Adelsheim Willamette Valley 2011 Pinot noir

Adelsheim Willamette Valley 2011 Pinot noir, $18.69-$24.99, 90 points, begins with a bright ruby trending rust color with a broad clear rim.
A gentle sea breeze aroma was all I could find.
The medium body carries good acidity, thin tight tannin, and is a pure, clean, and vibrant red wine, with an almost spritz-like texture.
The interesting flavors of strawberry and that apple-thing again, are very good. 
Finishes long on a trailing palate and spice.
The 13% alcohol is negligible.

Color has returned to Bear-notch Road west of Conway, NH.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

D.Bosler Casablanca Valley Chile Birdsnest 2010 Pinot Noir

D.Bosler Casablanca Valley Chile Birdsnest 2010 Pinot Noir, $15.30-$17.00, 89 points, begins as a near perfect Burgundy red and is broadly clear at the leggy glass wall.
The aroma trends more cedar/cinnamon than many other Pinot Noir wines, and with some earthy black grape is good.
The feather-soft medium body, supple with mild acidity and tannin, was easy to drink, though the 14.5 alcohol is somewhat higher in a Pinot Noir than I'm used too.
Strawberry and black cherry flavors follow nose notes with a fair finish of spice and heat.
Bought at the Londonderry Hannaford's Supermarket.





Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger
 

Due Torri Delle Venezie IGT 2010 Pinot Noir

Due Torri Delle Venezie IGT 2010 Pinot Noir, $6.79-$11.00, 87 points, is a bit darker than the recently reviewed Pinot Noir wines, with deep ruby reds and rosewood making their way toward the not so broad transparent rim.
Due Torri has a floral sweet red cherry aroma.
The medium body carries fair acidity and mild tannin along with interesting fruit flavors including a sweet apple thing going on, harmonious with the sweet plum and red cherry notes.
The finish, a trailing palate with only hints of spice and alcohol (12.5%), fades quickly.
This "soft" red wine surprised me with its overall good flavor and drinkability, as I've only heard bad things about Italian Pinot Noir, but keep in mind that this one cost me only $6.79, making it a great "common man's" red table wine with a very good QPR.
I bought this as a "close-out" special at the Hannaford's Supermarket in Londonderry.


Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger




 

Schug Carneros 2009 Pinot Noir

 

Schug Carneros 2009 Pinot Noir, (375ML) $8.50-$18.99, 86 points, appears bright ruby in color.
Slight smells of tart strawberry and black cherry are not that notable.
Manifesting a medium-plus body with good acidity and mild tannin, makes for a pleasant, yet unremarkable Pinot Noir, and that holds true for its lack of fruit, showing a pale red and black cherry.
Finishes on a lack-luster spice and a touch of alcohol (14%).
I do have the 2011 vintage, and my guess that the 2009 just maybe past its prime.




Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger




 

Joseph Drouhin Laforêt Bourgogne 2011 Pinot Noir

Joseph Drouhin Laforêt Bourgogne 2011 Pinot Noir, $15.29-$17.99, 87 points, appears almost Brunello sunburst orange red, crystal clear with a very broad transparent rim.
Wet cardboard (diminishing with air) and red cherry make for an undistinguished aroma (Screw-cap enclosure).
Medium bodied with good acidity that intensifies with late palate mouth-watering edginess, combines with mild-plus tannin, early palate smooth drinkability, late palate tart black cherry, and a fair finish of white pepper and a slight trace of the 12.5% alcohol, manages some complexity out of a rather one-dimensional Pinot Noir. 




Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger



 

Brancott Estate Marlborough 2011 Pinot Noir

Brancott Estate Marlborough 2011 Pinot Noir, $8.49-$14.99, 86 points, begins with a very light ruby trending orange color (clear at the glass wall).
Almost nothing on the nose, but subtle red grape with strawberry doesn't offend.
The light-plus body accentuates this PN's light-weight character, but good acidity and tannin combined with tart cranberry and lively strawberry notes redeems this out-of-character PN.
The trailing palate with pepper and just a hint of alcohol (13%)notes are okay!





Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013  Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger


 

Sean Minor Carneros 2009 Pinot Noir

Sean Minor Carneros 2009 Pinot Noir, $12.74-$16.99, 89 points, appears dark ruby trending pomegranate red toward the clear rim.
A subtle earthy and floral red cherry aroma continues to intensify and evolve.
Having a medium-plus body, a moderately smooth texture with good acidity, and surprisingly firm tannin, this Pinot Noir has a touch of cola on a slightly cherry-syrup-like fruit.
Ends nicely with a touch of heat (14.5%alcohol) and plenty of spice on the fair finish.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013  Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

 

Louis Jadot Bourgogne 2006 Pinot Noir

Louis Jadot Bourgogne 2006 Pinot Noir, $16.99, 87 points, appears as a slightly murky pomegranate red with a clear rim.
I grew-up close to the four square mile lake Massabesic, where I would often walk to at dawn; frequently, that time of day the lake would be glass-still with a blanket of fog and a deep smell of fresh water and earth: this is the aroma of Louis Jadot Bourgogne 2006 Pinot Noir.
With a medium body, fair acidity, mild tannin, and an almost tired red fruit flavor (one dimensional), this wine is surprisingly still delicious.
The white and black pepper finish packs a moderate punch and deepens the overall experience.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros 2011 Pinot Noir

Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros 2011Pinot Noir, $35.69-$44.99, 92 points, begins with a light cranberry color and a broad transparent rim.
One of the few wines with a "sea breeze" aroma, but don't stop there, as sweet red cherry and savory add complexity to this dry red wine's bouquet.
The medium body carrying good acidity and mild tannin accompany a juicy red fruit with a sleek and easy drinking texture, yet this wine has subtleties worthy of being a noble wine; white pepper, cedar, and a touch of heat, crown a trailing palate with a climatic finish.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Pinot Noir and Autumn is here!

With the colors and smells of Autumn arriving, you know that the "River of No Return" is advancing unrelentingly toward Halloween and Thanksgiving. This Fall, I'm determined to taste as many Pinot Noir wines as I can, so as to make an effort to recommend some of these most versatile red wines to New Hampshire wine shoppers for Thanksgiving, and though other red wines will do, Zinfandel for instance, Pinot Noir will probable edge-out the other "Reds" in pairing for typical Thanksgiving cuisine.
If you can't wait, here's my current list of Pinot Noir wines already tasted:
Pinot Noir (USA), Pinot Noir (French), two from New Zealand: O'Reilly's 2009 Pinot Noir, and Brancott Estate Marlborough 2011 Pinot Noir, plus one PN from Australia: Yering Station 2007 PN.
Newly tasted two PNs from Germany: Weingut Bernhard Huber Malterdinger Trocken 2009er Pinot Noir, Baden, and Neipperger Schlossberg 2010 Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), $28.04-$32.99, 90+ points (Germany).
My latest PN: Anton Bauer Wagram/Österreich (Austrian) 2008 Pinot Noir, $8.29-$19.99, 89 points.

 
 




Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Château Godeau Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine

Château Godeau Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine, $35.74-$41.99, 92+, is the color of crushed black currant, though considerably darker, being black at the core and clear about the leggy glass wall.
A lovely floral red and black cherry with hints of earth, licorice, and alcohol (15%) grace the nose.
Medium bodied, this Bordeaux has sharp acids, flavors of blueberry, black and red fruit with hints of dried herbs and tobacco; all of which bodes well for long term cellaring.
Finishes long on copious spice and hints of heat.
This is just another reason why I love Saint Émilion wines.




Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger




 

Rockblock, Domaine Serene Oregon SoNo Syrah (Don't Drink and Climb)

Rockblock (Domaine Serene) SoNo Syrah,  $17.59-$26.99, 91 points, though not quite Shiraz purple, remains more a cloudy purple than red, and trends opaque at the core and clear at the rim.
A floral black grape with sweet cooking spice quickly replaces the initial earthy aroma.
Near full-bodied with good acidity, mild tannin, rich texture, and good flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, and hints of pomegranate and coffee, lead well into the finish of a trailing palate with hints of heat (14.6%) and white pepper.
This non-vintage Syrah pairs well with Mexican cuisine or typical barbecue fare, and though a little more expensive than usual supermarket wine, will set your table or get-together apart from the mundane:-)

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Riesling (German origin)

 "Wines of Germany" (Riesling 101)

