2009 Attachmate(legacy WRQ) Wine Tastings
1) Chandon, Blanc de Noirs, $19
http://www.chandon.com/sparkling-wines/classic/blanc-de-noirs.html
- The least of the lot, but not bad - just not as good.
2) Mumm, Napa, Brut Prestige, $15
http://mummnapa.com/
- Very dry finish, minty.
- Middle of the road in almost everything: yeasty aroma (not), dry finish, no bitter aftertaste - but not a lot of personality.
- Dry, a little too yeasty.
3) J, Cuvee, $16
http://www.jwine.com/News/Reviews/Sparkling/
- Orange.
- Agree on the citrus notes, nice finish.
- One of the better ones - nice balance between toast and sweet; good fruit.
4) Domaine Carneros, 2005, Tattinger, $20
http://www.domainecarneros.com/SparklingWines
- Toasty.
- Yeasty, toasty, nose. My favorite.
- On second taste did not fare well with being open for very long, became astringent.
- Toasty, lots of flavor.
5) Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, 2005, $24.65
http://www.schramsberg.com/documents/4_SB%2005%20Blanc%20de%20BlancsTA.pdf
- Pear, yeasty.
- Clean.
- Almost sweet compared to the others, but not sweet really; just good flavors all around.
6) Gloria Ferrer, Royal Cuvee, 2001, $22
http://www.gloriaferrer.com/Wines.php?Wine=2001%20Royal%20Cuvee
- Another well balanced one. Good.
7) L'ermitage, Roederer, 2002, $34.29
http://www.roedererestate.com/TechSheet.php?Wine=1016
- Apple, citrus.
- Clean, similar to #5.
- Bitter aftertaste on tip of tongue.
- Forte.
- Apple, well rounded.
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1) Charles & Charles, Vol. II, Columbia Valley, (50 Cabernet, 50 Syrah), Charles Bieler & Charles Smith Collaboration, 2007
http://www.whwc.com/p/305784?utm_source=Vinquire&utm_medium=WineFeed&utm_content=2007%2BCharles%2B%2526%2BCharles%2BCabernet%2BSauvignon%2BSyrah%2BColumbia%2BValley%2BVol.&utm_campaign=base
-Chocolate nose, great finish.
-A little thin
-Can definitely taste the Syrah component.
2) Saviah, The Jack, Walla Walla, 2007
http://www.saviahcellars.com/
-Floral nose.
-Smooth - not forward.
3) Januik, Merlot, Columbia Valley, 2006
http://www.januikwinery.com/
-Cherry nose, nice.
-Coconut on first taste, again on second - Not intense, but noticeable.
-Long finish, typical merlot nose.
4) Brian Carter, Abracadabra, Columbia Valley, 2005, $20
http://www.briancartercellars.com/
-Spicy.
-Spicy, too - Good!
5) Castillo de Feliciana, Miercoles, Walla Walla, (60 Cabernet, 40 Syrah), 2007
http://castillodefeliciana.com/
-Pepper.
-Pepper and bright fruit.
-Like it!
-I like it, too!
-My favorite.
-Pepper on second taste as well.
6) Walla Walla Vintners, Walla Walla, 2007
http://www.wallawallavintners.com/
-Cherry, smooth.
-Smooth well balanced.
7) Chatter Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, 2006
http://www.chattercreek.com/
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1) Château du Grand Bos, Appellation Graves contrôlée, 2002
http://vin-grand-bos.com/dossier.php?id_dossier=7&PHPSESSID=52dac0fc9150726f1b54cd199baa8b53
-Earthy nose, good balance, nice finish.
-Mineral dominant, nicely balanced.
-Great tannins over time.
-Earthy but not barnyard.
2) Grand Vin du Château Bernadette, Appellation Haut-Medoc contrôlée, 2003
-Barnyard nose, light on flavors.
-Fruit is mode evident after it has been open, but it doesn't overwhelm. Nice tannins.
-Nice, very nice.
3) Château les Barraillots, Appellation Margaux contrôlée, 2006
http://www.winemax.fr/ficheProducteur.php5?action=afficherPage&codeProducteur=Marg0023
-Herbal nose, spivy, lots of tannins.
-A lovely round beauty, without sacrificing structure.
4) Château Plaisance, Appellation Bordeaux Supérieur contrôlée, 2003
-Herbal nose, yum!
5) Château Mongravey, Appellation Margaux contrôlée, 2005, $29
-No me diga!
-Herbal and floral; good tannins, great finish.
6) Château Potensac, Appellation Medoc contrôlée, $29
http://www.caves-direct.com/negociant/-/vin/133/chateau-potensac
-Oh so lovely with the Brix chocolate!
-Good with the chocolate, yes. Tannic at first but mellowed after time.
-Some thing in Greek!
