It is time for another edition of “Random Samples”–I occasionally get samples from marketing agencies and/or producers. 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).

2019 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Gaia, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Argentina: Retail $20. Heavy bottle. Under DIAM5. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Light to medium color (at least for a Cabernet) with fairly impressive aromas of plum, blackberry, and cassis. There is also a distinct tartness that seems a bit out of place on the nose, but it is far from alarming. The palate is fruity, yes, but also quite light on its feet; this is by no means whatsoever a “heavy” Cab. While there is certainly a considerable amount of fruit, the acidity reigns on the palate, suggesting that some food is in order. I am thinking a boar bolognese. Very Good. 88 Points.

2020 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Franc Gaia, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Argentina: Retail $20. Heavy bottle. Under DIAM5 stopper. 100% Cabernet Franc. I have been a big fan of Domaine Bousquet for some time now; the wines seem to always deliver well above the price. This Cab Franc is no exception. While Malbec is certainly the “signature” variety from Argentina, the Cab Francs I have tasted from the region (albeit few) have been stellar. Quite dark–an inky violet in the glass with rich red and black fruit on the nose (and none of the green notes that I associate with [and love] about the variety). The palate is fruity, fun, a tad spicy, and eminently quaffable, followed by a slightly tannic finish. Yup, another solid effort from Bousquet. Very Good. 89 Points. 

2022 Tangent Albariño, Edna Valley, CA: Retail $17. Under screw cap. Although there is not a ton of Albariño grown in this country, it is becoming more prevalent. The Central Coast seems to be the epicenter, with the Edna Valley leading the way. Light to medium straw in color with tropical notes predominant. The palate is quite tart, perhaps on the verge of “exceedingly” so with touches of fruit and minerality. I rarely say this, but while this is certainly a nice wine, it might be too acidic for me. What is the pairing here? Perhaps a really fatty, but not overly flavorful cheese? Is that a thing? Very Good. 88 Points.

2020 Tangent Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast, CA: Retail $17. Responsible bottle. Under screw cap. Just a few years ago, this was labeled as a Paragon Vineyard wine from the Edna Valley, but it now sports the broader “Central Coast” appellation which hints that the production has increased quite a bit (Paragon Vineyard is huge). But. It does not seem as though the quality has suffered at all pale to golden straw in the glass with plenty of citrus notes, considerable minerality and white flower. Lovely. The palate also impresses with initial fruit, plenty of zing, and a bit of roundness on the finish. I am not a huge Sauv Blanc fan, but this is particularly nice. Excellent. 91 Points.

2022 Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Piquette, Applegate Valley, OR: Retail $25. From the website: “Mourvèdre, Vermentino, Cinsault, Tannat, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Négrette (note that all red grape varieties were grown and harvested for rosé wine in this instance).
” A quick note about Piquette at Troon: the grapes are harvested to make a True Rosé and then pressed. The remaining grape skins are then rehydrated and let to soak overnight. This is then pressed again the following morning and moved to tank where it is allowed to ferment naturally. This process is repeated several times during harvest as the new white or rosé fruit is brought into the winery. This is the fourth year for Piquette at Troon and this may very well be the best yet as it is juicier and more vinous than previous iterations. Sure, it is still a bit funky, even peculiar, but it is a fun quaff and a great story to tell. Excellent. 90 Points. 

2021 We Know Jack Zinfandel Rockpile Riff Raff Jack Florence Sr. Vineyard, Sonoma County, CA: Retail $78. Ridiculously B.A.B. Under cork. 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah. When this wine landed on my doorstep, I was beyond excited for two reasons. One? It was a Zin from the legendary Rockpile Vineyard–high above Lake Sonoma and Dry Creek Valley, perhaps the most exciting vineyard in Sonoma County for Zinfandel since maybe Lytton Springs? The second reason? The winemaker is a legend, James MacPhail, known for his Pinots (and Chardonnays), a Healdsburg and Northern California mainstay. As for the wine? After a few weeks of a strict diet, endless calisthenics, and intense weight training, I was finally able to lift the bottle and pour it into a thirsty stem. Fairly dark in the glass, with oodles of plum and blackberry on the nose. The spice is present but subtle, as is the herbal component. On the palate, this wine shines with plenty of fruit, a touch of mocha, and a rather remarkable acidity that binds the wine together. Yet, this is a pup and it needs time–not a lot but a good 2-4 years to really reach its potential. Unfortunately, the extra time will not make the bottle any lighter, however. Outstanding. 93 Points.