Friday Night Tasting Sheets, 2008
January 2008 (Sparkling Wines. California or France? Under Twelve Buck A Bottle, Blow Out XXVI)
February 2008 (Germany, Pinot Party, Taste Tour of France, Piedmont/Tuscany, Zinfandels)
March 2008 (COPE Benefit, Chateauneuf du Pape, Value California Wines, Burgundy)
April 2008 (Syrah/Petite Sirah, Sassy Spring Whites, Wines of Spain, Guess the Grape)
May 2008 (Aromatic Whites, Unusual Grapes, Rosé, Mediterranean Reds, Pinot Noir)
June 2008 (Farewell Franklin Street, Blow Out XXVII, Santa Barbara)
July 2008 (Hot Dogs & Wine, Germany, Syrahs, Spain )
Notes from Friday Night Tastings, 2007
Notes from Friday Night Tastings, 2006
Check out our post-tasting notes, written beneath each wine on all the tasting sheets.
Our post-tasting notes are those written in this bold, italicized font.
This Friday, august 8
Back Room Blow Out XXVIII
Visit and taste with three local winery owners/winemakers.
Great wines, great folks and you'll learn a little bit, too. Our guests:
ARNOT ROBERTS, with NATE ROBERTS, Co-Owner/Cooper. He'll pour:
ARNOT ROBERTS Syrah "Griffin's Lair" Sonoma Coast 2006 ($63)
and one more (Chardonnay or another Syrah. Not sure which yet.)
RAMIAN ESTATE, with Brian Graham, Owner/Winemaker.
RAMIAN "Chapter 5" Cabernet Sauvignon-based, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2005 ($56)
RAMIAN Grenache "Linden Hills Vineyard" 2006 ($18)
and
RAMIAN Viognier "HBV Ranch" 2007 ($29)
ANTHILL FARMS, with Anthony Filiberti, Co-Owner/Co-Winemaker. He'll pour
ANTHILL FARMS Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2006 ($38) and
ANTHILL FARMS Syrah "Windsor Oaks Vineyard" Russian River Valley 2006 ($31)
Anthill Farms is our current FEATURED WINERY.
Read our notes on them here.
$15/tasting, with $5 returned for each bottle of Blow Out wine purchased.
Tasting of Friday, august 1
Under Twelve Buck A Bottle
Wine Tasting
Eight wines: four white, four red,
all for sale tonight for less than $12.
We're going international on you!
$10/tasting, and
buy three bottles of under $12 wine and your tasting is FREE.
All these wines are available by the glass for $5 each.
The line-up:
A. DOMAINE DE POUY Blanc Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne 2007 $9/bottle
Gascogne is below Bordeaux. It’s Armagnac country. 60% Ugni Blanc, 40% Colombard.
B. MANIFESTO! Sauvignon Blanc Suisun Valley 2007 $11.70/bottle
Suisun Valley is in Solano County, about due east of where we stand/sit right now.
C. GRANGE DES ROUQUETTE Marsanne/Viognier $11.90/bottle
Vin de Pays d'Oc 2006 Almost Southern Rhone Valley. This estate vineyard is just outside Avignon. 55% Marsanne, 45% Viognier. Just a smidge of barrel gives structure.
D. NIETO SENETINER Chardonnay "Reserva" Mendoza, Argentina 2008 $10.80/btl
Three Argentinean wines tonight (out of eight). Nieto Senetiner makes a lot of wine…good wine.
The own over 1000 acres of vineyards! Hot days and cool nights in this high elevation region (2000-3600 feet high). This equates to very ripe flavors AND good acidity. Roughly 10 inches of rain per year, so the Andes (just to the west) snow pack is key for good grape growing.
E. TRES OJOS Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud 2006 $9.00/bottle
40-50 year old head-pruned, dry-farmed Garnacha from the high plains of Spain. No oak.
F. FOUR VINES Zinfandel "Old Vine Cuvée" California 2006 $11.70/bottle
Blend of vineyards that make their higher-end line, and we think this is the best tasting Zin of their price-aside. Sonoma, Paso Robles and Sierra Foothills fruit. Four Vines winery is in Paso Robles.
G. MAIPE Malbec Mendoza, Argentina 2007 $9.90/bottle
Malbec is what Argentina has takes “as their own.” It’s the fifth grape of Bordeaux. There are fine value Malbecs like the Maipe here and very rare, expensive ones, too.
H. NIETO SENETINER Cabernet Sauvignon "Reserva" 2005 $10.80/bottle
Mendoza, Argentina 2005 Maipe was the Lord of the Winds for the ancient Andean Indians.
The winery is in Luján de Cuyo, northern Mendoza, over 3000 feet high, temperate climate for Mendoza. This is 100% Malbec, 35+ year old vines, briefly aged in American oak.
Tasting of Friday, JULY 25
Spanish Wines
Seven wines, representing six Spanish wine regions.
Here's the line-up:
A. FLORESTA Rosado, Empordà 2007, $12
Can't get any closer to France (on the Mediterranean) than Empordà. It's Catalonia on the Spain side (obviously), not far at all from the Mas Amiel Rosé (from the Cotes du Roussillon) we adore so. These vines hover above the Costa Brava and the Mediterranean Sea. The blend is 50% Garnacha, 42% Merlot, 8% Tempranillo.
Showed very well. On the fruit-punchy side. Of the style that, when described sans-tasting, folks don't buy it. When tasted, it's very good-very cherry yet dry-and people pick up this superb value pink.
B. AMEZTOI Getariako Txakolina 2007, $20
This Basque region is on the other side of the French border, on the Bay of Biscayne. It's quite cool here for grapes, as this wine shows by its high acid and low alochol. Getariako Txakolina is the D.O. (specific wine region). The grapes are 90% Hondarribi Zuri and 10% Hondarribi Beltza. You'll notice the spritz. That's how they bottle it, with residual CO2 to give it the spritz.
Another swing and a miss for the Txakoli. Won't brink it out again until "Bucket o' steamed clams night," and it's not on the calendar yet. Good news is that my feet weren't held to the fire for pouring it for the third Friday night. It's good wine, truly. It's just not set up for success in the tasting format.
C. JOSEP-MARIA VENDRELL Montsant, "Serè" 2006, $13
Montsant is a picturesque region beyond Barcelona and wraps around the prodigious (and much more expensive) Priorat wine region. The landscape climbs quickly and the vines are on the way. Serè is organically-grown 80% Garnacha & 20% Cariñena. Barely oaked and bottled young, this captures the essence of the grapes. Did OK, just OK. Nice fruit, big hit of flavor, very well made, lots going on, excellent value. Happy to have it in stock. Some liked it, some couldn't care less.
D. BODEGAS LUIS CAÑAS Rioja "Reserva" 2002, $22
Now let's try the first of two Riojas. We serve you two as they are so very different. The Luis Canas is traditional: aged at least 18 months in oak, aged at least 12 months in bottle before release (that's Reserva rules). This is 95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano and Garnacha. Typical blend.
This was a big hit. Interesting for me as I could have sworn it showed more barrel and "old style" than it did during the tasting. Boasts a solid core of fruit on the palate. Complex and interesting. A very good Rioja for the money.
E. RUG VINO Rioja "BIG BANG DE EXOPTO" 2006, $20
Now the "international style" Rioja. Much less time in barrel, made to drink right away (or anytime). Blend is half Garnacha, 40% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano (a grape you rarely see outside of Rioja).
This was the winner, winner chicken dinner of the night. So tasty. Big fruit, fine texture, spice, freshness. Sold a couple of cases and it's still around, so come get some!
F. TRES OJOS Old Vines Garnacha, Calatayud
2006, $10
Over the least 7 or so years, old vines Garnacha has taken the lead in superb-value Spanish wine imports. They can be so tasty! This is 40-50 year old head-pruned, dry-farmed Garnacha from the high plains. Aged in stainless steel vats.
Bummed that Tres Ojos wasn't enjoyed as much as I'd have thought. Following "Big Bang" didn't do it any favors. Many thought it lacked concentration, which is not this wine at all. Go figure. We're going to pour the next Friday at "Under Twelve Buck A Bottle" and put it in a more favorable spot.
and for dessert:
G. ALVEAR Montilla-Moriles, Pedro Ximenez, Solera 1927, $20/375 ML
From the south of Spain, well above and east of Jerez, the land of sherry (and formerly where these grapes went and called such). Pedro Ximenez is the grape. The grapes are picked ripe and then raisined on straw mats before fermenting begins. The Solera system means that a small amount (a barrel or two?) were made from scratch in 1927, then subsequent vintages were added to it. New wine is added in and aged, so that the vestiges of 1927 PX remain. This wine is so rich, so lush, it's truly fuzzy. Best match could be an ice cube.
Big, big hit. So rich and dense. Could put it on waffles and be very happy. Definitely a wine one needs to either know or taste to buy. We tasted enough folks on it that it all sold out.
So, we moved to the 2004 anada Pedro Ximenez from Alvear. Same richness and luxuriousness. The 2004 is still in stock for $25/half bottle.
Tasting of Friday, JuLY 18
Worldly Syrahs
A. OGIER Syrah "La Rosine" Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes 2006, $37
We feel the need to start with this wine as your benchmark Syrah. Very “Rhone,” the cradle of Syrah. This Vin de Pays region lies above and beside Côte Rôtie. Not quite as good as “The Roasted Slope” wines, but pretty good! Aged in 1/3rd new French oak.
Exquisite aromatics. Purple/red flowers and spicy plum. Black and pink peppercorn. It's a tad tight right now, and we knew this would be the case. Bright acidity but not tart. First class Syrah. We sold a few bottles to Syrah purists.
B. PHOENIX RANCH Syrah Napa Valley 2004 $22
Like Crozes-Hermitage in a very good year, we thought you’d find it interesting to place this between our two Rhone Valley wines. The vineyard is near Silverado Country Club in the northeast corner of Napa town. Kathy Corison is the consulting winemaker. About 30% new French oak. 200 cases.
We had fun by pouring this in the middle of the Rhones. Help up well as Rhone-like (not too flashy nor ripe). Very nice dimension and very complete. Excellent value. We keep thinking about Steak Frites as we drink this. Highly recommended with grilled stuff.
