tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-364709532024-02-28T15:25:08.955-08:00Sips & QuipsWine tastings, special bottles & experiences.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-62911200180948389462023-01-22T13:35:00.000-08:002023-01-22T13:35:00.906-08:00Vertical Tasting of 21 Grams<p><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=50677"><b>21 GRAMS VERTICAL: 2005-2016.</b> - Home, Portland OR (1/21/2023)</a></p>
<p>After tasting a number of different vintages of 21 Grams, and since this wine is no longer being made, I decided to see if I could build a full vertical of everything released. Wasn't sure there was a 2004 release, and wasn't able to find any, so 2005-2016 it was!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYvEUd6EP4-Z4pCF8G5YM6ZNjfQ0NqbITwWir1dZa4dn2XcbawYzdSW8eSn3FpPIkPRHwGAmFG4fqq77YT1UvGC0PzHAvnNv2zhdOZjSVFxYeVBmwQLMwE0xa_vE0Ed09RCbU68d8QtiY6P3C3c9jEhVxMrLkWwXobfOjl44LpKA6As_vsQY/s2016/IMG_1426.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYvEUd6EP4-Z4pCF8G5YM6ZNjfQ0NqbITwWir1dZa4dn2XcbawYzdSW8eSn3FpPIkPRHwGAmFG4fqq77YT1UvGC0PzHAvnNv2zhdOZjSVFxYeVBmwQLMwE0xa_vE0Ed09RCbU68d8QtiY6P3C3c9jEhVxMrLkWwXobfOjl44LpKA6As_vsQY/s320/IMG_1426.jpg"/></a></div>
<p><b>21 Grams</b></p>
<p>Every vintage of 21 Grams from Waters Winery (RIP).</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=539662&iNote=10279742"><b>2005 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Cork fell apart in the neck so I had to decant/strain and fish out the chunks, then funnel back into the bottle. Showing some bricking. Flavors of mature cabernet; boysenberry and plum fruit with a lot of tobacco and earth. This one slid the most after it was open for a while, turning somewhat port-like in flavor toward the end of the bottle. Past it's prime for sure, but still drinking well. <b>(90 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/c4a54b88-9854-492d-beb9-360ebc04f962.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=683396&iNote=10279747"><b>2006 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Another crumbled cork which required straining. One of the top bottles of the night, this was a stellar wine. Still quite fresh and delicious all the way through the bottle. Flavors of cassis, black cherry, saddle leather and violets. Hints of oak and vanilla as well. This is definitely at peak but may hold here for a bit. Outstanding wine! <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/26c95069-5d9b-4d8d-822f-1f5d0d470b3a.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=861658&iNote=10279755"><b>2007 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Delicious wine, but fell just shy of the 2006. Very similar flavor profile to the '06, just lacking some of the verve. Cassis, raspberry, and vanilla flavors stand out the most. This is still drinking very well and has a number of years left. <b>(92 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/296da463-0616-4c10-bf86-3f6050a21be4.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1111691&iNote=10279764"><b>2008 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. This bottle showed much more acidity than the 3 previous vintages, as well as most following (other than the 2011). Cassis and cherry fruit, a bit of pomegranate as well. Drinking nicely at age 15, and has some years left for sure. I'd say this is a 20 year wine at least, based on this showing. <b>(91 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/93bcc71f-0330-4938-8615-79fd3b3a9c0b.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1297348&iNote=10279772"><b>2009 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. A bit disappointed that this bottle didn't show better, considering how much I've loved 2009 wines in the past. Perhaps this one didn't have proper storage over it's life or something. Black cherry, a green, woody streak, but a bit too sweet and cloying compared to other vintages. Should probably be consumed near-term. <b>(90 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/6943dfe8-f523-486d-94a0-2052398ed3bb.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1607850&iNote=10279785"><b>2010 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Someone at the party called this wine "caramelly" and I think it really hits in this case. Red and black berries, caramel-cola flavors and nice acidity. This was very well-rounded and drinking great. I think it'll continue to show well for a number of years. <b>(92 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/3971e8e9-dff0-4c7a-8508-2a44d0fd1901.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2177013&iNote=10279797"><b>2011 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Reading my previous note on this wine, it certainly didn't live up to that review this time around. Perhaps it was because of all the others, but this bottle didn't deliver like last time. Yes, it's good, but not 94 points good. Red currant, cranberry, sweet vanilla and oak, with a good zip of acidity running through it. Has years left for sure...likely a 20+ year wine. <b>(91 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/19a015ee-2846-4255-a9f7-6246272f7c9b.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2048651&iNote=10279801"><b>2012 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Badly corked and undrinkable. Out of 12 bottles in the vertical this was the only flawed wine. Sad! <b>(NR/flawed)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/9ea038b6-00b9-4176-b00d-e4a5f0fd8eac.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2907260&iNote=10279810"><b>2013 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. Great wine with flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, and oak, finishing with espresso coffee and vanilla. Probably just nearing its peak drinking window at age 10, this wine has at least another 10 years ahead of it. <b>(92 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/15406f9c-94db-4305-a928-13ce1a7af30d.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2998575&iNote=10279821"><b>2014 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. This was my wine of the night, just edging out the 2006 with more freshness of flavor. Cassis, green pepper, spice and oaky vanilla all wrapped up in a nice package of acidity and tannin. All is in harmony here, with nothing out of place or in your face. Just an outstanding, delicious wine. I may have to hunt down more of this one. <b>(95 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/1594295c-9cb5-4b78-a8f1-eeb6f700ed5d.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2998579&iNote=10279831"><b>2015 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. 3 hour decant, and definitely needed it. The tannins and oak were almost overpowering (same w/2016), and the fruit was massive. Black cherry, raspberry, dark chocolate, black tea, oak, oak, oak and vanilla. Needs more time or a longer decant to be more enjoyable, but has the potential to be a knockout in 5-10 years. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/1259b599-8541-47bd-87d0-746ae2da76ef.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=3682424&iNote=10279839"><b>2016 21 Grams</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
21 Grams Vertical: 2005-2016. 3 hour decant, but needed longer. As with the 2015, everything about this wine was massive: Massive tannin, massive fruit, massive oak, massive flavor. Cassis, tobacco, oak, vanilla, espresso, cola and dark chocolate flavors. I think this will be a stellar wine in 10 years, but it's really good now if you give it proper air time. I'd hold until 2025 if you can. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/b08eb7fd-c58f-473f-a6ec-45f8f8ab9dc5.jpg" /></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Port</b></p>
<p>Birth year port, just because!</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=521893&iNote=10279857"><b>1970 Vinhos Borges Porto Vintage</b></a> - Portugal, Douro, Porto<br />
Birth year port! Successfully opened with an Ah So and was rewarded with a bottle of...rum? Brown, alcoholic sugar water. Truly disappointing, and I can see why Suckling/WS gave this a 59 back in 1989. Avoid. <b>(75 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/374ad8bb-2a0d-4691-b52d-e488ea1bbb71.jpg" /></li>
</ul>
<p>Great night with great friends drinking great wine!</p>
<p>Posted from <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/">CellarTracker</a></p>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-51707061733239589742020-03-25T09:42:00.002-07:002020-03-25T09:42:52.816-07:00Special Wine Tasting for NYEFinally got around to posting my NYE tasting notes (yes, I'm lazy). We had a great time, and opened some spectacular wines! See below.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1909301&iNote=8104645"><b>2013 Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard</b></a> - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (12/31/2019)<br />
Tied for my WOTN. Decanted 2 hours, could have used more. Massive wine, full of fruit, structure, and deliciousness. Gobs of black cherry, fig and plum fruit at various times and depending on what I was eating, followed by a wall of tannin and some vanilla sweetness from the oak. This has a long life ahead, so unless you're planning to decant for many hours, I recommend holding another year or two and drinking through 2035 or longer. <b>(95 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/dbe4b163-39d3-4731-aae6-cc6f3447541d.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2173133&iNote=8104562"><b>2014 Cayuse Syrah Cailloux Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (12/31/2019)<br />
Tied for my WOTN. Decanted 2 hours then funneled back into the bottle to serve. Lots of funk and savory flavors with this one, as expected from Cayuse. Black olive, espresso, almost a coppery sanguine flavor, grilled meat, and some black fruit showing nicely. The 2 hour decant was perfect on this wine, which I would consider too young to really enjoy otherwise. Drink now with air - 2030+. <b>(95 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/743b5429-cf62-4699-b729-f7de74a499fd.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2936899&iNote=8104629"><b>2014 Rasa Vineyards Fianchetto XL Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (12/31/2019)<br />
Decanted 2 hours and funneled back into the bottle for serving. The label on this bottle is a mess, thanks to my new wine fridge getting too humid inside over the summer. Looks like mold starting to form, and the label had fallen off at one point but I got it to stick again. I love this blend and the wines from XL are massive. Delicious, big black fruit, lots (!!!) of structure, and a very nice mocha finish. Could have used more time in the decanter, but was very enjoyable. Drink 2022 - 2035, perhaps longer. <b>(94 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/8c2e02fc-da7c-4642-a4fa-0c4f072168ca.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1899135&iNote=8104611"><b>2012 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon 1973 Block Red Willow Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley (12/31/2019)<br />
P&P. Black cherry fruit, loamy earth, cigar box, mocha finish. This was a hit at the party and was gone pretty fast. Easy drinking and tasty! Drink now - 2028. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/78a71fc9-6e8f-4ff4-98eb-73f7c932b1f1.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2868686&iNote=8104576"><b>2015 K Vintners Syrah Phil Lane</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (12/31/2019)<br />
Popped and poured (could have used a couple hour decant, IMO). Lots of luscious black fruit with espresso and oak flavors. A tad chunky right now, as this could ideally use another couple more years to evolve. Good now, especially if given some air. Drink now - 2030. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/b11a3432-a043-4816-b58f-03c1f63886cf.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2868694&iNote=8104586"><b>2015 K Vintners Syrah The Deal Sundance Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope (12/31/2019)<br />
P&P. Followed the 2015 K Phil Lane, and paled in comparison. While still quite tasty, it was less delicious and not showing as much complexity. Blackberry and plum fruit, a bit of wood and pipe tobacco. Drink now - 2025. <b>(91 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/826e05de-52e9-469b-9844-7cccdb9ded1a.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2599634&iNote=8104604"><b>2014 Natalie's Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Red Willow Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (12/31/2019)<br />
P&P. Opened this one later into the evening, so my notes are not very detailed. Sweet cassis and black cherry fruit, violets, and earth. Drink now - 2029. <b>(90 points)</b><br /><img src="https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/50bb7765-a1f8-48e6-b122-b6fe38b39a5f.jpg" /></li>
</ul>
<p>Posted from <a href="https://www.cellartracker.com/">CellarTracker</a></p>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-20093585224172282692017-03-12T17:40:00.000-07:002017-03-12T17:41:31.781-07:00Owen Roe Winery DuBrul Vineyard Vertical Tasting<p><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=34594"><b>OWEN ROE DUBRUL VINEYARD VERTICAL TASTING</b> - My House (3/11/2017)</a></p>
<p>I've been building this vertical of every vintage of Owen Roe Winery's DuBrul Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon since 2007. I was able to source vintages from auction and retail websites, or directly from the winery via their awesome wine club. What was supposed to be a 10-year vertical somehow turned into 16...how the time flies!</p>
<p><b>Palate Primer</b></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1434568&iNote=6239468"><b>2011 Owen Roe Chardonnay DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Had first as a palate primer. Probably past it's prime, this was surprisingly funky. Not drinking like a Chardonnay at all...more like Roussanne. Quite creamy, lots of funk, buttery oak, pear fruit. Interesting wine! <b>(85 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/111808.jpg" /></li>
</ul>
<p><b>The Cabs!</b></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=44827&iNote=6239278"><b>1999 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
The first vintage of DuBrul Vineyard Cab released by Owen Roe. Showing it's age...quite a bit of bricking, and smells like you'd expect an older wine to smell. Much less fruit, but still hanging in there. Flavors of mushroom, loam, cranberry, black tea and cherry. Past it's prime for sure, but still tasty and fun to drink. <b>(89 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=309&iNote=6239287"><b>2000 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Amazing transition from the 1999...this one is ALL about the fruit, and not showing it's age at all! Huge red and black fruit flavors: Cassis, black cherry & raspberry. Black tea, light wood, and tobacco flavors as well. This one is up there close to my wine of the night. Still very lush and alive. <b>(94 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=948&iNote=6239303"><b>2001 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Another great wine, although showing more tannin than I expected for the age. Earth, red berry fruit, saddle leather, and a zip of acidity. Still drinking well, but on the downward side. <b>(90 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=29181&iNote=6239311"><b>2002 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Wow, what a fruit bomb! Gobs of cherry fruit showing from this hot vintage wine. Started to get a bit overwhelmingly sweet once it had a couple hours of air under it's belt. Past it's prime, but was a crowd favorite for the lush fruit alone. <b>(92 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=71941&iNote=6239317"><b>2003 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Another crowd favorite and certainly near the top for me. Again, big masses of lush black fruit, silky texture, and sweet dark chocolate on the finish. Touches of wood and earth as well. Drinking spectacularly right now. <b>(94 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=289479&iNote=6239325"><b>2004 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Popped 2 bottles of this, as it was the crowd's 2nd favorite of the night (mine as well). Both bottles knocked my socks off (SOCKS! -Kaz) with the lush fruit and full body. Black cherry, currant/cassis, this is like drinking silk. Amazingly fresh and absolutely delicious! Still has lots of life left, despite the CT drinking window. I'd say this is a 20-year wine, easy. <b>(95 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33193.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=304790&iNote=6239338"><b>2005 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Wine of the Night! Another vintage that I opened 2 bottles for, due to the overwhelming love from all guests. Both bottles were absolutely stunning! Lush, silky, full-bodied, long finish...this wine has it all. Big cassis fruit, touches of black tea, oak, vanilla, and baking spices. Lonnnng finish of dark chocolate that matched our dark chocolate brownies. Can't say enough good things about this wine! It's at prime drinking right now, and is another 20+ year wine, in my opinion. <b>(96 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/70499.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=593298&iNote=6239348"><b>2006 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Another winner...seems like 2002-2006 were the most-liked vintages of the tasting. Similar flavors to the 2004 and 2005, but lacking that extra "something" that made those two stand a hair above the rest. Black currant, cherry, tobacco and earth. Another long chocolatey finish here too. Drink now - 2022+. <b>(94 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=770700&iNote=6239365"><b>2007 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Arrgh! Out of 19 bottles I opened for this tasting, only 1 was flawed: 2007. Corked! Not horribly so, but certainly noticeable to most tasters and undrinkable to me. We noted that it was flawed and asked everyone to taste it and tell us how. Most got it right: Flat flavors, hints of wet newspaper/damp basement. Very bummed I didn't have a backup bottle for this vintage! <b>(NR/flawed)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/148355.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=785721&iNote=6239377"><b>2008 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Similar to the 2006, but a touch leaner (cooler vintage I think). Quite delicious and a bit more acid and tannin. Red currant, cherry, tobacco, and spice. Drinking very well, but has a ton of upside still. This could have the stuffing to push past 2030. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/727757.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1200816&iNote=6239395"><b>2009 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Very similar to the 2004, flavor-wise. Black currant fruit, gobs of chocolate, less acid and tannin than the 2008. Drinking very well, but I don't think it's potential will match that of the 2008. Drink now - 2023. <b>(94 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/583445.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1220929&iNote=6239414"><b>2010 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Another 20+ year wine candidate. Very similar to 2008 in structure and fruit. Red currant, red cherry, great acid/tannin structure. Slightly leaner in terms of fruit than the earlier vintages. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/630679.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1672116&iNote=6239427"><b>2011 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Out of 16 vintages, this and the 1999 were the only bottles not finished (well, the corked 2007 too). Much leaner and more acidic than any other vintage (coolest in recent memory?) this one just wasn't as enjoyable as the others. More on the cranberry fruit side, with black tea, leather and earth. Hard to call the drinking window on this one. <b>(89 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/437702.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=1814990&iNote=6239447"><b>2012 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Decanted 2 1/2 hours. When first opened, this had some VA. The decant helped blow it off before we consumed it. Cassis, spices, dark chocolate, espresso/mocha on the finish. Drink now - 2030. <b>(93 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/33194.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2172537&iNote=6239451"><b>2013 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Decanted 3 hours. Showing it's youth for sure. Big fruit, tannins, nice acidity. Loads of black cherry, cassis, baking spices, oak and vanilla. Better with food at this point. Drink 2018-2030+. <b>(92 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/552916.jpg" /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2469104&iNote=6239460"><b>2014 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />
Decanted 3 hours. Another infant! Even with the decant, this was still just a baby...lots of fruit, lots of tannin, hard to get past all of that fruit to taste the secondary flavors. Black cherry, currant and vanilla, with an espresso finish. My palate may have been shot by this point too...drink 2020-2035. <b>(92 points)</b><br /><img src="http://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/939306.jpg" /></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks to everyone who shared this experience with me...it was so much fun!</p>
<p>Posted from <a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/">CellarTracker</a></p>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-82622013936532733142014-05-26T15:40:00.000-07:002016-12-09T14:24:20.446-08:00Memorial Weekend Wine TastingMemorial weekend upon us again! This time we did things in bulk: 25 friends in a <a href="http://www.aspenlimotours.com/our-fleet/30-passenger-party-bus/" target="NEW">30-passenger party bus</a>! She's the crown jewel of the <b><a href="http://www.aspenlimotours.com/" target="NEW">Aspen Limo Tours</a></b> fleet. Our driver, Kawika, was AWESOME! Ranks as one of the best wine tours I've done, even though we only hit 3 wineries. The first:<br />
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<a href="http://www.sineann.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sineann</b> </a>recently relocated to the old Owen Roe Winery out on Champoeg Road near St. Paul. A new facility is being built for Sineann and the resident winery, Lady Hill (more about them below). For a $10 tasting fee, we were able to taste through the entire Lady Hill and Sineann lineups:<br />
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<ul>
<li>2013 White Table Wine (mostly NZ Sauvignon Blanc) - $13</li>
<li>2013 Columbia Gorge Gruner Veltliner - $18</li>
<li>2013 Wyeast Vineyard Pinot Gris - $20</li>
<li>2013 Celilo Vineyard Gewurztraminer - $18</li>
<li>2012 Oregon Pinot Noir - $30</li>
<li>2012 Yates Conwill Vineyard Pinot Noir - $42</li>
<li>2012 Resonance Vineyard Pinot Noir - $48</li>
<li>2012 Red Table Wine - $16</li>
<li>2012 Columbia Valley Abondante - $24</li>
<li>2012 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $30</li>
<li>2012 Baby Poux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $42</li>
<li>2012 Red Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $48</li>
<li>2013 Sweet Sydney Zinfandel Port - $24</li>
</ul>
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Out of the lineup, the 3 Cabs were my favorite, with RMV topping the list. Well done, Peter!</div>
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After co-founder Jerry Owen split from Owen Roe, and that winery moved to Union Gap Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, he went to work with consulting winemaker Erik Brasher to form<b> <a href="http://ladyhill.net/" target="_blank">Lady Hill Winery</a> </b>in the old Owen Roe space on his family's farm property. These wines were a treat! I'm a huge fan of Erik's winemaking style, first experienced during his tenure as Director of Winemaking at Owen Roe. Included in the $10 tasting fee noted above were the following wines:</div>
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<ul>
<li>2013 Lady Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Gris - $18</li>
<li>2012 Lady Hill Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir - $35</li>
<li>2012 Procedo Columbia Valley Proprietary Red: 62% Sangiovese, 15% Cab Franc, 13% Merlot, 10% Cab Sauv. - $20</li>
<li>2012 Procedo Columbia Valley "Credente": 50% Sangiovese, 20% Cab Franc, 20% Merlot, 10% Cab Sauv. - $35</li>
<li>2012 Ad Lucem Columbia Valley Proprietary Red: 62% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre, 11% Grenache, 10% Durif - $25</li>
<li>2012 Ad Lucem Red Willow Vineyard "Daystar" Syrah - $35</li>
<li>2012 Ad Lucem Red Heaven Vineyard "Daystar" Blend: 51% Mourvedre, 29% Syrah, 20% Grenache - $40</li>
<li>2012 Ad Lucem Red Willow Vineyard "Daystar" Blend: 62% Mourvedre, 38% Syrah - $40</li>
<li>2011 Lady Hill Tapteil Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: 79% Cab Sauv., 21% Merlot - $45</li>
<li>2012 Lady Hill Tapteil Vineyard "Cuvee Marie Dorion" Blend: 62% Merlot, 38% Cab Sauv. - $35</li>
<li>BONUS POUR: 2012 Procedo Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc: 76% Cab Franc, 24% Merlot - $N/A</li>
<li>BONUS POUR: 2012 Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc Barrel Sample (unknown label or blend) - $N/A</li>
</ul>
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The winery also produces a number of other wines that were not open for tasting on this visit. All of these wines were hitting on all cylinders, and at amazingly reasonable price points. My favorites were the Ad Lucem single-vineyard blends, and the Tapteil Vineyard wines from the Lady Hill label. Keep your eyes on this up and coming new winery!</div>
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Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com08400 Champoeg Road Northeast, St. Paul, OR 97137, USA45.2456244 -122.8880482999999819.723589899999997 -164.19664229999998 70.7676589 -81.579454299999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-40217223754091969002014-05-12T13:23:00.002-07:002014-05-12T13:29:25.833-07:00Cayuse Weekend in Walla Walla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cayusevineyards.com/static/images/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cayusevineyards.com/static/images/logo.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past April, our wine loving group made the trek from Portland out to Walla Walla for "Cayuse Weekend". We went last year also, but one (large) difference this year was the fact that yours truly finally made it onto the <a href="http://www.cayusevineyards.com/" target="_blank"><b>Cayuse Vineyards</b></a> mailing list, after a 7 year (!!!) wait. This means I get to buy wine from the winery, and get to attend release weekend tastings. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't get to pick up any wine this year, as the 2012's were still in barrel, but next year I'll get my first allocation: 1 3-pack of 2012 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah. YES!!!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: If you haven't signed up for the<b> <a href="https://www.cayusevineyards.com/mailinglist/Signup.aspx" target="_blank">Cayuse Wait List</a></b>, I would HIGHLY recommend that you do, as well as Baron's second label, <a href="http://www.nogirlswine.com/" target="_blank"><b>No Girls Wines</b></a>. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the weekend! We hit Cayuse on Friday, after a quick lunch at The Worm Ranch, and a palate-cleansing tasting at Basel Cellars. In addtion to meeting founder/owner/winemaker Christophe Baron, who was extremely nice and quite fun to chat with, we tasted through barrel samples of the 2012 lineup, paired with some delicious hors d'oeuvres. Here are the wines:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011 <i>God Only Knows</i> Grenache</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 <i>Camaspelo </i>(84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 <i>Cailloux Vineyard</i> Syrah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 <i>En Chamberlin Vineyard </i>Syrah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012<i> En Cerise Vineyard</i> Syrah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 <i>Bionic Frog</i> Syrah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011 <i>Armada Vineyard</i> Syrah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012 <i>Impulsivo </i>Tempranillo</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All were amazing and, although very, very young, drinking quite well. I'm quite sure they had been decanted for some time. The Impulsivo was locked up pretty tightly, and several 2011 wines were included due to the un-readiness of their 2012 versions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The snacks served all came from estate-raised livestock. Here's the list:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cucumber with Olive Tapenade</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slow-Roasted Lamb on Chickpea Crisp</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rosemary & Thyme Lamb Meatball with Arrabiatta Sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chevre and Thyme Gougeres</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Country Pate and Cherry Gastrique</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All were delicious, although I avoided the pate/cherry thing (I don't like either ingredient), with my favorite being the lamb meatballs. So good with the wines! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other wineries we visited over the weekend were Sleight of Hand Cellars (epic Grenache party Friday night), El Corazon (epic "Pants Optional" party Saturday night), Rasa Vineyards (epic wines, ALWAYS), Mark Ryan Winery (epic carnitas tacos), Charles Smith/K Vintners, Reynvaan Vineyards, and Cadaretta Winery. A great weekend, tasty dinner at T. Maccarones, extremely fun and laid back. We missed a lot of wineries this trip, but made up for it with the higher amount of fun. If you haven't visited Walla Walla, I really think you need to plan it! </span></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-25589674949592728082013-10-26T14:40:00.001-07:002013-11-30T13:38:51.042-08:00Owen Roe Wine Club Pick-Up Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNovaWYGVQ9NPJa6HIIpOTyHcKh9dnGn6PVOTnrpJx6fY7ZbeJ_LwbkUy0LGrohWf8jU6Kn2aijiEZULPxJgbcblktSKMClMnMrmOmuUS8FN8su22CLPh9ClR3e2jEjl7FaXSWw/s1600/OwenRoeLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNovaWYGVQ9NPJa6HIIpOTyHcKh9dnGn6PVOTnrpJx6fY7ZbeJ_LwbkUy0LGrohWf8jU6Kn2aijiEZULPxJgbcblktSKMClMnMrmOmuUS8FN8su22CLPh9ClR3e2jEjl7FaXSWw/s320/OwenRoeLogo.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.owenroe.com/">Owen Roe Winery</a> in St. Paul, OR is relocating their winery to the Yakima Valley in Washington. A brand new winery facility is being built on their Union Gap Vineyard </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(estate)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and all winemaking will move there after 2013 harvest. Rumor has it Owen Roe will move their Oregon tasting room to an old nut barn in the Newberg area sometime in early 2014 (location to be announced). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a side note, the "old" Owen Roe winery has been taken over by <a href="http://ladyhill.net/">Lady Hill Winery</a>, owned by ex-Owen Roe partner Jerry Owen, with ex-Owen Roe director of winemaking Erik Brasher as winemaker. Expect some amazing wines under the <i>Radicle Vine</i>, <i>Procedo</i>, <i>Ad Lucem</i>, <i>Lady Hill</i> and <i>Pinnacle</i> labels coming from them in the very near future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final Owen Roe wine club pickup party at the old winery was Sept. 14, and I attended with several good friends. Free for club members and their guests ($10 for all others), the following wines were offered for tasting (and sale - 15% wine club discount!): </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Corvidae "Wise Guy" Sauvignon Blanc</b> ($10)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "DuBrul Vineyard" Chardonnay</b> ($48) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "Eola-Amity" Pinot Noir</b> ($42) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "Lenne Vineyard" Pinot Noir</b> ($55) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "Merriman Vineyard - Wadenswil Block" Pinot Noir</b> ($55) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "Sharecropper's" Pinot Noir</b> ($21)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "Abbot's Table" Red Blend</b> ($24) - Great blend of 5 varietals </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Owen Roe "Sharecropper's" Cabernet Sauvignon</b> ($15) - A great value Cabernet </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2011 Owen Roe "Yakima Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon</b> ($55) - New offering this year </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2011 Owen Roe "Red Willow Vineyard - 1973 Block" Cabernet Sauvignon</b> ($72) - Always a favorite</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2011 Owen Roe "DuBrul Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon</b> ($72) - Wine of the Tasting for me </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, a great event, and amazing red wine line up! I love all of the Owen Roe Cabernets. I look forward to visiting the new winery on my next trip to Yakima. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-89338544997586025532011-12-17T12:22:00.000-08:002012-05-09T22:25:34.008-07:00PDX Urban Wineries Tasting<center><img src="http://pdxurbanwineries.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pdxlogo.jpg"></center><br>There are a number of wineries located in the Portland Metro Area...actually within the city limits. They are somewhat known by the collective name <b><a href="http://pdxurbanwineries.com/" target="NEW">PDX Urban Wineries</a></b>, and featured a tasting from members a couple weekends ago. The tasting was located at the winery facility for Seven Bridges Winery, down in the eastside industrial area under the Fremont Bridge. A great tasting, it showcased some of the areas best new winemaking talent, as well as grapes from all over the Northwest. Featured wineries and their wines with release prices were:<br><ul>
<b><a href="http://vincentwinecompany.com/" target="NEW">Vincent Wine Company</a></b><li>2010 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir ($24)<li>2010 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir ($36)<li>2010 Armstrong Vineyard Pinot Noir ($36)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://www.ribbonridge.com/" target="NEW">Ribbon Ridge Vineyards</a></b><br><li>2007 Dewey Kelly Pinot Noir ($22)<li>2007 Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir ($32)<li>Non-Vintage "Muse" Early Muscat dessert wine ($18)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://www.helioterrawines.com/" target="NEW">Helioterra Wines</a></b><br><li>2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($24)<li>2010 Vintner's Select Pinot Noir ($36)<li>2010 Walla Walla Valley Mourvédre barrel sample ($n/a)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://grochaucellars.com/" target="NEW">Grochau Cellars</a></b><br><li>2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($24)<li>2009 Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir ($32)<li>2009 Rogue Valley Syrah ($22)<li>2009 Rogue Valley "Matador" Temranillo/Grenache/Syrah ($30)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://janmarcwinecellars.com/" target="NEW">Jan-Marc Wine Cellars</a></b><br><li>2009 Columbia Gorge Chardonnay ($22)<li>2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($28)<li>2009 Columbia Gorge Syrah ($22)<li>2009 "Bastard Red" Bordeaux-style blend ($22)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://www.ensowinery.com/" target="NEW">ENSO Winery</a></b><br><li>Non-vintage "Resonate White #3" ($14)<li>2010 Horse Heaven Hills Malbec ($24)<li>2010 Columbia Valley Zinfandel ($26)<li>2010 Shenandoah Valley Mourvédre ($28)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://www.hipchicksdowine.com/" target="NEW">Hip Chicks Do Wine</a></b><br><li>2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris ($15)<li>2008 Sangiovese ($19)<li>2007 Reserve Malbec ($26)<li>Non-vintage "Wine Bunny Rouge" ($16)<li>Non-vintage "Vin Nombril" ($14)<li>Non-vintage "Wine Bunny Blush" ($14)<br><br>
<b><a href="http://www.sevenbridgeswinery.com/" target="NEW">Seven Bridges Winery</a></b><br><li>2008 Walla Walla Valley Syrah ($24)<li>2008 Kolibri Vineyard (Yakima Valley) Reserve Malbec ($34)<li>2008 Columbia Valley "Prima Nata" Cab/Merlot/Malbec ($34)</ul><br>
