It's our second release with ANC, and unfortunately we missed their 80's release party, but still glad we went in to taste their fall 2022 release. Check out the fall release at ANC if you haven't yet!
2021 RESERVE VIOGNIER
“Aromatically this wine smells like a tropical breeze. Tropical fruit notes of papaya, mango, fresh pineapple, orange peel, and fresh flowers lend to flavors of white peach, tangerine, and orange zest. The palate is full, lush, and creamy which makes this wine a delight to pair with many dishes.” Price $30. Rating 4.3
2020 COUNOISE
“Darker fruit aromatics of blackberry, plum, and red licorice give way to a plethora of secondary descriptors such as toasted almonds, pine nuts, mildly roasted coffee, earth, anise, mushroom, and leather. The palate is slightly spicy with hints of black pepper and fresh herbs intermixed with cherry and plum giving way to a soft, plush finish.” Price $42. Rating 4.2
2020 "BIG SHOT" TEMPRANILLO
“Dark and brooding with notes of leather. black tea, dried fig, cherry, and cedar. The palate is full of plum, raspberry, sweet tobacco, and earthy complexity. Well-integrated silky tannins help add to the lengthy finish and promise that this wine will pair wonderfully with a wide array of foods including traditional tapas and paella.” Price $55. Rating 3.9
2019 "WILD ONE" CAB FRANC
“This Cabernet Franc displays ripe aromatics of red currant, plum, and raspberry. Subtle herbal and spice undertones round out the vast amounts of fruit. Opulent and well structured, this full-bodied wine offers complex flavors of cassis, blueberry, and savory herbs that are complemented by a splash of mouthwatering acidity leading to a long, smooth finish.” Price $42. Rating 4.4
2020 "BLOCK 17" SYRAH
“An elegant bouquet of rich blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry pairs nicely with notes of cured meat, toasted nuts, and allspice. The fruitiness of this wine carries through to the palate which is full of black raspberry, cherry, cola, and black currant. This Syrah has a long finish with structured, velvety tannins.” Price $45. Rating 4.5
The Fall 2022 Release from Alexandria Nicole Cellars was tasty.
The 2021 Reserve Viognier had amazing nose with tropical fruit, and a light refreshing palate.
The 2020 Counoise was an encounter with a less familiar variety. It was a little pinot-like mustiness, with a light body and soft finish. I thought it would be a nice summer wine to pair with a soft cheese.
The 2020 Block 17 Syrah had a beautiful floral and dark berry nose, with a lighter body with slight meatiness and minerality on the palate, finishing with nice firm tannins. It is a nice contrast to their more ubiquitous Jet Black Syrah.
The 2019 "Wild One" Cabernet Franc was delicious, with ripe currant aromas, and smooth fruit, herb and spice on the palate, finishing with pleasant acidity.
The 2020 "Big Shot" Tempranillo was very dry, with extremely grippy tannins, pepper and raw green vegetal palate. This needs time.