C. DOMAINE DES LISES Crozes-Hermitage 2006 (net priced) $30 net
Relatively new label owned/made by Alain Graillot’s son, Maxime. Traditional Rhone Syrah in all the best ways. This is meticulous winemaking that captures the essence of the Northern Rhone.
This is Dan's wine of the night. Fantastic aromas of Rhone game, olive, flowers and fruit. Tantalizing. In the mouth it's not too tight...a little youthful but very enjoyable. Decanting is a good idea. This is really really good and such a deal at thirty dollars.
D. PALIN Syrah Limari Valley, Chile 2006 $16
Cool climate here in Northern Chile. Extra long growing season of 200 days (compared to 150-175 in Napa). This means long hang time and more flavor development (the cool climate, especially the cool mornings, keep the grapes alive). Organically grown grapes.
A great find! Earthy, olive-y and wild on the nose at first. Quickly opens up to nice, perfectly ripe berries. Definitely a Rhone style! We are very pleased to have found this great value gem of a Syrah.
E. ANTHILL FARMS Syrah "Windsor Oaks Vineyard" Russian River Valley 2006 $31
From our just-released Featured Winery page: The men of Anthill Farms specialize in single vineyard Pinot Noirs. This, their one Syrah, comes from Windsor, just north of Santa Rosa. Here are my tasting notes from our new “Featured Winery” page: Nose is dark berry/cherry liqueur, French roast coffee, Indian spices and black olive. Very Rhone-like. Lots of berries in the mouth albeit a little tight and youthful. Tobacco, more black olive and briar patch (bearing darker berries) on the finish. I’m going to tuck away a couple of bottles for a winter 2009 roast.
Happy to find out that our guests like this as much as we do (and it's Dan's Mom's favorite of the group!). Not showing as tight as we thought it might. We sold over a case! Did you buy and love the 2005 from us? If so, you'll love the 2006 just as much.
F. R WINES Shiraz Ebenezer, Barossa Valley 2006 $22
Imported by The Grateful Palate exclusively for the U.S. grateful palated. The R stands for Chris Ringland, the winemaker. “Ebenezer” is a sub-region of the Barossa Valley. This big, brawny Shiraz is more fruit than oak but carries both of them well.
Very good Shiraz. But, like a heavier Chardonnay poured amongst a group of crisp, aromatic whites, this seemed outta place. Jammy, hearty, and showing considerable smoky oak, the Ebenezer is best when enjoyed with nothing more than a Weber and a marinated piece of cow.
Tasting of Friday, JULY 11
German Wines
Yummy Rieslings (mostly) with two fun "other" varieties. This was one great tasting...
I'm excited! Seven wines. Here's the line-up and tasting notes:
A. Müller-Catoir Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Trocken, QbA, Pfalz 2006 $20
Considered by many to be the greatest Estate in the Pfalz region. This dry (trocken) Pinot Blanc is aged in untoasted, fairly neutral barrel; wood is present as an ingredient but doesn’t dominate; it’s a many-faceted, animate and surprisingly deft and vivid wine.
Dry as can be and fruitier than most expected, this "aperetif" white got the tasting going well. Red and green apples both, touch of pear, little mineral, very pure. We're very pleased to have this wine in stock.
B. Theo Minges Riesling, Qualitätswein, Litre Bottle, Pfalz 2007, $24
Delicious-drinking Litre from the Pfalz. All Estate fruit, and unchaptalized (no sugar added...rare for “just”
Qualitatswein). Slam-dunk-good.
And a slam-dunk it was. Sold it all out. High acidity, underlying ripeness, the smidge of sugar was more or less overwhelmed by the tang (in a good way). So refreshing. Like the price of gas, this wine was $18 a litre not that long ago. Like gas, too, people stay addicted!
C. Hexamer Riesling, Meddersheimer "Rheingrafenberg" Kabinett, Nahe 2006, $29
Up north we go for wine three. The Nahe shares the super-bright acidity of Mosel and the minerality, too. This vineyard is particularly soil and rock driven. This is amazing peachy/citrus fruit and beaucoup of-the-earth flavors (stones & such).
Seemingly driest wine of the tasting. Definitely the most minerally (as expected). For this reason, it was the fave of a lot of tasters. Very well balanced with fruit, acid and stones playing together very kindly.
D. Dr. Loosen Riesling "Blue Slate" Qualitätswein, Mosel 2007, $17
All Estate fruit from prime hillside Mosel vineyards. Just darn good.
Yep, just darn good. Can't go wrong here. Seemed, though, that it was overshadowed in this tasting. Sometimes it happens to the best of us.
E. Josef Leitz Riesling, Rüdesheimer "Klosterlay" Kabinett Rheingau 2006
Always one of our favorite wines, this vintage is no exception. $21
We get best of all worlds in Rieslings here: rich fruit, creamy/leesy texture and a smack of the Riesling minerals.
Little plusher, little fleshier than previous "Klosterlays." Didn't deter folks from diggin' it, however.
Apricot, tropical fruits, lush, juicy. Starts out a little closed must say. The swirling took care of this small issue very quickly.
F. Reuscher-Haart Riesling, Piesporter "Goldtröpfchen" Kabinett, Mosel 2006, $22
This Mosel is particularly texture-ific. Dig the richness and power. On the dryer side, with the body and texture to balance the acidity.
Yummy yum yummy. We likey this wine, and our tasters did too. It's definitely for seekers of the richest, strongest Kabinetts. Chicken and dumplings, here we come!
G. Kruger-Rumpf Scheurebe, Spätlese, Nahe 2006, $29
Scheurebe is the grape. It was made in the 1920s be crossing Riesling and Silvaner. It makes an exotic, juicy, outtasight wine when right, and this is. Here are notes from Terre Theise: “This, my friend, is a Tomcat PAR-TAY in the glass! A kinky lurid orgy of spice and sage and currant-leaf, but after the party’s over, this cat sits in his chair and reads the great philosophers. It’s so giddy and yet also so fine; I wonder when a Scheu has ever made me happier; this has just absurd length, peak to peak to peak.
Crazy wine! Like lemon-lime soda almost because of how it jumps from the glass, almost as if it's effervescent. Packed packed packed with fruit flavors: pink grapefruit, pineapple, mango, crabapple, tangerines...simple wine that's highly amplified.
Tasting of Saturday, JULY 5 and SUnday, July 6
Sixth Annual Hot Dog & Wine Weekend
All Beef Hot Dogs, delicious "designer" hot dog buns, and dogs three ways:
CLASSIC DOG served with
CLIF BAR WINES "The Climber" Red Blend 2004, $16/bottle
"THE CLIMBER" was the wine of the weekend. Folks loved it...as much as we like it, even we were surprised by the response! It's just a really good, well-priced California red.
KRAUT DOG served with
ECKER Grüner Veltliner 2006, $14/Litre Bottle
Two for two! Crisp, very citrusy, very dry, thirst-quenching good. It's a wonderful summer/Indian summer white and dreamy with a Kraut dog. Exceptional value.
CHILI DOG served with
TRES OJOS Garnacha "Old Vines" 2006, $10/bottle
Not quite the home run of the first two, but close. This Garnacha is so good for the money it's silly. Dark cherry, black pepper, licorice, good tannins, lengthy finish. How can it be just ten dollars???
P.S. the chili was really good, too.
Tasting of Friday, June 27
White Rhone, Pinot Noirs, Syrahs, Sangiovese. We enjoyed the bounty and variety of Santa Barbara wines tonight. Here are the notes from the tasting:
A. FOXEN Chenin Blanc "Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard-
Old Vines" Santa Maria Valley 2006 $22
Chenin Blanc succeeds in the coolest winegrowing conditions, thus it’s glory in the Loire Valley France. Santa Maria is cool, which is why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main grapes here. This is 40+ year-old-vine, dry Chenin. Foxen's been making this wine for years, albeit a relative drop in the bucket produced.
Very dry, lovely Chenin Blanc flavors and a unique flavor for California wine made for a very good, very enjoyable starter white. It delivered.
B. SIERRA MADRE VINEYARDS Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley 2006 $31
New label from a well-known vineyard in the coolest region of Santa Barbara. Robert Mondavi owned this vineyard through the 90s and used it for the Byron wines. This is made by Steve Rasmussen, who made one outstanding wine after another for Talley Vineyards. Full treatment Chardonnay that captures the ying-yang between strong winemaking and high natural acidity. Only 150 cases made.
As good as it is, didn't show so hot. The bigger, richer Chardonnays never do will in our Friday tastings. Always seem to be too much, too heavy. Was the case here. Just bad context.
C. FOXEN Sangiovese "Volpino" Santa Ynez Valley 2005 $31
Sangiovese, the grape of Tuscany, conjours images of sun-baked, rolling hills and warm al fresco dining. Santa Barbara has ample warm & sunny vineyards, too, and Sangiovese likes it! “Volpino” means “little fox” in Italian. 20% Merlot gives polish to this medium bodied red.
Too much funk. I don't recall the VA snap (too much of it) at first tasting, but it was there. Some folks loved it...wines with too much funk find homes too, you know.
D. ROESSLER Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict" Santa Rita Hills 2005 $46
Think Santa Barbara and think Pinot Noir. Not just because of Sideways, but because Pinot Noir is so darn good from here! Santa Rita Hills is the western-most part of Santa Barbara, quite near the Pacific. Robust, full of fruit, earthy overtones and exceptional length are expected from Santa Rita Hills Pinots, and we find this one delivers. Roessler is a single vineyard Pinot Noir specialist in Northern California. “Sanford & Benedict” is just one of their fine California Pinots.
Tasty. Big, earthy and distinctive. This is very good wine, and show's the game/earth/spice of Santa Rita Hills particularly well.
E. HAPPY CANYON VINEYARDS "Chukker" Santa Ynez Valley 2007 $16
First of all, what is chukker? It is a Hindi word, and is a playing period in a polo game. These are Bordeaux grapes: Cab Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in decreasing order. This is the very warm part of Santa Barbara. Cab can do well here, and there are very nice, expensive ones being made. Chukker is so delightful, nicely rich, and a heckuva value, too.
This was the wine of the night. Very tasty, easy to like, and such a good price. Rich, fruity and strong, yet still has softer tannins.
F. THREE SAINTS Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 2006 $17
THE grape of the Northern Rhone is the cat’s meow/pajamas here. Both styles (very peppery or deeply fruity) succeed here, depending on the region. Three Saints captures both qualities: generous berry, cracked black peppercorns, black olive, penetrating and classic Syrah flavors.
