Review Archive
Misc. Wine Reviews
- 2001 Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (5/13/2008)
Purchased at vineyard. Decanted 30 minutes, drank over 2 hours. Another very enjoyable bottle of this ‘01 Brunello. Loads of dark fruit, elegant tannins, great spice and earth notes with a complex finish. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.) - 1978 Gaja Barbaresco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (5/11/2008)
The cork came out in one piece, decanted for sediment and immediately poured. The nose on this wine was beautiful and complex. Herbs and spice notes with mushroom, minerals, raspberry and cherry, and other red fruits. Each sniff gave the impression of something new and exciting. On the palate the wine a real delight. Flavors of tobacco, leather, cherry, bay leaf, spice, earth came in waves giving way to a touch of acidity and elegant and refined tannins. The finish was unique with new flavors showing up long after the decanter was dry! A great wine experience. foodandwineblog.com (96 pts.) - N.V. Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Cramant, Champagne (5/10/2008)
Light mineral notes, yeast, grapefruit, light nuttiness that is enjoyable. Great QPR Champange. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 2006 Château de Raousset Chiroubles - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Chiroubles (5/10/2008)
Bright cherry, strawberry, raspberry fruits, quite aromatic on the nose, light structure and good balance. A nice summer wine. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.) - 1978 Château Latour (Bordeaux Supérieur) - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur (5/10/2008)
The cork came out in two pieces, but was in good shape. Decanted for sediment, immediately poured. Medium garnet color with slight bricking. Lovely aromas of a mature Bordeaux- sweet notes, minerals, subtle notes of cassis . On the palate, the wine was soft and elegant, but the fruits have faded almost completely leaving a bit of awkwardness. This bottle has been dead for some time, but still an enjoyable experience. Not rated. foodandwineblog.com - 2005 Ferraton Pere & Fils Crozes-Hermitage La Matinière - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (5/7/2008)
Mineral notes, mouthful of spice, green pepper, cherry, dark raspberry. Pretty nice balance and structure, red fruits showing up near the finish (which is quite nice, albeit reserved). Overall great value, perfect introductory wine for people looking to try a Syrah-based Rhone wine. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 1999 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/6/2008)
Was very excited to try this again. The nose is packed with ripe, black fruits, cedar, and subtle mineral notes. Blueberry grips the palate giving way to currant, dark raspberry, vanilla and tobacco notes. The wine is just arriving to the party- drinking great right now as the fruit is really starting to emerge and take center stage. I’d expect this to peak in 2011-2013, but have enough structure to last another 10 years or more. Hands down one of the best California Cabernet’s I’ve had. Just a nice, balanced wine with big fruit, good depth and complexity. If you’re offered a chance to try this, or can afford the bottle, it’s a must-try. foodandwineblog.com (96 pts.) - 2003 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/6/2008)
Quite a different wine than the 1999. Concentrated dark fruits, cola, licorice and raspberry on the nose with hints of dried herbs. More buttery on the palate with toasted vanilla notes wrapped around blackberry and currant. Big acidity that is well balanced. This wine hasn’t even left home to head to the party. With time (or a long, serious decant) this may rival the 1999, in my opinion. An outstanding wine with many great years ahead of it. foodandwineblog.com (94 pts.) - 2004 Shafer Relentless - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/6/2008)
Petit Sirah. Brilliant dark purple color. Huge compilation of dark fruits on the nose with a touch of smokiness and very subtle pepper notes. This is a giant wine- buttery/vanilla notes but not overbearing. Really impressive structure that should keep this wine aging like a supermodel. Long, tongue coating with creaminess finish. Relentless on the wallet? Maybe. Relentless in its ability to bring you back for more. Definitely. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.) - 2005 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/6/2008)
This is a 98% Cabernet, 2% Petit Verdot. Bright yet deep purple color with a very attractive nose of blackberry, cassis, very subtle sweet tobacco notes. The first thing that hit me was the acidity which was big yet balanced. Notes of wet soil, and serious black fruits yet elegant tannins at its young age. This one rivals some of the better left bank Bordeaux’s. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.) - 2006 Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (5/6/2008)
