Tag Archives: 3 stars

Rosenblum Cellars Richard Sauret Reserve Zinfandel 2010

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

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From Paso Robles comes this high powered Zin.  It got panned by the pros but was the hit of the night at our gathering.  It can be found for $30 and was immensely enjoyed with some Veal Saltimbocca and carpaccio salad.  I find many Zins to be too jammy, this one was not.

Dried herbs, black currants and spice on the nose were a preview of what to expect.  Spicy components mixed with dark plums and black cherry were the welcoming taste.  The 15.2% alcohol was masked in the myriad of dark fruits, cinnamon notes and espresso.  Delicious tannin structure coupled with some acidity gave it a nice mouthfeel.  It went really well with our meal and I would cellar this for drinking 2015-2020.  90 points versus the pro’s at 86.  3 stars for me.  Salut….

rosenblum richard suaret reserve zinfandel

Kirkland Napa Valley Meritage 2011

21 Wednesday Jan 2015

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Some friends and I were at a Costco yesterday and decided to try a few of the Kirkland  brand wines.  This was our first attempt, it cost $11 and is a blend of 49% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% each Cab Franc and Petit Verdot.  I took some basic notes:

Plummy with oak and currants.
Young and fresh, with hints of eucalyptus and oregano
87 points

At this price point it is a very serviceable party wine that won’t disappoint.  It could use another year of cellaring and drink till 2019.  3 stars from me.  Salut….

kirkland napa valley heritage

Marques De Riscal Rioja Reserva 2008

21 Sunday Dec 2014

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I have an affinity to this winery, having drunk many vintages over the years.  I also happen to have friends who have vintages dating back to 1968 in their cellar.  His father used to be on the Board, hence the connection.  Anyway…..  I always think of them and my visit to Spain when I see the unmistakable bottle with it’s wire cage.  Always well priced at around $15, it is consistent and decent.  Here we go.

Bright opaque purple color with a classic earthy Tempranillo nose laced with some oak.
Iodine, black cherry and blackberry hints come through after a bit of air.  On the palate, slightly less fruit, more secondary flavors of tar, black tea, black berry and some Asian plum.  A slightly hollow mid palate has me concerned but the wine has an acidic crunch at the end that I kinda liked. Totally melded tannins that still have some good grip. 88 points is my guess.  Very enjoyable, with points off for the hollowness. 2014-2017 and 3 stars.  Salut….

marques de riscal rioja reserva

 

Jettlynn Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

18 Thursday Dec 2014

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I bought several variations of this winery’s offerings at my local Costco.  $17 for a Paso Cabernet, I had to try it!  I was a little concerned at first, the cork was very stained almost to the top.  My fears were later put to rest.  Bright purple color in the glass.  Blackberry and iodine nose which was very unique.  Interesting mix of raspberry and oregano with black fruits on my first sip.  Good acidity gives this wine structure while the tannins are subdued. It finishes with raspberry and cherry cola flavors.  Tasty and fun Cabernet that gets 89 points and 3 stars from me.  Check them out some time.  Salut….

The offending cork, turned out to be okay after all.

The offending cork, turned out to be okay after all.

jettlynn cabernet sauvignon

Chateau Genot-Boulanger Mercurey 2005

06 Saturday Dec 2014

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I bought this bottle several years ago when a local wine shop was closing down.  I had no clues, ideas or preconceptions.  I just knew it was Burgundy, and it was on sale for 50% off.  I can’t imagine this village level wine being more than $25.  It was a pale purple with very light intensity, I was expecting that from a Pinot Noir based Burgundy wine.  It had a nose of funk, cherry and straw which was interesting.  Delightful yet light strawberry and cherry notes with a crisp and delicious acidity, mouthwatering.
I could sense a tinge of melded tannins which is atypical for me and Pinot.  If you read my other notes on this varietal you will know I have a difficult time detecting tannins in Pinot.  This is a very serviceable wine that gets 88 points from me and 3 stars.  I don’t think I would search for it but if there are any still in the cellar I know what to pair them with; grilled Salmon and boiled potatoes with a herb butter sauce, yum.  Salut….

