2014 Attachmate (legacy WRQ) Wine Tastings
1) Tablas Creek, Cotes de Tablas, Paso Robles, 2009, $30
Blend: 43% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 18% Counise, 15% Mourverde
http://www.tablascreek.com/wine/15/2009_cotes_de_tablas
-Nice spice notes.
-A little thin.
-Light but tasty. Lots of pepper.
2) Estancia, Meritage, Paso Robles, 2010, $23
Blend: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 7 Petit Verdot, 4 Malbec
http://www.estanciawines.com/artisan-wines/reserve/meritage/
-Smooth finish, floral notes, nice tannins.
-Too ripe and sweet.
3) Ghost Pines Red Blend, 2011, $20
Blend: 45% San Joaquin county, 38% Napa county, 17% Sonoma county
Blend: Petite Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Syrah
-Fruit forward.
-Vanilla.
-Ripe, sweet.
4) Rare Red, 4 Grape Blend, NV
http://www.scottocellars.com/wines/rare-wines/
-Peppery and cherry flavor.
-Cherry forward.
-Syrupy sweet. Ick.
5) Sean Minor, Red wine, Napa valley, 2009
http://www.seanminorwines.com/all-sean-minor-wines/red-blend-napa-valley
-Woody.
-Soft and sweet.
6) Conundrum Red Wine, 2011, $20
http://www.conundrumwines.com/
-Very berry/cherry.
-Unexpectedly sweet.
-Wow cherry syrup.
-Worst of the night, maybe the year.
-Way too sweet.
7) Coho, Headwaters, Napa valley, 2009
http://www.cohowines.com/
-Nice spice, good pucker factor.
-Some balance but still too sweet.
8) The Sum, 2011
http://www.75wine.com/wines/current-releases/2011-the-sum.html
-Tasted like candy.
-Sweet, candied.
9) Ghost Pines Red Blend, 2011, $20
Blend: 56% Sonoma County, 23% San Joaquin County, 21% Napa County
Blend: Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Sangiovese
http://www.ghostpines.com/pdf/GhostPines_2011RedBlend.pdf
-Better than the other Ghost Pines with a little spiciness and some backbone.
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1) Lan, Gran Reserva, 2005
http://www.bodegaslan.com/en/
-Fruit, tannic, but more integrated over time.
2) Ontanon, Reserva, 2004, $25
http://www.ontanon.es/english/
-Vanilla on the nose, very smooth with a nice finish.
-Liked the 2004 better than the 2005 tasted previously. This was fuller and smoother.
3) Izadi, Reserva, 2008
http://www.izadi.com/en
-Earthy, spicy, nice tannins.
4) Casado Morales, Rioja Alevesa, Seleccion Privada, 2005
http://www.casadomorales.es/
-Very berry.
-Opened well and got better over time - well balanced.
5) Marques de Riscal, Reserva, 2007, $21 at Central Market
http://www.marquesderiscal.com/
"European Winery of the Year"
6) Lorinon, Reserva, 2009
-Nice flavor of raspberry and blackberry.
7) Rondan, Crianza, 2009, $15
http://www.bodegassaenzdesantamaria.com/
-Earthy nose, very smooth.
-Fruity but not smooth, better after it opened up.
8) Valsacro Dioro, 2005, $20
http://www.kysela.com/spain/valsacro.htm
9) Marqués de Cáceres, Crianza, 2009
http://www.marquesdecaceres.com/
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1) Domaine du Tauch, Fitou, Appellation d'Origine Protégée, 2010, $20
Blend: 40% Carignan, 40% Grenache, 20% Syrah
http://www.mont-tauch.com/english/french-wine-guide.asp
-Earthy nose, very smooth, delicious
-First taste very good.
