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Wine Journal Index by Producers by Region -
    
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Wine
- Notes and Comments - (See
Key
- See
Rating Wines)
New to wine?
See my
Getting Started - Wine Tasting 101!
See Wine Labels in
Rick's Wine Label Library
Back to Previous Tasting
Journal Page
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Rick's Wine Journal
and Tasting Notes for
2nd Half 2010 |
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December
31, 2010 - Schramsberg Vineyards Pinot Noir Brut
Rose N.V. -
http://cellartracker.com/w?1024653;
Marquis de Laguiche (Joseph Drouhin)
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 2006 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?870885; Rudd
Jericho Canyon Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 1999 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?715070;
Forman Estate Bottled Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1999 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?1055699; S.
Anderson Napa Valley Stags Leap District Cabernet
Sauvignon Richard Chambers Vineyard 1999 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?22078; Moët &
Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon 2000 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?295549; Interesting
diversity in this horizontal comparison - the
Rudd-Jericho (RM93) was my favorite
full bodied, full flavored, complex, concentrated
black raspberry, kirsch, hint of pine tar, licorice,
mocha, sweet oak, full but well-integrated tannin -
understandably since a blend of 50% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit
Verdot. |
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The S. Anderson Chambers cab
(RM90) appeared youthful - garnet colored, full
bodied, brash, core of currant, kirsch, almost tart
black cherry; the Forman ( RM89)
appeared much older - deep purple color, more
subdued black fruits, hints of anise, coffee,
leathery creosote nuances with soft tannins.
Wine selection tasted at Bill & Beth's w/ L, & Bob &
Gloria (drop-in) w/ festive artisan cheeses, shrimp
& crab legs, gala dinner featuring beef roast, au
jus, Yorkshire Pudding popovers, scalloped potato's,
creamed spinach casserole, artisan confectioners
dark chocolate desserts. |
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December 30,
2010 -
Provenance
Napa Valley Carneros Merlot 2001
- RM 87 -
Ruby red color. Earthiness starting to
overtake the fruit - plum,
blackberry, currant, a hint of cedar
and subtle but lingering mocha on a long polished
mild tannin finish. L and I discovered this wine
visiting the winery during our
2003 Napa Wine Experience.
http://cellartracker.com/w?12106.
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December 29,
2010 - Liparita Napa Valley
Merlot 2001 - - RM 88 - Dark garnet
color, medium full bodied - ripe red and black
raspberry fruits predominate with nice moderate
smooth tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?193067
Liparita Napa Valley Merlot 1997
magnum - RM 87 Dark garnet coloured, earthiness
bleeds off to reveal black cherry, ripe black
raspberry and cassis with a hint of mocha blackberry
and smoke on the finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/w?58790. Drank at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Italian
w/ L & MIT group -
Dean & Kathy, Kathy & Chip, Marie & Dave. |
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December 28,
2010 - Wine flight of select
non-vintage, non-estate Cooper's Hawk
wines at local winery restaurant - Sauvignon Blanc
(RM87), Chardonnay (RM86), Merlot (RM86), Petit
Syrah (RM88), Cabernet Sauvignon (RM87) - tasted at
lunch w/ L, Alec, Johnny, Erin & Lucy. |
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December 25,
2010 - Paloma Napa Valley
Spring Mountain Merlot 2003
- RM 90 - Smooth polished, complex
harmonious symphony of finely integrated aromas and
flavors - predominant currant, red raspberry, milk
chocolate, a hint of ripe plum, sweet oak and a bit
of burnt sugar caramel on the long smooth polished
finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?109466
Liparita Cellars Napa Valley Merlot 1997 -
RM 87 - From Magnum. Dark
garnet coloured, earthiness bled off to
reveal cherry, ripe black raspberry and cassis with
a hint of mocha blackberry and smoke on the firm
tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?193067. Tasted
w/ family w/ festive holiday surf & turf dinner -
beef tenderloin, lobster tail, twice bake potatoes,
green bean casserole, fresh baked rolls, selection
of artisan cheeses and fruits, deserts. |
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December 24, 2010 -
Duran Cava Gran Reserva N.V. - RM
87 - Sparkling wine with festive Christmas dinner at
G'Ma Evelyn's & Keith's - honey baked ham, sweet
potatos ... with family; L, Johnny & Erin & Lucie,
Ryan, Sean, & Alec
(Michelle working @ hospital) -
http://cellartracker.com/w?1039334. |
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December 23,
2010 - Del
Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994
- RM 91 - Dark garnet color - full
bodied, subdued nose, flavorful fruit - blackberry,
black cherry, hints of currant and plum, tones of
cedar and hint of alcohol and toasty oak on a nicely
polished smooth finish. Amazing life in this sixteen
year old - no sign of diminution whatsoever. http://cellartracker.com/w?890759
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Tasted w/ L, with Alec
serving at our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Italian
in Naperville. |
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December 20,
2010 - Marietta Cellars
Old Vine Red Lot Number 52 N.V.
- RM86 - Medium bodied - dark garnet color
- forward almost sweet dried cherry, red berry
fruit, smoke and hint and menthol, slight metal tone
with moderately firm tannins on the finish. Great
value wine.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=919444 |
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December 18, 2010 -
Gala holiday
dinner - listed in order of tasting
- Taittinger Champagne Nocturne Sec N.V. -
http://cellartracker.com/w?232988.
Duran Cava Gran Reserva N.V. -
http://cellartracker.com/w?1039334.
Les Caves de la Colombe Chassagne-Montrachet Les
Houillières
Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet,
Burgundy, France,
2003 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?277961. Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark & Telephone Vineyard 2004 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?186243
- Fog Dog Pinot Noir 2008 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?873257.
Fantesca La Petite Soeur red wine 2007
- RM91 - Garnet color, medium full
bodied, ripe cranberry and currant highlight the red
berry fruit with a sweet toasty oak on the fruit filled
finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?1045246.
Joseph Phelps
Cabernet Sauvignon Backus 2003
- RM94 - Dark inky color; subdued
slight floral on the nose; full bodied, rich, full,
complex, finely integrated ripe bark berry fruits, hints
of currant turn to touch of dried tobacco ending in
whisper of vanilla and sweet burnt sugar caramel on a
long silky smooth chewy finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?118405.
Philippe Melka
Metisse Napa Valley Red Wine 1996
- RM89 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?95702.
Château
Duhart-Milon Rothschild Pauillac Bordeaux 2002-
http://cellartracker.com/w?20376.
Tokaj Hétszőlő Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos 2001
-
http://cellartracker.com/w?441417. Drank
at home with artisan cheeses, lobster tail, beef
tenderloin, chocolate cake and fresh berries w/ L,
Bill & Beth, Dr Dan & Linda, Bob & Gloria.
