Blogcast Tasting Notes

An archive of our tasting notes and reviews from our Blogcasts.

Terry's Blogcast 46 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Bodegas Abadia Retuerta - Sardon Del Duero, Spain

Wine:  2005 Rivola, (60% Tempranillo, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Info:  This 700 hectare vineyard is located in "The Golden Mile" within Castilla y Leon region and is considered by many as being one of Spain's premiere wine regions. Some other vineyards in the area include, Pingus, Mauro, and Vega.  All bottles come from estate grown fruit that is divided into 54 plots.  Angel Anocibar Beloqui is the current wine maker.  He obtained a Ph.D in enology from the University of Bordeaux. The Rivola is near their entry-level wines of their portfolio, a range from $12-200.  The Rivola is aged for 12 months in French and American oak and is comprised from the estate grown fruit. 

Notes: Nice deep garnet color.  This wine has an earthy nose, with hints of leather, and roasted coffee.  From the nose I was expecting a rustic wine, yet this wine has some new world charm. Great integration of dark cherry, plum, blackberry, and hints of cassis and herbs.  A nice clean taste accompanies this wine with somewhat long finish that ends with coffee and licorice notes.  There is a nice acidity to the wine and it would pair well with food. 

Price: $22  Grade: B

Wine 2:

Producer: Chateau Pasquie - Cotes du Ventoux, S. Rhone, France

Wine: 2005 Les Terrasses - (70% Grenache, 30% Syrah) 8,000 Cases

Info: Chateau Pesquie is located on the Rhone delta and it has very similar soil qualities most similar to Chateauneuf du Pape.  Wine is made at the base of Mount Ventoux, the highest peak in southern France.  Grapes are grown on hillside slopes and this area tends to be much cooler than the surrounding AOC's in Rhone.  Ch. Pasquie created their first vintage in 1989.  Paul Chaudiere is the winemaker and he takes a simple approach to making wine.  Most reds are macerated for 15 days, he believes that some of the wine should be exposed to oak.  For instance the 30 % of Terrasses is aged in oak, the rest is aged in neutral conditions.  The wine is imported by Eric Soloman and is made from 30-60 year old vines.

Notes: A brilliant garnet color, not opaque.  This medium bodied wine had a very interesting aroma with hints of herbs, raspberry, and a bit of barnyard.  The fruit is very lively with this wine interesting strawberry rhubarb quality, with raspberry, cherry and the slightest hint of vanilla.  The finish was somewhat long with hints of cassis and raspberry.  A pleasant wine with some lively tannins.  A great value. 

Price: $22  Grade: B

Scott's Blogcast 46 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Ponzi

Wine:  2005 - Pinot Noir Reserve - Willamette, OR

Price: $40  Grade: B+/A-

Wine 2:

Producer: Reynolds Family

Wine:  2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley, CA

Price: $45  Grade B

Terry's Blogcast 42 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Paul Hobbs 

Wine:  2004 CrossBarn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Ca.

Info:  Paul Hobbs founded his winery in 1991.  He was a winemaker at Opus One and Simi Winery and has consulted for Peter Michael, Lewis, Vine Cliff, Fisher and Chalone. The CrossBarn label is a blend of wines that he uses for his single vineyard Cabernets.  This wine is a fraction of the cost of these single vineyard Cabs and is a excellent value.  The wine is aged for 20 months in declassified French and American oak barrels.  The wine is unfined and unfiltered. 

Notes: This wine offers a great nose with raspberry, currant, and hints of vanilla and cedar.  Nice soft tannin is evident and this wine has a bit a finesse.  I enjoyed the currant flavors that intermingled with nice spice and cedar.  The finish had hints of herbs, interesting.  A well balanced wine and a relative value.  

Price: $40 Grade: B

Wine 2:

Producer: Domaine d'Andezon

Wine: 2006 Andezon Cotes du Rhone (90% Syrah, 10% Grenache)

Info: Andezon is one of the first cuvees created by importer Eric Solomon.  The vineyard is located on the southwest edge of the Rhone Valley.  The wine is made from 60 to 90 year old vines.  Eric's company, European Cellars is known for working with small wine producers that share his passion of quality verses quantity.  He insists that shipments are made in temperature controlled environments.  He currently imports wine from France, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa.

Notes:  Great deep red color with purple hues is the first thing I noticed with this wine.  The nose is earthy with hints of licorice, leather  and a touch of floralness.  Nice terrior in the glass.  On the palate the first taste is a bit puckering and with time the wine softens.  Fruit takes some time to show, I would decant this wine.  Great dark cherry flavors mixed with blackberry.  The finish has hints of black pepper and licorice.  Great Value. 

Price: $12   Grade: B

Scott's Blogcast 41 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Shibumi Knoll

Wine:   2004 Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, St. Helena

Info:   Shibumi meaning “effortless perfection” in Japanese.  Founded by Don Ross who was a serious collector of wine for over 20 years.  Shibumi Knoll opened its doors in 2003 just north of St. Helena.  Don hired David Abru as his vineyard manager.  Shibumi Knoll also produces a Chardonnay…with possibly a Gewurztraminer and a Sauvignon Blanc in the future.

Notes: Nose:  Mouth watering dark fruit…dark cherry, blackberry and toasted oak.  Taste:  Wow…it’s a beautiful wine.  Amazing structure loaded with black cherries, dark fruit, toasted oak and earth.

Price: $85  Grade: A-

Wine 2:

Producer: L’Aventure

Wine: 2006 Roussanne – Paso Robles, CA

Info:  Stephan Asseo, a French native, has been making artisan wines for nearly two decades.  L’Aventure is known for it’s syrah blends Optimus, Estate Cuvee and Cote a Cote.  Stephan fell in love with Paso after searching the world for the perfect place to grow syrah…traveled from South Africa to Lebanon, Argentina to Napa.

Notes:   Nose: Fig, Pear, Mushroom.  Taste: Clean bright citrus fruits, slight minerality, long finish of soft oak

Price:  $29  Grade: A- 

Wine 3:

Producer:  Arietta 

Wine:  2002 – Red Wine - H Block Hudson Vineyards-60% Cab Franc 40% Merlot

Info:   A partnership between John Kongsgaard and Fritz Hatton, a wine auctioneer, founded in 1996. In 2005, Fritz bought out the Kongsgaard’s to become the sole owner.  Andy Erickson, the new winemaker, worked with Kongsgaard for a year before taking full reins in the summer of 2006. 

Notes:  Nose: Amazing full bodied nose with cherry, plum, coffee grounds  Taste: Awful… one of the most unpleasant and mouth drying wines that I have ever tasted.  I truly can’t believe that I was drinking the same wine that Parker gave 98 pts.  Maybe it was a bad bottle?  But at $135 per bottle…it’s not worth wasting my money.  

Price: $135   Grade:  D

Terry's Blogcast 41 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: R Wines, McClaren Vale, Australia

Wine:  2006 Strong Arms Shiraz

Info:  Another new label from our friends at The Grateful Palate.  This is the first vintage of Strong Arms, the fruit is sourced from McClaren Vale, Riverland, and Barossa Valley and is aged for 12 months in American and French oak. 

Notes: Beautiful deep red with a vibrant fuchsia rim.  On the nose alcohol is present (15.6%), a bit overwhelming at first.  As the wine opened and my buzz progressed the heat was less apparent on the nose.  There was a nice oak component to the aroma, intermingled with hints of black pepper and spice.  This is a somewhat muted and soft textured wine that has a great balance of acidity, heat, and fruit.  There was a great mix of plum, blackberry, and a nice finish of semisweet chocolate.  A nice value.  Not your typical shiraz under $15.

Price: $12-15  Grade: B

Wine 2:

Producer: Larkmead, Napa Valley, California

Wine: 2005 Meadowlark Cellars Red (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah)

Info:  This wine is a new label from Larkmead.  The fruit is sourced from an estate grown vineyard and is aged for 17 months in 20% new American oak.  Created by winemaker Andy Smith, who also shares his talents at DuMol.  Prior to working a Larkmead, he had working relationships with Paul Hobbs and Yulumba. 

Notes:  This full bodied wine had a great nose with blackberry, dark cherry, raspberry and nice hints of roast coffee and pepper.  The dark cherry carries over to the palate with raspberry and this nice hint of licorice.  This is a luscious wine with great integration of structure and fruit.  The finish was long with hints of licorice and black pepper.  A great value.

