This was an affordable Chardonnay (around $20) and I always like to give California Chardonnay a little spin when priced well. The 2004 Domaine Chandon is a name I see a lot of but have never tried their Chardonnay wine. The 2004 was my first go.
Shiny lime and gold color. It really had a crystal sharp gold look. Aroma of Sweet lemon, marmalade, citron a little burnt wood - but very faint. Tastes of lemonoil, cream and some toasted almond. Pretty restrained. No hotness and not overly oaky - which I like. Still, the wine wasn't very layered and the finish was pretty simple.
Nice wine that is fairly priced. I'd say it's neither a pass nor a buy. Neutral for me.
86 Points
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
New Years Eve Wines and More...
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you enjoyed some nice wines, champagne and so on. We had a nice small gathering at our house. I had several wines at the ready and enjoyed several. I think we had a good run of it. Freezing snowy weather helped also!
Roederer Sparkling White Wine - Anderson Valley, California. This has become one of my favorite QPR (Quality Price Ratio) Champagne Sparklers. It is just a fabulous wine for the money and when compared to most Champagnes of very good quality, it is even a better drink. $20 or so and it always delivers. Has that combination I love in a sparkling white - crisp, not too sweet with perfect acidity and dryness. Nice stuff. Great Mimosa Champagne too! - what isn't?
2005 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain - California. Outpost is one of my favorite Zinfandel producers, along with Carlisle for me. Not over the top but fruit packed with alcohol there, but not crazy. Outpost wines always have that fresh ground pepper undertaste with the fruit that just gives it great concentration.
2004 Rutherford Hill Merlot - California. Rutherford Hill is more modestly priced and while not an overly complex wine, it usually pleases anyone you pour it for. Casual wine lovers will really like it. I have had mixed results with some vintages of this. Some wines really do differ in quality from year to year. It's never bad, but the 2004 is very special.
Also drank a 2006 Gainey Pinot Noir, a Williamette Vineyards Pinot that I didn't love. Pretty short. I'll have to find which one exactly.
Drink a good wine tonight!
Create your own bottle of wine!
Click here to get a free health insurance quote.
Roederer Sparkling White Wine - Anderson Valley, California. This has become one of my favorite QPR (Quality Price Ratio) Champagne Sparklers. It is just a fabulous wine for the money and when compared to most Champagnes of very good quality, it is even a better drink. $20 or so and it always delivers. Has that combination I love in a sparkling white - crisp, not too sweet with perfect acidity and dryness. Nice stuff. Great Mimosa Champagne too! - what isn't?
2005 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain - California. Outpost is one of my favorite Zinfandel producers, along with Carlisle for me. Not over the top but fruit packed with alcohol there, but not crazy. Outpost wines always have that fresh ground pepper undertaste with the fruit that just gives it great concentration.
2004 Rutherford Hill Merlot - California. Rutherford Hill is more modestly priced and while not an overly complex wine, it usually pleases anyone you pour it for. Casual wine lovers will really like it. I have had mixed results with some vintages of this. Some wines really do differ in quality from year to year. It's never bad, but the 2004 is very special.
Also drank a 2006 Gainey Pinot Noir, a Williamette Vineyards Pinot that I didn't love. Pretty short. I'll have to find which one exactly.
Drink a good wine tonight!
Create your own bottle of wine!
Click here to get a free health insurance quote.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mondavi - 2005 Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc
Mondavi was one of the pioneers of California and a legend in the winemaking world. He was also the man who introduced the wine and term - Fume Blanc, as opposed to Sauvignon Blanc. I have had a single vineyard offering of this before, but this is the 2005 regular bottling of the Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc.
Compared to many top rated New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, this was priced higher.
I opened this prior to dinner at my house.
2005 Mondavi Fume Blanc
Lemon, some walnut and lit match on the nose. The aroma was interesting as it changed a bit and went more citrus. The taste was a little steely and austere at first. Not a youthful spritzy sauvignon blanc as it tasted more blended. The mouthfeel was heavier than I would have expected from a young fume blanc. Almost chardonnay like when it first hit the palate. Kind of an oily, lemon taste that really dominates the palate and the finish.
Very lemony on the finish. I have to call this 2005 a pass.
84 Points
Compared to many top rated New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, this was priced higher.
I opened this prior to dinner at my house.
2005 Mondavi Fume Blanc
Lemon, some walnut and lit match on the nose. The aroma was interesting as it changed a bit and went more citrus. The taste was a little steely and austere at first. Not a youthful spritzy sauvignon blanc as it tasted more blended. The mouthfeel was heavier than I would have expected from a young fume blanc. Almost chardonnay like when it first hit the palate. Kind of an oily, lemon taste that really dominates the palate and the finish.
Very lemony on the finish. I have to call this 2005 a pass.
84 Points
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Pax Syrah - 2006 Pax Castelli-Knight Ranch, Russian River Valley
I recently received some select 2006 single vineyard Syrahs from Pax Winery. Pax is one of my favorite syrah producers in California. They produce wonderfully rich and complex syrah red wines without the high alcohol, heat or over the top sugars. The 2006 Castelli Knight Ranch Russian River Valley wine is no exception.
I am on Pax's mailing list and you get to taste many different offerings and vineyards when you order form them. Pax also has terrific customer service as I have experienced first hand.
The 2006 Castelli Ranch Syrah is a very young wine and like most Pax wines, it needs a few years in the cellar. Still, I brought home some nice prime butcher Rib Eyes for dinner and wanted something bold. Sure, bloody steaks normally crave cabernet, but I wanted to give a young studly syrah from one of my favorite producers a shot. It held up very very well. We opened the Pax Syrah for 3 hours before dinner. I did not decant as I rarely decant any wine. THAT may be a ripe topic to post and debate about on another post.
I wrote some brief review notes over dinner while enjoying this wine. It lived up to the steak match, but it is years away from peak.
2006 Pax Castelli Knight Ranch Syrah Russian River Valley
Rich blackberry, currant and smokey pepper aroma. Some meaty undertones on the nose too. A big wine for sure. The 14.8% alcohol is perfect here. Rich cab like mouthfeel that felt big and bold. Tastes of black cherry cola, blackcherry with great dark mountain fruit. Long finish, but very young. This needs 2-3 years minimum in the bottle. I will hold the rest.
Almost too young to score, but what the hell:
93-94 Points
Really really nice.
SEARCH WINE REFRIDGERATORS ON EBAY - Live Results
I am on Pax's mailing list and you get to taste many different offerings and vineyards when you order form them. Pax also has terrific customer service as I have experienced first hand.
The 2006 Castelli Ranch Syrah is a very young wine and like most Pax wines, it needs a few years in the cellar. Still, I brought home some nice prime butcher Rib Eyes for dinner and wanted something bold. Sure, bloody steaks normally crave cabernet, but I wanted to give a young studly syrah from one of my favorite producers a shot. It held up very very well. We opened the Pax Syrah for 3 hours before dinner. I did not decant as I rarely decant any wine. THAT may be a ripe topic to post and debate about on another post.
I wrote some brief review notes over dinner while enjoying this wine. It lived up to the steak match, but it is years away from peak.
2006 Pax Castelli Knight Ranch Syrah Russian River Valley
Rich blackberry, currant and smokey pepper aroma. Some meaty undertones on the nose too. A big wine for sure. The 14.8% alcohol is perfect here. Rich cab like mouthfeel that felt big and bold. Tastes of black cherry cola, blackcherry with great dark mountain fruit. Long finish, but very young. This needs 2-3 years minimum in the bottle. I will hold the rest.
Almost too young to score, but what the hell:
93-94 Points
Really really nice.
SEARCH WINE REFRIDGERATORS ON EBAY - Live Results
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Kistler Chardonnay - 2005 Kistler Vineyard Review
I enjoy Kistler Chardonnays. The problem with them to many people is not the quality, but the price. Are you willing to pay $60 for top quality and rich california chardonnay? If not, then Kistler is not for you. I'm not sure they are always my style either and at their price points - it can be a hard buy. Still, 2005 was a stellar year for Kistler and Chardonnays in general.
I have had 5 or 6 Kistler 2005 vineyard offerings over the past year including Dutton Ranch, Mccrea Vineyard, Kistler Vineyard included. They are rich, buttery and age worthy. A classic Chardonnay vintage and Kistler really is at the upper tier of that but again - that is up to you on whether their price point is worth it. I love high end Chardonnay but Kistler's Pinot Noirs reallt hit my fancy for sure - but I digress...
Onto the wine I had tonight...
2005 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard
Aroma of lemon, almond and merenge. Rich nose. Taste of toasted almond, vanilla, nuts, some lime and white pepper. The finish is rich and long. A little lighter (in a good way) on the back end of the palate vs. other Kistler Chardonnays from 2005. I found this had a full palate and rich mouthfeel but had more finesse on the finish. All in all this might be more my style than the more heavy buttery offerings I have had from them in 2005.
93 Points
Find Wine Cellar Coolers On Ebay HERE
I have had 5 or 6 Kistler 2005 vineyard offerings over the past year including Dutton Ranch, Mccrea Vineyard, Kistler Vineyard included. They are rich, buttery and age worthy. A classic Chardonnay vintage and Kistler really is at the upper tier of that but again - that is up to you on whether their price point is worth it. I love high end Chardonnay but Kistler's Pinot Noirs reallt hit my fancy for sure - but I digress...
Onto the wine I had tonight...
2005 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard
Aroma of lemon, almond and merenge. Rich nose. Taste of toasted almond, vanilla, nuts, some lime and white pepper. The finish is rich and long. A little lighter (in a good way) on the back end of the palate vs. other Kistler Chardonnays from 2005. I found this had a full palate and rich mouthfeel but had more finesse on the finish. All in all this might be more my style than the more heavy buttery offerings I have had from them in 2005.
93 Points
Find Wine Cellar Coolers On Ebay HERE
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon Score - Araujo Note
I have been a big fan of Araujo wines for a few years now. I was once at a tasting given by a business associate and he had some of his favorite cult wineries, including Araujo, Switchback Ridge, Bryant Family and some other hitters. The whole night was amazing - and a partial blur. I do remember the Araujo was the last wine I had and it was the 1995. I remember giving it a score of 97 points.
It really stood out for me that night as many of the wines were very young and powerful, but the 1995 Araujo was drinking so great. I loved it.
Anyway, a few years ago someone on the wine spectator forum board (I post there pretty often) was selling 6 1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernets at a price well below market. Still steep mind you. For those who do not know Araujo is a cult producer in California that sells for over $120 and some classic vintages fetch up to $200-$250. Is any wine really worth this amount? It's not a fair question as worth is largely based on who you are and how much enjoyment you get out of something you pay for. I'll skip that question for now!
The 1999 Araujo is from a great vintage in Napa for Cabernet. 1999, 2001 and 2002 were wonderful recent vintages and any of them from a great producer like this will give you a lot of pleasure. I had this wine the other night and it was just terrific. 1 hour of opening and consumer over 3 hours. This has years left of prime drinking window, but with some airing - I thought it was drinking great!
1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon
Wonderful aroma of rich blueberry, cherries and smoke on the nose. The hints of restrained power. Tastes of cherries, spice, delicious mountain blackberry fruit and currants. The finish was long and gripping - showing a great combination of power and elegance. The 1999 Araujo is drinking really well now but has 5-7 years of terrific years ahead for sure.
Score: 95 Points
Find Araujo HERE! - All stores and retailers.
It really stood out for me that night as many of the wines were very young and powerful, but the 1995 Araujo was drinking so great. I loved it.
Anyway, a few years ago someone on the wine spectator forum board (I post there pretty often) was selling 6 1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernets at a price well below market. Still steep mind you. For those who do not know Araujo is a cult producer in California that sells for over $120 and some classic vintages fetch up to $200-$250. Is any wine really worth this amount? It's not a fair question as worth is largely based on who you are and how much enjoyment you get out of something you pay for. I'll skip that question for now!
The 1999 Araujo is from a great vintage in Napa for Cabernet. 1999, 2001 and 2002 were wonderful recent vintages and any of them from a great producer like this will give you a lot of pleasure. I had this wine the other night and it was just terrific. 1 hour of opening and consumer over 3 hours. This has years left of prime drinking window, but with some airing - I thought it was drinking great!
1999 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon
Wonderful aroma of rich blueberry, cherries and smoke on the nose. The hints of restrained power. Tastes of cherries, spice, delicious mountain blackberry fruit and currants. The finish was long and gripping - showing a great combination of power and elegance. The 1999 Araujo is drinking really well now but has 5-7 years of terrific years ahead for sure.
Score: 95 Points
Find Araujo HERE! - All stores and retailers.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wine Notes - 2006 Pax Syrah Walker Hill Vineyard, Tasting Review
Pax is one of the very best Syrah producers in California. Yes - I'm still on a serious California Syrah kick! The Pax wines from 2006 are expected to be wonderful as always. The Walker Hill Vineyard is one of my favorite bottles from them.
What I like about Pax is there wines have the color, body and aroma of something almost overwhelming, but then you taste a really balanced wine with perfect alcohol, acidity and fruit development. Writing a note on a Pax wine has that kind of tone. When I'm writing tasting review notes with this Syrah producer, the notes and adjectives refelct the change and development of a wine with great fruit power and balance for aging. Now don't get me wrong, some Pax wines when opened early can be a little rough and clumsy. That is just my experience from time to time. They are hard to keep your hands off of though!
2006 Pax Walker Hill Vineyard Syrah
Heavy dark color, rich to the look and the first aroma seems more Petite Sirah than Syrah. The nose was very nice, giving aromas of blackberry, cinnamon, some nutmeg, sweet spice and that dark mountain style fruit. The mouthfeel was full, but the flavors of brown sugar, blueberry and currants really came through and grew throughout the time the wine was opened. The finish was full, lush and really gave off great power.
I would hold this pax bottle for 2 years and drink it over the next 1-5 years after that. The 2006 Walker Vine Hill Vineyard seems to have the right stuff for cellaring. I had this with Pork Chops baked in a bread crumb mixture with cut potatoes and creamed spinach. It worked great with it.
91-92 Points. Enjoy!
What I like about Pax is there wines have the color, body and aroma of something almost overwhelming, but then you taste a really balanced wine with perfect alcohol, acidity and fruit development. Writing a note on a Pax wine has that kind of tone. When I'm writing tasting review notes with this Syrah producer, the notes and adjectives refelct the change and development of a wine with great fruit power and balance for aging. Now don't get me wrong, some Pax wines when opened early can be a little rough and clumsy. That is just my experience from time to time. They are hard to keep your hands off of though!
2006 Pax Walker Hill Vineyard Syrah
Heavy dark color, rich to the look and the first aroma seems more Petite Sirah than Syrah. The nose was very nice, giving aromas of blackberry, cinnamon, some nutmeg, sweet spice and that dark mountain style fruit. The mouthfeel was full, but the flavors of brown sugar, blueberry and currants really came through and grew throughout the time the wine was opened. The finish was full, lush and really gave off great power.
I would hold this pax bottle for 2 years and drink it over the next 1-5 years after that. The 2006 Walker Vine Hill Vineyard seems to have the right stuff for cellaring. I had this with Pork Chops baked in a bread crumb mixture with cut potatoes and creamed spinach. It worked great with it.
91-92 Points. Enjoy!
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