May Tasting Recap

• Perrin Reserva (2005) - Straw color, citrus, odd sweet notes early, not a strong finish- OK wine.
• Perrin Reserva Rose (2006) -An OK rose. Berries, mild fruits.
• Le Clos du Caillou (2005) - pine, apple on nose, blackberry, vanilla, nice balance.
• E. Guigal (2003) - spice, pepper, woody, black cherry, toast. Needs more time in bottle maybe?
• Crozes-Hermitade (2005) Black fruits, pepper, chocolate,decent finish with lasting notes.
• Domaine Andre Brunel (2004) - Spice, very strong..herbs, nice mineral tones - Good wine.

TN: 1980 Opus One, Napa Valley

1980 Opus One, Napa Valley:  Ruby color with slight browning on the edges. A nose of berry and spice with some fruit and pepper left on the fading palae. Amazingly integrated tannins and near perfect balance, medium to long finish. Drink now and enjoy every sip! My rating: 93 pts, CV

Wines $21 - $50

Under development
2002 Saint Cosme Cote-Rotie (Syrah from Northern Rhone) - $44: Raspberry, barnyard, cherry, spice. A bit off balance and lacking of real fruit character or a good finish, but drinkable. Poor QPR- this one’s a pass. My rating: 87 pts, PV

2005 Bravante Trio (Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot) - $38: Young, ripe fruits, good concentration. Vanilla, cedar, blackberry, good flavors, balance. Great value. Second bottle with consistent rating. My rating: 91-92 pts, GV

Wine $11 - $20

Under development:

2005 Manoir de la Tête Saumur Bagatelle ($20): Decanted one hour - drank over 3 hours. Aroma’s of earth, spice, bright yet dark fruits, big league chew bubble gum, raspberry, sweet tobacco. On the palate the wine is light in style with soft dark fruits, minerals and with good acidity. Tannins are present, but neither rough nor smooth, sort of in between. The finish is 30 seconds or more with dark raspberry and sour cherry notes and a flavor that reminds me of dried candle wax. The wine was enjoyable, and went well with grilled salmon steak and grilled tuna. My rating: 88 pts, GV (good value)

Wines under $10

(Under development)

Cristalino Brut Cava: Hazelnut, dough/yeast, grapefruit on the nose. Crisp acidity that becomes quite refreshing with some citrus notes. Very good Cava and great QPR (Quality to Price Ratio). Excellent with some spicy Thai food! My rating: 88 pts, OV (outstanding value)