Price: $35-40 Grade: A

Wine 3:

Producer: Henry's Drive, Padthaway, South Australia

Wine: 2006 Pillar Box Reserve, Shiraz

Info:  This is the first vintage of the Reserve addition to the Pillar Box label.  However this is 100% Shiraz and not a blend.  The grapes used were selected from the best Shiraz parcels sourced for the standard Pillar Box Red.   Chris Ringland works as the consultant for all of the Pillar Box varietals. 

Notes:  Right off the bat, great deep red color with purple hues.  The high alcohol content is evident on the nose with mocha, leather, and earthiness.  The taste incorporates the mocha and includes blueberry and dark plum.  A nice soft textured wine with a hint of sweetness provided by the toasted oak.  Great value under $20, over that price there might be better offerings.  On the back label they recommend decanting and I would also would be inclined. 

Price: $17-23  Grade: B

Terry's Blogcast 40 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: La Posta Vinatero, Mendoza, Agrentina

Wine:  2006 Angel Paulucci Malbec (5,000 Cases)

Info:  Angel Paulucci's family has been in the winemaking business since the early 1800's.  When Angel was 21 his family migrated to Argentina.  He has been making wine since 1960 and is a pioneer in Mendoza.  This wine was aged for 10 months in French oak.  The Malbec is sourced from vines that are on average of 34 years old.

Notes: This wine had nice dark purple hues with a nice glycerin halo at its peak.  The nose was muted at first but opened to reveal smoke, chocolate, black pepper, dark cherry, and blueberry.  This medium to full bodied wine had a nice burst of dark fruit, black berry with hints of spice.  The finish was short, but ended with mocha.  The wine lacks structure and is soft.  Very forgettable.

Price: $18  Grade: C+

Wine 2:

Producer: Saint Gregory, (Graziano Family), California

Wine: 2005 Pinot Meunier - Mendocino

Info: Pinot Meunier is a mutated version of Pinot Noir and it's name is derived from the french word "The Miller" because of the white underside of the grape leaf.  The grape is used as a blending component in Champagne to add fruitiness and softness. The Grazino family has resided in Medocino County where they grew and sold grapes since 1918.  They currently make wine under 4 different lables, Saint Gregory, Monte Volpe, Enotria, and Graziano. 

Notes:  Color resembles Pinot Noir,  vibrant red.  This wine had a savory nose with hints of cherry, cola, mineralitly, earth, and toasted oak.  Nice structure with medium tannin.  The initial flavors remind me of pinot noir, but then their are rustic qualities to the wine.  This medium bodied wine had interesting flavors, cherry, asian spice, roasted herbs.  The acidity provided a nice "lift" and finished with toasty notes.  Interesting wine. 

Price: $20  Grade: B

Wine 3:

Producer: Larkmead, Napa Valley, California

Wine: 2005 Meadowlark Cellars Red (73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah)

Info:  This wine is a new label from Larkmead.  The fruit is sourced from an estate grown vineyard and is aged for 17 months in 20% new American oak.  Created by winemaker Andy Smith, who also shares his talents at DuMol.  Prior to working a Larkmead, he had working relationships with Paul Hobbs and Yulumba. 

Notes:  This full bodied wine had a great nose with blackberry, dark cherry, raspberry and nice hints of roast coffee and pepper.  The dark cherry carries over to the palate with raspberry and this nice hint of licorice.  This is a luscious wine with great integration of structure and fruit.  The finish was long with hints of licorice and black pepper.  A great value.

Price: $35-40  Grade: A

Scott's Blogcast 39 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Consilience

Wine:   2005 Roussanne, Santa Barbara County

Info:   Their Roussanne grapes come from the Camp 4 Vineyards which also grows Cab Sauv, Viognier, Riesling, Grenache Blanc, Cinsaut…a total of 14 different grapes.  The vineyard is owned by the Parker Family.  The vineyard has a Rhone like weather cycle…cool mornings , warm days and then returning to cool evenings.  The vineyard is farley new w/ producing it’s first successful harvest in 2003.

Notes: Nose:  Peachy, Honey.  Taste:  Clean, Good Acids, Pineapple, Pear, Honey…into a solid clean finish.

Price: $27.00  Grade: B+

Wine 2:

Producer: Domaine de Las Pousse d’Or

Wine: Volnay 1 er Cru Clos De La Bousse d’Or - 2004

Info: Vineyard located in just downhill from the Volnay town hall.  Grapes are hand picked, completely de-stemmed…spends 15 months in 30% new oak.  No pesticides are sprayed on the vines and only organic fertilizers are used…weed killers are avoided.  Vines are from 1958 (24%), 1967 (16%), 1970 (19%), 1974 (21%) and 1991 (20%).

Notes:   Nose:  Oak, Bright Red Fruits, mouth watering.  Taste:  Really young, some tartness, Oak, Cherry.

Price:  $50 to $80  Grade: C+

Wine 3:

Producer:  Lynmar Estate Wines

Wine:  2005 Quail Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

Info:   Lynn Fritz and family purchased the Quail Hill Vineyard in 1980.  (His background was in global logistics…Fritz Companies purchased by UPS in 2001…listed in the Fortune 1000 ranking in 1997 and humanitarian relief efforts…now runs the Fritz Institute, non-profit organization.)  Lynn founded Lynmar in 1990 with the goal of producing world class Pinots and Chardonnays.  First commercial release was in 1996 with their 1994 vintage.  Quail Hills is around 47 acres of land.

Wine is aged 16 months in 45% new French Oak.  Hugh Chappelle is their Winemaker. Paul Hobbs, one of my favorite Winemakers, is their Wine Consultant.  

Notes:  Nose: Cherry, Floral, Spice and Pomegranate  Taste: Cherry, Earth, Mineral…even Orange Rind as pointed out by … Great Call.  This falls into the “Sexy” wine category.

Price: $60  Grade:  A-

Terry's Blogcast 39 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Patrick Lesec, Rhone, France

Wine:  2000 Cornas Le Vignon, Syrah  (100 Cases)

Info: The Cornas AOC is located in northern Rhone.  This small appellation covers only 235 acres and produces around 200,000 bottles annually.  Syrah is the most widely planted grape and is used in 100% of bottles labeled Cornas. 

Notes:  Muddy and murky this wine exhibits a dense red color.  The aroma is earthy with hints of leather, oak, and anise.  On the palate you notice the oak immediately and then hints of smoked bacon, blackberry.  Over time, licorice was present on the finish. A great wine, always evolving and truly enjoyable.

Price: $35 at release  Grade: A-

Wine 2:

Producer:  Kinton, Santa Barbara, California

Wine:  2005 Syrah (5,900 Cases)

Info:  Kinton’s winemaker is Peter Fraser.  Peter also is the winemaker for Yangarra, located in McLaren Vale, Australia.  Prior to joining Kinton, Peter made wines at St. Hallet, Borassa and Normans Wines, Clarendon.  

Notes:  This medium to full bodied wine had has nice ruby red color, with purple hues.  The nose reveals blueberry, forest floor, and rosemary.  Nice integration of  dark ripe fruit, blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry.  The wine finishes with pepper, blueberry, and a touch of cocoa .  A nice value.

Price: $20 Grade: B

Scott's Blogcast 37 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Moraga Vineyards

Wine:   2002 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot

Info:   Moraga is located in Bel Air, California…suburb of L.A.  Bel Air is said to have similar characteristics of Bordeaux’s microclimate and soil.  The 16 acre vineyard is owned by former CEO of Northrop Aviation, Tom Jones and his wife, Ruth. The property was originally purchased by Tom and Ruth in 1959 as a horse farm.  It’s said that Tom has spent around $2.5 million to plant the vineyard twice.  The vineyard mainly contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Wine is aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months.  Grapes were first planted in 1978.  To the best of my knowledge, Moraga is the only wine solely grown and produced in Bel Air, CA.  The also make a Sauvignon Blanc.

Notes: Nose:  Black cherry, tobacco, smoke, spice and oak.   Taste:  Full bodied (on the light end of the full spectrum) with really good balance of fruits, acid and tannins.  Flavor notes are currant, black cherry, spice.

Price: $125 and up

Grade: B+

Wine 2:

Producer: Babcock Winery and Vineyard 

Wine: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon “New Epoch Reserve” (88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot)

Info: Babcock Winery and Vineyard is located in Santa Ynez Valley in Northern Santa Barbara County.  Winemaker Bryan Babcock has been chosen as one of the prestigious James Beard Foundations “Top Ten Small Production Winemakers in the World”.   The property was bought by his parents in 1978…who were looking for a retreat from his dental practice and restaurants they owned in Seal Beach and Corona del Mar.  The winery is still family owned today producing Chards, Sauv Blancs, Pinot Noirs, Pinot Gris, Syrahs, Cab Sauvs.   This specific wine has a production of 365 Cases.  18 months in the barrel w/ 33% New French Oak.

