Monday, June 30th, 2008

Louis Roederer Lunch at The Cannery in Newport Beach

-Louis Roederer, Brut Premier, Reims, NV (very good)
-Louis Roederer, Blanc de Blancs, Reims, 2002 (excellent!)
-Louis Roederer, Brut Vintage, Reims, 2002 (good)
-Louis Roederer, Brut Vintage Rose, Reims, 2002 (excellent)
-Louis Roederer, Cristal, Brut, Reims, 2002 (awesome)
-Louis Roederer, Demi-Sec, Reims, NV (decent)

-Ken Brown, Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi Vineyard, 2005 (okay)

Great wines. I ate the Seared Ahi Salad with the Champs and it was a great pairing. Wish I could drink Champagne everyday with lunch. It's going on the Bucket List.

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

Dinner at Doc Eisenstein's house in Dana Point

-Pey-Marin, Riesling "The Shell Mound", Marin County, 2007 (a contender, along with Poet's Leap, for perhaps the finest domestic Riesling on the market)
-Hill Family, Chardonnay, Carly's Cuvee, Napa, 2006
-Domaine Ostertag, Pinot Noir Fronholz, Alsace, 2006
-Edge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Pax, Syrah, Walker Vine Hill Vineyard, Russian River, 2005 (surprisingly, not as huge as I expected it to be, having had it 6 months ago. The wine was certainly big, but had a lot of finesse and depth. I quite enjoyed it).

-Patz & Hall, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006 (over oaked and sweet)
-Croker & Starr, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2006 (excellent)
-Donabaum, Riesling, Wachau, 2006 (great)
-Lewis, Chardonnay Reserve, Napa, 2005 (very, very good)
-Luis Felipe Edwards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua, 1994 (loved this wine. It was my first experiance with this producer and I was really impressed).
-Luis Felipe Edwards, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Colchagua, 1995 (phenomenal! Even better than the 1994. It outshined the Beychevelle or any of the other Cabs on the table. A great experiance).
-Chateau Beychevelle, Grand Vin, St. Julien, 1995 (good, but not showing it's full potential. It looked and tasted 15 years older than it was. Perhaps not stored properly. Imagine the teapdrop falling as I forced this one down my gullet).
-Silver Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander, 1985 (surprisingly still super oaky. Smelled of Cedar box and vanilla and nearly void of fruit, but not because of the age. I thought that the heavy oak was just a trend of the past 10 years for this producer. The bottle was still half full by the end of the night.)
-Alban, Pandora, Edna Valley, 2002 (closed and tight knit. The wine never really opened up. It was good, just not very showy).
-David Arthur, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2003 (pretty awesome stuff. Wish I owned some wine from this producer)
-Lewis, Cabernet Sauvignon, "L", Napa, 2002 (soupy, heavy extract, fruit dominated wine. It lacked structure big time. Lately, I've had really mixed quality with Lewis).
-Turley, Zinfandel, Dusi Vineyard, 2005 (Almost undrinkable. It smelled like grape fruit Roll-Ups. Super ripe, syrupy, sickningly sweet. I dumped it in the bushes and still can't erase the memory).

What a great evening of wine drinking. A big thanks to Isaac for opening his "cellar" (spare bedroom) and allowing us to grab bottles).

Saturday, June 28th, 2008

Same wines as yesterday.

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Blind Tasting

-Schmelz, Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Pichl Point 2006
-Kogl Mea Kulpa Sameling 2006
-Plantaze Pro Cordo, Vranac 2004
-Zlatan Plavac Barrique, Island of Hvar 2005

-S. Osvaldo, Refosco, Italy, 2006
-Quinta dos Roques Tinto, Dao, Portugal, 2005
-3 Rings, Shiraz, Barossa, 2006
-Cayalla, RTW, Columbia Valley, 2004
-Copain, Saison des Vin, L'Hiver Syrah, California, 2006

All great wines, except for the 3 Rings Shiraz, which was marginal.

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

-Bussiador, Chardonnay, Langhe, 2004 (This is quite possibly the finest, most unique Chardonnay I have tasted this year. I love this wine.)
-Copain, Pinot Noir, Cerise, Anderson Valley, 2006 (very good)
-Sky, Zinfandel, Mt. Veeder, 2001 (excellent)
-Thompkins, Grenache, Santa Barbara, 2006 (green, underripe flavors but then also very ripe, sweet flavors. I've liked it in the past but not a huge fan of this one.

