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).

2022 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Cameleon Signature, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina: Retail $22. Responsible Bottle (580g; 20.4oz). 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Malbec. I have been reviewing Domaine Bousquet wines for quite some time now, but I believe this is the first vintage of the Chameleon wines that I have tried (DB has a ton of different wines making it difficult to keep up at times, but I love trying!). Another fantastic wine from (at least in my mind and should be your opinion, too) the preeminent producer in Argentina. Good fruit, weight, and tartness with plenty of intrigue and depth, this is a wine for that weekday that needs a bit extra: a celebration, a commiseration, a conclusion, all work well with this beauty. Excellent. 90 Points.

2019 Ketcham Estate Pinot Noir Allie’s Reserve, Russian River Valley, CA : Retail $98. Heavy Bottle (628g; 22.1oz). This is now the fourth bottle from Ketcham I have tried over the last several days and they have all been fantastic (that Viognier? Yowza.). This Pinot? I am sure there is a huge fan club. Rich red and black berry fruit with noticeable oak (18 months on French oak). All those attributes find their way to the palate as well, which is rich, layered, and rich (did I mention rich?). There is also a tartness that kicks in right away and lasts through the finish. Again, there is some oak here, but it seems to work. Excellent. 92 Points.

2022 Ketcham Estate Viognier, Russian River Valley, CA: Retail $48. Responsible Bottle (502g; 17.7oz). Agglomerated stopper. I do not drink a ton of Viognier for a couple of reasons. First, there is not a lot made and the ones that are? They are not very good. (OK, that was technically two reasons which is good, since that is all I have.) Not this one. Holy cow. Quite tropical on the nose, with lychee, guava, hyacinth, and a host of other aromas. The palate is rich, unctuous, full-bodied, and freaking delicious. Yeah, Viognier can be weird and overly perfumed, out of balance and astringent. This is none of that–it is Outstanding. Easily one of the best Viognier’s I can remember having. 95 Points.

2019 Ketcham Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Cab Renee, Alexander Valley, CA: Retail $125. Exceedingly Heavy Bottle (875g; 30.7oz). 100%(?) Cabernet Sauvignon. I perused the interwebs for a while and found very little information beyond the suggested retail price for this wine. I am pretty sure this is just the second vintage and it looks as though both have received some acclaim. My thoughts? Whoa. Quite dark in the glass and laden with dark fruit: plum, blackberry, cassis, blueberry. The nose also has hints of earth, an herbal quality (sage, marjoram), and some subtle spice (clove, cardamom). Yeah, a lot going on here. Those themes continue on the palate with plenty of fruit (but short of overwhelming), a zingy tartness that runs all the way through to the finish, and several layers of depth and complexity. I am not a fan of the ridiculous bottle, but I certainly am excited about its contents. Outstanding. 93 Points. 

2022 Tongue Dancer Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA: Retail $48. Heavy bottle (620g; 21.8oz). Under cork. This is now the fourth vintage of this wine that I have tried and I am standing by my sentiment that James MacPhail is among the best winemakers in Sonoma County when it comes to Chardonnay. And that is me trying not to be too effusive. This is another fine effort, but it seems to be carrying a bit more oak than the wines have in the past. Still? Delicious. Wonderful lemon curd, vanilla, and the aforementioned oak. Sure, it is there, but it is but a harmonious part of the whole. On the palate, there is a fantastic tartness, some lovely fruit, and the wood. A lovely wine (although for the ABC crowd?). Excellent. 92 Points.