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Tag Archives: WSET

Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache 2011, McLaren Vale, Australia

19 Monday Jul 2021

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$30, 2 stars, 89 points, australia, grenache, mclaren vale, WSET


This week I am focusing on New World wines for my course. I have selected this bottle to kick off the festivities and here is my official tasting note for class:

Clarendon Hills Grenache ‘Romas’ 2011, Australia 14.5% ABV

  • Appearance- Deep ruby with thick legs.
  • Nose- Pronounced aromas of red plum, raspberry, blackcurrants, chocolate, coffee and smoke. Developing.
  • Palate- Dry, medium acidity, medium+ tannins, high alcohol, medium+ body, medium+ intensity flavors of raspberry, red plum, chocolate, coffee, licorice. Medium finish.
  • Conclusion- good quality, drink now but has potential for aging.

I have drunk many different vintages and varietals from this winery.  Their Syrah mimics Rhone wines rather than jammy Shiraz.  This particular bottle of Grenache was somewhat one-dimensional and lacked much development, even with 10+ years of aging.  It was very tasty but had a bit of astringency that bothered me.  

It ran me $30 per bottle and I am going with 89 points- kind of disappointing, I know. 2 stars, hopefully the other bottles show better as the original pro review gave it upwards of 95 points. Drink till 2030, served mine with grilled Hangar steak and Chimichurri. Salut….

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Luis Felipe Edwards Merlot Gran Reserva, Los Vasco Sauvignon Blanc and Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere paper.

17 Saturday Jul 2021

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WSET


You may or may not know that I am taking a wine course. As we progress, it is getting more difficult yet intriguing. This past week one of our assignments was to look at three wine labels from Chile and write a blog post based purely on knowledge of the varietal, the region and the winemaker.

  1. For each of the wine labels below, describe the style of wine in as much detail as you can; use the Systematic Approach to Tasting as guidance to give a comprehensive description.
  2. Explain in your own words how the factors in the vineyard and winery have influenced these wines styles.

Here is my submission

I love Chilean wines, of all varietals.  The wine country spans over 500 miles north to south and is wedged in between the Andes mountains to the east and the cool Pacific Ocean to the west.  With such a range of Latitude in addition to altitude there are numerous climates for winemakers to grow many different grapes according to their own unique needs.  Take for instance a Merlot grown in Colchagua.  The warm valley coupled by the cool Pacific moderates the temperature in the valley allowing for good ripening, especially for this varietal and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking the Luis Felipe Edwards Merlot Gran Reserva one would expect fruity, medium bodied wines that show a medium ruby in the glass.  I would expect this type of wine, especially a Gran Reserva, to have a medium intensity nose with aromas of plum, black cherry, blackberry, perhaps a touch of oak influence by way of cedar and clove.  Drunk young, it would be considered youthful.  On the palate, softness awaits as the wine would be a dry, medium acidity wine with medium tannins, high alcohol and medium plus body.  When discussing Chilean Reservas and Gran Reservas there are no technical points that delineate the different levels, it is implied by the winemaker that his wine is of a better quality.  In this case I would look forward to medium plus intensity flavors of plum, blackberry and cedar with a medium finish.  Overall, this wine would be considered good and could be drunk now, but has potential for aging or further aging.  

Sauvignon Blanc enjoys a more moderate climate and has done very well in the Casablanca Valley where the proximity to the Pacific coupled with morning fog allow this grape to ripen fully whilst retaining its crisp acidity.  Los Vascos is a well known Chilean winemaker who produces delicious and refreshing Sauvignon Blancs.  Opening a bottle of their latest release I would expect a pale lemon-green wine with medium plus intensity aromas of lemon, green apple, asparagus, grass and wet stone- that flintiness that one gets when wines are grown in cool regions.  The palate would be crisp- the lack of any oak or Malolactic Fermentation would leave the wine with only primary flavors which would refresh on a hot afternoon.  I would expect a dry wine with high acidity, medium alcohol, medium minus body that has medium plus flavors of lemon peel, asparagus, grass and green apple which would end with a medium finish.  These wines are not expensive- the winemaker looking for a decent pop-n-pour wine that is refreshing, easy to drink and pairs well with lighter fare.  Quality wise this wine is good and should be drunk now: not suitable for aging or further aging.

