Wine Tasting on 2-27-09

Piroca is on the way back from Carnival but still absent. We had a small tasting. Uncle–K is said to be in India probably tasting Indian cabernet. Present were Uncle-E, Winepath, Jimmy, and Uncle-N. We blind tasted 5 wines.

1. Chateau Cote Montpezat 2000, Score=2~2+

Color is dark garnet. Nose has slight funk with herbs, lanolin and green pepper. Palate is rather austere with muted black fruits with mid palate of bacon or roasted meat ending in firm tannin and well-matched acidity. Uncle-E said “weak on fruits but strong in structure”. Initial impression was Italian (winepath), French (Uncle-E) but not Bordeaux, probably Southern France. But after some re-sniffing and re-tasting and some unintended help from Uncle-N, consensus was that this was from France probably Bordeaux. This was indeed Bordeaux, Cotes de Castillon to be exact (right bank) and made of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10 % Cabernet Sauvignon. So our tasters were pretty on the money.

GV gave 90 “COLOR-dark; NOSE-some green pepper; sour cherries and black currant busting out; ; TASTE-broccoli tops on the mid-palate and cherry sweetness on the back-end; silkiness; medium bodied; smooth richness of fruit on the back-end; good floral rose petals on the mid-palate; silky smooth; elegant & balanced; good firm tannins; really nice greenness (bell peppers); a Cab Franc play; a little black pepper/beef jerky on the finish; will last 3-5 years; GV-90”

Again, most for us, except for Uncle-E, this is bit too austere, but with food this will be more enjoyable.

2. Chateau Pesquie Les Terrasses 2006, Score=2+~3

This was a quite contrast from the first wine. We cannot complain about the color; Nicely dark. Nose is fragrant with blackberry, blueberry with hint of spice (Clove) but no funk. Palate is fruits driven with sweet cherry fruits, nice smooth texture and well-integrated tannin with citrus finish. For Uncle-E this is too sweet or bit candied in taste. Some said it was Australian Syrah and others that it was not Australian but could not place it. This was offered by Uncle-N since the first wine and this wines were from France but totally different in style. Obviously, this one is more appealing to (unsophisticated) American palate but, nevertheless, very pleasant wine to drink. This is from Cotes de Vetoux, which is located between Rhône and Provence under the shadow of Mont Ventoux--one of the most famous mountains in France (2,000 m, 6300ft. This mountain marks the gate between the Rhône and Provence. For the price, this is a good everyday wine.

90 Points - Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)
"The unfined/unfiltered 2006 Les Terrasses Rouge, a custom cuvee made for American importer Eric Solomon, is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Its’ deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a lovely bouquet of black currants, black cherries, licorice, smoke, roasted herbs, and melted licorice. Deep and full-bodied with velvety tannins, good acidity, and a long finish, this is a heck-of-a wine to drink over the next 4-5 years."

3. Bodegas Los Astrales Ribera del Duero 2003, Score=3

Nose bit closed but pleasant without any funk. Palate is nice with nice black fruits with well-integrated tannin. Relatively long finish. Uncle-N was of the opinion that this is a new World wine made in an old world style. Fruits are well controlled rather than fruits bomb. We all liked this wine. Since we tasted many Bordeaux-style California Reds and Cab, we thought that this could be an example of those kind of wines. This turned out to be Astrales 2003. Uncle-N immediately recalled that we tasted another Astrales (it was 2005 and we tasted it on December 8, 08). In that tasting note, we said “This wine is walking the line between new and old world and is very successful in doing that.” And also quoted from Wine Enthusiast; "This is a huge and impressive step up from the 2003 Astrales, which was fine but not at this level.” We did not identify what this was but at least we were consistent with the previous evaluation. We are not sure in terms of comparing 03 and 05. Our memory is too faded but gave the same score.

Rated: 92 by Josh Raynolds, Sep/Oct 06
“Ruby-red. Pungent, intensely floral nose features deep notes of blackberry, black raspberry and boysenberry preserves. Rich and dense, with serious structure and weight; sweet, lively dark fruit flavors are complicated by bitter chocolate, licorice and black pepper. The flavors build and deepen through the finish, which is sweet, focused and long, with a gentle suggestion of dusty tannins. Give this some time.”

We are not sure about the “pungent, intensely floral nose” he is describing.

4. Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2006, score=2

This is a stinker; Nose is unique with burned rubber and funk, which sort of overwhelms other smells. Palate is much better than it smells (there was some serious discussion here of this combination). Although fruits are bit muted, nicely balanced fruits with nice tannin and reasonable finish. We thought of non-European, non-North American heritage for this wine. May be Chilean cab, Argentinean, and in passing South Africa was also mentioned. This happed to be Pinotage from South Africa. Very interesting but the nose will be bit difficult to handle (at least for us).

5. Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2007, Score=3

Jimmy disappeared and came back with a covered bottle. It has a screw cap and as soon as it was poured (almost black), Uncle-N declared M-D Shiraz and Winepath remembered the name “Boxer”. Nose and palate are classic M-D Shiraz.

Here is Sparky and Sarah have to say, “WOW! Complexed by combining the regional flavours of grapes from McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Padthaway, this wine has incredible power and purity. As you know, Mollydooker means Aussie for left-hander, so the label depicts a boxer with two left gloves; sure to knock you out! The 2006 was an enormous hit, after receiving 94 points by Jay Miller at The Wine Advocate and chosen as the 3rd Best Value Red Wine from Australia by Harvey Steiman at The Wine Spectator with 90 points! Incredible Shiraz at an unbeatable price."

Wine Tasting on 2-20-09

We had a small tasting. Since Piroca is still at large. Uncle-E and –K were busy with something else. Present were Winpath, Jimmy, and Uncle-N. We blind tasted 4 wines.

1. Maquis Lien Syrah Carmenere Colchagua 2005, Score=3

Color is dark and a bit purple. Nose has plum, black cherry and slight mustiness, which got worse after some aeration and then somewhat dissipated. Winepath, on the second pass, noticed “grapey” nose. Palate starts with nice black fruits with plum and a hint of lemon and black pepper ending with nice firm tannin. Nice long finish. Australian Shiraz, Rhone mix (Grenache), Malbec were mentioned. This Chilean wine contains 38% Syrah, 32% Carmenere, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec. Unlce-N liked this wine (for him, It tasted like Syrah) but the rest of the tasters were not too impressed.

Wine & Spirits 92 points and Wine Enthusiast said, "This blend of Syrah, Carmenère, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot comes in at a higher level than many. Dark chocolate, almond candy and black fruit work the nose, while the palate is sizable and full of plum and dark berry flavors. Both the oak and acidity are up there, so expect power and a few loose edges as it seeks its sweet spot." (9/1/2008) Wine Spectator: "This is focused, with a slightly dusty edge to the cedar, shaved vanilla, coffee and plum sauce flavors. The sinewy, minerally finish has nice grip. Syrah, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2009. 3,000 cases imported." (Oct. 15, 2008) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2005 Lien is composed of 38% Syrah, 32% Carmenere, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec. It offers a bit more richness, structure, and a hint of chocolate on the mid-palate. It is likely to evolve for 1-2 years in the bottle but can be enjoyed now. Both Maquis wines offer excellent value." (Oct. 2008)

2. Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Score=3

Nose is bit closed but it has a pleasant cab nose. Palate is also pleasant with black fruits, usual vanilla and some plum. Nice but not overly assertive tannin with some acidic finish and some chocolate and espresso note. Consensus was Cali Cab and this was Ghost Pine 06.

We tasted 05 vintage Ghost pine Cab before and gave score=3. We said, “Nose is bit closed but no funk and slight red fruits. It was bit warm when tasted. Taste is rather austere at first but after some time, it opened up (as per Winepath and Jbug, the wine tasted better next day) with nice complex tastes of berries, cherries with vanilla and caramel tastes in the finish. Nice solid tannin. To us, this is more subtle than many of the Napa or Australian fruits bombs but it is more sophisticated and complex.”

06 is made from 72% Napa and 28% Sonoma cab. This in one of the expanding Gallo brands and Louis Martini Vineyards (which was bought by Gallo in 2002) is making Ghost pine. 2006 is similar to 05 and a nice good cab for the price (the price has gone up significantly from 05). Reportedly, RP gave 90 but can not confirm it.

3. Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Score=3

Nose is slightly musty. Palate is classic Cali Cab with black fruits, vanilla and caramel with citrus after tastes and nice mild tannin. Moderately long finish. Uncle-N opined Cali Cab first and included the possibility of New World–style cab from Argentina, Chile, and Australia. This is Sequoia Grove 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, which, according to Winepath we barrel tasted last year but Uncle-N could not remember how it tasted.