7) Château Belle-vue, Appellation Haut-Medoc contrôlée, 2003, $25
-I don't even like Bellevue, but this better than expected! Drier than 4.
-Also, a wonderful chocolate wine.
-ein bilsschen kranken magen!
8) Baron de Rothchild, Reserve speciale, Appellation Pauillac contrôlée, 2002
-Something is missing. A little thin, no ending.
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1) La Gravette de Certan, Pomerol, 2004, $30
-Floral nose, raspberry flavor, smooth finish.
2) Vieux Château Chambeau, Lussac Saint-Émilion, 2005, $18
-Licorice and cherry.
-Light - even on second taste - but well-balanced.
-Light, but very tasty.
3) Chateau Siaurac, Lalande de Pomerol, 2005, $28
-Citrus, blackberries, nice finish.
-Earthy at first, better later.
4) Chateau Beau Soleil, Pomerol, 1996, $24
Subtle nose, smooth, nice finish.
5) La Grange Neuve Figeac Saint-Émilion, 2000, $43
-Cherry bomb.
-Overall better than #2, but still on the light side.
6) Château Branda, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, 2001, $27
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1) Rancho Zabaco, Dry Creek Valley Reserve, 2007, 14.9%, $18.00
http://www.ranchozabaco.com/OurWines/RanchoMain.asp
-Vanilla
-Plumy notes - not bad
2) Graziano, Eddie Graziano Vineyard, Mendocino. 2004, 14.5%, $22.00
http://www.grazianofamilyofwines.com/graziano.html
-Spicy, peppery.
-Smooth, very nice!
-Peppery.
3) Seghesio, Rockpile, 2007, 15.6%, $30.00
http://www.seghesio.com/?ck=PNRMSBOGEW&pk=F0CB1F2307&SectionID=2099&CatalogID=446§ion=Shop&Details=6477004
-Raspberry.
-Very pleasant and drinkable.
4) Rosenblum, Rockpile, 2006, 14.8%, $30.00
https://www.rosenblumcellars.com/shop/item.jsp?itemid=746&catid=56
-Tannins.
-Lots of different flavor notes - very interesting!
5) Barnard Griffin, Hell's Gate Canyon Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 2005, 14.7%, $20.00
http://www.barnardgriffin.com/node/410/ourwines
-Funky nose, lots of tannin - not my favorite.
6) Rosenblum, Richard Sauret Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2006, 14.7%, $28.00
https://www.rosenblumcellars.com/shop/item.jsp?itemid=539&catid=56
-Cherry.
-More tannin than #4.
7) Marr, Mattern Ranch, Mendocino, 2001, 15.5%, $30.00
http://www.marrcellars.com/wines.html
8) Ravenswood, Vintage, Napa Valley, 2006, 15.4%
http://www.ravenswoodwinestore.com/06NVZin
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1) Allende, Rioja, 2004, Briones, Finca Allende
http://www.finca-allende.com/
-Raspberry, very smooth, great finish.
-Fruity but a bit harsh and metallic on the finish.
2) Pago Florentino, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Femal S.A., Malagen, Cuidad Real, 2005, $20
http://www.pagoflorentino.com/
-Pepper and cherry, smooth tannins.
-Bizarrely, immediately after trying #1, this had c
oconut overtones.
-Earthy after being open for a time.
3) Prima, Toro, Bodegas y Vinedos Maurodos, 2006
http://www.bodegasmauro.com
-Herbs and plums, smooth, nice finish.
4) El Albar, Toro, Bodega J. & F. Lurton, 2004
http://www.francoislurton.com/ES/index.php
-Berries, spicy, really good.
5) La Montessa, Rioja, Bodega Palacios, Remondo, Alfaro, 2005, $18
http://www.vinosherenciaremondo.com
http://www.vinogusto.com/es/vino/38610/la-montesa-2005
-Mellow, smooth - less forward than #1 - #4
6) Ochoa, Navarra, Javier Ochoa, 2004
http://www.bodegasochoa.com/our-wines/crianza-EN-18-0/ochoa-tempranillo-EN.html
-Goes well with dark chocolate chipotle covered hazelnuts.
-Jammy, raspberry.
7) Kennedy Shah, Rattlesnake Hills, 2005
http://www.woodhousefamilycellars.com/kennedyshah.html
-Licorice.
8) Propiedad, Rioja, Bodega Palacios, Remondo, Alfaro, 2005, $38
http://www.vinosherenciaremondo.com
http://www.vinogusto.com/es/vino/40171/propiedad-2005
-Best, oak and tannin but not excessive.
-Deep and flavorful.
-Mellow, nice finish.
9) Finca El Tesso, Ribera del Guadiana, Bodega Martinez Paiva S.A., 2007
http://www.svimports.com/winemakers/Iberian_Estates/Iberian_FincaElTeso_Estate.pdf
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1) Punto Final, Reserva, 2004, $20
http://www.bodegarenacer.com.ar/eng/index.html
-Heady aroma, nice light raspberry, little finish.
