He was lucky to be the 1st of 4 people I tasted wine with today. although toothpaste and coffee were still in my tastebuds
York Creek is owned by Fritz Maytag who is from the washing machine, blue cheese family. In the past some great names have used his fruit, namely Ridge.
Merlot Spring Mountain 2005 massive fruit with a touch of heat.. a mans man merlot...nothing too wimpy here
Petite Verdot 2003 again dark color and juicy fruit. but who buys petite verdot by itself?
Caberet Franc 2005 Spring Mountain yummy.. must have liked it.. good texture and dark fruits.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Estate dark cola coloring, good acid and tannins just right.
Cabernet Sauv 2004 Horseshoe oaky toasty nose, tight dark flavors needs time to open up but not sure if that is all it needs
Port 2005 made from traditional port grapes and a little zin and syrah. not overly sweet and pretty lush mouth feel. dark color of a ruby but nutty flavors of a tawny. in 375ml size
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Adam Lee of Siduri and Novy
Novy Chardonnay 2008 fresh out of the vintage butterscotch on the nose and some minerality intersting nose no ML and soft subtle flavors
Siduri 2007 Santa Lucia Highland Syrah berry fruit, nice texture and a hint of mocha on the finish
Siduri Pinot Noir 2007 Sonatera Sonoma dried fruits, long finish
Novy Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands 20006 dark fruit on the nose and palate beautiful nose of bacon fat and iodine.. long lush finish. best wine of the day for sure
Novy Nebbiolo Stoplman 2006 one of the few Nebbs made in the US light brick color, fruity and nothing as complex as italian nebb...as Adam says they are finding their way with this varietal
In general he is very upbeat about the 2007 vintage from california for Pinot noir
Siduri 2007 Santa Lucia Highland Syrah berry fruit, nice texture and a hint of mocha on the finish
Siduri Pinot Noir 2007 Sonatera Sonoma dried fruits, long finish
Novy Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands 20006 dark fruit on the nose and palate beautiful nose of bacon fat and iodine.. long lush finish. best wine of the day for sure
Novy Nebbiolo Stoplman 2006 one of the few Nebbs made in the US light brick color, fruity and nothing as complex as italian nebb...as Adam says they are finding their way with this varietal
In general he is very upbeat about the 2007 vintage from california for Pinot noir
Bommarito and Billington
Catena Chardonnay 2006 an argentine chardonnay is hard to sell...big fruit flavors onthe nose. pineapple and banana on the palate..nice enough acidity.
Lily Pinot Noir 2007 cola on the nose, light opaque color and light flavors..was expecting more for some reason
Havens Merlot Napa 2005 big and bitter... i cant imagine this needing more time to mellow out being almost 4 years old but this was one rustic merlot
Havens Black and Blue 2006 a blend of Cab and Syrah. dark purple in color and a little disjointed in the finish. again as with the merlot it was somewhat heavy and tannic
Catena Malbec 2006 dark berry flavor of blue berry or something but seemingly one note and not very interesting either,
Lily Pinot Noir 2007 cola on the nose, light opaque color and light flavors..was expecting more for some reason
Havens Merlot Napa 2005 big and bitter... i cant imagine this needing more time to mellow out being almost 4 years old but this was one rustic merlot
Havens Black and Blue 2006 a blend of Cab and Syrah. dark purple in color and a little disjointed in the finish. again as with the merlot it was somewhat heavy and tannic
Catena Malbec 2006 dark berry flavor of blue berry or something but seemingly one note and not very interesting either,
Elizabeth Spencer wines from Bodi
A new winery for the market. Elizabeth Spencer, the name is taken from the first names of the winemaking couple.
Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma Coast.. a cool climate chard and it shows. light color and delicate flavors... some ML and light oak finish. pretty but pricey at $18
Grenache 2006 Mendocino only 20 barrels made... this wine seems very tight... lots of grip and acidity...needs time to settle..i was hoping for more fruit too
Pinot Noir 2007 Sonoma Coast...pretty purple/garnet color.. a little aspargus on the nose, again tight and firm tannin but will open up nicely. A good example of the region without spending the money for something like Flowers.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 surprisingly juicy after the tightness of the other reds. but some nice underlying tannin that supports the finish.. interesting.
Syrah Sonoma Coast 2006 dark brooding color and that didnt translate to the finish. fruity but quick finish.. none of the nose I was expecting from the cooler climate syrah.
Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma Coast.. a cool climate chard and it shows. light color and delicate flavors... some ML and light oak finish. pretty but pricey at $18
Grenache 2006 Mendocino only 20 barrels made... this wine seems very tight... lots of grip and acidity...needs time to settle..i was hoping for more fruit too
Pinot Noir 2007 Sonoma Coast...pretty purple/garnet color.. a little aspargus on the nose, again tight and firm tannin but will open up nicely. A good example of the region without spending the money for something like Flowers.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 surprisingly juicy after the tightness of the other reds. but some nice underlying tannin that supports the finish.. interesting.