Grapefruit, vanilla and pear on the nose. Initially on the palate there is mouth puckering citrus notes and acidity, that gives way to an interesting banana peel flavor. Good balance, complexity on the finish. This is a great example of a “not too oaky” Chardonnay for the people who claim to “not like Chardonnay because it’s too okay!” foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.) - 2001 Calera Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Mount Harlan (5/6/2008)
Drank from 375 mL over two hours. Nose of cherry, cranberry, wood dust, minerals. On the palate there’s an initial minerality, followed by cherry, cranberry, and a touch of spice. Rather big tannins, which I liked, that are intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla and more cherry. Best feature of this wine is the long (45+ second) finish where some sour cherry really stands out. Overall quite enjoyable, but there are better value at this price point. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2005 Shafer Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/6/2008)
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France. Plums , spice, smoke and candied fruits on the nose. Real tightly wound fruits nice earth notes, but not enough structure for long-term aging. This one is a pass for me, especially at the price. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.) - 2005 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Reserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (4/27/2008)
Nose: Sweet notes, cherry, laffy-taffy, herb and earth notes. Sour cherry, raspberry, spice, medium tannins, lots of razor sharp acidity. Purchased for $10- very good value. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 2004 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/25/2008)
Only opened because my company loves new world, big wines and had never tried a Caymus! It wasn’t a waste, but as everyone knows it’s incredibly young and concentrated. Loads of blackberry, cigar box, subtle spice notes, cassis, huge tannins. Should balance out nicely - approachable perhaps 2010 lasting until at least 2014. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.) - 2003 Viñedos de Páganos Rioja El Puntido - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (4/25/2008)
Rich concentrated flavors of black and red fruits, soft, sweet tannins, great balance. Surprisingly new world once it opens up. May age well but no reason to wait? foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2006 Cat Amongst the Pigeons Shiraz Grenache Alley Cat - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (4/23/2008)
I liked the Syrah/Cab blend from CATP, and this was good, just not great. Smooth texture and nice dark fruits and spice, but a little bit of heat. Overall, a good value for $10. (87 pts.) - 1978 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Bosché Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/20/2008)
Stood up for two weeks in the cellar to let the sediment collect. Light seepage which worried me. The cork came out perfectly in one piece. Decanted very gently only to remove sediment of which there was a significant amount. In the glass the wine reddish with some bricking. The nose had sweet scents with some rhubarb and earth. Surprisingly the wine wasn’t maderized or gone. After 10 minutes in the glass fruits emerged, although very subtle, blackberry. The wine begins actually quite nice, but falls apart near the finish when the tannins that survived show up as well as a big mouthful of coffee. Long over the hill but still drinkable. Overall I was happy with the bottle! foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.) - 2005 Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvée Terroir - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (4/16/2008)
Deep red color, aroma’s of sweet and spicy herbs, dark raspberry, cherry, and tobacco. Lacks the bell pepper component one would expect from an old world Cab Franc, but there are nice mineral and earth notes and it’s very Old-World-esque. Not a lot of fruit on the palate, a bit of heat on the mid palate with moderate tannins on the finish (nice finish, some subtle green notes). Should mellow out in a year or two. Surprise of the night: outstanding pairing with sushi! foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - 1983 J. Ricard Château de la Chartreuse - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes (4/15/2008)
Deep golden color. Lovely nose of apricot, spice and subtle mineral notes. Concentrated flavors of apricot and peach, good weight on the mid-palate, with interesting grapefruit notes on the finish. Very enjoyable. Getting near its peak but has some life left. (92 pts.) - 2005 Manoir de la Tête Saumur Bagatelle - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (4/11/2008)
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. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - 2003 Warre Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/7/2008)
