Merry Christmas!

Just a few wines before the new year!

 

2009 Patrice Rion Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France

A Thanksgiving wine

Red Burgundy has a medium intensity to its color, with purple nuances in youth, becoming ruby and ruby-brick with age. It shows a wide range of aromas, which one would expect from a Burgundy, and its structure, supple and with moderate tannins, allow it to be enjoyed young while ensuring the wine will age.

The Vineyard

Vineyard placement and geology : Brown clay and limestone soil, this wine comes from the same sector as our Bons Batons.

Vine age : 40 years on average

Vinification

 Hand-harvested and scrupulously sorted, the wine is fermented in open stainless steel tanks for around three weeks, then matured in older oak barrels for 15-16 months

Dégustation

To the eye : the wine has a medium intensity to its color, with purple nuances in youth, becoming ruby and ruby-brick with age.

On the nose : a moderate intensity shows notes of small red fruits.

On the palate : silkiness and supple tannins allow the wine to be enjoyed young.

I found this wine to be somewhat washed out – not a great example of Pinot Noir. I’ll admit, it is not my favorite grape, but this was lacking in some of the core flavors – very little cherry, not much earthiness.

2008 Navarro Lopez Old Vine Crianza Tempranillo

Winemaker Notes
Considered the signature red variety of the La Mancha region, the Tempranillo grapes used in this wine come from 30 year-old vines in lime-based soil in the Campo de Calatrava in Valdepeñas, situated at 2350 ft. (716 M) above sea level. The grapes are harvested at the beginning of September and go through carefully monitored fermentation in stainless steel tanks, for seven to ten days, and a long maceration under controlled temperatures not exceeding 82°F (28ºC). The wine is aged six months in oak barrels – 80% American, 15% French and 5% Hungarian – then an additional 18 months in bottle.

Another one from the cheap case – not a bad made wine, just nothing that made it special. A good every day (school nite) wine.

2012 Peju Province Fifty/Fifty     Cab/Merlot

TASTING An expressive wine finessed with elegant intensity, the nose is rich with dried cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, cigar box and vanilla bean. The palate reveals juicy dark plum, Olallieberry, baking spices and black cherry tart.  Finishing with silky, focused tannins our 2012 Fifty/Fifty is enduring; enjoyable now while also cellar worthy.  

APPELLATION napa valley            VINEYARD persephone

COMPOSITION 50% cabernet sauvignon, 50% merlot

COOPERAGE 50% american oak, 50% french oak, 65% new

AGING 16 months                           ALCOHOL 14.6%

TA 6.1 g/L                                            PH 3.67

HARVEST DATE october 2012      BOTTLING DATE may 2014

RELEASE DATE april 2015               CELLARING enjoy now through 2022

I’ll admit, I have never tried Peju Province. I knew they were in Napa, but they just weren’t on my radar. My brother sent me this one .A wonderful bottle that has a very good nose when it opens up, broad mouth-feel with deep red and black fruits, spices and nicely integrated tannins.  If you can snag one, do it!

A night with a Master Sommelier from the Kendall-Jackson Family wines.

I have not been writing much about the West Wichita wine group since I don’t get much more wine than any one attending. In this case, our December 2015 dinner included a guest from Jackson Family Estates.  I was able to get more than the 2 ounce taste of the following wines. I was very impressed with the selections and the wonderful enthusiasm of our guest.

Yes, we all know KJ Vinters Reserve – a tasty Chardonnay with a hint of sweetness and lots of oak. A staple of many of us for years, probably not on our radar any more. This family estate has so much more to offer – I’ll even pick up a bottle of the original chard this spring!

2012 Jackson Estate Camelot Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, California

The 2012 Camelot Highlands Chardonnay has aromas of pineapple, mango and papaya with a creamy, lush, rich palate. Notes of cinnamon, candied lime and vanilla creme brulee create an appealing and lingering finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points - "From a cooler climate and gravelly soils, the 2012 Chardonnay Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands comes from 40-year-old, ungrafted vines, is 100% barrel-fermented and aged eight months in 52% new French oak. Abundant aromas of tropical fruits, an opulent, exotic personality, huge richness, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, good acidity and surprising length suggest a Chardonnay that could easily sell at twice the price."

