Friday Night Tastings, May 13, 2010

It is Friday the 13th, so we decided to do something superstitious and so paid a visit to a local DC wine bar, the VINOTECA, at 1940 11th Street NW. It turned out to be a very pleasant, popular spot. The wine list looked good, the service and the tapas-style food were very good as well. We started off with a a flight, called "Cab Ride". This included the following:
1.Ridge, 2007, Santa Cruz, CA.- good, spicy, ripe fruit but a bit acidic to our taste. Had the smokey feel which often is the characteristic of this winery. A 2.5.
2. Charles Smith, Chateau Smith, Columbia Valley, Washington state. An ok wine, not overwhelming. A bit "grapey" finish. A 2.0.
3. Longview, "Devil's Elbow", Adelaide Hills, Australia. The best of the three, this is a very nice cab from Australia. Muted fruit huge body, long tobacco finish. A 3.0.
We had several small dishes, such as crab cake, manchego and goat cheeses and lots of excellent olives. We had two additional and familiar wines (see below).
Since the bar was getting full at this point, we moved our operation into their delightful courtyard bar. The latter was very pleasant. We are told that on Sundays they have flamenco dancing, we will come back for that.

Shafer, Hillside Select, 2006

Uncle P decided to go for this wine, which is everyone's favorite. Superb, we will not try to describe it since we have reviewed this wine before. Most other wines pale by comparison. Reasonably priced at the winebar. An easy 4.75.

Penfold's Shiraz, St Henri 2005

This wine is considered a cult wine. Very dark, smooth, but with some arrogance-this is not a very shiraz-like wine. In fact it can pass for a cab. Very nice and reasonably priced. We thought a 3. It was unfortunate that it came after the Shafer.

Peter Michael, Les Pavots, 2002

>
Uncle P's generous contribution, Les Pavots 2002, is a true Bordeaux style California cab. Mature, not fruit forward, long finish. We had this wine before, a definite 4-4.5.

El Nido, 2003

We have had El Nido several times before. Chris Ringland, the winemaker, did not disappoint with this cabernet-monastrell meritage. This was the last bottle we tasted tonight, a 4.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, APRIL 22, 2011

We reviewed 7 wines tonight; a new guest, Uncle CD, joined us for the event. This first bottle had a great nose, with dark chocolate, plum tastes. Very merlot-like, with a slight acidic undertone. A bit short finish. Uncle P thought that it was a cab-merlot meritage. A nice wine, it was a cab from Flora Springs, a Napa winery. R. Parker gave it 89 points, we gave 2.75

Seavey, 2003

This wine was opened the day before and was not covered. Seavey is an excellent wine, dark, rich, with vanilla, tobacco and raspberry flavors. Probably the best tonight, (next to the Matriarch, of course). A 4.

Chanarmuyo, 2008

This wine was difficult to pinpoint. Good nose, with a citrus finish. Some did not like this wine. "Syrrupy" was one comment. It was a tannat wine from Argentina. A 2.5.

Corbieres, St Eugenie

This wine, from Corbieres (Languedoc-Rousillon), had an unremarkable nose and a pinot-like "citrussy" taste. It comes from the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here is a short description that i could find:"Domaine Sainte Eugénie is positioned within the district of Fontfroide, the sweet spot of Corbières, with an 800 year history of viticulture. The estate is located within the foothills of the Pyrénées along the Mediterranean coast. Clay and chalk soils dominate here. The dry weather, sunny and warm climate combine to create an optimal growing environment." The wine is quite pleasant. A 2.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards, 2008.

This wine had an interesting "fresh, dirty" nose, a nice deep purple color and a tannic or mellow taste-depending whom you asked. Most of us liked this wine, which kept on evolving in terms of taste. It was a a cab from a small family vineyard a few miles outside Healdsburg, in Sonoma. Pretty good, this vineyard is often featured on the wine lists of local restaurants. A 2.5.

Beau Vigne, 2007

One of the best wines tonight, this was a rich, fragrant wine. Complex, huge, with "wood dominates"- Uncle P; violets (Winepath) , strong tannins (Jimmy), "North American Cali-cab, or might be Spanish" (Uncle E). It was a California cab, Beau Vigne 2007, from Napa. Excellent , a 3.5.

The Matriarch, 2007

This bottle was opened for Uncle E, who missed tasting this wine last Friday. As good as ever, the Matriarch was as good as last week.

A curiosity

One of our Uncles, while visiting a Brasillian attractive beach resort, came upon this bottle. Although it is in a beer-bottle, the drink is probably a cachaca, not a beer, nor a wine. We did not open this bottle.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, APRIL 15, 2011

Tonight we had a guest taster, young Uncle C, who turned out to have great instincts. We were privileged to taste four Bond 2007 wines in addition to a pleasant, approachable merlot. The latter, from St Clement in Napa, had a distinct cabernet nose, even though it was a merlot. A bit thin, but very drinkable, everyone liked this wine. A 2.75.