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December
17, 2010 - Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Alec's
Blend 1999 - RM 90 -
Dark, full bodied, huge floral perfume -
earthy leather and black fruits - hint of
anise and touch of creosote on the finish - for a moment
you'll think you're drinking a Bordeaux! There is
still life left in this 10 year old - has several
years yet.
http://cellartracker.com/w?59315
- Flinders Run Shiraz Southern Flinders Ranges 2006
- RM 91 - Dark garnet color, full bodied. Mouthful
of forward chewy spicy ripe plum blackberry,
blueberry, notes of licorice toasty oak, and mocha
followed by a long, pure finish. Slight mineral edge
up front detract from the fruit a bit. Not quite as
smooth as the 2005 vintage but delicious
none-the-less.
http://cellartracker.com/w?579974
Drank at
Angelis_Italian - our favorite
bistro -with L, Sean, Erin and Lucy w/
serving.
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December 11,
2010 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Giovanni's Tuscan
Reserve 1995 - RM87 - Medium bodied.
Leathery, earthy black cherry, olive and tobacco box
as the fruit diminishes with age.
http://cellartracker.com/w?214620.
Tasted w/ L and Beth at our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Italian
in Naperville. |
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December 10,
2010 - Flinders Run Shiraz
Southern Flinders Ranges 2006 - RM 91 -
Dark garnet color - full bodied. Mouthful of forward
chewy spicy ripe plum blackberry, blueberry and
notes of licorice toasty oak and mocha followed by a
long, pure finish. Slight mineral edge up front
detract from the fruit a bit. Not quite as smooth as
the 2005 vintage but delicious none-the-less.
http://cellartracker.com/w?579974 |
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December 9, 2010 - Te Kairanga
Cesarina Reserve Chardonnay
North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough, New
Zealand 2005 - RM89: Light golden honey
coloured wine - medium-light bodied. Winemaker notes
say it well - Hints of white peach, citrus and
grilled hazelnuts with attractive vanilla oak
characters. Nice easy drinking wine - tight acidity
and good length.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=642640. |
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December 4, 2010
- Hazyblur South Australia Kangaroo
Island Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - RM88*
RP 90- Dark inky purple color, full bodied, rich,
thick black fruits, black currant and blackberry,
spice, hints of olive and a slightly rough edge of
metallic licorice on a moderate tannin finish.
*Update - the edge softened and this wine was more
approachable the next day - needs time to open and
settle. Give it a 90. Tasted at home w/ L.
http://cellartracker.com/w?730921 |
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December 4, 2010
- Cloudy Bay New Zealand Pinot Noir 2007 - RM 89 - Medium, light bodied, fragrant aromas of
dark plums, hints of blueberry, spicy sandalwood and
smoky bacon. Palate of dark fruits and toasty oak
with moderate smooth tannins on a fine velvety
finish. Terrazas Reserva Mendoza Malbec 2008
-RM 87 - Medium bodied - dark garnet color
- easy drinking firm forward dark berry fruit and
smooth moderate tannin finish - great value in a
under $15 wine. Tasted w/ L & Ryan at world's
largest Whole Foods in West Lincoln Park
Chicago. |
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December 3, 2010 -
Two Hands 'Brave Faces' Barossa Valley Shiraz Red
Blend 2007 - RM 88 - Dark garnet color -
full bodied - thick chewy black fruits, loganberry,
hints of camphor turn to slight metallic tones
reflecting the grenache with a long thick tannin
finish. Shiraz 64%Grenache 18% Mataro18%. Drank at
home w/ L and Bob.
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November 26,
2010 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 2002
- RM93; Dark garnet
color, full bodied, bright cinnamon spice,
raspberry, hint of cedar and mocha on a big, long
silky smooth tannin finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=19187.
Schrader Double Diamond Sonoma County Mayacamas
Range Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - RM92
- Dark inky color, full bodied, full
but subdued black berry and plum fruits, hint of
sweet cherry and mocha on the smooth tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?97356.
Tasted w/ L, Sean, Ryan & Michelle, with Alec
serving at our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Italian
in Naperville. |
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November 26,
2010 - Local Wine Company SNAFU 2005 -
RM 85 - Medium-light bodied, dusty dark berry,
spice, leather, herb, hint of creosote and mineral
on a moderate tannin finish. Complex blend of
Petite Sirah 42%,
Cab Sauvignon 33%, Merlot 8%, Syrah 8%, Zinfandel
6%, Petite Verdot 3%. Tasted at home w/ L and
Ryan cooking lasagna. |
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November 25,
2010 - Robert Craig Howell
Mountain Zinfandel 2006 - RM 92 - Dark inky
color, full bodied - full thick chewy forward fruits
- black raspberry, ripe plum with tones of mocha,
a hint of vanilla and whisper of evergreen on a long
moderate tannin finish. Purchased at the winery at
the
2008 Harvest Party.
Drank with family - best Thanksgiving wine ever! |
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November 24,
2010 - Patrick
Ryan Vineyards
Columbia Valley
Red Wine 2000 - RM92 -
Dark garnet color, medium-full bodied, full forward
currant and black berry fruits, anise, spice and
hint of cedar on a long tannin finish. 46% cabernet
sauvignon, 46% merlot, 8% cabernet franc. Tasted w/
Ryan at home.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=87899
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November 23,
2010 - Venge Vineyards Oakville
Napa Valley Family Reserve Penny Lane Vineyard
Sangiovese 2002 - RM 87 - Medium bodied,
dark, overly ripe, raisiny black berry fruit. smoke
and earthy with moderate tannins on the finish.
Tasted w/ L at our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Italian
in Naperville. |
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November 22,
2010 -
Château Gruaud Larose St Julien
Bordeaux 1981
- RM 90 - Medium bodied, dark garnet with a tinge of
rust color revealing its age. Aromas and flavors of
dried tobacco and leather accented by floral violets
turning to dusty rose on a full spicy tannin finish.
Showing age but still life left - drink over the
next couple of years.