Notes:   Nose: Cherry, Alcohol burst, slight oak.  Taste:  Cherry, Spice, Raspberry, Heat – Didn’t drink like a Cab…more Zin like than anything.

Price: $40

Grade: C

Wine 3:

Producer: Justin Vineyard and Winery

Wine:  2005 Savant – 56% Cabernet Sauvignon – 44% Syrah

Info:   Justin Vineyard and Winery is located in Paso Robles, CA…California’s Central Coast. The central coast area was first planted by Franciscan missionaries in the late 1700’s.  The property by bought by Justin Baldwin and his wife, Deborah, in 1981.  They planted 160 acres of Bordeaux varietals.  They were one of the first 10 wineries in the Paso Robles area.  Now they produce Reds, Whites and Desserts…just about every common varietal you can think of.  Specs on this wine:  18 months in American and French Oak, 68% New.

Notes:  Nose: Dark Fruits, Cassis, Cherry, Spice and Oak.   Taste: Really tight at first…DECANT it!!!  This needs to open…then Dark Fruit, Black Cherry, Earth, Pepper, Spice…complex and elegant w/ nice hints of oak.  

Price: $50.00

Grade: B  (I like Justin’s Cabernet Franc based Justification better

Terry's Blogcast 36 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Celler Can Blau, Monsant, Spain

Wine: 2006 Can blau (40% Carinena, 40% Syrah, 20% Garnacha) (6,500 Cases)

Info: Imported by Jorge Ordonez this wine is from Monsant.  Monsant is horseshoe shaped and surrounds the famed Priorat D.O.  on 3 sides.  This is the lower priced alternative to their Mas De Can Blau.

Notes:  This medium bodied wine possesses a beautiful complex nose.  Smokey at times with hints of blueberry and dark cherry, this wine at first seems to be big and powerful.  This has great structure with medium to firm tannin structure.  Blackberry rolled up with a hint of spice.  A very elegant balanced effort.

Price: $17-20  

Grade: B+

Wine 2:

Producer:  Bodegas Borsao, Campo De Borja, Spain

Wine: 2006 Tres Picos, Garnacha (5,000 Cases)

Info: Made from !00% old vine Garanacha from Campo Borja, located in N. Central Spain.  Named after Alfonso de Borja, who later became Pope Calixtus III.  The wine it self is made from 35-40 year old vine Garnacha. 

Notes:  A real nice clean aroma with hints of cherry, smoke, and a bit of smoke.  The smoke carries on to the taste with a hint of stewed plum and blueberry.  The blueberry is evident on the finish with at hint of spice.   Nice balance of acid and tannin.  Would pair well with food, but is also great on it’s own. 

Price: $13-15

Terry's Blogcast 35 Notes

2005 Bordeaux Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Chateau Beaumont, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux

Wine: 2005 Cru Bourgeois Superieur (50,000 Cases)

Info:  Located in Medoc this Chateau is nestled between 260 acres of vineyards.  The average age of the vines are 20 years old.  The vineyard is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot.  The wine is aged for 16 months in oak barrels. 

Notes:  Medium garnet red in color.  A little tobacco and earth is noticeable on the nose, with a hint of floralness, a strange mixture.  Nice soft structured wine.  A bit of tartness on the finish.  Good value wine, would probably pair better with food than on its own.

Price: $15   Grade: B -

Wine 2:

Producer: Chateau Durfort-Vivens, Margaux, Bordeaux

Wine:  2005, Grand Cru Classe, (8,300 cases)

Info:  In 1775, Thomas Jefferson visited France and was a big fan of their wine.  The history of the vineyard dates back to the 12^th century.  The vineyard has been under it’s current ownership since 1961 by the Lurton family. The vineyard sits on 32 hectares and is comprised of 70% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cab. Franc.  The winemaker is Gonzague Lurton.

Notes:  Dark deep opaque with purple hues.  Somewhat muted fruit on the nose, oak was present with a bit of earth.  This is a medium bodied wine that has is light on fruit.  However, there is a hint of blackberry, licorice, and spice on the palate.  This is a soft wine with complexity. Very unique, not

Price: $40  Grade: B

Wine 3:

Producer: Chateau Larcis-Ducasse, Bordeaux, St. Emilion,

Wine: 2005 Grand Cru, (78% Merlot, 20% Cab. Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon) (3,000 Cases)

Info:  Created by the winemaking duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Darenoncourt. This is their 3^rd vintage after acquiring the vineyard in 2002.  The vineyard is located in Cote Pavie.  The vineyard was acquired in

Notes: This was my personal favorite at the tasting.  The wine displayed an amazing nose with layers of mocha, licorice, cedar, muted herbs, and a hint of floralness.  The nose carries on to the palate except it includes this beautiful liquored cherry and blackberry come through.  Velvety and smooth, this is a big powerful fruit driven wine with unsurpassed complexity.

Price: $130  Rating: A

Terry's Blogcast 34 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Rosemount 

Wine: 2000, Balmoral Syrah, McClaren Vale, Australia

Info:  The Balmoral line from Rosemount is their signature line.  This wine is composed of grapes from vines that are up to 100 years old.  Found this bottle at Whole Foods for the low price of $16.  

Notes:  The wine exudes vanilla, cedar, and a hint of light spice on the nose.  Dark opaque red with purple hues.  The wine still has excellent color, with out any bricking.  This is a soft wine with a strong oak presence. The fruit is somewhat muted.  There is a hint of blackberry, plum, and vanilla.  The vanilla again comes through on the finish with a hint of mulling spice.

Price: $40  Grade: C+ (B- for the price I paid)

Wine 2:

Producer: Mendel, Mendoza, Argentina

Wine:  2005, Malbec

Info:  Mendel has been consistently creating some of the best Malbec in the world.  This was created by Roberto de la Mota, formerly from Cheval des Andes.  Using old vines and new techniques.  The wine is sourced from a 77 year old ungrafted vineyard.  The wine is aged for one year in 40% new French oak. 

Notes:  Dark deep opaque with purple hues.  The nose at first was floral with hints of smoky bacon.  Over time the floralness subsided with hints of blackberry and raspberry.  This wine needs time to open.  The initial taste is dominated by a huge tannic structure.  Over a 3 hour period and decanting the fruit began to show.  Blackberry fruit is nicely intertwined with plum, spice and vanilla.  The finish has a bit of salinity to it with hints of mocha.  I would recommend approaching this wine in 2009-11.

Price: $23  Grade: B –

Terry's Blogcast 33 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Joseph Swan Vineyards, Sonoma

Wine: 2001 Mancini Ranch Zinfandel (665 Cases)

Info:  Joseph Swan founded the vineyard in 1968.  After his passing in ’89 his family have carried out his vision of making small lot wine.  A very affordable portfolio is available from their website.  Zinfandel’s begin a $22 and top at $30.  Mostly available to restaurants, they also offer many selections online.

Notes:  Medium garnet red in color.  The nose integrates nice sweetness and with subtle black pepper. Soft textured the wine offers light to moderate tannin.  Raspberry, black cherry and hint of black fruit is evident on the palate.  A great example of how a zinfandel can be elegant.

Price: $25   Grade: B

Wine 2:

Producer: Clos de los Siete, Mendoza, Argentina

Wine:  2005, Clos de los Siete (%40 Malbec, 20% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, 20% Syrah) (50,000 Cases)

Info:  Clos de los Siete was established by world renowned winemaker, Michael Rolland in 1998.  The venture was financed by some of Bordeaux’s famous families.  The idea behind the project was that each investor would build their own winery and also contribute to Clos de los Siete.  Only three vineyards have been established, Monteviejo, Cuvelier los Andes, and Flechas de los Andes.     

Notes:  Dark deep opaque with purple hues.  The nose at first was earthy with dark chocolate.  Over time the aroma evolved showing more black fruit and prune.  The tannin envelopes the palate yet it velvety.  Rich blackberry and hint of sweetness on the taste.  This one needs some time to age.

Price: $16  Grade: B

Terry's Blogcast 31 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Domaine Raspail Ay, Gigondas, France

Wine: 2004, Gigondas (80% Grenache,

Info:  Te Kairanga has six vineyards located in Martinborough.  They are one of NZ’s largest producers of wine.  Website lacks info about winery and history. 