August Kesseler, Rheingau Kabinett 2019 Riesling, $13.49-$14.99, 88 points

Blue Fish 2011 Riesling, $8.99-$12.99, 86 points

Blue Nun 'Winemaker's' Passion' Rheinhessen 2016 Riesling (Germany), $9.99, 87 points

blüfeld Mosel 2012 Riesling, $7.64-$10.99, 86 points

Clean Slate Mosel 2009 Riesling, $7.99-$12.99, 90 points

Clean Slate Mosel 2011 Riesling, $7.99-$12.99, 86, points

Clean Slate Mosel 2015 Riesling, $9.99-$13.99, 86 points

Cupcake Pfalz 2012 Riesling, $9.99-$13.49, 88 points

Dachshund 2012 German Riesling, $12.99-$14.99, 85 points

Dr. Hermann Mosel 2019 Riesling, $16.99-$18.99, 89 points

DR Loosen Mosel 2020 Dry Riesling, $12.99-$14.99, 88 points

DR Loosen Bros. Mosel 2012 Riesling, $10.19-$14.99, 90 points

DR Loosen Bros. Mosel 2016 Riesling, $12.99-$14.99, 90 points

DR Loosen Bros. Mosel 2021 Riesling, $11.04-$14.99, 88 points

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Noble House Mosel 2018 Riesling, $14.85-$20.61, 88 points

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Mosel 'Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett' 2014 Riesling (Germany) $20.78-$22.89 90 points 

Emma Reichart Dry 2018 Riesling (Germany), $4.99, 85 points

Fünf (5) Sassy White (German Sweet Riesling), $6.99-$9.99, 91 points

Graff Ürziger Würzgarten Mosel Auslese 2006 Riesling, $8.99-$18.99, 85 points

Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich 2011 Riesling Spätlese, $23.84-$37.99, 90+ points

Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2009 Riesling Auslese, $42.49-$49.99, 93 points

Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2010 Riesling Spätlese, $36,54-$42.99, 94 points

Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2010 Riesling Spätlese Revisited after Nine Years, 95 points, $29.99, (375 ml)

Joseph Händler Pfalz 2018 Riesling, $7.99, 88 points

Josef Weinberg 'Radiance' Rheinhessen 2016 Riesling (Germany), $8.09-$8.99, 88 points

Karthäuserhof Bruno, Mosel 2021 Dry Riesling, $15.19-$21.99, 87 points

Louis Konstantin Guntrum 2012 Dry Riesling, $14.99, 91 points

Louis Rheinhessen Guntrum 2020 Dry Riesling, $17.05, 79 points

Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Spatlese 2007 Riesling, $21.00, 92 points

Melsheimer "Handwerk" Mosel 2014 Off-dry Riesling, $12.99-$14.99, 88 points

Nebel Rheinhessen 2012 Riesling, $15.99, 88 points

Oh. . .Schist 2011 Riesling, $8.99-$10.99, 86 points

Philipps-Eckstein Graacher Himmelreich Mosel 2008 Riesling Kabinett, $13.59-$21.99, 90 points

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Graacher 2011 Riesling, $22.09-$25.99, 89 points

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt (RK) 2011 Riesling, $12.74-$16.99, 87 points

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt (RK) 2011 Riesling (Revisited), $12.74-$16.99, 88 points


Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen 2012 Riesling Spätlese, $25.49-$29.99, 89 point

Schloss Reinhartshausen Rheingau Old Vines 2007 Riesling, $13.99-$23.99, 90 points

Schloss Saarstein Abfüller Mosel 2018 Riesling, $17.99-$19.99, 87 points

Schloss Saarstein Abfüller Mosel 2018 Riesling Revisited, $17.99-$19.99, 88 points

Schmitt Söhne Auslese Sweet and Luscious 2015 Riesling, $11.89-$15.99, 86 points

Schmitt Söhne Mosel Kabinett 2015 Riesling, $9.34-$12.99, 87 points

Schmitt Söhne Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese 2010 Riesling, $10.19-$13.99, 88 points

Schmitt Söhne Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese 2020 Riesling, $8.49-$15.99, 87 points

Schmitt Söhne Rheinhessen Qualitätswein 2019 Dry Riesling, $9.89-$10.99, 86 points

Schmitt Söhne Riesling QbA - Crisp & Fruity 2016 Riesling, $8.49-$11.99, 89 points

Schmitt Söhne Spätlese (Intense and Fruity) 2015 Riesling, $11.89-$15.99, 87 points