A great tasting, in a very cool winery space. Standout wines for me were the Helioterra Mourvédre, Seven Bridges Prima Nata & Syrah, and the Vincent Pinots. Can't wait to see what these wineries do in the future!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-65771064630011129812011-11-19T14:08:00.001-08:002011-11-19T14:27:30.768-08:00Cooper Comes to Portland<center><img src="http://cooperwinecompany.com/images/big_label_btm.jpg" alt="Cooper Wine Company"></center><br>Red Mountain in Washington State is one of my top wine regions in the world. The wines from this small AVA on a "mountain" at the Southeast end of the Yakima Valley are second to none. One of the area's newest wineries, <b><a href="http://cooperwinecompany.com/" target="NEW">Cooper Wine Company</a></b>, paid Portland a visit a couple weeks ago, and offered those "in the know" an epic tasting of their current releases. Owner/winemaker Neil Cooper brought his entire staff along for the ride, and poured 8 different wines, also offering some tasty small bites from the hosting venue, <b><a href="http://www.originaldinerant.com/" target="NEW">The Original Dinerat</a></b>. Wines we tasted were:<ul><li>2010 Estate Marsanne ($30)</li><li>2010 Estate Chardonnay ($40)</li><li>2008 L'inizio Bordeaux-style blend ($50)</li><li>2008 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon ($40)</li><li>2009 L'inizio Bordeaux-style blend ($50)</li><li>2009 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon ($40)</li><li>2009 Estate Merlot ($n/a - wine club only)</li><li>2009 Carmenere ($n/a - wine club only)</li></ul>All of the wines were outstanding, with the two whites being my least favorite (as usual, I love the big reds!), and the stand outs being the Walla Walla Cabernet and the L'Inizio blend. Wine of the Tasting for me was the 2008 Walla Walla Cab. Huge fruit and structure, but very lush and delicious. Thanks Neil and team for a great tasting event! My friend Dave and I had a great time chatting with everyone while tasting through the line-up. I hope to see everyone again at the winery next time I'm in the area!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-9789620024831446902011-10-05T20:55:00.000-07:002011-11-12T12:27:50.782-08:00#WASyrah Twitter TastingI love these Twitter tastings, except it is a bit difficult to tweet on my iPhone and taste at the same time! Nice lineup of Washington Syrah from a variety of producers, and hosted by <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ERWINESHOP" target="NEW">E & R Wine Shop</a></b>, located in the John's Landing neighborhood of Portland. And, lucky for me, only 4 blocks from my office!<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1050469"><b>2008 Dusted Valley Vintners Syrah Boomtown</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
Wine #1. Good cherry fruit, bright acidity, medium body. A bit sharp on the finish, but excellent QPR. <b>(86 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1059817"><b>2008 Magnificent Wine Company Syrah Columbia Valley</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
Wine #2. Another great $20-ish range QPR wine. Cherry fruit on the entry, medium body, midpalate is a bit flabby, but showing some nice plum fruit. Finish is all cherries. Would definitely grab this off a restaurant list. <b>(88 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1154626"><b>2008 Milbrandt Vineyards Syrah The Estates</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope<br />
Wine #3. Loved the nose on this one! Big funky, pepper and blackberry, following to the palate. Good structure and acidity, supple tannins, medium/full bodied and drinking nicely. Sorry I missed this winery on our last Prosser visit! Tied for my WOTT. <b>(92 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=916981"><b>2008 L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
Wine #4. I caught a hint of TCA on this one. Not very apparent to others at the tasting, from what I overheard, but I am particularly sensitive to TCA taint. Flavors were a bit muted as well, if comparing this to the 2007 means anything. Lacking the big peppery fruit of the '07, and is actually a bit harsh. Would love to revisit this from a different bottle, as I loved the '07 and it is a killer QPR wine at $24. <b>(85 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1177990"><b>2009 Dusted Valley Vintners Syrah Stained Tooth</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />
Wine #5. Very forward nose, showing big fruit. On the entry, you can tell this is a young wine. A bit disjointed at the moment, and harshly tannic for my palate. Some vigorous swirling calmed this badboy down a tad, and that fruit really stood out. Lots of cherry and plum, but the tannins and acidity are both quite apparent. Give this one a year or two and it'll shine! <b>(88 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=963420"><b>2008 Mercer Estates Syrah McKinley Springs Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills<br />
Wine #6. Right off the bat I can tell this is a Horse Heaven Hills wine. Huge peppery nose dominates. Lots of sweet fruit hitting the palate, some vanilla and mocha on the back. Nice tannins and acidity, quite well-integrated. First Mercer wine I've had, and I'm impressed! <b>(89 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=796728"><b>2007 Reininger Syrah</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley<br />
Wine #7. Very nice blackberry and pepper nose on this one. Hits the palate with sweet/funky blackberry fruit, and ends with a big dollop if black pepper. I think the extra age on this one gives it an edge, and it was drinking very nicely. Smooth, integrated, and delicious. I think this was tied for my WOTT. <b>(92 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1025420"><b>2008 Otis Kenyon Syrah</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley<br />
Wine #8. Good fruit with a nice bit of funk. Strikingly strong blueberry flavors, which I usually don't get off Syrah. Finish is a bit sour cherry, which detracts from this wines appeal somewhat. <b>(89 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1037330"><b>2008 L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah Estate Seven Hills</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley<br />
Wine #9. Another great Walla Walla wine, blackberries and pepper abound. Medium to full bodied, with lots of thick fruit, and a great black pepper finish. So tasty, and just a tad below my top picks in this tasting. Evolving quite well since the last time I tasted this (Dec 2010). <b>(91 pts.)</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1140342"><b>2009 Amavi Cellars Syrah</b></a> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley<br />
Wine #10. This is another young'un. Nose is quite reticent, taking some fairly vigorous swirling to coax any aromas out. Just a hint of fruit. Palate-wise, this is highly acidic at the moment. Bright, with ample tannins that need to calm down a bit for pleasurable drinking (or several hours of decanting). The fruit emerges with more swirling, and is very nice black cherry. Hints of pepper and dark chocolate appear on the finish, but are overshadowed by the tannins. This should be a blockbuster, given some time to bring everything together. <b>(90 pts.)</b></li>
</ul>
A great tasting with some stellar Syrahs. E & R Wine Shop is fairly new to me, but it is a great little shop! Lots of older vintage bottles here and there, and some rare stuff you never see anywhere (2006 Gramercy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwKWhgWAtAg" target="NEW">John Lewis Syrah</a>, anyone?). My only complaint is also one of the shops benefits: There are bottles stashed horizontally on the racks behind bottles standing upright, so it is hard to really see all their inventory. However, this probably explains how they still have all those older vintages and rare bottles! <br />
Tasting notes posted from <a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=15523" target="NEW">CellarTracker</a>.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-15495868436862858342011-08-13T20:04:00.001-07:002011-08-13T21:07:50.616-07:00Corked Wines: A Reflection on DisappointmentCorked! Nothing worse than popping a much-anticipated bottle of wine and discovering it is spoiled! We've all heard the word 'corked', but how many people actually know what it means, really? Most people I've asked think it has to do with a wine's cork closure actually failing in some way. While this is partially true (the cork failed to remain neutral towards the wine), the term 'corked' refers to the presence of TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) in the wine, most commonly from a tainted cork closure, or '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cork_taint" target="NEW">cork taint</a>'. TCA has a very distinctive odor, most commonly described as wet newspaper/cardboard, damp shoe leather, wet dog, or musty basement. In other words, it is not pleasant, especially in a wine! <br><br>Ever wonder why there are so many alternative wine closures showing up on store shelves these days? Examples are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_wine_closure#Screw_caps" target="NEW">Stelvin</a>, or screwcaps, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_wine_closure#Vino-Seal" target="NEW">Vino-Lok/Vino-Seal</a>, or glass corks, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_wine_closure#Zork" target="NEW">Zork</a>, which is a bulbous plastic cork from Australia, and a myriad of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_wine_closure#Synthetic_corks" target="NEW">synthetic/plastic corks</a>. The stats don't lie: The number of corked wines from alternative closures is next to nothing, and if they are corked, typically the source of TCA in wine sealed with an alternative closure is NOT from the actual closure, but from a tainted barrel or something else within the winery itself. What percentage of wines are corked? I've read 1-3% as the normal range. A fellow wine blogger, Sean Sullivan of Washington Wine Report, has a running <a href="http://www.wawinereport.com/search/label/Corked%20Counter" target="NEW">Corked Counter</a> for 2011, where he documents his experiences with corked wines (he tastes a LOT of wine). As of July 2011, he had tasted 835 wines, with 26 being corked, for a corked rate of around 3%. But what about my personal experience?<br><br>After opening a corked wine this evening, I decided to take a look at my wine consumption history, using Eric Levine's wonderful tool, <a href="http://www.cellartracker.com" target="NEW">CellarTracker</a>, which I've been using religiously since late 2007 to track my wine purchases and consumption. Here's the breakdown of my personal wine consumption and corked rate, by year.<ul><li>2007 (Oct-Dec): 71 bottles consumed, 0 corked.</li><li>2008: 283 bottles consumed, 5 corked = 1.8% corked rate.</li><li>2009: 297 bottles consumed, 6 corked = 2.0% corked rate.</li><li>2010: 262 bottles consumed, 4 corked = 1.5% corked rate.</li><li>2011 (Jan-Aug): 125 bottles consumed, 3 corked = 2.4% corked rate.</li></ul>Out of 1,038 wines personally consumed over roughly 3 years, 18 were corked, for a corked rate of 1.73%. Cost of these 18 corked wines came to $430.50, and I was able to get refunds on 2 of them that totaled $56. So my overall financial loss due to corked wines is $374.50. That's certainly no small number, even over 3 years.<br><br>I'm curious to hear from readers if anyone has experienced a corked wine, and what your thoughts are on traditional cork vs alternative closures. Comments are appreciated!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-59965937081092061572011-02-21T11:54:00.001-08:002011-02-21T13:30:58.472-08:00Walla Walla Invades The Willamette ValleyOn Saturday, February 19, friends and I ventured south to McMinnville for an epic tasting event at <b><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=noah's+wine+bar+mcminnville&fb=1&gl=us&hq=noah's+wine+bar&hnear=McMinnville,+OR&cid=16572808578192437256" target="NEW">Noah's Wine Bar</a></b> (Google Places page; they have no website) in downtown McMinnville. But prior to there, we stopped at <b><a href="http://www.canasfeastwinery.com" target="NEW">Cana's Feast Winery</a></b> for their wine club pick-up party. They released their 2008 Cabernet Franc, 2008 Taptiel Vineyard Merlot and 2008 Montagna Rossa, a SuperTuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot, and provided barrel samples of the 2009 Taptiel Vineyard Merlot. All were very, very good wines, and pair with freshly-prepared fare from the bistro kitchen at the winery.<br><br>A total of twelve wineries and some 40+ wines were available for tasting at Noah's event, all for the minuscule sum of $10. There was no way I could taste all of the wines, so some abbreviated notes follow.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.amavicellars.com" target="NEW">Amavi Cellars</a></b>, sister to Pepper Bridge Winery, brought their 2008 Walla Walla Syrah and 2008 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon. Both showed quite well for being so young, with the Syrah edging out the Cab for me. Both were nicely structured, but the Syrah showed serious black pepper and some additional complexity that may eventually appear in the Cab, once it has additional bottle age.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.pepperbridge.com" target="NEW">Pepper Bridge Winery</a></b> provided two of their five wines: the 2007 Merlot and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, both from estate (Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards) fruit. The third wine is a Reserve bottling, typically a Bordeaux blend of the previous two offerings. The fourth and fifth wines are wine-club only single-vineyard blends, Seven Hills Vineyard and Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Both the Merlot and Cab showed well in this tasting, with the Merlot being a bit more approachable currently.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.baselcellars.com" target="NEW">Basel Cellars</a></b> makes a number of wines from both estate grapes, as well as grapes from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley. For this event, they provided their 2006 Columbia Valley Syrah, 2007 Claret, 2006 Estate Merlot, 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2006 Inspired Bordeaux-styled blend. The Syrah was again my favorite, but having tasted at the winery several times, I already knew I loved their Syrah. The Inspired was also a very tasty offering.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.fivestarcellars.com" target="NEW">Five Star Cellars</a></b> provided their 2008 Sangiovese, 2007 Merlot, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2008 Quinque Astrum, another SuperTuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cab and Merlot. All fruit is 100% Walla Walla Valley. I really enjoyed the Cabernet with this winery. Full-bodied and really drinking well with lots of fruit. The SuperTuscan was also very tasty.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.leonetticellar.com/?redirect=no" target="NEW">Leonetti Cellar</a></b> brought their full line-up, but we were only allowed one taste (with a provided ticket). Available to taste while we were there was the 2007 Sangiovese and 2008 Merlot, with the 2007 Cabernet being available if you asked nicely. I chose the Cab and was rewarded with an explosive, extremely rich, full-bodied wine that will easily cellar for another 5-10 years. A delicious wine, although I question if it is the wine or the Leonetti brand that you are really paying so much for. With release prices being $80+, and the same wines being offered on wine auction sites for $30 or more below release price a year later, one has to wonder.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.reiningerwinery.com" target="NEW">Reininger Winery</a></b> is no stranger to my blog. The winery brought 2 wines from their Walla Walla Valley-sourced label, Reininger, the 2007 Syrah and 2007 Carmenere, and 2 wines from Helix, their lower-priced Columbia Valley label, the 2005 Sangiovese and 2006 Pomatia red blend. I liked the Pomatia a lot. It was easy to drink and very fruit-forward. But it was the two Reininger wines that really impressed. The Carmenere gets my vote as the most unique wine at the tasting. Not only unique, it was also delicious. The 2007 Syrah was also delicious, with a ton of black pepper and some funk, although not as much as their Ash Hollow vineyard bottling, which was regrettably absent from this tasting.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.sevenhillswinery.com" target="NEW">Seven Hills Winery</a></b> brought their 2009 Reisling (not tasted), 2007 Malbec (slightly corked, although I am particularly sensitive to TCA), 2007 Petit Verdot (for the wine geeks), 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Klipsun Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA, and 2007 Pentad red blend. All but the Cabernet are from Walla Walla fruit. The Cab was far and away my favorite, but I'm partial to Red Mountain wines. It had serious structure and over-the-top flavor. The Pentad was also very tasty, but overshadowed by the Klipsun Cab, in my opinion.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.sinclairestatevineyards.com" target="NEW">Sinclair Estate Vineyards</a></b> provided only 3 wines, their 2009 Chardonnay (not tasted), 2008 Sangiovese and 2008 PentaTonic, a Bordeaux-style blend. The blend was definitely my favored Sinclair wine, full of fruit and earth flavors. We will definitely pay them a visit the next time we're in Walla Walla.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.tamarackcellars.com" target="NEW">Tamarack Cellars</a></b> brought the most wines to this tasting. Present were the 2009 Chardonnay (not tasted), 2009 Firehouse Red (a 'kitchen sink blend' of many grape varietals), 2007 Merlot, 2009 Cabernet Franc, 2008 Syrah, and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. I was really surprised how much I like ALL of the wines offered by Tamarack, but I really liked the 2008 Syrah and 2007 Cab Sauv. Both were very tasty and structured for decent cellaring.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.waterswinery.com" target="NEW">Waters Winery</a></b> only brought two wines, their 2007 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Syrah and 2008 Interlude Bordeaux-style blend made from 55% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. Readers of this blog (all two of you) already know of my love for Waters 2007 Forgotten Hills Syrah. I haven't been the biggest fan of the Pepper Bridge Syrah in the past, as I feel it lacks the earthy funk and pepper flavors I love about Walla Walla Syrah. While not a bad wine by any means, the Pepper Bridge is overshadowed by the Forgotten Hills and Loess Syrahs, when compared side-by-side. At this tasting, the Syrah tasted good, with very pure Syrah flavors, minus the pepper and earth. The Interlude had the earthiness in spades however, and was my favorite Waters wine at this tasting.<br><br>A sister winery of Waters (and joint venture with Gramercy Cellars), <b><a href="http://www.winesofsubstance.com" target="NEW">Wines of Substance</a></b> (fun website, by the way) brought their 2009 "Ch" Chardonnay (not tasted), 2009 "Sy" Syrah and 2009 "Cs" Cabernet Sauvignon. The Syrah again took top honors for me, barely edging out the Cabernet with it's nice blackberry flavors.<br><br><b><a href="http://www.woodwardcanyon.com" target="NEW">Woodward Canyon Winery</a></b> brought their 2008 Chardonnay (not tasted), 2008 Nelms Road Merlot, 2008 Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2008 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon. I was surprised how well the Nelms Road wines were tasting. For just $20 these two may just get some rotation into my daily drinkers lineup. Nice wines! But the Artist Series Can stole the show, with huge cassis and earth, also with some vanilla oak flavors evident. I really liked the amount of oak on this wine!