These white wines are classic, vibrant, seductive, and run the gamut of tastes one could wish. I have my own issues with white wine; I am pickier with it than red. If white doesn’t turn my head or make me pause I am likely to simply pass it by. I will buy inexpensive reds more frequently. Yet, overall a really good white wine will get my attention and hold my passions more than a red. Really interesting white wine is that good to me. These are three that are dissimilar to each other but each caught me with something that held me fast.
Domaine du Clape 2007 – A rare 100% Marsanne southern French wine that smelled of the honey and polish of beeswax, Asian pear, and neroli perfume. Tastes craved by the buzz of bees or flittering of hummingbird’s wing with white cala lillies, day lillies, fresh cut flower stalk, and a fat oval mouth-feel only to be felt with avocado but without its flavor. Its an unusual and what would be often considered contrary mix of both the feel of perfume and fat in the same glass. It nearly left me weak staring at the yellowish perfume color. It’s dry as if drinking Chanel #5 and with a finish as subtle and yet completely mind-altering as a whisper. $$
Bodegas Niades 2005 – The Matador’s jacket and glint off his spear are the character of this old vines Verdejo. It gleams and glints in the light almost distracting from the power and grace. A Hemmingway recount of dusty battle of Toreador in Spain. It is somehow determined to be as it is. Full bodied and full of life with pear, lemon grass, and a long white crushed mineral finish. It glows golden as the gleam off Mediterranean sea, as two people in a yellow cab lives pressed together whether they wish it or not, as with a destiny of flavors as the sun also rises… $$
Botani Moscatel Seco 2007 – Going to the country gonna eat me a lot of peaches, going to the country gonna eat me a lot of peaches. Get the jist of this Spanish Muscat? Don’t mistake it as sweet either but think fresh raw peach meat with some cardamom sprinkled on it. Barely a yellow hue with a nose of white peach and cardamom and what reminded me of the woody spicy nature of cinnamon bark. I think this would be great with seafood or even some mild spicy food, but I can’t wait to have it with brunch. Don’t tell James, he’ll try to live inside the bottle. Going to the country gonna eat me a lot of peaches... $
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Cheers to wine
I never met David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards. After having tried his wines and meeting the people he influenced; some who I consider my friends, I wish I had. I stopped by the memorial for him over the weekend to pay my respects... Seeing the rooms full of those who knew him, as well as those who, like me, simply wanted to show some sort of respect and support; it had me thinking how interesting and wonderful one little bit of fermented fruit can be.
Wine is odd social connector. Through only one year of going to tastings I have made friends I spend time with - and geek out about wine with, enjoy meals with, poke fun about sports, discuss and debate politics, remember esoteric forgotten pieces of social culture with, and more. In that year I have met so many good people and simply because of our mutual enjoyment of wine. I continue to meet new people who, as wine, I endeavor to get to know better. From vintners, to garagistas, to persons like myself who just enjoy wine and have less knowledge and experience. To David Lett and all those so impassioned by the juice of the grape; who through their excited chemistry and creations have initiated a social network and maintained its person to person interaction even through a time of blogs, facebook, and texting... Cheers and my thanks.
A wine worth mentioning with this post I recently had, from a varietal I had never had prior on its own...
Eyrie 2006 Pinot Munier - Pinot Munier is a grape lesser known genetic variation of Pinot Noir often used in blends... If all Pinot Munier is like this then please let it be bottled on its own! This was a sleak and exciting wine. The nose at first was full of ripe pomegranate, with a subtle cranberry tartness. There too was a very slight darkened earthy funk that seemed unwilling to hold still, appearing both infront of and behind the fruit. Slip onto the palate and its as if you have cracked a pomegranate in your hands, the juice of the seeds and vapors of the pith coating the skin and tastebuds. Have you seen the old Ocean Spray wave commercials? This is a pomegranate-cran-acai berry blend that crests and swells brightly over the tongue. The bright acid was sea spray foam that lifting and clearing away. Still, searching in the flavors, the slightest almost imperceptable burnt smokey earth taste and feel was present. As if charring a field of its last minute stalks to a newly fertile and rich soil. How about this with a cranberry chutney on chicken or even cedar planked red wine infused fish. Its sultry enough to grab your attention and have with such food or if she prefers slip you a mickey all on her own. $$
Wine is odd social connector. Through only one year of going to tastings I have made friends I spend time with - and geek out about wine with, enjoy meals with, poke fun about sports, discuss and debate politics, remember esoteric forgotten pieces of social culture with, and more. In that year I have met so many good people and simply because of our mutual enjoyment of wine. I continue to meet new people who, as wine, I endeavor to get to know better. From vintners, to garagistas, to persons like myself who just enjoy wine and have less knowledge and experience. To David Lett and all those so impassioned by the juice of the grape; who through their excited chemistry and creations have initiated a social network and maintained its person to person interaction even through a time of blogs, facebook, and texting... Cheers and my thanks.
A wine worth mentioning with this post I recently had, from a varietal I had never had prior on its own...
Eyrie 2006 Pinot Munier - Pinot Munier is a grape lesser known genetic variation of Pinot Noir often used in blends... If all Pinot Munier is like this then please let it be bottled on its own! This was a sleak and exciting wine. The nose at first was full of ripe pomegranate, with a subtle cranberry tartness. There too was a very slight darkened earthy funk that seemed unwilling to hold still, appearing both infront of and behind the fruit. Slip onto the palate and its as if you have cracked a pomegranate in your hands, the juice of the seeds and vapors of the pith coating the skin and tastebuds. Have you seen the old Ocean Spray wave commercials? This is a pomegranate-cran-acai berry blend that crests and swells brightly over the tongue. The bright acid was sea spray foam that lifting and clearing away. Still, searching in the flavors, the slightest almost imperceptable burnt smokey earth taste and feel was present. As if charring a field of its last minute stalks to a newly fertile and rich soil. How about this with a cranberry chutney on chicken or even cedar planked red wine infused fish. Its sultry enough to grab your attention and have with such food or if she prefers slip you a mickey all on her own. $$
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
And the sky was all violet
(Kudos if you know what song the title of ths post is from)
Have you had enough leftovers lately to feel like Violet from Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory? You know the girl that bloated up into a giant blueberry and was rolled away by Oompa Loompa? Well oompa loompa doompity dooo, I've got a steal of a wine for you.
Pull that last turkey out of the freezer or use this for after the next holidays if you have Turkey again... Bordeaux and turkey sandwich I was told is the pairing for leftovers after the holiday; when another friend recommended a steal of a Bordeaux an idea hatched. I am back and forth with Bordeaux that I have had by the way; normally think it a big complex wine perhaps beyond my palate but this was a pairing I plan to recreate many many times.
First the wine...
Poitevin Cru Bourgeios 2005 - Welcome to your first spoonful of very tart wild boisenberry/blueberry triffle. The smell of this wine was plump of juicy berries, it had me repeating boisenberry boisenbery boisenberry - like a mantra but also with undercurrents of blueberry, and green wood. The color was decidely layered in those berries as well; dark ruby red mixed with the most intense dark violet purple edge. Its a Bipolar combination of color that may have you thinking ROY G BIV needs some psychotherapy. Drinking this was almost too easy and more like inhaling, you don't think it, it just happens. Silk smooth texture, with an oval mouth-feel of a mix of dark berries was easily drank. A reflex of air this was reflex of grapes. Its almost too easy to quaff down from its soft rounded body. However, it does reward the smaller portion too with definitive dry almost underipe layered tart fruit flavors that slide to a mild dank dark brown earthen finish. Dark as night, dark as pitch, in a violet sky stars shone like little fish... $
I promised as well the recipe for leftover turkey sandwich I had this with. Try this and see if it doesnt match so well... Shred a mixture of dark and white meat by hand or fork. Use enough to make a sandwich similar to a pulled pork. More if making for a group. Heat the shredded turkey in an uncovered non stick skillet or sauce pan on med to med-hi heat. No oil should be needed as the meat has it. Turn and fold the meat occasionally to heat through; about 5 minutes or so. Reduce heat to med and add just enough Stubb's Chicken Marinade to dress the turkey. This means no excess liquid in your pan, it should soak up and coat the turkey. Once turned and folded to combination with no excess fluid add a bit more of the Marinade so there is a very shallow layer of fluid. Allow to reduce and combine with the turkey stirring occasionally. While reducing cut thin slices of tillamook extra sharp white cheddar. Again the goal here is to dress or coat not create a cheesy goo. Add a few slices at a time to the pan strring frequently as it melts to coat the turkey pieces. For 3 sandwhiches I used a 9" pan with about 7 oz sliced cheese. Once fully combined and coated serve hot on a wheat bun. For a twist fry some julienne shallots in a pan and add on top of the turkey before closing your sandwhich. Similar to a marinated pulled pork this is a flavorful marinated pulled turkey sammie that made mouths water and really accentuated the wine showing boisenberry and wild tart blueberry bold in the glass. I can hardly wait to make it again. En Boca Lupo!
Have you had enough leftovers lately to feel like Violet from Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory? You know the girl that bloated up into a giant blueberry and was rolled away by Oompa Loompa? Well oompa loompa doompity dooo, I've got a steal of a wine for you.
Pull that last turkey out of the freezer or use this for after the next holidays if you have Turkey again... Bordeaux and turkey sandwich I was told is the pairing for leftovers after the holiday; when another friend recommended a steal of a Bordeaux an idea hatched. I am back and forth with Bordeaux that I have had by the way; normally think it a big complex wine perhaps beyond my palate but this was a pairing I plan to recreate many many times.
First the wine...
Poitevin Cru Bourgeios 2005 - Welcome to your first spoonful of very tart wild boisenberry/blueberry triffle. The smell of this wine was plump of juicy berries, it had me repeating boisenberry boisenbery boisenberry - like a mantra but also with undercurrents of blueberry, and green wood. The color was decidely layered in those berries as well; dark ruby red mixed with the most intense dark violet purple edge. Its a Bipolar combination of color that may have you thinking ROY G BIV needs some psychotherapy. Drinking this was almost too easy and more like inhaling, you don't think it, it just happens. Silk smooth texture, with an oval mouth-feel of a mix of dark berries was easily drank. A reflex of air this was reflex of grapes. Its almost too easy to quaff down from its soft rounded body. However, it does reward the smaller portion too with definitive dry almost underipe layered tart fruit flavors that slide to a mild dank dark brown earthen finish. Dark as night, dark as pitch, in a violet sky stars shone like little fish... $
I promised as well the recipe for leftover turkey sandwich I had this with. Try this and see if it doesnt match so well... Shred a mixture of dark and white meat by hand or fork. Use enough to make a sandwich similar to a pulled pork. More if making for a group. Heat the shredded turkey in an uncovered non stick skillet or sauce pan on med to med-hi heat. No oil should be needed as the meat has it. Turn and fold the meat occasionally to heat through; about 5 minutes or so. Reduce heat to med and add just enough Stubb's Chicken Marinade to dress the turkey. This means no excess liquid in your pan, it should soak up and coat the turkey. Once turned and folded to combination with no excess fluid add a bit more of the Marinade so there is a very shallow layer of fluid. Allow to reduce and combine with the turkey stirring occasionally. While reducing cut thin slices of tillamook extra sharp white cheddar. Again the goal here is to dress or coat not create a cheesy goo. Add a few slices at a time to the pan strring frequently as it melts to coat the turkey pieces. For 3 sandwhiches I used a 9" pan with about 7 oz sliced cheese. Once fully combined and coated serve hot on a wheat bun. For a twist fry some julienne shallots in a pan and add on top of the turkey before closing your sandwhich. Similar to a marinated pulled pork this is a flavorful marinated pulled turkey sammie that made mouths water and really accentuated the wine showing boisenberry and wild tart blueberry bold in the glass. I can hardly wait to make it again. En Boca Lupo!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Is Oregon Pinot Worth its salt?
Well, I have been lax on posting of late but I did want to be sure to post about this topic. Throughout the fall the harvest of grapes goes on, and by now all are off the vine. Several times this fall already I have been asked by friends is there an inexpensive Oregon Pinot Noir that is really good? In other words is Oregon Pinot worth its salt...
One of the great things and also maddening things in my opinion about wine is that its worth what people will pay for it. Do I think that you could find a good Oregon Pinot for $10 - personally, No! Do I think there are some nice Pinot Noirs from the area for $20 or less - absolutely!
Grochau Cellars (GC) Toute De Suite 2007 Pinot Noir - its Supercalafragalistic expidaladocius! The name of this wine may sound almost as strange to some when you say it but it reminds me of that old song and dance routine. Its happy, fun, bawdy, and a bowl full of bright fruity red cherries. Its a big red cherry soda that tickles the taste buds and dances a bit madly. Tastes of bright red pie cherries, dark floral tones, and baking spices swirl about the mouth. It evokes the color maraschino cherry red in my mind just thinking of the tastes, even though the color of the wine is more dark rose red. While not long I dare you to call this a quaffer. Its too vivacious for that. Tout de suite in French means immediately and after you have a glass or bottle I am guessing you'll understand and want to have more tout de suite! $
J. Christopher Zoot Allures Pinot Noir 2006 - Well wait I already posted on the Zoot Allures before; but no, this is a secondary release with different grapes. As much as I liked the original I like this even better! This second run had a bit more layers to it, with a dry high forest earthy smell reminding me of hiking through the ponderosa pine around central Oregon. As well, smells of bing cherries still on the tree of some Mt. Hood orchard with dark wild blossoms scents. So how's the taste? While moderately short bodied it still had a wonderful slippery, silky, and lightly acidic mouth-feel. Red cherry and berry combined with a more earthy finish. One taster commented white pepper although I more found fruit, oregon farming earth, and garden herbs. Again this is a real steal at the cost and with what I thought was a more combined and interesting palate than the prior more than worthwhile release. $
With these two, and others I have prior posted, you may find some inexpensive (at least in my mind) Oregon Pinot Noir. But does that $50-70/bottle Pinot really have that much of a difference? Well again that's pretty personal on tastes and what producers can sell their wine for. So I also wanted to include two from my favorite Oregon Pinot Noir producer Eyrie Vineyards that I believe are worth more than their cost albeit that each are not inexpensive.
Eyrie 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir - I felt as if on plush velvet pillows as I sipped ths wine, a middle-eastern experience for an Oregon Pinot. As I stuck my nose to the glass I was instantly met with the smell of pancetta fat, geranium, and cherries. I could imagine the spattering of pancetta in a sizzling hot pan with bits carmalizing and popping out all over a wood stoked fire. As with most Eyrie, this is lighter than the average Pinot; a light and rudy garnet red with a rusty hue. This is the color I most enjoy and why I admit to bias to the Eyrie Pinots. But that is not the only reason... That wonderful smell kept changing and different persons found thyme, clay dust, cranberry, raspberry and other scents. So layered is that nose! I would need much more discerning senses to smell all the aormatic molecules. When tasting I found there was a slightly more strengthened body and acid compared to some Eyrie I have had. Long acid feel ran back over my tongue with a traditional cherry and earth flavor, but with tangy red fruit that persisted throughout finishing with a slightly smoky spice. Perhaps my nose, transmitted taste to my tongue too but I swore I could feel and taste fat pancetta bacon. More than one taster expressed wanting this wine with Oyster stuffing at the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday meal. As I sipped and smelled I felt lazy or dreamy as lotus eatiers, or in a harem with houka and sweet sticky scents of zesty fruited smoke and spice. With the '99 Eyrie be your own Sultan, sip, and dream. $$
Eyrie 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir - Even though 2003 was not the it year for pinot noir; deftly touched, this is a wonderful wine. It was colored as garnets in sunlight with light cherry red/pink hue, and with what some would swear are orangish sparkles in the glass. Very ripe cherries are effervescent in the nose but with a lythe and light floral smell that quickly gave way - hibiscus was it? Delicate, demure, and gone too quickly. Further scents of drying hay and old barn plus what some described as a light warm Oregon costal breeze. I found a wonderfuly earthy scent remeniscent of filbert orchards and the dirt clods found within. Imagine the perfect filbert farm perched on the Oregon Coastal cliffs selling cherries and roasted filbers at the gate... The taste was layered, complex, and evoked discussion. While cherry and cranberry fruit were at the start, following was a full meat fat taste of game hen or wild bird on a grill or spit that made the tastebuds simply water- pheasant anyone? Finishing with filberts and dried up muddy earth, but with a refreshing savory herb that was decidedly Bay leaf. Its a long and austere wine with perhaps not as much plush as the 1999 but equally layered, driven, and still of more potence than other Eyrie I have had. Its a wine that drinks like an aristocratic meal of old, with all its courses and complexity of decor and warmth. Pull out the fine china and silver, the '03 Eyrie is at the table. $$
One of the great things and also maddening things in my opinion about wine is that its worth what people will pay for it. Do I think that you could find a good Oregon Pinot for $10 - personally, No! Do I think there are some nice Pinot Noirs from the area for $20 or less - absolutely!
Grochau Cellars (GC) Toute De Suite 2007 Pinot Noir - its Supercalafragalistic expidaladocius! The name of this wine may sound almost as strange to some when you say it but it reminds me of that old song and dance routine. Its happy, fun, bawdy, and a bowl full of bright fruity red cherries. Its a big red cherry soda that tickles the taste buds and dances a bit madly. Tastes of bright red pie cherries, dark floral tones, and baking spices swirl about the mouth. It evokes the color maraschino cherry red in my mind just thinking of the tastes, even though the color of the wine is more dark rose red. While not long I dare you to call this a quaffer. Its too vivacious for that. Tout de suite in French means immediately and after you have a glass or bottle I am guessing you'll understand and want to have more tout de suite! $
J. Christopher Zoot Allures Pinot Noir 2006 - Well wait I already posted on the Zoot Allures before; but no, this is a secondary release with different grapes. As much as I liked the original I like this even better! This second run had a bit more layers to it, with a dry high forest earthy smell reminding me of hiking through the ponderosa pine around central Oregon. As well, smells of bing cherries still on the tree of some Mt. Hood orchard with dark wild blossoms scents. So how's the taste? While moderately short bodied it still had a wonderful slippery, silky, and lightly acidic mouth-feel. Red cherry and berry combined with a more earthy finish. One taster commented white pepper although I more found fruit, oregon farming earth, and garden herbs. Again this is a real steal at the cost and with what I thought was a more combined and interesting palate than the prior more than worthwhile release. $
With these two, and others I have prior posted, you may find some inexpensive (at least in my mind) Oregon Pinot Noir. But does that $50-70/bottle Pinot really have that much of a difference? Well again that's pretty personal on tastes and what producers can sell their wine for. So I also wanted to include two from my favorite Oregon Pinot Noir producer Eyrie Vineyards that I believe are worth more than their cost albeit that each are not inexpensive.