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

White Rock and Etude

-White Rock, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006 (very clean, pure style with a lot of ageability)
-White Rock, Laureate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004 (Excellent, supple, soft, silky wine. Liked it a lot)

-Etude, Pinot Gris, Carneros, 2007 (alright)
-Etude, Rose of Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2007 (very good)
-Etude, Pinot Noir, Carneros, 2006 (excellent, very well balanced, refined and ageable)
-Etude, Estate Merlot, Carneros, 2005 (very good, but hollow mid-palate)
-Etude, Fortitude, Frediani Field Blend, 2005 (awesome little Charbono blend)
-Etude, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004 (excellent, opulent, precise wine)

-Copain, Rousanne, James Berry, Paso Robles, 2006 (so freaking good!)
-Dierberg, Pinot Noir, Steven, Santa Maria, 2005 (excellent)
-Audelssa, Summit, Sonoma Mtn, 2005 (very good)
-Luchador, Shiraz, South Australia, 2006 (great)
-Chirs Ringland, Shiraz, Barossa, 2006 (awesome)

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

An Aussie Monday

-Curran, Gewurztraminer, Santa Ynez, 2006

-Heartland, Stickleback, Verdejo/Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Australia, 2007
-Glen Eldon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa, 2004
-Glen Eldon, Dry Bore Shiraz, Barossa, 2005
-The Winner's Take, Shiraz, Langhorn Creek, 2007
-Quarterback, Shiraz/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, 2006
-Kaesler, Avignon, GSM, Barossa, 2006
-Kaesler, The Brogan, Barossa, 2005

Saturday, June 21st, 2008

Summer Solstice Party at Stolpman Vineyards

-Stolpman, L'Avion, Santa Ynez, 2005 (one of the best Rousannes California has ever produced. It's very strange neon green in color.)
-Stolpman, Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez, 1998 (great)
-Stolpman, Mourvedre, Santa Ynez, 1996 (really excellent)
-Stolpman, Merlot, Santa Ynez, 1995 (also very, very good)
-Stolpman, Nebbiolo, Santa Ynez, 1999 (awesome, awesome stuff. I'd like to drink this in 10 more years)
-Stolpman, La Croce, Santa Ynez, 2003 (dense and very good)
-Stolpman, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2006 (great)
-Stolpman, Hilltops Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2005 (great wine)

-Michel Servin, Blanc de Blanc, Sparkling Wine, France, NV (pretty pedestrian)

The Stolpman wines are pretty amazing. The consistency and the ageworthiness are unbelievable. I'm a firm believer that this producer will emerge as one of the finest in Santa Barbara. Not only are their Rhone varietals pushing the envelope of quality, their Italian varietals are the finest in California! Stock up on as much Stolpman wine as you can. Whether you drink it this year, or in 10 years, you won't be dissappointed.

Friday, June 20th, 2008

A Friday Night Tasting, plus a couple of extra bottles

-Szoke, Pinot Gris, Hungary, 2006 (good)
-Santomas, Bid Red Refosk, Slovenia, 2005 (okay)
-Dinjac, Peljesac, Croatia, 2006 (awesome)
-Heartland, Shiraz, South Australia, 2005 (a great little value)

-Bonny Doon, Albarino, Soledad, 2007 (very good)
-Copain, Rousanne, James Berry Vineyard, 2006 (a contender with L'Avion for the states best Rousanne. Superb!)
-Dierberg, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, 2005 (bigger style, but incredibly delicious)
-Clua, Ganacha Blend, Terra Alta, Spain, 2006 (great)
-Chris Ringland, Shiraz, Ebenezar, 2006 (big and opaque, but very good)
-Revana, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2002 (excellent)
-Dierberg, Pinot Noir, Stevens, Santa Maria, 2005 (bigger and more tannin that the regular bottling, but well balanced and potentially phenomenal bottle of wine)
-Audelssa, Summit, Sonoma Mountian, 2005 (a great bottle of wine)

