Sunday, December 30, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 30th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Waterbrook Mélange
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Starting to mellow out. Tannins were in check. Decent mouthfeel and a touch of spice. Would purchase again.

2005
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay
USA, California, Sonoma County
Old standard. Not as buttery as past vintages. More apple notes. Good QPR year after year. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2007

2003
Red Sky Merlot
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Wine was served in odd shaped thick lipped glasses. Have a feeling that it took something away from the overall impact of the wine. However, it was still drinking nicely. Aromas of fresh popped popcorn along with a nice drizzling of butter. Tannins were well resolved and the mouthfeel was balanced and smooth. Bit of red fruit and aok on the palate. Was surprised at the alcohol level (15.31%) as the wine did not seem hot or over the top in any way. Would purchase again.

Wines Tasted on December 29th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

1992
C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
Started off that I didn't like the wine, but it was interesting enough to keep me drinking. Upon opening there was a heavy aroma of diesel. After about two hours the diesel started to mellow and there was an increase in the spice element. At this point the wine got much more enjoyable. Left a couple of glasses worth in the bottle for day 2 tasting. Will update tomorrow. Day 2 - Less diesel and more spice. Enjoyable, still needs spicy food to bring the wine out. Day 3 - Almost no diesel left. The residual sugar has really come to the forefront.

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

2005
Nefarious Cellars Gewurztraminer Antoine Creek
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Paired with spicy takeout from our local Mongolian grill. The sweetness nicely offset the spicy of the food. On the nose there was a distinct aroma of Smarties candy just out of the wrapper. After about an hour open, the wine took on more of an orange, lime and lemon peel nose. On the palate there were more citrus notes as well as a bit of coriander. Good mouthfeel, though the finish didn't last quite as long as I would have liked. Would purchase again.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 28th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

1999
Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Oh I miss pinot's with funk. However, this was nice in it's own way. Bright ruby red color. Nose of cranberry and cola. On the palate there was more cranberries and tart raspberries. Finish was very short. Paired well with seared duck breast. Decent bottle of wine, but wish that I could find more pinots with that mushroom/wet forest funk. Would not purchase again.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 27th

Wines tasted in 2004

Non Vintage
Yalumba Galway Pipe
Australia, New South Wales
Nutty, butterscotch, raisins. Pleasing palate, the nose is a little weaker than I was hoping for. Nice mouthfeel. I would buy for myself as an everyday tawny.

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

No record of any wines tasted in 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 26th

Wines tasted in 2004

2002
The Hess Collection Chardonnay Hess Select
USA, California
Highly acidic, paired well with food(roast chicken, spicy corn soup). Satisfactory wine, but nothing special. Would not purchase again for the price($19).

Wines tasted in 2005

2001
Three Rivers Winery Syrah Columbia Valley
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Really nice balanced wine. Almost black in color. Smokey aromas. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2006

2002
Covey Run Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Collection
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Drank rather than analized. It was tasty. Would purchase again.

2001
Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Last bottle. Not as deep as the previous bottle. Hint of mint. Good wine for the price. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2007

Non Vintage
Rodier Pere & Fils Champagne Reserve
(France, Champagne)
Good sparkler. lots of toasty elements. Nose of brioche and buttered toast. Crisp mouthfeel with more toast. Not much fruit to speak of. really enjoyed this with a slice of apple pie a la mode. Would purchase again.

2004
Fess Parker Syrah
(USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County)
Popped and poured. Dark color. Nose of brown sugar, molasses and a bit of smokey bacon fat. On the palate there was more dark sugar along with a touch of mintiness. Finish was a bit short. All in all a solid effort. Would purchase again.

2004
Masquerade Merlot Klipsun Vineyard
(USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain)
Really tasty bottle of wine. Decanted for about half an hour before drinking. Lots of smokey dark fruit on both the nose and palate. Nice silky mouthfeel with just enough of a tannic bite for interest. Don't see this as being a long term drinker, but is well worth it right now. Would purchase again.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 25th

Wines tasted in 2004

2000
Yakima River Winery
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Very nice end to a Christmas feast with my family. This was a Syrah port. A bit spicy with hints of dried fruit. Finish lasted 15-20 seconds. Toward the end of the second glass the wine got a bit tired, dulling somewhat. Would purchase again.

