Saturday, June 2, 2012
Tasting notes from a busy month of May - Do you have any of these in your cellar?
2005 Sine Qua Non Grenache Atlantis Fe2O3~2a, b & c - USA, California (5/29/2012)
My WOTN. Blueberry and kirsch, hedonistic and just plain yummy. Over the top profiles with baking spices and pure genius fruit. A wow wine. Wish I had more. (98 pts.)
2007 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (5/29/2012)
A close runner up to the SQN Atlantis. Absolutely gorgeous wine with some mocha, violets, bright blue fruit. This is a powerful but elegant wine and it didn't have the typical road tar extras that I have had with other Revas. Best young Reva I have had to date. (97 pts.)
1989 Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (5/29/2012)
Still very alive with a great mouthfeel. Somewhat dry finish. SEamless integration of fruit and forest floor. Roasted plums and mature cherries. Real sense of earthiness and mushroom brought it all together. A memorable wine. (96 pts.)
1990 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Goldert - France, Alsace, Gueberschwihr, Alsace Grand Cru AOC (5/29/2012)
Liquid gold. Zesty and sexy. Great yellow fruit, citrus profile without being cloying. I picked up lemon, bananas and some pineapple. (96 pts.)
2002 DuMOL Pinot Noir Ryan - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley (5/29/2012)
Muted red raspberry and strawberry fruit at first that then opened up and blossomed. Floral and rose pedal nose. More feminine style which I prefer. Light entry, well balanced. (92 pts.)
1990 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (5/29/2012)
Decanted for 10 hours. Roasted red fruit, cedar and cigar box. A bit hollow in the mid palate. (91 pts.)
2009 Kistler Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (5/29/2012)
Big lemon curd nose and profile. Clean, easy to drink with crisp acidity. A nice palate cleanser. (88 pts.)
2006 Roar Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (5/29/2012)
Somewhat piney nose and taste followed by cherry cola. For me, this is a heavy handed style that I don't care for anymore. A lot of heat with finish. FWIW, all others really enjoyed it. (87 pts.)
1995 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (5/19/2012)
This wine is in a fabulous place. Young, vibrant with cherries, tobacco, loam and nice chewy tannins. Well integrated, great backbone, Very well balanced. Everyone's favorite of the night. (96 pts.)
2007 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/19/2012)
Yellow/greenish hue. Great lemon fruit profile with a dash of creme brulee. Nice structure, not overly oaked. Pure fruit with awesome acidity (95 pts.)
2003 Mas Doix Priorat - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (5/19/2012)
Plum and black cherry. Big and beautiful wine. Didn't feel the heat. (94 pts.)
2002 Bouchard Père et Fils Clos Vougeot - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Clos Vougeot Grand Cru (5/19/2012)
This was a powerful wine that is still a bit wound tight. Profile of cherries and raspberry, with a meaty chewy disposition. It started to loosen up upon decanting. Fruit forward, with a sense of terrior and minerality. This needs another 5+ years and it will be singing. (92 pts.)
2006 5 Puttonyas - Hungary (5/19/2012)
Pineapple and carmel profile with some green apple thrown into the mix. Great acidity with just the right amount of sweetness. Great way to finish a meal. (91 pts.)
2001 Martin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Collector's Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford (5/16/2012)
Young wine with great structure. Big and tight, not ready yet to drink. Has promise. Profile of chocolate and cherries. Has a lot of character, almost of late harvest. Let it rest a few more years. (91 pts.)
2001 Fisher Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
I popped this at the end of the night to redeem the corked 95 Fisher Lamb. This is not a pop and pour wine due to its tannic structure. I took the other half home and just jammed a cork in it and stuck it in the cellar. The next night, it was rocking with bright red fruit and integrated tannins. Day two score would be mid 90s. (88 pts.)