I haven’t had this wine for a few years, but I always enjoyed it.  It is an elegant, tasty and outstanding Chardonnay. Retails for around $28, but is a wonderful bottle that will compare to more expensive Chards. Red wine drinkers enjoy this white with its weighty mouth-feel and abundant fruits that are constrained in a great package

2012 Champ de Reves  Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California

Aromas of cranberry and Chambord punctuated by notes of coriander, rose, juniper berry, brown sugar, and Douglas fir.  Flavors of blueberry, sour cherry, cedar, and savory elements come through on the palate. Juicy acidity, earthy texture, and supple yet substantial tannin structure.

I’ve said Pinot Noir is not my favorite grape. This wine is a great example of American Pinot – I probably like Anderson Valley Pinots as well as many Oregon Pinots. The Boon Ridge, where this is grown, is a great area for the finicky Pinot Noir grape, with the Pacific Ocean only 18 miles away and at a height of around 1,600 feet. Well balanced, silky tannins, this is what I really like in a Pinot noir. Price point is a little high for me at $36, but with Pinots, you get what you pay for.

2013 Edmeades Zinfandel, Mendicino County, California

The 2012 Mendocino County Zinfandel is layered with aromas of wild blackberries, spiced plums, cherries, cracked black pepper, and clove spice.  A round and lush texture, with flavors of blackberry compote and red-fleshed plum, is balance by fine tannins and a pleasing acidity.  Notes of toasted oak, vanilla, cherry cola, and chocolate highlight a warm and juicy finish.

I am a Zin-freak, no doubt about it. Edmeades is a wine I’ve had before – they specialize in Zinfandels. They are up north in Mendicino County, an underappreciated grape growing region. This wine will never be mistaken for a big fruit bomb from Sonoma – it is more refined and elegant. (I know, I’ve used that word before, but it fits these wines) The spice was a little understated for me, but the acidity made it a wine that went well with food. At our dinner, it was overwhelmed by the Grand Estates Cabernet and the Freemark Abbey Cabernet.  At home, it was a very good dinner companion, good fruit and that underpinning of fruit. Wine is available for under $20.

Well, until next year, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!

"Wine a little bit and you'll feel better"

November 2015 wines

2011 Domaine de la Janasse, Cotes du Rhone (Reserve), Rhone region France

Domaine de la Janasse Description

Strawberry, black cherry, a tinge of minerality and spices. While Aime works in the vineyards, his son, Christophe Sabon, is in charge of wine production. Christophe is a self-proclaimed "great defender of Grenache," which still represents 75% of their vines. He manages the common rusticity of Grenache-based wines through meticulous work in the vineyards and cellar. The result is a wide range of lavishly ripe, extracted Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhône that are complex and yet balanced with acidity -- often in contradiction to an appellation better known for sheer exuberance and power.

Wine Spectator: 90 Points

Lively, with lots of briar, raspberry and licorice notes framed by a roasted apple wood edge. The juicy, energetic finish brings you back for more. Drink now through 2014. 1,500 cases imported.

I didn’t obtain this wine and drink it until 2015. Despite the Wine Spectator, I would buy and drink this again – a somewhat simple, but tasty Cotes du Rhone; well made and balanced.  Came in my $100 case…

2013 Ticket to Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Deep red, well structured, cabernet sauvignon from colchagua valley. 100% estate grown and bottled.

Ticket to chile is our invitation for you to relax, close your eyes, and experience Chiles unique aromas

and tastes through its wines.  Let your senses savor and enjoy this wonderful journey

to the heart of the colchagua valley. We hope you will come back soon all aboard!

OK – not a highly recommended ticket, passable but not memorable. No obvious flaws, but underwhelming on the palate.

2012 The Great American Wine Company Zinfandel , USA (California)

Winemaker Notes

Rosenblum Cellars is recognized as one of North America’s most acclaimed producers of Zinfandel and Rhone varietal wines. Rosenblum is guided by commitment, craft and a blend of traditional and innovative winemaking techniques to showcase sumptuous wines from the best vineyards and regions in California. Our urban winery has evolved from a passionate home-winemaking operation founded in 1978 into a world-class winery, with numerous gold medals and 90-plus scores. Even with very highly regarded wines, Rosenblum maintains a down-to-earth approachable attitude. According to Wine Spectator, Rosenblum is a "Mecca for Zin-Fanatics."

