Tag Archives: re-taste

Vigna Alta 2008

27 Monday May 2013

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From the south of Italy comes this almost black wine, made from Aglianico grapes.  I once had a waiter correct me on the pronunciation, which is technically “ahl-YAH-nee-koe”.  He insisted that it was Ag-lee-a-nicko.  His tip was commensurate to his wine knowledge…..

Anyway, I digress.  Aglianicos are tannic monsters, and this particular wine was tighter than a drum.  I had to pry it open with my Vinturi just to coax any semblance of juice from beneath its lurking , brooding shell.  Once there, it showed off some really nice blackberry and bramble.  A hint of earth and some flowers were noticed.  Extremely tannic, almost like painting your teeth with purple tannins, yet surprisingly fresh.  This wine is already 5 years into its aging and is still an infant.  The acidity is setup for long term cellaring, which should allow this wine to evolve, mellow and show itself much better.  It would be unfair to judge it too soon, however- 88 points initially and 3 stars for now.  I have more, and will re-taste them in the future after a severe decanting for several hours.

If you have never had an Aglianico, they are really delicious when ready, very similar to Tannat and perhaps Nero D’Avola from Sicily.  I enjoy these varietals as off-the-beaten path wines, they offer intrigue and spice up my cellar.

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Quinta Do Crasto 2009

15 Wednesday May 2013

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A re-taste from 2012 that gave me nothing at the time.  The Quinta Do Crasto 2009 that I previously tasted was absolutely closed, off-limits, nada, nothing.  This time around, much more open on both the nose and the palate.  Indeed, a rather high scoring wine.  Let’s start with the beautiful purple hue in the glass.  On the nose, gorgeous plums and blueberry.  On the attack, blackberry and spicy oak.  It’s hard to nail any varietal because this one is a  blend according to the label.  I do however, get some Touriga notes, which I love.  This Reserva was bottled in 2011 after 16 months in oak, both French and American.  I will say that I am starting to notice a little heat, wondering if the 14.5% alcohol is in balance.  I think with some more time, it will hide behind the really silky tannins that are still in force.   A long life ahead for this unfiltered wine, with further evolution that will be interesting to see.

I keep sniffing the glass, getting more depth all the time.  This is a serious wine folks, I’m glad I reserved judgement.  I would like to visit it again in 2015.  For now, this bottle is giving me a 92 point opinion  and at the decent price of around $40, 5 stars.  I would get a few for the cellar if you like Portuguese wines, this one rocks.

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It’s my birthday

21 Sunday Apr 2013

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Well, it was and we celebrated a bit early because I was traveling.  Moxie indulged me with some Filet Mignons and I dutifully obliged with one of my last 1996 Lynch Bages.

I bought a case of this wine at a Parisian wine shop circa 1998 soon after its release.  I have been slipping a bottle out of the cellar every Christmas for a few years and decided to treat myself to one this week.  I can honestly say that this was one of the finest bottles of wine I have ever had.  There is little else a bottle of wine can do for me that this one didn’t.  Stored in the dark cave, it has matured and is starting to hit its peak at 16 years of age.  On the nose pure Paulliac cassis and blueberry.  On the first wave of palate covering richness there was blackberry, cassis and tobacco, followed by leather and cedarbox.  Not a hint of imbalance and absolutely gorgeous tannins caressed my mouth.  I forgot to time the finish, but it seemed to last forever.  The depth of concentration was so amazing that I just kept sipping, almost not wanting to spoil the tasting with food.  I could have sat there all night savoring every drop, but alas the steaks had to be grilled.  I pray that I still have more in the cellar and will vow to drink the next one in one year’s time.

A show stopping 95 pointer that I must give 5 stars to.  I just looked at pricing- currently running at about $150 per bottle, I think I paid $45 back in the day.  Stupendous wine that has truly rewarded my patience and cellaring.  I am grateful to the have been able to enjoy such magnificence.  Good night.