1999 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
Winner, winner chicken dinner. Great black and red cherry fruit, dry finish but incredibly well balanced and layered with mature fruit. (96 points)
1997 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
This wine was ridiculously good. Vibrant, rich, chewy. Drinking young but very well integrated. Pure dark cherry fruit. Great balance. Awesome finish. (95 points)
1999 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Wine Auction Maya Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (5/16/2012)
Wow, this was young and delicious. Black fruit profile with a great finish with some tobacco at the end. (94 points)
1995 Opus One - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
Bordeaux like on palate. Nice acidity and backbone. Flavor profile of mature cherries and earthiness. The wine is at peak, but not tired. Some in group felt it was a bit barnyardy but I viewed it on thedusty and rustic side. (92 points)
1992 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
Light on its feet, bright red fruit, drinking young. Cianti like. Great entry, good mid palate but finishes with too much acid, (91 points)
2001 Vérité La Joie - USA, California, Sonoma County (5/16/2012)
WE think that this was an off bottle as it did not show that well. Nice fruit but hollow in the mid palate. (89 points)
1976 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
Mature cherries on the nose with some rose pedals. More oak than fruit on palate. Mature cherries, still alive but on down slope. Acidic finish at first but picked up weight and mellowed as night continued and became more balanced. (88 points)
1995 Fisher Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lamb Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2012)
Corked (NR/flawed)
2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/12/2012)
Just a great wine once again. Mature fruit, bordeaux-esque, that had a nice feminine side to it. (95 points)
2005 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (5/12/2012)
My first go with this label and it was a pleaser. Pure red cherry fruit, ripe but not overdone. Appeared to be made in a style that let the fruit do the talking. (93 points)
2006 Turley Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (5/12/2012)
Fruity, spicy and yummy. This ended a night of three big cabs and it was just what the doctor ordered. Plum, blackberry dominated with some nice white pepper and a brambly, dusty component. (90 points)
2005 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (5/11/2012)
This bottle continued to perform nicely. I noticed that someone else had a brett issue with this wine and he had none. Dark mature cherries, nice tannins, not smooth yet not harsh and a great backbone with excellent structure. (91 points)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Blind Tasting: Grenache
4/12/2012 (Wave 2700)
2009 Sine Qua Non Packin' Rosy - USA, California, Central Coast
Had the rose as a starter, non-blind. Great strawberry profile, nice acidity, well balanced and great mouthfeel. I would seek this out again (93 pts.)
2009 Domaine Le Colombier Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras
Wine # 1 Blind: Floral, light nose, not a lot of tannins, somewhat one dimensional. Some nice minerality, tart red fruit that gained some weight in glass. I had guessed Spain. (88 pts.)
2003 Clarendon Hills Grenache Old Vines Romas - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
Wine #2 Blind: Blueberry pie on nose and mouth with good acidity. I guessed Aussie. Almost Shiraz like. (87 pts.)
2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine #3 Bllnd: Big structure, highly extracted fruit, cherry and kirsch. Spicy and complex with Provencial spices. This wine was a bruiser and I had guessed somewhere in Paso Robles. (92 pts.)
2006 Betts & Scholl Grenache Chronique - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
#4 Blind: Very nice mouthfeel, brilliant aromatics, silky and elegant black and blue fruit. I had guessed Europe. For me, the surprise of the night. (94 pts.)
2008 Alban Vineyards Grenache Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley
Blind #5: Garnet color, smooth mouthfeel, floral nose, fruit forward, extracted. Has some blueberry and kirsch overtones. I had guessed Alban and was right. Once again, John Alban is a genius. The wine was well integrated with no apparent heat. Lick smacking good with plenty of tannic structure for long term aging. Everyone's WOTN. (96 pts.)
2007 Bodegas San Alejandro Garnacha Calatayud Las Rocas - Spain, Aragón, Calatayud
Blind #6: Green herbal nose, definitely not US. Olive tapanade and somewhat oily. Fruit hidden by acidic finish. (85 pts.)
2008 Flux Red Table Wine - USA, California
Blind #7: Easy to drink on entry. I guessed Cali. Very hot in mid-palate. Wine was ok, not great. Too much acid. I wouldn't seek it out. Out of balance. (86 pts.)
2007 R Wines Grenache Chateau Chateau David And Goliath Mclaren Flat - Australia, South Australia, McLaren Vale / Barossa
Blind # 8: Thin, watery, not my style. Dump bucket quickly. (83 pts.)
2009 Outpost Grenache - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
Blind #9: Tasted like a heavy rose with lots of heat. Red fruit underneath the heat. I might have been generous with my score as it was the last blind wine of the night. (90 pts.)
2008 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja - Spain, Aragón, Campo de Borja
Non-Blind: red and black fruit with some dark cocoa on finish. Had a bit off coffee ground on finish as well. Nice bold, full bodied wine. (90 pts.)
2009 Sine Qua Non Packin' Rosy - USA, California, Central Coast
Had the rose as a starter, non-blind. Great strawberry profile, nice acidity, well balanced and great mouthfeel. I would seek this out again (93 pts.)
2009 Domaine Le Colombier Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras
Wine # 1 Blind: Floral, light nose, not a lot of tannins, somewhat one dimensional. Some nice minerality, tart red fruit that gained some weight in glass. I had guessed Spain. (88 pts.)
