Posted from CellarTracker
$18.99 here before case discount, see it on WS for $16 and change.
We have a shop called Liquor Boy in MN and I don’t buy much from them but the last two purchases show heat damage. Not sure what is up with them but the bottle form WineStreet Spirits on their progressive sale was only $17 with tax.
2018 Marietta Cellars Christo - USA, California, Sonoma County (2/20/2022)
Day 1: So I am very concerned about the quality of the wines at Liquor Boy in St. Louis Park. I had to return a case of Roederer Anderson Valley Brut and opened a bottle of this from them and had heat damage character. This bottle from WineStreet Spirits is similar to the other two 92 pointers. Spice, blueberries, raspberries, dark chocolate and minerals. Medium plus finish. 91 points (91 points)
2018 Marietta Cellars Christo - USA, California, Sonoma County (2/20/2022)
Amazing the difference on this wine with bottles from different shops. This bottle is going back. One of the issues in MN is some of these distributors and shops insistent on shipping wines when it is too hot. This bottle has all the characteristics of heat damage. Muted fruit and lacks any character of the previous two 92 point scores. (NR/flawed)
Here is an up and down and then up day 3 review.
2018 Marietta Cellars Christo - USA, California, Sonoma County (2/20/2022)
Day 1: So I am very concerned about the quality of the wines at Liquor Boy in St. Louis Park. I had to return a case of Roederer Anderson Valley Brut and opened a bottle of this from them and had heat damage character. This bottle from WineStreet Spirits is similar to the other two 92 pointers. Spice, blueberries, raspberries, dark chocolate and minerals. Medium plus finish. (Composite Cork) 91 points
Day 2: Ok on day 2 but a bit heavy on the spice and mild heat. Spices, fruit, minerals and dark chocolate. Somewhat hot finish. Certainly not as good. 87 points
Day 3: This bottle is all over the place on the 3 days. Day one the best, day 2 not very good and day 3 solid. Yes wine does evolve over 3 days and for young wines mostly good and this is no exception. Blueberries, exotic spices, cherry, minerals, dust and dark chocolate. A hint of wood on the finish. 90 points (91 points)
Another gem from Marietta is their OVR Lot 72…no clue re when #73 will be available…but their OVR wines are perennial pleasers…Basically a field blend headlined by Zin.
Marietta is one of the better wineries that can make a good $10, $20 and $40 bottle.
I feel no discussion of under $20 wine would be complete without mentioning:
GD Vajra Claré J.C. (A really bright and quaffable Langhe Nebbiolo that is just plain delicious.)
Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques (The go-to baseline of Bierzo Mencía)
(Not to mention several Rieslings but I just wanted to add something to subscribe to the thread.)
We have a local wine shop with a spring sale coming up and known for Rieslings. It keeps reminding me that I need to stock up on Riesling.
Do Ferreiro Albariño, the basic green label. Usually more around $25, but I’ve occasionally seen it lower, or in a case/coupon discount. Always very drinkable.
2016 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Alberdi Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (3/2/2022)
Day 1: Heavy wood on the pour but 30 minutes in the glass much better. One of the best values for $20 on the planet. Raspberries, wood, spice, rose petals, cherry and saddle wood. This is such a great wine and medium plus finish. (Natural cork) 92 points
Day 2: Always has the wood nose/palate on the pour but blows off quickly. Alive and fresh on day 2. Raspberries, cherry, saddle wood, leather, spice and minerals. Medium plus finish and picks up some bitter chocolate on the end. Excellent value as always. $20.00 a bottle. 92 points
Recommendation: No brainer a benchmark wine from Rioja for $19.99. (92 points)
Not too many wines in the world better than this year in and year out!
2020 La Cana Albarino for $17 at either total Wine or Bevmo is an excellent crisp white.
2016 San Alejandro Las Rocas Garnacha
Last night we opened our 2nd to last bottle of the 2 cases that we bought. Haven’t had 1 in almost a year. We paid $9 a few years back, but for the most part they are up around $12 now. PnP and may improve slightly over an hour or 2. It is a little hot at 14.5%, but this is excellent qpr.
P.S. The 2017 didnt do nearly as much for me.
Blast from the past wine. Have not had in it years. Honestly have not seen it on the shelves in Minneapolis in a while. Will have to see if it is around in our market. Used to like this wine a lot. ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
La Cana is a really solid Albarino at a great price.
2018 Tenuta di Capraia Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (3/16/2022)
Day 1: Maybe best deal so far this year. $14 are you kidding me. Fragrant nose with some nice funk, floral and red currants. Palate is not as good but still flavorful featuring rose petals, red currants, spice and minerals. Overall amazing value. Nose 92 /Palate 90. Split the difference for a 91 points.
Day 2: Bright fruit featuring raspberries, unripe strawberries, mild spice, floral and minerals. This is not as good as the pop and pour but for the money a solid effort. 89 points
Recommendation: This wine peaked on the pop and pour and never got back to that level but still for the price a good value. (91 points)
K&L with a sweet price on 2013 Le Cigare Volant, $20…
https://www.klwines.com/p/i?i=1563283&searchId=70710a4d-0a80-447d-97c9-530467f7f6fd&searchServiceName=klwines-prod-productsearch&searchRank=1
For under $20 yes on that. Would not pay much more for that particular vintage however.
Why’s that? Good scores, CT and otherwise, overall, and good reviews in the past here.
I find there are plenty of Cotes du Rhones just as good for less. St. Cosme always comes to mind. I don’t dislike these wines never found them great values at the retail they are selling. Plus I don’t find they age that well.
Even better. Getting a case of this tomorrow.
2018 Rémy Ferbras Côtes du Rhône - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/17/2022)
Day 1: Pop and pour. Nice fruit and bramble. Spice, minerals and floral notes. Rustic and consistent. Medium finish. 90 points
Day 2: Much better and almost tastes like a Northern Rhone $50 Syrah. Roasted meats, pepper, minerals, bramble, mild spices and floral notes. Concentrated effort and will be getting a case of this fine everyday drinker. 92 points. (92 points)
Shipping season getting 3 more on Monday. Free shipping for $13.99 a bottle. Yes please.