Not quite as good as the previous vintage, but still very and a great value. Sweet berries, black pepper, black olive...just a little bitter at the end. Overall a great representation of ripe French-style Syrah for a good price.
Tasting of Friday, June 20, Two wine flights
Dan Philips & Chris Ringland
Shiraz and Grenache
We lined up these three Aussie Wines co-owned by Grateful Palate owner Dan Philips and Winemaker Chris Ringland. Made to be delicious now and for the American market, these highly rated wines (Parker said nice things and rated both Shiraz wines in the 90s) are slam dunk good.
Our recap notes are in italics.
R WINES Shiraz "Luchador," South Australia (Barossa/McLaren Vale) 2006, $20
Well balanced, modest oak, dark fruits, big-flavored, not overwhelming: we were pleasantly surprised how drinkable the Luchador is. Great value, too. We're very happy to have this wine.
R WINES Shiraz "Ebenezer" South Australia (Barossa Valley) 2006, $22
Bigger, more liqueur-ish, "sweeter" style than the above. Still, in balance. Higher impact wine. We prefer the Luchador, we find more tasters go for the Ebenezer (but both are very much enjoyed by all).
BITCH Grenache, South Australia 2006, $13
Strawberry pie, light pepper, juicy, no tannins, drinks nice and easy. The name and label draws attention and it's a bonus for buyers that the wine is good. Not our "thing" to sell gimmicky wine, but it's nice to shake things up once in a while.
Pink Flight:
French Rosé
Three pinks, each from different part of Southern France.
Our recap notes are in italics.
CHATEAU DE PAMPELONNE Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2007 ($19)
80% Cinsault. Orange hue, typical of Provence. Mandarin orange, raspberry and wild cherry. Provence herbal note, black pepper...more fruit than most Provence pinks we've had. Very delicious.
DOMAINE DE MATTES-SABRAN "Duc de Narbonne" Vin de Pays d'Oc 2007 ($14)
Always delicious, and delivers once again. This is coming around (we found it a little tight at our Rose tasting two months' ago). Stem strawberries, plums, pepper/herb, "pretty," a pink wine no brainer. Exceptionally good price, too.
MAS AMIEL "Le Plaisir" Côtes du Roussillon 2007 ($16)
Delicious, fruit-forward, litely spicy, full mid-palate, this is a delight to drink. We sold about a case during the tasting, which is nice. By the way, I just took a bottle of this Mas Amiel to sushi, and it ROCKED. Hamachi, uni, toro: you name it, it worked. Mark my sushi-words.
Tasting of Friday, June 13
BACK ROOM BLOW OUT XXVII
Our inaugural Friday night tasting at First & Main Streets!
These three local winery owners/winemakers poured us the following:
DREW NEIMAN poured:
BRIDESMAID White Wine (80% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc) Napa Valley 2007, $20
BRIDESMAID Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah blend) Napa Valley 2005, $40
NEIMAN CELLARS Napa Valley Red Wine (Bordeaux-style red blend) 2004, $80
BILL BRYANT poured:
SEDNA Rosé of Syrah Napa Valley 2007, $19
SEDNA Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2004, $26
SEDNA Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004, $40
ABE SCHOENER poured:
SCHOLIUM PROJECT "Naucratis - Lost Slough Vineyard" 2007 (100% Verdelho), $29
SCHOLIUM PROJECT "Babylon - Tenbrink Vineyard" 2004 (100% Petite Sirah), $80
Wines poured on sale for special 10% off during the Blow Out.
Blow Out special: $5 credit for each bottle of Blow Out wine purchased.
So, buy three bottles and you're drinking for free!
Friday, June 6
Farewell, Franklin Street Party
After almost six years at First & Franklin, Back Room Wines closed their doors and moved to First & Main Streets in Downtown Napa. We toasted and bid farewell to this great little wine store as we prepared to move to our bigger, better location.
No charge for the party. Wine will not have yet moved, and will be available for purchase.
(hint hint: help us move by taking a few bottles home with you!)
BIG NOTE: If you want to drink out of glass, BRING YOUR OWN. Our sink will have moved, so we will have plastic cups available.
Tasting of Friday, May 30
PINOT NOIR
Very good tasting. This is what we had:
A. BAKER LANE Pinot Noir "Hurst Vineyard" Sonoma Coast 2006 ($38)
We begin our tasting with this "Burgundian" Pinot Noir from relatively cool vineyards that skirt Sebastopol. "Hurst" is an organic vineyard on loamy Goldridge soil (a particular type of soil you see in the Sebastopol area, and Pinot flourishes in it). 40% new French oak (used 450 L puncheons-these bigger barrels give more subtle oak flavor than the smaller barriques), about 700 cases made.
B. PELERIN Pinot Noir "Cuvée St. Vincent" Santa Lucia Highlands 2006 ($38)
Pelerin is the French word for pilgrim. The motif represents a humble man on a heroic journey and is emblematic of the owners' quest to produce top-level wines from this area. The Santa Lucia Highlands are in southern Monterey County, one mountain range from the Pacific. Typically, the Pinots from this area are particularly spicy and robust. See what you think of this. Our second straight "Burgundian" Cal Pinot for you, it's an interesting comparison to the Baker Lane as the winemaking styles are similar.
C. CHATEAU DE LA MALTROYE Bourgogne Rouge 2005 ($29)
We bandy about the term "Burgundian" a lot on this sheet. Here's your benchmark Burgundy. Subtle, sinewy and shy, we like coercing the aromas and flavors from this "simple" little Burgundy. The more air, the more swirling, the better. Please give this wine a chance to open up in your glass.
D. SOTER Pinot Noir "Beacon Hill" Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon 2005 ($48)
This is quintessential Willamette Vallley (Yamhill-Carlton is a sub-AVA) premium Pinot Noir with layers, nuance and distinction. Yes, we like this! Tony Soter, founder of Etude, now resides in Oregon and focuses on his own label in the great Northwest. "Beacon Hill" is 30 miles southwest of Portland, near the town of Yamhill. Organically grown grapes. Note the modest alcohol by today's standards (under 14%). 60% new French oak, traditional Burgundian winemaking style.
E. SIERRA MADRE VINEYARD Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2006 ($42)
"Sierra Madre" is the western-most vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. This means it's really cool here, a la Mendocino's Anderson Valley and Green Valley/Russian River Valley. The Burgundy varieties reign supreme in such climates. The vineyard has changed owners a couple of times in the recent past. The late, great Robert Mondavi owned the vineyard in the 90's and into the 21st century. You've probably drunk "Sierra Madre" Pinot at one time or another as Byron, Hitching Post, Gainey and Au Bon Climat are but a few of its customers. When Mondavi bought the vineyard in 1996, he started replanting the vineyard and switching to Dijon Clones, a cutting from Burgundy that thrives in cool vineyard sights. Beguiling, complex, wonderful flavors that only Pinot Noir can boast are here. Taste cherry preserves, wild thyme, bay leaf, pie spices, black olive, and a seductive smooch of vanilla toast from the French oak. This is complete, complex, delicious, balanced, authentic Pinot Noir. 375 cases made.
F. KOSUGE Pinot Noir "The Shop" Carneros 2006 ($34)
We conclude our Pinot tasting with the most local one of the bunch. "The Shop" comes from a vineyard next to a farming work shop that neighbors The Carneros Inn. We feel it packs everything that's good about Carneros Pinot into the bottle: bright aromatics, sweet cherry, silky mouthfeel, juicy mid palate and a simple deliciousness. Byron Kosuge, Owner/Winemaker, knows how to make wines of myriad styles. This one we find to be a particulary delicious one. Under 600 cases made.
tasting of Friday, May 23
Mediterranean Red Wines
the line-up was:
A. DOMAINE DU DRAGON Rosé "Grande Cuvée" Côtes de Provence 200 $15
This Rosé is mostly Grenache with a little Syrah and Rolle. Grown on steep slopes with chalky soils; vines are over 40 years old. Notes from the importer: A delicate pink in the glass, “Cuvée Prestige” is delightfully dry, fresh and pure; aromas of white and pink roses and grapefruit zest blend with a spicy, structured and dazzlingly fresh mouth of white peaches, blood oranges and lavender candy.
As expected the “Dragon” our driest French rose' stood and delivered a tangey, racey start to the tasting festivities, and festive it was!
B. DI GIOVANNA Grillo, Sicily 2006 $18
From the western-most part of Sicily is where Marsala is made, and Grillo is the principal grape. Grillo makes a dashingly good dry white wine on its own, as this wine attests.
All of our guests enjoyed The Grillo with it's clean minerlality and notes of lemon and citrus rhind and we all agreed that it was a great way to clean the palette and transition from the zippy rose to the reds.
C. VENDRELL I RIVED Montsant “Seré” 2006 $13
We’re now in Catalunya. Barcelona is about 100 miles to the west. Priorat isn’t far. Grenache is the main grape used here. The Serè is 80% Garnacha and 20% Cariñena (Carignane). No oak.
This was the sleeper of the tasting. We poured this a few Friday's ago, and it was deemed "just fine." This tasting, however, had a different outcome. All were in agreement the Montsant showed very well . It's full and voluptuous with big dark fruit and very well balanced. The Cariñena, once again, added the perfect smack of tannins that folks enjoy so. For the price, it was hard for our tasters NOT to buy a bottle or two.
D. DI GIOVANNA Nero d’Avola, Sicily 2005 $19
Back to the toe of the Sicilian boot. Nero d'Avola is the red grape of Italy. Often spicy, always ripe and bold. We like the Di Giovanna Nero d'Avola for its easy-to-appreciate, rich style.
The Nero d’Avola impressed everyone, especially me (Pete), with its distinctive flavors of sweet oak, black truffle and olive. I find it a wonderful expression of its terroir. Was enjoyed, or should report noone DISLIKED it, but not a popular wine by sales. It's so easy to like, we're confused by the tepid response.
E. JEAN GARDIÉS - MAS LAS CABES Côtes du Roussillon 2006 $15
In the foothills of the Pyrenees and almost on the Mediterranean is Jean Gardiés. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, practically within earshot, are the Syrah, Grenache and Carignane vines that make "Mas Las Cabes." Here's yet another California-esque, sun-soaked red wine. Seekers of very black peppery wines must try this wine for it's like a peppermill gone berzerk from nose to finish. But wait, there's more! Briary, intense raspberry and blueberry flavors, anise seed, oil-cured olives and tobacco come to mind is this big, impressive wine. Game birds, lightly smoked then slow-roasted, are the first food match that comes to mind.