Vintage - 2012 Varietal Composition -95% Zinfandel 5% Petite Sirah

Barrel Aging - 10 months American oak European oak 25% new oak

Appellation - California Alcohol - 13.5 % Acidity -6.5 g/L pH - 3.75 Ageability - 2014 to 2016

Actually, this was not a bad little zinfandel – not great, but possessed good red fruit flavors and some spice.

2009 Three Rivers Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA

Three Rivers Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2009

 Winemaker's Notes:

97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot Captures the concentration and character of the vintage. The bouquet is explosive with blueberry, cherry, chocolate, currant and smoked meat aromas. The palate is rich, luscious and supple. This is a wonderful example of Eastern Washington Cabernet. Try this wine with marinated skirt steak, filet mignon with a balsamic glaze or beef stew. A true Columbia Valley blend, sourced from top vineyards throughout the AVA: 39% Clifton, 18% Gamache, 18% Wallula Gap, 10% Martinez, 10% Minnick Estate, 3% Seven Hills, 2% Bacchus

It’s been six years since the Foley Wine Group purchased this Walla Walla property, and it wisely has kept winemaker Holly Turner at the helm. She worked with seven vineyards on this vibrant Cab — Clifton, Gamache, Wallula Gap, Martinez, Minnick, Seven Hills and Bacchus — and kept the focus on the fruit. The aromas bring black cherry, red currant and milk chocolate with spice notes of black pepper and clove. Those cherry and currant notes play through on to the palate, which is well balanced with sturdy tannins and good acidity. This wine received a silver medal at the 2014 Seattle Wine and Food Experience Wine Competition.

This was a real keeper out of the $100 case. Very nicely made, good nose of red fruits and a good long palate and aftertaste.  I lingered over this bottle, it was really good.

2011 Mustiguillo ‘Finca Terrerazo’ Bobal, Tierra El Terrarazo (Pago), Spain

Bodegas Mustiguillo

The growers

Consider this a reintroduction to Bobal, and its champion, Toni Sarrion. In the late 1990’s, Toni began a one man crusade to save this indigenous variety and coax it from obscurity and rusticity to the forefront of truly world class wines. Ever evolving and pushing the quality level forward, the NEW releases from Mustiguillo show their recent move in the cellar away from the use of overt American oak as seen in previous vintages in favor of concrete and French oak for wines of finesse & balance, realizing the potential of Bobal from the unique terroir of El Terrerazo. Mustiguillo has been recently recognized for their extraordinary efforts by Wine & Spirits as one of the Top 100 Wineries of 2012.

Their land

Spain | El Terrerazo

One of only fourteen Vino de Pagos in Spain, El Terrerazo was granted DOP status in 2010. At an altitude of 800-824 meters, the estate is comprised of 89 hectares of contiguous vineyards on primarily limestone soils. The climate is Mediterranean with a strong continental influence with drastic diurnal shifts in temperature and contrasting winds from the sea to the east and hot La Mancha to the west.

The wine

 100% Bobal - Toni Sarrion champions the variety Bobal, working on clonal selections and strict vineyard management for smaller and looser clusters.   Finca Terrerazo is from two plots, planted in 1945 and 1970 and spends 18 months in French oak.  

Press

 2010 vintage - 91 points, Tanzer's International Wine Cellar “Sexy, floral black and blue fruits on the nose, with a spicy nuance adding lift.  Plush and broad on entry, then tighter in the the mid-palate, offering lively boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of sweet vanillin oak.  Supple tannins shape the finish, which lingers with impressive tenacity.” - Josh Raynolds  

Bobal was a grape that used to be made for local consumption in Spain.  Finally, serious wine folks realized the grape had potential as a great wine – grown in an area where land wasn’t overpriced.  I have had several Bobal’s – they have been good, but this one was incredible. Matt, my wine guy, found this and put it into our Spanish wine meal at West Wichita Wine Connection.  It was a runaway hit – the wine is dark and deep, with excellent fruits on the palate. It was super with our meal. Pricier then my cheapo case, but well worth the money.

Well, that's all for now. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!

Another month and so little time to Wine

Here we go again! Another month and a few more wines

2010 Montevina Zinfandel, Amador County, California

This wine delivers all the zest of Amador County in an accessible package that is perfect for everyday enjoyment. The Zinfandel bursts with aromas of juicy, red raspberries, strawberry, and just a hint of clove and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is soft and elegant and ends with juicy finish. The Montevina Zinfandel is perfect for toasting the simple pleasures of life and pairs well with spare ribs, spicy BBQ or a beautifully grilled hamburger.

