2010 Attachmate(legacy WRQ) Wine Tastings
1) Marques de Murreita, Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2005
http://www.marquesdemurrieta.com/
-Musty, leather, very dry. ++
-Vanilla
-Dry, some tannins, bright fruit
2) Covila II, Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2001
http://www.covila.es/
-Earthy, spicy, nice finish
-Should be decanted next time
-Bright, spicy -earthy, needs to open up
3) Riscal, Castilla y Leon, Spain, 2006
http://www.marquesderiscal.com/
4) Quinta da Cortezia, Tinta Roriz, Estremadura, Portugal, 1999, $24.99
http://www.quintadacortezia.pt/homex.html
-More leather, but beautiful
-Wow; fruit and leather, terrfic
-After an hour even better
5) Dominio de Valdelacasa, Tinta de Toro, Toro, Spain, 2005, $22.99
http://www.bodegasfrontaura.es/
-Smooth, rich, nice finish
-More fruit, nice finish
-Second taste an hour later, really opened up
-Cherry, raspberry flavors with a smooth finish
6) Substance, Te, Walla Walla, USA, 2009
http://winesofsubstance.com/
-Sodapop
-Fruity, needs time to open up
7) Paso a Paso, Bodegas Volver, La Mancha, Spain, 2009
http://holawine.com/wineyards/bodegas_volver.html
8) Martin Codax, Ergo, Rioja, Spain, 2007
http://www.martincodax.com/
-Lighter body, bright red fruit.
9) Martin Codax, Ergo, Rioja, Spain, 2008
http://www.martincodax.com/
10) Rioja Vega, Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2007
http://www.riojavega.com/ingles/default.htm
11) Los Cantos, Finca Torremilanos, Duero, Spain, 2006
http://www.torremilanos.com/
-Very smooth, great finish
12) Mount Baker, Yakima, USA, 2005
http://www.mountbakervineyards.com/
-Light, fruity.
13) Lan, Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2005
http://www.bodegaslan.com/en/index.php
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1. Feraud-Brunel 2007, Cotes du Rhone Villages $21.99
2. Bunnel Family Cellars 2007, VIF $32.99
3. Ogier 2007, Cotes du Rhone Heritages
4. J.L. Chave 2007, Cotes de Rhone $20.00
5. Vignobles Bronier 2008, Vin de Payes de Vaucluse Le Pigeoulet $18.00
6. M. Chapoutier 2008, Cotes du Roussilon Les Vignes de Bila-Haut $13.99
No comments. From discussion, it seems that #2 was the favorite of the night. I think several people really liked #3 as well.
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1) Ridge, Sonoma, Three Valleys, 2008
74% zinfandel, 11% petite sirah, 5% carignane, 4% mataro, 3% syrah, 3% grenache
http://www.ridgewine.com/wines/Three_Valleys_Wine.tml
-Nice, but young. Should mature to be interesting in a few more years.
-Burns my tongue.
-A bit rough.
2) Ridge, Sonoma, Lytton Springs, 2008
71% zinfandel, 22% petite sirah, 7% carignane
http://www.ridgewine.com/wines/Lytton_Springs_Wine.tml
-More mature than number #1, fruity.
-Serious pucker factor.
-Good tannins.
-Well balanced, great match with hearty cheese
3) Earthquake, 2007, $28
http://lodivineyards.com/earthquake.htm#4
-Sweet, after the Ridges.
-Mellow, very tasty, especially compared to Old Vine.
-Smooth.
4) Old Vine, Sonoma, Dry Creek Vineyard, 2006
http://www.drycreekvineyard.com/our_wines/2006_old_vine_zinfandel.html
-Barnyard nose, tart finish.
-Too tart, acid.
5) Ridge, Geyserville, 2007
58% zinfandel, 22% carignane, 18% petite sirah, 2% Mataró
http://www.ridgewine.com/wines/Geyserville_Wine.tml
-Best of the Ridges.
-Very smooth.
6) Opolo, Mountain Zinfandel, Paso Robles, 2006
https://www.opolo.com/trade/resources/docs/2006%20Mountain%20Zinfandel.pdf
-Spicy.
-Bright, fruity, nice finish.
