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).