Sunday, June 30, 2013

B.R. Cohn Russian River 2010 Pinot Noir


 
 

B.R. Cohn Russian River 2010 Pinot Noir,  $24.99-$39.99, 89 points, appears light pomegranate red in color with a clear "leggy" rim.
The very earthy/leathery aroma has hints of clove and alcohol (14.6%).
Good acidity and mild tannin are carried along a medium-plus body and with flavors that mirror the nose, red grape-skin, red and black cherry, and hints of coffee and tobacco, they make for an interesting profile with a moderately smooth texture.
The finish of spice is fair and delicious.





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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Kenwood 2011 Moscato Zacchera





Kenwood 2011 Moscato Zacchera (Splash), $6.88-$14.99, 86+ points, appears almost water clear with a gray tint.
While cold, the aroma is a lovely honeydew melon that dissipates as it warms.
Residually sweet with good acidity up-front (off-dry), this near medium bodied white wine maintains a fair crispness and is a refreshing blend of apple, kiwi, and honeydew melon flavors which trails gently into the fair finish.
Moscato Zacchera, as a summer treat, complimented my cool fruit salad beautifully!


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Friday, June 28, 2013

Raymond R Collection Lot 7 Field Blend 2010 Red Wine


Raymond R Collection Lot 7 Field Blend 2010 Red Wine,  $11.99-$14.99, 88 points, appears indistinguishable from the Liberty School Cabernet's "black currant red trending purple color" with its clear rim, except with a bit more clarity. It does seem odd that a Cabernet (has to have at least 75% of a varietal to be labeled as such) should have the same color of a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel blend, but I couldn't tell them apart (Not that interested?).
Fruit-forward aroma of red grape, blackberry, cherries and spice with just a hint of white vinegar and ladybird, is strong.
Texturally moderately smooth on a medium-plus body with good acidity and mild tannin.
Though a bit on the sweet side, the flavors of cherries and rum are quite good.
Finishing on a trailing palate with just a touch of white pepper, mint, red licorice, and heat (13.5% alcohol), this is a workman's wine, and paired well with my sausage pizza.

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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Liberty School Paso Robles 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

  Expressing your American patriotism on the Fourth Of July (Independence Day) certainly includes family gatherings, picnics, and especially hoedowns, but what wine(s) will bless your burgers, dogs, steaks, or clam-bakes? This is not just an issue of varietal, but appropriately showing your American pride, no Chianti or Burgundy wines with your fireworks, (California's economy will thank you) right? Oops, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Virginia, and not last, nor least, New Hampshire will thank you as well.
  I'm working on my décor with some inspirational bottles that'll be the talk of the tablecloth, whether it's on the table or blanket on the ground with that picnic-basket.
 
So, lets ring in the celebration with probably the number one wine libation in America (Cabernet Sauvignon), and feel free to try Liberty School's Red Wine as well.

Liberty School Paso Robles 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $10.70-$15.99, 89 points, begins in the glass as a black currant red trending purple and touching water clear at the surface where the wine meets the glass.
Aromas of earth tones, black cherry, a touch of cinnamon and cocoa, pleases the nose.
The medium-plus body has fair acidity, mellow, but mouth coating tannin, and drinks with some finesse.
Fig flavors with plum and mint are very good, though it's just a bit on the thin-side. However, the finish is a quite nice and easy drinking spice.
For about ten dollars, you'll not go wrong with buying several bottles of this red wine for your Forth of July celebration!

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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Pezzi King Dry Creek Valley 2010 Zinfandel




Pezzi King Dry Creek Valley 2010 Zinfandel, $11.47-$21.99, 87 points, appears quite red to ruby in color with a transparent edge.
The spicy red cherry aroma has just a hint of shoe-polish and cotton candy.
The medium-plus body has good acidity, is astringent with biting, almost sharp tannin.
With an extreme bramble-berry tartness, and red cherry flavors, this wine takes you for a walk on the wild-side.
Finishing with a jalapeño pepper and some heat (15.4% alcohol), this is a very different wine than the 2008 Pezzi King with its 16.1% alcohol and bramble-berry fruit-finish.
At $11.47 this is a good deal for barbecues or being the "Pizza"King wine du jour! Keep an easy-drinking mellow bottle or two of Merlot, maybe a Beaujolais too, around for those with tame taste-buds.