-Dense full nose, smooth on the tongue, nice finish.
-Paired well with 40% cocoa chocolate discs.
2) Zolo, Mendoza Valley, 2007, $14.50
http://www.tapiz.com/wines/index_zolo.htm
-Full, rich.
-Serious pucker factor.
3) Buty, Horse Heaven Hills, Phinny Hill Vineyard, 2007, $35
http://www.butywinery.com/butywinery/page/notes.jsp
-Always yummy, well balanced.
-Hints of anise.
4) Dona Paula, Los Cardos, Lujan de Cuyo, 2007, $11
http://www.donapaula.com.ar/ingles/nuestrosvinos.html
-Soft and fruity.
-Just OK, not special.
5) River Aerie, Columbia Valley, 2007, $22
http://www.riveraeriewines.com/app/webroot/wines/details/97
-Lovely dark color.
-Oaky, unusual for a Malbec but nice.
-Fruit come through for me - cherry and plum.
-Strong fruit (OK). Rich color.
6) Chateau du Cédre, Cahors, 2005, $23
http://www.thewinedoctor.com/southwest/cedre.shtml
-More structure than the Argentines.
-Very dark color, not heavy on palette.
-Tapers off too soon, but still my number 2.
-Spicy on second taste.
7) Norton, Reserva, 2006, $17
http://www.norton.com.ar/english/reserva.htm
-Seemed thin.
8) Gascon, Mendoza, 2008
http://www.gasconwines.com/food-pairings/receta-chimichurri/RecetaChimichurri.html
-Still fruit juice.
9) Trapiche, Mendoza, 2005
http://www.trapiche.com.ar/bodega.html
-Interesting beginning but quickly turns acidic.
10) Argento, Reserva, Mendoza, 2008, $15
http://www.argentowine.com/wines_argento_reserva.htm#
-Good fruit; little finish.
11) Norton, Reserva, 2004, $17
http://www.norton.com.ar/english/reserva.htm
-Full, dense, chewy, great finish.
-What a difference two years makes! Much more interesting than #7. My favorite.
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1) Marr Cellars, Cuvée Patrick, Reserve, 2003, $22
http://www.marrcellars.com/
-Cherry, floral, good fruit, nice finish.
2) Cain Five, Napa, 1995, $60
http://www.cainfive.com/about/winery.cfm
-Barnyard nose, elegant finish.
3) Hanna, Bismark Mountain, Sonoma, 2001
http://www.hannawinery.com/
-Berries, citrus, nice finish.
-A little acidic and some tannins, but age worthy even though it is a 2001, give it 3-5 more years -> excellent
4) Ferrari-Carano, Siena, Sonoma, 2004, $28
http://www.ferrari-carano.com/
5) Tablas Creek, Espirit de Beaucastel, Paso Robles, 2005
http://www.tablascreek.com/
6) L'Aventure, Optimus, Paso Robles, 2006
http://www.aventurewine.com/docs/home.php
7) Jada, Mirror, Paso Robles, 2005, $36
47% Syrah, 30% Cabernet, 23% Merlot
http://www.jadavineyard.com/
8) Ridge, Sonoma County, Three Valley, 2007, $22
76% Zin, 8% Petite Syrah, 7% syrah, 6% Grenache, 3% Carignane
http://www.ridgewine.com/
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1) Saumur-Champigny, Lieu-dit Les Poyeux, 2005
http://www.explorateurs-de-vins.com/region_loire.htm
-Light, thin.
-OK for an opener.
-Raspberry nose, light in flavor, a little pepper.
2) Marc Brédif, Chinon, Loire, 2006, $19
-Good fruit.
-A little thin, not a good follower to 1.
-Earthy nose, good fruit, nice tannic finish.
-Paired well with the peppercorn salami.
-A little fizzy.
3) Chateau Pierre-Bise, Anjou Villages, 2005, $24
http://www.caveprivee.com/vente-privee-vins/campagne-289.html
-Paired well with 60% cocoa chocolate discs.
4) Clos La Coutale, Cahors, 2005
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=382548
-Herbal nose, slightly tart, finish OK.
-Paired well with the picholine olives.
5) Les Baux de Provence, Mas de Gourgonnier, 2006
http://www.wine.com/V6/Mas-de-Gourgonnier-Les-Baux-de-Provance-Rouge-2006/wine/97090/detail.aspx
-Good balance.
-Good fruit, nice finish.
-Nice - my favorite. Bring on the picnic. Wasn't offensive, not anything extremely outstanding but overall well balanced.
6) Chateau Segonzac, Heritage, Bordeaux, 2003, $22
http://www.chateau-segonzac.com/page1.php
-After it was open for a long while, it exhibited a nice, complex, somewhat herbal quality. Very enjoyable.
