US Wines

Lodi, California, USA
100 % Zinfandel
14.9 % Alcohol
Tasted 2023-03-12 - 2023-03-14

A (Lodi) Zinfandel, of the - deliberately - different kind. Medium ruby red with slightly lighter edges. On the nose, bright berry notes pair with intense aromas of red roses. In addition, subtle traces of spicy notes. Light and playful despite the 14.9% alcohol. At first sight not for the friends of hedonistic Zinfandel enjoyment - to which I clearly belong.

But now the first sip. On the palate, a concise acidity is immediately noticeable. It carries the fruit and floral aromas almost into infinity. But just considerably more on the bitter side than one is used to especially from Lodi Zin.

Why is the wine like this? The 2018 is the 6th vintage of St. Amant's Lodi Native Marian's Vineyard Zinfandel. This is a collaborative project that St. Amant has launched with five other local wineries to spotlight Lodi's historic Zinfandel vineyards.

All wineries each select an old vine Zinfandel vineyard and prepare the wines in a style with minimal influence to highlight the unique characteristics of each site. So: A Zinfandel of the original kind.

Do you have to like it? Not necessarily. Do you have to taste it? Definitely!

As I write this, the last sip taken five minutes ago continues to spread across my palate like a kind of veil.

What dish to serve with such a wine? Basically, one can go by a rather light Sangiovese. Therefore, I could imagine an almost epic accompaniment to an oriental-oriented dish.

The next two days the usual picture of the St. Amant wines: The Zin opens more and more. The floral notes become softer; the overall picture more fruity. Fascinating.

2019 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (92+/100)
Spring Mountain District, California, USA
14.9 % Alcohol

2021 Barnett Vineyards Chardonnay „Sangiacomo Vineyard“ (93/100)
Carneros, California, USA
14.5 % Alcohol

Tasted 2022-12-24 to 2022-12-26



The Cabernet

Deep dark cherry red

Classic aromas of black cherry and blackberry. Plus some tobacco, black tea and wonderful distinctive licorice.

Pure black fruit on the palate coupled with a cool freshness. Discreet acidity. A bit closed at the moment due to its youth. Great potential.

In any case in its current stage, decant for at least three hours. Then perhaps serve with Roasted Duck Breast and Pecan Purée. Christmas feelings guaranteed.

Maturity: 2025 - 2040

The Chardonnay

Clear golden yellow

Melon and peaches initially dominate the aroma spectrum. In addition, light floral notes paired with some cape gooseberry. Rather Burgundian.

Fresh on the palate with slightly exotic attitudes. Very subtle acidity that gives the wine a nice freshness. After a short while the acidity turns into an animating creaminess that lingers almost endlessly on the palate.

I don't know why, but tasting the wine I immediately got the urge to enjoy it with a Creole dish. Crawfish étouffée, perhaps?

Maturity: Until 2031

Lodi, California, USA
29 % Cabernet Sauvignon – 27 % Malbec – 23 % Merlot – 21 % Petit Verdot
15.2 % Alcohol
Tasted 2022-07-16

In June, the second edition of the California Wine Weeks took place. Over 200 restaurants in 10 European countries presented wines from the Golden State on their wine lists. A really great idea!

The Wine Weeks are already over, but I thought to myself, even after that, you can still appreciate this initiative a little. Today with the fantastic winery Oak Farm Vineyards from Lodi. For a wonderful dinner, we opened a bottle of 2017 Geneviève – the winery’s Bordeaux-style blend. This wine was named „Geneviève” in honor of Co-Owner Dorothy Panella’s French mother, her name was Geneviève.

Almost opaque black cherry. Pure bacon on the nose paired with blackberry compote, black cherry and cold black tea. Promising. Firmly gripping on the palate with a tight tannin structure. The fruit notes slowly become clearer. In addition, a delicate, light acidity. The long finish is spectacular as the wine becomes progressively softer without losing acidity. Great job Dan.

The wine is just at the beginning and will easily remain on this level for another six years. We enjoyed it with Iberico Porc steaks. Wonderful pairing. The only downside: This wonderful blend is one of the few Oak Farm wines that I didn‘t import. Shame on you, Peter.

Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
91 % Cabernet Sauvignon – 9 % Merlot
14.9 % Alcohol
Tasted 2022-07-03



Groth Vineyards and Winery asked via Instagram how everyone is going to "wine down" the holiday weekend of Independence Day.