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007


2004
Nota Bene Cellars Syrah
(USA, Washington)
Had a taste from a bottle that had been opened for two days. Couldn't finish the glass of wine. Fruit was all gone and all that was left was green tobacco flavors and tannins. Don't feel like I can make a reasonable judgment of this wine on the taste.

2006
Azienda Agricola Perazzeta Sangiovese Sara Toscana IGT
(Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT)
Brought to my parent's house for Christmas dinner. Really simple wine. Not much coming through on either the nose or palate. It was wine, nothing more nothing less. Would not purchase again.

2005
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore
(Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella)
Brought to parent's house for Christmas dinner. Nose of potpouri and spice. Very bright sweet bing cherries on the palate. Finish fell off very quickly. Not a terribly complicated wine, but tasty. Would purchase again.

2006
Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Alamos
(Argentina, Mendoza)
Brought to parent's house for Christmas dinner. Color was very dark purple bordering on black. Nose had a little bit of leather and smoke. On the palate there was more smoke and some sweet dark berries. Wine finished fairly tannic. When paired with meatballs and gravy the finish was much more pleasant. Would purchase again.

Wines Tasted on December 24th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

Non Vintage
Toad Hollow Crémant de Limoux Amplexus
France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux
Very tasty. Think that this is a good QPR. Notes of tart apple and nice mouthfeel. Would purchase again.

Non Vintage
Conte Collalto Piave
Italy, Veneto, Piave
Slightly corked. But not bad enough not to drink it. Most everything was muted but we needed a toasting wine for a large group. Oh well.

No wines tasted in 2007

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 23rd

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

Non-Vintage
Graham Porto Six Grapes
Portugal, Douro, Porto
Started off very hot and searing. Heavy aroma of tobacco and black licorice. On the palate it was pretty much the same. Hoping that this will develope some more interesting flavors. Right now it is a little too one dimensional.

Wines tasted in 2006

2005
Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Pose #11B
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
This is designed for early drinking. Bright tropical scents and flavors. Just a hint of grassiness in the back palate. Would purchase again as long as I was planning on drinking within the first year after release.

Wines tasted in 2007

2006
Bodega Emina Rueda
Spain, Castilla y leon, Rueda
Very crisp and acidic. Needed food to cut through. Nose was pretty tight, though pear, pineapple and unripe peach came through on the palate. Paired with a plate of manchego cheese, feta scalion spread and olives. Could see this being a great summer pick me up when it is really hot outside and you have shellfish grilling on the BBQ. Would purchase again.

2004
Bodegas Breton Rioja Lorinon Crianza
Spain, La rioja, Rioja
Wine changed a couple of times over the course of an hour and a half. Initially not giving up much on the nose, but the flavor profile had bright berry flavors. After a bit the nose gave up a bit of oak and the flavors became fairly tart cherries. In the end the flavors took on more dark berries and the nose closed up again. Was a decent bottle of wine and would probably purchase again if i came across it in another restaurant.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 22nd

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

2005
Winemakers Loft
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Heavy on the oak and somewhat one dimensional tonight. I remember it being better at the winery. Hoping that this is just an off bottle. Would not purchase again if it doesn't change.

2004
Pomum Cellars Shya Red Blend
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Nicely balanced wine. Dark fruit, oak and spice. Good mouthfeel and a finish that lasted a good thirty seconds. Would purchase again.

2004
Pomum Cellars Syrah
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Huge nose on this wine. Scents of bloody meat and lots of gamey notes. Aroma pulls you into the glass and slaps you around a bit before letting go. Palate doesn't quite match the aroma. Still very good, but does not have the weight to match. Subtle dark fruits with a little bit of smoke. Curious to see how this will develop, but it is hard to keep hands off right now because it is drinking so well. Would purchase again.