To our pleasent suprise the Mas Las Cabes was the crowd pleaser with its cool ripe fruit and nice acidity; all agreed this makes a wonderful sipping wine, I know for sure as we sold all that we had! Not to worry, we will have more this week!
F. CHATEAU MOURGES DU GRES Costières de Nîmes "Les Galets Rouges" $15
This Rhone wine region, near the Mediterranean is old Roman territory and the cradle of the fabric denim. (de Nimes/denim...truly, the Romans processed cotton into fabric and dyed it blue. DENIM! Cliff Clavin at your service.) This very big, rather new-world style red is made mostly from Syrah. Old and new world styles collide in this hearty, dark, robust, quite showy red. Smell and taste dark blueberry, black cherry and currant, cola, licorice and espresso. This chewy red could as well be from Paso Robles as from Southern France. Red meat eaters alert: this is dynamite with just about anything red-fleshed and cooked over an open flame.
My favorite, the Mourges du Gres gave a top notch performance showing great fruit and soft, subtle spicey notes on the finish. Was overshadowed by the Mas las Cabes above, must report. We think the reason is the Mas Las Cabes is just more ready to drink now. Mourges du Gres needs a couple of years, which says a lot about such a modestly priced, primo wine.
G. MAS AMIEL Maury, Vin Doux Naturel 2004 $36
From the same "neck of the woods" as the Mas Las Cabes, this old vine Grenache is late harvest, fortified with spirits (thus a Vin Doux Naturel...naturally sweet wine) and is perhaps the best dessert wine to pair with chocolate that there is. It's big, sweet, and bursts with black raspberry, blueberry and black pepper flavors.
The definition of less is more. Even the tiniest sip of this giant left everyone in awe of it’s bold fruit and spice. Our sweet wine lovers took some home and everyone else wished they had a Dairyless Chocolate Torte' to pair it with.
Tasting of Friday, May 16
Annual ROSÉ TASTING
In the midst of spring, we featured our favorite pink wines from around the world. We tasted:
A. DOMAINE DU DRAGON "Grande Cuvée" Côtes de Provence 2007 $15
This Rosé is mostly Grenache with a little Syrah and Rolle. Grown on steep slopes with chalky soils; vines are over 40 years old. Notes from the importer: A delicate pink in the glass, “Cuvée Prestige” is delightfully dry, fresh and pure; aromas of white and pink roses and grapefruit zest blend with a spicy, structured and dazzlingly fresh mouth of white peaches, blood oranges and lavender candy.
This is the type of Rosé that are customers typically prefer. And, THEY DID! Orange blossoms, wild cherries, white pepper, pink grapefruit, very dry...Dragon Rosé showed its Provence style. And it was appreciated.
B. DOMAINE DE MATTES-SABRAN "Duc de Narbonne" Vin de Pays d'Oc 2007 $14
Syrah and Mourvedre in this consistently tasty Rosé from Mattes-Sabran in Corbieres, western Languedoc, southwest France. “This is a wave of lush summer flavors from start to finish. Gossamer perfumes of cotton candy and white pepper wash over the nose; the mouth reminds of ripe watermelon with invigorating flavors of grapefruit and wild strawberry jam.”
Showed well, not great. A little young? We think so. Bubble gummy on the nose, nice texture. We are certain this Mattes-Sabran, a perenial favorite, will show well in no time. For this tasting, it showed just OK.
C. MAS AMIEL "Le Plaisir" Côtes du Roussillon 2007 $16
From the Côtes Catalanes, French Mediterranean, almost at the Spanish border. “A vibrant pink in the glass, this bold blend of Grenache Noir, Carignane and Syrah displays a laser-like precision on the nose and palate. Warmed rose petals, notes of slate (from the region's rocky soils) and orange water characterize its abundant perfumes. The mouth is very floral, with lovely notes of strawberries and grapefruit on the supple finish.”
Delicious, fruit-forward, litely spicy, full mid-palate, this is a delight to drink. We sold about a case during the tasting, which is nice. By the way, I just took a bottle of this Mas Amiel to sushi, and it ROCKED. Hamachi, uni, toro: you name it, it worked. Mark my sushi-words.
D. SKYLARK "Pink Belly" Mendocino County 2007 $16
80% Malbec, 20% Syrah. Skylark Winery is owned and made by the two Wine Directors/Sommeliers of the renowned San Francisco restaurant Boulevard. You can easily tell that this Rose is made to go with myriad foods. A Provence like subtlety, spice and crispness prevail.
Fascinating Rosé in that, paired against the Mas Amiel above, it seemed to be the French Rosé. Orange-hued, very dry, pleasantly herbal, very good wine. Just what we expected, it didn't do too well in the absence of food.
E. SEDNA Rosé of Syrah, Napa Valley 2007 $19
This is our most local wine of the evening. The winery and vineyard is just north of Napa town on the Valley floor. This crisp, bright berry and grapefruit-flavored pink grabs just the right amount of black pepper and Provence herb notes. We especially like the first tangy smack on the lips as we sip.
Nice, crisp citrusy nose is followed by a bevy of wild berry/cherry and a little cracked black pepper to seal the deal. It's really good, and our tasters agreed. The only sticking point was the price: it's a hecka good value, but folks were inclined to purchase the wines we had in the mid-teens.
F. GRUET Sparkling Wine, Brut Rosé, New Mexico $16
We pour Gruet in our Friday tastings. Think it’s because we like to drink it so much! Also, we like to introduce folks to high-quality New Mexico sparkling wine. The vineyards are high at 2200+ feet elevation. Methode Champenoise. Almost all Pinot Noir. We decided to finish with the Gruet because the dosage would make proceeding wines taste austere.
Not to blow my horn TOO much, but finishing with the Gruet was a great idea. Crisp, dry, very fruit, refreshing and lovely, it truly would have made the Roses to follow seem a little bitter. We sold almost a case to a handful of very happy tasters. Hip hip HOORAY!
Tasting of Friday, May 9
Back Room's Most Unusual Grapes $15
This tasting is always fun. We poured our most unknown grapes.
These are the eigh wines enjoyed by all:
A. AMEZTOI Txakolina Getariako 2006 , 90% Hondarrabi Zuri grape $20
We’re on the Bay of Biscay, Basque Country, at the top of Spain near France. Hondarrabi Zuri is the principal grape of the Txakoli region, and you pretty much only see it here. Txakoli wines, recently in vogue in the U.S. are THIS: crisp, lemon/limey, slightly spritzy & tonic-y, low-alcohol (this is just 10.5%) and refreshing. Hondarrabi Beltza (a red grape) makes up the other 10% of this wine. We like this line we found online: "The stuff is so refreshing they could bottle it as a sports drink."
Txakoli has to lead off any tasting with its dryness, citric intensity and low alcohol. Guests "got it" when we drew them a picture of malpeques on the half shell and a heaping glass of this wine.
B. ERCAVIO Blanco (Airen grape) "Más Que Vinos, Mesa de Ocaña" Tierra de Castilla 2006 $11
We just learned that Airen is vinifera grape planted to most acreage in the world. Who knew? It grows mostly in the massive La Mancha wine region, of which Tierra de Castilla is part.
Not bad, not really good, just fine, this basic white gets the job done. Wish I had a reason to recommend it over something else in some circumstance, but I haven't come up with one yet.
C. HILLTOP "Craftsman" (Cserszegi Füszeres grape) Neszmély, Hungary 2006 $9
This native Hungarian variety is a crossing (hybrid) of Muscat and some esoteric Hungarian table grape. The Neszmély region is in northwest Hungary, on the Danube river, not far from Austria.
Wine folks who know me (Dan) well are not surprised I like this wine. Boasts muscaty, floral aromatics, strong mouth presence, well-made and such a great value. We sold a few bottles during the tasting. Fun wine to have around, especially as the days get longer and hotter.
D. DI GIOVANNA Grillo, Sicilia IGT 2006 $18
From the western-most part of Sicily is where Marsala is made, and Grillo is the principal grape. Grillo makes a dashingly good dry white wine on its own, as this wine attests.
I liked this wine more than our guests. It's so tasty! Orange rind, peach, apple, medium bodied, long finish...I've enjoyed more than one sip of this post-tasting. Folks liked it but moved on rather quickly.
E. CAMBIATA Tannat, Monterey 2004 $24
Tannat is a rustic, hearty red grape of Basque country, Pyrenees, France. Madiran is the best know appelation for Tannat. This is one of the few California Tannats made.
Good showing for the Tannat. Its power, spiciness, attractive rusticity and sweet kiss of oak intrigued and riveted more than one taster. Sold a few bottles with purpose to grill a New York Strip and imbibe.
F. NIGL Blauer Zweigelt, Kremstal, Austria 2005 $22
You may know of Zweigelt as restaurants and wine shops here and there sell a little. It makes a delicious, medium-bodied, bright, fairly spicy red. Almost exclusively grown and made in Austria. Blauer means blue. It's called this for the slightly bluish hue of this particular Zweigelt grape.
Very good, medium to light bodied red. Strawberry, plum, Middle-Eastern spice and sweet citrus sensations made this a winner with our group. People thought lighter Red Zin or unique Pinot Noir. Wasn't an introduction to Zweigelt for everyone as we do carry it from time to time. Did well.
G. ARGIOLAS "Perdera" Isola del Nuraghi, Sardinia 2006, 90% Monica grape $15
5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo make up the rest. Distinctly Mediterranean style red here as it's heady, spicy and robust...reminds us of the Southern French wines we love dearly. It's thought the grape originated in Spain, although there's none of this grape in Spain now.
Been a favorite wine here the last few years. Once again, everyone here enjoyed it. Dark fruits, robust and a background sweet spice/lavender thing going on. This is just outstanding for the $.
H. TRINAFOUR Carignane "Niemi Vineyard" Mendocino County 2006 $23
Best known of this eight grape line-up, it's still esoteric. Widely planted in France and Spain, Carignane boasts high yields and is easy to grow. However, it doesn't make very good wine until the vines are old. "Niemi" Carignane vines are 50+ years of age. Petite Sirah skins were added to the wine during fermentation to add a little more color and power.
