Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec

2023 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec ($18)

Family-owned Domaine Bousquet has stood for a 100% commitment to eco-friendly, certified organic, competitively priced wines from the get-go. “Certified” is definitely the operative word at Domaine Bousquet, which is currently at 14 different certifications and counting.

Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve organic wines are defined by:

  • The grapes are 100% estate-grown, a step up from the winery’s classic varietal line

  • The fruit is from plots with low yields, offering more body, more flavor

  • All red wines undergo cold maceration to capture the flavors from the grape skins. Aging is also little longer for the reds: 10 months in French oak, six months in bottle

  • Freshness, aromatics, and fruit-forward qualities

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec is produced from 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Syrah. It was fermented with select yeasts for 10 day followed by an additional 154 days of maceration. After 100% malolactic conversion it was aged with 50% going into second use French oak for six month with the remaining 50% being aged in stainless steel and concrete tanks.

This Malbec is deep purple in color with medium aromas of red and black fruit with hints of sweet tobacco. On the palate, this full-bodied Malbec has medium tannin, medium acidity, flavors of dark fruit and red plum with a bit of vanilla from the oak aging. It finishes spicy and jammy. (ABV: 14.5%, TA: 5.4 g/L, pH: 3.66, RS: 1.78 g/L)

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec is really nice with deliciously rich flavors. And, at this price is a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!


Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay

2023 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay ($18)

Family-owned Domaine Bousquet has stood for a 100% commitment to eco-friendly, certified organic, competitively priced wines from the get-go. “Certified” is definitely the operative word at Domaine Bousquet, which is currently at 14 different certifications and counting.

Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve organic wines are defined by:

  • The grapes are 100% estate-grown, a step up from the winery’s classic varietal line

  • The fruit is from plots with low yields that offer more of everything – more body, more flavor

  • The Chardonnay is subject to careful blending at the winery, with 50% seeing some oak and 50% fermented and aged in tanks

  • Freshness, aromatics, and fruit-forward qualities

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown at the foot of the Andes at 4000 feet altitude. The grapes were hand harvested. Fifty of the wine was fermented in oak for 15 days. It was then aged for six months in 3rd, 4th and 5th use French oak barrels, on lees. (ABV: 14%, Total Acidity: 5.43 g/L, pH: 3.34, Residual Sugar: 1.91 g/L)

The wine is medium gold in color with delicate tropical aromas, baked apple and citrus. On the palate, this Chardonnay is medium-bodied with rich flavors of baked apple. It has medium acidity and finishes smooth, soft and balanced. A delicious Chardonnay.

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay is really nice with deliciously rich flavors. And, at this price is a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Behind the Cork™ - Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot ($16.99)

Chateau Ste. Michelle founded a wine region, and they’re not done blazing trails yet. They honor their 55-year legacy of making world-class Washington wine, while taking bold steps to build our future with 2,600 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards, state-of-the-art cellar technology, and a talented, passionate winemaking team led by head winemaker Katie Nelson, with 30 years of Washington winemaking experience.

Indian Wells grapes are sourced from their namesake Indian Wells Vineyard, along with a variety of other warm-climate Washington vineyards that range from the Wahluke Slope to Cold Creek Vineyard.

This Indian Wells Merlot is a deep purple wine with enticing aromas of dark fruits and spices. On the palate, it boasts a full-bodied character with flavors of blackberry, medium tannins, balanced acidity, and vanilla notes from its oak aging. The finish is smooth and lingering, leaving a pleasant impression.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot is a delightful wine that is widely available at an affordable price. This makes it an ideal choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Frank Family Napa Zinfandel

2017 Frank Family Napa Zinfandel ($38)

Rich Frank, the founder of Frank Family Winery, developed a passion for wine, particularly Bordeaux and Italian wines, during his extensive travels as the former President of Disney Studios. In the 1980s, he discovered his love for the Napa Valley and soon after purchased a home with a vineyard in the heart of Rutherford. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Rich’s “second career” as the owner of one of Napa’s most esteemed wineries, Frank Family Vineyards.

Leslie (Miller) Frank, the co-founder of Frank Family Vineyards, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. Today, Leslie actively participates in the strategic marketing and branding of Frank Family and their luxurious collection of wines.

This Frank Family Napa Zinfandel is produced from 91% Zinfandel along with 9% Petite Sirah that were sourced from the family estate and purchased grapes. The wine is aged in new and twice-filled French oak barrels.

This Zinfandel is dark purple in color with jammy aromas of dark fruit. On the palate, this full-bodied Zinfandel has flavors of black berry, black cherry and red plum. It has medium tannin (decanted for one hour) balanced acidity. It finishes smooth with hints of toasted oak.

This Frank Family Napa Zinfandel is a real treat at a great price for a Napa wine, making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers! 

Behind the Cork™ - Esporao Monte Velho Reserva

2022 Esporão Monte Velho Reserva ($18)

A new Reserva Red wine has been added to the popular Monte Velho (pronounced MON-tay VELL-yo and meaning “Old Hill” in Portuguese) wine line. The Monte Velho name is inspired by a grassy mound on the Herdade do Esporão estate, which is topped by a prominent 12th-century fortress.

Says Cultivamos (Importer of Esporão) president & CEO, Ben Carson-Brown, “The reason for this new addition to Esporão’s Monte Velho range is simple: Monte Velho wines are made intentionally for daily consumption, especially in Portugal where wine is a traditional component of the evening meal.

Monte Velho Reserva Red 2022 showcases Alentejo’s 2,000-plus year viticultural history, with its tradition of blending.

This Monte Velho Reserva is a blend of four grape varieties: Aragonez (also known as Alicante Bouschet), Trincadeira, Syrah, and Touriga Nacional, each comprising 25% of the total. The grapes underwent de-stemming and crushing, followed by controlled fermentation. Subsequently, malolactic conversion was initiated, and the wine was aged in used oak barrels for eight months.

Monte Vehlo Reserva is deep purple in color with bright aromas of dark fruit and herbal notes. On the palate, this medium-full bodied wine has flavors of blackberry, blue berry and raspberry with herbal, peppery, notes. It finishes easy with spicy notes. (Alcohol by Volume: 13.5%, Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L, pH: 3.61, Residual Sugar: 1.0 g/L)

This Monte Velho Reserva from Esporão is not only delicious but also affordable, making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review.

Media Sample Provided by Esporão