tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89160920503342708382024-03-05T00:40:57.430-08:00MagnumGourmet's Wine NotesThis page details all of the wines I drink in a given month. First time around will be current and historical. Next year it will only be current wines. Other than that I will keep my thoughts to "Wow" wines, tasting trips and random other snipits that I think are interesting.
Am now also participating in the Dark Days Challenge from Dec 1st - Apr 15th.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-75150871675040470462011-01-12T21:49:00.000-08:002011-01-12T21:52:18.262-08:00Dark Days - Week #6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F6f7ECv9-M-l4U9I5fFJ2dVJ_T30Ham0CTBt0-MLo8asV4l0GIpBUugtMFYRkONKtiuGN9wPxxuKvH9XwQfjxXHIzrsuEwycZ_CJhiICgd3w0YWDVwUIZBodjkOWWX1ALEOZUdCyXqo/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F6f7ECv9-M-l4U9I5fFJ2dVJ_T30Ham0CTBt0-MLo8asV4l0GIpBUugtMFYRkONKtiuGN9wPxxuKvH9XwQfjxXHIzrsuEwycZ_CJhiICgd3w0YWDVwUIZBodjkOWWX1ALEOZUdCyXqo/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561544204303002338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGp_WdFGyndpwDORaqJLXHpzMJ0UI4EAmEmJ_c8D8dPCR6AvQtzNYPq9zHmKhMn18f3R1FVpgEIlyb5f49TrtWqX9JpXsRnP4svxpSimiJxoToBsjHmy9a9PcClx0-Xgphp4gWtJIlc8/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGp_WdFGyndpwDORaqJLXHpzMJ0UI4EAmEmJ_c8D8dPCR6AvQtzNYPq9zHmKhMn18f3R1FVpgEIlyb5f49TrtWqX9JpXsRnP4svxpSimiJxoToBsjHmy9a9PcClx0-Xgphp4gWtJIlc8/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561544200585637986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECsFRJtIp-v8yiGQ6AEk_iGjV4cszmKppxbDq28_LepgFTL_RhpnG3_4vQx5NYms5MXWTf3afnEPkD3rhvcEQ2YIz6X1qVOUgR6Uhy2JJYxlI8vGPxCy9Fqcr_MWbJJ-bAJK6ohqJUmE/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECsFRJtIp-v8yiGQ6AEk_iGjV4cszmKppxbDq28_LepgFTL_RhpnG3_4vQx5NYms5MXWTf3afnEPkD3rhvcEQ2YIz6X1qVOUgR6Uhy2JJYxlI8vGPxCy9Fqcr_MWbJJ-bAJK6ohqJUmE/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561544192874769426" /></a><br />Dark Days #6<br />Butternut squash and sage soup with sage breadcrumbs Whatever you do, DO NOT skip making the breadcrumbs, these absolutely make this dish! We had a little snow fall the day we made this – so it was a little strange harvesting sage from the front yard covered with snow!<br />Soup<br />1 ½ tablespoon butter (Golden Glenn Creamery, Bow, WA)<br />1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (not local)<br />2 cups chopped onions (Walla Walla, WA)<br />2 tablespoons chopped parsley (organic, not local)<br />2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (front yard)<br />4 cups ½ inch cubes peeled seeded butternut squash (Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA)<br />1 ½ teaspoons coarse sea salt (Bonair, brought home on vacation)<br />1 garlic clove (organic)<br />5 to 6 cups chicken stock (home made)<br />Breadcrumbs<br />2 crustless slices fresh whole grain wheat bread, torn (Essential Baking Company, WA)<br />4 teaspoons butter (Golden Glenn Creamery)<br />1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage (front yard)<br />Soup<br />Melt butter with oil in large pot over medium high heat. Add onions, parsley, and sage; sauté until onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Add squash and coarse salt; sauté until squash softens and onions are golden, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add 5 cups stock; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until squash is very soft; about 25 minutes. Cool slightly.<br />Working in batches, puree soup in blender, allowing some texture to remain. Return soup to pot. Thin with stock if desired. Season with pepper and more salt, if desired. <br />Breadcrumbs<br />Place bread in a food processor; blend until fire crumbs form but some slightly coarser crumbs remain. Cook butter in skillet in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden; about 2 minutes. Add breadcrumbs and sage. Cook until crumbs are crisp, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.<br />Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.<br />Serves 6. Taken from Bon Appétit, February 2008MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-13469755950014470442011-01-12T21:41:00.000-08:002011-01-12T21:49:26.344-08:00Dark Days - Week #5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5azftXXFDXmiamHanPRUbyGdc9PUJtj6956H9ELbWj1wDctMuM9imlNl9NmWzx_T3Z_tUUN4jbqywkP19tgyXdmT_16LqyRV-hMjMKgoxMGrrHN-m0HEMtOlP3YI3symUBFncj5HPe8/s1600/DSCN2867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5azftXXFDXmiamHanPRUbyGdc9PUJtj6956H9ELbWj1wDctMuM9imlNl9NmWzx_T3Z_tUUN4jbqywkP19tgyXdmT_16LqyRV-hMjMKgoxMGrrHN-m0HEMtOlP3YI3symUBFncj5HPe8/s320/DSCN2867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561542854714996642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4oGMTXn7KhmotXikOGjf8qjmFS0nBPZDFeqsXaGtvpmrgeAXO_dIpdNODrfNFEo1KIG06kBgm0yzmn8r7BJzdDTWncbaC4rrzHu3VNdbw46uBn6Pr8MD6Y_76UCSC3KIyMRqS4bksgE/s1600/DSCN2868.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4oGMTXn7KhmotXikOGjf8qjmFS0nBPZDFeqsXaGtvpmrgeAXO_dIpdNODrfNFEo1KIG06kBgm0yzmn8r7BJzdDTWncbaC4rrzHu3VNdbw46uBn6Pr8MD6Y_76UCSC3KIyMRqS4bksgE/s320/DSCN2868.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561542851498518770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkIddYUJN6ILwXhMEprdf1z_NqtudRde9ISXZwyFRU74RJY2Ps3r_ZtTkTfi-aS1WHd_u_sso85yxky-3egAaPw73dhnzqWre-kP5hJLEPDRJ5I_IyToWQ5-0kq0kQK8024xgZjAPuvY/s1600/DSCN2870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkIddYUJN6ILwXhMEprdf1z_NqtudRde9ISXZwyFRU74RJY2Ps3r_ZtTkTfi-aS1WHd_u_sso85yxky-3egAaPw73dhnzqWre-kP5hJLEPDRJ5I_IyToWQ5-0kq0kQK8024xgZjAPuvY/s320/DSCN2870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561542840592441186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdwv9EiooVrBeHop3mTBiBBIcl7hBcifo3FHUWMdCmj-yx79rWG76sCXmgbdOu680Hbl9GOVGd8-FIHLeSWGo4N_rUW_9ysW9QDzjsYdBGyw6hSof70ZKcM0vFeuYjfO2UImOUksuGpo/s1600/DSCN2873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdwv9EiooVrBeHop3mTBiBBIcl7hBcifo3FHUWMdCmj-yx79rWG76sCXmgbdOu680Hbl9GOVGd8-FIHLeSWGo4N_rUW_9ysW9QDzjsYdBGyw6hSof70ZKcM0vFeuYjfO2UImOUksuGpo/s320/DSCN2873.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561542837909841970" /></a><br />Dark Days #5<br />Christmas Eve we were lucky enough to have the evening to ourselves. We decided to splurge on making some prime rib(no we did not go for the full size roast from the recipe, just picked up a nice 2 bone roast). We served it with oven roasted baby bok choy (Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA) and mashed red potatoes (Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA). <br />For dessert we had peach crepes made from local flour and frozen peaches from the summer. For a little decadence we added some Smith Brother's whipped cream on top (WA).<br />Roast prime rib au poivre<br />1 9 pound prime rib beef roast (about 4 ribs), excess fat trimmed (Painted Hills, OR)<br />2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (organic)<br />4 teaspoons minced garlic (organic)<br />2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon mixed whole peppercorns, coarsely crushed (not local)<br />1/3 cup minced shallots (organic, WA)<br />3 ½ cups beef broth (homemade)<br />1/3 cup Cognac or brandy (not local)<br />Position oven rack in center of oven and preheat to 450 degrees. Place beef, fat side up, in shallow roasting pan. Sprinkle beef all over with salt. Mix mustard and garlic in a small bowl. Spread mustard mixture over top of beef. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons crushed peppercorns over mustard mixture.<br />Roast beef 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Roast until meat thermometer inserted into center of meat registers 125 degrees for rare, tenting loosely with aluminum foil if crust browns too quickly, about 2 hours 45 minutes. Transfer beef to platter. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Let stand 30 minutes.<br />Pour pan juices into 2-cup measuring cup (reserve roasting pan). Spoon off fat from top of pan juices, returning 1 tablespoon fat to roasting pan. Reserve pan juices.<br />Place roasting pan over 2 burners on medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté until soft, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan, about 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Add beef broth, then Cognac or brandy (mixture may ignite). Return pan to heat and boil until mixture is reduced to 2 cups, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add reserved pan juices and remaining 1 teaspoon crushed peppercorns; whisk to blend. Transfer pan juices to sauceboat.<br />Carve roast and serve with pan juices.<br />Serves 10. Taken from The Bon Appetit Cookbook (2006)MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-533413826885596732010-12-28T17:59:00.000-08:002010-12-28T18:01:52.069-08:00Dark Days - Week #4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUTYfc-bFsFAL6Nb1yRJ_dwWzNmqVr3k4Zo4OMO9MTrcuOutirbkda8DWMLerCAGsObf27V1mDwN8yEAe5WxwddiO13B6Ptcaltk9cHA8y71XZzJzqIC-7avRnhTY074M4clM8hvWN5U/s1600/DSCN2861.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUTYfc-bFsFAL6Nb1yRJ_dwWzNmqVr3k4Zo4OMO9MTrcuOutirbkda8DWMLerCAGsObf27V1mDwN8yEAe5WxwddiO13B6Ptcaltk9cHA8y71XZzJzqIC-7avRnhTY074M4clM8hvWN5U/s320/DSCN2861.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555918537646183586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgc2e9ie97sozB6mwajM_qBRBqB0kXLfvJcTLAPfzR-TfeyJFjxsyijp4HD3PzN4hKqJHyzWjSis5K3HcgurksrW9Q-Qt5wEEV8mg9km4WYyAYBJaziB1NuHa8DJfNeHrNBuo2WgIhvw/s1600/DSCN2866.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgc2e9ie97sozB6mwajM_qBRBqB0kXLfvJcTLAPfzR-TfeyJFjxsyijp4HD3PzN4hKqJHyzWjSis5K3HcgurksrW9Q-Qt5wEEV8mg9km4WYyAYBJaziB1NuHa8DJfNeHrNBuo2WgIhvw/s320/DSCN2866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555918534334320146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3TDTOeO4zJCiGC9WDbNvv21Wbm1TkZW3iEJgP0E907OD3lC2AnMcgUiZxfX3CY4VArPott5o4Qimarf_aN9nqeCxxq5FKXQCMZMI_edt2UTrnck3cxY_vvdAAsbDw4_tVkf6GH-f8cI/s1600/DSCN2863.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3TDTOeO4zJCiGC9WDbNvv21Wbm1TkZW3iEJgP0E907OD3lC2AnMcgUiZxfX3CY4VArPott5o4Qimarf_aN9nqeCxxq5FKXQCMZMI_edt2UTrnck3cxY_vvdAAsbDw4_tVkf6GH-f8cI/s320/DSCN2863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555918531168398306" /></a><br />Not your grandma’s turkey soup!<br />We had some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving that we froze We had ordered a Mad Hatcher Turkey from Rain Shadow Meats. This was the inspiration for this meal. However, since we made this meal on the darkest day of the year, it required “harvesting” carrots from our yard with the help of a head lamp. <br />½ onion, chopped (Walla Walla, WA)<br />½ lb carrots (our yard)<br />4 oz Chanterelle Mushrooms (western WA)<br />2 quarts chicken stock (homemade)<br />3 tablespoons rosemary (our yard)<br />½ teaspoon salt (Grenada – purchased while on vacation)<br />½ teaspoon ground pepper (not local)<br />1 bay leaf (Grenada – purchased while on vacation)<br />½ lb chopped cooked turkey<br />Soften the onion, carrots and mushrooms in a Dutch oven, about 4 minutes. Add the chicken stock, rosemary, salt, pepper, bay leaf, bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the chopped turkey and heat through. Makes 4-6 servings.<br />Served with a Cranberry Vodka martini. The cranberry simple syrup was made from local cranberries. And the Vodka is from Washington apples made in Woodinville – Soft Tail Spirits.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-5095764478662302902010-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:002010-12-28T17:58:26.987-08:00Dark Days - Week #3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGWZKjE7QDAMVR3T7z7IxdCSovvRBA04mfln6F-ePme5dI0WrulL4Xpc48DZndkaOvCdxxS95_q-3zJUudeq0rc5fluszfN3OfXT0jxHpkAkSoYGcstfVgY8GSoUhWEjL5z5nK01z3Mw/s1600/DSCN2859.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGWZKjE7QDAMVR3T7z7IxdCSovvRBA04mfln6F-ePme5dI0WrulL4Xpc48DZndkaOvCdxxS95_q-3zJUudeq0rc5fluszfN3OfXT0jxHpkAkSoYGcstfVgY8GSoUhWEjL5z5nK01z3Mw/s320/DSCN2859.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555917714203023554" /></a><br />One of our go-to meals. Typically I judge all Italian restaurants by their Carbonara.<br />You can use bacon, but the guanciale just gives it a greater depth of flavor. Guanciale is very easy to make, just take a pork jowl and salt (and spice) cure it in the fridge for a week and then hang it in a cool (under 60 degrees) location for a month to dry out.<br />Only make enough of this receipe for the meal as it does not reheat. Should be served immediately.<br />Fettuccini Carbonara<br />1 pound fettuccini (home made from Red Mill white and semolina flour, Sky Valley Farm eggs)<br />2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (not local)<br />4 ounces guanciale or slab bacon, cubed or sliced into small strips (cured from Carlton Farms pork jowl)<br />4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (not local)<br />2 large eggs (Sky Valley Farm)<br />1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving (not local, but purchased from Calf and Kid, a local cheese shop in Seattle)<br />Freshly ground black pepper (not local)<br />1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (we omitted since ours died in our front yard)<br />Directions<br />Prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking to ensure that the fettuccini spaghetti will be hot and ready when the sauce is finished; it is very important that the pasta is hot when adding the egg mixture, so that the heat of the pasta cooks the raw eggs in the sauce.<br />Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender yet firm (as they say in Italian "al-dente”.") Drain the pasta well, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water to use in the sauce if you wish.<br />Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium flame. Add the guanciale and saute for about 3 minutes, until it is and the fat is rendered. Toss the garlic into the fat and saute for less than 1 minute to soften.<br />Add the hot, drained fettuccini to the pan and toss for 2 minutes to coat the strands in the guanciale fat. Beat the eggs and Parmesan together in a mixing bowl, stirring well to prevent lumps. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the egg/cheese mixture into the pasta, whisking quickly until the eggs thicken, but do not scramble (this is done off the heat to ensure this does not happen.) Thin out the sauce with a bit of the reserved pasta water, until it reaches desired consistency. Season the carbonara with several turns of freshly ground black pepper and taste for salt. Mound the fettucini carbonara into warm serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Pass more cheese around the table.<br />Adapted from Tyler Florence, serves 4-6 people<br />Served with local bread.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-91173332005716509522010-12-14T23:38:00.000-08:002010-12-15T00:06:41.642-08:00Dark Days - Week #2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w_HtLWezH-NAvHnnIBKDCLdrE2fGcYCAUJf7cXjw9-rr9cltccCkix8oX8G17qivjhSJHA42rS_wrKUJzpT-XoQVN7NOGFxq-IO8mDvuOL_1oTUvUAiFpQAPEYcyVlHzAF6Gz1PASnk/s1600/DSCN2856.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w_HtLWezH-NAvHnnIBKDCLdrE2fGcYCAUJf7cXjw9-rr9cltccCkix8oX8G17qivjhSJHA42rS_wrKUJzpT-XoQVN7NOGFxq-IO8mDvuOL_1oTUvUAiFpQAPEYcyVlHzAF6Gz1PASnk/s320/DSCN2856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550811102975722866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKg9WGHywURMwkqHstxP8iJZCBj-OMzUB0CFpRPfR7duFHm_4xyCPj10akCfq3ro28ueeo8i6l0K-mnQYQokMm93Xz3Bb6VBaIHhUVj7KbS-vinGcyNfSKVMUqdi56_SLEtraH6xvM58/s1600/DSCN2857.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKg9WGHywURMwkqHstxP8iJZCBj-OMzUB0CFpRPfR7duFHm_4xyCPj10akCfq3ro28ueeo8i6l0K-mnQYQokMm93Xz3Bb6VBaIHhUVj7KbS-vinGcyNfSKVMUqdi56_SLEtraH6xvM58/s320/DSCN2857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550811091337627986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9C-42S2Y55LCOrjISH96jm5xX1DhsMW7w4BF9JeYNQjLh4Uy7OAXnaZrBKc-Dizp9NF3eS2HTWuM1gqOpDpiGkImXzR5iZeAUmslF2NzqvdafQNfHOk4zLNUycL9T8SxhCuI-Tbj13U/s1600/DSCN2858.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9C-42S2Y55LCOrjISH96jm5xX1DhsMW7w4BF9JeYNQjLh4Uy7OAXnaZrBKc-Dizp9NF3eS2HTWuM1gqOpDpiGkImXzR5iZeAUmslF2NzqvdafQNfHOk4zLNUycL9T8SxhCuI-Tbj13U/s320/DSCN2858.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550811090306277794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8sM4LG5EK5NgJzbEuvnMXZf2gwfMZS5uDN9k_JwY8ud4ZNZYlTsJyzoOOcycaVAYDWEITT2AbWVEROvQ2zgsQ-AflFPTGkqsogSD2luvfTpmAarSkQOJwHtVKBtY0ck9M1laWlE1EyM/s1600/DSCN2855.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8sM4LG5EK5NgJzbEuvnMXZf2gwfMZS5uDN9k_JwY8ud4ZNZYlTsJyzoOOcycaVAYDWEITT2AbWVEROvQ2zgsQ-AflFPTGkqsogSD2luvfTpmAarSkQOJwHtVKBtY0ck9M1laWlE1EyM/s320/DSCN2855.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550811077973097474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAa69CE2M0xScUQcWy_Fe7M34sorOQeaZQL66iIYebOcMJXL3S9r80Wyh40j4VtLIuGRH547r_oFbFaG50HORVr-Ts0C4Yuzy_UN6css06Md-FvG1AM2NrnpBCasa_LGtNTeWyWTnm8M/s1600/DSCN2854.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAa69CE2M0xScUQcWy_Fe7M34sorOQeaZQL66iIYebOcMJXL3S9r80Wyh40j4VtLIuGRH547r_oFbFaG50HORVr-Ts0C4Yuzy_UN6css06Md-FvG1AM2NrnpBCasa_LGtNTeWyWTnm8M/s320/DSCN2854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550811076368074594" /></a><br />For the Dark Days Dinner #2 we decided to incorporate it into a party we were having with a bunch of friends. Again, we were not able to utilize local ingredients for the oil, vinegar, sugar and salt. One thing that struck me as counterproductive as we were shopping for our dinner is that we needed to go to 3 different stores in order to get all of the ingredients local. At what point is the carbon footprint worse by driving around than allowing a couple of items to be shipped from somewhere else? I mean, until more stores carry local goods isn’t the shipping of other goods somewhat of a sunk cost?<br />By the way…That parsnip was huge.<br />Enjoy the meal!!!<br /><br />Wines paired with the dinner:<br />Non Vintage Capitelo Sparkling Wine (Willamette Valley, OR)<br />2009 Maison Bleue Petit Joie Marsanne (Yakima Valley, WA)<br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Syrah (Desert Hills Vineyard, WA)<br />2003 Rulo Syrah (Walla Walla Valley, WA)<br />Limoncello liquor (brought back from Rome)<br /><br />Salad<br />Escarole (6 leaves) (OR)<br />Fuji Apples (Eastern WA)<br />4 oz blue cheese (Big Boy Blue- OR)<br />Onion (Farmer’s Own Organics, Seattle, WA)<br />Olive oil (not local)<br />1 tablespoon butter (Tillamook, OR)<br />1 teaspoon brown sugar (not local)<br />Place onion along with oil and butter in a heavy pan over low heat and add a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about an half an hour then add brown sugar and continue cooking for another half an hour.<br />Place escarole leaf down on plate. Top with 1/8 inch slices of apple, blue cheese and onion.<br />Chicken, Sausage & Mushroom Pot Pie<br />CRUST<br />2 cups all purpose flour (Red Mill, OR)<br />¾ teaspoon salt (Bonair)<br />10 tablespoons (1 ¼ sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch cubes (Tillamook, OR)<br />4 tablespoons (or more) ice water (can only assume it’s local ;-) )<br />FILLING<br />4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature, divided (Tillamook, OR)<br />2 tablespoons all purpose flour (Red Mill, OR)<br />2 tablespoons olive oil (not local)<br />12 oz mushrooms (1 portabella and several chanterelles – NW Washington)<br />1 cup finely chopped shallots (about 5) (Farmer’s Own Organics, Seattle)<br />1 tablespoon fresh thyme (our yard)<br />1 ¼ lb Italian sausages (about 6) casings removed (Carlton Farms, OR)<br />2 lbs skinless boneless chicken thighs, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces (Mad Hatcher Farms, WA)<br />½ cup Madeira (use a WA red wine in its place – Eastern WA)<br />2 cups low-salt chicken broth (personally canned using local ingredients)<br />3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled, thickly sliced (Sky River Farms, WA)<br />1 large egg yolk beaten to blend with one tablespoon water (for glaze) (Sky River Farms, WA)<br />PREPARATION<br />CRUST<br />Blend flour and salt in a processor. Add butter and cut in, using on/off turns, until coarse meal forms. Add 4 tablespoons water. Using on/off turns, blend until moist clumps form, adding more water by ½ tablespoonfuls if dough is dry. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.<br />FILLING<br />Mix 2 tablespoons butter and flour in bowl to smooth paste; set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil in large deep skillet. Add mushrooms, shallots and thyme. Sauté until mushrooms brown, about 8 minutes. Add sausage; sauté until no longer pink, breaking up with spoon, about 7 minutes. Add chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until chicken is no longer pink on outside, about 5 minutes. Add Madeira (wine); boil 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to boil. Mix in butter-flour paste; simmer until sauce thickens, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to 10-cup round banking dish; top with egg slices (We modified it and put it in “French Onion Soup” bowls to make individual servings)<br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Roll out dough on floured surface to 13 to 14-inch round. Place atop filling. Trim overhang to 1 inch. Fold overhand under, crimp edge. Brush crust with glaze; cut several slits in crust.<br />Bake pie until crust is golden, about 45 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes and serve<br />Taken from bon appétit (December 2008) 6 servings<br />Roasted Root Vegetables with Honey, Balsamic Vinegar<br />½ lb medium carrots, peeled and left whole (front yard)<br />½ lb medium beets, peeled and quartered (OR)<br />½ lb medium turnips, peeled and halved (OR)<br />1.2 lb medium parsnips, peeled and left whole (Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA)<br />3 shallots, unpeeled, but in half through the stem end (Farmer’s Own Organics, Seattle, WA)<br />½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (not local)<br />Salt and ground black pepper (salt Bonair, pepper not local)<br />½ cup honey (WA)<br />¼ cup balsamic vinegar (not local)<br />Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Toss the vegetables with the olive oil and salt and pepper in a big bowl. Dump them out onto a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes. Whisk together the honey and vinegar in a small bowl. Take the vegetables out of the oven, pour the vinegar-honey mixture over, and toss. Return the vegetables to the oven and cook until fork-tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes. The recipe also called for topping the vegetables with 4 oz chilled fresh goat cheese, but we omitted this ingredient.<br />Taken from Tyler Florence’s Tyler’s Ultimate: 2006 – Serves 4<br />Pear Cobbler with Cranberry Streusel<br />Unsalted butter, at room temperature (Tillamook, OR)<br />Granulated sugar (not local)<br />4 Bartlett pears (Washington Growers, WA)<br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Bonair)<br />¼ cup brown sugar (not local)<br />2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (Red Mill, OR)<br />1 teaspoon cinnamon (not local)<br />½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (brought back from vacation on Grenada)<br />STREUSEL TOPPING<br />½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (Tillamook, OR)<br />½ cup brown sugar (not local)<br />½ cup all-purpose flour (Red Mill, OR)<br />½ teaspoon salt (Bonair)<br />1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (Coquille Cranberries, North Bend, OR)<br /><br />½ cup heavy cream, beaten to soft peaks (Fresh Breeze Organic, Lynden, WA)<br />Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8x8-inch baking dish. Dust the dish with granulated sugar; tapping out any excess.<br />Peel the pears and cut then in half through the stem end. Use a melon baller to scoop out the cores. Put the pear halves in a large bowl, sprinkle with the vanilla, and toss. Then sprinkle over the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg and toss so that the pears are really well coated with the flavorings. Set the pears in a single layer; cored side down, in the prepared baking dish.<br />Now make the topping. In the same bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour and salt and mash it all together with your fingers. Toss in the cranberries. Crumble the topping mixture over the pears in the baking dish and bake until the topping is nice and crunchy and browned and the pears are very tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.<br />Taken from Tyler Florence’s Tyler’s Ultimate: 2006 – Serves 4MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-61332517095914440702010-12-06T20:35:00.001-08:002010-12-06T21:09:29.318-08:00Dark Days - Week #1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsOBllcPHn6aoyt61L4zwIUwiCTF9jWFgGWwhbtjoJ3wf9mUKkFbA7K37E3Oz8hPSSP6rgRi8F7xRLq_7zaVWsO-bSnYfUorFlqUPYO5ypUeDSORglpgwh37wMS_b0jYmsAn_m9uLAyQ/s1600/DSCN2845.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsOBllcPHn6aoyt61L4zwIUwiCTF9jWFgGWwhbtjoJ3wf9mUKkFbA7K37E3Oz8hPSSP6rgRi8F7xRLq_7zaVWsO-bSnYfUorFlqUPYO5ypUeDSORglpgwh37wMS_b0jYmsAn_m9uLAyQ/s320/DSCN2845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547801479750609890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94YGVc53jUE0aHFnJhUR4Ufa3v-yGHfysESfxtXN8r96-6_zZJZ95RWA8EJ3siw1aDINzQwf5SwfA1gcm3IzwTpNcWoCSlJN45XwAvOM3ccSuj0K6inDeaXZ0U3g_EDsYumsiznE_2f0/s1600/DSCN2847.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94YGVc53jUE0aHFnJhUR4Ufa3v-yGHfysESfxtXN8r96-6_zZJZ95RWA8EJ3siw1aDINzQwf5SwfA1gcm3IzwTpNcWoCSlJN45XwAvOM3ccSuj0K6inDeaXZ0U3g_EDsYumsiznE_2f0/s320/DSCN2847.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547801477153111314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7IC5DraZ45FKD-DzKDX77XvgCcFgX9jDBM6qEANoB22LrMgbUxWFWj6CmnAb00IUXgNMJKyJ2NvKSAhhkfCx7OIrC8mZ50AhHzURVdGmw2n9MF74H0olRbvk47_vGRicDDcKMtG87Ks/s1600/DSCN2844.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7IC5DraZ45FKD-DzKDX77XvgCcFgX9jDBM6qEANoB22LrMgbUxWFWj6CmnAb00IUXgNMJKyJ2NvKSAhhkfCx7OIrC8mZ50AhHzURVdGmw2n9MF74H0olRbvk47_vGRicDDcKMtG87Ks/s320/DSCN2844.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547801470011769106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKP3VphzFO33gCRei1IZWEre-bw1WGtQ_sm14fymNPYXbYdis_HQjigE5HrrmARRocdoJLmOkRUAZYTe3q6BCJeQSFF1owm4XfrPIDz4xwHuwlCztH_Q-pWRnbZauxp84w3NXsJrpaeo/s1600/DSCN2843.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKP3VphzFO33gCRei1IZWEre-bw1WGtQ_sm14fymNPYXbYdis_HQjigE5HrrmARRocdoJLmOkRUAZYTe3q6BCJeQSFF1owm4XfrPIDz4xwHuwlCztH_Q-pWRnbZauxp84w3NXsJrpaeo/s320/DSCN2843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547801463404500674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB0tNNdkYZ-KEytX5Z4SGXl34CUW8LgmkEleIgJECCh-W_KjWln142iLP6A97NT7dFbwZlpHhfeLNA1D8pPuAUB0QRy6xDexLEapDSFt2YJqjslr1l5kNGKDetGjLH5soRKPTHfSZK70/s1600/DSCN2853.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB0tNNdkYZ-KEytX5Z4SGXl34CUW8LgmkEleIgJECCh-W_KjWln142iLP6A97NT7dFbwZlpHhfeLNA1D8pPuAUB0QRy6xDexLEapDSFt2YJqjslr1l5kNGKDetGjLH5soRKPTHfSZK70/s320/DSCN2853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547801448636600386" /></a><br />As we get into our first Dark Days meal, we find that this is going to be more difficult than first imagined. As we perused the vegetable aisle at our local "local" grocery store, the fall/winter vegetables that we figured would be from around here ended up not...So we had to improvise (have a feeling this is going to be a theme over the next 4 months).<br /><br />Meal #1<br /><br />Cauliflower-Apple Soup with Apple Cider Reduction<br />Baked Chicken<br />Washington Viognier/Roussanne<br /><br />1 Cup apple cider (Hood River, OR)<br />2 tsp Olive Oil (Exempted - Tried to find local oil - Failed)<br />2 Cups chopped onion (Washington)<br />2 tsp Madras curry powder (Exempted)<br />1 tsp chopped garlic (Washington)<br />6 Cups Cauliflower florets (Willamette Valley, OR - Had to purchase frozen as all of the fresh cauliflower is from California)<br />5 Cups chicken broth (homemade stock from mad hatcher chickens and local root vegetables that we canned earlier in the year)<br />1 gala apple - peeled, cored and chopped (Washington)<br />1/3 Cup Half and Half (Kent, WA)<br />2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice (Exempted)<br />3/4 tsp Salt (Bonaire, Caribbean - I know this isn't local, but we picked this up when we were on vacation so it feels more local than the stuff we'd get at the grocery store)<br />1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (Exempted)<br /><br />1. Bring the apple cider to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook until cider is reduced to 1/4 cup (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.<br />2. Heat oil in a large Dutch over over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; saute 3 minutes. Add curry powder and garlic to pan; saute 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add cauliflower, broth and apple, bringing to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until cauliflower is very tender.<br />3. Remove pan from heat; cool 5 minutes. Place half of cauliflower mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining cauliflower mixture. Return to pot. Stir in half and half; cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until throughly heated (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in juice, salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Ladle about 1 cup soup into each of 8 bowls; drizzle each serving with 1-1/2 teaspoons cider reduction. Garnish with coarsely ground pepper, if desired. Yield: 8 servings. (Recipe taken from CookingLight: December 2008).<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375. Place chicken breasts in a oven proof container. Sprinkle with turmeric, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Bake for appropriately 35 minutes.<br /><br />Paired the meal with a Darby Winery 2009 "le Deuce" Columbia Valley Viognier/RoussanneMagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-33034616594212511782010-11-21T14:57:00.000-08:002010-12-06T21:11:14.158-08:00Dark Days ChallengeFrom Dec 1st through April 15th, we will be detailing one meal a week that is completely local (*see below for caveats). <br /><br />Our personal definition of local is one gas tank away, so roughly 400 miles. From Seattle the north boundary is Kamloops, BC, to the east is the Montana border and South all the way down to Roseburg, OR.<br /><br />Some items that we will be using that are not local are dried herbs and spices that don't come from our garden.<br /><br />Where appropriate, we will utilize items that we have picked up throughout our travels. Since it came home with us, there really isn't any incremental environmental impact from transport.<br /><br />Feel free to comment if you have any questions on the meals we post.<br /><br />Enjoy!MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-46187196013026883662009-05-14T22:02:00.001-07:002009-05-14T22:14:45.790-07:00Wines Tasted in April2004 Vin du Lac Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Wife loves this wine, I find it very pleasant. Low tannin level with a balanced amount of acidity. Notes of dried raspberries and potpouri. Paired well with the feta and sun dried tomatoes that were stuffed in the chicken breast. For the price I expect a bit more wow factor. I guess that my wife loves it so much that can count for the wow factor for someone. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Perfect bottle of wine for when you just need to grab something out of the cellar. Nose of cherry, cranberry and spicy oak. More red fruit flavors on the palate. Finish was short but clean. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Always a great value wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Brut France, Champagne The more I have other champagnes, the less this inspires me. Bit of yeast and toasty aromas. Palate was very flat and lifeless. For the price I think that it is time to start passing on this and purchase other sparklers.