2003 Clarendon Hills Grenache Old Vines Romas - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
Wine #2 Blind: Blueberry pie on nose and mouth with good acidity. I guessed Aussie. Almost Shiraz like. (87 pts.)
2006 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wine #3 Bllnd: Big structure, highly extracted fruit, cherry and kirsch. Spicy and complex with Provencial spices. This wine was a bruiser and I had guessed somewhere in Paso Robles. (92 pts.)
2006 Betts & Scholl Grenache Chronique - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
#4 Blind: Very nice mouthfeel, brilliant aromatics, silky and elegant black and blue fruit. I had guessed Europe. For me, the surprise of the night. (94 pts.)
2008 Alban Vineyards Grenache Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley
Blind #5: Garnet color, smooth mouthfeel, floral nose, fruit forward, extracted. Has some blueberry and kirsch overtones. I had guessed Alban and was right. Once again, John Alban is a genius. The wine was well integrated with no apparent heat. Lick smacking good with plenty of tannic structure for long term aging. Everyone's WOTN. (96 pts.)
2007 Bodegas San Alejandro Garnacha Calatayud Las Rocas - Spain, Aragón, Calatayud
Blind #6: Green herbal nose, definitely not US. Olive tapanade and somewhat oily. Fruit hidden by acidic finish. (85 pts.)
2008 Flux Red Table Wine - USA, California
Blind #7: Easy to drink on entry. I guessed Cali. Very hot in mid-palate. Wine was ok, not great. Too much acid. I wouldn't seek it out. Out of balance. (86 pts.)
2007 R Wines Grenache Chateau Chateau David And Goliath Mclaren Flat - Australia, South Australia, McLaren Vale / Barossa
Blind # 8: Thin, watery, not my style. Dump bucket quickly. (83 pts.)
2009 Outpost Grenache - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
Blind #9: Tasted like a heavy rose with lots of heat. Red fruit underneath the heat. I might have been generous with my score as it was the last blind wine of the night. (90 pts.)
2008 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja - Spain, Aragón, Campo de Borja
Non-Blind: red and black fruit with some dark cocoa on finish. Had a bit off coffee ground on finish as well. Nice bold, full bodied wine. (90 pts.)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
ZIN TASTING @ FRANK AND DINO'S - DEERFIELD BEACH, FL - (4/3/2012)
ZIN TASTING @ FRANK AND DINO'S - DEERFIELD BEACH, FL - (4/3/2012)
•2007 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Smooth, sweet but not too hot. Fruit was primary: blueberry and black cherry. All fruit, not a lot of pepper or secondary flavors. Very well balanced. A reason to stay on the list. (92 pts.)
•2004 Linne Calodo Leona's - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Herbal nose, some menthol and a good dose of heat with a white pepper chaser. Some green notes but followed by soft yet tart red fruit - JOlly Rancheresque. (87 pts.)
•2007 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
So easy to drink. Red and blue fruit with some raisins at back end. Simple but good with nice acidity on the finish. A lighter/one dimensional style. (91 pts.)
•2009 Robert Biale Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Note that I was in the minority on this one. For wome, it was ranked as one of the best of the night. Light fluffy zin that was too jammy for me. Chambord llike flavor profile. (85 pts.)
•2001 Hartford Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Vibrant, dark chocolate with awesome red cherry, plum and blueberry. Not showing its age. This wine is in a great place and my WOTN. (95 pts.)
•2010 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Old Vine - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Too young but has the stuffing for greatness. THis is a big wine that is vibrant and alive. Sexy and muscular. Nice baking spice component with black fruit. A bit tight and wound up. Many thought it lacked a mid palate and said it wouldn't hold up. Others thought it lacked finish. I disagreed. (93 pts.)
•2003 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Softer and more feminine than the 2002. More suited to my palate. Rich red fruit - cheries and some red plum. Acidity comes through nicely, holding it together. (94 pts.)
•2002 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
At first, I thoguht this was going to be an OMG wine until we stood it up against the 2003. It had some heat on the ehty but was full of fruit. As it sat in the glass, it picked up a mocha component that was jisjointed and flat compares to the '03. (89 pts.)
•2007 Vineyard 29 Zinfandel Aida Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SEamless blue fruit that packed a punch. Loved it. Last wine of the night so there were less notes but still very memorable. I would seek it out. (94 pts.)
•2007 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Smooth, sweet but not too hot. Fruit was primary: blueberry and black cherry. All fruit, not a lot of pepper or secondary flavors. Very well balanced. A reason to stay on the list. (92 pts.)