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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Chateau Beauchene 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape







Chateau Beauchene 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape (GSM), $26.99-$32.99, 91 points, begins in the glass as a rosewood to pomegranate red with a thin clear rim.
A sweet floral red cherry nose is moderately intense.
Wine tasters like to talk about texture, silky, woolly, satin-like or sandpaper-like; well; I'll describe this Rhone Red Wine as having a polyester texture:) The body is medium to medium-plus with good acidity and mouth-coating tannin (this is quite a dry red wine).
Though the tannin may still be too much for some, this delicious easy drinking wine is focused red and black cherry flavors with hints of fig, plum, and red grape-skin.
Finishes on a declining palate with mild hints of spice.
Varietals are 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah.

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Monday, June 24, 2013

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rhône Appellation


Châteauneuf-du-Pape explained by Wikipedia
Châteauneuf-du-Pape pronounced by HowDoYouSayThatWord?.com


This is a work-in-progress to assist smart phone users in quick referencing specific wines, my reviews, ratings, and comments.


Auberge Diacre 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $16.99-$39.99, 89 points

Bonpas Réserve de Bonpas 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $18.69-$45.99, 92 points

Chateau Beauchene 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, $26.99-$32.99, 91 points

Chateau Beauchene 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, $28.04-$35.99, 91 points

Château de Beaucastel 2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, approximately $100.00, 94 points

Château Jas de Bressy 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, $33.99-$41.99, 93 points

Domaine de la Charbonnière 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $45.89-$53.99, 94 points

Domaine des Saumades 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $18.99-$34.99, 92 points

Domaine Des Sénéchaux 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $42.49-$49.99, 91 points

Domaine La Roquète 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $39.09-$50.99, 91 points

Frick 2007 Cinsaut



Frick 2007 Cinsaut (pronounced), $28.79-$13.99, 93 points, appears extremely "leggy" draping the glass wall at the clear rim and trending bright ruby toward the core of clarity.
Aromatically splendid with strawberry, raspberry, and an unusual rhubarb pie.
Medium bodied with good acidity, tight tannin that is persistent and strident, but complimentary.
Floral flavors are restrained and appropriately add to the flavor profile associated with the aroma.
This is an extremely dry red wine reminiscent of a light floral Zinfandel, and finishes long on mild spice notes and a rather pronounced alcohol (16.3%).
As the wine breathed for several hours I found a more dominant licorice flavor on the finish.
I have certainly explored, found, and been rewarded with another great varietal, thanks to Paula of the now defunct Bella Vino Wine Boutique.

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Kathy, this link is for you!

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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Cline North Coast 2011 Viognier




Cline North Coast 2011 Viognier (pronounced),  $7.64-$11.99, 89 points, appears a very pale lime to golden in color, and has an off-dry near medium body with fair acidity.
Honeydew melon and orange-peel wafts from the cold white wine, but an appealing shift has already cleared away a more earthy smell and the transition is now onto  lime, hibiscus, and jasmine notes, all of which seem to drift in and out on the palate in a lovely dance of now you taste me, now you don't.
The long finish of a de-intensifying palate with a creamy lingering ginger is subtle and pleasant.
Amazing what "little" money can buy when you're willing to explore the wonderful world of wine.
Cline continues to be one of those go-to wineries!

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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Cakebread Cellars Red Hill Lake County 2010 Zinfandel







Cakebread Cellars Red Hill Lake County 2010 Zinfandel, $21.14-$27.99,  89 points, begins in the glass a Bordeaux ruby red with a broad clear rim.
Toasty Vanilla follows an earthy aroma.
A medium-plus body, with good acidity, moderate tannin, and alcohol (15.1%) with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, plum, and a syrupy red cherry licorice, are not up to the exceptional 2007 vintage, but the price is greatly reduced (I'd rather pay the higher price for the better wine).
The finish is fair with spice and an unsatisfactory trailing palate.
You might sense my disappointment, because for sometime Cakebread Zinfandel was my favorite, and I was much looking forward to this one.

