Tag Archives: 91 points

Mollydooker Maitre D’ 2012

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

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I’m on a mission, tasting as many of the Mollydooker line as possible.  I snagged this one at my local shop for $22 and proceeded to pop-n-pour.  Inky black in the glass- I knew I was in for a treat.  This is a super concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon that needs a good aerating, cellaring or severe pouring through a Vinturi.  It screams black fruit and offers up some blue fruits as well on the initial attack.  The nose is currently closed for business, perhaps a dumb phase.  There is a certain minerality to this wine that I love and some serious pencil lead and blackberry on the mid palate.  The tannins are ferocious right now and left me with a massive case of dry mouth for about 20 minutes.  The balance of acidity and fruit is going to be great when this whole package comes together.  This is a serious Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon that needs some time to sort itself out.  I reckon this one will hit a few home runs and provide amazing pleasure in 3-5 years.  I drank it over two days and noticed a marked softening by day 2.  I am going with 91 points and 5 stars for this wine and will be buying more for the cellar.  Salut….IMG_0314IMG_0315

Bodegas Amalaya Malbec Gran Corte 2011

25 Friday Oct 2013

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I love Malbec, Argentinian or French. They have their nuances but both regions offer up really juicy , meaty wines that offer power and finesse at the same time. This one is particularly good at both characteristics.
Dark purple in the glass with strong blackberries and vanillin on the nose. Very smooth on the initial attack of dark fruits and integrated oak. Flavors of chocolate and some cassis come through on the back end. The tannins sneak up and leave a refreshing dryness on the gums. We’ll integrated and balanced. This is a tasty wine for $39 a bottle. I just had a glass at the airport before traveling to Cali. 91 points and 4 stars. This wine is superb on its own but I bet it would kill a Filet Mignon. Treat yourself! Salut….

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Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

24 Thursday Oct 2013

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I picked up some Swiss Chard as part of the Paleo ingredients for tonights dinner.  Moxie warned me that it would be bitter which gave me pause to think of a good pairing.  Turns out she was incorrect- the Chard was superb, crunchy, full flavored as well as balanced.  I de-stemmed the leafs, washed the bright red stalks and rinsed the rich green leaves.  Sauteing the thicker stalks and garlic in some European butter, I added the leafy parts right before serving.  It was a great new revelation in our quest for new foods to eat following the caveman diet.

Back to the wine….  I absolutely love the ’96 Burgess and think it is a well developed Cabernet that shows great evolution and firm structure.  I have built up a few bottles of various vintages, hoping for replicas.  Having tasted this particular vintage about two years ago, I was somewhat disappointed with its development and banished the remaining bottles  to the cellar.

With tonight’s menu, I felt I needed a fruity yet somewhat mature Cabernet to do battle with the potential bitterness awaiting us in the sauté pan.  I picked the Burgess as I felt it would fit the profile.  It worked, but it need not have bothered- as I mentioned the Chard was great and did not reflect the anticipated dryness.  The wine however showed great length and purity.  A young purple color in the glass followed by a gorgeous plum and black fruit nose gave way to a smooth tasting Cali Cab.  Dark fruits and cedar mixed with some leather and funk.  Seriously smooth tannins caress and the whole thing is on tip-toe, balanced impeccably.  I truly wonder how great this wine could be if given another 5 years, i’m guessing it will evolve like it’s big brother the 1996.  I am super stoked that I opened this wine and uncorked a monster in the bottle.   It is refined, yet powerful, fruity but svelte, satisfying and alluring.  I dig this wine.  I used to be so anti-Napa, but Burgess really opened my eyes (palate).  I have come to appreciate the longevity, finesse, fruitiness as well as the evolution of the better wineries.  For $55, you can still find this wine out there.  Not a bargain, it will reward you for many years to come as it is just starting its way towards the secondary life of tertiary flavors.  5 stars because I reckon this is a 91 point effort. Salut….

