Tag Archives: 88 points

Wolf Blass Presidents Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

24 Thursday Jan 2013

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I have had this wine before, from the 2008 vintage. More fruity, the 2010 starts out as dark purple in the glass. A strong whiff of really blue berries leads to a full-on attack of the fruit when I took the first sip. This wine was delicious, almost too much so. The texture was strangely ‘thicker’. I can’t describe it very well, but this wine was almost (syrupy?). Not as tannic as the 2008 vintage, it still offers a balance and smoothness that are really good. I recall some pluminess and tobacco on the palate in addition to a long finish. A very nice wine, perhaps more suited for drinking than pairing with food. I see this as a 4 star wine that would get 88 points. In a pinch, this wine will please most people that is affordable and widely distributed.

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Chateau De Lisse 2009

19 Saturday Jan 2013

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A St. Emilion from the great 2009 vintage that is Merlot based. Unfortunately I forgot to make notes and can only recall liking this wine a great deal. Not overly tannic, drinking nicely now with several years ahead. This is the kind of wine I really enjoy finding. It offers classic Bordeaux qualities, at a very affordable price and can be consumed without the customary cellaring. I would drink this wine with a host of dishes, including meats and pasta. A 4 star effort with potentially 88 points going for it.

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Spier Pinotage 2011

29 Thursday Nov 2012

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An indigenous South African grape that had bad press for many years- Spier has made the climb from the ‘bad wine abyss’ and is on track to make Pinotage a formidable variety. Crossed between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, you can only find it in SA. During Apartheid, the varietal took a slide in quality and reputation. It’s been a battle ever since, but I have faith. I have had other Spier Pinotages, this being their entry-level offering.
On the nose, bing cherry in syrup. On the palate, I can feel heat amongst the plum and cedar shavings. Weighing in at 14.5%, I’m a little surprised. Tannins are evident, giving this wine a structure to evolve for at least 5 years. I would love to re-taste in a few years as I feel it will evolve towards earthy minerality, which excites me. For the price, a definite 4 star wine. If I were a pro, probably 88 points. Juicy, go and try some…..

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Rica Andina Malbec 2011

08 Thursday Nov 2012

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A lighter purple shade in the glass gives up a very fruity nose. Full on, this one hits the palate full bore with plum and blue berry. Instinctively I thought it was going do be candy-like after taking a whiff, I was wrong. Serious depth and some excellent tannins make this a rather serious Malbec. For $25 a bottle it takes on an air of superiority, and handles it well. Slightly off-put by the sugary nose, the rest of the package more than makes up for it. 4 stars, 88 points IMHO.

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Fox Grove Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon NV

08 Saturday Sep 2012

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NV means no vintage. Not a bad thing for certain wines, like champagnes that are blended from several vintages- but in red wine…….Makes me wonder. Then again, it is on an airplane, United Airlines to be precise, where I got to sample this little gem. Perhaps I’m being a little harsh, I have reason. Airlines generally serve crap, at high prices, it’s part of the deal. United in particular has tried to cut every cost. They must, or risk disappearing.
With that off my chest, this wine is not bad. Cherry candy on the nose brings some really tasty/chewy red currants on the decently balanced mid plate, fruitiness that has a good acidic component and even some puckering tannins.
Come to think of it, this I better than the crappy Smoking Loon they serve in First Class on United. I may have to decline the courtesy upgrade they gave me for next week.
Timing the aftertaste, a good 20 seconds or more. I have no idea how much this one costs, but I bet it’s bargain basement, and for that: 4 stars. Well worth it for a big party on a summers day, throwing down some BBQ. The Shiraz is not jammy, like too many Aussie reds, and the Cabernet gives it the structure it needs to pull the whole thing off. Kudos. I am taking a stab here and guessing it is worthy of 88 points. You should keep a few laying around in case the boys show up unexpectedly.

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Devil’s Staircase Pinot Noir 2010

07 Tuesday Aug 2012

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A Kiwi wine from Central Otago that we picked up for about $13.  Very New World in style; a clean fresh nose gives way to Kirsch and cherry flavors on the palate.  I could sense the presence of tannins swirling around this rather medium weight wine.  I must say, I am not a fan of this wine but think it was quite well made.  In Pinot Noir, I am Old World all the way.  I much prefer refinement, subtlety, and seduction versus the more modern extracted style.   Having said all that, 4 stars and I would reckon an 88 point effort.  Besides, if you read the back label- it’s quite entertaining.

Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisse 2010

05 Sunday Aug 2012

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Always a charmer, this Burgundian Chardonnay has been a regular in my fridge for many years.  Moxie, the wife, is not a big drinker.  If and when, it is always white, usually Chardonnay and Burgundy being preferred.  So, when we hosted a party for dad’s birthday, I made sure there was some of this stuff on hand.  It’s an easy drinker that offers charm and charisma without breaking the bank.  Lemon and apple come across the nose, with some classic Chardonnay wet stone and citrus on the palate.  Excellent balance with the acidity and use of oak lead to a nice mouthfeel.  I could slurp this stuff on the patio, or pair it nicely with some fresh fish. A very reliable wine that is neither bland nor overdone.  Bang for the buck- a 4 star effort worthy of 88 points.

Spellbound Petite Sirah 2010

09 Monday Jul 2012

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Had this last night at a 40th Birthday bash for a friend. I probably tried 7 different bottles and noticed two definitive variations in the bottles. Not a pricy wine, it offers up good dark fruit and a nice finish with a mild tannic streak. Not built for the long run, immediate pleasure is achieved with no expectations of further development. This is a perfect wine for parties, offering loads of bang for the buck. the two bottles that I noticed variation on had a certain earthy funk that got me excited. Was it perhaps oak? Or just ass of donkey- not sure, but I liked it. For sure a 4 star wine that would garner a respectable 88 points. I need to getsummm.

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