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Chateau Bel-Air 2004

21 Sunday Apr 2013

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I bought two magnums of this St. Emilion several years ago to test a theory on storing magnums versus regular sized bottles.  I just needed to prove to myself that a magnum ages slower.  Damn straight.  This bottle is still young and exhibits plenty of youth with its rather obtrusive tannins.  Not overly complex or heralded, it is nonetheless a Bordeaux.  Bright cherries on the nose translated into cranberry and leather on the palate.  A decent finish and balance were evident as were the tannins.  I don’t think I paid very much for these magnums and am pleasantly surprised.  I will hold the other one for another 3-4 years and re-visit.  I might mention that I drank from this bottle over three nights, with the second night being the smoothest.  The third night showed too much oxidation and the first night it needed air.

I just did a quick price search, the ’09 can be had for $20.  Bang for the buck, 4 stars.  Quality-wise I reckon this wine would have to be 88 points.

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Barboursville Chardonnay 2011 Redux

01 Monday Apr 2013

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I wrote about the Barboursville Chardonnay previously and had forgotten about the tasting.  I then went to the winery and promised to taste the wine in earnest.  Well, not much has changed of my opinion.  Straight up 89 pointer with 5 stars clanging around it, singing its praises.  This is a really good example of what a clean-cut Chardonnay is all about.  Lean, racy apple infused with a sharp set of razor blades to zip along your tongue.  I served this wine at a slightly higher temperature than at the previous tasting, some of the nuances were more obvious and the mouthfeel was even rounder. Really, you need to get some of this.

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Quinta Do Crasto Reserva 2009

07 Friday Sep 2012

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I enjoy Portuguese wines for their uniqueness and flavor profile. This old vine offering is a blend of the winery’s varietals that have an average age of 70 years. The label indicates 16 months in both French and American oak. They advise decanting and/or cellaring for the full enjoyment. I agree. I popped and poured and am somewhat stupefied. It is very closed on the nose and palate. A beautiful purple color is its first redeeming trait.
After an hour I tried the trusty Vinturi, still nothing. A bust, a shambles. Glowing reviews and high scores for this wine are all lost on me. I am going to have to revisit at a later date. For now, I am leaving it alone. I think it has potential and I don’t want to slam it yet. Stay tuned…

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Flora Springs Cabernet Franc 2009

04 Tuesday Sep 2012

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If you have read my older posts, you will know that I love Cabernet Franc…..just not this particular one. It, is, alright. Nothing more, nothing less. I was really excited about this wine and had to open two bottles now to form my opinion, average. I can smell the alcohol (14.2%) and perhaps some dry blueberry. On the palate, rough tannins and very little fruit. Did I catch this wine in a dumb faze? I hope so- and am willing to cellar some for a while. Without further wafting, I am dispatching this wine with a 1 star provisional rating. Yup, a major pass at this point- but I will re-taste it in a year or so. Perhaps an 85 pointer???? But for the price, there’s far better out there.

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Barboursville Chardonnay 2011

09 Monday Jul 2012

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Holy smokes- run and get some of this. I just tasted a few sips of this and several descriptors come to mind:
Crunchy
Acidic
Smooth
Svelte
Apple-e?
Clean, refreshing
I can’t even tell you how good this wine is. On the nose is typical Chardonnay that gives way to really bright citrus mixed with green apple. No hint of over oaking, the wine is light and springy, not heavy and oily. The acidity was great, razor sharp and balancing. This wine had tremendous mouthfeel, perfect for the dinner of Halibut, but was fantastic by itself as an aperitif. Everyone at the party thought this wine rocked. On a QPR (quality/Price ratio) this one is a homerun. 5 stars for sure and I would guess an 89 pointer from the boys upstairs. Running to the store……

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Faiveley Gevry-Chambertin 2006

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

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OMG, I just committed infanticide. This tightly wound, super tannic Burgundy is no where near ready to emerge from the cellar. Such a shame that I basically wasted it, oh well- I’ve got more.
Very muted on the nose, the cherry comes forth on the palate but is way overshadowed by the tannins. Smooth as they are, they are still extremely persistent. I am getting a full minute of finish, or is it residual tannic paste covering my gums? I can see the potential here, this wine is gonna be huge when it grows up. I’m guessing a potential 5 stars and 92 rating if it all melds together. Cellar at least until 2016 and drink for another 10 years. I can’t wait to see how the Burgundy “funk” is going to evolve on this wine.

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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.