Secoli Montepulciano Ripasso 2017

Clear dark red with aromas of cherry, savory spices.

Palate--Watery texture, bright flavors with mouth watering acidity, cherry fruit, slight vegetal edge, fleeting finish.

It's been a good while since I have had a Ripasso and this is a very mediocre one. But then again, I paid maybe $10 for it and a good one should be closer to $20. Ripasso is a method of vinification using grapes which have already been use for the glorious "Amarone" wines of Italy which will cost you around $30 at least. The grapes are dried and then vinified giving a deep concentrated wine with wondrous pruny flavors, and a texture that can imitate the velvet of a well aged port.

On another taste there is slight "wet cardboard" impression meaning the wine is tainted. So I will drink this with my grilled salmon but do NOT base your experience on this with the very nice Ripasso's that abound.

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Pure Bred (Old Vine) Zinfandel Lodi 2017

Very light hue with a unique aroma (slight) at the side rim of dill pickle juice which is intriguing. Zin aromas of wild berries, not over powering but pleasant, with a touch of rustic zinfulness. (OK that was cheesy!) Palate--There's a watery first impression but is quickly engulfed in big Zin fruitiness which is quickly fleeting leaving a pleasant lingering gentle berry goodness with a slightly "green" end. OK, I am the Zin maestro having had more zins in my life than possibly all other varietals combined? Well, if not, I am getting there. Zin is my grape. And here is the get a grip factor; this sells for $6.50 from Trader Joes, nuff said. Face it, I can't drink Turley, or Rosenblum single vineyard zins everyday (or even every week) so if you're having the gang over and want a light hearted red for those who insist they don't like red wine, give them I bit of this and see what happens. At this price, I'll raise a glass. Thanks MB :)

Cigar Box Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Hand Harvested) Dalle Valley Chile 2010

Bricking hue with aromas of spicy baked blackberry pie, and blueberry, with a touch of menthol and savory spices at the rim. Palate--Sturdy structured Cab with loads of mature dark berry fruit. It has an "OK" finish and it does linger for a good while! This isn't a complex Cab but the fact that it is as delicious as it is at 10 years old is a surprise and a treat! This sold for probably around $10 at its release so it is an outlier that it is still drinking so well. Definitely at it's ultimate time but will hold for I would guess 2 years anyway. It is a testament of the quality of even inexpensive Chilean Cabernets which are among some of my favorites. It is doubtful that you will find this wine this old but if you do you want to snag it and enjoy. Raise a glass!

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