The January deep freeze held off just long enough for us to get in some wine sharing with friends at Buon Vino on Friday evening. The 2018 E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape tasted fresh, juicy, and hit the perfect spot on a cold and rainy day. Made from 70% Old Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% others. Lovely red fruit notes of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of cranberry balanced with a touch of pepper and slight savory palate. Grippy tannin along with just the right amount of acidity made it mouthwateringly tasty!
The 2019 Nicolas Catena Zapata is made of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc. It needed a short while in the decanter to open up and warm up from 55 degree cellar temperature. Once there it was very well balanced with quite a lovely purple hue. With graphite from the Cabernet Sauvignon, herbs and floral notes from the Franc, and some peppery muscle from the Malbec, it was a treat. A welcome treat from the more standard combinations in Bordeaux blends.
The 2016 Chateau Grand-Pontet from Saint-Emilion was perfectly paired with a dish of beef tips and mashed potatoes. Mostly dark black fruit notes like cherries and boysenberry. Excellent balance of tannin and acidity made it a perfect compliment for dinner on a cold and icy night. Great QPR at around $45.