|
EACH WEEK WE GENERALLY TASTE 7-9 DIFFERENT WINES
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME OF THE WINES WE TASTED IN THE PREVIOUS WEEKS
Highlights of the Wine Tasting December 26 - December 28 , 2002 Elena Walch "Beyond the Clouds " 2000
(t
his wine is 50% chardonnay and a blend of 4 different Italian varietals) Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay Reserve 1996 (91 pts. - Wine Spectator) Annunziata Barbera D'Alba 2000
Barnard Griffin Cabernet 1999 Trapiche Madella Cabernet 1999
Highlights of the Wine Tasting December 18 - December 21 , 2002
Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise 2000
(45% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc and 29% Chardonnay) Bodega Pinotage Roux Pere et Fils Vougeot 1997 Pinot Noir Roux Pere et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1997 Olivet Lane Pinot Noir 1998
Highlights of the Wine Tasting December 11 - December 14 , 2002
Lanson Brut ChampagneCharles Heidseick "mise en cave 1996" Champagne Mumm Cuvee Napa DVX 1995 Sparkling Wine (92 pts. - Wine Spectator) Veuve-Clicquot Gold Label Vintage Reserve 1990 Champagne (92 pts. - Wine Spectator) Elyse Morisoli 2000 Zinfandel Napa
Highlights of the Wine Tasting November 21 - November 23, 2002Rosenblum Vintners Cuvee Blanc
This wine is exotic, intense, friendly, and made to be consumed. The flavors are a great combination of creamy
Chardonnay, vibrant Symphony, and seductive Viognier. A perfect, light, refreshing, aperitif or wine to be served with seafood or grilled foods
Benton Lane Pinot Noir 2000 Oregon
Highly recommended by one of my customers. Rosenblum Petite Syrah 2000 Napa Valley
This Petite Sirah is bold yet elegant with pepper, currants, blackberry and earth-tone spice in the bouquet.
Flavors are of ripe dense blackberries, hints of vanilla, currants, black olives, and exotic Asian spices. Bringing Carignane into the blend adds a new, broader and softer dimension along with a hint of rose petal in the bouquet
to create an old vine Pickett Road taste experience. While this wine should age for twelve to twenty years, don't
miss the opportunity to experience it relatively soon. Pair it with marinated grilled venison, skewered lamb kabobs, or baked ham with honey, clove and peppercorn glaze.
Rosenblum Cellars Carla Zinfandel 2000
This wine possesses an enchanting, vibrant black cherry fruit in the bouquet. The flavors include rich black
cherry, chocolate, currant and vanilla spice. "This is one of the finest Contra Costa County Zinfandels we have
had the privilege of making. It exhibits a huge core of black cherry fruit with elements of bramble, cassis, and
vanilla in the bouquet. The flavors are ripe black cherry and blackberry with hints of spicy plum and black olive. The wine goes very well with heavy red sauces, pizza, barbecue and roasted lamb." Thomas Fogerty Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 1999
Spicy and complex, with violet, black currant, blackberry and roasted herb flavors gripping the tongue with firm tannins. Toasty oak, earth and pointed mineral tones keep coming through a lengthy, firm finish. Best from 2004
through 2012. 796 cases made (Wine Spectator 91 pts.)
Highlights of the Wine Tasting November 13 - November 15, 2002
This week we held one of our most popular and fun events of the year, Neil Srachan's blind tasting, South Africa
vs. the World. This is an event we host twice a year. Everyone participates in this event by scoring the wines
and telling us which wine was preferred. Four sets of wines were tasted: 2 Chardonnay, 2 Chenin Blanc, 2 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 Shiraz. Each wine is scored on color, bouquet and taste. This format was brought
about to introduce everyone to the quality of South African wines and their relative value in the market. In the past 4 years South African wines have only lost a few times and always to a more expensive wine.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting November 6 - November 9, 2002 Dr. Fischer Riesling Spatlese 1997 Phillips 7 Deadly Zins 2000 Concannon Petite Syrah 1998 Smith & Hook Cabernet 1997 Rutz Cellars Cabernet 1991
Highlights of the Wine Tasting October 30 - November 2, 2002Charles Heidsieck Champagne 2000 Marcelina Chardonnay 1999 Jessie's Grove Old Vines Zinfandel Marques Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
(recently received a 90 pt. rating in the Wine Spectator)1998 Wolf Blass "Black Label" Cabernet Sauvignon "Jimmy Watson Trophy Winner"
Highlights of the Wine Tasting October 23 - October 26, 2002
Chateau D'ucla 2000 France Amberly Chenin Blanc 2001 Australia Swanson Merlot 1999 California EOS Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 California
Amberly Shiraz 1998 Australia Chapel Hill Shiraz 1998 Australia
Highlights of the Wine Tasting October 16 - October 19, 2002
Karly Estate Sauvignon Blanc 1999 Slaley Chardonnay 1999 Antica Torre Barbera D'Alba 1999 Karly "Warrior Fires" Zinfandel 1999 Plenum Dezzani and Dievole 1997 Dievole Novecento Chianti Classico Res 1997
Tetachilla "Foundation" Shiraz McLaren Vale Australia 1997
Highlights of the Wine Tasting October 9 - October 12, 2002
The Ultimate Wine Tasting III Lake Chalice Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Crisp in structure, with sweet pear and citrus flavors on a silky texture, picking up nice slate and herb notes on the finish. (90 pts. Wine Spectator)Chateau Potelle Mt. Veeder V.G.S. Chardonnay 1999
