Later half of the tasting, same tasting with the previously posted Bloodroots and the diverse collection of 6. Shorter TNs again.
Note: I suspect the Chapoutiers have been open awhile or were transported from a previous tasting perhaps… quite expensive here.

CVNE, Rueda Verdejo, 2022, 13% abv.

Nose is non-existent, really feint peanuts and lemons if I exaggerate it. Light body, initial and mid palate is essentially viscous water, virtually little to no flavor elements. The back end is like drinking a pasty lemonade with fresh lemon peels, without the texture… yeah hard to explain, having a hard time with this one. How are they trying to sell this? Short finish, light lemon sponges, a bit floral. I keep thinking of old paint. The person serving everyone, was serving multiple bottles and I've seen her before at other similar events. She suggested it might not be good as it is perhaps too chilled… or something to that effect, my Korean sucks. I only speak American. Funny thing is two older buyers took pours after me and from their faces I could tell they were confused, then smiled at the server saying it was good and moved on. Looking up "reviews" online I notice few real positives except for the price. How did this release win so many awards?

Grade: D

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, 2022, 12.5% abv.

Nose of light lemons and limes, a bit of acacia and additional floral elements. Pushing it would be saying passionfruit, when it really isn't. Light body, a bit dry, simple syrup, light green grape and lemon juice, a touch of fruit orchard. Already on my unimpressed side. Short finish, light lemon and citrus. Again, how did this release win so many awards?

Grade: C

Vivanco Reserva, Rioja, 2017, 14% abv.

Nose is light black and red fruits, diluted raspberries and blackberries, light vines, but other than these, there isn't much going on. Palate is light bodied, surprisingly light throughout, black and red fruits but sweeter than the nose, some pears, limited oak or wood engagement, light chalk, light nickel. Short finish, fruity, some wood and vines. Felt more like a Burgundy than a Rioja with its lack of overall intensity and tannic overtones for a 2017-er. Might make good table wine.

Grade: C+

Castel Giocondo, Brunello di Montalcino, Frescobaldi, 2018, 14.5% abv.

Nose has light sour and ferric red fruits, tree leaves, hint of chocolate wood. Light body, dry, red fruits, wood, tree branches, chocolate, chalk, gets more tannic with each sip. Finish is short, dry red fruits, hints of fudge, mostly bark and tree branches. How is this supposed to be good? Maybe I am misinterpreting everything here… or they are trying to sell so hard, they're lying.

Grade: C+

M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf-du-pape, 2017.

Nose contains strong purple grape juice, strong earthy prunes, black coffee, slightly medicinal, intense overall. Palate is surprisingly relatively light with prune juice, earth, some mushrooms, a bit of tannins, the back is noticeable grape juice. As usual the finish is dry, perhaps a bit tart, residual light grape and prune juice. This pour had a pleasant surprise on the nose, but nothing much after.

Grade: C+

M. Chapoutier, Gigondas, 2019.

Aromas are like fishy soy sauce on top of prune juice, quite salty. Hilariously, flavors are closer to saltine crackers dipped in chowder, cranberries, promegranates, prunes, iron-covered red fruits, medium body. Finish is short, dry-tannic, light cranberry-prune juice. You're a strange one Mr. Grinch.

Grade: C+