Syrah Sonoma Coast 2006 dark brooding color and that didnt translate to the finish. fruity but quick finish.. none of the nose I was expecting from the cooler climate syrah.
wine tasting
Next Thursday is our Spring Fling annual wine tasting event. Over 15 tables and this time a twist. We will have a contest for best table.. From those who vote a door prize winner will be drawn. also the table deemed best will get an incentive buy from the store.... more details when you come to the tasting. March 5 from 6 to 8
Monday, February 23, 2009
Storybook Mountain and Dr Seps
A great lunch today, missed my workout but it was worth it. JJ's always has enjoyable meals I really should go there more often.
Storybook has been around for over 30 years. Dr Seps taught at Stanford and established this zin house near calistoga in the northern part of napa valley. zin does well in the warmer climates.
Zin Gris 2008 not to be confused in any way with a white zinfandel. this is a dry rose much like you would find in the south of france. notes of strawberries and just a hint of sweetness on the palate with dry finish.
Seps Estate Viognier 2007 barrel fermented to a creamy texture, this explains the golden hue to it. orange blossoms on the nose. Only 200 cases produced
Storybook Antaenus 2006 the greek god who got his powers from the earth, a blend of zin, cab and petite verdot. cab nose with a zin berry body best of both worlds.
Eastern Exposures 2006 some of the best barrels, rich and luxurious. not hot like some zin can be with a higher alcohol level
Mayacamus Range Zinfandel. their workhorse. fruity, briary deep flavors and long finish.
Reserve Zinfandel 2005 held in barrel a little longer, also from best lots of barrels, dark ruby color and all the black pepper that you expect from a great zin.
Seps Cabernet 2004.... pretty cab nose of pencil lead and dirt with nice fruit behind it.
Storybook has been around for over 30 years. Dr Seps taught at Stanford and established this zin house near calistoga in the northern part of napa valley. zin does well in the warmer climates.
Zin Gris 2008 not to be confused in any way with a white zinfandel. this is a dry rose much like you would find in the south of france. notes of strawberries and just a hint of sweetness on the palate with dry finish.
Seps Estate Viognier 2007 barrel fermented to a creamy texture, this explains the golden hue to it. orange blossoms on the nose. Only 200 cases produced
Storybook Antaenus 2006 the greek god who got his powers from the earth, a blend of zin, cab and petite verdot. cab nose with a zin berry body best of both worlds.
Eastern Exposures 2006 some of the best barrels, rich and luxurious. not hot like some zin can be with a higher alcohol level
Mayacamus Range Zinfandel. their workhorse. fruity, briary deep flavors and long finish.
Reserve Zinfandel 2005 held in barrel a little longer, also from best lots of barrels, dark ruby color and all the black pepper that you expect from a great zin.
Seps Cabernet 2004.... pretty cab nose of pencil lead and dirt with nice fruit behind it.
Vintegrity and JP Gilmore wines
McKinlay Pinot Noir Oregon 2007 typical of the 07 I have seen. light color maybe a touch of rust in the glass. some earthiness to the nose, light cherry fruit and simple flavors but nice everyday pinot.. around $18
Seis Rioja bright purple color, sweet fruit but missing something in the middle, finishes pleasant. 100% tempranillo and definitely new world style.
Ficklin 1991 Vintage Port California they have only done 9 vintage bottlings since they opened almost 50 years ago. this one seems to be more tawny in nature.. it does use the same grapes as found in portugal but just not the same. toffee on the finish. a dull sheen to the liquid.
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Seis Rioja bright purple color, sweet fruit but missing something in the middle, finishes pleasant. 100% tempranillo and definitely new world style.
Ficklin 1991 Vintage Port California they have only done 9 vintage bottlings since they opened almost 50 years ago. this one seems to be more tawny in nature.. it does use the same grapes as found in portugal but just not the same. toffee on the finish. a dull sheen to the liquid.
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pinnacle wines with craig rohner
Kung Fu Girl 2007 soapstone nose, clean finish. not overly sweet but not overly dry either, almost lost in limbo land
The Velvet Devil Merlot 2007 Washington a wine from the Charles Smith winery that gave us House Wine, pretty fruit nose, not green but not showing a lot of fruit. recently bottled may need some time to develop/ definitely drinkable and after a few moments shows some nice mocha notes on the end.
El Cipres Malbec. 2005 brighter fruit than most malbec have. not complex and not expensive.
Finca el Peral Cabernet 2006 surprisingly fruity for a cab, good sipping wine and for lighter steak and pasta dishes.
