Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley 2010 Gewürztraminer

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley 2010 Gewürztraminer, $8.49-$9.99, 86+ points, was a bright gold color graying toward the glass edge.
Gewürztraminer is supposed to be very aromatic, but I was left with only hints of apple and a subtle floral component.
The near medium body carried fair acidity with flavors of Macintosh apple, ginger, and star fruit.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a wet stoniness, and just a touch of the 12% alcohol.
Paired quite well with my Asian cuisine.

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Tenuta Santo Pietro Perceptum Toscana 2010 IGT Rosso

Tenuta Santo Pietro Perceptum Toscana 2010 IGT Rosso, $18.69-$23.99, 88+ points, appeared deep ruby red trending orange/red at the glass shallows, and having a thin clear wine ring.
Aromas of truffle, earth, and black currant were okay.
Nearly full-bodied with good acidity and easy drinking tannin carried flavors of plum, truffle, sage, tobacco, and tart pomegranate.
Finished on the trailing palate with hints of spice and the 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot.



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Cade Winery Howell Mountain Napa Valley California

Cade Winery Howell Mountain Napa Valley California 

was our next five star winery to visit,

to experience, and that we did.

We had our charming (beautiful, vivacious, and intelligent) hostess who I'll refer to as "Sally", she showed us the ropes so-to-speak, only in this case it was a cave, a young employee racking the wine, and Sally serving us hors-d'oeuvres with some fabulous wines.
We had two other parties with us: "J" the chef and his right hand David.
We also were accompanied by the wise gray-haired lover and his elegant wife with their warm smiles and learned comments.
Much of this kind of experience is the people you'll meet!


There's more to this screw-cap than meets the eye; specifically that it was on Cade's massive and full-bodied 2012 Cabernet Reserve, $185.00, 95 points from me. This Cabernet had complexity and a satin texture, fruit, coffee, mulling herbs, cedar, and nuance; it was heads and shoulders above the Howell Mountain or the Napa Valley Cabs, pricy, but worth the occasional indulgence.

 

 

Apocalyptic Oasis (Cade Cave)
is where I'd want to be when the bombs begin to fall.
Without my tripod it's impossible for me to give you the spacious and impressive sense of its grandeur.

  
Since the Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
(Sally generously poured two bottles of this wine)
so over-shadowed the other reds, I only have one more comment on the wines we tasted there, and that was the Cade Napa Valley 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, $30, 91 points, was typically higher-end Cali crisp, citrus, and refreshing.

If the first impression of Kuleto was "Rustic" then Cade's was "Futureistic" and modern.
If Sally would like the world to see her whole portrait
all she'll have to do is tell me and I'll give you the rest of the photograph above (Hollywood will want her), but until then this will have to do (just a hint of her poise and presence).
The four of us came away with similar feelings and judgments!

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Masi Levarie 2012 Soave

Masi Levarie 2012 Soave (Italy), $11.49-$24.99, 85+ points, poured a coppery gold color.
The subtle melon aroma was just okay for me.
Light-plus bodied with fair to good acidity, and soft melon flavors with a hint of petrol were just okay as well.
Finished with almost no alcohol taste at all (12%) and slight notes of white pepper.
I must keep in mind that Soave is best drunk very young, and I think I may have missed the peak vibrancy on this one.




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Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards

  Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards of Napa Valley California

was my first visit to a winery, so I have no reference points to actually judge my experience; however I was left with a five-star event imprinted into my memory.

  There was the beautiful forest, the rather steep and long ride up the driveway, the grape vines and a horse, an old working fire truck (thank God), Acorn woodpeckers, then the lovely rustic tasting room, terrace, flowers, fountain, "J's" lovey party of six, and our wonderful hostess with cheese, nuts, crackers, and yes: wine!

  The Kuleto 2013 dry Moscato (91 points) was stunning, but their light styled 2012 Zinfandel (90 points), aromatic Syrah (90 points) and their medium-plus bodied Cabernet Sauvignon (89 points) were winners as well, showing a very good consistency throughout, but it was the total ambiance that won the day for me!
  Last year I found in New Hampshire Kuleto's wonderful red wine, and that should have been a tip-off to the quality wines produced here. Kuleto Frog Prince Napa Valley 2009 Red Wine, $18.69-$39.99, 90 points

Cheers!