Notes:  Light to medium garnet red in color, there is no disguising this is a Pinot.  The nose has nice floral and cherry qualities with a hint of light leather.  The texture leaves little to be desired, thin.  Light cherry flavors intermingle with oak on the palate.  This is as typical as you can expect from new world pinot. 

Price: $40   Grade: C-

Wine 2:

Producer:  Heartland Wines, South Australia 

Wine:  2005, Heartland Shiraz, (56% Limestone Coast 44% Langhorne Creek)

Info:  Heartland wines was created by a small group of South Australian wine identities.  They have 3 labels under management, Stickleback, Coast & Creek, and their flagship Directors’ Cut.   

Notes:  Dark deep red and very opaque in color.  This wine has a very complex nose with layers of mocha, leather, black currant and vanilla.  Tasted nice dark fruit with blackberry and plum and some sweetness from the oak.  The wine finishes with black currant and hint of pepper.  Lacks acidity and alcohol (14.5%), still would consider it a good value.

Price: $14  Grade: B

Wine 3:

Producer:  Chateau Reynella, McLaren Vale, Australia 

Wine:  2002, Grenache McLaren Vale Basket Pressed, 1000 cases

Info:  Named after the Reynell family who pioneered the McLaren region in the 1840’s.  The vineyard was family owned until the 1970.  Hardy’s wine group purchased Reynell in ’82. 

Notes:  Nice earthy nose with a hint of mint and cherry.  The earthiness comes thorough on the taste with nice raspberry, cherry and currant.  Great tannin structure provides a nice light finish.  Interesting wine that should be decanted at minimum for 1 hour.

Price:  $24   Grade:  B-

Terry's Blogcast 30 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Novelty Hill, Columbia Valley, WA.

Wine: 2004, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

Info:  Novelty Hill introduced their first vintages in 2002.  They recruited winemaker Mike Januik to oversee production.  Mike was the head winemaker at Ch. Ste. Michelle for ten years before starting his own winery in 1999.  Their wine is categorized from fruit from either  Columbia Valley or Stillwater Creek.  Stillwater is their estate grown fruit. 

Notes: Nice earthy aroma with blackberry, vanilla, and cinnamon spice.  Spice is predominate on first taste, yet it fades over time.  Cassis and blueberry flavors are light and thin.  On medium to full wine that is a bit thin on fruit and high on tannin. 

Price: $22   Grade: B-

Wine 2:

Producer:  La Posta del Vinatero, Mendoza, Argentina

Wine:  2005, Malbec, Angel Paulucci Vineyard

Info: Angel Paulucci's family has produced wine in Italy since the early 1800's, and Angel arrived in Mendoza 1953 at the age of 21. In 1960, he planted his first Malbec vineyard, and in 1970 he planted a special block of Malbec vines in Ugarteche at the southern limit of the Lujan de Cuyo.

Notes:  Rich garnet in color.  On the nose this wine has nice dried cherry and raspberry aroma and light clean oak aroma.  The cherry is evident on that palate yet viscous raspberry liquor dominates the flavor profile.  Medium tannin structure with low acid. 

 Price: $15  Grade: B-

2007.11.09 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 29

Scott's Blogcast 29 Notes

Wine 1:

Wine 2:

Wine 3:

Coming Soon....

Stevo's Blogcast 29 Notes

Wine 1:

Wine 2:

Wine 3:

Coming Soon....

Terry's Blogcast 29 Notes

Wine 1:

Wine 2:

Wine 3:

Coming Soon....

2007.09.14 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 28

Scott's Blogcast 28 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Culler Wines 

Wine:   2004 Syrah,  Griffin Vineyard, Yountville, CA

Info: Culler Wines is owned by Karen Culler.  She started producing her own wines in 1997 after spending over a decade at Robert Mondavi Winery.  Culler produces mainly Syrah and Cabs.  This specific vineyard is shared with Pax Mahle…I would assume that Pax uses the site to produced his Griffin’s Lair Syrah.

Notes:  Nose:  Dark Fruit, Smoky Oak and Spice   Taste:  Gets better with time to breath…decant, decant, decant.  Big tasting dark fruit…blackberry, Oak, Mouth Warming and a really long finish of pepper/heat. 

Wine 2:

Producer: Climbing Wines  

Wine: 2005 Shiraz – Orange, Australia

Info: Made by winemaker, Philip Shaw, in the Orange region on Australia.  Simply put…Philip Shaw is a wine stud.

Notes:  Nose:  Oaky Plumb…mild      Taste:  Surprisingly balanced for an under $10 wine.  Young.  Fruit is very lively…full of Plum and mild pepper.  Wow, an age worthy wine under $10  

Price:  $9  Grade: A-

Wine 3:

Producer:  Martinelli 

Wine:  2004 Zinfandel – Jackass Vineyard – Russian River, Sonoma County, California

Info:  Martinelli family has been making wine for 5 generations in Sonoma.  This '04 Jackass Vineyard is crafted by Winemaker, Helen Turley. 

Notes:  Nose:  Great Nose of bright strawberries  Taste:  First off…it’s 17.1% Vol.!!!!  Surprisingly Balanced…I really didn’t pick up on heat until it had been open for over and hour.   Crazy Legs on the glass.  Strawberry, Cherry Coke and Spice

Price: $65 to $70  Grade: A-

Terry's Blogcast 28 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Te Kairanga, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand

Wine: 2003, Pinot Noir, Reserve

Info:  Te Kairanga has six vineyards located in Martinborough.  They are one of NZ’s largest producers of wine.  Website lacks info about winery and history. 

Notes:  Light to medium garnet red in color, there is no disguising this is a Pinot.  The nose has nice floral and cherry qualities with a hint of light leather.  The texture leaves little to be desired, thin.  Light cherry flavors intermingle with oak on the palate.  This is as typical as you can expect from new world pinot. 

Price: $40   Grade: C-

Wine 2:

Producer:  Heartland Wines, South Australia 

Wine:  2005, Heartland Shiraz, (56% Limestone Coast 44% Langhorne Creek)

Info:  Heartland wines was created by a small group of South Australian wine identities.  They have 3 labels under management, Stickleback, Coast & Creek, and their flagship Directors’ Cut.   

Notes:  Dark deep red and very opaque in color.  This wine has a very complex nose with layers of mocha, leather, black currant and vanilla.  Tasted nice dark fruit with blackberry and plum and some sweetness from the oak.  The wine finishes with black currant and hint of pepper.  Lacks acidity and alcohol (14.5%), still would consider it a good value.

Price: $14  Grade: B

Wine 3:

Producer:  Chateau Reynella, McLaren Vale, Australia 

Wine:  2002, Grenache McLaren Vale Basket Pressed, 1000 cases

Info:  Named after the Reynell family who pioneered the McLaren region in the 1840’s.  The vineyard was family owned until the 1970.  Hardy’s wine group purchased Reynell in ’82. 

Notes:  Nice earthy nose with a hint of mint and cherry.  The earthiness comes thorough on the taste with nice raspberry, cherry and currant.  Great tannin structure provides a nice light finish.  Interesting wine that should be decanted at minimum for 1 hour.

Price:  $24   Grade:  B-

Stevo's Blogcast 28 Notes

coming soon....

2007.08.24 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 27

Terry's Blogcast 27 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Twisted Oak, Vallencito, Calaveras AVA, Ca.  

Wine: 2004, Murgatroyd, Calaveras County (54% Cab, 25% P. Verdot, 13% Tempranillo,  7% Grenache) 

Info:  Twisted Oak is located in Calaveras County 20 miles west of Los Angeles.  Their wine is primarily sold directly.  Owner, Jeff Stai has a real good sense of humor and sends a rubber chicken per case order. Established in 2004, they planted mostly Tempranillo, Grenache, Granciano, to take advantage of their climate. Awesome website with great information. 

Notes:  Deep red with slight purple color is what is first noticed on this wine. A fairly aromatic wine with blueberry, raspberry, and hint of floral notes.  When tasting this wine the blueberry and raspberry come through ending with a drying herbal finish.  A bit flabby, very little acid.  Interesting wine, tasted a bit rustic. 

Price: $18-24   Grade: B-

Wine 2:

Producer:  Laurel Glen, Sonoma, Ca.

Wine:  2002, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain

Info:  Laurel Glen was established 30 years ago in Sonoma.  They own vineyards in Sonoma, Lodi, and Argentina.  There wines are widely available world wide.

Notes: Bright ruby red, not opaque.  Complex nose combines licorice, mocha, leather, and a bit of floral-ness.  Nice firm tannins envelope the palate.  Black currant, red cherry are nicely integrated with soft vanilla.  A long finish with cherry and licorice.  Interesting wine, still young.  Wish I waited at least a year.  This is an elegant wine with velvety tannins.

