09182024 Continuing with my WTW change of doing a wine a week, Peeps, I decided to grab a Zinfandel from the cellar - I thought it would go quite well with our BBQ ribs meal being smoked today, and it did (spoiler)...so today, we have Montse Reece's 2020 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel - I love her cab and red blend, but had not been able to get the Zin in my state until the 2020 release, so am really excited to be able to try her Zin! Let's see how it tastes! In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby to garnet in color. Sniffy Sniff time – a sniffy sniff of this Zin shows jamminess in the fruits, with blackberry and black plum fruit, sweet tobacco leaf, some spice and a nice amount of toasty oak. Tasty Taste time – swirling some of this Zin on the palate shows that the fruits sensed on the nose have carried over with blackberry jam, plum fruit, some bramblewood, touch of cinnamon spice, and oak. Medium plus tannins with medium acidity, a velvety texture and a fruit filled finish. Savory! Montse's Zin is another one of those Zins that I find exceptional, and maybe it's a bit pricier than I'm used to for a Zin, but then another recent even pricier Zin I tasted was amazing, so, it just goes to show you that a varietal in which you procure high end fruit, with a talented creator like Montse, leads to a stellar example of that varietal! I'm so glad they finally can ship this to my state now, and hoping that will continue into the future! Decanting is a must to allow this to open up. While the alcohol may seem a bit high at 15.8% vs. some others, I've also had a few other Zins that broached upper 16's, but this one is well integrated so that you don't notice it, and that's what counts to me! Yummilicious! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and TADA - 2024! We are the LEVIATHAN that will not LOSE! Let's do it again in 2025! Cul sec! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/
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You and Chris
Chris's Top 3 Wines
W. Donaldson Sonoma Rosé 2021
by Wayne Donaldson
Price: $ 50.99
Angels: $ 25.99
Montse Reece Dry Creek Zinfandel 2020
by Montse Reece
Price: $ 39.99
Angels: $ 21.99
M.A.D. Dashe Single Vineyard Reserve Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2022
by Michael & Anne Dashe
Price: $ 56.99
Angels: $ 39.99
Chris on Montse Reece Dry Creek Zinfandel 2020
Chris on M.A.D. Dashe Single Vineyard Reserve Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2022
08062024 Until I get my next case, I'm going to have to switch away from my WTW as I have almost caught up on all my new wine reviews, so switching over to doing a wine a week for a bit. I decided to grab the M.A.D. Dashe pricey Zin (I don't usually spend that much on a Zin - typically cabs and some sparklers, though), but let's take this one for a spin to see if I enjoy as much as I have their other wines I've tried over the years. Ready? Let's go! In the glass, the wine is a medium ruby in color. Sniffy Sniff time – the nose of this Zin is very fruity with blackberry notes, a hint of some floral, sweet tobacco, and cedar. Tasty Taste time – moving onto the palate, stewed blackberry and currant fruit greets me, with some muted cinnamon notes, tobacco leaf, slight hint of vanilla, and rich oak. Medium plus tannins with medium acidity, velvety smooth texture and a big finish that lingers. Wow! I think this is the best Zin I have ever tasted, and I have tasted a LOT of Zins. Of course, this one is about double what I have paid for my Zins - so that figures into it there. Interesting, this is amazing fruit lovingly crafted by Michael and Anne into something more. Already so smooth and delicious, I'll need to definitely grab another bottle and try to just let it sit forgotten in the back of the cellar racks for 5 years or more...that's kinda hard though...this one gets a 5 heart rating already! If you can splurge a bit to try this Zin, make sure you do as its something special! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and TADA - 2024! We are the LEVIATHAN that will not LOSE! Let's do it again in 2025! Cul sec! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/
