Alexander Valley Vineyards Primitivo 2014

Lightly opaque garnet with aromas of slight vanilla cream and black cherry bon bons, a blast of savory spice on the rim with a hint of horseradish--interesting!

Palate--Cinnamon spice at the front with black pepper, again a little touch of horseradish in the palate which a whole new taste experience for this thousands of bottle of wine guy over the past 45 years. The finish is quite lingering with a resilient, cherry beam and more pepper.

This is the most interesting wine I have had in ages. I bought it because of it's home of record being Alexander Valley. I have had little experience with Primitivo because each one I have had was unremarkable and even off putting. This grape is the genetic progenitor of America's Zinfandel! That being said, the Primitivos I have had are nothing like Zins--but this one, had I tasted it blind would probably have said it was a unique Zin or Zin blend. I paid $10 for it out of state and regret not having bought more. The list on it is $20 and at that price I would not have been disappointed so raise a glass!!!

Comments

Emma Reichart Gewürztraminer 2020

*Label is for their Riesling not their Gewurztraminer Pale straw hue with loads of sweet aromas consisting of vanilla, citrus, tropical fruit with a lime splash. Palate--mouth watering acid, mouth filling tropical fruit, lime base, with sweet-tart freshness This $10 Gewürztraminer literally "Spicy Traminer" is one of my favorite German grapes and under appreciated much in the way German Riesling is. If you can get past the name, it's a lovely wine that pairs with Asian foods, spicy foods, or all by itself so raise a glass!

Sardon 2017 (Quinto Sardonia)

Vibrant plum purple hue with aromas of a spicy floral bouquet, sweet red hard cherry candies, sweet cream on the edges. Palate--Great first impression of joyful candied red fruit, and pink/orange colored circus peanut marshmallow(?) candy. This blend of primarily Tempranillo, with Malbec, Garnacha, and Cab Sauv. is a bit atypical for Tempranillo with delightful flavors of sweet cherry cream, a nice spicy beam of light red fruit and a finish of more candied flavors. Do NOT mistake my description with all the "sweet" adjectives as if this wine is actually sweet, it isn't. It is extremely fruity, lighter bodied, well made and really quite spectacular. It will do well with my grilled pork chops! At the $18 price point it is a real treat so raise a glass!

Barrel Heist Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Lighter hued cranberry color with aromas of sweet red berries and dried red fruit with a touch of spice. Palate--Fruit forward, easy to quaff with soft tannins, and a simple pleasant all around red. Just don't confuse this with a "real" cabernet Sauvignon. At $7 (Trader Joe's) let's get real... It's better than two buck chuck!

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