NHWM Photo Gallery 2014

Looking through a lens makes everything seem more important, from wine to pets and especially people!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Wine Labels As Art Part I
Wine Labels As Art Part II
Wine Labels As Art Part III

Wine Labels As Art Part IV
Summertime Photo Gallery--Flowers and Wine
Are Wine Labels Goinig To The Birds?
NHWM Photo Gallery 2014
NHWM Photo Gallery
NHWM Photo Gallery #2 Just trying to remember what green looks like!
Christmas Photo Gallery
Wine and three days of snow!
Wine and Dogs, Sons and Daughters: The Wonder of Sentiment

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

Wine Labels as Art Part III

Wine Labels as Art Part III

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Wine Labels As Art Part I
Wine Labels As Art Part II
Wine Labels As Art Part IV
Summertime Photo Gallery--Flowers and Wine
Are Wine Labels Going To The Birds?
The Fun Of Smelling!
NHWM Photo Gallery 2014
NHWM Photo Gallery
NHWM Photo Gallery #2 Just trying to remember what green looks like!
Christmas Photo Gallery
Wine and three days of snow!
Wine and Dogs, Sons and Daughters: The Wonder of Sentiment
 

 

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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

Penfolds BIN-8 2012 Cabernet/Shiraz

Penfolds BIN-8 2012 Cabernet/Shiraz, $15.29-$23.99, 90 points, poured near core black trending deep purple/red with a clear rim at the leggy glass wall.
Black currant, blackberry, a hint of cedar on the nose was okay.
The near full-body, with good acidity and enduring tannin, carried black fruit, fennel, coffee, and tobacco notes in a fairly silky matrix.
Finished well with spice notes and some warmth from the 14.5% alcohol.
I don't usually comment on such things, but I'd guess this wine will improve with a few years of cellaring.



Index-of-reviewed-wines

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ChiLENSiS Colchagua Valley Chile 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva

ChiLENSiS Colchagua Valley Chile 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, $9.99, 89+ points, appeared a slightly murky purple/red with flashes of maroon and a clear rim ring.
A striking blueberry aroma was enhanced with cedar and plum notes.
The medium-plus body carried  good acidity with comfortably moderate tannin.
Rich flavors of blueberries, blackberries, coffee, black tea, tobacco, and cola notes were very good.
Finished fair on the trailing palate with a well integrated 13.5% alcohol and a hint of watermelon rind.
One of the best value Cabernet Sauvignon wines I've tasted.
I bought this one at the Londonderry Market Basket.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $75.99-$94.99, 97 points, poured an inky black at the core trending blood-red toward the broadly clear rim and glass wall with heavy sheeting.
The bouquet of roses, jasmine, cedar, clove, cinnamon, mocha, blueberries and blackberries, and on and on was one of the best of my life.
Full-bodied with good acidity and layered sweet tannins complimented the cola, cherry cordial, and escalating spice notes with the reflective flavors of the bouquet.
Finished very long on those escalating spice notes, mint, licorice, violets, and a well integrated 13.9% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Höpler 2013 Grüner Veltliner (Austria)

Höpler 2013 Grüner Veltliner, Austria, (100% Grüner Veltliner), $11.99-$14.99, 90 points, appeared almost water-clear with a slight golden tint.
The nose was a lovely citrus with a floral component.
Light-bodied, crisp with good acidity, and clean flavors of grapefruit, lemon meringue, and just a passing hibiscus note with a sense of wet-stone minerality.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a gentile touch of the 11.5% alcohol with a ginger note.
Höpler 2013 Grüner Veltliner reminded me of a softer NZ Sauvignon Blanc with an enhanced Gavi lightness, which just might make this a great pairing with a fillet of sole.


Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Spy Valley Marlborough NZ 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Spy Valley Marlborough NZ 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $13.59-$17.99, 91 points, was a light straw yellow trending clear at the glass shallows.
The wine body was light and crisp, appropriately acidic, the nose was gooseberries, and the flavor was pink grapefruit; cut and dry with no pretense; so, if you don't like pink grapefruit, then maybe you should look elsewhere, but if one the best Sauvignon Blanc wines with this cut and dry/straight forward character interests you, then give this one a try.
Finished long with gooseberries, just a hint of the 13% alcohol, lemon, and a hint of ginger.
Paired perfectly with Sea perch.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Terrazas 2011 Torrontés Reserva White Wine