Price: $55  Grade: B-

Scott's Blogcast 27 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Dusky Goose 

Wine:   2004 Dusky Goose Pinot Noir

Info:  Dusky Goose is a limited production Pinot Noir, created for the Carter (3^rd Generation Wheat Growers & Cattle Ranchers) and Lundgren families by winemaker, Lynn Penner-Ash.  Winery is located in the Dundee Hills of Oregon

Notes:  Nose: layers of Cherry and    Taste:  Balanced, Red Fruit forward w/ hints of blackberry, mineral and spice…elegant,  with an Excellent Cherried finish

Price: $49  Grade: A-

Wine 2:

Producer: Kenefick Ranch

Wine:  2003 Cabernet Sauvignon – Estate Grown

Info: Founded by Dr. Thomas Kenefick, a former Chief of Neurosurgery at California Pacific Medical Center & St. Mary’s Hospital & Medical Center in San Francisco.

Notes:   Nose:   Dark Fruit, Vanilla, Oak and Chocolate   Taste: Dark Fruits, Plum, Dark Chocolate, Spice…BALANCED…must buy more…must drink more

Price: $60  Grade: A-

Stevo's Blogcast 27 Notes

Wine 1:

Louis Chenu, Savigny "Haut-Jarrons",  Savigny les Beaunes 1er Cru, 2005
 
Info: www.louischenu.com  Imported by Weygandt-Metzler
 
The Winery is being run by the daughters, Juliette & Caroline.  They currently make 5 reds and 2 whites.  All of their wines are from Savigny les Beaunes.  Aux Clous, Hauts Jarrons, Les Lavieres & Les Talmettes are their 1er Crus and all show different personalities based on their location, age of vines and soil content.  The Haut-Jarrons comes from the sandiest of the soils and tends to be full, rich & tannic,  The girls recommend a few years for this one to open.
 
Notes:  Nice aromatics right from the start...Cherry, Violets, slight forest floor & a surprising hint of sweetness.  Excellent balance of fruit and crispness.  Oak comes into play on the lightly spiced finish.  Nice fade of flavors on the palate.  Ready now.  Will be dynamite in a few years...
 
Price:  $30  Grade:  B+/A-

Wine 2:

Bouchard (Pere et Fils), Grand Vin de Beaune Greves, "Vigne de L'Enfant Jesus", 2005
 
Info:  Imported by Henriot Inc,  www.bouchard-pereetfils.com
One of Burgundy's oldest and most respected houses is responsible for this wine, derived from one of the best vineyards in the Beaune-Grèves appellation. Prior to the French Revolution, the Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus vineyard belonged to an order of Carmelite nuns especially devoted to the Infant Jesus. I first heard of this wine a few years ago from Tina Caputo on Wine X.  She tells of the legend that the nuns were so enamored of the wine's silky texture that they exclaimed, "It slips down the throat as easily as the Infant Jesus in velvet pants." Bouchard's website claims that it was named due to the fact that the head nun predicted the birth of future King of France Louis XIV, when his mother had been sterile.  Who knows but I like the former story better even though the picture has Baby Jesus in a funky dress and not pants...who wouldn't like to see baby Jesus in some hot velvet pants??!!
 
Notes:  On the nose, Cherry-Raspberry, Rose petals, Awesome bouquet!  Very flavorful.  Caresses the palate but still has some nice lift and texture from the tannins.  Ready to go now but would be stellar in a few years.
 
Price:  $70  Grade: A

Wine 3:

Leroy, Savigny les Beaunes, "Les Ratausses", 2003
 
Info:  Leroy is home to 9 grand cru wines, 8 premier cru as well as another 10 or so village level wines.  Madame Bize-Leroy has been cultivating strictly biodynamically since 1989.  Robert Parker stated years ago that "Lalou Bize-Leroy stands alone at the top of Burgundy's quality hierarchy.  Because she is a perfectionist, because she has had the courage to produce wines from low yields and bottle wines naturally, without fining or filtration."  If your a WS guy or gal, you can read a number of articles from Bruce Sanderson exclaiming her mastery as well.
 
Notes:  Richly colored.  It's a toss up between this and Baby Jesus for WOD.  Concentrated flavors pop from the glass,  Dense fruit but very well balanced with the very fine structure carrying the wine across the palate.  By absolutely no means a 'fruit bomb'...very sexy wine...a deal closer for sure. 
Price:  $70  Grade:  A

Honorable Mention:

Guillard, Gevrey-Chambertin, "Aux Corvess", 2005, Imported by Peter Weygandt
 
Is Eddie Vedder in the house?  "Cause I've got one word for this wine; "Chronic".  Snoop dogg and Chris Tucker would get "High-high!"   Pleasant fruit despite the herbal stank.  Crisp acidity but just too green for me. 
 
Price:  $40  Grade:  C+

2007.08.10 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 26

Stevo's Blogcast 26 Notes

Wine 1:

Wine 2:

Terry's Blogcast 26 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Mollydooker,  Australia

Wine: 2006, Maitre D’, Cabernet, McClaren Vale

Info: This is the second vintage of Sarah and Sparky Marquis Mollydooker label.  The 2005 vintage claimed critical success.  These wines were considered by many as being over the top with excellent integrations of fruit, spice, and flavor. 

Notes:  The nose has a predominance of smoke and spice.  Alcohol is also present on the nose.  Black fruit is evident on the palate with blackberry fruit wrapped in spice and cassis.  On the finish the alcohol predominates the finish.  This wine was a bit of a disappointment.  Possibly, this one just needs time in the cellar. 

Price: $20 Grade: C+

Wine 2:

Producer: R Winery, South Eastern Australia

Wine: 2005 Evil Cabernet

Info:  R Winery was established by Chris Ringland.  The wines from this vineyard are focused on value based wines.  When we met Chris he explained the name of the wine.  He said that they tried naming the wine various names and the FDA refused all of them.  As a joke he named the wine Evil and to his surprise they accepted.  

Notes:  Dark deep red with purple hues are noticeable.  The aroma of blackberry and vanilla a present.  Flavors of currant and blackberry coat the palate.  This is a big wine.  Great integration of oak, is this really $10?  Great balance, excellent value.

Price: $10 Grade: B

Scott's Blogcast 26 Notes

Wine 1:

2007.07.20 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 25

Terry's Blogcast 25 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Tensley Wines, Santa Barbara, CA.

Wine: 2005, Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah

Info:  Located in Los Olivios, in Santa Barbara, Tensley Wines released their first vintage in 1998.  Tensley focuses on Syrah and production has blossomed into 3,300 cases for ’06. 

Notes: Inky purple hues are noticeable with the “death cloud” of glycerin.  Immediately I was taken back by the complexity of the nose.  Cherry aromas are integrated with smoke and spice.  This fruit driven wine has great cherry and raspberry flavors.  Viscous in texture, the finish ends with licorice and black pepper.  Ranks up there with Shadow Canyon’s Syrah. 

Price: $32-38 Grade: A

Wine 2:

Producer:  Thorn-Clarke, Barossa, Australia

Wine:  2005 Shotfire Ridge, Shiraz

Info:  Thorne-Clarke was established in 1854 and is a 6^th generation owned and operated vineyard located in Barossa.  The Shotfire series is their mid level offering.

Notes:  Dark deep red with purple hues. Awesome big nose featuring blackberry, pepper, and spice.  Firm tannic wine with great mouth feel.  Complex palate, featuring dark cherry, blackberry, and raspberry.  Long finish.  Needs plenty of time to open.  Great value

Price: $17  Grade: B

Scott's Blogcast 25 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer:  Robert Foley Vineyards          

Wine:  2004 Petite Sirah

Info:   Grapes from the Peterson Vineyard in Calistoga

Notes:  Nose:  Taste: Giant tasting…A jammy rich Blueberry tannin MOAB – Parker writes that is got a life of three decades

Price: 50   Grade: A-/A

Wine 2:

Wine 3:

Stevo's Blogcast 25 Notes

Wine 1:

Coming Soon

Blogcast 24 Notes

Grateful Palate Imports Tasting Notes...Coming Soon

Clarendon Hills - 2003 - Grenache  - Grade: A

Paringa - 2005 Shiraz - Grade: B+/A-

Marquis Philips "Grail of Lisa" - 2005 - Shiraz - Grade: A

3 Rings "Reserve" - 2005 - Shiraz - Grade: A

R Winery "R" - 2005 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Grade: A

Gibson's - 2004 - Old Vine Shiraz - Grade: A

Stevo's Blogcast 23 Notes

Wine 1:

 

Wine 2:

Terry's Blogcast 23 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Branham Estate Wines, Sonoma, CA.