This Carignane wrapped up a very popular, successful tasting (best we've had in recent memory). Dark, brooding, luscious, robust, supple...fill in the rest to descibe a very good, unique California red. Seems the Petite Sirah skins were a good idea as it was stronger than most Carignanes we've had.
Tasting of Friday, May 2
Super-Aromatic Whites
Exotic whites, floral whites, perfumed whites. These grapes boast lots of different names.
All of them WOWED our guests with their big bouquet and very large flavors.
Here's what we tasted:
A. GRANGE DES ROUQUETTE Marsanne/Viognier, Vin de Pays d'Oc 2006 $14
55% Marsanne, 45 % Viognier. Aged 2/3 in steel, 1/3 in oak. The winery, Vignobles Boudinaud, is just across the Rhone River from Avignon.
This wine was enjoyed by all. A light racey wine that went home with several of our guests for further examination on the patio.
B. LE CLOS DU CAILLOU Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc "Bouquet des Garrigues" 2006 $22
Within the area of Chateauneuf-du-Pape area is the Clos du Caillou. Blend is 50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 20% Viognier, 10% Roussanne. 100% tank aged.
A crisp wine with slatey, mineral notes. This wine was a bit edgey, the folks with a cheese plate seemed to enjoy this wine a bit more than those without. That said this wine would be nice with a big white fish like. Seared halibut, anyone?
C. DOMAINE EHRHART Riesling "Vieilles Vignes" Vin d'Alsace, France 2004 $19
Certified organic, 25 year old vines. Aged in very old, huge wood casks
What a wonderful nose very aromatic, with a nice, soft mouthfeel. A subtle wine with tangy notes and a lingering finish. Folks enjoyed this wine, however it seemed to be forgotten by the end of the flight.
D. CHATEAU D'ORSCHWIHR Gewurztraminer, Bollenberg, Vin d'Alsace, France 2005 $19
The winery is in the village of Orschwihr, the grapes come from Bollenberg. Both villages are just south of Colmar, the main town of Alsace wine country. This excellent representation of Gewurz has all the aromatics and deliciousness of the grape from Alsace. YUM!
The group was divided here. On the nose some sour notes, followed by a zippy trip around the mid pallette, ending with a nice finish of minerals and wet stone.
E. ANDELUNA Torrontés "Winemaker's Selection" Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina 200 $12
The Argentinian grape, whether made bone dry or richer, is practically a dead-ringer for Muscat. Tupungato is 4000 feet above sea level, about as high as prime vineyards flourish. Sandy soil and low rainfall make for wines of character (Malbecs are great here).
A true crowd pleaser; very aromatic, with some spice and mineral notes. Nice rich mouthfeel but with plenty of crisp acidity offering a dry finish.
F. REUSCHER-HAART Riesling Piesporter "Goldtröpfchen" Kabinett, Mosel 2006 $22
Rich and oily, the Rieslings of Reuscher-Haart are particularly “seductive.” Long time on the lees is part of the explanation…great, sun-exposed vineyard sight is the other).
Seductive and racey, rich and oily is the case with most wines from this region Had it not been for "The Prince" this wine would have stolen the show. Everyone loved this wine.
G. PRINCE PONIATOWSKI Vouvray "Clos Baudoin" Moelleux 1990 $26
Current release, this Moelleux (translates to “mellow,” or “like bone marrow”for what that’s worth) gets better and better over time. 100% Chenin Blanc, as Vouvrays always are, this wine we feel is definitely the wine of the night.
The star of the show! The Vouvray put on its Sunday best and WOW'd everyone. Magnifcant color, on the nose devine notes of apricots, honey and citrus to start. The trip across the palatte was scrumptious and dreamy with hints of overripe pears and the finish comes back whenever I think of it.
Tasting of Friday, April 25
Guess The Grape
We poured six classic examples of well-well known grapes.
Here's what we poured and the thoughts on each.
In a nutshell, guessing grapes correctly is really hard! Two correct guesses was pretty good.
Average correct guesses was about 1.5. Noone got over three. Some wines were hard to guess, admittedly, but I submit they were all fair representations of the grapes. They were all pretty darn tasty, too.
DOMAINE DE TRIENNES Viognier "Sainte Fleur" Vin de Pays du Var 2006 ($17)
Most difficult wine to identify of the tasting. It was indeed peachy and floral, but crisper (more acidic) than the average Viognier. I contest, and contested, that if you KNOW this is Viognier then you taste and say "of course, Viognier." Still, only about 5 of 40 tasters identified it correctly.
DOMAINE DE LA CROIX SENAILLET Saint-Veran (Chardonnay) 2005 ($18)
Not TOO hard to identify, although not many folks did (it's hard to identify a grape!). Chardonnay fruit flavors and texture with very light butter and oak make Chardonnay a good guess. The higher acid, typical of Saint-Veran, threw folks off.
MAX FERDINAND RICHTER Riesling "Graf Zeppelin" QbA, Mülheimer Sonnenlay, Mosel 2006 ($14)
Easiest grape to identify of the night. Was delicious. Is delicious. Blows me away that so many folks don't like these wines because "they're sweet." Lots of folks wouldn't drink their 1.5 oz pour. Ridiculous.
LOUIS & CHERRY BARRUOL "Little James' Basket Press" (Grenache) Rhone Valley ($15)
This non-vintage Grenache from the proprietors of could have been lots of things: we had lots of Pinot Noir, Mourvedre, Tempranillo and Zinfandel guesses. A few Grenache, too. This wine showed more bret than last time I had it, and bret makes it harder to guess the grape correctly.
WILLOWBROOK CELLARS Pinot Noir, Napa Valley 2006 ($19)
Spicier and stronger than most Pinot Noirs, the Willowbrook was the most enjoyed wine of the night, and we sold more of this than the others for sure. Some thought it was very un-Pinot Noir like in its bigness and structure.
CANIHAN FAMILY CELLARS Cabernet Franc, Sonoma Valley 2005 ($24)
15%+ alcohol and very give flavors made this a toughy to identify. The pepper/violet nose and wild red fruits makes me think Cabernet Franc in spades, but this didn't help even the experienced tasters.
Tasting of Friday, April 18
Wines from Spain
We drank a fun selection of wines from all over this special wine country.
All are fruity, forward and fun. Here's what we poured:
A. AVINYÓ Cava, Brut Reserva $17
Classic, mèthode Champenoise bubbly from the Penedès, Spain. All three grapes of Cava are used: xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada.
First off, it was a slow night (only about 20 folks came...what gives?). So our sample is small.
The Cava is perfect for what it is. Very bubbly, fleshy, floral, pretty, a bit on the plump side for bubbly, easy to drink a half bottle.
B. AMEZTOI Txakolina Getariako 2006 $20
We’re on the Bay of Biscay, Basque Country, at the top of Spain near France. Txakoli wines, recently in vogue in the U.S. are THIS: crisp, lemon/limey, slightly spritzy & tonic-y, and refreshing. The grapes used: 90% Hondarrabi Zuri and 10% Hondarrabi Belza.
Very good wine that did not do well this night. Could be the dosage in the Cava made the Txakoli, already a light and very crisp wine, be sensed as austere and almost mean. It's not. It's perfect: racy, lemon-limey, refreshing and fun. Tough to truly enjoy without the food going on, too. We have more, and we recommend it highly in the right situations. And there many right situations.
C. SERÈ Montsant 2006 $13
We’re now in Catalunya. Barcelona is about 100 miles to the west. Priorat isn’t far. Grenache is the main grape used here. The Serè is 80% Garnacha and 20% Cariñena (Carignane). No oak.
Showed OK. The Garnacha portion was loved. The Cariñena brought in tannins on the finish that came across as coarse. Overall, showed well and considered a very good value. Bet a beefsteak dinner and a glass of this would be a dazzling match.
D. VINOS SIN LEY Garnacha "G5" Vinos de Madrid 2006 $15
The arid, Spanish highlands have become quite famous for the juicy, lovable old vine Garnachas priced for a song. We love G5, from just beyond Madrid. Old vine Garnacha, pure and simply delish.
The wine of the night from a sales perspective. Juicy, jammy, luscious and fun...just what was expected! We have about a case left. Won't be around long, I expect.
E. BARAHONDA Monastrell, Yecla Valley 2006 $13
Yecla Valley is part of the Murcia region. It’s about 50 miles inland from the town of Valencia.
Monastrell is better known here as Mourvedre. It loves the Mediterranean climate and terrain.
Barahonda, vintage to vintage, is a wonderfully strong, spicy, robust, big-food friendly red. Dig it.
Just the right amount of nice "funk" on the nose leads to wild red berries, slightly cooked, and perfectly sweet. Nicely balanced. This was the consensus of tasters this night. This is the fourth consecutive vintage of Barahonda Monastrell carried at BRW, and we still love it to pieces.
F. JC VIZCARRA Ribera del Duero 2005 $23
THE RIBERA DEL DUERO ON YOUR LEFT. 100% Tempranillo. This famous region in the heart of Spain shares notoriety for great Tempranillo wines with Rioja. The very hot days are counterbalanced by the very cool nights (due to high altitude – 2700 feet). Meager soils make for stressed vines and grapes (resulting in wine) with POWA!!! Lots of oak on this wine from start to finish. Vanilla bean, mint, bourbon: signature flavors of strong American oak (so loved in this region). Many of our tasters loved it. I, for one, would enjoy it with a grilled, smoky ribeye steak. Otherwise, I'll stick with Barahonda. I definitely recommend this wine for lovers of sweet, seductive American oak, for usually such a style can't be found (at this quality) for less that $30!
G. MIBAL Ribera del Duero 2005 $22
THE RIBERA DEL DUERO ON YOUR RIGHT. 100% Tempranillo. More similarities than differences between these last two wines. Preference? Like the JC Vizcarra, the American oak is prevalent here. But, not nearly as much (for more oak, the other choice is the Mibal "Seleccion" 2005, which we have for $35). This is nicely spicy, full of fine Tempranillo fruit, and is quite well balance. Good wine for the price.
Cheese plate tonight:
San Simon (Galicia, cows' milk, smoked) , Zamorano (Castile-Leon, sheeps' milk) and
La Serena (Ewes' milk, southwest Spain) $8
Tasting of Friday, April 11
We prepared for spring (and summer) with some crisp and aromatic whites from around the world.
We have for you at this tasting eight very different wines.
