-Chateau St. Martin de Garrigue, Provence, 2008
-Lauantureax, Petit Chablis, 2006
-Chateau La Roque, Pic St. Loup, 2006
-Villa di Geggiano, Chianti Classico, Italy, 2006
-Guid Parro, Dolcetto d'Alba, Italy, 2005
-Guid Parro, Barbera, Italy, 2006
-Domaine Poujol, Languedoc, 2007
-Tintero, Moscato d Asti, Italy, NV
-Domaine La Tour Vielle, Banyuls, France, NV
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Bighorn, Chardonnay, Sonoma, 2007
Expression 44 degrees, Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2006
Expression 44 degrees, Pinot Noir, Willakia, 2006
Expression 39 degrees, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Annahula Vineyard, 2007
Bighorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Plus a bunch for Hodge Podge
Expression 44 degrees, Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2006
Expression 44 degrees, Pinot Noir, Willakia, 2006
Expression 39 degrees, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Annahula Vineyard, 2007
Bighorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Plus a bunch for Hodge Podge
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
-Salvestrin, Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, 2007
-Salvestrin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Modus Operandi, Vicarious, Napa, 2006
-Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir, Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007
-Clos Pepe, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Estate
-Belle Pente, Pinot Gris, Oregon, 2007
-Solorosa, Pinot Noir Rose, Russian River Valley, 2008
-Solorosa, Rose, RRV, 2008
-Belle Pente, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007
-Scherrer, Pinot Noir, RRV, 2006
-Bonny Doon, Ca del Solo, San Benito, 2006
-Bonny Doon, Le Cigare Volant, Red, 2004
-Salvestrin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
-Modus Operandi, Vicarious, Napa, 2006
-Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir, Estate, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007
-Clos Pepe, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Estate
-Belle Pente, Pinot Gris, Oregon, 2007
-Solorosa, Pinot Noir Rose, Russian River Valley, 2008
-Solorosa, Rose, RRV, 2008
-Belle Pente, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007
-Scherrer, Pinot Noir, RRV, 2006
-Bonny Doon, Ca del Solo, San Benito, 2006
-Bonny Doon, Le Cigare Volant, Red, 2004
Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Same as yesterday, plus . . .
-Chateau Ste Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cold Creek Vineyards, 2004 (good, but nothing exciting.)
-Jean Raphet, Clos Vougeot, Grand Cru, 1996 (tired and not great. Somewhat dissappointing.)
-Chateau Ste Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cold Creek Vineyards, 2004 (good, but nothing exciting.)
-Jean Raphet, Clos Vougeot, Grand Cru, 1996 (tired and not great. Somewhat dissappointing.)
Friday, March 20th, 2009
-Saxon Brown, Semillon, Cricket Creek, Alexander Valley, 2007
-Holly's Hill, Mourvedre, El Dorado, 2007
-Green Lion, Merlot, Napa, 2006
-Ramian, La Morra, Napa, 2005
-Bray, Alicante Bouchet, Shenendoah Valley, 2005
-Lewis, Merlot, Napa, 2003 (Delicious)
-Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1978 (slightly tired, but still enjoyable. A unique experiance.)
-Holly's Hill, Mourvedre, El Dorado, 2007
-Green Lion, Merlot, Napa, 2006
-Ramian, La Morra, Napa, 2005
-Bray, Alicante Bouchet, Shenendoah Valley, 2005
-Lewis, Merlot, Napa, 2003 (Delicious)
-Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1978 (slightly tired, but still enjoyable. A unique experiance.)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
Started off the day with . . .
Mantanzas Creek, Sauvignon Blanc, 2007
Mantanzas Creek, Chardonnay, 2006
Mantanzas Creek, Pinot Noir, 2006
Mantanzas Creek, Merlot, 2005
Arrowood, Viognier, 2006
Arrowood, Chardonnay, 2005
Arrowood, Syrah, 2003
Arrowood, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004
Sineann, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2007
Brandbourg, Pinot Noir, Umpqua, 2006
Anam Cara, Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette, 2005
Gramercy, Syrah, Lagniappe, WA, 2006
Owen Roe, Ex Umbris, Syrah, Columbia Valley, WA, 2007
All the wines above were good, especially Sineann and Owen Roe.
