13.5% Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa
Imported by American Wine Distribution Inc, San Francisco, CA
(An entry in the Syrahs around the world gift pack from my mom).
Nice nose with hints of vanill, spice, ink and sweet fruits. Rough flavors. Some cherry/berry but too much charred oak, tobacco, and tannin. Strangely watery and thin as well. No balance. Pretty unappealing example of my sacred Syrah. Needs more acid and deeper character. Less oak. (Big loser so far of Syrah's around the world taste-off).
Friday, November 9, 2012
Abadia del Roble
12.5% Bodegas Ayuso Villarrobledo, Denominacion de Origin, La Mancha
Imported by Chateau Diana, Healdsburg, CA
Not much nose, a little sweet and spice. Smooth and easy drinking with some of that camphour of Spaniards, but not much finish or depth. Something to drink, but not much to ponder.
Imported by Chateau Diana, Healdsburg, CA
Not much nose, a little sweet and spice. Smooth and easy drinking with some of that camphour of Spaniards, but not much finish or depth. Something to drink, but not much to ponder.
Billy Rock Station Petit Verdot 2006 Limited Release Selection
12.5% Produced and bottled by: Australian Vintage Ltd., Parkside, South Aus.
Imported by AWdirect, Novato, CA
Nice and fruity with a hint of alcohol on the nose. Berry and cherry tart flavors. Somewhat tart. Not deep nor complex, bur clean, forward wine with a bit softer tone than most fruit bomb Aussie reds. And maybe the only Petite Verdot I'll ever have....(turned out to not be true).
Imported by AWdirect, Novato, CA
Nice and fruity with a hint of alcohol on the nose. Berry and cherry tart flavors. Somewhat tart. Not deep nor complex, bur clean, forward wine with a bit softer tone than most fruit bomb Aussie reds. And maybe the only Petite Verdot I'll ever have....(turned out to not be true).
Rustenburg Roxton Shiraz Western Cape South Africa 2006
14.5% Produced by Rustenberg Wines, Stellenbosch, S. A.
Imported by Afrilink Corp. Portland, OR
93% Shiraz, 3% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache, 2% Viognier
16 months oak aged
Nice nose of fruit, herb and leather. Clean and fairly smooth. Elements of ink and maybe mint. Not fruit forward but there is some there under a layer or two. Nice bitter and tart finish. Not much length on the palate, but tasty and balanced with the Syrah components I look for. A nice South African representative for the Shiraz/Syrah Rhone Rangers around the world. (Tar and smoke on second go around). (Still find S.A. wines heavy and maybe over oaked...Lacking the lightness for good balance). Tried it again, oaky and strong but still good.
Imported by Afrilink Corp. Portland, OR
93% Shiraz, 3% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache, 2% Viognier
16 months oak aged
Nice nose of fruit, herb and leather. Clean and fairly smooth. Elements of ink and maybe mint. Not fruit forward but there is some there under a layer or two. Nice bitter and tart finish. Not much length on the palate, but tasty and balanced with the Syrah components I look for. A nice South African representative for the Shiraz/Syrah Rhone Rangers around the world. (Tar and smoke on second go around). (Still find S.A. wines heavy and maybe over oaked...Lacking the lightness for good balance). Tried it again, oaky and strong but still good.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Concannon Central Coast Petite Sirah 2006
Limited Release, "America's 1st Petite Sirah", Established 1883 in the Livermore Valley, CA
concannonvineyard.com
The color of over-ripe Santa Rosa plum. That is to say black-backed-purple. Nice nose; vanilla and lavender and rose with of course a tad of red, ripe fruits. Rich and smooth with a sweet hint and tons of flavor. Nice tannins and some tart lip smacking acids. Plenty of inky goodness too. These mofos have got their Petite Sirah down. This wine has it all. Maybe, just maybe, a Petite Sirah 11.
concannonvineyard.com
The color of over-ripe Santa Rosa plum. That is to say black-backed-purple. Nice nose; vanilla and lavender and rose with of course a tad of red, ripe fruits. Rich and smooth with a sweet hint and tons of flavor. Nice tannins and some tart lip smacking acids. Plenty of inky goodness too. These mofos have got their Petite Sirah down. This wine has it all. Maybe, just maybe, a Petite Sirah 11.