What Chris has been up to
Chris reviewed Mick Schroeter Russian River Chardonnay 2023 10042024 Ok, Peeps - I'm upping
4 hours ago
Chris liked Mick Schroeter Russian River Chardonnay 2023
4 hours ago
Chris reviewed Dave Harvey Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Franc 2023 09252024 Ok, Peeps - I'm upping
9 days ago
Chris liked Dave Harvey Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Franc 2023
9 days ago
Chris reviewed Jim Duane Monterey Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023 09242024 Ok, Peeps - I'm upping
10 days ago
The Strasser Collection Central Coast Gruner Veltliner 2023
$27.99
Chris on The Strasser Collection Central Coast Gruner Veltliner 2023
09062024 Continuing with my WTW switch to doing a wine a week, Peeps, I grabbed the latest vintage (2023) of Rudy Von Strasser's, The Strasser Collection Central Coast Gruner Veltliner. I enjoyed the 2021 quite a bit, even though I love his Cabs more (I'm more of a red head, remember). Let's see how this latest vintage tastes! In the glass, the wine is a pale to medium gold in color. Sniffy Sniff time – a sniffy sniff of this GruVee shows primarily citrus fruit notes, such as lime, and grapefruit, with some slight herbaceousness. Tasty Taste time – swirling some onto the palate for my tasty taste yields gooseberry fruit, notes of star fruit, crushed rock, and hints of pink peppercorn. High acidity, a viscous texture, and some steely bite on the finish round things out. Delightful! Rudy delivers a very nice GruVee yet again with this vintage, Peeps. While fruity, I wouldn't say its sweet enough for the Sweetie Peeps out there, but your mileage may vary, so give it a try if you are adventurous! This is on par with the last vintage for me, and gets 4.5 hearts! If you have never tried a Gruner Veltliner, make sure to grab some to see what you think and expand that palate! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and TADA - 2024! We are the LEVIATHAN that will not LOSE! Let's do it again in 2025! Cul sec! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/
Chris on W. Donaldson Sonoma Rosé 2021
08222024 Continuing with my WTW switch to doing a wine a week, Peeps, I'm back with a new release of bubbles from Wayne Donaldson. I'm tasting his latest vintage (2021) of his W. Donaldson Sonoma Rose! I have always enjoyed both his signature Rose and his Blanc de Blancs, and have a hard time placing one above the other. Historically, I believe I have had some vintages of one beat the other by a half a heart, but they go back and forth for me. Well, let's see how this vintage tastes! In the glass, the wine is a medium copper in color. Sniffy Sniff time – on the nose of this sparkler, I'm sensing some floral notes, raspberry fruit, and hints of citrus. Tasty Taste time – the palate highlights the raspberry fruit with the addition of strawberry fruit, and hints of chalkdust (look out for the flying erasers, Peeps - Ha!). Bubbles are very delicate and fine - effervescent as always! Uber crisp acidity, and a flavorful finish! Superb! If you haven't tried a Donaldson sparkler yet, Peeps, you owe it to yourself to grab one of them. W. Donaldson label is my fave of them, albeit a bit pricier than the Eponina, I find it to always be superior, and worth the extra investment. I have enjoyed the prior 6 vintages of this Sonoma Rose, so not surprisingly, I am enjoying this 2021 as well. Always a hit with my palate. Grab some while you can as it will sell out. 5 hearts! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and TADA - 2024! We are the LEVIATHAN that will not LOSE! Let's do it again in 2025! Cul sec! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/
Chris on Montse Reece Dry Creek Zinfandel 2020