Decanted for 3 hours from a 375 mL: Too young, I know..but I was deciding whether or not to buy more so I pulled the trigger on one. It’s so concentrated with dark fruits, cherry, light spice notes. The wine has big weight to it, but it’s not over the top and is very elegant. This will be incredible with some age- foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.) - 1999 Bodegas Valdemar (Martinez Bujanda) Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (4/7/2008)
Light, dark fruits, a bit rough on the edges but drinkable and good with a plate of food. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (4/2/2008)
Screw cap, opened and served at cellar temperature (58 degrees) - nice dark salmon color. On the nose there is strawberry, not quite ripe banana, orange peel, rubber and an interesting nutty component. ON the palate there is an immediate wave of sweet cherry and strawberry that gives way to mineral notes and a touch of alcohol. There is very little acidity but the wine has a good overall texture. I was pretty happy with it overall and with spring coming up, wish I had a few more bottles around to kick of BBQ’s with friends. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 2001 Cims de Porrera Priorat Classic - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (4/1/2008)
Ripe nose of dark fruit, raspberry, sweet cedar. Blackberry and cherry notes on the palate, good acidity and concentration of flavors that transition to elegance on the finish. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - 2005 Manoir de la Tête Saumur Bagatelle - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (4/1/2008)
Decanted one hour - tight at first. 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. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - 2001 Cims de Porrera Priorat Classic - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (4/1/2008)
Ripe nose of dark fruit, raspberry, sweet cedar. Blackberry and cherry notes on the palate, good acidity and concentration of flavors that transition to elegance on the finish. 91 pts foodandwineblog.com - N.V. Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (3/31/2008)
Palatable, but uninteresting- this one’s a pass. (83 pts.) - 1999 Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Fiacre - France, Champagne (3/29/2008)
Aroma’s of orange peel, wet dough, grapefruit. Miscellaneous citrus notes that give way to minerals on the finish. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - 2003 Clos Mogador Priorat - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (3/29/2008)
Layers of ripe dark fruits with excellent depth and concentration. Interesting sweet tobacco notes, cherry, chocolate and earth with medium tannins and nice flavors on the finish. 91+ points, foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - 2005 Bravante Vineyards Trio - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (3/28/2008)
Young, ripe fruits, good concentration. Vanilla, cedar, blackberry, good flavors, elegance. Great value. Second bottle with consistent rating. (92 pts.) - 2001 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley (3/28/2008)
Silver Oak is overrated, but it’s still a good wine, just not worth the money. Good flavors and elegant, but a bit off balance on the finish - lacks real fruit character. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2002 Saint-Cosme Côte-Rôtie - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (3/28/2008)
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. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2007 Maipe Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo (3/27/2008)
Popped and poured at cellar temperature. Aroma’s and flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, leather. Rrough tannins that softened up over an hour, medium finish - very drinkable for $10. Decant would help. foodandwineblog.com (84 pts.) - 2001 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Viña Lanciano - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (3/26/2008)
Dark purple color. Biggest nose of the night with ripe dark and red fruits. Concentrated blackberry and cherry notes, hints of chocolate and tobacco with big tannins yet signs of great balance with some age. Patience is virtue- 3-5 years and this should be showing very nicely. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - 2002 R. López de Heredia Rioja Crianza Viña Cubillo - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (3/26/2008)
Cherry cordial/chocolate, sour cherry, earth, cellar on the nose – this wine is more old school which I appreciate. At first it seemed a bit young, but time in the glass was sufficient to make this quite drinkable now with nice balance, fine tannins and good mineral notes. In its drinking window, may peak in a couple years, but why wait? foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2006 Biurko Gorri Rioja Arbanta - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (3/26/2008)
Really beautiful, vibrant purple color. This 100% Tempranillo never touches oak which really lets the blackberry and cherry come through. Ripe fruits, young, light tannins, nice finish, good value! (88 pts.) - 2006 Descendientes de José Palacios Bierzo - Spain, Castilla y León, Bierzo (3/26/2008)