The Velvet Devil Merlot 2007 Washington a wine from the Charles Smith winery that gave us House Wine, pretty fruit nose, not green but not showing a lot of fruit. recently bottled may need some time to develop/ definitely drinkable and after a few moments shows some nice mocha notes on the end.
El Cipres Malbec. 2005 brighter fruit than most malbec have. not complex and not expensive.
Finca el Peral Cabernet 2006 surprisingly fruity for a cab, good sipping wine and for lighter steak and pasta dishes.
Friday, February 20, 2009
jp and derrick
Sullivan Cabernet Napa 2005 situated between Beaulieu and Franciscan in Napa this is a soft more elegant style of cab. not a teeth stainer.. soft tannins and tight flavors that will open up. well put together wine
John Anthony Syrah 2005 dark juicy anf fruity.. a little soft on the middle but long finish with good acidity and berry flavors
Domaine Alain Michelot Bourgogne 2006 fruity, light some soft tannin. dark berry fruit, nice texture. a little iodine on the finish.
Cruz de Piedra Granacha 2006 a little rough on the palate with good berry fruit, but not as interesting as some of the Spanish grenache that come from Jorge or Eric Solomon. tastes like young vines, a little mineral and tinny
John Anthony Syrah 2005 dark juicy anf fruity.. a little soft on the middle but long finish with good acidity and berry flavors
Domaine Alain Michelot Bourgogne 2006 fruity, light some soft tannin. dark berry fruit, nice texture. a little iodine on the finish.
Cruz de Piedra Granacha 2006 a little rough on the palate with good berry fruit, but not as interesting as some of the Spanish grenache that come from Jorge or Eric Solomon. tastes like young vines, a little mineral and tinny
Trinchero Family and Estates with Michael Bayliss
Folie a Deux Zinfandel Amador 2004 a late released wine they tell me, pretty garnet color and not the big fruit bomb some can be. juicy berry flavors, nice finish and not overly hot a better food wine than most zins I have had lately.
Napa Cellars a new property for the Trinchero Family...
Sauv Blanc 2006 a little late in the vintage.. napa juice so more warm and less citrus ..melon and figs and soft herbal. soft pleasant finish.
Chardonnay 2007 (usually the SB is a vintage ahead not behind. )
1/3 in stainless the rest in oak...typical california nose, fruity sweet but nice acidity to keep from being too cloying. a little heat on the tongue and somewhat quick finish.
Pinot Noir 2007 almost carneros fruit, a warm climate pinot ..not much complexity just soft tannin.
Stagecoach Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and dirt on thenose, quick finish of bing cherry, strange final flavors, not sure what.
Napa Cellars a new property for the Trinchero Family...
Sauv Blanc 2006 a little late in the vintage.. napa juice so more warm and less citrus ..melon and figs and soft herbal. soft pleasant finish.
Chardonnay 2007 (usually the SB is a vintage ahead not behind. )
1/3 in stainless the rest in oak...typical california nose, fruity sweet but nice acidity to keep from being too cloying. a little heat on the tongue and somewhat quick finish.
Pinot Noir 2007 almost carneros fruit, a warm climate pinot ..not much complexity just soft tannin.
Stagecoach Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and dirt on thenose, quick finish of bing cherry, strange final flavors, not sure what.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
chris dodgen from Terlato
Chanson Chablis 2007 mineral and fruits. nice acidity stainless steel
Chanson Vire Clesse 2006 100% Chardonnay stainless steel. a corked bottling but good fruit anyway.
Terlato Pinot Grigio 2007 Russian River mostly stainless, tawny light color, nice creaminess long finish.
Chanson Bourgogne 2006 a smoky nose, light garnet color. nice fruit, good balance. good finish, long finish.
Chanson Gevrey Chambertin 2005 dark opaque purple.
dark forest mushroom,mouth staining color for a pinot. still lively and fresh.. a little pricey though at $70
Wairau River Pinot Noir 2005 New Zealand , Wairau means 100 rivers, typial new zealand pinot sweet nose, maple? more dried fruits like cranberry .
Tangley Oaks Merlot 2006 light purple good style merlot
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 05 nutty nose, walnuts drying tannins on the palate light fruits on the palate also. a little heat
Promis Gaja 2006 dark bright purple traditional italian nose. juicy fruit from the merlot. nice finish.
Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Barossa 2006 more power from barossa heavy purple. iodine , band aid in a good way. lots of dark berry fruits with a long finish. Maybe one glass alone needs food to calm down.. good tannin and grip
Chanson Vire Clesse 2006 100% Chardonnay stainless steel. a corked bottling but good fruit anyway.
Terlato Pinot Grigio 2007 Russian River mostly stainless, tawny light color, nice creaminess long finish.