09182024 Continuing with my WTW change of doing a wine a week, Peeps, I decided to grab a Zinfandel from the cellar - I thought it would go quite well with our BBQ ribs meal being smoked today, and it did (spoiler)...so today, we have Montse Reece's 2020 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel - I love her cab and red blend, but had not been able to get the Zin in my state until the 2020 release, so am really excited to be able to try her Zin! Let's see how it tastes! In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby to garnet in color. Sniffy Sniff time – a sniffy sniff of this Zin shows jamminess in the fruits, with blackberry and black plum fruit, sweet tobacco leaf, some spice and a nice amount of toasty oak. Tasty Taste time – swirling some of this Zin on the palate shows that the fruits sensed on the nose have carried over with blackberry jam, plum fruit, some bramblewood, touch of cinnamon spice, and oak. Medium plus tannins with medium acidity, a velvety texture and a fruit filled finish. Savory! Montse's Zin is another one of those Zins that I find exceptional, and maybe it's a bit pricier than I'm used to for a Zin, but then another recent even pricier Zin I tasted was amazing, so, it just goes to show you that a varietal in which you procure high end fruit, with a talented creator like Montse, leads to a stellar example of that varietal! I'm so glad they finally can ship this to my state now, and hoping that will continue into the future! Decanting is a must to allow this to open up. While the alcohol may seem a bit high at 15.8% vs. some others, I've also had a few other Zins that broached upper 16's, but this one is well integrated so that you don't notice it, and that's what counts to me! Yummilicious! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and TADA - 2024! We are the LEVIATHAN that will not LOSE! Let's do it again in 2025! Cul sec! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/
M.A.D. Dashe Single Vineyard Reserve Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2022
$56.99
Chris on M.A.D. Dashe Single Vineyard Reserve Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2022
08062024 Until I get my next case, I'm going to have to switch away from my WTW as I have almost caught up on all my new wine reviews, so switching over to doing a wine a week for a bit. I decided to grab the M.A.D. Dashe pricey Zin (I don't usually spend that much on a Zin - typically cabs and some sparklers, though), but let's take this one for a spin to see if I enjoy as much as I have their other wines I've tried over the years. Ready? Let's go! In the glass, the wine is a medium ruby in color. Sniffy Sniff time – the nose of this Zin is very fruity with blackberry notes, a hint of some floral, sweet tobacco, and cedar. Tasty Taste time – moving onto the palate, stewed blackberry and currant fruit greets me, with some muted cinnamon notes, tobacco leaf, slight hint of vanilla, and rich oak. Medium plus tannins with medium acidity, velvety smooth texture and a big finish that lingers. Wow! I think this is the best Zin I have ever tasted, and I have tasted a LOT of Zins. Of course, this one is about double what I have paid for my Zins - so that figures into it there. Interesting, this is amazing fruit lovingly crafted by Michael and Anne into something more. Already so smooth and delicious, I'll need to definitely grab another bottle and try to just let it sit forgotten in the back of the cellar racks for 5 years or more...that's kinda hard though...this one gets a 5 heart rating already! If you can splurge a bit to try this Zin, make sure you do as its something special! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and TADA - 2024! We are the LEVIATHAN that will not LOSE! Let's do it again in 2025! Cul sec! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/
Chris on Matt Parish Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Hmm...I know I reviewed this one and posted in the past...but no longer showing since the website changes. I DO know I at least rated this one 4.5 hearts (if not 5), though...so, posting that bit to get this one off my to review list.