Vintjs Syrah Central Coast 2008
Produced and bottled by: Robert N. Lindquist, Santa Maria, CA, 13.8%
(Syrah's Around the World gift from my mom entry)
Some fruit and Syrah spice on the nose. Fairly mild however. Lovely rose edged deep crimson/purple color. Meat to the palate. Some nice berry and herbs on the tongue. Not much linger and less tang or tannin than I'd like from a Syrah. Overall a good little Syrah, but not jump up and shout wine.
(Syrah's Around the World gift from my mom entry)
Some fruit and Syrah spice on the nose. Fairly mild however. Lovely rose edged deep crimson/purple color. Meat to the palate. Some nice berry and herbs on the tongue. Not much linger and less tang or tannin than I'd like from a Syrah. Overall a good little Syrah, but not jump up and shout wine.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Clos Du Bois North Coast Pinot Noir 2006
13.5%, closdubois.com Geyserville, CA
Lovely fruit filled nose. Smells of cherry, strawberry and rose petals. Clear, clean flavors of red ripe summer berries and plums. A hint of bitter and spice but just the perfect compliment. Delicate but strong. Clear but complex. My kind o' Pinot.
Lovely fruit filled nose. Smells of cherry, strawberry and rose petals. Clear, clean flavors of red ripe summer berries and plums. A hint of bitter and spice but just the perfect compliment. Delicate but strong. Clear but complex. My kind o' Pinot.
Castoro Cellars Zinfandel Paso Robles 2005
14.5%, Produced and Bottled by Castoro Wines, San Miguel, CA
S.I.P. Grower with Central Vineyard Team
Inky, slightly smokey nose. Less fruit more "winey" than your average expectation from Zin. Fruit in the palate and linger. Also packs that Zin zing. Some herb and bitter but nice balance. Tasty hot-climate-classic California Zin. Damn fine way to introduce the Paso Zin to the unknowing.
S.I.P. Grower with Central Vineyard Team
Inky, slightly smokey nose. Less fruit more "winey" than your average expectation from Zin. Fruit in the palate and linger. Also packs that Zin zing. Some herb and bitter but nice balance. Tasty hot-climate-classic California Zin. Damn fine way to introduce the Paso Zin to the unknowing.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Schild Estate Barossa Shiraz 2006
Produced by Moorooroo Estate Wines. Lyndoch, South Australia. 14.5%
Imported by: The Australian Wine Connection, Carlsbad, CA.
Deep nose with some ink and spice. Smells like wine. Robust with heavy American oak, and dark fruits in the Aussie style. Somewhat plain Jane however. Not much acid nor brightness to the flavor. Just kinda heavy without much character (like the band AC/DC), but a drinkable example of the Aussie style "Shiraz".
Imported by: The Australian Wine Connection, Carlsbad, CA.
Deep nose with some ink and spice. Smells like wine. Robust with heavy American oak, and dark fruits in the Aussie style. Somewhat plain Jane however. Not much acid nor brightness to the flavor. Just kinda heavy without much character (like the band AC/DC), but a drinkable example of the Aussie style "Shiraz".
Pegos Claros Castelao 2000
Palmela, Peninsula de Setubal, Portugal. Companhia das Quintas. 13.5%
Produced and Bottled by: Soc. Agricola da Quinta da Romeira de Cima
Imported by: HGC Imports, San Jose, CA (408) 947-8511
Ripe, jammy nose with a bit of soy sauce and ripe cherry. Elegant and aged flavors. Nice and tart with good tannins, but crisp and balanced as well. Leaves a vanilla, smokey-fruity linger that lasts and lasts. Dark. Dark color, dark flavors, dark feel. Almost port-like without the sweetness nor the alcohol kick. I like it a lot but could see that some may not. (Pressed "using the the traditional pressing by feet. . .").
