Send Me Free Wine

Wine tasting notes with an emphasis on the value proposition equation: function of quality and price. Remember, wine is relative to other wines, and so an absolute score won't tell you much other than how I felt about a particular wine on a particular day as it relates to my own set of figures. Grab a bottle and delve into the decadent nature of scoring wine on your own; and remember, imbibe responsibly.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Wines to drink in 2006

Now, I don't write-up every wine I taste, and so invariably a lot of gems ultimately slip through the cracks. In the event that I skip over a few wines, or simply don't have a pen and paper handy when I'm drinking, below is a sample of what I have slated to pour in '06 (more or less in the order I want to consume them):

Chateau Paradis Casseuil, Bordeaux, 2004
B.R. Cohn, Zinfandel, 2002
Columbia Crest: Two Vines, Shiraz, 2002
Corbieres, Les Duex Rives, 2004
Crandall Brooks, Merlot, 2002
Geyser Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002
Selby, Zinfandel (Old Vines), 2002
Terra D' Oro, Zinfandel, 2003
Bridlewood, Syrah, 2000
Callaghan Vineyards, Zinfandel, 2003
Chateau Labegorce, Margaux, 2001
Chateau Ste Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon (Canoe Ridge Estate), 2001
Cline, Syrah, 2002
Cosme Palacio y Hermanos, Rioja, 2001
J, Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley), 2003
Los Vascos, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003
Luna, Canto, 2000
Merryvale, Syrah (Napa), 2002
Michel Lynch, Bordeaux, 1999
Morgennhof Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000
Q, Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma), 2002
Robert Mondavi, Private Selection: Syrah, 2002
Selby, Merlot (Sonoma County), 2002
Selby, Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley), 1999
Valiano, Chianti Classico, 2001
Vieux Chateau Haut Beard, Bordeaux, 2000
Villa di Capezzana, Carmignano: 80% sangiovese, 20% cab, 2000
William Hill Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001

Friday, December 16, 2005

Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Shiraz Cabernet Monastrell, 2003

From the bottle, this shiraz / cabernet / monastrell blend is sourced from grapes grown in the Jumulla region of Southern Spain. This intriguing blend is 13.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Costco

What did I pair it with: N/A

Appearance: Flashy garnet red, with a slight cloudiness.

On the nose: Barnyard, white pepper, cherry, and faintly hot spiced prunes.

Palate Entry: It is dry from the very beginning, with a gripping tannins; not much fruit.
Mid Palate: The tannins expand the mouth feel, turning somewhat bitter (tar and earth).
Finish: The finish is moderate, with the tannins lingering on the tongue for 5 seconds or so.

Price: $7.30
Quality rating: 87/100
Value rating: 50.35/60

Takeaway: This is a pretty solid wine, especially considering bargain pricing. If you like wines with a strong mouth feel, you’ll like this, though do be certain to pair it with food – parmesan reggiano and some milk chocolate would have been a fun mix, to offset the bitter and smooth out the tannins.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Callaghn Vineyards, Mourvedre, 2003

From the bottle, this mourvedre is made from grapes grown in the vicinity of Elgin, Arizona. It was grown in the Buena Suerte vineyard and is an astounding 16.5% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: Callaghan Vineyards tasting room

What did I pair it with: Meats and cheese

Appearance: Deep ruby red w/ unbelievable legs.

Smell: Spiced raisins and fig.

Palate Entry: Asian spices pave the way for a silky smooth cassis.
Mid Palate: Chalky dryness expand the mouthfeel nicely, bursting with red berry fruit.
Finish: The finish is void of tannins, but lenghtly. Like this wine’s legs, it takes its time.

Price: $19.00
Quality rating: 92/100
Value rating: 48.63/60

Takeaway: I was really impressed with this wine; mourvedre is not a common stand-alone wine, but if you get a chance to try it, have a glass. Callaghan continues to impress me.