Hodge Podge
I knew it would happen sooner or later. Instead of the Hodge Podge being about sharing great wines with people who appreciate great wine, it turned into a display of shockingly mediocre, and dare I say, undrinkable wine. Even more surprising, some people liked all the wines!
I'm afraid that the sad truth may be that I am the one who is now jaded. Perhaps I have become the wine snob I always swore I would never become. Or perhaps grocery store wine produced by the millions of cases is not even palateable for a non-professional. Alas, I did not stand alone in my judgement of the wines last evening. Many of the tasters were too appaulled at the low quality of wines, some of which were produced by reputable producers . . . and then others produced by casino resorts and spas. Check the list below.
Some wines, like the Lebanese and the Hug, were truth attempts at bringing interesting wines and pushing the envelope of our palates. Others, were just completely "flacid" (to use Evelyn's term), uninteresting, and sad examples for what winemakers spend their lifes doing.
There was 1 or 2 saving graces in the evening, but all in all it was the poorest showing yet for a Hodge Podge.
Here are the wines. Can you guess which were the highlights?
Martin Weyrich, Reserve Nebbiolo, Paso Robles, 2004
Casillero del Diablo, Carmenere, Chile, 2007
Hug, Mourvedre, Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard, 2007
Hill Family, The Barrel Blend, Napa, 2005
Vino Sin Ley, Monastrell, Spain, 2006
Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Merlot, Central Coast, 2005
Donavan-Parke, Pinot Noir, California, 2007
Hedges, Three Vineyards, Columbia Valley WA, 2006
Massaya Classic, Cinsault/Cab Sauv/Syrah, Lebanon, 2006
Inama Vin Soave, Soave Classico, Italy, 2005 (this was perhaps the Wine of the Night)
Quilceda Creek, Red Wine, Columbia Valley, 2004 (also a contender for the WOTN)
Mantanzas Creek, Sauvignon Blanc, 2007
Mantanzas Creek, Chardonnay, 2006
Mantanzas Creek, Pinot Noir, 2006
Mantanzas Creek, Merlot, 2005
Arrowood, Viognier, 2006
Arrowood, Chardonnay, 2005
Arrowood, Syrah, 2003
Arrowood, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004
Sineann, Pinot Noir, Oregon, 2007
Brandbourg, Pinot Noir, Umpqua, 2006
Anam Cara, Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette, 2005
Gramercy, Syrah, Lagniappe, WA, 2006
Owen Roe, Ex Umbris, Syrah, Columbia Valley, WA, 2007
All the wines above were good, especially Sineann and Owen Roe.
Hodge Podge
I knew it would happen sooner or later. Instead of the Hodge Podge being about sharing great wines with people who appreciate great wine, it turned into a display of shockingly mediocre, and dare I say, undrinkable wine. Even more surprising, some people liked all the wines!
I'm afraid that the sad truth may be that I am the one who is now jaded. Perhaps I have become the wine snob I always swore I would never become. Or perhaps grocery store wine produced by the millions of cases is not even palateable for a non-professional. Alas, I did not stand alone in my judgement of the wines last evening. Many of the tasters were too appaulled at the low quality of wines, some of which were produced by reputable producers . . . and then others produced by casino resorts and spas. Check the list below.
Some wines, like the Lebanese and the Hug, were truth attempts at bringing interesting wines and pushing the envelope of our palates. Others, were just completely "flacid" (to use Evelyn's term), uninteresting, and sad examples for what winemakers spend their lifes doing.
There was 1 or 2 saving graces in the evening, but all in all it was the poorest showing yet for a Hodge Podge.
Here are the wines. Can you guess which were the highlights?
Martin Weyrich, Reserve Nebbiolo, Paso Robles, 2004
Casillero del Diablo, Carmenere, Chile, 2007
Hug, Mourvedre, Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard, 2007
Hill Family, The Barrel Blend, Napa, 2005
Vino Sin Ley, Monastrell, Spain, 2006
Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Merlot, Central Coast, 2005
Donavan-Parke, Pinot Noir, California, 2007
Hedges, Three Vineyards, Columbia Valley WA, 2006
Massaya Classic, Cinsault/Cab Sauv/Syrah, Lebanon, 2006
Inama Vin Soave, Soave Classico, Italy, 2005 (this was perhaps the Wine of the Night)
Quilceda Creek, Red Wine, Columbia Valley, 2004 (also a contender for the WOTN)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Yet another night of Rockstars!