Chris on Jacqueline Bahue Sonoma County Cabernet Franc 2021
07202024 New Bottle Update: Wow Wow Wow, Peeps! JB has outdone herself with this latest vintage of her Cab Franc - extra time in the cellar got this puppy to 5 hearts! This is a stellar Cab Franc so don't miss out as its still available to add to your next case (or get a case of just it - Hah!). Delicious! Remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com - Best Wine Club according to USA Today and ME - for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and TADA - 2023! We are the BEHEMOTH that can't be BEAT! Let's do it again in 2024! Cul sec! VOTE NOW! Only 2 Days LEFT - so vote now and 7/21! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2024/naked-wines/ 12222023 First Bottle WTW Wine 2 - It's WTW (Wine Tasting Weekend) - COVID Christmas Edition - As always, I have 3, count'em THREE wines I'll be tasting each day this weekend (one per day - unless I get antsy). Unfortunately, it's a COVID Christmas this year as my son has it, and now we are all not able to do the various Christmas events. So, time to break out the wine and get through this. I have selected the following wines to taste: Ondine Chattan 2022 Barrel Select Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Jacqueline Bahue 2021 Sonoma County Cabernet Franc, and Matt Parish 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Continuing on with Jacqueline's famous and favorite Cab Franc (that I love) - let's see how this vintage tastes! In the glass, the wine is a medium ruby to purple in color, with a slightly inky heart as I can see my fingers through the glass. Sniffy Sniff time – a sniffy sniff of this wine shows black plums and berries, with some green pepper herbaceous-ness as well, and possibly a hint of green chilis. Smoky cedarwood as well. Smells delightful. Tasty Taste time – Onto the tasty taste, and the blackberry and plum fruit is here as well, with some hoisin sauce, a touch of clove spice, and rich oak. Tannins and acidity are both high, and the texture is very smooth with a somewhat astringent finish. Delicious! I love many of JB's wines, but, my Peeps know I am partial to her Solo Cab Francs as those are my faves from her. This one is keeping the trend of excellence alive! Glad I have more in the cellar as this one has legs to go for quite a while. For now, it's showing at 4.5 hearts for me - a little room to grow and evolve with more rest for the others.
Chris on Matt Parish Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Hmm...I know I reviewed this one and posted in the past...but no longer showing since the website changes. I DO know I rated this one 5 hearts, though...so can at least close that out...
Chris on Karen Birmingham Reserve Lodi Zinfandel 2018
Hmm...I know I reviewed this one and posted in the past...but no longer showing since the website changes. I DO know I at least rated this one 4.5 hearts (if not 5), though...so, posting that bit to get this one off my to review list.
Chris on DRG Wine with Heart 2018
03232022 Quickie Update: Hey there, Peeps! I opened another bottle of the 2018 I had resting in the cellar. Just wanted to pop in to let you know it is quite an amazing wine. Still silky smooth, and delicious! If you have not tried this gem of a red blend yet, why not? The 2020 vintage is available, so make sure you grab some! Bas vers le haut! Original Post: I recently received a wine I am pretty sure I have tried outside of NakedWines.com from DRG (his Colby Red) and have always loved it, so while it may not be called the same here, it sounds like WE now get to buy this great wine directly from Nakedwines.com. Score! So, this may be a bit of a spoiler then, eh? Well, let's see how the 2018 vintage tastes! The color in the glass is nice bing cherry skin to flesh as it thins out to the edge. Sniffy sniff time – so many fruits on the nose, with cherry, plum, blackberry, and nice spices, like clove, with a "cabin in the woods smell" finishing it off (likely the oak, but makes me think of the cabin, Peeps). Smells awesome! Tasty Taste time – Silky smooth texture upon entry to the palate, with much of the same fruit carrying onto the palate as well, general savory notes from the oak, with some hints of mushroom as well. Medium tannins, and acidity, with a the smoooooth velvety texture continuing through the finish, with a touch of cassis, and black tea. Amazing! As you likely guessed - I would be hard pressed to not enjoy a wine blend I have enjoyed before (and if Daryl surprises me and says this is not that wine, then kudos on a 2nd blend that is another favorite)! If you love red blends, you MUST try this wine! If you don't like red blends, try it anyway - as you will be helping to heal hearts all over the country! Sweeties - you may not like this one, true, as it could be too dry for you, but maybe try it as well, or share it with some friends. For $11 a bottle, what's not to like? 5 hearts! Time to bottle this one up...remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com (according to USA Today and ME), and one of the 10 best wine clubs (so says Wine Enthusiast and ME) - for the year 2019…Let's do it again in 2020! Bas vers le haut!
Chris on Ken & Alex Oak Knoll District Napa Malbec Cabernet 2018
Hmm...I know I reviewed this one and posted in the past...but no longer showing since the website changes. I DO know I rated this one 5 hearts, though...so, posting that bit to get this one off my to review list.