•2004 Linne Calodo Leona's - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Herbal nose, some menthol and a good dose of heat with a white pepper chaser. Some green notes but followed by soft yet tart red fruit - JOlly Rancheresque. (87 pts.)
•2007 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
So easy to drink. Red and blue fruit with some raisins at back end. Simple but good with nice acidity on the finish. A lighter/one dimensional style. (91 pts.)
•2009 Robert Biale Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Note that I was in the minority on this one. For wome, it was ranked as one of the best of the night. Light fluffy zin that was too jammy for me. Chambord llike flavor profile. (85 pts.)
•2001 Hartford Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Vibrant, dark chocolate with awesome red cherry, plum and blueberry. Not showing its age. This wine is in a great place and my WOTN. (95 pts.)
•2010 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Old Vine - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Too young but has the stuffing for greatness. THis is a big wine that is vibrant and alive. Sexy and muscular. Nice baking spice component with black fruit. A bit tight and wound up. Many thought it lacked a mid palate and said it wouldn't hold up. Others thought it lacked finish. I disagreed. (93 pts.)
•2003 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Softer and more feminine than the 2002. More suited to my palate. Rich red fruit - cheries and some red plum. Acidity comes through nicely, holding it together. (94 pts.)
•2002 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
At first, I thoguht this was going to be an OMG wine until we stood it up against the 2003. It had some heat on the ehty but was full of fruit. As it sat in the glass, it picked up a mocha component that was jisjointed and flat compares to the '03. (89 pts.)
•2007 Vineyard 29 Zinfandel Aida Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SEamless blue fruit that packed a punch. Loved it. Last wine of the night so there were less notes but still very memorable. I would seek it out. (94 pts.)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Italians at Mario's Osteria
1995 Tenuta Friggiali (Centolani) Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Nice acidic backbone. Bright red fruit with some rose pedal notes. Light on its feet. Very enjoyable. Some thought it was a bit tired but I didn't think so. (92 pts.)
1985 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
A bit port-like but still very much alive. Sweet nose with red fruit. Really nice mouthfeel in mid palate. Could have guessed Amarone if blind. Finished with some mocha. (93 pts.)
1998 Franco M. Martinetti Barolo Marasco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Chocolate and mocha profile with rich dark red fruit. Smooth tannins and finish. Very nice mouthfeel. Lucious. Picked up some strawberry on entry. (94 pts.)
1996 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Tasted like nail polish. Extremely acidic and tannic. Some thought it may be closed down or in a dumb phase. I didn't care for it at all and it was the one wine that I dumped for the night. (80 pts.)
2006 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
Wow was this wine sexy. Bright red cherry fruit, a nice tartness and extremely well balanced. A wee baby but special. (95 pts.)
2003 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Some alcohol on the nose at first. This is a big and chewy wine. I would call it new world style of Italian. Well balanced, round and full bodied. Chocolate, coffee and black cherry dominated this bruiser. (91 pts.)
2006 Orma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
One of my favorite food wines of the night, thus the short impression. This was yummy with great balance. It had all the bright red nuances that matched great with the red sauce with my veal. (94 pts.)
2001 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
My WOTN but it always is at an Italian tasting. This wine was off the charts friggin' good. I didn't even want to use descriptos and just sat back and enjoyed it. One of the best Italian wines I have ever had. (98 pts.)
2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
We didn't give this wine the respect or time that it really needed. It was the last of the tasting from a generous participant that said, hey I brought it so let's open it. This was a very nice wine that was rich and chewy. I am bummed that I didn't have more time with this beauty. (94 pts.)
Nice acidic backbone. Bright red fruit with some rose pedal notes. Light on its feet. Very enjoyable. Some thought it was a bit tired but I didn't think so. (92 pts.)
1985 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
A bit port-like but still very much alive. Sweet nose with red fruit. Really nice mouthfeel in mid palate. Could have guessed Amarone if blind. Finished with some mocha. (93 pts.)
1998 Franco M. Martinetti Barolo Marasco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Chocolate and mocha profile with rich dark red fruit. Smooth tannins and finish. Very nice mouthfeel. Lucious. Picked up some strawberry on entry. (94 pts.)
1996 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Tasted like nail polish. Extremely acidic and tannic. Some thought it may be closed down or in a dumb phase. I didn't care for it at all and it was the one wine that I dumped for the night. (80 pts.)
2006 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
Wow was this wine sexy. Bright red cherry fruit, a nice tartness and extremely well balanced. A wee baby but special. (95 pts.)
2003 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Some alcohol on the nose at first. This is a big and chewy wine. I would call it new world style of Italian. Well balanced, round and full bodied. Chocolate, coffee and black cherry dominated this bruiser. (91 pts.)