Loaded with dark ripe fruits, bacon and a bit of heat on the nose that isn’t as evident on the palate. Blackberry, plum and sour cherry notes with good balance at the finish and ripe tannins. Opened up quite a bit in 10-15 minutes – requires some age or a long decant. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - 2006 Summers Winery Chardonnay - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (3/26/2008)
Orange peel and citrus flavors, some minerality and butter with a tad too much oak but not overpowering. Apple and pear flavors, crisp finish. (88 pts.) - 2006 Do Ferreiro Albariño Rías Baixas Cepas Vellas - Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas (3/26/2008)
Good weight in the glass with aromas of cotton candy, fresh cut grass and herbs. Medium bodied wine, less acidic than the Ulacia and more of a smooth finish that gives some acidity. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2006 Palacios Remondo Rioja La Vendimia - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (3/26/2008)
Some plum notes, as well as vanilla and almond. Medium bodied wine with an OK finish. Nothing spectacular, but very drinkable. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.) - 2006 Ulacia Getariako Txakolina - Spain, País Vasco, Getariako Txakolina (3/26/2008)
Interesting nose of dryer lint, cinnamon, peach. Very crisp acidity that hid the fruits at first, some orange rind and grapefriut. Acidity slowly fades back with a refreshing finish. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.) - 2005 Alquezar Moristel Somontano - Spain, Aragón, Somontano (3/26/2008)
This Moristel comes from a beautiful town high in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrennes. Starts out with a nose of raspberry, a lot of cranberry, and a good amount of pepper and spice. On the palate the fruit is less prominent with subtle cherry and cranberry, and medium tannins. An OK effort – a pass for me though even at $15. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.) - 2005 Domaine André Brunel Côtes du Rhône - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/23/2008)
Great quality for the price- Cherry, big cranberry notes, with a nice spice profile accented by black pepper and dried herbs. “Rhone-esque” character and weight with a nice finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 2005 Saint-Cosme St. Joseph - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (3/21/2008)
Decanted 1 hour, drank over 3 hours. Tight fruits now, but lot’s of great old world character, nose had caramel, sour cherry, raspberry. Chocolate and black pepper notes showed up after 2 hours, big big tannins and good acidity. This wine will develop well and is a good QPR at $29. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - 2006 Domaine Roger Perrin Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Prestige - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/18/2008)
Blackberry, sour cherry, spice notes on the nose. Light to medium body, red and black fruits, earth notes, medium tannins with good acidity - should age well for 2-3 years. Medium finish. Good dinner wine - foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2003 Panther Creek Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (3/15/2008)
Nose of candied fruits, flowers, earth, vanilla. Elegant with notes of cherry, spice, buttery texture, sweet tannins, very nice balance. Medium finish - good Pinot. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2006 Agustin Cubero Calatayud - Spain, Aragón, Calatayud (3/14/2008)
Served at room temp. Synthetic cork. Serious deep crimson color. Blackberry, blueberry, licorice, sweet cedar, dirt, big nose, complex and intriguing. Some alcohol stands out on the mid-palate, medium tannins, a lot of nice flavors show up on the finish - blueberry stands out. The alcohol is a turn-off at first, but it mellowed out a bit after an hour. Serve this at cellar temperature plus a few degrees. Decent wine for $10. Drank even better on day 2. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.) - 2006 Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda Colonia las Liebres - Argentina, Mendoza (3/9/2008)
A lot of bright grape and dark berry on the nose and palate, interesting spruce notes as well. Simple wine, but for $6 a great daily drinker that would stand up to a variety of dishes. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.) - 2004 Dutton Estate Chardonnay Dutton Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (3/8/2008)
Pale gold color. Good weight in the glass, with aromas of apple, peach, buttered popcorn, oak, vanilla bean. Bubblegum, dried apricot, apple, cotton candy, with a hint of grass on the medium body. Good acidity, good balance, nice crispness on the finish. Bordering on “too much oak” but it pulls it off nicely. I’d recommend an hour decant (yes I know it’s a white wine). foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - N.V. Riondo Prosecco Veneto IGT - Italy, Veneto, Veneto IGT (3/8/2008)
