Hahn Winery Pinot Noir (2012)

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2012

Pinot Noir

YEAR: 2013

REGION: US: California

AVERAGE RETAIL: $14-16

What they say about it:

“Dark purple in the glass, this Pinot Noir shows aromas of dried plums, black currants and cola. On the palate, black cherry flavors and a silky mouthfeel build on fresh acidity and well integrated oak flavors of vanilla and spice.”

What I say about it:

I was introduced to Hahn Winery about a year ago. The have a number of brands in their line and you can check them out online: http://www.hahnestates.com. I’ve become a big fan. Their wines are really excellent and a value in the price range. This is my first try for the 2012 Pinot Noir and it didn’t disappoint.

Very deep in color with the usual characteristics of a Pinot. The nose was a little musky out of the bottle but that lessened after it breathed. My first impression was tart yet sweet fruits, plums, raspberries and pie cherries, but also a distinct candied orange rind flavor on the finish. Other notes included a subtle earthiness, a slight vanilla spice with a touch of woodiness. It’s medium bodied, very smooth and easy to drink so the Hahn Pinot Noir goes excellent with food. For this tasting it accompanied a grilled flank steak and greens and went very well with the lime vinargrette dressing as the wine has nice acidity itself.

The Hahn Pinot Noir is another wine that I’d recommend for your Thanksgiving dinner as Pinot Noir works well with turkey as well as the usual sides.

Would Bukowski drink it? Hot Dog!

Overall Rating: 4 BUKS

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau (2013)

Georges Duboeuf “Beaujolais Nouveau”

Gamay

YEAR: 2013

REGION: FRANCE: Beaujolais

AVERAGE RETAIL: $10

What they say about it:

“Beautiful ruby-red color. A pleasant scent of fresh grapes and small juicy red fruits. This wine will scintillate your palate with the pleasure of an excellent ‘primeur.'”

What I say about it:

Yesterday, November 21, was the third Thursday in November this year and when the clock strikes midnight, the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, is officially released to the world. You may remember drinking Beaujolais Nouveau at a Thanksgiving or holiday get-together. Given its timely release it’s a popular wine throughout the holiday season. I love cracking into the first bottle every year and this year is no exception. This is the first of two Beaujolais Nouveau wines I will be reviewing. This, the Georges Duboeuf, is the more commonly available and probably the most recognizable name in Beaujolais Nouveau.

The 2013, doesn’t disappoint, if you are a fan of Beaujolais Nouveau. Overall it is very fruity and fresh, characteristics associated with wines like those made from the Gamay grape. Hints of strawberry were my first impression, with a sweet nose. The color is deep, ruby-red and very bright, much like its taste. Secondary taste were more tart and include rhubarb, dried cranberries and plums. Its very easy to drink (which could be great at family holiday dinners!). A really nice Beaujolais Nouveau and better than I recall the 2012 being.

Beaujolais Nouveau wines match well with just about anything. I don’t really follow the white with poultry and fish and red with red meat etc. rules. Drink what you like. I like it as a starter wine, due to it’s delicacy and subtle sweet fruit. It works well with just about everything in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, so consider it for your Turkey Day.

Would Bukowski drink it? Goes well with my F**kin frozen turkey dinner. Now F**K OFF!

Overall Rating: 4 BUKS

Francesco Bonfio Chianti Colli Senesi (2012)

Francesco Bonfio “Chianti Colli Senesi”

Chianti (Sangiovese Blend)

YEAR: 2012

REGION: Tuscany, Italy

AVERAGE PRICE: $12

What they say about it:

Francesco Bonfio is not a made up Italian name. He is a wine merchant in Sienna and a friend who has been producing reasonably priced, honest Chianti for many years. This is not your big, extracted Brunello wannabe Chianti but rather a gentle, elegant wine with aromas of red fruit and fresh earth, a silky, softly tannic structure and pretty cherry/plum fruit. As with most Italian wines it shines with food and we would recommend simple pastas, roast chicken, pork or something with the aforementioned chanterelles.

What I say about it:

I am fond of Chianti when having Italian food and on this particular evening it was pasta and meatballs. Like most Chianti wines in this price range, it’s a very drinkable everyday wine and excellent with a meal. My first impression was that it was on the dry side. I got a lot more of a chalky mouth feel and a lot of earthy tones first off. The finish brought out some subtle fruit (cranberry and pie cherries, more tart than sweet). The Francesco Bonfio “Chianti Colli Senesi ” is subtle and not bold like some Chianti wines can be. Overall I enjoyed it. It’s a value at its price and I would recommend it for drinking with a meal. On it’s own it may be a little too subtle.

Would Bukowski Drink It? Gimme that bottle.

Overall Rating: 3 BUKS

Colonia Las Liebres “Bonarda Argentina” (2012)

20131119_201931 Colonia Las Liebres “Bonarda Argentina”

Bonarda

YEAR: 2012

REGION: Argentina, Mendoza

What they say about it:

100% Bonarda Argentina grapes come from high-trellised vineyards located in a unique microclimate in the area of Medrano and Carrizal de Abajo, Mendoza. This area sits slightly higher than the neighboring vineyards to the north, which contributes to cooler nights, resulting in acid development and retention. The low fertility soils paired with parral trellising help control the natural vigor of the Bonarda vine, and deep soils with good drainage facilitate root development.

What I say about it:

Out of the bottle and into the glass, the first thing that struck me was the color. Such a deep purple with a vibrant red hint. Really striking. My first nose of the wine was a little alcohol heavy. Letting it breath helped and I recommend aerating. The wine opened up nicely. Lots of warm, deep berry flavors with slightly earthy tones.

Would Bukowski Drink It? Most definitely.

Overall Rating: 3 BUKS

Storyteller “Into the Fog” Pinot Noir (2012)

Storyteller “Into the Fog”

Pinot Noir

YEAR: 2012

REGION: US: CA, Napa Valley; Los Carneros

ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 13.5%

What they say about it:

Dark ruby black color. Aromas of clay, cocoa, and craisin with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, elegant dried cherry, vanilla, and delicate spice nuanced finish. Very stylish and tasty.

What I say about it:

My initial reaction was spicy and fruity at the same time. It had nice pop with a medium finish and a really nice mouth feel.

Would Bukowski drink it? Hell Yes.

Overall Rating: 4 BUKS