Drinking daughter Erin's birth year wine
celebrating birth of Lucy Leigh Fort, our first
grandchild! |
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November 21, 2010 -
White Rock
Napa Valley
Claret
2002 - RM 90;
Dark ink color, medium bodied, smoky
leather and floral aromas - forward black berry,
violets, hints of cedar, smoke, cedar and touch of
tar on moderate tannin finish. |
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November 19, 2010 -
Chateau Larmande
Grand
Cru Classe
St Emilion 2005:
RM 91- My best of tasting pick from an
earlier Bordeaux flight tasting. Medium bodied, floral
perfume, flavorful red berry, plum fruits, subtle spice,
cherry-cranberry, nice texture and an appealing moderately
firm grip of tannin in the finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=351693;
Flinders
Run,
Southern Flinders Ranges,
Baroota, Australia, Shiraz
2005 -
RM
93 - Dark
inky colour. Full bodied, elegant rich thick chewy symphony
of flavors of blueberry, sweet currant, ripe plum, red
raspberry, a hint of pepper, vanilla, and spice, and a
lingering essence of creme brulee' burnt sugar and cedar on
the soft finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=421985
- ;
Alois Kracher Scheurebe TBA #6 Zwischen den Seen 2002
- RM 93- Smooth, balanced, full bodied, nectar
of apricot, hints of tangerine, almond, slight touch of
smoke, with a honey laced finish. Tasted w/ artisanal
cheeses w/ TRR and Peter B during wine cellar tour and wine
pick-up/delivery. |
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November 18,
2010 - Roger Sabon Reserve Chateauneuf Du Pape
2006 - |
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November 17,
2010 -
Château Fonguillon 'Enclos',
St Emilion, Bordeaux 2006 -
Medium
bodied, aromas of leather, flavors of
dark berry and fresh herb with mineral
undertones.;
Twenty Rows Cellars Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Available
by the glass at Tallulah in Arlington. |
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November 16, 2010 -
Larose de Gruaud St Julien Bordeaux 2006 -
RM 86-87 - Medium bodied, dark garnet color - a
slight awkward lack of balance or polish detracts
from the dusty rose floral, leathery, earthy black
berry fruit. Tasted w/ George N with filet of beef
dinner at Sequouia Restaurant in
Foggy Bottom at Washington Harbor. Chehalem
Willamette Valley 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 -
RM 89 - Winemaker's notes - Bright
ruby. Black raspberry and flowers on the nose, with a strong
undertone of musky spices that gains strength in the glass.
Pliant, palate-coating dark berry flavors are appealingly
open-knit. Nicely ripe but quite light on its feet,
finishing very good clarity, spiciness and lingering
sweetness." Tasted by the glass at Four
Seasons Hotel in Foggy Bottom. |
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November 14,
2010 - Robert Craig Mt Veeder
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 -
RM91 - Floral
aromas and flavors predominate, coupled with ripe
black cherry, currant, and plum fruits mixed with
spice, leather, tobacco, and long smooth finish of
soft tannins accented by hint of cedar and mocha.
Fabulous compliment to Sunday dinner of top sirloin,
sweet potato and green beans. |
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November 13,
2010 - Branson Coach House Greenock Block
Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004; - RM 91
- Dark, full bodied, full flavors of black
fruits, a hint of raspberry and blueberry, graphite
& mineral on a smooth polished moderate tannin
finish. |
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November 13, 2010 - Abeja
Washington State Chardonnay 2008; RM 92 -
Butter color, very clean, crisp, nicely balanced
acidity, buttery kiwi and lychie fruits, hint of vanilla,
citrus on a pleasant finish. Paolo
Scavino Bricco Ambrogio Barolo 2003; RM 92
- Dark garnet color, medium bodied, complex but
harmonious, polished, subdued black cherry fruit, tobacco,
leather, hint of spice with refined nicely integrated
tannins. Tasting of select fine wines at Binny's DG.
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November 6, 2010 - Bordeaux wine tasting
featuring Château Pichon Comtesse Longueville de
Lalande, Pauillac, 1991 ; Château Beyechevelle, St Julien,
1988; Château Valrose Ste Estéphe 2000 (Lyle); and Château
Bessan Segur Haut Medoc 2000 (Bill); accompanying
beef rib-eye steak, sweet potatoes, green beans, red
pepper-pasta, and dinner salad. Dessert flight included
Warre's Quinta da Cavadhina Vintage Porto 1995 and
Frescobaldi Pomino Vinsanto 1991 served with cheese
cake and fruit medley. Finale was Dow's Quinta do
Bomfin Vintage Porto 1995 served with artisanal
cheeses - Fair Oaks Farms' five year aged cheddar, aged
sweet swiss, raspberry infused Bellavitano, Belle Giosco
parmesan and Rosenborg Danish Blue. Dinner party with L and
I hosting Bill & Beth, Lyle & Terry, and Fernando and
Samara. Despite the modest vintage year 1991, the
Pichon Lalande (RM91) stood out with a nicely
polished symphony of bright floral violets, red and black
berry fruits, subtle accent tones of of spice, tobacco and
cassis on a smooth finely integrated tannin finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=21632; The
Valrose (RM89) exhibited bold forward black
berry fruits, tones of whisky-like accent and moderate firm
tannin finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=374910;
Bessan Ségur (RM88) balanced black cherry fruit
with subtle earth, leather and tobacco.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=39863;
The Beychevelle (RM88) was medium bodied,
slighly brickish color, soft earthy leather and tobacco
tones predominating over the black cherry fruit.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=19132. The
Warre's (RM90) was unlike any vintage ports
I have had with their ripe, raisin-fig tones - this
exhibited flavorful forward fruits of red and black berry
and currant with subtle accents of mocha, smoke and cassis.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3721; The
Dow was medium bodied, classic vintage port
characteristics of ripe raisin, fig sweet black berry fruits
with tones of alcohol. Ready to drink now but has lots of
life left too. The Frescobaldi (RM87)
exhibited a toasted almond and smokiness and alcohol with
just a hint of caramel sweetness. |
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November 4, 2010
- Flinders Southern Ranges Shiraz 2006 - RM
88 |
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November 4,
2010 - North by Northwest Cabernet Sauvignon
2007; RM 88 - Dark garnet
color, medium bodied, blackberry, black cherry,
hints of anise, oak, spice and caramel. - Featured
premium selection wine in UA Red Carpet Club tasted
at DCA. Second month in a row for a UA RCC wine
discovery! |
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November 3, 2010 - Chateau
Ferrande Graves Grand vin de Bordeaux 2005 -
Drank at Chez Andre's in Alexandria. |
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November 2, 2010
- Caravan Napa Valley
Cabernet
Sauvignon by Darioush 2006
- Drank at Tallulah in Arlington |
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October 29, 2010
- Joseph Carr Napa Valley Merlot 2008 - RM
89; Domaine du Bois de St Jean Cotes Du
Rhone 2008 - RM 85; Drank at Bastille
Restaurant in Alexandria.
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October 27, 2010
- Mollydooker Two Left Feet Red Blend 2008
-RM 87 - Tasted at Ray's The Steak in Arlington.
