Opaque purple.
Huge menthol/licorice nose. This could only be concentrated, northern CA, cool climate Syrah. Immediately brings to mind Pax Griffin's Lair. Killer. Meat and other stuff underneath.
Round and grainy from the get go. Huge volume in the mouth, with light tannic structure on the periphery. Not a great deal of complexity, but this gets brownie points for concentration and expressiveness. Tannin builds with air. I wonder what this would do with 4-5 more years in bottle? But this is my only one.
Day 3 - Still wildly expressive on the nose. Same killer action. Ditto in the mouth, but acidity seems more elevated, a bit more bite. This has personality. Extremely long menthol/wilted greens finish.
$30? Purchased at the winery. 14.2% alcohol.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Betz "La Cote Rousse" Syrah, Red Mountain (WA) 2003
Deep purple.
Suave, oaky nose - toasted hazelnut, savory meat and black raspberry. Refined.
Round, slightly confectionary, in the mouth.Tannin hits the front teeth incrementally. Serious stuff, impressively concentrated with a grainy impression of extract throughout. Missing the thrill factor, though. And in the wine world today - it is all about separation from the pack. This could come from anywhere (or anyone).
Day 3 - Pepper steak nose. Loaded. Deep, suave and creamy in the mouth. Grainy, still. Too tough on this wine on day 1.
$50
Suave, oaky nose - toasted hazelnut, savory meat and black raspberry. Refined.
Round, slightly confectionary, in the mouth.Tannin hits the front teeth incrementally. Serious stuff, impressively concentrated with a grainy impression of extract throughout. Missing the thrill factor, though. And in the wine world today - it is all about separation from the pack. This could come from anywhere (or anyone).
Day 3 - Pepper steak nose. Loaded. Deep, suave and creamy in the mouth. Grainy, still. Too tough on this wine on day 1.
$50
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Linne Calodo "Contrarian" 2006 Paso Robles
Yellow.
This is fizzy initially, then gives up aromas of pineapple/aldehyde. Not promising.
Residual CO2 gives this a very constricted feel in the mouth. Generic, white grape flavor.
I enjoyed the 2005, but this is weird. I'd guess a slight sugar referment in the bottle.
68% Roussanne, 32% Viognier
$30
This is fizzy initially, then gives up aromas of pineapple/aldehyde. Not promising.
Residual CO2 gives this a very constricted feel in the mouth. Generic, white grape flavor.
I enjoyed the 2005, but this is weird. I'd guess a slight sugar referment in the bottle.
68% Roussanne, 32% Viognier
$30
Kongsgaard, 63% Roussanne 37% Viognier, 2005 Napa Valley
Light yellow.
Deep, confectionary aroma of dried apricot and heavy toast Francois Freres barrels - subtlety here too.
Round and sweet (in a very positive sense) in the mouth. Really fresh and succulent, with nice framing acidity and a minty quality to keep things lively. Wonderful stuff - long, vibrant and sweetly textured. Not at all an easy thing to pull off. Fresh, perfectly ripe, apricot and caramel flavors. Hint of pepper too. Long? The fresh apricot flavor gets stuck in the gums, just keep chewing it.
Great, seductive wine.
$75
Deep, confectionary aroma of dried apricot and heavy toast Francois Freres barrels - subtlety here too.
Round and sweet (in a very positive sense) in the mouth. Really fresh and succulent, with nice framing acidity and a minty quality to keep things lively. Wonderful stuff - long, vibrant and sweetly textured. Not at all an easy thing to pull off. Fresh, perfectly ripe, apricot and caramel flavors. Hint of pepper too. Long? The fresh apricot flavor gets stuck in the gums, just keep chewing it.
Great, seductive wine.
$75
Copain, Roussanne, James Berry, Paso Robles 2004
Light yellow.
Light peach/pepper, almond, suave oak nose. Subtle, but deep.
Round, fresh and mouthfilling, with a phenolic edge that cuts through it all. I get very little impression of acidity, but loads of mineral/tannic spine. Deep peach/apricot/almond/mineral flavors motor through everything. Very long caramel, mineral finish.
Yes, this rips it up.
$40
Light peach/pepper, almond, suave oak nose. Subtle, but deep.
Round, fresh and mouthfilling, with a phenolic edge that cuts through it all. I get very little impression of acidity, but loads of mineral/tannic spine. Deep peach/apricot/almond/mineral flavors motor through everything. Very long caramel, mineral finish.
Yes, this rips it up.
$40
Friday, March 28, 2008
Mibal, Ribero del Duero "Seleccion" 2004
Purple/red.
Confectionary, deep, nose - creme brulee, seared meat in a pool of black raspberry coulis. PFG.
Round, with a bit of textural sweetness, immediately impacted by significant acid/tannin synergy. Coconut flavor dominates from the mid-palate on. Good length, but really driven by oak at this point. There's a custard character here, too.
Day 3 - Nose now a bit too confectionary (for me) - macaroon/cotton candy. Custard/souffle in the mouth. Simpler today. I'd like to see this in 3-5 years.
$35
Confectionary, deep, nose - creme brulee, seared meat in a pool of black raspberry coulis. PFG.
Round, with a bit of textural sweetness, immediately impacted by significant acid/tannin synergy. Coconut flavor dominates from the mid-palate on. Good length, but really driven by oak at this point. There's a custard character here, too.
Day 3 - Nose now a bit too confectionary (for me) - macaroon/cotton candy. Custard/souffle in the mouth. Simpler today. I'd like to see this in 3-5 years.
$35
Allende, Rioja 2004
Deep red.
Nose of earth/potato/citrus/citrus blossom/cinnamon. Suave, multi-dimensional.
Leads off with citrus (grapefruit) in the mouth, lively, lean. Grapefruit, and corresponding lift, throughout. Pepper and earth weaving in and out.
Good action.
Day 3 - Fragrant wood (balsam) on the nose along with citrus and earth. Round, lean and citric, still. Great food wine.
$25
Nose of earth/potato/citrus/citrus blossom/cinnamon. Suave, multi-dimensional.