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Easy Day

-Qupe, Marsanne, Santa Ynez, 2006 (good)
-Alban, Viognier, Central Coast, 2007 (great)
-Luchador, Shiraz, South Australia, 2006 (great)
-Justin, Justification, Paso Robles, 2006 (shockingly good)
-Waters, Syrah, Walla Walla, 2005 (also very good)

-Castello D'Albola, Chianti Classico, 2005
-Zonin, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 2006
-Rocca di Montemassi, Sangiovese, Le Focaie, Maremma Toscana, 2004
-Feudo Principi di Butera, Nero d'Avola, Sicilia, 2004

All the Italians were mediocre

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

44 Wine Day

-Firesteed, Pinot Gris, Oregon, 2006
-Firesteed, Pinot Noir Rose, Oregon, 2007
-Firesteed, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2006
-Firesteed, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2004
-Firesteed, Citation, Pinot Noir, 1998
-Firesteed, Cayalla, RTW (Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syah), Columbia, 2004

-Beneseree, Pinot Grigio, Carneros, 2007
-Scherrer, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2005
-Beneseree, Zinfandel, BK Collins-Old Vine, 2005
-Paige 23, Tarantula, Tinto, Santa Barbara, 2006
-Fieldstone, Petite Sirah, Alexander Valley, 2006
-Oro Poro, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Napa, 2005
-Ciabot Barton, Barbera d'Alba, Bricco San Biagio, 2004
-Ciabot Barton, Roggeri, Barolo, 2003

-Dominique Piron, Brouilly, Domaine de Combiaty, Beaujolais, France, 2006
-Dominique Piron, Beaujolais-Villages, Domaine de Combiaty, 2006
-Domaine Piron-Lameloise, Chenas Quartz, Beaujolais, 2006
-Domaine Manciat-Poncet, Pouilly-Fuisse "Les Crays", Vielles Vignes, 2006
-Domaine Sylvain Bailly, La Louee, Sancerre Rose, 2006
-Alex Gambal, Chassagne-Montrachet "Clos St. Jean" 1er Cru, 2006
-Domaine Roux Saint-Aubin "La Chanteniere" 1er Cru, 2006
-Domaine de la Collonges, Pouilly-Fuisse, 2006
-Chateau Haut Rian, Bordeaux Blanc, 2007
-Pillot, Puligny-Montrachet "Noyer-Brets", 2006
-Chateau Beaurenard, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, 2006
-Seguinot-Bordet, Chablis Grand Cru, Vaudesir, 2006
-Domaine des Lauriers, Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, 2007
-Roux, Corton Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2005
-Chateau de la Terriere, Brouilly, 2006
-Chateau Beaurenard, Rasteau, Les Argile Bleues, Rhone, 2005
-Chateau La Fleur, Saint-Emillion Grand Cru, 2005
-Abbaye de Tholomies, Minervois, 2005
-Domaine de Beaurenard, Cotes du Rhone, 2005
-Domaine de Beaurenard, Rasteau-Cotes du Rhone Village, 2005
-Galets des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, "Vielles Vignes, 2005
-Galets des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2005
-Domaine de Beaurenard, Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Boisrenard", 2004
-Domaine Jean Michel Gerin, Cote Rotie "Les Grands Places", 2004
-Georg Degenfeld, Tokaiji Aszu, 6 Puttonyos, Hungary, 2000

-Mantra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, 2005
-Mantra, Zinfandel, Sonoma, 2005
-Mantra, Zinfandel, Alexander, 2005
-Mantra, Syrah, Alexander, 2005
-Mantra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2005

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

A quick one

-Embruix de Vall Llach, Priorat, Spain, 2005 (excellent)
-Emilio Moro, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2005 (excellent)
-Placios Remondo, La Montesa, Rioja, 2004 (excellent)
-Viader, Dare, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 (excellent)

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

Rose

-Zaza, Garnacha Rose, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2007 (dark, juicy, creamy palate)
-Domaine Hourchart, Rose, Cotes de Provence, France, 2006 (elegant, oxidized, watermelon rind)
-Bonny Doon, Vin Gris de Cigare, California, 2007 (complex and layered for rose)
-Stephen Pannell, Grenache Rose, McLaren Vale, 2007 (lighter and sweeter fruit)
-Prieure de Montezargues, Rose, Tavel, France, 2006 (Super-structure, no fruit, a red wine drinkers Rose)