Wine: 2004, Rockpile Zinfandel (95% Zin, 5% Petite Sirah)

Info: Gary Branham has been a pioneer in promoting the Rockpile AVA in Sonoma County since 2001.  Named after the Rockpile Peak that stands above Lake Sonoma, this AVA has been established by fellow winemakers, Carol Shelton, JC Cellars, and Rosenblum. 

Notes:  The nose has a predominance of dark raisin and chocolate aromas.  The raisin is evident on the palate with plum and blackberry flavors.  Light spice is noticeable on the finish, but is muted by the presence of oak.  This is a tannic wine, if drank blind would be hard to pinpoint.  Low case production at less than 300 cases.

Price: $25-30 Grade: C+

Wine 2:

Producer: Oyster Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Wine: 2005 Marlborough Pinot Noir

Info:  Oyster Bay’s first vintage was released in 1991 and has become NZ’s 3^rd largest wine maker.  Owned by Delegat’s Wine Estate their focus is on quality wine at a value price.

Notes:  Nice bright red color introduces you to this fragrant wine.  A little forest floor interlaced with cherry and spice are noted on the aroma.  Very new world in style.  The flavors are comprised of dark cherry, strawberry, and a touch of plum.  French oak adds nice structure.  A soft and elegant wine at a value price.  

Price: $15 Grade: B

2007.05.18 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 22

Terry's Blogcast 22 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Oakville Ranch, Napa, CA.

Wine: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2002

Info: Ashley Heisey is the winemaker for Oakville Ranch. She has worked in various capacities at several of Napa Valley's finest wineries, including Opus One, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Schramsberg Vineyards.  Ashley also is the winemaker for Long Meadow Ranch.

Notes: Nice nose with plum and cherry.  Vanilla is also noticeable on the aroma and palate.  The wine has a clean taste with nice fruit component, mostly plum and cherry.  This is a soft wine that ends with a hint of cocoa

Price: $50-60 Grade: C+/B-

Wine 2:

Producer: Rutherglen Estates, Victoria, Australia 

Wine: 2005, “Red” (85% Shiraz, 15% Durif) 

Info:  Rutherglen was established in 1997. Their early vintages were primarily sold and distributed throughout Europe and Australia.  A majority of their vines are of the Rhone varietals.  

Notes: A complex nose with spice, blackberry, and scorched earth.  The taste is a little disjointed from the nose.  Blueberry coats the palate with fresh and light spice on the finish.  Great tannin structure rarely seen in this price range.  

Price: $12 Grade: B

Stevo's Blogcast 22 Notes

Wine 1

2006 Huia Sav Blanc $17 

 

The Huia was a unique New Zealand bird from the wattlebird family. The pair co-existed as a team in the dense forest canopy.  It is the only bird in the world in which the bills of the male and female birds are different in shape and size. This unique feature along with the bird beautiful plumage generated great interest from international collectors. The tail feathers were highly prized by Maori and Europeans alike. The last official sighting of the Huia was in 1907

 

The Sauvignon Blanc 2006 was harvested from five different vineyards, spread over the Wairau Valley. These locations were selected to increase the depth of varietal flavour. Harvest commenced very early for Marlborough on the 15th March with all Sauvignon Blanc harvested by the 25th.  Some of the grapes were hand-picked then crushed and pressed, and some were machine harvested.  Both of these systems are to maximize flavor and minimize handling. The grapes were pressed with the different vineyards being kept in separate vessels. A portion was fermented with natural yeast to add further richness to the palate of the wine. This was to maintain vivacious fruit aromatics and flavor.
 

 

The Wine: Clean fresh grapefruit, grass & gingered spice on the noce.  Grapefruity without being overly tart.  Slightly spiced citrus on the finish.  Very nice wine.  Grade B

 

Wine 2

2004 Guillard Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes- Aux Corvees  $33

 

A Peter Weygandt Selection.  A reliable importer...missed on this one.  Bit of Char on the nose, Kirsch as well.  Kirsched on the front...but it quickly turns tart & bitter...very green.  I gagged on the finish.  Dump this shit!  D

 

 

 

Wine 3

2004 Chappellet Estate  $100

78% Cabernet, 14% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot.

 

The Chappellet family has been crafting world class wines from their Pritchard Hill estate vineyards since 1967.  Spurred by the notion that Bacchus loves the hills and that mountain fruit would make superior wine, Chappellet followed the advice of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff and settled on the rocky eastern slopes of the Napa Valley. The Chappellets were the first to plant vineyards exclusively on high elevation hillsides and the second winery to be established in the Napa Valley after Prohibition.

 

When crafting each wine for Chappellet, winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus handles the grapes very gently, processes them as little as possible and uses fermentation and cellaring techniques to preserve the distinctiveness of Chappellet's mountain fruit. 

 

They use organic farming techniques such as nutrient rich cover crops, bird boxes and compost tea in irrigation to help prevent infestation of microscopic pests and diseases in an environmentally responsible way.  Chappellet’s estate vineyards include 110 acres planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Chenin Blanc.   

 

The Wine:  Lot going on with this baby.  Somewhat muted nose.  Flavors really pop. Spiced currant  More on the palate than on the nose.  Could use some more time...6 months to a year.  Definitely worth a buck.  B+

 

Honorable Mention: 

2005 Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt, Scharzhofberger, Spatlese $27

Tasted 30 wines between $10 and $120. WOD for Stevo.  2 words.  Fucking Awesome.  A

 

Scott's Blogcast 22 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Shafer Vineyards

Wine:   2004 Relentless (76% Syrah, 24% Petite Sirah)

Info:  Founded in 1973 by John Shafer who had spent over 20 years in the publishing industry.  Their vineyard is located in the Stag’s Leap District of Napa Valley.

Notes:  Nose:  Dark Fruit, Spice, Chocolate Liqueur   Taste:  Big, Dark Fruits, Very Balanced, Long Finish

Price: $65 (varies a lot)  Grade: B+/A-

Wine 2:

Producer: DeLille Cellars

Wine:  2003 Doyenne Syrah, Washington State (97% Syrah, 3% Viognier)

Info:   A small family winery located in Woodinville, Washington.  The winery was founded in 1992.    They produce 5 Bordeaux-styled wines along with the Doyenne wines, which includes a classic Northern Rhône-styled Syrah, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style red named Métier, a Provence-styled white named Métier Blanc, a Roussanne and a Provence-styled red name Aix.

Notes:   To any Pax fans…this is a great deal.  Complex across the board.  Nose:  Dark Fruits with some excellent floral notes  Taste:  As Stevo would say…this is a sexy wine.  Dark Fruits, Spice, Pepper w/ a great finish.  This took a while for it to open…decant for at least an hour…if not longer.

Price: $45 to $50  Grade: B+/A-  

2007.05.04 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 21

Stevo's Blogcast 21 Notes

Wine 1, 2 & 3:

Terry's Blogcast 21 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Col Solare – Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley, WA. 

Wine: 2002 Red Table Wine (60% Cab, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah)

Info:  A joint partnership with Ch. Ste. Michelle and Piero Antinori.  Piero helped pioneer super Tuscans.  His family has been making wine in Italy since 1180 AD.  With 4,600 cases this wine is widely available. 

Notes:  A musty aroma with vanilla and herbal notes is quite unique.  Dark cherry and blackberry are nicely integrated on the palate.  Initially the fruit was muted and tight.  Overtime this opened nicely.  The oak seemed to dominate this wine.  Needs some storage time before this one reaches its potential.  Would like to revisit in 3-4 years.

Price: $60-70 Grade: C+/B-

Wine 2:

Producer: Ravenswood 

Wine: 2004 Sonoma County Zinfandel (95% Zinfandel, 4% Carignane, 1% mixed)

Info: Ravenswood has a long history in Sonoma and Napa Valley. Aged for 24 months in French oak, 35% new. 

Notes: Nice dark red color with light red highlights.  The wine offers a mixed bag with spice, clove, plum, and blackberry on the aroma.  At times the flavor offered nice blackberry and spice.  The acidity is a bit high and the raisin finish is odd. 

Price: $13-15 Grade: C

Scott's Blogcast 21 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Marquis Philips 

Wine:   2005 Sarah’s Blend – 60% Shiraz, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

 Info: Sparky and Sarah Marquis’ budget wine.