-Sweet and fruity.
7) Coppola, Diamond Collection, 2008
http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/wine/diamond/zinfandel
-Floral nose, pepper, a bit tart on the tongue.
8) Marietta, 2007
http://www.mariettacellars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Zin07.pdf
-Very sweet, but delish, bright.
-ditto sweetness, a bit too much for me.
9) Marr, Mendocino County, Mattern Ranch, 2001
http://www.marrcellars.com/wines.html
-Bright, a little tart.
-Barnyard, very smooth finish.
10) Cline, Heritage Zin, Contra Costa County, 2007
http://www.clinecellars.com/
-Nice, better after a few minutes in the glass.
11) Dry Creek Vineyard, Heritage Zinfandel, 2008
http://www.drycreekvineyard.com/our_wines/2008_heritage_zinfandel.html
-Better balance that expected for a 2008.
-Lots of tannins.
12) Klinker Brick Winery, Lodi, Old Vine Zinfandel, 2007
http://www.klinkerbrickwinery.com/old_vine_zinfandel.htm
-Really not so hot.
-Odd fruitiness.
-Beautiful color, wish it tasted as pretty.
13) Four Vines, Old Vine Cuvee, 2007
http://www.fourvines.com/our_wines.html
-Wet and fruity, soft.
-Very drinkable.
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1) Crasto, 2007
35% Tinta Roriz, 25% Tinta Barroca, 25% Touriga Franca, 15% Touriga Nacional
http://www.quintadocrasto.pt/uk/intro.htm
-Bit of a dry finish.
-A hint of floral nose, some pepper, very smooth.
2) Vale do Bonfim, 2007
58% Tinta Barroca, 15% Tinta Roriz, 14% Touriga Nacional, 8% Tinto Cão, 5% Tinta Amarela
-Wow, really nice.
3) Maritávora, 2004
Blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional
http://www.maritavora.com/english/
-Blueberries, very nice.
4) Kopke, 2006, $15
http://www.kopkeports.com/client/skins/english/site.htm
-Earthy, full mouth feel yum!
5) Quinta do Côa, $18
Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca
http://www.carm.pt/english/produtos/vinhos/qcoa/index.htm
6) Lello, 2008
Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca
http://www.borgeswines.com/ -Herbal nose, big fruit, nice finish.
7) Prazo de Roriz, 2007
40% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca, 21% Tinta Barroca, 12% Tinta Roriz, 2% Tinto Cão
http://www.pfv.org/html/symington-docwines.html
-Vanilla, great finish.
8) Monte Da Cal, 2006, Alentejo Region (OUTLIER)
40% Aragones, 30% Alfrocheiro Preto, 30% Allicante Bouchet
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1) Shingleback, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2005, $20
http://www.shingleback.com.au/
-Chocolate nose, very smooth, nice finish.
-First taste good, not so good later.
2) Nugan Estate, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2006, $24
http://www.nuganestate.com.au/default.aspx?p=1
-Fruit, nice.
-Great fruit flavors, peppery, nice tannins.
3) Nashwauk, Tempranillo, McLaren Vale, $24
http://www.nashwaukvineyards.com/about.html
-Nice finish.
4) Ball Buster, Tait winery, Barossa, 2008, $19
(77% Shiraz, 12 % Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon)
http://www.taitwines.com.au/4.html
-Drinkable.
5) Layer Cake, Shiraz, 2008, $13
http://www.layercakewine.com//index.cfm?method=pages.showPage&pageid=eb1b6a19-1cc4-fbb6-2337-b25381844e91&isMarketingURL=1&
-Flowery nose, fruity, nice.
6) Torbreck, Barossa, 2007, $21
(60% Grenache, 20% Mataro, 20% Shiraz)
http://www.torbreck.com/Portals/0/Tasting%20Notes/Juveniles/2007%20Cuvee%20Juveniles.pdf
-A little bit of leather.
