Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Qupe and Adelsheim

-Qupe, Marsanne, Santa Ynez, 2007
-Qupe, Bien Nacido Cuvee, Santa Ynez, 2007
-Qupe, Chardonnay, Block 11, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Qupe, Rousanne, Santa Ynez, 2005
-Qupe, Syrah, Central Coast, 2006
-Qupe, Los Olivos Cuvee, SMG, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Qupe, Syrah, Bien Nacido, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Qupe, Syrah, Hillside Estate, Santa Ynez, 2004

-Adelsheim, Chardonnay, CH, Willamette, 2006
-Adelsheim, Pinot Gris, Willamette, 2006
-Adelsheim, Rose Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007
-Adelsheim, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2006
-Adelsheim, Pinot Noir, Elizabeth's Reserve, 2006

Monday, July 29th, 2008

Bure Release Party at Campanile

-Bure, Nuit Blanche, Sauvignon/Semillon, 2007
-Bure, Majesty Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
-Chateau Boswell, Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch, Martens Vineyard, 2006
-Jacquelynn, Cuvee Blanc, Napa, 2007
-Cuthbert, Carignan Blanc/Grenache Gris, Rousillon, 2007
-Chateau Boswell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Reserve, 2005
-Chaeau Boswell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Vineyards, 2005
-Jacquelynn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2006
-Jacquelynn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer Tokalon, 2006

Bob Saget was here for some reason.

Sunday, July 28th, 2008

Gnarls Barkley Concert

-Henriot, Brut Souvereign, Champagne, NV
-Allen Scott, Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, ?
-Demetria, Papou, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Rose, Tavel, 2006?
-Jaffurs, Grenache, Verna's, 2006

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

Same wines as yesterday, plus

-Marchesi Alfieri, San Germano, Pinot Noir, Monterato, Italy, 2005

Friday, July 25th, 2008

M Grapes

-Clos du Caillou, Cotes du Rhone Blanc, 2006
-Pucho, Mencia, Bierzo, 2006
-Cassamaro, Tinto, Rueda, 2007
-Bodega Benegas, Don Tiburcio, Mendoza, 2006
-Chateau Mazeris, Canon Fronsac, Bordeaux, 2005
-Chateau de Pibarnon, Restanques de Pibarnon, Bandol, France, 2003

-Bricco, Meritage, Columbia Valley, 2005
-Maybach, Materium, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2005
-Postup, Peljesac Peninsula, Croatia, 2005
-Barrell 27, Syrah, Santa Maria, 2005

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Mostly Aussie

-Craftsman, Cserszegi Fuszere, 2007
-Poonwatta Estate, Riesling, Eden Valley, 2006
-Quinta dos Roques, Touriga Nacional, Dao, Portugal, 2002
-S.C. Pannell, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2005
-Kaesler, Shiraz, Stonehorse, Barossa, 2005
-Glaetzer, Annaperenna, Shiraz, Barossa, 2006

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Napa Rose Dinner

-Laurent Perrier, Grand Siecle, Champagne, NV (phenomenal. I kept coming back to this wine throughout the meal because it was so good)
-Dr. Berekin-Wolf, Riesling, Alsace, 2006 (good, petrol nose, nice full body and zesty acidity)
-Nora, Albarino, Rias Biaxas, Spain, 2007 (nice)
-Feudi San Gregorio, Falanghina, Italy, 2007 (okay)
-Trimbach, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, 2001 (excellent!)
-William Ferve, Chablis, Fourchame Premier Cru, 2006
-Les Pallieres, Gigondas, 2005
-Felsina, Chianti Classico Reserva, 2004 (loved this wine. Not sure of the price, but I thought it was excellent)
-Lasseter, Meritage, Sonoma, 2004 (great wine. Didn't work with the meal, but a great wine.)
-Inniskillin, Cabernet Franc, Icewine, Niagra, 2005 (Ripe, strawberry compote flavors, but pretty one dimensional)
-Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, 1999 (such a good wine. Secondary characteristics are starting to show. Developed a lot more complexity since the last time I taste it last February.)
-Louis XIII Cognac (the nose is so intensely alcoholic. The palate is ultra smooth and has tremendous length, but I have a hard time overlooking the heat. I'd rather drink wine.)

