Brian Ager

8.6

Fresh and zesty with the notable high acidity common in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc's.  On the nose lemon zest, peach & pineapple come through.  The pallate is a bit more muted due to high acidity, but the fruit carries over and is joined by hints of fresh grass. Paired well with salmon en papillote and our first balcony dinner of the spring. The color changing snowflake on the label is an interesting bonus as well! ❄️ ($9) [4/23/19] — 2 months ago

Brian Ager

8.5

This Portuguese Douro is a blend of 50% Tourgia Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz & 20% Touriga Nacional.   grapes. Begins with an enticing nose of blackberry bramble, sweet tobacco & baking spices with these flavors continue through the pallate.  The medium body with low tannins definitely make this a quaffable, albeit straighforward, wine. Another Portuguese wine providing great value and paired deliciously with gorgonzola sage gnocchi! ($13) [10/31/18] — 8 months ago

Brian Ager

8.3

This Chianti Superiore is actually 70% Sangiovese & 30% Merlot/Cabernet, and is aged in stainless steel rather than oak. The result is a juicy, easy drinking wine with a nose of roasted tomato, and dried cherry. The pallate is fairly simple and fruit forward with strawberry and cherry standing out, but it fades quickly with tinge of alcohol on the finish. Did pair very well with cacciatore salami and a variety of hard cheeses on a rainy afternoon! ($10) [8/28/18] — 10 months ago

Brian Ager

9.2

A delicious rustic & unfiltered blend of Carignane (68%), Grenache (24%) & Syrah (8%). Nose of dried cranberry and raspberry but secondary aromas of dried leaves & oregano come through as well.  The pallate has a smooth medium bodied mouth feel with low tannins and bright raspberry and strawberry flavors but with a twinge of baking spices & black pepper. A wonderful pairing with spice-crusted salmon & carrot fries and an even better value! ($12) [3/14/19] — 3 months ago

Brian Ager

8.9

A interesting blend of 88% Garnacha & 12% Tempranillo grapes which is medium bodied. Nose of fig, clove, and autumn leaves with the pallate adding flavors of raspberry sauce with a tinge of sweetness. A perfect pairing with cinnamon & paprika spiced pork chops topped with a cherry sauce and mashed potatoes. ($18) [10/16/18] — 8 months ago

Brian Ager

8.5

A toasty Chardonnay throughout with a nose of yellow apple and toasted pear. Toastiness continues on the pallate with flavors of lemon zest, burnt carmel, and a touch of sweet vanilla. However, this wine would benefit with a bit more fruit and freshness. The sweetness did help it pair well with spicy chicken fajitas on a rainy Tuesday night! ($9) [9/18/18] — 9 months ago

Brian Ager

8.7

This Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir pours a beautiful salmon color and starts with aromas of grapefruit, orange peel and a hint of rose petals. Grapefruit flavors continue through on the palate with an overabundance of sour cherry and a bit of oily minerality. Acidity was a bit overwhelming which kept some of the subtlety of the wine from coming through. Paired well with Vietnamese spring rolls and a Monday night celebration! ($24) [8/13/18] — 10 months ago

Brian Ager

8.2

An easy drinking Target owned brand red blend, parts unknown, with straightforward flavors of blackberry & strawberry jam and vanilla on the nose and pallate. However the wine is almost semi-sweet and this cloying sweethness overwhelms much of the experience. Still...it paired well with St Paul's famous Hot Daego's and the Bachelor finale! ($10) [3/11/19] — 4 months ago

Brian Ager

8.9

100% Chardonnay fermented in French oak, which gives a district aroma of creme fraîche and buttery rustic mushrooms. The palate is a nice contrast with a fresh acidity and predominate fruit flavors of yellow apple and Meyer lemon. All in all a well balanced Chardonnay that paired perfectly with homemade Valentine's dinner of salmon en papillote with zucchini and a lemon basil compound butter. ($17) [2/14/19] — 4 months ago

Brian Ager

9.2

A supremely well balanced 100% Chardonnay that noticably improved after warming to just below room temperature. Fresh pear, yellow apple and citrus blossum on the nose. These fresh flavors continue onto the pallate but are joined with some richness & minerality in the form of creme fraîche and a hint of crushed gravel. Paired outstanding with a grilled chicken tomato basil quinoa salad. Overall stellar for the price, wish I had bought more than one at Costco! ($8) [10/2/18] — 9 months ago