Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Same Sparklers as yesterday.

Curry Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Temecula, 2006
This was possibly the worst Cab I've tasted in 2008. There was nothing redeeming about it. Tasted like Mega Purple, with tons of Vanilla extract, and underlying under ripe fruit.

Curry Vineyards, Syrah, Temecula, 2006
Only slightly less offensive then the Cab.

Vine Cliff, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, 2002
I expected more from this wine. It was good, but I expected fireworks. Thoroughly enjoyable, but far from life changing.

Alto Moncayo, Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2003
This hasn't budged in its evolution over the past 3 years. It is ultra-ripe, heavily oaked, and unbelievably expressive. Not my style, but a well made wine utilizing excellent fruit.

Bogle, Phantom, California, 2005
This was opened on Tuesday as was suffering the effects. Flat and tired.

Betts & Scholl, Grenache, Barossa, 2006
This was a wine that I used to love. It was dreadfully disappointing this day. Thin and under ripe, although it just tasted like perhaps the vines weren't fully mature, but the grapes still reached phenolic ripeness. I'll have to revisit this one later in its life.