<br><br><b><a href="http://www.vapianovineyards.com" target="NEW">Va Piano Vineyards</a></b> brought three wines, the non-vintage Bruno's Blend VII, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Syrah. I only tasted the Syrah and it was quite good, but seemed a bit flat compared to some of the others. It may have just been my tired palate at that point however.<br><br>There was one other wine being offered by the gentleman pouring Leonetti's wines, and it was not from Walla Walla. <b><a href="http://www.delillecellars.com" target="NEW">DeLille Cellars</a></b> is based in Woodinville, just northeast of Seattle, and sources their grapes primarily from Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs, with a little bit of Yakima Valley too. The wine being poured was the 2008 D2, a rich, Merlot-based Bordeaux-style blend. To my palate, the D2 was one of the tastier wines being poured. Very rich and mouth-coating, with solid tannins bringing up the finish. Interesting that at a wine tasting for Walla Walla wines, I liked a non-Walla Walla wine the most. Wine of the Tasting for me: DeLille Cellars D2, followed closely by the Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-63601812032593648432010-12-23T20:16:00.000-08:002010-12-23T21:21:20.268-08:00Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend - Day 3Make sure you read about our <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/12/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-day-1.html">Day 1</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/12/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-day-2.html">Day 2</a></b> adventures first!<br /><br />Day 3 started off just like Day 2, with the killer free breakfast at our hotel, and then Starbucks. Everyone sort of went their own ways this morning, with one couple heading home, Kristina and I going for a drive out in the country, and making plans to meet up with my Aunt and Uncle, who live in Walla Walla. Eventually we met up with 3 of our group at <b><a href="http://www.kvintners.com/" target="NEW">K Vintners</a></b>. We didn't realize they were closed on Sunday, and were only accepting tastings by appointment. Fortunately, winemaker Charles Smith had a tasting appointment at the same time we showed up (along with a bunch of others), so he poured for us all! And what an experience! Charles is a no-nonsense kind of guy, and his gruff manner and crude jokes had the entire group laughing hard in no time! We started out with the 2009 Eve Chardonnay, moved to the 2008 Motor City Kitty Syrah, and then to the 2008 Phil Lane Syrah. Both were quite delicious, but the icing on the cake, and my favorite wine, was the 2007 Heart Syrah. What an amazing wine! Huge fruit and a ton of structure. It was a bit too pricy for us, so we went home with bottles of the Phil Lane and MCK Syrahs instead. I also snapped this great shot of an etched bottle of 2006 Royal City Syrah:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5287337868_2cb77c7a41_m.jpg" alt="Royal City Syrah"><br /><br />After getting some great pictures of Kristina on the K Vintners "K" (shown below), we headed over to my Aunt and Uncles house for a short visit, prior to hitting the road back to Portland. Another great Walla Walla trip, and I'm sure there will be many more!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5286736115_fe9cbe73e4_m.jpg" alt="Kristina on the K">Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-14730140760979834102010-12-23T18:56:00.000-08:002010-12-23T20:14:43.611-08:00Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend - Day 2Make sure you read about our <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/12/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-day-1.html">Day 1</a></b> adventures first!<br /><br />We started off Day 2 by grabbing the free breakfast at our hotel. A nice spread! Afterwards, as part of our group was already out at the Airport wineries, we headed downtown for Starbucks and ended up tasting at <b><a href="http://www.damawines.com/" target="NEW">DaMa Wines</a></b>, with Mel pouring again (this time as a brunette!). I liked their Syrah a lot. <br /><br />Finally, we headed south to my favorite Walla Walla winery, <b><a href="http://www.rasavineyards.com/" target="NEW">Rasa Vineyards</a></b>. Pouring their wines was winemaker Billo Naravane. His brother and business partner, Pinto, was unfortunately not able to make the trip out to Walla Walla from his home on the East Coast. The wines were, as always, absolutely amazing! From their second-label PB Wines to the perfect-scoring 2007 Principia Reserve Syrah, all were so good! The Principia was my favorite, but I went home with another bottle of their delicious 2007 QED Rhone blend. Barrel samples were the 2009 QED, 2008 Principia and 2008 Creative Impluse, a stellar Bordeaux blend sourced from DuBrul Vineyard in Yakima Valley. If you thought Rasa was only great with Rhone varietals, think again! This wine shows a ton of promise, and I'm kicking myself for not jumping on a couple bottles at futures pricing. Such depth and purity of fruit. Just amazing wine.<br /><br />After Rasa, we headed back into Walla Walla and out to the airport to meet up with our wayward friends at <b><a href="http://www.dunhamcellars.com/" target="NEW">Dunham Cellars</a></b>. The winery was all decked out in full Christmas decorations, with a huge tree in one corner, perfect for photo ops. Favorite wine at Dunham was the 2006 Columbia Valley Syrah. The barrel samples were a 2008(?) Syrah and Cabernet from Lewis Vineyard (both were VERY tasty).<br /><br />Although I wanted to hit the 5 "incubator" wineries at the Airport, we ended up heading back into town to dump the cars and set off on foot to the downtown area tasting rooms. First stop, Trey Busch and <b><a href="http://www.sofhcellars.com/" target="NEW">Sleight of Hand Cellars</a></b>. A bonus this time, we got to meet Trey's stepfather (I think), Dougal, from Georgia. What a fun guy! Trey makes an amazing Syrah, the Levitation, and the 2008 was drinking well this day. The barrel sample was a 2009 Syrah from Funk Vineyard called "Funkadelic". It was superb. I wanted to pick up a couple bottles of the Levitation, but didn't want to lug them around with me all night, so I swore to stop by on Sunday before we left to stock up. I forgot, of course (sorry Trey!), but will get some soon! The wine is too good to pass up.<br /><br />After leaving SofH, we hiked down to <b><a href="http://elcorazonwinery.com/" target="NEW">El Corazon Winery</a></b> at the end of downtown, and next to Mill Creek Brewpub. Spencer is the owner/winemaker, and his lovely wife and 6 year-old son were helping out in the tasting room. Never having tried El Corazon wines, I was very impressed! The barrel sample was a special extended-barrel aged Syrah. Great stuff, but reserved for wine club members. I'll be leaning on Woody to kick me down some when it is available! Kristina ended up buying a magnum of their 2009 Malbec. Really yummy stuff! As a bonus, the Walla Walla Holiday Light Parade went by as we were walking over to our next stop up the street.<br /><br />That stop being <b><a href="http://nicholascolecellars.com/" target="NEW">Nicholas Cole Cellars</a></b>. A great, modern tasting room, right at the end of downtown (and a perfect place to watch the parade of lights, while staying warm). Stand out wine here was the Estate Reserve, but ALL of the wines were great. A sad aside here, winemaker Mike Neuffer has closed the winery indefinitely, in order to care for his children in Seattle, after the death of their mother. I hope all goes well, and he is able to return to winemaking soon. The wines are delicious.<br /><br />At this point, we had all hit our wine limit and headed over the the Marcus Whitman Hotel bar for some cocktails and warmth, before going back to the hotel. Don't miss our <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/12/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-day-3.html">Day 3</a></b> adventures!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-37225721718893157722010-12-23T18:01:00.000-08:002010-12-23T20:16:03.956-08:00Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend - Day 1I recently took a weekend trip to Walla Walla for the Holiday Barrel Tasting weekend event, December 3-5. And finally got my girlfriend, Kristina, to come along, and see some of where I spent a lot of growing up. The 3 1/2 hour drive from Portland was uneventful, even with snow on the side of the highway. Once we pulled into the outskirt towns of Walla Walla, we made our first stop: <b><a href="http://lecole.com/" target="NEW">L'Ecole No. 41</a></b> in Lowden, just west of Walla Walla on Hwy. 12. While all of their wines were delicious, we especially loved the 2008 Walla Walla Valley Estate Syrah, and the 2007 Perigee and Apogee Bordeaux blends. The barrel samples here were 2009 Perigee and 2009 Apogee.<br /><br />Our group had all driven out from Portland the day before, and were already deep into wine country, so we decided to meet up with them south of town, at <b><a href="http://www.baselcellars.com/" target="NEW">Basel Cellars</a></b>. Of course we had to drive past my grandparent's old place on Wallula Road (wow, has it fallen apart since they sold it 20 years ago!), since it was on the way. We were the first at Basel Cellars, and proceeded to start the tasting. I think we were the only customers in the tasting room! Stand-outs at Basel Cellars were the 2006 Columbia Valley Syrah, 2007 Walla Walla Valley Estate Syrah, 2006 Basel Cellars Merriment Bordeaux blend, and the 2008 Cabernet Franc. We got a private tour of the winery, which used to be a huge garage for collectible cars and motorcycles. A very cool operation there. Upon returning to the tasting room, we met up with our group, and got to taste the barrel samples, a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, and (I think) Merlot. Much wine was purchased, for me, the 2006 Syrah. <br /><br />After Basel, we raced over to <b><a href="http://gramercycellars.com/" target="NEW">Gramercy Cellars</a></b> before they closed. I love MS Greg Harrington's wines, and we got to try a new one this night: The 2008 "Lower East" Cabernet Sauvignon (which gave the standard Gramercy Cab a run for it's money!), basically juice from the regular bottling that didn't quite make the cut. The 2008 regular Cab must be amazing, because the Lower East was damn tasty! The stand-out wine for me was the "Inigo Montoya" <i>(My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.) </i> Tempranillo. I can't remember the barrel sample here (2009 Syrah?), but I liked it a lot. Along with Gramercy, we got to taste <b><a href="http://winesofsubstance.com/" target="NEW">Substance</a></b> (fun website!) wines too. My favorites here were the Malbec and Syrah. I don't recall any barrel samples from Substance.<br /><br />While everyone was tasting away, I boogied over to <b><a href="http://www.waterswinery.com/" target="NEW">Waters Winery</a></b> to taste through their Syrah line-up. I recalled from our Labor Day trip that I really, really liked one of the Syrah's, but not which one. Turns out, they are ALL amazing, but the meaty, stinky <b><a href="http://waterswinery.com/wines/2007-forgotten-hills-vineyard-syrah" target="NEW">2007 Forgotten Hills Vineyard Syrah</a></b>. Wow, what a wine. I went home with 2 bottles of this treasure. Barrel samples were the 2009 Forgotten Hills Syrah and 2009 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.<br /><br />After tasting, we all headed into Walla Walla to our hotel, the <b><a href="http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=48124" target="NEW">Walla Walla Best Western</a></b>, to freshen up and prepare for our dinner at <b><a href="http://www.tmaccarones.com/" target="NEW">T. Maccarones</a></b> (we had to go back, after our stellar meal last trip). Great food, as always, and an amazing server (Nikki, I'm talking to you!). Although my favorite wine from last time, the Adamant Cellars Syrah, was out of stock, we ended up bringing a couple of our own bottles to enjoy. <br /><br />After dinner, we walked around downtown (in 20+ degree weather, no less) before heading over to the <b><a href="http://www.sapolilcellars.com/" target="NEW">Sapolil Cellars Tasting Room</a></b> for some live music and a glass of their tasty Syrah, before stumbling back to the hotel for the night.<br /><br />Read about our <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/12/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-day-2.html">Day 2</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/12/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-day-3.html">Day 3</a></b> adventures next!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-90995487291225219352010-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:002010-10-23T12:36:50.425-07:00Woodinville Wine ExcursionWhat was supposed to be a quick afternoon stop for the grand opening of Obelisco Estate's new Woodinville Warehouse District tasting room, quickly turned into a full "excursion" and resulted in some some epic wine tasting! Read on about each of our stops.<br/><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b><a href="http://www.grandrevevintners.com/" target="NEW">Grand Reve Vintners</a></b><br/>Although we had tried to hit this tasting room twice before, we either couldn't find them, or they were closed. I'm VERY happy they were open this day, because their excellent wines set the stage for a wonderful day! I'm also happy that I was able to previously order their sold out 2007 Collaboration Series III Syrah. These are amazing wines, built to age for years, and I highly recommend them all. The concept is using the best grapes (Red Mountain, natch), grown by master vineyard manager Ryan Johnson (Ciel du Cheval, Cara Mia, Galitzine, Grand Ciel, etc...) and then having some of the top wine makers in the region craft an individual wine, hence the "Collaboration Series" name. Collaboration Series I is a Bordeaux blend made by Ben Smith of Cadence Winery. Collaboration Series II is a Southern Rhône blend made by Ross Mickel of Ross Andrew Winery. Collaboration Series III is a Syrah made by Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery. Collaboration Series IV is another Bordeaux blend made by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Winery. Collaboration Series V is a Grenache made by Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery. Collaboration Series VI is another Southern Rhône blend made by James Mantone of Syncline Wines. They also have a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which we didn't get to taste, and are just about to release a delicious new lower cost, tasting room-only wine called "Petrichor", which is a Syrah-Cabernet blend.<br/><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=654193'><b>2005 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series I Ciel du Cheval Red Mountain</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>Rich, full-bodies, amazing fruit, with some nice earthiness in the mid-palate. Sweet fruity finish, with just a touch of oaky vanilla. A very well-balanced, well-made wine. <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=667776'><b>2006 Grand Reve Vintners Syrah Collaboration Series III Ciel du Cheval Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>Wow. This is the type of Syrah I love! Very structured, with some nice tannins on the finish. Great blackberry fruit, smokey, with some black pepper. <nobr><b>(94 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1014200'><b>2006 Grand Reve Vintners Petrichor</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>This is a pre-released Cabernet-Syrah blend, from the "second label" of Grand Reve. “Petrichor” describes the smell that results from rain hitting stone, and comes from “petri”, meaning “rock”, and “ichor”, the ethereal colorless fluid that was said to flow in the veins of Greek gods. An apt name for this elixir. Very rich, with nice structure, and amazing fruit on the attack. Mid-palate is full bodied and full of fruit, with a long sweet finish. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b><a href="http://www.obelisco-estate.com/" target="NEW">Obelisco Estate</a></b><br/>Obelisco Estate is a relative newcomer to the Washington Wine scene, but no stranger to high-quality winegrapes. In fact, co-owner Doug Long used to own IX Estate Vineyard in Napa Valley, famous for supplying grapes for some of Colgin Cellars' highest scoring wines. The wines produced by Obelisco Estate's Red Mountain vineyard are all amazing, particularly the Electrum Cabernet Sauvignon. The first released vintage from Obelisco Estate was 2007, consisting of a single wine, the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. For 2008 that wine was renamed "Electrum". They will also release a special Reserve-level Cabernet bottling called "Nefer III" in 2011. I can't wait to get my hands on that one!<br/><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=931814'><b>2008 Obelisco Estate Syrah Tejen Les Gosses Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>First wine in the lineup, paired with mushroom bruschetta. Lots of cherry fruit, licorice, and some pepper. Very young, but there is serious potential here. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=931810'><b>2008 Obelisco Estate Malbec Tejen Obelisco Estate Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>Wine #2, paired with Belgian endive salad with stilton cheese, pecans and caramelized pears. Blue fruit, black cherries, with some spices. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=931808'><b>2008 Obelisco Estate Tejen Red Wine Obelisco Estate Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>Wine #3, paired with a caprese salad (on a stick). Plums, blackberries, spices, and some vanilla oak. Very structured with some nice, integrated tannins. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=931812'><b>2008 Obelisco Estate Merlot Tejen</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>Wine #4, paired with an apple and onion tart, with gruyere cheese. Lots of cherry fruit, cola, and some vanilla oak. This is Merlot! <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=842907'><b>2008 Obelisco Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Electrum Obelisco Estate Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>The final wine, paired with a beef canape. Amazing wine! Lots of structure, many layers of flavors...blackberry, cherry, vanilla and spices. Finishing with a vanilla coke/blackberry pie mix. Very tasty wine, and a step up from the 2007. <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b><a href="http://www.giffordhirlinger.com/" target="NEW">Gifford Hirlinger</a></b><br/>Having visited the Gifford Hirlinger tasting room on many occasions, it remains one of our favorites. Not only for the delicious wines, but also for the fun tasting room manager, Jessica (sister of winemaker Mike Berghan), who always has a great story about the wines we are tasting. This visit was no different, and we had a great time chatting with Jessica, leaving with a bottle of their 2006 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon.<br/><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=905011'><b>2008 Gifford Hirlinger Stateline Red Walla Walla Valley</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>A simple blend, but quite flavorful. Having loved their Merlot and Cabernet, I'm surprised that the whole is less than it's individual parts...although I'm sure the fruit isn't exactly the same. Nice and quaffable, at an amazing QPR. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=600272'><b>2006 Gifford Hirlinger Merlot Estate</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>Thinking our last bottle of GH Merlot may have been heat damaged, we locked eyes over our glasses after the first sip, knowing for sure that the last bottle we had was indeed spoiled. THIS was some good stuff! Tobacco, big fruit--blackberry and cherry--with some nice earthiness on the finish. Mike has a deft hand with wood on this wine, and there are no overbearing oak notes. Nice work! <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=800746'><b>2006 Gifford Hirlinger Cabernet Sauvignon</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>This wine just keeps getting better, every time I taste it! Great fruit, solid structure, nice acidity, and some really fine secondary flavors starting to emerge. The fruit is the star of the show here, with blackberries leading the charge. A bit of cassis in there too, with some earth and tobacco filling in, not a lot of oakiness at all, but just a bit of mocha coming in on the finish. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=905024'><b>2008 Gifford Hirlinger Malbec</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>This one edged a bit more towards the blue fruits than the other wines. Very rich, perhaps overly so, but a really nice wine. Not many secondary characteristics at this point, just a lot of fruit. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b><a href="http://www.darbywinery.com/" target="NEW">Darby Winery</a></b><br/>Darby Winery recently moved their tasting room from a nondescript space in the Woodinville Warehouse District to the Hollywood Schoolhouse District. The tasting room is in a new building next to Village Wines, amongst a number of other winery tasting rooms. A much better location, in my mind. Winemaker Darby English has again crafted some great wines, all at very respectable price points. My favorites are again his Syrah-based wines, and we went home with a bottle of The Dark Side Syrah.<br/><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=890508'><b>2009 Darby le deuce</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>58% Viognier, 42% Roussanne. Definitely not a fan of this one, although maybe in the heat of summer it would work better. Lots of pear fruit, with some ginger ale (minus the carbonation). Well-made, just not my type of wine. <nobr><b>(85 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=896119'><b>2009 Darby The Endless Road</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>Darby's first Rosé, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Quite nice, with some good dryness, and ample strawberry fruit. Really nice acidity too! <nobr><b>(87 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=890510'><b>2008 Darby Purple Haze Columbia Valley</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Malbec, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, from Conner Lee, Sheridan, Stonetree and Boushey vineyards. I really liked this one...Lots of cassis and raspberry fruit, with a long finish of dark chocolate. Some tannins that could use a bit more time to integrate, but other than that, it was an amazing wine (and only $20!) <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=700868'><b>2007 Darby CHAOS</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc, 8% Petit Verdot. Not as tasty as the Purple Haze, in my opinion. Almost too tannic, and not giving up much flavor at the moment. Not sure on the barrel regime between the two, but this wine seems like it is built to age much longer, and perhaps needs some more time to integrate. Lots of cherry fruit, but a ripple of greenness throughout that I didn't like so much. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=840929'><b>2007 Darby Syrah The Dark Side Columbia Valley</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>Very meaty Syrah! Lots of dark fruit, smoked meat, espresso. Very dark and full-bodied, reminds me a bit of a Betz Syrah, only at 1/2 the price. Good stuff (bought a bottle). <nobr><b>(92 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1013591'><b>2008 Darby The Flip Side</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>This is a Grenache-based Rhone blend, barrel sample (I think). The bottle was unlabeled, at any rate. Quite young tasting, with ample tannins, in sort of a Chateauneuf du Pape style. Some mocha/oak, strawberry and cherry fruit. A touch of white pepper. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1013588'><b>2008 Darby Syrah Aunt Lee</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>Another barrel sample (I think--unlabeled bottle at least). We had a bottle of the 2007 Aunt Lee, and LOVED it, so it was no wonder we really liked this wine as well. Definitely on the younger side, but already showing some serious legs. Big blackberry and plum fruit, with lots of spices and smoked meat. Just what I love in a Syrah! <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><i>Tasting notes posted from <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=12124'>CellarTracker</a>.</i>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-81500252413799159182010-10-04T21:34:00.000-07:002010-10-04T21:47:00.512-07:00Penfolds Tasting Seminar<b><a href="http://www.penfolds.com.au" target="NEW">Penfolds</a></b> tasting seminar, hosted by <b><a href="http://www.linerandelsen.com/" target="NEW">Liner & Elsen Wine Merchants</a></b> in NW Portland, and presented by Penfolds' Assistant Winemaker Steve Lienert and Technical Winemaker Andrew Wright. A great slideshow presentation of Penfolds history, and current winemaking areas, techniques, and the wines themselves. We tasted through 10 red wines from various vintages, including 2 vintages of Grange. A great event, and only $20!<br/><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>The Bin Wines</b><br/><style='margin-left:10px'>The 'budget' end of Penfolds red wine lineup at this tasting, these Bin wines are typically around $20, and named for the concrete "bins" the bottles were stored in while aging. Some of the Bin series (Bin 389, Bin 707, etc) are quite expensive, however, and rival Grange in quality and prestige.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=503470'><b>2006 Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley</i><br>Wine #1. Nice nose of blackberry and chocolate. Sweet & spicy fruit with a bitter, dark chocolate finish. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=510841'><b>2006 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra</i><br>Wine #2. Black fruit and spices on the nose. Elegant but with ample tannins. Some mint along with the black cherry fruit, and finishing with some spicy cherry. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=9811'><b>1996 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 Kalimna</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>Wine #3. Plummy nose, with big red fruit and lots of pepper. Sweet plum fruit and vanilla, with surprising tannins for a '96. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=309755'><b>2004 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 Kalimna</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>Wine #4. Not much on the nose...very tight, with just a touch of fruit. Lots of tannin, sweet blackberry fruit, oak and vanilla. A bit disjointed to me... <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=651012'><b>2006 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 Kalimna</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>Wine #5. Big peppery nose with blackberry and currant. Surprisingly less tannin than the '04. Much sweeter, with a long finish smoky finish. <nobr><b>(92 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><style='margin-left:10px'><b>St. Henri</b><br/><style='margin-left:10px'>The St. Henri wine goes back to the 1950's with Penfolds, and even older vintages before it was purchased by Penfolds. A true Australian relic, known as the 'alter-ego of Grange'.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=890256'><b>2006 Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>Wine #6. Completely different than any of the other wines so far. Elegant nose of black fruit and cassis. Much more refined flavors than Bin 28 and none of the big pepper. Sour cherry flavors ending with some dark chocolate. Somewhat Bordeaux-like (!) in it's complexity. <nobr><b>(92 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><style='margin-left:10px'><b>RWT - Red Winemaking Trials</b><br/><style='margin-left:10px'>Started as an experiment in 1995, and first launched in 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Working from a single region within Barossa Valley, and matured only in French oak, RWT is more muscular and assertive than Grange.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=357238'><b>2004 Penfolds Shiraz RWT</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley</i><br>Wine #7. From magnum. Wow...Spices and sweet black fruits. This is what I like in Shiraz! Still quite tannic and drying, but very smooth and silky too. Blackberry pie comes close, with the sweet fruit and vanilla. Happy I have a bottle in the cellar, but I won't be touching it for at least 5 years. <nobr><b>(94 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=911970'><b>2007 Penfolds Shiraz RWT</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley</i><br>Wine #8. Couldn't be more different from the '04. Huge peppery nose, with some alcohol as well. Very tannic and a lot of pepper on the palate. Huge blackberry fruit, and some black licorice. A bit too over the top at this point. Needs a good 5-8 years in my opinion. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><style='margin-left:10px'><b>Grange</b><br/><style='margin-left:10px'>The iconic Australian wine. And rightly so! Just an amazing line of Shiraz.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=230624'><b>2002 Penfolds Grange</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>Wine #9. From magnum. 98.5% Shiraz, 1.5% Cab in the blend. Huge nose of black fruit pepper and vanilla. Such an immense wine, and so damn good! Fruit for days...blackberry, sweet with oaky vanilla. Still just a baby, especially from magnum. <nobr><b>(98 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=461565'><b>2005 Penfolds Grange</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>Wine #10. 96% Shiraz, 4% Cab. Another huge wine! Lots of plum fruit, seemingly from a hotter vintage? 100% new American oak for 18 months. Black pepper, big plum fruit and A LOT of tannins! Vanilla on the finish, but fairly hidden by the chalky tannins. At this stage, I much prefer the 2002. <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><i>Tasting notes posted from <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=12011'>CellarTracker</a></i>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-82103733967402282622010-10-03T20:36:00.000-07:002010-10-03T21:44:31.440-07:00Walla Walla Wine Tasting - Day 3Be sure to read about our <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/10/walla-walla-wine-tasting-day-1.html">Day 1</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/10/walla-walla-wine-tasting-day-2.html">Day 2</a></b> adventures first!<br /><br />Day 3 started off much like Day 2, except that the boys rolled into town and had breakfast at a delightful little cafe called <b><a href="http://www.sitkwallawalla.com/" target="NEW">Someone's In The Kitchen</a></b>. Good food, great coffee and stellar service! Even still, with the hangovers we were rockin' that morning, a trip to Starbuck's for more coffee was definitely in order. Dave and Des took off for home later that morning, so it was a nice 4 person group to go tasting, this time down south of town where most of the area's vineyards and wineries are located.<br /><br />First stop was the beautiful <b><a href="http://www.baselcellars.com/" target="NEW">Basel Cellars</a></b>. What a gorgeous winery! It has to be seen to be believed...great wines too! Lisa was still a little hungover, so she didn't taste but Trish, Woody and I enjoyed their entire line. The 2006 Syrah was my favorite, and on sale to boot, so I grabbed 2 bottles. I could have sat in the sun and drank in the gorgeous view all day, but more wineries beckoned! Tasting fee: $5 (waived with my bottle purchase).<br /><br />Next stop was on JB George Road, at <b><a href="http://www.saviahcellars.com/" target="NEW">Saviah Cellars</a></b>. While the wines here I'm usually a big fan of, they only had 5 wines open to taste, and just one Syrah, "The Jack", which was corked! I couldn't believe they were pouring this wine, and that none of the annoying, overweight, drunks tasting there picked up on the flaw. TCA was slight, but quite noticeable all in our group. The 2008 Une Vallée was my favorite in the lineup, but overpriced. Sorry guys, but the experience there was not a good one for us. Tasting fee: $0.<br /><br />Right next door to Saviah Cellars is <b><a href="http://waterswinery.com/" target="NEW">Waters Winery</a></b> and <b><a href="http://gramercycellars.com/" target="NEW">Gramercy Cellars</a></b>. Another beautiful winery, and we spent much longer here than we had originally planned, just because it was so cool to hang out there. They excel in Syrah at Waters, and of the 4 on offer (Columbia Valley, Loess, Forgotten Hills, and Pepper Bridge), my favorite was the Forgotten Hills. Amazingly funky and barnyard-y, the wine was delicious! Unfortunately, the 21 Grams red wine that is a high-end project by Waters and Gramercy together, was not being tasted. Tasting fee: $5.<br /><br />Sharing the same facility is Gramercy Cellars, which requires a tasting appointment (we didn't have one). However, we were lucky enough to catch Matt, who was running the tastings, after a group left (one of the group members had THE WORST comb-over I've ever seen, starting from his neckline and going up over the top of his head. Truly amazing...), and Matt gave us a tasting appt. for a couple hours later. <br /><br />We motored on, in search of <b><a href="http://www.northstarwinery.com/" target="NEW">Northstar Winery</a></b>, and their much-lauded Merlot. I think they were having a wine club event or something, because the place was packed. Very cool tasting bar too. Anyway, the wines were all good, but nothing really stood out for me. The Merlot's were both tasting great, but a bit too high in price for me at that point. Tasting fee: $10.<br /><br />Back to Gramercy Cellars for our tasting. Gramercy is another new winery in the area that is making a big splash, and rightly so. I had previously tasted their wines, and met winemaker/founder Greg Harrington, at <b><a href="http://www.storytellerwine.com" target="NEW">Storyteller Wine Company</a></b> in Portland, so I was no stranger, but wow, all of the wines blew me away. We tasted the new releases: 2008 Syrah, 2008 "Third Man" Grenache blend, 2008 "Inigo Montoya" (as in, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.") Tempranillo, and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. I loved the Cab best, but since I already had a bottle (thanks Trish!), I picked up the Third Man. Regrettably, the John Lewis Reserve Syrah was not yet released. Tasting fee: $0. <br /><br />Our next stop was <b><a href="http://www.trustcellars.com/" target="NEW">Trust Cellars</a></b>, over on Merlot Dr. Nice little tasting room, with an sweet view of the Blue Mtns. And of course, great wines! My favorite was the 2008 Walla Walla Valley Syrah, and I brought home a bottle. Tasting fee: $0.<br /><br />About this time, I got a call from Gramercy Cellars, advising me that I had left my debit card there (oops!) so we decided to head back, but not before making a final winery stop at <b><a href="http://www.vapianovineyards.com/" target="NEW">Va Piano Vineyards</a></b>. While the winery was pretty cool, there was a fly infestation that was annoying, and the wines while good, were probably not tasting so well for us, after trying so many prior. At any rate, I wasn't very impressed and didn't have any money anyway, since my debit card was over at Gramercy. So we tasted through quickly, and left. Tasting fee: $0.<br /><br />Back to camp to freshen up, and the out to dinner at <b><a href="http://www.tmaccarones.com/" target="NEW">T. Maccarone's</a></b> for an excellent meal and killer bottle of Adamant Cellars Syrah ($28), and then to the Green Lantern Tavern, known locally as "The Green", or just "Green". Best bar in Walla Walla. Lisa schooled some guys at pool while the rest of us looked on, and enjoyed our drinks. We tried to go back to Sapolil Cellars for Syrah and live music, but they were closed, so we called it a night.<br /><br />Headed home the following afternoon, after one hell of a chilly night camping. We broke camp, loaded up the Disco and rolled west, stopping at Reininger Winery again, to taste through their line up and buy some more Rosé. The drive home was long but interesting, what with all the wind turbines and the river, but long it was. We're planning to head back for <b><a href="http://www.wallawallawine.com/calendar?a=search&s=holiday+barrel+tasting" target="NEW">Holiday Barrel Tasting</a></b> the first weekend in December. Should be a great time!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-84956498305191597802010-10-03T19:28:00.001-07:002010-10-18T22:36:09.881-07:00Walla Walla Wine Tasting - Day 2Read about our Day 1 adventures in <a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/10/walla-walla-wine-tasting-day-1.html">this post</a>.<br /><br />Day 2 started off early, with everyone hitting up the showers and jokes about "fire in the hole!". We set out in Woody's Rover Disco, with me in the far back manning the iPhone Charging Station (AC inverter and powerstrip), since everyone had an iPhone, and maps/GPS. Since we had a couple tasting appointments (1:00 at Long Shadows, 2:30 at Rasa Vineyards), we decided to head way out west, and start at <b><a href="http://www.woodwardcanyon.com" target="NEW">Woodward Canyon</a></b>, one of the oldest wineries in the area. Woodward Canyon is located on Highway 12, out in the tiny (TINY!) town of Lowden, and has some delicious wines. No detailed tasting notes here, but the Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon was amazing, and my wine of the flight. Tasting fee: $5.