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."