And of course we are doing that with a glass of Groth wine as wished by the wonderful guys from the winery.

It is really a coincidence that the ship, transporting among others the Groth wines I ordered January this year for my wine business, is scheduled to reach Rotterdam Monday July 4th. I take this as a good sign.

So we decided to open for our Sunday BBQ the 2018 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.

Medium black cherry. Extreme aromas of black fruit. Blackberry, cassis, some black cherry. In addition a touch of wet leather. Even from the distance of half a meter, all nuances are clearly perceptible.

On the palate, the black cherry initially dominates, paired with a fresh acidic note. Then slowly, very slowly, the wine becomes softer and more velvety. One has the impression that the wine hovers in the middle of the palate. The finish is ultra long and becomes slightly earthy towards the end. Terrific.

We visited Groth end of March. It was an outstanding visit. Thanks, Sue! Already on this day we tasted this beauty and the wine was awesome. Since then it improved slightly, but of course you should be patient. Perhaps for another two years or so. From then 10+ more years.

And again I recommend to pair a Cab with Tournedos Rossini. Do it. You will love it.

The Wines:
2017 Montpellier Vineyards Viognier (88/100)
California
12.5 % Alcohol

2016 Montpellier Vineyards Syrah (87/100)
California
12.5 % Alcohol

Montpellier is a brand of Bronco Wine Company. They are advertised by BWC with the following statement: „Champion of wines for everyday consumption“. That’s especially true for the Viognier – but that’s not all.



We came across a bottle of the 2015 Montpellier Viognier in 2018 at the famous Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. Last bottle, very dusty, looked not really promising. At home we were totally surprised. The wine was in very good condition and tasted really good. So we asked our importer if it would be possible to get some cases for our business. And indeed: In July 2019 we received a couple of cases of the 2017 Viognier.

Since then we tasted the wine several times and it is nearly sold out. This Saturday we found in our cellar a bottle of the 2016 Montpellier Syrah. So we wondered if we should have a Sunday dinner with the „everyday champion(s)“.

We got us two wonderful sirloin steaks and paired them with homemade potato strips spiced with rosemary and wild marjoram. In addition a fresh side salad.

But first tasting the wines.

The 2017 Montpellier Vineyards Viognier presented itself in shining gold. Aromas of quince, yellow peaches and light citrus notes sprung out of the glass. Still amazingly fresh. Gripping and present on the palate with plenty of ripe fruit notes. Nice, velvety length.

The 2016 Montpellier Vineyards Syrah offered a bright red ruby color. In the nose, dark chocolate paired with dried cherries, maybe a hint of cold tobacco. Also fresh (and fruity) on the palate with a slight animating acidity. The finish is surprisingly long for a Cali Syrah in this price range.

Indeed both very good value. And still not at their end – probably two or three years more in that condition.

But what about the pairing? Only one word: Perfect. In particular the Syrah became even better in interaction with the sirloin and, in addition to the naturally present sweetness, developed a very pleasant slight spiciness. For the Viognier its slight creaminess had a positive effect, although it would not be my first choice for this dish.

Overall, there are some notable things about these – in terms of price perspective „lower-end“ - Californian wines. In addition to the surprisingly good quality, this is essentially the mature capability of the wines, but especially the really good food accompaniment.

So really „everyday champion“. Even on a Sunday.

Napa Valley, California, USA
83 % Cabernet Sauvignon – 9 % Merlot – 7 % Cabernet Franc – 0.5 % Petit Verdot – 0.5 % Malbec
14.7 % Alcohol
Tasted 2022-05-08

Medium, dark cherry red.

Intense aroma of black cherries, high percentage of dark chocolate, smoked bacon and far in the back a little bit of forest after a heavy autumn rain. Animalistic – I love that.

On the palate exactly what I expected: Fresh with a nice acidity. Black fruit dominating at the beginning. After a while the strong but perfectly integrated tannins cause a gentle velvetiness. Long, very long.

Just at the beginning, but for our BBQ the perfect selection. The present wine style harmonizes great with the smoke aromas. Nice Sunday afternoon.

It will improve for another three years. After that seven years on peak.

Napa Valley, California, USA
100 % Cabernet Sauvignon
14.4 % Alcohol
Tasted 2021-03-25

Medium, dark cherry red.

Aromas of black fruits dominated by black cherries paired with a remarkable touch of licorice. In the background a hint of leather as well as freshly fried bacon. Nice, really nice.