Chanson Bourgogne 2006 a smoky nose, light garnet color. nice fruit, good balance. good finish, long finish.
Chanson Gevrey Chambertin 2005 dark opaque purple.
dark forest mushroom,mouth staining color for a pinot. still lively and fresh.. a little pricey though at $70
Wairau River Pinot Noir 2005 New Zealand , Wairau means 100 rivers, typial new zealand pinot sweet nose, maple? more dried fruits like cranberry .
Tangley Oaks Merlot 2006 light purple good style merlot
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 05 nutty nose, walnuts drying tannins on the palate light fruits on the palate also. a little heat
Promis Gaja 2006 dark bright purple traditional italian nose. juicy fruit from the merlot. nice finish.
Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Barossa 2006 more power from barossa heavy purple. iodine , band aid in a good way. lots of dark berry fruits with a long finish. Maybe one glass alone needs food to calm down.. good tannin and grip
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
mike with golden barrel
LeBaron Ranch Chardonnay 2006 Alexander Valley 100% malo/ new french oak... everything big buttery chard drinkers like . a little hot for my palate and not very balanced
LeBaron Ranch Zinfandel 2006 with a touch of merlot and petite sirah. almost a port like aroma and finish but not sweet like tha. a little briary a little cherry but the port smell overpowers.
LeBaron Ranch Zinfandel 2006 with a touch of merlot and petite sirah. almost a port like aroma and finish but not sweet like tha. a little briary a little cherry but the port smell overpowers.
hahn family wines with robin connelly
Hahn SLH (Santa Lucia Highlands) Pinot Gris 2007 a touch of melon and guava all stainless but some malo I would think because of the creamy texture. Warmer region for growing.
Hahn Pinot Noir Monterey 2006 light ruby color, nice cranberry tart fruit on the finish.
Hahn Cabernet Franc 2006 central coast...as I found with all the reds from this portfolio its all about fruit and flavors. soft tannins,, a little too cold but would warm up nicely.
Huntington Petite Sirah 2005 a little disappointing... dark purple and juicy but the fruit was kind of one note.
Huntington Cabernet 2007 California dark purple grapey bright fruit. a good amount of tannin...that will soften out with age.. fruit bomb?
Smith and Hook Cabernet 2006 tight nose and palate...a little too cool also.. but tannins were nice..a little of the pencil lead going on... always a crowd pleaser
Hahn Pinot Noir Monterey 2006 light ruby color, nice cranberry tart fruit on the finish.
Hahn Cabernet Franc 2006 central coast...as I found with all the reds from this portfolio its all about fruit and flavors. soft tannins,, a little too cold but would warm up nicely.
Huntington Petite Sirah 2005 a little disappointing... dark purple and juicy but the fruit was kind of one note.
Huntington Cabernet 2007 California dark purple grapey bright fruit. a good amount of tannin...that will soften out with age.. fruit bomb?
Smith and Hook Cabernet 2006 tight nose and palate...a little too cool also.. but tannins were nice..a little of the pencil lead going on... always a crowd pleaser
Monday, February 16, 2009
wine with mike sage from bommarito
Catena Chardonnay 2006 Argentina pretty light straw color, nice aromatics of light oak and honey...just the right amount of ML on the nose and palate.. creamy...
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Argentina the nose and palate say way too young. can use more time to open up. there is an underlying hint of red fruits and a slight mocha finish. will probably be really good in 6 months
Clear Creek Distillers Blue Plum Brandy or Slivovitz. the nose was a little dirty to me. concentrated heat. long dirty finish..I havent had many Slivys
Clear Creek Kirschwasser much more pleasant than the plum. mouthfilling tang and well distributed heat. a finish of dried fruits. both come in 375ml bottles.
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Argentina the nose and palate say way too young. can use more time to open up. there is an underlying hint of red fruits and a slight mocha finish. will probably be really good in 6 months
Clear Creek Distillers Blue Plum Brandy or Slivovitz. the nose was a little dirty to me. concentrated heat. long dirty finish..I havent had many Slivys
Clear Creek Kirschwasser much more pleasant than the plum. mouthfilling tang and well distributed heat. a finish of dried fruits. both come in 375ml bottles.
Friday, February 13, 2009
hirsch winery from california
Robert brought by a new winery that Garco will be representing. Hirsch out of Sonoma, on the coast actually. I have to say that they are some of the most unique wines I have tasted and smelled in a long time...not that that is always a good thing.
Hirsch Chardonnay 2007 interesting aromas of burnt marshmellows and great chardonnay flavor on the palate...good viscousity and acidity at the same time. a little heat which is surprising from the cool climate region it comes from
Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir Sonoma 2007 light brickish color reminiscent of sangiovese. and the only thing that I could put to the nose was church when doing the incenses. lots of flavors...sandalwood...quick flavor finish but the acidity stays long.
cute label of cats on the bottle
Hirsch M 07 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir frankenscence again...cherry rich flavors on the palate...ludens cough drop??
