Monthly Archives: November 2007

Runs with Boar

Posted on November 10, 2007 by RJ

Biserno, Insoglio del Cinghiale IGT 2005 Last weekend I tasted the 2004 vintage of this wine and it was supple, warm and loaded with oak. The 2005 is a similar animal – very approachable and more New World in style … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Brunello

Posted on November 10, 2007 by RJ

Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2001 Earlier in the year one bottle was corked while the second was fine. That bottle was very complex, silky and evolved with a little less acidity than I expected, making it ready to drink without … Continue reading →

Posted in Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Desperately Seeking Goat Cheese

Posted on November 10, 2007 by RJ

Jean Reverdy Sancerre La Reine Blanche 2006 My notes from the previous two vintages show a consistent thread of grapefruit and grass in a high acid frame; today’s 2006 bottle was again high acid with substantial minerality. Produced from vines … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Contrasting Sweets

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

Two Hands Barossa Valley Brilliant Disguise Moscato 2006 This wine shows like Moscato d’Asti, not to the same level of fresh orange blossom as the best from Piedmont, but still in a similar vein. Made from White Frontignac or Muscat … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, Muscadelle, Muscat, Rutherglen, South Australia, Victoria | Leave a comment

Dr. Zin and the Lyons

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

Rosenblum Cellars Napa Valley Lyons Reserve Zinfandel 2004 A plush Zin that drinks like ripe red wine infused with the best of notes of a caramel infused dessert. Grapes grown above 1,000 feet in the Vaca Range on the east … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Napa Valley, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Que Shiraz

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

Both wines in this flight display deep concentration and a tannic backbone. The difference in style comes in the use of oak and the display of acidity. The Thorn-Clarke exudes oak while the d’Arenberg Magpie is enhanced by acidity to … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah | Leave a comment

Tempted by Tempranillo

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

This flight illustrates the divide between European and New World approaches. The Pesquera has complementary brett that works but offends some. The Yalumba is ripe and supple. Pesquera Ribera del Duero DO Reserva 2001 100% Tempranillo. P&B by Alejandro Fernandez … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa, Ribera del Duero, South Australia, Spain, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Wooping it up in the Republic

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

Their is ample acidity in both wines in this flight. The WW adds a slight richness whereas the Sauvignon Republic pulls no punches with its intense honoring of Sauvignon’s grassy side. Woop Woop South Australia Verdelho 2006 Winemaker Ben Riggs. … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, South Australia, Verdelho | Leave a comment

South for the Sun

Posted on November 8, 2007 by RJ

Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois Cuvee Vignals 2005 There’s lots of black pepper to smell but the brett is coming up to visit in late ’07. Now a year later, the dung is in full force. This wine is a blend … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbieres, France, Grenache, Syrah | Leave a comment

Artistic Cabernet

Posted on November 5, 2007 by RJ

Leeuwin Estate Margaret River Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Tasted again in December and this bottle was a little further along, with cocoa, toffee and evolved fruit. The mouth-feel was luscious – really an elegant Cabernet with the complexity of … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River | Leave a comment