WE 93pts. “Tasting Notes - Deep garnet in color with aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry with a bit of mocha and cocoa. The fruit intertwines lovingly with the oak, hints of which can be found in aromas of clove, black pepper and spice. The palate is rich and bold but the tannins are soft and supple creating an endless finish. The acid compliments the lushness of the fruit and gives structure and balance throughout the wine”.

4. Monteviejo Festivo Malbec 2004, score=3

Nose is unique with some minerals (or metallic) and fruits candy. Palate is a bit austere but nice complex subtleness is felt with nice good tannin. Winepath though this is European; Spain or Italy but concluded that this was Bordeaux very confidently. Wrong! This is Argentinean Malbec.

91 Points - Jay Miller - The Wine Advocate
"Monteviejo's entry level wine is Festivo, a 100% Malbec aged for 6 months in new French oak. The 2004 Festivo is dark crimson-colored with a fragrant nose of mineral, spice box, blueberry, and black cherry. Medium-bodied, it is plush on the palate with plenty of ripe, forward fruit, light tannin, and a sense of elegance. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 5 years. It is an outstanding value. Bodega Monteviejo, owned by Catherine Pere-Verge (also the proprietor of Pomerol's Le Gay), is located at the foothills of the Andes, next to Vista Flores, south of Mendoza. The globe-trotting Michel Rolland is in charge of winemaking."

Wine Tasting on 2-12 and 2-13-09

We had a tasting on two days. Since Piroca was departing to Carnival in Brazil, on Thursday we had a preliminary tasting (Piroca, Uncle N, Jimmy and Winepath) tasted three wines. Uncle-N was very interested in the reactions of the rest of the crew to the Languedoc wine he discovered. Then, on Friday, we served up what remained of the Thursday wines plus 4 additional wines. Present on Friday were Winepath, Jimmy, Uncle-E and Uncle-N. We were also honored by the presence of his holiness Uncle-K. Piroca was getting ready for the trip and was absent.

1. La-peira En Damaisella Las Flors De La Peira 2005, score=3+~(4)

By far the best wine among the seven wines. Nose is very fragrant with rich complex aroma without any hint of funk. Mouth feel is velvety smooth with very forward complex black fruits with plum and black pepper, nice long finish and just perfectly smooth but well crafted tannin. Now comes the interesting part; Can we tell what this is? Everybody agreed that this is a New World wine. Since Uncle-N brought it, Spain was mentioned. Uncle-E suggested possibility of Clio (which has some similarity). Rioja was also mentioned. Australia, Argentina (some mention of Malbec). Uncles E and Winepath briefly mentioned Languedoc and promptly dismissed it. This is La-peira En Damaisella Las Flors De La Peira 2005 from France, Languedoc. As you all know, we are not Francophile with exception of Uncle-E, but this is one of the French wines we all liked. Here is what GV of Winelibray said (he gave 95).

“Insanely good value, even at this price. This is cut from the cloth of a Clio or a Numanthia; killer good wine in the bottle, huge potential for good scores and a reasonable price. Super ripe, complex and well balanced enough with earth, this fantastic wine needs to be tried. Do not miss out on this sensational new wine! 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache Noir, and 20% Mourvedre."

2. Gran Lurton Cabernet-Sauvignon Reserva Mendoza 2006, Score=2+

Nose is rather closed but no unpleasant smells. Palate is also bit muted with restrained fruits upfront with nice acidity and firm well made tannin. Relatively short finish. We thought that this was Bordeaux-style but probably new world wine. It is “not-so-bad”. This happens to be Cabernet-Sauvignon Gran Lurton Reserva Mendoza 2006. Uncle Winepath picked this one up at the Argentinean wine tasting few weekend ago at WW of Wine (?) on Wisconsin Ave. I am sure Piroca will hate to hear this but this is a good food wine.

3. Familia Mayol Malbec Finca Montuiri 2004, Not Scored

This wine was not rated for two reasons. 1. We tasted this on Thursday as an add-on without cover, 2. This was blind tasted (for some of the testers) on Friday and something happened and the characters of this wine have drastically changed. We may have to taste this one again to be fair. In any case, on Thursday, it was kind of good wine (we thought). It did have some pungent nose but was very reasonable. Now, on Friday, it became very unpleasant with strong turpentine or chemical smell and very unpleasant palate. This bottle was kept in the wine refrigerator tightly re-corked as were the other two wines but something has happened. This one also came from the Argentinean wine tasting attended by Winepath and Piroca.