-Cannonball, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2006
-L'Escrime, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2001
-Wall Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
-El Felino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina, 2007
-Sparrow Hawk, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll, Napa, 2005
-Blankiet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paradise Hills, Napa, 2005
This is near perfect. The wine is super polished, not a single flaw and just pure velvet on the palate. Love it, but not enough rawness to keep me interested.
-Lillian, Syrah, White Hawk, Santa Barbara, 2005
This was the WOTN for me. Exotic, roasted meat, lavendar, and tons of purity. Just a raw and exciting beast of a wine, but on a leash and perfectly tailored. Get some!
-Kuleto, Zinfandel, Napa, 2007
A good Zin, but I'm not a Zin lover, and this didn't wine me over. I'm sure plenty of people would love it.
-Cliff Lede, Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa, 2006
This is my second Cliff Lede in the past few months, and once again, I'm super impressed. The wine was a pure delight and has all the things that I love in Napa Cabernet including a sense of place and singularity. I'll beging carrying this soon.
-Delectus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1996
This was a true treat. The wine was perfectly aged, although will certainly continue to hold for another 5+ years easily. It was slight scorched red fruit quality and just a touch of cedar box. It was also showing cinnamon and potpourri. Delicious and delightful.
-Cannonball, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2006
-L'Escrime, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2001
-Wall Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
-El Felino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina, 2007
-Sparrow Hawk, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll, Napa, 2005
-Blankiet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paradise Hills, Napa, 2005
This is near perfect. The wine is super polished, not a single flaw and just pure velvet on the palate. Love it, but not enough rawness to keep me interested.
-Lillian, Syrah, White Hawk, Santa Barbara, 2005
This was the WOTN for me. Exotic, roasted meat, lavendar, and tons of purity. Just a raw and exciting beast of a wine, but on a leash and perfectly tailored. Get some!
-Kuleto, Zinfandel, Napa, 2007
A good Zin, but I'm not a Zin lover, and this didn't wine me over. I'm sure plenty of people would love it.
-Cliff Lede, Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa, 2006
This is my second Cliff Lede in the past few months, and once again, I'm super impressed. The wine was a pure delight and has all the things that I love in Napa Cabernet including a sense of place and singularity. I'll beging carrying this soon.
-Delectus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1996
This was a true treat. The wine was perfectly aged, although will certainly continue to hold for another 5+ years easily. It was slight scorched red fruit quality and just a touch of cedar box. It was also showing cinnamon and potpourri. Delicious and delightful.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hodge Podge of Rockstars!
Due to a rough week, we opened some goodies tonight.
Chateau Monbousquet, Saint-Emillion, Grand Cru, 1999
This was stunning. I've said it before, the more I drink wine, the more I want to drink older Bordeaux. It's so great. This isn't even a great vintage but it is so seductive. Release price was $35! Unreal value at $35. I can't imagine it getting much better, but it certainly will hold up for another 10 years. The nose evolved over the course of 1 hour. From cedar, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, creme de cassis, black fruit, it was a delight to smell. The palate was perfectly tailored, with lots of complexity and just the right amount of punch, wrapped in a velvet glove. This was my WOTN by far.
Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2005
Everyone loves Saxum, and it's obvious why. This wine was rich, opulent and expressive. After the Monbousquet, the alcohol seemed searing. It's really ripe, really extracted and is turned up to full-volume. I don't know why I keep opening these in their youth. I'm sure it will become great with a few more years of age, but for now, I'm not really that interested in drinking it.
Mollydooker, The Boxer, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2006
Oily, viscous, and mouthfilling. This Shiraz packs tons of wallop, flavors and intensity, but in a really greasy and oily package (in a good way). The wine penetrates the palate and overwhelms your sensory inputs so that all you can think about is this rich juice. It demands attention, pulses, and is alive with a heartbeat. If you like Aussie Shiraz for it's bigness, you can hardly do better than Mollydooker.
Chateau Margene, GSM, Paso Robles, 2006
Actually dominant in Mourvedre, this wine shows classic Paso halmarks. Overall, a really interesting and enjoyable bottle.
