Trauben, Liebe, und Zeit, Rot No. 6, Strohmeier NV
75% Zweigelt, 25% Blauer Wildbacher; my first experience with the later grape. Medium garnet. Nose of game and autumnal / forest floor notes, dried blackberry, and plum, with tobacco leaf and spices; dark and heady. On the palate, loads of fresh blackberry, cranberry/currant, and plum, with forest floor, tobacco leaf, and spice. Medium-full bodied, dark, juicy, very savory, with lots of mineral, spice, and tannin on a finish with good length; generous acidity. Has some unresolved fermentation funk initial, but otherwise delightful. 3 Stars [9/6/19]
Harrington, Misteri, Sumu Kaw Vineyard, El Dorado County 2018
Made from an unidentifiable Sicilian grape (initially believed to be Nerello Mascalese), and a small amount of Grenache. Light garnet. On the nose, lots of smokey (volcanic?) earth, and dark berries, all with savory, sanguine notes. On the palate, lots of very savory blackberry, black cherry, cola, plum, spice, and earthy mineral. Medium-light bodied but with good presence; juicy, savory; earth and mineral driven. Reminds me a bit of Montepulciano. I love the savory presence. 3.5 Stars [9/6/19]
Dozortsev, Kindzmarauli, Kakheti NV
From Georgia, made from the Saperavi grape. Dark ruby with a touch of purple. Off dry, with cassis, blackberry jam, and plum, with spice and mineral. Medium bodied with some good grip and presence; good underlying acidity and rusticity. Will appeal to modern-style California Cabernet drinkers. I like this a lot, and am very impressed. 3 Stars [9/6/19]
Violet Freres, Byrrh, Grand Quinquina NV
Black raspberry / black cherry with herbs / flowers, and prominent bitter but not at all off-putting quinine notes. Like an herb-infused port. Will appeal to Manhattan (cocktail) drinkers. A unique and exceptional aperitif. 3.5 Stars [9/6/19]
And a Wee Bloody Pulpit: Tom is an extraordinarily friendly guy (not that anyone here would doubt that!) who "fenced" with my kids using tinker toys. He fit right in at our place.