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Friday, June 21, 2013

Robert Sinskey Los Carneros 2011 Pinot Gris




Robert Sinskey Los Carneros 2011 Pinot Gris, $22.94-$29.99, 89 points, poured into the glass as a light gray with hints of tarnished copper.
While cold, the aroma began as pear and grapefruit, but upon warming, hints of honeydew and pine nuts appeared, all of which carried over onto the palate with a hint of apple on good acidity, adding complexity to this near medium bodied dry white wine.
I tend to like my white wines crisp, but this one fell short for me; however the finish was rather sleek and had a good tart gingery climax.
Paired perfectly with my fried Maine lobster in butter.
The bottle is quite beautiful with a glass stopper, and I intend to use it as a vase.






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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Pine Ridge Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon




Pine Ridge Napa Valley 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon,  $38.24-$54.99, 91 points, was ruled by violets, cedar, and wooly tannins, but began with a near Bordeaux color of black currant, touching the glass with a clear ring.
A profuse toasty aroma with plenty of floral notes softens after sitting for a while.
The near full body has good acidity and a bounty of floral flavors wrapped around a core of plum and licorice.
Finished long on hot spices (14.5% alcohol), a hint of cherry liqueur, and menthol which gives this wine what is necessary to be exceptional, but the QPR is personal preference, considering the many equally good Cabernet wines available, though considerably less than the comparable Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Reserve 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.


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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Groth Napa Valley 2010 Chardonnay



Groth Napa Valley 2010 Chardonnay, $22.18-$30.99, 93 points, appears as a light gold color with hints of lime.
Lovely aroma of toasty citrus and kiwi begins an evaluation that will certainly conflict with what others have written about this Chardonnay.
Not being a fan of California Chardonnay leaves me prone to like them more as they tend to be least Chardonnay-like in character; Big Cali Chardonnay, too buttery, too strident, the ones that almost everyone has come to expect, leave me over-whelmed, but this crisp, medium bodied white wine of excellent acidity and citrusy/kiwi flavors was enjoyed by all as a stand-alone refreshment (rather dry for a Chardonnay).
Those reviews which claim this Groth a too buttery or too woody of a wine, appear to be drinking something I did not experience at all.
Finishes with a long ginger spice to tie the ribbon on a very good Chardonnay.



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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Château Saint-Sulpice 2010 Bordeaux


Château Saint-Sulpice 2010 Bordeaux, $9.99-$11.99, 86, points, appears typically Bordeaux red with crushed black berries deepening the core, and a clear rim.
The aroma is a bit different, with hints of cedar, musty earth, sea air, and an odd hint of "pee", but the wine continued in transition once poured.
Transition marked the body and flavor profile as well; upon first tasting this red Bordeaux, it struck me as shy of a medium-body, but after an hour or so, the body seemed near full while carrying good acidity and easy tannin. Early on, thin blackberry and licorice transitioned toward plum, blackberry, and Kirsch, all of which trailed into the finish with a hint of spice and dominant plum.


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Monday, June 17, 2013

Verde Sole Sierra Foothills 2009 Zinfandel


Verde Sole Sierra Foothills 2009 Zinfandel, $11.47-$17.99, 88 points, now is as sexy as is its label, with an unfiltered appearance of ruby red trending crushed blackberry and an obligatory youthful clear rim.
Having a lovely aroma of sweet cooking spice and cedar, this vintage is a startling maturation of a vineyard in a short period of time.
A medium-plus body greeted my palate with a smooth texture, good acidity, a backbone of tannin sufficient to hold-up to common American pizzas and barbecues.
Flavors are so much more pleasing than the last time I tasted this wine (What have they done to it?), and with some complexity of wild blackberries, plum, hints of chocolate and licorice make for a remarkably good red wine.
Finishes fair on a trailing palate, some spice, and a hint of heat (14.3% alcohol).
If Christian, the winemaker, keeps this progress going, he'll succeed in making all of us happy winos.



