We, as most people do, go through phases based on season (Rosé season has come and gone…) and amount of effort we want to put into drinking -use a bottle opener, corkscrew, remove a stopper, or infrequently breaking out a few bottles to mix up a cocktail.
We’re on a big wine kick right now, predominately reds, but have mixed it up quite a bit with some Syrah from Washington, some German Riesling (thanks to Ardent for getting us on those) and some lesser known Napa Reds.
For some more wine knowledge check out Somm on Netflix and if you really want to nerd out, the Guild of Sommerliers Podcast is definitely interesting (although there are a lot of terms we don’t quite know yet).
Below are a few bottles we have in rotation at the moment.
Syrah - Tenet The Pundit (~$25)
Washington State, 90-94 pts. based on various sources and we would agree
Very smooth, fuller-bodied but can drink without a food pairing.
We picked up on cherry and blackberry but here’s what the winemaker says: The color is deep purple with ruby highlights. Ripe cherry and plum aromas are complemented by earthy undercurrents of smoky cocoa and cola, and highlighted by traces of citrus blossom and lemon. A very smooth mouth feel glides into a long silky finish with flavors of red cherry and blackberry, hints of toasted vanilla, and a tantalizing slate element
Pinot - Faila ‘Lola’ (~$40)
Napa Valley, 92 pts. and definitely stood out when we went through the tasting at the vineyard
Very light, easy-drinking pinot that “I could drink a whole bottle by myself” as one of our group immediately said
Tasting notes from pros: A floral, spicy Pinot with a fragrance of sweet tomato, raspberries, and pink petals. Then wine comes down to earth with suggestions of wet stone and a coffee-herbal essence in the middle. The finish is succulent, sharp, cleansing.
“Assertive without being pushy. 10/10 would recommend to a friend”
Pinot Gris - Teutonic (~$25)
Willamette Valley, 90 pts.
We’re not big white wine drinkers, but Ardent (see Milwaukee Eats post) does a great job of breaking us out of our comfort zone with unique and funky wines.
Lighter white, we picked up on green apple or pear, winemaker notes provide more detail: This Pinot Gris with fruit from the Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills is always expressive with tropical notes, pears, pineapple, kiwi and melon. It's made to age or drink now. Even the pickiest of Pinot Gris drinkers love this wine