Beringer, Alluvium, Knight's Valley, 2004
Merlot dominated blend from Sonoma. This wine was sexy, silky, and just plump enough. I liked it a lot. $25 is a very fair price.
Bedford Thompson, Mourvedre, Santa Barbara, 2003
This one stumped everyone. We all thought it was Port-like and overripe. It showed a bit of residual sugar and no sense of age at all. Further we all thought it to be high in alcohol and it turned out to be 13.5%. Stumpper.
Covenant, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
This was splash decanted for a moment before consumption. Everyone guessed it correctly. It was delicious, but really tough to get it to show any life. It was really tightly wound. Should be a great wine in a few years.
Chateau Destieux, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, 2000
This was a great bottle. I've never heard of this producer, but the wine was great. It showed a bit of ripeness, which is indicative of the vintage, and a lot of class and pedigree. Overall, a great wine.
Chateau Monbousquet, Saint-Emillion, Grand Cru, 1999
This was stunning. I've said it before, the more I drink wine, the more I want to drink older Bordeaux. It's so great. This isn't even a great vintage but it is so seductive. Release price was $35! Unreal value at $35. I can't imagine it getting much better, but it certainly will hold up for another 10 years. The nose evolved over the course of 1 hour. From cedar, coffee, bittersweet chocolate, creme de cassis, black fruit, it was a delight to smell. The palate was perfectly tailored, with lots of complexity and just the right amount of punch, wrapped in a velvet glove. This was my WOTN by far.
Saxum, James Berry Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2005
Everyone loves Saxum, and it's obvious why. This wine was rich, opulent and expressive. After the Monbousquet, the alcohol seemed searing. It's really ripe, really extracted and is turned up to full-volume. I don't know why I keep opening these in their youth. I'm sure it will become great with a few more years of age, but for now, I'm not really that interested in drinking it.
Mollydooker, The Boxer, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2006
Oily, viscous, and mouthfilling. This Shiraz packs tons of wallop, flavors and intensity, but in a really greasy and oily package (in a good way). The wine penetrates the palate and overwhelms your sensory inputs so that all you can think about is this rich juice. It demands attention, pulses, and is alive with a heartbeat. If you like Aussie Shiraz for it's bigness, you can hardly do better than Mollydooker.
Chateau Margene, GSM, Paso Robles, 2006
Actually dominant in Mourvedre, this wine shows classic Paso halmarks. Overall, a really interesting and enjoyable bottle.
Beringer, Alluvium, Knight's Valley, 2004
Merlot dominated blend from Sonoma. This wine was sexy, silky, and just plump enough. I liked it a lot. $25 is a very fair price.
Bedford Thompson, Mourvedre, Santa Barbara, 2003
This one stumped everyone. We all thought it was Port-like and overripe. It showed a bit of residual sugar and no sense of age at all. Further we all thought it to be high in alcohol and it turned out to be 13.5%. Stumpper.
Covenant, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
This was splash decanted for a moment before consumption. Everyone guessed it correctly. It was delicious, but really tough to get it to show any life. It was really tightly wound. Should be a great wine in a few years.
Chateau Destieux, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, 2000
This was a great bottle. I've never heard of this producer, but the wine was great. It showed a bit of ripeness, which is indicative of the vintage, and a lot of class and pedigree. Overall, a great wine.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Tolaga Bay, Muscat, New Zealand, 2007
Tolaga Bay, Chardonnay, New Zealand, 2007
Ramian, Viognier, Babcock Ranch, 2007
Ramian, La Morra, Cinnamon Hill, 2005
Dark Horse, Gunfighter, Sonoma, 2006
Page, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2007
Page, Le Nu, Chardonnay, Napa, 2007
Page, Proprietary Red, Napa, 2004
Page, The Stash, Napa, 2005
Tolaga Bay, Chardonnay, New Zealand, 2007
Ramian, Viognier, Babcock Ranch, 2007
Ramian, La Morra, Cinnamon Hill, 2005
Dark Horse, Gunfighter, Sonoma, 2006
Page, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, 2007
Page, Le Nu, Chardonnay, Napa, 2007
Page, Proprietary Red, Napa, 2004
Page, The Stash, Napa, 2005
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Juris
Juris, Pinot Noir, Selecion, Austria, 2006
Juris, St. Larent, Austria, 2006
Juris, Pinot Noir, Reserve, Austria, 2003
Juris, St. Larent, Reserve, Austria, 2003
Juris, Pinot Noir, Reserve, Austria, 2000
Juris, Pinot Noir, Selecion, Austria, 2006
Juris, St. Larent, Austria, 2006
Juris, Pinot Noir, Reserve, Austria, 2003
Juris, St. Larent, Reserve, Austria, 2003
Juris, Pinot Noir, Reserve, Austria, 2000
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, March 6th, 2009
Another big day of superstars.
