It is time for another edition of “Random Samples”–I occasionally get samples from marketing agencies and/or producers, and these can often be grouped together into some sort of over-arching theme: Drink Them and It Will Come, Summer is Here, So That Means (More) Rosé, If It Doesn’t Sparkle, It Doesn’t Matter.

Other times, I get just a bottle or two that do not have any apparent connection or link. Instead of holding on to those bottles until the “right” combination comes along, I decided to link all these “random” bottles together, making their own category (and, being the math geek that I am, “random sample” has a bit of a double entendre).

2021 Balverne Chardonnay Estate Grown Forever Wild, Russian River Valley, CA: Retail $35. Agglomerated stopper. Medium straw color with plenty of lemon curd and vanilla, with hints of chamomile, white pepper, and oak. A lovely nose, indeed. The palate is bright and fresh, but also a bit round and full–a compelling contrast. The acidity is on point and is accompanied on the mid-palate with a surprising and tasty nuttiness. I have been sampling a bunch of Chardonnays these days, it seems, and this is a tasty rendition. Excellent. 91 Points.

2022 Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc Alma de Cattleya, Sonoma County, CA: Retail $22. Under DIAM5. I have been tasting Bibiana’s wines for a number of years now and they are all stellar. Chardonnay, Pinot, Rosé, and Cabernet are all fantastic year in and year out. But. The best and most consistent of the entire line just might be the Sauvignon Blanc. Much more in the Sancerre style with balanced fruit and acidity, this wine always seems to shine every vintage. This 2022 is no exception. Lemon and dried apricot paired with crushed seashell, an herbal note, and a distinct salinity, the nose really is fantastic. As is the palate with the aforementioned balance between all that fruit and a lip-smacking tartness. I have stated many times that I am no fan of the variety but at around twenty bucks? This is an absolute steal. Outstanding. 93 Points.

2022 Château Miraval, Côtes de Provence Rosé, France: Retail $25. Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle, Syrah. Under cork. There has been a lot written about this wine and its owner(s). Hell, I have written a ton about the wine and dysfunctional ownership. But. There are two constants. First, the Perrin family, through all the trials and tribulations, is still in charge of winemaking, which is a very good thing. Second, this wine, for as long as I have been familiar with it, has been stellar. This is my first glimpse of the 2022 and it more than falls in line with that statement. Great fruit: cherry, strawberry, melon, apricot, rhubarb (OK, the last is not a fruit, but if you make it into a pie??). The palate is tart, fruity, balanced, and really quite lovely. Once again, Bradgelina, errr Brad, I mean the Perrin Family, has (have?) knocked it out of the park. Outstanding. 93 Points.

2020 Pedroncelli Zinfandel Bushnell Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, CA: Retail $38. Under cork. These were sent accidentally (I had requested another wine), but being one of the top wines in the Pedroncelli stable, I was aching to open this bottle. Fruity nose, even really fruity, with blackberry, plum, and boysenberry. Add in some spice, a bit of oak, and perhaps some clove. The palate is instantly fruity but quickly balances out with a zingy acidity and silky tannins. Wonderful. Excellent. 92 Points.

2018 Smith-Madrone Riesling, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA: Retail $35. Under cork. There are few constants in life: death, taxes, and stellar Riesling from Smith-Madrone. This is a perfect example. While it is close to a full five years out, this is actually the current release from the venerable winery. Medium color in the glass with lemon predominate as well as some lemon rind, a bit of wet rock, and a hint of an herbal aspect (basil?). The palate is simply exquisite, with great fruit, good weight, and fantastic acidity. Whoa. Perhaps a bit rounder than previous vintages, but holy cow. Outstanding. 93 Points.

2021 Sostener Winery Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA: Retail $18. I first tasted this wine about six months ago for my Blind Tasting of American Pinot Noir, and it was very good. Now? I categorically agree: good to great fruit, nice acidity, above average finish. Very Good. 89 Points. 

2021 Trapiche Malbec Broquel, Mendoza, Argentina: Retail $15. 100% Malbec. Under DIAM5. I have had my fair share of Argentinian Malbec, particularly at this price point and I have to say that all of them have delivered, including this one. Dark in the glass with tons of dark fruit: cassis, plum, blackberry; there is also a load of spice: black pepper, clove, anise, and even some herbal notes (basil, thyme, mint). The palate is equally expressive with plenty of initial fruit, followed by a mitigating tartness, and a short, but intense finish. This paired exceedingly well with my black beans and rice, which was nice. #Bars Very Good. 89 Points.