Generally, “old” zinfandel lacks the spice and fruity base the wine is known for. This one was OK – still had some fruit and spice but not one you would want to hang on to any longer. Good for the $100 case it was in, wouldn’t look for this vintage – get something newer…

2011 Koyle Reserva, Syrah, Colchagua Valley, Chile

The 2011 Koyle Reserva Syrah is a vivid purple color, with blackberry and violet flowers on the nose. The palate has notes of cassis and espresso flavors. Bright fruit on the palate -- fresh and muscular on the finish, this is a well constructed wine with fine tannins and an elegance finish.

Winemaker Notes

 The grapes were picked in selected lots, coming from Colchagua Valley. The vineyards are carefully pruned, with stringent canopy management and a green harvest. At optimum ripeness, the grapes are hand-picked and brought to the cellar for sorting. The Koyle team select only the healthiest and best clusters for their wines. In the tank, cold maceration (for aroma and flavor extraction) takes place over five days, followed by fermentation over two weeks at 75°- 78° F (24°- 26oC). Finally, warm maceration (to extract just the most rounded and silky tannin) takes place. After this, the wine is aged in French Oak barrels for twelve months. One soft cartridge filtration takes place before bottling.

Serving Hints

This wine is ideally served with oily fish, spicy foods, rack of lamb and Thai foods. 

 Grape Variety: 93% Syrah and 7% Malbec

OK – there is something about wines from Chile. They often start with a bunch of “funk” in the nose.  Maybe more barn-yard, or earthy, but after a short while, it blows off and you get the essence of the fruit. Could be all the organic activity in the country; could be the land or the llamas in the grape vines. Initial nose was full of funk but after an hour it had become elegant. It was even better the second day – good fruit in a French style syrah. Lots of red fruit with a decent aftertaste.

2012 Great American Wine Co by Rosenblum, Cabernet Sauvignon

Like the American spirit, our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon has a bold, rugged character. The nose is big and captivating, offering heady dark fruit, cigar box, leather and dried sage. The palate is smooth and supple, with juicy boysenberry and black cherry flavors. It is layered with toasty oak spices, followed by firm tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Pair with big flavors, such as grilled meats or rich pastas.

Vineyard

The stunning California landscape, with its golden hills rolling toward the Pacific Ocean, is grape paradise. Cool maritime breezes temper warm, dry days throughout the growing season, allowing the grapes to hang on the vine well into September and October. This produces excellent fruit with balanced acids and rich, concentrated flavors. Our Cabernet Sauvignon is selected from various vineyards that gave us a range of flavors and textures.

Winemaking

Our Cabernet Sauvignon was barrel aged for 12 months providing toasty oak spices and firm tannins. We blended in Merlot and a small percentage of Petit Sirah to add depth and complexity to the palate.

Vintage 2012

Varietal Composition 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 2% Petite Sirah

Barrel Aging 12 months

 Appellation California

Alcohol 13.5% Acidity 5.5g/L pH 3.6

Ageability 2013 to 2016

This was a decent little bottle – not something I would seek out, except to help with the cause. The nose was the best, the flavors were a little underwhelming for a Cabernet. Didn’t specify the appellation on the label, but pretty typical of fruit from the central plains and Lodi area.

NV Juvé & Camps Brut Rose       

Wine Description

This Rosé Brut is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that come from the newly acquired Feixa 1 vineyard on the historic Juvé y Camps estate. The free run juice undergoes a cold-soak maceration followed by fermentation in stainless steel. The resulting wine blends the traditional methods of Juvé y Camps with international flair and flavor.

Tasting Notes

This Cava is beautiful, salmon-pink in color. On the nose, the delicate aromas evolve from notes of fresh red apple and strawberries to hints of honey white flowers and toasted almond. On the palate the texture is rich and creamy with a fine perlage.

Food Pairing

Pair this wine with sushi, salmon pâté, strawberry sorbet, and foie gras.

Yes, I am a sparkling wine lover – this is a wine I’ve had several times and always enjoy. Spanish cava tends to be at a great price point – affordable and a good option when the Chateau Ste. Michelle Brut is sold out.  I really like this in the summertime – the pink bubbly is clean and not sweet – hits the spot on hot days.  Price is always under $20, making it affordable fun.