Vina Cobos, El Felino, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
This was awesome. It's under $20 and it's awesome. It's the Paul Hobbs project in Argentina.
Flux, Tempranillo/Graciano/Mourvedre, Lake County, 2008 (Barrel Sample)
This is barrel sample made by Mark Herold. Opaque purple in color, with vibrant edges. It will not be bottled for 12 months. It had soaring aromatics and tremendous purity. It's tough to gauge at this young state, but suffice to say, it's delicious. Still has vibrant acidity, but lacks body and texture. It should retail for $35 when it is release in 18 months.
?????, Petite Sirah, St. Helena, 2005
This was good. It's just some small vineyard in St. Helena, small production, can't remember the name but it was fine.
Kobalt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
Another stunner Kobalt. Same price as last year. To me it was more concentrated and rich than last year, but Kevin (the owner) claimed that it was more elegant than the previous vintage. Go figure. The wine rocks. It's all blueberries and creme, really finely grained tannin, richness but also plenty of finesse, their is just a touch of sweetness to the fruit, and the finish lingers with slight cocoa and vanilla bean nuances for over a minute. It's one of the great Napa Cabs in the $100 price range.
Bond, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vecina, Napa, 2002
WOWZA! Bond is one of the greats. Part of the Harlan Portfolio, Bond is also made by Bob Levy from highside vineyards in different parts of Napa. The wine showcases all the class and form of Harlan, but isn't as opulent. I dare say, I think I prefer Bond to Harlan. It is slightly more firm and poised. The wine is NEAR PERFECT. What is it missing? I'm not sure, but I hesitate to claim it's absolute perfection. I really wish I could afford these wines, because I would buy by the case. They are sensational!!!!!!! If you own this wine, don't be afraid to open it. Pervious experiences with Bond had me thinking that I should age the wine for 10 years, but this was different. It was absolutely singing right now. Get into them!
Lillian, Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, California, 2005
Maggie Harrison is the owner, she was assistant winemaker at SQN for 10 years. Her entire training has come from Manfred Krankl, and it shows in the wine. This is a new contender for finest wine in the ultra-concentrated, super-ripe, but plenty of structure and tannin sytle of Sine Qua Non, Alban, Saxum, etc. I loved it. I loved smelling it. It's a great wine, and a seminal work of Mrs. Maggie Harrison.
PInot Noir Night
Dominque Morel, Beaujolais Village, 2007 - Awesome
Domain de Roche, Bourgogne Rouge, France, 2006 - Awesome
Grouchau Cellars, Pinot Noir, Toute de Suite, Willamette, Oregon, 2007
Chesebro, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, California, 2007 - Awesome
Harmonia, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007 - Awesome
Alma Rosa, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007 - AWesome
Ken Brown, Pinot Noir, Cargassachi Vineyard, 2006 - Awesome
Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander, 2006 - Awesome
Comment on the Pinot Noir?
Vina Cobos, El Felino, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
This was awesome. It's under $20 and it's awesome. It's the Paul Hobbs project in Argentina.
Flux, Tempranillo/Graciano/Mourvedre, Lake County, 2008 (Barrel Sample)
This is barrel sample made by Mark Herold. Opaque purple in color, with vibrant edges. It will not be bottled for 12 months. It had soaring aromatics and tremendous purity. It's tough to gauge at this young state, but suffice to say, it's delicious. Still has vibrant acidity, but lacks body and texture. It should retail for $35 when it is release in 18 months.
?????, Petite Sirah, St. Helena, 2005
This was good. It's just some small vineyard in St. Helena, small production, can't remember the name but it was fine.