<br /><br />1995 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Vintage Reserve USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros Extremely dry. The fruit is fading a bit on this, but tastes very good. Need to drink the rest over the next six months.<br /><br />2003 Territorial Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Tangy. Paired with sauteed chicken breast with a lime sauce. Nothing memorable about the wine, but it provided a pleasant flavor and aroma. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley It's wine. Starting to get flat, fat and tired. Oak is showing through. Some nose and palate of tropical fruits. Would not purchase this vintage again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Syrah Del Rio Vineyard USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley Decanted. There was a chunk of sediment about the size of my pinky finger. Slight heat on the nose with lots of dark fruit aromas. Palate was a bit thin, but the dark fruit flavors made up for the mouthfeel. Finish lasted a good long time. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Maryhill Fort Rock Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Very nice. Started off very spicy, made the italian sausage seem mild. Calmed down over an hour period. Slight hint of oyster in the background (a good thing). Would buy again.<br /><br />2001 Three Rivers Winery Syrah Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Really enjoyable wine. The fruit is starting to dry out a bit, but I am still getting blackberries and tart cherries. Smoky with a bit of earth thrown in for good measure. Decanted, but not a bit of sediment. Improved with air over two hours. Really like my syrah with about 5-6 years of age on it. Would purchase this vintage again for short term drinking and younger vintages for long term.<br /><br />2004 Masquerade Merlot Klipsun Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Just wasn't giving up much tonight. Think that the wine was served a bit too chilled. Color was very deep and dark. Nose had a little bit of cocoa powder. On the palate it was just lifeless. Hope that this wine is not on the downhill.<br /><br />2006 Hence Cellars Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Nose was somewhat closed on this tonight. Not getting the typical diesel notes that I enjoy from this wine. A bit one dimensional and kind of drinking "simple". Not a good representation of what this wine can offer.<br /><br />2004 Vin du Lac Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Drinking really well right now. Nose had a nice combination of tart fruits, spices and dried flowers. Raspberry and pommegranate on the palate. Finish was short but clean. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 W. B. Bridgman Cellars Viognier Yakima Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Great value. Refreshing, but still somewhat lush. Tropical fruits on the nose. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington Unfined and unfiltered, so this wine is cloudy. Not the same depth as the 2004 vintage. Wasn't giving up much. Not to say that the wine was bad, it was just very subdued. Hope that this opens up more with time. Would purchase again to try it in another year.<br /><br />2002 Château Peyre-Lebade France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Listrac-Médoc Didn't pair well with the brie and prosciutto, made it a bit too bitey. Let it sit for a couple of hours and it got better. Had an odd smell to it that I can only discribe as a combination of mint and Smarties(candy). Had a hard time picking up any fruit on the palate. Definitely much different than the domestic wine I normally drink. Am thinking that this would have been better paired with a hearty meal. Not sure if it is designed to stand alone as an apperetif.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Totem Cellars Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Just a tannic beast tonight. Hard to get anything out of this. Just bought some new Reidel Bordeaux glasses and wanted to try them out. Felt like the wine jsut got lost in the glass. Front palate was nice and then boom went the tannins. Totally puckered you up. Not showing well tonight. Would not re-purchase based on tonight, but it was much better at the winery.<br /><br />2004 Ravenswood Zinfandel Lodi USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi Brought to Easter dinner. Didn't get a taste.<br /><br />2003 Ravenswood Zinfandel Lodi USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi brought to Easter dinner. Didn't get a taste.<br /><br />2003 Vin du Lac Sauvignon Blanc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Brought to Easter dinner. Didn't get a taste.<br /><br />2005 Cedergreen Cellars Viola USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought to Easter dinner. Paired with ham and shrimp. Nice fresh flavor. Subdued aromas. Went well with the food, but by itself I think that it would be underwhelming. However, it might be nice on a hot day in summer.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley It was white, it was cold, it had alcohol. That is about all this wine had tonight. Really starting on the downhill slide.<br /><br />2006 Des Voigne Cellars Sangiovese San Remo Seven Hills Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Nose started off very closed but opened up a little after an hour. Predominant aroma was oak with some red fruits. I was disappointed at first sip as the wine was flat on the front of the palate. However, it really took off in the mid palate and the finish. Lots of sweet fruit and bright tannic structure. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Rex Hill Vineyards Pinot Gris King's Ridge USA, Oregon Nice table wine. Went well with grilled halibut in a dill burre blanc. Flavor really comes out when the wine is not as chilled as typical for a white. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Big fruit aromas as soon as I popped the cork. Nose of cherries, blackberries and pie spices (cinamon and clove). More of the same on the palate. In the beginning the wine had a pretty soft mouthfeel, but after about an hour the tannins started to show up and dry out the wine. Good bottle of wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington Had a hard time analyzing this wine tonight, but it was good. There was something on the nose that I think was toasted coconut, but just couldn't put my finger on it. There was a little bit of pineapple. Thick mouthfeel. Medium length finish with full flavors. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Waving Tree Sangiovese Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Tasty midweek wine. Paired with chicken fried steak and thyme country gravy. Bit of acidity to clean the palate. Bright red color. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Woodward Canyon Estate Red Wine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Cherry campfire. Decanted, had a bit of sediment. Nose of cherries and an element that smelled like a campfire the next morning. Still some strong tannins on the backend of the palate. Drinking nicely, but not enough wow factor for the price point. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Still a bit too tannic. Melowed out after about an hour in the glass. Will wait another year before I try the next bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Tulip Valley Cabernet-Merlot USA, Washington Brought to Easter dinner. Didn't get to taste.<br /><br />2006 Hence Cellars Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought to Easter dinner. Didn't get to taste this, but it went quickly so everyone else seemed to enjoy it.<br /><br />2006 Eagle Haven Madeleine Angevine USA, Washington, Puget Sound Brought to Easter dinner. I didn't get to have any, but my wife said she liked it. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Smokey and meaty. Tannins have integrated very nicely. More smoke. Nicely balanced. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Two Rivers USA, Oregon/Washington A bit harsh. Didn't mellow over a two day period. Needs heavy food to settle it down. Would not repurchase.<br /><br />2006 Pomum Cellars A. D. Dunn USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Decanted. Slight haze on the top of the wine, makes me think that there is a high sulfite level. (that's the only thing I have seen to cause the haze on the wine). Color is like a slightly under ripe cherry still on the tree. Initially nose was fairly closed. Was picking up a good amount of oak, some mintyness as well as a very dusty component (think of going into an attic that has been closed up for a while. After a while there was some tart raspberry. Chewy tannins on the palate. Flavors of strawberry and more tart raspberries. The tannins really hang on for a while without being overbearing. Good finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1996 Perrier-Jouët Champagne Cuvée Fleur de Champagne France, Champagne Amazing. This bottle of champagne was the best caramel apple tartlet I have ever had. The nose was heavy on yeasty dough. Front of the tongue picked up hints of caramel while the mouthfeel was like heavy whipped cream. Finished with a mouthful of tart green apples. Could get used to really good champagne!!!! Would purchase again for a special occasion.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County This fell off a steep cliff all of a sudden. Guess that the rest of it will be for cooking.<br /><br />2002 Rulo Syrah Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Still going along very nicely. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Pose #11B USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Grassiness is starting to take over the tropical notes. Still very fresh and vibrant. Drink in the near future if you have any more. Would purchase again for near term drinking.<br /><br />2006 Barrage Cellars Cabernet Franc Secret Weapon Boushey Vineyards USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Popped and poured. Deep red/black core and a bright bubble gum pink rim. Slight bit of oak on the nose as well as dark roasted cocoa. After about two hours the nose closed up and didn't open back up again for the rest of the night. Flavors of rainier cherries, pomegranate and tart cranberries. Weight in the mouth was a little light with a bright tannic structure that tingled on the sides and back of the tongue. Finish didn't last as long as I would have preferred, but had a nice flavor profile. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Rutherford Hill Zinfandel Vintage Port USA, California, Napa Valley Brought to a tasting. Was concerned that this was going to be way too young, but came across very balanced. Nose of green and white peppercorns. Sweet balck cherry on the palate. Nice mouthfeel (silky) with a consistent flavor profile from the front to the back of the tongue. Good long finish, could see this aging for a while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Waterbrook Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Heavy on the minerals. Very acidic, needed food to cut the taste a little bit. Not sure if I would purchase again. Still don't "GET" Washington chardonnay.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Bricco USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley Decanted. After one hour there were heady floral aromas and lots of spiciness. Good does of oak, but well integrated into the overall taste. After about two hours the wine started to close down and the taste went somewhat flat. Got more harsh as the evening wore on. Would purchase again if I were going to drink it quickly once the bottle was opened.<br /><br />2001 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley USA, California, Napa Valley Decanted, fair amount of sediment. Still drinking quite nicely. Nose of plum and prune, with just a hint of tomato. On the palate there were ample tannins, some oak and more dark raisinous fruit flavors. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Cougar Crest Vivace USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Wonderful QPR. Lots of fresh tropical fruit flavors. Nice mouthfeel and good dose of acidity to clean the palate. Will be buying more of this.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Bit of butter on the front end, died on the back palate. Almost at the end of it's life.<br /><br />2005 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County Was a little worried when I first poured this bottle as there were a bunch of what looked like little shards of glass. I had never seen tartaric crystals in the bottom of a glass. Wine was typical though a bit less oak and vanilla on this vintage. Good mouthfeel. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Drank over two nights. First night was all about the smoke and the oak. Heavy aroma of dark roasted coffee and sweet pipe tobacco. Maybe a little over the top, but i really find the oak pleasing in Kurt's wines. Second night the smoke and oak had settled down quite a bit and the nose took on an unsweetened cocoa and brown butter element. There was more fruit on the palate, though the finish had shortened up considerably. Still very enjoyable, just a completely different wine after 24 hours. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Cantine Collalto Prosecco Piave Italy, Veneto, Piave Great QPR. A really good standard every day sparkler. Crisp and refreshing, with just enough depth to keep it interesting. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé Frenchtown Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley The bright strawberry pink color of this wine has faded to the color of a melted orange popsicle. Nose is also much more subdued with aromas of rhubarb. Still quite refreshing on the palate with hints of peaches and cranberries. Definitely at the end of it's life. Would purchase future vintages of this.<br /><br />2002 Benziger Family Winery Port Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County Think that the winemaker filtered this port through a filter made of cigar tobacco. Nice element for a little while but it gets old quickly. Not much other smell or flavor other than the cigar. Smooth finish, not a lot of heat given the alcohol level. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Il Vescovado Chianti Italy, Tuscany, Chianti Needs an hour in the bottle before it opens up.<br /><br />2004 Chandler Reach Vineyards Corella USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Really enjoy Washington sangiovese. Paired perfectly with the pizza. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Va Piano Vineyards Bruno's Blend II USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Have to get myself some more of this. Deep dark nose and flavors. The syrah component really shines through. But with the other elements it doesn't need to age quite as long as I typically like my Walla Walla syrah. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County Consistent with prior bottles. Enjoyed quite a bit tonight. Fruit is settling down and there is a little bot more of the spice this time. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc Alder Ridge Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills Fourth bottle of the night. It was good, would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Nebbiolo Del Rio Vineyard USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley Decanted, not much sediment. Color was very light red with a hint of orange peel. Right out of the bottle there was a huge nose of concord grape jam. After a little while the nose settled on more of a mixed berry fruit roll up aroma along with a bit of sour cherry. More cherries on the palate with strong grippy tannins. Very dry finish. Going to wait another couple of years before I open the last bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Beaulieu Vineyard Signet Collection Beauzeaux USA, California, Napa Valley Very dark purple and heavy tannins. The tannins overpowered the fruit making the wine somewhat harsh. Did not smooth out even after six hours in the decanter. It was better when I had a piece of steak in my mouth, but there wasn't enough steak to go along with the entire bottle. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Château de Cosse France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes Paired with lemon-rosemary brulee. Had a good dose of acid that countered the sweetness. Heavy apricot aromas. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Sangiovese Two Rivers USA, Oregon/Washington Starting to come into it's own. Decanted, needed about a half an hour to open up. Rose petals and earth on the nose. Still a little tannic, but is starting to integrate nicely. Very good Sangiovese. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Bricco USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley Consistent with prior notes. Decanted and drank fairly quickly. Very nice. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington Really nice crisp Chardonnay. Wine is unfiltered and therefore is cloudy. Nose of oak and spice box. Good dose of acidity. Finish was mouthwatering and was still lingering ten minutes later. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Nice flavors of cherry and cinnamon. Nose had a bit of oak and vanilla. Went down easy. Would purchase again.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-66358248952313316672009-04-09T22:32:00.000-07:002009-04-09T22:36:15.581-07:00Wines Tasted in March2003 Lake Chelan Winery Stormy Mountain Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nice blend. A bit to heavy on the oak. The oak didn't show itself until about an hour after the wine was open. Decent amount of red fruit flavors and a balanced level of tannins. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Owen Roe Syrah Ex Umbris USA, Oregon/Washington, Columbia Valley - Surprising that this wine was so approachable at a young age. Lots of smoke on the nose. Dark fruits on the palate. Finish was a bit short. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Totem Cellars Cabernet Franc Qo-Ne USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really cool glass closure on this wine. What I really like about it is that you can bring it back to the winery and they will give you a discount on your next bottle of wne. Nose was somewhat closed on this wine tonight. Did not have the bright aromas that I got when we tasted at the winery. Palate had nice resolved tannins and a good body. Not much fruit to speak of until I paired it with a small bite of chocolate cake. All of a sudden there was a distinct cherry flavor. All in all it was drinking alright tonight, just not exciting. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling Cipes Brut Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA - Somewhat heavier styled than most sparkling wine. Nice flavors, but did not give up much on the nose. Plesent to drink. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Chelan Estate Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Blueberry jumps from the decanter. Lots of sediment that needed to be strained off. Oak is starting to come to the forefront of the wine. Tannins are present but still in check. Still fresh and young with a long life ahead of it. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Winemaker's Loft USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really an oak bomb tonight, but I didn't mind. Lots of dark fruit flavors. Nose was dominated by roasted coffee and vanilla. Drank this while tailgating in a parking lot after snowshoeing. Wind was blowing and the snow was coming down. Needed something big and brutish to come through the weather. Still not my thing on a regular night. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Ravenswood Icon USA, California, Sonoma County - Nice. Drier and a little more harsh than the 2001. Would buy the 2001 if I had a choice.<br /><br />2001 Ravenswood Icon USA, California, Sonoma County - Consistant with previous notes.<br /><br />2004 Château Rouquette sur Mer Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape - Decent. Good QPR. A bit steeley. Looking forward to this on a hot day in the summer. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Rulo Syrca USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Something a little funky about this wine. reminds me of a taste from the steel tank at the winery. Wouldn't buy again.<br /><br />2001 Il Vescovado Chianti Italy, Tuscany, Chianti - Good middle of the week wine. Picked up some vinegar notes by the end of the night.<br /><br />2004 Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc Alder Ridge Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Simple but tasty. Has the red sour cherry flavor of a pinot noir. Good amount of acidity, but not overdone. Light tannins with a very short finish. Decent mid week wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Pomum Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - So I just finished a bottle of the Syrah that was opened and double decanted 12 hours ago. Although I still believe that this year's vintage is more delicate than the last, it really grew on me throughout the evening. What really stood out for me is the mouth feel. It was velvety and coated the tongue. The finish sticks with you for quite a while. There are copious amounts of black fruit aromas and flavors. I would agree that the complexity could use a slight kick in the pants. However, I have found with Washington Syrah (CAVEAT - My opinion) that it is best 5+ years from vintage. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Syrca USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Much better than the non Vintage released a couple of years ago. Soft mouthfeel and nicely subdued red fruit flavors. Tannins were soft and balanced. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Little bit of effervessence. Lots of melon and tropical fruit flavors. On the back end the alcohol was a little too present (14%). Would be nice on a really hot day in the summer. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Pomum Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Had one more bottle that was opened on Sunday (that means opened and decanted 36 hours before drinking). The black fruits were just singing tonight with a wonderful spicy finish. The tannins were much more prominent tonight and the wine hung on the tongue for a good long time. Excited to see how this develops with some time in the cellar. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Wapato Point Cellars Red Delicious USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Bright purple in color. Notes of cinnamon and raspberries. Very little tannin and what is there is a bit soft. Fine but uninspiring wine. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Fattoria di Petroio Chianti Classico Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico - Bottom half an inch of the wine was sediment. Oak dominated on the nose and palate with just a little bit of dried rose petals. Servicable wine, but nothing that got me excited. Decent mid week wine for the price. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Color was bordering on amber. Very oxidized, hoping that this isn't the end of the life of the rest of my bottles.<br /><br />2006 Eagle Haven Madeleine Angevine/Siegerrebe USA, Washington, Puget Sound - Opened this up for family to pair with corned beef. I didn't get any, but it was finished off quickly so I am going to assume they liked it.<br /><br />1975 Château Mouton-Baron-Philippe France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac - Bottle was DOA. The color was burnt orange with a lot of acetic acid on the nose. Almost no flavor to speak of. Oh well.<br /><br />2004 Camaraderie Cellars Grace USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Deep purple color. Nose was a little heavy on the stewed fruits. There was also a fair bit of oak and vanilla. Good balanced acidity on the palate, but the finish was clipped and too tart. Have really enjoyed previous vintages of this wine, but it wasn't really doing much for me tonight. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2008 Auclair Sauvignon Blanc Artz Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Drank this over two nights. Should not be served too cold as it totally closes up the nose. Aromas of lemon curd and just a hint of grassiness when the wine warmed up. Really refreshing acidity on the front of the palate. Flavors of key lime and grapefruit. Very good QPR. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington - Infanticide. Bought a bottle on the day it was released to retailers. Have enjoyed rob's wine in the past and wanted to see if this was another vintage to purchase multiple bottles of. First two hours in the decanter this was very disjointed and had a sharp alcoholic edge even though the wine comes in at 13.3%. After four hours the wine softened some (still massive but not the edge from the beginning). Paired with a rare flank steak, the steak really brought out all the good points of the wine. Smells of raspberry jam and balsamic reduction. Think that there is lots of potential here, but I would wait at least a month before even trying this as it seems that there is a lot of bottle shock from just being bottled and shipped. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Warre Porto King's Tawny Portugal, Douro, Porto - Easy drinking. Very light color, smell and taste. Uncomplicated. If it was put in front of me I'd drink it, but would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Nefarious Cellars Riesling Antoine Creek USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Paired with corned beef. Matched perfectly with the saltiness of the meat. Just a hint of sweetness, but the wine is definitely a dry style. Lots of floral aromas and tropical/citrus hints. Wonderful wine at a great price. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Fruit is starting to pop out. Wine is settling down and smoothing out. Lots of sweet fruit and plenty of spice. Good vintage. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Need to decant to blow off the bottle funk. Average bottle of wine. Good for hot day in summer. Does not give up much in the nose or palate.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Going to have to go out and find more of this. Lots of sweet dark fruit and a good dose of oak. Tannins are up front and bite right out of the bottle, but settle down after about an hour. Paired perfectly with a medium steak. Nose of tobacco and oak. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc ASecondThought USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Nice bottle of wine. Didn't really pay attention to it, butit drank easy. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Gallagher U Brew Malbec Chile - Got better with time out of the bottle.<br /><br />2005 ÀMaurice Cellars Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Color is greenish yellow. Nose has a good amount of oak, but it is not overpowering. Also a note of lemon meringue. Crisp acidity on the mouthfeel. More flavors of vanilla and oak. Bit of green apple on the finish. Wine has a nice medium length finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Took to dinner tonight to share with friends that are moving away. Decanted, but almost no sediment. Let sit in the decanter for about 30 minutes before diving in. Wine has amazing potential. Nose was somewhat closed, but still getting bits of blackberries and violets. Not sure how Alex got the velvet into the bottle but that is how it felt caressing your tongue. Massive weight on the mouthfeel. Good tannic structure on the backend without being overly puckering. Finish holds on for a good while. Tonight this wine was all about the mouthfeel. Just amazingly smoothe. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Pomum Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Found this gem at a local wine bar and since I am reluctant to dive into my own stash, thought that I would see how the wine is coming along. Consistent with prior tastings. HUGE nose. Not as much on the bloody meat tonight, but there is this wonderful stink (don't know how else to describe it) that just pours out of the glass. On the palate it is herbal and earthy. Finish lasts a while. Really just can't get enough of this wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Argyle Brut USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Had this to start a meal with friends. Bubbles were a bit lacking, but that may have had to do with the waiter popping it lwhen opening and having it flow out over the top of the neck. Didn't lose too much of it, but didn't give us much confidence in him. Color was clear with just a hint of golden. Nice yeast on the nose and the palate. There was a bit of sweetness on the palate also. All in all a decent entry level sparkler. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Very nice bottle of wine. Nice flavors of black fruit and leather. Heavy scents of tobacco. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros - Dark pommegranate seed color. Nose is hard to describe, getting a lot of smokey notes. Lively on the tongue with cherry cola and a tannic edge. Good amount of acidity, cleans the palate right up. Pleasant bottle, paired well with parmesan crusted pork chop. Could see this hanging on for a few more years, still has a very youthful zip to it. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Wasn't feeling this wine tonight. Seemed flat and lifeless to me. Oak was the prominent note coming through. Would purchase again based on other bottles, but not this one.<br /><br />2003 Portteus Rattlesnake Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Needs a bit of time out of the bottle to open up. I'd give it at least an hour. Nice dark fruit flavors. Very nice wne, the tannins have integrated and has become smooth. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Syrah Black Tongue USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Crazy black color. Nose of balckberry, plum and charcoal. Flavors had more of the backberry as well as some oak. The weight in the mouth didn't match what I was expecting, it was actually a bit light. Am looking forward to see how this wine develops over the next few years. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Still could use about a year or two in the bottle. Was very harsh upon opening. Settled down after an hour in the decanter. At this point it would be better served as a food wine. Would pair with lamb. Lots of green leafy flavors. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Brought to a family dinner to share. consistent notes from last bottle. Picked up another case of this. Wonderful stuff. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Let's start with a caveat - I have a slight head cold. Aroma right after opening the bottle was classic Stevens buttered corn on the cob. This blows off after a minute or two. Got a little bit of blackberry and oak and then my nose shut down for the evening. Flavors really come through. Wine had lots of black cherry and finished with sweet apple (fujis). Finish lasted a while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Totem Cellars Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Drinking well tonight. Good mix of dark fruits, mint and licorice. Finished sweet and it lasted a while. Really enjoyed this. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Substance Merlot USA, Washington - Very fruity, but not over the top. Good integration of oak. Not too much structure, but wasn't soft either. Good QPR. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Red Sky Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Decanted, very little sediment. Dark plum color. Nose of freshly popped corn and stewed tomatoes, somewhat reminicent of V8 juice. More veggies on the palate. Very different wine from the last time I had it but it was really working for me. Good medium length finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 One True Vine Shiraz Layer Cake Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley - Tasty but flabby. Huge wine with crazy dark color and gobs of sweet fruit. Lots of oak, bits of mint, cherry, vanilla and raspberry. This wine is built as a cocktail wine. Not enough acid to cut through any food. Big and fun, but tends to be a bit flabby on the palate. Would purchase again but only for specific occasions.