2006 Orma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
One of my favorite food wines of the night, thus the short impression. This was yummy with great balance. It had all the bright red nuances that matched great with the red sauce with my veal. (94 pts.)
2001 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
My WOTN but it always is at an Italian tasting. This wine was off the charts friggin' good. I didn't even want to use descriptos and just sat back and enjoyed it. One of the best Italian wines I have ever had. (98 pts.)
2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
We didn't give this wine the respect or time that it really needed. It was the last of the tasting from a generous participant that said, hey I brought it so let's open it. This was a very nice wine that was rich and chewy. I am bummed that I didn't have more time with this beauty. (94 pts.)
Aussies at Abe & Louie's
After a long hiatus of buying Aussie wines, I am glad to have some but are no longer my style.
2003 Clarendon Hills Syrah Liandra - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
A bit tart on entry and then full of smooth blueberry fruit . Nice baking spice and a nice backbone. Somewhat one dimensional. Acceptable acidity on finish. (91 pts.)
2001 Clarendon Hills Syrah Liandra - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
Some found this wine bretty, I did not but tend to have a tolerance for funk.Mostly raspberry fruit and an astringent finish. Took on more weight as the evening progressed and resembled more of a bordeaux blend at the end of the night with a touch of cedar. (87 pts.)
1997 Elderton Shiraz Single Vineyard Command - Australia, South Australia, Barossa
caught some coffee on the nose. Fruit dominated by black raspberry. Purity to the fruit was amazing. This is a benchmark wine. Very powerful, rich and dense. Pure bliss. (96 pts.)
2003 Branson Coach House Shiraz Coach House - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
bright red and blue fruit with some white peper. Very clean adfresh tasting shiraz. very solid. (95 pts.)
2001 Elderton Shiraz Single Vineyard Command - Australia, South Australia, Barossa
Reminded me of alan Reva. Someroad tar and some prune notes. after a while, red fruit dominated with some licorice and blackberry. The wine was a bit tart, zesty and towad end of bottle some strawberry and blueberry emerged. (90 pts.)
2002 Torbreck Shiraz The Factor - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Wow! Seamless. A bit thin on the finish or it would have warranted a higher score. High quality fruit - lueberry, black cherry and blackberry. (94 pts.)
1998 Penfolds Grange - Australia, South Australia
Ridiculous! Blackerry and blueberry pie in a glass. This wine is drink soft and easy. Very feminine. Memorable and my WOTN. (97 pts.)
2005 Mollydooker Shiraz Carnival of Love - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
My bottle and my worst of the night I hate when that happens. Medicinal and disjointed. Overthe top. Yuck. Cloying. Tinny and manipulated black fruit. (84 pts.)
2003 Clarendon Hills Syrah Liandra - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
A bit tart on entry and then full of smooth blueberry fruit . Nice baking spice and a nice backbone. Somewhat one dimensional. Acceptable acidity on finish. (91 pts.)
2001 Clarendon Hills Syrah Liandra - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
Some found this wine bretty, I did not but tend to have a tolerance for funk.Mostly raspberry fruit and an astringent finish. Took on more weight as the evening progressed and resembled more of a bordeaux blend at the end of the night with a touch of cedar. (87 pts.)
1997 Elderton Shiraz Single Vineyard Command - Australia, South Australia, Barossa
caught some coffee on the nose. Fruit dominated by black raspberry. Purity to the fruit was amazing. This is a benchmark wine. Very powerful, rich and dense. Pure bliss. (96 pts.)
2003 Branson Coach House Shiraz Coach House - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
bright red and blue fruit with some white peper. Very clean adfresh tasting shiraz. very solid. (95 pts.)
2001 Elderton Shiraz Single Vineyard Command - Australia, South Australia, Barossa
Reminded me of alan Reva. Someroad tar and some prune notes. after a while, red fruit dominated with some licorice and blackberry. The wine was a bit tart, zesty and towad end of bottle some strawberry and blueberry emerged. (90 pts.)
2002 Torbreck Shiraz The Factor - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Wow! Seamless. A bit thin on the finish or it would have warranted a higher score. High quality fruit - lueberry, black cherry and blackberry. (94 pts.)
1998 Penfolds Grange - Australia, South Australia
Ridiculous! Blackerry and blueberry pie in a glass. This wine is drink soft and easy. Very feminine. Memorable and my WOTN. (97 pts.)