On the palate the fruitiness accompanied by a fresh acidity is dominating in the beginning. After a while the acidity evaporates and makes room for a surprising velvetiness accentuated by a very animating spiciness. And this velvetiness remains nearly endless. Outstanding.

Pair this masterpiece of a modern Napa Cab with a Umami Mushroom Beef Burger. Of course with bacon. And for our vegan friends: Spicy mushroom risotto. Delicious.

Just at the beginning – even if already wonderfully drinkable. Wait for another three to five years. From this point 10 to 15 years.

Napa Valley, California, USA
90 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 % Petit Verdot, 3 % Malbec, 4 % Merlot
15.0 % Alcohol
Tasted 2020-11-29 & 2020-11-30

Medium, dark cherry red with some light rims. Of course still very young. So mainly dark fruit aromas paired with a little bit of smoked bacon and licorice. The high alcohol is noticeable but not unpleasant.

On the palate already very balanced. Still some bitter notes due to its youth but this gives the wine a wonderful freshness in the current phase. Stimulating. The fruityness is also dominating and accompanies the wine into the - surprisingly for the youthfulness - incredible, long finish. Awesome. At the moment: One sip, then waiting, waiting, waiting...

My recommendation is to wait another three to five years before opening. Then another 20 years plus absolutely no problem.

No food recommendation for the moment. The wine for a silent evening perhaps with a cigar - if you like that.

The next day. As expected. Smoother, now perfectly balanced, awesome.

Stoneridge Vineyard, Washington State, USA
80 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 % Syrah
14.0 % Alcohol
Tasted 2020-04-10, 2020-04-11 & 2020-04-12



Medium ruby ​​red. Currant with some elderberry. Plus lots of spices (clove, a little laurel, a hint of anise). Fresh and animating. A little perfumed.

Very present on the palate without being over-vinified. Complex. At first the youthful freshness dominates, but it quickly gives way to a flowing softness that is almost balsamic. The wine unfolds layer by layer. Fascinating. Definitely a wine for the intellectual wine connoisseur (:-)) who, with a lot of patience, gives the wine the necessary freedom and, above all, time.

Already really nice to drink. Another 10+ years no problem.

Pair this elegant gentleman with a classical Hanger Steak. Orgiastic.

Same on the second and third day, overall, in my opinion, the wine was a little more harmonious. So I would wait another two years before opening.

Central Coast, California, USA
14.8 % Alcohol
Tasted 2020-04-12

Due to the current corona crisis, my wife and I spend a lot more time at home than usual. This means in particular that we also cook a lot more than in "normal" times. To my delight, Teresa decided today to prepare her sensational chilli again after a long time. You have to say that this variant is much closer to the American style and has very little to do with the Chilli Con Carne served in Germany. The chilli is not prepared with minced meat but with chopped Tri Tip. She also uses dark chocolate and a hint of curry. A very sophisticated aroma is guaranteed - and of course requires a suitable wine.

With the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Smith & Hook, I once again opted for a wine from my own wine business. At first I was sure that it would go perfectly with it. However, I was also curious to see how it developed over the years. The last time I tasted the wine was in early 2017.



Clear, medium ruby red. Slightly restrained, but very pleasant aromas of blackberries and black cherry. A touch of leather, ground herbs and wet forest floor. Somewhat closed at the moment.

In contrast, very present on the palate. Exceptionally fresh and fruity with a calm, flowing and surprisingly long finish. Rather quiet, but probably a great food companion.

Indeed, the wine with the chilli shows its full strength. The still present acid combines wonderfully with the hotness of the chilli and ensures a highly complex aroma ensemble. It seems that this shy beauty has been waiting for this moment. The volume in the mouth becomes fuller, the wine stronger. An outstanding wine-food pairing.

Three years earlier, I certified a lifetime until 2024. Today I give the wine another three years. I think it will open up a little more in about two years or so and will present a slightly different flavor. It will still be a perfect companion for slightly spicy food. My rating takes this factor into account.

Napa Valley, California
14.9 % Alcohol
Tasted 2020-04-01, 2020-04-02 & 2020-04-03

Deep, dark cherry red with some brighter rims. Seems to be heavyweight stuff. Intensive and wonderful aromas of forest fruits paired with some black cherry notes. In addition a hint of licorice but also some tar and wet leather. At the very back red rose petals. Complex.