 

Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards 

 



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Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2014 Sauvignon Blanc

Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, $19.79-$23.99, 90 points, was a bright brass color trending gray near the glass edge.
Aromatic fruity nose was lush and pleasing.
Typically light-bodied with mouth-watering acidity and citrus flavors with hints of peach and watermelon rind were pure and easy drinking.
Finished on the trailing palate with hints of ginger, white pepper, and a well integrated 12.1% alcohol; so for those wanting a less alcohol white wine, give this gem a try.
We drank this Frog's Leap after revisiting their 2009 Chardonnay which I kept in the Euro-cave for many years, and though it was a little different, it was still wonderfully clean, more Chablis-like, but with a more dominant apple note than when tasted in 2010. (Frog's Leap 2009 Chardonnay, $20.39-$26.99, 92 points)



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Domaine Cherrier ET Fils 2014 Sancerre

Domaine Cherrier ET Fils 2014 Sancerre,
$9.99-$15.99, 91 points, poured a light brass color trending quite gray at the glass shallows.
Aromatic pineapple, grapefruit, and pome blossoms were very good.
The light body was crisp, stony, bright, and  appropriately acidic.
Flavors reflected the aromas and added tangerine with a hint of lime.
Finished on the trailing palate, ginger notes, black pepper, and a balanced 12.5% alcohol.

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My No W*ining Cali Photo Gallery

 

 

My California Photo Gallery

With None of the Wine None of the Time

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

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Howell Mountain Vineyards Old Vines 2011 Zinfandel, 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and. . .

This Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet, and Merlot were some of the many wines we bought while in San Francisco and wine country. The four of us had several wines with our meals and at wine tastings in Napa and Sonoma, so my reports on these wines will be reflections and impressions rather than studied posts.

Howell Mountain Vineyards Old Vines 2011 Zinfandel, $45, 92 points, we all agreed was wonderful, a bit lighter in style than a Gnarly or a Seven Deadly Zin, but sophisticated and complex.

Howell Mountain Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, $75, 91 points, was, complex, balanced and delicious, pricy, but not outrageous considering how good it was.

Decoy 2012 Merlot, $35, 89 points, was juicy, lush, soft and round with just enough spice on the finish to add depth.

Hewitson 2012 Petite Sirah, $35, 86+ points, was young, tannic, but tasty, and I wasn't disappointed, while others were more pleased with its fruitiness and long finish.


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Caballero De La Cepa Reserva 2012 Malbec

Caballero De La Cepa Reserva 2012 Malbec, $15.29-$19.99, 86 points, poured a deep ruby with a clear wine ring.
Ironically I always find myself conflicted when a wine has a dominant "grapey" smell, but with black currant, brine, and hints of chocolate, red/black grape smells were what impressed me.
Full-bodied with fair to good acidity, firm to almost astringent tannin, and flavors appropriately reflective of the nose with mulberry notes paired satisfactorily with our pepperoni pizza.
Finished okay with a slight bitterness, spice, a hint of tobacco, and a well integrated 14% alcohol.



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Viu Manent Single Vineyard La Capilla Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley,Chile)

Viu Manent Single Vineyard La Capilla Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley,Chile), $13.99-$18.99, 89+ points, poured an opaque ruby trending bright red at the glass wall and very broad clear wine ring.
The fragrance was a very good lilac, toasty blackberry, just a hint of bell pepper, and black currant.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity, comfortably layered firm tannins, and crisp flavors of black fruit, cola, and mulberry.
Finished long with tart pomegranate, hints of eucalyptus, escalating tannin, and a warm 14% alcohol.


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Valley Of The Moon Sonoma County 2012 Pinot Blanc

Valley Of The Moon Sonoma County 2012 Pinot Blanc, $13.29-$17.99, 88 points, appeared a bright gold color trending gray toward the glass shallows.
Aromatic Lychee, tangerine, pine needles, and a floral component were excellent.
Light-bodied with good acidity and lively flavors reflective of the aromas, plus bright black pepper, and ginger notes trailed into the fair finish of a well integrated 13.9% alcohol, which all worked together in harmony to please.