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Poggio Antico altero 2007 brunello di montalcino



Poggio Antico altero 2007 brunello di montalcino,
$63.49-$82.99, 95 points, exploded in a sunburst of orange/red with a transparent rim.
A lovely aroma of  toasty black cherry and cedar with a hint of roses was propitious.
The medium body carried flavors reflective of the aromas and cardamom, savory, and tobacco.
Crisp acids and persistent while tantalizing tannins were edgy and clamored glamorous.
Finished long on an escalating spiciness with a hint of mint.
With a rare sharp cheddar cheese strip steak, Ethan's (Father's Day Chef) secret mashed potatoes, caramelized Brunello red onions, and broccoli, all things enhanced all things perfectly.



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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Clos Pegase Mitsuke's Vineyard Carneros-Napa Valley 2008 Chardonnay





Clos Pegase Mitsuke's Vineyard Carneros-Napa Valley 2008 Chardonnay,  $16.99-$19.99, 92 points, appears typically yellow/gold in color with a viscous-almost olive oil consistency hinting at its near full body with surprisingly good acidity.
Melon aromas with Cantaloupe makes for an okay experience.
This Chardonnay balances mineral notes with flavors of melon, mint, and vanilla remarkably well, and finishes the palate flavors long with a gentle hint of white pepper, and a more potent ginger.

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Saturday, June 15, 2013

Santa Dorotea Bosco Sagrato DOCG 2005 Brunello di Montalcino





Santa Dorotea Bosco Sagrato DOCG 2005 Brunello di Montalcino,  $26.99-$59.99, 90 points, begins in the glass as an orange/red trending burgundy in color with a watery rim.
The initial unpleasant "wet-newspaper" smell dissipates over some hours, and leaves a rather good red cherry with a light floral aspect, as the nose recovered some respectability.
The medium-plus body has good acidity with mostly resolved tannin, and flavors of chalky-plum (unusual in my tastings of Brunello wines), strawberry, red and black cherry, with hints of mint gives some complexity.
The rather intense finish, long on spice, gathers what's left of the tannin and leaves your mouth coated for a considerable time.
If you haven't tasted a Brunello red wine (Sangiovese) because of the price, this is your opportunity (be sure to let the wine breathe), but it is the least of these wines I've tasted, and with the Caparzo 2008 Brunello Di Montalino so closely priced, to me the choice is clear.
Cheers!

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Friday, June 14, 2013

"GOOD NIGHT, Mrs. Calabash--wherever you are!" (Not a Wine Post)


"GOOD NIGHT, Mrs. Calabash--wherever you are!"
In memory of our beloved dogs.

Rebecca's Lulu (she was thirteen and a half years old)

Mimi's Lukie Bear

 
 
My thoughts are with my sister Diane and the loss of little "boy" Bo! I'm sure those with tender hearts can identify with her!
It brings back sad memories of last year, and though others won't agree: "all dogs go to heaven!" 

Den-Bo passed away this morning. Something causing his belly to be distended. He was at vet even yesterday. They were going to do an ultrasound next week and we did not know how serious it was. My little baby is gone and we are heartbroken.
 

Waiting for my shot; ouch. 



Mondesi was my constant companion for more than thirteen years, in the mountains of New Hampshire, bird watching, playing hide-go-seek, retrieving the baseball Ethan smacked into the out-field and returning it to me, the pitcher. 
Though she drank no wine and had nothing to do with wine, I felt it befitting to say "good-bye" where I now spend most of my time: in the cyber-world of wine, a place where a digital memory of her will live on, probably as long as post-modern-man continues in this civilization! 


One time we discovered these 6 or 7 giant red-ant nests on Bear Mountain; not the best place for her to take a break!

My favorite picture of my favorite dog!
Mondesi blurs the green grass

Thanks to all who have expressed their concern.

"GOOD NIGHT, Mrs. Calabash--wherever you are!"