Produced and Bottled by: Soc. Agricola da Quinta da Romeira de Cima
Imported by: HGC Imports, San Jose, CA (408) 947-8511
Ripe, jammy nose with a bit of soy sauce and ripe cherry. Elegant and aged flavors. Nice and tart with good tannins, but crisp and balanced as well. Leaves a vanilla, smokey-fruity linger that lasts and lasts. Dark. Dark color, dark flavors, dark feel. Almost port-like without the sweetness nor the alcohol kick. I like it a lot but could see that some may not. (Pressed "using the the traditional pressing by feet. . .").
Abrazo de Toro Syrah 2007
Produced and bottled by : Covinca S. Coop Longares, Spain. Carinena Denominacion de Origen. 13.5%
Imported by: Evaki, Inc. San Luis Obisbo, CA. www.axialvinos.com
Smokey, rich nose. Nothing sweet there (little leather perhaps). Lovely deep-pink-edged crimson color. Thin and watery on the tongue. Fresh, young. Has the pucker-y acid, smoke and camphour many Spanish wines are known for, but lacks the strong flavors of my favorite Syrahs. Certainly a quaffable Spaniard, but not a particularly "interesting" Syrah.
Imported by: Evaki, Inc. San Luis Obisbo, CA. www.axialvinos.com
Smokey, rich nose. Nothing sweet there (little leather perhaps). Lovely deep-pink-edged crimson color. Thin and watery on the tongue. Fresh, young. Has the pucker-y acid, smoke and camphour many Spanish wines are known for, but lacks the strong flavors of my favorite Syrahs. Certainly a quaffable Spaniard, but not a particularly "interesting" Syrah.
Blue Fin Petite Sirah 2007
Cellared and Bottled by: Blue Fin Winery, Napa, CA 12.5%
Nice fruity and ink elements in the nose. Decent smooth flavors. Ripe fruits and supple mouth-feel. Somewhat tart and tannic to finish. Good example of the type (cheap, Petite Sirah), but a bit flat, not as deep as it should, could, would be. . .
Nice fruity and ink elements in the nose. Decent smooth flavors. Ripe fruits and supple mouth-feel. Somewhat tart and tannic to finish. Good example of the type (cheap, Petite Sirah), but a bit flat, not as deep as it should, could, would be. . .
Novella Synergy 2008
Paso Robles, CA 13.5%
45% Zin, 25% Petite Sirah, 18% Cab Sauv, 8% Syrah, 2% Cab Franc, 2% Sangiovese
See previous for the 2007 Vintage review.
Rich, deep, earthy and savory nose. Has a bit of fruit, but that's not the main aroma. Nice tart and bitter elements to the palate. Crisp and tart with fruit, oak and smoke. Lovely maroon color. A nice wine and a steal for like 3-5 dollars at Grocery Outlet.
45% Zin, 25% Petite Sirah, 18% Cab Sauv, 8% Syrah, 2% Cab Franc, 2% Sangiovese
See previous for the 2007 Vintage review.
Rich, deep, earthy and savory nose. Has a bit of fruit, but that's not the main aroma. Nice tart and bitter elements to the palate. Crisp and tart with fruit, oak and smoke. Lovely maroon color. A nice wine and a steal for like 3-5 dollars at Grocery Outlet.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Primo Amore Sangiovese (51%) Merlot (49%) 2005
Bottled by Casa Vinicola, Gamellara/Sicilia Ind. Geo. Tipica, Zonin, Italy. 13%
Imported by: Zonin USA Inc. Charlottesville, VA
(Cheesy Romeo and Juliet quote about a rose by any other name. . .on the label).
Rustic, sweet but pleasing nose with a fruity herby mix. Smooth and jammy in the mouth, but tempered by elegant tannins and a nice bitter hint. Good but unconventional blend. Keeps the good name of Sicilian reds intact. Nice hearty but balanced wine with an unfortunate label of roses and Shakespeare related B.S. comparing Romeo and Juliet to Merlot and Sangiovese. I guess it goes to show, don't always judge a wine by it's label.
Imported by: Zonin USA Inc. Charlottesville, VA
(Cheesy Romeo and Juliet quote about a rose by any other name. . .on the label).