Rich, full-blown, exotic style, with layers of fig, nectarine, pear and hazelnut, shaded by toasty oak and finishing with a broad, intense aftertaste. Drink now through 2006. 2,800 cases made (92 pts. Wine Spectator)
Plenum Secundus 1997
Intense aromas of berry and black licorice, with a hint of wet earth. Full-bodied and very grapey, with lots of
fruit, medium tannins and a veryfruity finish. Slightly hollow midpalate, like it didn't completely blend. Made from
a 50/50 blend of Barbera from Piedmont's Dezzani and Sangiovese from Tuscany's Dievole. Best after 2000 (89 pts. Wine Spectator) Chianti Classico Novecento 1997
Big and juicy red (like a Zinfandel), with loads of berry, chocolate and vanilla aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety
tannins and a long finish. The wine chosen by the Pope to serve at the vatican. Exceptional! 2,100 cases made. Chateau Potelle Zinfandel Mount Veeder V.G.S. 1999
Brilliant effort. Ripe, rich, intense, mountain-grown Zinfandel wrapped in a cloak of toasty, smoky, buttery oak
renders a complex and compelling wine, laden with ripe cherry, raspberry, plum and loganberry. Finishes with
firm tannins and acidity, but also a wealth of flavor. Drink now through 2010. 1,250 cases made. Only 6 bottles available! (92 pts.Wine Spectator)
Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley Black Label "Jimmy Watson Trophy" 1998
A distinctive Aussie Cabernet with impressive character. Plump and generous, a round wine with lots of black
cherry, mint and root beer notes. Hints at chocolate as the flavors linger on the supple finish. Drink now through 2006. (90 pts. Wine Spectator)
Chateau St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Reserve 1998 "Artisans Series"
Rich and deep, with impressively concentrated plum, currant and floral-herbal aromas and flavors that last nicely
on the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2008. 3,526 cases made. Truly a great gift packaging.
(92 pts. Wine Spectator) Mosaic Meritage Alexander Valley 1999
Intense, with ripe, complex blackberry, chocolate and earth notes tied to firm tannins. A great value. Drink now through 2007. Outstanding!
Highlights of the Wine Tasting October 2 - October 5, 2002 Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer 2001
91 pts, Wine & Spirits MagazineLe Volte: Dell'Ornellaia Tuscany
Marietta Lot # 30 Old Vines
A great consistent wine. De Lorimier Mosaic 1999
93 pts. Wine & Spirits Magazine. Gold Medal 94 pts. " California Fair Wine Competition"
Highlights of the Wine Tasting September 25 - September 27, 2002 BARNARD GRIFFIN CHARDONNAY 2000
Bright and juicy, with pretty apple and floral aromas and flavors, the fruit echoing as the flavors get tangy on the
finish. It just received 88 points and a "Smart Buy" rating from Harvey Steiman and the Wine Spectator.JESSIE'S GROVE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2000
This micro-winery in Lodi has 115 year-old vines on 32 acres that has been owned by the same family since 1865. The yield is less than two tons per acre with rich spicy, peppery flavors following the layers of fruit. In
January the New York Times named it one of the top ten Zin's in the country at their tasting event. NOVELLA SYNERGY 1999
Here is a whole new ballgame for Meritage wines. Instead of telling you the three grapes in the wine, I will make you suffer and guess what else is there besides Cabernet Sauvignon? The price is the best part.
POWERS SYRAH 1999
Washington wines are giving California a run for their money since the land is cheaper (so far) and the results are delightful. This deep, rich wine has currant, blackberry and a bit of leather.
EOS RESERVE PETITE SIRAH 1999
This wine has won so many awards and accolades it would take too long to list them. It is simply one of California's best red wines and is still available at an outstanding price.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting September 18 - September 20, 2002 Click Here For Reviews Of These Wines
Slaley Chardonnay 1999Allesverloren Shiraz 1998 Bredell Shiraz 1998 Slaley Shiraz 2000
1998 Hedges Fume Chardonnay, Columbia Valley (86 pts.)
Not many people blend Fumé (Sauvignon) Blanc and Chardonnay, but Hedges does, and to good effect: Here's a crisp, clean and delicate wine with effusively fruity flavors, refreshing acidity, and a long, ripe finish. Best Buy!
Agnes Zinfandel Z-52 Lodi
Dry farmed and head pruned, Agnes Vineyard on the outskirts of Lodi yields a big, rich, plush wine with
concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit. The vineyard's ninety-three year old namesake, Agnes Schroeder, would not have it any other way. Z-52 specializes in the production of small lot, single vineyard zinfandels, a
noble pursuit that is rarely played with a full deck of cards Hogue Cellars Cabernet Reserve 1999 (88 pts)
Elegant well structured wine with ripe tanins, aromas of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, a touch of oak and notes of mocha, chocolate and nutmeg which closes with good depth and length in the finish.
Hedges Three Vineyards 1999 (92 pts.)
The price is certainly right for this elegant, stylish blend (58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Cabernet
Franc) of Red Mountain fruit. All estate grown, the price and production (7,800 cases) belie the commitment to
quality. Here is a vivid, racy wine, impeccably balanced and tightly wound. Thirteen months in barrel, of which 20% was new. Kopke Port Vintage 1997 (89pts.)