Hirsch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast.. estate...and this one shows even more of that spice...I dont know if it comes from the oak...if it had been open to long...this afternoon I smelled a jar of italian spices, marjoram, sage, etc and got the smell again.
Capitel de Roari Amarone 2004 juicy and not overly raisoned like some amarone can be.'
lots of acidity..good body.,. dark fruits on the nose and palate. one of the best I have tried in a long time and not that pricey..will be in around $35
Hirsch Chardonnay 2007 interesting aromas of burnt marshmellows and great chardonnay flavor on the palate...good viscousity and acidity at the same time. a little heat which is surprising from the cool climate region it comes from
Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir Sonoma 2007 light brickish color reminiscent of sangiovese. and the only thing that I could put to the nose was church when doing the incenses. lots of flavors...sandalwood...quick flavor finish but the acidity stays long.
cute label of cats on the bottle
Hirsch M 07 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir frankenscence again...cherry rich flavors on the palate...ludens cough drop??
Hirsch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast.. estate...and this one shows even more of that spice...I dont know if it comes from the oak...if it had been open to long...this afternoon I smelled a jar of italian spices, marjoram, sage, etc and got the smell again.
Capitel de Roari Amarone 2004 juicy and not overly raisoned like some amarone can be.'
lots of acidity..good body.,. dark fruits on the nose and palate. one of the best I have tried in a long time and not that pricey..will be in around $35
french paradox wines with dustin jones
Yes I knew that the French Paradox from the 60 minutes segment dealing with how french people eat such a full diet and have less heart disease than we Americans.
Chateau Barat 2004 Bordeaux .. very nice nose that almost had a hint of syrah..dark fruits, could use some more acidity. but user friendly for sure. nice final hints of cherry.
domaine Parent Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005 pretty color in the glass. very tight fruit and a mid long finish. maybe better once it has opened up a bit.
Secret de Campane 2005 Grenache/Syrah/Cinsault purple in the glass and nice fruit but a quick finish.
Lupe Cholet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2004 pretty yellow color.. mineral on the nose and a flat dull mouthfeel..maybe a little past its prime.
Lupe Cholet Macon-villages 2005 typical of the hot year of 05. fruity nose. nice mouthfeel from a little of the ml.. more of a california vintage than typical macon
Chateau Barat 2004 Bordeaux .. very nice nose that almost had a hint of syrah..dark fruits, could use some more acidity. but user friendly for sure. nice final hints of cherry.
domaine Parent Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2005 pretty color in the glass. very tight fruit and a mid long finish. maybe better once it has opened up a bit.
Secret de Campane 2005 Grenache/Syrah/Cinsault purple in the glass and nice fruit but a quick finish.
Lupe Cholet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2004 pretty yellow color.. mineral on the nose and a flat dull mouthfeel..maybe a little past its prime.
Lupe Cholet Macon-villages 2005 typical of the hot year of 05. fruity nose. nice mouthfeel from a little of the ml.. more of a california vintage than typical macon
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Deutsch wines with #3 and Kevin
Bonnet Bordeaux Blanc 2006 mineral. almost aspirin..soft flavors of light melon. good availability
Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio 2007 light lemon andspice. another pg.
Gary Ferrell Chardonnay RRV 2006 delicate flavors. soft oak. great chard fruit....very subtle
.
Esser Pinot Noir 5% Syrah..bright fruit nose, not indicitive of the varietally correct.sweet and uninteresting
Bonnet Rouge 2005 50% cab and merlot sweet berry nose with a hint of dirt consistent wine for the money...
Villa Pozzi Nero d"avola 2006 off nose and flavors.almost a stewed taste. a bit maderized...will try again
ColdiSole Brunello di Montalcino 2003 91pts parker typical nose of the grape. dirty, light leather. light body.
Atlas Peak Cabernet 2004 dark color. Mountain Cuvee could be because I had the saddle leather from the Brunello. lots of berry fruit. soft tannins.
Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio 2007 light lemon andspice. another pg.
Gary Ferrell Chardonnay RRV 2006 delicate flavors. soft oak. great chard fruit....very subtle
.
Esser Pinot Noir 5% Syrah..bright fruit nose, not indicitive of the varietally correct.sweet and uninteresting
Bonnet Rouge 2005 50% cab and merlot sweet berry nose with a hint of dirt consistent wine for the money...
Villa Pozzi Nero d"avola 2006 off nose and flavors.almost a stewed taste. a bit maderized...will try again
ColdiSole Brunello di Montalcino 2003 91pts parker typical nose of the grape. dirty, light leather. light body.