2005 Mollydooker Shiraz Carnival of Love - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
My bottle and my worst of the night I hate when that happens. Medicinal and disjointed. Overthe top. Yuck. Cloying. Tinny and manipulated black fruit. (84 pts.)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
TNs: Syrah Night at 32 East - The "Dangerfield Tasting"
Syrah gets no respect. Retailers have trouble selling it and consumers don't often appreciate it. Tonight, syrah was an amazing food wine and demains respect!
2004 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (1/11/2012)
Finished in three way tie for me for WOTN. This wine is seamless. It had a great tar component but was missing some of the baryard that I usually associate his wines with. With that said, John Alban proves once again to be a genius winemaker. 16.7% alcohol and you would never know it. This wine is brawny with lots of cocoa and mocha intermingled with red raspberry, some cherry and blue berry fruit. This wine was unpredictable and beautiful. Syrah remains the Rodney Dangerfield of varietals but this syrah warrants respect. (95 pts.)
2005 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/11/2012)
In a three way tie for WOTN for me. Coffee and mocha on the nose and on entry. Smooth, delicious rich fruit. No apparent heat. Mostly black fruits on the palate. Fabulous wine and ready to go. Not sure if time will help this one. It was delish! (95 pts.)
2008 Paul Lato Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (1/11/2012)
Tied for WOTN. Youngest of all wines tasted in the night and by far, showed the best purity of fruit. The ingredients are there for greatness. Blueberry and raspberry compote ooze down the throat without being cloying. Very young and patience will be rewarded with long-term cellaring. No major heat. Great balance. This wine is destined for greatness as is this winemaker. (95 pts.)
2005 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (1/11/2012)
Dark brooding color. Wowsa, great entry with rich and chewy fruit. Blackberry, raspberry - yum! Thick and full bodied. Quite nice. (93 pts.)
2004 Martinelli Syrah Terra Felice - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/11/2012)
This wine picked up steam and body as the night wore on. At first it was one dimensional and then blossomed. Primarily blue and red fruit with a solid tannic backbone. At first, there was noticeable heat but after a while turned sweet with less alcohol. This wine is a great example of not jumping to conclusions after an intial taste. (92 pts.)
2006 Ramey Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/11/2012)
Great fruit profile of red cherry, cranberry with some baking spice. Nice funky barnayrd that complimented and didn't overwhelm the fruit. A hint of mint which was interesting. Wine had nice outhfeel with smooth, sweet and dusty finish. (92 pts.)
2005 Martinelli Syrah Hop Barn Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/11/2012)
My least favorite of the tasting but I was in the minority. Port-like, hot on finish and pruny. (86 pts.)
2004 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (1/11/2012)
Finished in three way tie for me for WOTN. This wine is seamless. It had a great tar component but was missing some of the baryard that I usually associate his wines with. With that said, John Alban proves once again to be a genius winemaker. 16.7% alcohol and you would never know it. This wine is brawny with lots of cocoa and mocha intermingled with red raspberry, some cherry and blue berry fruit. This wine was unpredictable and beautiful. Syrah remains the Rodney Dangerfield of varietals but this syrah warrants respect. (95 pts.)
2005 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/11/2012)
In a three way tie for WOTN for me. Coffee and mocha on the nose and on entry. Smooth, delicious rich fruit. No apparent heat. Mostly black fruits on the palate. Fabulous wine and ready to go. Not sure if time will help this one. It was delish! (95 pts.)
2008 Paul Lato Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (1/11/2012)
Tied for WOTN. Youngest of all wines tasted in the night and by far, showed the best purity of fruit. The ingredients are there for greatness. Blueberry and raspberry compote ooze down the throat without being cloying. Very young and patience will be rewarded with long-term cellaring. No major heat. Great balance. This wine is destined for greatness as is this winemaker. (95 pts.)
2005 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (1/11/2012)
Dark brooding color. Wowsa, great entry with rich and chewy fruit. Blackberry, raspberry - yum! Thick and full bodied. Quite nice. (93 pts.)
2004 Martinelli Syrah Terra Felice - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/11/2012)
This wine picked up steam and body as the night wore on. At first it was one dimensional and then blossomed. Primarily blue and red fruit with a solid tannic backbone. At first, there was noticeable heat but after a while turned sweet with less alcohol. This wine is a great example of not jumping to conclusions after an intial taste. (92 pts.)
2006 Ramey Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/11/2012)
Great fruit profile of red cherry, cranberry with some baking spice. Nice funky barnayrd that complimented and didn't overwhelm the fruit. A hint of mint which was interesting. Wine had nice outhfeel with smooth, sweet and dusty finish. (92 pts.)