Sissel - Pie Jesu


 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Kathryn Hall Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon



Kathryn Hall Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $72.24-$105.99, 94 points, begins black at the core and trends crushed black currant and black berries toward the clear rim.
Profusely aromatic with red and black cherry, cedar and sweet cooking spice with a hint of lilac and sea breezes (a beautiful potpourri).
This full bodied red wine with a velvet texture, good acidity, mellowed yet sound tannin, carries immensity to a grand scale, but it does so with an elegance befitting its name, masculine with power, but subtle with a feminine floral quality; boysenberry and black currant fruit with plum flavors, as well as following the nose onto the palate, issues a reminder that this wine is near its zenith, fruity, yet complex with hints of coffee liqueur (14.8% alcohol), black licorice, and cherry pie.
The trailing palate transitions into the finish with black pepper and a tomato-red-pepper.
I have wanted to taste this wine for three years, and I'm sure there's at least three more years left to her, but when I described this wine being near its zenith, I'm confident that it is. I paid the $72.24, but the last list price I saw has zoomed to $105.99.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Merry Edwards Russian River Valley 2011 Sauvignon Blanc





Merry Edwards Russian River Valley 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, $31.56-$42.99, 93 points, begins in the glass burnished gold.
The aroma, though simple lemongrass and tangerine, is delightful.
I paired this with seared fresh cod in a creamed cheese sauce, which was fine, but it wasn't until I began drinking this Sauvignon Blanc by itself that I began to appreciate just how excellent a wine this is.
Near medium bodied with good acidity, it did not have the wooly texture I associate with Sauvignon Blanc, but a smoother, almost Chardonnay buttery-like texture, and with none of the over done quality or the flavor that tends to define a California Chardonnay wine, rather a complex citrus and melon flavor that is highlighted by a never-ending finish of the trailing palate with a crisp white pepper and ginger.

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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Gravelly Ford 2011 Zinfandel




Gravelly Ford 2011 Zinfandel, $9.99, 86 points, appears light ruby and trending slightly pink toward the watery rim.
Sweet Strawberry and candied red cherry greet my nose.
The medium body carries mild acids and light tannin while the flavor follows the aroma, and finishes gently without much of a trace, except a touch of petrol, spice, and  heat, having a rare and appropriately low 12.5% alcohol (I doubt that the structure could handle much more).
This is an unobtrusive Zinfandel, and will pair okay with Taco Bell's offering or your basic barbecue, but I'm skeptical that it will elevate much else. I bought this at the Fresh Market in Bedford.
Appellation California?







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Monday, June 10, 2013

Château Dauzac Margaux Grand Cru Classé 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine





Château Dauzac Margaux Grand Cru Classé 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine, $56.09-$65.99, 93+ points, remains one of the few 2010 red Bordeaux wines I could find, and right-up front, I did some research on this Cab-Merlot, and what I found was wide-spread dislike (well, not much in the way of respect) for this wine! I'm NOT one of those disparagers, but at such a great expense, Caveat emptor!
Black at the core, this Bordeaux trends closer to a purple/red Shiraz, is leggy as the wine meets the glass transparent.
Having a medium-plus body with ample acidity (Dry Red Wine) and noticeably persistent, yet not uncomfortable tannin, and easy 13.5% alcohol makes this not only a food friendly red Bordeaux, but quite drinkable by itself.
I found no dominant flavor, but many nuanced ones, like menthol, spearmint, coffee, red cherry, black licorice, fig, black olive, and a hint of oak and rose, but the finish was an intense spice amplifying the spearmint, but there was something I can only describe as a turbo-boost of white pepper at the end (you know me and pepper:) For those requiring more fruit. I think this one will fall short, and maybe would justify some of the low scores, but as I've said repeatedly: "the whole is more than the sum of its parts, and my apologetics toward this wine rests with an overall pleasure that I found in drinking this one.

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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Château Marjosse 2009 Grand Vin Bordeaux



Château Marjosse 2009 Grand Vin Bordeaux, $12.69-$13.99, 87 points, typifies a sound red-table wine, having a rosewood color trending opaque at the core and touches the glass clear at the rim.
The earthy nose has hints of blackberry and coffee-grinds.
Full bodied, the texture is a bit thick for me, but has enough acidity to complement the plum and licorice flavors; the tannin too is enough to hold an edge until the explosive peppery finish.
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Never to be called the New Hampshire Mountain man, I was still able to hike several dozen of NH's mountains in the ten years or so I was able to hike them.
From Mount Garfield (White Mountains), a hazy valley opens to the south.
As a "birding" or "birder's" note, Mt. Garfield was where I so pleasantly saw my first Gray jay (far more friendly than a Blue jay, with a more graceful flight).