Rustic, sweet but pleasing nose with a fruity herby mix. Smooth and jammy in the mouth, but tempered by elegant tannins and a nice bitter hint. Good but unconventional blend. Keeps the good name of Sicilian reds intact. Nice hearty but balanced wine with an unfortunate label of roses and Shakespeare related B.S. comparing Romeo and Juliet to Merlot and Sangiovese. I guess it goes to show, don't always judge a wine by it's label.
Steelhead Quivira Vineyards Zinfandel 2006
Dry Creek Valley. Quivira Vineyards Sonoma, CA. 13.8%
(Trout Unlimited seal of approval and a donation to them for each bottle sold).
Subtle and elegant aroma. Some fruit, and a bit of herb and spice. Soft and supple for a Zin. Sort of easy and smooth, but has a bit of fruit and nice round flavor. A bit puckery and a berry/plum linger on the finish. A good Zinfandel for the Merlot drinker perhaps. . .I like a little more dramatic presentation in my Zins.
(Trout Unlimited seal of approval and a donation to them for each bottle sold).
Subtle and elegant aroma. Some fruit, and a bit of herb and spice. Soft and supple for a Zin. Sort of easy and smooth, but has a bit of fruit and nice round flavor. A bit puckery and a berry/plum linger on the finish. A good Zinfandel for the Merlot drinker perhaps. . .I like a little more dramatic presentation in my Zins.
Castel Pujol Tannat 2004 Uruguay
Cepas Nobles Estate bottled. Cerro Chapeu Region. 12.5%
Imported by: Victoire Imports, San Leandro, CA.
Smokey, earthy and slightly fruity nose. Dark deep color. Thin and a tad watery but smokey and robust elements to the flavor. Nice lingering finish of bitter tannins and tart red stone fruits. (Tobacco leaf in there somewhere too). Interesting variety that hints at Carmene and Sangiovese, but this version of Tannat is not a deep or well made example. Pretty good but I'd like to taste more Tannat to see what is standard (or good) for the type. Add Uruguay as another area of the world with wines with potential.
Imported by: Victoire Imports, San Leandro, CA.
Smokey, earthy and slightly fruity nose. Dark deep color. Thin and a tad watery but smokey and robust elements to the flavor. Nice lingering finish of bitter tannins and tart red stone fruits. (Tobacco leaf in there somewhere too). Interesting variety that hints at Carmene and Sangiovese, but this version of Tannat is not a deep or well made example. Pretty good but I'd like to taste more Tannat to see what is standard (or good) for the type. Add Uruguay as another area of the world with wines with potential.
Salmon Harbor Merlot 2006
Columbia Valley AVA, Prosser, WA. 13.8%
Nice soft nose of cassis and camphor. Tasty rich wine with smoke, tang and layered fruit. Shows why WA Merlot is Merlot unlike any other. Not overly fruit bombed the way CA Merlot sometimes is and has a nice degree of structure for a lower priced wine. Also has a nice salmon graced label and a good WSU crimson color. Way to represent the home state!
Note: This label has dropped off the face of the Earth. It was part of Vincor which is a Constellation subset. They own Hogue Cellars and R.H. Phillips.
Nice soft nose of cassis and camphor. Tasty rich wine with smoke, tang and layered fruit. Shows why WA Merlot is Merlot unlike any other. Not overly fruit bombed the way CA Merlot sometimes is and has a nice degree of structure for a lower priced wine. Also has a nice salmon graced label and a good WSU crimson color. Way to represent the home state!
Note: This label has dropped off the face of the Earth. It was part of Vincor which is a Constellation subset. They own Hogue Cellars and R.H. Phillips.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Barefoot Merlot
Barefoot Cellars, Modesto, CA. 13.5%.
Cherry, berry, etc. nose with a hint of chocolate. Super fruity and sweet palate. Easy drinking and lacking tannins or any bitter elements. OK, but boring and plain. None of the soft, interesting flavors that can bring Merlot out of its, "I'm not drinking any *%$@! Merlot." reputation.
Cherry, berry, etc. nose with a hint of chocolate. Super fruity and sweet palate. Easy drinking and lacking tannins or any bitter elements. OK, but boring and plain. None of the soft, interesting flavors that can bring Merlot out of its, "I'm not drinking any *%$@! Merlot." reputation.
