RSS Feed
Jan 3

2008 Eidos de Padriñán Albariño

Posted on Sunday, January 3, 2010 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2008

Producer/Winery: Eidos de Padriñán

Wine: Albariño

Country: Spain

Region: Galicia

Appellation: Rias Baixas D.O.

Varietal Composition: 100 % Albariño

Aging: Stainless steel

Climate: Maritime  

Alcohol: 13.3 %

Winemaker: Emilio Vidal

Production: 5000 cases

Bottle Value: $25 USD

Where: Vintage, Walla Walla    When: January 3, 2010         With whom: Greg, Peter, Megan and Dustin

PerspectiveI love the simplicity, elegance and freshness of good Albariño.  This was my first time with this wine and I will repeat the affair several more times in the future.  Clean and fresh with wet limestone, chalk, green apple and lemon zest.  I wish I had shellfish and it was summertime. 

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Pale yellow core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of stony mineral, green apple and lemon zest.

Palate: Dry. Medium (+) acidity. Medium tannins.  Medium alcohol.  Medium (-) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of green apple, lemon, limestone, chalk and tart melon.  Balance – Dry. Lively acidity, supple tannin, light alcohol and fruit driven. Texture – clay textured tannins and fluid viscosity.  Overall Impression cool climate ripeness, vivid freshness and elegant. Medium (+) length.

Conclusion: Very good quality for concentration, balance and texture. Drink now.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Jan 3

2006 Pedestal Merlot

Posted on Sunday, January 3, 2010 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2006

Producer/Winery: Long Shadows Vintners Collection

Wine: Pedestal Merlot

Country: USA

Region: Washington

Appellation: Columbia Valley

Varietal Composition: 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec.

Aging: 22 Months, 100 % French oak, 85% new.

Climate: Continental

Alcohol: 14.7 %

Winemaker: Michel Rolland

Production: 1877 cases

Bottle Value: $60 USD

Where: Vintage, Walla Walla When: January 3, 2010         With whom: Greg, Peter, Dustin and Joel

Perspective: I’d compare this wine to a pseudo hot celebrity that I wouldn’t kick out bed but after an hour or so I would get a little bored with.  It’s definitely a good wine, but I wish it had more complexity and layers. Full delivery on extraction and body.  Balanced flavors of toasty barrel, black cherries, plum and dark chocolate with a smooth supple finish.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep garnet core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of toasty oak and black cherry.

Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium (+) soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium (+) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of black cherry, vanillin, dark chocolate and plum.  Balance – Dry.  Flabby acidity, supple tannins, generous alcohol and fruit driven. Texture – velvety tannins and fleshy viscosity.  Overall Impression overripe ripeness, expressive freshness and mellow. Medium length.

Conclusion: Good quality for concentration. Drink now or hold for the next 3 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Jan 3

2006 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on Sunday, January 3, 2010 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2006

Producer/Winery: Ladera

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation: Napa Valley

Varietal Composition: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 5% Petite Verdot.

 Aging: 17 months, 100 % French oak.  39% new / 61 % used

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.5%

Winemaker: Karen Culler

Bottle Value: $40 USD

Where: Walla Walla    When: January 1, 2010         With whom: Greg, Peter, Tom, Dustin and Megan

Perspective:  Fun, easy drinking Napa Cabernet with all the right components.  Dark, berry fruits, toasty new oak spices, and fleshy tannins make this wine into something that can be enjoyed any night of the week.  Drink while it’s young and decant for 30 minutes for best results.  If you looking for a cellar wine, Ladera makes a nice Howell Mountain Cabernet that can be stowed away.   

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep garnet core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of toasty oak, blackberry, cassis and plum.

Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium (+) soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium (+) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of bramble fruit, black cherry, vanillin, and plum.  Balance – Dry.  Refreshing acidity, well-integrated tannins, generous alcohol and well-defined fruit. Texture – clay-textured tannins and fleshy viscosity.  Overall Impression Refreshing ripeness, expressive freshness and harmonious. Medium length.