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Michel-Schlumberger ‘Coteaux Sauvages’ 2009

07 Monday Oct 2013

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The label says “Estate Red”, so I had to look up the varietals because I sensed Syrah from the get-go.  Mind you, I had just spent 19 hours on airplanes to get home from Asia and did not realize I was opening a $60 bottle of vino for a casual drink.  The Syrah was pronounced, with pepper and spice on the nose.  I thought I was drinking a Rhone red, not realizing that this wine was actually from the Sonoma appellation of Dry Creek Valley.  I guess I was really tired from my flight!  Turns out it is a Syrah/Petite Sirah blend (You may recall my love affair with the Petite).  I think that is what is making this wine so interesting and adding the nuances.

The pepper came through again on the palate with dark cherries, which threw me off.  Plums and blackberry also made an entrance.  The wine was all over the place, the profile was Rhone yet the cherry component was very Burgundian.  It was extremely balanced and offered great acidity.  Background tannins held it in check but I fear for long term cellaring.  The wine is a delight to drink now, but at this price it is only a three star wine that wears a 91 point rating in my opinion.  I am thinking it would rock a cheese platter and perhaps a pork roast or just by itself.  I would reserve it against a red meat dish as it shows a delicate side that needs some finesse.  Overall, a lovely wine that I think would offer great pleasure in the right moment with the right person.  Easy to drink, yet complex.  Salut….

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Calstar Cellars Anderson Valley ‘Londer Estate’ Pinot Noir 2007

25 Wednesday Sep 2013

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I was lucky to snag 4 bottles of this delightful Pinot Noir.  With a stonking huge smoked Turkey drumstick, some roasted potatoes, beets and a dollop of Scharfer Senf (German hot mustard) I was all set to get busy with this 6 year old wine.  The pairing was near perfect.  A very pretty light purple in the glass as expected,  I had some cork crumbles that I needed to sort out.  On the nose; strawberry, cherry, pepper and oak shavings.  Unfortunately I could also whiff the 14.2% alcohol.  Never mind, the initial attack on the palate was delicious.  Typical of New World Pinot Noir, yet somewhat reserved.  Cherries Jubilee meets strawberry swirl.  Delicious undertones of white pepper and a touch of vanilla came through.  I prefer Old World Burgundian style Pinots, but every once in a while New World stuff excites me like this one.  I think it has to do with the finesse versus the new stuff with the ‘in-your-face’ fruit.

If you have read my other Pinot posts, you will know that I have a hard time discerning the tannins in this varietal.  I did notice a decent acidity that was focused.  With 6 years of age, it is drinking beautifully and I reckon it will last another 4.  Pricey at $50, you get what you pay for.  Pinot is never cheap if it is any good (think Burgundy).  It is a very finnicky grape that challenges every winemaker.  I get it…  So, I reckon it is a 91 pointer, and worthy of 4 stars.  Glad I still have 3 more and will look for a different pairing next time.  Salut….

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Stonehedge Reserve Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah 2010

23 Monday Sep 2013

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Well, it’s Sunday night and we did things backwards this weekend.  Sunday Roast happened on Saturday and Ribeye steaks on Sunday.  I added the ‘make your own salad’ to our menu as I have some picky peeps.

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SO- I picked a Petite Sirah to go with the steaks. When choosing wine for a fatty cut, I look for tannic wines or really fruity ones with plenty of acidity. Petite Sirah, of which I am a closet fan, gives both. This particular bottle showed off some of the prettiest purple hues in the glass, a beautiful sight. On the nose, tremendous waves of blueberry fruit and a somewhat exciting alcohol component. I was ready to pair the wine with our dinner. Crescendoes of blueberry and blackberry came rushing over my palate with an extremely fine grained set of tannins. I was looking forward to some slightly more edgy tannins to cut the fat, but instead I was treated to a healthy dose of acidity. The combination was magical. Instead of the mouth-puckering tannins sorting the beef out, I was treated to a more austere approach with the acidity making up for the backbone. Secondary flavors of stone and bell peppers added to the treat. Petite Sirah is an amazing varietal, not everyones cuppah. It is bracing, tannic, acidic and needs to made well. It offers black and blue fruit, big tannins and an a bright acidity. It does not resemble Syrah at the least. Give it a try, you may love it….. For $30, this is a great effort for a nice steak dinner and worthy of 91 points and 4 star in my book. Salut….