Atlas Peak Cabernet 2004 dark color. Mountain Cuvee could be because I had the saddle leather from the Brunello. lots of berry fruit. soft tannins.
Terra Firma wines
Domaine de Couron 2007 Merlot dark red a bit green on nose and palate. some red fruits and relatively long finish. tea and coffee on the finish
Vina Robles Cabernet 2005 a definite cabernet nose red fruits soft tannin... somewhat quick finish.
Vina Robles Cabernet 2005 a definite cabernet nose red fruits soft tannin... somewhat quick finish.
Bodi Wines
Yellow & Blue Torrontes 2008 sweet pineapple/cotton candy. a bit sweet and light finish.
Yellow & Blue Malbec 2007 tight nose/a little meaty but a little bright cherry fruit with a light finish.
Domaine Cotes du Rhone 2006 smoky, meaty, lots of flavors going on. good press from parker.
Yellow & Blue Malbec 2007 tight nose/a little meaty but a little bright cherry fruit with a light finish.
Domaine Cotes du Rhone 2006 smoky, meaty, lots of flavors going on. good press from parker.
Tom Walker with Banfi
Trivento Torrantes 2007 sweet nose, lovely acidity nice viscousity long finish
Palo Alto Reserve 2008 Chile Sauv Blanc more grassy than grapefruit. a little semillon? $14
Palo Alto red 2007 Chile Carmenere/Cab/Syrah pretty cab nose, some light red fruits on the palate. could use a little mmore tannin or structure but nice drink for a starter red.
Amado Sur Argentino 2006 Malbec/Syrah/Bonarda
oaky nose, smoky flavors/nice red fruits. screams for a steak. $15-17
Casillero del Diablo Cab/Syrah Reserva Pravada 2005 french stink? juicy juicy....heavy cab influence.
Palo Alto Reserve 2008 Chile Sauv Blanc more grassy than grapefruit. a little semillon? $14
Palo Alto red 2007 Chile Carmenere/Cab/Syrah pretty cab nose, some light red fruits on the palate. could use a little mmore tannin or structure but nice drink for a starter red.
Amado Sur Argentino 2006 Malbec/Syrah/Bonarda
oaky nose, smoky flavors/nice red fruits. screams for a steak. $15-17
Casillero del Diablo Cab/Syrah Reserva Pravada 2005 french stink? juicy juicy....heavy cab influence.
Monday, February 9, 2009
derrick from bommarito
Foradori Teroldego Rotaliano 2005 a region in the northern eastern italy a traditional grape from that region that seems to have been thought to have gone away very earthy musky nose, really harsh edges to it that make you think more of food to be with it. there are some dark fruits but not much,
Li Veli Primitivo 2007 from the region of Salento . genetically as close to Zinfandel as you can get. pretty purple in color. and a hint of rubbarb, bright fruit on the palate yet still not to be confused with a new world wine because of an inherent dirty quality.
Li Veli Primitivo 2007 from the region of Salento . genetically as close to Zinfandel as you can get. pretty purple in color. and a hint of rubbarb, bright fruit on the palate yet still not to be confused with a new world wine because of an inherent dirty quality.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
odds and ends for friday
Ken Volk Malvasia 2007 a grape used mostly for fortified wines. soft dry rich mouthfeel...a wine on the nose you think will be sweet but ends up dry and refreshing.
Ruffino Il Ducale red label 2006 a super tuscan wine that shows sangiovese with the brickish hue. on the label it says fruit driven but I could nt really find that...traditional italian stink that screams for pasta or pizza
B Side Napa Cabernet 2005 juicy wine, meant to be a cocktail wine, juicy with lots of pretty flavors that finishes nicely...good burger wine.
Ruffino Il Ducale red label 2006 a super tuscan wine that shows sangiovese with the brickish hue. on the label it says fruit driven but I could nt really find that...traditional italian stink that screams for pasta or pizza
B Side Napa Cabernet 2005 juicy wine, meant to be a cocktail wine, juicy with lots of pretty flavors that finishes nicely...good burger wine.
Terra Firma Wine Distributor
another new distributor in the market...selling mostly wines from Romania and parts of Europe.
Recas Pinot Grigio 2008 Romania. soft fruit on the nose but a slight dull flavor on the mid and ending palate.
Heavenly Retreat Riesling 2007 semi sweet and semi dull... not much acidity to counter the sweetness and not a long pleasant finish.
Terra Romana Merlot 2006 having had this wine before with a different distributor I was glad to see it was still a good value. earthy and fruit...red cherry...nice finish. good food wine.
Prahova Valley Pinot Noir 2007 finding good quality in the value price is hard and this wine is definitely not indicitive of Pinot Noir. more cotton candy, red apples. Nice acidity but hard to say its a Pinot Noir.