Eyrie 1999 Reserve Pinot Noir - I felt as if on plush velvet pillows as I sipped ths wine, a middle-eastern experience for an Oregon Pinot. As I stuck my nose to the glass I was instantly met with the smell of pancetta fat, geranium, and cherries. I could imagine the spattering of pancetta in a sizzling hot pan with bits carmalizing and popping out all over a wood stoked fire. As with most Eyrie, this is lighter than the average Pinot; a light and rudy garnet red with a rusty hue. This is the color I most enjoy and why I admit to bias to the Eyrie Pinots. But that is not the only reason... That wonderful smell kept changing and different persons found thyme, clay dust, cranberry, raspberry and other scents. So layered is that nose! I would need much more discerning senses to smell all the aormatic molecules. When tasting I found there was a slightly more strengthened body and acid compared to some Eyrie I have had. Long acid feel ran back over my tongue with a traditional cherry and earth flavor, but with tangy red fruit that persisted throughout finishing with a slightly smoky spice. Perhaps my nose, transmitted taste to my tongue too but I swore I could feel and taste fat pancetta bacon. More than one taster expressed wanting this wine with Oyster stuffing at the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday meal. As I sipped and smelled I felt lazy or dreamy as lotus eatiers, or in a harem with houka and sweet sticky scents of zesty fruited smoke and spice. With the '99 Eyrie be your own Sultan, sip, and dream. $$
Eyrie 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir - Even though 2003 was not the it year for pinot noir; deftly touched, this is a wonderful wine. It was colored as garnets in sunlight with light cherry red/pink hue, and with what some would swear are orangish sparkles in the glass. Very ripe cherries are effervescent in the nose but with a lythe and light floral smell that quickly gave way - hibiscus was it? Delicate, demure, and gone too quickly. Further scents of drying hay and old barn plus what some described as a light warm Oregon costal breeze. I found a wonderfuly earthy scent remeniscent of filbert orchards and the dirt clods found within. Imagine the perfect filbert farm perched on the Oregon Coastal cliffs selling cherries and roasted filbers at the gate... The taste was layered, complex, and evoked discussion. While cherry and cranberry fruit were at the start, following was a full meat fat taste of game hen or wild bird on a grill or spit that made the tastebuds simply water- pheasant anyone? Finishing with filberts and dried up muddy earth, but with a refreshing savory herb that was decidedly Bay leaf. Its a long and austere wine with perhaps not as much plush as the 1999 but equally layered, driven, and still of more potence than other Eyrie I have had. Its a wine that drinks like an aristocratic meal of old, with all its courses and complexity of decor and warmth. Pull out the fine china and silver, the '03 Eyrie is at the table. $$
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Fall Favorites
I love October. Why? Because the leaves are starting to fall, the air is crisp, there are fish migrating up the rivers, and many wines are released as well. I also always enjoy when the woods are full of fall scents. All in all autumn has to be my favorite time of year.
Recently I took a Coho salmon I had caught over to a friend’s to grill on their traeger. The fish, seasoned only with a bit of truffle salt and then sea salt, brought questions to what to have with it - definitely Pinot Noir. When asked what I thought I said something like the Medici East Block Pinot Noir (see prior postings) – thinking of truffles, forest floor decay, earthy; definitely in the style of where the fish was caught out of the rivers of the northwest surrounded by wet pines, decaying wood, mud, and low lying mists. The choice made was simply a brilliant marriage of flavors for our meal.
Carlo & Julian Young Vines Cuvee 2006 Pinot Noir – I was given the first small pour to meet approval with the fish… Oh yes this is it... Cherries in the nose but that quickly fell to decaying forest floor scents. Further scents reminded me of being a kid kicking open wet, moss covered decaying stumps or logs on stomps through northwest woods. The taste was of wet cool fruit, cherries and some wild berries. While the fruit was a great pairing with our fish and other courses, the other flavors may have been even better accompaniment. The fruit faded a bit, while still remaining present, with earthy, mossy, wild mushroom, wet forest floor flavors impressing - mirroring the nose in those tastes. Good fish to me is like good wine; there are more than just the typical tastes associated with it too. The Coho, grilled fresh, even had me sniffing the skin. No fishy smells, it had scents of the traeger wood grill and was like a roasted herb chicken with skin on. The flavor of the fish with the truffle salt was just so good paired with the cherries, wild fruit, and decaying mossy mushroom covered logs of northwest pine forests. My host even stated that this wine while good, was simply excellent when put with the Coho. A wonderful wine and dinner that typified the outdoors of the northwest in autumn. If you can try your own Oregon salmon and Pinot Noir. You might not do much better than the Carlo & Julian Young Vines Cuvee. $$
This all serves to point out that besides the right wine, the right food paired with can have a lasting impact. It certainly did on me. Pinot and Coho, a northwest bounty.
Recently I took a Coho salmon I had caught over to a friend’s to grill on their traeger. The fish, seasoned only with a bit of truffle salt and then sea salt, brought questions to what to have with it - definitely Pinot Noir. When asked what I thought I said something like the Medici East Block Pinot Noir (see prior postings) – thinking of truffles, forest floor decay, earthy; definitely in the style of where the fish was caught out of the rivers of the northwest surrounded by wet pines, decaying wood, mud, and low lying mists. The choice made was simply a brilliant marriage of flavors for our meal.
Carlo & Julian Young Vines Cuvee 2006 Pinot Noir – I was given the first small pour to meet approval with the fish… Oh yes this is it... Cherries in the nose but that quickly fell to decaying forest floor scents. Further scents reminded me of being a kid kicking open wet, moss covered decaying stumps or logs on stomps through northwest woods. The taste was of wet cool fruit, cherries and some wild berries. While the fruit was a great pairing with our fish and other courses, the other flavors may have been even better accompaniment. The fruit faded a bit, while still remaining present, with earthy, mossy, wild mushroom, wet forest floor flavors impressing - mirroring the nose in those tastes. Good fish to me is like good wine; there are more than just the typical tastes associated with it too. The Coho, grilled fresh, even had me sniffing the skin. No fishy smells, it had scents of the traeger wood grill and was like a roasted herb chicken with skin on. The flavor of the fish with the truffle salt was just so good paired with the cherries, wild fruit, and decaying mossy mushroom covered logs of northwest pine forests. My host even stated that this wine while good, was simply excellent when put with the Coho. A wonderful wine and dinner that typified the outdoors of the northwest in autumn. If you can try your own Oregon salmon and Pinot Noir. You might not do much better than the Carlo & Julian Young Vines Cuvee. $$
This all serves to point out that besides the right wine, the right food paired with can have a lasting impact. It certainly did on me. Pinot and Coho, a northwest bounty.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Bachus Athena & Apollo
Busted! Been a month since I posted! Okay so I was off having a late summer full of wine, food, & fun. And while Bachus may be the God of wine and good times, I ran into a few others of the Pantheon while enjoying my time and wines...
Boedecker Cellars Athena 2004 Pinot Noir – This beautiful Pinot Noir aptly carries the name of the Greek goddess of Beauty. It also carries the name of the song of the same title by the Who - which was mentioned more than once during this tasting while enjoying this somehow contradictory, but aligned, powerful yet sultry and delicate Pinot Noir. While actually named after one of the vintners it is truly a lovely Pinot Noir, which fixed me with its allure. It had colors of deep ruby red with rose highlights and the moment I put the glass near to my nose I smelled bacon fat, smoke, and earth. As I waited scents of dark cherries and geranium arose more to the front. The initial scents surprised me and definitely intensified my interest. The palate may have surprised me even more with a full but delicate mouth-feel that was so round and well put together. Freshly picked dark cherries were the most pronounced flavor to me but with a nice sultry alcohol lift and tasty smoked earth notes towards the finish. It had very nice acidity as well that lasted long and pressed far back on the tongue. The balance of this wine was the topic of some conversation as well as it was so good and straight – like walking a long tight rope but with more thrill than fear. I was very fortunate to have this wine, as it is in very scarce suplly! I learned a lesson here, when I held off on placing an order for just a few days finding that none remained through that initial outlet. It again had me recall the song by the Who - Athena, I had no idea how much I’d need her. My life has been so settled and she’s the reason…
If you find this wine, this is a rare case where I will recommend buy on locating. You wont find it at a tasting likely; it’s a stunner and at a really reasonable cost for what it is. $$
Ermita VeraCruz 2005 Verdejo - Have you not had the Verdejo (Vayr-Day-Hoe) varietal of Spain before? Well I think you are missing out! This version of this white wine is a last gasp of summer to complement the few sunny warm days we've still managed. The description couldn't have come to me more easily with the Vera Cruz. It was citrusy lemon and filtered sun streaks through groves of trees touched by the fingers of Apollo. Full of lemon and some other citrus in the nose I couldn't quite get a hold of, but with a dry warm whiff that was almost dusty grassy scented. Bright yellow lemons swirled with other citrus, and lemon grass ran around the mouth which then met with a pith taste... there running back until finish an aftertaste of white minerally rocks such as limestone or white gravel. It was bold, racy, and bright and I could easily visualize the hand of Apollo picking only the very best fruit for his own. Best of all its an affordable end to summer. And heck its so good I might open in the middle of winter just to get some summer glow and chase away any Oregon cabin fever. Run through the groves ye children of Apollo. $
Boedecker Cellars Athena 2004 Pinot Noir – This beautiful Pinot Noir aptly carries the name of the Greek goddess of Beauty. It also carries the name of the song of the same title by the Who - which was mentioned more than once during this tasting while enjoying this somehow contradictory, but aligned, powerful yet sultry and delicate Pinot Noir. While actually named after one of the vintners it is truly a lovely Pinot Noir, which fixed me with its allure. It had colors of deep ruby red with rose highlights and the moment I put the glass near to my nose I smelled bacon fat, smoke, and earth. As I waited scents of dark cherries and geranium arose more to the front. The initial scents surprised me and definitely intensified my interest. The palate may have surprised me even more with a full but delicate mouth-feel that was so round and well put together. Freshly picked dark cherries were the most pronounced flavor to me but with a nice sultry alcohol lift and tasty smoked earth notes towards the finish. It had very nice acidity as well that lasted long and pressed far back on the tongue. The balance of this wine was the topic of some conversation as well as it was so good and straight – like walking a long tight rope but with more thrill than fear. I was very fortunate to have this wine, as it is in very scarce suplly! I learned a lesson here, when I held off on placing an order for just a few days finding that none remained through that initial outlet. It again had me recall the song by the Who - Athena, I had no idea how much I’d need her. My life has been so settled and she’s the reason…
If you find this wine, this is a rare case where I will recommend buy on locating. You wont find it at a tasting likely; it’s a stunner and at a really reasonable cost for what it is. $$
Ermita VeraCruz 2005 Verdejo - Have you not had the Verdejo (Vayr-Day-Hoe) varietal of Spain before? Well I think you are missing out! This version of this white wine is a last gasp of summer to complement the few sunny warm days we've still managed. The description couldn't have come to me more easily with the Vera Cruz. It was citrusy lemon and filtered sun streaks through groves of trees touched by the fingers of Apollo. Full of lemon and some other citrus in the nose I couldn't quite get a hold of, but with a dry warm whiff that was almost dusty grassy scented. Bright yellow lemons swirled with other citrus, and lemon grass ran around the mouth which then met with a pith taste... there running back until finish an aftertaste of white minerally rocks such as limestone or white gravel. It was bold, racy, and bright and I could easily visualize the hand of Apollo picking only the very best fruit for his own. Best of all its an affordable end to summer. And heck its so good I might open in the middle of winter just to get some summer glow and chase away any Oregon cabin fever. Run through the groves ye children of Apollo. $
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
City of Rosés
Well I'm behind in posts. I've attended some brilliant tastings and notes run amuck. Because of this I will probably have another posting this week alone. I am trying to get the wine word out. :)
Portland is well known as the City of Roses… however, after escaping some very hot weather recently; and having used the occasion to have a few different rosé, I think I live in the city of Rosés. Portland is already a wine friendly town but I am impressed with number of different rosé I have seen. I’m not even close to trying one quarter of what I have seen. I have had a few new ones since my last rosé posting though, as well as a couple repeats so I wanted to send out an update.
Vallescuro Tempranillo Rosé 2007 – This is a solid built, muscular, rosé. If you haven’t had rosé, or not many, this wine definitely has some push to it for the type of wine. Very dark red raspberry color in the bottle and glass but still completely translucent as rosé are. The nose contained a lot of strawberry and raspberry fruit, with a touch of some sort of spice. On the palate, its strawberry mouth fill I thought would be all I might find upon first taste. As it progressed however, some spice tingled the front of my tongue before moving back to the middle with a very chalky and moderate length finish. It reminded me of the swirling dust off erasers cleaning chalkboard. The mouth-feel is fat and round for a rosé. I had with some Mexican food and it matched well. To be a bit bold, this wine has cajones, which one of my tasting friends is all for. Take a swirl, sip, and hold on to this forward and fresh rosé. $
Cameron Vino Pinko 2007 Rosé – Ah yes the rosé with Che Guevara on the label that made a local conservative radio host angry. Cameron has been releasing this slightly controversial labeled rosé for a few years now; however, this is my first time tasting it. A blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Munier, it is airy colored in the bottle and glass… the lightest shade of pink imaginable like an ocean haze enhanced sunset. The nose is light and bright dried strawberries and acidity – dry strawberry cologne in a glass. It is very light and a bit racy. Once in the mouth, it was freeze dried strawberry flavors at onset that swirled to a citric acid flavor and feel. There is long acidity to this wine and it finished far back on the palate with a dry slate dust taste that still had remnants of fruit blended in. I would love to try this with Cuban food! The tastes change seeminly at will and from taster to taster, another maddeningly great wine from John Paul. $
J.M. Raffault Cabernet Franc Chinon Rosé 2007 – If you haven’t had French rosé I think you really should. That said there are crazy numbers of French rosé in different styles with different grapes. However, if you have a grape or vintner you like from France see if they produce a rosé. That is how and why I picked up the Raffault rosé. If you see my prior posts on the Raffault Chinon I truly dove into the glass. When I saw his rosé, I simply knew I wanted to try it.
This rosé is a steelhead or trout flesh pink color in the glass and bottle, but bright and clear. As with Cab Franc varietals, there can be salad or vegetal quality in the nose and this rosé did not disappoint. The aroma certainly had ripe strawberries, but they blended with a green jalapeno pepper scent. I very much enjoyed the blend of fruit and spicy green in the aroma. Tastes were very dry fruit at front, but also I found this is a bracing, acid filled rosé. It’s squeaky clean and its white pepper and mineral driven finish I impressed me as a long but delicate palate cleanser. Paired with grilled leaks and squash it was simply a wonderful sipper and an instant reason to repeat with a number of other French rosé. $
Grochau Cellars (G.C.) Pink – The people’s rosé. Did you read my prior notes on G.C Pink? I called it the friendliest rosé I’ve had. This is a Pinot Noir rosé in its first year of release. I had the fortune of having again recently and it still is very friendly and very popular with tasters. There have been some changes to the wine since last tasted in June. The nose was a bit dirtier with a light air of wind through straw and farmhouse in a hot summer. The strawberries are also still there but the wine smells a bit darker and more structured. In the mouth, I was greeted with big plump strawberry and cherry as expected and plenty of a glycerin mouth-feel but with a bit of a toast tip or french toast air maybe I confused with more in the nose than on the palate. The finish had some decent tannin feel with a nice bright acidity that washed the back of the mouth. One other taster mentioned blindfolded I wouldn’t have known this was G.C. Pink nor maybe even rosé. An interesting thought that she may be right about; it would be fun to try that with what I still consider the people’s rosé, with something for everyone. $
Personally I will drink a rosé any time of year but as this weekend some do consider the official end of summer it’s the perfect time to take that extra day and wander to your local wine shop in the city of Rosés.
Portland is well known as the City of Roses… however, after escaping some very hot weather recently; and having used the occasion to have a few different rosé, I think I live in the city of Rosés. Portland is already a wine friendly town but I am impressed with number of different rosé I have seen. I’m not even close to trying one quarter of what I have seen. I have had a few new ones since my last rosé posting though, as well as a couple repeats so I wanted to send out an update.
Vallescuro Tempranillo Rosé 2007 – This is a solid built, muscular, rosé. If you haven’t had rosé, or not many, this wine definitely has some push to it for the type of wine. Very dark red raspberry color in the bottle and glass but still completely translucent as rosé are. The nose contained a lot of strawberry and raspberry fruit, with a touch of some sort of spice. On the palate, its strawberry mouth fill I thought would be all I might find upon first taste. As it progressed however, some spice tingled the front of my tongue before moving back to the middle with a very chalky and moderate length finish. It reminded me of the swirling dust off erasers cleaning chalkboard. The mouth-feel is fat and round for a rosé. I had with some Mexican food and it matched well. To be a bit bold, this wine has cajones, which one of my tasting friends is all for. Take a swirl, sip, and hold on to this forward and fresh rosé. $
Cameron Vino Pinko 2007 Rosé – Ah yes the rosé with Che Guevara on the label that made a local conservative radio host angry. Cameron has been releasing this slightly controversial labeled rosé for a few years now; however, this is my first time tasting it. A blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Munier, it is airy colored in the bottle and glass… the lightest shade of pink imaginable like an ocean haze enhanced sunset. The nose is light and bright dried strawberries and acidity – dry strawberry cologne in a glass. It is very light and a bit racy. Once in the mouth, it was freeze dried strawberry flavors at onset that swirled to a citric acid flavor and feel. There is long acidity to this wine and it finished far back on the palate with a dry slate dust taste that still had remnants of fruit blended in. I would love to try this with Cuban food! The tastes change seeminly at will and from taster to taster, another maddeningly great wine from John Paul. $
J.M. Raffault Cabernet Franc Chinon Rosé 2007 – If you haven’t had French rosé I think you really should. That said there are crazy numbers of French rosé in different styles with different grapes. However, if you have a grape or vintner you like from France see if they produce a rosé. That is how and why I picked up the Raffault rosé. If you see my prior posts on the Raffault Chinon I truly dove into the glass. When I saw his rosé, I simply knew I wanted to try it.