Very soft and plummy young Port, with delicious ripe fruit character, medium to full body and a long, sweet finish. Serious Kopke. Best after 2006. 3,000 cases made.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting September 5 - September 7, 2002 Frattina, Pinot Grigio, 2001 Friuli, Italy
From Friuli comes a wine of a pale straw-colored yellow with a full prominent fragrance reminiscent of walnut
and a refined aroma of fresh hay and wild honey. The taste is slightly dry, flavorful and full of fruit with an elegant lingering finish of toasted hazelnuts. 100% Pinot GrigioChapel Hill, Verdelho, 1998 Australia
The Chapel Hill Verdelho is distinctly varietal, exhibiting herbal and floral aromas (notably honeysuckle) and
tropical fruit -- mango and pineapple. The palate is rich and smooth with length provided by its high acidity. The wine will maintain its characteristic honey tones eventually developing a nuttiness, living up to ten years.
Illuminati, Riparosso, 2000, Abruzzo, Italy
Riparosso is a D.O.C. wine made from 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grape. It comes from the vineyards
situated in the township of Controguerra at 300 meters above sea level. Riparosso is rich, as found in a good cabernet, smooth like a velvety merlot, almost a warm reminder of a Chianti in the past. It is dark ruby with
purple highlights. Moderately light bodied with full acidity, reminiscent of cranberry, raspberry and cherry. Tart
young red fruit with some grainy tannins on the palate. Texture is silky in the mouth, with good structure and pleasant cherry tartness on the finish. Toad Hall, Cuvee Danielle, 1999, California
This beautiful wine is made from 76% sangiovese, 18% merlot and 6% cabernet sauvignon. All three varietals are aged separately for a period of approximately 10 months. Afterwards, the three wines are blended and
bottled and left to rest for a month or two before being released. Cuvee Danielle shows a strong solid sangiovese
character, with the merlot and cabernet adding body and a lingering finish. Overall, this lovely red wine exhibits ripe strawberry character leaning towards other red fruits such as raspberries and cranberries.
San Savino, Trufo, Sangiovese, 1998, Italy
This lovely wine is from the Marche region of Italy. It is made from 100% sangiovese grapes, it is a beautiful
ruby red color, with an intense and persistent aroma of mature fruit, spices and licorice. The taste is full and robust with perfectly balanced tannins. The finish is warm and aromatic.
Vigna Spano, 1996, Puglia, Italy
Vigna Spano is a unique wine to us here in the United States due to its grape varietal. It is 90% Negroamaro and
10% Malvasia Nera. It takes its name from the 5 hectare vineyard situated 60 meters above the Ionian Sea.
This is a wine that will last a long time and will be at its optimum after two or three years, showing all its best
characteristics. It has a beautiful ruby red color with granite reflections, and hints of spices and berries. The taste is full and at the same time soft and delicate with balanced tannins.
Primitivo di Manduria, Dolce, 1994, Puglia, Italy
Located on the Salento Peninsula, Italy's boot heel, the area of Sava is high on the instep on a gentle rise known
as the Murge Tarantine of the Puglia region. Microclimate variations occur here, created by air currents crossing
the Adriatic to the interior of the Ionian Sea. It is here where the grapes are harvested at full ripeness,
fermentation begins and skin contact is held for three days to maximize color extraction but limit harsh tannins.
As a result, Primitivo Dolce is a deep, brilliant ruby color with bright cherry and current aromas tending toward
port. A wine that is rich, smooth and refreshing with lively fruit flavors and sweetness, balanced acidity and a rich appealing finish. 100% Primitivo.18% alcohol.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting August 28 - August 31, 2002 Louis Bernard 1999 Cotes du Rhone-Villages (91pts.)
Soft and smooth, a full-bodied, low-acidity beauty that coats the palate with its seductive flavors, cascading with roasted game, toasted coconut, ripe plum and blackberry complexity. Stunning red.
Louis Bernard 1999 Chateauneuf-du-Pape (92pts.)
Gorgeous. Blockbuster-style of Cotes du Rhone, inky-black and full-bodied. Deftly pumped up with fancy oak,
packing in tar, smoke and concentrated, black, sweet fruit. Tannins are amazingly supple for such a monster red. Excellent winemaking. Lyeth Red Meritage
- a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
Lovely ripe fruit aroma full of plums, berries, notes of cedar and a hint of orange zest. The characters derived
from winemaking and oak, scents of spice and vanilla, are well balanced against assertive fruit characters. A perfect match with beef, pork and game. Peter Lehman 2000 Shiraz Barossa
Ripe, round and rich with black cherry, plum and sweet spice flavors that linger nicely on the well-buffed finish. Aged12 months in American and French oak hogsheads. Delicious sipping now, but also has excellent cellaring
potential and will continue to improve in the bottle for 5-10 years if stored in a dark cold, place. The soils of the
Barossa and its climate are ideal for producing full-flavored, rich-fruited Shiraz wines capable of great longevity.
Peter Lehmann maintains that when God created Shiraz, it was with the Barossa in mind. It is no accident that
Shiraz is the Australian variety, which is attracting so much favorable attention overseas. Peter Lehmann Shiraz won high honors in 2000. The 1998 was declared Red wine of the Year in the UK International Wine Challenge
and was rated number 52 in the prestigious US Wine Spectators Top 100. Both citations emphasized the amazing value and quality offered by Peter Lehmann Shiraz. Peter Lehman 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa (
90 pts.)
