Wines with Character
wine reviews & Samples policy
Taste Drink Think is my approach to reviewing wines. I realize that no two people taste or smell the same thing, and that my (aroma and flavor) perceptions are subjective. For this reason, these wine reviews will be hedonistic versus empirical in nature.
What interests me is the “character” of the wine and its relevance to the brand, and what the winemaker is trying to achieve. Is the wine emblematic and representative of their winemaking philosophy, brand style, and identity as a winemaker?
2025 Press Gang Cellars “Trashfire”
I’m guessing that the 2025 “Trashfire” blend – 60% Chardonnay and 40% Grenache – is Winemaker Kyle’s playful take on so-called “natural wine”. Kyle, tell me if I’m wrong. The...
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2023 Fifty-Third “Romulus” Red Wine
I loved the band “Deep Purple” back in the day. Deep Purple could also describe this red wine in the glass. Romulus is an homage to the winery owners’ beloved...
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2022 Arterra Petit Verdot
Winemaker Jason Murray is staking a claim that Petit Verdot is Arterra’s most emblematic wine, but possibly also for the Blue Ridge Mountains and all of Virginia Wines. And you...
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Archer Roose Rose’
Vibrant aromas of strawberry are immediately apparent in this blush-pink rosé. The fruit and acid are balanced; brightness in a can. This is an easy quaffing wine, at only 13%...
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Wetzel Estate “Cuvee Blanc” Sparkling Wine NV
How about bubbles from Wetzel Estate paired with lounging on the Umpqua River? Yes, please. We enjoyed this deep yellow, lightly off dry, medium-effervescent, medium-bodied sparkling wine on an anniversary...
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2015 Argyle “Extended Tirage” Brut
Once in a while, you get lucky and open something extraordinary on a special occasion. This 11-year-old sparkling wine met the moment and then some. Fresh as the day is...
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Archer Roose Wines Chardonnay
Winemaker Delphine Gaillard crafted this impressive 100% Chardonnay from the Côtes de Gascogne region. I love the 250 milliliter format, enough for a respectable glass pour. And at only 12%...
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2022 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Rosé
Anyone who has lived in or visited Northern California wine country knows Gloria Ferrer, one of the original and most prominent sparkling wine houses in the state. I recently tasted...
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2023 Hamilton Family GSM
This blend is quite an accomplishment for winemaker Greg Hamilton. It’s only three years old, a toddler really. But this GSM is so soft, creamy, and balanced. Even the tannins...
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2023 Lyons Vineyard Grenache
Wines can be described as fresh, fruit-forward, herbal, floral, and so forth. This Grenache is light to medium in color, body, and length. But what it really is is Savory....
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2023 VIK Red Blend
Tasting with winemaker Cristián Vallejo was beyond exciting and offered unexpected insights. The VIK red blend was exceptional and has room to grow and improve indefinitely. Cristián has the pedigree,...
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MOONQ “Nrneni” Dry Red Wine
MOONQ is producing a small quantity of Nrneni, a rare Armenian variety, in the Ararat Valley at about 2,600′ elevation. They use no oak, so if you are lucky enough...
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For Winemaker Interviews – one wine (2 Bottles) is required with each interview. Participating wineries may send up to two additional wines which will be reviewed separately on this page and posted on social media.
Other wineries – if you are not participating in interviews, and would like to send samples, I will review up to 3 wines on this page. Please contact me below to request Samples Policy, Requirements & Shipping Information.
General Information – Samples submissions are accepted from any wine region and type of wine. Shipping is to a commercial wine warehouse. There are no fees for reviews. I will not review wines that are flawed. Samples are provided by the wineries.
Please check the FAQ Page for additional sampling information.
