2000 WRQ Wine Tastings
- Champagnes on Thursday, 14 December 2000
- California Cabernets on Thursday, 16 November 2000
- Big Zinfandels on Thursday, 19 October 2000
- Petite Sirah on Thursday, 21 September 2000
- Australian Shiraz on Thursday, 17 August 2000
- Summer Wines & Sangria on Thursday, 20 July 2000
- Washington Cabernet Wines on Thursday, 22 June 2000
- French Rhone Wines on Thursday, 18 May 2000
- Best Value Wines on Thursday, 16 March 2000
- 1997 Tuscan Wines on Thursday, 20 January 2000
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Tasters:
Gus Cardoso
David Coder
Sue Lindsey
Mireille Gotsis & Roger
Jackie Marr
Emily Geballe
Jonathan Pryce & Sherri
Walter Harley & Ann
Shelly Julien
Henne Queisser
Robert AfSandeberg & Surain
Brian McDonald
Reid Larson
John Lockhart
Gary Horen
Heidi Connor
Christine Nitzsche
Dave McClellan
Marta Rojas
1) L'Ermitage Roederer - CA/Anderson Valley - $32.99, Brut, 1994
-Favorite
-Everything yummy
-I'd buy this one
-Another favorite
2) J - CA - $24.99
-Didn't like
3) Louis Roederer - France - $31.79, Brut
-Very good
-Better than one
-Favorite
4) Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut - France - $28.99
-Nice smoothness, creamy, predictably high quality
-Spindly, more of a palette-cleanser
-Too fruity for me
5) Pol Roger - $26.99
-First one finished
-Light, yet dry a bit fruity, the perfect combination (Mireille & Roger)
-So far my least favorite
-Distinctive and self-assured
-I like it!
-Grew on me
-One of my favorites
-Top of my list
6) Schramberg - CA - $23.49, Blanc de Noirs
7) Chandon - Argentina - $9.89, Brut Fresco
-Great value
-Best bargain
-Great for $10
8) Domaine Chandon - CA - $24.99, Brut Classic
9) Larkmead, Reserve
-Least favorite
10) Veuve Clicquot Gold (Vintage) - France $47.99, 1993
-Finish nice
-Great finish
11) Moet Chandon Brut Imperial - France - $32.99
-Too bubbly
-Not good
-My second favorite
-Yeasty character
-Beats the New World
Memorable Quote on Champagne
"Not even worth it; still white burgundy is better"
Cooks American Sparkling Wine (Brown Bag Wine)
"I knew it had to be Cooks."
"I'd rather drink salt water."
"I do have a standard."
"I'd rather cut a toad in half, juice, and squeeze it!"
"I'll never drink that shit again."
Munchies
To accompany the champagnes there were a number of memorable cheeses, crackers, smoked salmon, wraps, dips, and pates.
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Tasters:
Marta
GusC
EmilyG
JohnL
JimS
Surain
JackieM
OdessaS
BarbaraB
ShellyJ
JayN
GaryH
WalterH
DaveMc
Janet
SueLi
1) Marcelina, 1997, Napa Valley, 14.2%, $27
-Husky, pepper, full, lingering tongue zapper. Later visions not as fine a finish (Surain)
-Plums & berries
-On first taste, moderate acid, oak, well-balanced. Faint by end of evening. (Walter)
-Oh yea, a fine start. (Jackie)
2) Michel-Schlumberger, 1997, Dry Creek Valley, $25
-Fruity, narrow, flat (Surain)
3) Liparita, 1996, Napa Valley, 13.5%, $50
-Broad, chocolatey (Surain)
-Leathery
-Decent balance, but no finish (Walter)
-Dull, dull, dull. A great bargain at $12. (Gary)
4) Ingdigo Hills, 1996, Central Coast, 13.5%
-Nice but plain (Surain)
-Sweet, buysenberry taste. Thin (Walter)
-Doesn't come to a graceful finish, just leaves you hanging in a brash way (Jackie)
5) Gallo Sonoma, 1995, Stefani Vineyard, 13.7%, $25
-Smooth & fruity (Surain)