Saturday, June 8, 2013

green truck mendocino county 2009 petite sirah






green truck mendocino county 2009 petite sirah, $12.99-$14.99, 86, points, appears as a very dense red color trending purple with a thin clear rim.
An interesting aroma made-up of sweet red grape and ocean notes with cedar is quite different.
The full body carries fair acidity and striking tannin.
Flavor notes are coffee, black licorice, plum trending prune, and trailing black pepper that explodes on the fair finish.
This is a dominating red wine and will pair well at barbecues, with chili or other loud foods.

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Friday, June 7, 2013

Honig Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon


Honig Napa Valley 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.19-$35.99, 93 points, appears in the glass as a crystal clear ruby trending crushed black currant with a "leggy" clear rim.
A toasty red cherry aroma gives a nice back-drop to vanilla, coffee, licorice, and a whiff of alcohol (14.5%), which is carried nicely onto the palate with a balanced floral flavor.
The near silky-full body compliments the moderate acidity and approachably layered tannin.
An accelerating spicy finish with some heat accentuates this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon, and having tasted an earlier vintage, I believe it was the 2005, a vintage that was just too floral for me, the 2008 was an exceptional and delightful surprise.
Scoring this wine 93 points establishes this as a high QPR red wine (just bought the 2009 for under $25,00), which I compared to recently tasted Cabernet Sauvignon wines, striking me as delicious, texturally pleasing, and structurally competent, though not as complex as many of its competitors, was focused and balanced. 

 
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Thursday, June 6, 2013

Insomnia 2010 White Wine

Insomnia 2010 White Wine, $7.99-$8.99, 84 points, appears as a pale golden color.
Light green melon, honeydew, and just a faint hint of tangerine are the sweet aromas I picked-up while the wine was cold (40 degrees); tangerine became more dominant as the wine warmed. 
The near medium body carries only fair-plus acidity and a one dimensional flavor of a rather flat grapefruit rounded a bit with green melon, slightly tart and off-dry.
Finishes on a short note of ginger.

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Breaking dawn (center mountain range of NH.)!

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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Januik Weinbau Vineyard Columbia Valley 2010 Cabernet Franc






Januik Weinbau Vineyard Columbia Valley 2010 Cabernet Franc $25.24-$32.99, 89 points, begins in the glass as a deep purple/red with a thin clear rim.
A quickly evolving aroma transitions from petrol notes to a grapey floral and chocolate with alcohol (14.4%).
Having a near full body, good acidity with mild-plus tannin, this Cab-Franc builds upon a fair structure that allows a plum-wine, licorice, and floral red cherry to shine.
The finish builds upon spice and heat.
Quality, Price, Ratio (QPR), is an issue best determined by you, the wine drinker; generally speaking this is not a wine or a varietal that makes sense for prosaic wine tasting, for common dinner affairs, or as a value red wine choice, but if you are interested in expanding your wine experience, the Januik Weinbau Vineyard Columbia Valley 2010 Cabernet Franc is a good choice.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve





Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $68,41-$89.99, 96 points, appears in the glass as a dense ruby, trending crushed black currant in color with a broad transparent rim.
The nose abounds with floral blackberry, bright red cherry, cedar, and sweet cooking spices.
The near full body is tightly acidic and tannic, but definitely approachable now and far into the future. however, there is this fine silky texture, reminiscent of the best Belgian chocolate, lingering into the finish. 
Robust black fruit, plum, red cherry, roses, hints of tobacco and dried herbs are layered and seamless.
An explosive finish, long on rich peppery spice, spearmint, and a touch of oak with a hint of heat (14.9% alcohol) is spectacular and memorable.
It's no-wonder that California can compete with Bordeaux, as Groth vineyard proves.