Sealed with a traditional cork requiring a cork-screw. A little sweet, hint of yeast, a little fruity, not a lot of fizz but quite refreshing. Overall good appertif, nice flavors. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2005 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Contrôlée (3/7/2008)
Deep garnet color, cherry, dark berry fruits, mineral/earth nose. Little balance or character, just an OK table wine. This one’s a pass - better value ‘05 Bordeaux’s. foodandwineblog.com (80 pts.) - 1995 Fattoria dei Barbi (Colombini) Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (3/6/2008)
Opened and poured. Garnet with a tint of deep rust. The nose was actually showing a lot of great aromas with blackberry, cherry, mushroom, spice, petrol and a bit of earth/wet forest. You could tell this one was just past its prime but dark fruits were in tact as well as a meaty component and a lot of sour cherry that showed up after an hour in the glass. Surprisingly good balance, medium tannins, nice finish. Still drinking well but definitely heading downhill. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 2005 Château Gravat - France, Bordeaux, Médoc (3/5/2008)
Decanted 1 hour, drank over 3 hours. Deep plum color, a lot of good things on the nose: plum, black currant, Vanilla wafers,sweet tobacco. Starts off with a lot of dark fruit with a transition to cedar and earthiness. Tannins aren’t silky but they work well with the structure of the wine. Really opened up after 2 hours. Great value wine from the outstanding ‘05 vintage. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2006 Loimer Grüner Veltliner Lois - Austria, Niederösterreich, Kamptal, Langenlois (3/4/2008)
Light straw color. Pear and honeydew on the nose. Pear, citrus flavors, crisp acidity, refreshing. Great with chicken stir fry or Thai food. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 1996 Regnard Chablis Grand Regnard - France, Burgundy, Chablis (3/3/2008)
Golden amber color. Some subtle pear on the nose, straw, mineral. Very little fruit left in this one, off acidity and past its prime. foodandwineblog.com (78 pts.) - 2001 Verbena Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (3/2/2008)
Nose has a lot of ripe, dark fruits, vanilla, chocolate and a petrol component. The wine took a while to open but when it did it showed earth, woody blackberry, dark raspberry, and plum notes. Good structure and smooth tannins, medium finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 1986 Delaforce Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto (3/2/2008)
Aroma’s of maple syurm, walnut almond, with a bit of heat. Complex nutty flavors on the palate, sweet, but not overly sweet with a little too much alcohol taste. Enjoyable, just not great. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - N.V. J. Esteve Nadal Cava Cava Avinyó Brut - Spain, Catalunya, Cava (2/29/2008)
Consistently good Sparkling wine. Light, crisp, with citrus, apple, melon, pear flavors. Not overly complex, but a great appertif at $10. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2005 Chameleon Cellars Charbono - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/27/2008)
Very unique nose: herbs, plum, rhubarb, cough syrup, raspberry, pepper. Good balance, paired well with pork chops. Medium finish. Previously rated an 88. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2003 Bravante Vineyards Simpatico - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (2/24/2008)
Inconsistent with my previous notes. Dark fruits, less focus or character, oaky with a bit of heat. Still good balance and structure, smooth tannins. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2005 Chameleon Cellars Zinfandel - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/23/2008)
Previously rated an 87, the wine showed better this time around. Aroma’s of blackberry, blueberry, pepper. Good concentration of flavors and well balanced. A nice acidity coming through the finish that made it a great match for pizza. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - 2005 Il Poggione (Roberto Franceschi) Rosso di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino (2/21/2008)
I’ll preempt this note with a confession: I love Rosso’s and Brunello’s and have had my fair share of both. Dark cherry, raspberry, prunes, cedar, maybe a slight petrol component. A little rough at first, some tightly wound fruits begin to show on the mid palate, bittersweet chocolate come through later on. There are good sized tannins that lack elegance, but good balance leading to a finish that reveals more ripe fruits. Wet forest notes on the finish as well. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.) - 2006 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Côtes du Ventoux - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux (2/20/2008)
Sealed with a screw cap. Aroma’s include red berry, a good amount of ‘brett’, clay, some black fruits coming through. Not much going on on the palate, some plum flavors, off balance, hot. Cheap, but still a pass- foodandwineblog.com (82 pts.) - 2004 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (2/19/2008)
