Wine Review
2022 Cerasuolo Marcantonio Rosé Wine
Azienda Agricola Olivastri Tommaso
Alcohol:  14%
$19.00
The Wine and Cheese Place
 
We stopped by one of our favorite wine shops in Kirkwood a few Saturdays ago and were greeted by the daughter of Tommaso Olivastri, winemaker, and owner of Olivastri Tomasso. A lovely tasting event that happens frequently at the Wine and Cheese Place with different wines and winemakers weekly. We were excited to try the wines from this amazing winemaker.
 
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Marcantonio Rosé Wine is not red, and not quite a Rosé. It demands a nice chill. The grapes are fermented with temperature control, and then aged for two months in stainless steel and two more in bottle prior to release. Its color is a clear ruby, still light but brighter red than you might expect. The fragrance abounds with the bouquet of red roses. The notes of wild rose mingles with strawberries and cherries. The palate is fresh and clean and quite plummy. Light tannins as expected, and the expected acidity are in tune perfectly.
 
FOOD PAIRING: Pizza, medium-aged cheeses, and cured meats.

​Wine Review
2018 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir
Erath Winery
Cost:  $19.00
Alcohol:  13%

A great wine at a great price point.  This Oregon Pinot Noir hits the nose with dark red berries and ripe Bing cherries with a touch of floral and fresh herbs coming through.  A well-balanced palate brings the cherry notes through with a bit of spice at the end, giving a big, long finish.  A nice, velvety texture and a bright acidity bring this pinot noir home in a big way.  A value at under $20.00.  Santé! 

Wine Review:
2021 Commuter Cuvee Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Grochau Cellars
Cost:  $23.00
Alcohol:  13.6%
 
We are determined not to spend more than $25.00 for a bottle of wine, but still find outstanding quality.  This Pinot Noir from Oregon certainly fits the bill.  The Grochau Cellars Commuter Cuvee Pinot Noir is exactly what we were looking for in a bottle for pizza night.  A pure delight with a nose of lavender and fresh spring flowers.  A lingering of dark berries that still contained a nice fruitiness balanced with good acidity.  This is definitely a repeat buy for us here in the Carondelet Kitchen. 
 
Added benefit:  A portion of the proceeds from each bottle of Commuter Cuvee goes to the charity:  No Kid Hungry.  A really nice wine from a generous company.  Win-Win!

Wine Review:
2020 Sand Point California Pinot Noir
Cost:  $18.00  |  Southside Wine and Spirits
www.southsidewineandspirits.com
@southsidewine
Alcohol:  13.5%
 
I refuse to pay more than $20.00 for a bottle of wine. I know, I know there are amazing bottles out there and they are worth so much because… fill in the blank. I’ve had awfully expensive Pinot Noir and, goodness knows, I was impressed with the flavor and nuance, but I’ve also had many bottles at less than twenty bucks that were amazing as well. That said, I have a great recommendation for anyone who has made it this far into a review:  2020 Sand Point California Pinot is a nice bottle and well worth its eighteen-dollar price tag.
 
We were out on a bit of South Saint Louis local shopping adventure and decided to check out Southside Wines’ new digs on Hampton Avenue. It’s a beautiful new shop with nice seating and a lovely bar for sipping and trying wines. They have a small but well-curated selection of wines. A fun, interesting place to shop for some lesser well-known wines. If you haven’t been, go and check them out.
 
The Sand Point Pinot Noir is a lively wine filled with the expected red fruits and a bit of spiciness to add interest. You are going to welcome those fresh fruity notes on the palate and the tannins are nicely balanced with a fresh acidity for a wonderful finish. The winery is certified green sustainable following the Certified Lodi Rules. A fun little factoid for your next wine trivia night. Bottom line:  this is a nice bottle at an affordable price.
 