Twisted Merlot CA 2007
Twisted Wine Cellars, Manteca, CA. 13.5%.
Deep and cheery nose. Some red fruits. Some earthy tones, but also fresh elements. Soft, sweet and sparkle-y, but nicely balanced as well. Fruit comes through at the end. Has a little edge which is nice. Quite drinkable wine that straddles the French, Spanish line and avoids the CA fruit bomb trappings of Merlot.
Deep and cheery nose. Some red fruits. Some earthy tones, but also fresh elements. Soft, sweet and sparkle-y, but nicely balanced as well. Fruit comes through at the end. Has a little edge which is nice. Quite drinkable wine that straddles the French, Spanish line and avoids the CA fruit bomb trappings of Merlot.
Guenoc California Selection Petite Sirah 2007
Langtry Estate and Vineyard, Middletown, CA. 13.0%.
Earthy and mild nose has a little berry and maybe pencil lead. Tart and tannic with a bit of snap and crispness. Dark fruits and heavy hands make for a powerful customer. Could be a bit more subtle and supple for balance, but maybe that would come over time from some aging. Still makes for a fine, rich, representative of the type. Nice fruit on the finish.
Earthy and mild nose has a little berry and maybe pencil lead. Tart and tannic with a bit of snap and crispness. Dark fruits and heavy hands make for a powerful customer. Could be a bit more subtle and supple for balance, but maybe that would come over time from some aging. Still makes for a fine, rich, representative of the type. Nice fruit on the finish.
Cameron Hughes Lot 70 Petite Sirah 2006
Cameron Hughes Wine Trading Company, Geyserville, CA. www.chwine.com. 13.5%.
Lush and rich nose with the characteristic dark fruits and inky elements found in Petite. Sweet stewed fruit bottom as well in the aroma. Rich, hearty wine with lots of flavor from from to finish. Nice bitter and tangy notes but plenty of lingering fruit. Intense and extracted wine, but filled with flavor and nice tannins to complete the fine finish. Lucky Lot 7 -Ohhh!
Lush and rich nose with the characteristic dark fruits and inky elements found in Petite. Sweet stewed fruit bottom as well in the aroma. Rich, hearty wine with lots of flavor from from to finish. Nice bitter and tangy notes but plenty of lingering fruit. Intense and extracted wine, but filled with flavor and nice tannins to complete the fine finish. Lucky Lot 7 -Ohhh!
R.H. Philips Zinfandel 2004
Esparto, CA. 14.5%
92% Zin, 8% Petite Sirah
Smoke and spice with some alcohol and that berry jam of Zin on the nose. A bit of rust on the fringe color-wise. Softer and smoother flavors than a complex Zin. Some smoke and spice in the finish. Lingers with nice dry fruit leather and roast nut elements to finish. Decent and drinkable Zin. Too bad it appears it was phased out by the winery instead of improved.
92% Zin, 8% Petite Sirah
Smoke and spice with some alcohol and that berry jam of Zin on the nose. A bit of rust on the fringe color-wise. Softer and smoother flavors than a complex Zin. Some smoke and spice in the finish. Lingers with nice dry fruit leather and roast nut elements to finish. Decent and drinkable Zin. Too bad it appears it was phased out by the winery instead of improved.
Ramazzotti Vineyards Raffinto Sonoma County 2006
Coverdale, CA. 707-857-3428. www. RAMAZZOTTIWINES.com. 14.5%
60% Sangiovese, 16% Cab Sauv, 12% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 5% Cab Franc
A touch of balsamic vinegar on the nose, but also fruit of red, herbs of green, and soil of grey. Pinky, crimson color. Fruity, jammy flavors of plum and cherry with elements of strawberry. Bright and crisp. Nice tart and tannic finish. A little gruff, but very drinkable. "Super Tuscan" blend ala CA. Packed with flavor and generous on the palate. Amore.