Not as bad as a few of the other tasting notes made it sound - it is quite young and required 2 hours to open. It revealed black fruits; dark raspberry, currant, spice notes. The medium finish is a bit hot with alcohol and sugar, and it is quite off balance, but not a terrible wine - was OK with a braised lamb shoulder. OK value for $11 but not that good. foodandwineblog.com (82 pts.) - 2001 St. Lucia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (2/16/2008)
Purchased at winery. Very ripe blackberry and sour cherry with a touch of chocolate, leather and mushroom flavors and hints of spice. Mild tannins and moderate acidity - lay this one down for a few more years. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - N.V. Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Réserve - France, Champagne, Bouzy, Champagne (2/16/2008)
Light amber color - it began with a good nose of citrus, some vanilla, a lot of pear and apple, and a very little touch of brioche. On the palate the wine was very light and lacked any sort of body or finish. Granny smith apples and a lot of green pears stood out…which was pleasant. After 30 minutes though, the wine completely fell apart. Perhaps flawed? There was no finish and the fruits became quite sour. It started out fine (86/7 pts) but really fell apart quickly. (posted on foodandwineblog.com) (82 pts.) - 1998 Duval-Leroy Champagne Blanc de Chardonnay Brut - France, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Champagne (2/14/2008)
Light pale in color with a lot of tiny bubbles that seem endless. Initial dough/yeastiness (brioche), some citrus, a lot of banana peel, some caramel, just a lot of great stuff going on with the nose. Immediate and large dose of grapefruit and yeast on the palate, followed by pear and lime that carries through the finish when a touch of almond appears for a short while. Good focus, solid acidity and balance. Solid effort - drinking well now. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.) - 2000 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva Il Margone - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico (2/14/2008)
This blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet has a brilliant ruby color giving it an amazing presence in the glass. Having spent time in new French oak, the wine has toasted oak notes meshed with dark cherry and blackberry as well as a hint of vanilla and pepper. Nice long, memorable finish with soft, supple tannins - overall the wine was very well integrated. Very good wine that is ready to drink now but may reward another year in the bottle. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.) - 2005 Chameleon Petite Sirah Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/14/2008)
Coming from 112 year old vines, this Petit Sirah is very good (tasted from 3 bottles). Dark purple color, aromas of dark cherry, spice and cigar box. Big, dark fruits and black pepper on the palate - great structure, big, chewy tannins and a 30 second finish. Drink one now and lay a few down for the next 5 years when it should peak. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.) - 2004 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rufina (2/12/2008)
Popped and poured. The wine has an ink-deep purple color. The nose was completely closed during the first hour…initial flavors were some sour cherry, a lot of wet forest, not much fruit showing on the palate.After 2+ hours of sitting, the wine completely changed. Now on the nose I get cola, cherry, a cedar component and possibly a smoky vanilla component. The palate has opened up quite a bit- still a good mineral/earthiness to the wine, but now the cherry really comes through, as does a hint of raspberry and burnt wood near the finish. The tannins are noticeable, but not too tough, and the finish lasts a while. Good wine overall - good balance. Decant for a long time or sit on this for a few more years. Good value for the price - foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
- 2005 Fattoria La Lecciaia (Pacini) Rosso di Montalcino Vallafrico - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino (2/11/2008)
Very tight the first night when popped and poured - lots of forest floor, little fruit, etc. Opened up over an hour or two, but really showed better on the second day when dark fruits started to come through as well as dark cherry and a dense forest component. Good spice notes show up early and on the finish, nice balance with medium finish. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - N.V. J. Esteve Nadal Cava Cava Avinyó Brut - Spain, Catalunya, Cava (2/9/2008)
Once again a solid value. Some yeast notes on the nose this time around as well as minerals. Flavors of apple with a good amount of fizz. Clean, refreshing finish. Great value. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2005 Winzerkeller Neckenmarkt Blaufränkisch Classic - Austria, Burgenland, Mittelburgenland (2/9/2008)
Very food friendly wine. Raspberry, cherry flavors, good amount of acidity - light body, medium to light tannin structure. Paired great with the spices in Persian food and would overall do well with many different dishes. Good value - tasting from a previous bottle I gave it 87 points. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.) - N.V. Cristalino Cava Brut - Spain, Catalunya, Cava (2/7/2008)
