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".
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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.
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