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.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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
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