2005
Stevens Winery Merlot
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Drinking well right at release. Bit of an herbal element on the nose. Palate has a bit of blackberries and a floral twinge. Very soft mouthfeel, with just a hint of tannins on the finish. Definitely made as more of a near term drinker. Would purchase again.

Wines Tasted on December 21st

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Waving Tree Sangiovese Estate
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Good drinking wine. Opens up nicely after about 2 hours. Light rose petal nose. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2007

2004
Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Wow, this was not showing well tonght. Aroma of stewed tomatoes. On the palate there was more stewed flavors, this time of plums and prunes. Would not purchase.

2004
Desert Wind Vineyard RUAH
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
Strong scents of buttered corn and oak. Kind of disjointed on the finish. Tannins have not resolved very well. If I was going to a wine "sniffing" I would really enjoy this wine, but the tasting kind of killed it. Would not purchase.

2005
Cougar Crest Viognier
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Had a taste at a Christmas party. Not giving much up on the nose, but may have been served a little too chilled. Hints of kiwi and pineapple on the palate. Very crisp acidity, which by itself was a bit over the top. May have improved with food. For the price there are better options out there. Would not purchase.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 20th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

Non vintage - Drank a six pack of cans
Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs
USA, California
Won't be purchasing this again. Metalic taste dominated. God this stuff was crap.

2004
Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris
USA, Oregon, Yamhill County
Funk is gone. color is butterscotch. Nose reminds me of semillon more than pinot gris. Smoothing out. Looking forward to this as my go to summer wine of 2007.

No wines tasted in 2007

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 19th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2000
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley
Drank to celebrate the power coming back on after five days of dark. Decanted, copious amounts of sediment. Dark purple with a clear rim. Served with tenderloin steaks. Wine was initially served a bit colder than normal (56 degrees). Paired nicely with the steaks. Very balanced with a long finish. However, it was hard to pick out any one element to the wine. Did not impress me as much as the merlot, but still very tasty. Don't think that I would pay retail prices for this. After two hours the wine warmed up to mid 60's and it became an oak bomb. All other elements dissapeared. All in all enjoyable wine, but not at the level I was hoping for.

Wines tasted in 2007

2006
Arlington Road Cellars Riesling Imperium Charbonneau Farms
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Nose was not giving it up that much tonight. Slight hint of oak, but it was definitely dancing in the background. Paired with a kung pau recipe, balanced nicely with the heat of the dish. On the palate there was a laser focused flavor of satsuma orange rind. Slightly sweet with alright level of acidity (would have preferred a bit more). Finish lasted a good minute. It was pleasant to drink, but maybe a bit too one dimensional to seek out. Would not purchase again.

Wines Tasted on December 18th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

2002
Chelan Estate Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
One big bottle of blueberry pie. Huge nose. After about an hour the tannins started to show through on the palate. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc Alder Ridge Vineyard
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
Consistent notes with last bottle. Simple but tasty. Would purchase again.

No wines tasted in 2007

Monday, December 17, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 17th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

1998
Aldo e Riccardo Seghesio Langhe Bouquet
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
Floral nose of roses and violets. Nice acid level. People drinking this with me both thought the tannin level was still a little harsh, but I didn't get that at all. Doesn't jump out and grab you, but is a nice complex thinking man's wine. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2006

2003 - Two Bottles Drank
Columbia Crest Merlot Grand Estates
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Great QPR. Lots of dark fruit and cocoa on the nose. Smoothe tannins. Finish was a bit clipped. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2007

2006
Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Athought
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Drinking really well right now. Initially served well chilled and there were aromas of granny smith apples. As the wine warmed up there was a distinct smell of fresh baked rolls from Paradiso Italian restaurant in Kirkland. Flavors of star fruit and lime dominate. Good amount of crisp acidity. Paired well with a olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper sauce on my pasta. Would purchase again.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 16th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Viña Estampa Assemblage
Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
Much better than the last bottle. Still a bit too vinegary for my liking. Will drink up the last bottle I have soon. Would not purhcase again.

2002
Covey Run Merlot Winemaker's Collection
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Good QPR. Dark berry nose though somewhat simplistic. Nice smoothe finish. Would purchase again.