Leads off with citrus (grapefruit) in the mouth, lively, lean. Grapefruit, and corresponding lift, throughout. Pepper and earth weaving in and out.
Good action.
Day 3 - Fragrant wood (balsam) on the nose along with citrus and earth. Round, lean and citric, still. Great food wine.
$25
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Cellers Can Blau "Mas de Can Blau" Montsant (Spain) 2005
Red/purple.
Strikingly pure, "international" nose of toasty oak/popcorn/grain (CA Burgundian Chard?), medicinal/iodine and very bound up/chewy. If I had this in a black glass, I'd guess Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
Nice sweetness in the mouth, immediately matched by minerally/phenolic structure coating the front teeth. Again, literally blind, I'd guess this to be a top-notch Chardonnay.
? In a completely different sense - WTF?
I smell an Aussie influence here. We'll see what air time brings...
Day 6 - Oak tar on the nose, more spice notes now, and subtle citrus/ketchup. Refined. Quite linear in the mouth, which shouldn't be all that surprising, as Montsant apparently borders Priorat. This is very well-made/pure. Structure still hits the front teeth. I'd like to see this in 5-6 years.
35% Mazuelo (Carignan), 35% Syrah, 30% Garnacha.
$40
Strikingly pure, "international" nose of toasty oak/popcorn/grain (CA Burgundian Chard?), medicinal/iodine and very bound up/chewy. If I had this in a black glass, I'd guess Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
Nice sweetness in the mouth, immediately matched by minerally/phenolic structure coating the front teeth. Again, literally blind, I'd guess this to be a top-notch Chardonnay.
? In a completely different sense - WTF?
I smell an Aussie influence here. We'll see what air time brings...
Day 6 - Oak tar on the nose, more spice notes now, and subtle citrus/ketchup. Refined. Quite linear in the mouth, which shouldn't be all that surprising, as Montsant apparently borders Priorat. This is very well-made/pure. Structure still hits the front teeth. I'd like to see this in 5-6 years.
35% Mazuelo (Carignan), 35% Syrah, 30% Garnacha.
$40
Domaine de L'Edre "L' Aibre" Cotes du Roussillon 2004
Red/purple.
Exotic mango, spice, toasted nut, spearmint nose. Crazy, intellectually invigorating action, again, from the south of France.
Just chuckle, shrug your shoulders, and ask "WTF?".
Round and sweet texturally. Seamless, with a sneaky acid/tannin synergy hitting the front teeth. Peach and black raspberry coulis, game/iron flavors ride through it all. Finishes with very good length and significant front-teeth chew.
Day 3 - Lower-toned nose now, more bass notes, but still very much in line with Day 1. slightly gamy/feral.
Suave/creamy/slightly sweet texturally through the mid-palate. In fact, structure is now an afterthought. Flavors, again, are very similar. Mint and black pepper as the only additions. This is very cool/killer.
50% Syrah, 25% Carignan, 25% Grenache. Raised in tank.
$25
Exotic mango, spice, toasted nut, spearmint nose. Crazy, intellectually invigorating action, again, from the south of France.
Just chuckle, shrug your shoulders, and ask "WTF?".
Round and sweet texturally. Seamless, with a sneaky acid/tannin synergy hitting the front teeth. Peach and black raspberry coulis, game/iron flavors ride through it all. Finishes with very good length and significant front-teeth chew.
Day 3 - Lower-toned nose now, more bass notes, but still very much in line with Day 1. slightly gamy/feral.
Suave/creamy/slightly sweet texturally through the mid-palate. In fact, structure is now an afterthought. Flavors, again, are very similar. Mint and black pepper as the only additions. This is very cool/killer.
50% Syrah, 25% Carignan, 25% Grenache. Raised in tank.
$25
Mas Carlot "Les Enfants Terribles" Costieres de Nimes 2005
Red/purple.
Deep black fruit, iron, game, toasted nut nose. Brett influence that is fairly well-integrated (at present). Actually very interesting and nuanced. Floral suggestion in the empty glass.
Round, yet compact in the mouth. Here the Brett action overwhelms (at present) - iron and game. Stiff structure really kills mid-palate pleasure. But I'm fairly sure this will get better (broaden) with air.
Day 3 - The bottle "popped" with positive (CO2) pressure. This thing is alive. Similar to Day 1 though, both aromatically and in the mouth. Suggestion of mango. This really needs to be abusively aerated/decanted.
Day 6 - This got a vigorous shaking after the last post. Much better (broader) in the mouth. Still chewy. Not sure if this will benefit from aging, but I'm guessing it will, and far more than you would think (8-10 years).
Old vine Mourvedre and Syrah (tank and barrel).
$12
Deep black fruit, iron, game, toasted nut nose. Brett influence that is fairly well-integrated (at present). Actually very interesting and nuanced. Floral suggestion in the empty glass.
Round, yet compact in the mouth. Here the Brett action overwhelms (at present) - iron and game. Stiff structure really kills mid-palate pleasure. But I'm fairly sure this will get better (broaden) with air.
Day 3 - The bottle "popped" with positive (CO2) pressure. This thing is alive. Similar to Day 1 though, both aromatically and in the mouth. Suggestion of mango. This really needs to be abusively aerated/decanted.
Day 6 - This got a vigorous shaking after the last post. Much better (broader) in the mouth. Still chewy. Not sure if this will benefit from aging, but I'm guessing it will, and far more than you would think (8-10 years).
Old vine Mourvedre and Syrah (tank and barrel).
$12
Friday, March 21, 2008
Copain "Catie's Corner" Viognier RRV 2006
Light yellow.
Lichee candy, pear and toast/nut/meal aromas.
Broad, sweet textural impression. Very attractive. Pure, fresh, relatively simple pear/white peach flavors that seem sweet. Very long, ripe similar flavors in the finish, balanced by strong, minerally acidity. The meal nuance shows in the finish too.
I'd guess a bit of residual sugar here, but well-handled. Very tasty.
Listed 14.1% alcohol.
$22
Lichee candy, pear and toast/nut/meal aromas.
