As a food writer, I regularly get offers to taste all kinds of alcohol. I usually decline because, to be honest, I’m not a huge drinker and I won’t take any product I don’t have a good faith intention of writing about. When I mentioned this to my family, they were appalled. “You could be getting free booze and you say no?”

Upon their insistence, and further reflection I realized that though there are countless things we can’t do right now, one activity perfectly suited to our current situation is drinking. Therefore, in the spirit (sorry, couldn’t resist) of keeping things merry on the home front, I accepted River Road’s invitation to sample a selection of their new vintages.

While I am the occasional vino appreciator, my husband’s interest outpaces mine by miles. When sampling wine, I consider where and with whom I would drink it and how it will pair with food. My rating system of “bad, ok, good, very good, and extremely yummy,” is sufficient. My husband, however, is an avid user of Vivino, a wine rating app (he goes by SkipperGreg). He trills wine over his tongue with eyes closed to analyze every facet: bouquet, texture, acidity, complexity, finish, and more.

1 Unoaked Chardonnay.JPG — 2019 Un-Oaked Chardonnay

served with sauteéd chicken, steamed broccoli, and penne in a creamy béchamel with lots of parmesan.

Tasting notes from River Road:

The rich, slightly sweet, Golden Delicious apple flavors are enticing and prove that California is indeed the Sunshine State. It’s crisp and clean, and slightly lingers on your palate with golden Delicious apples, followed by poached pear flavors.

Deb says: This description is accurate. The apple came through and it is crisp and clean. A very drinkable, light, bright wine. A perfect wine for a hot, sunny day with fruit kabobs and poached salmon. A great choice for Sangria!

Greg says: Lots of apples: Golden Delicious on the nose, palate and finish. Green Apple tastes as well.

My daughters say they will happily drink more of it. We all agree it’s a good value at $14 suggested price.

2018 Reserve Chardonnay

served with grilled turkey burgers and potatoes au gratin

with raspberries for dessert

Tasting notes from River Road:

Our Chardonnay showcases hints of vanilla and bright fresh pear, butter flavors in a full-bodied format, with a long clean finish.

Deb says: This is a lovely Chardonnay, very smooth, not too dry, buttery and full-bodied. This is a wine I wanted to drink slowly. It paired well with the turkey burgers and sat on my tongue in just the right way.

Greg says: I could really taste the oak here in comparison with the un-oaked chardonnay which provides complexity and softens the wine to create excellent balance. A lemon pepper aroma, flavors of pear, warm green apples, oak, butter, and cinnamon-lemon overtones with a nice grapefruit moderately long finish. Medium-bold body, semi-dry, semi-acidic and balances nicely with a smooth texture.

My daughters say they will happily drink more of it. A good value at $18 suggested price.

1 labels.JPG — The Reds

served with a variety of cheese & crackers,, milk & dark chocolate covered almonds & berries

2017 Stephanie’s Cuvée Pinot Noir

Tasting notes from River Road:

This elegantly smooth, yet complex Pinot Noir, has blueberry aromas and Bing cherry flavors. Subtle vanilla lingers on your palate for a delicate finish.

Deb says: Yummy. Nice balance and color. Will pair well with any red meat or poultry dish or a hearty bouillabaisse with crusty baguette.

Greg says: Very nice! Ruby color, cherry aroma, flavors of blackberry, pepper, cinnamon, light bodied. Smooth texture, slightly acidic with a nice deep burn of alcohol. Excellent balance, fruity flavors offset the acidity nicely. Complex with vanilla and pepper overtones, long finish.

My daughters agree they will happily drink more of it. The most expensive of the four wines at $30, but also the best.

2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting notes from River Road:

Our Alexander Valley Cabernet has concentrated blackberry and cedar notes. This medium-bodied wine showcases dark fruit and smooth textures that lead into a beautiful finish.

Deb says: Rolling it around on my tongue I want to be at a dinner party sinking my teeth into a cheese course of gooey Camembert and crystalline Gouda. It goes down very easy.

Greg says: Decent table wine with black cherry color, aroma, and flavors with vanilla and cedar. Medium body, not acidic (soft) and tannic. Good balance but not very complex with a short finish.

My daughters say they will happily drink more of it. $25 seems about right for this bottle