So Many Wines, So Little Time!

Just a few more wines, before I go...

 Dominio de Valdelacasa 2008

Dominio de Valdelacasa is a varietal red wine made of Tinta de Toro by Bodega Frontaura, a winery located in the D.O. Toro. Its grapes are grown at the property Pago de Valdelacasa, after which it is named. It is fermented for six days in stainless steel tanks and aged for six months in French oak barrels.

Tasting report Dominio de Valdelacasa 2008

Dark cherry colour with violet reflections. Clean and very bright, with thin and slightly coloured tears.

Medium-robe nasal aromas with notes of ripe, fleshy and expressive fruit. After swirling the glass, its spicy and roasted notes are released followed by final light balsamic nuances and mineral notes.

In the palate, this red wine is powerful, fleshy and tasty. Balanced acidity, intense tannic sensation and long and persistent finish.

This had nice age, a decent nose, but seemed a little numbed in the flavor category. Didn't really open up until the second day open and then it was pretty good, but not great. I know I got it for around $14, discounted from a higher price, but it still isn't one of my favorites.

Bodkin Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (Cuvee Agincourt)

Had this during a warm evening, while serving at a wine group party. This wine is very unique - tasty, bubbly and very much Sauvignon Blanc. Really a different taste for a sparkler, but very good and a good match with party foods.

This unique and stylish twist on Sauvignon Blanc has a core of racy crispness driven by lively acidity, accented with lemon-lime aromas (no cat-grass - no worries) and citrus-passion fruit flavors.  The pronounced citrus tones team with a note of toasted hazelnuts to accent the enchantingly plush mouth feel of the wine. Pair this wine with food…or not…It works great by itself.

Grape Sources:

Armida Vineyards – Russian River Valley

Sandy Bend Vineyard – Upper Lake

Nerd Note:

The Wine is called Cuvee Agincourt in reference to the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War. In 1415 where an English army comprised largely of archer armed with Bodkin pointed arrows beat back a French army much more numerous and comprised of the nations high nobility.

2013 Ravenswood Besieged Red Blend Sonoma County

A blend of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah, Barbera, Alicante Bouschet and Mourvèdre. Sourced from vineyards in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, Knights Valley and Sonoma Mountain. Red-black in color. Rich, robust, and round fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum spiced with cardamom. The finish is smooth and satisfying.

A modern take on the old-school California field blend, combining petite sirah, carignan, zinfandel, syrah, barbera, alicante bouschet and mourvedre from vineyards throughout Sonoma, this balances a juicy core of fruit with an appetizing coniferous aroma, berry-skin tannins cleaning up where the fruit sweetness leaves off. It’s the perfect burger wine.

I tried this when it first came out – nice deep red blend with an interesting bunch of grapes and a nice mouth-feel, lots of red dark fruits and a zing of spices.  Great with a chunk of meat or about anything grilled. When you can get it on sale (MSRP $22) – try it, you’ll like it!

Of course, this is from the “No Wimpy Wines” of Ravenswood – now part of a big corporation, but Joel Peterson still makes wine here – he founded and grew the winery. Known as the Godfather of Zin, the winery has three ravens in a circle as the logo. They make inexpensive zinfandels and high end single vineyard ones as well.  P.S. if you tattoo yourself with the 3 raven logo, you get free tasting for life at the winery.

2012 Moniker    Pinot Noir, Mendicino County, CA 

This is a tasty little Pinot – quite a bit of Bing cherry and light red fruits in the mouth, with a modest nose. Not overpowering, good with lighter fare – a heavy steak is just a bit too much for it. I got three different varieties of this winery in my last $100 case. I’ll let you know about each one after I’ve tried them.

Wine Tasting Notes

Three Word Taste Summary :  berry , earthy , rhubarb  

Tasting Notes 

 Moniker Pinot Noir is a big, dark-hued wine sourced from three cool-climate Mendocino County vineyards, each imparting their own flavors: earth from Anderson Valley, intense berry from Redwood Valley and rhubarb and potpourri from Potter Valley. We fermented a portion of the grapes in macro-bins, punching down by hand for wine of high color and intensity to contrast with the savory nature of pumped-over tank lots. A German yeast strain supported the wine's dark fruit profile while native yeasts contributed bright fruit and forest floor aromatics. Malolactic fermentation and the boldness of American oak lend sumptuousness and spice to this strong and expressive vintage. 