On the palate at the beginning very fruity paired with an animating freshness induced by its youthfulness. The freshness is dominating the first five seconds. After this it is replaced by a little acidic velvety which remains long. Very long.

The Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Amici are not really inexpensive. In total the winery offers eight to nine different Cabs per vintage! This Reserve is the "second cheapest" in the ranking of all these Cabs - and its quality is already tremendous! I would love to taste all others, too . Leave this wine alone for a minimum of three years. Then it will be on peak for another ten to fifteen years.

On the second day the wine was unchanged. But on the third day the acidity was totally gone. Now a floating velvety was clearly dominating. Absolutely delicious.

This is definitely a wine for meat. The third day we paired the Cab with Black Angus Beef Goulash - and it was awesome. But it will also work faboöous with a high-end BBQ. Enjoy it.

Napa Valley, California
92 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 6 % Merlot, 2 % Cabernet Franc
14.5 % Alcohol
Tasted 2019-09-20 & 2019-09-21


Medium, dark cherry red. Initially the fruity character is dominating. Black currants, ripe plums and a hint of black cherries. In addition cold cigar smoke, a touch of tanned leather and animating aromas of black pepper are noticeable. On the palate at the beginning slightly cautious, the Consortium opens every single minute. After a while much more present with a surprisingly very long and pleasant finish. The tannins are still gripping but very well integrated. Still young and fresh with a velvety attitude. Waiting for another two years is no mistake but already now very enjoyable. Another 10+ years are no problem for this classical Cab. Pair it with a nice Osso Buco.

"Band of Vintners" sounds like a strange name for a winery, brand, etc. But the idea behind it is both simple and coherent: "Our band of four winemakers, one master sommelier and two wine execs came together as friends sharing a love for great wine with a bottle of our own." More of that!

Lodi, California
13.5 % Alcohol
Tasted 2019-08-18 & 2019-08-19

Deep ruby red with some light cherry red rims. Intensive aromas of black fruits - mainly blackberries - paired with some raspberries and unripe plums. In the background cold cigar smoke is noticeable. Refreshing and animating. The wine was tasted slightly cooled. At the beginning a lively acidity is dominating, then the youthful fruitiness of the wine takes control all the way to the long, still refreshing finish.

This gorgeous Malbec is of course too young for now, but already an excellent food partner. I would love to pair it with a blue cheese burger. In any case dishes with blue cheese are a very good choice. If you don't like burgers try pork filets with a gorgonzola sauce. Delicious.

The next day. Smoother. The fruitiness is more present; the acidity even better integrated. Now some rose notes are recognizeable in the even longer finish. A delicate and fragile masterpiece. Enjoy it over the next five to seven years. But for the moment: Two hours decanting minimum.

Napa Valley, California
14.8 % Alcohol
Tasted 2019-03-19

Deep, dark opacity. Nearly impenetrable with some light cherry red rims. Blackberries and black cherries paired with a rich leather note and some Earl Grey. The wine was tasted slightly cooled. On the palate fresh, fruity with delicate acids, which are slowly converted into a velvety carpet of perfectly integrated tannins. Intensive vibrations. The finish is soft and incredibly long, accompanied by the acidity from the beginning as a pairing resonance. Breathtaking! Not a typical New World Cab.

The wine is of course at its beginning. Waiting another three years makes sense - but why? Decant this beauty for an hour or so and pair it with Tournedos Rossini. Stunning. Total lifetime 20+ years.

Napa Valley, California
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasted 2018-02-03 & 2018-02-04

Medium ruby red, some light rims. Very earthy. Aromas of cold tobacco and cold black tea complemented with dark cherries. On the palate intensive, a little bit astringent paired with the freshness of young red currants. Some peppery notes recognizable. The wine remains in your mouth for a long time - and after a certain while lips and tongue begin to vibrate. Fascinating.

This is the second wine I bought at California Wines when the 1998 special sale started. And it was a very good decision. The owner of California Wines writes in his catalogue "terrific wine". Absolutely true. And I believe this is a perfect example of the hidden quality of this totally underestimated vintage in Northern California. The wine is elegant with a strong backbone. Not really a bargain but worth every penny. A wonderful present or for a very special dinner.

My beloved wife prepared for this wine an outstanding lasagna - due to its richness for me still the benchmark for a Sangiovese driven wine.

La Forza is on the top - and will retain its remarkable quality for another three years minimum.