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October 26, 2010
- Napanook
Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon by
Dominus, 2007 - RM 91 - Available by the
glass at Tallulah in Arlington |
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October 24, 2010
- Atlas Peak Napa Valley
Cabernet
Sauvignon 2005 |
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October 22, 2010
- Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
- RM 88 - Dark garnet color - full bodied, a slight
funky woody cedar aroma and flavor undercurrent on
opening turning to full forward spicy boysenberry -
almost whisky-like, and tones of licorice and black
berryon a spicy, leathery moderate tannin finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=99762
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October 17, 2010
- Robert Craig Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley
Chardonnay 2005 - RM 90 - Crisp, medium to
full bodied but nicely balanced pear and tropical
fruits, almond and mineral with finely balanced
acidity on a long finish. Domaine Serene
Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2003
- RM 91 - Medium bodied, nicely balanced - huge
floral and black cherry aromas - full forward spicy
black berry, hints of coffee and slight pepper on a
silky moderate tannin finish. Tasted at home w/
L, Don and Pat R.
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October 16, 2010
- Clark-Claudon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
- RM91 - JR (Jancis Robinson) 17.5 - Deep dark
purple - full bodied - big mouth-full of forward
spicy black and edge of red berry fruits, violets,
layers of oak and a long lingering tannin finish. JR's
review - "Wild mountain blackberry, herbs, menthol,
forest floor and cocoa notes add up to wonderful
Bordeaux-like complexity. Tasted at home w/ L with
some artisan cheeses.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=229261
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October 8, 2010
- Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - RM 93 WS94 - Dark inky color, rich,
dense, concentrated, style, full-bodied, fruit
forward ripe sweet currant, ripe black raspberry,
plum, black cherry fruits, mocha and hints of black
licorice with a long soft tannin finish. Has the rich
thick jammy fruit of a south Australian Shiraz.
Whalebone Vineyard Paso Robles Cabernet
Sauvignon 2005 - RM 88 - Medium bodied,
dark, black cherry, berry, subtle mocha, hint of
pepper and spicebox with a
moderate tannin finish. Drank w/ ENA and Cath at
Brendenwood w/ grilled pork chop dinner.
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October 7, 2010
- Liparita Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 -
RM 87 - Kurt Darting Ungsteiner
Honigsäckel Scheurebe Auslese 2004 (Germany, Pfalz)
- Tasted at at our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Italian
in Naperville w/ L,
Dave & Marie, Joanne and Kathy.
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October 6, 2010
- Vision Cellars
Marin
County
Chileno Valley
Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004 - RM 89 - Dark
color - medium bodied - spicy black cherry and
berry, smoke and burnt toast with a long tangy spicy
finish. Tasted at home w/ L over seared tuna, rice
and guacamole relish.
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October 5, 2010-
O'Brien Estate
Seduction Napa Valley Red Blend 2006 - RM
92 - Dark purple color - medium full bodied - full
forward flavors of blackberry, black cherry, rum,
hints of mocha, vanilla, and nicely integrated firm
tannins on an long smooth finish. Finishing off last
of the .
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October 3, 2010
-
Spring Mountain |
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October 2, 2010
- Spectacular dinner & wine pairing flight at
Spring Restaurant in Bucktown,
Chicago ... 3 course price fixe meal great in all
respects; St Urbans-Hof, Mosel Germany
Riesling 2009; Hope Hunter Valley Australia Verdelho
2009; Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009; Pacific
Rim Sweet Riesling 2009; Tasted w/ L,
Johnny & Erin. |
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September 30,
2010 -
Hall Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - RM 93 WS94 - Dark inky color, rich,
dense, concentrated, style, full-bodied, fruit
forward ripe sweet currant, ripe black raspberry,
plum, black cherry fruits, mocha and hints of black
licorice with a long soft tannin finish. Has the rich
thick jammy fruit of a south Australian Shiraz.
Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 -
RM 90 - Medium-full bodied, flavors of
blackberry, black currant, black cherry, hint of
spice and smoky oak with fine tannins on a long
finish. Slight edge, less polished and not as big as
the Hall. Chappellett Napa Valley Cuvee 2007
- RM 87 - Medium-full bodied, flavors of
blackberry, black cherry, hint of creosote, spice
and smoky oak with a slight hard edge, less polished
and not as big as the Hall. Orin Swift
Prisoner 2008 - RM 88 - Medium bodied -
subdued black berry fruit, hint of licorice and
black cherry on a modest finish. Tasted w/ Jim K,
Mike Ch at Flemings in Tysons Corner. |
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September 28,
2010 - Chateau LaLande St Julien Cru Bourgeois
2006 - RM 87 - Medium full bodied, dark
berry, black cherry fruits, slightly earthy leather,
moderate tannins, slight edge lacking polish. Tasted
at Chez Andres in Alexandria. |
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September 24,
2010 -
O'Brien Estate
Seduction Napa Valley Red Blend 2006 - RM
92 - Dark purple color - medium full bodied - full
forward flavors of blackberry, black cherry, rum,
hints of mocha,
vanilla, and nicely integrated firm tannins on
an long smooth finish. I found this at the Vienna
Wine Shop in Virginia .... find it, try it, buy it
.. Tasted w/ L at
Angeli's Italian
in Naperville.
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September 23, 2010 - Binny's
Willowbrook California's Best Wine
Tasting
featuring a selection of over 80
wines. I focused solely on a
selection of big Cabs that I had not
yet tried or wished to compare -
Bucella 2007, Caymus
2008,
Darioush 2007, Far Niente 2006, Mondavi
Oakwood and Reserve 2006,
O'Shaughnessy Howell Mtn 2006,
and Silver Oak Alexander
Valley 2005.
Standouts were
Caymus
stood out as approachable, velvety
smooth and ready to drink, the
Bucella
was dark, big and firm but elegantly
polished and refined, followed by
the
Mondavi
Reserve.
The
Far Niente
was big and firm but less
approachable needing time to soften.
O'Shaughnessy
and Darioush
displayed bold firm
fruit as did the
Silver Oak ranked in order. |
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All were delicious and high quality
offerings. I tried one Pinot Noir - the
Belle
Glos Clark & Telephone
Pinot Noir 2008
which was the best from that selection I have had
revealing more forward fruit than the 2003, 04, and
05 as I recall. |
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September 18, 2010
- Livingston Moffett Napa Valley Stanley's Selection
1997; RM 90 - - Medium bodied, black
cherry, medium to firm tannins and acid balanced
with cherry, a bit of spice and plum with a silght
hint of mocha no the finish. Clos du
Bois Marlston Cabernet Sauvignons 1997; RM
88 - Medium bodied, slightly lighter and less
pronounced fruit than the Livingston - earthy black
cherry, black fruits, slightly tart cherry, a bit of
leather on a moderate tannin finish. Fruit fell off
after ninety minutes. Drank w/ L and Bill & Beth at
Angeli's Italian
in Naper. |
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September 12,
2010 - David Arthur Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2007 - RM 88: Light color - clean
and crisp with moderate acidity - flavors of soft
lemon, hint of lime and honeydew melon. Drank w/ L
on the summer deck w/ artisan cheese and fruit. |
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September 11,
2010 - Liparita Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2002 - RM 87 - #wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?158451 |
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September 10,
2010 -
Elan Atlas
Peak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996
-
RM 89 WS 88; Medium-full bodied, starting
to show its age but more expressive fruit than I
remember from earlier tastings. Flavors of black
cherry, black currant, blackberry, hint of spice,
leather and smoky oak with moderate fine tannins on
a long finish. Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant.