This rosé is a steelhead or trout flesh pink color in the glass and bottle, but bright and clear. As with Cab Franc varietals, there can be salad or vegetal quality in the nose and this rosé did not disappoint. The aroma certainly had ripe strawberries, but they blended with a green jalapeno pepper scent. I very much enjoyed the blend of fruit and spicy green in the aroma. Tastes were very dry fruit at front, but also I found this is a bracing, acid filled rosé. It’s squeaky clean and its white pepper and mineral driven finish I impressed me as a long but delicate palate cleanser. Paired with grilled leaks and squash it was simply a wonderful sipper and an instant reason to repeat with a number of other French rosé. $
Grochau Cellars (G.C.) Pink – The people’s rosé. Did you read my prior notes on G.C Pink? I called it the friendliest rosé I’ve had. This is a Pinot Noir rosé in its first year of release. I had the fortune of having again recently and it still is very friendly and very popular with tasters. There have been some changes to the wine since last tasted in June. The nose was a bit dirtier with a light air of wind through straw and farmhouse in a hot summer. The strawberries are also still there but the wine smells a bit darker and more structured. In the mouth, I was greeted with big plump strawberry and cherry as expected and plenty of a glycerin mouth-feel but with a bit of a toast tip or french toast air maybe I confused with more in the nose than on the palate. The finish had some decent tannin feel with a nice bright acidity that washed the back of the mouth. One other taster mentioned blindfolded I wouldn’t have known this was G.C. Pink nor maybe even rosé. An interesting thought that she may be right about; it would be fun to try that with what I still consider the people’s rosé, with something for everyone. $
Personally I will drink a rosé any time of year but as this weekend some do consider the official end of summer it’s the perfect time to take that extra day and wander to your local wine shop in the city of Rosés.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Hard to Port
I’ve been meaning to post about Port for some time - another wine that I find interesting, that is sometimes misunderstood. Port is wine fortified with brandy. When I say Port, most people metaphorically turn away and say no thank you I am not into sweet wine. While often as a desert or aperitif, not all Port is necessarily sweet, nor is it what some expect… There are white port (yes from white grapes), tawny port, ruby port, etc. Tastes can range from dry white minerals to peaches, brandied cherries, figs, cola, coffee, even nuts. While the majority I have tasted can be sweet or semi-sweet, I have had dry Port. Both style of Port I mention here are somewhat sweet Tawny Port. Each are good to sit sip and relax with, as a fine brandy or fortified wine should be in my opinion. When you find the style of Port you like, then find the maker you really enjoy, it may be enough to having you turn hard, to Port.
Keopke Fine Tawny Port – For an inexpensive Port this is a nice wine. Burnt red/brown colored in the glass with a nice dark mahogany hue... It has strong brandy style scent but with nice brandied cherries almost as an afterthought. On the palate, it is a lightly sweet Port of red brandied cherries of Christmas and cola flavors, with a crème brûlée and a nutty finish. Its cola burst in the middle reminded me while a child figuring out the way to coerce the soda machine at my father’s workplace to pouring straight syrup into the cup without the soda water. Thick dark cola, with torched sugar style flavor. Not the longest Port it had a bit of a definite brandy and desert style impression. I recently had with family at summer holiday having with dark chocolate and almonds and after with other friends who all enjoyed. Would be good with standard faire for with Port such as Stilton cheese as well as this is a fairly standard Port. It’s a good introduction to semi-sweet to sweet Port and is a nice pick up for the price. $
Smith Woodhouse Colheita Port 1986 – This Colheita is a rare Tawny Port produced from a single harvest. While my experience with Port is limited to about a dozen I found this to be very pretty with elegant aromas of caramel, brandy, seasoned wood, and nuts. It was very light colored in the glass too, hazelnut shell colored with slight ruddy tint. Flavors and mouth-feel were both gentle but full, with butterscotch, almond extract, and light bing-cherry juice flavors, which then finished with grey smoke and slightly over roasted coffee tastes. Long and very interesting the finish evaporated from the mouth and tongue easily leaving a light feel and toasted touch. This is a much more serious Port in my opinion with age, elegance, and depth. Due to that, it is a bit more exclusive in price. Not a desert Port in my mind I think of it to have as an aperitif or simply as a treat at any time. Enjoy on its own or with some tamari almonds, maybe some Tilamook extra sharp white cheddar for a local flair, and all hands, hard to Port. $$$
Keopke Fine Tawny Port – For an inexpensive Port this is a nice wine. Burnt red/brown colored in the glass with a nice dark mahogany hue... It has strong brandy style scent but with nice brandied cherries almost as an afterthought. On the palate, it is a lightly sweet Port of red brandied cherries of Christmas and cola flavors, with a crème brûlée and a nutty finish. Its cola burst in the middle reminded me while a child figuring out the way to coerce the soda machine at my father’s workplace to pouring straight syrup into the cup without the soda water. Thick dark cola, with torched sugar style flavor. Not the longest Port it had a bit of a definite brandy and desert style impression. I recently had with family at summer holiday having with dark chocolate and almonds and after with other friends who all enjoyed. Would be good with standard faire for with Port such as Stilton cheese as well as this is a fairly standard Port. It’s a good introduction to semi-sweet to sweet Port and is a nice pick up for the price. $
Smith Woodhouse Colheita Port 1986 – This Colheita is a rare Tawny Port produced from a single harvest. While my experience with Port is limited to about a dozen I found this to be very pretty with elegant aromas of caramel, brandy, seasoned wood, and nuts. It was very light colored in the glass too, hazelnut shell colored with slight ruddy tint. Flavors and mouth-feel were both gentle but full, with butterscotch, almond extract, and light bing-cherry juice flavors, which then finished with grey smoke and slightly over roasted coffee tastes. Long and very interesting the finish evaporated from the mouth and tongue easily leaving a light feel and toasted touch. This is a much more serious Port in my opinion with age, elegance, and depth. Due to that, it is a bit more exclusive in price. Not a desert Port in my mind I think of it to have as an aperitif or simply as a treat at any time. Enjoy on its own or with some tamari almonds, maybe some Tilamook extra sharp white cheddar for a local flair, and all hands, hard to Port. $$$
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Greatest Show on Earth
Barnum and Bailey, if they are wine lovers, I believe would applaud the tasting I recently attended. A circus menagerie of grapes it lit up the big top, had its clowns, its acrobats, its tigers, and even the elephant in the room. It was a bevy of wine from around the world even moments like Cirque de Soleil. To be sure more wine was tasted than will be listed here, but like any circus some things caught my attention more than others. So ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages… welcome to the show!
St. Urbans-hof Urban Mosel Riesling 2006 – hello my little leibshen. With a nice kiss of pale gold color this wine brought kerosene to the nose, white gas, plus citrus aromas. A pleasant offering that woke up the palate and showed what a German Riesling can be like. I love the scent of a Mosel Riesling. In the mouth it had a glycerin smooth feel. Short bodied, lightly off-dry, and fun and pretty; a cabaret of flavors - the tastes juggled grapefruit, candied lemon rind, green clover flower, and golden apple that finish light while running over white rock and slate. It was an enjoyable attention grabber to start things off under the lights of the circus tent. $
Bunnell Northridge Vineyard Mouvedre 2006 (Washington) – This was a showy bugger; like a man on the flying silks, or even the daredevils of the motor cross sphere. Dark sanguine crimson red in the glass. Many who were entranced by it were impressed by such a ostentatious young version of this varietal. Black pepper, currants, wet dirty sheep’s wool, and other sweaty/gamey funk in the nose; it nearly recoiled some but the fruit scents won out as the more pungent aromas blew off. Taste buds were given a show with smooth plum, black raspberry, licorice, and fireside smoke that crossed the palate. On its finish it careened, plummeting and stopping short of disaster to salted iodized meat with a leave of wet clay – leaving its audience gasping, mouths agape. $$
Maisonneuve Cahors Les Laquets 2002 – This wine was the rowdy entertainer of the evening if not in strength or subtlety in shear energy and interest. Opened at the tasting as a friendly extra, it was a sweat laden hairy legged French woman singing James Brown – I feel good hah! Dirty and funky at the same time... The nose was smelly with dirty earth, barnyard, dried fruit, astringency, and band aid scents. On the palate it was full bodied, wide oval, dry, but long and very smooth. Flavors of dried dark or black fruit transitioned to a tarter berry taste then moved to iodine and marrow with what I could only evoke as dry red desert clay soil finish. Truly a treat that had many tasters singing along – I feel good… now that I got you. Hunh! $$
Comte Armand Volnay 2005 – This was the growling tiger in the room. A sleek, strong and dynamic, but somehow contrasting delicate and perfumed sensed Burgundy that I have had once before and loved both times. Soft aromas of dark fruit and flowers – maybe jasmine or rose petals expanded from initial brambly darker scents that left thoughts of deep forest thickets that block out sunlight. Flavors were of raspberry and loganberry at first. Then the wine opened further and an unidentifiable herbal taste was present. It finished with an iron earthen flavor one taster felt was “bloody” to the point of his distaste; either from the order of tastes before or from changes in the bottle since last tasted. Certainly more power to the finish than the last time I had this wine. Engrossed I stared into the dark stained glass at the eyes of this feline but powerful Burgundy. $$$
Fougeray de Beauclair Bonnes Mares 2001 Grand Cru – The grand finale and a special share from a friend. Thank you, you know who you are. This Burgundy started right off with both flash and substance - cherries jubilee in the nose but with a background of floral tones. Flavors ranged from tart black cherry and woody spices in the start and mid-palate; to forest floor funk with decaying ferns and moss, to iodine, iron, and long subtle minerals at the finish. It was the big wine in the room. The elephant that none will forget as it showed its power and also grace that perhaps would not be expected. It drew me in and impressed me with its flavors and layers; it could even age more easily, if one wanted. Simply astounding, simply brilliant, simply a standing ovation finish under the big top. $$$$
St. Urbans-hof Urban Mosel Riesling 2006 – hello my little leibshen. With a nice kiss of pale gold color this wine brought kerosene to the nose, white gas, plus citrus aromas. A pleasant offering that woke up the palate and showed what a German Riesling can be like. I love the scent of a Mosel Riesling. In the mouth it had a glycerin smooth feel. Short bodied, lightly off-dry, and fun and pretty; a cabaret of flavors - the tastes juggled grapefruit, candied lemon rind, green clover flower, and golden apple that finish light while running over white rock and slate. It was an enjoyable attention grabber to start things off under the lights of the circus tent. $
Bunnell Northridge Vineyard Mouvedre 2006 (Washington) – This was a showy bugger; like a man on the flying silks, or even the daredevils of the motor cross sphere. Dark sanguine crimson red in the glass. Many who were entranced by it were impressed by such a ostentatious young version of this varietal. Black pepper, currants, wet dirty sheep’s wool, and other sweaty/gamey funk in the nose; it nearly recoiled some but the fruit scents won out as the more pungent aromas blew off. Taste buds were given a show with smooth plum, black raspberry, licorice, and fireside smoke that crossed the palate. On its finish it careened, plummeting and stopping short of disaster to salted iodized meat with a leave of wet clay – leaving its audience gasping, mouths agape. $$
Maisonneuve Cahors Les Laquets 2002 – This wine was the rowdy entertainer of the evening if not in strength or subtlety in shear energy and interest. Opened at the tasting as a friendly extra, it was a sweat laden hairy legged French woman singing James Brown – I feel good hah! Dirty and funky at the same time... The nose was smelly with dirty earth, barnyard, dried fruit, astringency, and band aid scents. On the palate it was full bodied, wide oval, dry, but long and very smooth. Flavors of dried dark or black fruit transitioned to a tarter berry taste then moved to iodine and marrow with what I could only evoke as dry red desert clay soil finish. Truly a treat that had many tasters singing along – I feel good… now that I got you. Hunh! $$
Comte Armand Volnay 2005 – This was the growling tiger in the room. A sleek, strong and dynamic, but somehow contrasting delicate and perfumed sensed Burgundy that I have had once before and loved both times. Soft aromas of dark fruit and flowers – maybe jasmine or rose petals expanded from initial brambly darker scents that left thoughts of deep forest thickets that block out sunlight. Flavors were of raspberry and loganberry at first. Then the wine opened further and an unidentifiable herbal taste was present. It finished with an iron earthen flavor one taster felt was “bloody” to the point of his distaste; either from the order of tastes before or from changes in the bottle since last tasted. Certainly more power to the finish than the last time I had this wine. Engrossed I stared into the dark stained glass at the eyes of this feline but powerful Burgundy. $$$
Fougeray de Beauclair Bonnes Mares 2001 Grand Cru – The grand finale and a special share from a friend. Thank you, you know who you are. This Burgundy started right off with both flash and substance - cherries jubilee in the nose but with a background of floral tones. Flavors ranged from tart black cherry and woody spices in the start and mid-palate; to forest floor funk with decaying ferns and moss, to iodine, iron, and long subtle minerals at the finish. It was the big wine in the room. The elephant that none will forget as it showed its power and also grace that perhaps would not be expected. It drew me in and impressed me with its flavors and layers; it could even age more easily, if one wanted. Simply astounding, simply brilliant, simply a standing ovation finish under the big top. $$$$
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Pin-ooooh Noir
I love it when a good wine has the same affect on each person regardless of when opened or tasted. That’s why I had to (against my own misgivings of broadcasting this wine) post about a 2001 East Block Pinot Noir recently released from library. Every time I have been present upon opening of this wine, any new taster has had the same audible reaction upon nose to rim of the glass – “ooooh!”
Medici 2001 East Block Pinto Noir
This wine is retro! Back to the tradition of what I think Oregon Pinot Noir is all about. The classic coke of Pinot (try the coke vs. classic coke challenge) it’s the better recipe and evoking thoughts of earlier less over-potent Pinot Noir expressions. What do I mean by that? Well without getting into various preferences of wine by some wine advocates; in my opinion many current Pinot Noir are big bodied, high alcohol, big fruit up front. I am preferable to the lower alcohol, more delicate and perfumed subtle layered wines some vintners still express and I feel more past wine had.
The color in this Pinot Noir was translucent ruby red clear enough to read tasting notes through; that tugged childhood memory strings of the color red of strawberry freezer jam. This wine was so enrapturing and smelly in the nose too. Smelly can be a good thing, yes. As I put the rim of the glass to my nose I exclaimed, “ooooh” and prior tasters that had done the same just laughed. Black truffles, mild cherry fruit, and decaying long needle pine on a dank forest floor. That forest floor funk I think is a marker of good Oregon Pinot Noir. I could only have sniffed the glass stupefied and been happy, and in fact, I often did.
On the palate it was bright red cherries that transitioned to a coffee/burnt caramel that reminded me of a Mahattan Transfer song – I like the java jive and it likes me, coffee and tea, Pinot and me… Flavors then went to a more pine, forest floor matter/mushrooms, as it started to finish even had a mild numbing pine oil taste/sensation on the tip of the tongue before final solid strong with clay dust – it ended down and dirty like a roll in the mud. I encourage you to chase this wine through the woods, get down and dirty with it, cause it feels sooo good.
$$
Medici 2001 East Block Pinto Noir
This wine is retro! Back to the tradition of what I think Oregon Pinot Noir is all about. The classic coke of Pinot (try the coke vs. classic coke challenge) it’s the better recipe and evoking thoughts of earlier less over-potent Pinot Noir expressions. What do I mean by that? Well without getting into various preferences of wine by some wine advocates; in my opinion many current Pinot Noir are big bodied, high alcohol, big fruit up front. I am preferable to the lower alcohol, more delicate and perfumed subtle layered wines some vintners still express and I feel more past wine had.
The color in this Pinot Noir was translucent ruby red clear enough to read tasting notes through; that tugged childhood memory strings of the color red of strawberry freezer jam. This wine was so enrapturing and smelly in the nose too. Smelly can be a good thing, yes. As I put the rim of the glass to my nose I exclaimed, “ooooh” and prior tasters that had done the same just laughed. Black truffles, mild cherry fruit, and decaying long needle pine on a dank forest floor. That forest floor funk I think is a marker of good Oregon Pinot Noir. I could only have sniffed the glass stupefied and been happy, and in fact, I often did.
On the palate it was bright red cherries that transitioned to a coffee/burnt caramel that reminded me of a Mahattan Transfer song – I like the java jive and it likes me, coffee and tea, Pinot and me… Flavors then went to a more pine, forest floor matter/mushrooms, as it started to finish even had a mild numbing pine oil taste/sensation on the tip of the tongue before final solid strong with clay dust – it ended down and dirty like a roll in the mud. I encourage you to chase this wine through the woods, get down and dirty with it, cause it feels sooo good.
$$
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The wrong wine never tasted so right
I’ve been really lax about updating the blog. But really now, it is summer and I am trying to get out and enjoy! I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of a few different tastings and BBQs as well. Its been a grape (pun intended) July for me so far.
Just last night I was having a dinner of Chicken, Tabouli, and roasted carrots with some friends – it was yum. I was excited to bring over and open the Cameron 2006 Willamette Valley Chardonnay to have with. About 1/4 of the way through the bottle I realized I had grabbed the Cameron 2006 Columbia Valley Chardonnay! Augh wrong wine! I’m not even sure if you can find the Columbia Valley Chardonnay but still we all enjoyed it so much and I remembered much of what I thought when I first had it quite a bit ago.
Cameron 2006 Columbia Valley Chardonnay – John Paul you mad genius! As with others of his this wine is classic rock on a warm summer evening. It’s like the 70’s and 80’s rock alive in a glass. Kansas, Eagles, KISS… This is quite simply a wonderful Chardonnay. Its not likely to make you weak in the knees, nor give up a love of a layered flavor, mineral finish character of white Burgundy… however, this is an expression of Chardonnay that some may not expect, and that I think is simply quite right. It had a beautiful golden yellow color in the glass that swirled the rays of the evening sun. It had a very clean nose of golden apples and what one person noted as a hint of white grape jelly. While smelling off dry, on the palate it had golden lightly tart apples that faded to a mild talc and chalk dust flavor. Oak? What oak? We certainly couldn’t distinguish discernible oaky overtones as many think of in Chardonnay. This is a classic clean style wine in the form of French whites I've had. It may not have the length or some of the terrior of those wines, nor make you abandon any French favorites you have, but it also doesn’t have the cost. Serve lightly chilled, stare into the brilliant golden hue, and serve with your favorite Oregon summer dishes. John Paul, for those about to rock we salute you. $
To parry the inexpensive Cameron and to mention a wine I recently had again but appreciated all the more this time I am going to go across the pond. I was so ecstatic to have this wine again. Simply the BEST Burgogne Blanc I have ever had. I opened a 375ml with a friend to celebrate his arrival home from France. He too, was won over and amazed by this expression of Chardonnay grapes. In fact he declared it better than the French Chardonnay he had from a barrel while abroad. Okay onto the tasting notes and the wine.