Kobalt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2006
Another stunner Kobalt. Same price as last year. To me it was more concentrated and rich than last year, but Kevin (the owner) claimed that it was more elegant than the previous vintage. Go figure. The wine rocks. It's all blueberries and creme, really finely grained tannin, richness but also plenty of finesse, their is just a touch of sweetness to the fruit, and the finish lingers with slight cocoa and vanilla bean nuances for over a minute. It's one of the great Napa Cabs in the $100 price range.
Bond, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vecina, Napa, 2002
WOWZA! Bond is one of the greats. Part of the Harlan Portfolio, Bond is also made by Bob Levy from highside vineyards in different parts of Napa. The wine showcases all the class and form of Harlan, but isn't as opulent. I dare say, I think I prefer Bond to Harlan. It is slightly more firm and poised. The wine is NEAR PERFECT. What is it missing? I'm not sure, but I hesitate to claim it's absolute perfection. I really wish I could afford these wines, because I would buy by the case. They are sensational!!!!!!! If you own this wine, don't be afraid to open it. Pervious experiences with Bond had me thinking that I should age the wine for 10 years, but this was different. It was absolutely singing right now. Get into them!
Lillian, Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, California, 2005
Maggie Harrison is the owner, she was assistant winemaker at SQN for 10 years. Her entire training has come from Manfred Krankl, and it shows in the wine. This is a new contender for finest wine in the ultra-concentrated, super-ripe, but plenty of structure and tannin sytle of Sine Qua Non, Alban, Saxum, etc. I loved it. I loved smelling it. It's a great wine, and a seminal work of Mrs. Maggie Harrison.
PInot Noir Night
Dominque Morel, Beaujolais Village, 2007 - Awesome
Domain de Roche, Bourgogne Rouge, France, 2006 - Awesome
Grouchau Cellars, Pinot Noir, Toute de Suite, Willamette, Oregon, 2007
Chesebro, Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, California, 2007 - Awesome
Harmonia, Pinot Noir, Willamette, 2007 - Awesome
Alma Rosa, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007 - AWesome
Ken Brown, Pinot Noir, Cargassachi Vineyard, 2006 - Awesome
Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander, 2006 - Awesome
Comment on the Pinot Noir?
Thursday, March 5th, 2009
Mas d'en Compte, Priorat, Spain, 2005
Parker 94. It was surprisingly soft, the last 3 times I had this wine, it was super dense and hardly tannic. This was a very pleasent showing of the wine, and it still has 10 years (easily) of life left in it.
Raymond, Cabernet sauvignon, Reserve, Napa, 2005
This was good, textbook, varietally corrent Cab from Napa. Nothing more, nothing less.
Linne Calado, Outsider, Paso Robles, 2006
75% Zin with the balance being Syrah and Mourvedre. It was good, but not really my style. It has Zin transparency, juiciness, and fruitiness, but with a little extra depth interest due to the Rhone grapes.
Teusner, Albert, Barossa, 2004
This was delightful. It didn't seem like standard Barossa to me. Perhaps 2004 wasn't as hot as normal? It was a little subdued, and I actually guessed it to be Cali Grenache. It is mostly Syrah with the balance being Grenache and other Rhones. A great wine from a great producer.
?????, Malbec, Mendoza, 2006
Don't remember the name of this one. It was a $20 Malbec and it was good.
Altozano, Verdejo/Sauvblanc, Spain, 2007
Vina Borgia, Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2007
Protocolo, Tinto, Spain, 2006
Parker 94. It was surprisingly soft, the last 3 times I had this wine, it was super dense and hardly tannic. This was a very pleasent showing of the wine, and it still has 10 years (easily) of life left in it.
Raymond, Cabernet sauvignon, Reserve, Napa, 2005
This was good, textbook, varietally corrent Cab from Napa. Nothing more, nothing less.
Linne Calado, Outsider, Paso Robles, 2006
75% Zin with the balance being Syrah and Mourvedre. It was good, but not really my style. It has Zin transparency, juiciness, and fruitiness, but with a little extra depth interest due to the Rhone grapes.
Teusner, Albert, Barossa, 2004
This was delightful. It didn't seem like standard Barossa to me. Perhaps 2004 wasn't as hot as normal? It was a little subdued, and I actually guessed it to be Cali Grenache. It is mostly Syrah with the balance being Grenache and other Rhones. A great wine from a great producer.