We enjoyed Elan as
participants of our
98 and
99
Napa Wine Experiences. |
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September 7,
2010 - Joseph Carr Napa Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon 2007 - RM91 - Dark color,
medium-full bodied - Forward black fruits accented
by a layers of coffee, cigar box and hints of spice,
eucalyptus and mocha. What a nice surprise to
discover this quality wine from Napa Carneros at the
Red Carpet Club at Dulles Airport!
Too bad I was rushed to catch a cross country
flight. Can't wait to try it again. What an ever
nicer surprise to find it available at $20. I am
ordering a case! |
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September 4, 2010 - Millenium era
wine flight tasting - La Sirena
Sangiovese 1999; Dunn Vineyards Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2000 Magnum, Chateau LaNerthe Chateuneuf
du Pape 2000; Elan Atlas Peak Napa
Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001;
Grgich Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2004; Tasted at Bill &
Beth's gala flank steak dinner party
with L, Rusty & Ann, Will & Kate,
Matt & Molly, Johnny, Drew and
friends on the deck/patio. |
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September 3,
2010 -
Del Dotto
Vineyards Napa Valley Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1997
- RM 89 - Medium body - slight
earthiness starting to show age but a couple years
life left - slightly tart black cherry fruit, spice,
moderate silky tannins on a pleasant finish.
Consistent with earlier tasting notes. Tasted w/ L
and Sean at Angelis.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=35492 |
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August 29, 2010 -
Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 -
RM 90, WE 90 WS 89-9;"Medium-full bodied,
flavors of blackberry, black currant, black cherry,
hint of spice and smoky oak with fine tannins on a
long finish. Tasted w/ L at Mark Z and Shirley's. |
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August 28,
2010 - Summer party varied
bottles tasting - Robert Craig
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
2002 (Dr Dan), Hidden Ridge 55 Slope
Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Rick);
T-Vine Napa Red Wine 2005; (Rick);
Orin Swift Prisoner 2007 (Bill);
Frog's Leap Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Dr Dan);
Vieux Telegraph Le Crau Chateuneuf
du Pape 2004 (Carl); Domaine Santa
Duc Prestige des Haut Garrigues
Gigondas
1998; and (not shown) Amisfield Otago
New Zealand Pinot Noir 2006 (Rick);
SelbySonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006;
Tasted at Bob's gala
birthday party w/ L, Bill & Beth,
Dan & Linda, and Carl &
Karen.. |
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August 26,
2010 -
Selby Sonoma
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006; |
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August 22, 2010
- Haut-Carles
Fronasac Bordeaux 2005 - RM 87-88,
WA 89, WS91 - Deep dark inky purple.
Medium-full-bodied, slight metallic edge detracts
from the black raspberry and subtle blueberry
fruits. with fine tannins on a moderate finish.
Softened as it opened over the course of an hour.
Give it some time to breath, and to age.
http://cellartracker.com/w?224210 |
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August 21, 2010
- 2005 La
Spinetta (Rivetti)
Monferrato Pin - RM88 - Dark
purple color - Dense full bodied - ripe black
fruits, with a slight edge and layer of cassis and
subtle tar with a firm tannin finish. Might soften
and settle with time. Blend of 65% Nebbiolo, 35%
Barbera. Drank at Enoteca Roma in Wicker Park with
L, Ryan & Michelle.
http://cellartracker.com/w?395355 |
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August 19, 2010
- Mollydooker Shiraz Blue
Eyed Boy 2006 - RM 89:
Dark garnet color - aromas of earth and raisin -
flavors of super ripe leathery black fruit, raisin,
licorice and undercurrent of slight metallic layer
on a long tannin laced mineral finish. Another
celebratory Mollydooker this week, Blue Eyed Boy to
commemorate Alec's last night at home.
http://cellartracker.com/w?329511 |
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August 18, 2010 -
Mollydooker Enchanted Path
Cabernet Shiraz 2006 - RM
90:
Dark inky purple color -
full bodied, aromatic, thick chewy ripe black
fruits, ripe plum, raisin - finely integrated silky
tannins on the long finish. A hint of the cabernet
structure and backbone is apparent with a subtle
earthy undercurrent. Enchanted Path
wine to celebrate our anniversary. -
Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ L
w/ Alec serving. |
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August 16, 2010 -
Vine Cliff Oakville, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1990 - RM 99 - Medium full bodied. Needed
decanting and an hour to open and lose its tart funk
showing its twenty year age. Oaky dark berry
predominates with black cherry, mocha, hints of
cedar and earthy leather reminiscent of an aged
Right Bank Bordeaux on the moderate tannin finish.
Surprising breadth and complexity.
RM 90 - Lewis Cellars Napa
Valley Alec's Blend 2003 -
Dark inky purple, Medium bodied, surprisingly
velvety soft, smooth, sweet ripe berry accented by
mocha, almond and slight vanilla on a flavorful finish.
N.V. Michel Loriot Champagne Brut Réserve
Blanc de Noirs -
http://cellartracker.com/w?337891 Drank
Alec birth-year and namesake wines at home
with L, Sean & Megan and Alec 2i5h steak and
lobster tail dinner commemorating his last
week at home before returning to Kelly I-Core.
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August 12, 2010
- RM 90 - Lewis Cellars Napa
Valley Alec's Blend 2003 -
Dark inky purple, Medium bodied, surprisingly
velvety soft, smooth, sweet ripe berry with hints of
mocha, almond and slight vanilla on a flavorful
finish. Havens Wine Cellars Napa
Valley Bourriquot Red Wine
2000 - RM 91 - Wow - what a surprise. This
wine overpowered the Alec's Blend which we opened
second. Full bodied, dark color. Complex big wine -
initial black pepper gives way to spicy black
fruits, black currant accented by a mocha
undercurrent and subtle earthy leather starting to
reveal ten year old age. I shouldn't have been
surprised - this was consistent with my earlier
tasting notes -
Sept 27, 2005. The taste
profile is certainly true revealing the 2/3 cabernet
franc, 1/3 merlot blend.
http://cellartracker.com/w?38260 Tasted w/ L,
Erin, Mark & Shirley for Mark's BDay
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ L
w/ Alec serving.
http://cellartracker.com/w?98918 |
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August 11, 2010 - Marquis Phillips 9 McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004
- RM 90 - Huge full bodied, deep dark inky color.