7) Pikes, Clare Valley, Shiraz, 2006, $20
http://www.pikeswines.com.au/wines_shiraz.htm
8) Yalumba, Shiraz/Viognier (92/8), 2008
http://www.yalumba.com/vintage.asp?p=154&b=199&l=1163&v=3730
9) The Wishing Tree, Shiraz, 2007
http://www.tapwc.com.au/downloads/Wishing%20Tree%20Sell%20Sheet.pdf
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1) Warwick, Three Cape Ladies, 2003, $24
http://www.warwickwine.com/wines_threecapeladies.asp
Cabernet Sauvignon; Pinotage; Merlot
-Chocolate nose, very tart.
-Bright fruit, young but not too tannic.
2) Backsberg, Pinotage, 2004, $15
http://backsberg.co.za/
-Pinot wimpy.
-Eh…not interesting.
-Tobacco and tannins.
3) Savanha, Pinotage/Shiraz, 2009, $11
http://www.savanhawines.co.za/savanha/home/index.jsp
-Better than #2, but still not very interesting.
-Bright, fruity, a bit of chocolate.
-Bordering on Soda pop.
4) Fairview, Solitude, Shiraz, 2002, $35
http://fairview.co.za/
-Chewy, needs time.
-Meat, leather.
5) Rustenberg, Stellenbosch, 2006, $26
http://www.rustenberg.co.za/
-Favorite of the night.
-Good fruit, great finish.
6) Boekenhoutskloof, Syrah, 2006, $50
http://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za
-Nice syrah character. Good deep flavors.
-One of the best tonight – well balanced.
7) Porcupine Ridge, Merlot, 2007, $10
http://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/
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1) Tildio, 2007, Columbia Winery, $29
http://www.tildio.com/
-Very drinkable, some spice.
-Plum nose, smooth and spicy finish. Very nice.
-Dark and extracted, spice.
-Been at this one for at least 5 years; getting better but Vintner’s Reserve 05 makes this look they are getting back to basic, with young vines and a new wine-make-> no tell-tale signs of full nose, heavy leg and cocoa-raisin hints; grape tannins were good, oak tannins make me wonder if this was bottled too soon.
-One of the best of the night.
2) Camraderie, 2007, Crawford Vineyard, Columbia Valley, $20
http://www.camaraderiecellars.com/home.html
-Seems thin after #1.
-Lighter, redder fruit.
-Very nice after being open for a couple of hours.
-Short nose, with dark berry and dusty cherry edge; tannins from fruit have too much acid, oak tannins are strong, but didn’t balance against the fruit. This one seemed that it was thin, which begs the age of the vines; seems young.
3) Hence Cellars, 2006, Estate Grown Walla Walla, $45
http://www.hencecellars.com/
-Dust and currant on the nose.
-Dark fruit, dark color.
-Well balanced, raisin aroma.
-Earthy.
-Dark fruit forward followed by a bakery sweet aftertaste.
-Very nice after being open for a couple of hours.
-This one is a keeper! Drink now and rack for later; nose is smooth, balanced with grape, raisin, slight ash and warm pear as it opens up. The leg looks fine, not too much run, so sugars seem slightly on the short side. Tannins are soft with fruit tannins slightly overloading the oak – much appreciated! Finish is short, complete and begs for another drink.
-Barnyard smell. One of the night’s best.
4) Seven Hills, 2007, Walla Walla Valley, $25
http://www.sevenhillswinery.com/
-Pie cherries, a little sour.
-Light tart.
-Light and bright, almost more like a Montepulciano. Short palette, shocky to the nose, with unbalanced tannins that “attack” the taste buds. Fruit grabs the tongue and moves the finish to lackluster, “what happened?” Suggest this rack for a year or two, and then pair with spicy and/or deep cherry meats, and sweet demi-glaze type sauces.
5) Gascon, 2008, Mendoza
http://www.gasconwine.com/
-Tannic cherry soda.
-Also light compared to the WA wines, but with more body than #4.
-Soft nose, with no discrimination, fruit essences leg is short, meaning lack of enough residual sugars. The wine enters the palette with hint of grape tannin teasing an oak tannin to come. Leave the palette like a lamb, not enough balance between the acidity and sugar to feel like the flavor would pair well with anything but over-powering curries, pepper steak, or gamey, like duck. Would pass on adding to my rack.