Wine Event and Competition Awards 

•92 points, Gold Medal, 2014 Los Angeles International Wine Competition

So little time, So many wines...

2013 La Croisade Vin de Pays d'Oc Reserve Cabernet - Syrah

"With a bright deep red colour this wine is rich and luxurious on the palate. The flavours are very intense and complex with subtle nuances of violet and blackberries well integrated with toasty oak overtones. The mouth is wonderfully smooth and full bodied with an exceptional length. This wine will be the perfect accompaniment to any kind of meat dishes and cheeses or simply as an aperitif." Winemaker's Notes

  OK - not a wine that you would serve as a special occasion, still, a nice blend with balanced flavors and an ability to go with a wide array of foods. Great addition to the $100 case...

2011 Bodegas Ego "Fuerza" Monastrell, Cabernet- Jumilla, Spain

The 2011 Fuerza is mainly Monastrell with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented traditionally and aged 12 months in barriques. The nose shows a mixture of esparto grass, Mediterranean herbs, paprika and tree bark over the core of black cherries. The palate is quite savory, with fine, although abundant tannins that would do better with some powerful meat dishes.

OK - I don't know what Esparto grass smells like, but this was a heavy, nice blend made for big meat dishes. Decent aftertaste and a moderate nose, this is a great weekend bottle for grilled dead stuff.

NV Domaine Ste Michelle Brut

OK - this is a standard in my house. Great inexpensive bubbly with a new remodeled label. This beat a Dom Perignon in the Wine Trials book, in a blind tasting. Inexpensive enough to add OJ, yet tasty without any additions.

2014 Essay, Chenin Blanc/Viognier Swartland, South Africa

Winemaker's Notes:

This is a medium-bodied white made from South Africa’s classic white variety, chenin blanc. The Chenin Blanc gives the wine its bold guava and melon flavours and a refreshing acidity. Some lees contact fleshes out the wine and fills the mouth with flavour and roundness. The Viognier was added for extra body and its intriguing floral notes. 87% Chenin, 13% viognier

I'll admit, I've always liked both Chenin Blanc and Viognier. Almost off dry – great summer sipper. Medium body, light aromatics, best on a hot sunny day.

2012 Zuccardi serie A Malbec, Uco Valley, Argentina

A full-bodied, rich red Argentine wine with aromas and flavours black plum, pepper and dark spices on the finish. This muscular wine will elbow its way in beside a rare steak or prime rib. It's strong, but not overpowering like the ideal dinner companion conversation. Malbec is Argentina's flagship red wine grape, and this producer excels at the style of wine. Pair with grilled meats.

Malbec food pairings: pepperoni pizza, radicchio, lamb cutlets, beef tenderloin.

The Zuccardi Serie A range demonstrates the richness and diversity of Argentina's Series" as the way of expressing our most representative grape varieties by recognizing the best growning regions specific to each, and selecting top vineyard sites along the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

 Not a bad little cheapie – typical of Malbec from Argentina – tasty, not too complex but made for meat – even better if grilled…

Chandon Etoile Tete de Cuvee 2004, Napa VAlley, California

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale yellow/gold with small steady bubbles.

Aroma/bouquet: Pear, apple, hazelnut, cinnamon and toast.

Palate: Lemon, tangerine, hazelnut and minerality. Creamy mouthfeel.

Additional comments: Rich and structured. Would pair well with a wide variety of food. Could positively compete with higher priced champagne.

When to drink: Chandon Etoile Tete de Cuvee 2004 is ready to drink now through 2018.

Grapes: 61% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier.

Yes, this is not an inexpensive bubbly, although it is cheaper then vintage Champagnes from France. Very structured and wonderful on the palate - I was blown away by the layers and tastes of this wine.  Even my wife thought it was really tasty...

I think I will stop for now, save a few wines for later. Keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!

Trying to keep up - time slips by so fast...

2005 Hafner Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California

From the Winery:

2005 was an ideal growing season with our coolest Summer in 25 years. It was a vintage winemakers dream of because moderate temperatures allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Our Cabernet harvest began on October 11.