Carmenere is Chile’s signature grape.  This example, the Santa Rita Reserva comes from Rapel Valley, part of the Central Valley Region which is known for its warmer climate on the valley floor, a feature that suits this varietal well as it is late ripening.  The tempering effects of the Pacific are not in play so one would expect full bodied, fruity and tannic wines, especially those that the winemaker feels are of Reserva quality.  This wine would have a deep ruby color with watery legs, belying it’s modest 13% alcohol.  On the nose- medium plus intensity aromas of black cherry, blackberry, tomato leaf, prune, coffee and a medicinal note which is a trademark of this grape as well as an indicator of some oak usage.  The palate would be dry with medium plus acidity.  High tannins coupled with medium alcohol would give me a medium plus body.  Medium plus intensity flavors of black cherry, blackberry, tomato leaf, coffee and that medicinal note would be evident.  Seeing as this wine is a Reserva, the winemaker has carefully selected only the ripest berries, avoiding that overly herbaceous note Carmenere is known for.   A medium plus finish would be enjoyed on this good quality red that can be drunk now, but has potential for aging.  I could picture myself back in Santiago, sitting in a Bistro and gazing at the Andes, sipping this red elixir once again whilst devouring a signature Chacarero.

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Sutter Home White Zinfandel NV, California

14 Wednesday Jul 2021

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$8, california, white zinfandel, WSET


Every 28 years or so, I drink some of this stuff….. You see, when Moxie and I got married, she bought 130 small bottles and removed the labels in a bathtub full of water. She hand made labels with our names, the date and some curly-hues plus a green ribbon. The bottles were placed in front of every guest setting at the reception as a parting gift. We kept one bottle, the label has faded , the ribbon fell off and the contents are probably vinegar. So, on the anniversary of our magical day we happened to be in a liquor store and bought a 4 pack of 187 ml bottles, plastic bottles to be precise- for old time’s sake. Today was beach day and it was hot. We were ordering Thai food for dinner so I popped a few of these little charmers and we thoroughly enjoyed them for what they were- light, refreshing, a touch sweet and cheap as hell. I wrote up the notes for my course, here they are. (I can’t even rate this stuff to be honest, just sit back and enjoy one). Salut….

Sutter Home White Zinfandel NV, California 9.5% ABV

  • Appearance- Deep Salmon color.
  • Nose- medium (-) intensity with aromas of strawberry, orange peel, acacia, honeysuckle and wet stone.  Youthful.
  • Palate- medium sweet, medium (-) acidity, low alcohol, light body, medium intensity flavors of strawberry, orange peel, honeysuckle. Medium (-) finish.
  • Conclusion- acceptable quality, drink now, not suitable for aging or further aging.

I know, it’s crazy that I selected this wine to taste- long story.  What’s even crazier is that I actually enjoyed it!  Refreshing after a hot day at the beach and at 9.5% -a welcome change from the last few bombs. A 4-pack of 187ml plastic bottles.  Such a bargain at $6.50! Paired with Thai food for the win.

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Girard Old Vine Zinfandel 2017, Napa Valley, California

13 Tuesday Jul 2021

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$25, 3 stars, 87 points, california, napa valley, Old vine Zinfandel, WSET, zinfandel


My assignment this week for tasting wines included this Old Vine Zin. The format and lexicon of descriptors is very limiting so I must add that this was not my favorite wine. It had a very astringent mid palate and the overpowering whiff on the nose was annoying. It can be had for $25 and gets 87 points from me. I can’t figure out where I got it from though. 3 stars, trending to 2. Drink now till 2025 with some burgers or ribs. Salut….