Broad, sweet textural impression. Very attractive. Pure, fresh, relatively simple pear/white peach flavors that seem sweet. Very long, ripe similar flavors in the finish, balanced by strong, minerally acidity. The meal nuance shows in the finish too.
I'd guess a bit of residual sugar here, but well-handled. Very tasty.
Listed 14.1% alcohol.
$22
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Havens, Hudson Vyd Syrah (Carneros) 2001
Deep purple.
Nose of toasty oak, toasted nuts - savory stuff - with a deep pool of black fruit and menthol underneath. Smells loaded.
Plush, packed entry. Huge flavor-pixel count. Reminds me of Pax's best bottlings. Creamy and packed through the chewy finish. Nicely refined. A bit of heat, but nothing stupid. Not about fruit.
This is killer.
Day 2 - Menthol and licorice now on the nose, very deep, but no heat. Creamy and packed in the mouth, without the grainy (stem?) tannin you see in Pax and Copain. But then moderately chewy in the finish. Actually hugely chewy in the finish. Coats the front teeth.
Day 4 - Amplified aromatics, with an attractive sweetness. Covers the whole mouth. Not particularly delineated/nuanced, but gets extra points for grainy density. Still shows slight heat.
14.5% listed
$45? Can't remember
Nose of toasty oak, toasted nuts - savory stuff - with a deep pool of black fruit and menthol underneath. Smells loaded.
Plush, packed entry. Huge flavor-pixel count. Reminds me of Pax's best bottlings. Creamy and packed through the chewy finish. Nicely refined. A bit of heat, but nothing stupid. Not about fruit.
This is killer.
Day 2 - Menthol and licorice now on the nose, very deep, but no heat. Creamy and packed in the mouth, without the grainy (stem?) tannin you see in Pax and Copain. But then moderately chewy in the finish. Actually hugely chewy in the finish. Coats the front teeth.
Day 4 - Amplified aromatics, with an attractive sweetness. Covers the whole mouth. Not particularly delineated/nuanced, but gets extra points for grainy density. Still shows slight heat.
14.5% listed
$45? Can't remember
Clape Cornas 2001
Deep red.
Smoky, menthol, meat stew, licorice aromatics.
Wilted greens in the mouth, with unobtrusive, slightly chewy structure. A bit of celery too. Flavors are bound up - needs air time.
Day 4 - More savory meat and menthol on the nose now. Blackberry jelly underneath. Round, middle-weight feel, with woodsmoke/breakfast sausage dominating flavors. Wilted greens and black fruit undertones. Structure primarily acid-driven.
Long, subtle woodsmoke finish.
Interesting.
$65
Smoky, menthol, meat stew, licorice aromatics.
Wilted greens in the mouth, with unobtrusive, slightly chewy structure. A bit of celery too. Flavors are bound up - needs air time.
Day 4 - More savory meat and menthol on the nose now. Blackberry jelly underneath. Round, middle-weight feel, with woodsmoke/breakfast sausage dominating flavors. Wilted greens and black fruit undertones. Structure primarily acid-driven.
Long, subtle woodsmoke finish.
Interesting.
$65
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Numanthia, Toro (Spain) 2003
Purple/red.
Steak sauce, suggestion of souffle/bread pudding, grilled meat/balsamic action on the nose. Smells loaded, no heat.
Round and sweet entry. Mid-palate is quite plush/packed, not to mention intensely-flavored (fresh mint nuance too). Grainy/chewy tannin sneaks up and takes over in the finish. This needs several years also. I'd start drinking this around 2013 (just to be safe).
Much different in style from the '98, and I doubt it is simply a vintage difference.
Day 3 - Clay/earth, baked nose. A suggestion of pudding fruit too. Huge, creamy, utterly mouth-filling texture, with fairly stiff tannin slowly gathering strength from the corners of the mouth. Now this is integrated, in complete contrast to the '98. The Eguren brothers are from Rioja. Tinta de Toro must have been like a live hand grenade in '98. But they've come to terms with this powerful stuff. Even in a very hot vintage.
Day 6 - Still killer. A mint-lift addition to the nose now. Round, intense and almost saline in the mouth. Fruit and steak sauce flavors ride roughshod over significant framing structure.
$50
Steak sauce, suggestion of souffle/bread pudding, grilled meat/balsamic action on the nose. Smells loaded, no heat.
Round and sweet entry. Mid-palate is quite plush/packed, not to mention intensely-flavored (fresh mint nuance too). Grainy/chewy tannin sneaks up and takes over in the finish. This needs several years also. I'd start drinking this around 2013 (just to be safe).
Much different in style from the '98, and I doubt it is simply a vintage difference.
Day 3 - Clay/earth, baked nose. A suggestion of pudding fruit too. Huge, creamy, utterly mouth-filling texture, with fairly stiff tannin slowly gathering strength from the corners of the mouth. Now this is integrated, in complete contrast to the '98. The Eguren brothers are from Rioja. Tinta de Toro must have been like a live hand grenade in '98. But they've come to terms with this powerful stuff. Even in a very hot vintage.
Day 6 - Still killer. A mint-lift addition to the nose now. Round, intense and almost saline in the mouth. Fruit and steak sauce flavors ride roughshod over significant framing structure.
$50
Artadi "Pagos Viejos" Rioja 2003
Red/purple.
Great nose of melted brown sugar/butter, savory meat/nuts. Deep, killer aromatics, black fruit underneath.
Round, plush entry. Citrus skin lift/structure takes over fairly quickly. From the mid-palate on this becomes an intensely- flavored, finely-structured wine that could use several more years in the bottle.
No sense of over-ripeness here. Just more volume. RFG.
Day 3 - Citrus nose now (lemon flesh reminds me of Aubert's Ritchie Chard), savory oak action as a nuance. Still round/plush in the mouth. Oddly more giving texturally than it is aromatically. At least initially. Then major citrus/tannin synergy clamps down, but does not kill, the finish.
Day 6 - Nose now back to day 1 - brown sugar/butter, toasted nut. Ketchup/citrus/spice cadence in the mouth.
More give than day 3, but citrus still features in the finish, with zest "chew" binding the front teeth.