Almost overpowering forward over ripe black berry,
raisin, blue berry fruits, hints of caramel,
vanilla, glycerin and cedar. Firm, full chewy
unctuous tongue coating tannins that reveal more
blueberry, vanilla, mocha on a long alcohol finish.
Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ L
w/ Alec serving. |
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August 10, 2010
- Cliff Lede
Napa Valley Mt. Veeder Chardonnay
2003 - RM 86 - Light bodied - slight
funky off aroma - flavors of nut, subtle apple and
pear with slight citrus and alcohol heat on the
finish - perhaps revealing age and decline of
flavors. http://cellartracker.com/w?132606 |
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August 8,
2010 - Le Serre Nuove dell Ornellaia
2007 - Best of tasting - from the
cellar of Bill & Beth C. RM
91, WS 92 RP 92 - Dark color - full bodied -
Complex flavors of black berry, black cherry
fruits, hints of tar and licorice on a long
firm finely polished silky tannin finish.
The second wine of Ornellaia - a bordeaux
blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
75 (Seventy Five) Wine Company "The Sum"
2008 - RM87 - Deep dark
purple color, forward mouthfull of plum,
black raspberry and spice with hints of
cassis, black cherry, and anise offset by a
slight metallic edge. Almost like a rich
Aussie shiraz. Nicely balanced with firm
tannins on a long finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?881004
Clos
l'Eglise Cotes de Castillon Bordeaux 2005
- RM 88, ST 90-91- Dark color - full bodied,
complex black berry, cassis, kirsch,
licorice, earthy leather with hint of mocha
and truffle. - Cliff
Lede Napa Valley Mt.
Veeder Chardonnay 2003 - see review
above. Tasted at home over crab
legs, shrimp, artisan cheeses and steak
dinner w/ L, Bill & Beth C., Bob & Gloria,
Pat R., Mark & Jane.
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August 7, 2010
- Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley red Wine 1997
- RM 90 - Medium bodied, black cherry, red currant,
hints of almond, vanilla, sweet spice and soft oak
with age starting to show with a subtle leather -
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 21% Cabernet
Franc -
Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ L
w/ Alec serving.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2253
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August 6, 2010
- Marquis Phillips 9 McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004
- RM 90 - Huge full bodied, deep dark inky color.
Almost overpowering forward over ripe black berry,
raisin, blue berry fruits, hints of caramel,
vanilla, glycerin and cedar. Firm, full chewy
unctuous tongue coating tannins that reveal more
blueberry, vanilla, mocha on a long alcohol finish.
Drank with bar-b-que ribs and actually overpowered
Famous Ray's bar-b-que sauce! |
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August 4, 2010
- Bridesmaid Napa Valley Red Wine 2006 - RM
92 - Dark inky color. Full bodied. Black berry
fruit, black currant, mocha, nutmeg, hint of cola,
mulberry, and black cherry. Needs decanting and a
half hour to lose firm hard edge to reveal firm but
approachable tannins. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot and Syrah. A joint negociant project from
Napa notables Pam Starr (Spottswoode, Crocker &
Starr) and Drew Neiman (Kongsgaard)
that blends top lots from undisclosed locations -
supposedly Howell Mtn fruit included. Great wine
find from the winelist at Rue Domaine
in Centerville - Tasted w/ George D. |
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August 3, 2010 - Chateau St Jean California
Merlot 2006 - RM 87 |
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August 1, 2010 - Rosemount Balmoral McLaren
Vale Syrah 2000 - RM 90 - Aromatic,
flavorful - ripe black raspberry, raisin, black
cherry, cassis, tar and cedar that turns to an
aftertaste of currant and a hint of plum. Starting
to show age a bit. Drink over next year or so.
Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ L
w/ Alec serving. |
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July 31, 2010 - Hall Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 - RM 93 WS94 - Dark inky color, rich,
dense, concentrated, style, full-bodied, fruit
forward ripe sweet currant, ripe black raspberry,
plum, black cherry fruits, mocha and hints of black
licorice with a long soft tannin finish. Has the rich
thick jammy fruit of a south Australian Shiraz.
Tasted at home with L - better with chocolate cherry
desert than steak dinner entre. |
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July 28, 2010 -
Chateau Haut-Bailly Graves Pessac
Leognan Bordeaux 1986 -RM
89; Same tasting experience as last bottle a year
ago... from 5/11/2009 - Medium body, bright perfume,
red raspberry, black cherry fruit, earthy leather,
lead and a hint of graphite on the finish. Lots of
life and fruit left in this twenty-plus year old.
Tasted from 375 ml. Tasted at apartment in DC.
http://cellartracker.com/w?69684 |
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July 27, 2010 - Pahlmeyer Jayson 2005
- RM 90 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?424835; Ladera
Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Howell Mountain Mt
Veeder Napa Valley 2006 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?670017;
Marquis Philips Shiraz 9 2007 -
http://cellartracker.com/w?651009 Tasted at
WIllow (Ladera) and then Grand Cru in
Arlington Balston w/ RTN Mike C and
Sue K. |
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July 26, 2010 -
Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 -
RM 90, WE 90 WS 89-9;"Medium-full bodied,
flavors of blackberry, black currant, black cherry,
hint of spice and smoky oak with fine tannins on a
long finish. Tasted w/ L at Mark Z and Shirley's. |
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July 24, 2010
-
Chateau Larmande
Grand
Cru Classe
St Emilion 2005:
RM 91- My best of tasting pick from an
earlier Bordeaux flight tasting. Medium
bodied, floral perfume, flavorful red berry,
plum fruits, subtle spice, cherry-cranberry,
nice texture and an appealing moderately
firm grip of tannin in the finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=351693
Chateau Brane Cantenac
Grand Cru Classe Margaux Bordeaux 2004
- RM 90, RP 90
- Deep
purple medium bodied, black berry fruit
accents, subtle currant, plum with tones of
earthy leather, anise and subtle floral with
a firm tannin finish.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=108850
A delightful and informative comparison
between 'Left Bank' vs 'Right Bank' Bordeaux
blends and styles.
Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ L, Bill and Beth C
w/ Alec serving. |
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July 23, 2010 -
Venge Vineyards Family
Reserve Scout's Honor 2007 - RM 89;
Dark color, full bodied, intense full forward black
fruits, spicy rich ripe plum;, anise, hints of smoke
and subtle cedar overtake the fruit until the big
full long spicy berry fruit finish. Bought it for
bar-b-que, drank it with dark rich chocolate desert.