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Whites and Reds

-Alma Rosa, Pinot Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Alma Rosa, Pinot Gris, Santa Ynez, 2006
-Alma Rosa, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2006
-Shannon Ridge, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2007
-Heron, Chardonnay, California, 2006
-Carpe Diem, Chardonnay, Napa, 2006
-Delas, Merlot, VdP, France, 2006
-Delas, Cotes du Ventoux, Rhone, 2006
-Carpe Diem, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006

Monday, July 21st, 2008

Champagne

-Besserat de Bellefon, Cuvee des Moines, Brut, Epernay, NV
-Besserat de Bellefon, Cuvee des Moines, Brut Rose, Epernay, NV
-Besserat de Bellefon, Cuvee des Moines, Blanc de Blanc, NV

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

Feist at the Hollywood Bowl

-Chateau St. Julien, Rose, Cotes de Provence, France, 2006 (Beautiful, delicate, vesitile wine. Subtle fruit and clean acid.)
-Les Pallieres, Sancerre, France, 2006 (Also a great wine. I thought it was a perfect example of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre. Great acid, medium body and tremendous fruit.)
-Sanguis, The Optimist Syrah, Santa Ynez, 2005 (what an excellent wine! I've had this many times and this was it's best showing.)

Saturday, July 19th, 2008

90+ Point Follow-Up

-L'Ecole No. 41, Semillon, Fries Vineyard, Walla Walla, 2005
-Kaesler, Semillon, Barossa, 2005
-Clos de Papes, Le Petit Vin d'Avril, France, NV
-Benesseree, Sangiovese, Napa, 2006
-Luchador, Shiraz, South Australia, 2006

-Arista, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006

Friday, July 18th, 2008

90+ Point Tasting

-L'Ecole No. 41, Semillon, Fries Vineyard, Walla Walla, 2005
-Kaesler, Semillon, Barossa, 2005
-I Perazzi, La Mozza, Morellino di Scansano, Italy, 2006
-Benesseree, Sangiovese, Napa, 2006
-Winner's Tank, Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, Australia, 2007

-Leonese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Temecula Valley, 2003
-Comte Lafond, Macon-Milly-Lamartine, 2006

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Mike Smith Tasting

-Hanenhof, Viognier, Barossa, 2005
-Slipstream, Shiraz/Grenache, McLaren Vale, 2006

-Chasseur, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, 2006 (incredibly delicious. Great wine, good price)
-Alban, Viognier Estate, Edna Valley, 2006 (unctuous, Condrieu-styled with riper fruit, clean acidity. This wine will be stellar in 4 years)
-Wyncroft, Chardonnay, Lake Michigan Shore, 2002 (this was am interesting bottle. It had a little dirtiness compared to the other wines, but was still a great showing for Michagan state. Thanks to Ricardo for the bottle!)
-Chasseur, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2006 (also great. Love the Chasseur wines)
-Slingshot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 (nice, fell short to the other wines of the evening)

-Casa Lapostolle, Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, 2003 (deceiving wine that really didn't express a true sense of place. Wasn't surprised that the back label said Michel Rolland consulted on the project. It had a certain Pomerol-ness to the wine. It was very good though.)
-Paul Hobbs, Crossbarn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005 (This was a great bottle for the $50 price tag. Not tremendously unique or full of character, but it was very good and always dependable.)

-Quivet, Syrah, Carneros, 2006 (really fruit focused and a little bit lighter on the palate. Beautiful aromatics of fruit as well as smoked meats and other classic Syrah character)
-Quivet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain, 2006 (This is a pretty dense, big wine, but beautifully integrated, great purity and depth)
-Quivet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kenefick Ranch, 2006 (a bit lighter and more approachable in style than the Spring Mountain. It has great fruit, acid, and structure, but not the depth or complexity of the Mountain bottlings.)
-Myriad, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain, Napa, 2006 (this was the stunner of the night. It had similar fruit, acid, and structure of the Quivet but much more of it all. It was an ultra-intense, yet elegant, great expression. The Myriad wines are a beautiful expression of place and hand-nurtured, natural wines. I love them.)

