier may be bizarre and overly perfumed, out of steadiness and astringent. That is none of that–it’s Excellent. Simply top-of-the-line Viognier’s I can keep in mind having. 95 Factors.
2019 Ketcham Property Cabernet Sauvignon Cab Renee, Alexander Valley, CA: Retail $125. Exceedingly Heavy Bottle (875g; 30.7oz). 100%(?) Cabernet Sauvignon. I perused the interwebs for some time and located little or no data past the steered retail worth for this wine. I’m fairly certain that is simply the second classic and it appears as if each have obtained some acclaim. My ideas? Whoa. Fairly darkish within the glass and laden with darkish fruit: plum, blackberry, cassis, blueberry. The nostril additionally has hints of earth, an natural high quality (sage, marjoram), and a few refined spice (clove, cardamom). Yeah, rather a lot occurring right here. These themes proceed on the palate with loads of fruit (however in need of overwhelming), a zingy tartness that runs right through to the end, and several other layers of depth and complexity. I’m not a fan of the ridiculous bottle, however I actually am enthusiastic about its contents. Excellent. 93 Factors.
2022 Tongue Dancer Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA: Retail $48. Heavy bottle (620g; 21.8oz). Underneath cork. That is now the fourth classic of this wine that I’ve tried and I’m standing by my sentiment that James MacPhail is among the many greatest winemakers in Sonoma County relating to Chardonnay. And that’s me making an attempt to not be too effusive. That is one other superb effort, however it appears to be carrying a bit extra oak than the wines have prior to now. Nonetheless? Scrumptious. Fantastic lemon curd, vanilla, and the aforementioned oak. Certain, it’s there, however it’s however a harmonious a part of the entire. On the palate, there’s a unbelievable tartness, some beautiful fruit, and the wooden. A stunning wine (though for the ABC crowd?). Glorious. 92 Factors.
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