2006
Zolo Torrontés
Argentina, Mendoza
Nice tropical fruit flavors. Consistent with prior bottle. Would purchase again.

No wines tasted in 2007

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 15th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

2002
Sterling Vineyards Merlot
USA, California, Napa Valley
Day 1: Green. Seems to have a vegetal/leafy taste to it. Some interesting flavors hidden underneath that I hope will come out with the bottle open for 24 hours. Would not purchase again at this stage. Day 2: Didn't improve very much. Was a little bit softer tonight, but the green element was still very much in the fore front. Not bad enough to pour out, but I didn't enjoy it very much. Would not purchase again.

2002
Dunham Cellars Three Legged Red
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Still heavy on the oak, but settling down somewhat. Pleasant bottle of wine to drink, but nothing overly complex.

2003
Vin du Lac Viognier
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
For $5 I would purchase this wine just for the aroma. Reeally heavy scents of tropical fruit just jumped from the glass. Was too tart on the palate, made me pucker up like sucking on a lemon. Other people in the group liked it, but it just didn't do it for me. Would purchase again if I were serving it to other people.

2004
L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Always a good choice. Consistent performer. Well balanced. Creamy mouthfeel. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Cadence Coda
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Good and tasty. Bright tannins without being overly drying. Nose of tobacco, blackberries and bramble. Would imagine that this will smoothe out with some time in the cellar. Would purchase again.

No wines tasted in 2007

Friday, December 14, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 14th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

2002
K Vintners Syrah Milbrandt Vineyard
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope
Started out very closed. Took about four hours to start to come around. Never got all that complex. Was pleasant, but nothing remarkable. Will wait another couple of years before I open my next one. Would not purchase again, not good enough QPR.

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

2004
B.R. Cohn Zinfandel
USA, California, Sonoma County
2004 just wasn't a nice year to california Zins. The wine wasn't bad, just not very memorable. Right upon opening the bottle there was an aroma of stewed fruit. However, there was not much fruit to speak of on the palate. After an hour open, the wine turned into liquid wood. Both the nose and palate was like sucking on a piece of cedar. Mouthfeel had medium weight, but died fairly quickly on the back of the tongue. Not terribly sad to see the last of these bottles go. Would not purchase again.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 13th

No record of any wines tasted on this date.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 12th

No record of any wines tasted on this date.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 11th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc Alder Ridge Vineyard
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills
Red Berries. This is a fairly simple cab franc. Don't know that I could tell much varietal typicity. Decent mid week wine. Paired nicely with home made mac and cheese (extra sharp cheddar). Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2007

2004
Avery Lane Merlot
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Good QPR bottle. Somewhat of a band-aid scent that blew off after a while. Good dose of sweet fruit flavors. The tannins were a bit lacking and so the back palate was somewhat flabby. Would purchase again.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 10th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

2003
Soléna Pinot Gris
USA, Oregon
Fabulous. Nice bright acidity. Well balanced fruit. Would purchase again.

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

No wines tasted in 2007

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 9th

No record of any wines tasted on this date.

Wines Tasted on December 8th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2005
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay
USA, California, Sonoma County
Another good vintage. The butter level has been decreased while the acid level has increased. Notes of tropical fruit. Medium mouthfeel. Would purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2007

2006 Airfield Estates Pinot Gris
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Crystal clear with just the faintest hint of color. On the nose there were elements of pear and whipped cream. The palate had more pear and a huge flavor of dried banana chips. Just a little bit of sweetness on the back end, but a good dose of acidity to cut through. Really enjoyable bottle of wine. Would purchase again.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 7th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

2003
Hedges Cellars CMS
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
The wood is showing through a bit too much. Glimpses of nice fruit, but nothing memorable.

