JL Giguiere
Pillars of Hercules Red Blend 2021
unusual blend of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot & Teroldego (!) and it was really impressive. color of squid ink w/wafting aromas of blackberry pie, boysenberry, plum, Chambord, cassis, cocoa powder, vanilla and some pepper. one of the more decadent wines on the nose, and the flavors created a saturated palate - that said, didn't taste like a fruit bomb, nicely structured w/integrated tannins. it may have lacked a bit of polish, but over delivered for $13 @costco — 13 days ago
Eric Solomon
Coster dels Olivers Priorat Cariñena Blend 2019
wow this had some serious funk upon opening, thought it might be a bit of Brett, but it turned to barnyard and then to just earthiness - deep ruby, semi-opaque, showed plenty of terroir, mineral "schistiness" along with delicate ripe red fruit, smoke, pepper, savory herbs and some florals. med bodied on palate, nice acidity & polish - very engaging and approachable style. dried herbs, red & black fruit, white pepper and plenty of minerality. cerebral entry level Priorato that is a pretty good bargain — 6 days ago
ESF
another recent South African wine that i really enjoyed: blend of CF, CS & Pinotage: had serious funk for first few hours, some blew off but it remained quite earthy, herbaceous, but lurking beneath was beautiful red & black fruit, cassis, iron & graphite, minerality, cocoa & vanillin notes - really sexy stuff. med + bodied, w/finely grained tannins and finesse. some pedigree here and really in the pocket. not afraid to express its personality & terroir — 3 days ago