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Love that they release this late in it's life. The 2001 is still on retail shelves. Wonderful dark fruit aromas and flavors. Dark colar and heady aromas. A bit of oak and mint thrown in for complexity. Terrra blanca is one of my favorite value brands. Great wines for under $20. If I can find some more there will definitely be some more purchases. Paired with brie and salame.<br /><br />2002 Magnificent Wine Company House Wine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nice, but a little harsh. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Nice. Dark and brooding. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Piety Flats Mercantile Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Starting to dry out a little. Faded rather quickly in the glass.<br /><br />2006 Darby le deuce USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Acidity for days on this wine. Strong aromas of honeysuckle and stone fruit. Best to serve the wine a little warmer than chilled. Found that when it was too chilled that the acidity just dominated. As it warmed up a bit the nose really opened. Paired with a steamed halibut filet and green onion chili sauce. Would purchase again.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-21689525950414198052009-03-22T22:21:00.000-07:002009-03-22T22:22:06.369-07:00Wines Tasted in February2004 Owen Sullivan Cabernet Franc Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Really nice bottle of wine. Color was the color of strawberry jam and it was completely cloudy. Had a hard time picking out any one element in the nose, but they were all working together in harmony. Good heavy mouthfeel. Tannins were present but really balanced with the rest of the wine. Smoothe finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Cougar Crest Merlot Estate Grown USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - I have a feeling that this wine was fined and filtered to the maximum allowable levels. The color in the glass was redish purple and the surface of the wine was like a deep undisturbed lake. Could have used it as a mirror. Interesting nose, a bit of sweaty sock. Also, the heat was coming through on the nose though not on the palate. Good dose of oak with sublte hints of black fruits. Nice wine, but not sure about the price point. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Nuvola Vecchia Toscana IGT Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT - Very closed at first. Not much nose and the taste was blank. After about two hours the nose softened up and there was a nice aroma to the wine. The taste was still very flat. Wouldn't purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington - Great stuff. Great balance of oak, fruit and minerals. Full mouthfeel almost like cream. Good bit of acidity to keep the wine from being too heavy. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Canon de Sol Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Was a bit worried that this might be on the downhill side, so figured it was a good night to open it up and see. It was singing! Powerful nose of honeysuckle and jasmine flowers. Also detected a slight aroma of pan seared scallops. Beautiful mouthfeel somewhere between honey and cream. Flavors of peach and pear. balanced yet crisp acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Soléna Zinfandel Woolridge Creek USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Applegate Valley - Still a bit hot on the palate. Nice flavor but may be able to use a little more time in the cellar to calm down some more. Lots of dark fruit. Interesting but there are other Zins a lower price points that deliver a better QPR. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Kirralaa Shiraz Bushvine Australia, South Eastern - Tasted against syrahs from California. Not as much up front fruit as the CA's. Very good, but complex. Good wine to think about. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Owen Sullivan Cabernet Franc Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Strawberry jam jumps from the glass. Light purple color. Bit of spiciness. Really enjoyable. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Amavi Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Paired with a med rare ribeye steak. Good depth of flavor, nice and rich. Smokey with a good amount of fruit. Dark fruit flavors. Tannins have integrated nicely. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Challenger Ridge Pinot Noir USA, Washington, Puget Sound - Strawberry and oak on the nose. Not much on the palate. Easy drinking, but nothing all that memorable. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington - Very complex but smooth wine. Lots of dark fruit on the nose. Hard to pick out one aroma. A little bit of cherry, some blackberry and cocoa powder. On the palate there was a hint of herbaceousness. Still had some nice tannic structure. The finish was silky and lasted a good long while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1995 Il Mandorlo Chianti Classico Riserva Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico - Had at a small italian restaurant on their half priced wine night. Bottle had the most sediment I have ever seen. Unfortunately I didn't get to see this until after the bottle was poured. Wine was poured like coca-cola. Heavy sediment in glass affected texture and taste. Due to the size of the glasses and how much was poured there wasn't much nose. Barring those issues the wine was very flavorful. The tannins were very resolved. Flavors of blackberry and raisin(think this had to do with the sediment). This would be great with an hour of decanting and proper treatment.<br /><br />2006 Mark Ryan Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Yellow coloring with just a hint of green. On the nose there is cinnamon, vanilla and pineapple. Good acidity and viscous mouthfeel. On the palate it tastes like a pineapple upside down cake with some vanilla buttercream frosting on top. Really wonderful chardonnay. I don't typically enjoy WA chardonnays, but this one is on par with my other local favorite Boudreaux. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs - Methode Champenoise USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros - Nice quaffer. Decent price for a sparkling wine. Wouldn't use it for a significant milestone, but if you want something bubbly on a standard night this works fine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Very good pinot. Popped and let sit out for an hour. Smokey, cherry scents with lots of cherry on the palate. Nice clean finish with well integrated tannins. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Merry Cellars Sangiovese USA, Washington - Nose was a bit closed at first. got a bit spicier with time and paired well with a boglonese sauce. Alcohol level was really high for this (14.9%) and you could tell from the heat on the palate. Thinking that this wine was made in a "big" style. not any of the suble floral elements of Chianti. For the price point there are better expressions of Sangiovese out there. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Mission Hill Shiraz Reserve Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA - Really nice the first hour, but then goes downhill fairly quickly. Right out of the bottle there is a huge freshly cracked black pepper nose. Lots of spice and little fruit, not that that is a bad thing. Paired well with stew. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Zinfandel USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi - Used predominantly for cooking with one glass left over for drinking. Still a bit of the funkiness on the nose. Think that is just what you get with the homemade wines. It's wine and that is about all.<br /><br />2006 Ravenswood Zinfandel Lodi USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi - Good for a weeknight, but doesn't live up to prior vintages. Nose was very subdued for a zin. Really nice that the alcohol was in check. Enjoyed for what it is. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Plum Creek Cabernet Franc USA, Colorado - Surprisingly good. Bought this when I was out in Colorado so that I would have a wine from there. Didn't taste beforehand. Was very smoothe. Could be cellared for a few more years. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - I think that i could pick one of Tim's red blends out of a blind lineup due to the distinct buttered corn aroma. This bottle was no different. Dark purple color. the dark fruits that once dominated the nose of this wine have retreated into the background. What's left is a cornucopia of secondary aromas. A little bit of tobacco, some mint, black pepper and spices. Flavors are dominated by the sweet toast of the oak, but not so much to be overpowering. Nice finish that lasted a while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Nefarious Cellars Pinot Noir Vista Hills USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Beautiful bottle of wine. Color was ruby with a hint of orange. Nose had all the funky pinot characteristics that I love. There was a healthy dose of wet earth and mushrooms, a little bit of strawberry twizzler and some baking spices from the oak. Mouthfeel was silky. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 DiStefano Sogno USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Decanted one hour prior to tasting. Should have been two hours. Started off very heavy on the oak, but with time it mellowed and allowed the fruit to come forward. Paired with sirloin fondue. The salt and fat on the meat really smoothed out the wine. Would let this sit in the cellar a couple more years to see if the oak will intigrate more. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon XY USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Drank with a valentines dinner of chocolate espresso rubbed steak. This wine is more of a girlfriend wearing leather as opposed to your wife wearing lace. The wine jumps out of the glass with black fruits and sweet tannins. Slaps you around a little bit and tells you to come back for more. Doubt that this will be a long lived wine, but in its youth it's fun. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Waterbrook Meritage Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - On the way downhill. Decanted due to lots of chunky sediment. Maybe let this sit int he decanter for a bit too long. Didn't have dinner for an hour and by the time we got to it there was just a flash of fruit left. After another half an hour the wine was dry and a bit lifeless. Not much nose to speak of. Palate had high acid and a sour taste. Finish was short and clipped. Should have drank this a while ago. Would purchase again in it's youth.<br /><br />2002 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon Big Easy USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Fist bottle ever purchased from Tim. We thought about keeping this for posterity, but wine is not an item to be collected...It is designed to be consumed and enjoyed. Color still had a dark core with just a hint of bricking at the edges. Decanted, with just a bit of sediment in the bottom. ose was fairly closed tonight, not getting much. On the palate there was lots of tart raspberries and bitter chocolate. The wine still had some very strong tannins and the acidity kept it fresh and lively. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Good wine for the money. Green'ish gold color. Sour apple nose and palate. Good wieght with a nice to just heavy acidity level. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley - Very dry. Lots of yeast, and mildly biting mouthfeel. Was nice for a gifted bottle, but would probably choose something smoother for a personal purchase.<br /><br />1998 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley - It was good. Sitting in the decanter there were elements of bacon fat. When swirled it brought out aromas of licorice and blackberry. The tannins were very smoothe. This is drinking very nicely right now. Would purchase again for a special occasion.<br /><br />2002 Brian Carter Cellars Tuttorosso USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Maybe could have used a bit more time to settle down. Still quite tannic and overpowering the fruit. Typically I look for rose petals in my sangiovese, but this was more about big than subtle. Plesant wine but never developed into anything memorable. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Red Sky Sémillon Rosebud USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - It was good. Just the right balance of floral, butter, and acidity. Smooth with a great mouthfeel. Paired well with chicken alfredo. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Waving Tree Sangiovese Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Paired with lamb chops. Nice tasting wine, but as with prior bottles it fades very quickly. Need to drink this within an hour of opening. Bit of rose petal and spice on the nose. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Hence Cellars Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nice dry riesling. Balanced acidity, clean nose and lots of tropical fruits on the palate. Softened the heat of the Thai food we were eating. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Pontin Del Roza Sangiovese Angelo Pontin USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Decant...This young wine throws so much sediment. Color...Pinkish/red with orange tones towards the edges. Earthy floral scents and bright flavors. Best domestic Sangiovese I have ever tasted. And no one seems to know that this wine exists. Well, that just leaves more for me.<br /><br />2005 Benson Vineyards Viognier Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Notes of honeysuckle and pineapple. Nice bit of acidity but still smooth. Don't chill too much or it brings out too much of the acidity. Paired nicely with roasted salmon and an avacado salsa. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - I really do just adore Viognier. Just enough acidity for food. Plenty of foral notes, primarily honeysuckle. Good mouthfeel. Finish could be a bit longer. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Travignoli Chianti Rufina Riserva Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rufina - Paired with truffle and mushroom risotto. Aromas of rose petal and rosemary. Nice bit of acidity to cut through the food without being overly obtrusive. Still tasted young and fresh. On the palate there was a slight hint of pomegranate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Cedergreen Cellars Thuja Conner Lee - Radar Hill USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - The oak monster came out to play tonight, but he was in a very good mood. There was just the right balance of sweet vanilla and fruit on the nose. The palate was a bit racy with more sweet oak and fine grained tannins. The wine was dominated by oak, but in all the right ways. Think of the difference between an old oak tree being turned into cabinets at Home Depot or being hand done by a master carpenter. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Columbia Crest Shiraz Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Dark color, really stained the teeth. Bit of a minty nose with lots of dark sweet fruit flavors. Not bad for the price but definitely uninspiring. Would purchase again for mid week pizza night.<br /><br />Non Vintage Tefft Cellars Nebbiolo Dual Century 1999-2000 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Still very tight. The tannins have a long way to go. Tasted over a three day period. On the third day it was still somewhat tight and very dry. Needs a few more years to soften up.<br /><br />2001 Buty Rediviva USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Decant. At least a tablespoon of sediment in the bottle. Extremely complex wine. Was not able to pick out any specific flavors, but it all went together nicely. Pair this with a rich cut of meat, the fat helps take the wine to the next level. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Golden color. A bit one dimensional, but very good for the price point. Decent mouthfeel with balanced acid. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Merlot Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Dark color. Lots of fruit and heavy on the sweet toasty oak. Not complex by any means but it is tasty. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon XY USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Drinking wonderfully right now. Nose of buttered corn, a bit of mintiness and black fruits. Mouthfeel was awsome. Tannins are resolving quite nicely and there is just enough acid to keep it from being flabby. Great wine, would purchase again.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-85206467868796639642009-03-22T22:18:00.001-07:002009-03-22T22:18:48.069-07:00Wines Tasted In January2000 Columbia Crest Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nice everyday wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Zinfandel USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi - Still a bit young. Could use some more time in bottle. Try again in three months.<br /><br />2001 Seven Hills Syrah Walla Walla Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Inky black. Lots of smoke and earth on the nose. Smoke continues on the palate with a good dose of mint. Dense wine with good mouthfeel. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Red Truck Winery USA, California - Nice everyday wine. Losts of dark fruit flavors. Drink young. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Atalon Merlot USA, California, Napa Valley - Nice, but not exciting. Lots of dark fruit flavors. Pleasent, but not complex. Not to be saved for a second day. Lost all fruit and was so tannic that it was nearly undrinkable. Open bottle and drink up.<br /><br />2005 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County - Initially served too cold, which muted the nose and flavors. After it warmed up it came back to it's reliable standard. Light on the butter this vintage with more elements of crisp apple. Decent acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Rulo Combine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - This wine had almost no color to it. There was very little nose or palate on this. It was almost exclusively about the acidity. Nice crisp mouthfeel and razor sharp acidity. Not much else. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Bota Box Shiraz USA, California - Took a while out of the box to come around. Initially there were lots of fake fruit aromas. Almost like drinking liquified candy. After about an hour in the glass there was a distinct smell of just lit match. A bit of smoke on the back end of the palate. Next time will probably decant a bottles worth and then pour from there to see if it opens the wine up a bit more. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Isenhower Cellars Cabernet Franc Road Less Traveled Weinbau USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Drank over two nights. First night popped and poured. Tons of sweet fruit on the nose along with copious amounts of toasted oak. The palate was dominated by flavors of raspberry preserves. Wine was enjoyable but a bit over the top with the fruit and oak for my tastes. On the second night the oak had really started to integrate into the wine. The fruit was still there but not slapping you around quite as much. There was also a bit of baking spice on the back of the palate. Will wait at least another year before popping the next bottle. Would pruchase again based on the impressions of the second night.<br /><br />2004 Owen Sullivan Cabernet Franc Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Light in color and very cloudy. Looked like cranberry juice. Took a while to open up. Aromas of green pepper corns and green bell pepper, slight hint of oak. Light mouth feel with tart fruit flavors on the palate. Tannins are nicely resolved. Short finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Silver Lake Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Past it's prime. Quite a bit of sediment in the bottle, but this was due to the fact that we had bottled this one ourselves at the winery. Not much fruit left on either the nose or the tongue. Opened up after about an hour, but it only gave you a little bit of oak as the dominant flavor. Cool to have a bottle with our personal lable on it, but would most likely buy this wine from the winery pre bottled in the future. Definitely a young drink.<br /><br />2006 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Seghesio is back to par on this vintage. '04 wasn't so good, '05 was better and the '06 was in a word "nummy". Very dark color. Nose of blackberries, oak and just a hint of milk chocolate. On the palate there was lots of dark fruit flavors along with a healthy dose of tannic structure. Finish was medium length. Would have liked a little bit more weight on the mouthfeel. Tannins stay with you for a while. Sitting in bed writing this review an hour after having my last sip and my mouth still feels a bit dry. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Estampa Assemblage Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley - Better than the last time. Maybe last bottle was flawed? Still a simple non complex quaffer. Good mid week pizza wine. Acid level is a bit high.<br /><br />2005 Nefarious Cellars Riesling Antoine Creek USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really enjoyed this wine. Color was starting to golden a little bit. Fairly complex nose, a little floral, some tropical fruit and one other really prominent aroma that reminded me some something but couldn't put my finger on it. Just a hint of sweetness on the palate. More tropical fruits. Medium short finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Landmark Pinot Noir Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Tasted very much like a high end Burgundy. Nose of forest floor and rasberries. Had a hint of Zinfandel. On the palate it was very light. I have not aquired the taste for pinot noir yet, but can tell when one is good. Had with pork tenderloin in mushroom sauce. Would purchase again if I were having pinot fans over for dinner.<br /><br />2003 Fattoria di Petroio Chianti Classico Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico - Very muscular right out of the bottle. Needs about 15 minutes to mellow out. Good solid Chianti. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Piety Flats Mercantile Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Great mid-priced wine. Notes of char, vanilla and cherry. Still fairly oaked, could use a little more bottle time to settle down a bit.<br /><br />2004 Chelan Estate Chardonnay/Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Refreshing. Enjoyable. Better a little colder than cellar temperature. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Sam Hill Winery Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - None of the forest floor that I like, oh well. Good aroma but could not put a finger on what it was. Candied strawberries on the palate. Nice mouthfeel. No tannins to speak of. Not sure how long the second bottle will last.<br /><br />2002 Forest Glen Zinfandel USA, California, Sonoma County - Bought this for cooking wine, with the idea that the little bit left could be consumed. Undrinkable!<br /><br />2002 Ravenswood Zinfandel Lodi USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi - Bottle needs about 45 minutes to an hour to open up.<br /><br />2003 Covey Run Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Very low oak level (if any). My wife found this crisp and refreshing, but I thought it was a bit dull. I tend more towards a Cali Chardonnay. Would purchase again if I needed multiple bottles at a good price for a party.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Still drinkable. Starting to oxidize a bit. Aromas of overripe peach and oak. mouthfeel was a bit heavy, but also flat. Pretty much all of the flavors remaining can be contributed to the oak. Would purchase future vintages.<br /><br />1999 J Vineyards & Winery Vintage Brut Russian River Valley USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley - Nose was somewhat closed, kept getting really nice whiffs of something but I couldn't put my finger on it. The palate was much more giving. Somewhat yeasty, nice flavors of green apple. Finish was crisp and clean. Went well with poached halibut. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Merlot Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Quaffable. After a three and a half hour commute home through the snow I just needed something to put down. It was tasty, but couldn't tell you anything about nuance. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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 cinnamon. The palate had more pear. Balanced acidity to keep it refreshing. Really enjoyable bottle of wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Served it a little too warm. Not as smooth as other vintages I have had of this wine. Almost a steely component. Fruit was muted but that may be due to the temperature of the wine. Still quite enjoyable. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Popped, poured and paired with beef stew. Still a very fruit forward wine. Aromas of black cherries on the nose. Tons more cherry and tart raspberries on the palate. Good balance of acidity. Tannins were a bit soft on the front end, but got crisp on the finish. Flavors lasted a good long time. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Morrison Lane Sangiovese USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Similar to good Chianti. The nose is full of dried flower petals. Nice acid structure and drying fruit on the palate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Rulo Combine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow! This was like being on a tropical beach surrounded by fresh cut pineapples. Powerful and refreshing. The level of acidity just cut right through the food. Had this with Spicy chicken breast with salsa verde and feta. Each sip cleaned the food away and gave you full force of the wine. Then you would have the next bite of food and it was like a brand new flavor each time. Think that I have found my new favorite white. Will definitely purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County - Going to have to go purchase more of this. Good solid everyday white. Nothing exciting, but tasty. Not as much butter as prior vintages and has a bit more steel to it. Crisp fruit and good acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Syrah Del Rio Vineyard USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley - Decanted, though the wine threw no sediment. Lots of red and black berries on the nose right out of the bottle. Wine developed a smokey tobacco aroma after a little while in the decanter. Still had an underlayment of blackberry and boysenberry. On the palate there was a bunch of sweet oak and mouth watering tannins. There was also a level of spice that you couldn't pick one flavor out of. Very enjoyable wine. Would purchase again, though it would have to be on sale as the QPR is a bit high on the price side.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône - Needed a cup for cooking. Nose fairly closed and not giving up much. Touch of sweetness on the palate. Hoping that this will integrate a little bit over time. Tastes a bit too much like juice right now.<br /><br />Non Vintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Great for mimosas. Dry and pleasent. Would purchase again for large group setting.<br /><br />Non Vintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Great for mimosas. Dry and pleasent. Would purchase again for large group setting.<br /><br />2003 Rulo Combine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Consistent notes from the other day. Had to share a bottle with some friends.<br /><br />2001 Ravenswood Icon USA, California, Sonoma County - Nice Value. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Heavy aromas of apricot with just a hint of pineapple in the background. On the palate the apricot just kept going and going. Good mouthfeel with plenty of crisp acidity. Had some left and revisited it two days later. Still just as good as day one. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs - Methode Champenoise USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros - Very Dry. Nice, but the nose was a bit closed. Would purchase again if there weren't other options available.<br /><br />1998 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Willamette Valley USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Love that pinot funk. Wine decanted for about an hour before it really opened up. When sitting in the glass there was a lot of oak, but give it a good swirl and the funk comes through. The flavor was not nearly as exiting, but pleasent. Did not seem like it had any age on it at all. Went well with roasted chicken and sage cream pasta. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 ÀMaurice Cellars Malbec USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - This wine was made for tired vampires. The nose was a combo of half roasted coffee and half blood. After a couple of hours in the decanterthe oak started to come through. Can't say that I picked up on any one flavor in the wine, but it was very tasty. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé Frenchtown Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Can't pick much out of this wine tonight, but it is tasty. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Veragold USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley - Corked. Not happy about this. Can't return to Winery.<br /><br />2002 Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis France, Burgundy, Chablis, Petit Chablis - Crazy levels of minerality. High level of acidity that needs food to cut through. Decent floral aromas. Think that this is an acquired taste and have to pair it with the right food. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really enjoy this wine year in and year out. It is my Chardonnay alternative. Nice light golden color. Nose had copious amounts of caramel and creme brulee. On the palate the attack was pure butter, oak and cream. Then the wine changed as it hit the back of the tongue to more of an acidic apple and pear profile. Really enjoyable wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône - This has been relegated to the cooking wine section. Nose was very medicinal. Not much palate to speak of. Finish was fakey and bitter.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Just a hint of buttered roasted corn on the nose, which is an element I find in Tim's wines. Simple yet bright fruits on the nose. Flavors were very nice with lots of red fruits. Weight on the palate is a little light, though not unexpected at this price level. Really great mid week bottle of wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Piety Flats Muscat USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - This died a long time ago. My fault, kept it way too long. Went down the drain after one sip.<br /><br />2005 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Back on track after a down 2004 vintage. Loads of spice and a good dose of sweet oak. Still a bit too young for my liking so will leave the rest alone for at least another six months. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Zinfandel USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi - Nose is still a bit off putting. Flavor has improved slightly but it is still a cooking wine for the most part.<br /><br />2002 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really starting to come into it's own. Nice balanced flavors of dark fruit and spices. Tannins have integrated and the finish is getting longer (20 sec). Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Boudreaux Cellars Frangiovese Desert Hills Vineyard USA, Washington - Decanted, drank over two nights. First night The nose was interesting, but a bit disjointed. Aromas of green pepper corns and violets, with a heavy dose of menthol. Seemed like the wine couldn't decide which varietal should dominate. On the second night the franc was the dominant element. Think that this needs to take some time in the cellar and settle down. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Animale Zinfandel USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Not what I was expecting based on my experience with Zinfandel. Very light wine that I would have guess was a Pinot Noir if it was served blind. Nose had elements of strawberries and black pepper. Very subtle wine that lets the fruit come through without covering it up with high alcohol or oak. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Yakima Cellars Cabernet Franc - Lemberger USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Still young. Needs time in the bottle to shed some of the tannins. Not sure if the tannins settling down will help the wine. Tasted more like port to me. Heavy raisin and alcohol flavors.<br /><br />2004 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Decanted, though not much sediment if any. Sweet dark fruit aromas jumped from the decanter. Medium red coloring with just a hint of orange. Nose started out very sweet with black cherries, tobacco and French oak. As the evening wore on the fruit started to fade a bit and the toast on the oak started to come out more. Nice velvety mouthfeel with just enough tannic structure to give the wine some weight. Good finish, the wine hung on the palate for a minute or more. Not sure about the longevity of this wine as the structure is a little light. Drinking really nicely right now. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Pomum Cellars Shya Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Decanted, very little sediment. Let the wine open for about an hour before the first glass. Wine was very primary at first with an aroma similar to a mixed fruit compote. Really sweet (in a good way) on the palate. The wine changed about an hour in with the nose picking up an element that reminded me of freshly shucked oyster. Fruit on the palate started to settle down and the oak joined the party. Another hour in and the nose got dark (black cherry, plum) with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mouthfeel had a godo amount of weight without feeling too heavy. Finish was smooth and lasted a good 30 seconds. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Lake Chelan Winery Stormy Mountain Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Have had this wine about a half a dozen times. It's nice, but somewhat unremarkable. And tonight it suffered from a case of the girl next door hanging out with a group of supermodels. All by herself she's really sweet, but in the present company she just get's overlooked. Nose had some toasty oak with a little bit of tobacco. A bit of nondescript red fruit on the palate. Tannins were in balance with the acid. Finish was tart and on the short side. Nothing bad about the wine, just not all that memorable. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Could use some more bottle time. Nose of leather and toasty oak. Good flavors of dark fruits, but they were overshadowed by the tannins at this point. This has the stuffing to be a great wine down the road it just didn't want to play nice tonight. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Covington Cellars Tuscan Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Have had prior vintages of this and I think that the winemaker is going in the right direction, but is not quite there. This is what I would call a baby chianti. A little dirt and flowers on the nose. Cherries and wild strawberries on the palate. Finish was way too short. Unfortunately I think that you can get much more impressive wines from Italy that deliver all of the elements that this is going for at a much better price point. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Maghee Cellars Merlot USA, Washington - Darkest colored wine of the evening with a blackish purple core. Nose had a balsamic vinegar aroma (not like VA, but more towards the aged stuff you'd put over strawberries). Flavor profile was like cooked fruit (take a batch of cherries and raspberries and smash them into a pot together and then boil the lot until it sticks to a spoon). They may have gone a little over the top on the ripeness of the grapes originally. Finish lasted for a minute or more. This wine has a great structure to it with just the right balance of tannins and acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Benson Vineyards Sangiovese USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - My wine of the night from a uniqueness standpoint. However, most of the other wines were bordeaux varietals so this would stand out as differentiated. Really nice nose with elements of spice and dried rose petals. Aromas were just jumping from the glass. On the palate there were flavors of sweet pie cherries dipped in milk chocolate. Nice acidic balance and the finish was well structured. Would love to pair this with some simple tomato gravy. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Stina's Cellars Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Didn't spend nearly enough time with this wine to give it a proper assesment. The nose was not very distinctive and I was getting a fairly one dimensional flavor of cranberries. Unfortunately I have had a couple of mind blowing cab francs from Washington and I probably set the bar too high for the rest of them. This wasn't singing to me and so I moved on. My bad!<br /><br />2006 Wynn Cellars (Dave Butner) Paragon USA, Washington - Really impressed with this first effort from an up and coming winemaker. Think that we can expect great things in the future. Nose was somewhat closed. Aromas of oak dominated. Nice mouthfeel with a slightly overly tannic bite that I think will settle down with some more age. There was more oak on the front of the palate but a vibrant flavor of Ludens cherry cough drops on the finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1998 Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Cold Creek Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Wet basement. Think that this has a slight TCA taint. Hard to get past nose. Starting to dry up a bit, though it had a nice flavor of sweet pipe tobacco. Tannins had resolved well and gave the mouthfeel of the wine a powdered sugar grit element that I enjoyed. Have a feeling that a different bottle of this could still be very tasty without the corked issue. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Betz Family Clos de Betz USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Notes of buttered corn on the cob and freshly shredded kahlua pig. In the background I kept picking up a scent of burned rubber. On the palate were flavors of raspberry preserves and black cherries. Tannins were a bit too much at the forefront for my personal tastes. Would like to see this wine in another couple of years to see how everything integrates. Lots of fine elements, but a little bit disjointed at this point. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Quilceda Creek Red Wine Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Unfortunately I think that QC wines need a bit more time in the cellar before they start to open up. This wine was starting to show some positive attributes at the end of the evening (3 hours in) but I will get to those later. Nose was somewhat closed at the beginning of the evening. I was getting what I can only describe as aromas of a pumpkin pie dropped in the mud (not a bad thing). Nose was a bit hot and liquered. I wanted more of the spice and dirt, but each time I'd give it a good sniff it felt like I was burning my nose hairs. Initial taste was dominated by tannins. This needs more time. Fruit was hiding and the finish was clipped. By the end of the night altough the nose was starting to close up, there were elements of blueberry pie starting to come out on the palate. The tannins (though ever present) were beginning to provide structure to the overall profile. Would purchase again and let rest in the cellar for 2-3 years before I started to drink them.<br /><br />2005 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Blanc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Not sure on the % breakout of this wine, but would imagine that the Sauv Blanc is the dominant force. Color was bordering on a St Patrick's Day parade, very green tint. On the nose there was a briny mineral element that I associate with oyster shells. This was counter balanced perfectly with razor sharp flavors of kiwi and pineapple. The finish was memorable and lasted for quite a while. The acid level was a bit low for my liking and so even though the flavor went on and on, it became somewhat heavy on the back palate. Overall a nice bottle of white, but next time I would pair it with food that had a touch of lemon as to add some acidic balance to the wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Wine was decanted for one hour and then put back in the bottle. Was then opened for tasting an hour and a half after that. Initial hot nose reminiscent of high alcohol. this is a quality I have found in Boudreaux reds even though the alcohol levels tend to fall in the 13-14% range. Blew off after a little time in the glass. On the nose there were elements of baking spices (primarily cinnamon) as well as a light roast coffee. Somewhat of a subdued fruit level on tha palate, but was picking up bits of blackberry and boysenberry. Tannins were in check. As always the mouthfeel was like heavy cream. Finish was a bit short which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington - Crisp acidity right off the bat that was very palate cleansing. Touch of vanilla from the oak that combiined well with the pineapple and star fruit flavors. My biggest takeaways from Boudreaux wines is that Rob is able to coax amazing mouthfeel into his wines. Wine starts out like a tropical creme brulee and then the focused acidity creates a clean finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County - Fading fast. The cream and butter were taken over by a more acidic feel. This should be drank within two years of vintage tops.<br /><br />2004 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Popped and poured. Started very green, thought that the fruit might be underripe, but at 14.5% alcohol not sure how. Over an hour the wine improved slightly with more smokey notes. However, the green element never really went away. Tannins were present but not overwhelming. Not much fruit to speak of. Was hoping for more and I got dissapointed. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Sangiovese Two Rivers USA, Oregon/Washington - Singing this evening. Popped and poured, though could have used a decant to open up a bit. Rose petals and spice with a good dose of tannins. Pair with a roast leg of lamb. This wine goes wonderfully with lamb. Still a very big wine with lots of life ahead of it. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Château de Valcombe Costières-de-Nîmes Prestige France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Costières-de-Nîmes - Very young and tannic. Opened and decanted, drank with dinner 48 hours later. Still had a lot of tannins left. Had some interesting notes under the tannins, but at this point they are overshadowed. Would not purchase again without trying an older version to see how it evolves.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-65428533721452448602009-03-22T22:12:00.000-07:002009-03-22T22:13:15.007-07:00Wines Tasted In December2005 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2002 Three Rivers Winery Meritage USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Crisp and fresh. Nice balance, went well with pork roast.<br /><br />2005 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône - 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2003 Hedges Family Estate CMS USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - The wood is showing through a bit too much. Glimpses of nice fruit, but nothing memorable.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2003 Soléna Pinot Gris USA, Oregon - Fabulous. Nice bright acidity. Well balanced fruit. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2004 Pomum Cellars Shya Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Decanted, not much sediment. Gave it about an hour in the decanter. Seems like the oak was taking a front seat tonight. There was a little bit of a cinnamon note on the nose. Wine had an alcoholic touch on the front palate but then developed into a great mid palate. Notes of sour cherry, black raspberry and just a hint of green bell pepper. Finish was a bit too thin and the great flavors on the mid palate didn't stick around long enough. Wine was good tonight, but couldn't quite figure out what it wanted to be. Would purchase again. Revisited 24 hours later. Left in the decanter on the kitchen counter overnight. Oak had integrated much better and I was getting more spice notes on the nose. The wine was also much more complete in the front and mid palate. The hottness from the night before had blown off and I was getting a stong black cherry flavor. Finish was still a bit clipped. Leads me to believe that this may be more of a longer term hold to really get everything out of it.<br /><br />2004 Stevens Syrah Black Tongue USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Really disjointed right out of the bottle. Took about a half an hour in the decanter to come around. Subtle nose of heavily smoked bacon. Dark fruits on the palate with a good full mouthfeel. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2004 B.R. Cohn Zinfandel USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley - 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.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Syrah Desert Hills Vineyard USA, Washington - Popped and poured. Nose of smoked mushrooms. Wasn't getting a lot on the palate tonight. There was a nice crisp acidity on the finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2004 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Always a good choice. Consistent performer. Well balanced. Creamy mouthfeel. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2004 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2006 Zolo Torrontés Argentina, Mendoza - Nice tropical fruit flavors. Consistent with prior bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Illusion Cabernet Sauvignon Dionysus USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Tons of sediment in this bottle. Needed to decant. Very light nose of prune, but not much else. There was some bright acidity on the palate that made this wine pop. Good red fruit characteristics. Finish was short'ish but smoothe. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2003 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.<br /><br />2003 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2003 Matthews Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Big, dark and brooding wine. Color was nearly black. I was worried about the alcohol level (14.9%), but didn't pick up any heat at all. Nose had a big blackberry element and very little oak. Wine was mouthfilling and had a good long finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Much bigger style of Pinot Noir than I typically go for. Nose had a bit of oak and some strawberry. On the palate there was more strawberry and little green leaf. Enjoyed the wine but can't say that it made that big of an impression on me. Would not purchase again as I prefer a more feminine style.<br /><br />Non Vintage Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut France, Champagne - Opened this up to drink while putting up the Christmas tree. Very strong nose. When I opened up the bottle it just filled the area with the smell. The only way to describe the aroma is to say that it smelled like a condom rubbed with liquid smoke laying on top of rising bread dough. The rubber element was unmistakeable, but I actually got some liquid smoke out of the pantry to double check what I was thinking. The wine tasted like a burning campfire smells. The mouthfeel was nice and on the heavy (creamy) side. Finish lasted a while, but I don't know if that is a good thing. Very interesting Champagne, but not one that I would go out looking for again. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs USA, California - Won't be purchasing this again. Metalic taste dominated.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nose of peach with a hint of orange marmalade. Flavors were nice and refreshing though I couldn't put my finger on any one flavor. Nice mouthfeel with balanced acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2004 Columbia Crest Shiraz Two Vines 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2004 Pomum Cellars Shya Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Nicely balanced wine. Dark fruit, oak and spice. Good mouthfeel and a finish that lasted a good thirty seconds. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Winemaker's 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.<br /><br />2005 Stevens 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.<br /><br />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 doen'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.<br /><br />2005 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington - A bit tannic right out of the bottle, needed about an hour to open up. Nose of vanilla bean and lots of sweet bright cherry on the palate. Could use some more time to settle the tannins down. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2006 Bodega Emina Rueda Spain, Castilla y León, 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.<br /><br />2004 Bodegas Bretón Rioja Loriñón 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Non Vintage Cantine Collalto Prosecco 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.<br /><br />2000 Yakima River Winery Shiraz Port 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.<br /><br />Non Vintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Made into mimosas for Christmas brunch. Poured before the orange juice. No very heavy on the bubbles. Extremely dry with just a hint of green apple. Decent for mixing, but don't know about on it's own. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />2001 Three Rivers Winery Syrah Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really nice balanced wine. Almost black in color. Smokey aromas. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Covey Run Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Collection USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Drank rather than analized. It was tasty. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />1999 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 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.<br /><br />1999 Barón de Oña Rioja Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja - Very nice bottle of wine. Paired wonderfully with most of the meal (not so much with desert). Decanted, not much sediment. Right out of the gate this wine hits you with tons of saddle leather. Took about a half an hour to calm down and start to let the fruit through. Bright red fruits (pomegranate primarily) on both the nose and palate. The leather was still there along with some cedar cigar box aromas. Good acidity to match with the food. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2005 Nefarious Cellars Gewürztraminer 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.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Syrah Black Tongue USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - This wine is starting to settle down a little bit. Nice dark color. Still young and very fruit forward. Nose was not giving up a lot to me tonight. A bit of oak was coming through. On the palate there was plenty of blackberry liquor and black cherry flavors. Finish lasted a good 30 seconds. Paired with a chicken and sausage pot pie. Held up very nicely to the bold flavors of the dish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2003 Challenger Ridge Pinot Noir USA, Washington, Puget Sound - Notes very similar to the last bottle. Alright easy drinking red, but no varietal character to speak of. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Cristalino Cava Brut Spain, Catalunya, Cava - Very dry. Good toasting wine when there are a number of non champagne drinkers in the room. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 El Paseo Valencia Spain, Valencia - Spicy. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Nice bottle of wine. However, doesn't have the juiciness or spice of other vintages.<br /><br />Non Vintage Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs USA, California - Won't be purchasing this again. Metalic taste dominated.<br /><br />Non Vintage Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs USA, California - Won't be purchasing this again. Metalic taste dominated.<br /><br />Non Vintage G. H. Mumm & Cie Champagne Carte Classique France, Champagne - Color was much darker than I would have expected, nearly identical to fresh squeezed apple juice. Bubbles were pretty large also. right out of the bottle this wine had a strong odor of animal urine. Not very dry on the palate and the flavor was pretty much non existent. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />1999 Brian Carter Cellars Solesce USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Decanted. Decent amount of sediment. Right out of the bottle it was very fresh and lively. Hints of smoke and brown sugar. Color was deep red. After about three hours in the decanter the color was start to brick. Still a fairly tannic and drying wine, but enough fruit on the back end to balance it out. This wine is drinking really well right now, but it has the stuffing to go on for a while longer. Not sure if it will improve any more though. Would pruchase again.<br /><br />2003 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington - Should have decanted this for both sediment and to give it a little more time to open up. Sweet nose of black raspberries and chocolate. More dark fruits and a bit of vanilla on the palate. The mouthfeel on the Boudreaux wines are what set them apart, just luscious. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage J. Dumangin Fils Champagne Brut 1er Cru Grande Reserve France, Champagne - Very good bottle of champagne. High level of yeasty aromas and plenty of apple and pair notes. Mouthfeel was thick and creamy. Really enjoyed. Would purchase again.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-48625673203623162842008-12-05T22:05:00.000-08:002008-12-05T22:10:41.012-08:00Wines Tasted in November2005 Basel Cellars Cabernet Franc Reserve Chelle Den Millie USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Roasted coffee all over the nose. Lots of green vegetal aromas (in a good way) along with a background of blackberry. Smoothe, but punctuated tannic structure. On the palate there are lots of veggie flavors. A bit like drinking a sodium free V8. Flavor doesn't last terribly long, but the tannins are sticking with me for a couple of minutes. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Pomum Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills Decanted, not much sediment. Tooth staining color. The aroma of red bloody meat that was so heavy on this wine when I first tried it has subsided into the background. This has been replaced with what I would call a scorched earth smell, smokey and dirty (a good thing). I wasn't getting much on the palate in the beginning, though the mouthfeel was thick and there was plenty of sweet tannins. After about two hours the flavor shifted over to an intense blueberry tart. Finish lasted a while. Based on the structure and how it opened up over time I would say this can last a few more years. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Stevens Merlot Tiki USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Not one of the strongest offerings from Stevens. Still a very good drink, but the other wines I have had are more in the WoW range. Fruit was very restrained but did start to show up after a couple of hours in the decanter. Tannins were nicely resolved and smoothe. The second day the oak has started to dominate and the acid level has stepped up a notch. Nose of vanilla and black raspberries.<br /><br />2003 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington Let me caveat this with the fact that I have a slight head cold. Buttered corn on the nose. The palate had a little alcohol twinge up front that smoothed out once the wine was in the glass a few minutes. Great fruit flavors that sat behind some strong but fine grained tannins. A little bit of smoke to round it out. Wine still has a lot of upside as it comes together. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County Consistent with prior bottles. Would purchase again<br /><br />2003 Edge Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley Somewhat one dimensional. Sweet fruit right in the front of the tongue, but then the wine just gets flat. Prefer a more complex wine. Wouldn't purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Penny's Hill Shiraz Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale Very nice. Decanted for sediment and then let sit two hours to breathe. Wonderful mouthfeel, silky yet substantial. Nose of dark fruits. No alcohol burn. Tannins were still grippy without being overpowering. Could use more time in the bottle to settle down more, but is drinking fine right now. Saved a glass for the next day and the wine picked up a nose of scotch, what I would describe as a light peaty smoke. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 SYZYGY Red Wine Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Slight hint of VA. Mouthfeel is kind of thin. Flavors of sour cherries. Wine just didn't come together like I was hoping for. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County DOA. Oh well, was hoping that the last few bottles were just an abberation.<br /><br />Non Vintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Pulled this out to either celebrate(we did) or drown our sorrows. Simple, yeasty apple cider. Kind of a harsh metalic undertone. Decent for what it is and the price point it sits at. Good to have on hand for informal celebrations. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Nothing wrong, nothing great. Drank half the bottle, used part for cooking and will see if the rest can last one more night.<br /><br />2003 Inniskillin Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Series Dark Horse Estate Vineyard Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA Decent drink. Not alot of complexity, but was very enjoyable. Muted cherry nose, none of the earthiness that I typically like. For the price it is a good midweek pinot to go with salmon. Probably wouldn't break it out for a dinner party. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Not exactly a syrah, but it fit in nicely with the other two bottles. Softer than the 2002 Rulo Syrah and more complexity on the nose. I had a hard time deciding which was from Washington and which was from France. Very similar wines.<br /><br />2002 Rulo Syrah Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Very nice bottle. Nothing remarkable about this wine, but if were put in front of me on a nightly basis I would drink it. Drinks easily right out of the bottle, no need to decant. Medium length finish. Goes well with duck.<br /><br />2002 Wolf Blass Shiraz Presidents Selection Australia, South Australia Somewhat green at first and highly volitile. I picked up notes of mint. After about two hours in the decanter it opened up and softened quite a bit. I would decant this wine a day ahead next time to soften it up.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Nice merlot with a good structure. Typically I find 100% merlot a little too soft and mushy. This has a nice backbone of acidity and is not too fruit forward. Drank over two days. Was still holding up very nicely after 24 hours. The oak only made one appearance about four hours into the first night and then went back to an accompanying role. Nose wasn't giving up a lot, but the palate had plenty of black cherries and blackberries. Finish could have been a bit longer. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1999 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Dedication Series USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Decanted, not too much sediment. Really well balanced wine. Color was not showing it's age, but the dustiness on the mouthfeel showed that this was starting to mature. One the nose there was a huge amount of cedar cigar box with an underlying note of black cherry and oak. On the palate there was a strong element of mintiness. Finish didn't last as long as I would have preferred. The wine was so good, I was hoping it would stick around a bit longer. Definitely need to start adding some of the Old Vines to the cellar. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes Paired with an apricot tart. Was worried about the nose as soon as I poured into the glass. At first thought that it might be corked(it wasn't). The nose was somewhat closed with a bit of a mustiness. Didn't find that the nose opened up even with time and air. In total contrast, the palate was lively and lush all at the same time. Flavors of peach, apricot and fig. The mouthfeel was pure heavy cream. Plenty of acidity to keep the back of the palate clean. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc ASecondThought USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Didn't pre chill the bottle, so first glass was a little warm. Mouthfeel was a bit fatter than I typically like with my Sauv blanc. Hints of grass and stone fruits. Second glass was more in line with what I was expecting (once it was chilled). Acidity was much more in the fore front and crisp. Flavor profile turned tropical. Paired well with an arugula blue cheese salad with vinagrette. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé Frenchtown Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Bright pink strawberry bubblegum. Paired well with spicy pork stir fry. Very refreshing. Really just a solid effort. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Really wish that I had purchase a couple more cases of this wine. Did not decant. Such a great mouthfeel. Very balanced, this wine has a good combination of dark fruits, oak, smoke and sweet tannins. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Bodegas Ochoa Navarra Spain, Navarra Had a bottle at Andaluca in Seattle. Nose and palate started off with tart raspberries and then the palate moved on to sweet cherries. Towards the end of the meal the wine picked up a distinct chocolate covered espresso bean flavor. Tasty wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rufina Nice. Lots of dried flowers. Has a nice balance of acid to cut through the food. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Zinfandel USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi Has the homemade funk. Just not coming into it's own. Kind of dissapointing. Guess that we will have plenty of cooking wine unless this start to come around.<br /><br />2003 Hedges Family Estate CMS USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Haven't been a fan of this in the past but it was drinking nicely tonight. Smokey dark fruits. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Consistent with prior bottles. Good wine to open when you need multiple bottles. Would purchase again.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Decanted. Inky black. Loads of dark fruit. On the back palate there is a hint of mint. Nicely complex. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Another solid bottle of wine. Bit of apple, oak and pear. Decent amount of acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Bergevin Lane Calico Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Still a good idea to decant. Wine is slowly starting to mellow. Was still a bit harsh, but there are some really good things going on just below the surface. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Waving Tree Sangiovese Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Nice, light sangiovese. Needs food. By itself it was a little flat, but with red pasta sauce the floral elements came to life. Not as complex as chianti, but definitely good for a midweek pasta night. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Merlot Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Kept getting recommendations to try this wine. Was very impressed for the price. Going to go out and buy a bunch more for an everyday kind of wine. Needs to be decanted because of lots of sediment. Had a nose that reminded me of vintage port. Will purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Latitude 46 The Power and the Glory USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Popped and poured. Probably should have done a decant just for the sediment. Nose was like a smore with blackberries instead of chocolate. Elements of graham cracker and burnt sugar along with huge blackberry. Mouthfeel was very full with nicely resolved tannin structure. Palate was mostly oak with a little bit of black fruit. Finish was medium length. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Only got a couple of tastes from this bottle as I brought it to a tasting. Double decanted 3 hours before the tasting. Initial aroma was packed with smoke. Maybe 5 hours after initial opening it really settled down and was lush and smoothe. Really enjoyed this wine and I think it is a great QPR in the state of WA. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon XY USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Only had a little bit of this at a tasting tonight. Double decanted 3 hours before the tasting. I was not feeling this wine tonight. Way to sharp on the nose and the mouthfeel was thinner than I remember. However, I may have been smoking something as it was the wine of the night for a number of other people at the tasting. As I can say it was just an off bottle for me (others I have had have been consistantly great) I would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Patrick M. Paul Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Cork was soaked all the way through to the top. Nose wasn't giving much up right away. Opened up a little while later with a little bit of sharp red fruits. On the palate it tasted like a sweet tart dusted in cinnamon. Finish was short. Ok bottle of wine, but nothing special. Probably would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 San Juan Vineyards Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Drank rather than studied the wine. Didn't seem to be overly oaked or buttery. That being said it was not a steely beast either. Good fruit flavor, but can't for the life of me remember what flavors they were??? Nice wine, would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Waters Interlude USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Really solid effort. Color of this wine was a little odd, reminded me of triaminic cough syrup. It was a light pomegranate. Nose had good amounts of dark fruit and a bit of smoke. Nice fruit forward flavor profile with light tannic bite. Medium length finish. After about three hours the wine became a bit dumb and one dimensional. Oak flavor started to dominate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Meriwether Pinot Noir Discovery USA, Oregon Dry dry dry. Not much fruit or anything else for that matter. Just dry sparkling wine. Fit the bill for what I wanted it for. Going to use the rest of it this morning in momosas. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Willamette Valley USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Did not decant, but opened and let breathe for 2 hours before drinking. Heavy candy element. My wife pinned it as twizzlers. Not really my style of Pinot, prefer to have some mushroom or forest floor. After about 4 hours being opened the acidity took over and the wine fell apart. Decent drink, but didn't get me excited. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 El Mirador Counoise USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Can't say that I crave this wine, but it is very interesting. Very light coloring, kind of similar to a Pinot Noir. On the nose there are elements of blueberry and strawberry with a strong aroma of green peppercorns. Flavors were similar to the nose. Bit of sourness. Short finish. Was worth it one time, but would not purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Prager Winery and Port Works Petite Sirah Port USA, California, Napa Valley Very nice young port. Aromas of chocolate covered raisins. Flavor was dominated by the fortification. The wine was somewhat of an aftertaste. Goes nicely as an after dinner drink. Don't think that this would last more than a few years in a cellar.<br /><br />2004 Vin du Lac Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Nice dark color. Notes of green vegetables and mulling spiceson the nose. More green notes on the palate. Too much of a tannic bite on the tongue. Short finish. Wife really likes this wine, I find it a little too harsh. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Dunham Cellars Three Legged Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Fruit forward. Very nice early out of the bottle. Heavy on the oak as the wine sits. After 20 minutes in the glass you lose almost all of the fruit and have oak left. Nice wine to "drink", not the best to taste.<br /><br />2003 Owen Sullivan M Klipsun Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Decanted. Still a bit young, could use a couple of years in the cellar. Really opened up when it was paired with a rare tenderloin steak. Good fruit flavors, balanced and a thick but smoothe mouthfeel. After a couple of hours the oak component started to show it's face. Reminded me a lot of the first time I tasted Cedergreen Cellars Thuja. Going to purchase more of this and let it age a bit. Will purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Not much of a nose right out of the bottle. After an hour there was a bit of baking spices and then a sweet berry flavor really popped. Oak started to come through and then really started to dominate. Finish was very short. Not the wine it once was, but still tasty. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros Big Chardonnay bordering on obese. Huge nose of vanilla creamsicle. One of the best mouthfeels I have had in a wine. Felt like I was drinking cream on the front palate, without that gummy part of the cream in the throat. Flavors of creme brulee and cooked honey. Oak was present but not dominating. Acid structure in the beginning was enough to pair with dinner (lemon basil chicken) but the wine started to get tiring by the end of the evening. Really enjoyed this wine, but may have been a little over the top. Think of Holloween as a kid, you start off the night looking forward to all of the candy and it is very satisfying when you dig into the first few pieces. But by the end of the night your stomach hurts and the idea of stuffing one more item in your mouth doesn't sound so good anymore. Would I drink this with a bunch of friends? Yes. Would I split a whole bottle with my wife again? Not likely. Worth purchasing for the right scenario.<br /><br />2005 Mannina Cellars Sangiovese USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Very light color with a little touch of cloudiness. Color reminded me of unfiltered cranberry juice. Aromas of earth, flowers and a touch of orange peel. Oak was present on the palate with more elements of earth. Notes of sour cherry and lots of chewy tannins. Very pleasent drinker. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Guardian Cellars Gun Metal Conner Lee USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Needed some air. Unfortunately I forgot to enter my note right away and don't remember specifics. I did enjoy the wine and thought that it was a good value for the money. Give it a good hour decant. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Hence Cellars Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought the magnum to Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house tonight. Figured, how often do you have the need to open up a magnum of Riesling. I really enjoy this wine. Very little residual sugar. Nice crisp acidity. The wine was served slightly too warm which brought out more of the oak profile. Was only picking up the slightest bit of the petrol aroma that I got off of the last bottle. Notes of pear and apple. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought to Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house tonight. I know I had a glass or two of this wine, but it left no lasting impression on me. I am going to have to say that it was probably consistent with prior bottles, as it didn't leave any new thoughts. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot-Cabernet USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Consistent notes from other bottle drank tonight. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot-Cabernet USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought this over for Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house. Nose was a bit closed and there was a very strong green stemmy element on the palate. The fruit seemed over the top fake, almost like cheap candy. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Columbia Crest Shiraz Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought over to my parents for Thanksgiving dinner. Did not get to try any of this wine. My cousin consumed one whole bottle of this so I figure it probably tasted decent. Would purchase again for a party.<br /><br />2004 Columbia Crest Shiraz Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought over to my parents for Thanksgiving dinner. Did not get to try any of this wine. My cousin consumed one whole bottle of this so I figure it probably tasted decent. Would purchase again for a party.<br /><br />2002 Woodward Canyon Red Table Wine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Would buy again only if I was planning on drinking the whole bottle quickly. This was two wines in three hours. Right after the bottle was opened, the nose had charcoal and black pepper with a faint hint of the 93 WC cabernet I had recently. The taste was somewhat flat, lacking any distinctive character. Came back to the wine three hours later and the nose had completly closed up. The palate had become bitter and sour, like sucking on a lemon.<br /><br />2004 Seven Hills Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Had with Thanksgiving dinner. A little too sweet for my liking. Nice complexity on the finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Georges Dubœuf Beaujolais Nouveau France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Beaujolais Nouveau Had with Thanksgiving dinner. It was about what I expected. Light color, high on the fruitiness level on the tongue. Not much on the nose. It reminded me of home brew wine. It was a interesting experience, but I don't think that I will do it again.<br /><br />2003 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Had with Thanksgiving dinner. Nice quaffable wine. A little light in both color and aromas. Paired nicely with the dark meat of the turkey. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 O'Reilly's Pinot Noir USA, Oregon Drank at Thanksgiving dinner. None of the earthiness that I like in pinots, but had a nice strawberry candy flavor. At the price it was a pleasent wine. Would purchace again.<br /><br />2004 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Corked<br /><br />2005 Cline Cellars Zinfandel California USA, California Had with thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately it was all gone before I got to it. Others said it was tasty.<br /><br />2006 Masi Valpolicella Classico Bonacosta Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico Kick you in the teeth bright cherry flavor profile. Not much on the nose. Singular dimensional wine, but was great for the large group at the Italian restaurant. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti Superiore Le Orme Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Barbera d'Asti Superiore PUrchased two bottles to go with a family style meal at Maggianos. Little bit of oak on the nose. Lots of ripe plum flavors on the palate. Decent finish. Paired nicely with the cream based pastas, but not so much with the salmon. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1997 Shafer Merlot USA, California, Napa Valley Lots of sediment, left about an inch and a half of wine in the bottom. Bright color. Was on the downside, but still had a hints of tasty wine. Finish was clipped.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Very tasty. This wine is my Chardonnay alternative. Good amount of butter, oak and tropical fruit flavors. Nice mouthfeel with a crisp acidity on the finish. Nose has a slightly offputting aroma, but can't put my finger on it. All in all, a good bottle of wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon Big Easy USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Yummy. Tim does some wonderful wines. Great nose right after the bottle was opened, lots of black fruits. Fruit forward palate, decent mouthfeel and medium finish. Decent amount of acidity that paired wonderfully with a rare slice of prime rib. Not sure if this will get much better, so will probably drink the rest of mine in the near term.<br /><br />2004 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley BOOM!...Goes the fruit bomb. Was just crazy over the top fruitiness tonight. Aroma just jumped from the bottle and filled the kitchen as soon as I popped the cork. Copious amounts of raspberries, plums, cherries and blackberries on the palate. Good dose of acidity to round it out a bit. Tannins were "grippy" but not overpowering. Can't wait to see how this developes over a few years. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1996 Opus One USA, California, Napa Valley Young and fresh. Popped out at you.<br /><br />1995 Northstar Merlot Walla Walla Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Past it's prime.<br /><br />1981 Château Cheval Blanc France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru Incredibly balanced. Smooth and supple.<br /><br />2003 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Wonderful stuff. Tim puts out good wine one after another. Decanted for one hour before pouring. Fruit forward with a good dose of smooth tannic bite on the back end. Enjoyable now, but should improve with a year or two in the bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 L'Ecole No. 41 Syrah Seven Hills Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Good bottle of Syrah. I usually prefer them with at least 5 years on them, but this is hitting on all cylinders right now. Dark and brooding, lots of meaty aromas with plenty of fruit. Double decanted, then let sit for an hour before pouring. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Nefarious Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope Second bottle of this young wine where the wine was soaked more than half way up the cork. Right off the bat there was a huge nose of alcohol. This blew off with about 10 minutes of air. Mouthfeel on this is just a bit too thin. Flavors of dark fruits. The wine is nice enough, but doesn't really fit the style of syrah that I enjoy. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Rulo Syrah Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Smokey! Would purchase cases if I could. Rulo does such consistently good wines.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Wonderful wine, especially for the price. Tannins are still a bit in the forefront, could use a bit more time in the cellar. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Gallagher U Brew Italy, Sicily Good, Needs some air before it comes to life.<br /><br />2005 Tsillan Cellars Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley More of a california profile than Washington. Good dose of vanilla and oak. Aromas of nectarines, peaches and white pepper. Good balanced acidity and a thick mouthfeel. Finish lasted a good 30 seconds. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley This wine evolved over a couple of hours. Decanted, not much sediment. Nose of black currant, green peppers and tart cherries. Very feminine mouthfeel up front with grippy tannins on the back end. Nice finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Estampa Assemblage Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley Hoping that this is just an off bottle. Can't imagine that the wine would have gone down hill this badly in the span of 5 months. Fruit smelled stewed and there was a heavy aroma and flavor of vinegar. Poured half of it down the drain.<br /><br />2003 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County Not quite as impressive as past vintages. Fruit was hidden by excessive tannins. A bit one dimensional. Would not purchase this vintage again.<br /><br />2001 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Kept thinking that this was just an off vintage as most of the bottles I have had so far were a little too green. Opened one up last night to try and start getting rid of my stash and was a bit better than the last couple of bottles I have had. Got called away to do something else and left the open bottle on the table. Came back four hours later and the wine had opened up and was tasting very good. The green element was gone and there was plenty of dark fruit aromas and flavors. The mouthfeel was still a little thin, but what do you expect from a $5 wine? Next time I open one I will definitely let it sit out for a couple of hours before I start drinking. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley A little bit of jasmine on the nose. On the palate there was a mix of citrus elements and plenty of mouthwatering acidity. Age is starting to show through a bit as the mouthfeel is not as big as past bottles. Would purchase again but only for near term drinking.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-7595354687258660622008-12-05T22:01:00.000-08:002008-12-05T22:04:55.112-08:00Wines Tasted in October2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County Consistent with other bottles.<br /><br />2001 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Not as good as the 2000 vintage. A bit more of a green note. Still a good mid week wine for a great price.<br /><br />2002 Leonetti Cellar Merlot Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Complex. What I am coming to find with higher end wines is that they are head and shoulders above other wines in complexity. There was nothing drop dead tasty about this wine (though it was very good), but it was interesting from start to finish. The balance was amazing. I have never had that much oak in a wine while never once thinking about the wood. Don't know if I would ever purchase this wine again to drink. This wine makes you want to contemplate.<br /><br />2005 Mannina Cellars Sangiovese USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Light color, reminded me of pommegranate juice. Wonderful nose of earth and a floral element. Good amount of fruit on the palate. Paired well with a potato and leek soup. Got a bit spicy as the evening wore on. Love it when Sangio is done right. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Ledson Chardonnay Russian River Valley USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley Long finish. Nose was somewhat dull. Good pear and honey flavors. Medium on the buttery texture.<br /><br />2002 Frog's Leap Chardonnay USA, California, Napa Valley Heavy green apple nose and palette. Very refreshing for a hot day.<br /><br />2001 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Time to start drinking these up. Still has the drying, green flavor profile. Was hoping that it was just the last couple of bottles, but no such luck. Not bad by any means, but I don't think that this is going to improve any more with age.<br /><br />2006 Animale Grenache USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Popped and poured. Wife liked this better after about an hour open. Got a bit of oak and some spicy dirt. Nose was very perfumed, but could not pick up on what it was I was smelling. A bit bighty on the palate, but enjoyable. Finish was nice. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Fruit forward, blackberry front palate,tannic on the backend.<br /><br />2001 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County Cooked. Signs of seepage.<br /><br />2005 Alexandria Nicole Shepherd's Mark Destiny Ridge Vineyards USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills Paired with a chantrelle crusted chicken breast. Nose was hiding a bit tonight. Getting a little bit of grassiness and green fruit. Decent amount of acidity without making the wine sharp. Enjoyed. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Arlington Road Cellars Riesling Imperium Charbonneau Farms USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Baking spices on the nose. A little bit of sweetness. Not as much acidity as I would like, tended to get a little bit flabby by the end of the bottle. Flavors of peach and pear. Better efforts out there for the same price point. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Ross Andrew Winery Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Losing some of it's primary fruit and starting to get a bit more complex. Nose of smoke and roasted stuffed green peppers. Smoothe mouthfeel and tight dark fruit flavors. Finish was soft, but lasted a good while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Gloria Ferrer Brut USA, California, Sonoma County Green apple quick step. Very dry, TART green apple nose and flavors. Quick finish. Decent bottle of sparkling wine for a non special occasion.<br /><br />2002 Ravenswood Zinfandel Lodi USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi Still nice. Starting to lose some of it's spiciness. Tasted more like a cabernet than your typical zin. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Château Rouquette sur Mer Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape No nose to speak of, and the flavor is starting to fail.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Always a good bottle of wine. Decanted 3 hours before dinner. Paired with braised short ribs over gorgonzola polenta. Very complex nose that was not giving up it's mysteries tonight. Aroma was great, but couldn't put my finger on any specific items. Tannins are smooth and integrated. Nice medium length finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Nice, easy drinking mid week wine. Solid fruit forward aromas and flavors. light on the tannins. Goes down nice and smoothe. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Château Roûmieu-Lacoste France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes Really well balanced. Noted of honeysuckle and orange peel. Good bit of acidity to offset the sweetness. Definitely not cloying. Mouthfeel was starting to get thick. Would love to see what this would taste like with some age on it. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Reserve USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Started off very tannic and then the wine completely dissapeared. Not sure what happened. There was a smell to the wine that I could not identify, but was not pleasent. Glad that I had four people around to help me finish off the bottle so we could open a different one.<br /><br />1993 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Walla Walla Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Had a few years left in the cellar if I had been more patient.<br /><br />2002 Buty Chardonnay Conner Lee USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley I don't tend to like Washington chardonnay, but this is wonderful. Just enough creaminess without being heavy and not overly acidic. Went well with roasted chicken in a cream and sherry sauce. Would definitely purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Five Star Cellars Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley This wine went through a bit of a curve tonight. Right out of the bottle there was a heavy dark fruit component that blew off quickly. It was then taken over by a heavy roasted coffee aroma. It was nice oak, but too much oak in my opinion. Mid palate left something to be desired and the finish was slightly bitter. I expect a bit more smoothness and a more round mouthfeel from Washington Merlot. This wine was alright, but not a great QPR. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Cabernet Franc Mary Jeanne USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Light red color. Have not really liked this in the past, but it was alright tonight. Paired with kalua pork sandwiches and other picnic fare. Decent bottle of wine.<br /><br />2007 Trust Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Bright pink. Paired well with kalua pork sandwiches and other picnic fare. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Patrick M. Paul Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Powerful right out of the bottle. Did not decant. Bright ruby red color. Strong dark fruit smells. Clamed down aver an hour to more of an earthy tone and aromas of roses. Wonderful stuff. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Waterbrook Meritage Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Double decanted about an hour before dinner. Dark fruit aroma right out of the bottle, but this faded relatively quickly. Very dry wine with the tannins and oak starting to dominate. Hoping that this was just a slightly off bottle. Would purchase future vintages.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Popped and poured. Telltale sign of Boudreaux, there was just a little heat on the nose even though the wine says 13.5%. Spice component was a bit tight tonight. Still lots of dark fruit aromas and flavors. Mouthfeel was great and the finish lasted a good long time. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Masquerade Merlot Klipsun Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Tasty bottle of wine. Nose of roasted coffee and coconut shells. Nice balanced acidity. Flavors of dark black fruit along with a tinge of cocoa. Smoothe, though short finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Still very young. Was better the second day. Think this could use 2-4 more years in the bottle to reach it's full potential.<br /><br />2003 Hedges Family Estate CMS USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Still a bit rough. Could use more time to settle down.<br /><br />2004 Avery Lane Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Good as a second bottle of wine of the night. By that point anything mediocre with work. Don't remember anything particular about this wine, but it was pleasing to drink. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Lots of pipe tobacco, starting to dry out, not sure how long this will keep holding. Was still very tasty though. Drink 'em if you got 'em.<br /><br />2003 Walla Walla Village Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Equinox USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley A little tight right out of the bottle. Mellowed with air. Still very tasty second day. Not a lot of primary fruit flavors. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Edmonds Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Decanted, slight bit of sediment. Initial nose of roasted corn with butter and dog "poop". Thank goodness the poop smell blew off after a little bit. Nose turned more towards oak and smoke. There was also a fruit in there, but couldn't put my finger on it. Big wine, though the mouthfeel was a little thin. It was tasty, but there are many other producers out there at this price (and below) that deliver a better overall experience. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Zolo Torrontés Argentina, Mendoza Crisp and refreshing. Slight effervessance. Tropical fruits and flowers, offset by a bit of grassiness. Just the right amount of acidity. No residual sugar, but there was just a hint of sweetness on the finish. good QPR. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Justin Vineyard Chardonnay USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles Good retrained flavors. Not too buttery, has more of a sauvignon blanc steely edge. After about an hour the wine developed some very focused tropical fruit notes. Really pleasant. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington Not the wine it once was. Golden color bordering on light amber. Very muted nose with just a little bit of fruit left. Sweet apple and caramel on the palate. If you got 'em, I'd drink 'em. Would purchase future vintages.<br /><br />2004 Pomum Cellars Shya Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Popped and poured. Color was similar to dark cranberry juice. Nose is definitely a little tight, but I blame that on my drinking it so quickly out of the bottle without time to let it breathe. Hint of cranberry on the nose with some other tart fruits thrown in. Mouthfeel was nice and smoothe. More tart flavors on the palate. Finish was short but clean. would purchase again.<br /><br />1999 St. Supéry Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley Very happy with this wine. Think it is a great QPR for a domestic wine that can hold some age. Starting to develope more secondary notes. More hints of leather and tobacco. Still ample dark fruit aromas and flavors. Double decanted for sediment and poured immediately. Drank over two hours and the wine did evolve nicely. Picked up a more round and full palate. This wine could cellar for another few years very comfortably. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 J Vineyards & Winery Vintage Brut Russian River Valley USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley Nice and dry. Bought the bottle because we received one on our wedding night from the hotel and it was our four year anniversary. One of my favorite domestic sparklers. Not a lot of yeast smells which I tend to prefer, but crisp and refreshing. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1997 Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve USA, California, Napa Valley Had with dinner for our 5 year anniversary. Talk about a bottle of wine with a lot of time left. Decanted, lots of fine graned sediment. Deep purple core with no age showing on this wine. Lively dark fruit flavors. Nose was a bit closed. Came back to the wine three hours later and it was still young and fresh. Based on current condition, I would say that this bottle will drink well for another ten years.<br /><br />2003 Four Vines Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvée USA, California Decent wine. Had with a big plate of bolognese. After a while the nose took on elements of spiced crackers. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc Starmont USA, California, Napa Valley Good. Crisp apple flavors. Had more substance to it then most Sauv Blancs I have tasted. Drink in the next six months.<br /><br />2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Two Vines USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Needed something that would just go down easy. Showing a bit of age (odd for how young it is). Color was starting to orange a little bit and there were notes on the nose that indicated older. All in all it was uninspiring, but that is about what I expected. Would purchase again to serve a specific purpose.