Category Archives: Wine reviews

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz 2008

24 Thursday May 2012

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A Reserve offering from the Barossa in Australia that got a 92 rating. Not from me, of course as I’m no pro. I just don’t get it. Very light on the nose, the initial taste is of smooth, somewhat subdued Aussie Shiraz- which is a good thing. They usually present themselves in an over-the-top, jammy style that we are all tired of. However, there’s not much of interest here, nothing jumps out and says ” I’m worthy of Reserve status”. It’s just kinda ordinary. I can’t even pinpoint the flavors, but will say that it has a decent tannic structure and should hit stride by 2014-2018. What to drink with? Hmmmm, perhaps a fatty cut of beef to help balance the tannins and not overtake the flavors of the meat. It’s not really a sipping wine and weighs in at 14.5% alcohol- beware. I’m thinking a 2 star wine and my own rating of 86 points- a major disappointment. Sorry guys, just not in love with it.

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Bel-Air Lussac ’04

14 Monday May 2012

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There are numerous Chateau Bel-Air’s out there. This one happens to be from Lussac, St. Emilion. From magnum, I popped and poured this 8 year old in hopes of brilliance. I am slightly disappointed, but still enjoying. Probably not expensive, it has been in my cellar and almost forgotten for 5 years. The initial nose is very interesting, yielding bluish fruit and a typical Merlot-from-the-right bank kinda smell. On the palate, the fruit doesn’t shine, slightly overshadowed by an imbalance of acidity, but good tannins. This one could last at least 5 more years and maybe flesh out a little to disperse the awkwardness. A guess at its price would give me s decent bottle worthy of 3 stars but needing some cellar time. If I were a pro, a solid 86 pointer and a recommended buy if the price is right.

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Montgras Merlot Reserva ’11

10 Thursday May 2012

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The fourth wine in our tasting, the Reserva Merlot from Colchagua in Chile.  A decent bottle, but not really sure where they come up with calling it a reserve wine.  Lots of blue fruit and a nice nose give way to a basic Merlot that is pretty well balanced and has a gentle tannic structure.  Not for the long term, it will bring instant gratification to a party and not break the bank.  In the mouth, the Merlot is tasty, in that South American kind of way.  I did not detect any off-balance, but the lack of much acidity makes me wonder if this wine is able to last past……  Who knows, just get some to pop and pour- you won’t be disappointed.  3 stars from me and potentially an 86 point wine if they ever score it.

Rosemount Cabernet-Merlot ’11

10 Thursday May 2012

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A new label perhaps?  I tried to find out from the producer’s website about the details on this one, but it seems they are revamping the whole look of their web presence and are in the process of updating it.  Going forward, this was a pretty good wine.  Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it has a fruity nose and nice mouthfeel.  Tannins in check, and a balance in the mid palate, I would say it is a textbook attempt at making an everyday crowd pleaser.  It just lacks something for me however, not sure what.  My guess is that this winery is pumping out loads of wine and has an established taste profile they are trying to achieve.  Boring to me and not one I would be giving as a gift, but probably a good party wine.  It is easy to drink and will pair with most meats, but forget about cellaring potential as it was not made for that.  A solid 85 pointer and 3 stars make this wine a decent buy for the cost that won’t embarrass you at a social gathering.

Apothic Red ’10

10 Thursday May 2012

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A blend from California of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and the peppery Zinfandel that pops out at 13.1% alcohol. First impression, sweeeeet. Not my style and over the top with dark berry fruit. Decent structure and smooth tannins make this a wine that can be enjoyed for what it is, an everyday drinker that will appeal to the beginner. No complexity was noted and for under $10, none was expected. I really can’t think of what to pair this with as the sweetness was cloying and that would overshadow most grilled meats. As a stand-alone drinker, I got bored with it after my first glass. I think this would be an 80- point wine, but only 1 star in my books. I will pass on it in the future.

Liberty School Cabernet ’09

05 Saturday May 2012

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From Paso Robles, this reasonably priced offering will be sure to please in a casual drinking atmosphere. For $10, you get a basic wine that gives loads of dark fruit, easy going tannins and a pleasant mouthfeel. Not complex, I would serve it all day long at a grilling party. With decent acidity and the fullness of fruit, I think it is a good 3 star effort worthy of 85 points. Don’t cellar this one, as it was meant for pop-n-pour pleasure.

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Cupcake Red Velvet ’11

05 Saturday May 2012

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I was a little puzzled about this wine, which was a gift. Unmistakeable Syrah was my downfall. I had to revert to a little Internet sleuthing to discover no Syrah, but a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The use of the word Velvet is actually not too far off, it is pretty smooth. With not much complexity, slight tannins but a good balance- it goes down like velvet. Others did not like this wine or loved it, not many in the middle of the road. I am thinking four stars- its a damn fine drop for the price and for what it is. Drink it soon as the backbone was not made for aging, but for immediate pleasure. It has good acidity and a prolonged after taste, which surprises me. For about $10, you are sure to please a crowd with this gem that has gobs of dark berries, and a smooth mouthfeel. I would hazard a guess at 88 points on a pro level- I’m liking it. Well done you Cupcake peeps.

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Dominus ’99

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

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This is the wine I chose to celebrate my birthday with, the last of my case. A Cali Cab from the fabled Mouiex family, it certainly garners respect and good ratings from the pro’s. Asking price- currently up to $150 per. My opinion, skip it. It is neither blockbuster Napa Cab, or characteristic of a good Bordeaux, but something in the middle. Gentle tannins have kept this wine upright with good acidity holding it together. A pleasant nose gives way to a medium bodied palate of subdued fruit. No secondary flavors a la Old World, and no bright fruit that you would expect from its origin. It started out a little rustic, but opened up in 20 minutes, keep that in mind if you have some. I would say it could last another 5 years, but I can’t see any complexity building. 3 stars and 87 points, the pro’s all went 91…

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Papeterie ’00

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

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Birthday weekend and I pulled this magnum out from the cellar for a party. A quick review told me to put it back as the comments were not favorable and it is perhaps past it’s peak. So…. I opened it the next night and finished it the following. Being a magnum, it aged slower than the reviews, and showed typical St Emilion character. The tannins are washing, the nose is nice blue fruit and the balance is good. Not a stunner, but a good buy for $50 in Mag. The pro rating agrees with my 85, and I would give it 3 stars for its ability to hold my interest. It shows some restraint as expected of Old World wine and considering its age, pretty decent. I wouldn’t run out looking for it, and at $50, there are better deals.

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Spier Pinotage ’09

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

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Honestly, my first experience with this varietal, and I was blown away. Rich, fruity, balanced with a hint of some serious tannins. Unfortunately, I was half-gubbed by the time we got to it so my memory is vague. I will say that I was impressed, and the pro’s only gave it 87. A quick search yields a price of up to $14, a steal if you can find it. A 5 star wine in my opinion that delivers a nice mouthfeel, great nose and a balanced finish. In my mind, it should be a 90 pointer. Wish I could find some…

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