Sleek and lithe, this red offers plum and blackberry flavors, supersmooth texture and a refined balanced on the
finish. More like a cross between Shiraz and Pinot Noir than Cabernet, but what the heck, it's delicious. Aged 12 months in American and French Oak hogsheads. Throughout the 90's vintages of Peter Lehmann Barossa
Cabernet Sauvignon have been multiple gold medal and trophy winners in Australian and International wine shows. The 1993 Cabernet won the trophy for "the best Cabernet Sauvignon, World Wide" in the 1995 UK
International Wine & Spirits Competition; the 1996 winning gold in the UK International Wine Challenge, and the 1998 gaining gold in the New Zealand Liquorland Top 100. Napa Wine Company-
Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (91 pts.) {1997 (90 pts.)}
Redolent of cassis, blackberry, herbs, anise, smoke and toasty oak aromas, the wine fans out gracefully on the
palate to reveal more layers of equally well defined fruit. Tannins are soft and round, finishing moderately with a clean freshness. {Special vertical tasting}
Highlights of the Wine Tasting August 21 - August 24, 2002 2001Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Pinot Blanc
Crisp and fresh with substantial structure; flavors of pears and pippin apples followed by pineapple and delicate nuances of french oak.2000 Starmont Chardonnay
Lively, focused aromas and flavors of apple, pear and vanilla are balanced by rich mouth feel and a long finish. 1999 Cline California Zinfandel
S
howcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to a wine whose average vine age is more than
50 years old. The 1999 California Zinfandel is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years. 1999 Hugo Shiraz McLaren Vale
Ripe and generous, a firm-textured red, with spicy oak framing blackberry and cherry fruit, turning a bit peppery on the extended finish. Best from 2004 through 2007. 3,000 cases made.
Lake Breeze 1998 Shiraz-Cabernet Langhorne Creek Bernoota
Ripe, dense and complex, a big mouthful of black cherry, berry and spice flavors shaded with hints of leather and
tobacco, and swarming with fine tannins that need time in the cellar to soften. 4,000 cases made.
89 pts.Wine Spectator 1999 Chateau Reynella Shiraz McLaren Vale Basket Pressed
Smooth, polished and generous with its dark cherry, plum and peppery aromas and flavors, becoming round and picking up more spicy notes on the finish. Drink now through 2007. 8,000 cases made.
88 pts Wine Spectator 2000
Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon
Has a candied aroma, with some red plum flavors. " The Blood of The Vine"
Highlights of the Wine Tasting August 14 - August 17, 2002 SIMONSVLEI Chardonnay 2000
Consistent if not better than previous vintages. A light fragrance of butterscotch and gentle toasty oak with hints
of melon and tropical fruits. Ample but balanced acidity shows as sweet citrus with melon and hints of apricot on the length.CHAMONIX Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Sauvignon Blanc personified! Evolving beautifully - will peak in a couple of months, just as planned. Light
brilliant color, with a full blast of sauvignon bouquet. Search for hints of herbaceous, fresh cut straw in a powerful
ripe fruit aroma, with strong grapefruit, granadilla, guava and gooseberry overtones. Three pickings for perfect
ripeness together with controlled skin and lees contact give this wine a unique complexity. A real extrovert in the
mouth with explosive and expansive flavors. Freshness and liveliness are it's signature with a clean, sustained length and perfect balance. AVONTUUR Barrel Select Chenin Blanc 2001
June of this year - winner of South Africa's Best Chenin - Gold Medallist John Fridjon Trophy. Big toasty oak bouquet explodes in the mouth with peach melon and lime predominating in the upfront character, but give way to
honey and vanilla with some almond nuttiness complexity with an enduring finish. Could easily be confused with some world class chardonnays. SIMONSVLEI Cabernet Sauvignon 98
New clone cab predominates with strawberry and cassis nose and light tannin structure. Some nuttiness and spice show on the mid palate with a long balanced finish. SIMONSVLEI Shiraz 2000
Silky smooth with prominent black cherry and raspberry fruit. Fine tannins make for easy palatability, finishing with hints of black pepper and smoky woodspice. BROKEN STONE Cab / Shiraz 2000
18 months barrel aging (20% French, 80% American - 50% new). Intriguing sweet blackberry nose. Soft mouthfeel with an array of red and black berry fruits, finishing with a touch of Shiraz spiciness. Top seller at
Disney's Jiko Restaurant. What would Oz say about this one? - 'Good on yer mate'. BUSHMAN'S CREEK Pinotage 98
Medium to full bodied with ripe plum and cherry-berry nose and flavors. Look for hints of banana - the unique trade mark to well made Pinotage. Chocolaty vanillins show from 18 months of 85% French and 15% American
oak maturation. BODEGA Cabernet Sauvignon 98 & 99 (Vertical Tasting)
Ah! - That cellar… 99 is similar to 98 with the 98 benefiting from an extra year in the bottle and the 99 from fruit
from vines now a significant one year older. Fragrant cedar and cassis underlie sweet, full berry fruit. Perfect
Cab characteristics from a sensually arousing start to a full gratifying finish. Sixteen months of new, small French oak enhance this earthy, full bodied classic. Only 400 cases made.