-Was the best of 10/06 North Bank Bordeaux tasting, but nothing special tonight.
7) Chateau Greysac, Medoc, 2004
http://www.cellarnotes.net/chateaugreysac.html
-Thin, almost a bit bitter. Not interesting.
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1) Emilio Moro, 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 2004, $30
http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wineries/emilio-moro-winery.html
-Long on the tongue.
-Black fruits, stemmy bouquet, deep ruby red chewy tannins, brambly fruit a bit tight
-Toasty, more oak than others.
2) El Quintanal, 100% Tempranillo, 2005, $24
http://winecask.blogspot.com/2007/05/el-quintanal-ribera-del-duero-2005-wine.html
-Milky purplish red, woody, piney, corky bouquet, - no fruit. CORKED!
-CORKED!
3) Torre Silo, Cillar de Silos, 2004, $55
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=176892
-Gripping tannins, but delicious rich black fruits, with licorice to cola undertones.
-Deep rich, but still tannic.
-Earthy nose, good fruit, nice finish.
4) Protos, Roble, 2006
http://www.bodegasprotos.com/en/jovenroble/
-Gamey barnyard on the nose, citrusy raspberry zest in the bouquet, brambly fruits, tobacco, vanilla, silky tannins, good acids and structure, well balanced. Good with food.
-Floral nose, nutmeg and cloves, nice tannins.
5) Tinto Pesquera, 2005, $28 (92 points by Robert Parker)
http://www.grupopesquera.com/english/actualidad13.htm
-Wonderful bouquet, well balanced, good fruit flavor but an underlying funkiness that is not clearly pleasant. What is Robert Parker thinking?
-Full bodied, great tannins.
6) Rivola, Sardon de Duero, 2004, Castilla Y Leon
http://www.harperwells.com/HWProduct839/AbadiaRetuertaRivola2006.aspx
-Full bouquet with nose of rose, black fruits, rich fruit flavor, with a striking balance of creamy tannins and bright acids. Delicious.
-My favorite.
7) Corona de Castilla, 2003, Prestigio, $21
http://www.avelinovegas.com/index_esp.html
-Very barnyard on the nose, mellows over time, well balanced, bright acids, good fruits, mellow tannins.
8) Condado de Haza, 2004, $29
http://www.grupopesquera.com/english/actualidad13.htm
-Chewy - tannic.
-Nice finish, fruit forward, my favorite.
-Inky black color, orangey pink on rim, black fruits, star anise and cola on the nose, nice tertiary complex aromas coming through.
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1) TBD Zinfandel, California, DnA vineyard, 2006
http://www.dnavineyards.com/
-Chewy.
2) Trapiche, Broquel, Malbec, Argentina, 2006
http://www.trapiche.com.ar/
-Earthy with nice finish.
3) Di Stefano, Meritage, Columbia Valley, 2004, $20
http://www.distefanowinery.com/our_wines.php#meritage
-Yum.
-Deep red fruits, tobacco, violets. Bouquet contains a hint of nail polish remover from the esters. Well balanced with lots of firm tannins.
Would be great with a rich red meat dish.
4) Januik Red Wine, Columbia Valley, 2006, $20
http://www.noveltyhilljanuik.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=52
-Astonishingly good, given that to avoid mistaking it to be anything else, it tells you it is "Red" wine.
(Disclaimer: I brought this) head and shoulders above the others.
-Huge juicy fruit: Cherries, berries. Plums.
5) Ravenswood, Old Vine Zinfandel, Amador County, 2006
http://www.ravenswood-wine.com/home.htm
-Terrific, good fruit and nice finish.
-Jammy.
6) Chances R, Red Wine, Columbia valley, Watermill Winery, 2006
https://secure.wallawallawinesonline.com/WatermillWinery/current_releases.cfm#2006%20Chances%20R%20Red%20Table%20Wine
-Dry a bit tart.
-What he said.
Ditto.
7) Graham Beck, Gamekeepers Reserve, 2007
http://www.grahambeckwines.com/
-Vanilla, cedar on the nose. Rich juicy berry, and gripping, astringent tannins. Very young.
8) La Sauvageonne, Pica Broca, Terrasses du Larzac, Coteaux du Languedoc, 2005
http://www.lasauvageonne.net/our_wines.html
-French nose.
-Distinctive complex bouquet with hints of mineral, earth, spice. Supple mouthfeel, not heavy, but well balanced. Lovely fruit laced with caramel, licorice and tobacco. Lovely wine.
9) J. Lohr, Seven oaks, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
http://www.jlohr.com/about_main.html
10) Rutherford Hill, Merlot, Napa Valley, 2004
http://www.rutherfordhill.com/
-Smooth today.
-Creamy smooth mouthfeel, loaded with toasty chocolate, coffee, plum and cherry. Very tasty.
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