-Full-bodied; lots of oak & fruit. But not much complexity. Hot (Walter)
6) Stonestreet, 1996, Alexander Valley, 14.2%
-Chocolate, full, lingers (Surain)
-Maybe my fave. Quiet, but well-balanced (Walter)
-Best of the night (Dave)
-I could drink this 14.2% wine all night. Very agreeable. (Jackie)
7) Turnbull, 1997, Napa, 13.5%, $23
-Thin (Walter)
8) Edgewood
-This is my new #1! Flavor!! (Surain)
-Robust, but a bit tight in the mouth (Walter)
-Also very nice (Dave)
9) Burgess, 1997, Napa
The 97 is better than the 94 (Surain)
I agree. But neither knocks one's socks off. (Walter)
10) Rodney Strong, 1997, Sonoma County, 13.0%
-Nicely, integrated. Could stand another year or three in bottle, to let fruit flavors re-assert. (Walter)
11) Burgess, 1994, Napa, 13%
12) Villa Mt. Edon, 1997, Grand Reserve, 14.3%, $17
-A bit tannic in the mouth, but other wise very good, especially for the price.Finish of rhubarb and coffee. (Walter)
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Tasters:
Marta
Robert
JonathanP
WalterH
GusC
EmilyG
JohnL
RayC
JackieM
TerryD
ChristineN
JimS
GlennT
YurikoK
JayN
1) Ridge, Sonoma County, 1998, $19, 12.8%
2) Seghesio, Sonoma County, 1998, $26, 14.6%
3) Steele, Du Pratt, Mendecino County, 1997, $26, 13%
4) St. Francis, Sonoma County, 1998, $25, 15.1%
-Pepper, Spice, Smooth
5) Sineann, Columbia Valley, 1999, $32, 15.6%
-Jammy
-Fruity
6) Mayacamas, Late Harvest, 1978, $$, 17%
-Very reminiscent of Port
7) Biale, Sonoma County, $30, 14.3%
8) Eos, Paso Robles, $11, 15%
9) Kunde, Shaw Vineyard, Sonoma County, 1997, $25, 14.1%
10) Terra D'oro, Amador County, $20, 15.5%
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Tasters:
Robertaf
Surain
GusC
Signe
EmilyG
Janet
Gary
Christine
DaveMc
JackieM
Alpa
Bhushan
GaryH
1) Guenoc, 1997, North Coast
-Peppery - Gus
-Rich taste at first, some fruit. - Emily
-Very smooth - Signe
-Sharp taste and smell.
-Fabulous!
-Drink now. Smooth for a Petite Sirah.
-Spicy, very nice tannis. My favorite. - Robert
-Full when first opened - peppery in between - good with age - Janet
-A little bit rough for me - Jackie
2) Concannon, 1997, Napa
-Mouthful of tannins - Gus
-More fruity than the rest.
-Not as spicy as #1, but still a lot of tannin and very good. - Robert
-Nice - Janet
-Not bad, not overly impressive. - Emily
-Smooth, very drinkable. - Alpa
3) Stags Leap, 1997, Napa
-Buy, try - you'll like it - Janet
-Not as long as #1, but good taste and very tannic. - Robert
-Give it two years - it will be great!
-Little sharp yet - Signe
-Better than #2, close to #1 - Emily
-Smooth - my favorite - Jackie
4) Roseblum, 1998, Napa, Pickett Road
-Good - not stellar - Janet
-Pretty nice, but a bit thin than #1-3. - Robert
5) Langmeil, 1998, Shiraz
-Dry from the P Sirah - Janet
-Must be good with beef
-I liked this, also some fruit - Emily
6) EXP, 1998, Syrah
-Dry, buttery - another beef companion - Janet
-My favorite of the Sirahs. Yes, buttery - Emily
7) Clos Pegase, 1997, Cabernet
-Even better than #1 - but this is a Cab - Robert
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Tasters:
GusC
JonathaP
EmilyG
WalterH
JohnL
DaveMc
JackieM
LaurenD
JimS
WonChong
CarlaH
Bhushan
JonathaS
1) Lehmann, The Barbossa, Barbossa Valley, 1998, $17
-Earthy
-Eucalyptus
-Herbal nose and taste
-Very strange at first, then mellowed to a nice fullness. Later, over the hill.
