The McBride Sisters Collection has brought a fresh and unique perspective to the wine industry with their Black Girl Magic line. This collection is not just about wine; it’s about celebrating culture, heritage, and the powerful stories of Black women. Among the standout wines in their portfolio is the Black Girl Magic Trio, which includes the Rosé, Riesling, and Red Blend. Each bottle in this trio is a reflection of not just expert craftsmanship but also the vibrant spirit of the McBride Sisters. In this review, we’ll dive into each wine, examining its complexity, character, and overall drinking experience.

Black Girl Magic Rosé: A Summer Day in a Glass

The first wine in the trio is the Black Girl Magic Rosé, a bright and refreshing wine that instantly transports you to a sunny afternoon. Its pale pink hue is visually inviting, hinting at the delicate yet vibrant flavors that lie within. Upon the first swirl, you’re greeted with a bouquet of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and rose petals, a perfume that beckons the senses and sets the stage for a dynamic tasting experience.

On the palate, the wine delivers a burst of red fruit, predominantly strawberries and cherries, with a soft undercurrent of citrus zest. What sets this rosé apart from many in its category is its ability to balance acidity with fruit-forwardness. It’s crisp without being sharp, and the light effervescence adds a playful element to its texture. This wine feels alive—each sip awakens the palate with its freshness and subtle complexity.

The finish is clean, leaving behind lingering notes of watermelon rind and a hint of mineral salinity. The acidity is well-structured, making it a perfect companion for light, summery dishes. Think goat cheese salads, grilled shrimp, or even a simple charcuterie board with brie and prosciutto. It’s versatile and approachable, ideal for both casual sipping and food pairings.

For those who are looking for a rosé that strikes the right balance between elegance and vibrancy, the Black Girl Magic Rosé is a delightful choice. It’s a wine that doesn’t try too hard but excels in delivering exactly what you’d want on a warm afternoon or at an outdoor gathering.

Black Girl Magic Riesling: A Symphony of Sweetness and Acidity

Next up is the Black Girl Magic Riesling, a semi-sweet white wine that offers the perfect interplay between sweetness and acidity. Riesling can sometimes be a polarizing varietal; too much sweetness can overwhelm, and too much acidity can come across as harsh. However, the McBride Sisters have crafted a Riesling that beautifully walks the tightrope between the two, creating a wine that is as enjoyable as it is sophisticated.

The nose is fragrant and inviting, filled with aromas of apricot, green apple, and a touch of honey. There’s a floral quality as well, with notes of jasmine and orange blossom, giving the wine an aromatic complexity that hints at its layers of flavor.

On the palate, the wine is luscious yet balanced. The sweetness is evident but not cloying, offering flavors of ripe peaches, nectarine, and a dash of honeycomb. This is quickly followed by a refreshing jolt of citrus—lemon and lime zest—which cuts through the sweetness and adds brightness to the wine’s profile. The acidity is the backbone here, ensuring that the wine never veers into overly sweet territory. Instead, it offers a clean, mouth-watering finish that keeps you coming back for more.

This Riesling is versatile in terms of food pairings. It would pair exceptionally well with spicy cuisine, as its sweetness could counterbalance the heat of dishes like Thai curries or Szechuan chicken. For something simpler, a cheese plate with blue cheese or aged gouda would also be a fantastic match, as the wine’s sweetness and acidity work in harmony to enhance the flavors of the cheese.

Overall, the Black Girl Magic Riesling is an exquisite example of how a well-made Riesling can offer depth and enjoyment across a variety of drinking occasions. Whether you’re a Riesling aficionado or someone new to the varietal, this wine is sure to impress.

Black Girl Magic Red Blend: A Bold Expression of Richness and Spice

The final wine in the trio, the Black Girl Magic Red Blend, is a full-bodied and robust wine that commands attention from the first pour. Its deep, rich garnet color gives you a clue to the intensity of flavors that await. On the nose, it is bold and aromatic, with an enticing mix of dark fruits—blackberry, plum, and black cherry—layered with hints of vanilla, leather, and a whisper of tobacco.

This is a wine for those who love complexity. The Red Blend is not shy; it makes a statement with its richness and weight. On the palate, you’re immediately struck by the wine’s depth of flavor. Blackberries and ripe cherries dominate the front, followed by layers of spice—cinnamon, clove, and a touch of black pepper. There’s an oakiness present, but it’s not overpowering; rather, it complements the fruit and adds a sense of warmth and structure.

Tannins are firm but velvety, giving the wine a satisfying mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. There’s a touch of earthiness and cocoa on the back end, adding complexity and depth. The wine’s acidity is moderate, balancing the weight of the fruit and ensuring that it doesn’t feel overly heavy or jammy.

This Red Blend is a fantastic pairing with hearty dishes. Think grilled meats, a rich beef stew, or even a pepper-crusted steak. It would also hold up well to robust cheeses like sharp cheddar or aged gouda. For those who enjoy a bold wine that delivers layers of flavor with each sip, the Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a standout.

Final Thoughts: A Trio That Tells a Story

The Black Girl Magic Trio is more than just a collection of wines; it’s a celebration of culture, diversity, and craftsmanship. Each wine in the trio brings something unique to the table. The Rosé is vibrant and refreshing, perfect for casual sipping or light meals. The Riesling offers a masterclass in balance, with its interplay of sweetness and acidity making it a versatile white wine for various occasions. Finally, the Red Blend is a bold and complex wine, ideal for those who love a rich, flavorful red that pairs well with hearty dishes.