Francois Jobard 2005 Meursault “En La Barre” – Did you see my first tasting notes on this wine when I started this blog? I repeat the sentiment. I would sell my soul for a case of this wine. Any takers? Brilliant golden in the glass, the moment lifted near the nose all sorts of notes jump forward. White smoke, tart green apples, sour mash, vanilla, wet gravel, and all long and clean. It’s hard to keep this wine in the glass to taste thoroughly as its so grand! One sip and I’d swear I could speak French and want to move there just to have wine like this more often. Lengthy layered flavors of apples with undertones of citrus that move to chalk and wet gravel wash over the palate and tumble through the mouth. Perhaps more impressive is the balance and length of this Meursault. The acid is bright and brilliant in the tastes and the flavors accordingly run the length of the tongue all the way to the back of the mouth. I could continue to taste the apples and rocks for minutes after a mouthful. I wonder if Jobard is just a brilliant vintner or if he made a deal with Bacchus or some wine devil to produce this wonderful wine. Perhaps that explains the smoke in the wine. ;) I have yet to have a better glass of Chardonnay and unfortunately rarely will, as the cost of such is somewhat impeding. $$$$
Salud!
Just last night I was having a dinner of Chicken, Tabouli, and roasted carrots with some friends – it was yum. I was excited to bring over and open the Cameron 2006 Willamette Valley Chardonnay to have with. About 1/4 of the way through the bottle I realized I had grabbed the Cameron 2006 Columbia Valley Chardonnay! Augh wrong wine! I’m not even sure if you can find the Columbia Valley Chardonnay but still we all enjoyed it so much and I remembered much of what I thought when I first had it quite a bit ago.
Cameron 2006 Columbia Valley Chardonnay – John Paul you mad genius! As with others of his this wine is classic rock on a warm summer evening. It’s like the 70’s and 80’s rock alive in a glass. Kansas, Eagles, KISS… This is quite simply a wonderful Chardonnay. Its not likely to make you weak in the knees, nor give up a love of a layered flavor, mineral finish character of white Burgundy… however, this is an expression of Chardonnay that some may not expect, and that I think is simply quite right. It had a beautiful golden yellow color in the glass that swirled the rays of the evening sun. It had a very clean nose of golden apples and what one person noted as a hint of white grape jelly. While smelling off dry, on the palate it had golden lightly tart apples that faded to a mild talc and chalk dust flavor. Oak? What oak? We certainly couldn’t distinguish discernible oaky overtones as many think of in Chardonnay. This is a classic clean style wine in the form of French whites I've had. It may not have the length or some of the terrior of those wines, nor make you abandon any French favorites you have, but it also doesn’t have the cost. Serve lightly chilled, stare into the brilliant golden hue, and serve with your favorite Oregon summer dishes. John Paul, for those about to rock we salute you. $
To parry the inexpensive Cameron and to mention a wine I recently had again but appreciated all the more this time I am going to go across the pond. I was so ecstatic to have this wine again. Simply the BEST Burgogne Blanc I have ever had. I opened a 375ml with a friend to celebrate his arrival home from France. He too, was won over and amazed by this expression of Chardonnay grapes. In fact he declared it better than the French Chardonnay he had from a barrel while abroad. Okay onto the tasting notes and the wine.
Francois Jobard 2005 Meursault “En La Barre” – Did you see my first tasting notes on this wine when I started this blog? I repeat the sentiment. I would sell my soul for a case of this wine. Any takers? Brilliant golden in the glass, the moment lifted near the nose all sorts of notes jump forward. White smoke, tart green apples, sour mash, vanilla, wet gravel, and all long and clean. It’s hard to keep this wine in the glass to taste thoroughly as its so grand! One sip and I’d swear I could speak French and want to move there just to have wine like this more often. Lengthy layered flavors of apples with undertones of citrus that move to chalk and wet gravel wash over the palate and tumble through the mouth. Perhaps more impressive is the balance and length of this Meursault. The acid is bright and brilliant in the tastes and the flavors accordingly run the length of the tongue all the way to the back of the mouth. I could continue to taste the apples and rocks for minutes after a mouthful. I wonder if Jobard is just a brilliant vintner or if he made a deal with Bacchus or some wine devil to produce this wonderful wine. Perhaps that explains the smoke in the wine. ;) I have yet to have a better glass of Chardonnay and unfortunately rarely will, as the cost of such is somewhat impeding. $$$$
Salud!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Abracadabra!
With a flick of the wrist and a magic word Sleight of Hand Cellars Trey Bush appeared at a recent tasting I attended to impart his blend of Rock and Roll and Hocus Pocus by pouring his wines and running the choice of cds. While a bit biased by this magician's charm with discussions of wine, food and sport over later evening meal I truly did enjoy his wines, and was actually most interested in a simple white. Fortunately Trey doesn't ready this blog - yet... So I can be honest about his wine! :)
By the way Sleight of Hand cellars are actually named after a Pearl Jam song for those of you fans in the know. Whether a bit of magic or if just rockin' away the summer - Trey's pours were a fun way to pass a summer's eve. If you learn the magic words just right, flick your wrist as you open a bottle you may find your days happily and magically pass by as well.
Sleight of Hand "The Magician" Gewürztraminer 2007 - Definitely a bit of mystery and magic here. This was not what I expect out of a Gewürztraminer. More fruity, less spicy, and with some simple friendly twists. Like smoke off flash paper aromas of melon and floral tones lifted throughout the scent. It appeared as though something that would be sweet. Ah but misdirection is the magician's friend. While the nose went one way, on the palate this was a moderately dry wine while still being very pretty and fruit forward. A friendly taste full of melon and other luscious fruit such as peach and pear but with a slippery lightly tart pit finish. It was more delicate that I would expect of a Gewürztraminer as well, and while albeit a bit thin in mouth-feel it was the wine I enjoyed most of that evening. I was a little put off by the price too at $17/bottle. However, this wine was a fun flick of the wand, with a bit of illusion and charm that only the best magicians can provide. Turn on your favorite Pearl Jam and say abracadabra just before you imbibe. $
By the way Sleight of Hand cellars are actually named after a Pearl Jam song for those of you fans in the know. Whether a bit of magic or if just rockin' away the summer - Trey's pours were a fun way to pass a summer's eve. If you learn the magic words just right, flick your wrist as you open a bottle you may find your days happily and magically pass by as well.
Sleight of Hand "The Magician" Gewürztraminer 2007 - Definitely a bit of mystery and magic here. This was not what I expect out of a Gewürztraminer. More fruity, less spicy, and with some simple friendly twists. Like smoke off flash paper aromas of melon and floral tones lifted throughout the scent. It appeared as though something that would be sweet. Ah but misdirection is the magician's friend. While the nose went one way, on the palate this was a moderately dry wine while still being very pretty and fruit forward. A friendly taste full of melon and other luscious fruit such as peach and pear but with a slippery lightly tart pit finish. It was more delicate that I would expect of a Gewürztraminer as well, and while albeit a bit thin in mouth-feel it was the wine I enjoyed most of that evening. I was a little put off by the price too at $17/bottle. However, this wine was a fun flick of the wand, with a bit of illusion and charm that only the best magicians can provide. Turn on your favorite Pearl Jam and say abracadabra just before you imbibe. $
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Holding off the Italian Troops
Well its been 2 weeks since my last post. I think I became a bit over wined there for a moment. Especially since I had been tasting a number of inexpensive whites and then big Washington or Italian Reds. I was looking for something different... Part of me still is. I think I am in a white wine mood lately. However I wanted to blog about a wine that maybe wasn't so inexpensive nor so readily available; something people would have to seek out only if they really were interested. With that in mind I remembered a Pinot Noir I had in the last few weeks.
Hello my name is Joel, and I have a problem, I love Pinot Noir... Okay that said what's not to like about cherries, berries, flowers, funk, and potentially chalk or rocks?!? Maybe that's a bit basic but it certainly describes the Pinot and Burgundy that I have so gone grape nutz for. Certainly its a versatile grape with a lot of different wines that wine lovers buzz (or in this case blog) about. As mentioned lately I have tasted a number of nice Italian wines but am ready for something different. Fortunately at one tasting I was offered a bonus poor of pinot noir. Immediately I knew that was the wine of the night for me. I wanted to climb down into the glass and just sit in a happy place.
What was the wine that so turned my head and still had enough power to stand up to the Italian troops?
Dusky Goose Pinot Noir 2003 - This is a full and solid bodied Pinot Noir that is athletic enough to stand up to a number of dishes and tastes. The nose was of dark ripe cherries, red berries, anise, and dark earth. I enjoyed the smell enough to be sure to sniff between each taste. In the glass I was so happy to see that perfect garnet red color clear enough to read through. Especially after a bevy of darker Italian varietals. Perhas I was colored by being preferential to Pinot over such varietals; however, I have heard how special Dusky Goose can be and this certainly proved the point. The initial taste was of semi-sweet and semi-tart dark red cherries, it moved to a more dried cherry flavor with the slight bitterness of skins in the middle. The finish wowed me with a jasmine note that eventually flowed into the anise that I smelled. Still those cherries remained throghout the whole. This wine has a wonderful and complex structure to it, and the body for a pinot was well drawn out. I asked and nearly begged for another taster's portion later just so I could sigh, smile, and dive into the deep end of an advanced Pinot Noir. Seemless layers and loads of fruit yet while off dry, this is one Pinot I hope you can find to try. I think its something special that could be served with may spring lamb dishes or that Chinook Salmon. Its not going to be common at tastings though, its very well known, well guarded, and the cost is not inexpensive at around $50 bottle.
Hello my name is Joel, and I have a problem, I love Pinot Noir... Okay that said what's not to like about cherries, berries, flowers, funk, and potentially chalk or rocks?!? Maybe that's a bit basic but it certainly describes the Pinot and Burgundy that I have so gone grape nutz for. Certainly its a versatile grape with a lot of different wines that wine lovers buzz (or in this case blog) about. As mentioned lately I have tasted a number of nice Italian wines but am ready for something different. Fortunately at one tasting I was offered a bonus poor of pinot noir. Immediately I knew that was the wine of the night for me. I wanted to climb down into the glass and just sit in a happy place.
What was the wine that so turned my head and still had enough power to stand up to the Italian troops?
Dusky Goose Pinot Noir 2003 - This is a full and solid bodied Pinot Noir that is athletic enough to stand up to a number of dishes and tastes. The nose was of dark ripe cherries, red berries, anise, and dark earth. I enjoyed the smell enough to be sure to sniff between each taste. In the glass I was so happy to see that perfect garnet red color clear enough to read through. Especially after a bevy of darker Italian varietals. Perhas I was colored by being preferential to Pinot over such varietals; however, I have heard how special Dusky Goose can be and this certainly proved the point. The initial taste was of semi-sweet and semi-tart dark red cherries, it moved to a more dried cherry flavor with the slight bitterness of skins in the middle. The finish wowed me with a jasmine note that eventually flowed into the anise that I smelled. Still those cherries remained throghout the whole. This wine has a wonderful and complex structure to it, and the body for a pinot was well drawn out. I asked and nearly begged for another taster's portion later just so I could sigh, smile, and dive into the deep end of an advanced Pinot Noir. Seemless layers and loads of fruit yet while off dry, this is one Pinot I hope you can find to try. I think its something special that could be served with may spring lamb dishes or that Chinook Salmon. Its not going to be common at tastings though, its very well known, well guarded, and the cost is not inexpensive at around $50 bottle.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Opossum and the Dog
Okay so what does an opossum and a dog have to do with wine? Well to keep this short - Jay Sommers of J. Christopher vineyards and one of my favorite Oregon vintners is also a musician. At the last tasting I was at the music accompanying the wine was Jay's band. One of the songs, I was informed, was written watching one of his dogs chase a opossum around the yard. I am a big fan of most wines by Jay (see prior postings) and happily found three at this tasting that I wanted to blog about as well while listening to his rendition of opossum and dog.
J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - I dare you not to smile when you try this wine. Not that you will necessarily like it... Its just that much of a citrus tart lemon when you first get it on the palate! Your cheeks pull back to that Joker style grin whether you want them to or not. Maybe Jay was in a bit of a prankster mood when he made this wine but I think not. It is a pale pale yellow in color, with definite citrus smell in the glass as well. After my palate adjusted I was very happy with this wine and tasted it several times throughout the evening. Its a total citrus ball to be true. However its has a nice mild rocky finish and leave on the tongue. While I am not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc, I think this is a very good wine that would be even better lightly chilled with a plate of Dungeness crab with a side of melted caraway butter for dipping. $
J. Christopher Croft Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 - I do like a good Chardonnay... and this is a good Chardonnay! I have to admit I was less than thrilled with a different J. Christopher Chardonnay I had last year. Happily for me this was not that wine. This Chardonnay was bright with a nice lithe scent of apple, mild citrus, and some mineral or rocks. Its a nice sipper too. On the palate I found a less over powering citrus than the prior wine and with also flavors of cool apple such as golden delicious. It finished with a fruit skin flavor in my mouth. What also was so nice about this wine was the balance and acid; it really was put together well. Moderate bodied with just the right even hold throughout. A very nice Oregon Chardonnay without the overpowering oak, vanilla, or toasted nature some can put off. Less like an obtrusive neighbor and more like a friend dropping by. I think you should check out a tasting of this friendly Chardonnay. $
J. Christopher Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2006 - Jay did it again as far as I am concerned. He produced another Pinot Noir that people should take note of. This is a blend of 4 vineyards grapes, including one of Cameron's vineyards where Jay used to work. It is a pretty mix of red and rose petal color in the glass. Scents of cherries, raspberry, rose petal, and a bit of dry earth were what I found in a layered nose. I was impressed with that alone. In the mouth this is another J. Christopher gem and not much more need be said in my opinion. Moderate mouth-feel with silky smooth texture that I expect from Jay's wines. Tart cherries, red berries, something almost peppery, but then with smooth blended fruit and dry earthen finish. Considering the cost we're having to pay for many Oregon Pinot Noir of equal or lesser quality, this is a real wine to find, try, and then I think buy. $$ around 30/bottle
J. Christopher Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - I dare you not to smile when you try this wine. Not that you will necessarily like it... Its just that much of a citrus tart lemon when you first get it on the palate! Your cheeks pull back to that Joker style grin whether you want them to or not. Maybe Jay was in a bit of a prankster mood when he made this wine but I think not. It is a pale pale yellow in color, with definite citrus smell in the glass as well. After my palate adjusted I was very happy with this wine and tasted it several times throughout the evening. Its a total citrus ball to be true. However its has a nice mild rocky finish and leave on the tongue. While I am not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc, I think this is a very good wine that would be even better lightly chilled with a plate of Dungeness crab with a side of melted caraway butter for dipping. $
J. Christopher Croft Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 - I do like a good Chardonnay... and this is a good Chardonnay! I have to admit I was less than thrilled with a different J. Christopher Chardonnay I had last year. Happily for me this was not that wine. This Chardonnay was bright with a nice lithe scent of apple, mild citrus, and some mineral or rocks. Its a nice sipper too. On the palate I found a less over powering citrus than the prior wine and with also flavors of cool apple such as golden delicious. It finished with a fruit skin flavor in my mouth. What also was so nice about this wine was the balance and acid; it really was put together well. Moderate bodied with just the right even hold throughout. A very nice Oregon Chardonnay without the overpowering oak, vanilla, or toasted nature some can put off. Less like an obtrusive neighbor and more like a friend dropping by. I think you should check out a tasting of this friendly Chardonnay. $
J. Christopher Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2006 - Jay did it again as far as I am concerned. He produced another Pinot Noir that people should take note of. This is a blend of 4 vineyards grapes, including one of Cameron's vineyards where Jay used to work. It is a pretty mix of red and rose petal color in the glass. Scents of cherries, raspberry, rose petal, and a bit of dry earth were what I found in a layered nose. I was impressed with that alone. In the mouth this is another J. Christopher gem and not much more need be said in my opinion. Moderate mouth-feel with silky smooth texture that I expect from Jay's wines. Tart cherries, red berries, something almost peppery, but then with smooth blended fruit and dry earthen finish. Considering the cost we're having to pay for many Oregon Pinot Noir of equal or lesser quality, this is a real wine to find, try, and then I think buy. $$ around 30/bottle
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Summertime citrus quaffers
Pucker up and prepare for the summer citrus! Keeping on the theme of summer wines that wont break the bank, and that you may not have had, here are two of real interest to me. One, the Torrontes grape from South America, I have mentioned before and have become a fan of. The other, Aligote from Burgundy, defnitely left its mark as a fun quaffer for the summer seekers. And I thought all white Burgundy was Chardonnay...
Norton Torrontes 2007 - I blogged about Torrontes before. What can I say but that I think this is a great lightly chilled white wine. It can be had any time but the typically pale gold color and summertime ripe fruit tastes will likely have you thinking of warm July days and sultry nights. Standard Torrontes scents and flavors in my limited experience are of white peaches and grapefruit. Check and check again with this year's Norton. In the glass its a spoonful of fresh scooped white grapefruit on the palate. Tart, dry, and fruity it finished with a bit of the white peach. This is an easy to drink quaffer and certainly I don't think it will have you searching for layers or descriptions. Its a simple unsweetened summer fruit salad. I think it would be wonderful with picnic faire or some white fish or scallops straight off the grill. Not often is it so much fun to drink a ten buck quaffer. $
Roulton Burgogne Aligote 2005 - Hey hey Aligote! (Al-ee-goat-tay) You ever suck on a lemon? Well that's what this Aligote was for me. Bright straw yellow in color, this quaffer had scents of toast tips, lemons, and lemon tree leaf. In the mouth its a puckering quaff of citric acid. Did you like lemon drops as a kid? Remove the sugar and pucker up. I was told this is a wine the French love as a quick way to liven up the mouth and senses and it certainly didn't fail. In fact, it brightened a long dreary day for me. Thin and short bodied this is a chiller summer fun lemon that gives a quick summer yellow hello. Apparently a wine for wine geeks - whatever that means... If you get a chance, see what you think of the summer citrus that may you puckering for more. $ 20/bottle
Norton Torrontes 2007 - I blogged about Torrontes before. What can I say but that I think this is a great lightly chilled white wine. It can be had any time but the typically pale gold color and summertime ripe fruit tastes will likely have you thinking of warm July days and sultry nights. Standard Torrontes scents and flavors in my limited experience are of white peaches and grapefruit. Check and check again with this year's Norton. In the glass its a spoonful of fresh scooped white grapefruit on the palate. Tart, dry, and fruity it finished with a bit of the white peach. This is an easy to drink quaffer and certainly I don't think it will have you searching for layers or descriptions. Its a simple unsweetened summer fruit salad. I think it would be wonderful with picnic faire or some white fish or scallops straight off the grill. Not often is it so much fun to drink a ten buck quaffer. $
Roulton Burgogne Aligote 2005 - Hey hey Aligote! (Al-ee-goat-tay) You ever suck on a lemon? Well that's what this Aligote was for me. Bright straw yellow in color, this quaffer had scents of toast tips, lemons, and lemon tree leaf. In the mouth its a puckering quaff of citric acid. Did you like lemon drops as a kid? Remove the sugar and pucker up. I was told this is a wine the French love as a quick way to liven up the mouth and senses and it certainly didn't fail. In fact, it brightened a long dreary day for me. Thin and short bodied this is a chiller summer fun lemon that gives a quick summer yellow hello. Apparently a wine for wine geeks - whatever that means... If you get a chance, see what you think of the summer citrus that may you puckering for more. $ 20/bottle
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Think Pink!