Friday, June 13th, 2008

-Szoke, Irsai Oliver, Hungary, 2006 (great! Delicate and crisp, super aromatic)
-Sommer, Gewurztraminer Spatlese, Austria, 2006 (round and pure and beautiful, liked it a lot)
-Zaca Mesa, Z Cuvee, Santa Ynez, 2005 (savory, dark, and better than past vintages)
-Domaine de Mourchon, Cotes du Rhone Villages, Seguret, France, 2005 (excellent cotes du rhone. Bright, high-toned fruit, great depth)
-Skylark, Carignane, North Coast, 2006 (beautiful, layered, textured, silky)

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

Great Wines and Horrible Wines

-Quinta das Maias, Malvasia-Fina, Dao, Portugal, 2006
-Marchesi Alfieri, Sansoero, Grignolino, Piedmonte, 2006
-Montelvini, Rosso Piceno, Marche, 2005
-Montelvini, S. Osvaldo, Refosco, Lison-Pramaggiore, 2006
-Quinta das Roques, Vinho Tinto, Dao, Portugal, 2005
-Quinta das Roques, Vinho Tinto Reserva, Dao, Portugal, 2000
-Marchesi Alfieri, Barbera d'Asti, La Tota, 2005
-Marchesi Alfieri, San Germano, Pinot Noir, Monferato, 2005

-Stuart Cellars, Chardonnay, Temecula, 2006 (oaked, herbaceous aromas)
-Acorn, Alegria Rosato, Russian River Valley, 2007
-Stuart Cellars, Cabernet Franc, Temecula, 2005 (overripe, candied, lacked structure, crap)
-Stuart Cellars, Long Ranch Vineyard, 2005 (okay, but far over-priced at $49, serious crap)
-Stuart Cellars, Tatria, Temecula, 2005 (better, but still had no depth. A very simple wine.)
-Stuart Cellars, Petite Sirah, Temecula, 2005 (the best of the line-up. Textural and rich with clean acidity. A very good wine.)
-JR, Merlot, Cork Tree Vineyard, Napa, 2005 (good)
-JR, Zinfandel, Georges Vineyard, 2004 (mediocre)
-JR, Zinfandel, Big Dave's Vineyard, 2004 (mediocre)
-JR, Zinfandel, Boscetti Vineyard, 2005 (mediocre)

-Aquinas, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006 (heavily oaked, rich, but still had fruit)
-Mia's Playground, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2006 (leaner, fresher, but still not enjoyable)
-Aquinas, Pinot Noir, Napa, 2006 (lame)
-Aquinas, Merlot, Napa, 2006 (can't even remember what this tasted like)
-Aquinas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006 (mushroomy, oaked, no soul)

I'm sad that I had to taste the Aquinas wines. While not as bad as the Stuart Cellars Temecula wines, they offered less character and were the prime example of innocuous, nameless, souless wines that fit a very broad market. A sad expression and a sad tasting.

-Scherrer, Rose, Sonoma, 2007
-Homefire Cellars, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2006 (excellent)

-Waters, Interlude, Walla Walla, 2005 (very good, perfectly ripe, balanced, nice length)
-Culler, Syrah, Napa, 2005 (excellent. Bacon-fatty aroma and beautiful opulence)
-O'Reilly's, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2007 (really bright red fruit, plenty of acid, mid-palate spicyness, and sailing length. A stellar value!)

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

Lunch with Randall Grahm

-Ca' del Solo Estate Muscat, Soledad, 2007
-Ca' del Solo Estate Albarino, Soledad, 2007
-Le Cigare Volant Blanc, 2006
-Vin Gris Cigare, 2007
-Ca' del Solo Sangiovese, 2005
-Ca' del Solo Estate Nebbiolo, 2005
-Le Pousseur, Syrah, Central Coast, 2005
-Le Cigare Volant Rouge, 2004
-Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah, 2005
-Gimelli, Pinot Noir, ?, 2005
-Le Vol des Anges, 2006

All the wines were pure and true, not only to the grape varietal but also to sight. Very, very important and good stuff. Randall is an asset to the industry and his wines show a tremendous sense place and conviction of the winemaker. Bravo Randall!