2) Heritage Road, South Australia, 1999, $12.50
-Sweet
-A little syrupy, least interesting of the night.
-Too young for me.
-Tasted sweet at first, then just younger, milder than #1.
3) Sandalford, Mount Barker/Margaret River, 1996, $23
-Mild, smooth, soft tannins
-All the tannins must have been in my glass
-Spicy
-Later, I get a tartness, like sour cherries
-Earthier than #1 or #2
4) Sandrone, Dolcetto D'Alba, 1997, $20
-Sweet and peppery
-Sweet, yes, didn't get the peppery though others did.
5) Penny's Hill, mcLaren Vale, 1997, $22
-Somewhat similar to #2 in that it's lighter.
General Comment:
Shiraz wines are
viscous and lack a
cedar bite. They are,
however, very purple, albiet trite.
6) J.P. Garrafeira, 1990, $9
-Plums
-Smooth
-Nice tannins
-Outstanding value, for price
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Tasters:
Mirelle,
Henne,
Christine,
Gus,
Marta,
Terry,
Dawn,
Chris,
Alpa,
Brian,
Dave,
Jackie,
Emily,
Jonathan,
Gary
1) Domaine Faillene, Ste Marie, Rose Table Wine, 1999,$13 Sale price, $16 Regular
-A little sweet
-Over time, nice, slightly tart
2) Domaine Tempeier,Bandol, 1998, $25
-Nice, dry
-Floral, light with slight citrus flavors
3) Martin Codax, Albarinho, 1999, $11
-Crisp, citrus, dry, my favorite summer wine
4) Portal do Fidalgo, Alvarinho, 1999, $16
-A bit tart
5) Sangria de HenneQ
-Bright, bold fruit flavors.
6) Sangria de Brian & Alpa (who cut the apples)
-Real smooth, kicks ass
-This sangria wins
7) Villa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc, 1999
-Really nice flavors of oak and apple.
8) Estancia, Cabernet Sauvignon. 1998
-A bitter wine, needs a bit more aging.
9) Sangria de Jackie & Emily
-Very Peachy
10) Cypress, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1996, $9
-I really like this Cab.
-Cedary
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Tasters:
JayN
ShellyJ
DianeC
Marta
GusC
JonathaP
OdessaS
BarbaraB
JackieM
WalterH
SueLi
AnneM
DaveMc
MireillG
GaryHoren
1) Columbia, 1995, $20 (after discounts), Otis Vineyard
-Medium/full body, some spice, very nice but not a knockout (7th/7).
-Earthy.
-Smooth, wonderful flavors.
2) Seven Hills, 1997, $27, Columbia Valley, Klipsun Vineyard
-Deep purple.
-Fruitier than 1.
-Tannic as all get out, and nice in 5 years.
-Beautiful color but just too young.
-Tannic, sort of bitter initally, smoothed somewhat. (6th/7)
3) Kestrel, 1996, $25, Columbia Valley
-Thin.
-Needs more time. Aromatic, but quite tannic.
-Tannic interesting flavors (3rd/7)
4) Reininger, 1997, $26.50, Walla Walla Valley
-Woodsy, softer.
-Subtle, but complex. Ready to drink.
-Soft start, then nice spice.
-Softer than 2 & 3, nice spice with a bit of an edge, edge diminishes over time, nice flavors (4th/7).
5) Chateau Ste Michelle, 1997, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
-Sweet.
-Ditto.
-Also.
-Very soft, nice accessible flavor (1st/7 - I guess I like "wimpy" wines :))
6) Chinook, 1994, Yakima Valley
-Interesting flavors, sharp & edg but unique (2nd/7)
7) Snoqualme, 1997, $10, Cab/merlot (Great Bargin)
-Smooth, easy quaff, less flavor but very drinkable (5th/7)
Food Hits:
-Cipollini (marinated small italian onions). Found at Queen Anne Thriftway.
-Salted Almonds from Pasta & Co.