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! foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - 2002 Ferrando Nebbiolo di Carema White Label (Etichetta Bianca) - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Nebbiolo di Carema (2/7/2008)
Terribly corked! NR (flawed) - 2006 Fairview (Charles Back) Goats do Roam - South Africa (2/6/2008)
Red fruits, light body, funky flavors. Just not my cup of tea. I’ve liked other vintages, but this one is a pass. (83 pts.) - 2004 Marietta Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County (2/2/2008)
Aromas of blackberry, smoked meat, oak, sweet berries, currant. Big fruits on the palate, smooth, medium tannins that have some sweetness to them with lingering black fruits on the finish as well as cedar and spice. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.) - 2003 Panther Creek Melon de Bourgogne De Ponte - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (2/2/2008)
Received as a gift, unfortunately terribly corked. NR (flawed) - 2006 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (2/1/2008)
Hay color with a grassy tint. Just getting near the glass gives off big aromas of tropical fruits, peach, minerals, apricot, and smoked cedar. On the palate the wine has good structure and acidity, with sweet fruit notes building up then being overtaken by a crisp acidity and tart finish that brings out notes of cut grass. I like this one. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.) - 2006 Santa Julia Torrontés - Argentina, Mendoza (2/1/2008)
Light, crisp, lots of tropical fruits, grapefruit, apple, with floral notes. Great value, perfect for the spring barbecue or a warm summer night. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.) - 2003 Bravante Vineyards Simpatico - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (1/27/2008)
This was my wine of the night - layers and layers of dark fruits, earth, cherry, cigar box, anise, spice. Huge body, big tannins, a Cadillac among Fiats. Big, long finish, did I mention this wine is big? Pricey but worth it if you like big California Cabs (wine is roughly 80% Cab Sauvignon and 20% Cab Franc) can find a few bottles of this very limited release. For best enjoyment, lay it down for at least 5 years maybe 10 or more! foodandwineblog.com (94 pts.) - 2004 Zolo Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza (1/14/2008)
Big dark fruits, lots of tannins, big wine with little finesse. (84 pts.) - 2001 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Cerretalto - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/15/2007)
Purchased and drank in Montalcino. There is so much going on in this wine it took me a while to put it into words. I went back and forth between smelling the wine and swirling for an hour, with only a few sips mixed in between. In no particular order I noted blackberry and raspberry, chocolate, currant, smoked wood. The tannins are complex and refined on so many levels and the finish, oh the finish…it’s sad it does eventually finish. This may be one of the first wines I ever give 100 points…but it’s still a few years away from that. A stunning wine. foodandwineblog.com (97 pts.) - 2001 Fattoria di Sant’Angelo (Lisini) Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/14/2007)
Purchased/Tasted in Montalcino: Great dark ruby color with a nose of cherry, blackberry, vanilla, cedar. Huge body with very big, mouth-drying tannins and very good balance. Long finish with spice showing up near the end. Pricey, but very good. foodandwineblog.com (95 pts.) - 2001 Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/14/2007)
Tasted at the vineyard in Montalcino. Maybe it’s the music that is played throughout the vineyard for the vines, or the love and care of the composer and winemaker, whatever it is, the wines of Il Paradiso di Frassina were very good. This 2001 Brunello showed great fruits and spice notes. The tannins were complex yet soft and the finish offered cherry notes and was long. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.) - 2001 Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/14/2007)
Decanted from 375 mL at a restaurant in Montalcino: Brilliant dark ruby color. Nose and mouthful of ripe dark fruits, leather, spice. Great on the mid-palate with a lot of ripe fruit flavors carrying the wine through medium tannins and good length on the finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.) - N.V. Soutiran Champagne Brut Grand Cru - France, Champagne (10/8/2007)
The best sparkling rose I’ve had to date. Great rich pink color with a bouquet of cherry, strawberry and floral notes. The body is elegant and dances with cherry, raspberry and a touch of dried herbs with hints of minerals and earth reminding me the whole time why the Champagne region is so special. Very highly recommended, but unfortunately low production (around 350 cases made). foodandwineblog.com (95 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