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Monday, June 3, 2013

Vierti Giovanni Piemonte 2010 Chardonnay



Vierti Giovanni Piemonte 2010 Chardonnay, $14.53-$18.99, 91 points, based upon a sheer delicious factor, though probably not complex enough to warrant such a high score, and a little over reaction to my disappointment with the last Italian Chardonnay I tasted, and its poor QPR showing, this Vierti Giovanni Piemonte 2010 Chardonnay is more acidic, more focused, with aromas of Honey suckle, Lychee, and lemon, all of which are gently carried onto the palate, but finishing on an accelerating spice, and mellowing with the taste of olive-oil and paprika.
The color is a light gold, and this Chardonnay wine is worth its weight in gold to me. 



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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Cabreo IGT (La Pietra) Toscana 2010 Chardonnay





Cabreo IGT (La Pietra) Toscana 2010 Chardonnay, $34,42-$44.99, 89 points, has a pale straw-yellow color that rides a medium unimpressive body of fair acidity.
Woody vanilla toast, butter, slate, and green melon are arrayed in a complex flavor profile that culminates in an explosive black pepper and ginger finish.
I was quite surprised by how much this Chardonnay reminded me of what typically comes from California, and I admit that if I had tasted blind, I would have thought California Chardonnay!
If you love Chardonnay, this wine maybe something you might like to taste, as pervious vintages scored in the range of 94 points with the "Big Boys"; I was, sadly, not so impressed.

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Chardonnay (Italy)






Italian Chardonnay is rather difficult to find in New Hampshire, but my quest is before me, and I hope to bring some tasting notes to light. You may remember that Chardonnay is not a white wine that I'm particularly fond of (blaspheme), and it appears that the writer for Wine90 (no fan of white wine), was won-over to Italian Chardonnay.
In fact, the Antinori Umbria Cervaro della Sala 2005 Italian Chardonnay is one of the best Chardonnay wines I've tasted from anywhere, and with a rating of 92+ points is an encouragement to my enjoyment of Chardonnay wines in general. So, I'll press on with my exploration of Italian Chardonnay, and if this is of interest to you, the list below chronicles the results.

Anterra I.G.T. Sicilian 2011 Chardonnay $6.79-$13.99, 89 points (Italian)
Antinori 'Bramito Della Sala' Umbria 2016 Chardonnay, $19.79-$21.99, 91 points
Antinori 'Bramito Della Sala' Umbria 2018 Chardonnay, $13.49-$14.99, 89 points
Antinori Umbria Cervaro della Sala 2005 Chardonnay, $33.99-$39.99, 92+ points
Armando Piazzo Piemonte 2013 Chardonnay, $12.00, 90 points
Cabreo IGT (La Pietra) Toscana 2010 Chardonnay, $34,42-$44.99, 89 points
Casina Cucco 2009 Chardonnay, $27.00-$24.00, 87 points
Federico Ferrero Volpini Langhe 2018 Chardonnay, $11.89-$16.99, 89 points
Marchesi de Frescobaldi Albizzia Toscana 2016 Chardonnay (IGT), $6.79-$16.99, 88 points
Marchesi de' Frescobaldi - Castello di Pomino 2012 Chardonnay, $16.99-$19.99, 90 points
Piazzo Piemonte 2017 Chardonnay (DOC), $11.99-$18.99, 89 points
Planeta 2014 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy), $22.94-$26.99, 90 points
Planeta 2015 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy), $22.94-$26.99, 91 points
Planeta 2017 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy), $28.04-$34.99, 91 points
Rahana 2014 Sicilia Chardonnay (DOC), $7.29-$11.99, 85 points
Scagliola 'Casot dan Vian' Piemonte (Italy) Chardonnay, $15.29-$16.99, 88 points
Tormaresca Puglia 2008 Chardonnay, $10.99-$13.99, 86 points
Viberti Giovanni Piemonte 2010 Chardonnay, $14.53-$18.99, 91 points
Viberti Giovanni Piemonte 2016 Chardonnay (DOC), $8.07-$18.99, 89 points


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