-2nd taste, favorite of the night
2) Chateau de Landure, Cuvee de L'Abbe Fregouse, Appellation Minervois Contrôlée, 2008, $25
http://www.terroir-france.com/region/lr_minervois.htm
-Herbal nose, full body, chewy, nice tannins
3) Ermitage du Pic Saint Loup, Tour de Pierres, Appellation Languedoc Contrôlée, 2010, $20
http://www.ermitagepic.fr/
-Spicy, citrus grapefruit
4) [OUTLIER] Regaleadi, Nero d'Avola, tasca d'Almerita, 2005
5) Borie de Maurel, AOP Minervois, Appellation d'Origine Protégée, 2011
Blend: Syrah (40%), Carignan (30%) and Grenache (30%)
http://www.boriedemaurel.fr/english/espritdautomnegb.html
-Very fruity, cherry I think is dominant
6) Domaine l'Oustal Blanc, Giocoso, Minervois, 2009, $19
http://www.weygandtwines.com/domaine-loustal.htm
7) Ventoux, Vidal-Fleury, 2009
Blend: 60% Syrah, 30$ Grenache, 10% Mourverdre
http://www.vidal-fleury.com/ventoux-rouge-ventoux-rouge-vidal-fleury-750cl-red,15011M0,fiche,us.html
-A little cherry, a little barnyard, a tiny bit of pepper; very good
8) Domaine Galtier, Languedoc, $12
Blend: 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Rousanne, 20% Viognier
http://www.barriqueimports.com/portfolio/domaine-galtier/
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1) Lopez Island Vineyards, Wahluke Slope, 2009, $25, 14%
http://www.lopezislandvineyards.com/wines/index.html
-Dusty, seems young, maybe a little oaky.
2) Owen Roe, Red Willow Vineyard, 1973 Block, 2007, 14.2%
http://www.owenroe.com/Our-Wines/OWEN-ROE
-Sweet, too sweet.
3) Waterbrook, Reserve, Columbia Valley, 2010, $25
http://www.waterbrook.com/wines
-Seems a little thin and tannic in this company.
4) Betz, Pere de Famille, Columbia Valley, Columbia Valley, 2008
http://www.betzfamilywinery.com/wines/
-Wow, that's great.
-Stands out, deep flavors, dark, needs more time.
5) Beast, Phinny Hill Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 2007, 14.1%
http://www.butywinery.com/Friends-of-the-Beast
-Silky, smooth, exceptional.
-Complex, full, very good.
6) Chateau Ste Michelle, Indian Wells, Columbia Valley, 2011, 13.5%
http://www.ste-michelle.com/our-wines
-A little sweet, a little simple and fruity, but drinkable.
7) [OUTLIER] Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, 2004
http://www.grgich.com/
-Also too much sweetness.
8) Walla Walla Vintners, Walla Walla Valley, 2010, 14.5%
http://www.wallawallavintners.com/
-Slightly sweet but smooth tannin and good cab character.
9) McKinley Springs, Horse Heaven Hills, 2010
http://www.mckinleysprings.com/wines.html/
-Too fruity and a bit thin.
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1) Glen Fiona, Puncheon Select, Walla Walla Valley, 2011, $20
http://www.glenfiona.com/
2) Stevens, Black Tongue, Yakima Valley, 2005, $35
http://www.stevenswinery.com/
http://www.stevenswinery.com/2005_StevensBlackTongue.php
-Mellow
3) Balboa, Walla Walla Valley, 2010, $20
http://www.balboawinery.com/
4) Charles Smith, Boom Boom!, Columbia Valley, 2012, $16
http://www.charlessmithwines.com/
http://www.charlessmithwines.com/charles-smith-wines/wines/past/boom-boom-syrah
-At first, it seemed very light-weight and sort of a Beaujolais-Nouveau like.
-After an hour, it has gotten sweet
5)Airfield Estates, Runway Vineyard, Yakima Valley, 2011, $19.50
http://www.airfieldwines.com/
-Grassy smell.
-Vegetal.
5a) Same wine; same store)
-Cigar smoke.
-Sweeter than 5.
6) Helix, Columbia Valley, 2010, $30
http://www.reiningerwinery.com/tag/helix-syrah/
http://www.reiningerwinery.com/2010-helix-syrah-columbia-valley/
-Bright acid.
7) Helix, Columbia Valley, 2009, $30
http://www.reiningerwinery.com/tag/helix-syrah/
-Much oakier and not acidic.