Following the Bordeaux tradition of extended maceration, the wine stayed on the skins for another two weeks to soften the young tannins. We then moved the Cabernet into our caves where it was aged in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels. During its first Winter, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation which lowered its acidity and added richness. In its second year, this Cabernet was aged in both oak barrels and tanks. After many blending trials, we added 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec to this Cabernet to increase the wine’s depth and richness. The wine was bottled in August 2007.

At our Annual Vertical Tasting in February 2015, we tasted the 2005 and here are our notes: Lovely, well-balanced. Blueberries, black pepper, mint and spice aromas. Supple on the palate with flavors of dark chocolate and toast that add richness and depth.

A gift, bought from the cellar collection, this wine was drinking wonderfully. Decent nose, real nice flavors with layers. Nice finish – wasn’t even close to its end time.  Small family winery that produces Cabernet and Chardonnay. Worth seeking out.

2012 Perseverance Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Winemaker's Notes:

Rich and full with black cherry flavors followed by hints of exotic spices and plums. Nicely balanced with backbone. The finish is full and satisfying allowing it work well with red meats, red-sauced pasta dishes and chicken sausages with sautéed onions and green peppers.

 Pretty nice for a 10 buck cabernet. Decent flavors, some backbone and a modest followthru on the flavors.  Good BBQ/Pizza wine, school night wine. Not something you’d seek out, but OK in a package deal.

2012 SPICE BLOCK CABERNET  Mendoza, Argentina

Spice Block Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from individual selected vineyard blocks to exemplify the structured fruit flavors of an artisan Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza. This wine exhibits robust flavors of black fruits, cassis and cherry compote with a hint of vanilla mocha yielding a velvety finish of very fine and supple tannins refined by oak aging for 7 months.

Another typical inexpensive Cabernet, this one has nice fruit, some aftertaste.  Adequate school night wine, wouldn’t go hunting for it…

2008 Lagar de Robla  Mencia Robla Catilla Y Leon, Spain 

Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2008 Lagar de Robla Premium Mencia spent 18 months in American oak. It is the most complex of these Mencia offerings displaying density, opulence, and length. This pleasure-bent effort can be enjoyed now but will drink well for a decade."  Jun 2011

New York Times:  "Most wine drinkers, I suspect, have never heard of Bierzo, but word is getting around. And if you get the oppurtunity to taste a good bottle, with its haunting, exotic wildflower, licorice and fruit flavors, you can't help but remenber it." Eric Asminov

Winery:  "The 2008 Lagar de Robla Premium is made with 100% Mencía grapes produced by old vines in the region of Bierzo with an average age of 50 years. This big red spent 18 months in American oak and a year in the bottle before its release.  This is the most complex wine made by Vinos de Arganza. "

Yes, another Mencia from Bierzo – this was another great example of a wine made from grapes that used to make only rustic, harsh, local swill; the wine is made in a modern style and shows good fruit, nice balance and a good finish.  Really nice…

1999 St Supery Meritage, Elu,  Napa Valley Ca                   

Very well made wine – holding up very well, with layers of flavor and nice aftertaste. Berry and cigar box, without the vegetal green pepper. Very nice, touch of browning around the edges but still drinking well.

•           Winemaker's Notes

The deep reds and purples in this Cabernet Sauvignon reflect the wines depth and rich character. The bold aromas offer classic blackberry and currant Cabernet character, complemented by an undercurrant of oak and cedar with wisps of vanillin. The inticing flavors of briar and berry, toasted oak and a hint of licorice, combine with well-intergrated tannin for a complete and fulfilling wine. This wine will only get better with time in the bottle.

Napa Valley

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot

2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

54% New French Oak, 41% New American Oak

Bottled March 13-15, 2002

2014 Copain  Rose of Pinot Noir       Tous Ensemble North Coast ,CA

Very enjoyable Rose, with good Pinot flavors, hints of cherry and raspberry.  A pink for red wine drinkers

Winemaker's Notes:

With a gorgeous hue of pale pink, our 2014 Rosé jumps out of the glass with crisp red fruit flavors. The supple texture is backed by a vibrant freshness and appealing acidity, making this a wonderfully versatile food wine. The 2014 vintage started dry but abundant February rain came just in time to break the winter draught. Warm spring temperatures encouraged an early budbreak that kept vineyard development ahead of schedule through the entire season. Our harvest was condensed beginning September 3rd and concluding on September 24th. For the first time our Pinot Noir and Syrah harvest overlapped. Abundant sunshine and cool evenings created near ideal conditions for ripe and balanced wines with yields falling in the normal range. As the name, “all together”, suggests, Copain’s Tous Ensemble series offers a perfect complement to any gathering, from a casual meal to an impromptu party. Approachable, balanced and ready to drink, these wines pair beautifully with almost any food, any day of the week. Tous Ensemble wines reflect a classic blend of fruit sourced from select vineyards throughout Mendocino County.

