Wine Guy • FEB/MAR 2022

By JOHN WEBSTER

This month, I’m highlighting red wines that I’ve recently tasted at wineries around Geneva on the Lake. These selections are a followup to my previous column on white and rose Geneva-area wines. I continue to be impressed with the strides made over the past decades that have led to many award-winning wines, and I look forward to future visits.

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Cask 307 Pinot Noir. Characteristics: Dark berry flavors with an enticing aroma, medium-bodied. Accompaniment: Roast pork. Approximately $29.

Cask 307 Essenza D’Amarone. Characteristics: Raisins and dried fruit characterize this rich, spicy wine, perfect for fall gatherings. Accompaniment: Ribs, rich desserts. Approximately $40.

Cask 307 Red Blend. Characteristics: Well-blended, good flavor, beautiful color, taste follows through from the nose. Reminiscent of wines produced in Loire, France. Accompaniment: Roast beef. Approximately $25.

Ferrante Cabernet Franc. Characteristics: Raspberry, spicy blackberry notes. Easy drinking, prominent berry flavors. Double Gold prizewinner. Accompaniment: Roast chicken. Approximately $24.

Ferrante Pinot Noir Reserva. Characteristics: Watch out, Burgundy! Unlike the Pinot Noirs produced in warmer climates, this one has the delicate flavors and aromas found only in cooler-climate Pinots. Gold prizewinner. Accompaniment: Chicken, salmon. Approximately $22.

Hundley Cellars Cabernet Franc. Characteristics: Bright fruit flavors, light and smooth with a touch of spice and leather on the finish. Accompaniment: Appetizers, full-bodied cheeses. Approximately $23.

Hundley Cellars “The Baron.” Characteristics: Characterized by cherries and a spicy dry citrus finish. Mildly tannic, not overdone. Interesting blend of 90 percent Pinot Noir, 10 percent Shiraz. Accompaniment: Pork, burgers. Approximately $24.

Hundley Cellars Merlot. Characteristics: Fruit-forward with aromas of cherries and a spicy finish. Accompaniment: Roast beef. Approximately $24.

Laurello Chambourcin. Characteristics: Smooth, well-balanced tannins, estate-grown. Silver Award Medal winner and an incredible value. Accompaniment: Roast chicken. Approximately $15.

M Cellars Pinot Noir. Characteristics: Lighter-style Pinot, smooth with no “elbows” in this wine. Lovely transparent color. Accompaniment: Chocolate, desserts. Approximately $23.

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Wine chart by the Magic Word