-Trevor Jones, Virgin Chardonnay, South Australia, 2006
-Allan Scott, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2007
-Ring Bolt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margeret River, 2006
-Marquis Phillips, Sarah's Blend, South Australia, 2006
-Marquis Phillips, Shiraz, South Australia, 2006
-Hare's Chase, Red Blend, Barossa, 2005
-3 Rings, Shiraz, Barossa, 2006
-Lengs & Cooter, Shiraz, The Victor, South Australia, 2005
-Paringa, Shiraz, South Australia, 2005

All of the Aussie stuff was okay. The 3 Rings was very good and a great value under $20.

Monday, June 9th, 2008

Just 2

-Jorian Hill, Viognier, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Mantra, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, 2006 (excellent)

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

Big Cabs

-Sloan, Asterisk, Rutherford, 2003
-Episode, Cab Blend, Rutherford, 2002

Both wines were great but not really worth their $125 and $200 price tags, respectively.

Asterisk was more elegant and refined with masculine structure and a certain austerity. Episode was pumped full of American oak and had a very vanilla extract aroma and showy palate without a lot of depth or unique character. It almost reminded me of a Spanish Campo de Borja or perhaps a Priorat.

Saturday, June 8th, 2008

More Spanish

-Same 5 Spanish wines as yesterday
-Greek white wine without a label that was purchased in Greece from a guy with a donkey on the beach
-Hook & Ladder, Gewurztraminer, Russian River, 2007
-some Zinfandel, can't remember the name

Friday, June 6th, 2008

Progressive Spanish

-Protocolo, Tempranillo, Spain, 2005
-Cellar Xavier Clua, El Sola d'en Pol, Terra Alta, 2006
-Placios Remondo, Crianza La Montesa, Rioja, 2004
-Conde de Valdemar, Gran Reserva, Rioja, 2000
-Cellar Cal Pla, Mas d'en Compte Tinto, Priorat, 2005

-Spring Mountain Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1987
-Aston, Pinot Noir, Clone 115/667, 2006
-Shelter, Headwater, Napa, 2005
-Dierberg, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria, 2005

Thursday, June 5th, 2008

Zaca Mesa and Sarah's Vineyard

-Zaca Mesa, Viognier, Santa Ynez, 2007
-Zaca Mesa, Rousanne, Santa Ynez, 2005
-Zaca Mesa, Z Cuvee, Santa Ynez, 2005
-Zaca Mesa, Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2003
-Zaca Mesa, Z Three, Santa Ynez, 200?

-Sarah's Vineyard, Chardonnay, Santa Clara Valley, 2005
-Sarah's Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Estate, 2005
-Sarah's Vineyard, Pinot Noir Reserve, 2004
-Sarah's Vineyard, Merlot, Le Grand Hommes, 2003
-Sarah's Vineyard, Syrah, Besson, 2004

-Peter Franus, Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, 2007 (excellent)
-Terre L'Rosso, Rosso di Montalcino, 2004
-Stolpman, Nebbiolo, Santa Ynez, 1999 (excellent)
-Waters, Syrah, Walla Walla, 2005 (bacon-fatty, savory, remindful of Cayuse Syrahs. Very good/Excellent)

Wednesday, May 4th, 2008

Roses

-Chateau La Rogue, Rose, Pic St. Loup, 2007
-Domaine de Fontsainte, Rose, Corbieres, 2007
-Vega Sindoa, Rose, Navarra, 2006
-Prieure de Montezargues, Rose, Tavel, 2006
-Andrew Murray, Sanglier, Camp 4 Vineyard, 2007

-Mutt Lynch, Syrah, Unti, 2004
-Some Spanish Cava that was excellent

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

-Saxum, Heart Stone, Paso Robles, 2005

Just finishing the bottle from Sunday. It was showing so beautifully 2 days later. I just couldn't get enough.

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Just 1 wine today (with dinner)

-Modus Operandi, Vicarious, Napa, 2005 (phenomenal! Perhaps the finest $35 bottle of Napa Cab on the market)

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

Grant and Casey Homecoming Party

-Arista, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2005 (excellent!)
-Saxum, The Heart Stone, Paso Robles, 2005 (excellent!)
- A bit of beer as well.

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

-Weinrieder, Riesling, Kuglar, 2006
-Jim Barry, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Cover Drive, South Oz, 2006
-Woolundry Road, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Oz, 2006