AVONTUUR 'Above Royalty' Special Late Harvest Weisser Riesling
Botrytis effected. Deep and thick golden richness in the glass shouts honey and apricot. White peach acidity
slices through oak brushed luxurious sweetness to a lingering clean finish. 7200 - 375 ml bottles produced from a miserly .85 tons / acre yield. Plus or minus 113 gms sugar / litre and 8.6 gms / litre acidity.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting August 7 - August 10, 2002 This week's wine tasting featured wines not usually available at public tastings. All the wines tasted provided an
incredible wine experience. Cape Mentelle Chardonnay 2000
Cape Mentelle Chardonnay, sourced from three vineyards within the region, is a product of traditional
vinification, including partial malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak. Rich with ripe fruit and aromatic complexity, soft and supple, the wine finishes with clean acid and a balanced palate. {93 pts. Wine Spectator} Northstar Merlot 1998
Rich plum and berry aromas combine with toasty oak to offer a heady hint of what's to come in this enticing
Merlot most notable for its big, fruity style. Tannins are well balanced and the richness of the variety comes
through on the middle and back palate. Look for a hint of black cherry from the cabernet. The finish is long and smooth.
{
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the 1998 Northstar Merlot 92+ points in the October 30th issue of the newsletter
describing the wine as follows: "(Northstar) boasts a saturated dark ruby color and an intense nose of back cherries and cassis.
Medium to full-bodied, broad, big and juicy, this dense plump, chewy-textured wine is loaded. Cassis, cherries, blackberries and
hints of licorice can be discerned in the suave, highly concentrated, and expansive wine's character. It is powerful, harmonious, and exhibits an extraordinarily long, fruit-packed seamless finish. Immensely impressive."}
Hanna Zinfandel Bismark 1999
A ripe, well-oaked, creamy style that seduces with toasty, vanilla flavors, but also folds in fruit laced with pretty
raspberry and wild berry. Finishes with a mocha-hinted aftertaste and long, lingering fruit nuances. Drink now through 2007. 749 cases made. The best red zinfandel I've tasted. Awesome!
Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah Reserve 1999
Very much in the winery style, this wine contains all the expected pieces without ever giving itself over to ripeness
or excess. High in concentrated raspberry and blackberry fruitiness and enriched by sweet oak, its aromas and flavors are allowed an extra bit of room by the wine's somewhat open finish. {93pts. Wine Spectator}
D'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 1999
The Dead Arm is a spectacular example of McLaren Vale Shiraz - concentrated, multi-dimensional with huge fruit, length and texture, immense balance and aging potential.
{
And the comment from Robert M. Parker who writes for the American publication The Wine Advocate is worth mentioning.
Writing of d'Arenberg's Dead Arm he described it as "…outrageously rich, spectacular stuff, the likes of which only Aussies seem capable of making."}
Wine of the Year; Best Shiraz and Shiraz Blend; Trophy at the McLaren Vale Wine Show for Best Exported Red; Trophy at the
Melbourne Wine Show for the Best Shiraz; Twice Top 100 Wine at the Sydney International Wine Competition; Top 100 Wine
in Philip White's Top 100 in the Adelaide Advertiser Newspaper; Top 100 Wine in US Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Wines
Annual List; 96 points from Robert M. Parker Jr., May/ June 2001 The Wine Advocate (US! A), Issue 135; 25 Gold Medals
overall including: - 3 Gold Medals at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show; 2 Gold Medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, London; Gold Medal at the Atlanta Wine Competition.
Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 1999
Dark, rich and enormously complex with a solid core of black cherry, plum, currant, anise and cedary flavors.
Beautifully focused with a sense of elegance and finesse. A tremendous value for an exceptional wine! 8,400 cases made. Best from 2003-2010 {92 pts. Wine Spectator}
Highlights of the Wine Tasting July 31 - August 3, 2002 WILDHURST SAUVIGNON BLANC
This wine actually benefits from the short growing season in the Clear Lake appellation. There is none of the grassiness present from areas with longer time on the vine. It is loaded with grapefruit and pear aromas and
flavors like a fine Sancere and just won double Gold Medals at this year's San Francisco County Fair. STORRS SANTA CRUZ CHARDONNAY
This wine comes from a cool, mountainous area just south of San Francisco, ideal for growing chardonnay, Gewerztraminer, Reisling and Pinot Noir. It has benefited tremendously from time in the bottle which has
softened its oaky edges. Lots of fruit remain followed by soft butter, cream and vanilla nuances. Drinking perfectly right now. NOVELLA SANGIOVESE
Blossomy aromas of plum and strawberry, with overtones of nutmeg and dried flowers. Intensely fruity flavors lead to a rich, silky lingering finish. Aged 30 months in French and American oak barrels. POWERS MERLOT
This wine is jammy and ripe, forward and vividly fruity, suggesting strawberry and rhubarb preserves. Nice
flavor, light and elegant, with the fruit showing polish and a gentle hand with the oak. Rated 89 points and a "Best Buy" in the Wine Enthuisiast Magazine. EOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A complex, layered wine styled in the tradition of Bordeaux. Fruity aromas of ripe blackberry and cassis mingle