Almost all different grapes, mostly from very different areas (two Southern French).
Here's the line-up and notes:
A. GRUET Sparkling Wine, Brut Rosé, New Mexico $16
High elevation (2200+ feet) Methode Champenoise sparkling from New Mexico. Mostly Pinot Noir.
The Gruet tasted as good as ever. It's real dry and with just a whisp of wild berry/cherry. So refreshing. Our tasters didn't go "ga ga" over it, but was completely enjoyed. Sold a few. I, for one, would take multiple bottles home with me.
B. BURGANS Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain 2006 $12
This region is practically on the Atlantic, just above Portugal. Very cool climate for fine wine. Albariño is one of the great fish wines of the world.
REALLY enjoyed, especially considering the price. Crisp as can be, nicely floral, very well made. This wine, vintage to vintage, is remarkably consistent.
C. F.X. PICHLER Grüner Veltliner, Loibner "Frauenweingarten"
Federspiel, Wachau, Austria 2006 $32
Classiest wine of the night. Great producer, and from the slice of vineyard heaven Wachau, a tad northwest of Vienna. On the label, Loibner means the vines are in the town of Loiben Frauenweingarten meand “Lady’s Wine Garden.” Federspiel indicates a minimum required ripeness level of the grapes at harvest…it’s akin to Kabinett in Germany. This term is only used in Wachau.
Showed well, not great. Bad pairing for it agains the Albariño I must admit (I bet the former has a little sugar, which tends to flatten the next wine in the tasting.) Nice big bones and a classic lentil/white pepper aroma on the Pichler. Very good wine.
D. BERGERIE DE L'HORTUS Vin de Pays du Val de Montferrand, France 2006 $16
From the region Pic St. Loup in southern France, just below the Rhone Valley. Grapes used are Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. No oak.
Fairly well received. Wish the l'Hortus showed a little more character of any one (or two) of its varieties, to be truthful. It's a nice drink and a fine value, but I can't say it's setting itself apart in any way at the moment.
E. VICAR’S CHOICE Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2007 $15
Crisp as crackers and brimming with grapefruit, this Kiwi SB should make you smile, and buy.
Very classic, grassy, aggressive New Zealand SB. Tangy! Lovers of this style loved it. Detractors of this style moved on quickly.
F. TWO WIVES Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2007 $18
Now the rich Sauv Blanc, but not oak nor butter to hide the fruit. Yountville fruit, very tropical. From two winery owners/winemakers wives, Christy Madrigal (married to Chris Madrigal of Madrigal) and Elizabeth Naylor (married to Michael Trujillo of Karl Lawrence).
Great contrast to the Vicar's Choice. This is lush, tropical and quite rich (but, no butter nor oak here). Really enjoyed. This is succulent, pure, lovely Sauv Blanc that we like to sell. Many bottles purchased during the tasting.
G. ALLEGRINI Soave, Veneto, Italy 2005 $15
One of the more luscious Soaves you’ve had perhaps. 20% Chardonnay explains it, and a little bottle age. The Soave grape Garganega is the 80%.
Didn't do very well. This is richer, and older, than the Soaves folks usually drink (at least the Soave drinkers who were here said so). I like this wine: the slightest bottle bouquet lends itself well to the citrus skin, waxy side of this wine. Tasters found it fine, but weren't enthused.
H. DOMAINE DES TRIENNES Viognier "Sainte Fleur" Vin de Pays du Var 2006 $17
Viognier shows all its perfume and oiliness in this Southern French bottling (The Var region is in Provence, southeast France, all the way to the Mediterranean). This rather hearty white is best with oily fishes (sardines, mackerel, of course grilled shrimp).
The Triennes showed well. Oily, floral, touch peachy and on the voluptuous side. Didn't change anybody's world, but was very much enjoyed. Sold a few bottles.
Tasting of Friday, April 4
SYRAH AND PETITE SIRAH
It's an evening of big, rich reds, from anywhere and everywhere
these varietals are grown.
We paired up the following wines:
PAIR #1
A. GILLES ROBIN Crôzes-Hermitage "Cuvée Albéric Bouvet" 2005 $31
We start in the Northern Rhone Valley, considered by many to be the cradle of the Syrah grape. This is a high-quality, pure expression of Rhone Valley Syrah with all its bacon, olive, black pepper and wild berry fruitiness. Very moderate oak influence.
Appreciated for the high quality Northern Rhone that it is, but our tasting is not the context for loving such a wine. Too "Crôzes," i.e. the tang and aggressive olive/spice flavors make it hard to really like (until we start serving braised short ribs with our tastings, which isn't going to happen.
B. TWO ANGELS Petite Sirah, High Valley, Lake County 2005 $20
Lake County, north of Napa Valley and inland, is very successful, high-quality Petite Sirah country. Very hot summer days and cool nights, especially at 2200 feet elevation, where this fruit comes from (“Shannon Ridge”). Volcanic soil…conditions are quite similar to Crozes-Hermitage in fact. 30% new French oak.
Did great. Big flavor, strong disposition, very hearty, very much enjoyed and bought up. We were very happy with its performance.
PAIR #2
C. THREE SAINTS Syrah, Santa Maria Valley 2005 $17
COOL California Syrah. Santa Maria Valley is part of Santa Barbara County. Foggy summer mornings greatly temper the very warm afternoons. That written, this is a full, dark fruity Syrah that has ample varietal character AND we find to be universally delicious.
Not surprisingly, the hit of the tasting. This wine has done so well for us the last few months, we expected no less than selling a couple cases, and we did! Varietal spicebox, black olive and bacon on the nose (along with blueberry liqueur and black raspberries). Rich in the mouth, good spice. Good by itself and with food.
D. PRETENSE Petite Sirah, Solano County 2005 $16
This new, second label for Quixote Winery brings great value to the table. Vineyard is in Suisun Valley, outside of Fairfield, north of Interstate 80. Note the all fruit and black pepper flavors without the Syrah flavors of smoky bacon and black olive that you will likely taste in the Three Saints.
Very good value. Tasted great. Big Petite Sirah flavors, supple tannins. Not complex, but very strong and delicious. Another popular wine.
PAIR #3
E. T-VINE Syrah “Frediani Vineyard” Napa Valley 2005 $36
T-Vine Syrah and Petite Sirah side by side. How perfect is that for this tasting?
100% Syrah from “Frediani Vineyard” in north Napa Valley. Aged 11 months in all French oak, 40% new, medium+ toast. Heavy extraction before and during fermentation.
Typical bold, juicy and spicy with silky tannins and great flow. Yummy fruit, medium to full body, lovely vanilla-toast flavors from the French Oak. Solid a wine as it gets. No surprise. Everyone loved it.
F. T-VINE Petite Sirah, Napa Valley 2005 $37
Half “Frediani” (same vineyard as the Syrah) and half from a vineyard behind Louis Martini, just south of St. Helena. 100% Petite Sirah, same technique and oak time/amount EXCEPT this is all American oak barrels.
Big flavors and soft mouthfeel, the T-Vine Petite is a particularly versatile super-premium Petite Sirah. It tasted of smoky blueberries, black pepper, vanilla bean from the toasty American oak, lush and full bodied. Our tasters loved it as the perfect nightcap for this tasting. The defining fruit of Petite Sirah is blueberry, and squishy, very ripe ones at that. That's the T-Vine!
Special tasting of Thursday, March 27
BIG TIME NAPA CABS
We tasted these three Cabs (1.5 ounce pours of each):
KOBALT Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($110/bottle)
BUCCELLA Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($125/bottle)
DRINKWARD PESCHON Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($50/bottle)
Read our tasting notes from this great event here.
Tasting of Friday, March 28
BURGUNDY
We drank Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from some of our favorite producers in this world-renowned wine region. This was the line-up:
WHITES:
A. DOMAINE PINSON Chablis "La Forêt" 1er Cru 2005 $34
We start in northernmost Burgundy, and the only non-contiguous part of the region. Besides being way north for fine winemaking (meaning high acid wines), Chablis is also known for their vineyards on 150 million old seabeds (it's called Kemmeridgian soil for that time period). This is nicely ripe and still very soil-driven and racy Chablis-a classic. Very light oak lets the grape and place shine. Classic dishes include shellfish (shrimp, crab) and baked oysters with a toasty bread topping.
The Pinson was the most enjoyed Burgundy of the evening. Showed juicy, tart fruits with a classic mineral twang to it. Was more fleshy, really, than we expected, and it was enjoyed for this. Sold all we had, and will be getting a little bit more.
B. DOMAINE FONTAINE-GAGNARD Chassagne-Montrachet "La Grande Montagne" 1er Cru 2005 $63 Enjoy, please, this excellent expression of fine white Burgundy. "Grande Montagne" vineyard is tiny and this wine is quite rare. Showed big and brawny with obvious sweet, rich barrel and caramel flavors. This is very good Cote de Beaune Premier Cru, typical of the richest styles. Tasters enjoyed and purchased almost all we had (no small feat considering the price).
C. DOMAINE DE LA BONGRAN Viré-Clessé "Quintaine-Cuvée Tradition"
(Jean Thevenet, Vigneron) 2002 $33
Down to the Mâconnais we go, to this new Burgundy appelation Viré-Clessé (these are neighboring towns) and the exciting, eccentric wines of Jean Thevenet. He's an organic winegrower who is not afraid to wait and wait and wait to harvest. Botrytis, the "good rot" that makes great dessert wines is welcome in his wines. Some have a little, some a lot. This wine has very little, adding richness and complexity. A little bottle age is a good thing with his wines, and we find this 2002 drinking very well right now. This delicious wine was not as much enjoyed as expected. It showed great and exactly as expected, but the uniqueness rang through: honeyed, exotic and obviously a touch of botrytis. Maybe the French A.C. has it right-not typical, not for everybody, it's its own animal.
REDS:
D. LEROY Bourgogne Rouge 1999 $33
Lalou Bize Leroy is the Grande Dame of Burgundy, making not just some of the best wines in
Burgundy, but also some of the best wines in the world (with prices to match). Leroy was one of the co-owners of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and helped it reach the stratosphere in quality and value. She uses the same technique and dedication to her Leroy wines, making myriad 1er and Grand Cru wines. Her Bourgognes are negociant wines (she buys the wine from very good sources, blends and bottles). This is intriguing: a nine year old "simple" Bourgogne finished by one of the great producers, and it's from a great vintage.