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Tasters (at Jonathan's place):
JonathaP
SueLi
JohnL
JackieM
EmilyG
WalterH
DaveMc
GusC
AlpaD
Marta
MireilleG
Odessa
GaryH
1) Paralle 45,1997, $12
-Tannic, bright, fruity
-A bit light
-Even lighter
-Good early, no finish
-Better than it was last year
2) Domaine du Pesquier, 1996, Gigondas, $18
-Tannic as all getout
-Cedary start with a clean finish, good tannins (Gus)
-Tres bon
3) Chateauneuf du Pape, 1997, Les Caillour, $24
-Forward fruit, nicely tannic, complex (Walter)
-Third Finished
4) Le Grand Montmirail, 1998, Gigondas, $24
5) Cuvee L’Ebrescole,
-Jammy
-First finished
-Different, my favorite, spicy, herby (Dave)
-Spicy, mouthful
-Que different
6) Clos La Coutale, 1996, Cahors
-Tart
-I liked it; #2 Tonight (Marta)
7) Jean-Luc Colombo, 1998, Les Abeilles
-Hmm, something odd
-Bitter seed taste (Marta)
-Also, quite different
8) Domain du Cayron, 1997, Gigondas
-Great mouthful
-Peppery, very nice (Alpa)
-Second Finished
-2 thumbs up, #1 tonight (Marta)
9) Joseph Phelps, Le Mistral, 1993
-kiwi or rose - some sort of floral sweetness
-cough syrupy, dumped it out
-one of my favorites tonight; floral
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Tasters (at WRQ):
JonathaP
SueLi
JohnL
JackieM
EmilyG
WalterH
DaveMc
GusC
1) Targis, Merlot, $10 on sale (USA)
-Dark color - lots of fruit
-Tastes better than it is! (Sue)
-On second taste, fruitness is gone. Strong tannins. (Gus)
-OK, not bad, not great.
2) Chateau Bernadaotte, Haut - Medoc, $8 in a case (France)
-Still young. Lots of oak - nice balance underneath.
-Good balance of fruit and tannins, a really nice wine. (Gus)
-Too young and too much tannin. Got better over time.
3) Echelon, Merlot, $8 on sale (USA)
-Nice! Full-bodied & fruity.
-Started fine and improved. Definitely good for the $.
-Good fruit; tannins are light. (Gus)
4) Rancho Zabaco, Zinfandel, $12 (USA)
-Excellent
-Terrific; very berry; nice tannins. (Gus)
5) Chateau de Mareuil sur Ay, Champagne, $18 (France)
-Yup!
-Yum!
6) Duas Quintas, Red, Douro, $10 (Portugal)
-Robust and well-balanced.
-Same.
-Another terrific wine. (Gus)
7) Aguardente (Portugal)
-Speaks for itself!
8) Aguardente Velha, CR&F (Portugal)
-We had to compare the old and new.
9) Kenwood, Red Table Wine, $6 (USA)
-Nice late night wine while chatting with friends
10) Egri Balkavar, Bull's Blood, $3.50 (Hungary)
-Quite good for the price and time in the evening...after midnight
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Attendees (at WRQ):
Robertaf
DaveMc
Marta
WalterH
BernieV
AlpaD
TerryD
JackieM
Christin
AlG
SueLi
GusC
RexJ
KeithK
GaryH
1. San Felice ($10 on Sale, $17 Regular Price) 97 Chianti Classico
- What a Deal! This is a terrific wine for the price! (Gus)
- One of the top 4 tonight.
2. Carpineto ($22) 97 Chianti Classico
- Worst of the night - but it may have been a bad bottle.
3. Castello di Ama ($35) 97 Chianti Classico
4. Badia a Coltibuono ($20) 97 Chianti Classico
- Walter says this is the only one worth laying down.
5. Castellare di Castellina ($17 at Pete's) 97 Chianti Classico
6. Aquilaila ($23) 97 Rosso Toscano Erik Banti
- Nice! Alcoholic.
- One of the 4 best tonight.
7. Cecchi () 97 Chianti Classico
8. Terrabianca ($17) 95 Sangiovese
9. Col di Sasso () 97 Sangiovese & Cabernet
10. Coltibuono () 97 Chianti Classico Roberto Stucchi
- My least favorite (Terry)
- One of the 4 best tonight.
11. Barone Cornacehia () 97 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
- One of the 4 best tonight.
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