60% Sangiovese, 16% Cab Sauv, 12% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 5% Cab Franc
A touch of balsamic vinegar on the nose, but also fruit of red, herbs of green, and soil of grey. Pinky, crimson color. Fruity, jammy flavors of plum and cherry with elements of strawberry. Bright and crisp. Nice tart and tannic finish. A little gruff, but very drinkable. "Super Tuscan" blend ala CA. Packed with flavor and generous on the palate. Amore.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Granacha 2007
Calatayud Red Wine, Spain. 14.5%
Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, www.europeancellars.com
Cool label. Shimmery. Robust nose with lavender and ink. Maybe a little licorice. Zingy flavors with lots of bright almost minty punch. A tinge sweet, but also tart/inky/smooth. Fills the mouth with supple fruit and finishes with a firm smack. Nice Spanish wine for drinking alone, or with a chatty Spaniard. Or with any tasty Spanish tapa assortment. !Que Bueno Vino! As cool and shimmery a wine as the label.
2010 Altovinum Evodia tasted in early 2012. 15%
Same cool label. Fruity nose. Denser perhaps. Again has plenty of inky-ness and zingy flavors. A lot of supple fruits. Another lovely vintage, but a little less exciting when I already knew it was a good wine.
Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, www.europeancellars.com
Cool label. Shimmery. Robust nose with lavender and ink. Maybe a little licorice. Zingy flavors with lots of bright almost minty punch. A tinge sweet, but also tart/inky/smooth. Fills the mouth with supple fruit and finishes with a firm smack. Nice Spanish wine for drinking alone, or with a chatty Spaniard. Or with any tasty Spanish tapa assortment. !Que Bueno Vino! As cool and shimmery a wine as the label.
2010 Altovinum Evodia tasted in early 2012. 15%
Same cool label. Fruity nose. Denser perhaps. Again has plenty of inky-ness and zingy flavors. A lot of supple fruits. Another lovely vintage, but a little less exciting when I already knew it was a good wine.
Friday, May 4, 2012
EOS Petite Sirah Paso Robles 2004
Brother Ranch Vineyard, EOS Estate Winery, 13.5%
Almost black, deep-purple color. Robust, deep nose with ink and dark ripe cherry and cassis with a little incense. Very much a petite sirah of what one looks for in the varietal made right. Inky and tannic with hidden tarty fruits (i.e. black currants), and a fresh minty finish of sorts. A very strong, extracted wine full of flavor, but balanced. And it lingers like a good kiss.
Almost black, deep-purple color. Robust, deep nose with ink and dark ripe cherry and cassis with a little incense. Very much a petite sirah of what one looks for in the varietal made right. Inky and tannic with hidden tarty fruits (i.e. black currants), and a fresh minty finish of sorts. A very strong, extracted wine full of flavor, but balanced. And it lingers like a good kiss.
Escale Pinot Noir Vin de Pays D'oc
Product of France. Les Producteurs Renuis a F. 34360. 13%.
Importer: North American Beverage Group, Clarkson. MI
Tart fruit nose with a bit of sweetness. Up front flavors with plenty of strawberry, raspberry, and red huckleberry mixed with some cherry. Tart start but supple on the backside. (Hey I know some girls like that...). Nice plum to pink color. A tad of spice and cedar, but not as lingering and lasting as great Pinot. Good enough to drink before dinner or during football on Monday night.
Importer: North American Beverage Group, Clarkson. MI
Tart fruit nose with a bit of sweetness. Up front flavors with plenty of strawberry, raspberry, and red huckleberry mixed with some cherry. Tart start but supple on the backside. (Hey I know some girls like that...). Nice plum to pink color. A tad of spice and cedar, but not as lingering and lasting as great Pinot. Good enough to drink before dinner or during football on Monday night.
Novella Synergy 2007 Paso Robles
EOS Estate Winery, Nathan Carlson, winemaker, Paso Robles, CA
37% Petite Sirah, 25% Zin, 20% Merlot, 18% Sangiovese
Robust, rich nose. Sweet elements of red fruits, slight hint of oak and smoke. Lovely crimson color. Plenty of tart fruits: elements of plum and berries. Finishes rich and strong on the tongue with good tannins and lingering fruit. Some spice and licorice perhaps as well. Excellent, fruit forward, intense wine with character and another great character (a lady of the wine and vine) on the bottle.