Selback-Oster Mosel Feinherb 2014 Riesling, $14.44-$16.99, 86 points

St. Michael Weinkellerei Qualitätswein 2023 Riesling, $8.99-$14.99, 89 points

The Seeker Mosel 2012 Riesling, $12.60-$14.00, 85 points

Two Princes 2012 Riesling, $10.19-$12.99, 88 points

Weingut Baron Knyphausen Rheingau Trocken 2011 Riesling, $21.24-$24.99, 90 points

Weingut Johannishof Kabinett Johannisberg 2011 Riesling, $18.69-$22.99, 92 points

Weingut Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof - Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese 2021 Riesling, $39.94-$46.99, 94 points

Weingut Wwe. Dr. (Lore) Thanisch (Winery), Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Kues 2011 Mosel Riesling, $19.54-$22.99, 90 points

Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burgraef 2017 Mosel Riesling, $15.29-$16.99, 88 points

Wenikellerei Römerhof Mosel (Trittenheim) 2015 kabinett Riesling, $12.59-$13.99, 87 points

Wenikellerei Römerhof Mosel (Trittenheim) 2020 kabinett Riesling, $13.59-$14.99, 82 points

Zeller Schwarze Katz Mosel 2012 Riesling, $9.99-$11.99, 89 points

ZÜM Mosel 2011 Riesling, $9.34-$12.99, 91 points



Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2024, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas
Template provided by Google Blogger

Clean Slate Mosel 2011 Riesling

Clean Slate Mosel 2011 Riesling, $7.99-$12.99,  86, points, begins in the glass as a bright golden color, and a lemon/lime aroma with just the faintest hint of petrol and pine.
The crisp light body is refreshing and carries mouth-watering acidity with flavors that mirror the aroma, and finishes fair on that trailing palate as well as the faintest of slate mineral notes.
This is an off-dry wine with nearly unnoticeable alcohol (10.5%).
Though I was not as pleased with the 2011 as I was with the 2009 vintage, this is yet a good buy at the price I paid, provided this is intended as a white table wine; there's just not enough here to drink by itself without being bored.




Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger



 

Tormaresca Puglia 2008 Chardonnay

Tormaresca Puglia 2008 Chardonnay,  $10.99-$13.99, 86 points, appears a deep straw yellow.
A interesting aroma of apple begins with the wine cold (38 degrees), but as it warmed, tomato and floral notes developed.
The body is light-plus with only fair acidity, and with somewhat weak pear and apple flavors begins an unmemorable experience, but the finish of ginger saves this wine from total oblivion.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger



 

Greywacke Marlborough New Zealand 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Greywacke Marlborough New Zealand 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, approximately $18.00, 90 points, appears as a near viscous straw yellow.
An almost pungent aroma with enough petrol to elicited the thought that this might be an Australian Riesling, but had such density and complexity as to be more reminiscent of a Gewürztraminer (Tasted blind). Ultimately, smells of grapefruit, tangerine, and whiffs of grass should have revealed that this was a Sauvignon Blanc.
Medium bodied with fair acidity carried the aroma throughout the palate, and finished well with ginger and tangerine.
Friends bought this wine at the Wine ConneXtion in North Andover, MA., and with the help of the proprietor, successfully fooled me as to its varietal; Which is really not that hard to do.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013  Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Castello Banfi Summus 2007 Red Wine (IGT)

Castello Banfi Summus 2007 Red Wine (IGT), $47.59-$59.99, 94 points, appears black at the core trending rosewood red with a transparent rim-ring.
Earth and tobacco dominate the aroma.
This is one of those wines that evolves and develops considerably with air, improving all-the-while.
Full bodied, rich and luscious, with good acidity, nicely layered tannin, smoky plum, blackberry, and an oaky pomegranate.
Finishes long with spice, mint, and a touch of heat (14.5% alcohol).
Varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sangiovese sourced from Montalcino.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013  Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger
 

Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2008 Rioja

Marqués de Cáceres Reserva 2008 Rioja, $17.99-$19.99*, 90 points, appears nearly opaque at the core trending Bordeaux red toward the broadly clear rim.
A rich earthy red grape aroma with hints of black olive on the nose is moderately strong.
A medium to medium-plus body, though astringent and edgy, might yet improve with time's mellowing of this rather tannic wine, but the good acidity and flavors of licorice, black cherry, tobacco, with hints of violets, puts this red wine on my table anytime.
Finishes fair on a trailing palate of plum and spice with an almost unnoticeable 13.5% alcohol.



Index-of-reviewed-wines

Copyright 2010-2013  Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger


*(minus $12.50 in points ~gift-card~ equals $5.49)