2005 Martinelli Syrah Hop Barn Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/11/2012)
My least favorite of the tasting but I was in the minority. Port-like, hot on finish and pruny. (86 pts.)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Quick Tasting Notes and Thoughts from Southern Wine's Gems Portfolio
Quick impressions from last month's trade tasting. No scores. Hopefully got most of my labels right.
Whites:
2009 Schweiger Sauv Blanc: well balanced, sharp acidity, crisp clean citrus
2009 Kelly Fleming Sauv Blanc: Rich, great mouthfeel. Round citrus flavors with plenty of acidity. Not grassy.
2008 Alpha Omega Chard: nice chard, lemon oil, a bit too buttery
2009 Dutton Ranch Chard: Green sour apple, a bit off putting
2010 Roger Roessler R2 Vin Blanc: Soft, nice floral component, white peaches, could be great food wine
2009 Tor Chard Durrell: Butter and oak with some lemon oil. Not my style.
2009 Kistler Les Noiselliers Chard: Nice, easy to drink, light mouthfeel. Not overdone.
2009 Kistler Sonoma Chard:A bit more citrus and acidity. Liked the low key style.
2009 Three Sticks Chard Durrel: Best chard of the day, complex, big and rich. Not over-vinifiied
2009: Daealus Gruner Vetliner: Nice food wine, very clean, nice acidity, grapefruit, lemon/lime fruit but not in your face. Closed nose. Light on its feet but a bit one dimensional finish
2009 Jonata Paring White: easy to drink, complex flavors, very solid
Pinot:
2008 Atticus Pinot: funky but inviting nose, mushroom and loam, tight entry but opened up in mid palate, savory pinot fruit
2007 Atticus Select Pinot: Barrels that best represent their vintage. Floral, cranberry and raspberry nose, bright fruit, more feminine than other offering. Great structure
2009 Roessler Blue Jay pinot: fruity, jammy, too sweet
2008 Roessler La Brisa: very tight and sour, yuck
2008 Roessler Laurelwood pinot: softer mouthfeel, but one dimensional. Bright red fruit
2008 Roessler La Encantada: best of the lineup. Great fruit and structure
2008 Three Sticks Pinot Durrell: Big and a bit over-extracted for my taste. Beautiful fruit components. Just overdone.
2007 Daedalus Labyrinthe Pinot: Thin wine with decent fruit, not that interesting
2009 Pali Riviera Pinot: very well made with nice strawberry and cranberry. Nice structure.
2009 Revana Alexana Pinot: Absolutely delicious. Bright red fruit, great acidity. My fave pinot of the day
2009 AP Vin Clos Pepe: nice, very solid. Not overly complex but yummy.
2009 AP Vin Turner: More tannic and somewhat tight. Better at the back end. Red fruit.
Cab and other reds:
2001 Palmaz Cab: great backbone, plum, cassi and cherry, soft tannins. Nice surprise
2007 Palmaz Cab: really solid. NIce red fruit.
2009 Three Sticks Cab: Sonoma fruit, has 10% petit verdot, a bit green with monster fruit profile. Huge wine. Maybe needs time for the green tinge to dissipate. A winery to watch
2008 Alpha OMega Cab: chocolate, red cherries. Not as complex as I would have liked. An everyday drinker.
2004: Xtant: Very soft, delicate, not that interesting
2007 Kelly Fleming Cab: So easy to drink, delicious fruit, not sure on age-ability but who cares
2009 Vineyard 29 Cru: Solid, consistent offering, black cherry and dark chocolate
2008 Celani Tenacious: teeth licking yummy
2008 CJ Melka: really big and very rich
2006 Andrew Geoffrey: Mountain fruit that needs a lot of time. Stuffing is there.
2008 Celani Napa cab: Made by Mark Herold. A bit pruney and overextracted.
2006 Adore: just outstanding, rich and sexy, great finish
2008 Spring Valley Vineyards Urich: very nice, great mouthfeel, mostly merlot, good, not great. A bit hot.
2007 Spring Valley Vineyards Frederick: very nice and delicious red and black fruit. Complex
2009 Revana Cab: soft red fruit, has nice backbone, not sure if it has legs for long-term aging.
2009 Hourglass Blueline Merlot: very nice, big wine with lovely texture and mouthfeel
2009 Hourglass Blue Line Cab: Chocolate, blueberry and cherry pie. Dense.
2007 Jonata Pairing Red: no brainer everyday quaffer
2007 La Tierra de Jonata: Sangiovese, warm vintage, good food wine
2007 El Alma de Jonata: Cab Franc, very big, need time but wow!
2008 El Desafio de Jonata: 84% cab, sweet, complex cab, big presence.
2007: Jonata Todos: So good!