Notes: Nose: Blackberries, Blueberries, Really nice Spice, Oak and some Floral notes / Taste:  Full bodied, Solid Tannins, Dark Fruit, Spice and a nice long finish

Price: $16  Grade: A-

Wine 2:

Producer: Lawson’s Dry Hills  

Wine: 2005 Pinot Noir – Marlborough, New Zealand

Info: Ross and Barbara Lawson founded Lawson's Dry Hills in 1992, when they decided to make wine themselves rather than on-selling the grapes that they had been growing since 1980.  They started with Gewurztraminer then Sauvignon Blanc…then moved on to Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.  Their wine maker is Marcus Wright

Notes: Nose:  Oaky, Cherry,   Taste:  lively, tart, a bit dry, cherry-cola, oaky   

Price:  $23.00 Grade: B-

2007.04.13 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 20

Terry's Blogcast 20 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Joseph Phelps 

Wine: 2003 Insignia, Napa Valley (84% Cab, 10% Petite Verdot, Malbec, Merlot)

Info: 2003 marked the 30^th anniversary for Insignia. What has been Wine Spectator wine of the year, this vintage might be a little off the mark.  2003 was not considered to be a strong vintage.

Notes: Licorice and Dark Currant aromas are predominant on this oaky wine.  This is a lush wine with nice integration of tannin.  Vanilla with blackberry and cherry are noticeable.  The finish is long with a coffee finish.  A bit let down on the price. 

Notes: Price: $130-150 Grade: C+

Wine 2:

Producer: Mollydooker 

Wine:  2005 Two Left Feet, (65% Shiraz, 19% Merlot, 16% Cab)

Info:  Sparky and Sarah Marquis have been creating amazing wine for years and this is no exception.  Robert Parker considers this to be one of the best values in the world under $20.  What could top this?  Well, on the Mollydooker website they claim that 2006 was a better vintage. 

Notes:  Great color, dark with deep purple hues.  Intoxicating aroma with dark cherry, cassis, chocolate, and spice.  This wine’s complex nose carries on to the palate with dark blackberry, dark cherry, black pepper.  The wine ends with a nice vanilla and spice finish.  Few months ago I tried the Boxer Shiraz and found it to be one dimensional.  This CSM adds great complexity to a big powerful wine. 

Grade: A

Scott's Blogcast 20 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Boekenhoutskloof 

Wine:   2005 Chocolate Block - Coastal Region, South Africa - Syrah (46%), Grenache (22%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), Cinsault (14%), and Viognier (4%),

Info: Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1776, is far up the "Valley" in the Franschhoek foothills. Situated 40 minutes drive from Cape Town, South Africa. Boekenhoutskloof produces four wine brands: Boekenhoutskloof, Chocolate Block, Wolftrap and Porcupine Ridge. 

Notes: Nose: Earthy Dark Fruit.  Taste: Black Cherry, Earthy, Dark Chocolate, Spice.  It came off as a Very Rich tasting wine. (So Rich…It took a while to finish my second glass – like have two pieces of dark chocolate cake…it can be done.  It just takes a while.) 

Price: $30 to $35   -  Grade: B

Wine 2:

Producer: Robert Foley Vineyards  

Wine:  2004 Claret 

Info:   Robert Foley is the winemaker for Robert Foley Vineyards, Engel Family Rock Mountain Vineyard and Pride Mountain Vineyard. 

Notes:   Taste: Wow, this was awesome.  It took some time for this to open up….when it did.  Lot’s of dark fruit, spice and mocha…an amazing finish.

Price: $110   -   Grade: A

Stevo's Blogcast 20 Notes

Wine 1:

Wine 2:

Wine 3:

2007.03.16 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 19

Terry's Blogcast 19 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: EOS Vineyard/Arciero Family Vineyards

Notes:   Blackberry and pepper on the nose.  This jammy wine offers nice spice and blackberry flavors.  The finish ends with nice plum and blueberry notes.  A nice effort for a value priced Cab.

Price: $16-18  Grade: C+

Wine 2:

Producer: Walter Hansel

Notes: Price: $27-30 Grade: B-

Stevo's Blogcast 19 Notes

Wine 1 

"R" Winery:  Evil Cabernet 2005

2007.03.02 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 18

Stevo's Blogcast 18 Notes

Wine 1:

Rosenblum, Sonoma Reserve, Monte Rosso Vineyard 2004 $35-40

Terry's Blogcast 18 Notes

Wine 1:

Producer: Provenance

Wine: 2003 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

Info: Aged for 18 months in 72% French Oak, 18% Hungarian, and 10% American Oak.   Grapes are sourced from Rutherford (91%) and from Napa Valley (9%).  19,642 cases.  Tom Rinaldi is the winemaker and general manager of Provenance.  Tom is best known as the founding winemaker for Duckhorn, where he made 22 vintages. 

Notes:   Nice dark ruby color with light purple hues.  Earthy nose with slight cinnamon spice and light cedar.  Currant is prominent on the palate.  Followed by nice dark cherry flavor and vanilla.  Well structured, yet maybe a little too tannic.  Maybe a little young.   

Price: $36-40 Grade: B-

 Wine 2:

Producer:  Clos Du Val

Wine: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Info:  Aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, 25% New oak.  28,000 cases.  Founded by John Goelet and winemaker Bernard Portet in 1976.   Their partnership was based on a mission to create wine outside of France.  Clos Du Val is a pioneer in Napa Valley.  There wine was entered into the Judgement of Paris Tasting in 1976 and was selected as one of the best. 

Notes:  Dark deep red in color, the wine has an interesting nose of eucalyptus, spice, and plum.  This combination delivers a herbal and slightly medicinal nose.  Flavors are very tight with mostly dark fruit.  Cedar is also prominent.  Overall a good bargain for what was considered an off year.   

Price: $18-20 Grade: C+

Scott's Blogcast 18 Notes

2007.02.16 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 17

Terry's Blogcast 17 Notes

Wine 1 

Producer: St. Hallett

Wine:  2004 Gamekeeper’s Reserve, Barossa, Australia  (57% Shiraz, 37% Grenache, and 6% Touriga Nacional)

Info:  Un-oaked blend using Touriga Nacional, a  traditional component to Port.

Notes: A beautiful purple- ruby red color.  Light barnyard nose is evident, along with cherry and spice.  The cherry and spice is also noticeable on the palate.  This medium bodied wine also has a nice spice component of licorice and black pepper.  The wine ends on a blueberry finish.   Wine lacks complexity and acid.  Overall an interesting un-oaked.

Price: $11.00 Grade: C+

Wine 2 

Producer:  Kilikanoon

Wine: 2003 Killerman’s Run Grenache 60%/Shiraz 40%

Info: Kevin Mitchell aged this wine for 2 years in American and French oak hogsheads.  

Notes:  A georgeous deep red with purple hues edge the wine.  Great nose with sweet cedar and earthy hints.  Black cherry flavor envelopes the palate.  The finish provides pepper and cherry. Well structured.  Alcohol is evident.

Price: 16.00 Grade: B- 

Wine 1:

Producer: The Colonial Estate

Wine:  2002 Shiraz Exile  

Info:  The Colonial Estate is based in the Barossa Valley in South Australia, near to Adelaide.

The winemakers are Jonathan Maltus, Neil Whyte, Cyril Beziat (from Château Teyssier, Saint Emilion Grand Cru) and Scott Hazeldine and Robert Heywood, with Gilles Pauquet consulting – as he does for Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Canon, Figeac, and Teyssier. The vineyards are managed by Daniel Tschirn.Exile is 100% sourced from the ‘Lange’ Vineyard, now a part of The Colonial Estate. The single-vineyard wine is made up of old vine Shiraz with some Mourvedre and Muscadelle. The age of some of these vines date back to the 1800’s.

Notes:   An amazing nose.  Lot's of dark fruits and floral...smell like it has Viognier in it...I was wrong.  It was a really big drinking wine. Great finish of spice, heat and cassis. My teeth turned purple after the first glass.

Price: $90 to $120 in stores / $ 200 to $295 in Restaurants  Grade A

Wine 2:

Producer:    Cloud View Wines 

Wine: Cloud View Pritchard Hill  

Info:  Cloud View Vineyards comprises 23 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot planted between 1990 -1995 on 90 acres of mountainside. Vines are trained on vertical trellises; hand-pruned to bilateral cordons with yields limited to assure quality and intensity; hand-leafed for optimum sunlight. Karen Bower Turjanis, formerly of Cardinale, Lokoya, and Paul Hobbs Winery spends as much time in the vineyard as she does in the winery. 