with cedar, tobacco and notes of anise. The long, supple finish is accented by chocolate. Gold medal in Jerry Mead's 2001 New World International Wine Competition. Gold Medal Atlanta International Wine Challenge
2001. NOVELLA SYNERGY
This is a meritage wine that breaks the mold. By using Petite Sirah and Sangiovese it gains a nose and flavors
that are unique to this blend. It has been rated 90 points and a best buy in the Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Best of all it costs a fraction of other California meritages. EOS RESERVE PETITE SIRAH
The signature wine of Eos and Novella, it has been the subject of continuous accolades and most recently received a 90 and Editors Choice Award from the Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Double Gold Medal 2001 Tasters
Guild Wine Lovers Competition, Gold Medal Atlanta International Wine Summit 2001, Gold Medal American Wine Society 2001 Annual Wine Competion and Gold Medal and 94 points at the 2001 EXPOVINA Wine
Competion in Zurich Switzerland. It is called a "Masterpiece" by Winart Magazine in Japan.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting June 26 - 29, 2002 Cartlidge & Brown Chardonnay, California
Year in and year out, one of the best value chardonnay's in America! Full, rich with style and elegance.Marietta Lot #29 Zinfandel
A field blend of zinfandel, carignane, syrah, grenache, gamay and sangiovese. It combines jammy fruit with earth and spice. Marietta Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma 1999
A medium to full bodied with silky, velvety entry, broad mid palate with long lingering finish. Marietta Syrah Sonoma 1999
Dense, opaque, purple black has earthy, meaty notes with black fruits vanilla oak and spice (88% syrah 12% petite syrah). Woodstock Shiraz, 1998 Australia
Matured in oak for one year.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting June 19 - 22, 2002
Eikendal Stein 'Chenin Blanc' 2001 {South Africa}Plaza Vichella (100 Anos) Sauvignon Blanc 2001 {Uraguay} Don Jacoba Rioja White 2000 {Spain}
Hedges Fume Blanc/ Chardonnay 2000 {Washington} Remo Giannelli Imori Chianti 1998 {Italy} Antica Torre Barbera D'Alba 1999 {Italy} Allesverloren Shiraz 1998 {South Africa}
Canneta Brunello Di Montalcino 1997 {Italy}
Highlights of the Wine Tasting June 12 - 15, 2002 Errazuriz, 2000 Fumé Blanc Casablanca Valley
Medium gold hue. Buttery aromas of lemon, grapefruit and pineapple lead to more exotic scents of orange
marmalade and mango. Rich, citrusy flavors of white grapefruit and lime with floral, grassy nuances. Clean, crisp close.Errazuriz, 2000 Chardonnay Reserva La Escultura Estate, Casablanca Valley
Medium yellow-gold hue. Forward aromas of spicy, buttery oak with nuances of lemon, peach and a hint of white pepper. Rich, creamy and buttery flavors of lemon, peach, butterscotch and well-integrated oak. Long
close marked by vanillin oak. Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah
This wine is intensely concentrated with aromas of raspberry, tart cherry and plum, and accented with hints of
anise, clove and white chocolate. Wonderful crisp acidity and moderate tannins give this Syrah a silky mouthfeel with a lengthy finish. Hanna Zinfandel Bismark 1999
Not for the faint of heart or palate. This Zinfandel showcases heady aromas of brambly blackberry, toasty oak
and spice. Bold, juicy flavors follow. The tilt and sniff yields huge butterscotch and cassis. Big flavors of cassis, Zinfandel fruit, and pepper Cosentino Zinfandel Cigar Zin 2000
Aged for nine months primarily in American oak at both the Napa and Lockeford wineries. The wine is unfined. Red fruit oriented with raspberry and red cherry characteristics with blueberry accents. 100% Zinfandel (50%
Estate old vine with 82% overall old vine). St. Clement 1999 Oroppas (Meritage)
Elegant and refined, with a pretty core of spicy plum, black cherry and currant, picking up smoky, toasty oak
nuances, finishing with a lingering aftertaste. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. (Wine Spectator Score: 90)
Highlights of the Wine Tasting June 5 - 8, 2002
Barboursville, Chardonnay Reserve, 2000
100% chardonnay. Fermented in new American oak and then aged seven months on primary lees. This wine is
very aromatic, with butterscotch spice up front followed by pear and apple and finishing with hint of lemon.Lawson's Dry Hills, Pinot Noir, New Zealand - 2000
This is a medium-bodied ruby red wine from the Marlborough region of the South Island. Its' fruit flavors are balanced with a touch of earth and a raspberry finish.
Amberley Estates, Cabernet/Merlot, Margaret River, Australia, 1998
True cabernet flavors blended with the flesh and spice of merlot and a touch of Cabernet franc for fragrance.
Cotes De Bourg "Gold Label", Chateau Montaigut, France, 1995
Rich color that is full bodied and well balanced. A selection of about 20% of the best of the "Old Vines" is aged
in new oak for a period of one year. A short aging in the bottle follows. 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Zacarias De Bivian, Rioja Gran Reserva, 1987
This beautiful Rioja has complex aromas of spices, cloves and fine wood. It's deep cherry color is tinged with brick-colored edges. It is smooth with a well-balanced tannin.
Viviani, Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy, 1998
The brightness of color, the depth, and ethereal enous fragrances of this famous wine is just the beginning. After
rack drying of the grapes and up to five years of barrel aging, the result is a superlative wine with a heady bouquet reminiscent of cherries, irises and roses. It is full-bodied!
Highlights of the Wine Tasting May 22 - 24, 2002
This week's wine tasting consisted of seven value wines from $12-$25 from the Opici distributors porfolio.