Girard Old Vine Zinfandel 2017, Napa Valley, CA 15.0% ABV

  • Appearance- Medium ruby with thin legs.
  • Nose- medium (+) intensity with aromas of blackcurrant, black plum, blackberry, licorice, white pepper.  Youthful.
  • Palate- Dry, high acidity, medium (+) tannin, high alcohol, medium (+) body, medium (+) intensity with flavors of black plum, blackberry, jamminess, white pepper with a medium (+) finish.
  • Conclusion- good quality wine that can drink now, but has potential for aging or further aging.

Why do I keep drinking such alcoholic wines?  I had to blow into the glass for a few minutes to get the alcohol to dissipate.  Not as jammy and peppery as most Old Vine Zins I have tasted but still yummy.  

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Orin Swift Machete 2016, California

12 Monday Jul 2021

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$54, 5 stars, 93 points, california, petite sirah, WSET


I have really taken a liking to Petite Sirah lately and Orin Swift’s Machete in particular. I tried the 2017 recently, delicious, heady stuff. Read about it in my regular blog style, this one gets the notes from my wine class. At $54 it’s not a cheap ride, but it will rock your world and gets 93 points from me, making it a 5 star wine. Salut….

Orin Swift Machete 2016 Petite Sirah, California 15.7% ABV

  • Appearance- Deep purple with thick legs.
  • Nose- pronounced aromas of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, black plum, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla.  Youthful.
  • Palate- dry, medium (+) acidity, medium tannin, high alcohol, full body, pronounced flavors of blueberry, black cherry, blackberry, black plum, clove.  Medium finish.
  • Conclusion- very good quality, can drink now but has potential for aging.

Wowsa, look at that alcohol- 15.7% in a table wine!  I had a hard time on the nose, the whiff of heat was overpowering.  I made it through though.  Full bodied as one would expect with such high numbers and extraction to within an inch of the grape’s life.  Delicious stuff that is the second vintage I have tried of this iconic brand’s Petite Sirah with pretty much consistent results.

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Château Croix D’Aumedes Cuvée Réserve 2018, Corbieres, France

01 Thursday Jul 2021

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$30, 5 stars, 92 points, carignan, france, grenache, syrah, WSET


For my wine class- a Southern France blend.

Appearance- Medium ruby with thin legs.

Nose- Medium (+) intensity with aromas of blackberry, black plum, raspberry, toast, licorice, game and is developing.

Palate- Dry, medium acidity, medium (+) tannins, high alcohol, medium (+) body, medium (+) flavors of blackberry, black plum, raspberry, charred wood and licorice.  Medium finish.

Conclusions- very good quality wine that can be drunk now and has potential for aging.

A delicious, rustic blend of 40% Old Vine (70 yrs) Carignan, 30% Syrah and 30% Grenache. Very tannic and I could feel the alcohol, needs a juicy Ribeye. For $30 it gets 5 stars cause I really like it and give it 92 points. Drink till 2028. Salut….

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Domaine Jean Fery & Fils Les Vergelesses 2010, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru, France

30 Wednesday Jun 2021

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$50, 5 stars, 92 points, burgundy, france, pinot noir, WSET


One of this week’s assignements for my wine course is to discuss and taste a Burgundy. Here goes:

I have selected a 1er Cru wine to taste from the Côte D’Or.  Located in Savigny-Lès-Beaune, the Vergelesses vineyard is southeast facing with a gentle slope.  The wine is a Pinot Noir that has been vinified with wild yeasts having been hand picked and cultivated without chemicals.  It has been aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.  

The Pinot Noir grape is notoriously difficult to grow and produce quality wine, it requires a lot of attention and is susceptible to disease and rot.  It has a difficult time ripening and needs a cool to moderate climate.  Situated in the central part of Burgundy, this vineyard gets the right weather and with the aspect being southeast, it gets the maximum sunshine ensuring full ripeness.  The gently slope allows some extra degree of sunshine for the grapes as well as good drainage.   

Hand picking the ripe berries makes for a more uniform selection of grapes and raises the overall quality whilst the use of French oak barrels adds complexity, which is compounded by the use of wild yeasts.  

