WEST WICHITA WINE CONNECTION March Tasting 2013

Oregon – on the Western American Wine Trail

Opening Wine

2009 Argyle Brut, Willamette Valley, Oregon                                                       Around $24

Very nice sparkler, well balanced with acidity and nice fruit flavors. 46% Pinot Noir, 54% Chardonnay.

Red Wine #1

2009 R Stuart Big Fire Pinot Noir, Oregon                                                               Around $20

Nice cherry nose, touch astringent. Light berry flavors, hints of spice - decent aftertaste.

 

Red Wine #2

2011 Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon                               Around $22

Nose was a little subdued, flavors were very berry, cherry and fruit compote. Long finish, with a good acidic balance.

Red Wine #3

2010 Adelshiem                Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon                                   Around $25

Nice nose – cherry and raspberry. Silky flavors of cherry and raspberry with hints of spices (nutmeg?). Smooth finish, very little tannins.

Red Wine #4

2010 Soter Vines North Valley Pinot Noir, Wilamette, Oregon                     Around $25

Nice berry, cherry nose with good flavors of cherry, blueberry and spices. Finish slightly tangy, a rhubarb taste.

The top vote getter was the Argyle Brut, the greeting wine – a first I believe. Second was the Soter Vines, followed by the Big Fire, Adelsheim and Raptor Ridge.

Until next time, keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you behind the grape vines.

 

WEST WICHITA WINE CONNECTION February 2013 Tasting

Sorry for the little vacation - but I'm back and will work on getting things posted regularly

Washington State            Part 1 of the West Coast Wine Country Tour

Opening Wine

2010 Chateau Ste Michelle-Dr Loosen  Eroica Riesling                      Around $21

Wonderful fruit nose, with pineapple and star fruit. Big mouth feel – lush with pineapple, pear and other tropical fruits. A hint of sweetness, but not cloying; good lasting aftertaste.

2008 Nine Hats Syrah                                                                                      Around $26 

Moderate nose, a little closed in. Nice flavors – blackberry and gooseberry, with a nice structure.A bit like black fruit cobbler in a glass. Decent length aftertaste.

2009 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills (H3) Merlot                        Around $16 

Nose a little closed in, some berry hints.  Dark fruit undertones, a little bit of astringency with tannins poking in on the flavor. Hints of tobacco and mocha – was better with the food.

2010 Charles Smith Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon                 Around $ 21 

Nice big fruit nose – berries and plum. Good fruit, dark berries, hints of cassis and tobacco on the finish. Good length on the end – very nice wine.

2010 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend                           Around $20 

Nice fruity nose – drinks well with dark berry flavor and hints of spices. Not a very long aftertaste, ends a little short.

The group’s top vote getter was the Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend, followed closely by the Nine Hats Syrah, Chateau Smith and the H3 Merlot.

Until next time, keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you behind the grape vines.