2007 Cedar Knoll Cab: solid QPR
Whites:
2009 Schweiger Sauv Blanc: well balanced, sharp acidity, crisp clean citrus
2009 Kelly Fleming Sauv Blanc: Rich, great mouthfeel. Round citrus flavors with plenty of acidity. Not grassy.
2008 Alpha Omega Chard: nice chard, lemon oil, a bit too buttery
2009 Dutton Ranch Chard: Green sour apple, a bit off putting
2010 Roger Roessler R2 Vin Blanc: Soft, nice floral component, white peaches, could be great food wine
2009 Tor Chard Durrell: Butter and oak with some lemon oil. Not my style.
2009 Kistler Les Noiselliers Chard: Nice, easy to drink, light mouthfeel. Not overdone.
2009 Kistler Sonoma Chard:A bit more citrus and acidity. Liked the low key style.
2009 Three Sticks Chard Durrel: Best chard of the day, complex, big and rich. Not over-vinifiied
2009: Daealus Gruner Vetliner: Nice food wine, very clean, nice acidity, grapefruit, lemon/lime fruit but not in your face. Closed nose. Light on its feet but a bit one dimensional finish
2009 Jonata Paring White: easy to drink, complex flavors, very solid
Pinot:
2008 Atticus Pinot: funky but inviting nose, mushroom and loam, tight entry but opened up in mid palate, savory pinot fruit
2007 Atticus Select Pinot: Barrels that best represent their vintage. Floral, cranberry and raspberry nose, bright fruit, more feminine than other offering. Great structure
2009 Roessler Blue Jay pinot: fruity, jammy, too sweet
2008 Roessler La Brisa: very tight and sour, yuck
2008 Roessler Laurelwood pinot: softer mouthfeel, but one dimensional. Bright red fruit
2008 Roessler La Encantada: best of the lineup. Great fruit and structure
2008 Three Sticks Pinot Durrell: Big and a bit over-extracted for my taste. Beautiful fruit components. Just overdone.
2007 Daedalus Labyrinthe Pinot: Thin wine with decent fruit, not that interesting
2009 Pali Riviera Pinot: very well made with nice strawberry and cranberry. Nice structure.
2009 Revana Alexana Pinot: Absolutely delicious. Bright red fruit, great acidity. My fave pinot of the day
2009 AP Vin Clos Pepe: nice, very solid. Not overly complex but yummy.
2009 AP Vin Turner: More tannic and somewhat tight. Better at the back end. Red fruit.
Cab and other reds:
2001 Palmaz Cab: great backbone, plum, cassi and cherry, soft tannins. Nice surprise
2007 Palmaz Cab: really solid. NIce red fruit.
2009 Three Sticks Cab: Sonoma fruit, has 10% petit verdot, a bit green with monster fruit profile. Huge wine. Maybe needs time for the green tinge to dissipate. A winery to watch
2008 Alpha OMega Cab: chocolate, red cherries. Not as complex as I would have liked. An everyday drinker.
2004: Xtant: Very soft, delicate, not that interesting
2007 Kelly Fleming Cab: So easy to drink, delicious fruit, not sure on age-ability but who cares
2009 Vineyard 29 Cru: Solid, consistent offering, black cherry and dark chocolate
2008 Celani Tenacious: teeth licking yummy
2008 CJ Melka: really big and very rich
2006 Andrew Geoffrey: Mountain fruit that needs a lot of time. Stuffing is there.
2008 Celani Napa cab: Made by Mark Herold. A bit pruney and overextracted.
2006 Adore: just outstanding, rich and sexy, great finish
2008 Spring Valley Vineyards Urich: very nice, great mouthfeel, mostly merlot, good, not great. A bit hot.
2007 Spring Valley Vineyards Frederick: very nice and delicious red and black fruit. Complex
2009 Revana Cab: soft red fruit, has nice backbone, not sure if it has legs for long-term aging.
2009 Hourglass Blueline Merlot: very nice, big wine with lovely texture and mouthfeel
2009 Hourglass Blue Line Cab: Chocolate, blueberry and cherry pie. Dense.
2007 Jonata Pairing Red: no brainer everyday quaffer
2007 La Tierra de Jonata: Sangiovese, warm vintage, good food wine
2007 El Alma de Jonata: Cab Franc, very big, need time but wow!
2008 El Desafio de Jonata: 84% cab, sweet, complex cab, big presence.
2007: Jonata Todos: So good!
2007 Cedar Knoll Cab: solid QPR
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