Conclusion: Good quality for texture and balance. Drink now or hold for the next 3-5 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Jan 2

2005 Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vine

Posted on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2005

Producer/Winery: Quinta do Crasto

Wine: Douro Old Vines Reserva

Country: Portugal

Region: Porto

Appellation: Douro

Varietal Composition: Blend of 25-30 different local varieties

Aging: 18 months, 85% French oak, 15 % American oak

Climate: Continental

Alcohol: 14%

Winemaker: Dominic Morris and Manuel Lobo

Production:  6900 Cases

Bottle Value: $70 USD

Where: Walla Walla    When: January 1, 2010         With whom: Greg, Peter, Tom, Dustin and Megan

Perspective:  A great wine considering that it’s a blend of 25 to 30 different varieties with an average vine age of 70 years old.  For me it felt like a Tinto Roriz (Tempranillo) and Touriga Nacional blend.  Very clean and well structured.  Definitely needs decanting to even out the initial tannins.  After it breathes for a bit it’s quite lush and robust with earthy baked black fruits.  Apparently it was #3 on Speculators top 100 last year and received 95 pts.  Definitely a great wine but not sure that an old vine field blend is worth seventy bones.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep ruby core and rim.  Thick sediment and deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of blackberry, plum, tobacco, and woody spices.

Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium (+) fine-grained tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium (+) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of dark chocolate, black cherry, vanilla, stony mineral and plum.  Balance – Dry.  Refreshing acidity, well-integrated tannins, generous alcohol and well-defined fruit. Texture – fine-grained tannins and fleshy viscosity.  Overall Impression overripe, expressive freshness and well structured. Medium (+) length.

Conclusion: Good quality for texture, concentration and balance. Drink now or hold for the next 5-8 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Jan 2

1998 Quintessa

Posted on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 1998

Producer/Winery: Quintessa

Wine: Proprietary Red

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation: Napa

Varietal Composition: Bordeaux Blend

Aging: New French oak

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.5 %

Winemaker: Aaron Pott

Production:  n/a

Bottle Value: $100-$150 USD

Where: Walla Walla  When: December 31, 2009         With whom: Greg, Tyler, Chelsea, Peter, and Scott

Perspective:  1998 was a difficult vintage in Napa Valley but as always there are wines that pull through and come out drinking pretty well.   At first the wine seemed a bit tired, there was very little fruit, the tannins were powdery and it seemed as if the wine was not going anywhere.  Then after an hour we went back to it and behold it had opened up and was showing some signs of life.  Very pleasant on the palate with developed aromas of tea leaf and forest floor.  Blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and subtle hints of spice linger for bit but soon fade away. Elegant and easy to drink but I do not believe it will develop any more complexity.  Drink it now if you have any tucked away.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep ruby core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) developed aromas of blackberry, forest floor, and brewed tea leaf.

Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium (+) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry, and plum.  Balance – Dry.  Thick acidity, rounded/resolved tannins, warm alcohol and meagre fruit. Texture – powdery tannins and supple viscosity.  Overall Impression baked ripeness, fading in  freshness and mellow. Medium length.

Conclusion: Good quality for texture and balance. Drink now.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Jan 2

2006 Morlet Family Vineyards “Coteaux Nobles” Pinot Noir

Posted on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in Tasting Notes

 

Vintage: 2006

Producer/Winery: Morlet Family Vineyards

Wine: Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation: Sonoma Coast

Varietal Composition: 100 % Pinot Noir

Aging: 14 months, 100 % new French Oak

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.5 %

Winemaker: Luc Morlet

Production:  150 cases

Bottle Value: $75 USD

Where: Walla Walla  When: December 31, 2009         With whom: Greg, Tyler, Chelsea, Peter, and Scott

Perspective:  A very well made wine with new world fruit and a noticeable Burgundian essence.  Super clean, dry and well defined vivid red fruits.  Impressive terroir and hints of smoked meat.   Lean and tight at first so decanting for 30 minutes makes a huge difference.  This wine will show well over the next five to eight years.       

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Dull clarity. (Unfiltered) Deep ruby core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of rhubarb, strawberry, red cherry and toasted oak.