Late spring, early summer is in the air. We had a very hot weekend last week and just in time were the Rosé to appear lightly chilled to quench the thirst. Now if you didn’t read my first Rosé postings, I am not talking the sticky sweet White Zinfandel or Sutter Home mutations of Rosé. Please keep an open mind. These are fun fruitful, bright, and can be as dry as you could want a wine to be. Each I list here I would be happy to have anytime. Another perk of these pink drink is that while not only fun they are typically very affordable. So take a moment to adjust your perceptions, put on some rose colored glasses, enjoy the view, and think pink my friends.
Ametzio Rubentos Txakolina 2007 (Basque) – Ever had a Rosé from Basque before? Well, me neither. This Txakolina (Choc-Oh-Leena) grape Rosé was absolutely the stunner of the evening for me. The color was what I described as Halo pink. Think of a very light clouded pink color like faded neon or that of a light pink Crayola. The aroma was of dried strawberries and a bit of yeast or champagne. A delicate mouth-feel, it danced a sexy tango over the palate with tart and dry lean raspberry and strawberry run amuck. It was zippy and zesty in the mouth with both the fruit and a slight effervescence not unlike a mild sparkler. Perhaps a bit of fermentation still in the bottle? The slight bounce of the step, in the dance of the twirling Basque raspberry certainly captured my attention. It was one Rosé I kept going back to taste further. Good luck finding for a tasting though; I’ve been told this is a rare Rosé and does not see a lot imported. If you get the chance, do try. I think you’ll want to do the raspberry tango and enjoy a warm summer’s eve as well. $ 18/bottle
Grochau Cellars Pink 2007 (Oregon) – This is a strawberry jolly rancher redish pink pinot noir Rosé! Transparent rudy pink in color; Pink is all strawberries and cherries in the glass jumping up to say “well hello, ready for a party?” While bright and light it is still not a sweet sipper but does have the tastes of pinot noir Rosé being fruit forward on the palate. It’s simply a fine bright fun Rosé that cries out for pork spare ribs or other pupu platter. A friendlier Rosé for the value I am not sure you will find! I think this is a perfect wine to introduce you and friends to how good a Rosé can be. $ 11-13/bottle
Murphy’s Law Rosé 2007 (O’Rielly Cellars / Oregon) – a bunch of southern French varietals thrown in to a Rose? Roll the dice and see if you feel lucky. This is a dark Rosé of rose petal color, almost like a transparent red rose. Scent of cherries and red berries are forward in the aroma but finish with a mild earthen leave. In the mouth straight up it’s a bowl of red ripe cherries. Fruit forward and flavorful but not overpowering it has a mild drier finish that I really enjoyed. I had this side by side with the 2005 Murphy’s Law and while the ‘05 is earthier and a bit drier I feel the ’07 will appeal to a broader range of tastes. Chill with it or grill with it, and just be sure to give me a call when you do. $ 8-10/bottle
Bordecker Cellars Reflection Pinot Noir Rosé 2006 (Oregon) – This may be the Pinot Noir mini me! It’s a rusty northwest red/pink in the glass with even a light bit of funk in the nose. A Rosé with funk?!? Well I never, but it sure does. Big and strong for a Rosé while dressed in a pink sweater, don’t think this a light frilly Rose or it might just reach out of the glass and give you a slap! Dried but slightly bitter, bright cherries, with tannins and flesh, it finishes with the cherry pit in your mouth. All this in Rose? Definitely Willamette Valley pinot noir style. Bulk up, put on your best pink sweater, and drink till yer pink. I dare you not to be impressed by this emboldened mini Pinot Noir. $ 12/bottle
Amador Foothill Winery Sangiovese Rosé 2007 – This couldn’t be a Rosé, not with this color… Chinook salmon flesh orange? Are Rosé orange? Well this was, and with a rusty hue. This was a real treat and bonus pour via a generous person. Not only was the color unusual though. The aroma was a ripe ruby red grapefruit! I’m used to such citrus in white wine. This was a nicely dry Rosé with more ruby grapefruit and orange zest on the palate. Light somewhat delicate citrus and citrus floral on the palate I was won over by this Rosé gone Tropicana. It hasn’t made its way to Portland yet to my knowledge but when it does I’ll be thinking orange, er pink, er orange. Whichever it is and however you call it, it’s unusual and darned good! $ 12-13/bottle
Montes Cherub Syrah Rose 2007 (Argentina) – Another unusual find in a Rosé here. Think dark rose petal pink in color as the Syrah flexes its might. Still there is a rusty halo to this wine as well. Also in common with the Sangiovese Rosé was the aroma of ruby red grapefruit! I love citrus so I guess its all good news for me. However this did also throw in a slight understated strawberry. This is a really refreshing wine. Chilled and in the mouth, think of strawberry + ruby grapefruit juice together. Like the strawberry lemonade of my youth but without the sweetness. It’s zesty and slides across the palate in a dash to brighten up your day and awaken your senses. This light summer quaff goes high on the list for pure entertainment and nostalgia. $ 15/bottle
Ametzio Rubentos Txakolina 2007 (Basque) – Ever had a Rosé from Basque before? Well, me neither. This Txakolina (Choc-Oh-Leena) grape Rosé was absolutely the stunner of the evening for me. The color was what I described as Halo pink. Think of a very light clouded pink color like faded neon or that of a light pink Crayola. The aroma was of dried strawberries and a bit of yeast or champagne. A delicate mouth-feel, it danced a sexy tango over the palate with tart and dry lean raspberry and strawberry run amuck. It was zippy and zesty in the mouth with both the fruit and a slight effervescence not unlike a mild sparkler. Perhaps a bit of fermentation still in the bottle? The slight bounce of the step, in the dance of the twirling Basque raspberry certainly captured my attention. It was one Rosé I kept going back to taste further. Good luck finding for a tasting though; I’ve been told this is a rare Rosé and does not see a lot imported. If you get the chance, do try. I think you’ll want to do the raspberry tango and enjoy a warm summer’s eve as well. $ 18/bottle
Grochau Cellars Pink 2007 (Oregon) – This is a strawberry jolly rancher redish pink pinot noir Rosé! Transparent rudy pink in color; Pink is all strawberries and cherries in the glass jumping up to say “well hello, ready for a party?” While bright and light it is still not a sweet sipper but does have the tastes of pinot noir Rosé being fruit forward on the palate. It’s simply a fine bright fun Rosé that cries out for pork spare ribs or other pupu platter. A friendlier Rosé for the value I am not sure you will find! I think this is a perfect wine to introduce you and friends to how good a Rosé can be. $ 11-13/bottle
Murphy’s Law Rosé 2007 (O’Rielly Cellars / Oregon) – a bunch of southern French varietals thrown in to a Rose? Roll the dice and see if you feel lucky. This is a dark Rosé of rose petal color, almost like a transparent red rose. Scent of cherries and red berries are forward in the aroma but finish with a mild earthen leave. In the mouth straight up it’s a bowl of red ripe cherries. Fruit forward and flavorful but not overpowering it has a mild drier finish that I really enjoyed. I had this side by side with the 2005 Murphy’s Law and while the ‘05 is earthier and a bit drier I feel the ’07 will appeal to a broader range of tastes. Chill with it or grill with it, and just be sure to give me a call when you do. $ 8-10/bottle
Bordecker Cellars Reflection Pinot Noir Rosé 2006 (Oregon) – This may be the Pinot Noir mini me! It’s a rusty northwest red/pink in the glass with even a light bit of funk in the nose. A Rosé with funk?!? Well I never, but it sure does. Big and strong for a Rosé while dressed in a pink sweater, don’t think this a light frilly Rose or it might just reach out of the glass and give you a slap! Dried but slightly bitter, bright cherries, with tannins and flesh, it finishes with the cherry pit in your mouth. All this in Rose? Definitely Willamette Valley pinot noir style. Bulk up, put on your best pink sweater, and drink till yer pink. I dare you not to be impressed by this emboldened mini Pinot Noir. $ 12/bottle
Amador Foothill Winery Sangiovese Rosé 2007 – This couldn’t be a Rosé, not with this color… Chinook salmon flesh orange? Are Rosé orange? Well this was, and with a rusty hue. This was a real treat and bonus pour via a generous person. Not only was the color unusual though. The aroma was a ripe ruby red grapefruit! I’m used to such citrus in white wine. This was a nicely dry Rosé with more ruby grapefruit and orange zest on the palate. Light somewhat delicate citrus and citrus floral on the palate I was won over by this Rosé gone Tropicana. It hasn’t made its way to Portland yet to my knowledge but when it does I’ll be thinking orange, er pink, er orange. Whichever it is and however you call it, it’s unusual and darned good! $ 12-13/bottle
Montes Cherub Syrah Rose 2007 (Argentina) – Another unusual find in a Rosé here. Think dark rose petal pink in color as the Syrah flexes its might. Still there is a rusty halo to this wine as well. Also in common with the Sangiovese Rosé was the aroma of ruby red grapefruit! I love citrus so I guess its all good news for me. However this did also throw in a slight understated strawberry. This is a really refreshing wine. Chilled and in the mouth, think of strawberry + ruby grapefruit juice together. Like the strawberry lemonade of my youth but without the sweetness. It’s zesty and slides across the palate in a dash to brighten up your day and awaken your senses. This light summer quaff goes high on the list for pure entertainment and nostalgia. $ 15/bottle
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The passing of Robert Mondavi
No tasting notes today in reverance to the passing of Robert Mondavi yesterday.
If you are unfamiliar with this American born vintner of Italian immigrant parents, type Robert Mondavi into any web browser.
Here is Wikipedia's link:
Robert Mondavi
If you are unfamiliar with this American born vintner of Italian immigrant parents, type Robert Mondavi into any web browser.
Here is Wikipedia's link:
Robert Mondavi
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A Volnay by any other name...
Last week I received an email from the purveyor, whose tastings I attend, that stated, "I am pouring one of the prettiest Volnay ever this Friday." That was all the email needed to say. I've been clamoring to try a Volnay Burgundy since I read of them. They are known for being the most perfumed and elegant Burgundy and that suits my tastes just fine. A good growling athletic Pinot may catch my notice or strike my fancy for example but I often find myself drawn back to the sublime depths of the perfect perfumed Burgundy. What made this tasting all the more enjoyable was the releases of John Paul Cameron (the mad Oregon Vinter) as well being poured that evening.
Cameron Guliani White Table Wine 2007 - I hope the moniker "white table wine" will not put people off of this very nice easy drinking white. It is a blend of grapes from the mad vintner that is bright and expressive even if not the depth of other of his wines. A straw yellow color in the glass it simply oozed scents of melon and pear on the first smell, there were also citrus and other green and yellow fruits found in the aroma. This isnt a white to make you think of white Burgundy or to melt you to weak in the knees. Its bright green and yellow apples, citrus, and then chewy clover leaf in the mouth. I can't quite get myself to use the word "quaffer" (though it some will say such) to describe this wine that makes me think of light summers yellow glow. Best served in my mind with a very light coolness to it the flavors and bright nature are perfect for summers on the porch or with that shared dish of crawfish and butter. $
Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2006 - John Paul may be a character, but wines he knows. I have become a member of the cult of Cameron - at least in my mind. The 2006 Dundee hills is certainly no disapointment. Its a fun engaging young Pinot Noir that had a lot of Cameron distinctiveness driven by his apparent love of wine and desire to make wines naturally without artificial irrigation. Dark in the glass it was more deep rose bud colored than I expected. It had characteristic Cameron subtle funk and loam (sounds like a good band name). The surprise in the front of the nose was the buttered popcorn smell or even buttered popcorn jelly belly that layered to a rose floral depth before moving to dark cherry fruit and the loamy soil. As for the taste, does more really need to be said than cherries and dirt? Okay so maybe black cherries and wet earth meets clay. Its one of the best values period I think you'll find in an Oregon Pinot Noir. You wont have the cost of more exclusive bottles and yet will have great flavors plus get to jam a session or two with "funk & loam". Taste pairing with Led Zeppelin - All of my Love, and Rock on John Paul rock on. $$ 20/bottle
Comte Armand Volnay 2005 - Ah a Volnay by any other name... Do yourself a favor and find a tasting of this impressive Burgundy. This is a finely perfumed wine of great character and depth. Scents of deep brambles at onset parted their tight woven roots to reveal dark red wet fruit and dark rose petals in the aroma. The nose alone was enticing. Darker in color than expected, in ruby red, this was an auspicous and layered Burgundy. It was all and more than I expected and certainly impressed many at the tasting - the word superb comes to mind. Moderate mouth-feel and silky silky smooth texture the wine balanced layered flavors of huckleberry, loganberry, and perhaps black raspberry on the palate. As they envelope the tongue and then dissipate thin they reveal an earthen and mineral finish that lasts longer than perhaps the rocks it grew in. It has an excellent structure and a round middle that made me wish to leave it in my mouth long before swallowing. However, I drank it far faster than I meant to or realized. I liken it a bit to finding the Golden ticket in Willy Wonka bars. Its a special feeling of excitement, anticipation, and mouthwatering flavor. Find your ticket, cash in, and say yum and yippee today. $$$
Cameron Guliani White Table Wine 2007 - I hope the moniker "white table wine" will not put people off of this very nice easy drinking white. It is a blend of grapes from the mad vintner that is bright and expressive even if not the depth of other of his wines. A straw yellow color in the glass it simply oozed scents of melon and pear on the first smell, there were also citrus and other green and yellow fruits found in the aroma. This isnt a white to make you think of white Burgundy or to melt you to weak in the knees. Its bright green and yellow apples, citrus, and then chewy clover leaf in the mouth. I can't quite get myself to use the word "quaffer" (though it some will say such) to describe this wine that makes me think of light summers yellow glow. Best served in my mind with a very light coolness to it the flavors and bright nature are perfect for summers on the porch or with that shared dish of crawfish and butter. $
Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2006 - John Paul may be a character, but wines he knows. I have become a member of the cult of Cameron - at least in my mind. The 2006 Dundee hills is certainly no disapointment. Its a fun engaging young Pinot Noir that had a lot of Cameron distinctiveness driven by his apparent love of wine and desire to make wines naturally without artificial irrigation. Dark in the glass it was more deep rose bud colored than I expected. It had characteristic Cameron subtle funk and loam (sounds like a good band name). The surprise in the front of the nose was the buttered popcorn smell or even buttered popcorn jelly belly that layered to a rose floral depth before moving to dark cherry fruit and the loamy soil. As for the taste, does more really need to be said than cherries and dirt? Okay so maybe black cherries and wet earth meets clay. Its one of the best values period I think you'll find in an Oregon Pinot Noir. You wont have the cost of more exclusive bottles and yet will have great flavors plus get to jam a session or two with "funk & loam". Taste pairing with Led Zeppelin - All of my Love, and Rock on John Paul rock on. $$ 20/bottle
Comte Armand Volnay 2005 - Ah a Volnay by any other name... Do yourself a favor and find a tasting of this impressive Burgundy. This is a finely perfumed wine of great character and depth. Scents of deep brambles at onset parted their tight woven roots to reveal dark red wet fruit and dark rose petals in the aroma. The nose alone was enticing. Darker in color than expected, in ruby red, this was an auspicous and layered Burgundy. It was all and more than I expected and certainly impressed many at the tasting - the word superb comes to mind. Moderate mouth-feel and silky silky smooth texture the wine balanced layered flavors of huckleberry, loganberry, and perhaps black raspberry on the palate. As they envelope the tongue and then dissipate thin they reveal an earthen and mineral finish that lasts longer than perhaps the rocks it grew in. It has an excellent structure and a round middle that made me wish to leave it in my mouth long before swallowing. However, I drank it far faster than I meant to or realized. I liken it a bit to finding the Golden ticket in Willy Wonka bars. Its a special feeling of excitement, anticipation, and mouthwatering flavor. Find your ticket, cash in, and say yum and yippee today. $$$
Thursday, May 8, 2008
April showers bring May flowers
Wow I didn't realize how long its been since my last entry. Apologies. I have been enjoying a number of good wines in May and also gearing up for an ultra distance canoe paddle. You may remember that April around here was just a slightly wet month. ;) Fortunately as the saying goes April showers bring May flowers. Sometimes however the flowers are found in the glass rather than on the plants!
N. Joly Coulee du Serrant 2003 (Loire Valley France) - Wow, this is a brilliant Chenin Blanc! To wet your appetite; its golden yellow in color with almost bright orange hue at the edge. The nose is very floral and layered. Lanolin, Jasmine, Lavender, and white Lily could all be found as well as a light steely green fruit scent. In the mouth its a moderate to light mouth-feel but with nice moderate body for a Chenin Blanc. Lanolin flavor and oily texture coat the taste buds as it transforms to a bright granny smith apple flavor in the middle. The finish is strictly intense dry floral essence... Lavender and white Lilies evaporate the moisture on the tongue and leave a finish that is both delicate and impressive in its length. I was hugely impressed by this wine and am not often looking for Chenin Blanc. This was simply a superior wine though. The cost well its not what i would consider affordable for most Chenin Blanc at about 60-75/bottle. $$$
J. Christopher 2006 Zoot Allures - Can you believe anyone has any of this wine left? Simply put I think this is one of the best values in wine available in Oregon. A steal of a Pinot Noir its a bright cherry flavored sipper. Big in taste up front it has a moderate firm or almost coagulative mouth-feel - not slippery silk here in my opinion. It has a solid balance but fades a little rapidly for my tastes. Still it ends with a rose or jasmine leave and at $18/bottle, its a crazy good deal! $ You may have a hard time recognizing the label too as Jay has not put his trademark logo on it but pictures of his dogs instead. If you can find - Buy some, try some, sit on your porch with a knowing smile.
