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] — 3 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] — 5 months ago

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) — 7 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] — 3 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] — 4 months ago

Brian Ager

8.3

Relatively impressed with this boxed wine, while simple, this fruit forward medium bodied red blend has flavors of cranberry and raspberry with a quick smooth finish. Paired well with a cabin weekend up North! ($15) [7/14/18] — 7 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] — 9 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] — 3 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] — 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] — 9 months ago