Tasting notes, January 18, 2025; big bold reds

                     Big, Bold Reds

2022 Saint Damien Selection
On Sale for $23.99
Vacqueyras / Southern Rhone Valley / France
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
Romain Saurel is known for producing some of the most outstanding Gigondas in the appellation. The 2022 Selection is produced from the neighboring village of Vacqueyras from grapes grown by Romain’s uncle.
2021 Oddero Nizza
On Sale for $36
Asti / Piedmont / Italy
100% Barbera
The Nizza DOC is a relatively new designation for the production of Barbera in this particular subzone of Asti. Oddero’s example comes from 30 – 60 year-old vines planted in a combination of sand and clay.
2020 Bastide Blanche Rouge
On Sale for $27.20
Bandol / Provence / France
mostly Mourvèdre with Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault
The seaside fishing village of Bandol is arguably home to the most expressive examples of the Mourvedre varietal. Bastide Blanche produces this traditional rendition from 30 year-old vines. 
2021 Michel Rolland Mariflor
On Sale for $26.40
Uco Valley / Mendoza / Argentina
100% Malbec
Sourced from a small section of Rolland’s massive Clos de los Siete property, Mariflor is the product of 20+ year-old vines. The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels of which 20% are first use.
2022 Turley Estate
On Sale for $44
Napa Valley / California / US
mostly Zinfandel with Petit Sirah, Trousseau, Carignan, Cinsault
Produced from relatively young vines planted at Turley’s Saint Helena estate, this powerful Zinfandel is aged for 15 months in a combination of new and used French and American oak barrels.
2022 Pine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
On Sale for $49.99
Napa Valley / California / US
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Sourced from some of Pine Ridge’s 160 acres of Napa Valley vineyards, this estate Cabernet is aged for 18 months in a combination of new and used French and American oak barrels.