N. Joly Coulee du Serrant 2003 (Loire Valley France) - Wow, this is a brilliant Chenin Blanc! To wet your appetite; its golden yellow in color with almost bright orange hue at the edge. The nose is very floral and layered. Lanolin, Jasmine, Lavender, and white Lily could all be found as well as a light steely green fruit scent. In the mouth its a moderate to light mouth-feel but with nice moderate body for a Chenin Blanc. Lanolin flavor and oily texture coat the taste buds as it transforms to a bright granny smith apple flavor in the middle. The finish is strictly intense dry floral essence... Lavender and white Lilies evaporate the moisture on the tongue and leave a finish that is both delicate and impressive in its length. I was hugely impressed by this wine and am not often looking for Chenin Blanc. This was simply a superior wine though. The cost well its not what i would consider affordable for most Chenin Blanc at about 60-75/bottle. $$$
J. Christopher 2006 Zoot Allures - Can you believe anyone has any of this wine left? Simply put I think this is one of the best values in wine available in Oregon. A steal of a Pinot Noir its a bright cherry flavored sipper. Big in taste up front it has a moderate firm or almost coagulative mouth-feel - not slippery silk here in my opinion. It has a solid balance but fades a little rapidly for my tastes. Still it ends with a rose or jasmine leave and at $18/bottle, its a crazy good deal! $ You may have a hard time recognizing the label too as Jay has not put his trademark logo on it but pictures of his dogs instead. If you can find - Buy some, try some, sit on your porch with a knowing smile.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wild Wine Ride
What a weekend of wines. I don’t know that I could express all the things I tasted and thought this weekend. The line-ups I tasted were simply over the moon! It was almost more than I could bear. Wines ranged from the obscure to the special and celebratory. I am only listing a few here that really caught my attention. So without further ado…
2003 Radikon Oslavje – Again, every Radikon I’ve had I’ve flipped for, or at least done a little happy dance. No exception was the Radikon Oslavje ’03. The same blend of grapes as the 2001 but this wine felt like perhaps the summer was very hot or the grapes were either on the vine longer or less - not sure which. It was very dry and aperitif like. Orange zest and leaves in the nose that wafted long dry notes of earthen finish. It was as other Oslavje, fiery colored, but not as intensely as the ’01. In the mouth, was a rush of very dry fruit flavor. Most pronounced was orange zest but also apricot, and something else I could not identify. The middle went to an almost sherry feel and taste and finished with a long dusty dry leafy wood taste. This again is very long and tannic in the mouth. It’s a real treat, that would be so wonderful I think with Dungeness crab or scallops. It will cut through butter and shellfish flavor but also complement them. Heck even wrap the scallops in bacon and I’d still say pour it up. This time the wine didn’t feel as old or quite as unusual as other Radikon. I must becoming accustomed to it. Try finding and tasting, then do a happy dance and Hail Radikon! $$$
As long as I am doing the hippy shake for Radikon Oslavje lets stay with this mad vintner a moment longer
2003 Radikon Merlot – What’s this? A somewhat more typical wine from Radikon? Well yes just that. A Merlot… However, this Merlot might leave you a little breathless both in tastes, in finding it, and in price. Radikon’s only red wine I happened to taste twice this weekend. At first, I was not wowed. It was nice, moderate mouthfeel, with a blueberry note in the middle and a kind of taste and smell that reminded most of the powder off of bazooka joe or other bubble gum. Somewhat undefined at the finish too. It was interesting but not worth the high price of the bottle in my opinion. However, upon trying the next day – wow this wine had changed. All who managed both tastings agreed this was a completely different animal now. Much more complex layers of fruit and mild wet earth in the nose. It had a full smell of loganberries, brier, and mossy soil to my impressions. The taste was also deep loganberries, moist and plump in the mouth, and it had a long finish to wet clay leave on the tongue. Very interesting and enjoyable, I am not sure you will find a tasting of this wine. If you do, I hope it has had a 6-8 plus hour decant time. It is also one that will relieve you of the weight of your pocketbook. $$$$ 140+/bottle
Before I go off to other European wines lets take a moment for a special, celebratory seeming, Oregon Cabernet Sauvignon.
1990 Hillcrest Cabernet Sauvignon (Umpqua Valley) – I was fortunate as well to try this wine twice this weekend. It’s a nice wine that seemed perfect for a celebratory mood somehow. Know anyone turning 28 this year? This wine is soft in the nose and I had to reach for the aroma – but it did reveal black raspberries and other black fruit, with a subtle earthiness and bit of gunpowder and black pepper. It reminds me of one of those old black cat ladyfingers… It had a slow fuse before the fun of the minor bang. Not a big kerpow but just enough anticipation and excitement. The color was a wonderful red clay color with rust around the edge. The front of the palate of this was a bit soft and flat. As it slowly snuck up on my taste buds black raspberries and other black fruit grew in intensity. The body was moderate and grew away from the shallow feel of the front. It had a nice finish of black fruit and gunpowder in the leave. Right now, I only know of this wine being available from the winery. If you want a special celebratory subtle black firecracker, this will do the trick. Open and let breath for a while, then serve with marinated stuffed portabellas and a nice pork loin I think. (cost unknown)
Can you smell, what the Rocks are cookin'?!
1979 Karthauserof Kronenberg Auslese Riesling – This may have been the belle of the ball at the tasting. 30 year old German Riesling! Bright golden color in the glass that when swirled took on a very neon green hue. It had the look and nose of an apple jolly rancher but not nearly as sweet. There was also citrus in the nose and a subtle oily greasy only German Riesling describable smell. On the palate, it was brilliant! Tart green apples, grapefruit, lichee and other exotic fruit that rumbled around the mouth on their own accord and in their own order each taste. It was a wet wine – not in meaning sweet – but very moist and refreshing. It had a long body too and I could feel it on my teeth and tongue for many minutes after. There was a nicely slate and rock finish to the wine as well; perfect structure, acid, and composition. Mild sweetness that erodes under acid, and rocky finish. Achtung Baby! $$$
2004 Strukture Riesling Qualitatswein – What a fun, bright, and young Riesling this is! This was a bonus pour at the tasting from a generous person. The nose was citrusy with perhaps a bit of star fruit and pear. Not the depth of Riesling prior, but also unfair to compare. This is a bright golden straw colored, soft and tangy wine. It has very subtle oily residue in the nose and on the palate that perhaps will develop with age. Wonderful bright citrus and yellow fruits are in the mouth and while its not a long bodied wine it has enough balance in acid to maintain a good structure. It finished nicely with a mineral flavor I would liken almost more to a white burgundy than a Riesling. A real treat, it will go wonderfully with seafood and some other foods as well. Fried Chicken? I think this is a great bridge wine too… If you haven’t had German Riesling it’s a great place to start or start friends. More body and mouthfeel than most American Riesling, with a fuller set of flavors and more defined & refined finish. All this and at about the same cost too – why wouldn’t you? $
2003 Radikon Oslavje – Again, every Radikon I’ve had I’ve flipped for, or at least done a little happy dance. No exception was the Radikon Oslavje ’03. The same blend of grapes as the 2001 but this wine felt like perhaps the summer was very hot or the grapes were either on the vine longer or less - not sure which. It was very dry and aperitif like. Orange zest and leaves in the nose that wafted long dry notes of earthen finish. It was as other Oslavje, fiery colored, but not as intensely as the ’01. In the mouth, was a rush of very dry fruit flavor. Most pronounced was orange zest but also apricot, and something else I could not identify. The middle went to an almost sherry feel and taste and finished with a long dusty dry leafy wood taste. This again is very long and tannic in the mouth. It’s a real treat, that would be so wonderful I think with Dungeness crab or scallops. It will cut through butter and shellfish flavor but also complement them. Heck even wrap the scallops in bacon and I’d still say pour it up. This time the wine didn’t feel as old or quite as unusual as other Radikon. I must becoming accustomed to it. Try finding and tasting, then do a happy dance and Hail Radikon! $$$
As long as I am doing the hippy shake for Radikon Oslavje lets stay with this mad vintner a moment longer
2003 Radikon Merlot – What’s this? A somewhat more typical wine from Radikon? Well yes just that. A Merlot… However, this Merlot might leave you a little breathless both in tastes, in finding it, and in price. Radikon’s only red wine I happened to taste twice this weekend. At first, I was not wowed. It was nice, moderate mouthfeel, with a blueberry note in the middle and a kind of taste and smell that reminded most of the powder off of bazooka joe or other bubble gum. Somewhat undefined at the finish too. It was interesting but not worth the high price of the bottle in my opinion. However, upon trying the next day – wow this wine had changed. All who managed both tastings agreed this was a completely different animal now. Much more complex layers of fruit and mild wet earth in the nose. It had a full smell of loganberries, brier, and mossy soil to my impressions. The taste was also deep loganberries, moist and plump in the mouth, and it had a long finish to wet clay leave on the tongue. Very interesting and enjoyable, I am not sure you will find a tasting of this wine. If you do, I hope it has had a 6-8 plus hour decant time. It is also one that will relieve you of the weight of your pocketbook. $$$$ 140+/bottle
Before I go off to other European wines lets take a moment for a special, celebratory seeming, Oregon Cabernet Sauvignon.
1990 Hillcrest Cabernet Sauvignon (Umpqua Valley) – I was fortunate as well to try this wine twice this weekend. It’s a nice wine that seemed perfect for a celebratory mood somehow. Know anyone turning 28 this year? This wine is soft in the nose and I had to reach for the aroma – but it did reveal black raspberries and other black fruit, with a subtle earthiness and bit of gunpowder and black pepper. It reminds me of one of those old black cat ladyfingers… It had a slow fuse before the fun of the minor bang. Not a big kerpow but just enough anticipation and excitement. The color was a wonderful red clay color with rust around the edge. The front of the palate of this was a bit soft and flat. As it slowly snuck up on my taste buds black raspberries and other black fruit grew in intensity. The body was moderate and grew away from the shallow feel of the front. It had a nice finish of black fruit and gunpowder in the leave. Right now, I only know of this wine being available from the winery. If you want a special celebratory subtle black firecracker, this will do the trick. Open and let breath for a while, then serve with marinated stuffed portabellas and a nice pork loin I think. (cost unknown)
Can you smell, what the Rocks are cookin'?!
1979 Karthauserof Kronenberg Auslese Riesling – This may have been the belle of the ball at the tasting. 30 year old German Riesling! Bright golden color in the glass that when swirled took on a very neon green hue. It had the look and nose of an apple jolly rancher but not nearly as sweet. There was also citrus in the nose and a subtle oily greasy only German Riesling describable smell. On the palate, it was brilliant! Tart green apples, grapefruit, lichee and other exotic fruit that rumbled around the mouth on their own accord and in their own order each taste. It was a wet wine – not in meaning sweet – but very moist and refreshing. It had a long body too and I could feel it on my teeth and tongue for many minutes after. There was a nicely slate and rock finish to the wine as well; perfect structure, acid, and composition. Mild sweetness that erodes under acid, and rocky finish. Achtung Baby! $$$
2004 Strukture Riesling Qualitatswein – What a fun, bright, and young Riesling this is! This was a bonus pour at the tasting from a generous person. The nose was citrusy with perhaps a bit of star fruit and pear. Not the depth of Riesling prior, but also unfair to compare. This is a bright golden straw colored, soft and tangy wine. It has very subtle oily residue in the nose and on the palate that perhaps will develop with age. Wonderful bright citrus and yellow fruits are in the mouth and while its not a long bodied wine it has enough balance in acid to maintain a good structure. It finished nicely with a mineral flavor I would liken almost more to a white burgundy than a Riesling. A real treat, it will go wonderfully with seafood and some other foods as well. Fried Chicken? I think this is a great bridge wine too… If you haven’t had German Riesling it’s a great place to start or start friends. More body and mouthfeel than most American Riesling, with a fuller set of flavors and more defined & refined finish. All this and at about the same cost too – why wouldn’t you? $
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Holy Chateau Neuf Du Pape Batman! (and a J. Christopher alert)
First a quick J. Christopher alert. If you were thinking of trying the 2007 Christo Irresisto or if you have some and wanted more get it now! I heard through the grape vine (pun intended) that what is out in the stores is it. There is no more left and its going off shelves at a good pace. Consider yourself in the know and if you missed-oh the Irresisto I tried to warn you.
2005 Domaine Pegau Chateau Nuef Du Pape - I love the name Pegau first off. It reminds me of the old batman series where the sounds of the fight were spelled out on the t.v. with bad trumpet sounds in the background. Pe-gow! Ok so that's probably considered truly in bad form by those in love with Chateau Neuf. Pe-gow! Ok last one. :) When this wine was opened I was surprised and impressed first by the color in the glass. Intensly red but cloudy like fired red earth or brick in color. Black fruit was in the nose with a nice earthiness as well. This wine (as expected) didn't disappoint in the mouth either. Long body, on the strong side of moderate mouthfeel. Full of black currant or cassis, with a peppery note, and then a wonderful dark earthen finish. Another taster with far more experience, and a wonderful blog, who I was discussing it with had a great description of the finish. He stated the finish was like a worsted suit - blended together perfectly so as to be smooth. I have to agree while there are solid tannins they blend so well in this wine to my tastes. Its a wonderful Chateau Neuf in my opinion. Unfortunately you may have a hard time finding out if you agree as tastings will be rare. This is a beautiful expression of a southern France wine but it will lighten your pockets at around $100/bottle. $$$$
2005 Domaine Pegau Chateau Nuef Du Pape - I love the name Pegau first off. It reminds me of the old batman series where the sounds of the fight were spelled out on the t.v. with bad trumpet sounds in the background. Pe-gow! Ok so that's probably considered truly in bad form by those in love with Chateau Neuf. Pe-gow! Ok last one. :) When this wine was opened I was surprised and impressed first by the color in the glass. Intensly red but cloudy like fired red earth or brick in color. Black fruit was in the nose with a nice earthiness as well. This wine (as expected) didn't disappoint in the mouth either. Long body, on the strong side of moderate mouthfeel. Full of black currant or cassis, with a peppery note, and then a wonderful dark earthen finish. Another taster with far more experience, and a wonderful blog, who I was discussing it with had a great description of the finish. He stated the finish was like a worsted suit - blended together perfectly so as to be smooth. I have to agree while there are solid tannins they blend so well in this wine to my tastes. Its a wonderful Chateau Neuf in my opinion. Unfortunately you may have a hard time finding out if you agree as tastings will be rare. This is a beautiful expression of a southern France wine but it will lighten your pockets at around $100/bottle. $$$$
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Bonjour y Bonjourno!
The two wines I chose for this posting I think are both good introductions to each without having some of the more unusual or expensive styles. So say Bonjour or Bonjourno and find a tasting near you.
Patriarche Pere et Fils 2004 Burgogne Blanc – I had this wine again recently and thought, why didn’t I post about it before? I certainly meant to. This chardonnay immediately hits tart golden apples and a bit of dust or chalk in the nose. It is a medium bodied wine well proportioned and drinking well. Flavors of golden apple, vanilla, a bit of light brown toast or yeast and chalk in the finish I enjoyed in each taste. It reminds me of almost a champagne flavor without the fizz. The toast did fade a bit with the bottle open for a few hours and I admit I wish it wouldn’t have. It’s a nicely wet wine, not overly oaked, or really any butter that I noted. This to me is a good introduction to white Burgundy. Moderate acid and good flavor that keep it well balanced albeit moderate thin mouth feel. If you are looking to say Bonjour to your first white burgundy you might start here before you jump into that expensive bottle of Meursault. $ -16/bottle
1998 Marchesi Spinola Barolo – This Barolo was not like some others I had tried that hadn’t aged as long or were just over the top in leather and smoke. I was very impressed. The nose had tobacco but with dark currants and other black fruit. It had a nicely layered scent and depth and seem to absorb any possible light it was so dark. In the mouth there was a full long body that I expected but a smoothness and velvet I did not. Tobacco and earthen fruit are long lasting. While many Barolo I have had I swear must be with food, I could enjoy this on its own, and others at the tasting also agreed. It has depth and body but is not pushy. Still it would be wonderful with seared lamb or steak on the bone. The finish was pleasantly earthy but not overly tannic. It was the hit of the evening at the tasting above other Barolo or Barbaresco. A mature, inky dark wine, fit for drinking now and a good introduction to Barolo without the pain of cost or KO to the mouth with racing tannins. $$ - 28-30/bottle
Patriarche Pere et Fils 2004 Burgogne Blanc – I had this wine again recently and thought, why didn’t I post about it before? I certainly meant to. This chardonnay immediately hits tart golden apples and a bit of dust or chalk in the nose. It is a medium bodied wine well proportioned and drinking well. Flavors of golden apple, vanilla, a bit of light brown toast or yeast and chalk in the finish I enjoyed in each taste. It reminds me of almost a champagne flavor without the fizz. The toast did fade a bit with the bottle open for a few hours and I admit I wish it wouldn’t have. It’s a nicely wet wine, not overly oaked, or really any butter that I noted. This to me is a good introduction to white Burgundy. Moderate acid and good flavor that keep it well balanced albeit moderate thin mouth feel. If you are looking to say Bonjour to your first white burgundy you might start here before you jump into that expensive bottle of Meursault. $ -16/bottle
1998 Marchesi Spinola Barolo – This Barolo was not like some others I had tried that hadn’t aged as long or were just over the top in leather and smoke. I was very impressed. The nose had tobacco but with dark currants and other black fruit. It had a nicely layered scent and depth and seem to absorb any possible light it was so dark. In the mouth there was a full long body that I expected but a smoothness and velvet I did not. Tobacco and earthen fruit are long lasting. While many Barolo I have had I swear must be with food, I could enjoy this on its own, and others at the tasting also agreed. It has depth and body but is not pushy. Still it would be wonderful with seared lamb or steak on the bone. The finish was pleasantly earthy but not overly tannic. It was the hit of the evening at the tasting above other Barolo or Barbaresco. A mature, inky dark wine, fit for drinking now and a good introduction to Barolo without the pain of cost or KO to the mouth with racing tannins. $$ - 28-30/bottle
Monday, April 14, 2008
Burgundy/Pinot Noir part deux
A bit of a delay in posting since the Chinon. Spring time so was off bustling about. I was happy to see at the last tasting I was at a repeat of a couple of wines I listed before. I was curious what I would think about them in comparison to before and to see how my expressions on them may have changed. I haven't had either since my original tastings.
If anything I liked them even more than when I originally tasted them!
Pierre Guillemot Savigny Serpentier 2005 1er Cru - This red burgundy is very good. As from before its garnet and silk sheet red. The nose is mostly cherries and kirsch with a bit of earthy burgundy scent but its subdued. This athletic Pinot Noir has solid medium body with silky mouthfeel. However it is bold big cherry when first on the palate. Nicely this tasting I also noted some floral tones as it warmed in the glass that made me think of roses or jasmine. It was a pleasant subdued flavor that I had not noted before. Still my notes were similar to before. Cherries, chalk, and rocks. :) Its a brawny wine that patience will likely reward but you certainly could still drink it now. It will also hold up with great northwest style cuisine such as lamb, quail, or chinook fillet. I have to quote my wine dealer as I think his description amusing and also appropriate - "In the words of wine critic David Schildknecht, this is not a wine for those who want a cuddly Pinot with love handles."