These wines are limited production boutique wineries. Listed below are some of the wines we tasted.Wildhurst Sauvignon Blanc
This Clear Lake winery three hours north of Napa is where Jed Steele went to make wine for two years after he left Kendall Jackson. Since the clusters of grapes hang for a short, hot period of time, they avoid the grassy
flavors of other California efforts. This is like a fine white Bordeaux. Villa Borghetti Amarone
A wine made from grapes that hang in a barn to reduce the fluid content, it is full of mature flavors and is a great food match. Jesse's Grove "Old Vine Zinfandel"
Must be nice to own 100 year old vines making low yield, high quality grapes to make great wine. Homewood Unfiltered Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
This handmade, one-man winery is the future of our kind of California wines. Hahn Meritage 1999
Simply the best, well-priced Bordeaux blend from California, bar none. Better vintage than the 1997, this 1999 vintage is wonderful at a great price. I am purchasing this wine in 5 case lots. This wine will fly off the shelf.
Barnard Griffin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Columbia Valley (Washington State)
On the crisp side, but with ripe plum and currant flavors on a jazzy frame. Flavors echo nicely on the
focused finish. Tannins are well-integrated. Wine Spectator 88 Points.
Highlights of the Wine Tasting May 15 - 18, 2002 This week, we had a unique tasting of excellent wines not offered at other public wine tastings due to
allocation, quality and cost of the wines tasted.
- Valley of the Moon Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2001 (California)
- Hugo Vineyards Shiraz 1999 (Australia)
- Lake Breeze Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet 1999 (Australia)
- Swanson Vineyard Merlot 1999 (California)
- Columbia Red Willow Vineyards Syrah 1998 (Yakima Valley, Washington State)
- Stags Leap "Faye Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (California)
- Selaks Vineyards "Ice Wine" 1998 (New Zealand)
RETURN TO THIS WEEK'S WINE TASTING
Highlights of the Wine Tasting May 8 - 11, 2002
The wines selected featured some wines that were recommended by my customers. Introducing your
friends to wine tastings, is an enjoyment that makes my work an exciting environment in which to meet new interesting people. If at anytime you would like me to introduce your favorite wine at a tasting,
please bring it to my attention and I would be more than happy to do so.The wines we will be tasting this week are as follows:
- Marcelina Vineyards Chardonnay 1999
- Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
- Chapel Hill Verdelho 1998
- Fife Vineyards "Old Vines" Red Zinfandel 1999
- Penfolds Vineyards Shiraz Bin #128 1999
- {Wine Spectator Score: 90 - Spectator Selection}
Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1999 (Washington State)
- {Wine Enthusiast Score: 94}
RETURN TO THIS WEEK'S WINE TASTING
Highlights of the Wine Tasting May 1 - 5, 2002
BERTRAND DE MONCENY
A heady bouquet of dried almonds, foliage, and apples. 100% Chardonnay. This Meursault will age for eight
years. Only 500 cases made.DEVON HILL Merlot 2000
Must be a winner for confirmed Merlot appreciators. Racked twice, unfiltered and unstabilized. Beautiful dark
red in color, this full-bodied wine has smoky, plummy flavors with a velvety finish; soft and well rounded by integrated oak undertones. GOLD MEDAL MICHAELANGELO WINE AWARDS 2001; GOLD MEDAL
JULIET CULLINAN WINE MASTERS AWARDS 2001; DOUBLE GOLD SOUTH AFRICAN VERITAS AWARDS 2001. BUSHMAN'S CREEK Pinotage 98
Medium to full bodied with ripe plum and cherry-berry nose and flavors. Look for hints of banana - the unique trade mark of well made Pinotage. Chocolaty vanillins show from 18 months of 85% French and 15% American
extended oak maturation. BUSHMAN'S CREEK Shiraz 98
Harvested at a higher than normal 25 degrees brix leads to a ripe full bodied red showing youthful berry fruit
overlaid with green pepper and spice. Maturation for 18 months in 300 liter French and American oak brings about an excellent follow-through on the palate with juicy ripe tannins and a long supple, velvety finish. GOLD MEDAL JULIET CULLINAN WINE MASTERS AWARD 2001. LE RICHE Cabernet Sauvignon 98
Inky color with lovely floral bouquet of perfumed violets. Concentrated, ripe, opulently fruity and seductive. Cascading tiers of cassis, clean, sweet oak and mint with silky deep piled richness on the palate. Mulberries,
cherries, cedary oak and limber tannins persist in a long fruity finish.RETURN TO THIS WEEK'S WINE TASTING
Highlights of the Wine Tasting April 24 - 27, 2002
Grant Burge 1998 The Holy Trinity
The wine displays vibrant purple coloring on the rim and rich, brick-red hues. The bouquet is wonderfully floral,
with Grenache characteristics, and hints of clove imparted by the Mourvedre. The Shiraz adds a further dimension sweet fruit and pepper. The palate is rich and round.
Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard Merlot
Rich, round and generous with its ripe black cherry, cherry and sweet spice flavors, which echo beautifully on the velvety finish.