This is wildly interesting and well-worth buying and cellaring for at least 5 more years. Should drink well through 2018.
$50
Great nose of melted brown sugar/butter, savory meat/nuts. Deep, killer aromatics, black fruit underneath.
Round, plush entry. Citrus skin lift/structure takes over fairly quickly. From the mid-palate on this becomes an intensely- flavored, finely-structured wine that could use several more years in the bottle.
No sense of over-ripeness here. Just more volume. RFG.
Day 3 - Citrus nose now (lemon flesh reminds me of Aubert's Ritchie Chard), savory oak action as a nuance. Still round/plush in the mouth. Oddly more giving texturally than it is aromatically. At least initially. Then major citrus/tannin synergy clamps down, but does not kill, the finish.
Day 6 - Nose now back to day 1 - brown sugar/butter, toasted nut. Ketchup/citrus/spice cadence in the mouth.
More give than day 3, but citrus still features in the finish, with zest "chew" binding the front teeth.
This is wildly interesting and well-worth buying and cellaring for at least 5 more years. Should drink well through 2018.
$50
Monday, March 17, 2008
Numanthia, Toro (Spain) 1998
Red/purple.
Coconut oak/macaroon, earth/custard, bread pudding-fruit nose.
Round entry, marred a bit by an oxidative oak character. Big, chewy, coconut flavor/structure. An exotic peach pit finishing flavor. This just doesn't sing. No integration of components. Huge material, poorly handled in the winery (something I can relate to). No way this is getting better.
Day 4 - Nose a more expressive version of Day 1. Really does the bread pudding/custard thing with a huge coconut influence.
Pretty hideous in the mouth. Lots of material and action, but completely unhinged. Like me pounding on a piano.
$30 on release
Coconut oak/macaroon, earth/custard, bread pudding-fruit nose.
Round entry, marred a bit by an oxidative oak character. Big, chewy, coconut flavor/structure. An exotic peach pit finishing flavor. This just doesn't sing. No integration of components. Huge material, poorly handled in the winery (something I can relate to). No way this is getting better.
Day 4 - Nose a more expressive version of Day 1. Really does the bread pudding/custard thing with a huge coconut influence.
Pretty hideous in the mouth. Lots of material and action, but completely unhinged. Like me pounding on a piano.
$30 on release
Artadi "Pagos Viejos" Rioja 1998
Red.
Great charcoal/ember, clay/earth and hazelnut nose. Hint of spicy ketchup.
Refined, low-key flavors - citrus/earth/potato skin. Middle-weight. Spicy ketchup action in the finish, too. Moderate, slightly chewy tannin.
Day 3 - Spicy ketchup and embers front and center aromatically. A floral note too. Hazelnut and earth in the background. More expansive in the mouth, though. Flavors very similar to Day 1. Refined and powerful. Not to mention packed. This will continue to unwind for several more years, and should drink well beyond 2015.
Day 5 - Melded, sumptuous, refined nose. No hugeness here. All kinds of stuff - ketchup/toasted nut/menthol/meat drippings. Just stupid. Citrus/ketchup still the main feature in the mouth. Very lively, acid still drives the moderately tannic structure.
$50
Great charcoal/ember, clay/earth and hazelnut nose. Hint of spicy ketchup.
Refined, low-key flavors - citrus/earth/potato skin. Middle-weight. Spicy ketchup action in the finish, too. Moderate, slightly chewy tannin.
Day 3 - Spicy ketchup and embers front and center aromatically. A floral note too. Hazelnut and earth in the background. More expansive in the mouth, though. Flavors very similar to Day 1. Refined and powerful. Not to mention packed. This will continue to unwind for several more years, and should drink well beyond 2015.
Day 5 - Melded, sumptuous, refined nose. No hugeness here. All kinds of stuff - ketchup/toasted nut/menthol/meat drippings. Just stupid. Citrus/ketchup still the main feature in the mouth. Very lively, acid still drives the moderately tannic structure.
$50
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Alkoomi "Blackbutt" Frankland River (Western Australia) 2002
Deep red.
Toasty (American?) oak, nuts, and spicy black fruit nose.
Densely packed in the mouth, with grainy (added?) tannin quite prominent along with strong acidity. Black fruit flavor is very much in the shadow of this wine's structure. I doubt it will really sing. But time will tell.
Day 4 - Red chili sauce aromatics (actually pretty cool). Red chili flavors too, along with more "acceptable" stuff like earth and herbs. Interestingly, while still structured, this has become much gentler, with nice plushness in the mid-palate. Very distinctive, interesting action. This will go for years. Love to see it again in 5-6 years.
Day 7 - End of the bottle. Now quite seamless on the nose, and sumptuous. Carnitas in low-toned red chili sauce, earth, blackcurrant and a hint of cheese. More traditional in the mouth - toasty oak and black fruit. Slight oxidation in the finish.
I've got to get more of this.
All French oak, according to the back label.
Gift - $40
Toasty (American?) oak, nuts, and spicy black fruit nose.
Densely packed in the mouth, with grainy (added?) tannin quite prominent along with strong acidity. Black fruit flavor is very much in the shadow of this wine's structure. I doubt it will really sing. But time will tell.
Day 4 - Red chili sauce aromatics (actually pretty cool). Red chili flavors too, along with more "acceptable" stuff like earth and herbs. Interestingly, while still structured, this has become much gentler, with nice plushness in the mid-palate. Very distinctive, interesting action. This will go for years. Love to see it again in 5-6 years.
Day 7 - End of the bottle. Now quite seamless on the nose, and sumptuous. Carnitas in low-toned red chili sauce, earth, blackcurrant and a hint of cheese. More traditional in the mouth - toasty oak and black fruit. Slight oxidation in the finish.
I've got to get more of this.
All French oak, according to the back label.
Gift - $40
Black Hills "Nota Bene" Okanagan Valley (B.C.) 2005
Red/purple.
Very attractive, open Bordeaux-ish nose - fresh herb, oak spice, hint of savory meat. Measured, fresh.