Myself - I think this is one heck of an expression of a premier cru burgundy at a very solid price from what they can cost. $$ 40/bottle
J. Christopher Sandra Adele Pinot Noir 2005 - Now this is an Oregonian expression of Burgundy. :) The perfect garnet red color and so clear that you can read through it. Cherries and forest floor and old leaves in the nose. Interestingly this time I did not find the old tractor smell but that could be a factor of time in the bottle or open to air as last I tasted from fresh pulled cork. This is my type of Pinot Noir as I like to just sit and sip and not even have with food. This is a wonderful wine for you who like to do such. Not that it won't work with food but I just am that type of Pinot drinker when I find one I really like. There are ripe moist cherries in the mouth with a wonderful earthy loamy forest finish. If you are a fan of Pinot Noir from the past this may be a great wine for you. Its not as some that have gone to big tannins and chewy fruit that explode in the mouth. This is more self contained and perfumed. Its also very approachable right now and you can drink as is. With patience it will be interesting to see what else this wine develops. As I said before, buy now before its gone. $$ - 33-36/bottle
If anything I liked them even more than when I originally tasted them!
Pierre Guillemot Savigny Serpentier 2005 1er Cru - This red burgundy is very good. As from before its garnet and silk sheet red. The nose is mostly cherries and kirsch with a bit of earthy burgundy scent but its subdued. This athletic Pinot Noir has solid medium body with silky mouthfeel. However it is bold big cherry when first on the palate. Nicely this tasting I also noted some floral tones as it warmed in the glass that made me think of roses or jasmine. It was a pleasant subdued flavor that I had not noted before. Still my notes were similar to before. Cherries, chalk, and rocks. :) Its a brawny wine that patience will likely reward but you certainly could still drink it now. It will also hold up with great northwest style cuisine such as lamb, quail, or chinook fillet. I have to quote my wine dealer as I think his description amusing and also appropriate - "In the words of wine critic David Schildknecht, this is not a wine for those who want a cuddly Pinot with love handles."
Myself - I think this is one heck of an expression of a premier cru burgundy at a very solid price from what they can cost. $$ 40/bottle
J. Christopher Sandra Adele Pinot Noir 2005 - Now this is an Oregonian expression of Burgundy. :) The perfect garnet red color and so clear that you can read through it. Cherries and forest floor and old leaves in the nose. Interestingly this time I did not find the old tractor smell but that could be a factor of time in the bottle or open to air as last I tasted from fresh pulled cork. This is my type of Pinot Noir as I like to just sit and sip and not even have with food. This is a wonderful wine for you who like to do such. Not that it won't work with food but I just am that type of Pinot drinker when I find one I really like. There are ripe moist cherries in the mouth with a wonderful earthy loamy forest finish. If you are a fan of Pinot Noir from the past this may be a great wine for you. Its not as some that have gone to big tannins and chewy fruit that explode in the mouth. This is more self contained and perfumed. Its also very approachable right now and you can drink as is. With patience it will be interesting to see what else this wine develops. As I said before, buy now before its gone. $$ - 33-36/bottle
Friday, April 4, 2008
Salad with your red sir? O Chinon my Chinon!
I was so excited when I heard that the tasting I was going to was having both a 12 & 20 year old Cabernet Franc from Chinon. If you read my prior impression of Cab Franc it wasn't that happy. Too pushy and mouth puckering tanic for me. However the wine steward I know told me to wait till he got the Chinon in and try again - that it was a different animal. I did ask him and the importer what Cab Franc was associated with in so far as taste they both replied - SALAD! and laughed. Apparently some Cab Franc does have a vegetal nose or taste. So I waited for the Chinon to get in and really kind of forgot about it until the newsletter. Once in I was soooo happy I had a chance to try.
1996 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Clos d’Isore - Hello salad! Okay not really but there was a good smell of earth and Leek in the nose as well as mild black pepper. Later in the glass there was some tobaco and and dark fruit. It was really a wonderful and layered aroma. Dark dense red color in the glass and not transparent at all. The first taste in my mouth I knew this was a developed wine and mature. Excellent full mouthfeel but moderate intensity and long extremely balanced body - very smooth, long, and oh so silky. In the taste immediately I hit red fruit like tart cherries and rasberries but it quickly moved deeper and more earthy with some sort of wonderful dusty mineral taste I couldn't quite get a grasp of. It certainly finished like a full french red with dusty tanic and mineral leave but without giving my tastebuds a K.O. I was really blown over by this full but subtle and complex Cabernet Franc. Its drinking so well right now its hard to think that you could wait another 5-7 years and likely it would be just as good if not better. The real wonder of this to me was the price. For the value this is a steal for anyone who loves Chinon, Cab Franc, or the southern french varietels. $$ - 36/bottle. Good luck finding it (but do try!) as I'm sure the importers are fighting over any number of bottles to come in. Simply put this so far has been my favorite red aside from my love of Pinots. O' Chinon my Chinon!
1996 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Clos d’Isore - Hello salad! Okay not really but there was a good smell of earth and Leek in the nose as well as mild black pepper. Later in the glass there was some tobaco and and dark fruit. It was really a wonderful and layered aroma. Dark dense red color in the glass and not transparent at all. The first taste in my mouth I knew this was a developed wine and mature. Excellent full mouthfeel but moderate intensity and long extremely balanced body - very smooth, long, and oh so silky. In the taste immediately I hit red fruit like tart cherries and rasberries but it quickly moved deeper and more earthy with some sort of wonderful dusty mineral taste I couldn't quite get a grasp of. It certainly finished like a full french red with dusty tanic and mineral leave but without giving my tastebuds a K.O. I was really blown over by this full but subtle and complex Cabernet Franc. Its drinking so well right now its hard to think that you could wait another 5-7 years and likely it would be just as good if not better. The real wonder of this to me was the price. For the value this is a steal for anyone who loves Chinon, Cab Franc, or the southern french varietels. $$ - 36/bottle. Good luck finding it (but do try!) as I'm sure the importers are fighting over any number of bottles to come in. Simply put this so far has been my favorite red aside from my love of Pinots. O' Chinon my Chinon!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Irresisto I missed-oh!
Much of what I hear from friends is that they like dry wine and they don't like white or rose wine. Before you include yourself in that group I recommend you go out and try as many whites as you can and as many wines in varying sweetness as you can. Depending on your mood and what you are looking to serve it with you may be surprised. However this is not the post for surprising you on that...
J. Christopher Christo Irresisto '07 is here! :) After last years release (see my prior posting) I was looking forward to the next release of the Irresisto. However Jay Sommers threw in a twist. No longer is this a Pinot Noir rose with Pinot style - this is no wine easy like Sunday morning, rather this is bracing! This rose blend of Grenache and Syrah has a great aroma of red berries darker that what should bely a rose I thought. Sharp and pungent with a masculine strong push. When I first took a sip the dry alarm went off in my mouth! Wow this is a dry wine and powerful for a rose. If you think you like dry here is a good test. :) Red tangy berries and zest hit my palate. It is young and not the longest bodied wine by any stretch but I thought it cried out for meat on charcoal to be served with it and others agreed. Beyond that this is a dry and powerful rose suitable for spring and summer grilling it also has one heck of an affordable price at 10/bottle. $ What a deal - you might even decide its worth just buying a bottle for tasting on your own since its so affordable. I think I'm going to skip a bunch of weekend lattes and buy up a half case. Cheers!
J. Christopher Christo Irresisto '07 is here! :) After last years release (see my prior posting) I was looking forward to the next release of the Irresisto. However Jay Sommers threw in a twist. No longer is this a Pinot Noir rose with Pinot style - this is no wine easy like Sunday morning, rather this is bracing! This rose blend of Grenache and Syrah has a great aroma of red berries darker that what should bely a rose I thought. Sharp and pungent with a masculine strong push. When I first took a sip the dry alarm went off in my mouth! Wow this is a dry wine and powerful for a rose. If you think you like dry here is a good test. :) Red tangy berries and zest hit my palate. It is young and not the longest bodied wine by any stretch but I thought it cried out for meat on charcoal to be served with it and others agreed. Beyond that this is a dry and powerful rose suitable for spring and summer grilling it also has one heck of an affordable price at 10/bottle. $ What a deal - you might even decide its worth just buying a bottle for tasting on your own since its so affordable. I think I'm going to skip a bunch of weekend lattes and buy up a half case. Cheers!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Two rare tastes
I was lucky enough recently to be at a tasting that had two wines that are unusual and that you wont find every place you look. If they interest you, digging will have to be done and on the 2nd likely you wont find someone willing to do a tasting at all...
Edi Simcic 2005 Tocata (Italy) - Say it slowly now - SimChich - and yes his first name is pronounced Edee. I was very interested to try this Tocata since it essentially the same as the tocai grape in the prior tasted '99 Radikon Olsavje. That's such a fascinating wine I had no idea what this might be like. Without going into the legal grape naming issues and wine politics its not called Tocai though. It was a light golden colored wine that when swirled seemed to take on a deep golden reflection of what could only be called doubloon gold. It was that deep and shinning. The nose was creamy and of almonds and perhaps a understated peach. In the mouth this is again a full bodied white. Big taste of almonds and fig fruit meat near the pit hit first, moving towards an amazing spiciness that faded to an earthy dusty leave. This is a very nice and dry wine that is a great palate cleanser. In fact the pairing to food was a conversation no one could really figure out - perhaps it is best as a between dishes wine. The wine taste certainly gave me the visual image of almond trees growing in light brown dusty earth. It was quite an experience that I look forward to again. $$ (35/bottle)
Sin Qua Non '05 Rose (California) - recently I've been hearing about these impossible to find wines of Sin Qua Non and the very high prices they command. I perhaps heard more of that even than how good they were supposed to be. After trying their Sryah, Grenache Rose I went online to see how bad it could be - ouch! These are premium wines. Given all the more attention since receiving some 100 point scores from the famous or infamous Robert Parker. Now I've come to like true Rose (see prior postings on Rose) but am not sure any Rose is worth well over 100 per bottle. However this simply was a stellar wine to my tastes. Great aroma of rasberry and light flowers and earthiness; it drank more like a red than a rose and almost had some mild tannin quality. It certainly had the most structure and body of any Rose I've had (though thats not saying a lot with my limited Rose experience). The flavors were of red berries and cassis but on the light side and not bold. Still excellent acidity and long leave of deeper red berries and leafy floor nicely finish this wine off. I look at this Sin Qua Non and any other this way after trying this one. Its a wonderful wine and even more excellent if you find someone opening a bottle for you. ;) $$$$
Edi Simcic 2005 Tocata (Italy) - Say it slowly now - SimChich - and yes his first name is pronounced Edee. I was very interested to try this Tocata since it essentially the same as the tocai grape in the prior tasted '99 Radikon Olsavje. That's such a fascinating wine I had no idea what this might be like. Without going into the legal grape naming issues and wine politics its not called Tocai though. It was a light golden colored wine that when swirled seemed to take on a deep golden reflection of what could only be called doubloon gold. It was that deep and shinning. The nose was creamy and of almonds and perhaps a understated peach. In the mouth this is again a full bodied white. Big taste of almonds and fig fruit meat near the pit hit first, moving towards an amazing spiciness that faded to an earthy dusty leave. This is a very nice and dry wine that is a great palate cleanser. In fact the pairing to food was a conversation no one could really figure out - perhaps it is best as a between dishes wine. The wine taste certainly gave me the visual image of almond trees growing in light brown dusty earth. It was quite an experience that I look forward to again. $$ (35/bottle)
Sin Qua Non '05 Rose (California) - recently I've been hearing about these impossible to find wines of Sin Qua Non and the very high prices they command. I perhaps heard more of that even than how good they were supposed to be. After trying their Sryah, Grenache Rose I went online to see how bad it could be - ouch! These are premium wines. Given all the more attention since receiving some 100 point scores from the famous or infamous Robert Parker. Now I've come to like true Rose (see prior postings on Rose) but am not sure any Rose is worth well over 100 per bottle. However this simply was a stellar wine to my tastes. Great aroma of rasberry and light flowers and earthiness; it drank more like a red than a rose and almost had some mild tannin quality. It certainly had the most structure and body of any Rose I've had (though thats not saying a lot with my limited Rose experience). The flavors were of red berries and cassis but on the light side and not bold. Still excellent acidity and long leave of deeper red berries and leafy floor nicely finish this wine off. I look at this Sin Qua Non and any other this way after trying this one. Its a wonderful wine and even more excellent if you find someone opening a bottle for you. ;) $$$$
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Rippin Good Rocks
You may think of Riesling (reezling if you please) as the light floral wines of the northwest that are very dry and somewhat insubstantial. Or you may think of the sticky sweet syrupy desert in a glass style wine. To be true and to quote from a book I am reading Reisling may be the grape that produces more different styles of one wine than any other…
If you are not a fan of Riesling, or if you are, I think you owe it to yourself to try a high quality German Reisling. Its all in the Rocks the grapes grown in; check out images of the Mosel online - I was told, and have done so. Impossibly steep slopes of slate and scree that look as if grapes should not grow there! Well I guess Germans must also believe, as the French, to create good wine the grapes must suffer. Certainly different than some of the lush, verdant vineyards of the northwest.
This aint your Mom’s Blue Nunn or other light white wine (sorry mom). A high quality Reisling can be aged 20 even 30 years. A strong Riesling from the Mosel can make you wax poetic or at least it did me…
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese 1996 – Okay so I put this to my nose, smelled petrol and kerosene at first and thought what the heck?… with some encouragement I smelled deeper and found golden fruit and some citrus lying underneath that strong smell. Better was the taste. Grapefruity lemon plus golden ripe apples, spices, and then plenty of slate and chalk. This is a long tasting wine too. The taste tumbled around in my mouth for a while and that was a good thing. It’s a medium strength, long bodied, dry white that has a lot of flavors and nuances to pick out. It certainly made a fan out of me of old world Rieslings. I definitely recommend you try to find a tasting of an aged moderate to dry German Riesling and see what it can do for you. $$ (29/bottle)
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurtzgarten Auslese 1988 - Okay more petrol and chemicals in the nose here... I think I am starting to like some earth or funk in the aroma of my wines. :)
Great depth to this wine. Definite citrus underlies the chemical smell. Green lithe sweetness like sweet clover, citrus, with an earthy spiciness were the primary flavors I picked out. However this felt a more dense, auspicious, and dry wine than the previous Riesling to me. Though it shared a good long finish of stone. Yum! is the best word that comes to mind and I cant wait to open a bottle with some fresh seafood. Its true I guess it’s all in the rocks – like excellent flavored pop rocks. Keep on poppin’! $$$ (45/bottle)
If you are not a fan of Riesling, or if you are, I think you owe it to yourself to try a high quality German Reisling. Its all in the Rocks the grapes grown in; check out images of the Mosel online - I was told, and have done so. Impossibly steep slopes of slate and scree that look as if grapes should not grow there! Well I guess Germans must also believe, as the French, to create good wine the grapes must suffer. Certainly different than some of the lush, verdant vineyards of the northwest.
This aint your Mom’s Blue Nunn or other light white wine (sorry mom). A high quality Reisling can be aged 20 even 30 years. A strong Riesling from the Mosel can make you wax poetic or at least it did me…
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese 1996 – Okay so I put this to my nose, smelled petrol and kerosene at first and thought what the heck?… with some encouragement I smelled deeper and found golden fruit and some citrus lying underneath that strong smell. Better was the taste. Grapefruity lemon plus golden ripe apples, spices, and then plenty of slate and chalk. This is a long tasting wine too. The taste tumbled around in my mouth for a while and that was a good thing. It’s a medium strength, long bodied, dry white that has a lot of flavors and nuances to pick out. It certainly made a fan out of me of old world Rieslings. I definitely recommend you try to find a tasting of an aged moderate to dry German Riesling and see what it can do for you. $$ (29/bottle)
Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurtzgarten Auslese 1988 - Okay more petrol and chemicals in the nose here... I think I am starting to like some earth or funk in the aroma of my wines. :)
Great depth to this wine. Definite citrus underlies the chemical smell. Green lithe sweetness like sweet clover, citrus, with an earthy spiciness were the primary flavors I picked out. However this felt a more dense, auspicious, and dry wine than the previous Riesling to me. Though it shared a good long finish of stone. Yum! is the best word that comes to mind and I cant wait to open a bottle with some fresh seafood. Its true I guess it’s all in the rocks – like excellent flavored pop rocks. Keep on poppin’! $$$ (45/bottle)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The only way to learn is by exposing yourself
Okay get yer mind out of the gutter. By exposing yourself I mean to information. :) Before I get onto a couple wines I wanted to recommend a book that was loaned to me by the local shop owner I do tasting with. Bacchus & Me - Adventures in the wine Cellar by Jay McInerney. This is an irreverent look at wine in 49 short essays. Its not a treatise on how taste, what to taste or such... Its simply a fun read that gave me a bit further understanding of some of the wines I've tasted as well as a curiosity for some I have not. Its a comical, candid reflection of the author's experiences as well as some good information for the less experienced in what perhaps to expect from some varietals.
Now that the literature is past on to the imbibe.
I thoroughly enjoy when the owner of the shop I frequent goes all mad scientist. I frequently learn the most from such. An example of this is when he had a tasting of 5 wines out and then with a somewhat enthused quizical look opened another different 5 bottles! This wasnt in the newsletter he sent out! :) Two wines that I took serious note of from that I list here.
L'ecole 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard 1997 (Washington) - I couldn't believe he so casually opened this nice 11 yr old Walla Walla Bordeaux style blend. If you read my earlier posts I mentioned some of these styles can be to tannic for me. Perhaps its the Cabernet Franc, perhaps the soil, not sure yet. At any rate this blend was so very good! If you already like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Cabernet Franc. Find this. It was inky dark, smokey, fruity, and had a nice tobacco and herbal tone. And it was extremely smooth. I was very surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was told this still has a domestic style to it and is apparent in that. To my less educated palate it was just good. Go NW wines! If Bordeauxs can be like this I could enjoy them very much too. It solidifies my new found understanding that there is a vintage and vintner of every grape for every person. I'm not going to give up my love of Pinot Noir in change for these bigger bodied reds but I certainly got to expose my tastes to something quite good. Good luck finding the 1997 Pepper Bridge Apogee I think you may still be able to order from the vineyards library but not many places else. You can find out more about their Bordeaux style blends from different vintages at http://www.lecole.com/ $$
Radikon Oslavje Riserva 1999 (Italy) - Ok stop if you haven't read my post on Radikon prior scroll down and do. Okay, back? I just about cheered when I saw Michael pull out the 1999 Radikon Oslavje and begin to uncork it. The '01 was amazing and I heard the '99 was even more interesting. As before its a wine in contrast to wine. A Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Tocai blend... Still the fiery orange color but this time clear not cloudy. Scents of citrus, hot climate fruit, and apricot in the aroma. It was an intense wine. Full of dried apricot and rich flavored fruit, but also with crushed leaves and significantly dry with creamy feel and with a long sherry style alcohol body and finish. Almost tannic like a red one taster observed. If the last Radikon the scientist was a bit mad here his feverent dream has come to life. More miracle than monster. Think Bladerunner over Frankenstein. Oh yeah and this wine will cost ya. $$$$ (99/bottle) Again I encourage you to find and taste Radikon and expose and expand your horizons.