37% Petite Sirah, 25% Zin, 20% Merlot, 18% Sangiovese
Robust, rich nose. Sweet elements of red fruits, slight hint of oak and smoke. Lovely crimson color. Plenty of tart fruits: elements of plum and berries. Finishes rich and strong on the tongue with good tannins and lingering fruit. Some spice and licorice perhaps as well. Excellent, fruit forward, intense wine with character and another great character (a lady of the wine and vine) on the bottle.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Red Wire Hawkes Bay 2006
Mount George Vineyards, New Zealand. 13%
31% Malbec, 27% Cab Sav, 22% Cab Franc, 20% Merlot
Imported by: Oceania Wines, New York, NY
Nice nose; savory, bitter, and fruity. Crisp yet full flavors.. Finishes soft. Simple elements of cherry, berry, and ink. Tasty, balanced tart blend. Savory and spicy but just enough fruit to make the tastes come through. As the slang filled label says, "What a Ripper"!
(And well liked by the "winos" at Marisa's thesis is complete party. . . .)
31% Malbec, 27% Cab Sav, 22% Cab Franc, 20% Merlot
Imported by: Oceania Wines, New York, NY
Nice nose; savory, bitter, and fruity. Crisp yet full flavors.. Finishes soft. Simple elements of cherry, berry, and ink. Tasty, balanced tart blend. Savory and spicy but just enough fruit to make the tastes come through. As the slang filled label says, "What a Ripper"!
(And well liked by the "winos" at Marisa's thesis is complete party. . . .)
Rhone Valley Vineyards LaVieille Ferme 2007
Jean Pierre Perrin
Appellation: Cotes Du Ventoux, Orange, France
50% Grenanche, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 15% Cinsault
Imported by: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL
P.S. It's the one with the two painted chickens on the label
Nice ink and savory, mild nose. Nothing sweet in there really. Good balance of tart and bitter elements. Flavors of red vine/bramble fruits and a bit of spice. Smooth but not really "soft". Very drinkable, but not complex nor that deep. Table wine to buy in the big bottle.
Appellation: Cotes Du Ventoux, Orange, France
50% Grenanche, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 15% Cinsault
Imported by: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL
P.S. It's the one with the two painted chickens on the label
Nice ink and savory, mild nose. Nothing sweet in there really. Good balance of tart and bitter elements. Flavors of red vine/bramble fruits and a bit of spice. Smooth but not really "soft". Very drinkable, but not complex nor that deep. Table wine to buy in the big bottle.
Tancredi Donnafugata 2005
Marsala, Sicily, Italy. 14%
70% Nero d' Avola, 30% Cabernet Sav.
D di OG: Contessa Gutellina Rosso
Imported by: Folio Wine Company, Napa, CA
www.foliowine.com
Mild nose. Good ink and spice elements in the nose. Tart with fruit mixed with smoke and spice on the tongue. Good level of tannins, but flavor complements them. A robust and heavy wine with plenty of pizazz. Could be a little softer but good flavor throughout.
70% Nero d' Avola, 30% Cabernet Sav.
D di OG: Contessa Gutellina Rosso
Imported by: Folio Wine Company, Napa, CA
www.foliowine.com
Mild nose. Good ink and spice elements in the nose. Tart with fruit mixed with smoke and spice on the tongue. Good level of tannins, but flavor complements them. A robust and heavy wine with plenty of pizazz. Could be a little softer but good flavor throughout.
La Finca Malbec 2008
Finca La Celia, Mendoza, Argentina, 12.5%
www.fincalacelia.com.ar
Imported by: American Beverage Group, Inc., San Clemente, CA
Heavy ripe nose. Some savory elements and a bit of spice, Fruit forward with strong berry-cherry elements. Tannins on finish with strong dried fruits. Richer and more interesting after a bit of air. Seems like a different wine than the one I had right out of the bottle. Kinda reminds me of some Zins.