Round, suave in the mouth. Has a textural and flavor coverage that is "sneaky" (to use a Tanzer-ism). This is wonderful stuff. Structure is sound, but unobtrusive. Harmonious ... this may be the most complex, beautiful thing I've tasted from the Okanagan. Actually, it is. Hands down.
Day 4 - Nose hasn't changed a bit. Round, plush, harmonious stuff. A bit too enthusiastic on Day 1 - but this is a very enjoyable bottle.
43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.
Gift - $40? If you can get it - buy it. Hopefully my friends in Vancouver sell it (Marquis/John and Michelle Clerides).
Very attractive, open Bordeaux-ish nose - fresh herb, oak spice, hint of savory meat. Measured, fresh.
Round, suave in the mouth. Has a textural and flavor coverage that is "sneaky" (to use a Tanzer-ism). This is wonderful stuff. Structure is sound, but unobtrusive. Harmonious ... this may be the most complex, beautiful thing I've tasted from the Okanagan. Actually, it is. Hands down.
Day 4 - Nose hasn't changed a bit. Round, plush, harmonious stuff. A bit too enthusiastic on Day 1 - but this is a very enjoyable bottle.
43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.
Gift - $40? If you can get it - buy it. Hopefully my friends in Vancouver sell it (Marquis/John and Michelle Clerides).
Burrowing Owl, Merlot, Okanagan Valley (B.C.) 2002
Red/purple.
Open knit nose - Bordeaux "greens", black fruit and a spicy/nutty/meaty nuance.
Round, spicy entry, with Bordeaux herbs. Nice length of flavor, moderate structure frames flavors, but is not intrusive. Very attractive, but ultimately lacks density/flavor core.
Day 4 - Interesting, this has deepened, adding a peppery, very deep black fruit aromatic character. Very deep in the mouth too, with a packed, lightly chewy impression in the mouth. Slight heat. This is loaded. I obviously screwed up on day 1.
Gift $40?
Open knit nose - Bordeaux "greens", black fruit and a spicy/nutty/meaty nuance.
Round, spicy entry, with Bordeaux herbs. Nice length of flavor, moderate structure frames flavors, but is not intrusive. Very attractive, but ultimately lacks density/flavor core.
Day 4 - Interesting, this has deepened, adding a peppery, very deep black fruit aromatic character. Very deep in the mouth too, with a packed, lightly chewy impression in the mouth. Slight heat. This is loaded. I obviously screwed up on day 1.
Gift $40?
Friday, March 14, 2008
Aubert, Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 2005
Straw/yellow.
Stone/truffle/mint aromatics. Precise and subtle.
Caramel, lemon sweetness in the mouth immediately confronted with refined stony/sulfide/acid structure. Like the Lauren bottling many months ago - this has an enticing restraint/subtlety. Very long, suave, minty finish.
Helen Turley was the head honcho at Peter Michael when Mark Aubert (apparently) was assistant winemaker. Interesting divergence in style now that both are on their own.
Day 5 - No real change, just more giving, more textural sweetness. Still quite precise and mouth-watering/stony.
$70
Stone/truffle/mint aromatics. Precise and subtle.
Caramel, lemon sweetness in the mouth immediately confronted with refined stony/sulfide/acid structure. Like the Lauren bottling many months ago - this has an enticing restraint/subtlety. Very long, suave, minty finish.
Helen Turley was the head honcho at Peter Michael when Mark Aubert (apparently) was assistant winemaker. Interesting divergence in style now that both are on their own.
Day 5 - No real change, just more giving, more textural sweetness. Still quite precise and mouth-watering/stony.
$70
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Henschke "Henry's Seven" Barossa 2005
Red.
Moderate intensity nose - kirsch, nut liqueur and earth. Suave.
Round, sweet entry, with little weight. Raspberry and nut liqueur flavors. Harmonious. Nice mid-palate flesh and length.
Quite satisfying. Pinot folks will like this.
65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Viognier. I'd guess this had a far greater Grenache component.
$25 screwcap
Moderate intensity nose - kirsch, nut liqueur and earth. Suave.
Round, sweet entry, with little weight. Raspberry and nut liqueur flavors. Harmonious. Nice mid-palate flesh and length.
Quite satisfying. Pinot folks will like this.
65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Viognier. I'd guess this had a far greater Grenache component.
$25 screwcap
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Thackrey Sirius (Petite Sirah) Eaglepoint Ranch 2004
Opaque purple.
Great nose - best of the lot - eucalyptus, pepper, grilled meat.
Deep, sweet textural impression immediately buffered by acid/tannin synergy, quite finely expressed.
Taut. Petite Sirah with tension? Indeed.
Interesting - Thackrey's methods are unusual - long macerations, I remember 30-60 days, in open redwood fermenters, outdoors. Eucalyptus trees surrounding. And this brings up a fascinating question - how much influence on ultimate wine quality is a result of vineyard site and how much of winemaking site? Recent studies have already shown that "wild" ferments are dominated by resident winery yeast strains.
Day 4 - Now nut and eucalyptus, lifted, aromatics. Still finely-rendered in the mouth. Not complex (yet?). Huge acid-driven structure. This would be a great tasting to repeat in 8-10 years.
$60
Great nose - best of the lot - eucalyptus, pepper, grilled meat.
Deep, sweet textural impression immediately buffered by acid/tannin synergy, quite finely expressed.
Taut. Petite Sirah with tension? Indeed.
Interesting - Thackrey's methods are unusual - long macerations, I remember 30-60 days, in open redwood fermenters, outdoors. Eucalyptus trees surrounding. And this brings up a fascinating question - how much influence on ultimate wine quality is a result of vineyard site and how much of winemaking site? Recent studies have already shown that "wild" ferments are dominated by resident winery yeast strains.
Day 4 - Now nut and eucalyptus, lifted, aromatics. Still finely-rendered in the mouth. Not complex (yet?). Huge acid-driven structure. This would be a great tasting to repeat in 8-10 years.
$60
Turley, Petite Sirah, Hayne Vyd., Napa Valley 2003
Opaque purple.
Sweet oak/black fruit aromatics. A bit of grilled meat too. Reduction sauce character here, too.
