Wine tasting of December 19, 2008

We tasted a total of 8 wines; 6 blind and 2 without cover. Piroca wanted us to taste extra two; Pinot (which, he thought, was not good) and Ovid (which he just got and has not tasted). Present were Piroca, Winepath, Jimmy, Uncle-N and Uncle-E who brought his friend Lady PK as a guest. The following 6 were blind tasted in the order it appeared. We started with Pinot and ended with Ovid which were listed at the end.

1. Pasanau Germans Finca La Planeta Priorat 2004, Score=2+~3

Nose has prominent jus de viande and black bean (by our Brazilian contingents, it was said to resemble “Feijoada” which supposedly includes black beans and pork). Palate has complex black fruits up front with bit thin mid-palate (one of the tasters expressed this as “watery”) and nice moderate tannin at the end. Also present are hints of lemon, green pepper and mustard. Because of the nose, everybody first thought this to be Shiraz (Australia) and because of lemon taste, despite not having proper color of blue tinge, Malbec (Argentina) was also suggested. Syrah, Cab blend was mentioned in passing. This is from Piorat, Spain. Bit usual for Piorate wine in that it is made of 80% Cabernet. Here is what JM said;

95 Points - Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate
"The 2004 Finca la Planeta is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% old-vine Garnacha, an unusual blend for Priorat. The wine is aged for 12 months in new French and American oak. Purple-colored, it has an alluring perfume of pain grille, slate, lavender, black cherry, and black currant. This leads to a full-bodied, layered, spicy wine with tons of fruit and 3-5 years of cellaring potential. It should be at its best between 2012 and 2020."

2. Chateau Montrose St. Estephe 2003, Score=2+~3

Nose has faint funk; best described as “sweaty foot or sock” or “xoxota” (I am not sure, this is allowed) by our Brazilian friends. Very restrained fruits with tannin finish with acidic kick. Consensus was that this is Bordeaux. This tuned out to be highly rated Ch Montrose. It is a blend of 62% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Stephen Tanzer gave 96 and said;
“Bright red-ruby color. Complex, perfumed nose combines raspberry, licorice, tobacco, camphor and black olive. Gripping and authoritative on the attack, then dense, sappy and juicy in the middle palate, with fruit of steel and great definition and class. Extremely intense raspberry, currant and red licorice flavors. Finishes with powerful but noble tannins that reach the front teeth and succulent fruit that goes on and on. This simply does not miss a beat from start to finish. “
This is also RP97! Obviously we are not Bordeaux lover.

3. Ramey "Jericho Canyon" Napa Red 2005, Score=3

We all thought this is a classic fruits forward Cali Cab. Nose has lots of fruits, caramel and vanilla without any funk. Palate is fruits forward (but not fruits bomb) with nice rounded tasted of all Cali Cab should taste and rather assertive tannin to finish. This was 2005 Ramey "Jericho Canyon" Napa Red and this is supposedly the last vintage from Jericho Canyon.

95 points from Robert Parker:
"The final vintage for this cuvee, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Jericho Canyon offers a Graves-like personality of scorched earth, chocolate, charcoal, and black currants as well as a sumptuous, full-bodied palate, and a layered, multi-dimensional finish. Drink this remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon over the next two decades. One of Northern California’s most successful winemakers/consultants, David Ramey’s personal winery continues to go from strength to strength. Ramey has had the best of both worlds, working in Bordeaux for the Moueix family, and in California at Dominus, Chalk Hill, and Rudd Estate."

4. O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2005, Score=2+

Nose has slight funk (sweaty foot), which dissipates after sometime, and coffee. Palate shows forward fruits, mostly black fruits with usual oak derived tastes of a new world cabernet. Rather firm tannin. Consensus was new world cab; may be Cali cab or possibility Chilean. Nothing astounding but very nice wine and we liked it. This happened to be O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon.

95 points Robert Parker:
"The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a beauty, with dark ruby/purple color and a big sweet nose of tobacco leaf intermixed with black currant, black cherry, new saddle leather, and white chocolate. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, with superb purity, texture, and length. It’s approachable now but promises to be better in 3-4 years, and last for at least 15 or more."

5. Chateau Chauvin 2005, Score=1+~2

Nose is rather closed but some mineral note is coming through. Palate is austere with bit hollow mid-palate with good tannin but bit strong acidic kick. At this point, nobody was paying close attention to guess what this wine was. In general, this wine was not liked even by Uncle-E. This is 05 Bordeaux.

90-92 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
"Chauvin`s successful 2005 ranks alongside their 2000 and 1998. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by lovely aromas of black currants, cherries, smoke, meats, and minerals. Superb purity, full body, good acidity, and moderate tannin suggest this fleshy, substantial St.-Emilion will be drinkable in 3-4 years, and last for 15 or more."

6. San Roman Toro 2003, Score=2+

Very nice perfume nose of floral note; the best nose among today’s tastings. Woody and caramel notes are also detected. Surprisingly fruits forward and more like new world wine with nice caramel and vanilla with good tannin. Again, everybody was busy talking etc and did not give serious thoughts as to what this wine may be. This is Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo) from Spain.

93 Points - Wine Spectator
"Plush, polished and alluring, this modern red offers ripe, sweet blackberry and cassis flavors supported by plenty of toasty oak and grounded by a firm minerality. Not muscle-bound, but structured and balanced, with a long floral finish. Drink now through 2015. 6,100 cases made."
The following two were tasted without cover. The Pinot was one Piroca initially bought for Thanksgiving by the recommendation of the fat guy at one of his wine stores.

