Wine tasting on March 26, 2010

Present were Piroca, Winepath, Uncle-E, Jimmy and Uncle-N. We blind tasted 7 wines. Except for one, the wines were quite wonderful. Compared to the last tasting, good wines appeared to have tasted better this time.

1. Genium Celler Priorat Red Blend 2005, Score=2+~3

Color is dark ruby red with purple tinge, lighter than our usual cab color. Nose has slight funk with tobacco and cedar. Palate has nice black fruit upfront with herbs especially fennel and sweet (not real sugar sweet) note leading to moderate tannin. Reasonable finish, although some felt it was too acidic. Some also felt this was hot (high alcohol). Cali Cab, Cab+Malbec blend (assumed from Argentina), Aussie Shiraz, and finally Spanish, specifically garnacha from Priorat were mentioned as a possibility. It was indeed Priorat. In general, we liked it as a very pleasant if not spectacular, wine.

93  points by Wine & Spirits:
"This blend of old-vine garnacha and cariñena with merlot and syrah shows its meaty side with nearly the same intensity as Ecòlogic (recommended above). Its bold aromas of ripe red fruits have a delicate mineral nuance, a freshness that contrasts flavors of leather and sweet spices. A textbook Priorato to go with slow-roasted meats. Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA (02/10)"

91 points By Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
"(60% garnacha, 20% carinena, 15% merlot and 5% syrah) Deep violet-red. Strongly mineral on the nose, with vivid red berry and floral aromas. Tangy strawberry and raspberry flavors are impressively precise and fresh, with a strong mineral undercurrent adding spine. Gains sweetness and depth with air, finishing clean and quite long. An energetic and very fresh wine."

91 points By Wine Spectator:
"Ripe, juicy flavors of blackberry and black plum are backed by smoky oak notes and firm tannins in this well-structured red. It has lively acidity, and accents of lilac and mineral keep it lively and fresh. Garnacha, Cariñena, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2015. 900 cases made. –TM"

By grapesofspain.com
"Genium Celler 2005; Winery: Genium Celler; Region: Priorat D.O.Q.; Grapes: 60% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah; Winery: In the year 2002, six families from the municipality of Poboleda (Priorat) with a long tradition in vine growing decided to join their efforts in order to make high quality wines from their own crops. All of them have day jobs outside of the bodega, but share the work in the vineyards and cellar to make the project succeed. This boutique winery is located in the basement of a house that dates back to 1265, which was the very first settlement of the Carthusian monks of Scala Dei. 15 hectares of vineyards are owned between all of the families. 7 hectares are Costers, 3 hectares of organically farmed vines (Ecologic) and 5 hectares of terraced vines on narrow terraces with two rows of vines each. The varietal makeup of the vineyards includes Garnacha, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Costers vines were planted in 1910 and produce ~300 grams of grapes per vine. Younger vines were planted in 1980 on the terraces and produce between 900g and 1 kg per vine. The goal of the winery is to produce wines with a typical character of Priorat based on the local Garnacha and Cariñena. Having vineyards in three different zones of Priorat allows for different character, tone, complexity and personality in the wines.; Wine: The Garnacha and Cariñena grapes are from 90+ year old vines, while Merlot comes from 17 year old vines. The grapes undergo a 48 hour pre-fermentation cold soak followed by temperature controlled fermentation between 84°F to 91°F in small stainless steel vats, and macerated for a 25-day period. Aged in 20% new and 80% 1 year old French Allier oak barrels for 9 months. Unfiltered."

2. Brookdale Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 , score=3

Color is more familiar dark garnet. Nose has some citrus, lavender and lanolin oil (as per Wineath). Palate has upfront big fruit mostly black fruit and cassis, chocolate-covered raspberry leading to big, firm tannin. Lingering lasting finish. Most of the tasters thought of Cali Cab and the possibility of Temperanillo from Spain was also mentioned.

92 points By Wine Enthusiast:
"Rating: 92 / An Editors' Choice
Price: $45
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley, US, Napa
Alcohol: 14.7%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Case Production: 500
Category: Red
Importer: Brookdale Vineyards
Published in Magazine: 12/31/2009
Published to Web: 12/31/2009
Here’s a big, rich, extracted Cabernet, filled with fruit, yet balanced with a bracing minerality that must come from the earth. It’s completely dry, with flavors of blackberries, black currants, violets and cedar. Very refined and polished, and a good value compared to far more expensive bottlings of this quality.  - S.H. (12/31/2009)"

By brookdalewine.com
"Brookdale 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; Vintage: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; Varietal Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Vineyard Sources: Morisoli Vineyard, Rutherford, Anselmo Vineyard, Napa (borders Stag’s Leap); Aging: 100% French Oak (60% new/40% one year olds); Production: 413 cases; Winemaker: Craig MacLean"
Winemaker Notes:
"100% Napa Cabernet. Dark, Ruby red in color, with deep saturation.  Ripe black cherry and dark chocolate mingled with black currant flavors and hints of roses.  The entry is very round with ample fruit and balanced acidity.  Tannins are full yet smooth and are integrated with the concentration of fruit.  The middle palate resonates into a long finish that is extended by mouth-coating tannins."
"Brookdale Vineyards was founded in 2000, with its first release in the fall of 2002.  This limited production wine is made with fruit hand-selected from some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyard sites.  Annual production is approximately 500 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Please visit our website, brookdalewine.com"

3. JC Vizcarra Ribero Del Duero 2006, score=3

Color is nice dark garnet. Nose has minerals, black pepper and very slight funk. Palate is nicely fruity with blueberries and blackberries laced with vanilla and coffee leading to firm tannin. Cali cab was the consensus but Uncle-E authoritatively said there is cab frank action going on and concluded this was Virgina Cab Franc. This is Temperanillo from Ribera Del Duero. JC Vizcarra is the 2nd label for the Vizcarra winery. We liked this wine.

