A Few October Wines

Still trying to finish some other tasting notes, meanwhile, enjoy these!

2013 The Prisoner Wine Co. Blindfold White Wine Napa Valley, Ca

2013 The Prisoner Wine Co. Blindfold White Wine Napa Valley, Ca

Winemaker's Notes

The wine opens up with alluring aromas of freshly peeled mandarin orange, peach nectar, and honeydew melon. Hints of white citrus blossom, marzipan and toasted hazelnut add a nice layer of complexity. On the palette, the wine has a rich creamy entry that is balanced by bright acidity and minerality. These characteristics carry through to the finish with flavors of lime zest and toasted marshmallow.

RP90

The Wine Advocate - "A blend of 30% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, 20% Roussanne and the balance Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and a few other grapes, the 2013 Proprietary White Blindfold is close in quality to the brilliant 2012 I reviewed last year. Reminiscent of some of Sine Qua Non's white wines from California’s Central Coast, the 2013 is more zesty, and plays it closer to the vest, but it offers lovely notes of fresh pineapple, tangerine skins, orange marmalade, melon and honeysuckle. I wish more California wineries would consider using such innovative blends as this given the high quality that can result. This beauty should be enjoyed over the next several years."

This was an impressive white wine – surprising balance with great overtones of honeysuckle and melon, and a layer of zest to bring completeness to the mouthfeel.   Nice finish – a “meaty” white wine that is very good. Got it on close out, makes it even better!

2011 Cantina del Nebbiolo Barbaresco

Wine Enthusiast

93 Points

Red rose, balsamic herbs, red berry and baking spice aromas jump out of the glass. The succulent palate weaves together lush black cherry, cinnamon, eucalyptus, licorice and orange peel sensations that are supported by velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2015 through 2021.

Made from nebbiolo grapes grown on vineyards in Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso and Alba. Fermentations with lengthy stays on the skins followed by ageing in oak casks produce an intensely red wine with slight hints of garnet, a complex nose of ripe red fruit and spicy overtones, and a warm, mouth-filling flavour with soft tannins, great elegance and an excellent finish.

Italian wines seem to be best with food. Alone this was OK, not great. A little light in color, moderate nose – the flavors weren’t as distinct until I had it with dinner. Tannins are very light, but the finish is moderate – available for around $20-25. Worth the money for some good pasta or Italian style meal.

2011 PORTADA Winemakers Selection red, Lisboa, Portugal

Grapes

Tinta Roriz, Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc, Castelão, Pinot Noir, Touriga Nacional.

DFJ Vinhos 2011 Portada Winemaker's Selection Tinto Red (Lisboa)

WE         90 Points              Best Buy

A dark colored, dense wine that is rich and firmly structured. Aged in wood, it holds flavors of plum and berry fruits balanced with a fresh acidity. This is a wine for aging, its structure a powerful statement. Drink from 2014.

Tasting Notes: This deep, ruby red, medium-bodied wine has berry fruit flavours and a beautiful balance, very smooth and tasty with notes of matured red fruits, compote of fruits and honey

This is a $10 inexpensive wine that packs a lot of fruit and flavor in a tidy package.  Not a complete fruit bomb, there is some finesse – no real tannins. The finish is not too long, but a very good “school night” wine or a second bottle open type. Can’t beat the price.

Until later, keep popping those corks and I'll meet you out behind the grapevines!