7. Failla, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2006, Not scored

Color is thin and strawberry aroma with minerality. Palate reflects the nose with strong strawberry and other red fruits and mild tannin. Almost taste like Rhone (Granache). It is Pinot but we had better examples such as Kosta Browne.

Wine Spectator 87pts
"Dry, herbal yet savory, with dried currant and wild berry fruit that's rich and refreshing, if a bit on the loamy side. Has good concentration. Drink now through 2011. 500 cases made."

8. Ovid Napa Valley Red 2005, Not Scored

Nice wine. Color is of course no problem. Nose has nice minerality with floral note (lilac). Nice black fruits to start and then progress into vanilla and carmel and end with rather big tannin (may be bit too big, may need more mellowing). This one was made by Andy Erickson, winemaker for Screaming Eagle, Arietta and Hartwell with consultant winemaker Michel Roland and vineyard manager David Abreu.

94 points from Wine Spectator:
"Beautifully crafted, rich and complex, focused on ripe, loamy currant, spice, subtle herb and mineral notes that are well-proportioned, offering depth and concentration while remaining elegant and fleshy. Has a long, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Best from 2009 through 2016. 418 cases made”

TASTINGS FRIDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 12, 2008

Present were: Uncles Piroca, Jimmy, E, and Winepath. Absent were: Uncle N and Robert Parker.
The first wine was a contribution of Winepath. A screwcap, 1+to 2, a great disappointment, from the land of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (but without his talent). No body, very little soul, a light coloured, grapey wine. I hope the reds from Austria will continue to improve. Blauer Zweigelt, I would rather have a white wine from here.

This was a cali cab, most figured it out from the beginning. Very nice, a 3+. Somewhat funky nose, but well made, mature wine , with rosemary, mint and herbs. It had a reasonably good finish, well made, if a bit without passion. Joseph Phelps, Cab sauv., 2005. Could accept this for a table wine.

Third wine to be tasted: A big one, a 4. Uncle Jimmy guessed this to be a Malbec. Uncle Winepath was clueless, as usual, (accusing everything to be a California cab). Rubber-funk, smokey, heavy blueish color. Superb on mid-palate; a complete wine. Jammy, but not fruitty. Lovely. Catena Zapata, 2004 Malbec from Mendoza.

This one we guessed: an italian vino, Toscan Villa di Capezzano, from the house of the counts Bonacossi. A 2+ to 3; made entirely from carmenere grapes, this is a pleasant, smokey wine. Cedar seems to predominate, which we often associate with Italian wines. We liked this one.

Last, but NOT LEAST: HARLAN ESTATE, 2004. A 5+, Wow!!
A great generous surprise from Uncle P, this unbelievable wine: color like garnet gold, nose of blue mountain coffee. the specific gravity of this wine (mass/volume, for all of you great physicists out there) must be enormous. Very port-like, raisin, pmmegranate quince jam, spearmint and bergamon. Well ballanced, superb cocoa and ghanaian dark chcolate (76.5% cocoa).
Here are the words of RP himself:

Wine Advocate The 2004 Harlan Estate is probably the most precocious and accessible Harlan Estate that this perfectionist team has made. Already compelling, the wine has notes of roasted coffee, charcoal, blackberry, spring flowers, and some background sweet, toasty notes. Dense, fleshy, exuberant, even flamboyant by the standards of Bill Harlan, this wine exhibits no jaggedness or rough edges, has relatively high tannins, but they melt away on the palate. The wine is sensationally well-endowed, long, and rich – a tour de force in winemaking. They can do no wrong at Harlan, and it is obvious, even in the most challenging vintages such as 1998, that this estate is a true grand cru/first growth, making wines of irrefutable world-class quality. Of course, none of this comes cheap, as the price is now moving up into the league with Screaming Eagle, but there are no shortage of takers. Score: 98. —Robert Parker, December 2007.

Wine tasting of December 5, 2008

In the past few weeks, we were delinquent in updating our blog. We did have a wine tasting at Winepath and Junebug’s home. Winepath let us taste 9 or 10 California wines from their recent sojourn to California wine country. Others included Le Mistral (Rhone blends) from Joseph Phelps, Relentless syrah from Schafer, Lewelling Cab and more. Winpath baked a wonderful Boule. Needless to say we were too inebriated to chronicle any of the wines tasted.
Present in the current tasting were Winepath, Piroca, Jimmy and Uncle-N. Uncle-OZ also participated. We blind tasted 5 wines.

1. Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Score=3+~4

Color is nice dark garnet with a hint of brown tinge in the rim. Nose is very pleasant without any funk; licorice, vanilla and black cherry. Palate is clearly very fruits forward with nice polished tannin with slight smoky finish. Very nice. Winepath thought this is Spanish with barbequed hedgehog taste. Uncle-N thought this is a classic Cali Cab of new world style noting we had been fooled so many times by Piroca. This was Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. We have tasted earlier vintages and we consistently liked them and 05 is no exception.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 90-92
"Pontet-Canet comes to mind when tasting the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a combination of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of graphite, black currants, pain grille, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, impressively pure, and lighter than the 2004, it is neither as heady nor fleshy as that wine, but should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15 years. 2004 and 2005 could not be more different, with the 2004s flashy, flamboyant, and opulent, even voluptuous, and the 2005s linear, restrained, and more discrete, with slightly more austere tannins".


2. El Nido Clio 2006, Score=3+~4

Nice dark color with coffee in the nose. Very nice fruits forward wine with predominant black fruits, plum and nice well-integrated tannin. No question, this is a nice new world style wine. There are some differences in opinions as to which wine is better #1 or this one. Piroca and Winepath liked Larkmead but Uncle-N definitely liked this one. Because of some plumy palate, syrah component such a Cab+Syrah blends was suggested but this turned out to be just released Clio 06. It sold out so quickly from Wine library that neither Uncle-N nor Piroca could get a case. But Piroca managed to get 10 bottles from another wine seller. The 06 is a definitely great wine. We discussed the earlier vintage and concluded the 04 is still the best.

93 pts. - Gary Vaynerchuk
“COLOR-dark beautiful; NOSE-hedonistic fruit; chocolate candy bar with raspberries; over-the-top vanilla spice; a hair too much oak; very deep blackberry jam flavors; pomegranate; very exotic; very rich; very thick; very viscous; TASTE-bombastic; this wine make me think of Beyonce; so much fruit; so much complexity; dark cedar box flavor; silk for days; a hedonistic fruit bomb that doesn't overdo it and shows some class (like a polished elegant 47 year old lady); elegance, refinement & polish, but it's bombastic and still has it; while it's a youthful, vibrant wine, it has the elegance of Bordeaux, it has the fruit bombness of a Napa Cab or Barossa shiraz; I thought the '05 went overboard, but this '06 is a throwback to the balance of the '03 & '04 vintages; a beautiful hazelnut flavor on the tail-end; the raspberry fruit can not be denied; black currant finish; beautiful tannins; this has the "delicious factor"; this is excellent; GV-93”

3. Astrales Ribera Del Duero 2005, Score=2+~3

Color is nicely dark with some purple or blue tinge in the rim. Cedar nose with chocolate without funk. Palate is bit more restrained compared to our first two wines but very nice complex layers of fruits and ending in very assertive tannin, may be still bit too rough. Piroca noted a bit flat mid-palate. This wine is walking the line between new and old world and is very successful in doing that. After some aeration, this wine got much better. Malbec, Petite Verdot, meritage possibly Argentina, Cab, and Spanish have been suggested. This is Astrales Ribera Del Duero 2005. This is made of 100% Tinto Fino.

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"This is a huge and impressive step up from the 2003 Astrales, which was fine but not at this level. Here we're talking about color, bouquet, palate feel, intense flavors, finish, you name it. It's pure, ultratasty, chocolaty, smooth and pleasurable. Astrales is the complete package and a wine to watch. Top Shelf Editor's Choice"

93+ Points - Jay Miller - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
"A worthy successor to the superb 2004, the 2005 Astrales is 100% Tinto Fino sourced from vines ranging in age from 30-85 years. The grapes were fermented with native yeasts and the wine was aged for 18 months in French and American oak, 30% new. Purple-colored, it exhibits an enticing perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, mineral, blackberry, and licorice. Smooth-textured, layered, and intensely flavored, the wine is currently tightly wound but very well-balanced. It will need a minimum of 5-7 years to reveal its full potential. This lengthy effort will well reward those with patience (and youth) by providing pleasure through 2030."

4. Mollydooker Maitre D' Cabernet 2006 served decanted in a covered bottle of SCARECROW 05, Score=2+

Color is dark and nice and nose has slight moldy note but nice. Bit of sweet candied fruits palate, which end in slightly bitter taste (not bitter as in bitter tannin). Cab, Cab blends, even amarone was suggested. When this was unveiled by Winepath, Prioca notice the top of the bottle looked like SCARECROW. Wow, Winepath is getting extravagant but this was M-D Maitre D. Nice try.

5. Grayson Cellars Merlot 2006, score=1+

Color on this wine is thin and palate is thin and very simple. We did not like this one although we could not tell exactly what this is.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Present were: Uncles Jimmy, Piroca, Winepath, and E. Uncle E brought a visitor, an old friend of his, Uncle S. Unfortunately, Uncle N could not join us.
The first bottle we tasted was thought to be new world, perhaps a cab. Smokey, dark, cherry, medicinal, quite pleasant. Acidic finish, which did not add much to the taste. After some breathing, it tasted better, but the acidity persisted. It was an Australian shiraz, BIN 61, from Clare Valley, 2004. I think that shiraz can be a great pretender. A 2+

Uncle Ozzie, who lately became an enthusiastic supporter of the Winepath Club, produced this old friend. Burned rubber, jus-de-viande, touch of septic tank funk. We guessed it to be a shiraz: Barrel Monkeys, from Australia, 15.5% alcohol, whoaa! A 2+.

Excellent nose: orange, marmalade, grand marnier. Taste a bit disappointing (according to Uncle E, the contributor), but winepath liked it, pure citrus, (e.g. lemon), basil, mint (Winepath). No one could figure this one out. It is Sierra Carche 2006, from Jumilla, Spain. Intersting wine. A 2 or 3, depending whom you ask. Spain produces some real surprises.

This was a contribution by Uncle E's friend, Uncle S. Nice nose, cedar, apple juice, plum. Uncle winepath thought it was a Shiraz, but not from Australia. Wrong as usual: this is a malbec, DECERO 2006, from Mendoza, Argentina. In fact, Uncle Piroca thought it was a malbec. Nice, a 2+ or 3.

A great wine, full vanilla, dark rich, fruitty. Switchback Ridge, 2005, from Napa Valley, by the Peterson Family Vineyards. A 3+to 4. I wish they'd improve the unflattering label. This wine deserves it.

Excellent. Funky nose, big, velvetty, real cab, we thought this to be a California cab. Turned out to be a real winner, uncle P's Caymus , Special Selection,2006. 3+ or 4, easily the best tonight, along with the above Switchback Ridge.

The last bottle to be tasted. No wonder it's upside down. A red Rhone from Cotes-du-Ventoux, "
OPERA", 2003. An 1+, if we are to be generous. Thin, tasteless, a waste of time.

Wine tasting of November 7, 2008

Winepath is back after visiting Napa valley. Since he complained about our extravagant tastings while he was away, Jimmy planned to honor him with three very ”extravagant” (read “cheap”) wines. To make Jimmy's joke work, Piroca and Uncle-N presented these wines as though they had brought them. Our hope was that Winepath would be very impressed with this 7 bottle “extravagant” tasting--he wasn't. In any case, we had a guest appearance of Uncle-OZ and very late arrival of Uncle-E in addition to our usual, Piroca, Jimmy, Winepath and Uncle-N.

1. Palazzo Napa Valley Red Wine 2004, Score=2+

Nose is bit closed but jammy red fruits were apparent. Palate is bit austere with jammy note with good mid palate and finishes with nice firm tannin. Finish is bit short. Overall, this is a very well made and classic wine of Bordeaux style. Since there is no prominent earthiness or funk, we suggested California Bordeaux-blend. Because of the jammy taste, Piroca suggested Merlot but we discussed that it was very rare to find Merlot predominant Bordeaux blends (right bank) from California. But we were right on! This was Palazzo Napa Red Wine 04 which is made of 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in 40% New French Oak.
Here is the wine maker’s note: “My inspiration, and passion for producing my wine continues to come from the beautiful ‘Right Bank’ region of Bordeaux, France… and the exceptional wines produced from the small, family owned Chateau’s that dot the rolling hillsides of this enchanted wine area. Merlot continues to make up the lion share of my PALAZZO 2004 Napa Valley Red Wine… and is the ‘backbone’ of this vintage… giving the wine its power & strength… The Cabernet Franc adds brightness, acidity and a ‘floral spiciness’ to the wine… with the Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and character to the body and finish of the wine.”
RP gave 90 and said; "Scott Palazzo has fashioned a stylish, European-inspired dry red offering wonderful sweet black cherry, cassis, lead pencil shavings, pain grille, and licorice aromas. Medium-bodied, elegant, and refined, it is accessible at present, but will be even better with another year or so of bottle age. It should evolve nicely for a decade. It’s nice to see such finesse styled efforts emerging from California as there is often a misconception that everything produced in that state is too ripe, too big, and too extracted." (12/06)

2. Pacific Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Score=1+~2

This was the first of Jimmy’s “extravagant” wines for winepath. Nose has grapy or grape juice (Welch’s) note. Some felt that there was something a bit unpleasant; slight smell of “bad” meat, but some did not smell this. Palate is rather simple having acidic finish with smoky note and decent tannin. There is no vanilla or caramel here. Winepath suggested Italian. It is the most drinkable among the “extravagant” three as you will see below.

3. Giant Steps Yarra Valley Merlot 2001, Score=2

Nose has minerals such as pencil lead with prominent cedar or minty notes. Palate is bit austere but nice with moderate tannin. Northern Italian wine was suggested but no earthiness makes that unlikely. Chilean and Aussie cab or cab blend was also suggested. But this was Aussie Merlot from winery “Giant Steps”. We are not familiar with this name but it’s other name is “Innocent bystander”. We have tasted their Shiraz under that name, which, we thought was pretty decent with a high PQR. If you are visiting Australia, we should visit this place (see below).

Quoting from “The Man from Mosel River (Rainer Adam)”; “Actually Giant Steps - Innocent Bystander is not only a winery but also a restaurant, café, bakery, meeting place, etc. in the heart of Healesville, the charming rural town about an hour away north east of Melbourne. Phil and Allison Sexton, the owners, deserve great praise for having the courage to establish such an enterprise, the merging of an industrial work place like a winery with the inviting hospitality necessary for a café-bistro.”

4. Pacific Peak Merlot 2007, Score=1

This is the second installment of Jimmy’s “extravagant” wines. Color is thin and transparent. Nose is grapy with musty note. Palate is rather simple like water with tannin. This is not good.

5. Canyon Oaks California Zinfandel 2007, score=1+

This is the final of Jimmy’s “extravagant” wines for Winepath. Jimmy wanted another Pacific Peak but it was not available and had to splurge to get this higher priced Zin from Central California. Nose has (again) grapiness with minerals. Simple palate with acidic finish. At this point, winepath was not happy about us. So we proceeded with our true offerings for this evening.

6. Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Score=3+~ (4)

Here comes a real wine. Color is dark with nice nose of black cherry, black berry with vanilla predominating. Palate is that of a highly extracted new world wine. Lots of black fruits with tons of vanilla, caramel with perfumed coconuts ending in nice firm tannin with long finish. Reminded of us of Clio. Consensus is that this is a classic New World Cali Cab. Caymus is such a consistent wine producer and 06 is no exception.

92 points Wine Spectator Insider: "Full-blown, ripe and rich, with intense and sharply focused dried currant, wild berry and blackberry fruit that's still fairly tannic at this stage. Ends with a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through 2015." (10/29/08)

7. Barnett Vineyards Cyrus Ryan Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, score=3+~ (4)

This one came in a “body builder” bottle, which gave away a hint as to what this could be. Color is nice with dark garnet with distinctive blue or purple tinge at the rim. Nose has nice spices and oak with licorice. Palate is intense with tons of black fruits with vanilla and caramel transition into big firm tannin that, some felt, was too bitter in the begining but got much better after some aeration. No question; this is a highly extracted and highly oaked new world wine. It felt bit “hot” indicating high alcohol. Because of the color, Malbec (only Malbec we know which comes in this bottle is Catena Zapata), Syrah Cab blend from Australia were suggested. Uncle-N and lady Sea tasted this one on the mountaintop of the Barnett vineyard this summer. Among the ones we tasted, we liked this the best. The grapes came from the valley floor instead of the mountain fruits of the Barnett itself. Finally we got the shipment. Judging from what we can find on the Internet, we have gotten fairly good price at the Winery.

Here is the wine maker’s note; “The first-ever bottling of the pristine Cyrus-Ryan Vineyard Cabernet promises to be a unique and exciting edition to the Barnett tradition of single-vineyard wines. Located on the western edge of the Valley Floor, on the border of St. Helena and Calistoga, the Cyrus-Ryan Vineyard produces Cabernet Sauvignon indicative of its warm location and volcanic soils. "Whereas the Rattlesnake Hill Cabernet is an expression of complexity, spice nuances, minerality, and long, drawn-out, fine tannins, the Cyrus-Ryan Cabernet reflects the best of classic Valley Floor influences: gobs of ripe, unctuous blackberry fruit delivered unreservedly with pronounced, chewy tannins. It's extracted, generous, and balanced.”
Some professional reviews: Wine Enthusiast: “The wine is enormously ripe, a lip-smacking fruity 100% Cab that seduces the palate with massive black currant, licorice, sweet date and cedar flavors. Yet it has a tannic astringency that suggests, although it does not require aging[, it] should develop well for at least a decade. Score: 93. —Steve Heimoff, June 01, 2008. Wine Spectator: “Broad-shouldered, intense and concentrated, with a tight, rich band of spicy currant, cedar, hazelnut, sage and herbal scents. Young and tightly wound, this needs time in the cellar or a good decanting. Best from 2011 through 2017. 427 cases made. Score: 92.” —James Laube, May 15, 2008.

Wine tasting on October 31, 2008

This was a Halloween night tasting and, again, we went a bit overboard and blind tasted 7 wines (the last one was covered by Uncle-E’s deft hands when poured). Present were Uncle-E, Piroca, Jimmy, and Uncle-N and a guest appearance of Uncle-OZ after everything was uncovered. Winepath was still missing in action probably finishing up a multimillion-dollar deal to purchase a vineyard. This was an interesting tasting which included two Rhone wines (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Vacqueyras) as well as very old (1995) Barolo.

1. Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvee Lopy 2005, score=2+

Color is very dark, almost black with blue or purple tinge at the rim. Nose has “sweaty foot”, roasted meat and dirt (or earth to be delicate) but later Unlce-E decisively described it as “fecal” or pure “poop” smell in addition to black cherry. Palate is nice with intense black fruits with plum and very big tannin, which at the back end felt to be too strong. In all, this is a big wine. Aussie Syrah was mentioned and also Uncle-N suggested “Hermitage” but Piroca who provided this wine said “what is that?” so we figured this was not “Hermitage”. Because of the blue tinge Malbec was considered but the palate did not go with that. So we settle for probably syrah. This happened to be Vacqueyras, very unusual selection by Piroca .

By our definitive reference for everything, Wikipedia “Vacqueyras is a French wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the southern Rhône wine region of France. It is primarily a Red wine region with some white and rosé wines being produced. Being a little brother of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and, arguably, Gigondas”. Just as an addendum, again from Wikipedia, “Hermitage is a French wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the northern Rhône wine region of France south of Lyon. It produces mostly red wine from the Syrah grape, however small quantities of white wine are also produced from Roussane and Marsanne grapes.”
Finally RP said, "One of the great Vacqueyras of the vintage is the 2005 Vacqueyras Cuvee du Lopy. A blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, all from 40- to 50+-year-old vines, this wine has a wonderfully smoky, earthy nose of truffle juice, blackberries, cherries, meats, and Provencal herbs. Some forest floor and flowers are also there. Deep, sumptuous, rich, dense, with moderately high but sweet tannin, this is a sensational Vacqueyras to drink over the next 10-15 years. With 42 acres, Domaine Sang des Cailloux seems to make the argument with each vintage that it is the top producer in Vacqueyras. The wines, named after proprietor Serge Ferigoule’s daughters, are consistently super, exhibiting the full glories of Provence, the Grenache grape, and the terroirs of Vacqueyras." 93 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue 175.

Did you notice how delicately the nose was described? But he forgot to mention that there was animal excrements on the forest floor.

2. Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Score=2+~3

This one came in a unique bottle; tall and skinny with amber colored glass. Again, color is very dark but more like garnet with slight brown tinge at the rim. Nose is nice without any funk or unpleasantness, some cedar tone. Palate is also nice with some sweet note (raisin as per Jimmy) with lots of black fruits with vanilla and caramel along with nice firm tannin and long finish. The back end shows some acidic but not unpleasant finish. Consensus was that this is Cali Cab and definitely a new world. This is what RP said; "I was blown away by the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, which spent almost 34 months in 70% new French oak barrels. The wine is beautifully impressive, with a deep ruby/purple color and notes of loamy soil intermixed with creme de cassis, cedar, and licorice. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, but beautifully nuanced and nicely structured, with sweet, silky tannins. This wine should evolve for at least 20 or more years. The good news is that there are about 3,800 cases of this superb Cabernet. Altamura has been making wines for almost 20 years, and I certainly thought several of these wines were the best I ever had from them. They are located in Wooden Valley, which is mostly volcanic soils about nine miles northeast of Napa." 94 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)

3. Napa Wine Co. Zinfandel 2005, Score=2+

Color is nice garnet with nose of cedar and black pepper. Some also noted vegetable nose such as celery. Palate is bit one dimensional or watery but has nice firm tannin. Consensus was that this was new world; cab or cab blend may be cab+syrah from Australia. This was Zinfandel (Uncle-N brought Aussie Zinfandel last time and this time from Napa). Here is what “WE” said, “Classic Napa Zin. Showcases deliciously ripe blackberry and currant flavors accented with pepper, clove, anise, nutmeg and cinnamon, and a finish that goes on and on. The tannins are pure Oakville, ripe, sweet, thick and as fine as velvet." 93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

4. Frog's Leap Rutherford Cabernet 2002, score=2+~3

Nose has spices, tobacco, cedar overlying black cherry; the best nose so far. Palate is nice but restrained with predominantly black fruits with spices and cedar(which brought the comment from Piroca that they must have used American oak). Nice firm tannin but not too big. Cab, syrah, Spanish and Italian were mentioned (even Barboursville, Virginia was mentioned by Uncle-E, since I brought Virginia wines in the past and this one is bit restrained and not an usual highly extracted fruits bomb). This was Frog’s leap Rutherford Cabernet 2002 which is made of Cab Sauv 89% and cab frank 11%. This one was recommended by the “manga” wine critiques (please click the link to see NYT article) from Japan who were known to be “Francophile” (which Uncle-N happened to read).
The vineyard is organically managed. These were what have been described in NY times; “The prevailing style of Napa cabernet today emphasizes power, weight and extravagance, but Frog’s Leap is one of a small but significant number of cabernet producers that form a kind of alternate Napa universe. They are making wines of balance and restraint that are a direct link to Napa’s past, when wines like the Inglenook forged the region’s reputation as a source of great cabernet sauvignon wines. The Frog’s Leap wines are subtle and nuanced. Like the Inglenook they’re easy to drink with a meal and rewarding, especially for one who has despaired of finding Napa cabernets that are table wines, not jammy fruit bombs that overwhelm food. You don’t hear much about these sorts of wines today. Critics and consumer publications largely ignore them while reserving their highest scores for the sweet and plush set." - Eric Asimov -New York Times -The Pour

5. Oddero Barolo 1995, Score=1

What a gutsy move by Uncle-E. As soon as it was poured, everybody could see from 10 feet away, it was brown, light and transparent in color. Piroca immediately rejected this one but this still tasted like wine. No fruits were left but acid and tannin and some spices are left. We figured France or Italian but settled in to say that this was a Northern Italian wine like Borolo. This was 1995 (13 year old) Oddero Barolo. If this much tannin is left after 13 years of bottle aging, it must not have been drinkable in its young days. This reminded us of Guido Porro Barolo 2003 which we tasted on 11-30-07 and gave score=1. We may not appreciate traditional Borolos but we are at least consistent.

6. Domaine Galevan Chateauneuf du Pape 2005, Score=2

We were supposedly to stop here but Jimmy could not resist to bring this bottle out. Nose has pungent chemical or varnish smell. Palate has some sweetness with cherry fruits but bit thin. It ends with nice tannin and acidic kick. France was suggested. This happened to be Chateauneuf du Pape which was a surprise coming from Jimmy. Just for reminding us of the basics, here is a quote from Wikipedia, “Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an AOC in the southern Rhône wine region. Unlike its northern Rhône neighbors, Châteauneuf-du-Pape permits thirteen different varieties of grape, and the blend is usually predominantly Grenache. Other red grapes include Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Syrah, Terret Noir, and Vaccarèse.”
Here is an expert review; “Bright ruby. Impressively complex aromas of red berry preserves, apricot, garrigue and white pepper. Supple red fruit flavors are complemented by dusty herbs and floral pastille. Picks up a subtle tannic bite on the finish, which echoes the red fruit and spice flavors. This is delicious now.” (Rated: 89 by Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 08)

7. Radio-Coteau Syrah Las Colinas 2004, Score=2+

To regain footing after serving a dirty dishwater wine, Uncle-E provided this. He personally poured this with two hands covering the label. It has a classic syrah nose. Nice palate of black fruits with vanilla, caramel and black pepper. Nice integrated tannin. We favored California Syrah as opposed to Aussie.
Here is the description; “as Colinas blends fruit from a selection of Syrah vineyards set in the hills surrounding the Bohemian Highway in western Sonoma County. As La Neblina does for Pinot Noir, Las Colinas brings elegance to the Syrah forum…..Wine maker notes: The nose already effuses classic aromas of cool climate pepper spice, blue and black fruits, and dried meat. The midpalate bursts with dark fruit and meaty flavors, and its chewy texture is tinged with bittersweet chocolate. The wine finishes with a rush of black pepper, blackberries and wet earth, displaying more complexity than you might expect at this young age. In short, the wine is drinking very well right now, though it will continue to evolve in the bottle for several years.”

We don’t know whether we are either so jaded or our usual venue is the culprit but none of the wines we taste seem as good as if we tasted them at home or in a different venue. Many of the wines we tasted should get 3s and 4s.

Wine tasting of November 24, 2008

Present were Grasshopper (who has been absent for some time but finally responded to our call), Uncle-E, Uncle-N, Piroca and Jimmy. Winepath was on the way to Napa valley possibly to obtain about 30 acres of vineyards in Clear Lake district. We were again bit out of control and tasted a total of 7 wines. I forgot my notes, so this is all from memory; therefore, the description is very sketchy.

1. Monteviejo Lindaflor Malbec. 2005, score=2+~3

Color is dark with purple or blue tinge at the rim. Nose is bit closed but some black fruits and minerals are coming through. Palate is nice with black fruits with coffee or dark chocolate. There was some difference in opinion about the tannin. Piroca and Uncle-E felt that it was very tannic. The rest of us thought it was firm and somewhat assertive (young wine) but quite OK. Long finish. Because of the color, P. Verdot and P. Syrah were suggested. Malbec was mentioned (Jimmy thought this was Malbec) but both Uncle-E (quoting the lack of a lemony note) and Piroca decided that this was not Malbec (They got a hint that this was a single varietal wine not a blend). In terms of the origin of the country, Spain was mentioned (just because Uncle-N brought this). This turned out to be Monteviejo Lindaflor Malbec. 2005 from Argentina.

94 Points - Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate "Monteviejo's flagship is the Lindaflor Malbec. The 2005 was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. It offers up an ethereal perfume of pain grille, vanilla, pencil lead, espresso, blueberry, black cherry, and a hint of dark chocolate. Quite massive on the palate yet light on its feet, the wine exhibits thick, intense flavors, gobs of sweet fruit, concealed tannin, and a very long finish. It should easily age for a decade and drink well through 2030."

2. Schulz Johanne Zinfandel 2004, Score=2~2+

Color is nicely dark. Nose is again bit of minerals but not particularly floral. Palate is nice but bit thin with somewhat short finish. Again, a hint was given that this is a single varietal. Because of the screw top, Australia was first mentioned and also California. Finally, also Spain. In terms of the grape varietals, everything was mentioned but none of the tasters even mentioned Zinfandel. This is a bit unusual Zin from Australia.

91 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): "An excellent value, the 2004 Zinfandel Johanne possesses good fruit along with a big, peppery, briery nose displaying hints of herbs as well as a resiny forest-like character. Ripe, full-bodied, and rich, this impressive Zinfandel should drink well for 3-5 years."

3. Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature 2005, Score=2+~3

Color is dark and nose has lots of black cherry, vanilla and caramel. Nice palate, which corresponds to the nose. Consensus was that this is a fruits forward highly oaked California cab. This turned out to be Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Signature 2005. Uncle-N thought that we have definitely tasted this (may not be 05) but our blog does not have an entry for this one. Nice but very predictable wine.

93 points Wine Spectator: “A supple, graceful style that serves up a complex mix of cherry, currant, herb and plum-scented fruit, picking up a light toasty oak and mocha note mid palate and finishing with a long, lingering aftertaste and round tannins. Drink now through 2013.”

4. Amon Ra Godolphin Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Score=2+~3+

Many liked this one the best in the tasting. The nose is again black cherry with some funk (sweaty foot) but not too funky (my memory is fading). Palate is nice with mixed black and red fruits, some roasted beef note with rather long finish but some felt (not Piroca), it was bit too tannic. All in all well crafted nice wine. This was a Shiraz/cab mix from Godolphin.

93 Points Wine Advocate; “The 2005 Godolphin, a blend of 80% Shiraz (from 85-year-old vines) and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (from 60-year-old vines), was aged in 100% new oak, primarily 300-liter French hogsheads. It represents a beautiful marriage of power and elegance, displaying an inky/blue/purple color as well as notions of black raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and sweet pain grille. Ripe, pure, and medium to full-bodied with sweet but noticeable tannin, it can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.”

5. Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône 2005, Score=2+

Color, yes, color is very pale and transparent. This was from Uncle-E so everybody knew this was either Burgundy or South of France wines. The nose is nice with red fruits especially of Strawberry with some earthiness. The palate also reflects the nose with nice forward red fruits, strawberry and raspberry with surprisingly firm well-constructed tannin. Uncle-N was of the opinion that this was a Cotes du Rhone because of the strawberry nose and palate, i.e. Grenache component. Piroca thought this could be Burgundy. This turned out to be Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône 2005.

6. Paul Hobbs Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Score=2+~3

We were supposedly to end with the 5th wine but Piroca said “let me bring one more”. We all thought this was a highly extracted and oaked Cali cab. All the elements were there; lots of vanilla, caramel, and tons of fruits and firm tannin. Predictably, Uncle-E did not like this saying it was a “cocktail” wine. Nonetheless we have to say that Paul Hobs knows how to make a good wine.

92 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate); "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa offers beautiful black currant fruit interwoven with notions of licorice, cedar, and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, opulent, and fleshy, it should drink nicely for 12-15+ years."

7. Saison Des Vins Syrah L'hiver 2005, score=2+

We should have stopped but Uncle-N brought this one out. By the shape of the bottle, Australian Shiraz has been suggested but this was Saison Des Vins Syrah L'hiver 2005 from Mendocino County made by Copain (which Uncle-E pointed out).