Now that the literature is past on to the imbibe.
I thoroughly enjoy when the owner of the shop I frequent goes all mad scientist. I frequently learn the most from such. An example of this is when he had a tasting of 5 wines out and then with a somewhat enthused quizical look opened another different 5 bottles! This wasnt in the newsletter he sent out! :) Two wines that I took serious note of from that I list here.
L'ecole 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard 1997 (Washington) - I couldn't believe he so casually opened this nice 11 yr old Walla Walla Bordeaux style blend. If you read my earlier posts I mentioned some of these styles can be to tannic for me. Perhaps its the Cabernet Franc, perhaps the soil, not sure yet. At any rate this blend was so very good! If you already like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Cabernet Franc. Find this. It was inky dark, smokey, fruity, and had a nice tobacco and herbal tone. And it was extremely smooth. I was very surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was told this still has a domestic style to it and is apparent in that. To my less educated palate it was just good. Go NW wines! If Bordeauxs can be like this I could enjoy them very much too. It solidifies my new found understanding that there is a vintage and vintner of every grape for every person. I'm not going to give up my love of Pinot Noir in change for these bigger bodied reds but I certainly got to expose my tastes to something quite good. Good luck finding the 1997 Pepper Bridge Apogee I think you may still be able to order from the vineyards library but not many places else. You can find out more about their Bordeaux style blends from different vintages at http://www.lecole.com/ $$
Radikon Oslavje Riserva 1999 (Italy) - Ok stop if you haven't read my post on Radikon prior scroll down and do. Okay, back? I just about cheered when I saw Michael pull out the 1999 Radikon Oslavje and begin to uncork it. The '01 was amazing and I heard the '99 was even more interesting. As before its a wine in contrast to wine. A Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Tocai blend... Still the fiery orange color but this time clear not cloudy. Scents of citrus, hot climate fruit, and apricot in the aroma. It was an intense wine. Full of dried apricot and rich flavored fruit, but also with crushed leaves and significantly dry with creamy feel and with a long sherry style alcohol body and finish. Almost tannic like a red one taster observed. If the last Radikon the scientist was a bit mad here his feverent dream has come to life. More miracle than monster. Think Bladerunner over Frankenstein. Oh yeah and this wine will cost ya. $$$$ (99/bottle) Again I encourage you to find and taste Radikon and expose and expand your horizons.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Keeping it simple
I read back through my postings and I have to admonish myself. Some of the descriptions are too much spectacle and not enough substance. While wine is fun to taste and write about that is not the idea of this blog. I am not selling the stuff, just reporting on what I taste. I think I have been influenced by the vine rags and internet I have been reading. So with that in mind I will make a conscious effort to keep postings more straight forward.
Speaking of straight forward here is a straight up very good pinot noir.
Cameron 2001 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - There were big bunches of ripe cherries in the nose of this wine. No subtlety here. Also corn chips? when freshly opened. (Another Cameron I have had of different vintage had similar aspect) The corn chips faded as it opened to a more warm alcohol and floral tone. Cherries, cherries, cherries mmmm, with a warm silky feeling in the mouth and solid body and alcohol balance. Then rose petals aroma in the empty glass and the end... To be certain what I post here is not at all what the Cameron website lists for the flavors. Regardless though I had this at a party recently and it was so enjoyable. I didn't even eat while I had my glass. Just imbibed and smelled. Good luck finding this wine to taste though I checked online the next day and have yet to find it. (Cost unknown)
2005 Bodegas Naia Naiades (Spain) - This is a complex multi-layered almost contrary wine! It had a lot for me to try to pick out and understand. It was recommended for me to try vs. the white burgundies I have come to approve of. This is a solid body well rounded white wine. Its aromas were of peaches, golden apples, pears, and golden grapes. Actually the color is a nice pale gold as well though more pale than I might have thought. It was a very loose wine in the mouth - to my meaning, it sort of seemed to roll around a lot with its own purpose in mind. Not thin but certainly not a thick feel either. The tastes were of pears, lemon citrus, and some grass for the body. However the finish was in stark contrast. Try licking a piece of limestone, basalt, and alum. Pure mineral! The finish was really strong too. It completely caught me off guard and I really enjoyed that. If you already like white burgundies of that mineral nature I definitely recommend you try to taste this more affordable version from Spain. I could imagine the limestone/basalt hill where the grapes grow and lemon trees dot the landscape. $$ (28/bottle)
Speaking of straight forward here is a straight up very good pinot noir.
Cameron 2001 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - There were big bunches of ripe cherries in the nose of this wine. No subtlety here. Also corn chips? when freshly opened. (Another Cameron I have had of different vintage had similar aspect) The corn chips faded as it opened to a more warm alcohol and floral tone. Cherries, cherries, cherries mmmm, with a warm silky feeling in the mouth and solid body and alcohol balance. Then rose petals aroma in the empty glass and the end... To be certain what I post here is not at all what the Cameron website lists for the flavors. Regardless though I had this at a party recently and it was so enjoyable. I didn't even eat while I had my glass. Just imbibed and smelled. Good luck finding this wine to taste though I checked online the next day and have yet to find it. (Cost unknown)
2005 Bodegas Naia Naiades (Spain) - This is a complex multi-layered almost contrary wine! It had a lot for me to try to pick out and understand. It was recommended for me to try vs. the white burgundies I have come to approve of. This is a solid body well rounded white wine. Its aromas were of peaches, golden apples, pears, and golden grapes. Actually the color is a nice pale gold as well though more pale than I might have thought. It was a very loose wine in the mouth - to my meaning, it sort of seemed to roll around a lot with its own purpose in mind. Not thin but certainly not a thick feel either. The tastes were of pears, lemon citrus, and some grass for the body. However the finish was in stark contrast. Try licking a piece of limestone, basalt, and alum. Pure mineral! The finish was really strong too. It completely caught me off guard and I really enjoyed that. If you already like white burgundies of that mineral nature I definitely recommend you try to taste this more affordable version from Spain. I could imagine the limestone/basalt hill where the grapes grow and lemon trees dot the landscape. $$ (28/bottle)
Monday, March 3, 2008
We Three Kings
I'm taking off the gloves and pulling no punches with these 3 kings. They are not inexpensive at around $50 or more each but these are 3 of the best wines I have ever tasted.
Domaine Phillipe Faury 2005 Coindreu - already the king of Viogniers this Coindreau is like having perfume that you can imbibe. It is birds on the wing in the nose with warm air, honeysuckle, green fragrant leaves, and a myriad of citrus and other fruit tree blossoms. The taste well I was licking my teeth to get every drop. It has nice green honeysuckle flavor as well as what I can only describe as cherry blossom smell flavor. Not cherry but the pollen inside. No wonder bees get so happy. This is still a solidly dry wine as well and not sticky sweet as it may sound. If you have not had a Viogner I would recommend not buying a california next best thing and just scrimping the money to get a true Coindreu Viognier. Simply astounding is the only thing to say and if you had to have with food some mild seafood in my opinion could be stellar. Find it, try it, and then faint with a smile across your face. $$$
Radikon Oslavje 2001 - This is Prometheus unbound! If the Viognier is a delicate warm wind this is a mad scientist making his presence known to the world. Prepare to tremble! This is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, & Sauvignon Blanc. However, I don't think you will compare it to any of those or even wine period! The pour is a cloudy orange fire with golden highlights. No the bottle has not gone bad either. The wine is not casked in cork nor steel. What then? Clay pots! The nose starts out with intense orange blossom and orange zest aroma that as it opens changes to a mouthwatering mango. The wine is still moderately dry too, not sweet as you may feel from the nose. Somehow it feels dry with all the fruit forward flavors. Great hits of orange citrus and dried apricot linger long through the mouth. It has a great solid structure for a white too. Not willing to fade but trudge through your mouth as Prometheus may have through caves of old. This wine felt to me as though it could be a replicate of times of Greece or Rome's imperious past. And there we in the court of Caesar found the drink most compelling. Try it at your own risk and expand your perceptions. Hail Radikon. $$$
Eyrie Reserve 2002 Pinot Noir - The majestrate of Pinot Noir has made her entrance. She is delicate, young, but with a grace and poise of old that suffers no fools. Okay I lied, no King here but a Queen to be. This wine could not be described as masculine. Simply put it is the best Pinot Noir I have Ever tasted. Still it needs time to develop too. This vintage could be one talked about by those who still have bottles in 20-30 years. This is a old world Burgundy done in Oregon. Its pale red, almost a pink color. Velvety cherries easily arise in the nose but with a dense moss forest floor smell that is hidden and should expand throughout the years. The kirsch flavor is silky smooth and I didn't want to swallow its that good; late cranberries lifted off the tongue in an ethereal dance as the alcohol/acid evaporated from my mouth. I stood around smelling my glass in a stupor and awe after the tastes were gone. Its the sexiest woman in the room and in her red silk dress she is on your arm complimenting you with her grace. I could go on and on about this wine but perhaps the best description I can end with, like the ethereal finish of this wine, is that night I literally dreamt of it. Ah to the woman er wine of my dreams... $$$
Domaine Phillipe Faury 2005 Coindreu - already the king of Viogniers this Coindreau is like having perfume that you can imbibe. It is birds on the wing in the nose with warm air, honeysuckle, green fragrant leaves, and a myriad of citrus and other fruit tree blossoms. The taste well I was licking my teeth to get every drop. It has nice green honeysuckle flavor as well as what I can only describe as cherry blossom smell flavor. Not cherry but the pollen inside. No wonder bees get so happy. This is still a solidly dry wine as well and not sticky sweet as it may sound. If you have not had a Viogner I would recommend not buying a california next best thing and just scrimping the money to get a true Coindreu Viognier. Simply astounding is the only thing to say and if you had to have with food some mild seafood in my opinion could be stellar. Find it, try it, and then faint with a smile across your face. $$$
Radikon Oslavje 2001 - This is Prometheus unbound! If the Viognier is a delicate warm wind this is a mad scientist making his presence known to the world. Prepare to tremble! This is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, & Sauvignon Blanc. However, I don't think you will compare it to any of those or even wine period! The pour is a cloudy orange fire with golden highlights. No the bottle has not gone bad either. The wine is not casked in cork nor steel. What then? Clay pots! The nose starts out with intense orange blossom and orange zest aroma that as it opens changes to a mouthwatering mango. The wine is still moderately dry too, not sweet as you may feel from the nose. Somehow it feels dry with all the fruit forward flavors. Great hits of orange citrus and dried apricot linger long through the mouth. It has a great solid structure for a white too. Not willing to fade but trudge through your mouth as Prometheus may have through caves of old. This wine felt to me as though it could be a replicate of times of Greece or Rome's imperious past. And there we in the court of Caesar found the drink most compelling. Try it at your own risk and expand your perceptions. Hail Radikon. $$$
Eyrie Reserve 2002 Pinot Noir - The majestrate of Pinot Noir has made her entrance. She is delicate, young, but with a grace and poise of old that suffers no fools. Okay I lied, no King here but a Queen to be. This wine could not be described as masculine. Simply put it is the best Pinot Noir I have Ever tasted. Still it needs time to develop too. This vintage could be one talked about by those who still have bottles in 20-30 years. This is a old world Burgundy done in Oregon. Its pale red, almost a pink color. Velvety cherries easily arise in the nose but with a dense moss forest floor smell that is hidden and should expand throughout the years. The kirsch flavor is silky smooth and I didn't want to swallow its that good; late cranberries lifted off the tongue in an ethereal dance as the alcohol/acid evaporated from my mouth. I stood around smelling my glass in a stupor and awe after the tastes were gone. Its the sexiest woman in the room and in her red silk dress she is on your arm complimenting you with her grace. I could go on and on about this wine but perhaps the best description I can end with, like the ethereal finish of this wine, is that night I literally dreamt of it. Ah to the woman er wine of my dreams... $$$
Saturday, March 1, 2008
10 bucks can make you cherry happy
Well I wasn't planning on posting today... I like to give some time between each so hopefully its not too much. However after an interesting bit of education today I thought even for my own sake I needed to post on the blog.
The wine shop I frequent was having a Saturday tasting of Italian wines. In the past Italian wines, as well as even some Bordeaux or some Cahors are to dry for me. I equate them to funky dirt, rubber, and wood alcohol flavors, and they literally make my tongue feel dry or chalky. That's what we call tannins or tanic I was told today. :) I told the shop's owner I am finding I am not as big a fan of such wines but have really fallen for and prefer the silky feeling, fruit influnced but not sweet Chardonnay grapes and Pinot Noir grapes of Burgundy. He laughed and told me I was destined to a life of heartache. :)
To my surprise I did find one wine today that was both confusing as well as something I quite liked.
Ognissole Primitivo Di Mandura 2005 (Italia) - Deep garnet or even sanguine colored in the glass, I found this wine had thick legs and it is 14% Alc. The aroma is of cherries & currants, and is nicely fruit forward with an alcohol waft at end. Its a bold wine up front and big on the palate. It reminds me of biting into a full bodied plump cherry all the way through down to sucking on the pit to get all the flesh. Chewy cherries on the start, to a black tea feeling and flavor in the middle, with a cherry pit/pith flavor left in the mouth at end.
Its wine that confused me a bit becasue I am used to smelling cherries in Pinot Noir and not much else. I love that in a Pinot Noir too. But the feel and size of this wine is definitely not Pinot Noir. Its a 10 dollar quaffer of dry unsweetened fruit. If you like big wines that are moderately dry but not to the intesity of some big reds you should try to find and taste this.
All this and for only $10 its a worthwhile wine for with food. Cant wait to try it with some rosemary pork, ossombuco, or braised lamb chops. $ another good value
The wine shop I frequent was having a Saturday tasting of Italian wines. In the past Italian wines, as well as even some Bordeaux or some Cahors are to dry for me. I equate them to funky dirt, rubber, and wood alcohol flavors, and they literally make my tongue feel dry or chalky. That's what we call tannins or tanic I was told today. :) I told the shop's owner I am finding I am not as big a fan of such wines but have really fallen for and prefer the silky feeling, fruit influnced but not sweet Chardonnay grapes and Pinot Noir grapes of Burgundy. He laughed and told me I was destined to a life of heartache. :)
To my surprise I did find one wine today that was both confusing as well as something I quite liked.
Ognissole Primitivo Di Mandura 2005 (Italia) - Deep garnet or even sanguine colored in the glass, I found this wine had thick legs and it is 14% Alc. The aroma is of cherries & currants, and is nicely fruit forward with an alcohol waft at end. Its a bold wine up front and big on the palate. It reminds me of biting into a full bodied plump cherry all the way through down to sucking on the pit to get all the flesh. Chewy cherries on the start, to a black tea feeling and flavor in the middle, with a cherry pit/pith flavor left in the mouth at end.
Its wine that confused me a bit becasue I am used to smelling cherries in Pinot Noir and not much else. I love that in a Pinot Noir too. But the feel and size of this wine is definitely not Pinot Noir. Its a 10 dollar quaffer of dry unsweetened fruit. If you like big wines that are moderately dry but not to the intesity of some big reds you should try to find and taste this.
All this and for only $10 its a worthwhile wine for with food. Cant wait to try it with some rosemary pork, ossombuco, or braised lamb chops. $ another good value
Friday, February 29, 2008
Couch cushion change wine
What the last set of wines wasn't value oriented enough for you?!? The next two may do it. They aren't trully spare change cheap but they are very afforadble and both are interesting additions.
If you are looking for good less expensive wine (as most are) look south. No not to Australia but South America! There are some very tasty wines at very reasonable costs. Here are two that caught my notice.
Norton 2006 Torrontes - I had never even heard of Torrontes when I tried this. The importer told me to think of white grapefruit. When I smelled the wine it definitely had that aroma plus other green or unripe citrus. It smelled like it might even be a sweet wine but really it was not. This is not an auspicous wine. Its a quaffer for sitting and drinking on a hot summers day. It probably wont make you think or take you some place sublime. Its simply a citrus noted, moderately dry, pale, easy drinking wine and had buzz going about it at the tasting. I think it would appeal to non wine drinkers as well. And at $8/bottle its no wonder that at the tasting one woman bought all the cases before I could even take a bottle or two home. :) $
Montes 2006 Malbec (Chile) - say it with me now mmmm - albec, mmmm;aalbec, mmmmMalbec. This was a dark deep plum colored wine with aromas of chocolate, smoke, and plums. It made me hungry smelling it! Like a few good Zinfandel I've had but done better, this is a plummy, jammy, fruity, warm bodied wine. It would pair well with similar food pairings too. Braised pork, BBQ ribs, Phily cheesteak are all foods I would think would go well. Even smoked tuna or salmon. This is a full bodied wine that I described as fun to drink at the tasting. It didnt have mouthfeel of racy burgundy or vevlet of deep Cab but kept me interested and enjoying so that I wanted more. Again a real value wine too. $ 13/bottle
If you are looking for good less expensive wine (as most are) look south. No not to Australia but South America! There are some very tasty wines at very reasonable costs. Here are two that caught my notice.
Norton 2006 Torrontes - I had never even heard of Torrontes when I tried this. The importer told me to think of white grapefruit. When I smelled the wine it definitely had that aroma plus other green or unripe citrus. It smelled like it might even be a sweet wine but really it was not. This is not an auspicous wine. Its a quaffer for sitting and drinking on a hot summers day. It probably wont make you think or take you some place sublime. Its simply a citrus noted, moderately dry, pale, easy drinking wine and had buzz going about it at the tasting. I think it would appeal to non wine drinkers as well. And at $8/bottle its no wonder that at the tasting one woman bought all the cases before I could even take a bottle or two home. :) $
Montes 2006 Malbec (Chile) - say it with me now mmmm - albec, mmmm;aalbec, mmmmMalbec. This was a dark deep plum colored wine with aromas of chocolate, smoke, and plums. It made me hungry smelling it! Like a few good Zinfandel I've had but done better, this is a plummy, jammy, fruity, warm bodied wine. It would pair well with similar food pairings too. Braised pork, BBQ ribs, Phily cheesteak are all foods I would think would go well. Even smoked tuna or salmon. This is a full bodied wine that I described as fun to drink at the tasting. It didnt have mouthfeel of racy burgundy or vevlet of deep Cab but kept me interested and enjoying so that I wanted more. Again a real value wine too. $ 13/bottle
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