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1) Diversion Majestic Red, Copper River Estate
Blend: 50% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah and additional Earthy and Aromatic Columbia Valley Reds
http://diversionwine.com/
http://store.rainierwine.com/diversion-majestic-red-p51.aspx
-very good
2) Boardoe, Columbia Valley, Tagaris, 2011, $22
Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot
http://www.tagariswines.com/
http://store.tagariswines.com/2011-boar-doe-p275.aspx
-very good
3) Betz, Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley, 2009, $50
Blend: 65% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot
http://www.betzfamilywinery.com/
http://www.betzfamilywinery.com/wines/library-vintages.php?year=2009
-very good; tannic.
4) Cougar Crest, Anniversary Cuvee, Walla Walla Valley, 2003
Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec
http://www.cougarcrestwinery.com/
5) Beresan, Stone River, Walla Walla Valley, 2007, $24
Blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
http://beresanwines.com/
-not so good
6) Canoe Ridge, Reserve Cheery Street Red Blend, Columbia Valley, 2010
Blend: 54% Syrah, 30% Malbec, 16% Grenache
http://www.canoeridgevineyard.com/
http://www.canoeridgevineyard.com/wines?var=000000246
7) Mark Ryan, The Dissident, 2012
Blend: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
http://www.markryanwinery.com/
http://www.markryanwinery.com/wines/index.php?name=2012-The+Dissident+Red&id=6
8) Waters, Interlude, 2011
Blend: 61% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, and 11% Petit Verdot
https://waterswinery.com/wines
https://waterswinery.com/wines/2011-interlude
9) Nota Bene, Conner Lee Vineyard, Red Blend, 2009
Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot
http://www.notabenecellars.com/
http://www.notabenecellars.com/pages_vintages/nota_bene_2009_conner-lee.html
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1) Novellum, Perpignan, Pays D'oc, 2013
http://www.domaine-lafage.com/fr/novellum-2013.html
- Paired well with mole salami from Salumi.
2) Olivier Leflaive, Les Setilles, Appelation Bourgogne Controlee, 2011, $22
http://www.olivier-leflaive.com/en/
- Paired well with smoked mussels.
- Friuty, bit of acid edge.
3) Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Bourgogne, 2012
http://www.domaine-germain.com/
- Amazing affinity for the Chevre au Bleu
- Not my favorite
4) Albert Bichot, Vieilles Vignes de Chardonnay, 2012, $18
http://m.bourgogne-bichot.com/vins/Appellations_regionales/Bourgogne_Vieilles_Vignes_de_Chardonnay-29298
- Nice for the price. actually, nice for any price.
5) Domaine De Villaine, Rully, Les Saint-Jacques, 2010, $43
http://m.de-villaine.com/en/wine/2/rully-les-saint-jacques
- Just a bit funky - Brut?
- A nice minerality, nice balance.
6) Bouchard Père et Fils, Pouilly-Fuissé, Château de Beaune, Cote D'or, 2012
http://www.bouchard-pereetfils.com/
- Good nose, lots of character. Nice wine.
7) J.M. Boillot, Mersault, 2012, $49
http://www.jeanmarc-boillot.com/
- Big nose. Lots of minerals. Nice wine.
- Lots of affinity for the food.
8) Domaine Vrignaud, Chablis Premier Cru, 2004
http://www.domaine-vrignaud.com/uk-vins-domaine-vrignaud-vins-chablis-bourgogne.html
- Grilled portabello mushroom paired well with this one.
- Mature & mellow for a chablis but really enjoyable.
9) Novellum, 2012
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1) Northstar, Columbia Valley, 2010, $25
https://www.northstarwinery.com/wines/release/2008-columbia-valley-merlot
2) Fort Walla Walla, Walla Walla Valley, 2008, $28
http://fortwallawallacellars.com/wines/2008-merlot
3) Fidelitas, Columbia Valley, 2008, $40
http://fidelitaswines.orderport.net/wines/
4) Boudreaux Cellars, 2008
http://www.boudreauxcellars.com/
5) L'Ecole, Columbia Valley, 2011
http://www.lecole.com/family-of-wines
6) Kiona, Columbia Valley, 2010
http://store.kionawine.com/merlot-p35.aspx
7) Pedestal, Columbia Valley, 2010, $60
http://longshadows.orderport.net/product-details/0118/2010-Pedestal-Merlot
8) [OUTLIER] Double Dog Dare
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1) Syncline, Subduction Red, Columbia Valley, 2011
http://synclinewine.com/
http://synclinewine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/11-RED.pdf
-Nicely balanced, hint of licorice, big finish.