<br /><br />Woodward Canyon is is conveniently right next door to <b><a href="http://www.lecole.com/" target="NEW">L'Ecole No. 41 Winery</a></b>, which we made our second stop of the day. If you go, be sure to "ring the bell" before you walk into the winery. You'll know what I'm talking about when you arrive. This winery was packed, with people standing 3 deep at the tasting bar. Huge wine list too, with Columbia Valley and local Walla Walla Valley options. I loved their Syrahs, as well as the Apogee/Perigee Bordeaux blends. As a bonus, we were able to taste some older vintage (2002) bottles of these two tasty wines, and what a difference age makes! While they had the 2002's available for sale, they were a bit above my price range, and I ended up taking a bottle of their 2007 Columbia Valley Syrah home, for $24. Tasting fee: $5 (waived with my bottle purchase).<br /><br />We were able to fit in a third winery before our 1:00 tasting appt. with Long Shadows, and <b><a href="http://reiningerwinery.com/" target="NEW">Reininger Winery</a></b> fit the bill nicely. Great tasting room, that would be excellent for a big party (hint-hint), and delightful tasting room staff. They took very good care of us, and had plenty of knowledge about the wines. I think everyone's favorite wine was their 2009 Helix Rosé. I really loved the Ash Hollow Vineyard Syrah, because of it's funkified nose. Really dirty and earthy...yum! We lingered here a bit too long, and had to beat feet to get out to Long Shadows in time. Tasting fee: $5.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.longshadows.com/" target="NEW">Long Shadows Wineries</a></b> is off all by itself, up Frenchtown Road off Hwy 12, in the midst of rolling grain fields. The winery is of ultra-modern design, and situated such that when viewing outside from within, the sense of being in the middle of nowhere, with nothing around is incredible. Inside, it is very modern and luxurious, with a tasting 'host' and viewing windows down into the working part of the winery. You can tell they spared no expense when creating the winery! We were fortunate enough to chat with Bonny, who schedules the tasting appointments, and handles most (all?) of the sales and such at the winery. The wines here are all delicious, from the Riesling to the blends, and Syrah. Each wine is made by a different well-known winemaker, most from outside the US. Resident winemaker Gilles Nicault, who makes their Chester-Kidder wine, also takes care of the wines when the others are not in residence. My two favorites were the Pedestal Merlot, by Frenchman Michel Rolland, and Sequel Syrah, by Australian John Duval. Both were tasting perfectly that day, and I ended up splurging and took home a bottle of 2007 Sequel. Tasting fee: $10 (waived with my bottle purchase).<br /><br />Our fifth stop was also our second 'scheduled' appointment, with relative newcomers, <b><a href="http://www.rasavineyards.com/" target="NEW">Rasa Vineyards</a></b>, owned by brothers Pinto and Billo Naravane. Their winery, previously the Artifex crush facility, is now the Hence Vineyards winery out on Powerline Rd. A beautiful winery, with river rock walls and a "lodge" feel to it! Rasa is only just preparing to release their second vintage (2008), and are already making a huge splash in the Washington wine scene. Their wines are all amazing! Had I the cash, I would have bought a case, at least, of each wine! The tasting lineup consisted of 2 vintages of their QED Rhone blend, Vox Populi Mourvedre, The Composer Riesling, Principia Reserve Syrah (my favorite), and two new wines from their second label, PB Wines. Released at a much lower price point than the regular line, the PB line is going to be a winner. They have a Red Mountain Syrah, and a Red blend as well, for just $29. Comparatively, the QED retails for $50, and the Principia $85. This was by far my favorite experience that day. Pinto and Billo were excellent hosts, and had a great story behind every wine. I could have spent all day just talking to them about wine and their philosophy behind it, let alone sampling their delicious wines! Almost everyone bought at least a bottle here, with me taking a Principia, QED and a couple bottles each of the PB Wines line. We're trying to get the brothers to come out for some tastings in Portland, so stay tuned! Tasting fee: $0.<br /><br />After spending the rest of the afternoon at Rasa, we ended up back in downtown Walla Walla, attempting to hit Happy Hour at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. But guess what? No Happy Hour. See ya! <br /><br />Next stop, <b><a href="http://www.sofhcellars.com" target="NEW">Sleight of Hand Cellars</a></b> tasting room. I love the wines here, and winemaker Trey Busch is super cool. We were picking out records (yes, actual LP records!) to play and having a great time chatting with Trey. He was unfortunately sold out of my favorite wine, the 2007 Levitation Syrah, but was gracious enough to pull out a yet-to-be-released 2008 Levitation for us to sample! Awesome wine, and one that I will be purchasing when it is finally available! Thanks Trey! Tasting Fee: $0.<br /><br />About this time, we were starting to get hungry, and looking at food options. I happened to wander off, and stumbled upon the <b><a href="http://www.damawines.com/" target="NEW">DaMa Wines</a></b> tasting room on Main St, just down from Sapolil. Mel, the tasting room host, was awesome, and she had us all laughing hard from the start. The wines were great, with my favorite being the Syrah. I didn't make a purchase here (others did), but I probably should have! Tasting fee: $0. <br /><br />Finally, dinnertime! We hit up <b><a href="http://www.sweetbasilpizzeria.com/" target="NEW">Sweet Basil Pizzaria</a></b> for some excellent pie and (you guessed it) more wine! Nothing ever tasted so good as that pizza...<br /><br />We ended the night back at Sapolil Cellars Tasting Room, with more of that yummy Syrah and live music (different band), before crashing out back at camp. <br /><br />Read about our adventures on Day 3 in <a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/10/walla-walla-wine-tasting-day-3.html">this post</a>.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-50605158521337150722010-10-03T19:09:00.001-07:002010-10-03T20:36:29.965-07:00Walla Walla Wine Tasting - Day 1Some friends and I planned a nice weekend in Walla Walla for some wine tasting. Dave, Woody, Trish, Lisa and myself all took off early on a Friday and headed east. After making the 4 hour trek up the Columbia River, we secured a couple tent sites at <b><a href="http://www.bluevalleyrv.com/" target="NEW">Blue Valley RV Park</a></b>, on the north side of town (camping in the city, yo). Thus began the fun!<br /><br />Our first order of the day (Friday night, really) was to go for a tour through downtown and get the lay of the land. Right off the bat, we keyed in on Red Monkey, if only for the funny name. Dinnertime! Great burgers and drinks, but as it turns out, this is a restaurant...and nightclub! Hmm. We finished up right at the transition between the two, and once the lame hiphop beats started hitting, we knew it was time to move on. <br /><br />Our next stop was <b><a href="http://www.millcreek-brewpub.com/" target="NEW">Mill Creek Brewpub</a></b> for $3.33 margaritas! Yes, they were sickly-sweet with cheap mix and cheaper tequila, but...$3.33! Couldn't pass that up! As a bonus, friend Des finally showed up, having left PDX much later than the rest of us, and made the trip out alone. <br /><br />The last stop of the night was the <b><a href="http://www.sapolilcellars.com/" target="NEW">Sapolil Cellars Tasting Room</a></b> for some live music and a glass of their excellent Patina Vineyard Syrah, and "Gandy Dancer", a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese and Malbec. Great little place, with a fun, diverse crowd. Located next door to the <b><a href="http://www.cayusevineyards.com/static/index.html" target="NEW">Cayuse Vineyards</a></b> tasting room (which is almost never open). <br /><br />The town pretty-much rolls up the sidewalks, along with everything else, around midnight, so we headed back to the campground to rack out and make an early start on our wine tasting excursion. My <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/10/walla-walla-wine-tasting-day-2.html">Day 2</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.rperro.com/2010/10/walla-walla-wine-tasting-day-3.html">Day 3</a></b> posts cover the majority of our wine tastings. Read on!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-74950966662502057382010-08-02T20:27:00.000-07:002010-08-02T21:57:33.352-07:0040th Birthday BBQ & 1970 Vintage Wine TastingA BBQ/Wine Tasting put together to celebrate my 40th Birthday. I started sourcing 1970 vintage wines about 2 years ago, buying them on WineBid, and other auction sites. Although several were over the hill, surprisingly, only 1 bottle was flawed out of an entire case of 1970's wines. Pretty damn good luck, if you ask me! Wines are listed in the order they were supposed to be tasted, not in the order they actually were tasted (although I noted it in the tasting notes for each). It was an epic event for me, as well as for many of my friends. Outstanding wines, and even better friends in attendance! Special thanks to Woody, Dave and Dietra, for going above and beyond helping me get everything set up. There are a number of <b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rperro/sets/72157624587250702/" target="NEW">photos on Flickr</a></b>, as well as a <b><a href="http://home.comcast.net/~rfrost70/Images/1970Tasting.MOV" target="NEW">video of the 1970's wines</a></b> for download (requires QuickTime). Okay, on to the wines!<br/><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>Pre-Tasting Bubbles, White and Rose</b><br />Some wines to whet everyone's palate, as well as go with the 93+ degree weather outside. There were others (a Lenne Estate "Le Nez" Rose of Pinot Noir, a Pinot Grigo, etc), but I didn't taste them.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=32060'><b>N.V. Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs</b></a><i> - USA, New Mexico</i><br>Overly bubbly at first but settled down a bit. Perfect bubbles for a 93 degree day. Slightly sweet, and nice minerality too. Pear fruit, and very refreshing. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=694503'><b>2007 Matanzas Creek Winery Chardonnay Sonoma Valley</b></a><i> - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley</i><br>Light straw in color. Flavors of honeydew melon and pineapple, nice minerality too. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=872136'><b>2009 Patton Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Very light, pale pink color, with vibrant acidity, and tasty strawberry fruit. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>1970 St. Émilion</b><br /><ul type='square'><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/90663.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=655130'><b>1970 Château Bellevue Lussac-St. Émilion</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lussac-St. Émilion</i><br>Bottle #1, and the first bottle of 1970 wine I bought for this tasting, over 2 years ago. Very thin looking, this looks, smells and tastes like a Pinot Noir. Fruit still apparent, with tons of barnyard. Absolutely no sediment (!) for a 40 year old Bordeaux. <nobr><b>(84 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/16531.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=63994'><b>1970 Château Canon</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru</i><br>Bottle #2. Cork came out in 2 pieces, with light effort. Some sediment, but not much. Dark maroon, with an amber tint to it at the edge. Soy sauce, very light fruit (cranberry or cherry?) hiding out. Very interesting to see people's reaction... <nobr><b>(86 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>1970 Margaux</b><br /><ul type='square'><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/26473.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=22716'><b>1970 Château Lascombes</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux</i><br>Bottle #3. Cork was wet on top with seeping wine, and sucked down into the neck slightly when I lightly tapped on the top. I had serious misgivings about this one, but they were unfounded. Cork came out in 2 large pieces. Wine is in excellent shape, with very dark maroon color, fruit living nicely. Cherries and blackberries, with nice earth and some asian spices. <nobr><b>(86 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/66816.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=22717'><b>1970 Château Rausan-Ségla</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux</i><br>Bottle #5. Cork saturated, but came out in a couple big pieces. Initially there was some VA in this one, but it blew off in about 10 min. Good color, dark garnet fading to bronze at the rim. Fruit is faded, but still there. Lots more secondary flavors though, with earth, tea, and leather. This gets the cool bottle trophy, with a funky triangular-looking bottle. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>1970 St. Julien</b><br /><ul type='square'><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/51840.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=68842'><b>1970 Château Gloria</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien</i><br>Bottle #4. Cork came out in several pieces, all of them large enough to avoid straining. This was a pleasant surprise! Very much still alive, even though I had my doubts (top shoulder fill, obvious signs of seepage through the cork). Cassis, cherry and earth, with a hint of soy sauce. Some sediment in this one, but not what you'd expect for a 40 year old wine. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/117775.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=13040'><b>1970 Château Léoville Las Cases</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien</i><br>Bottle #9. Cork looked perfect, but ended up crumbling with the introduction of a corkscrew, and came out in many small pieces, prompting us to strain the wine. In perfect condition otherwise. Solid tannins, big blackberry fruit, with secondary flavors of lead pencil and tobacco. Nice earthiness also. This was another wine that seemed only several years old, instead of 40. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>1970 Pauillac (and a 1976 First Growth)</b><br /><ul type='square'><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/93708.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=404109'><b>1970 Château Pedesclaux</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac</i><br>Bottle #6. Cork looked solid, but refused to budge from the bottle, eventually coming out in pieces and requiring straining. A nice wine, but nothing spectacular. Still quite alive and vibrant. Dark burgundy in color, with raspberry and graphite flavors, along with forest floor and cedar components. Tannins slightly drying on the finish. <nobr><b>(87 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/334.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=254410'><b>1970 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac</i><br>Bottle #7. Cork crumbled into several large chunks, but no straining needed. This one seemed a little over the hill. Black tea, soy sauce, with just a little bit of cherry fruit popping up, but quickly dying. Some pretty serious sediment in this one too. <nobr><b>(85 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/13540.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1367'><b>1970 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac</i><br>Bottle #8. Perfect cork, but stuck in the bottle, requiring it's destruction to get at the good stuff inside. Remind me to buy an Ah-so opener next time. Once the wine was finally opened and strained into my glass, wow. Very dark garnet color, no cloudiness. Looks like it was bottled yesterday. Fresh cassis fruit, with gravel and tobacco showing. Some fairly hefty tannins still kicking also. This was a joy to drink! <nobr><b>(92 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/57.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=30107'><b>1976 Château Latour Grand Vin</b></a><i> - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac</i><br>Bottle #12, and the only non-1970 in the lineup. Cork came out easily, in one LONG piece. This wine looks, smells and tastes like it is only a few years old. Dark maroon, with some lovely wood and earth aromas with gravel and blackberry fruit. Solid tannins, still holding strong. Nice acidity and fruit, making me think this one still has many years left to go. Just an outstanding wine. The secondary flavors are just starting to build up as the wine is getting more air. Particularly the gravel/pencil lead aspect. Very tasty tobacco and earth emerging too. Perfect wine to end the tasting. <nobr><b>(95 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>1970 Tuscany & 1970 Napa Valley</b><br /><ul type='square'><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/131123.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=884329'><b>1970 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio Alle Mura</b></a><i> - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino</i><br>Bottle #10, and the only one that was flawed, in this case heat damaged. Overly sweet and caramelized. Not pleasant to drink at all, although still interesting to taste 40-year old Sangiovese. <b><i>NR (flawed)</b></i></li><br /><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/118855.jpg'><br><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=62674'><b>1970 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley</b></a><i> - USA, California, Napa Valley</i><br>Bottle #11, but opened early due to guest requests. Cork came out in one piece, easily. Nice dark maroon color, going a little bronze at the edge, with not much sediment or cloudiness. Black cherry fruit, earth and mint flavors. Still some drying tannins on the finish, which shows a bit of mocha/coffee. Very nice, aged Oakville Cabernet. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>New World Wines (and an Amarone)</b><br />Catch-all for "the rest of the wines" brought by me and several friends, including a bottle of the unreleased 2003 Sharecropper's Cab (with hand-written lajavascript:void(0)bel) from Owen Roe (thanks Jesse!), a Penfolds Shiraz (thanks Dave!), and an Amarone that was a 38th birthday present (thanks Dietra!).<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=696469'><b>2008 Owen Roe Pinot Noir "Sharecropper's"</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon</i><br>Big, bold black cherry fruit and oak, with some nice barnyard kicking in. This is still a baby, and should be held for another year or 3. Very smooth, with nice acidity. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=47853'><b>2000 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve</b></a><i> - USA, California, Napa Valley</i><br>For an 'off vintage' in Napa, this was shining bright! Very earthy, with that lovely aged Cabernet flavor. Deep cherry fruit, with tons of earth. A joy to drink, and one of my favorite wines of the night. Very happy I have another bottle, even happier these only cost me $30 each. <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=432533'><b>2003 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon "Sharecropper's"</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Columbia Valley</i><br>Unreleased bottle with handwritten label, gift from Jesse. Very dark in color, with outstanding aromatics. Blackberry, earth, and a touch of pepper. Damn tasty stuff, that I hope to get more of soon! <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=386325'><b>2004 Vaona Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Pegrandi</b></a><i> - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico</i><br>Birthday gift from Dietra 2 years ago, seemed proper to open it at my 40th birthday party! Dark purple/blue color, with big sweet blueberries and lots of earth. Tannins are kicking hard, but relaxed a lot with about 20 min of air. Very meaty, and a very enjoyable wine! <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=593298'><b>2006 Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon DuBrul Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley</i><br>Huge wine, with big blackberry fruit and black pepper. Some leather/tobacco showing also, and the nose just screams "violets!". Still needs time, but very enjoyable now, with air. <nobr><b>(95 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=651012'><b>2006 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 Kalimna</b></a><i> - Australia, South Australia</i><br>BIG fruitbomb wine, with a ton of pepper. Typical Aussie Shiraz style, but very enjoyable to have a sip. More than 1 glass would be tiresome, until this calms down some. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=374138'><b>2005 Opus One</b></a><i> - USA, California, Napa Valley</i><br>Decanted 4 hours. When first opened this was a tannic beast, with huge cassis fruit. After 4 hours in the decanter, with several people stealing pours over that time, it had mellowed out into a beautiful, balanced wine. The nose is amazing...violets, and big berry fruit, with an underlying earthiness to it. Cassis, raspberry, tobacco and toasty oak flavors, with a chocolate-coffee finish that goes on for 30-40 seconds. In the company of 12 bottles of 1970 wines, this was still my wine of the night. <nobr><b>(97 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><br /><style='margin-left:10px'><b>Sweet Wine</b><br />The final wine, forgotten in the refrigerator until most everyone had departed.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=797224'><b>2008 EOS Moscato Late Harvest Tears of Dew</b></a><i> - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles</i><br>Final wine of the night, and my palate is shot. This is just over the top sweet though...way too much. Honeysuckle, orange and a heap-o-sugar. <nobr><b>(83 pts.)</b></nobr></li></ul><i>As always, tasting notes posted from <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=11522'>CellarTracker</a></i>.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-1911779288781857452010-07-17T22:50:00.000-07:002010-07-17T23:17:27.849-07:00An Essay By My FatherI wanted to share an essay written by my father, Ray Frost, for a contest in <i>Highways</i> magazine. Unfortunately, there was a 500-word limit, so it was never published. The story is a recap of our first RV trip as a family, my parents and sister, aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandparents on my Dad's side. It brought back some great memories for me, especially about my Grandpa, who passed away in 2001. So, for my own little tribute to Grandpa Frost, the "Wagon Master", and to my own Dad, please read on, and enjoy...<br /><br /><center><H3>On the Road With the “Wagon Master”</H3>By Raymond Frost</center><br /><br />Our first RV trip was prompted by my mother’s small inheritance and two family reunions in June, 1984. Mom would foot the bill for gas, food, and camping if we all RV’ed back to southeast Idaho and Nebraska for reunions on both sides of the family. My folks were outfitted with a “snowbird-tested” motorhome and my brother Dan and family would travel in his trusty pickup camper. We had a Mazda sedan—so we started shopping for our first RV. Moving up from tent camping was a bit of a jump, so we hit on a middle-of-the-road deal that put us in a used Coleman tent trailer, supposedly easily towed by our Mazda. (First-timer tip: Check on tow ratings and hitches.) The tent trailer seemed in good shape and had plenty of room for our family of four. It even had a stove, sink, and ice box—quite luxurious compared to the tent.<br /> <br />The first day we traveled solo from southern Oregon to meet my folks and Dan and family in Boise, Idaho. They had traveled down from southeast Washington. After we got set up in the campground, I realized we had completed our first RV’ing day without mishap. The next morning after daybreak, we heard a soon to be familiar sound—RAP, RAP—on our trailer door. This was accompanied by “rise and shine, we’re burning daylight” or “head ‘em up, we’re moving out” or some such wake-up call. It was my dad with his cane. Mom might be paying the bills, but the “Wagon Master” was in charge of meeting his itinerary. No sleeping in on this vacation! We soon got used to the early routine, which gave us time in the afternoons for sightseeing.<br /> <br />Dan and I both bought Golden Eagle Passports which covered entry fees at all of the National Parks and other Federal sites we visited. Our first one was Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. We all rode in the motorhome for a tour of the Monument. The Park Ranger at the entrance burst into laughter as Dan and I pressed our Passports against the window, as Dad used his Golden Age Passport (think Senior Pass) to cover the entry fees.<br /> <br />By that evening we were parked at Grandma’s farm in southeastern Idaho. This was the gathering place for the first reunion—Mom’s clan. As I cranked up the tent trailer our first mishap occurred—you knew it was coming—a cable jammed and an eyebolt spread open. My uncle grabbed his welder (every farm has one) and repaired the bolt, but the top needed lifting assistance—a cane or a stick worked fine. No dealer or repair shop in the area would touch it within the Wagon Master’s tight schedule, so we limped through the rest of the trip. Later I learned that a cable had jumped off a pulley and split. (First-timer tip: Know your crank system or buy a hard-side.) Oh yes, we saw lots of relatives, but my uncle’s rib barbecue on the River Ranch was the highlight.<br /> <br />RAP, RAP! Off to Yellowstone and two days camping and sightseeing in the Park. We discovered it gets real cold in mid-June there! We also learned that ice crystals forming on the canvas from your breath can “snow” on you when you roll over in bed. (First-timer tip: Consider adding a propane furnace.) After touring Yellowstone, we found ourselves in a calendar photo on Jenny Lake with the Grand Tetons looming over us. You felt you should speak in whispers to avoid disturbing the tranquility.<br /> <br />RAP, RAP! Our little convoy headed across Wyoming, watching for antelope. The four grandkids rode in the motorhome the whole way, keeping occupied with their Walkmans and various games. We pulled into our campground in Douglas in a thunderstorm, not ideal conditions for setting up a tent trailer. However, by this time we had a routine worked out and each of us had a job to do, so it went fairly quickly. Our wagon train lined up with our rig first, closest to the restrooms. Unfortunately, that was the direction of a major league straight-line wind out of the south, and I spent a good part of the night with my back against the door in hopes of keeping the Coleman from rolling over. It didn’t. (First-timer tip: In a lightweight trailer, hide behind the biggest motorhome you can find, when in windy country.)<br /> <br />The next day was an easy one. The itinerary included visiting a number historic sites and National Monuments: Fort Laramie, Scott’s Bluff, Chimney Rock, and a state park with swimming for the kids. We also encountered our first fireflies, to the delight of the youngsters. This was our first dry camp in our RV. We managed just fine, especially since Mom provided dinner for us all. Okay, I cheated a little and took a quick shower in the motorhome.<br /> <br />RAP, RAP! We made a quick run across Nebraska to the next reunion—Dad’s side. By late afternoon we were set up in a nice city campground, with scads more fireflies for the kids to chase. We had another first when we learned there was a tornado warning in effect, but a glance at the sky and my worries faded. The next day included a barbecue at my cousin’s (where I noted the location of the storm cellar, just in case) for nearby relatives, including my other grandma. The main event was a gigantic potluck the following day at the fairgrounds. Dad’s every living relative must have attended. We gave up keeping track of the various families and just enjoyed all the good food, visiting, and taking pictures of dozens of cousins.<br /> <br />RAP, RAP! Time to start our return trip. The Wagon Master informed us we had to be in the middle of South Dakota by that night. A pleasant drive north through the Nebraska sand hills put us on I-90 headed west. We pulled into our campground in Murdo with lightning again flashing around us and quickly set up camp. Then we heard: Tornado Watch! A look at the sky this time scared me. I had never seen such an angry rolling black cloud mass. The Wagon Master proceeded to scare the kids (and me) by pointing out the limited tornado shelter options we had. The boys thought diving into a nearby ditch was the answer. The girls opted for our car or the motorhome. Looking at my tent trailer flapping in the wind, I plotted the quickest way to the concrete block wash room—just in case. Despite our fears, nothing touched down in our area. (First-timer tip: Carry a NOAA weather radio in Tornado Alley.)<br /> <br />The next day we took in the Badlands National Park and stopped at Wall Drug, where I ran into a co-worker from Oregon. Small world! On to Rapid City and the Reptile Gardens and the Dinosaur Park. Then the Wagon Master led us on a three-day tour of the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore and Wind Caves were highlights and the kids enjoyed our night at the Flintstone Campground in Bedrock City—lots of cartoon-based play equipment.<br /> <br />RAP, RAP! On to Montana after spending a night in Sturgis at my uncle’s. Construction had limited access to the Little Big Horn National Monument, and with the temperature hovering around 103 in Hardin, the kids voted for a dip in the campground pool as an alternative. Our last night in Montana was spent at Lewis and Clark Caverns, where we took the interesting cave tour. <br /> <br />The following day we were atop Lolo Pass looking into Idaho. We were just two or three days from completing the loop on our three week odyssey. After we arrived home, I had to marvel at our first time with our mighty Mazda-Coleman combo. Despite our one mishap and several weather challenges, we still had the trip of our lives. (First-timer tip: Keep a journal—so you have memory joggers twenty-five years later. Also helps in labeling photos.)<br /> <br />The Wagon Master passed on in 2001, leaving behind two avid RV’ing sons. My brother upgraded to a motorhome and we to a fifth-wheel trailer. Even though my wife and I now live in Arizona, we still RV together whenever possible. And yes, I still have the Wagon Master’s rapping cane.<br /> <br />RAP, RAP! Yes, I hear you, Dad. But we’re retired now and RV at a slower pace. I think we’ll “burn a little daylight” today.<br /><br /><i>Thanks for the memories, Dad. --Robert</i>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-2980039945359029342010-06-23T21:51:00.000-07:002018-06-28T13:49:45.355-07:00Efeste Winery Visit<img src="https://efeste.com/wp-content/themes/efeste/images/logo-efeste.jpg" alt="Efeste Wines"><br><br />Some friends and I visited <b><a href="https://www.efeste.com" target=NEW">Efeste Winery</a></b> in Woodinville Washington's Warehouse Wine District last weekend. We were lucky to be able to meet, and chat with, co-founder/owner Daniel "Big Papa" Ferrelli, and winemaker Brennon Leighton, both pictured below with my girlfriend, Kristina, in the Efeste tasting room.<br><img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/4729627194_9dca33046c_m.jpg" alt="Big Papa, Kristina & Brennon at Efeste"><br>We also got to taste some yet-to-be-released 2008 wines that had been opened for one of the <i>big</i> wine critics, who I'm not going to name. It was a total WIN for us, as the wines had been open a day or so, and all of the 2008's were showing beautifully.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=865064'><b>2009 Efeste Sauvignon Blanc Feral</b></a><i> - USA, Washington</i><br>Surprisingly smooth and fruity for a Sauv Blanc. Definitely one of the most drinkable (for my palate) SB's I've ever tasted. Bright fruit, zinging acidity, but not over the top like many others I've had. A touch of sweetness in there too. <nobr><b>(86 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=864129'><b>2009 Efeste Riesling Evergreen</b></a><i> - USA, Washington</i><br>Very tasty Riesling, with just a hint of residual sugar, giving the finish a nice sweetness. This is like drinking a granny smith apple that has a small amount of honey drizzled on it. <nobr><b>(87 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=855657'><b>2007 Efeste Syrah Ceidleigh</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>I love Red Mountain Syrah and this is typically my favorite Efeste wine (I think the Red Willow Eleni Syrah beat it this time though!). 100% Red Mountain Syrah: 57% Klipsun Vineyard, 28% Ceil du Cheval, 10% Kiona Top of the Hill Ranch, 5% Stone Tree Vineyard. Just a great wine, with outstanding smokey black fruit and loads of pepper. I'm sitting on my last bottle of this, but may have to buy some more because I don't think I can wait much longer to enjoy it! <nobr><b>(94 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=917883'><b>2008 Efeste Syrah Ceidleigh</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain</i><br>Wow, what a different wine, compared to the 2007! Much bigger fruit on the attack, and absolutely palate-coating. Fruit is swimming all over my mouth, and putting a silly grin on my face. I'll be standing in line to buy this when it is released in November. <nobr><b>(94 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=917882'><b>2008 Efeste Syrah Jolie Bouche Boushey Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley</i><br>Dark, glass-coating inky purple, edging toward black, in color. Very spicy...VERY spicy. There is a ton of pepper and spice in this wine, but huge amounts of black fruit as well. Mouthcoating, this wine will stain your teeth just by looking at it. Very rich, with a sweet, peppery finish. <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=917886'><b>2008 Efeste Syrah Eleni Red Willow Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>100% Red Willow Vineyard Syrah, from the oldest block of Syrah in the state. This is an amazing wine, with tons of black pepper and lots of structure. Nice fruit, slathered over peppercorns. This is an astounding wine, and one that, even at this young age, will knock your socks off. <nobr><b>(96 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=917887'><b>2008 Efeste Emmy</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>A blend of Mourvedre and Syrah. Also very spicy and inky. This wine was definitely different tasting than the other Syrahs, so I'm assuming there is a pretty large percentage of Mourvedre in there (I can't remember how much winemaker Brennon Leighton said was in the blend). Lots of structure too, but not as much as the Eleni Syrah. Quite spicy, but not as much black pepper as the others either. More like Asian spices, and maybe a bit of cinnamon. Finish is spicy chocolate. <nobr><b>(92 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=863632'><b>2007 Efeste Final-Final</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Syrah, 2% Mouvedre, from a handful of vineyards in Columbia Valley. This is the epitome of an enjoyable quaffing wine. Everything comes together perfectly, and you just want to DRINK this wine. In fact, later in the evening, we hung out at <b><a href="https://www.pearlbellevue.com/" target="NEW">Pearl in Bellevue</a></b>, where I enjoyed several more glasses of Final-Final! Just a nice, fruit-forward quaffing wine, with decent structure, but with nothing over the top or out of place. Acidity good, tannins good, fruit good, finish good...it's ALL good. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=797446'><b>2007 Efeste Cabernet Sauvignon Big Papa</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>The badboy 100% Cabernet from old vines: 31% Kiona Vineyard, 31% Weinbau Vineyard, 25% Klipsun Vineyard, 13% Sagemoor Vineyard. This one is a killer, big and bold. Named after Efeste co-founder/owner Daniel "Big Papa" Ferrelli, who I had the pleasure of chatting with during our visit, it is definitely the last wine you want to taste in the lineup. Huge cassis with a Bordeaux-like gravelly/lead pencil component. Great cab! <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul>After tasting through 9 wines, I have to say I was the most taken with their 2008 Eleni Syrah from Red Willow Vineyard. Efeste sourced the grapes for Eleni from a block of the oldest Syrah grape plantings in Washington! It is an amazing wine, and I must get some upon release! Only one problem...to get Eleni and Emmy (among other special wines), you have to be a member of <b><a href="https://www.efeste.com/innercircle.asp" target="NEW">The Inner Circle</a></b>, Efeste's wine club. I think I must join...<br><br />As always, tasting notes posted from <i><a target='_blank' href='https://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=11212'>CellarTracker</a></i>.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-18605659355619906272010-04-18T21:45:00.000-07:002010-04-19T14:14:26.061-07:00Dundee Hills Passport Tour Wine Tasting<center><img src="http://www.vistahillsvineyard.com/images/new/passport10_large.jpg" alt="Dundee Hills Passport Tour"></center><br />Myself and 3 friends trucked down to Dundee, OR for the <b><a target='_blank' href='http://www.dundeehills.org/passport.htm'>Dundee Hills Passport Tour</a></b>. A $10 passport (ours was a lame sheet of paper, as they ran out of actual passports) purchased at Four Graces Winery gets you into most Dundee Hills wineries at a greatly reduced cost (Archery Summit is typically $20, and cost $7 with a passport). We arrived rather late in the day, so after getting our passports and a tasting at Four Graces, set about hitting the big names.