6) Trapiche, Oak Cask, 2007, Mendoza, $18
http://www.trapiche.com.ar/
-Sour Dr. Pepper.
7) Antigal, 2007, Mendoza, $19
http://www.bodegaantigal.com/
-Nice. Dark with dark fruit.
-Earthy nose.
-Tannins are a bit stiff.
8) Elsom, 2007, Columbia Valley
http://www.elsomcellars.com/malbec07.php
-Very smooth, flavors blend well together.
-Extracted and dark. Nice fruit and a little tannin.
-One of the best of the night.
-One of the better of the night – good balance.
9) Luigi Bosca, 2006, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, $18
http://www.luigibosca.com.ar/2007/v8/index.php
-Earthy nose, cherry flavor.
-Oaky, dark, some barnyard funk.
-Favorite of the evening.
-This works; marks what a Malbec should be!
-One of the best of the night.
-This is a steal for under $20.
10) Punto Final, 2008, Renacer, Mendoza, $18
http://www.bodegarenacer.com.ar/eng/index.html
-Thin, unremarkable.
11) Colores del Sol, 2009, Mendoza
http://www.coloresdelsolwines.com/about_colores_del_sol.php
-Baby’s got no back.
-Disappointing, soft finish, burnt raisin -> with light tannin hints of fuzz in back of teeth; fruit finish is soft, almost unfinished. Rack for a year and see what happens.
-This is OK, not great.
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1) Cadence, Bel Canto, Red Mountain, 2005
Blend: 50% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot
http://cadencewinery.com/wines/
-Chocolate, cherry, tart.
-Almost (but not quite) sweet.
-Nice balance, spiciness
-Fruit forward but balanced with spiciness
2) Fall Line, Aldercreek Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 2006, $20
Blend: 46% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
http://www.falllinewinery.com/vintage_2006.html
-herbal, raspberry.
-Weedy, some barnyard.
-Light barnyard aroma, nice spice, lovely finish.
-Winner, robust, very good (wild taste).
-Fruit, balanced with herbs.
3) Columbia Crest, Walter Clore, Private Reserve, 2005, $22
Blend: 66% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon
http://www.columbiacrest.com/reserve/release/172
-Soft warm, almost sweet, spiced wine.
-Oh yum.
4) Kamiakin, Yakima Valley, Sheridan Vineyards, 2007, $15
Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc
http://www.sheridanvineyard.com/index.html
-Too much fruit.
-Bright cherry flavors, a perky wine.
-Too spicy. Too light.
-Cherry bomb.
5) Va Piano, Bruno's Blend V, Columbia Valley, $20
Blend: 67% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Merlot
http://www.vapianovineyards.com/store/products/Bruno_s_Blend_V-21-0.html
-Floral, cherry, very smooth finish.
6) Quilceda Creek, Columbia Valley, 2005, $35
Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot
http://www.quilcedacreek.com/wines/rtw-2005.aspx
-Effusive nose, blueberry, oak, needs time.
-Plum, fig, nice finish.
-Some oak, needs aging, well balanced.
-Very good wine with an aftertaste. Excellent.
-Best of night.
-Balanced, good blend. Refined.
7) Cougar Crest, Anniversary Cuvee, Walla Walla Valley, 2006, $27
Blend:
http://www.cougarcrestwinery.com/
-Herbal, cassis, dry finish.
-Barnyard and cherry cough drop, bright.
-Pedestrian.
8) Nota Bene, Miscela, 2005, $30
Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Malbec
http://www.notabenecellars.com/pages_vintages/nota_bene_2005_miscela.html
-Cherry nose, good fruit, nice finish.
-Better than the other N.B. Good Balance.
-Fruit, nice finish, will age well.
9) Nota Bene, Abbinare, 2006, $25
Blend: 61% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec
http://www.notabenecellars.com/pages_vintages/nota_bene_2006_abbinare.html
-Sweet cherry fruit, alcohol.
10) The Prisoner, Napa 2008, $39 (OUTLIER)
http://www.orinswift.com/wines/the_prisoner.php
11) Canoe Ridge, Horse Heaven Hills, 2005
Blend: 100% Merlot
http://www.canoeridgevineyard.com/
12) Silverlake, Rattlesnake Hills, 2007
Blend: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot
http://www.silverlakewinery.com/index.php
-Not inspiring, but not bad.
