Odds and ends from the last two weeks:
2021 Stolo Family Vineyards Syrah Estate San Luis Obispo County
I picked this up a year ago, intrigued by Tom Hill's reports on this winery that's more or less down the hill from Hearst Castle in Cambria, California. Decanted for an hour before drinking to bring the fruit and acidity into balance. To be honest it did not taste at all like syrah, but had flavors I presume are attributable to its Cambrian origins: pomegranate, grenadine, cactus pear and rhubarb. Good, though.
2022 Quinta de S. Sebastião Vinho Regional Lisboa Rare Grande Reserva Red Blend
This got a good report from a very reliable CT friend a few months ago, but whether it's my dislike of Alicante Bouschet or something else, a volatile sour note convinced me to put this aside for a new batch of red wine vinegar.
2023 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon Columbia Valley
Consumed over five days, this wine is as great on the palate as it is easy on the wallet ($20ish). Med-full body, both earthy and elegant, with the acidity and minerality to carry it. One of the better buys in Washington whites and a fab match for a homemade cream of mushroom soup with a splash of dry sherry in it.
2021 Aevitas Cabernet Sauvignon Koko Nor Vineyard Napa Valley
Tasted over four days, this is a striking, traditionally styled cabernet (black cherry, tobacco, graphite) showing good evolution. Coming into its own now.
2018 Halcon Estate Mourvèdre Yorkville Highlands
Drinkable, but there's not a lot there. Had a glass and dumped the rest. Have one more bottle in the cellar, will be glad to see them gone--this hasn't been a happy relationship.
2024 Cà dei Frati Lugana I Frati Turbiana, Verdicchio
Loads of white grapefruit: balanced, fresh, enticing.
2023 Big Table Farm Chardonnay AVA Series, Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley
Served to friends: expected it to open up but instead it went the other way. Wait!