Brian Ager

8.9

My 2nd time having this Washington, Columbia Valley Syrah, and it continues to impress, especially once left to decant for an hour or two. Medium bodied with flavors of blackberry bramble with an earthy vein of leather and sage with a touch of allspice. Paired great with some charcuterie, on this Monday night! [6/11/18] ($13) — 9 days ago

Brian Ager

8.8

Cranberry and Concord grape with an earthy undertone with hints of freshly fallen forest floor leaves. Paired surprisingly well with our Vietnamese Bahn Tet (Sticky rice and pork belly cakes), due it's potent acidity & fruitiness. ($14) [3/23/18] — 3 months ago

Brian Ager

8.4

A blend of Grand Noir, Trincadeira, & Aragonez grapes this wine has an earthy/herbal vein throughout. Begins with a nose of blackberry jam, fig, sage, and wet clay. In comparison, the pallate falls a bit flat with high acidity overwhelming the fruit, but dusty med-high tannins meant this wine still paired quite well with our homemade Valentine's Day dinner of strip steaks & honey balsamic brussel sprouts. ($15) [2/14/18] — 4 months ago

Brian Ager

7.2

Aromas of overripe bananas which carry on to the pallate which also includes hints of pineapple. However the wine is lacking freshness or brightness, and finishes with a tinge of ethanol. Best drunk when ice cold to mask some of the obvious faults. ($4) [1/9/18] #weekdaywine — 5 months ago

Brian Ager

9.2

This West bank Bordeaux offers a wide range of compelling flavors.  Aromatically it smells of black fruit like currant with an interesting smoky undertone. However, on the pallate it is much brighter with raspberry and pomegranate mixed with a hint of vanilla esque sweetness.  Medium-high tannins are not overbearing on their own but still paired excellently with steak frites! ($15) [4/19/18] — 2 months ago

Brian Ager

9.2

Begins with a very endearing nose that is full of earthy notes of mushroom, dried leaves, and smoke with a background of cherry & cranberry. However, on the palate, the fruit takes center stage with copious amounts of cherry, with hints of cola, vanilla and allspice which carry into an enjoyably long finish. Paired perfectly with baked salmon en papillote, and a lovely dinner with @Monica Le. ($28) [2/23/18] — 4 months ago

Brian Ager

9.0

Begins with aromas of cedar and blackberry along with a certain herbal spicyness. The pallate, true to name, comes across quite velvety with flavors of juicy plum, blackberry, and hints of sage and cream. Definitely a step above the 2014 vintage I tasted previously. Overall an extremely well balanced and an easy to enjoy Washington Merlot! ($9) [1/26/18] — 5 months ago

Brian Ager

9.1

This Fumé Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes and is bright and refreshing throughout. It has prevalent citrus flavors of grapefruit and lime, with a nice touch of minerality in the form of slate and saline.  A wonderful value and paired great with a spicy chicken salad with poppyseed dressing. ($8) [4/14/18] — 2 months ago

Brian Ager

8.3

A new addition to Target's California Roots owned brand this Rose is a very pale pink peach color. While not very aromatic or overly flavorful you do get some whifs of tangerine, pink grapefruit, and strawberries along with a refreshing acidity with a touch of sweetness. All in all a nice surprise for the price and drank well with a bucket of popcorn, but would also be great poolside. ($5) [4/9/18] — 2 months ago

Brian Ager

9.1

This was a wonderful Australian Shiraz. Complex nose with a nice mix of dark fuit and earth from hints of leather and cigar box. Well balanced pallate full of blueberries, açaí berries with well integrated tannins and tertiary flavors of cured meat and sweet tobacco which carry into quite a long finish. Was a great pairing with italian sausage & sage manicotti! ($14) [2/3/18] — 5 months ago