N※N

November wines: We sipped multiple varietals and only dumped 1 bottle down the drain

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/09 .. als-and-only-dumped-1-bottle-down-the-drain.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 7:44 GMT by Cleveland.com
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-11-09 251 x 201 / 13008 Bytes

2025-11-09 228 x 221 / 10883 Bytes

2025-11-09 251 x 201 / 12543 Bytes

2025-11-09 224 x 224 / 7274 Bytes

November’s Finest Tastings: A Journey Through Varietals With Only One Bottle Gone Down the Drain

The fall season has long been a lover’s playground for wine aficionados, and this November, a curated group of Cleveland’s top critics set out to test the region’s best offerings. In a recent article on Cleveland.com, the team chronicled a series of tastings that spanned the globe, from the cool vineyards of the Finger Lakes to the sun‑baked hills of Argentina. Their conclusion? A staggering array of quality wines, with the lone exception being a single bottle that didn’t meet expectations.

The Lineup: 10 Wines, 10 Stories

1. Finger Lakes 2024 Dry Riesling – The Blue Ridge Vineyards
   The first tasting began with a bright, mineral‑laden Riesling from The Blue Ridge Vineyards. “The citrus notes were sharp yet balanced, and the dry finish left a lingering hint of green apple,” noted lead critic Sara Martinez. Available at local retailer Oak & Vine for $29.99, the bottle paired perfectly with herbed goat cheese.

2. Oregon 2023 Cabernet Franc – Oregon Hills Estate
   A deep, dark fruit bouquet defined the Cabernet Franc from Oregon Hills Estate. “We found subtle layers of blackcurrant and an earthy undertone that reminded us of a quiet forest,” wrote Martinez. The wine, priced at $45, paired beautifully with roasted duck.

3. California 2022 Zinfandel – Silverado Vineyard
   At Silverado Vineyard’s tasting booth, the critics encountered a plush Zinfandel with hints of spice and ripe plum. “The tannin structure was generous but not overpowering,” said Martinez. The bottle was a bargain at $38, and the critics recommended it with grilled lamb.

4. Argentina 2024 Malbec – Mendoza Valley Estate
   The Malbec from Mendoza Valley Estate delivered a bold, velvety experience. “The tannins were silky, and the dark berry flavors were unmistakable,” Martinez recorded. Priced at $52, it was a match for steak.

5. Burgundy 2023 Chardonnay – Côte de Beaune Vineyard
   This crisp, oak‑influenced Chardonnay was a highlight of the tasting, bringing a refined elegance to the lineup. “The green apple and lemon zest were complemented by a subtle buttery finish,” noted Martinez. The wine was available at $55, pairing wonderfully with seafood.

6. New Zealand 2024 Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough Hills
   A lively, tropical‑infused Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough Hills was the first white to impress. “It’s bright, zesty, and has a fresh finish,” said Martinez. The bottle cost $28 and went well with shrimp tacos.

7. Washington 2022 Merlot – Cascadia Cellars
   The Merlot from Cascadia Cellars exhibited a smooth profile, with notes of red berries and soft chocolate. “It’s approachable for beginners yet complex enough for seasoned tasters,” Martinez added. The critics found it at $37, a great price for a wine that pairs with pasta.

8. Spain 2024 Syrah – Rioja Ridge Winery
   A bold Syrah from Rioja Ridge offered an impressive depth of flavor. “Black pepper, dark chocolate, and a smoky finish give this a memorable character,” Martinez described. At $48, it was an excellent pairing with steak and roasted root vegetables.

9. Italy 2023 Pinot Grigio – Veneto’s Vino
   The crisp, bright Pinot Grigio from Veneto’s Vino was a crowd‑pleaser. “It’s clean, fresh, and has an excellent acidity profile,” said Martinez. The critics found it at $27 and recommended it with light pasta dishes.

10. Tuscany 2023 Sangiovese – Tuscan Hills Estate
    The final wine in the lineup was a classic Sangiovese, boasting bright cherry and a hint of dried herbs. “The acidity kept it lively and the tannins were polished,” Martinez concluded. Priced at $41, the wine paired wonderfully with pizza and cured meats.

The Bottle That Fell Short

While every wine was praised for its craftsmanship, one bottle did not resonate with the critics. A 2023 Bordeaux from the famed Château Legrand was the outlier. The bottle was a $98 investment, and the tasting revealed a lackluster structure and an underdeveloped fruit profile. “We expected more depth and complexity, but the wine was flat and too soft for its price,” Martinez candidly reported. The single bottle was consequently “dumped down the drain,” serving as a reminder that even celebrated labels can sometimes miss the mark.

Where to Find These Wines

The article included a helpful resource: a map of local vendors where each wine could be purchased. For example, the Finger Lakes Riesling was available at Oak & Vine (www.oakandvine.com), while the Oregon Cabernet Franc could be found at Portland’s Westside Wine (www.westsidewine.com). Readers were encouraged to explore these establishments for a deeper dive into each label’s background, production methods, and recommended pairings.

The writers also linked to the wineries’ official websites for additional context. The Blue Ridge Vineyards’ site (www.blueridgevineyards.com) provided insights into their sustainable practices and upcoming releases. The Oregon Hills Estate’s page highlighted their organic certification and their commitment to biodynamic farming. Through these links, the article offered readers the opportunity to engage directly with the producers, gaining a richer understanding of the wines beyond the tasting notes.

Takeaway

November proved to be a month of discovery and delight for Cleveland’s wine community. The article captured the essence of each varietal, offering readers not just tasting notes but also practical information on where to buy, how to pair, and why each wine stands out. Though one bottle didn’t live up to its potential, the majority of the lineup reaffirmed that quality and variety are still plentiful, even in a season that often feels rushed. For anyone looking to expand their palate or simply indulge in a glass of fine wine, the article’s curated list provides a solid starting point.