Rick Riddle

9.6

Cherries, Cherries, Cherries!
From the onset, this gem screams Cherries; Red Cherries, Black Cherries, Sweet Cherries, and Tart Cherries.

But it doesn’t end there. This Garnet, Red Ruby beauty has additional notes of tobacco.

The Oak has mellowed over time leaving flavors reminiscent of caramelized walnuts.

The finish adds notes of Dates and Blackberries, and is silky smooth and lingering.

One of the more expensive Rioja Gran Reserva’s at $74, but it is a huge step up and well worth it.

Tipsy Grapes Rating 96
Price $74 — 6 years ago

Rick Riddle

9.0

2015 Chanson Le Bourgogne.

Light bodied with a translucent burgundy/garnet color.
This is a classic every man’s Bourgogne with notes of Red Cherry, young Strawberry with lots of earthy tones.

Tonight we paired with a homemade mushroom shallot and parsley truffle black pasta which danced brilliantly with the wine, which goes cheek to cheek with the earthiness and also brings the red fruit to the forefront.

Obviously there are higher quality French Pinots, but for under $20, you get a traditional Bourgogne that will be the perfect date to your next dinner party.

90 points
Price: $19 — 6 years ago

with Meagan

Rick Riddle

8.8

This lightener bodied, warm climate, unoaked Chardonnay opens with a Deep Golden color that has notes of apricot, peaches, banana and honey with a aciditic pineapple finish.

Better served colder as We enjoyed this thirst quenching wine in Costa Rica in 85 degree temperature that helped beat the heat. Paired amazingly well with Peruvian style Ceviche, Costa Rican Seafood soup and Grilled Mahi Mahi.


88 points
Price $20 — 6 years ago

with Meagan

Rick Riddle

9.6

Another fantastic wine from Shafer.

A “Right Bank” Bordeaux style Wine that is predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petite Verdot.

Very complex and well balanced with notes of blue and black fruit, dark Cocoa, Vanilla Spice and a Smokey Undertone.

Has a silky smooth mouthfeel and a lingering juicy finish. Well worth the $59 price tag.

Tipsy Grapes Rating 96 points — 6 years ago

Rick Riddle

8.3

When I opened the bottle, the floral notes rushed immediately before I had a chance to put the cork down. It’s a very light yellow color with an oil like body has overwhelming notes of lavender tea with honeysuckle on the front. There is an herbal tea quality with a mineral wet slate finish.

Full bodied, very floral this can either be paired with spicy Thai curries, Chinese food, or possibly for dessert wine with heavier, creamier cheeses.

It didn’t work with my lobster rolls tonight as it’s a tad too sweet for my liking.

Price $17
Rating 83 points — 6 years ago

Rick Riddle

9.7

From start to finish reminds me more of an old world Pinot than a new world.

It’s a lighter bodied red with a beautiful ruby garnet color.

On the nose it screams raspberry and plum that carry thru to the palate with tart red Cherry and sweet cherry jumping on the flavor train.

The flavors continue with earthy notes of damp moss and fresh dirt.

The tart cherry lingers on thru to the finish.

This is a well balanced, beautifully structured wine. It has lots of depth and quite possibly, the best Sonoma Valley Pinot We have ever had.

Paired amazingly well with truffle Spread, fresh motz on crustini bread and green olives, highlighting the earthy tones and making the fruity notes POP

97 points
Price $70 — 6 years ago

with Meagan

Rick Riddle

8.9

What a fun wine. Dark black fruit on the nose continue with hints of vanilla, chocolate, stewed plums and raisins on the palate up front with a lingering bourbon finish. The wine has a lighter body with leathery tannins and a smoky finish. As it opens up, Red Cherry starts to come to the forefront

I’ve had bourbon barrel aged wines that scream bourbon and alcohol and while this one has the bourbon notes, it’s not overbearing like many others.

It does pack a punch at 15.9% ABV

Price $18
Tipsy Grapes Rating 89 — 6 years ago

Rick Riddle

8.6

Subtle and less aciditic than a typical SB. The body is very light, and the notes are less citrus and more honey and herbal green tea. (Reminded me of the body of a Pinot Gris but notes of a Viognier or an unoaked Chard) Not as distinct when trying alone, it matched perfectly with Spicy Tom Yum Thai soup. — 6 years ago

Rick Riddle

8.5

So this wine is advertised as a baby Amarone. It has has notes of dark plums, caramelized sugar, and raisins. It was what I was expecting from this little kid brother of the big and bold older brother.

HOWEVER, it had a effervescence to it that caught me off guard. It wasn’t like champagne, but “fizzier” than a Vinho Verde. It had a slight froth out of the bottle. It freaked us out a bit, but it didn’t cause us to stop drinking it. It was like a grape soda. No casualties so I assume it was ok.

Price $18
Rating 85 — 6 years ago

Rick Riddle

9.6

This is one of the Richer, Full bodied Rioja Reserva’s I have had. The color is a dark, inky purple.

It has strong notes of cherry on the nose that surprisingly do not reappear until a smooth long finish.

What first hits the palate is more earthy notes, like Forrest Floor, reminiscent of a cold climate Pinot, with lots of Oak.

The black cherries come rushing in once again and give you a warm feel as it finishes.
Price $55
96 points
Obviously, Paired well with Manchego Cheese but surprisingly with a dish that highlighted mushrooms, Kale and Broccoli that highlighted the wines earthy undertones.

— 6 years ago