Byzantium Rosso Di Valachia Cabernet/Pinot Noir and an indigenous grape that I cant read my writing what it was. A cab nose, red fruits, interesting bottle of wine that I would like to try again .
Domaine de Couron Cote du Rhone 2006 wine of the day for sure...substantial body for $8. dark color, very tight needs time or air to open up. not showing a lot of fruit up front but long finish.
Brilliando Super Tuscan 2006 italian stink on the nose, sangiovese, merlot and cab blend. soft fruit witha quick finish. good acidity and follow through..probably needs food.
Vina Robles Paso Robles Red interesting in a good way. syrah/petite syrah/turiga nacional a port grape. dark color and dark fruits on palate and nose. tobacco and tar finish... liked a lot.
Prahova Tamarasca Romanesca a dessert wine with a sweet gewurz style nose, but nothing at all like a gewurz. very supple at first in the mouth but not much acidity and the sweet just goes away pretty fast....
Recas Pinot Grigio 2008 Romania. soft fruit on the nose but a slight dull flavor on the mid and ending palate.
Heavenly Retreat Riesling 2007 semi sweet and semi dull... not much acidity to counter the sweetness and not a long pleasant finish.
Terra Romana Merlot 2006 having had this wine before with a different distributor I was glad to see it was still a good value. earthy and fruit...red cherry...nice finish. good food wine.
Prahova Valley Pinot Noir 2007 finding good quality in the value price is hard and this wine is definitely not indicitive of Pinot Noir. more cotton candy, red apples. Nice acidity but hard to say its a Pinot Noir.
Byzantium Rosso Di Valachia Cabernet/Pinot Noir and an indigenous grape that I cant read my writing what it was. A cab nose, red fruits, interesting bottle of wine that I would like to try again .
Domaine de Couron Cote du Rhone 2006 wine of the day for sure...substantial body for $8. dark color, very tight needs time or air to open up. not showing a lot of fruit up front but long finish.
Brilliando Super Tuscan 2006 italian stink on the nose, sangiovese, merlot and cab blend. soft fruit witha quick finish. good acidity and follow through..probably needs food.
Vina Robles Paso Robles Red interesting in a good way. syrah/petite syrah/turiga nacional a port grape. dark color and dark fruits on palate and nose. tobacco and tar finish... liked a lot.
Prahova Tamarasca Romanesca a dessert wine with a sweet gewurz style nose, but nothing at all like a gewurz. very supple at first in the mouth but not much acidity and the sweet just goes away pretty fast....
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
one wine with ron di giovanni
Wellington Cabernet 2004 dark rich purple...lots of up front fruit with some grip to it. low on fining or filtering. a good value in the store for around $13
Revisit with Maisons Marques & Domaines
Thierry from Maisons came by with many of the same wines from his last visit in October.
Scharffenberger Brut nv nice bubbles a great first of the day drink to have...2/3 Pinot noir
Ladoucette Les Deux Tours Sauv Blanc 2006 a second label for Ladoucette. and to me not too typical of the Loire SB. a little acidity, not much of the grassy character.
Marc Bredif Chinon 2006 completely stainless steel which is interesting because there is a definite smoky character which shows what cab franc can do. great food wine, acidity, spice...nice
Marques Murrietta Rioja Reserva 2004 cedar nose, new american oak influence. almost overpowering. mostly tempranillo...i still liked it but not as much as last time.
Dominus 2005 96 points from Parker..beautiful nose, dark berry fruit. lots of silky smooth tannins.
Scharffenberger Brut nv nice bubbles a great first of the day drink to have...2/3 Pinot noir
Ladoucette Les Deux Tours Sauv Blanc 2006 a second label for Ladoucette. and to me not too typical of the Loire SB. a little acidity, not much of the grassy character.
Marc Bredif Chinon 2006 completely stainless steel which is interesting because there is a definite smoky character which shows what cab franc can do. great food wine, acidity, spice...nice
Marques Murrietta Rioja Reserva 2004 cedar nose, new american oak influence. almost overpowering. mostly tempranillo...i still liked it but not as much as last time.
Dominus 2005 96 points from Parker..beautiful nose, dark berry fruit. lots of silky smooth tannins.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Napa Station with Pter Huweiler owner
A new winery in the market with fruit bought from growers that the owner has become acquainted with over the years as head of Merryvale.
Sauvignon Blanc 2007 interesting to try this after the Vivasour that was so grapefruit. this had a little more fig and melon but still good acidity.
Chardonnay 2007 pretty golden yellow, lots of tropical fruit on the nose and palate, especially banana. not a big buttery oaky bomb but still hints of the oak come through. there was a little harshness at the end that surprised me...maybe to try it again
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 way young. tannin and teeth and grit. unfiltered which is a good thing but the wine will need to settle down some. pretty cassis and lead pencil on the nose. and a long finish. maybe in time.