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

Stuff

-LaCabotte, Massif d'Uchaude, Cotes du Rhone Village, 2005
-Chateau de Montmirail, Gigondas, Cuvee de Beauchamp, 2005
-Henry-Pelle, Menetou-Salon, Monogues, 2006
-Osseus, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez, 2007

-Bighorn, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, 2006
-Bighorn, Merlot, Napa, 2004
-Bighorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2004
-Bighorn, Syrah, Napa, 2004

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

Spanish Day

-Arabaxo Txaoli, Xarmant, 2007
-Rebisaca, Rias Biaxas, 2006
-Albarino do Rerreiro, Rias Biaxas, 2006
-Yunquera, Albillo, Castillo y Leon, 2007
-Vina Mein, Ribero, 2007
-Avinyo, Vi d'Aulla, 2007
-Garcia Ruebello, Casa Maro Tinto, Rueda, 2006
-Arbanta, Rioja Alta, 2007
-Aribau Cuvee, Rioja Reserva, 2001
-Vina Sastre, Ribera del Duero, Roble, 2006
-La Cigarrera, Manzanilla Fino, NV
-Elcano, Fino, Jerez, NV
-El Maestro Sierra, Amontillado 1830
-El Maestro Sierra, Olorosa 1/4

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Temecula Tour

-Leonese, Pinot Grigio, Temecula Valley, 2006
-Leonese, Viognier, Temecula Valley, 2005
-Leonese, Lana-Lisa, Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon, Temecula, 2007
-Leonese, White Merlot, Temecula, 2006
-Leonese, Melange de Reves, Temecula, 2005
-Leonese, Syrah, Temecula, 2004
-Leonese, Syrah, Temecula, 2005
-Leonese, Meritage, Temecula, 2005
-Leonese, Merlot, Temecula, 2005
-Leonese, Cinsault Port, Tucalota Vineyard, Temecula, 2004

-Weins, Malvasia Bianca, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Viognier, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Riesling, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Chardonnay, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Sparkling Amour L'Orange, Temecula, NV
-Weins, White Port, Temecula, NV
-Weins, Dulce Maria, Temecula, 2004
-Weins, Sangiovese, Temecula, 2007
-Weins, Pinot Noir, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Cabernet Franc, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Tempranillo, Temecula, 2006
-Weins, Syrah, Temecula, 2006

-Miramonte, Blanc de Blanc, Brut, NV
-Miramonte, Semillon, Temecula, 2005
-Miramonte, Riesling, Temecula, 2006
-Miramonte, 3 Block Shiraz, Temecula, 2005
-Miramonte, Syrah, Temecula, 2005
-Miramonte, Meritage, Temecula, 2005
-Miramonte, Syrah Reserve, Temecula, 2005

-Kalin, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 1994
-Kobalt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Orin Swift, Mercury Head, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

Same Islands Wines as Yesterday, plus . . .

-Harris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Jake's Vineyard, 2005 (This wine was excellent. It was very dense and had a very solid, almost inpenatrable core, however the velvetly mouthfeel, purity and depth were undeniably epic. It was a pleasent surprise for a wine that Parker gave "90?" points.)

Friday, July 11th, 2008

Island Wines

-Catalina Sounds, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ, 2006
-Contini, Neiderra Rose, Sardinia, 2006
-Catalina Sounds, Pinot Noir, Nelson, NZ, 2006
-Triumph, Grenache, Sicily, 2002
-Te Awa, Merlot, Hawke's Bay, NZ, 2004