<br/><br /><center><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/20982.jpg'></center><br /><style='margin-left:10px'>Stop 1: <b><a href="http://www.thefourgraces.com/" target="NEW">The Four Graces</a></b> - Free tasting with $10 passport purchase.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=670235'><b>2008 The Four Graces Pinot Gris</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>First wine of the day. Light, crisp and slightly sweet, with some nice tropical fruits. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=802232'><b>2009 The Four Graces Pinot Blanc</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Millions of peaches...peaches for me. This wine is all about the peaches. And I really don't like peaches... <nobr><b>(85 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=636764'><b>2007 The Four Graces Pinot Noir</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>None of us could get past the super-funky smell of this wine. Very barnyard...horse manure, saddle blanket, poop, were some of the descriptive words floating around in our group, that I'm able to repeat here. One bonus, we proved, through a test with water, that the entire contents of a 750ml bottle of wine will fit in a Riedel Oregon Pinot glass, with several cm. left at the top. <nobr><b>(85 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=695391'><b>2007 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Reserve</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Still lots of FUNK in this Pinot, although not quite as noticeable as in the regular bottling. Some cherry fruit is also evident, although still masked by the leather-funkiness. <nobr><b>(87 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=787968'><b>2007 The Four Graces Pinot Noir Reserve Black Family Estate</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Now we're talking! This wine is from the top block of their estate vineyard, aged in 100% new French oak for 1 year. And finally the funk is integrated! I get a lot of oak notes in this one, with nice smooth cherry fruit gliding over my tongue. Still a baby of a wine, that will definitely improve with age. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><br /><center><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/128379.jpg'></center><br /><style='margin-left:10px'>Stop 2: <b><a href="http://www.archerysummit.com/" target="NEW">Archery Summit</a></b> - $7 tasting fee with passport.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=660355'><b>2007 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>First wine at Archery Summit, poured outside on their patio. Nice, elegant cherry fruit, with a nice dose of dirt mixed in. Smooth and easy drinking, this one. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=524'><b>2000 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Renegade Ridge Estate</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Yes, you read that right. 2000 vintage. A 10 year-old Pinot, and its drinking like it was just released! Wow. Impressive, Archery Summit! No sign of age in the color, aromas or flavors of this wine. No pruney, porty, stewed fruit. Just crisp, bright cherry fruit, earth, and a hint of saddle leather. Tasty! Poured in the wine cave. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=737445'><b>2007 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Oregon Pinot Noir Red Hills Estate</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Somewhat of a letdown after the incredible 2000 Renegade Ridge. Served in the dark wine cave, it was hard to notice the color, but this was definitely lighter and much more elegant than the fruit-driven 2000 Renegade Ridge. Light cherries, some oak, and that signature leather. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=504696'><b>2006 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Arcus</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Arcus. Need I say more? And from the 2006 vintage, one of my favorites. Typically their longest-lived wine, this is still drinking like a baby. Sweet black cherry, with earth, oak notes, and a creaminess that is quite interesting. Served in the winery's tasting room, which was clogged with people. <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><br /><center><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/3277.jpg'></center><br /><style='margin-left:10px'>Stop 3: <b><a href="http://www.domainedrouhin.com/home.cfm" target="NEW">Domaine Drouhin</a></b> - $5 tasting fee with passport.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=784770'><b>2008 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Arthur</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>First wine at DDO. Nice pear fruit, pretty crisp on the acidity. Would work well with a fish dish or as a summer sipper. <nobr><b>(86 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=873829'><b>2009 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Édition Rosé</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Very nice rose of Pinot. This would rock with some salmon. Was very tempted to adopt a bottle or two, but resisted the temptation (at least so far). Very light and refreshing, to be consumed (per the winery) within 3-6 months tops. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=649371'><b>2007 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Not very exciting...2007 vintage, light, with some elegance that is becoming the trademark of this vintage in Oregon. But lacking the mouth-filling fruit I prefer in my Pinots. Cherry and leather flavors. <nobr><b>(87 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=528484'><b>2006 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurène</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>This is the wine I've been waiting to try at this winery. 2006 vintage, nice solid mouthful of cherry fruit, with a great earthy backbone. Best wine here, but falling behind the Archery Summit Arcus today. Wish we could have gotten a taste of the "Louise", as I hear she would have given Arcus a run for its money. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><br /><center><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/123458.jpg'></center><br /><style='margin-left:10px'>Stop 4: <b><a href="http://www.vistahillsvineyard.com" target="NEW">Vista Hills Vineyard</a></b> - $5 tasting fee with passport, and my vote for the coolest tasting room of the day, the "Treehouse". Simply gorgeous view from the main tasting room and deck! Kicking myself for not bringing a camera to capture the view. Also, I'm not 100% certain the wines I've selected from CellarTracker are the correct ones...I had notes, but didn't get the wine details for several of them, so the vintage may be off, if not the designation, for the last couple of wines listed here.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=743683'><b>2008 Vista Hills Vineyard Pinot Gris TreeHouse</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Smooth, light and very crisp, with a sweet tropical fruit flavor profile. Pineapple perhaps? I like this. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=743679'><b>2007 Vista Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir TreeHouse</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Nice nose of tart cherries, that makes me salivate. Flavors follow...sort of. A bit more acidic than I like, and the fruit seems to be a bit light, when compared to the nose. It is still drinking nicely, and our group enjoyed it. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=685348'><b>2007 Vista Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir Piedmont</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Lighter in color than some others here, and also lighter in flavor. Still, some cherry fruit, with a lot of acidity, and a bit-o-funk. Not very exciting though, and reflective of my general take on the 2007 vintage Oregon Pinots. <nobr><b>(87 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=718141'><b>2007 Vista Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir Marylhurst Estate</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>A bit more fruit in this one, strawberries and bitter cherries coming in on the finish. Some tobacco too, which is a nice surprise. Acidity is more under control than the Treehouse also. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=706720'><b>2007 Vista Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir Saga Hills Reserve</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills</i><br>Big cherry fruit in this one, surprisingly forward for a 2007. Nice structure also, with an earthy/tobacco finish, lightly tannic. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li>The last wine we tasted was quite unique...I was so taken by the oddness of it, I forgot to note the actual wine. I actually thought this was a Pinot Noir port when I first smelled it. Very sweet, stewed strawberry fruit, with maybe some rhubarb. Interesting aromas, with the flavors showing a slightly metallic edge. While it was fun to taste, more than a glass would be hard for me to drink, especially without food.<nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul><br /><center><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/56472.jpg'></center><br /><style='margin-left:10px'>Stop 5: <b><a href="http://www.dobbesfamilyestate.com" target="NEW">Dobbes Family Estate</a></b> - $5 tasting fee with passport. The most crowded tasting room, due to the winery being open the latest (6pm) in the area.<br /><ul type='square'><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=595439'><b>2007 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Gris</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Slightly sweet, with a nice honeydew melon flavor. Smells somewhat tropical also. <nobr><b>(86 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=628381'><b>2007 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Grande Assemblage Cuvée</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon</i><br>Light red, with a nice spicy nose. Some tobacco coming through also. Fruit is bigger than expected, black cherry with a finish of leather. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=567170'><b>2006 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Griffin's Cuvée</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Bigger fruit than the Grand Assemblage...probably reflecting the different vintage. Spicy, dark cherry, earth, and a somewhat tannic finish. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=689510'><b>2006 Dobbes Family Estate Pinot Noir Cuvée Noir</b></a><i> - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley</i><br>Last wine of the day, and my palate is shot. This one is bigger than the Griffin's, with similar flavors. More mouthfilling and lush fruit though, and enjoyable to drink. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul>All in all, a great event, and one that I will need to take advantage of again. Fun area, nice wineries, and not too heavy a crowd anywhere, except Archery Summit and maybe Dobbes at the end of the day. My only regret was missing the 4pm closing of <b><a href="http://www.winderlea.com/" target="NEW">Winderlea Vineyard</a></b> by 10 minutes. One day I will make it to their tasting room!Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-60943114573137076722010-03-25T19:45:00.000-07:002010-04-17T09:24:24.991-07:00#WAMerlot Twitter TastingOne of my Twitter friends, Josh Wade, who is <b><a href="http://twitter.com/nectarwine/" target="NEW">@drinknectar</a></b> on Twitter and blogs at <b><a href="http://drinknectar.com/" target="NEW">Drink Nectar</a></b>, organized a Twitter Wine Tasting focused on Washington State Merlot. The premise was, you go to a winery, wine bar, restaurant, friend's house, or just stay at home, open a bottle or five of Washington Merlot, and tweet about the tasting experience using the hashtag #WAMerlot. Pretty low-key, right? WRONG! There must have been 50-60 people tweeting tonight, using the <b><a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23WAMerlot" target="NEW">#WAMerlot</a></b> hashtag! And many more were present at the many wine events throughout Washington, but not tweeting about it. I personally interacted with people in Virgina, California and of course Washington, along with 3 or 4 from my city of Portland, Oregon. What a fun event! My only downer was not having a group of friends over to help me drink some of the many Washington Merlot's I had ready tonight. Not a one...excuses, all. Boo! So lacking non-virtual drinking buddies, I only opened one bottle tonight: 2003 Terra Blanca Reserve Merlot, from the <b><a href="http://www.terrablanca.com" target="NEW">Terra Blanca Estate Vineyard</a></b> on Red Mountain. My CellarTracker tasting notes, if you will:<br /><p><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/26413.jpg'><br><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=581861'><b>2003 Terra Blanca Merlot Estate Reserve</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain (3/25/2010)</i><br>Opened for #WAMerlot virtual tasting on Twitter. No decant. Paired briefly with Trader Joes Sour Cream & Onion corn puffs (excellent pairing, BTW). Nose of Earthy blackberries. Very earthy...and very nice aromas! Aromas follow to the palate, with an attack of big blackberry fruit, backed up by secondary flavors of earth, black pepper and spices (oak perhaps?). Very youthful, despite The Wine Enthusiast writer <b><a href="http://www.paulgregutt.com" target="NEW">Paul Gregutt's</a></b> concern that this wine might be fading (when I asked him on Facebook). Finish is all peppery with dark chocolate notes and some coffee/espresso, which I'm assuming is from the oak. Love this wine, and a great representation of Red Mountain Merlot. <i><b>(92 pts.)</b></i></p>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36470953.post-64309042647839749682010-01-30T11:12:00.000-08:002010-02-06T18:48:40.077-08:00Storyteller Wine Tasting: Reininger WineryAttended a very nice free tasting of Walla Walla's <b><a href="http://www.reiningerwinery.com" target="NEW">Reininger Winery</a></b> <i>(follow <a href="http://twitter.com/ReiningerWinery" target="NEW">@ReiningerWinery</a> on Twitter)</i> last night, hosted by Michael Alberty <i>(follow <a href="http://twitter.com/HeadStoryteller" target="NEW">@HeadStoryteller</a> on Twitter)</i> at <b><a href="http://www.storytellerwine.com/" target="NEW">Storyteller Wine Company</a></b> in the John's Landing neighborhood of Portland. Wines were poured by Michael and Reininger's National Sales Manager, Justin Vajgert. Huge crowd, with lots of very enthusiastic Reininger fans. Having tried several of their wines before, including a Helix (Cab, Merlot, Pomatia blend) offering from <b><a href="http://www.wine.woot.com" target="NEW">Wine.Woot.com</a></b>, and the <b><a href="http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=369310" target="NEW">2003 Reininger Walla Walla Valley Merlot</a></b>, I knew we were in for a treat. We were not disappointed! <br /><ul type='square'><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/82532.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=595488'><b>2005 Reininger Merlot Helix Stillwater Creek Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>Sold out, no taste available.</li><br /><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/102362.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=517496'><b>2005 Reininger Sangiovese Helix</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley</i><br>Earthy cherry flavors, with just a bit of spices on the finish. Very smooth and drinkable, would be great with food. On its own, rather unexciting. <nobr><b>(86 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/55094.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=623587'><b>2006 Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon Helix</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>Very fruit-forward, but with a nice backbone of tannin and acidity. Raspberry and cassis flavors, with some nice peppery earth. Drinking quite well. <nobr><b>(88 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/29199.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=789598'><b>2006 Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>I loved this wine. Huge peppery fruit, lots of blackberry and cassis. Finish is pure pepper-covered chocolate, and lasts for 30+ seconds. This is some nice Cab! <nobr><b>(91 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/74801.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=457047'><b>2005 Reininger Syrah Ash Hollow Vineyard</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>Dark as night, thick, mouthcoating, and amazingly spicy! BIG heavy blackberry fruit, with gobs of black pepper. This wine reminded me of the Bunnell Syrahs I love so much. Just super-concentrated, lots of extract, and that amazing black pepper, with dark chocolate finish. Must resist buying a case... <nobr><b>(93 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/120398.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=712954'><b>2006 Reininger Carménère</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>Sold out, no taste available.</li><br /><li><img src='http://www.cellartracker.com/labels/55094.jpg'> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=748464'><b>2007 Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon Helix</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>Replacement wine for the Carmenere that was sold out. I think this was just released, or has not been released just yet...quite a bit more forward than the 2006, with a bit more tannin showing at this time. Solid wine at a great price: $20. A lot more cassis and black pepper than the 2006 also. Even some tobacco flavors rolling around the tongue. Tasty. <nobr><b>(89 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /><li><i>(No label available)</i> - <a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=822313'><b>2007 Reininger Syrah Port</b></a><i> - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley</i><br>According to the Reininger rep, this wine isn't released for distribution, and only sold at the winery. I typically don't like ports, but this one made me stand up and take notice. Mix that peppery blackberry-tasting Walla Walla Syrah with brandy, and you have this. An amazing port, very sweet, but not over the top. Not too much of the brandy flavor I dislike too. Just about perfect for me. <nobr><b>(90 pts.)</b></nobr></li><br /></ul>As always, tasting notes are posted from <i><a target='_blank' href='http://www.cellartracker.com'>CellarTracker</a></i>.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07348299490380983445noreply@blogger.com0