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Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010

11 Wednesday Sep 2013

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In 1999 we moved to England, where I started to ‘collect’ wines, and had my first CDP.  I always think of this region as unique, rich, rewarding and expensive.  Inflation has not been kind to the consumers of Châteauneuf, it’s prices going higher and higher by the vintage as the region gains accolades from ‘The Big Man’ which adds dollars to the entry fee, (mind you the quality is also coming up).  The region was named after the Pope’s New Castle, and allows seven grapes to be blended with the main Grenache varietal.  Think Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah and more.  Makes my mouth water just listing them.

Back to the wine at hand.  Dark purple in the glass and a nose of blackberry meets rock.  Yup, rock.  This wine has a minerality that took a while to pick up.  The palate comes across as young, yet ready to play… with Blackcurrants, stone and a green pepper component.  Very smooth tannins are built for aging yet are allowing drinkability right now if you decant/aerate (which I did).  The structure of this wine is really good, with acidity balancing the alcohol, which alarmed me initially.  This particular wine is running at 15%.  It’s main backbone coming from 80% Grenache with 18% Syrah smoothing it out and 2% Mourvedre which no doubt adds the tannic and alcohol components.  The minerality and stone notes no doubt coming from the terroir, which consists of galettes or round stones.  These galettes help maintain the day’s heat and help mold the flavors of the wines and give them that uniqueness.

For about $32, you are getting a lower priced CDP that drinks well, has good cellaring potential and is a good introduction into the region if you have never forayed there.  91 points and 4 stars.  Salut….

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Cavalier Bartolomeo Barolo Vigneti Solanotto Altinasso 2007

08 Sunday Sep 2013

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Now that’s a long name! Tasty wine, perhaps a little young and definitely built for the long term. I am relatively new to Barolo’s, they present themselves as big brooding monsters that cost an arm and leg, need years of cellaring and present a minefield when trying to pick one. This one is no exception, at 6 years of age, still a pup. Bing Cherries on the nose, it presented itself as a deep purple offering. I sensed some spices, perhaps cloves and lavender. Intricate tannins, very fine grained were the first impression on the palate. The cherry component came through with some Cola and Kirsch. It is very possible that this wine will come out of its youth and present itself with some great secondary flavors, I’d give it 5 more years to find out. Presently, it is a good wine, with the structure to pair with Ribeyes or a Spaghetti and Meatballs dinner. The price is decent at about $37, which for a Barolo is a steal. Going forward, I think it is a 91 pointer with perhaps 4 stars after you give it some cellaring time. Salut….

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Virginie Thunevin 2009

04 Wednesday Sep 2013

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I’m starting to sound like a broken record….. 2009 Bordeaux has got to be one of the finest vintages ever made, anywhere. This bottle is no exception. For $16, you get a good dose of red berry and spice on the nose. It caresses the mouth with great ripe tannins, berry, spice and cedar. A tad young as the tannic component is still in the forefront, but not obtrusive. Good balance and a long finish. This wine reminds me a lot of the Carpe Diem I just drank. Very juicy, bold and mouthwatering. Based mainly on Merlot, Cab Sav and Cab Franc are in the blend a’ la Right Bank. I forgot to mention this Domaine’s heritage: Jean Luc Thunevin of Bordeaux fame created this wine alongside his much pricier “Garagiste” wines and his talents really show. I found out that WS gave it 89, I’m going 91 and for the money—-5 stars baby. You can’t go wrong with this wine, it should last at least until 2018. Salut….

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Ty Caton Upper Bench Merlot 2011

01 Sunday Sep 2013

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Great fruitiness on the nose with hints of Cherry and Plums. The plum component gets a dose of dark currants and perhaps a vegetal thingy… Very smooth and rounded, this wine is balanced and the tannins are fine. This wine drinks beautifully by itself and will do so for another 6 years minimum. 91 points and at $27 it’s a 4 star offering.

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