2) Tertulia Cellars, Carmenere, Phinny Hill Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 2009
http://www.tertuliacellars.com/
-Floral nose, lovely plum flavors.
-Herbal to me and light.
-Nice mineral taste with long aftertaste and a little spice.
3) Cor Cellars, Malbec, Columbia Valley, 2010, $28
http://www.corcellars.com/
-Earthy, peppery, nice finish.
4) Isenhower Cellars, Petit Verdot, longleur, Columbia Valley, 2012
http://www.isenhowercellars.com/
-Spivy with licorice, nice finish.
-Fruit and spice.
5) aMaurice Cellars, Malbec, Walla Walla, 2006
http://www.amaurice.com/
http://www.amaurice.com/index/#/malbec-vineyard-designate/
-Barnyard nose, nice pucker factor, really nice.
-Very earthy aroma, bright flavor.
-Wonderful after a few hours even though it threw a bit of sediment.
6) aMaurice Cellars, Malbec, Walla Walla, 2010
http://www.amaurice.com/
http://www.amaurice.com/index/#/malbec-vineyard-designate/
-Not as much nose on this younger wine, but has that nice pucker factor, very delicious.
-Softer than 2006, but by no means dull.
7) Hence Cellars, Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla, 2011, $25
http://www.hencecellars.com/
-Chocolate & cinnamon flavors with a velvety finish.
-Austere, flinty.
8) Tertulia Cellars, Carmenere, Phinny Hill Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, 2008, $30
http://www.tertuliacellars.com/
-Spicier than the 2009.
-Earthy, spicy, good tannins.
9) Willow Crest, Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, 2011
http://www.willowcrestwinery.com/
http://www.willowcrestwinery.com/wp-content/uploads/collateral/willowcrestcabfranc11tnpdf.pdf
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1) Lamuri, Nero D'Avola, 2011, $20
http://tascadalmerita.it/
http://tascadalmerita.it/en/wines/lamuri-d-almerita_5
-Earthy nose, spicy, nice finish.
-Spice with big juicy fruit power punch - Yum!
2) Ripiddu, Etna Rosso, 2008, $20 (two bottles; same store - Total Wine & More)
http://www.filippograsso.it/
http://www.filippograsso.it/scheda_tecnica_ripiddu.html
-Brownish color, earthy nose, very smooth, great finish.
-Peppery with juicy mean body - Yum!
3) Gulfi, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, 2012
http://www.gulfi.it/
http://www.gulfi.it/cerasuolo.html
-Bright and a bit acidic.
4) Palazzo, Malgara, Nero D'Avola, 2012
http://www.jstreckerselections.com/italy/sicily.php
5) Tenuta Delle Terre Nere, Etna Rosso, 2010
http://www.tenutaterrenere.com/en/index.php
http://www.tenutaterrenere.com/en/wine-etna-red-wine-grapes-doc-nerello-mascalese-cappuccio-sicily.php
6) Terre Siciliane, Colosi, 2012, $40
http://www.cantinecolosi.it/
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1) Nomine-Renard Brut
40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier
No disgorgement date
http://www.champagne-nomine-renard.com/en#
2) Suenen Brut Réserve
50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
Disgorged 9/2013
http://champagne-suenen.fr/?lang=en
3) Eric Rodez Cuvée Des Crayères Brut Grand Cru
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Disgorged 10/2012
http://en.champagne-rodez.com/actualite_champagne-rodez-130
4) Philippe Fontaine Brut
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier
Disgorged 8/2012
http://champagne-philippe-fontaine.delicenet.com/
5) Jean Vesselle Brut Réserve
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Disgorged 1/2013
http://www.champagnejeanvesselle.fr/accueil.html
6) Marie-Courtin Résonance Extra-Brut
100% Pinot Noir
Disgorged 5/2013
http://www.polanerselections.com/producer/marie-courtin
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