2011 Nickel & Nickel Syrah Darien Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA

SENSORY EVALUATION

The 2011 Darien Vineyard Syrah opens with lovely violet and floral notes along with the juicy meatiness inherent to the varietal. Flavors of berry and plum blend beautifully with earth and spice, creating a well-rounded medley of flavors on the palate. The wine’s texture is rich and balanced allowing for a satisfying progression from front to finish.

This wine was deep, dark and almost brooding. The nose was a big – fruit and floral and hints of the spice. The flavor was real big, red fruits, spice and some herbs popping in. Stayed with you for some time; quite a follow-thru of flavor. What a real nice bottle of wine – it could have been kept for several years without losing any of its flavors.

Just a few more notes

2013 Honoro Vera Rueda

They have 2500 acres under vine, since 1916, this is one of the Gil Family Estates. 100% Verdejo from younger vines Pretty orange blossom like floral notes to the green melon and green apple fruit, a note of salty mineral and a mustard like note nuance. A bright zesty wine on the tongue with juicy fruit and a tongue tingly minerality leaving you salivating for food. Finish 35+ Very Good

This is what I found online - I must say it is close. Not a lot of orange but citrus with a great underpinning of acidity and minerality. For an under $10 bottle of white, I was very impressed.  Not oaky like Chard, not boring like Sauv blanc and better than Rioja whites.

 

2013 Ink Monster The Original Zinfandel

"This gem is an inky dark and richly concentrated wine with notes of blackberry spices and vanilla. Enjoy it with game stews braised short ribs and veal shanks with mushroom risotto." 92 Points Wine & Spirits Guild of America

 

OK - it is Primitivo, basically the same grape as Zinfandel.

I find a lot of red fruits, in a fruit bomb style, little layering of flavors and an aftertaste that reminds you of the berry flavored syrups in pancake houses. OK for the price, but not a Cali zin with the spice and depth…

2013 Marques de Somera Garnacha

Selected from old bush vines around the town of Longares by Covinca, at an altitude of 530 meters on soils of limestone and decomposed chalk. Vinification and aging done strictly in tank to accentuate the pure essence of old vine Garnacha - no oak! Violets, bluberries, and wild strawberries burst from the glass. Easy drinking deliciously smooth red. Bang for the buck!

This was another cheapy - not overwhelming but a pretty good quaff, with BBQ and grilled items.

El Jamon Garnarcha

El Jamon An introduction El Jamon is named after Spanish Jamón Serrano (literally mountain ham), a type of dry-cured ham traditionally served thinly sliced with olives, cheese and a glass of wine. The grapes sourced for El Jamon come from the region of Cariñena Denominaciόn de Origen (DO) located in northern Spain, at the base of Sierra de La Virgen. The Cariñena DO is one of Spain's oldest areas to be demarcated, in 1932. The continental climate, high altitudes of the DO and reddish-brown limestone topsoil over slate and alluvial soils is an excellent combination for growing Tempranillo

Now, to go along with our popular El Jamon Tempranillo, a new El Jamon from the other great native grape of Spain, Garnacha. Fuller and rounder, with a lower acid level, this is a soft and easy wine to sip with your meal.

 

Must be 2012 but could find no date on the label

Katherine Able: March, 2015 5/5 stars

One of the more versatile red grapes in the world, Garnacha (Grenache) thrives in Spain. This gem has flavors of black raspberry and cherry fruit, with earthy notes of spice, leather, vanilla and mocha. Medium-bodied with fine, soft tannins and well-balanced acidity. Serve with roast pork loin or chicken with yellow rice.

I know, I really do like Garnacha. This is another cheapy, but made well enough to be a dinner wine. Won't impress your wine snob friends, but a pleasant drinking, fairly low alcohol red to drink in the summer. Nice with pork.

I have to go - will try to get more done soon - got a killer Cabernet and a great Syrah to tell you about. Until later, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines.