The 2005 Mon Coeur Cotes du Rhone was a wine I purchased a few months ago at an attractive price at auction. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a nice Rhone wine and not California Rhone! Actually I love many California Rhone style wne producers.
2005 is a very strong vintage throughout France. The Bordeaux hype is off the charts crazy of course. I am holding many wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux from 2005 and I hope many of you are as well. They will reward the wine drinker after aging some. The Mon Coeur was one I wanted to try early as it is not a big tannic young cabernet or merlot blend.
The aroma of this wine did not display a lot of youthfulness. It had a classic rhone nose of some ash, slight barnard which blew off by the second glass and some old world style terroir fruit.
The wine had a very nice taste of tea leaf, some citrus, fruit and spices. This changed as it was consumed which shows it youth and makes it a fun bottle to taste. It had some tartness on the finish and was a little disjointed towards the end, which I'll chalk up to the youngness of this Rhone wine. This is a food bottle, as most wines are - especially bottles from France, Italy and most classic grapes and traditional winemaking areas and producers.
The Mon Coeur provides a nice glimpse into the vintage and what this bottle may deliver in the years ahead.
I think I will hold off on an exact rating or score here. I'll say 88-90 point range for now.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir Wine - 2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Bottle Tasting
The 2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Pinot Noir was a bottle I found at an excellent price on the Internet. I am finding nice deals on wine bottles online through retail stores and at auctio. I bought 3 of them and I think I paid $20 for each. An excellent price for highly regarded Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Oregon is one of my favorite areas for clean, but sharp and flavored pinot noir in the burgundy style of wine. This Raptor Ridge bottle is also from one of the great and more famous vineyards for wine in Oregon - Shea Vineyard.
The color was shiny and not dense. The aroma had nice strawberry, rubarb and some fruit seed. The mouthfeel and body of the wine had much more depth than color or even the nose was giving. This wine really packed a hidden punch of rich berry flavors, with some smooth spice and a very strong follow through.
A very clean - sharp wine that improved as the bottle was going down. Smooth and silky. Nothing wrong hear imo and a lot right. For the money, the Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir from the 2006 vintage is a wine bottle I recommend pretty strongly.
A high QPR (Quality Price Ratio)
I'm not sure what the production amount for this wine. If someone knows, feel free to post it - including the winemaker! By all means - participate.
Wine Score: 91 POINTS
Oregon is one of my favorite areas for clean, but sharp and flavored pinot noir in the burgundy style of wine. This Raptor Ridge bottle is also from one of the great and more famous vineyards for wine in Oregon - Shea Vineyard.
The color was shiny and not dense. The aroma had nice strawberry, rubarb and some fruit seed. The mouthfeel and body of the wine had much more depth than color or even the nose was giving. This wine really packed a hidden punch of rich berry flavors, with some smooth spice and a very strong follow through.
A very clean - sharp wine that improved as the bottle was going down. Smooth and silky. Nothing wrong hear imo and a lot right. For the money, the Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir from the 2006 vintage is a wine bottle I recommend pretty strongly.
A high QPR (Quality Price Ratio)
I'm not sure what the production amount for this wine. If someone knows, feel free to post it - including the winemaker! By all means - participate.
Wine Score: 91 POINTS
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2007 Neal Family Zinfandel - Neal Winery, Wine Bottle
Tried a bottle of the 2007 Neal Family Zinfandel. I have been drinking Neal Family for several years. They are a napa family winery that makes wonderful cabernet sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc. I should also throw in that they make really natural and tasty extra virgin olive oil. I love good olive oil! Need some more actually....
We have also met Mark Neal (wine owner) in New York City when he has come to visit. A solid guy who makes true california full flavored Napa Valley Zinfandel, Cabernet and more.
Anyway, I have been drinking their zinfandels for the past 4-5 years. The 2007 zinfandel wine is packed and layered with dark forward mountain fruit. This Neal is my kind of zinfandel. Dark rich fruit without feeling heavy and without burning high alcohol heat. I don't have the bottle with me (although I could easily go downstairs to see) but I believe it is under 15% and it is perfectly balanced. I think this bottle and vintage is the best Neal Zin in at least 2 years. Maybe it's just my style, but it works really well. It's a fun wine to drink!
Price point for this quality works well also. $24 (give or take a few bucks) is a great buy for this quality IMO. I have a case (well - less a bottle) and will enjoy these. Drink now - 2 years for peak imo, but longer wouldn't be a big risk either.
I did not write detailed notes on the 2007 Neal Family Zinfandel, but I would rate it a solid:
91 Points
Buy Wine Rabbit Corkscrew
We have also met Mark Neal (wine owner) in New York City when he has come to visit. A solid guy who makes true california full flavored Napa Valley Zinfandel, Cabernet and more.
Anyway, I have been drinking their zinfandels for the past 4-5 years. The 2007 zinfandel wine is packed and layered with dark forward mountain fruit. This Neal is my kind of zinfandel. Dark rich fruit without feeling heavy and without burning high alcohol heat. I don't have the bottle with me (although I could easily go downstairs to see) but I believe it is under 15% and it is perfectly balanced. I think this bottle and vintage is the best Neal Zin in at least 2 years. Maybe it's just my style, but it works really well. It's a fun wine to drink!
Price point for this quality works well also. $24 (give or take a few bucks) is a great buy for this quality IMO. I have a case (well - less a bottle) and will enjoy these. Drink now - 2 years for peak imo, but longer wouldn't be a big risk either.
I did not write detailed notes on the 2007 Neal Family Zinfandel, but I would rate it a solid:
91 Points
Buy Wine Rabbit Corkscrew
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wine Auction Buys - Wine Bottles Bought Jan 2009
On the Wine Spectator forum many of us post what wine bottles we are buying, whether in a store, through a mailing list or perhaps through auction (live or Internet). I have gotten a few requests to do the same here. It can help others learn some new names or perhaps see where the pricing is on some auction wines or other secondary market bottles.
I generally only buy higher end quality wine via auction or mailing list. I find most stores in any one geographical area generally buy from the same distributor sources, so you tend to see the same names.
Anyway, with the economy the way it is, I am finding stunning buys (for my tastes) on the Internet. Some over 75% off retail. Pretty crazy. Anyway, here are some wine bottle buys from January. I included the price for all as well.
2006 Dashe Cellars Zinfandel $15
2006 Saxum Broken Stones Syrah $50
2005 Copain McDowell Valley Vineyard Syrah $25
2004 Reverie Special Reserve $45
2006 Eric Kent Kalen's Big Boy Blend Syrah $25
2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Fournier Vineyard Chardonnay $15
2005 Jean-Louis Chave Mon Coeur Cotes Du Rhone $15
2005 Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Cork Dancer 5.1 Pinot Noir $20
2006 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay $20
2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir $25
Buy Riedel Wine Glasses
I generally only buy higher end quality wine via auction or mailing list. I find most stores in any one geographical area generally buy from the same distributor sources, so you tend to see the same names.
Anyway, with the economy the way it is, I am finding stunning buys (for my tastes) on the Internet. Some over 75% off retail. Pretty crazy. Anyway, here are some wine bottle buys from January. I included the price for all as well.
2006 Dashe Cellars Zinfandel $15
2006 Saxum Broken Stones Syrah $50
2005 Copain McDowell Valley Vineyard Syrah $25
2004 Reverie Special Reserve $45
2006 Eric Kent Kalen's Big Boy Blend Syrah $25
2005 Anderson's Conn Valley Fournier Vineyard Chardonnay $15
2005 Jean-Louis Chave Mon Coeur Cotes Du Rhone $15
2005 Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Cork Dancer 5.1 Pinot Noir $20
2006 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay $20
2006 Raptor Ridge Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir $25
Buy Riedel Wine Glasses
2005 Alcina Pinot Noir - Alcina Sangiacomo Vineyard Wine
I was able to find the 2005 Alcino Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir wine at a very good buy via online auction. It was fairly well rated and the price was pretty attractive, so I went for it. Doesn't take much with me! lol
2005 Alcina Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma
I opened this about 30-45 minutes before drinking and we had this over a 90 minute period. The wine had an earthy aroma of cranberry and some baked apple. The mouthfeel was fairly heavy. On the palate it supported the nose with tastes of sour cherries, dark fruit and some smoke.
Ok. I love pinot noir - and earthy pinot. My first problem with this wine was it falls short in sugar. Not in alcohol but in pure sweetness to the the taste. I don't want a sugary wine but this almost had almost a sugar-free flavor to it. It also turned pretty sour towards the end. The finish on the Alcina was decent in length. It just wasn't a finish I really enjoyed. Turned rough and tart and after a while I just got tired drinking it.
Not my style. It may be yours.
84 Points.
Find Alcina Pinot Noir Wine - Sonoma County
2005 Alcina Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard Sonoma
I opened this about 30-45 minutes before drinking and we had this over a 90 minute period. The wine had an earthy aroma of cranberry and some baked apple. The mouthfeel was fairly heavy. On the palate it supported the nose with tastes of sour cherries, dark fruit and some smoke.
Ok. I love pinot noir - and earthy pinot. My first problem with this wine was it falls short in sugar. Not in alcohol but in pure sweetness to the the taste. I don't want a sugary wine but this almost had almost a sugar-free flavor to it. It also turned pretty sour towards the end. The finish on the Alcina was decent in length. It just wasn't a finish I really enjoyed. Turned rough and tart and after a while I just got tired drinking it.
Not my style. It may be yours.
84 Points.
Find Alcina Pinot Noir Wine - Sonoma County
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2003 Chateau des Fines Roches Chateauneuf du Pape - CDP
It has been a while since I have enjoyed a nice (not too young) Chateauneuf. I have always felt that for their Price to Quality Value (QPR), CDP is tough to beat. Compare the top quality Chateauneuf du Papes to Bordeaux or Burgundy and the price difference is pretty stark. True, most CDP - whether 2001, 2003 or other good years generally can't compete with a top Bordeaux wine from 2000, 2003 - but they are different wines. Most Bordeaux wines are fuller as they are blended with fuller grapes normally (Cabernet, Merlot).
The one negative for me with Chateauneuf Du Pape is having to write it many times in a wine review! like the Des Fines Roches 2003 CDP. The wine is worth it. Although I am going to abbreviate from hear on as I am a bit tired today and have been on my PC working on other stuff. I don't just drink wine and write about it. Although I wish I could!
Notes and Review
This had a very youthful and vibrant color. Not that 2003 is old, but CDP can be duller in color - if color in your wine is important. I kinda like a nice shine to my wine.
Aroma of sour cherries, earth and some floral components. I wrote Violets. The nose evolved to over time shaking off some of the earth and must (there wasn't much of the latter though). No funk or barnyard characteristics that can sometimes come through early on other Chateauneuf Du Pape. Not with the Chateau des Fines Roches.
The palate had nice cherries, cold stone terroir and finesse. The tannins were well integrated and the finish was clean and straight. Not long and fairly simple finish for this 2003 wine, but Chateauneuf Du Papes are not thick and long Napa Cabernets, so the ending of this wine should be judged for it's grape and make up.
All in all a very good wine for the price ($25 or so) and is available for searching with retail stores online.
Score: 89 Points
Find CDP and Other Wine on The Internet
The one negative for me with Chateauneuf Du Pape is having to write it many times in a wine review! like the Des Fines Roches 2003 CDP. The wine is worth it. Although I am going to abbreviate from hear on as I am a bit tired today and have been on my PC working on other stuff. I don't just drink wine and write about it. Although I wish I could!
Notes and Review
This had a very youthful and vibrant color. Not that 2003 is old, but CDP can be duller in color - if color in your wine is important. I kinda like a nice shine to my wine.
Aroma of sour cherries, earth and some floral components. I wrote Violets. The nose evolved to over time shaking off some of the earth and must (there wasn't much of the latter though). No funk or barnyard characteristics that can sometimes come through early on other Chateauneuf Du Pape. Not with the Chateau des Fines Roches.
The palate had nice cherries, cold stone terroir and finesse. The tannins were well integrated and the finish was clean and straight. Not long and fairly simple finish for this 2003 wine, but Chateauneuf Du Papes are not thick and long Napa Cabernets, so the ending of this wine should be judged for it's grape and make up.
All in all a very good wine for the price ($25 or so) and is available for searching with retail stores online.
Score: 89 Points
Find CDP and Other Wine on The Internet
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Dashe Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley - 2006 Dashe Wine Notes, Zinfandel Score
Dashe is a wine producer in California that began in 1996. I had heard about their Zinfandels last year and have wanted to try one for some time. Writing notes for the first time on a wine like the 2006 Dashe Zinfandel dry creek valley was fun.
Dashe sources grapes for their wine making. They produce a few different Zinfandels. I am anxious to try others. The 2006 Dashe dry creek valley zinfandel was sourced by me via auction. I might want to look into getting some of these wines direct.
2006 Dashe Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Note
This wine right away showed finesse and class for a zinfandel. It did not appear weighty, heavy or thick. The nose gave off very pleasant aromas of warm berries, caramel and some spice. Very little heat. The alcohol of 14.5% seems perfect on the nose. The mouthfeel was medium to full, but not thick, chewy or overdone. Tastes of
blackberry, and sweet seeded fruit with some cream. No hotness and a clean classy finish. Not overly long - but I find many Zinfandels with "wow" finishes tend to kill you with alcohol, suger and hotness.
I'd rather have less of a finish if the type is smoothed out. I tend to factor that into my score. But to each his own. The great thing about wine right?
Score 90 Points.
Price: I have seen this zinfandel wine listed at $20 or more. I got it on the Internet for $15.00. A screaming buy at that price when you consider many of the other zinfandel producers (many worth it) at $30, $40 and up.
View Haier Wine Cellar Units
Dashe sources grapes for their wine making. They produce a few different Zinfandels. I am anxious to try others. The 2006 Dashe dry creek valley zinfandel was sourced by me via auction. I might want to look into getting some of these wines direct.
2006 Dashe Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Note
This wine right away showed finesse and class for a zinfandel. It did not appear weighty, heavy or thick. The nose gave off very pleasant aromas of warm berries, caramel and some spice. Very little heat. The alcohol of 14.5% seems perfect on the nose. The mouthfeel was medium to full, but not thick, chewy or overdone. Tastes of
blackberry, and sweet seeded fruit with some cream. No hotness and a clean classy finish. Not overly long - but I find many Zinfandels with "wow" finishes tend to kill you with alcohol, suger and hotness.
I'd rather have less of a finish if the type is smoothed out. I tend to factor that into my score. But to each his own. The great thing about wine right?
Score 90 Points.
Price: I have seen this zinfandel wine listed at $20 or more. I got it on the Internet for $15.00. A screaming buy at that price when you consider many of the other zinfandel producers (many worth it) at $30, $40 and up.
View Haier Wine Cellar Units
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