Round and extremely plush - how can this be PS? Intense structure slowly shows itself, but does not shut down flavor flow..
Even a light citrus note adding lift. Loaded and definitely in need of time.
Day 4 - Deep, very attractive, hazelnut character on the nose. Meat and steak sauce in the background. Once again, I get a meaty/citrusy quality that reminds me of Spanish Tempranillo (Rioja) on steroids. Front teeth chew does nothing to kill flavor.
Very long, subtle, citrus-chew finish.
Very interesting, multi-dimensional PS.
Gift - $70?
Sweet oak/black fruit aromatics. A bit of grilled meat too. Reduction sauce character here, too.
Round and extremely plush - how can this be PS? Intense structure slowly shows itself, but does not shut down flavor flow..
Even a light citrus note adding lift. Loaded and definitely in need of time.
Day 4 - Deep, very attractive, hazelnut character on the nose. Meat and steak sauce in the background. Once again, I get a meaty/citrusy quality that reminds me of Spanish Tempranillo (Rioja) on steroids. Front teeth chew does nothing to kill flavor.
Very long, subtle, citrus-chew finish.
Very interesting, multi-dimensional PS.
Gift - $70?
Biale, Petite Sirah "Royal Punishers" Napa Valley 2005
Opaque purple.
Earth/pepper/oak toast, lightly baked nose. Suave, elusive, oak spice notes weaving in and out. Savory meat notes now, too.
There's also a sumptuous, souffle-like character here that I often associate with great Spanish Tempranillo.
Deep and totally loaded in the mouth, low-toned, low-key. Massive reduction sauce-like concentration. But this isn't flat. Tannin coats the teeth, but is not abrasive.
Killer.
Day 4 - Balsamic note now, slight VA (?) that adds aromatic interest/lift. Baked/low-toned character repeats. A big one, with relatively pliant tannin. Really suave delivery for such a loaded PS.
$60
Earth/pepper/oak toast, lightly baked nose. Suave, elusive, oak spice notes weaving in and out. Savory meat notes now, too.
There's also a sumptuous, souffle-like character here that I often associate with great Spanish Tempranillo.
Deep and totally loaded in the mouth, low-toned, low-key. Massive reduction sauce-like concentration. But this isn't flat. Tannin coats the teeth, but is not abrasive.
Killer.
Day 4 - Balsamic note now, slight VA (?) that adds aromatic interest/lift. Baked/low-toned character repeats. A big one, with relatively pliant tannin. Really suave delivery for such a loaded PS.
$60
Charles Cimicky, Petite Sirah, Barossa Valley 2005
Opaque purple.
Full, packed "Aussie" nose that I'm having trouble deconstructing. Sweet black fruit, subtle, yet toasty/vanilla oak. Smells like a loaded Shiraz.
Absolutely sweet/creamy textural impression - huge mid-palate material. Pepper flavor shows up mid-flight. Moderate tannin, particularly for PS. Long, oak-influenced finish.
These people know how to work in the winery. Great winemaking to present the best possible end product. From 8 year-old vines, I think.
Day 4 - Still killer/sumptuous on the nose. Huge palate-impression with no heat evident. All about texture - this also lacks any flavor delineation/complexity. Great winemaking can only go so far. Still, this is a load of fun.
$60
Full, packed "Aussie" nose that I'm having trouble deconstructing. Sweet black fruit, subtle, yet toasty/vanilla oak. Smells like a loaded Shiraz.
Absolutely sweet/creamy textural impression - huge mid-palate material. Pepper flavor shows up mid-flight. Moderate tannin, particularly for PS. Long, oak-influenced finish.
These people know how to work in the winery. Great winemaking to present the best possible end product. From 8 year-old vines, I think.
Day 4 - Still killer/sumptuous on the nose. Huge palate-impression with no heat evident. All about texture - this also lacks any flavor delineation/complexity. Great winemaking can only go so far. Still, this is a load of fun.
$60
Elyse, Petite Sirah, Napa Valley 2005
Purple.
Toasty oak/bacon, blackberry nose. Creamy.
Sweet/creamy/packed textural impression. Plush and concentrated throughout, but also fairly one-dimensional, with little clarity of flavor.
Day 4 - Lifted orange liqueur, grilled meat nose. Rich and packed in the mouth, more spicy flavor now. Still lacks delineation.
Nevertheless, this is really good action.
$35
Toasty oak/bacon, blackberry nose. Creamy.
Sweet/creamy/packed textural impression. Plush and concentrated throughout, but also fairly one-dimensional, with little clarity of flavor.
Day 4 - Lifted orange liqueur, grilled meat nose. Rich and packed in the mouth, more spicy flavor now. Still lacks delineation.
Nevertheless, this is really good action.
$35
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2007
Platinum.
Interesting nut and fresh herb nose. Brazil nut?
Moderated textural sweetness in the mouth, mineral/acid feature is pronounced, but not crazy. Better concentration of flavor. Very long, chewy, fresh herb flavors. Nut aromatic feature repeats as a nuance in the mouth.
Fresh herb/mineral finish coats the front teeth in chew.
This crushes the Concha. Cheaper too.
Summer-central, stupidly cheap.
Day 4 - Hasn't lost a beat. Nut aromatics. A bit more textural sweetness, but packed with green herb flavor and acid/mineral-chew.
$15
Interesting nut and fresh herb nose. Brazil nut?
Moderated textural sweetness in the mouth, mineral/acid feature is pronounced, but not crazy. Better concentration of flavor. Very long, chewy, fresh herb flavors. Nut aromatic feature repeats as a nuance in the mouth.
Fresh herb/mineral finish coats the front teeth in chew.
This crushes the Concha. Cheaper too.
Summer-central, stupidly cheap.
Day 4 - Hasn't lost a beat. Nut aromatics. A bit more textural sweetness, but packed with green herb flavor and acid/mineral-chew.
$15
Concha y Toro, "Terrunyo" Sauvignon Blanc, Block 28, El Triangulo Vyd 2006
Platinum.
Kiwi-esque nose - slighty pungent nose of asparagus, ...?