?????, Malbec, Mendoza, 2006
Don't remember the name of this one. It was a $20 Malbec and it was good.
Altozano, Verdejo/Sauvblanc, Spain, 2007
Vina Borgia, Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2007
Protocolo, Tinto, Spain, 2006
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
This was a full day of tasting.
Brundlmayer, Gruner Veltliner, Kamptaler Terrassen, 2007
Brunlmeyar, Gruner Veltliner, Alte Reben, 2002
Brundlmeyar, Riesling, Zobinger, Heiligenstein "Lyra", 2007
Brundlmeyar, St. Laurent Ried Ladner, 2003
Lucas & Lewellen, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2006
Queen of Hearts, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2007
Mandolina, Dolcetto, SBC, 2007
Mas, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
Bouchard, Bourgogne Blanc, 2006
Naia, Verdejo, Rueda, Spain, 2007
santa Julia, PInot Noir, Argentina, 2008
Uco, Urban, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
Urban, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2005
Onix, Priorat, Spain, 2006
Can Blau, Monsant, Spain, 2007
Green Lion, Merlot, Napa, 2006
Chateau la Greffiere, Macon la Roche-Vineuse, 2007
Bucklin, Zinfandel, Sonoma, 2006
Jean Louis Tribouley, Les Bacs, VdP, 2007
Yann Chave, Croze Hermitage, 2007
Whew. That was a tough one. The Brundlmeyar wines are among the finest in Austria, but their expensive. All the Spanish stuff was awesome, as was the 2007 Rhones . . . Surprise, surprise.
Brundlmayer, Gruner Veltliner, Kamptaler Terrassen, 2007
Brunlmeyar, Gruner Veltliner, Alte Reben, 2002
Brundlmeyar, Riesling, Zobinger, Heiligenstein "Lyra", 2007
Brundlmeyar, St. Laurent Ried Ladner, 2003
Lucas & Lewellen, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2006
Queen of Hearts, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2007
Mandolina, Dolcetto, SBC, 2007
Mas, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
Bouchard, Bourgogne Blanc, 2006
Naia, Verdejo, Rueda, Spain, 2007
santa Julia, PInot Noir, Argentina, 2008
Uco, Urban, Malbec, Mendoza, 2007
Urban, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2005
Onix, Priorat, Spain, 2006
Can Blau, Monsant, Spain, 2007
Green Lion, Merlot, Napa, 2006
Chateau la Greffiere, Macon la Roche-Vineuse, 2007
Bucklin, Zinfandel, Sonoma, 2006
Jean Louis Tribouley, Les Bacs, VdP, 2007
Yann Chave, Croze Hermitage, 2007
Whew. That was a tough one. The Brundlmeyar wines are among the finest in Austria, but their expensive. All the Spanish stuff was awesome, as was the 2007 Rhones . . . Surprise, surprise.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009
Just 1 . . .
M. Chapoutier, La Bernardine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, 2005
This was a great wine. Not nearly as large and brooding as most '05s that I've had. It's actually very elegant and subtle, but with plenty of polished tannin that will prevent age from coming too quickly. This is a great under $50 CdP buy.
M. Chapoutier, La Bernardine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, 2005
This was a great wine. Not nearly as large and brooding as most '05s that I've had. It's actually very elegant and subtle, but with plenty of polished tannin that will prevent age from coming too quickly. This is a great under $50 CdP buy.
Friday, February 27th, 2009
Nickel & Nickel, Merlot, Suscol Ranch, Napa, 2005
Terrabianca, Il Tesoro, Tuscany, 2004
Ladera, Merlot, Howell Mtn, Napa, 2005
Realm, Farella, Napa, 2005 (WOTN)
Mt. Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Crocker & Star, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005
Owen Roe, Cabernet Sauvigon, Walla Walla, 2006
Terrabianca, Il Tesoro, Tuscany, 2004
Ladera, Merlot, Howell Mtn, Napa, 2005
Realm, Farella, Napa, 2005 (WOTN)
Mt. Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2005
Crocker & Star, Cabernet Franc, Napa, 2005
Owen Roe, Cabernet Sauvigon, Walla Walla, 2006
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