92 points by Jay Miller, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (WA):
"The 2006 J.C. Vizcarra was aged for 9 months in French and American oak. It delivers enthralling notes of cedar, bacon, wood smoke, mineral, and blueberry and blackberry. It has more structure as well as greater depth and concentration. Give this hedonistic effort 2-3 years in the cellar and drink it through 2020."

4. Chateau Montpezat cuvee compostelle 2005,score=1+

Color is definitely light. Nose has chemical, sewer smell and oak. Palate is muted with thin mid-palate leading to mild tannin. This wine felt "flat" with a short finish. This wine was the least favorite of all the wines we tasted. When this was uncovered, Uncle-N remembered that we tasted this wine before (it was 2000 vintage  and we tasted it on Feb 27, 2009). It almost sounds like the 2000 vintage was better but who knows our tastes are very inconsistent.
We gave 2-2+ and said "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."

Côtes de Castillon AOC (Official web site) | Article at Basic Juice "The average Chateau in the Côtes de Castillon AOC is planted to Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). The AOC lies about 45km to the east of Bordeaux (the city). It has only been around since 1989. Before that, this region was designated Bordeaux Superieur Côtes de Castillon (and before this the wines were marked as "near Saint Emilion"). The climate is slightly warmer and drier than most of Bordeaux. Go to this Appellation in the summer time and watch a re-enactment of the 100 years war (including 500 actors and 50 horsemen). "

5. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, score=3+~(4)

Color is dark garnet Cali Cab color. Nose is also Cali cab nose with vanilla. Palate is fruit loaded with vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and coffee leading to good tannin with nice long finish. Everything about this wine is a typical fruit-bomb Cali Cab. Knowing who brought this the only question was if this was regular Caymus or possibly special selection. After inspecting the bottle, we concluded this is regular Caymus. Uncle-E was not a fan of this type of wine. We tasted this multiple times. The last time we said; "Color is nice dark garnet. Nose  has some minerals and vanilla. Palate is upfront loaded with black fruit with very pronounced vanilla laced with caramel and chocolate. Nice firm but smooth tannin. Good lasting finish. Knowing Piroca brought this, we thought this is Cali Cab and is Caymus (by the bottle shape, regular Caymus). Vanilla is very pronounced and some may think this is a bit over done. In any case, this is our favorite type of wine. If Uncle-E was here, he would not have liked this one. We tasted this wine in January 29."


92 points Wine Spectator:
"Ripe and fleshy, with rich plum, wild berry, spice and savory herb notes that are complex, full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ending with firm tannins and a dash of espresso. Drink now through 2016." (11/09)

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

Color is ice dark garnet. Nose had some mustiness which dissipated quickly leaving wood, spices and caramel. Palate is upfront loaded with nicely balanced fruit. Some vanilla and caramel. Compared to Caymus this one is a bit more balanced rather than tilting toward fruit bomb. It ends with nice firm but smooth tannin and lingering finish. Very nice wine, we all liked it. We thought this was Cali cab. Some thought there might be a Merlot component. This was our old favorite Larkmead 06. We have tasted earlier vintages.

94 points Robert Parker:
"The 4,400-case cuvee of 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is brilliant. It would probably be hard to find a Cabernet Sauvignon of this quality with this production level, all estate fruit, and such impeccable viticulture and winemaking. This wine reminded me of a great vintage of Pontet Canet in Pauillac, Bordeaux. The deep creme de cassis flavors intermixed with charcoal and lead pencil shavings soar from the glass. Its full body, stunning ripeness, sweet tannin, and substantial flavor authority make for a brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next two decades." (12/08)

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
"Good full red-ruby. Enticing aromas of currant, chocolate, graphite, violet, loam and spices. Lush, suave and sweet, with a firm edge of acidity giving a tactile quality to the currant and graphite flavors. Less tight in the middle than the Firebelle, but tannic for this cuvee, and built to age." (May/June '09)

7. Buccella Merlot 2005, score=3

This was decanted into a decoy bottle of Cliff Lede to cover the identity. Color is very dark almost black. Nose is very distinctive and assertive but it is difficult to describe. Uncle-E was of the opinion that it smelled like spoiled milk with rubber and tar. Palate is also distinctive and felt like we should know this wine. Again, we had a difficult time describing this palate. Definitely new world wine. I would describe it as plum and black fruit laced with vanilla and chocolate leading to nice firm tannin. This was brought by Uncle-E especially because of the previous tastings by several members of the group ending up with quite diverse opinions. I may have to taste this wine again because I was not as impressed as before. Piroca thought this wine could have been "cooked" but later he rescinded that idea.

At the time this wine was just released, we said "Some of us had further tasting of 2005 Buccella Merlot. Uncle-N and lady-C tasted this at home,  actually sitting outside, waiting for lamb to grill on Weber. The nose is beautiful with chocolate covered black cherry with cedar, caramel and vanilla. We detected no off smell like Uncle-E has detected (spoiled milk or meat etc). The palate is not as fruits forward but fine with vanilla and caramel. Piroca also tasted this (for the 3rd time) and to quote him from the comment he posted " ..intense color and bouquets and palates that are fantastic, at least in my humble opinion. They are, however, not as fruit foward as I expected and most of the aromas and flavors appear to be oak rather than fruit derived...".

In any case, some of us think 05 Buccello Merlot is a fine wine with enough complexity but concede that it tastes more like Cab. We will consider to give it a score of "4". Please feel free to comment. "