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wine tasted in 2007

2005
Isenhower Cellars Wild Thyme
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Such a smooth mouthfeel. Feels like running some silk pajamas across your tongue. Aromas of kalua pig...combo of oil, pork, salt and hickory smoke. Tanninsreally started to show up after the wine was open for an hour. Flavors of dark fruit, orange peel and a bit of mint. Oak didn't show up until after the glass was empty, but boy howdy did it show up. Wonderful bottle of wine. Would purchase again.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 6th

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

Wines tasted in 2005

2002
Lynfred Winery Fred's Red
USA, Illinois
Very nice for a value priced bottle. Was incredibly balanced, tannins had integrated and the fruit was very smooth. After being opened a couple of hours it picked up a ton of cigar tobacco flavors. If I could get this in Seattle I would definitely purchase again.

Wines tasted in 2006

2003
Toad Hollow Merlot Reserve McDowell
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Was hoping for a repeat of the 2000 vintage. This is a much different wine. If tasted blind I would have guessed a pinot noir. Decanted, but no sediment. The color was a light strawberry with a nose that reminded me of candied cherries. Mouthfeel was a bit thin with a slightly higher level of acidity than I would have preferred. Wine smoothed out a bit over a three hour period. Will wait a couple more years to open the next one and hope that it improves. Would not purchase this vintage again, but would purchase the wine.

No wines tasted in 2007

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Happy Repeal Day

Raise a glass to celebrate the end of prohibition.

On this day in 1933, Utah was state that pushed the vote above 75% and rattified the repeal of the 18th amendment.

Cheers!

Wines Tasted on December 5th

Wines tasted in 2004

2002
Three Rivers Winery Meritage
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Crisp and fresh. Nice balance, went well with pork roast.

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

2005
M. Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche
France, Rhone, Southern Rhone, Cotes du Rhone
Bright ruby red to purple color. Light hint of blood on the nose along with some green vegetal aromas. The alcohol seems to also come through on the nose and gives your sinuses the same kind of reaction when smelling hard liquor. On the palate there is a metalic hit right up front, like licking a stainless steel sink. Then there is a quick flash of sour cherries that dies on the mid palate. Very drying tannins. About ten seconds after you swollow the wine it comes back to bite you. Very sour/bitter finish that makes you wish that you had spit the wine out. Would not purchase again.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 4th

Wines tasted in 2004

1999
Château La Fleur d'Or
France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
First Sauternes I have had. Much different than I was expecting. Not nearly as sweet. The balance between acidity and sweetness was perfect. Had all the elements of a very good non-desert white meritage, with a little sweetness on the end. Paired very nicely with an apple pie and whipped cream. Chose this wine tonight because it was the least expensive in the cellar. Thought it would be good to work my way up. Can't wait to try a higher end bottle.

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

Wines tasted in 2006

2004
Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Legs
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Much better than the last bottle but the fruit is definitely fading. Glad that I opened this up now. Still really enjoyed the wine. Nice mouthfeel with a creamy finish. Would purchase the next vintage.

No wines tasted in 2007

Monday, December 3, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 3rd

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

2002
JM Cellars Syrah
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Decanted due to copious amounts of sediment. Eucaliptus and blackberries on the nose. Lots of up front tannins that cut throught the richness of the braised short ribs. Once the food was gone the tannins were a bit harsh and overpowered the rest of the flavors. Hints of dark berries and oak. Finish was a bit thin. Not a great value for the price. Would not purchase again.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Wines Tasted on December 2nd

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

Non Vintage
Dow Porto Trademark Finest Reserve
Portugal, Douro, Porto
Not giving much up on the nose. Ultra sweet on the palate with flavors of cherries and raspberries. Fairly hot alcohol burn. Finish lasts a good minute. Not very complex, but a good dose of sweetness if you are looking for some desesrt. Would purchase again.

Wines Tasted on December 1st

No record of any wines tasted in 2004

No record of any wines tasted in 2005

No record of any wines tasted in 2006

Wines tasted in 2007

2005
Portteus Rattlesnake Red
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley
Right out of the bottle this seemed tight and a bit green. After a couple of hours open the fruit started to come to the front. However, the fruit tasted candied and a bit fake. There was a good dose of oak in the background with an element of toffee coming through. Almost no finish, the wine just sort of disappeared on the tongue. For the price it was alright, but I think that there are better options out there. Would probably not purchase again.

Wines Tasted on November 30th

No record of any wines tasted on this date.