4. Leeuwin Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, score=2+ ~ 3

This one dons a screw cap proudly, so everybody was immediately thinking of Australia. Nose is nice with minerals and some vegetal (green pepper) note. Palate is rather complex with fig, citrus, and blackberry leading to firm tannin. Nice wine. Beside usual suspect of Australia, Washington state (I do not know why) was also mentioned. Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot were mentioned.

94 Points - Josh Raynolds - International Wine Cellar
"Ruby-red color. Opaque ruby. Deep cassis and boysenberry aromas are brightened by zesty minerals and complicated by cured tobacco, licorice and baking spices. Sappy dark berry flavors are firmed by youthful tannins and pick up bitter chocolate and licorice with air. A powerful rendition of this wine, but there's no excess weight. Shows a more tangy red fruit character on the extremely long, juicy finish. Bet on this improving for at least another ten years."

5. Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Score=2+

It has a herbal nose. Palate has nice fruits with citrus and good tannin. Australian Syrah, Argentinean Malbec, Other South American, even European origin were suggested. Although most of us thought this is a new world wine. This happens to be good old Cali Cab. Nowadays, nobody goes for the obvious.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Other wineries come and go. Raymond remains, offering solid Napa Valley Cab at a fair price. The '05 Reserve calls to mind the very fine 2000, but actually costs less. It's a dry, elegantly structured wine, rich in sweet fine tannins, and offering up complex, delicious flavors of freshly picked ripe blackberries, spicy cassis, baked cherry pie and smoky oak. Drink now through 2015."

6. Larkin Cabernet Franc Napa 2004, score=2-

Nose has slight funk with minerals but not much. Palate is rather austere and flat. In general, we did not like this wine. What a disappointment. We thought that this was not-well-made Cali Cab but this happened to be Larkin Cabernet Franc 04. We expected more from Larkin. We were not sure if the storage was not appropriate at the wine store but it tasted very flat.







7. Rappahannock Cellar's Cabernet Franc 2006, score=2-

Nose has some funk and coffee and smoke. Palate is rather muted with reasonable tannin but short finish. We were not impressed. After brief consideration of Northern Italian wines, we settled on Cab or Merlot from US. This was Rappahannock Cellar's Cabernet Franc. The result of Winepath’s recent trip to Northern Virginia wineries. These red grapes simply do not have enough time to fully ripen. In general, we are not impressed with NV reds. The only exception is Octagon but even that is not cost effective.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, February 6, 2008

Present were Uncles: Jimmy, Piroca, Ozi, Winepath and a new guest, Uncle K. Unfortunately, Uncle N was under the weather, so he could not attend.
The first bottle presented by uncle Piroca was a complete surprise. The consensus was: a nice dark shiraz from the West Coast or a shiraz from Barossa Valey (Uncle K). Pleasant, good middle palate and long finish, some velvety fruit. In fact, it was Piroca's favorite while he was living in Cape Cod-a pinot noir, Morgan from California, a 3.

Clos Mogador 2005, Priorat, Spain

The second bottle brought by Piroca. A strong sulfurous nose, which dissipated with time, did not take away from this interesting wine. It was the favorite tonight (not uncle Winepath's ). "Puckery", sour cherry, layered and highly extracted. A serious wine, it was Piroca's favorite while in Madrid, one month ago. R.P. gave it 98 points. Uncle K ( "a tempranillo") and Jimmy had correctly identified it as spanish. Blend of carignan, cab sauvignon and syrah. A 3 to 3+.

Taja, Jumilla, Spain

Uncle Winepath's contribution for the evening. Notes of dark caramel (whatever that means). This wine was thought to be a blend from Argentina by Piroca. Both uncles K and Piroca thought that the wine had a short finish. K opined that this is a cab/grenache blend. It was a Jumilla blend from Spain, a 2+.

Beringer's cab sauvignon

Uncle Ozi's contribution for the tasting. All have agreed that this wine was a perfumy, pleasant, California merlot. Good color, nice finish. In fact, it was a cab from Beringer, a 3.