-Etude, Pinot Noir, Temblor, Carneros, 2005

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

Another Day of Tasting

-Hedges, CMS, Rose, Columbia, 2006
-Hedges, CMS Red, Columbia, 2006
-Hedges, Three Vineyards, Red Mtn, 2005
-L'ecole, Merlot, Columbia, 2005
-Viden, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2005
-Cartiledge & Brown, Chardonnay, California, 2006
-Oceana, Riesling, California, 2006
-Foppiano, Pinot Noir, Russian River, 2004
-Foppiano, Petite Sirah, Russian River, 2006
-Batic, Cabernet Franc Reserve, Vipava, Slovenia, 2006
-Mr. Riggs, Shiraz/Viognier, Adelaide, 2005
-Gridley, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2004
-Gridley, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005
-Wild Hog, Syrah, Orchard View, Sonoma, 2006

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Syrah Tasting

-Radio-Coteau, Syrah, Cherry Camp, Sonoma Coast, 2005 (soft and supple, feminine style with good purity and length)
-Failla, Syrah, Sonoma Coast, 2005 (a little more astringent, a little more flashy, but more people liked this bottling)
-IO, Syrah, Santa Barbara, 1999 (this wine was a little tired. It was elegant and nice, but lacked complexity and character)
-Booker, Vertigo, Syrah, Paso Robles, 2005 (flashy and tasty but a little superficial)
-Two Hands, Ares, Barossa, 2004 (mocha-vanilla-ripe fruit, chewy milkshake, and not in a great way. The wine was a bit over the top and really not much better than many Shiraz's on the market for 1/3 the price)

All the wines were good, but none were great.

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Sunday Supper at Nesai

-Diogenese, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2006 (excellent)
-Corra, Sauvignon Blanc, Oakville, 2007 (excellent)
-Mount Eden, Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mtns, 2004 (excellent but rich. It showed very well against 2 more esteemed bottlings, perhaps better in certain ways)
-Kongsgaard, Chardonnay, Napa, 1998 (somewhat of a let down. Nose smelled oxidized with brioche aroma, buttered peaches, almonds, dried apricot. Pretty fat but still had acid.)
-Paul Chapelle, Puligny-Montrachet, "Champgain" 1er Cru, 2005 (I found this to be the most compelling of all the Chardonnays. Stunning purity and length with completely integrated flavors and oak. A great wine that should age effortlessly for 10+ years).
-Nicolas Potel, Volnay 1er Cru, 1999 (Great textural wine, but a slightly tired nose. Not showing much flavor in any direction).
-Sanguis, The Wedding, Syrah, Santa Maria, 2004 (good. Not as concentrated as their more recent vintages, but I liked that. It had plenty of depth of flavor, character and complexity. A very good wine.)
-"R", Carignan, Lodi, 2005 (Didn't get to spend much time with this one. I remember liking it).

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

Same 5 wines as yesterday

Friday, July 4th, 2008

Independence Tasting

-Prieure de Montezargues, Rose, Tavel, France, 2006
-Piccolo Rosso, Syrah, Russian River, 2007
-Chateau Beaurenard, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, France, 2006
-Homefire, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2006
-Heartland, Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, 2005

-Brewer-Clifton, Chardonnay, (Not sure which site or vintage)
-Silver Oak, Cabernet Sauvinon, Alexander, 1996 (shockingly 1 dimensional. I really wanted more form this wine. It didn't offer much)
-DeLoach, Pinot Noir, Sonoma (not sure which vineyard or vintage)
-Teusner, Albert, Shiraz, Barossa, 2004

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Syrah Tasting

-Aston, Pinot Noir Clone 115/667, Sonoma Coast, 2006 (great)

-Waters, Syrah, Pepper Bridge, Walla Walla, Washington, 2005 (great)
-Teusner, Albert, Shiraz, Barossa, 2004 (great)
-Pax, Syrah, Cuvee Keltie, Sonoma, 2005 (great, dense, oily)
-Pax, Syrah, Griffin's Lair, Sonoma, 2005 (great)

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

-Slipstream, Sauvignon Blanc, McLaren Vale, 2007
-Catalina Sounds, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2006
-Wallace, Shiraz-Grenache, Barossa, 2006
-The Black Chook, Shiraz-Viognier, South Australia, 2006
-Langmeil, The Blacksmith, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa, 2005
-Epsilon, Shiraz, Barossa, 2006