Sauvignon Blanc 2007 interesting to try this after the Vivasour that was so grapefruit. this had a little more fig and melon but still good acidity.
Chardonnay 2007 pretty golden yellow, lots of tropical fruit on the nose and palate, especially banana. not a big buttery oaky bomb but still hints of the oak come through. there was a little harshness at the end that surprised me...maybe to try it again
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 way young. tannin and teeth and grit. unfiltered which is a good thing but the wine will need to settle down some. pretty cassis and lead pencil on the nose. and a long finish. maybe in time.
wines with robert n from garco
Vavasour Sauv Blanc 2008 New Zealand... this was all about the grapefruit. pink grapefruit. very ripe and a little over the top with the fruit...good viscosity though.
Arancio Pinot Grigio 2007 and maybe I was still tasting the fruit from the first wine but this wine seemed a fruit bomb compared to most Pinot grigio I have tried. coming from Sicily it would have more sun and heat. and again the viscous nature was there.. interesting will want to revisit this one
Arancio Pinot Noir 2006 dark purple and taste nothing of Pinot Noir...bing cherry sweet with a little smoke in the nose.
Arancio Nero D'Avola 2006 a grape that is indigenous to the region and it shows. pretty purple color, earthy nose, wild berry and sweet but not cloying fruit.
Crane Lake Malbec 2006 again with the bing cherrys. simple finish, nice easy drinking wine without much character. dont drink this thinking your getting a value wine from argentina ...I would spend the $5 more and get a great Alamos .
Arancio Pinot Grigio 2007 and maybe I was still tasting the fruit from the first wine but this wine seemed a fruit bomb compared to most Pinot grigio I have tried. coming from Sicily it would have more sun and heat. and again the viscous nature was there.. interesting will want to revisit this one
Arancio Pinot Noir 2006 dark purple and taste nothing of Pinot Noir...bing cherry sweet with a little smoke in the nose.
Arancio Nero D'Avola 2006 a grape that is indigenous to the region and it shows. pretty purple color, earthy nose, wild berry and sweet but not cloying fruit.
Crane Lake Malbec 2006 again with the bing cherrys. simple finish, nice easy drinking wine without much character. dont drink this thinking your getting a value wine from argentina ...I would spend the $5 more and get a great Alamos .
wines with mike from golden barrel
Palin Cabernet 2007 Chile ok...obviously this wine would have been more relevant 5 months ago. very dark notes on the nose and palate...tar and leather almost. a bit harsh but not unsatisfying. I will have it in the store if for no other reason than the name....\
Gordon Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2005 dark yellow...tastes of dried stone fruits that follows through to the end..but not satisying on the finish. a little hot and disjointed.
Quinta de Infantado Tawny Port...cola colored in the glass. and heavy nuttiness on the palate...way to heavy handed in the alcohol and sweetness.
Gordon Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2005 dark yellow...tastes of dried stone fruits that follows through to the end..but not satisying on the finish. a little hot and disjointed.
Quinta de Infantado Tawny Port...cola colored in the glass. and heavy nuttiness on the palate...way to heavy handed in the alcohol and sweetness.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Deutsch wine with Gian (pronounced john) Vitale
Covey Run Late Harvest Riesling 2007 golden color, not a sweet nose a touch mineral. a little dull on the finish.
Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2007 big malo nose and now comes in screwtop. bright sweet flavors with a quick finish.
Ste Chapelle Soft Red 2007 non descript wine, a touch sweet finish, maybe good for a beginner. not sure of what grapes they have wouldnt be surprised if it is Chambercain or somesuch.
Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir 2006 a touch cloudy soft, supple and pretty red berry fruits.
Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Washington black cherry and molassis on the nose, bing cherry fruit. nice acidity and quick finish.
XY Zin 10 yr old vine soft, a bit rough around the edges, could use a little more briar, has some nice berry fruit but uninspiring for the money. Would love to try the 50 and 100 yr old bottling.
Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2007 big malo nose and now comes in screwtop. bright sweet flavors with a quick finish.
Ste Chapelle Soft Red 2007 non descript wine, a touch sweet finish, maybe good for a beginner. not sure of what grapes they have wouldnt be surprised if it is Chambercain or somesuch.
Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir 2006 a touch cloudy soft, supple and pretty red berry fruits.
Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Washington black cherry and molassis on the nose, bing cherry fruit. nice acidity and quick finish.
XY Zin 10 yr old vine soft, a bit rough around the edges, could use a little more briar, has some nice berry fruit but uninspiring for the money. Would love to try the 50 and 100 yr old bottling.
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