Can't wait to try it with bbq ribs! Tasted
at home w/L.
http://cellartracker.com/w?751609 |
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July 21, 2010 -
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 -
RM 91;Dark purple color - full bodied, big
firm tannins that are nicely polished but not for
the feint of heart... dark berry, cassis, hints of
cedar and soft oak on a firm finish. Dining with PJM
and Randy T - BYOB at
La Fontana Della Citta
in
Philadelphia
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=744519 |
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July 19, 2010 -
Geyser Peak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 -
RM 87 - Simple, basic easy drinking, medium
bodied, black berry and black cherry fruits with a
hint of oak. Good value under $15.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=313002 |
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July 18, 2010 - Amisfield Otago New Zealand
Pinot Noir 2006 - RM 88 - Tasted at home w/
L. |
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July 17, 2010 - Hazyblur
South Australia Kangaroo Island Shiraz
2006; Dutschke St Jakobi Barossa Valley Shiraz 2002;
Poalillo Vineyards Westside Zinfandel Paso Robles
2005; Tasted w/ ENA in Indy.
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July 14, 2010 -
Domaine Santa Duc
Gigondas Prestige des
Hautes Garrigues 1998 - Dark color -
medium-full bodied - earthy, leather, black cherry,
hints of anise, touch of black pepper on the firm
tannin finish.
Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ Alec serving. http://cellartracker.com/w?8842 |
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July 13, 2010 -
Ridge Vineyards "Three Valleys" Sonoma Zinfandel
Blend 2008 - RM 89 - Dark purple color -
medium bodied spicy black berry fruits,
slightly earthy hints of tobacco box and cedar on a
moderate tannin finish.
Ridge has been making their Three Valleys blend
since 2001. It is a blend of mostly zinfandel with
small additions of petite sirah, syrah, grenache and
carignane sourced from 10 individual Sonoma
vineyards.
http://cellartracker.com/w?812089 Tasted at
McCormick & Schmick in Crystal City, Arlington.
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July 10, 2010 -
Chateau Rocher-Figeac St Emilion Bordeaux 2006
- RM 87 - Dark berry fruit offset by
earthy leather, anise and smokey black cherry.
Tasted w/ L and Don Z @ Bistro LaFayette in Alexandria - #wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?801155 |
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July 10, 2010
-
Linden Vineyards Winery visit,
cellar tasting with winemaker Jim
Law.
Linden
Vineyards Hardscrabble Red 2007 -
RM 90
-
Dark purple in
color. Nicely balanced and polished
- pleasant aromas of red currant,
hint of pencil lead, a what Jim Law
the winemaker describes as earthy
forest floor. Medium body,
moderately complex, the palate
reveals dark berry fruit, black
cherry, tones of spice and herbs,
subtle tones of soft oak, with a
hint of dark chocolate on the
moderate to firm tannin finish. 61%
cab sav, 17% merlot, 11% cab franc,
11% petit verdot.
Linden
Vineyards Hardscrabble Red 2006 -
RM 89
-
Dark purple
color - medium bodied - smooth,
polished, nice balance of complex
medley of flavors.
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Dark berry
fruit, hint of currant, bramble,
spice, herbs and slight earthiness -
subtle tones of soft oak and subtle
dark chocolate on the moderate
tannin finish. 61% cab sav, 17%
merlot, 9% cab franc, 8% petit
verdot, 4% carmenere. Linden
Avenius Vineyard Chardonnay 2006,
2007;
RM 88 - Light
to medium bodied, crisp and tangy,
bright acidity, subtle green apple,
toasted almonds, hint of citrus and
pear on a clean finish.
Linden
Vidal Late Harvest 2005
-
RM91 -
Light butter
color. Subtle aromas of dried
apricot, lychee, and hint of mango.
Flavors of tangy persimmon, lychee,
hint of apricot.
Impressive
well crafted wines tasted in the
winery cellar with owner/winemaker
Jim Law. -
http://cellartracker.com/w?567768
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July 10, 2010
-
Naked Mountain Vineyard
visit, Markham, Virginia - winery tasting with winemaker
Don Oldham.
Naked Mountain Vineyard Un-oaked
Chardonnay 2008 -
RM 88,
Naked Mountain Vineyard Barrel
Fermented Chardonnay 2006
-
RM 89;
Naked Mountain Vineyard Scarlet Oak
Red 2005; Naked Mountain Vineyard
Cabernet Franc 2006; Naked Mountain
Vineyard Chardonnay/Riesling 2008;
Naked Mountain Vineyard Merlot 2008;
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July 9,
2010 - 75 (Seventy Five) Wine Company "The Sum"
2008 - RM91 - Deep dark purple
color, huge forward mouthfull of plum, black
raspberry and spice with hints of cassis, black
cherry, and anise. Very much like an rich Aussie
shiraz. For its 'size' surprisingly smooth, nicely
balanced with smooth firm tannins on a long finish.
Great value wine. Find it, try it, buy more!
http://cellartracker.com/w?881004 Tasting notes
two days later, opened another bottle and this one
has an undercurrent of earthy, tinny, mustiness with
a slight hint of mocha - the less desirable tones
competing with the fruit detract from the score to
render an RM87! Tasted w/ L at Grand Cru
in Arlington Balston. |
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July 4, 2010 -
Robert Craig Napa Valley Mt Veeder Cabernet
Sauvignon 2001 - RM 92 |
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July 3, 2010
- Spring Valley Vineyard Uriah Walla Walla
Valley red blend 2004
- RM 90 - Big full bodied flavorful red
fruits, spice, sweet cherry and loganberry
with a bit of tart on the finish. Merlot
65%, 30% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot.
http://cellartracker.com/w?215438
Andrew Will Two
Blondes Vineyard Columbia Valley Washington
2003 -
RM 89 - Dark black berry, leather, tobacco,
slight anise on the long firm finish. #wine
http://cellartracker.com/w?129397
66% Cabernet Sauvignon 34% Cabernet Franc.
Chateau
Haut-Bergey
Blanc Pessac-Leognan
Graves Bordeaux 2005
- RM 89
Initially bright
aromas but subdued flavors of nut, melon and
grapefruit - a couple hours later it erupted
with big mouth-full of peach flavors with
citrus and lemon on the full long crisp
finish.
Interesting comparison on two blends both
1/3 cabernet franc - one based on merlot,
the other cabernet sauvignon. Tasted at home
with L, Bill and Beth C.