Sweet textural impression buffered by strong, slightly "minerally", acidity. Light asparagus flavors and little else. Good, one-dimensional length. Mineral chew on the front teeth.
Pleasant, but, ultimately, a lame imitation. Or is this a vintage problem?
$20
Kiwi-esque nose - slighty pungent nose of asparagus, ...?
Sweet textural impression buffered by strong, slightly "minerally", acidity. Light asparagus flavors and little else. Good, one-dimensional length. Mineral chew on the front teeth.
Pleasant, but, ultimately, a lame imitation. Or is this a vintage problem?
$20
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Numanthia, Toro (Spain) 2005
Purple/red.
Suave barrel spices, meat and a hint of mint.
Suave and round in the mouth, quite plush with grainy concentration immediately apparent. Huge tannic structure very nicely folded into the flesh of the wine. Blackberry liqueur front and center. Mint repeats late in the finish.
This is probably the most complete Numanthia yet. Refined, subtle and totally packed. Many years needed to reach its peak.
Day 2 - Interesting to read Jay Miller's (Wine Advocate) assessment of this wine. The tannin in the early wines ('98/'99) was far more abrasive. There's a sophisticated character here that was lacking in earlier vintages. Tannic, you bet, but there's a mid-palate plushness/concentration that outlasts and ultimately spanks the tannin. Not to mention a purity of flavor that was not evident in the early years.
Buy it. It will be relatively cheap now.
Day 4 - No question - this has massive upside potential. Huge structure is finely rendered, deep black fruit flavors are over-riding and pure.
Buy it.
$50
Suave barrel spices, meat and a hint of mint.
Suave and round in the mouth, quite plush with grainy concentration immediately apparent. Huge tannic structure very nicely folded into the flesh of the wine. Blackberry liqueur front and center. Mint repeats late in the finish.
This is probably the most complete Numanthia yet. Refined, subtle and totally packed. Many years needed to reach its peak.
Day 2 - Interesting to read Jay Miller's (Wine Advocate) assessment of this wine. The tannin in the early wines ('98/'99) was far more abrasive. There's a sophisticated character here that was lacking in earlier vintages. Tannic, you bet, but there's a mid-palate plushness/concentration that outlasts and ultimately spanks the tannin. Not to mention a purity of flavor that was not evident in the early years.
Buy it. It will be relatively cheap now.
Day 4 - No question - this has massive upside potential. Huge structure is finely rendered, deep black fruit flavors are over-riding and pure.
Buy it.
$50
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Mitolo "GAM" Shiraz McLaren Vale 2006
Purple/red.
Interesting nose - chocolate cake frosting, deep black fruit and a hint of meat, licorice too. Well-integrated. Very similar to the Godolphin, but no powder here. Same winemaker.
Round, suave entry gradually reveals acid-edged structure. Flavors follow nose reasonably closely, but there's a citrus (orange zest) undertone that builds. Highly unusual for this area, in my experience. Quite lively in the mouth, as a result, and lean. In fact, the finish is dominated by orange zest flavor and its corresponding acid-chew mouthfeel. Cooler, uneven vintage?
This will be interesting to follow.
Day 3 - More integrated, seamless nose. Very attractive. Creamy, packed in the mouth, no heat. Citrus slides into the picture, gradually, then takes over the finish. I like this stuff. I imagine we will ultimately see a pepper character complementing the citrus component. Citrus and pepper - the yin and yang of the wine world.
Day 8 - Typical southern Aussie Shiraz cream nose. Some mint and pepper too. Round packed and sumptuous (still). Just a hint of oxidation in the finish.
$45
Interesting nose - chocolate cake frosting, deep black fruit and a hint of meat, licorice too. Well-integrated. Very similar to the Godolphin, but no powder here. Same winemaker.
Round, suave entry gradually reveals acid-edged structure. Flavors follow nose reasonably closely, but there's a citrus (orange zest) undertone that builds. Highly unusual for this area, in my experience. Quite lively in the mouth, as a result, and lean. In fact, the finish is dominated by orange zest flavor and its corresponding acid-chew mouthfeel. Cooler, uneven vintage?
This will be interesting to follow.
Day 3 - More integrated, seamless nose. Very attractive. Creamy, packed in the mouth, no heat. Citrus slides into the picture, gradually, then takes over the finish. I like this stuff. I imagine we will ultimately see a pepper character complementing the citrus component. Citrus and pepper - the yin and yang of the wine world.
Day 8 - Typical southern Aussie Shiraz cream nose. Some mint and pepper too. Round packed and sumptuous (still). Just a hint of oxidation in the finish.
$45
San Guisto a Rentennano, Chianti Classico 2005
Red.
Nose of red cherry jam, meat/balsamic action and a hint of tar. Deep.
Round entry (for the category), with framing acidity immediately focusing the fairly simple red fruit and "mineral" flavors. Lightweight impression with nice purity.
Seems bound up in the mouth. Air time should help.
Day 3 - Similar nose. Extremely bound up in the mouth. Huge acid spine. I have no idea if this will benefit from aging.
Day 7 - Indeed. Great cran/raspberry/cherry jam and tar nose. Still vibrant. Deeper and still acid-chewy in the mouth. Maybe 2-4 more years?
$20
Nose of red cherry jam, meat/balsamic action and a hint of tar. Deep.
Round entry (for the category), with framing acidity immediately focusing the fairly simple red fruit and "mineral" flavors. Lightweight impression with nice purity.
Seems bound up in the mouth. Air time should help.
Day 3 - Similar nose. Extremely bound up in the mouth. Huge acid spine. I have no idea if this will benefit from aging.
Day 7 - Indeed. Great cran/raspberry/cherry jam and tar nose. Still vibrant. Deeper and still acid-chewy in the mouth. Maybe 2-4 more years?
$20
Monday, March 3, 2008
Chateau Tour St. Bonnet, Medoc, Bordeaux 2005
Purple/red.
No oak in sight, wonder of wonders. Deep black fruit (currant?), fig and spice on the nose. Even a suggestion of Amaretto.
Deep, fleshy entry - continuing through mid-palate. The apparent lack of significant new oak really allows this to sing. No oak tannin to fight through. Chewy on the finish, but, again, the fruit wins the fight.