Notes:  Aroma is loaded with Dark fruits and berries w/ some slight oak.  Full bodied some good tannins, dark cherry, plum and blackberry.  Elegant yet Big.

 Price: $ 57.99  Grade:   B+

Wine 3:

Producer: Real Companhia Velha - Portugal   

Wine: Evel Grande Escolha 2001 Douro Wine - (Grape Varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa) 

Info:  Evel Grande Escolha lies at the prestigious peak of the range, representing cutting edge enological investigation and ultimate selection of the very best of many vineyard parcels. Aged for more that a year in barrel with a high percentage of various types of new wood, the wine has dense dark color, fine aromas of Douro varietals complexed by noble wood and a finish normally associated with wines of international class. 

Notes:  At first it smells just like a port then opens into cherry brandy.   Let this breath for at least a half hour to an hour…it’s very tight.  Tart Cherries are the prevailing flavors.  At the two to three hour mark the fruit really starts to fade.  This is my first Douro so I’d like to have more before I give an opinion.   

 Price: $  17.99  Grade:   C+/B-

2007.01.31 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 16

Wine 1

Producer: Soter Wine: 2003 "Little Creek" Cabernet Franc Napa Valley (75% Cab. Franc, 20% Malbec, 5% Cab. Sauv.)

Info: Soter Vineyards is owned by Tony & Michelle Soter...the former owners of Etude Wines. (250 Cases)

Notes: Plum, violets, cassis and coffee on the nose. Wide spectrum of red and dark fruits, long spice finish

Price: $75.00 Grade A

Wine 2

Producer: Richard Partridge Wine: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Info: Richard Partridge was started in 1998. Know for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Bob Egelhoff is in charge of the Cabernet Sauvignon wine making. Egelhoff has been making wines for over 20 years with an amazing client list: David Arthur, Amizetta, Axios and his own wine Egelhoff. Spectator describes him as "one of the best winemakers you probably haven't heard about." (750+ cases)

Notes: The nose became amazing...tight at first but turned into a "Date Wine". Perfect for drinking by itself...the nose keeps you coming back for more. Cinnamon, Spice, dark fruit...very aromatic! The taste kept up with the nose. Black cherry, big tannins and a nice touch of oak. Decant this one...it's so worth it!

Price: $68 Grade: B+/A-

Wine 3

Producer: Cakebread Cellars Wine: 2004 Zinfandel, Lake County

Info: This is Cakebreads first Zinfandel since 1994. Grapes come from the Red Hills appellation of Lake County which is located an hour northeast of Napa. 16 months total in 45% new French oak barrels.

Notes: Blackberry, Fig and Dark Chocolate aroma. Dark fruits, chocolate, spice and some heat. Warm Finish.

Price: $35 to $45 Grade: B

 

2006.12.11 Tasting Notes From Blogcast 14

2006.09.24 Scott's Tasting Notes From Blogcast 11 & 12

2005 - Amon-Ra - Shiraz - Barossa Valley, Australia - $80 - 15% Vol. - This is a brand new baby. Due to be released in Oct '06, Wow, already has great balance, dark fruits and spice. Love the quality French oak. Grade: A-

2004 - Amon-Ra - Shiraz - Barossa Valley, Australia - $70 - 15% Vol. - This is a keeper! Awesome Spice, Dark Fruit and toasted French oak. Ben Glaetzer...a genius wine maker, not to mention a great guy! Grade: A-

2005 - Gadolphin - 70% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon - Barossa Valley, Australia - $65 - 15% Vol. - Not even released yet...due out in Oct. '06. This baby is elegant! Ben is on his game with this one. Grade: A-

2002 - Faust - Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley - $50.00 - Very balanced, full bodied, dark fruits with hint of olives. This has really improved with time in the bottle. Grade: B+

2002 - Miura - Pinot Noir - Pisoni Vineyard - Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, CA - $50 - Wow...effervescent, minerals, spice, young, nice spicy finish. This is not a weak pinot! Grade: A-

2002 - The Standish Wine Company - Shiraz - Barossa, Australia, - $80 - Big & Bold with great balance of fruit & spice, The finish was amazing, length, spice, heat. Standish shows how Elegance & Boldness make a great wine - Grade: A-/A

2004 - Linne Calodo - Sticks and Stones -Paso Robles, CA - $50 -57% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre - Full Bodied, great French oak tastes, dark berries, very balanced, Great length on the finish - If you can find this...buy it up fast. Grade: A

2002 - Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande - Medoc, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France - $55 to $75 - Fantastic baby bordeaux, elegant, nice oak (ordered it out to dinner...restaurant was out of the Lynch Bages...so I up graded to Lelande...it was a great move!) Grade: B+/A-

2003 - Kilikanoon - Killerman's Run - Shiraz - Barossa Valley, Australia - $16 - This is the great deal of the night. Nice Spice and balance, dark fruit, spice and heat, drank like a $40 bottle of wine. Buy it if you can find it. Grade: B+/A-

2003 - Two Hands - Bella's Garden Barossa Valley Shiraz - Australia - $50 to $80 15% Vol. - Rich dark fruit, slight hint of chocolate, elegant, balanced, great finish...spice & length - Grade: A-

Some wines we dumped that were spoiled (Caution: this doesn't mean that if you own these wines that they are spoiled & should be dumped - please use your own discretion before dumping): 2001, Furlan, Cabernet Franc - 2002 Santa Margherita Chardonnay - 1998 Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, 1996 Monterra Syrah

2006.09.24 Terry's Tasting Notes From Blogcast 11 & 12

2002 - Penfolds - Bin 707 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Southern Australia - $80 - After spending 14 months in American Oak this wine is big and elegant. Nice balance of currant and spicy oak and a long, long finish. This is still a baby and it needs to be aged and should be ready in 2008 to 2016. Grade: A

2004 - Glaetzer - Wallace - Barossa Valley - Australia - $20 - Earthy nose with hints of clay, dark fruit, and spice. This is a blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Grenache. The grenache adds a little elegance to this wine, cutting through the spice and adding cherry notes. Grade: B

2004 - Fairview - Goats do Roam, Rhone Style Red - South Africa - $12-14 - Funky Nose, something I have noticed from many South African wines. However, the funk is not found in the taste. Nice toasted vanilla notes and a nice concentration of plum and chocolate. A good value. Grade: C

2004 - Thorne Clarke - Shotfire Ridge - Shiraz - Barossa Valley - Australia - $17-20 - Big and bold this shiraz packs a punch. Black fruit and cassis nose. Blackberry flavor with a nice licorice finish. This one got better over time. Still young. Grade: B+

2002 - Muga - Reserva - Rioja - Spain - $20 - Awesome nose, with herbal and floral notes. This ruby red wine has interesting coconut and vanilla hints. Minerality is evident and adds nicely to good acidity. All of this combines into an elegant wine. One of my favorite Rioja's I have had this year. Grade: A-

2005 - Kim Crawford - Pinot Noir - Marlborough - New Zealand - $17 - Subtle forest floor nose with hints of raseberry. Ripe red fruit, especially cherry and hints of rhubarb. Nice light oaky finish. Great value. Good price and great value. Grade: C+/B-

2006.08.22 Stevo's Tasting Notes From Blogcast 10

2003 - Matanzas Creek, Merlot, Bennett Valley, Sonoma, CA - $20-25 - Cherry/ Berry, Menthol & Herbal note on the nose...Basil? Bright Cherry Flavors. Chocolate notes with warm spice. Some noticeable heat - Medium bodied wine - after the cherry & chocolate flavors hit, shot of black coffee on the finish - Nicely done for the price point. Grade: B-

2003 - L'Ecole No. 41, Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA - $25-30 - 14.2% Vol. - 82% Merlot, 13% Cab Franc, 4% Cab, 1% Petite Verdot - Gives up surprisingly little on the nose...bottle dumb? Really pops with flavor on the palate. Kirsch-bomb.Nice firm tannins. Well structured wine. Coffee flavors hit after the initially cherry blast. Tad hot on the finish, There is a nice long slow fade of flavors.

Important Note: it took an hour, hour + to open up so this is not a wine to pick up and pop once you get home - Grade: B- now, B/B+ in a year or two.

2003 - Lodi Vineyards, Michael & David, Earthquake Cab, Lodi CA - $20-25 - Like Cute labels or cute stories on labels? Then you'll probably like the winery. - Here's my take: Lot of fruit and oak on the nose. "Cranberry-Robitussin" Not a particularly pleasant wrap of flavors on the finish. Grade: C-/C

past Blogcast Tasting Notes archive