Matriarch 2007

The Matriarch, Bond's second label wine was the first of the Bond 2007 wines tasted tonight. Nose was that of the dust of the garden after a late spring downpour (ok, so maybe it was an early spring downpour). A pleasant over-ripe cherry and currant with a long finish. Nice, a 3.5.

Quella, 2007

The third one to be tasted tonight, this wine had a rich, velvety taste. Very much a Bordeaux-style wine, with plenty of dark fruit, charcoal, vanilla and black pepper. An easy 4.75. Robert Parker's score was 97.

Pluribus 2007

This wine had a fabulous "dusty" nose. Aromas of lilac, apple blossom and plumeria with a very long finish. Superb, a 4.5. Robert Parker gave this wine 98+ points.

Vecina 2007

We left the best for last. Vecina 2007. Dark and robust, tremendously satisfying wine. Perhaps the higher the elevation, the more these grapes express themselves. After the previous three Bonds, it is hard to decide, but this wine was truly the best. An easy 5 for us. RB gave it 100 points.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, FEBRUARY 25, 2011

OBSIDIAN RIDGE Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007, a 3. This is an interesting wine from the southern shores of Clear Lake region, just north of Napa Valley. The grapes are from the 2640 feet elevation in the Red Hills of the Mayacamas. Dark red, almost obsidian black, this wine has a surprisingly non-cab taste, more merlot-like with strawberry and tropical fruit and whipped cream impressions. Very soft, very easy to drink. The Lake County has some hidden treasures, with interesting, very reasonably-priced cabs.

RUSTON Cabernet Sauvignon., Napa 2004, a definite 3+. This vineyard is a personal favorite, it produces consistently mature and interesting wines. They will not release wines before their time, but the patience definitely pays off. This cabernet has a long finish with an impressive ability to stimulate old memories you never knew you had. Or you have long forgotten. I would say it reminds me of English boxwood on a cold rainy evening in the fall.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, FEBRUARY 4, 2011

The mood of the group was subdued. This fact is reflected in the style of this report, which, I am afraid is not doing justice to the incredible wines tasted. Our host's view was that since you cannot take it with you (and the tomorrow is not promised), lets taste the best. Most of the wines had been opened the day before. The first one is an unusual wine, from Portugal, Colheita 2008. Very drinkable, with lots of black cherry, though a bit austere. It was covered and people guessed it to be a Washington State or Oregon grenache or Syrah. It is made from local grapes, we do not recognize the types. It had a very reasonable price tag. A 2+.

Edgewood 2007 cab, a 2

Nice fruity nose. A bit thin, but not bad.

Harlan 2006 4+

This wine was completely different from the Harlan 1996 (see below). We all thought that it was better, as well. I don't think that you can describe the taste of this wine: you'd have to experience it.

Harlan 1996, 4

The first of the two Harlans tasted tonight, the 1996 matured well. Jimmy thought that it can be best described as the impression you get after the rain.

Bucella, 2005 3+

This bottle was open for 24 hours. As expected, an excellent wine.

Lewis, Syrah 2006 3+to 4

Without question, this wine was the favorite tonight. Robust, huge, with jus-de-viande nose and a long lavender finish.

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTINGS, JANUARY 28, 2011

Present were at this modest tasting: Uncles P, Jimmy and Winepath. Tonight we tasted blindly, three wines. They were all excellent. Some great cheeses were also served, including a good camembert. The first bottle had a deep garnet color and an elegant nose. "Dusty-cab nose from California" was Uncle Winepath's accurate and unwavering diagnosis. Uncle Jimmy thought that it tasted toasty, "raisiny" and "perfumy", with firm tannin (I don't know what this means, I am only the messenger). Uncle P detected camphor ( not sure what this is, either). The wine benefitted from being open for 30 minutes, because a wave of unmistaken vanilla set in, very nice! This was Paul Hobbs' Sonoma Syrah, what a wine! Got 95 by RP, it fully deserves it we agreed on 3+ or 4. Interesting how different an Australian shiraz is in comparison to a Californian syrah.

This wine had a deep, inky dark red color. The nose had a zin-like, "perfumy" (Uncle Jimmy), raspberry, nose. It was thought to be a cab or cab-merlot blend. To Uncle P, this was a Rhone-like wine, with plenty of very red fruit, possibly a grenache. Close, but no cigar: a Spanish 100% Tempranillo, Prado Rey, 90 points by WS. Very good wine with a very reasonable price tag, an easy 3.