D' Arenberg 1999 The Dead Arm Shiraz
The Dead Arm gets its name in a fairly inauspicious way - it is named after the disease (Eutypa Lata) which
afflicts some of the oldest vines at d'Arenberg from which they get the majority of the fruit destined for The Dead Arm. The disease in effect slowly reduces one of the 'arms' of the vines to dead wood, which then means the
other arm of the vine produces small volumes of the most incredibly concentrated and highly flavored grapes. The Dead Arm shows intense and complex cedary, fig, blackberry and blueberry like smells occasionally
pepper/spice smells too. The accent is on powerful full-bodied berry fruit flavor, with a little sweet English toffee-like oak evident on the juicy rolling finish. Serve after decanting as an older wine. RETURN TO THIS WEEK'S WINE TASTING Highlights of the Wine Tasting April 17 - 20, 2002
Louis Chavy Chablis 1998 France
1998 was a banner year for Chablis. This chardonnay has a higher acid level, characteristic of chablis, and is
also aromatic and delicate, making it a good food wine. Only 1750 cases produced.Jackson Estate 1999 Chardonnay, New Zealand
Made in the Burgundian wine-making style, this wine is a complex mix of peach, apricot and melon with crisp acidity. Chateau Vieux Bomale 1999
"Purple Bomb", this Bordeaux Superior is well balanced, and has well-ripened tannins, and a long smooth finish. This wine is a blend of 55% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon, and 20% cabernet franc.
Chateau Peyros 1995 Madiran
55% tannat, and 45% cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, this wine has a deep red color, an elegant nose,
soft tannins, and an aftertaste of red ripe fruit. 20 months minimum barrel aging, madirans reach their peak after 5 to 8 years. Negro Guiseppe 2000 Barbera D'Alba
Several guests could not find a fault with this wine. Super value at $18.95. Aged 12 months in 60 and 132 gallon
oak barrels, this wine has a deep ruby red color, a complex bouquet, and a fruit-forward taste. Enjoyed best with red meats , ham and cheeses. Cooper- Garrod 1997 Valley View Vineyard
Santa Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a full-bodied, big, rich Cab, unblended, unfiltered, and full of flavor from mountain stressed vines. The
Grapes were picked in two lots with a median sugar of 23.6 Brix. The wine was fermented in 100 gallon bins and punched down 4 times a day. It was aged in French oak barrels 22 months, bottled in September 1999, and
released in September 2001. Purplish-red in the glass, the nose is reminiscent of ripe plums and blackberry jam with a touch of mint around the edges. In the mouth, enjoy a mix of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis,
structured around medium tannins. Gold Medal Winner-2001 Grand Harvest Awards. Silver Medal-2001 West Coast Int'l Wine Competition. Bronze Medal-2001 Jerry Mead's New World Wine Competition. RETURN TO THIS WEEK'S WINE TASTING Highlights of the Wine Tasting April 10 - 13, 2002 BRESSAN PINOT GRIGIO THIS ESTATE BOTTLED PINOT GRIGIO HAS THE BEST OF CREDENTIALS. RICH, SMOOTH , SILKY OVERTONES.
CASA ORVINO "CORTESE" 100% CORTESE GRAPE. RICH AND ROBUST, FAMOUS FOR ITS BOUQUET AND FLAVOR. SOFT, VELVETY AND SMOOTH FINISHING ON THE PALATE.
DIEVOLE VENDEMMIA 98 CHIANTI CLASSICO RESERVA .... CLASSIC, CONTEMPORARY.... PROOF THAT DIFFERENT BODIES CAN POSSES THE SAME SOUL. WORTHIEST OF THE CHOSEN HARVESTS. RICH IN SANGIOVESE,
MALVESIA, NERA, CNAIOLO, COLLONO GRAPE VARIETALS. SUPREMELY BALANCED WITH A
UNIQUE SOFTNESS, RICH IN FLAVORS WITH RUBY AND VIOLET. CHATEAU DUCLA
...... A GOOD REPUTATION IN THE U.S. FOR CONSISTENT WINE PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY. RICH IN CABERNET, CABERNET FRANC AND MERLOT. SCOPETINI CHIANTI
..... A REAL FIND, JUST OFF THE BOAT FROM ITALY. THIS BRILLIANT, SOFT CHIANTI, LOADED WITH SANGIOVESE IS MILD AND MEDIUM BODIED. JUST THE ANSWER TO THOSE SUMMER EVENINGS OF
FESTIVITIES. GREAT FLAVOR LINGERS ON THE PALATE. ENJOY IT DAILY AS IT IS A VERY GOOD VALUE - AVAILABLE IN 375ml , 750ml AND 1.5L BOTTLES UPON REQUEST
DIEVOLE " NOVECENTO" TO LEAVE THE GRAPES HANGING ON THE VINE UNTIL MID NOVEMBER IMPLIES THE WILLINGNESS RISK FAILURE AND KNOWING THE GREATEST RISK IS NOT TAKING ONE. A TRUE COLLECTABLE
WINE. THIS VINEYARD DATES BACK TO THE 10TH CENTURY. EXTREME CARE AND RISK IS INVOLVED IN THIS GREAT WINE. INCREDIBLE .... TASTY, JAMMED WITH FRUIT, BLACK AS THE BOTTLE IN DENSITY, DEEP RUBY AND
BLACKBERRY WITH RICH VIOLET OVERTURES IN COLOR. RATED "BEST OF THE CHIANTI REGION"....THIS WINE IS
BUILT TO BE DRANK " ON YOUR KNEES"......WITH REVERENCE AND APPRECIATION. CHIANTI HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A NEW LEVEL OF GREATNESS. DIEVOLE IS THE ONLY CERTIFICALLY AUTHORIZED WINE IN THE VATICAN.
|
|
Richard Stetler's Fine Wines & Tastings