2020 Sand Point Pinot Noir (langetwins.com)
 
 

Wine Review:
2021 Sean Minor Nicole Marie Red Blend
Cost:  $23.00  |  Southside Wine and Spirits
www.southsidewineandspirits.com
@southsidewine
Alcohol:  14.5%
 
The Sean Minor Nicole Marie Red Blend of 50% Merlot, 33% Zinfandel, and 25% Petite Syrah is a great wine. Period. Deep ruby red in color with the distinct aromas of dark cherry, cassis and vanilla. On the palate, it is big, rich and spicy, offering flavors of blackberry, black cherry and toasty mocha that integrate with hints of oak and black pepper. Soft, melting tannins and sweet oak balance together leading to a long, lingering finish. If you are a Cabernet fan you will love this Red Blend.  We paired this with a wonderful white sauce pasta with sauteed peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. It was an evening of perfection. As the Sean Minor folks say, this one is #alwaysinvited to our table.  An excellent value at under $25. You will not be disappointed. 

Wine Review
2017 Elouan Pinot Noir
Elouan Wines Oregon Pinot Noir
Cost:  $19.00
Alcohol:  13.6%

The first thing you notice when pouring this 2017 Oregon Pinot is the exquisite dark ruby red color. The nose is filled with dark red berries and ripe black cherry. You can smell vanilla mixed with clove. The first sip fills your mouth with a balanced structure as you taste ripe raspberry and the black cherries your nose told you were there. This is a big, full-bodied Pinot Noir with a long, long finish. A terrific value at under $20.00. Santé! 

Wine Review:
2020 Decoy California Pinot Noir
Cost:  $20.99
Alcohol:  13.9%
 
This 2020 California Pinot Noir is an exemplary example of the complexity and depth of flavors expected from anyone who is familiar with the Decoy wines from The Duckhorn Portfolio. Lovely layers of deep, dark fruit combined with a crisp, pure color provide the aromas of wild strawberries. Rich, ripe red berries, and plums combine with the spiciness of the oak to frame out the smooth, deep tannins and provide silky finish. A hint of acidity brings everything home at the end. A great bottle of Pinot Noir from a favorite winery. This is a hard bottle to beat for the price point. Another gem under $25.00. 

Wine Review:
2020 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
Cost:  $15.99
Alcohol:  14.1%
 
Julia’s Vineyard was named for Julia Jackson, the daughter of famed wine-maker Jess Jackson in 1988. Along with her sister Katherine and winemaker Jill Russell this dynamic trio are committed to the sustainable farming practices used throughout Cambria Estate Winery. This collaboration is responsible for creating a Pinot Noir that is overflowing with rich ripe berry flavors followed by the essence of cranberries, cherries, and pomegranate. Tight, firm tannins are evident in the expansive finish. The crafting of this Pinot Noir from a single vineyard gives this wine a balance that makes it perfect for a weekday evening happy hour or an accompaniment to a great meal. A truly, enjoyable Pinot Noir at an incredible price. We purchased this bottle at Wine and Cheese Place in Kirkwood, MO.

Wine Review:
RouteStock Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019
Cost:  $21.99
Alcohol:  14%
 
This 2019 Routestock Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California is a real favorite here in the Carondelet Kitchen. We have been enjoying this wine for about ten years and this vintage is as good as ever. A refreshing nose of strawberry with autumn spice and filled with beautiful ripe red fruits and a signature toasty oak. Good acidity with a lovely depth and richness and a long, rich finish. A great Pinot Noir at a decent price point. A nice addition to the rotation of Pinot Noir here in the Kitchen. 

Wine Review:
Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 2019
Cost:  $24.99
Alcohol:  13%
 
This incredible Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy is a splendid example of the Chianti Classico style. More earthy than fruity, you can taste a bit of licorice with accents of violet and black pepper. Balanced texture with rich tannins and a long fine finish. This medium bodied powerhouse is fresh and easy to drink and the perfect partner to the meatball pizza we made. Good wine at a good price.