Friday night was local non-serious wine group, we went over to Roger’s where he had an assortment of Schaller and Weber sausage and a German mustard assortment (also my first Beyond Meat sausage).
The non blind white was the 2017 La Croix des Loges Anjou Blanc Sec. Fred thought very Chenin- I didn’t. More nectarine and flower than waxy or wooly, moderate acids. B/B-
Red theme was N. American Blends
2017 Cruse Wine “Monkey Jacket”
Light, bright raspberry, I like this but am at a loss (Gamay ?), turns out to be Valdiguie/Tannat blend. B+/B
2015 Tendu
Cherry, bright, light, I floundered, once Fred said Italian I at least got Barbera. B/B+
2014 Ridge Geyserville
Ripe but balanced, good dose of oak but integrated, I whiffed on this one with a Bordeaux blend guess. B+
2016 Bogle Phantom
Ripe bordering on overripe, vanilla frosting, sweet I think Rhone or Zin (there’ s some Zin but more Petite Sirah). B-/C+
NV? Mojo Red Vine (California)
Don’t think I guessed, just disliked. Quite sweet, clipped. I don’t even like the label on this- a crossword design, where one of the clues is “__ mama” and the answer is supposed to be “Jo” , plus they number a square that isn’t start of a word. If you are going to use an image at least inform yourself of the conventions.
2012 Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas
Mine, so no guess. Fred eventually gets winery. Dark berries, anise, herbs. Nicely spicy. B+/B
Fun night on a patio
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.