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Donnafugata "Lighea" IGT 2013 Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria)

Donnafugata "Lighea" IGT 2013 Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria), $20.66-$22.95, 87 points, poured a light brass color.
The smells of toasty melon were just okay for me.
Light-plus body carried fair acidity piggybacked upon an unctuous texture and flavors of pome, hints of tangerine and petrol.
Finished unremarkably, but managed to intensify the trailing palate and booted-up the 12.5% alcohol.




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Concannon 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Concannon 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.99, 84 points, was a pale gray/green and thin copper color.
Smells of overripe cantaloupe and soft citrus were not inspiring.
Light-bodied (not typically crisp) with good acidity managed only a just passable white table wine rating for me; not a throw-away wine, but one I'll not seek-out again.
Citrus flavors were one dimensional and nondescript, and were followed by soft melon notes carried by a rather texturally round mouth-feel, but they weren't altogether refreshing or tasty.
The finish saved this Sauvignon Blanc; Gooseberry, lemon-grass, ginger, and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol were quite good.
I bought this white wine at the Fresh Market in Bedford.






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Cameron Hughes Lot 418 Oakville Napa Valley 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cameron Hughes Lot 418 Oakville Napa Valley 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon,  $17.99-$26.99, 91 points, appeared a deep Bordeaux purple/red with flashes of maroon and a broad clear wine ring.
Aromatic cedar, black currant, blackberry and truffle were quite pleasant.
Full-bodied with good acidity and supportive moderate tannins complimented a rich flavor profile that not only mirrored the aromas, but added black licorice, red cherry, mulling spices, and cola notes.
Finished long on a warm 14.4% alcohol, a trailing palate, red and black pepper.


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Atamisque Tupungato-Valle De Uco Mendosa-Argentina, Serbal 2014 Rosé

Atamisque Tupungato-Valle De Uco Mendosa-Argentina, Serbal 2014 Rosé, $11.99-$13.99, 90 points, was a Malbec Rosé to search out!
Beginning with its coppery peach color, its lovely aromas of peach, watermelon, strawberry, and floral notes, its light-crisp body of fair to good acidity, nicely dry, creamy texture, and flavors reflective of the aromas all managed to coalesce into a balanced and delicious Rosé wine.
Finished well on developing mild tannin, white pepper spiciness, and an appropriate 12.5% alcohol.





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Columbia Crest Grand Estates Columbia Valley 2012 Chardonnay

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Columbia Valley 2012 Chardonnay, $8.99-$12.99, 87 points, was a straw yellow color.
The nose was citrus and oak.
Medium-plus body with fair acidity and dominant flavors of butter, caramel, oak, and tangerine were just okay for me.
Finished well on white pepper notes and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol.
To me this was very much like a Cali Chardonnay, and not as pleasant or "Northwestern" as the 2009 vintage.

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L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley 2012 Red Wine

L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley 2012 Red Wine, $17.84-$22.99, 90 points, appeared a rainbow of deep red with a broad clear wine ring.
Aromatically complex with clove, cedar, mulberry, and tobacco with a floral component.
Medium to medium-plus body was dry, appropriately acidic, and the moderate tannins building in intensity toward slightly astringent into the finish were well balanced with flavors of mulberry, tart pomegranate, and cola.
Finished long on hot spices and a warm 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 54% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Mourvèdre, 4% Malbec, 4% Grenache, and 4% Cabernet Franc.



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Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, $6.95-$11.99, 87 points, appeared a bold brass color trending straw yellow.
Smells of melon, vanilla, and apple were just okay for me.
Initially poured with a fair head of small to medium sized bubbles, but faded quickly.
The light crisp body displayed good acidity and flavors true to the aromas.
Finished well on star fruit and watermelon rind. This Cava is quite dry and the 11.5% alcohol was well integrated.
Paired perfectly with our Asian cuisine.

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NHWM Photo Gallery July 2015

Some Wine Labels Might be Collected!

Some hats should be collected as well!

 

Ah, summer

 often brings to my door interesting critters!

Last week it was this Polyphemus moth,

 and this week it's this

 Stag beetle!

 

 

 

 

Me Tarzan! You Jane!

 

 

 

 Schools out for summer

and some of us have declared

 our free-time nothing to mess with! 

Did I forget the Daddy-bug?

What of POINTLESS PAEONIA?

Wine Labels As Art Part I

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