Winner of our "really like it" or "really dislike it" award for the evening. The Leroy is solid. Nose is dry herbs, brush, tobacco, wild cherry. Flavor is tang, earth and a soulful core of fruit. Very well put together, needing a roast chicken, and certainly for "traditionalists."
F. DOMAINE DES LAMBRAYS Morey-St-Denis 2005 $63
The owners of the Monopole Grand Cru vineyard "Clos des Lambrays" make this expressive A.C. Morey-St-Denis from vineyards just above the Clos. Whole cluster fermentation (common in Burgundy) and about 33% new French oak adds mascara to this pretty face. This is a classy, very "pretty" Burgundy from a highly respected producer and winemaker. We were very pleased how the Lambrays showed as we bought it on pre-sell and hadn't tried it before tonight. Wild, sweet red fruits, citrus and fresh thyme on the nose. I wave of sweetness at entry then a silky, racy, fruity flavor. Nicely put together and a fair price for the class of this wine. It sold quite well for a pricey wine.
E. DOMAINE CASTAGNIER Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Seuvrées" 2005 $50
This single vineyard Gevrey is "on the wrong side" of Route Nationale 74 (Burgundy's equivalent to Highway 29, but the best wines are pretty much just on one side). Castagnier wines are typically classic/old world (i.e. tight when young and soil-driven). We find this wine a little more flashy and friendly now. Gevrey-Chambertin, maybe the most famous region for great Red Burgundy (Napoleon was fan, don't ya know) is typically big and husky. We think this one is, and priced quite fairly, at that. Interesting. This was as husky as advertised, but showed considerable acidity and a good grip of tannins. Youthful: moreso than our previous experiences with this wine. It's good today with the right food, but will be much better if cellared for 5+ years in our estimation.
Tasting of Friday, March 21
AMERICAN WINES UNDER $17/bottle
We tried delicious and well-priced wines from America (mostly California). Reds, whites, pink, sparkling. Seven wines were enjoyed this night, and they were:
A. VINO D’ANGELO Sauvignon Blanc Nevada County 2007 $14
Local fireman Dan D’Angelo’s first release. From Nevada County (towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City are in Nevada County). Refreshing, crisp, aperitif style of Sauv Blanc. 160 cases made.
The Vino d'Angelo SB was liked not loved. Showed well-nice and light, good varietal character, grisp lemon/kiwi/grapefruit fruitiness. Best place to enjoy this wine is on the patio with a healthy platter of shellfish. Sold a few bottles, have more around and happy to sell it into the summer.
B. PSYCHEDELIC ROOSTER (T-Vine Cellars) Rosé Wine Napa Valley 2006 $13 This is mostly Grenache. It's saignée (pink juice that’s removed from the grapes just before it ferments…this concentrates the red wine.) This nicely balanced, fruity, dry Rose is a nice match with myriad foods. We recently drank half a bottle with some Sunday afternoon guacamole and BOY WAS IT GOOD.
The Rooster Rose was extremely well received. Our Friday night crowd are Rose drinkers, so there was no surprise that is dry and crisp. Grenache shines through with its light strawberry and white pepper notes. Real crisp, fresh fruit (this 2006 pink is drinking great) and pleasing finish made this wine sell out at the tasting. We're getting more.
C. MONIZ FAMILY "Cuvée Alexandra" $19 (was $16.90 with the discount for the night)
Bordeaux-Style Red Blend, Napa Valley 2005 This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petite Verdot. We really like this Bordeaux blend for it ample rich ripe fruit, dark berry, and dark chocolate. It’s refreshing to come across such a value in a Napa red. 758 cases produced.
Very much enjoyed by 80% of our tasters. Rich, dark, silky wine with good Bordeaux varietal character here. Most noticeable oak of the tasting which was generally enjoyed (the 20% nay-sayers thought it too manipulated by oak.)
D. ODISEA "Veritable Quandry" Red Blend, California 2005 $16
Blend of four grapes: Grenache, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Syrah. The Golden State is well covered, with vineyards from Lodi, Santa Barbara and Lake Counties represented. We like the dark jammy fruit, cocoa/black pepper smells & flavors, easy-to-like charm, exceptional richness and cool looking bottle. Oh, and the value. Lot of wine for the dough. 205 cases made.
The "Quandry" has been a popular, very much enjoyed wine for the last six months. Didn't show as well tonight. Featured a little "bret complexity," a leathery, earthy note that compliments the briar patch/spicy wine. In the context of the tasting, it didn't show its best.
E. BORRA VINEYARDS "Fusion" Red Blend, Lodi 2005 $17
78% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, 7% Alicante Bouchet and 6% Zinfandel. The result is a big, dark, spicy, brooding red wine that is more serious than its price tag suggests. Taste cocoa, blackberry jam, licorice, curry and black pepper. The nose is closed in at first but quickly blossoms with air and gives cedar, pipe tobacco, black olive and dark fruit aromas. In the mouth, this is FRUIT FRUIT FRUIT.
Most enjoyed red of the line-up probably. Ripe, spicy, relatively clean and well-balanced, this big red satisfied all lovers of such styles. Sold plenty during the tasting-have more.
F. PRETENSE (Quixote Winery) Petite Sirah Solano County 2005 $16
Carl Doumani is founder of Stags' Leap Winery (since sold) and now operates Quixote Winery, a Napa Petite Sirah specialist. Pretense is very indicative of the quality of wine coming from Suisun Valley/Solano County, one mountain ridge away to the east of Napa. PRETENSE Petite Sirah offers very dark, concentrated fruit, black pepper, mocha, espresso, mulberry and smoke. It's very big but not tannic and a slam dunk for lovers of big reds on a budget.
The Pretense Petite was enjoyed by all, loved by not too many. Showed great for a well-made, value Petite Sirah. Opaque, purple-black, tons of fruit. Powerful nose and entry. Flavor lasts. This big-flavored but simple is best in a non-judgmental context probably.
G. GRUET Sparkling Wine, Demi-Sec, Methode Champenoise, New Mexico $16
Classic Methode Champenoise bubbles from New Mexico. If you haven't had the Gruet sparklings before, it's understandable that you think this a stretch. If you have enjoyed these wines, you know. This Demi-Sec is super-delicious. Barely off dry, if it was called Brut I'd believe it. Yummy fresh peaches and pears distinguishes the Demi Sec.
Showed great, as well as hoped. Almost totally dry, bursting with the peaches and pears, great with the Bleu d'Auvergne cheese we served, very refreshing and tasty. It's testimony to our clientele that we sold over a case of this New Mexico demi-sec during the tasting!
Tasting of Friday, March 14
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
Five reds, one white. All really good!
Here's what we tasted:
A. LES CAILLOUX Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2006 $40
Les Cailloux Owner/Winemaker Andre Brunel can seemingly do no wrong. His wines are always honest, strong and just California style enough to please palates that prefer wines from either side of the Atlantic.
The Les Cailloux Blanc is 80% Roussanne, which gives the wine a particular oiliness and luxuriousness. Not all white Chateauneufs are as rich as this. This wine is good with oily fish like mackerel or sardines. Good ol' steamed crab fits the bill nicely as well.
Les Cailloux Blanc showed rich and sexy tonight. Such "bigness" without any oak isn't seen so much in these parts, so was particularly enjoyed for its uniqueness. We sold the case we had here and can't get any more. We now wait for the next vintage.
B. LES CAILLOUX Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 $48
Blend is 2/3 Grenache (80-110 year old vines, wine aged in tank or neutral barrel) and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre (aged in small oak barrels). This pretty and very intense Chateauneuf is reference point for the region. We're very pleased to have it here tonight.
Didn't disappoint. Medium bodied, very aromatic, spicy and beguiling, long at the end, full of sweet berry fruit. This outstanding, perfectly balance Chateauneuf was loved by all. Surprisingly we finished the night with a few extra bottles to sell.
C. RAYMOND USSEGLIO Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Girard" 2005 $42
The average age for his Chateauneuf vines is between 50 and 60 years old. The blend is about 70% Grenache 20% Mourvedre and then Syrah and a field blend of old vines the remainder. This is deep, muscular, structure Chateauneuf that we expect to be more appreciated for its future than its right now (if you what we mean).
This was the most pleasing surprise of the night because, to be honest, the staff hadn't tried the Usseglio until the tasting. We were very pleased to see the opinions of others were confirmed: this is GOOD. Dark, brambly, smoky and complex. It was really more approachable and "yummy" than we had expected. Sadly, we sold pretty much all we had and can't get no more.
D. DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 $35
Blend is 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault. Ageing is a mix of cement vats, neutral barrels and new oak. Not too much new oak is used here. Final blending is done after ageing. Our notes from our first tasting: "A shy nose quickly opens to black cherry jam, allspice, tobacco, soy sauce, black olive and game. Loads of deep, dark berry flavors and some firm tannins make for a very robust, age-worthy wine."
Very good, and very much enjoyed. A little funk at first sip soon turns to brooding, rich and dark wine. (Get used to the ever so slight French funk I guess) Dark fruits, currants, mocha and black pepper. This very solid Chateauneuf confirmed our opinion that this is a great value.
E. DOMAINE DU BANNERET Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 $45
Blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. 80 year old vines. Yields are under 2 tons an acre. Very little oak is used in the ageing. We really like the exceptional concentration, full body and classic Southern Rhone spicy/earthy flavors of this wine.
Great balance, loaded with classic Chateauneuf aromas and flavors (like garrigue, anise, mint, briney olive, bacon...) and a perfect wallop of fruit. Sold a lot of this. Sold all we had in fact, and we're getting more.
F. ALAIN JAUME Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Vieux Terron" 2005 $34
This is 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels. New world winemaking style (big fruit, liqueur-like ripeness) meets classic Southern Rhone aromas (black pepper and olive, the sea, dried wild thyme).
This was by far the hardest to wrap one's arms around. Started really reductive (i.e. funky, smelly egg nose) so needed lots and lots of air to unwind. This was after decantingn and swirling the wine for 15 minutes...needs an hour of this I guess). I'm composing this the day after the tasting, and the wine has had the night to open up, and it's drinking great now. Black olive, spicy black cherry, leather, hard chocolate candies. I call this now a "pleasing classic funk" that matches will with red, gamey meats.
