Creamy, fresh, toasty.
A long time favourite, this Catena Chardy hits the sweet spot between fresh and oaky; fermented using wild yeasts it was matured in barrel for 10 months in second and third use French oak, and 60% went through malolactic ferment.
Aromas of roasted hazelnuts and browned butter, golden apples, pineapple and melon are layered with toasted spice, vanilla and candle wax.
Lemon curds and spiced nut flavours lounge on the palate. It has attractive creaminess carved by racy acidity.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 22nd, 2020

Modern, plush, chocolaty.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and inspired by name Claret--a term used in reference to Bordelaise-type red wines.
This one however is completely modern; chocolaty and ripe with aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, cassis and licorice with vanilla. It is plush, chocolaty and laden with a bushel of berries, on the palate. Powdery tannins linger alongside vanilla flavours.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 25th, 2017

Substantial, smooth, savoury.
Made by Laura Catena, of the Catena Zapata family, this substantial Malbec doles out charred spices, blackberry, prune, roasted coffee, dried herbs, leather and dried tobacco aromas. The entry is supple and suggests, dry earthy, cocoa dusted black fruits, coffee and grilled meat flavours. Smooth and balanced it is a classic Malbec made for food.
Pair: roasted meats, decadent mushroom risotto or hard cheeses.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 23rd, 2017

Substantial, brooding, savoury.
Made by Laura Catena, of the Catena Zapata Malbec family, this substantial red offers notes of toasted spices, blackened cherries, blackberries, cracked pepper and saddle leather with violets and licorice undertones. It is brooding; flavours of bittersweet cocoa nibs and spice, espresso and black fruit dominate. It has a savoury finish.
Pair: roasted meats, decadent mushroom risotto or hard cheeses.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Blue Cheese & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 23rd, 2017

Approachable, peppery, chocolaty.

Poplar Grove's second label, Monster Vineyards, offers a fun assortment of wines such as Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and a rose.
This is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and leads with bittersweet chocolate and mixed wild black berries with saddle leather, green olives, peppery spices and dried herbs. The palate is sweet, supple and approachable with a silky and spiced finish.
Pair: Burgers, pizza, ribs or chili - anything you can throw on the grill.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 15th, 2016