Brian Ager

8.8

Portuguese red blend, with parts unknown, although I suspect it has a good amount of Alicante Bouschet given hints of smoky-sweetness throughout. Starts with aromas of plum & a hint of sweet tobacco. Palate is juicy & off-dry with more plum & black cherry coming through. Another excellent value coming out of Portugal (keep em coming Costco!) & was a crowd pleaser at the dinner party! ($6) [10/3/19] — 18 days ago

Brian Ager

8.6

100% Reisling from the Columbia Valley, and as mass market wines go this is one quite good albeit simple. Starts with enticing floral aromatics of Jasmine & Honeysuckle. While peach, pineapple with a bit of lemon zest come through on the medium-dry palate. Overall paired well with spicy homemade mac & cheese on a beautiful Monday evening. ($7) [7/22/19] — 3 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] — 8 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] — a year ago

Brian Ager

9.1

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley with rich aromatics of black currant fig and cocoa nibs. Much of that rich fruit continues into the palate with the addition of hints of graphite and molasses with just enough mellowed tannins to pair perfectly with grilled strip steak & Japanese sweet potato fries. 2014 vintage is drinking wonderfully right now, especially after allowing it to decant for an hour!
($14) [9/6/19] — 2 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] — 7 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] — a year ago

Brian Ager

8.8

A blend of Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah this Salmon hued rosé starts with aromas of grapefruit and cherry with nice hint of fennel in the background. The palate has a refreshing med-high acidity and some salinity with cherry & strawberry notes carrying through. Paired perfectly with dill butter roasted salmon and a relaxing night on the balcony. Cheers to my 100th wine rated on Delectable! 🎉
($10) [8/11/19] — 2 months ago

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] — 6 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] — 8 months ago