90 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): "One of Copain's best values every year is the Saisons des Vins Syrah l'Hiver, Guthrie's interpretation of a St.-Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage. The 2005 reveals hints of tapenade, pepper, red cherries, and cassis along with zesty acidity and a fruit-driven style. About 15% whole clusters were used in its upbringing. This delicious, fun Syrah should drink well for 3-4 years."

Again, we were impressed with our inability of identifying either grape varietals or country of origin. Only good thing is that we know which one we like (at least). In the past few tastings, we all had nice wines nothing spectacular but nothing bad (Oh, I almost forgot Pearmund P. Verdot).

Additional tasting on Friday,October 17, 2008

As an afterthought, following Uncle N's departure, there was a last tasting, due to uncle winepath's (the great-, but yet unknown winemaker) generosity. Uncle P guessed that this was the Maitre'D, a 2006 cabernet from the talented Mollydookers. The reason the picture is "horizontal" is that our amateur photographer (he got fired since), was out of focus (I mean the photographer, not the camera). Still, this is an excellent wine, reasonably priced, with the usual fruit-forward and spicy nose that characterize the Mollydooker wines. Uncle Winepath gives it a 2+; the other uncles were too preoccupied at this stage to form an opinion.

Wine Tasting on October 17, 2008

Present are Uncle-N, Winepath, Piroca, and Jimmy. Uncle-E was delayed by a late meeting and could not make it. Grasshopper has been absent for long time. Vicarious tasting is not as good as actually tasting, Grasshopper. We blind tasted 4 wines. Except for one, three were pretty good.

1. Musella Amarone 2003, Score=2+~3

Again this wine proves that we cannot tell anything about wines. Nice dark color with black cherry nose. The palate is good with black fruits and good firm tannin. There is a bitter finish (mostly tannin). We all thought (except for the contributor Winepath) that this is a new world wine and probably Cali Cab or Argentinean Cab, Malbec blend. How wrong can we be? We all tasted this one before and Uncle-N and Winpath even shared a case of this wine. Above all, we thought we could tell Amarone from other wines anytime. After we knew what this was, we started tasting raison-like taste etc but it was too late.
“Wine Enthusiast; Members of the Pasqua family bought this historic property (with an adorable bed & breakfast) and founded a new wine estate in 1995. Since then, Musella has emerged as one of the best Amarone producers outside the Classico zone. This wine delivers incredible intensity and purity of aromas: Distinct notes of coffee, cherry and roasted nut comprise a compact and clean presentation. It’s chewy, sweet with a velvety, soft texture in the mouth. Score: 93. —Monica Larner, October 01, 2007.”

2. Pearmund Petit Verdot 2006, Score=2

The nose is the best part of this wine; a bit grapy with black pepper and hint of coffee. The color is nicely dark and it is a good start but the palate is disappointing. It is rather thin with short finish and acidic kick at the end. Tannin is not strong or not well constructed. According to Winpath, it is very vegetal and he suggested Cab Frank and surprisingly even its origin as “Virginia”. Cab blend possibly from Chile was also suggested. Uncle-N brought this (left over from his trip to Inn at Little Washington and winery tour of Northern Virginia several month ago) because Piroca said he could tell P. Verdot and P. Syrah from their color in the previous tasting. GV of Winelibrary happened to taste this in a Winelibrary TV episode sometime ago and gave 86 which we agree, but may go lower. This is not a wine we would like to try again. Here is the write up at the winery website. “Blackberry aromas with rich plum flavors. Well-rounded tannins and a smooth finish. Earthy, rustic, and warm. Limited production.”

3. Mas D'en Gil Coma Vella 2001, Score=2+~3+

Color is dark with a nose of black fruit with spices especially rosemary and dark chocolate. Some detected slight funk, which dissipated quickly. The palate is not particularly fruit forward but very complex with predominantly black fruits accompanied by spice box, smoke and coffee, and a chocolate layer ending in nice firm tannin. European origin was suggested. Winepath thought this is Bordeaux probably Merlot predominating like Medoc. Piroca initially thought non-European but at the end suggested Spain. This happens to be Coma Vella from Priorat, Spain.
“94 Points - Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate; The 2001 Coma Vella is a blend of 30% Carinena, 20% Garnacha Peluda, 20% Garnacha Pais. 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah. This full-bodied (14.5% alcohol) wine was aged 12 months in French oak. It is opaque purple in color with seductive notes of smoke, meat, and game, as well as black cherry, licorice, and minerals. Opulent, thick, and rich, it will drink well for 6-8 years."

4. Clarendon Hills Hickenbotham Vineyard Syrah 2004, Score=3~3+

Color is dark almost black with nice nose which contains menthol or minty note with some earthiness or smokiness. The palate is nice with viscous mouth coating texture with black fruits coming at you like freight trains with nice integrated tannin. We detected not much meat juice or pepper flavors. Most of us like this the best among today’s wines. This is more fruits forward and in the face new world wine but extremely nice. Coma vella to me is more elegant and subtle but this is personal preference.
"One of McLaren Vale’s most astonishing Syrahs is Clarendon Hills’ amazing 2004 Syrah Hickinbotham. Its inky/blue/purple hue is accompanied by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, smoked meats, melted licorice, coffee beans, graphite, and bacon fat. Extremely full-bodied, powerful, and rich, with moderately high tannin, huge structure as well as massive concentration and intensity, but a sense of elegance, balance, and equilibrium, it should be cellared for 2-3 years, and drunk over the following two decades."-Wine Advocate