Category Archives: Wine reviews

Meaume 2008

27 Wednesday Jun 2012

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This wine is a Bordeaux Superier, versus a Cru Bourgeois- taking it a rung lower than the previous wine we tasted.  It also came from the 2008 Bordeaux vintage, not as highly touted as the 2005.  Strike 2 against this little charmer- yet it wins over the bigger, better Cru.  Why???  Bang for the buck ladies and gentlemen.  At under $15, this wine delivers exactly what it is intended for.  On the nose, very convincing blue and red fruit, the palate shows good balance and the finish is all that can be expected.  A very serviceable bottle that won’t disappoint for the next 5 years.  Not meant for long term aging, the structure is in place to hold it together, but I’m doubtful of much evolution.  An easy 4 stars with 86 point potential.  Great for casual drinking, or a summer grilling- your guests will enjoy its basic fruit and medium body.  Salut

d’Agassac 2005

27 Wednesday Jun 2012

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A Cru Bourgeois ‘Superier’ from the much hyped 2005 vintage, I found this wine to be serviceable.  Most higher end wines from the Bordeaux region start to become drinkable with 8-10 years of age.  The lower tiered wines, known as cru bourgeois, tend to develop quicker and start their drinking window at about 4-5 years of age (IMHO).   I was looking forward to some typicity of region, which coupled with an exceptional year had me hoping for fireworks worthy of my $27.  I was slightly let down, but still managed to enjoy it. Very smooth right off the bat, the wine has a nose and initial attack of blue fruit, but is rather one dimensional.  I am not sure when and if any secondary characteristics will ever develop.  The tannins are well integrated and the mouthfeel is appropriate for this medium weight wine.  A decent finish and balanced acidity were noted.  I have to be honest here, this is an 88-89 point wine but is only worthy of 2 stars in my opinion.  You have to deliver the goods, and for the money- this was a waste.  I would drink it again, anytime, as long as someone else was paying. 

Armida Zinfandel 2009

15 Friday Jun 2012

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Some really cool friends of mine gave me this bottle…..thanks. I really mean it, you have done me a huge favor. Zinfandel can be such a bombastic, over-ripe, alcoholic monster that you tire of too easily. This wine is none of the above (except for the 14.9 %alcohol level). Beware, light-weights, this one will sneak up on you.
Back to the wine- beautiful dark blue fruit on the nose is rewarded with very chewy fruit and gorgeous tannins on the initial attack. The balance is great, with no hint of the sneaky 14.9 alcohol- beware. Mid palate, generous lashings of fruit, not the stewed kind found in most Zins, but really nice plum and blueberry. Did I mention the length? Like a speedboat fantail: long, narrow and focused. I am totally digging this wine. I wish I had more as I keep filling my glass up before my Flank steak is ready. A full on 5 star wine and 91 points for this excellent offering out of the Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma. Thanks M and B for the amazing treat.

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Le Colombier Cuvée ‘G’ 2009

12 Tuesday Jun 2012

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Wow, what an interesting wine. Tasted pretty late in the evening, if you know what I mean, I was bowled over by the uniqueness and flavors this gem brought. A Rhone blend, I wanted to describe the initial nose and taste as ‘sweet’, but that is not a good descriptor for red wines. Dark red in color, there was a certain funkiness of leather, earth and dark blue fruits that were intriguing. On the mid-palate, very smooth and balanced. Excellent tannins will hold this wine together until 2015 at least. For a crowd pleaser, this one hits it for most people. Not too heavy, somewhat complex and easy to drink because the balance is great. No dryness, yet the tannins are lurking. A wine that you should definitely search out. 5 stars and 91 points- go for it!

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The Chocolate Block 2009

12 Tuesday Jun 2012

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A gift from friends, I was not expecting anything- but was pleasantly surprised. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Viognier that lives up to its name. Very chocolatey on the nose and palate. The mocha just kept coming. A rather steep 14.5% alcohol did not bother me as the wine is balanced with excellent fine grained tannins that has a nice long finish. Very dark in the glass, there is a full-bodied feel to this wine, my style. An interesting blend of grapes from the Western Cape, this winery made 765 barrels. I would say 5 stars, just because it is well made, is interesting and has cellaring potential. I’m not sure what flavors will emerge eventually, but it’s sure to be good. 91 points.

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Christopher Creek Petite Sirah 2005

10 Sunday Jun 2012

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Neither petite, nor a Sirah. Similar to the Shiraz/Sirah grape, this varietal is my style. Dark, brooding, tannic, ageable and full bodied. This particular wine is 7 years into its life and is still a baby. Dark purple in the glass, the nose shows Berry and, dare I say it- alcohol. At 14+ % it packs a punch. However, smooth on the palate, with Cassis coming through along with a hint of red fruit. A very tannic backbone shows good integration and the promise of excellent cellaring potential. The balance is just slightly off with the alcohol, perhaps this too shall pass. I really like this style and am enjoying the wine immensely. 4 stars and 90 points. I forgot to mention ghd length, amazingly long. Not sure if you can find it anywhere though, pity.

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Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon President’s Selection 2008

08 Friday Jun 2012

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Liking this Aussie Cabernet for its fullness, balanced use of oak and adherence to varietal nuances while maintaining individuality and terroir.
The upper echelon wine of a somewhat large operation, they have done well to craft this beauty that pleases the palate with currants, a little mint and I sensed a some tobacco. The tannic structure is good, yet unobtrusive. Aging potential: another 5 years at least. Good length with no astringency and a nice balance.
Considering the company, I would imagine this wine is widely available and at a good price. 4 stars and 88 points from me for a good companion to grilled meats, cheese or just an evening on the porch sipping wine. Get some, you won’t be disappointed.

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Alexander Park Cab Sav 2008

08 Friday Jun 2012

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Much better than the previous wine, this one at least shows its varietal correctly. Juicy Cabernet Sauvignon, with a good nose and decent tannins make this a good eating wine. At 14.5% alcohol, I did not detect it and thought the balance was good. With some age in this bottle, it is at peak now and should last another 3-4 years. A basic steak and veggie dinner would be just about right here, I wouldn’t drink the whole thing on an empty stomach as it will sneak up on you. For the price/ quality ratio being good I award 3 stars and would hazard a guess at 86 points.

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Double Bay Cab/Merlot 2011

08 Friday Jun 2012

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“Delicate, Plum Berry Fruit Flavors” are stated on the label and I somewhat disagree. There is plenty of Plum, unfortunately, the stewed kind. Far too much bad Merlot is swilling around this glass, with no hint of the Cab, little tannin and a general waste of time. Not even going to rate it….

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La Croix-Barton 2008

07 Thursday Jun 2012

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A Bordeaux Superieur from the 2008 vintage, this wine is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that is now hitting its stride. Very heavy on the Merlot, it has a certain flavor profile that I don’t particularly care for, but is generally a decent wine. Red fruits on the nose don’t really translate to the palate, perhaps because the blend is too heavy on Merlot. I didn’t notice any imbalance and the tannic structure is ok. Not for long term aging, this wine is a good drinking wine that is relatively low in alcohol and acidity. For the price, I would give this a 3 star rating and guess at 85 points. Nothing special, just ok.

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