House wine? This will actually get better with another 2-3 years in the bottle. Buy it.
Day 4 - This is RFG. Deep blackcurrant, herb and brine nose. Plush and fruit-driven in the mouth, but structured too (quite). Acid/tannin synergy is slightly abrasive and the fruit a bit grapy, but finishes with an iron nuance. Real Bordeaux for $12.
I wouldn't be surprised if this tastes great 10 years from now.
Day 7 - Little difference from day 4. Slightly baked.
$12
No oak in sight, wonder of wonders. Deep black fruit (currant?), fig and spice on the nose. Even a suggestion of Amaretto.
Deep, fleshy entry - continuing through mid-palate. The apparent lack of significant new oak really allows this to sing. No oak tannin to fight through. Chewy on the finish, but, again, the fruit wins the fight.
House wine? This will actually get better with another 2-3 years in the bottle. Buy it.
Day 4 - This is RFG. Deep blackcurrant, herb and brine nose. Plush and fruit-driven in the mouth, but structured too (quite). Acid/tannin synergy is slightly abrasive and the fruit a bit grapy, but finishes with an iron nuance. Real Bordeaux for $12.
I wouldn't be surprised if this tastes great 10 years from now.
Day 7 - Little difference from day 4. Slightly baked.
$12
Lang & Reed, Cabernet Franc, North Coast 2005
Red.
Herbs, red pepper nose. Lifted, no oak in sight. Very cool.
Spherical stuff, all over the mouth, seamless with a hint of (textural) sweetness. Definitely the Pinot side of CF. No complexity, but extremely satisfying. Huge mid-palate and finishing flesh.
How could you not enjoy this?
$18
Herbs, red pepper nose. Lifted, no oak in sight. Very cool.
Spherical stuff, all over the mouth, seamless with a hint of (textural) sweetness. Definitely the Pinot side of CF. No complexity, but extremely satisfying. Huge mid-palate and finishing flesh.
How could you not enjoy this?
$18
Las Rocas Garnacha, Vinas Viejas, Catalayud (Spain) 2005
Red/purple.
Clean, spicy, earth, black raspberry nose. Even some peanut.
Sweet, round and packed in the mouth. Serious action leavened by strong acidity. Huge mid-palate material rides alongside a vein of acid-driven structure. Very fresh and chewy throughout. At this price, the flavor-pixel number is simply stupid.
Day 3 - Now showing a typical Garnacha citrus note, with earth/peanut, savory meat and wax. Citrus peel (orange/grapefruit) character the main feature in the mouth now. Ridiculously long citric finish coats the mouth with flavor chew.
This will go for several years. Love to see this blind in a southern Rhone tasting in 2016.
Day 7 - This could have been opened today - citrus and spicy ketchup flavors. Deep and loaded.
$16
Clean, spicy, earth, black raspberry nose. Even some peanut.
Sweet, round and packed in the mouth. Serious action leavened by strong acidity. Huge mid-palate material rides alongside a vein of acid-driven structure. Very fresh and chewy throughout. At this price, the flavor-pixel number is simply stupid.
Day 3 - Now showing a typical Garnacha citrus note, with earth/peanut, savory meat and wax. Citrus peel (orange/grapefruit) character the main feature in the mouth now. Ridiculously long citric finish coats the mouth with flavor chew.
This will go for several years. Love to see this blind in a southern Rhone tasting in 2016.
Day 7 - This could have been opened today - citrus and spicy ketchup flavors. Deep and loaded.
$16
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Paisajes VII, Rioja 2001
Deep red/purple.
Savory earth/meat/potato/citrus aromas. I might guess Bierzo, blind. But the citrus character is lighter and brighter (?).
Very interesting, deep.
Round, plush, grainy entry. Citrus/pepper flavors are immediate and continue throughout. A bit of black licorice in the finish. Long, grainy, chewy finish.
Had a Muga Seleccion Especial 2001 last night. These wines remind me how good Rioja can be - packed with flavor, reasonable alcohol, and considerable complexity. To my mind RdD and Toro are (generally) vastly over-hyped.
100% Tempranillo
$22
Savory earth/meat/potato/citrus aromas. I might guess Bierzo, blind. But the citrus character is lighter and brighter (?).
Very interesting, deep.
Round, plush, grainy entry. Citrus/pepper flavors are immediate and continue throughout. A bit of black licorice in the finish. Long, grainy, chewy finish.
Had a Muga Seleccion Especial 2001 last night. These wines remind me how good Rioja can be - packed with flavor, reasonable alcohol, and considerable complexity. To my mind RdD and Toro are (generally) vastly over-hyped.
100% Tempranillo
$22
Betts & Scholl "The O.G." Grenache, Barossa Valley 2005
Light, hazy, red.
Rubber/sulfide/earth, with strawberry/red cherry underneath. A bit of savory meat too.
Round, sweet and completely mouth-filling. Nice strawberry character, but little depth of flavor or density to support alcohol thrust. Slight acid constriction in the finish.
Tasty, but I think they left some needed material in the pomace. Richard Betts used to work in Tucson (Fuego, Janos). Good guy, interesting, intelligent.
Day 3 - No real aromatic difference. Much better depth of strawberry flavor, riding through the finish. Acid-driven structure. Baked strawberry finish. Toes a fine line. Give it the benefit of the doubt.
I'd decant this, believe it or not, a few hours before serving.
$30
Rubber/sulfide/earth, with strawberry/red cherry underneath. A bit of savory meat too.
Round, sweet and completely mouth-filling. Nice strawberry character, but little depth of flavor or density to support alcohol thrust. Slight acid constriction in the finish.
Tasty, but I think they left some needed material in the pomace. Richard Betts used to work in Tucson (Fuego, Janos). Good guy, interesting, intelligent.
Day 3 - No real aromatic difference. Much better depth of strawberry flavor, riding through the finish. Acid-driven structure. Baked strawberry finish. Toes a fine line. Give it the benefit of the doubt.
I'd decant this, believe it or not, a few hours before serving.
$30
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