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July 1, 2010
- Del Dotto
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 -
Starting to show a hint of age but lots of
life left in this fifteen year old - spicy toasty
oak predominates the taste accented by spicy black
cherry, berry, plum and hint of vanilla , with
smooth polished well-integrated tannins on a long
complex finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon 90% Merlot 5% Cabernet Franc 5%
Barrel Aged for 27 Months 100% New French & American
Oak
http://cellartracker.com/w?890767 Del Dotto were
featured producers of our
Napa
Wine Experience 1998, 1999, and 2003 - Tasted at
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ Alec serving. |
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June 25, 2010 -
Marquis Phillips S2
Mclaren Vale Cabernet
Sauvignon
2002 |
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June 23, 2010 -
Domaine Chandon Carneros Pinot Noir 2007: Zenaida
Cellars Zephyr Paso Robles 2005 |
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June 22, 2010 -
Rosemount Blue Mountain Mudgee
Mclaren Vale Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon
2001 |
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June 19, 2010 -
Burgess
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Flight - 1996
& 2002 -
'02
- RM89
-
Surprising burst of
fruit flavor on opening - red berry fruits
and hint of spice - turning more Bordeaux
like, black cherry, earthy leather and cedar
after a couple hours. Much more fruit
forward then 96 and 97 vintages tasted
recently.
http://cellartracker.com/w?138524
1996 -
RM87 - A bit closed and tight on opening -
Bordeaux like earthy leather, black cherry,
hint of cedar - started to open and reveal
more black cherry fruit after an hour.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=59751
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Burgess Ilona
Howell Mountain 2004 - RM91 Dark,
complex, full bodied black berry fruits,
dark chocolate, hint of spice and anise, on
a moderately firm tannin finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?879599
Fiddlehead Cellars Seven Twenty
Eight Fiddlestix Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
2005 - RM89 -
Pleasant easy drinking, medium bodied -
black cherry, berry, nutmeg spice, hints of
dark chocolate.
http://cellartracker.com/w?529101
Tasted w/ L @ Bill & Beth C's with
wonderful teryaki beef London Broil and pork
tenderloin dinner.
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June 17, 2010 - Mayo Family Winery Random Ride
Vineyard Napa Valley Mt Veeder District Cabernet
Sauvignon 2005; Niner Wine Estates Bootjack Ranch
Paso Robles Syrah 2006 |
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June 16, 2010 - Chateau St Michelle Indian
Wells Vineyard Merlot 2007 |
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June 14, 2010
- The Willows Vineyard
Bonesetter South Australia Barossa Shiraz 2002
- RM 90 - Deep dark inky purple color, full
bodied, intense dense thick forward super ripe plum,
black berry, black raspberry, high acidic alcohol
with a cedar finish. Linda loves this style - its
too over the top for me.
http://cellartracker.com/w?79267 |
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June 13, 2010
- Calera Selleck Vineyard Pinot Noir 1993 -
RM89 - Light, slight rust color - polished
with a complex symphony of subtle black cherry,
berry, black pepper, spice, hints of coffee and
leather. This legendary wine and the plight of
producer Josh Jenson were featured in the wonderful
book
The Heartbreak Grape.
http://cellartracker.com/w?252733 Tasted
w/ L
at
our favorite Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ Alec serving. |
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June 12, 2010
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Horizontal
tasting of 1997 Howell Mountain Cabernet
Sauvignon - Lokoya, Robert Craig,
Cornerstone, Burgess, Clark-Claudon; Clark-Claudon
(RM92 RP92) took the night with its
complexity, balanced breadth and depth -
blackberry, hints of
cassis, gravel and caramel;
Lokoya
(RM93 RP93 WS 91) was my favorite, dark with
initial surge of forward dense, bramble, red
currant fruit, firm full refined tannins,
only to shut down later in the evening;
Cornerstone
Napa Valley Howell Mountain Beatty
Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
(RM91) was next - similar to
Lokoya
albeit a bit narrower, accented by focused
forward black cherry, slightly astringent
initially;
Robert Craig
(RM90) opened big only to shut down to be
more subtle;
Burgess
(RM89) was consistent through the night with
medium body, moderate black berry fruit,
slight mineral & leather. Other wines tasted
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Clark-Claudon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003;
Belle
Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Santa Maria
Valley Sonoma Pinot Noir 2003;
Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Pettit Syrah
2006; ricci Curbastro Franciacorte Extra
Brut NV; Clos Fontindoule Dordogne
Monbazillac 1982 -
RM89 - Dark golden color of weak tea
- smoke and tea tones predominate on the
subdued fruit flavors of apricot, peach and
lychie.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=197675
- Gala beef tenderloin and sockeye
salmon dinner and wine tasting w/L, Bill &
Beth, Dan & Linda.
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June 9, 2010 -
Barnett Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot
Noir 1999 - RM87: Medium
bodied, dark garnet with slight brownish color
suggesting may be reaching end of life - further
evidenced by slight dirt taste beneath the full
spicy loganberry, undercurrent of blueberry, hint of
rhubarb with punch of black cherry and leather on
the finish.
http://cellartracker.com/w?112541 |
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June 6, 2010 -
Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Haut-Medoc Bordeaux 1985
- RM 90 -
Medium
bodied - bright lively forward red fruit
flavors highlight with hints of raspberry,
black cherry, anise and leather on a
moderate tannin flavorful finish. Tasted
from magnum - lots of life left - little
sign of age in this 25 year old.
http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=40950
Chateau La Clariere
Laithwaite Bordeaux Controlee 1985
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http://cellartracker.com/w?287216
Gala
celebration dinner - '85 wines for G'Ma's
85th. Tasted
w/ L,
G'Ma Evelyn, G'Pa Keith, Erin & Johnnie,
Ryan & Michelle, & Sean at our favorite
Italian Bistro
Angeli's Restaurant
w/ Alec serving. |
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Mollydooker Verdelho The Violinist
2008 - RM 88 - Medium bodied, a cross
between the body of a chardonnay and the crispness
of a sauvignon blanc - full essence of pear
predominates with subtle melon and tropical fruits
on a firm finish. Tasted on a warm sunny afternon on
the deck w/ L and Bob with artisanal bread &
cheeses, fruit and Italian sausage. -
http://cellartracker.com/w?566718 |
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June 5, 2010 -
Oakwood Hollow Cuvee
Michael Mendocino County Pinot Noir 2006 -
RM 87 : Medium - light
bodied. Spicy pepper, leather, black cherry, cedar
and moderate tannins on a long fruit finish.
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June 3, 2010 -
Newton Claret Napa Valley Spring Mountain 2007 -
RM 90 WE93 - Dark garnet color. Medium bodied.
Subdued nose - full flavors of forward cherry and
cranberry accented by raspberry, black berry, clove
and brown spices. Blend of 60% merlot, 35% cabernet
sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 1% syrah. Great
value. Tasted at The
Refectory Restaurant and Bistro
in Columbus. |
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June 1, 2010 -
Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Alexander Valley
Chardonnay 2008 - RM88 - Forward pear fruit
flavor turning to pineapple and hint of lime with a
mineral finish. Great complement to parmesan
crusted halibut at
Jay's
Restaurant in Dayton. |
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Half 2010
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