Tasting of Friday, March 7
COPE Benefit Tasting
We welcomed Rudy Zuidema of Ehlers Estate and Calix
and Rachel Miller of Robert Craig Wine Cellars.
Tasters enjoyed five wines poured graciously by Rudy & Rachel, had a great time, and supported Cope.
The $15 tasting fee and 20% of Ehlers Estate and Robert Craig wine sales during the tasting were donated to Cope. Over $1100 was raised at the event.
Rachel Miller poured:
ROBERT CRAIG Chardonnay "Durell Vineyard" Sonoma Valley 2006 ($45)
ROBERT CRAIG "Affinity" Napa Valley (Cab Sauv based blend) 2005 ($45)
Rudy Zuidema poured:
EHLERS ESTATE Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2007 ($25)
EHLERS ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($45)
CALIX Syrah "Masked Man Vineyard" Napa Valley 2005 ($35)
Tasting of Friday, February 29
ZINFANDEL
Six outstanding Zins for you to enjoy this Friday.
Here are the notes you'll have in front of you as you taste
A. DOWNHILL “Unti Vineyards” Dry Creek Valley 2005 $19
New winery. Downhill refers to the owners second career…he worked uphill, making his fortune, now coasting downhill, spending it on his winery. “Unti” fruit is typically rich and fragrant with a distinctive of-the-earth pleasure. This juicy, lightly spicy little number hits the spot.
First of all, let me say that tasters has favorable responses to all the Zins. Which is nice.
The Downhill Zin started a little oaky with sweet vanilla and toasty wood, then slightly jammy yet fresh berry/cherry (typical of Dry Creek Zin) burst through in the mouth. Very nice Zinfandel that tasters agreed is a very good value.
B. NEYERS “High Valley Vineyards” Napa Valley 2005 $30
One of the finest, established Zinfandel (and other wines) producers captured the essence of Chiles Valley with their “High Valley.” A lot of this fruit is from Green & Red, and we can taste the bright, red fruit-driven, silky flavors of this vineyard. Neyers wines have long been made by the very talented Ehren Jordan, who owns and makes Failla wines and also makes the Turley wines.
Very good wine, showing brightness, perfect ripeness and balance. More than a few found this their favorite wine of the tasting because of its brightness and slight zing while still being plenty strong. This is a great food Zin a la Green & Red (another favorite, and also from Chiles Valley.)
C. BUCKLIN “Old Hill Ranch-Bambino” Sonoma Valley 2006 $24
“Old Hill,” one of the historic Zinfandel vineyards of California, lies near Glen Ellen on the Sonoma Valley floor. Originally planted in the 1800’s, and famous for myriad non-Zin grapes planted amongst the Zin, “Old Hill” makes a particularly spicy, rambunctious wine. “Bambino” is a newer block, planted in 1999. We like the sappy cherry and meaty/spicy flavors and briar patch aromas in Bambino. Earthy spice on the nose mixed in with fresh, coddled blueberry and cherry. Many, including me, liked it's extra spiciness (very common for "Old Hill Ranch." Seekers of fruit fruit and more fruit in their Zins preferred others.
D. T-VINE CELLARS Napa Valley 2005 $33
Yet another favorite Back Room Zin maker here. This is mostly “Frediani Vineyard” which rests along the Silverado Trail almost to Calistoga. Essence of Zin here: rich, fairly jammy fruits, Zin spices of black pepper and allspice, vanilla toast from judicious oak ageing, silky and strong.
No surprise, really, that this ended up being the crowd favorite and best seller. As always, it's luscious, dark, potent and velvety. Perfect complementary oak, too. I must admit, this is the partial bottle I took home to share with my bride.
E. YORBA “Shake Ridge Vineyards” Amador County 2005 $29
This wins the “Most Interesting Wine” award for its newness and story. The Kraemer Family owns the vineyard just outside Sutter Creek in Gold Country. High elevation and meticulously farmed, this vineyard is the current cat’s pajamas of grape sources for boutique Napa wineries like Favia, Courier and Tallulah. Not your typical Amador Zin here as fruit plays the fore. Juicy, ripe, succulent, deep berry flavor. Luscious and fruit-forward, as advertised. Not very spicy. T-Vine is a tough act to follow considering there are more similarities than differences between the two. All enjoyed it but not much went out the door.
F. BRANHAM Napa Valley 2005 $26
Mature, 45 year old vineyard in St. Helena makes for a lush, powerful, hedonistic style of Zinfandel.Owner/Winemaker Gary Branham has the touch to make strong, very “California” style wines. We like the extroverted personality of this Zin.
Lighter color and more overt ripeness, bordering on raisins, and strong pie spice flavors made this the most love it or dislike it Zin. It's big and heady and well made and was much appreciated for lovers of the very ripe style. Sold OK.
Tasting of Friday, February 22
Tuscany & Piedmont
With Wine Double Secret Agent Rich Robeson of Winebow Imports and
Sangiovese Sleuth Kate Chomko of Henry Wine Group. Here are the wines and our notes,
A. SAN QUIRICO Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2006 $15
The grape is Vernaccia. They grow organically on the hills around the town of San Gimignano. It's the perfect expression of Italian white wine to us. Taste grapefruit, lemon zest, pear-apple. It's very crisp but not tart. The finish smacks of old-world truffle and faint bitter olive. Sounds odd perhaps, but it's distinctive ending makes the San Quirico Vernaccia such an exemplary food wine. Pick any fresh white-fleshed fish at your local fishmarket and prepare it simply. This wine will sing a sweet song.
Abridged after-tasting notes as I (Dan) wasn't present (my wedding weekend). I took a bottle of this wine to Pizza Azzurro the week before (my Brother and family were in for the wedding from London). It's really good and typical of the region. Crisp with a slightly earthy finish. Sales were just OK at the tasting. Sold more in the few days after the tasting.
B. FANTI Sant'Antimo Rosso 2005 $19
This Sangiovese/Merlot blend from the Sant’Antimo DOC (wine region) resides next to Montalcino in southern Tuscany. The Sant’Atimo DOC (wine region) is less stringent than most in that the producer can use grapes of his/her choosing (in this case Merlot is used, which makes sense considering the heavy clay soils of the region). This Fanti Sant’Antimo, a church in the area, starts tart, so reserve judgment until you’ve tasted it a few times. Forward fruit and silky mouth feel are to be expected once it breathes a bit.
Not a big seller. I'm guessing it's because this wine needs to open up to shine, and a little food wouldn't hurt. With the remaining bottles in the store, all buyers leave with strict instruction to "let it breathe!"
C. SELVAPIANA Chianti Rufina 2005 $21
This part of Chianti (Chianti Rufina, just east of Florence, and above Chianti Classico) makes elegant, bright, happy red wines with surprisingly good ageing ability. This is a glowing example. It is 95% Sangiovese and
5% Canaiolo. Assuming you like this wine, look for even more Rufina wines for exceptional Chianti value.
I really like this wine. It's so pretty and pleasingly elegant with loads of wild cherry and spice. Didn't sell very well at the tasting-just a few bottles.
D. CASTELLO DI BOSSI Chianti Classico 2003 $21
This Chianti Classico, from the very southernmost part of this region, is an excellent contrast to the elegant Selvapiana. The soils are different (more clay here) and it’s a little warmer here than Rufina. What results is a more plump, structured strong wine. As it’s two years older, the wine is more settled down, too.
Biggest seller of the tasting-just over a case. Folks loved the richness of the 2003 vintage I guess.
E. PRUNOTTO Dolcetto d'Alba 2006 $18
Dolcetto is "the little sweet grape" of Piedmont. Not sugar sweet, but personified, like "dear, darling" sweet if ya know what I mean. Okie Doke, this wine is delicious. Not a lick of oak on this wine, just the pure, fruity, friendly expression of this Piedmont grape. Have no fear of a drab finish, cuz the flavors lasts for a good ten seconds after swallowing...just in time to take another drink. Good stuff.
Lovely Dolcetto, showing the tang and freshness of the grape. Substantial too, which you don't always get in purported high-quality Dolcetto. Fairly popular according to sales.
F. PRUNOTTO Barbaresco 2001 $45
Nebbiolo is the reigning grape of Piedmont. This is 100% Nebbiolo. Prunotto, producer of classic, lovely Piedmont wines, offers us this perfect representation of the grape and place. It’s a wine of structure and age-worthiness with spice, tea, tobacco and wild red fruitiness. Imagine a hearty meal of garlic-truffle sausages and wild mushrooms with soft polenta and a sprinkling of Pecorino cheese with this wine.
Popular considering the price. Second best selling wine. 100% Nebbiolo from a first-rate winery. Its breed showed through. Very good wine, and drinking really well now.
Tasting of Friday, February 15
Taste Tour of France
We tasted wines from six of our favorite French wine regions. Here's the line-up:
A.DOMAINE LAPORTE Sancerre "Domaine du Rochoy" 2005 $23
We start our tour of France in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1850, Domaine Laporte is famous for producing truly wonderful Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre. “Domaine du Rochoy” is a single slope of their vineyard, which is known for being particularly flinty. This is minerally and racy, as good Sancerre should be, with green apple skin, lemon thyme, key lime, and wet stones.
Very good start. This is rock-solid Sancerre, very bright and still with substantial citrus/green apple fruits. Guests enjoyed it and lapped it up. Can't go wrong with this if you're a Sancerre lover as we are.
B.JEAN-MARC BROCARD Chablis "Domaine Sainte Claire" Vieilles Vignes 2005 $27
The Chablis region is the northernmost wine district of Burgundy. The grapevines around the town of Chablis are almost all Chardonnay, making a dry white wine renowned for the purity of its aroma and taste. The Chardonnay vines which produce this Chablis are 60 years old. Their roots have found their way to the deepest parts of the Kimmeridgian soil, picking up mineral trace elements, thus adding to the complexity and character of the wine. Its richness and fruitiness reflects the mineral, chalky soil.
Liked, not loved. Showed the classic stony qualities of Chablis with a little more leesiness. The lees adds texture but takes away the mineral notes a little. Fresh vibrant fruit and a taste of the land here. The biggest fans of this wine were those who like a little more body in their crisp whites.
C. LÉON BEYER Gewurztraminer Alsace 2005 $20
From an organic vineyard in Alsace. This is an excellent choice for a bone dry and highly aromatic dinner wine. This historic winery in the town of Eguisheim has been family owned and operated since 1580. They are known for produc