www.fincalacelia.com.ar
Imported by: American Beverage Group, Inc., San Clemente, CA
Heavy ripe nose. Some savory elements and a bit of spice, Fruit forward with strong berry-cherry elements. Tannins on finish with strong dried fruits. Richer and more interesting after a bit of air. Seems like a different wine than the one I had right out of the bottle. Kinda reminds me of some Zins.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Chateau Vieille Tour La Roche 2007
12.5% Grand Vin de Bordeaux
Earl Vignobles Labonne De l'agriculture
eco cert: Biologique Certifie
Import: Latitude Wines INC, Danville, CA
Alcohol, ink very savory, little fruit on nose. Perfumed and light for the blend. Some fruit lingers with a little tannin. Thinner and light than expected. Not bad. But sorta boring and plain. Nothing stunning.
eco cert: Biologique Certifie
Import: Latitude Wines INC, Danville, CA
Alcohol, ink very savory, little fruit on nose. Perfumed and light for the blend. Some fruit lingers with a little tannin. Thinner and light than expected. Not bad. But sorta boring and plain. Nothing stunning.
Shannon Ridge Syrah Lake County 2007
14.2%, Geyserville, CA
www.shannonridge.com
(Sustainable farming -so it says on the bottle says).
Nice garnet color. Nose mild but Syrahesque with requisite ink and savory aspects. Spicy and earthy elements, fruit later.Interesting. Supple and round mouth feel with a little hit on the tannin at the end. Nice and bitter. Excellent fruit filled aftertaste. Good drinkable young Syrah. Way to go Sustainable Farmers.
(Sustainable farming -so it says on the bottle says).
Nice garnet color. Nose mild but Syrahesque with requisite ink and savory aspects. Spicy and earthy elements, fruit later.Interesting. Supple and round mouth feel with a little hit on the tannin at the end. Nice and bitter. Excellent fruit filled aftertaste. Good drinkable young Syrah. Way to go Sustainable Farmers.
Congress Springs Petite Sirah Lodi 2005
13.3%, Congress Springs Vineyards, Napa, CA
Daniel Gehrs, winemaker
Mild inky and alcohol nose. A little fruit and floral aspect. Tart bitter and slightly tannic. Fruit comes late but lingers long. A bit flabby but has some of those intense petite sirah elements one would expect. Pretty color. Decent.
Daniel Gehrs, winemaker
Mild inky and alcohol nose. A little fruit and floral aspect. Tart bitter and slightly tannic. Fruit comes late but lingers long. A bit flabby but has some of those intense petite sirah elements one would expect. Pretty color. Decent.
Red Truck CA Red Wine 2007
13.5% Red Truck Winery, Sonoma, CA
Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cab Franc, Merlot
Small nose. Not intense but there's some there. Fruit and the floral notes of Syrah. Smooth fruit to start but kicks in with tart rich elements. A little tannin. But overall very drinkable.
Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cab Franc, Merlot
Small nose. Not intense but there's some there. Fruit and the floral notes of Syrah. Smooth fruit to start but kicks in with tart rich elements. A little tannin. But overall very drinkable.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hangtime Pinot Noir Burgundy 2006
12.7%
Apellation Bourgogne Controlee, France
Imported by: Folio Wine Company, Napa, CA
Pinot nose of tart berry and cherry. Tart yet smooth fruit flavors. Quite drinkable but not overly exciting. Light body with a good tannin finish. Actually a pretty decent lower end Pinot.
Apellation Bourgogne Controlee, France
Imported by: Folio Wine Company, Napa, CA
Pinot nose of tart berry and cherry. Tart yet smooth fruit flavors. Quite drinkable but not overly exciting. Light body with a good tannin finish. Actually a pretty decent lower end Pinot.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Grand Ardeche Chardonnay 2006
13.5%
Vin de Pays des Coteux de L'ardeche, France
Imported by: Louis Latour, San Rafael, CA
Nice honey and citrus nose. Smooth and buttery with a little crispness. Pretty sweet and soft finish. Decent stuff I guess, but I like a little more mineral.
Vin de Pays des Coteux de L'ardeche, France
Imported by: Louis Latour, San Rafael, CA
Nice honey and citrus nose. Smooth and buttery with a little crispness. Pretty sweet and soft finish. Decent stuff I guess, but I like a little more mineral.
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