Terrazas 2011 Torrontés Reserva, $11.89-$13.99,  87 points, appeared a light bronze trending straw yellow and clear at the glass shallows.
Honeysuckle, soft vanilla notes, a hint of petrol, and cantaloupe aromas were good.
The body was light-plus and carried good acidity with a creamy texture until the long finish of black pepper and ginger spices gave an edginess to this Torrontés.
Flavors mirrored the aromas with some lemon zest and hints of the 13.5% alcohol.
This was an unoaked Torrontés, and like an unoaked Chardonnay, seems to me to be a cleaner example of this white wine.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Spalletti D.O.C.G. 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva

Spalletti D.O.C.G. 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva, $12.74-$26.99, 89 points, poured nearly core-black trending a coppery blood red with a broad transparent rim ring.
Hints of roses, oak, and blackberry smells could barely be teased-out from all the swishing and swilling I could reasonably do.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and moderate tannin carried time/air improved flavors of mint, cherries, and bourbon notes which traversed long into the finish of escalating hot spices, tannins, and the 13.5% alcohol.





Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Plagiarism-theft of photograpy still a clear and present crime.

Sometime ago I did a post on motives and plagiarism, but I guess those still stealing other's labor are still out there. So, I repeat that post and the web-site that has used my photography as if it were theirs. Can you trust them? Are there others having their work stolen?

My original review and photography: Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve 2006 Pinot Noir

Thank you for removing my photo.

My post addressing the issue of plagiarism: Wine Blogging Motives and Modus Operandi

So I ask this web-site to cease this falsehood and theft. If they asked for permission with accreditation there would be NO problem.

NHWM's Picks Of Pinot Noir Wines For Fall Festivities



Thanksgiving dinner

Are you serving wine?

Need some recommendations?

Here are NHWM's wine recommendations:

Best of show:

Domaine Drouhin Dundee Hills 2012 Pinot Noir, $32.79-$$44.99, 94 points!


Best Quality/Price/Ratio Pinot Noir (2) for 2014:

Pepin Condé Elgin 2012 Pinot Noir, $10.39-$24.99, 91 points

Erath Willamette Valley Estate Selection 2012 Pinot Noir, $15.99-$23.99, 93 points

Best Unique PN:

Merriam Vineyards Russian River 2012 Pinot Noir Cuvée, $19.99-$24.99, 92+ points

Best Wine region is once again:
 

Willamette Valley Oregon-Best Pinot Noir Wine Region for 2014 Thanksgiving Dinner.

Need a White Wine?

Merriam Vineyards Russian River Danielle's Estate 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99, 93 points


Index-of-reviewed-wines

 

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Pinot Noir Finale For The 2014 Thanksgiving Dinner Recommendations



   Pinot Noir finale for the 2014 Thanksgiving dinner recommendations will sum-up Pinot Noir red wines to be recommended (or not) by New Hampshire's wine taster for the common man or woman who may like an opinion of locally bought wines.
   I consider this a BIG responsibility, as many have disagreed with my judgments, but many more have found those judgments straight and true.
   These last six Pinot Noir Wines were blind tasted, and since I buy all my own wines, except for an occasional gift, which none of these were, you can rest assured that I was even-handed at my scoring of these wines. Keep in mind that two of my last reviews were beautiful Brunello Montalcino red wines that out-shown these Pinot Noir wines; I highly recommend Brunello wines in general, but also keep in mind that their prices are considerably higher than these six.
   I'm open to all opinions.


Acrobat Oregon 2012 Pinot Noir, $17.99-$19.99, 84 points
Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvée 2008 Pinot Noir, $29.99-$39.99, 88 points
Garnet Vineyards Monterey County 2012 Pinot Noir, $11.19-$15.99, 85 points
Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve 2012 Pinot Noir, $17.59-$24.99, 84 points
KRIS IGT 2012 Pinot Noir (Italy), $9.59-$14.99, 85 points
Ponzi Willamette Valley Travola 2011 Pinot Noir, $20.39-$26.99, 87 points


Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Ponzi Willamette Valley Tavola 2011 Pinot Noir

Ponzi Willamette Valley Tavola 2011 Pinot Noir, $20.39-$26.99, 87 points, poured a bright cranberry/pomegranate red with a very broad clear rim.
The most interesting smells of mint and red cherry were quite good.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and mildly drying tannins carried flavors of cherries, tart pomegranate, flowers, and marjoram.
Easy spice notes with eucalyptus and a well-integrated 13.3% alcohol climaxed another Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.


Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Acrobat Oregon 2012 Pinot Noir

Acrobat Oregon 2012 Pinot Noir, $17.99-$19.99, 84 points, poured dark blackberry/cherry red with a clear rim ring.
Aromas of red cherry and black currant were just okay for me.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and mild tannin made this an easy drinking red wine until the somewhat astringent finish.
Flavors of 'green' red cherry and eucalyptus traveled deep into a rather bland/thin finish with easy spice and a noticeable 13.7% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Garnet Vineyards Monterey County 2012 Pinot Noir

Garnet Vineyards Monterey County 2012 Pinot Noir, $11.19-$15.99, 85 points, was indeed garnet red trending a pale pomegranate red to boot, and a very broad clear rim.
Red fruit and a flower note on the nose were good.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and mild tannin carried flavors of slightly unripe red cherry and eucalyptus into a finish of the trailing palate with good spice notes and some heat from the 14.2% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvée 2008 Pinot Noir

Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvée 2008 Pinot Noir, $29.99-$39.99, 88 points, presented colors of deep almost black currant and pomegranate reds with a clear rim at the leggy glass wall.
Smells of black raspberry with a floral note were okay.
Medium-bodied with fair acidity and mild tannin carried flavors of black cherry, mint, and sage.
Finished long on the trailing palate, good spice notes, and a well integrated  13.8% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve 2012 Pinot Noir

 

Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve 2012 Pinot Noir, $17.59-$24.99, 84 points, appeared as black currant red with a fading cranberry red and a clear rim.

Smells of cherries with an undercurrent of marjoram and savory were okay.

Just over the threshold of medium-bodied with good acidity and slightly drying tannin carried a sour tobacco note, tart cranberries, and unripe red cherry flavors into the trailing palate of good spice notes with a noticeable 14.5% alcohol.

 

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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KRIS IGT 2012 Pinot Noir

KRIS IGT 2012 Pinot Noir (Italy), $9.59-$14.99, 85 points, appeared bright ruby with flashes of maroon and a broad clear rim.
The nose was red cherry and flowers with a slight petrol note.
Good acidity with mildly drying tannins marked this light-plus-bodied red wine.
Flavors of tart pomegranate and unripe strawberry were just okay for me.
Finished on the trailing palate with a floral component and a hint of the 12.5% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Sandeman 20 Year Tawny Port

Sandeman Imperial 20 Year Tawny Port,   $30.59-$39.99, 92+ points, explodes with orange/red caramel/bourbon colors, and with smells of pine resin, caramelized raisins, oak, and rum.
The explosions didn't stop there, but the full body, slightly sweet, carried bombastic mouth-watering acids and mouth-puckering tannins. Some might say 'soft' tannins, but having had enough young Bordeaux and Brunello wines to compare, these tannins were not soft to me.
Flavors were true to the aromas, add the fruit of apricot, and the 40 proof alcohol which was an aftershock that faired throughout the palate and into the long rum-like and espresso finish.
I treated this as an aperitif and attempted to pair it with a dark chocolate pistachio toffee, but alas the wine was too much for it.
However, I did seek out and find an apropos dessert in a "Chocolate Truffle Bomb Cake" which complimented the Sandeman (No mean feat).

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Campogiovanni 2009 Brunello Di Montalcino

Campogiovanni 2009 Brunello Di Montalcino, $39.19-$48.99, 92 points, appeared brick red toward the glass shallows trending a dark red cherry at the core.
Cherries, flowers, and a hint of coffee on the nose were good.
The medium body carried good acidity with strong, but manageable tannin.
Flavors followed the nose with early intense floral representation that declined somewhat with air.
Finished on the trailing palate, mint, black and cayenne peppers, bourbon notes with considerable warmth from the 14.5% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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Caparzo 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Caparzo 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, $55.99-$69.99, 94 points, poured a blood red trending what I call a "sunburst" orange/red with a clear rim-ring.
The nose was subtle rose, chocolate, red cherry, and a toasty blackberry.
The medium body carried excellent acidity and grainy persistent tannins.
Simple perfection seems contradictory when it comes to describing an expensive red wine, but here we have a clean pure wine marked by flavors of mint, bourbon, considerable oak and red cherry with a rare minerality.
Finished long on the trailing palate with spice and a well integrated 14% alcohol.

Index-of-reviewed-wines

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