<br /><br />2003 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington Has a long life ahead. Decanted. Not a lot of sediment. Dark purple. Notes of sweet fruit from a distance, the closer your nose got to the wine the tighter the wine got. Hints of dark bitter chocolate. Lots of dark fruit flavors and very grippy tannins. Would like to let this sit for a few years to see how the tannins resolve. Surprisingly, even though the wine came in at 13% alcohol, there was a touch of heat on the back of the palate that I normally associate with higher alcohol wines. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County Buttery and smooth. Consistent with other vintages I have had of this wine.<br /><br />2005 Fall Line Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Decanted, not much sediment. Needed about an hour to start opening up. Red fruits on the nose with a little bit of tartness. Mouthfeel was silky. Flavors were more toned down from the last time I had this wine. More red fruit, mostly raspberry. tannins and oak were nicely integrated. Finish was short but clean. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley A little heavy on the oak tonight for some reason. Decent flavors. Good mid week wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Totem Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Not bringing much to the party tonight. It was good wine, but nothing stood out for me. Tannic structure was a bit soft. There was absolutely nothing wrong with this wine, but neither did anything stand out. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Il Vescovado Chianti Italy, Tuscany, Chianti Too bad this was the last bottle. At $2.50 a bottle it was a great QPR. Nothing spectacular, but a great mid week wine. Paired nicely with the spaghetti Carbonara. Would purchase more if I could find it.<br /><br />2005 Des Voigne Cellars Sangiovese San Remo Seven Hills Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley very light color, even more so than a pinot noir. Nice nose of rose petal, spice and a green strawberry element. Nice weight on the palate. Spice flavor comes through as well as some cherry. Nice wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Tefft Cellars Cabernet-Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Best boxed wine ever.<br /><br />2004 B.R. Cohn Zinfandel USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley Wanted to try one of my bottles to get a base line for this wine. Purchased without tasting. Think that 2004 may have been a down year for Zin. The wine is a bit primary right now. Bright red coloring. scents of tobacco and clove. For the alcohol level I was expecting the wine to be a bit more extracted on the fruit side. Have had better Zin's in the price range and will probably go back to the Seghesio when the 2005 vintage comes out. This was a good wine, just not a good QPR. Will try another bottle in six months to a year to see if it gets better. Would not purchase again at this point.<br /><br />2003 Challenger Ridge Pinot Noir USA, Washington, Puget Sound A bit harsh right out of the bottle, could have used some decanting. Started to soften up about an hour after being open. It was an alright wine but nothing struck me as Pinot. My overall impression was that it was a light boddied, easy drinking red. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir Crannell USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Uninspiring... Light red to orange. Fairly closed on the nose and not alot of flavors going on. It was fine to drink, but there was nothing memorable about it. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Good wine for a great price.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-69330086970847555182008-12-05T21:55:00.000-08:002008-12-05T22:00:32.797-08:00Wines Tasted in September2004 Mission Hill Shiraz Reserve Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA Green peppercorns and smoke. Good dark color, however it is a much lighter style than aussie shiraz's. Not a fruit bomb at all. Some elements of fresh blackberrys, but the dominant profile is the spice. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Back to a more solid effort on this wine. Better mouthfeel and structure than the 2005. Still lots of oak, but on the silky side of things. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietors' Reserve Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA Great steal at the grocery store. They had this in their bargain bin for $5. Would have been happy to pay $12-13 for this. Very dry wine. There is an element here that I can't put my finger on but is consistent with other wines from the Osoyoos area. Probably could have used a steak to round this out a bit more, but was pleasent to drink all by itself. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Nefarious Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope Decanted. Wine had soaked through about half way up the cork. No sediment and very light red color. Hot on both the nose and palate. Elements of red fruit, but the wine wasn't giving up much tonight. I prefer a bit of a heavier, meatier style of Syrah. Would not purchase again at the price point.<br /><br />2003 Amity Vineyards Pinot Blanc USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Citrus notes. Acidic, but not too much. Very nice every day white. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1995 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Vintage Reserve USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros Going fast. Almost needed some raspberry liquor. Drink em if you got em.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Bricco USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley Day one...Nice wine. Hints of dried flowers. Could have used some spaghetti sauce. Think that this would be much better with food. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon XY USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Bottle was double decanted at the release party and then recorked. Drank over the next two days. Was still going strong at hour 72. The fruit faded a little bit each day, but there was plenty of stuffing to keep it going. Second day got a lot of smoke and sweet oak. Tannin structure was nice and balanced over all of the days. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Much softer than the previous bottle. The alcohol was still present, but was not the dominant sharpness like the last one.<br /><br />2004 Château Rouquette sur Mer Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape Decent for a mid week white. Used partially for cooking. Paired with blue cheese pasta and chicken. A bit heavy on the acid.<br /><br />2004 Waving Tree Sangiovese Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Fresh and fruity. A little bit of spice on the back end, but fairly smoothe. Nicely pairs with tomato sauce. Great QPR. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley popped and poured. Fruit really shining tonight. The smoke that I normally associate with this wine was more of an accompanyment tonight. Good tannic balance. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Cabernet Franc Mary Jeanne USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Just not my thing. Seems medicinal and heavy to me. I enjoy a good rose of cab franc, but this one just loses something in translation. My wife just can't get enough of this so it must be a palate thing. Would not purchase again for me.<br /><br />2001 Three Rivers Winery Meritage USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Needs a good two hours in the decanter to open up. Still a bit tannic. Lots of oak. Could use some more cellar time to integrate. After it opened up a bit I could have sworn that I was smelling a Syrah. Nice mouthfeel, chocolate, good fruit but it gets overshadowed quickly after each sip by the tannins. Would purchase again and wait a few years to see what happens.<br /><br />2004 Pomum Cellars Shya Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Drank over two nights. I think that this may be in a dumb phase as this wine was not representing based on other bottles I have had. Upon opening the wine smelled hot and alcoholic. The typical elements of spice were missing and replaced with a heavy dose of tobacco. The mouthfeel of this wine reminded why I enjoy it so much. The finish was a bit sour and didn't last terribly long. Day 2 - Alcohol had blown off and the spice element had started to re-emerge. Mouthfeel was still silky. Finish was plesant, but still a bit too short. Would purchase again based on impressions from day two.<br /><br />2004 Zefina Serience Blanc Alder Ridge Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley POW!!! This wine grabs you and smacks you around a little bit before letting go. Good bit of acid that pairs well with food. Lots of tropical fruiits on the nose with a good dose of grass on the back end of the palate. Should be well chilled. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Athought USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Nicely paired with a pan seared Salmon. Starts off somewhat subdued, but the fruit shows up on the back end. Nice acidity to clean the palate. Definitely a wine I like young. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Beaulieu Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc USA, California, Sonoma County Lots of herb on the nose. Slightly dull taste, left me wanting more from this wine.<br /><br />1997 Terra Blanca Gewürztraminer December Harvest USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Excellent wine. Hints of pear. Could have cellared for a few more years.<br /><br />Non vintage Toad Hollow Crémant de Limoux Amplexus France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux Very dry. Unfortunately had this right after desert and it made it even more puckering to begin with. Settled down after our palates got used to it. Good value sparkling wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Onyx USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Fabulous. Wonderfully complex but subtle. There was still fruit flavors, but they were more in the background. Paired well with beef pot roast. Great special occasion bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Portteus Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Spectacular nose. Palette was weak. Flavor died before it hit the back of the throat.<br /><br />2007 Stevens Cabernet Franc Mary Jeanne USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Wife adores this, just not my thing. Took a sniff from the just opened bottle and got the same stuff as last time. Would purchase more for my wife.<br /><br />2002 Alto Vineyards Chambourcin USA, Illinois Was very harsh night we opened. Nearly poured down the drain. Came back to it three days later after being gone for the weekend. Had softened and gotten much better. Had elements of port without the high alcohol burn. Chocolate, ripe fruit. Was told that this wouldn't age well and to drink up soon, but three days in a decanter on the counter and it's much better. So you make your own call.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington WOW! Don't want to finish the bottle. It is so good that you want it to last forever. Wonderfully complex with a good dose of acidity. No one element ofthe wine stuck out, it left you with a feel that it was created with perfect balance. Going to keep one bottle for mid term drinking and age the last bottle and see where this might go with some years on it. Would purchase every bottle that I could get my hands on.<br /><br />2002 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sémillon-Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Decent mid week wine. Used part for risotto and drank the rest. Good acidity, nice green apple flavors. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Syrah Desert Hills Vineyard USA, Washington Opened and decanted for an hour. There was some fine grained sediment in the bottle, but not too much. Nose just explodes with oak and funk (the good kind). Beautiful deep cherry color. There is a fruit aroma hidden in there but I can't put my finger on it. Wine changed a few times over the evening, starting out a bit smokey and then changing to more of a mushroom element. In the end there was just a hint of rubber (the kind you put on when your in the mood). The mouthfeel on Rob's wines are wonderful. Heavy without being thick. Tannins are in check. Finish is nice and medium length. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Hence Cellars Cultivar USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Tasty but not exciting tonight. Nose was somewhat closed upon opening the bottle. Soft tannins and good (but simple) fruit flavors on the palate. Finish was nice and lasted a while. Expected more complexity from this wine. Not a good enough QPR to purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Austin Robaire Syrah La Petite Fille USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Starting to think that I am drinking all of my syrahs too early. Though this wine was softening somewhat I still felt that it was wound pretty tight. Bit of an earthy funk upon opening that I really liked, but it blew off fairly quickly. Tannins started to show up as the wine was opened about 20 minutes. They didn't dominate, but I would have preferred that they were a little more resolved. Good dark fruit flavors. Would purchase again and hold for a few more years.<br /><br />2005 Benson Vineyards Viognier Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Fruit is starting to dry up a little bit, but still a very enjoyable wine. Scents of pineapple and peach. Nice balanced acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Brian Carter Cellars Tuttorosso USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Paired with pasta and meatballs. Initially the nose was very tight and all I was getting was oak. After a while it opened up with some cranberry aromas. Flavors were tart with some fine grained tannins. All in all it was an ok wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore This wine needs a tomato based sauce to really come to life. Had with hamburgers the first time and it just didn't seem right. Last night had with pasta, tomato suace and hot italian sausage. Really opened up the wine. Had one glass after dinner and it just wasn't the same without the food. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Avery Lane Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Consistent with prior bottles. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Windsor Vineyards Zinfandel Signature Series Mendocino County USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County Let breathe minimum one hour. Was extremely tight when first opened. After it was decanted for one hour, strong black pepper notes. Long finish.<br /><br />2000 Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Lighter than some. Didn't have the pinot funk that I like. Sour cherries on the finish. Nice wine, not memorable though.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County Consistent with prior bottles.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Athought USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Nice bottle of wine, though it is definitely on the down hill side. Nose is starting to close up a bit and it is not nearly as bright as it has been in the past. Still notes of green apple come through. Acidity isn't quite as sharp and the mouthfeel is a little bit fat. Finish is still very plesant. Would purchase future vintages.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône None of the bottle funk that I am accustomed to in the home made wine. Nose and Palate were a little flat, not bad, but nothing stood out. Got better as the evening progressed.<br /><br />Non Vintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Paired with chicken masala. Good counterbalance to the spice in the dish. Very dry with a little bit of yeast and not much fruit. Decent Tuesday night sparkler. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Arlington Road Cellars Riesling Imperium Charbonneau Farms USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Sweetened green apples with a little bit of a kick at the end. Deep golden color. Nose belies the sugar hiding beneath the surface. Slight hint of diesel. Mouthfeel is a bit heavy and viscous. Finish dies too quickly. Decent bottle of riesling, but on the down hill end of good. Would purchase future vintages.<br /><br />2004 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc USA, California A tale of two wines. Upon first opening this wine there was overwhelming aromas of tropical fruits. Huge acidity that cleansed the palate. After an hour the fruit was gone and there was a glass full of freshly mown hay. Somewhat of a mineral edge and the acidity was still there. If I had the two tastes blind, I would have thought that they were two different wines. Bright, crisp white. Would purchase again for a hot summer day.<br /><br />2000 Toad Hollow Merlot Reserve McDowell USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley Knew this was going to be good as soon as the cork popped out. Filled the area around the bottle with a heady aroma. Lots of smoke and still some good tannins. Had an element that I can only equate to the smell when you are carving a pumpkin. Added another dimension when paired with the beef tenderloin. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Avery Lane Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Consistent with prior bottles. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon XY USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Popped the cork and let the bottle breathe for about two hours before drinking. This wine was just singing tonight. Vibrant purple color. The aromas and flavors from this wine were so complex that I was unable to pick out any one element. Mouthfeel was very silky and the finish was smoothe and lasted a good amount of time. Wine started to fade at about 5 hours. No reason not to be drinking and enjoying these wines right now. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Still a bit lively, but starting downhill. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Toad Hollow Crémant de Limoux Amplexus France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux Average. Too bad, had a bottle of this a while ago and was very impressed. Nothing bad about it, but nothing memorable.<br /><br />2000 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Consistent tasting notes. Wish I would have purchased more of this.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County No bottle funk. Seems like this is finally coming into it's own.<br /><br />1976 Warre Porto Colheita Portugal, Douro, Porto Nutty, caramel with a bit of maple syrup. A bit hot right out of the bottle, but with 20 minutes in the glass it really settles down. Very nice bottle of wine. Would purchase again for a special occasion.<br /><br />2002 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley Unfortunately this wine was mostly corked. It took me a couple of sniffs to pick it up but then the wet cardboard came out. It wasn't so bad that I was going to pour it down the drain. You could tell that there was some really wicked fruit just underneath. Hoping that my other bottle is in better shape.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-50669329470560556622008-12-05T21:50:00.000-08:002008-12-05T21:55:22.417-08:00Wines Tasted in August2000 Waterbrook Meritage Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain Good bottle of wine, needs a little more time. Tannins in the first hour dominated, making the wine dry and spicy. After about two hours of decanting the wine got very smokey and smoothed out. Lots of dark fruit, predominantly blackberries. Might wait a couple more years before trying my next bottle.<br /><br />2004 Finca Allende Rioja Allende Spain, La Rioja, Rioja Paired with pan seared duck breast and a goat cheese tamale. Right out of the bottle the nose was very smokey. On the palate there was more smoke on the front and then a bright cherry core on the mid palate which turned overly tannic on the finish. After about an hour the cherries disappeared and the nose and palate took on green vegetal notes. Nose reminded me of the inside of a green bell pepper right after you cut into it. Not sure how this wine will develop over time. I'd like to try it again more out of curiousity of an "interesting" wine, rather than saying "Mmmmmm, that was good". Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Château Rouquette sur Mer Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape Don't know what was wrong with this. Smelled fine, but the taste was off. As my wife put it "bleh"<br /><br />Non Vintage Conte Collalto Piave Italy, Veneto, Piave Decreased amount of pressure in the bottle upon opening. Still good amount of bubbles. Dry and tasty. Didn't hold up for very long, got a little bit flat.<br /><br />2006 Mollydooker Shiraz The Boxer Australia, South Australia, McLaren Vale / Padthaway Needed about an hour in the decanter to blow off the alcohol. Smelled of fruit loops cereal and menthol. Big extracted wine on the palate, but not as hot as I was expecting. Tended to tire out the palate quickly. It was alright, but for the price there are better options. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Tasty as always. Lots of fruit, oak is integrating nicely. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Inama Soave Classico Italy, Veneto, Soave Classico The structure on the nose really stood out for me. Not overly oaky, but had a depth of aroma and mouthfeel. Solid fruitiness, but not sure which ones. Really enjoyed this. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Bodega Norton Malbec Reserva Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo Crazy dark color, made my teeth stain after the first couple of sips. Nice dark fruit flavors with a balanced amount of oak. Good smooth finish. Drank this wine out of really small cheap wine glasses. Interested to see how it would have improved with the appropriate stemware. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Isenhower Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Lab Cab USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Wine was singing tonight. A bit tannic right after opening, but softened with about 15 minutes in the glass. As wine opened up I got a hint of steamed asparagus (a good thing) on the nose. Wine was spicy. Don't see this getting much better. Drink em if you got em.<br /><br />2002 Covey Run Merlot Winemaker's Collection USA, Washington, Columbia Valley A little green out of the bottle. Softened up by the second glass. Still needs some time to develope. Decent Tuesday night drinker. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Christopher Bridge Pinot Noir Satori Springs USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Flat. Good wine but no excitement. Gained a little complexity with about an hour of air. None of the earth flavors that I search for in Pinot. Bit of cherry and wild strawberry. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Still going strong. Nose of honeysuckle and jasmine. Flavors were very citrusy with lots of lime and acidity. Finish left my mouth watering. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Il Vescovado Chianti Italy, Tuscany, Chianti Good mid week wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Château Rouquette sur Mer Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape Better bottle than the last. Slight hint of pineapple on both the nose and the palate. Nothing fancy, but works if you are not going to serve it to anyone.<br /><br />2001 B.R. Cohn Zinfandel USA, California, Sonoma County Very good to begin with but completely closed down after about two hours. Would purchase again. Lots of upfront fruit with eucaliptus. Right out of the bottle I thought I might have opened a Cabernet???<br /><br />2003 Barrister Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Really smokey right out of the bottle. Settled down after about a half an hour. Picked up more of a blackberry nose with just a hint of roasted spices. Nice well balanced wine. Tannin structure could have been a little tighter. Plesant though shortish finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Good QPR wine. Bit drying and a touch of green, but the fruit flavors are still present.<br /><br />2001 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley Nice, but could use some more bottle time. Tannins are heavy and need to integrate. Had an element of bing cherries on the back palate. Looking forward to more of this wine in about five years.<br /><br />2004 Baer Winery Ursa USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Really nice bottle of wine. The menu said 2003, but the bottle showed up as a 2004. Paired with a med rare rib eye steak. The fat of the meat really complimented the wine. Very dark purple. Loads of dark fruit flavors and the tannins have not yet integrated. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County Very light funk. Just a hint of tropical fruits. Wine seems heavy and clumsy tonight. Just sits on the palate.<br /><br />Non vintage Sleight of Hand The Spellbinder USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Needs at least an hour of air to show it's best side. Right out of the bottle the arooma was dominated by tighness. Not much fruit. With air, the wine shows some green peppercorn notes. The cab franc really dominates this wine. Hard to tell that there is any Sangiovese in the blend. Would purchase again if on sale.<br /><br />2003 Amity Vineyards Pinot Blanc USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley very acidic. Not a lot of fruit. Drank on very hot night, so might have clouded opinion. Somewhat heavy and brutish. Was looking for light and crisp.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Again, Rulo has a winner. Will be much better in a few years based on prior vintages. Wine was smokey and meaty with a mineral streak running through. Not much fruit to speak of at the moment. The oak elements were in check. Looking forward to seeing how this one develops. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé Frenchtown Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Very refreshing on a hot day. Nose of slightly underripe strawberries. Thirst quenching wouthfeel. Finish is a little bit short. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Cristalino Cava Brut Spain, Catalunya, Cava Very low on the bubbly quotient. Odd nose of anise. Decent taste, but not memorable. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Nice bottle of wine for what it is. Needed a drink last night and pretty much pounded the bottle. Sweet fruit and lots of toasty oak on the nose and palate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County Consistent. Good bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Drinking very nicely. Good balanced acidity. Second bottle of the night for me, so we will leave it at that. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Eagle Haven Madeleine Angevine USA, Washington, Puget Sound Interesting wine. Seemed to me like a muted Reisling. Just a touch of sugar on the palate. Nose had a bit of an apple cider element. Palate had good acidity, but the flavors were a little bit lacking. The wine seemed pretty simple. Fairly refreshing on a hot day, but not terribly interesting. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Covey Run Syrah Winemaker's Collection USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Not terribly impressed. Too much of a green flavor for my taste. Not enough fruit to offset. Too many good wines at the $10 price point to make me interested in purchasing this again. Oh well.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Brought to an after party for the Auction of Washington Wines. Only got a quick taste as I was drinking all of the wines that other people brought. It was good and I would purchase it again.<br /><br />2003 Belle Pente Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Day 1: Decanted. Has all of the musty forest floor aromas that I look for in a Pinot Noir. Deep and heady on the nose, but so light and feminine on the palate. Will wait til tomorrow and see how this develops.<br /><br />2003 Veramonte Primus Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley Heavy oak. Sweet than drying tannins. Decent enough wine. Nothing complex about it. Kind of hits you in the mouth and then stays there for a good 30 seconds. Unfortunately by the end of the 30 seconds all you can taste is the oak. Went well with a steak, mellowed it out a bit.<br /><br />2004 Barrister Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Nose started off with grahm cracker and a little bit of menthol tobacco. Palate had subtle oak and sweet cherry flavors. Finish was smooth though disappeared too quickly. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Piety Flats Mercantile Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Very nice, could still use some time to soften the tannins. Will open another bottle in six months to a year.<br /><br />Non vintage Frank Family Vineyards Blanc de Noirs USA, California, Napa Valley Wine was starting to go downhill. The first concern was that the cork was very easy to get out and it didn't hiss as much as a normal sparkling wine. Wine was still very pleasent. Very dry, reminded me of a nice dry rose. Not as fresh and lively as when we purchased it. Would purchase again and drink in the near term.<br /><br />2004 Avery Lane Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley At $3.85 a bottle how can you go wrong. Nice bright fruit. Not much in the way of tannins. Paired nicely with a strip steak. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills Nose opens up with a strong graham cracker aroma. Fruit is a little subdued and the oak is showing through right now. Tannins are present, but not overpowering. Finish was short but tasty. Alright bottle of wine, without being all that memorable. For the price I'd buy it again, but there are other wines out there that provide a slightly higher QPR. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County Last bottle to be filled, only came up 80% and had to be drank. Needs at least six more months. Still a little to fruity. Will mellow with time.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County Decent mid week bottle of wine. Just not as good as prior vintages. Will wait to purchase more when the 2005 comes out.<br /><br />2004 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Oaky in all the right ways. Good bit of acid to balance things out. Just need to go out and purchase a case or two of this to be my everyday white. Paired wonderfully with poached chicken in tarragon cream sauce.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County Very dry. Just doesn't live up to the<br /><br />2003 vintage. The fruit is hidden in the background. Decent wine, but not exciting. Will keep purchasing future vintages hoping for a return of the 2003.<br /><br />2004 Avery Lane Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Consistent with prior bottles. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cedergreen Cellars Thuja Conner Lee - Radar Hill USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Decanted. Think that this might be closed right now. Had it about a year ago and it was singing. Last night it just wasn't giving much up. There was a hint of sweet tobacco on both the nose and palate. May have to purchase a few more and see if they open up after a few more years in the cellar.<br /><br />2003 Lake Chelan Winery Stormy Mountain Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Smoke was the dominant element. Nice wine, but not a good QPR. Consistent with prior bottles. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Trust Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Not as sweet as I remembered from the tasting room. The nose was really closed, and did not open up over a couple of hours. On the palate there was an element of banana chips as well as pear. Nice full mouthfeel. Finish is a bit short and tart. Alright tonight, but don't think that i would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Hence Cellars Riesling USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Really impressive wine. The little bit of residual sugar was masked by the wonderful crisp acidity. Paired wonderfully with a tomatillo/jalapeno salsa. Every so often I would get the slightest hint of petrol in the background. Made me think of aged German Riesling. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Sauternes France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes Pleasant wine. Not as much acidity as some sauternes that I have had. This is definitely a young drinker. Not overly complex. Would purchase again if I needed an average desert wine.<br /><br />2003 Toad Hollow Merlot Reserve McDowell USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley So much better than the last bottle. The color still makes me think that this is actually Pinot Noir rather than Merlot. Lots of oak showing through on the nose and palate. Notes of black cherry and raspberry. Tannins are still somewhat dull. Developing into a nice wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Bergevin Lane Calico Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley A little too heavy handed on the wood. There is some fruit in the background, but wood dominates. Finishes with a green element. Decanted for an hour, heavy sediment.<br /><br />2002 Basel Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Very nice bottle of wine. Decanted due to sediment. Aromas of strawberries. On the palate there was strawberries, blackberries and black cherries. Nice and spicy on the finish, not black pepper, but more of what I would call mild indian spice mix. Good bit of tannin, but was not overpowering. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Pontin Del Roza Sangiovese Angelo Pontin USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley Very light color, almost a dark rose. Lots of sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Bright cherry and pomegranate flavors jump from the glass. Little bit of spice on the back end. Enjoyable wine, but not as memorable as the 2001 vintage. At new price point, this wine would be hard to justify. Would not purchase this vintage again.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-868728290523952212008-08-06T11:53:00.001-07:002008-08-06T11:53:39.052-07:00Wines Tasted in July2006 Alice White Shiraz Australia, South Eastern - Pretty much grape juice. Slightly sweet with a bit of oak. Would not purchase again even at this price point.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Syrah Del Rio Vineyard USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley - Decanted due to copious amounts of sediment. Huge wine. Dark and brooding. Tannins are still the dominating force, will probably wait another 3-4 years before I open my next one. Very tasty now, but will be excellent when the tannins calm down a little and stop overshadowing the wonderful dark fruit flavors. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Great QPR. Was it a Wednesday night? "YES" Did we want an inexpensive wine? YES" Did this wine serve it's purpose? "YES" Nose was filled with red fruits. Oak was a bit on the front end, but not too overpowering. Nice flavors, thought the mouthfeel was a bit thin. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Much more oak than prior vintages. Tended to overshadow the fruit. Though paired nicely with the baked salmon. Hoping that this was just a heavy handed bottle and maybe the next one will be a little softer. We shall see.<br /><br />Non Vintage Vashon Isletage USA, Washington, Puget Sound - Bright crisp acidity. Lots of steely flavors and no oak to speak of. Bit of lime and mineral. Interesting but not something that I would go out and search for. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Covington Cellars Cabernet Franc Seven Hills Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - No need to decant, no sediment to speak of. Tannic in a good way. Dark purple. Saturated flavors of black cherry and raspberry. Finish grips the tongue for a good 30 seconds. Would purchase again.<br /><br />Non Vintage Toad Hollow Crémant de Limoux Amplexus France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux - Pleasent. Good everyday sparkling wine.<br /><br />2001 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Ensemble USA, California - Good. Smoky notes. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 St. Supéry Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley - Really good for the first couple of hours, and then it kind of fell off a cliff. Definitely heavy handed on the oak, but in a good way. Flavors were contrasting, both elements of green bell pepper with a little bit of prune. Finish was nice. After a few hours it was all alcohol and old leather. Near term drinker. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Matanzas Creek Winery Chardonnay Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Lots of acid. makes for one crisp chardonnay. Was hoping for a little more of a butter bomb, oh well. Plus the over acidity masks the fruit. Somehwat muted nose with a little bit of oak. It's nice, but not really the style that I like.<br /><br />2003 Sam Hill Winery Vino Della Marinata USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Not a drinking wine. Winemaker had some of this left over that he didn't care for and so bottled it specifically for use as a marinade. Made the flank steak taste good.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really tasty and refreshing. Served cellar temperature and that was just right. Notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Good amount of acidity to cut through the food. Paired with ono skewers seasoned with hawaiin sea salt. Wine was just what I was expecting. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Starting to dry a little bit, but it is enhancing the tobacco notes of the wine. Good everyday wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Rulo Chardonnay USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Very nice bottle. Don't typically like Washington chardonnay, but this was good. Full mouthfeel, deep yellow color. Wife liked it a little bit more chilled, brought out the acidity. I liked it a little warmer, tasted more robust. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Benson Vineyards Viognier Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Surprisingly this was still going very strong. Initial nose of honeysuckle and other strong floral elements. After a while it picked up more of a white pepper nose. After a few hours there was even a bit of a hint of salt water shellfish. Good balanced acidity on the palate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Darby le deuce USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Honeysuckle and peach. decent amount of acidity. Paired nicely with the seafood paella. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Sam Hill Winery Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - DOA. Volatile acidity. Fruit was toast. Oh well!!!<br /><br />1998 Maison de Padgett USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Nice port, but not a very good QPR. Think that there are many other ports out there that I could spend less $$$ on and get just as much enjoyment from. Heavy on the brandy with notes of white chocolate and caramel.<br /><br />1995 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros - This bottle a little better than the last. Still think that it is time to drink this wine up while it is refreshing.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône - Used for Sangria<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône - Used for Sangria.<br /><br />2004 Château Rouquette sur Mer Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape - Tasted heavy and clumsy. A bit of acid in the background but not in a good crisp way. This is best really cold on a hot day.<br /><br />2002 Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Vine USA, California, Sonoma County - Nice bottle fo zin. Nothing spectacular, prefer the Lodi it is much more interesting.<br /><br />2002 Pepperwood Grove Syrah USA, California - Nothing special, but decent drinkable wine for the price.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Good stuff. Double decanted three hours before dinner. There was a little bit of sediment, but not too bad. Nose was a bit hot, which is funny at 13.5% alcohol. Aromas of baking spices and dark fruit. Palate was awash in black cherries. As always, lovely mouthfeel. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - This batch just seems to have a bit too much oak for my liking. Paired well with a cob salad (the fat from the bacon settled the oak down a bit). Very thick mouthfeel, but the fruit is a little too covered up. Would not purchase more of this vintage, but would continue to purchase the wine in the future.<br /><br />2001 Il Vescovado Chianti Italy, Tuscany, Chianti - Decent bottle of wine. Needs a little decanting to open up. Good mid week pasta wine.<br /><br />2005 Gaetano D'Aquino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - Light red color. Little bit of oak. Not a lot of fruit. It works if you have to drink something. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Gaetano D'Aquino Chianti Riserva Italy, Tuscany, Chianti - thin insipid wine. Ended up using it for cooking.<br /><br />2002 Argyle Brut USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Wasn't feeling this wine tonight. Popped and noticed right away that the bubbles were lacking. Color was like golden apple juice. Not really any nose to speak of. On the palate it was an odd blend of bitter and sweet. Not sure if there is any residual sugar in this, but it tasted like a possibility. Finish was "meh". Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Camaraderie Cellars Cabernet Franc USA, Washington - Would have guessed this a cab sauv rather than a franc. Much darker with a heavier mouthfeel than I typically have found with franc. Smooth and tasty, though there wasn't much unique to make this wine stand out. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Proving that inexpensive wine can be very good and develop complexities over time. Nose started out with mint and caramel. Good deep fruit on the palate with only a slightly heavy handed bit of oak. Stayed fresh and lively over a two hour period. Wish that I would have picked up more of this originally. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling Dry USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - pineapple, honeysuckle. Nice acidity. Paired well with the spicy pork stir fry.<br /><br />2002 Kana Dark Star USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - This bottle is all about the spice. Needs to be filtered when decanted due to heavy amount of sediment. Still a bit of a grainy mouth feel. Both the nose and taste were filled with pumpkin pie spice. Made me think of fall. Enjoyable, but somewhat one dimensional. If it were October and I was looking specifically for a spicy wine, I would choose this. However, don't know if I would purchase again for anytime drinking.<br /><br />Non Vintage J. Bookwalter Red Table Wine Lot #20 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really had high hopes for this upon opening the bottle. The nose was heady and expressive. Lots of oak and dark fruits. Unfortunately the palate was flat and uninspiring. Only the oak showed through and there didn't seem to be any fruit to be tasted. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Starting to lose the bottle funk. Decent bottle on a hot day when the wine is cold.<br /><br />Non Vintage Olympic Cellars Go Girl Red USA, Washington, Puget Sound - Decent bottle of wine. Was really concerned when I pulled this out of the cellar as the color was very pale red bordering on dark pink. Pleasant nose though somewhat simplistic. Just the faintest hint of sweetness on the palate. Not a wine to be kept for very long. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay USA, California, Napa Valley - Big, huge California chardonnay. Thick mouthfeel. Tons of oak. Lemon custard. Wonderful with roasted chicken. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Seems to be better after two days open. The oak has settled down some and the fruit is still there. Maybe I start opening these up a day before I want to drink them. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Legs USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Not as refreshing as I remember at the winery. The wine seems to have picked up an off note that I can't put my finger on but is unpleasently distracting. Very crisp wine, the flavor of the steel tank grabs hold of you. Let this breath for 2 hours and it softened a little bit, but not as much as i'd hoped. Should have drank this when I purchased it upon release???<br /><br />2005 Winemaker's Loft USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - This wine started off the evening on the right foot and then fell apart into a one dimensional oak monster. Right after popping the cork there were aromas of vibrant red fruits. Flavors were more on the sour side but still pleasant. After about an hour all you were getting from the wine was wood. On the nose, palate and finish was a bunch of oak. If this was a wine for a party where everyone only got one glass it would be a good thing. If you are going to revisit this throughout the evening, I would probably pass. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington - Really do enjoy this style of Chardonnay. Completely unfiltered so the wine had a cloudiness to it. Color was a muted gold. Aromas of pineapple and coconut with just a hint of oak. Flavors were leaning towards the tropical fruits. Nice balanced acidity. Thing about Rob's wines is that he knows how to get the mouthfeel just right. There is a weight to the wine without feeling to heavy. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Red Sky Sémillon Rosebud USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Timothy Leary where are you??? This wine hit with masive amounts of acid. Color reminded me of dijon mustard. Not much nose to speak of, but I had it in the fridge too long and it was too cold upon opening. Tasted like a key lime custard. Finish was tart in a good way and stuck with you for a while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Smoke and oak in just the right combination. Fruit didn't start coming out until about 2 hours. Nicely complex. Really enjoy this wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Still a bit of the bottle funk. Hope that a little more time in the cellar will clear that up. Decent bottle on a hot summer evening.<br /><br />2004 Woodinville Wine Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Danielle Artz Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Very refreshing. Lots of tropical fruit flavors and bright acidity. Just a whisper of sweetness. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 ÀMaurice Cellars Premier Blend USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Wicked good wine. Reminded me a bit of the Boudreaux Cellars cab. It was a bit tight upon opening, but with an hour in the decanter it started to sing. Oak was not overbearing, though it could use some more time to integrate. Lots of different fruits popping to the surface. Finish had a bit of a green tinge. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1998 Château Cabrières Châteauneuf-du-Pape France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Notes of iron, similar to blood. Possible heat damage?<br /><br />2006 Stevens Yes USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Bit of an alcoholic nose right out of the bottle. This blew off with a few good swirls. Nose of wintergreen mints. Flavors of plum and cedar. Somewhat tannic finish. Could use some food to balance it out. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Ash Hollow Estate Blend USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Someone charred the barrells a little too much. Campfire in a bottle. Very smokey, hard to find any fruit underneath all of the charred oak. It's not that the wine was bad, it just wasn't good. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Cougar Crest Vivace USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Tonight this was speaking all about grapefruit. Mouthwatering crispness. The nose was somewhat muted, though the citrus notes were coming through. Not as enjoyable as the last time, but still a good bottle of wine given the price point. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Rulo Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - I quit smoking 15 years ago, but after drinking this wine I feel like I just smoked a whole pack of Camels. Nose of dried smoked cherries. On the palate there was more smoke and lots of oak. Hoping that this will calm down a bit over time. Interesting right now, but a little too much over the top for my preference. Would purchase again, but would hold off a couple of years before opening up the wine.<br /><br />2003 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Decanted, not much sediment. Fruit is starting to fade a little bit and the wine is becoming more complex. Nose has plum and tobacco. Tannins were in check and the wine had a nice long finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Canon de Sol Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - First two hours this was screaming, then it developed a tart finish. So drink it up in the first two hours!!! Heady aroma, earthy and gamey. Really enjoyed this wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Efeste Riesling Evergreen USA, Washington - Paired with a blackened (very spicy rub) mahi mahi filet. The little bit of sweetness to the wine really cut through the heat of the rub. That being said, the wine seemed really simple tonight. Nose had elements of apple cider. Flavor was nice but uninspiring. Would not purchase again for the price point. There are many other alternatives for half the price.<br /><br />2002 Brian Carter Cellars L'Étalon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Predominant element of this wine was smoke. The fruit was very muted. There was nothing much to complain about this wine, but there also wasn't much to get excited about. Would not purchase again at this price point.<br /><br />2002 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Part of a three bottle vertical tasting 2002-2004. Starting on the down hill slide. This wine was dominated by a sharp alcohol flavor. There were decent fruit flavors, but it was hard to get past the sharpness of the alcohol. The wine's tannins were well integrated.<br /><br />2003 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Part of a three bottle vertical tasting 2002-2004. Drinking really nice right now. The high proportion of sangiovese really mellowed this wine out and gave it a good floral nose. Tannins were starting to integrate and the wine was balanced. Hoping that the 2004 will show this well with another year in the bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Waterbrook Mélange USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Part of a three bottle vertical tasting 2002-2004. Needs a little more time to settle down. Tannins were overshadowing the fruit at this point. However, there were some good flavors underneath that will be very good eventually. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Sauvignon Blanc Athought USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Paired very nicely with herb crusted halibut. Was a bit like sucking on a fresh cut lemon and lime wedge, though not quite as tart. Good acidity. Nose wasn't giving up a huge amount tonight. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Nebbiolo Del Rio Vineyard USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley - Much lighter color than I was expecting. Light ruby color. Decanted 20 minutes prior to drinking. Aromas of rose petals jumped from the decanter. Nice flavors of black cherries. There were plantiful puckering tannins, however they did not take away from the wine. Added a healthy zip to the finish. Going to wait a couple more years until I try the next bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - A little bit of the funk.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-77853253573165805762008-06-30T10:41:00.000-07:002008-06-30T10:42:27.589-07:00Wines Tasted in June2003 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Cracked open this bottle for my 35th birthday dinner. Paired with a medium rare hunk of tenderloin. Decanted for about 2 hours, there was a bit of sediment in the bottle. As with some other "top shelf" wines I have had, there were not a lot of unique aromas and flavors. The wine just melded very well around little bits of this and that. One of the elements of Rob's wines that I just adore is the mouth feel, just pure silk. Finish lingered on the tongue for a while. All in all very good effort. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Sanford Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Wine was really nice right out of the bottle but faded too quickly. Lots of cherry cola on the nose with a bit of tart cranberry coming through on the palate. Tartness overwhelmed after about a half an hour. Finish became clipped and astringent. Think that this might be at the end of its life.<br /><br />2005 Canon de Sol Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Somewhat one dimensional, but in a good way. Huge nose of honeysuckle. Nice crisp, fresh flavors on the palate. Nice balanced acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cechony Gold Label Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Very light in color with a thin clear line around the edge. Nose was somewhat closed. Upon opening there was slight hint of cherry liqueur on the palate. After about two hours the flavors turned smoky. Tannins were absent; this is a wine to be drunk young. Had one glass left after three days. Flavor was a mix of candied fruit and smoke.<br /><br />2003 Townshend Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Lots of sediment in the bottle, unfortunately the restaurant we were at doesn't decant wines. Right out of the bottle this had a heavy fruit forward aroma. This died quickly as the oak took over. Way too much wood for my liking. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Cougar Crest Vivace USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - This wine is a blend of 70% viognier and 30% chardonnay. The buttery element of the chardonnay were coming through more tonight than the last time I had this wine. There was still a good amount of tropical notes from the viognier, but just not the dominant force. Lots of crisp acidity on the finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Rulo Combine USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Decent. Not nearly as mind blowing as the Chardonnay/Viognier mix from the 2003 vintage. Better whites out there for the price...At least for this vintage.<br /><br />2003 Januik Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Oaky, Complex, Smooth. Needed an hour to open up. Would purchase again<br /><br />NV Scharffenberger Brut USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />NV Scharffenberger Brut USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County - Very dry. Pleasant to drink. Wife likes Gloria Ferrer better. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1999 Beringer Vineyards Alluvium USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley - Lots of green notes. Heavy on the dill. Doesn't seem ready for consumption, may need a few more years.<br /><br />2002 Cedar Creek Meritage Platinum Reserve Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley - Decanted due to lots of sediment. This was a huge fruit forward wine. Bordering on a fruit bomb! Notes of cherry, raspberry and mint. Fruit was very sweet even though the wine was dry. Tannins showed up after about a half an hour in the decanter, balanced at first than drying out. Good amount of oak but well integrated. Very good wine and I would love to purchase more, but the winery treated me like such crap when I was there I have to pass just on principle.<br /><br />2002 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Belle Terre Vineyard USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2002 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Belle Terre Vineyard USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley - Smooth and Buttery. Similar to the basic blend, but a little softer. Really enjoyable wine. Not sure if the extra money for the vineyard designate is worth it?<br /><br />2001 St. Supéry Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2001 St. Supéry Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon USA, California, Napa Valley - Tight. Needs more time in the bottle or a minimum of three hours decanting to mellow. I like their wines a little older.<br /><br />1995 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros - Starting to go down hill a little bit. Just not a fresh as some of the other bottles I have had. Still enjoyable, but time to drink up.<br /><br />2003 Lake Chelan Winery Stormy Mountain Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nice but unremarkable wine. Smoky with a bit of oak and tobacco. Very short finish. Not much fruit. Better wines out there for the price. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Woodinville Wine Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Artz Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Good. Pineapple and hay. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Penny's Hill Shiraz Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2003 Penny's Hill Shiraz Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2003 Penny's Hill Shiraz Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale - Great, wonderful, yummy. Decanted 30 minutes prior to dinner. Cherries and Strawberries. Good amount of oak, but not overwhelming. Tannins were well integrated. Need to buy a case of this. Plus...Have read that this was a down vintage. Can't wait to try my 2002.<br /><br />2005 Isenhower Cellars Wild Thyme USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Very earthy right out of the bottle, but that blew off quickly. Nose of plum and smoke. On the palate there were tons of tart berry flavors. Mouthwatering acidity brought the finish along. Enjoyed the wine tonight, but it didn't match the mouth feel and complexities of flavor from the last time I had this. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Soléna Pinot Gris USA, Oregon - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2004 Soléna Pinot Gris USA, Oregon - Fabulous. Melon and citrus. Classic example of what I think of when I drink Pinot Gris. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Needs lots of time to open up. Spicy. Good potential, but tight right now. Not as much of a fruit bomb as past vintages. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Salmon Harbor Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - It was wine. Not bad, not good, just wine.<br /><br />2007 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé Frenchtown Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Really refreshing. Had a bubble gum color. Aromas of strawberries still on the vine and just a hint of green peppercorns. The wine had a thicker mouth feel than I was expecting. Flavors of cranberry and canned peaches with raspberry syrup. Paired quite well with mac and cheese with a side of ham steak. Looking forward to this on a really hot day in the summer. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Nefarious Cellars Pinot Noir Vista Hills USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Nice light red color. Nose of oak and tangy fruit. On the palate you get lots of strawberry twizzler. Decent length finish. Balanced acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Spring Valley Vineyard Merlot Muleskinner USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Much drier than I remember at the winery. The fruit is hiding more in the background now. Could use a nice fatty steak to open up. Tasty...But...Think that there are other better choices at this price point.<br /><br />2004 Rulo Chardonnay Sundance Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Steely, no butter here. Needed food to balance out the acidity. Not really my style of Chardonnay.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2000 Terra Blanca Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - At peak but possibly starting down the other side. Still very tasty. Recommend that you start drinking them if you got them. Would purchase new vintages.<br /><br />2005 Buty Merlot/Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Really balanced bottle of wine. Dark purple to red color. Tannins are present but not overwhelming in any sense. Nice mix of fruit flavors along with herbal, tobacco, spice thing going on from the cab franc. Medium length finish. Not sure where this wine could get better as all elements seem in complete balance. Would purchase again.<br /><br />1985 Porto Rocha Porto Vintage Portugal, Douro, Porto - Cork broke in half, and then the bottom crumbled as I was trying to get it out. Did not decant. Poured very slowly and the cork fragments stayed in the bottle. Was not showing well tonight. Have had this on three other occasions and it sang. Felt a little flat and gritty tonight. Very dry and not a lot of fruit to be found. Hope that this was just an off bottle.<br /><br />2004 Cougar Crest Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2004 Cougar Crest Viognier USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Can see why this winery is getting some good press. One of the best whites of the cruise. Reminded me a lot of the 2003 Rulo Combine. Tropical fruits that last and last. Good balanced acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Rulo Syrah Columbia Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Rulo syrah just never lets me down. Dark and brooding. Still a bit young, but opened up nicely with an hour of air. Heavy(in a good way) with a touch of spice. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Bergevin Lane Calico Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Decant, decant, decant. Opened this wine (did not decant) and drank over four hours. The first three hours it was green and harsh. From three to three and a half hours it opened up into an extremely tasty and complex wine. By hour four all that was left was wood. Will wait another six months and hope that I can get that half hour window to be the majority of the flavor profile.<br /><br />2004 Boudreaux Cellars Chardonnay Bishop's & Homestead USA, Washington - Fruit starting to fade a little bit. Still a nice balanced wine with a hint of caramel and lots of apple. Great mouth feel, just fills every bit of the mouth and has a nice long finish. Still drinking wonderfully, but probably won't hold for all that much longer. Would purchase again for near term drinking.<br /><br />2004 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Great wine year in and year out. Heavy wood flavors but in a way that doesn't taste over powering. Has the mouth feel of heavy cream. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - At peak. Great everyday or special occasion wine. Smooth. Nice dark fruit flavors. Paired well with a porterhouse. Would purchase more, but only for near term drinking.<br /><br />NV Scharffenberger Brut USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />NV Scharffenberger Brut USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County - Consistent Notes.<br /><br />2003 Toad Hollow Merlot Reserve McDowell USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley - And then the fruit disappears. Color on the wine still makes me think that it is Pinot. Deep pink, with just a hint of a cherry center. All that was left tonight of this wine was the barrel. Total oak on both the nose and palate. Wasn't bad enough to pour down the sink, but not something that I'd want to drink again anytime soon. Maybe 2003 just wasn't a good year. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Viña Estampa Assemblage Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley - Decent everyday wine. Starting to mellow out. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc USA, California, Sonoma County - Nice though unremarkable wine. Started out with a floral fruity aroma that turned grassy as the wine warmed a bit. Crisp acidity. Decent QPR, would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Chandler Reach Vineyards Corella USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Going to have to pick more of this up. Nice mid week wine with great QPR. A bit spicy with a good mouth feel. There are some dried floral aromas from the sangiovese with more roundness from the cab and syrah. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew Pinot Gris USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Maybe slightly corked, but not enough to tell for sure. Maybe just an off bottle.<br /><br />2007 Trust Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Paired with burgers and potato salad. Color was T-Mobile Magenta. Crisp fruit on the nose with bits of strawberries. Flavor profile was nice but didn't last very long. Finish was clean but uninspiring. Decent wine for a warm day with a picnic. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2007 Sleight of Hand Cabernet Franc Magician's Assistant Rosé Frenchtown Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Paired with burgers and potato salad. Light pink color. Nose was a bit sweeter than the last bottle, but the wine was nice and dry on the palate. Very refreshing. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Bright purple color. Lots of up front fruit with a bit of spice. Not a lot of oak on the nose, but it is there on the palate. Very good sit and relax wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Opened bottle without decanting for two hours prior to drinking. Nose was still a little muted at first and took a good swirling to open up. Notes of chocolate, cassis and black liquorice. Fine grained tannins that danced across the tongue. Full mouth feel with a finish that lasted 20 seconds. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône - Funky in all the wrong ways. Can't say that this bottle is corked, but all of the kit wines I have made have this off aroma and flatness to them. Turned the bottle into the base for Sangria. With the extra fruit and alcohol it covers up the wines flaws.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Popped and poured. Right out of the bottle this was very young and primary. Bright red purple color with the slightest clear rim. Bit of a stemmy aroma with candied fruit behind. Thought that this was a merlot (wife picked it and made me taste it blind to see if I could tell what it was). After an hour in the glass the fruit was taken over by a smoky tobacco aroma. There was still the fruit on the palate with a balanced tannin level. Definitely needs to be decanted right now to get the best out of the bottle. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Nefarious Cellars Pinot Noir Vista Hills USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - Wow, this bottle was singing tonight. Right out of the bottle there were tons of mushroom aromas as well as wet dirt (love that pinot funk). There was also an element of strawberry twizzler. On the palate there was a hint of sweet tart candy along with more of the forest floor notes. Finish was smooth but didn't last an overly long time. Mouth feel was very nice without being too heavy. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Cellars USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Served too cold at first. Better once it warmed up. A little bit of oak and a good to slightly heavy amount of acidity. Green apples on the nose and palate. Not as creamy mouth feel as the last bottle. Decent. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Bergevin Lane Calico Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Good for everyday wine. Short clipped finish. Finally mellowing out, the tannins are in check. Burger or BBQ wine.<br /><br />2004 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County - Good all around wine. Buttery and smooth. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Montirius Gigondas France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas - Wine had notes of minerality and black pepper. Tannins were somewhat in the forefront of the wine until I paired it with a med rare rib eye. Then the wine really started to come out of its shell. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Stevens Cabernet Sauvignon XY USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Popped and poured, should have done a splash decant. Wine was singing after a little while in the glass. Mouth feel was bordering on heavy (a good thing). Aromas of oak, dark fruits and a roasted corn element. Palate was complex yet simple. There were a multitude of flavors going on, but they melded into one singular taste and so it was difficult to pull any one element out. Finish lasted a while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 B.R. Cohn Zinfandel USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley - The nose on this wine has really popped since the last bottle I had. Spot on aromas of clove dominates. The taste leaves lots to be desired. A bit metallic and thin. Improved a little over time, but not markedly. Decent wine to drink on a weeknight, but not a good QPR. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Much spicier than I remember this wine being in the past. Typically there are a lot of floral elements, but I was getting a heavy arugula aroma. Good balanced acidity and nice crisp mouth feel. Finish stuck with me for a while. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Chardonnay Diamond Collection Gold Label USA, California - Not a good bottle of wine. Drank from 375ml. Nose jumped right out of the glass and had tons of burnt caramel and cream. Palate was all new wood. Finish just disappeared right after the wine left the tongue. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Stevens 424 USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Brought to Gig Harbor "open" tasting.<br /><br />2005 Nefarious Cellars Riesling Antoine Creek USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Brought to Gig Harbor "open" tasting.<br /><br />2005 Buty Merlot/Cabernet Franc USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Brought to Gig Harbor "Open" tasting.<br /><br />1999 Erath Pinot Noir Reserve USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Still tasty but starting down the hill. Wasn't nearly as inspiring as the last time.<br /><br />2004 Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc Alder Ridge Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - red core with a pink rim. Nose is a bit hot with some green elements. Fruit is starting to die on the palate, leaving a sour finish. Tannins are still present. Overall I think that this is on the downhill. If you got 'em, drink 'em. Would not purchase this vintage again.<br /><br />2004 Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc Alder Ridge Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Drank rather than analyzed this tonight. It was good, would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nose was not giving up all that much tonight. On the palate there was a lot of lime and a bit of kiwi. Not terribly complex tonight, but it was drinking just fine for the fact that it was hot out today. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Nefarious Cellars Gewürztraminer Antoine Creek USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Still going strong. The nose is starting to close up a bit, but I think that I had it chilled a little bit too much. Very distinct flavor of Satsuma orange peel. Touch of residual sugar balanced nicely with the Jerk chicken. Acidity could be a little higher. Finish was pleasant and lasted a good 30 seconds. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Mission Hill Shiraz Reserve Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA - Cork was soaked through and spongy. DOA.<br /><br />NV Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut France, Champagne - Decent bottle of wine, but did not live up to my expectations. Extremely tart and this covered the fruit flavors. Medium sized bubbles. Would not purchase again due to low QPR.<br /><br />2003 Inniskillin Pinot Blanc Single Vineyard Series Dark Horse Estate Vineyard Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA - Decent bottle of wine for a weeknight. Nice floral aromas and pleasant tart(crisp) flavor. It was a bit too one dimensional, but at the price point it is hard to expect complexity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Tasting more like Sauv Blanc tonight. The floral elements are definitely going away. The wine was much grassier with lots of tropical fruit flavors. Acidity is really taking over the finish with laser like focus. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 J. A. Balistreri Vineyards Merlot Little Feet Lovies USA, Colorado, Grand Valley - Tastes like sacramental wine. A bit sweet like there is a touch of residual sugar left in the wine. Very jammy, not much acid. Tends to be a bit flabby on the tongue. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />1999 Woodward Canyon Pinot Noir USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Very nice. Evolved over a four hour period. Decanted, threw about a teaspoon of sediment. Started with a hint of mint (I find this in a lot of Pinot Noir, my wife thinks I am crazy. Maybe it's not mint, but that's how it tastes to me). An hour later the wood showed through then changed into tobacco. Last glass had lots of sour cherries and eucalyptus. Overall the wine still had some tannin left. Could age a bit more.<br /><br />2004 Mark Ryan The Dissident USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Thought this was a very nice but nothing "wow" about it. Heavy oak nose and flavors. Gave it an unsweetened vanilla profile. Extremely ripe and primary fruit flavors. Finish was neither long nor clipped. Though this wine was good, for $22 I can think of too many other wines that offer much more "wow".MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-88461112579063941282008-06-25T23:55:00.000-07:002008-06-25T23:56:14.266-07:00Wines Tasted in May1999 Erath Pinot Noir Reserve USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Very nice bottle of wine. Paired well with the Kahlua pork. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Isenhower Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Three Lab Cab USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Very nice table wine. Tannins are starting to integrate and the wine was smooth after about an hour in the decanter. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford - Nice smooth tannins with a good amount of fruit. Glad that this was on sale, would not have paid the normal retail price.<br /><br />1998 Pio Cesare Barolo Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo - Very nice. Lots of floral notes and a bit of tar. Finish lasted a good 20 seconds.<br /><br />2005 L'Ecole No. 41 Sémillon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Very enjoyable bottle of wine. Tend to go to this rather than Chardonnay. Did not dissapoint tonight. Just enough oak without being over the top. Smoothe finish with a nice amount of acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Totem Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Seems a bit more tannic tonight than when I first tried this wine. Still very fruit forward and I would say that it is more of a near term drinker. Solid bottle of wine, but it wasn't bringing any wow factor tonight. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Frog's Leap Zinfandel USA, California, Napa Valley - Drank from magnum. Very nice wine. Plenty of heavy fruit with a touch of heat(spicy). Brought out the flavors of the tomatoes and pancetta in dinner. Imagine that this wine could go for a few more years in the cellar, but it is drinking so well why wait? Would definitely purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - A bit more tannic than other vintages that I have had. Settled down a little after about an hour. Would decant next time. Is not as in your face jammy. Nice mid week drinking wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Gallagher U Brew France, Rhône - Tasted more like juice than wine. Didn't have that typical bottle funk that I am accustomed to in home made wines. Left some in the bottle to see how it tastes tomorrow.<br /><br />2004 Waving Tree Sangiovese Estate USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Consistent notes from prior bottles. Bright color and a good dose of acidity. Fresh fruit flavors and a bit of foral aromas. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Syrah Black Tongue USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Right after popping the cork this was a disjointed alcoholic beast. Left it in bottle for two hours and revisited. Still a very big wine, I like my syrah with a couple more years of age on it. There was an aroma that smelled like your rolling on the floor with your face close to the carpet. Smokey with a bit too much oak on the palate. Will wait another year before trying another one. Based on other tastes of this wine I would purchase it again.<br /><br />2003 Portteus Rattlesnake Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - WIth a lot of air due to swirling the glass a very nice aroma came through. Can't identify what it was, but it was good. Had a nice smooth taste. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 SYZYGY Red Wine Walla Walla Valley USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - Very green right out of the bottle. Was worried that I had opened this much too soon. Mellowed some with air. Picked up blackberry and eucaliptus. Will wait at least one more year before I open the other bottle. Would not purchase again, other better wines out there for the price point.<br /><br />2005 Northwest Cellars USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley - good dose of oak. But has the nice dilicate tropical flavors from the viognier. Paired nicely with the chicken and buttered rice. Was chopping some fruit later in the evening and the wine did not go well with pineapple. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Toad Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon Concinnity USA, California - Really enjoyable bottle of wine. Just a hint of fruit on the front palate that turns more subdued with some more earthy elements on the back end. Nose worried me right off the bat with a heavy oak smell. But it turned good and funky with a few minutes of swirling in the glass. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Silver Lake Cabernet-Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Competent wine. Maybe a bit too much oak. Prominent aroma and flavors of vanilla. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Stevens Viognier Divio USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Not much of a nose on this wine tonight. However, the flavors were singing and the wine had a good amount of acidity to balance out the fruit on the front of the tongue. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2005 Penny's Hill Shiraz Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale - Decanted for three hours. Mouthfeel of cocoa powder. Nice minty dark fruit aromas with a bit of dark bitter chocolate on the palate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Brought to Sam And Gena's for a BBQ. Didn't get to taste any tonight as I was on beer duty.<br /><br />2005 Nefarious Cellars Gewürztraminer Antoine Creek USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Much more subtle than I remember from the tasting at the winery. A faint hint of green apple on the palate but not much nose to speak of. Paired nicely with chili rubbed pork chops. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Lightning in a bottle. The 2004 vintage of this wine has naver failed to deliver. Wish I could have picked up 10 cases and made it my weekly go to wine. Everything is in perfect harmony. Big nose of spice, oak and dark fruit. Tannins are present but play an accompanying role. Ample amounts of sweet fruit meld with the cedar and tobacco on the tongue. Finish stays with you well after the bottle is gone. If I could fine more of this vintage, I'd buy every last bit of it. Wow!<br /><br />2004 Wapato Point Cellars Red Delicious USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Feels a bit like they are trying to compete with the "cute critter" category out of Australia. Very fruit forward with little acid or tannin. I am sure that the wine was fermented dry, but it almost seems a bit sweet. Still getting the raspberries and cinnamon. Not worth the price, would not purchase again.<br /><br />2003 JM Cellars Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Nose started out somewhat closed. After about a half an hour it opened up with some stemmy qualities. There was a bit of tart fruit on the palate. The wine was alright, but nothing really popped for me. I'd be willing to pay up to $20 for this, but unfortunately was much more. Just not a good QPR. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Chandler Reach Vineyards Corella USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Took a bottle with us camping. Paired with italian sausage sandwiches. It was about 50 degrees outside so the wine was a little cold, but it warmed up a bit by the fire. Nose was a bit muted. Nice amount of spice on the palate. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Champoux Vineyard USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills - Needs an hour in the decanter to really show it's best features. Bit of a tobacco element on the nose. Nice dark fruit flavors, though not one dominates. Really nicely balanced wine. Really cool mouthfeel. Fine grained tannins that makes it feel like there is powdered sugar in the wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Covey Run Merlot Barrel Select USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Very nice table wine. Wouldn't necessarily have it for a special occasion, but would open it up when friends came over. Great bargain. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Don't know what is wrong with this but it is undrinkable.<br /><br />2001 Domaine Coteau Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Yamhill County - Don't know what's wrong with this, but has become undrinkable.<br /><br />2005 Stevens Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Popped and poured. Really could have benefited with an hour in the decanter. Nose started out a bit hot with alcohol and oak. Just a hint of nail polish that blew off with 15 minutes in the glass. Palate was disjointed to start and then exploded a while later with blackberries. towards the end of the bottle I was getting a smell that reminded me of freshly shucked corn. Good wine overall, just let it breathe a bit before drinking. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Barnard Griffin Chardonnay Reserve USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Orange peel, oak and acidity. Pale yellow color. Vibrant nose and nice mouthfeel. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Canon de Sol Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Oh I love Syrah with a few years of age on them. This wine had a huge nose of freshly roasted coffee and mushrooms. More flavors of coffee, oak and sour cherries. Mouthfeel on this wine was silky, but the finish didn't last terribly long. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2001 Terra Blanca Syrah USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain - Still going strong. Lots of tobacco and spice notes. Fruit flavors are starting to settle down into the background. Still good amount of acidity and tannic grip. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Crutcher Cellars Syrah USA, Washington - Had this to top off a night of beer drinking with some buddies. Oak was the dominant aroma and flavor, with just a bit of fruit in the background. Finish was shortish, but pleasant. At the price point and with enough alcohol already in the system, this was a very servicable wine. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Ross Andrew Winery Cabernet Sauvignon USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Ooohhhh that's good. Lots of oak right up front, but with a good dose of swirling the other elements took over. Coffee and chocolate aromas with tons of dark dark fruits on the palate. Tannins were nice and balanced. Decent length finish. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2000 Beringer Vineyards Alluvium USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley - Wonderful. Strong notes of blueberry and blackberry. Would love to purchase cases of this.<br /><br />1986 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard USA, California, Napa Valley - This was three wines in 45 minutes. Had the somellier decant this right when dinner arrived. There was almost no sediment and probably could have not been decanted. right out of the gate this wine seemed much younger than 21 years. Good dark color with a slight bricking around the rim. Huge sweet fruit with tannins in check. After 15 minutes the sweetness faded and the menthol and tobacco came out. really dried out over the next 15 minutes. Then it started to come back around with more of a rounded feel on the palate. Really enjoyed. Would pick up another bottle if I could find it.<br /><br />2006 Columbia Crest Pinot Grigio Grand Estates USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Paired with Dungeness crab gumbo. Wine and food had just the right mariage of spice and sweet. Good clean fruit flavors on the wine combined with a balanced but palate cleansing acidity. Just a hint of residual sugar in the background. Will try this combo again I am sure. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Columbia Crest Sauvignon Blanc Grand Estates USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Paired with Dungeness crab gumbo. Not the ideal pairing. The wine seemed to work against the dish, rather than complimenting it. On it's own the wine had notes of hay and good acidity. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2006 Columbia Crest Riesling Grand Estates USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Paired with Dungeness crab gumbo. Too sweet for the dish, which was on the mild side. Lots of apple notes. Palate didn't have enough acidity to balance out the sugar. There are better options out there for the price point. Would not purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Sonoma County USA, California, Sonoma County - Spicy and jammy. Good.<br /><br />2004 Wapato Point Cellars Red Delicious USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Much tastier than the last few times I have had this. Still a huge oak nose. Bit of chocolate on the palate. Nice finish with tannins in check.<br /><br />Non Vintage Tefft Cellars Cabernet-Merlot USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Brought to parent's "Memorial Day" party. Good wine for a large group. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Stevens Syrah Black Tongue USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Starting to mellow out nicely. Did not decant, but would probably decant for an hour first next time. Teeth staining black. Thick mouthfeel. Big fruit bomb. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay USA, California, Sonoma County - Consistent chardonnay. Nice balance between butter, acid and oak. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2002 Cana's Feast Winery (Cuneo) Pinot Noir USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley - very good. Heavier version of PN. Decanted for about an hour prior to dinner. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2003 Portteus Rattlesnake Red USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley - Smoothing out. Didn't need any time after opening before it was ready to drink. Still can't identify the aroma and flavor, but it is good none the less. Would purchase again.<br /><br />2004 Robert Karl Cellars Claret USA, Washington, Columbia Valley - Lots of leather tonight. May be an off bottle? All I am getting from this is old baseball glove. No fruit aromas or flavors. Just not doing it for me tonight.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-65041490541306859642008-02-23T23:11:00.000-08:002008-02-23T23:14:58.490-08:00Trip to Walla WallaI was in Walla^2 for President's weekend. This visit we decided to focus on fewer wineries and go for more of an interaction with the winemakers. Overall we hit 8 wineries (6 locations, 2 were doubled up) and still came away with about three and a half cases of wine. I will put a (++), (+) or (-) after each wine to let you know what I thought and will include comments where appropriate.<br />SATURDAY – Got into town at about 12:30 in the afternoon. Had an appointment with Trey Busch at Sleight of Hand at 1PM. Tasted through 5 wines. ’06 Gewürztraminer(+), NV Red Blend(-)(Too soft on the back palate), ’07 Rose of Cab Franc(++), and both the ’05(+) and ’06(+)(much more approachable now) Archimage.<br />Trey then invited us to meet him later that afternoon at Saviah(where he makes his wines) to taste through some barrels.<br />Got to Saviah a little bit early so went next door to Waters/Gramercy. They have a beautiful space for their tasting room, but it made it hard to taste initially since they had just finished painting the interior of the room and they were storing the tasting glasses in cabinets that were just installed. Took me about two wines into the tasting to acclimatize myself to the other smells and be able to really enjoy the wine. Tasted through 5 wines. ’05 Interlude(-)(have had this wine at home and it showed nicely, not good today maybe due to conditions of the room), ’05 Loess Syrah(-), ’05 Forgotten Hills Syrah(++), ’05 Pepper Bridge Syrah(+), ’05 Gramercy Lagniappe Syrah(+)<br />Went back over to Saviah and spent around 2 hours with Trey tasting through his entire collection of ’07 wines in barrel. Have to say that I am looking forward to good things coming out of SoH. Ended up not purchasing anything from Trey today, but will definitely be looking to grab a mixed case of his wines in the near future.<br />SUNDAY – Left our accommodations and went for a “hearty” breakfast at a local diner (Tommy’s Dutch Lunch) that Trey had recommended. Had plenty of protein in my belly for the first few wineries that we were going to visit that day.<br />Had a 10:30AM appointment with Ned Morris at a’Maurice winery. As we pulled up to the road that the winery and vineyards are on we noticed a Ferrari pulling out. Noticed that the driver was Gary Figgins of Leonetti. I asked Ned about this later and he said that the vineyards next to theirs was Gary’s. Definitely a good piece of land. Tasted through 3 wines and I must say that they were the best top to bottom lineup of wines we tasted through the whole weekend. ’05 Chardonnay(++)(one of the best chardonnays I have had anywhere), ’05 Syrah(++)(beautiful gamey nose and long finish), ’05 Malbec(++)(pitch black, spicy and tannic)<br />We then headed over to Rulo. Kurt is not your typical winemaker, he is extremely opinionated but is a riot to listen to. Ended up spending about three hours tasting the current lineup as well as spending some time back in the barrel room checking out how the ‘07s are coming along. Kurt and Vicky make some really nice Syrahs at very reasonable prices. We tasted through 8 wines. ’05 Viognier(++), ’06 Combine(+)(a little too much sauv blanc this year for my preference), ’05 Chardonnay(all in steel)(-), ’05 Chardonnay(oaked)(-)(just not big on their style of chard), ’05 Syrah(+), ’06 Syrca(+)(just bottled the day before), ’06 Syrah(+)(just bottled the day before) and the ’05 Silo(++).<br />Headed off to a drive-in burger place (Fast Eddy’s) that Kurt and Vicky had recommended and got the largest Reuben I have ever seen. Re-fueled myself and then off to more wine tasting. Next stop was at Chateau Rollat/Trust. Based on word of mouth I was expecting great things from Rollat, unfortunately it did not live up to the hype. We tasted through 5 wines. ’06 Trust Riesling(+), ’05 Trust Cab Sauv(+), ’06 Trust Ice Wine(++)(just mind blowingly good, but with a price to match). ’05 Rollat(+), ’05 Rollat Edouard(+)(good, but not distinctively better than the entry level cab and not worth the extra $24 bones per bottle).<br />Last stop of the weekend was at Hence Cellars. This was also where we stayed(they have a guest room in the winery building. They give you the keys to the building and it’s pretty much yours for the weekend). Tasted through 4 wines. ’06 Riesling(+), ’05 Syrah(-)(tasted alright, maybe even good, but could not justify the price point ($45) that they put this wine at), ’05 Cultivar(++)(very well done red blend, distinctive and memorable), ’06 Malbec(+)(from barrel, nice wine but paled in comparison to the a’Maurice we had at the beginning of the day.<br />Finished the day with dinner at Saffron Mediterranean restaurant. Could gush on and on and on and on about this meal, but sufficed to that this is a must stop place to eat if you are in Walla^2.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-16814874159880506422008-01-30T23:07:00.000-08:002008-01-30T23:10:01.361-08:00Should I Continue Doing This?????So I am starting to wonder if I am only doing this for myself. <br /><br />Does anyone ever actually look at this?<br /><br />I am going to give it a week and if I do not receive at least one comment I may just put this to bed.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-40987171468089234812008-01-25T21:47:00.000-08:002008-01-25T21:50:53.461-08:00Wines Tasted on January 25thWines tasted in 2005<br /><br />2002<br />Yakima Cellars Cabernet Franc - Lemberger<br />USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />Still young. Needs time in the bottle to shed some of the tannins. Not sure if the tannins settling down will help the wine. Tasted more like port to me. Heavy raisin and alcohol flavors.<br /><br />No record of any wines tasted in 2006<br /><br />No record of any wines tasted in 2007<br /><br />Wines tasted in 2008<br /><br />2004 Stevens 424<br />USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley<br />Decanted, though not much sediment if any. Sweet dark fruit aromas jumped from the decanter. Medium red coloring with just a hint of orange. Nose started out very sweet with black cherries, tobacco and French oak. As the evening wore on the fruit started to fade a bit and the toast on the oak started to come out more. Nice velvety mouthfeel with just enough tannic structure to give the wine some weight. Good finish, the wine hung on the palate for a minute or more. Not sure about the longevity of this wine as the structure is a little light. Drinking really nicely right now. Would purchase again.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-77276510487709387752008-01-24T23:07:00.000-08:002008-01-24T23:08:48.138-08:00Wines Tasted on January 24thNo record of any wines tasted on this date in history.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-68607896913699998712008-01-23T23:41:00.000-08:002008-01-23T23:42:28.047-08:00Wines Tasted on January 23rdNo record of any wines tasted on this date in history.MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916092050334270838.post-28864788468486902652008-01-22T22:30:00.000-08:002008-01-22T22:32:14.801-08:00Wines Tasted on January 22ndNo record of any wines tasted in 2005<br /><br />Wines tasted in 2006<br /><br />2002<br />Waterbrook Mélange<br />USA, Washington, Columbia Valley<br />Really starting to come into it's own. Nice balanced flavors of dark fruit and spices. Tannins have integrated and the finish is getting longer (20 sec). Would purchase again.<br /><br />No record of any wines tasted in 2007<br /><br />No record of any wines tasted in 2008MagnumGourmethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00035682525100672610noreply@blogger.com0