genot-boulanger mercurey

BriO de Cantenac Brown 2010

28 Friday Nov 2014

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Oops, I’ve done it again, infanticide on a young bottle of red.  The second wine from Margaux property Cantenac Brown, it has good potential and high marks from several pro’s. Beautiful purple fruit nose that transcended plums, violets and blueberry notes.  Still young with juicy strawberry and cranberry flavors on the initial attack that cloak the greenish tannins.  Sour cherry kirsch on the mid palate leads into a long finish of cherry crumble and blueberry tart. A touch of oak here and there amongst the acidity. 88 points from me and 3 stars for this $40 effort.  A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  Definitely cellar this for more pleasure, 2016-2022.  Salut….

brio de cantenac brown

Domaine Mazilly Pere & Fils Pommard ‘Les Noizons’ 2011

11 Tuesday Nov 2014

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I hate it when I open a bottle way too young.  It’s such a waste, yet I feel compelled to begin my tasting cycle at an early stage so I can watch a wine evolve.  This bottle was unfortunately way too young for my amateur palate to really discern what the pro’s talk about.  It offered textbook color and shade in the glass with a nose of cherry and cranberry.  My initial taste was of tart cherries and crunchy pomegranate.  I tried to coax more out of it but alas, it is in slumber.  I will not delve too much deeper into the wine, saving it for a later date for a follow up.  Right now I’m going with 90 points vs. the pro’s at 92.  My drinking window would be in the 2017-2023 range.  I made note that it was not Burgundian right now, but more primal and Pinot like.  I really hope it evolves with some earth and funk, perhaps a touch of dark fruits would be nice.  I paid around $25 for it making it a 3 point effort.  Salut….

mazilly pommard les noizins

 

Maison Trenel Pouilly-Fuisse 2011

08 Saturday Nov 2014

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This French appellation has always appealed to me for it’s softer flavors and more rounded mouthfeel.  I enjoy steely Chardonnays, mineral edged ones, buttery versions and even over-oaked Cali offerings, yet Pouilly-Fuise is consistently the one style that both Moxie and I enjoy the most.  The pale golden color was a good introduction.  Pears, apples and green melon on the nose gave an inkling of what lay ahead.  A smooth entry with tart yellow apples, citrus, flint, butterscotch and a touch of clove were really confusing my overloaded palate.  I wasn’t expecting such a myriad of flavors!  A long finish with balance made me really like this wine, 90 points. Turkey, oysters and salmon would pair perfectly with it.  $28 and 4 stars for this Burgundian beauty.  Salut….

trenel les tillers

Wild Haven Pinot Gris 2013

08 Saturday Nov 2014

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A Columbia Valley charmer that Moxie picked up a while back.  She meant to make Sangria and bought a bunch of different whites to try.  The party never materialized so I got to open her choices.  This one was very pale gold in the glass and had aromas of pineapple, citrus, cantaloupe and ginger.  It was not as acidic as I like but had a mouthful of lemon/lime, melon and some apple. A mid palate switch to blood oranges and the spice mix again. 87 points and 3 stars for this $11 wine.  Drink now with light fare or by the pool on a hot day.  It has a unique flavor profile that should appeal to many as an easy drinker.  Salut….

Wild Haven pinot gris

Sterling Vintner’s Collection Aromatic White 2011

27 Monday Oct 2014

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Moxie bought this bottle to make some white Sangria, plans changed so the bottle was left untouched.  This past weekend I returned home from Asia for two weeks of staycation and a much needed break from flying.  This bottle was opened on Saturday evening for some friends, Moxie and I finished it the next night.  It’s a blend of several white grapes, reminding me of the Conundrum White, but in a different league.  I’m guessing Viognier, perhaps some Gewurtztraminer with a backbone of Sauvignon Blanc.  There is no info on the label or the web, so I am relying on my palate.  I did not take notes on this bottle, simply enjoying it for what it is.  Refreshing, charming, inexpensive and unique.  Perfect for an afternoon aperitif, perhaps even with some light fare.  This one will please many and for the $8 price it get 3 stars for a modest 84 points.  Salut….

sterling vintner's collection aromatic white