Chris on Mauricio Lorca Angels Selection Chardonnay 2019
Ok, Peeps! Got a new wine to try from Mauricio Lorca! I've enjoyed a number of Mauricio's wines going all the way back to his 2012 Torrontes (the first I tried), and it was great! I think this may be the 1st Chardonnay of his I have tried, though (I need to take a look). Let's see how it is! The color in the glass is a very pale gold. Sniffy sniff time – caramelized apple, ripe banana, and slight hints of mango on the nose, with nice floral notes showing as well, and a touch of oak. Tasty Taste time – Apple, and Pineapple fruit showing, with light buttery notes, and creamy oak, finishing with some citrus zest. Some nice acidity for this chard also strikes a balance between the very light acidic kinds, and the heavy buttery kinds. Very nice! This is another great wine from Mauricio, and one I will thoroughly enjoy finishing over the next couple days. It's been a while since I have opened a chardonnay, I think, and this one was a good choice to open and taste! Sweeties, while you can give this one a try, this may be too dry for you...so tread wisely. For me, though, this one gets 4.5 hearts! Time to bottle this one up...remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com (according to USA Today and ME), and one of the 10 best wine clubs (so says Wine Enthusiast and ME) - for the year 2019…Let's do it again in 2020! Bas vers le haut!
Chris on Cellar Cru California Rose 2019
Wow - was it a HOT day here...so I grabbed the new Cellar Cru Rose to enjoy! I have had 2 other wines from that group, and while the white was good, the red was great. This is the 2019 vintage of a Rose that recently arrived, so let's see how it tastes compared to the others! Ready? Let's go! The color in the glass is a bright pink - this wine is "pretty in pink" it appears (a great classic movie as well)! Sniffy sniff time – I'm picking up some strawberry fruit, some floral notes, and a hint of tar on the nose. Tasty Taste time – The strawberry fruit continues onto the palate, with some nice watermelon, maybe a bit close to the rind, with a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Nice acidity, and juicy flavors make this quite the enjoyable summer sipper! So, while the white was good, and the red was great, I'm finding I like this Rose best of the three wines I have tried from the Cellar Crew to date. At <$10 a bottle, the price is right also, so grab up some to chill out with by the pool this summer, as you won't be disappointed. Sweeties, give this a try as I think you will enjoy it. This one gets 4.5 hearts from me! Time to bottle this one up...remember you are in the #1 BEST PLACE at Nakedwines.com (according to USA Today and ME), and one of the 10 best wine clubs (so says Wine Enthusiast and ME) - for the year 2019…Let's do it again in 2020 - contest is on NOW so go vote! https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-wine-club-2020/ - Bas vers le haut!
Winemakers Chris is Archangel to
Dalia Ceja & Everardo Robledo
The heirs of Carneros' winemaking dynasty
Ana Diogo-Draper
Portuguese winemaker who's made California her home
Mitchell Masotti
The Napa star behind 100-point wines
Jesse Katz
He's a young Sonoma icon - with lasting star power
Rudy von Strasser
Founding father of the Diamond Mountain District
Montse Reece
Spanish winemaker at home in Dry Creek Valley
Baptiste Gazeau
He's on a mission to make Limoux famous
Penelope Gadd-Coster
The expert behind the most famous sparkling in America
Stephen Millier
Your most popular winemaker
Scott Peterson
Defining California winemaking. Rich, generous and full-throttle.
Matt Parish
International all-star and former Chief Winemaker for star-studded wineries and famous Napa wines
Karen Birmingham
She's an award-winning Lodi expert and your 5th Annual Winemaker of the Year!Â
Jacqueline Bahue
An incredible Napa talent - you discovered her first!
Mick Schroeter
USA
Ken Wright
USA
Kyle Burke
USA
Ashley Herzberg
USA
Baptiste Gazeau
France
Megan & Ryan Glaab
USA
Montse Reece
USA
Peter 'Juicy' Gajewski
Australia
Mitchell Masotti
USA
Scott Steingraber
USA
Jonathan Pey
USA
Michael & Anne Dashe
USA