Together, these wines form a well-rounded trio that showcases the McBride Sisters’ dedication to quality and their ability to tell a story through their wines. Whether you’re enjoying these wines for their flavors or the story behind them, the Black Girl Magic Trio is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia Gran Selezione 2018 is a superb illustration of the craftsmanship and dedication that marks the Gran Selezione designation, the highest tier of Chianti Classico wines. This vintage from Castello di Ama, a renowned producer in the heart of Tuscany, stands as a testament to the winery’s deep-rooted understanding of their terroir and the meticulous care taken from vine to bottle.

Vineyard and Vinification

Located in the historic winemaking village of Ama, the Vigneto La Casuccia vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate characterized by warm days and cool nights, which are ideal for the slow and even ripening of Sangiovese grapes. The vineyard’s soil composition—a mixture of clay and limestone—adds a distinctive minerality to the wine, which is a key feature of this exceptional terroir. The 2018 vintage was marked by a balanced season, with adequate rainfall and no extreme temperatures, allowing for optimal grape development.

The winemaking process at Castello di Ama emphasizes respect for tradition combined with a keen eye for innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring that only the best fruit makes it into the fermentation tanks. A combination of modern and traditional techniques, such as temperature-controlled fermentation and extended maceration, help to extract deep colors, rich flavors, and tannins that are integral to the wine’s structure. Aging occurs in French oak barrels, which imparts elegance, complexity, and the ability to age gracefully.

Sensory Profile

The Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia Gran Selezione 2018 pours a deep ruby red with hints of garnet at the edges, suggesting both youth and the promise of maturation. The bouquet is an enticing amalgamation of aromatics: ripe cherries and blackberries mingle with subtle notes of violets, tobacco, and a whisper of cedar, all of which herald the layered experience that follows.

Upon tasting, the wine unfolds with an elegant complexity. The palate is immediately greeted with a rich tapestry of flavors—dark fruits are balanced by a lively acidity, typical of Sangiovese, while hints of spices and a touch of balsamic add depth. The texture is silky, yet there is a firmness to the tannins that promises longevity. This structure is seamlessly integrated with the fruit and oak, creating a harmonious profile that is both powerful and refined.

Evolution and Finish

As the wine progresses to the finish, it reveals additional layers of leather and earth, showcasing the wine’s evolution in the glass and hinting at its potential for further development over time. The finish is long and persistent, with a lingering taste of fruit and spice that invites another sip. It is clear that this wine, while already expressive, will continue to evolve and reveal new facets of its character with additional years in the cellar.

Pairing and Occasion

The Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia Gran Selezione 2018 is an ideal companion to the rich and savory flavors of Italian cuisine. It pairs exquisitely with traditional Tuscan dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) or Pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta). Its robust profile also makes it suitable for pairing with aged cheeses and cured meats, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dining occasions.

Beyond the dinner table, this wine is suited for significant celebrations or quiet evenings by the fireplace, embodying the warmth and spirit of Tuscany. It is a wine that not only enhances a meal but also enriches the moment, making it memorable.

Collector’s Note and Conclusion

For collectors, the Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia Gran Selezione 2018 represents a stellar addition to any cellar. Given its designation, pedigree, and the excellence manifested in the bottle, it stands as a pinnacle of what Chianti Classico can achieve under the Gran Selezione label. Its potential for aging is considerable, with the promise of developing increased complexity and elegance over the next decade or more.

In conclusion, the Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia Gran Selezione 2018 is more than just a wine; it is a celebration of the rich winemaking heritage of Chianti Classico and a showcase of the heights that careful cultivation and expert winemaking can reach. Every glass tells the story of its origin—of the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany and the passionate individuals who transform grapes into a masterful expression of place and tradition. For those seeking a truly exceptional wine experience, this vintage is a compelling narrative in every sip.

The Black Sheep Finds Holus Bolus Presqu’ile Vineyard Syrah 2021 is an exceptional wine that showcases the unique qualities of its Santa Maria Valley origins. From the moment it is poured, this Syrah captivates with its deep, dark color and an alluring aroma that promises a rich tasting experience. The bouquet is complex, featuring layers of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, elegantly intertwined with spicy pepper notes and a subtle earthiness that hints at the vineyard’s coastal influence.

Upon tasting, the Holus Bolus Syrah reveals its true character. The palate is rich and velvety, offering a harmonious blend of dark cherry and smoky spices, underscored by a delicate touch of vanilla from careful oak aging. This integration of flavors creates a sophisticated profile that is both bold and balanced. The acidity is well-measured, adding a freshness that enlivens the wine, while the velvety tannins provide a smooth structure that leads to a satisfying, long finish.

This wine is not only a pleasure to drink but also an excellent companion to food. It pairs exceptionally well with robust dishes, such as grilled red meats or a rich cheese platter, where its vibrant fruit flavors and spicy undertones can truly shine. Its versatility and balance make it a great choice for both casual settings and more formal dining occasions.

The 2021 Holus Bolus Presqu’ile Vineyard Syrah stands out as a testament to the craftsmanship at Black Sheep Finds. It manages to capture the essence of its terroir, delivering a wine that is approachable yet complex enough to hold the interest of serious connoisseurs. With potential to age beautifully, it is a fine addition to any cellar, promising to evolve and reveal new layers of complexity over time. For anyone seeking a standout Syrah that combines fruit purity, elegance, and depth, this wine is a superb choice.