The third bottle to be tasted blindly tonight came with a Bordeaux-like, minus the bret, nose. Uncle P detected some b.o., reminding him of the 24-hour carnival dancers' sweat (the rest of us were unfamiliar with the experience). Deep, jus-de-viande nose, possibly a Californian cab or cab blend. Green fruit aroma, with loganberry, tobacco and smokey (all wines tonight were smokey, I wonder if some of the tasters are lighting up too frequently) and generally herbal undertones. Superb, long finish. Excellent wine. Turned out to be J.P.'s Backus, 2001- a wonderful wine. A 3+.

Wine Tasting January 14, 2011

For the 2^nd tasting of the year, our gracious host, uncle P, hosted the event with an offering of some incredible wines. In attendance were Uncle P, Jimmy, Uncle E and Uncle E's special guest Auntie P. Most wines came uncovered, so no official score is given.

Obsidian 2007

In the glass, opaque red hues. On the nose, dark red berries, cherries, mint and cocoa. In the mouth, intense flavors of cherries, berries, herbs, chocolate, clove and cocoa. The grapes for this wine are grown at 2600 ft. making it one of the highest growths.

Joseph Phelps, Backus 2001

What a great wine. This is the first time we had tried the Backus. We liked this wine. It is well balanced with aromas of licorice, espresso beans, blueberry syrup and spices. The texture and silkiness on the palate are seamlessly interwoven with concentrated layers of perfectly ripe tannin

Bond, St. Eden 2006

With Uncle E being late, while waiting, we tasted the last of this Bond which had been decanted.Aromas of blackberry, crushed blueberry and menthol with stunning black fruits, roasted herbs, sweet cassis, graphite, and new oak. In the mouth fleshy and even opulent . Then powerful, thick and deep, with chewy flavors of blueberry and minerals. Finishes with big tannins and superb length.

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Yes the Beringer is in the background. The Araujo being previously decanted made a short but fabulous appearance.

The Beringer had smell and taste of smoky oak, espresso, blackberries, and graphite black-currant, plum, blackberry, tobacco.

Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001

It reveals an inkier purple color along with a classic nose of graphite, creme de cassis, smoke, crushed rocks, and barrique. Surprisingly approachable, long, concentrated, impressive with flawless integration of wood, tannin, and acidity

Wine tasting on January 7, 2011

Our first meeting of the year was held at Uncle E's. In attendance were WinePath, Uncle E, Uncle P and Jimmy. Our latest member Peruvian Chicken, who, once again did not make it through the evening was in attendance as well. For a while at least, but then disappeared. Some of the pictures are taken form the web.

1. Mollydooker The boxer 2008, score= 3, 3-, and 2+

1. 
   
   
   
   WinePath says a little light in color as it poured out of the bottle, but once in the glass this comment was recanted. New oak was noted again, as being poured. Taste is a little sweet. Syrah, Spanish, and Ausie were all called out. Mollydookerish was mentioned by Uncle P. High alcohol content was noted. Just before unveiling we proclaimed Mollydooker the Boxer. And it was.
   
   

2. The Salanques 2004 , score = 2+cuvee

1. 
   
   

This one was a little darker in color. No Funk was noted. It had a nice fruited and woody taste. It was a little Acetic. We all thought it was sweet, we thought it was possibly a Zen. This was The Salanques cuvee it is the second wine of Cellar Mas Doix

3. Melis, Elix 2005 score=2+

This one had the smell of paper and Sulfurs, acetic in taste. If it were lighter in color we would have said Pinot. We noted it was similar in taste to #2 but not as sweet. From the web it is 45% Grenache, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carignane, 6%Merlot, and 3% Syrah

4. Mica, score= 3+

1. 

While covered before making it around the table it was proclaimed to be Mica. And it was. The Mica had the smell of vanilla, oak and espresso. It tastes of thick black fruit jam, cocoa, vanilla. The sweetness it is balanced with good tannins. This wine is made by Buccella, and uses secondary fruit. Ah to have secondary fruit like this!

5. Pride Mountain Merlot 2003, score = 3+

Some thought this wine was a little cold others said perfect temp. Taste is that of sweet Merlot. The flavor that is mentioned is that of rose, ripe plum, black cherry as well as mint. As it was being unveiled one last call from the crowd "it's Pride Merlot 2005". It was Pride 2003

1. Extra 1 Shafer Hillside Select, score = 3+, 4
   

Immediately on tasting this is a good Cali Cab.. Best of the night it has an unbelievable good smell of tobacco, sweet chocolate. As the wine sat in the glass, there were rumors of Merlot rising from the crowd then they subsided. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and spice combined with baby power and perfume were noted. It had the taste of blackberry, toasty vanilla, mocha, herbs.

Extra 2 Coonawarra 1998, score = 2

Chemical smell taste Lemon, rose-pedal metal, camphor. We thought new world or Argentina possibly a Syrah.