Jean Féry & Fils Savigny-Lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Vergelesses 2010, France 13% ABV

  • Appearance- Clear, pale garnet with watery legs.
  • Nose- Pronounced aromas of red cherry, redcurrant, stewed fruit, clove and smoke.  Developing.
  • Palate- Dry, high acidity, medium (-) tannin, medium alcohol, medium (-) body, medium intensity flavors of red cherry, strawberry, redcurrant, smoke, prune. The finish is medium (+).
  • Conclusion- A very good wine that can be drunk now but has potential for aging.

Ps. This is the second 1er Cru I have opened this week that I think is too young, even at 10+ years.  I really like the way this one is developing, the tertiary flavors are starting to come out.  I have two more bottles to sit on and watch the evolution over the next 5 years or so.

So, I am going with 92 points and for $50, this is a great deal on semi-aged Burgundy that gets 5 stars from me. Salut….

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Domaine Bernard Serveau Les Sentiers 2009, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, France

29 Tuesday Jun 2021

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$75, 5 stars, 92 points, burgundy, chambolle-musigny, france, pinot noir, WSET


I have been sitting on this Pinot for many years, letting it age gracefully. The time has come as I needed to taste a Burgundy for my wine course. Here are the technicalities:

Appearance- Pale garnet with watery legs.

Nose- Medium intensity, aromas of dried cherry, strawberry, mushroom, forest floor, Rooibos Tea and truffle.  Fully developed

Palate- dry, medium (+) acidity, medium (-) tannin, medium alcohol, medium (-) body, medium (+) flavor intensity, long finish.  Flavors of cherry, strawberry, Rooibos tea, forest floor.

Quality- very good with potential for more aging.

In layman’s terms, this is a delicious yet young 1er Cru Burgundy. I enjoyed it more as the night went along but could not help but feel a tinge of regret, opening it probably 5 years too soon. I was hoping for many more tertiary notes, a little less tannin. I can only guess at the cost- $75? It gets 92 points from me and is a 5 star effort in the Burgundy minefield of red wine. Paired with grilled Rack of Lamb. I wish I had another bouteille…. Drink from 2025-2030. Salut….

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J. Moreau & Fils Chablis 2019, Burgundy, France

26 Saturday Jun 2021

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$25, 3 stars, 88 points, burgundy, chablis, chardonnay, france, WSET


I was looking for a steely Chardonnay to pair with Pork Tomahawk ribs, this Chablis happened to be on sale so I thought I was on to a winner….. It was tasty, sure, but not exactly what I was hoping for. It runs a pale gold in the glass with big legs. On the nose it is not very pronounced. I get lemon, quince, green apple, pineapple, passion fruit and iodine. The palate is slightly more intense, dry and quite acidic. I was looking forward to that part- the cut. Unfortunately the wine was actually a bit too big-bodied for my needs. It lacked the flinty minerality and only offered a touch of saline. The alcohol was evident BTW. If you want an un-oaked Chardy that is actually very tasty, this one can be had for $25. It gets 88 points from me with a drink now rec. 3 stars. Salut….

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Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015, Portugal

12 Wednesday May 2021

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$24, 4 stars, 89 points, port, portugal, WSET


The fourth wine to taste this week for my course is this fortified Portuguese. I love Port btw so this was not a hard task. It is a deep shade of purple and opaque, as can be expected. The nose is of medium intensity with notes of raisins and stewed plum.  Secondary notes of dark chocolate, and tertiary notes of walnut were present. On the palate there were pronounced flavors of raisin and prune. Secondary notes of dark chocolate and espresso with tertiary hints of walnut in a tannic cloak with medium acidity. This wine was off-dry to me and had a decent mid length finish. Moxie tasted as well and we both caught on to the 20% alcohol right on the first whiff yet I did not sense it on the palate except to say this wine is full bodied as a result. I am looking forward to some blue cheese and crackers to go with this beauty. Like I said, I love me some Port and this one is good. It gets 89 points from me. At $24, it’s a decent bottle to have around if you like the style- 4 stars. Salut….

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