13) Ruah, Desert Wind, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, 2007
Blend: 48% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Cabernet Franc
http://www.desertwindwinery.com/
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1) Ward Johnson Winery, Red Mountain, 2006
http://www.wardjohnsonwinery.com/
-Big berry aroma gives over to flinty taste, good balance, licorice finish.
-Big fruit, luscious, cinnamon, nice finish.
2) Sheridan Vineyard, Yakima Valley, 2004
http://www.sheridanvineyard.com/
-Earthy, blackberry, great finish.
-Strong, but not overwhelming tannins, spicy.
3) Dussek Family Cellars, Rattlesnake Hills, 2006, $18
http://www.woodhousefamilycellars.com/dussek.html
-Leather aroma, luscious mouthfeel.
-Smooth, floral, very nice.
-Very nice!
4) Isenhower, River Beauty, Horse Heaven Hills, 2006, $24
http://www.isenhowercellars.com/
http://www.isenhowercellars.com/pdfs/2008release/2006%20river%20beauty%20syrah.pdf
-Gym socks in a bottle.
-Very well balanced, good fruit.
-Berry, good!
5) Lost River, Walla Walla Valley, 2006
http://www.lostriverwinery.com/
http://www.lostriverwinery.com/wines/syrah.htm
-Vanilla, plum.
-Vanilla over spice.
-Oaky, but not too much.
6) Va Piano, Walla Walla Valley, 2006
http://www.vapianovineyards.com/
-Still soft, enjoyable.
-Did not improve with time open.
7) Three Rivers Winery, Walla Walla Valley, 2005
http://www.threeriverswinery.com/
-Very lively, spicy, good strong tannins.
8) Covington Cellars, Seven Hills, 2006
http://www.covingtoncellars.com/
-A bit tart, cherry.
-A long finish of light leather.
-Very bright, lively, full.
9) Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Valley, Vintage 2006
http://www.ste-michelle.com/
http://www.ste-michelle.com/wines/columbiaValley/release/265
-Not impressive – ordinary.
10) Olympic Cellars, Columbia Valley, 2007
http://www.olympiccellars.com/
-Very sweet, I don’t think the yeast finished.
-Some sweetness, too much.
11) Facelli, Late Harvest, 2002
http://www.facelliwinery.com/
12) Facelli, Late Harvest, 2007
http://www.facelliwinery.com/
http://www.facelliwinery.com/2Wines2007LHSyrah.tmpl
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Rocha, Colheita, 1985
http://wineworthimporters.com/porto-rocha/tasting-notes/
Color: Pale, cloudy, rusty
Aroma: Toasty
Taste: Luscious
Kopke, Colheita, 1995, $35
http://www.kopkeports.com/client/skins/english/site.htm
http://wineworthimporters.com/porto-kopke/tasting-notes/
Color: Deep burnt orange
Aroma:
Taste:
Went well with fig jam and milk chocolate.
Grahams, 10 Year Tawny, $30
http://www.grahams-port.com/
http://www.grahams-port.com/pdfs/Graham_10YO_EN.pdf
Color:
Aroma:
Taste:
Light Madeira flavor.
Went well with the caramelized apples.
Fonseca, Late Bottled Vintage, 2000, $21
http://www.fonseca.pt/index_.htm
http://www.fonseca.pt/pdfs/Late%20Bottled%20Vintage/FG%20LBV%202000.pdf
Color: Inky
Aroma: Floral
Taste:
Thick in taste, almost syrupy. Needs a bit of acid to make it a little more food-friendly. Good match for the bittersweet chocolate.
Went well with the cheese stuffed dates.
Quinta do Vesuvio, Vintage, 2003, $80
http://www.quintadovesuvio.com/
http://www.quintadovesuvio.com/pdf/Vesuvio%202003_EN.pdf
Color: Very dark!
Aroma:
Taste: Some fruit, well balanced.
Needs the sharpness of blue cheese or similar to help cut the texture and heavy sweetness.
More information:
http://www.ivp.pt/index.asp?idioma=1&
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