Palate: Dry. Medium (+) acidity. Medium soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium body.  Pronounced flavors of red and black cherry, strawberry, sweet rhubarb, smoky meats, vanilla and forest floor.  Balance – Dry.  lively acidity, supple tannins, generous alcohol and well defined fruit. Texture – Silky tannins and fluid viscosity.  Overall Impression Refreshing ripeness, vivid freshness and well-structured. Medium length.

Conclusion: Very good quality for structure and balance. Drink now but will age well for the next 5-8 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Jan 2

2006 Morlet Family Vineyards “Ma Douce” Chardonnay

Posted on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2006

Producer/Winery: Morlet Family Vineyards

Wine: Ma Douce Chardonnay

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation: Sonoma Coast

Varietal Composition: 100 % Chardonnay

Aging: 100 % new French Oak

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.7 %

Winemaker: Luc Morlet

Production:  360 cases

Bottle Value: $70 USD

Where: Walla Walla, WA         When: December 31, 2009         With whom: Greg, Tyler, Chelsea, Peter, and Scott

Perspective: This was one of the stars of the evening.  Hazy golden hue with creamy vanilla and clarified butter on the nose.  Sultry and rich marshmallow, ripe pear and candied orange peel.  Great acidity and balance.  Sexy, borderline glutinous and sooooo delicious.  This was my first time tasting this wine and it’s now on my top list of Chardonnays.  I had the Sonoma Pinot Noir from them as well and it was quite good.  I’m definitely curious to see the rest of the Morlet lineup. 

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Dull clarity. (Unfiltered) Deep golden yellow core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium(+) youthful aromas of ripe pear, toasted oak, sweet vanilla, butter, honey and orange peel.

Palate: Dry. Medium (+) acidity. Medium soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol and body.  Pronounced flavors of ripe pear, buttery toasted oak, popcorn kernel, and citrus peel.  Balance – Dry.  Refreshing acidity, supple tannins, generous alcohol and soft/well defined fruit. Texture – Silky tannins and creamy viscosity.  Overall Impression Refreshing ripeness, vivid freshness and well-structured. Medium (+)/long length.

Conclusion: Outstanding quality for structure, balance and length. Drink now but will age well for the next 10-15 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Dec 26

2007 Miner “Wild Yeast” Chardonnay

Posted on Saturday, December 26, 2009 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2007

Producer/Winery: Miner Family Vineyards

Wine: Wild Yeast Chardonnay

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation: Napa

Varietal Composition: 100 % Chardonnay

Aging: 15 Months 70 % new French Oak

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.4 %

Winemaker: Gary Brookman

Production:  2070 cases

Bottle Value: $50-60 USD

Where: San Jose, CA When: December 24, 2009         With whom: Anh and family

Perspective: Just what I have been craving, a rich golden toasty chardonnay with great acid and fruit that last forever in the mouth.  After being in Washington for the past four months and not being able to find a wine of this caliber it was a great experience.  When these wines are done right there is nothing like them.  The trend for un-oaked chardonnay is well and good but it can never replace the experience of good quality fruit aged in spicy new French oak barrels.  This chardonnay is among my most favorites produced in the states. We had this with Christmas Eve dinner, the most interesting course being the curry leaf scented butternut squash soup that Anh made.  Seek out and enjoy.  This wine is showing well now and will developed nicely over the next ten years if that’s your style.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Bright clarity. Pale golden core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium(+) youthful aromas of ripe pear, toasted hazelnuts, sweet vanilla, butter and citrus peel.

Palate: Dry. Medium(+) acidity. Medium soft/ripe tannins.  Medium(+) alcohol and body.  Pronounced flavors of melon, apple, ripe pear, creamy toasted oak, and butterscotch.  Balance – Dry.  Lively acidity, rounded tannins, generous alcohol and well defined fruit. Texture – Velvety tannins and creamy viscosity.  Overall Impression Refreshing ripeness, vivid freshness and harmonious. Medium(+)/long length.

Conclusion: Very good quality for structure, complexity and length. Drink now but will age well for the next 10 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Dec 22

2007 Miner “Gary’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir

Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 in Tasting Notes

Vintage: 2007

Producer/Winery: Miner Family Vineyards

Wine: Gary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation:  Santa Lucia Highlands

Varietal Composition: 100 % Pinot Noir

Aging: 14 Months French Oak (70% New)

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.4 %

Winemaker: Gary Brookman

Bottle Value: $60 USD

Production: 911 Cases

Where: San Jose, CA                When: December 20, 2009                         With whom: Anh & I

Perspective: This is one of my favorite wines from Miner Family Vineyards.  I visit the winery once a year and pick up an assortment of great wines that I put away and some that I drink immediately.  This one should have gone to the wine locker but after drinking so many Bordeaux varieties lately I was craving a pinot.   The wine is super clean with bright red fruits intermingled with toasty oak and spice box flavors.  I allowed the wine to breathe-without decanting-for three hours before I drank it.  This makes all the difference.  Drink now if you have a few bottles and keep the rest for a few more years or more.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Medium garnet core, pale ruby rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium intense youthful aromas of red and black cherry, green olive, dried hay, and pimentos.

Palate: Dry.  Medium(+) acid.  Medium(-) ripe/soft tannins.  Medium alcohol. Medium(-) body. Medium(+) intense flavors of red cherry, ripe raspberry, plum, sweet spiced vanilla, toasted oak, and earthy/stony minerals.  Balance – Drying. Refreshing acid, supple tannins, warm alcohol, well defined fruit. Texture –  Silky tannins and fluid viscosity. Medium(+) length.  Overall ImpressionRefreshing ripeness.  Well defined freshness and harmonious.

Conclusion: Very good quality for balance and length. Drink now and for the next 8 years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post

Dec 18

2005 Palacios Remondo “La Montesa” Rioja Crianza

Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 in Tasting Notes

La Montesa

Vintage: 2005

Producer/Winery: Palacios Remondo

Wine: La Montesa Rioja Crianza

Country: Spain

Region: La Rioja

Appellation: Rioja Baja

Varietal Composition: 40% Garnacha, 45% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano

Aging: 14 months 75% is French oak, 25% American oak – 10% new oak. 90% split equally between, one, two and three year old wood.

Climate: Continental

Alcohol: 14 %

Winemaker: Alvaro Palacios

Imported By:  Folio Wine Company

Bottle Value: $20 USD

Production: 60,000 Cases

Where: San Jose, CA              When: December 17, 2009         With whom: Anh & I

Perspective: This is an interesting Rioja because it uses more French oak than most producers.  Honestly if I where to taste this wine blind I might mistake it for a young inexpensive Burgundy.  Upon opening it wreaked of barnyard, hay, rusty iron and red cherry. On the palate the wine was lean and reluctant to relinquishing its fruit.  The only marker that it wasn’t Burgundy was the opaque color of the core, depth of the rim and brown highlights.  Nonetheless this producer is a favorite of mine and I try to always revisit his wines.  With some age this wine will develop nicely, I think in two years I should give this wine another try… or perhaps tomorrow night. Additional Note:  After re-tasting this wine the next night it had changed completely.  The wine was more centered and dense with less mineral and hay notes and the fruit structure was more pronounced.  Take your time with this one it seems to be a little stubborn.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity.  Opaque ruby core, deep ruby rim.  Brown highlights.  No sediments or deposits detected.

Nose: Initially unclean. Faint traces of Brettanomyces-farmyard and horse sweat.  Conclusively clean.  Medium(+)  intensity, youthful aromas of red and black cherry, rusty mineral, hay and sweet tobacco.

Palate: Dry. Medium (+) acidity and alcohol.  Medium (-) unripe tannins.  Medium (-) body.  Medium intense flavors of dried red cherry and red currant. Earthy mineral notes of rust with herbaceous medicinal flavors. Balance – Drying. Lively acid, supple tannins and generous alcohol.  Texture – powdery tannins and fluid viscosity.  Overall Impression – stemmy ripeness, tertiary freshness, and mellow. Medium(+) length.

Conclusion: Good Quality for concentration and length.  Hold for another year and drink over the next five or more years.

Post to Twitter Tweet This Post