Saturday, December 18, 2010

Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico 2007 steals the show!

  Last week I hosted a wine tasting party at my house.  We featured 5 different wines with one commonality. They were all Top 100 Wine Spectator wines. ( one exception was Coho blend 2008 instead of 2007. The 2007 is sold out, however, I think the 2008 is too young right now).
  The featured wines were:
1) Zaca Mesa  2006 Syrah. Full bodied and #2 by guests. Outstanding value at $20. Can maybe find 2007.
2) Hijos De Antonio Barcelo Reserva Tepranillo 2004. Tannins too bold for liking Have had better for less
3) Chateau Pipeau 2005 Bordeaux. Smooth merlot based, one guest said could drink all night.
4) Coho Headwaters 2008 62% Cab, a little young but too popular to find 2007. Has potential.
5) Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico 2007 Excellent value at $13. Drinkable now. Guests raved about it and was mistaken for Bordeaux. Selling out fast!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Just had a great rare varietal from August Briggs: Charbono..Outstanding

2007 Napa Valley ‘Frediani Vineyard’ Charbono 


Charbono is one of the rarest grape varieties in California, with only about 80 acres 
planted. Half that total is here in Napa Valley; we are lucky enough to source some 
excellent Charbono from our neighbors here in Calistoga, the Frediani family.   Through 
genetic testing this variety has been determined to be the same grape as Corbeau, which 
is grown in the Savoie region of France. 

Planted back in the 1920s, the Frediani Charbono vineyard produces low yields with the 
ultimate in flavor concentration. On the nose the wine has a complex bouquet that 
includes a unique spice character (let me know which spice you think it is?), mocha like 
smokiness, and dark berry fruit.  On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, well 
balanced with acidity for food.   It has flavors of boysenberry and chocolate with a dry 
finish that has hints of rose petal. 

At harvest, the sugar was 23.0 brix with a total acidity of 0.50 g/100 ml and a pH of 3.80.  
The grapes were destemmed into a small open-topped fermenter and punched down 
twice daily by hand.  The barrels used were 25% new American oak and 75% two and 
three year old American oak barrels.  The wine was aged in barrel for 15 months.  It was 
bottled without fining or filtration.  247 cases were produced. 

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Mount Veeder 2006 Cab

Tonight's wine is a mid-level ( around $30) Cab from Mount Veeder. We are having this with a nice and hearty Lasagna dish. This wine holds up well with this meal for the price, exibiting a nice density of blackberry, cassis, and cherry....Feels full in the mouth. Very nice at this price!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

2nd wine of the night was no slouch..

Next up was a magnificent Cab from Harris Estate vineyards vintage 2005 Jake's Creek vineyards. This cab had great mouthfeel, as well as most great cabs, full bodied with soft tannins and a smooth finish. CTWG rating 94.

2 New wines tonight

We had 2 great wines tonight (w/friends of course)..1st up was Alexana 2005 Pinot Noir from Revana. It was lighter than one might expect from Revana, but had great berry flavor....

Monday, August 30, 2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Great under $20 Oregon Pinot

We enjoyed a very well rounded, smooth finishing Pinot called Eola Hills 2008 pinot noir. Had a great flavor of berries and cherries along with a long finish for the price point.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Value Wines

What is the last $25 and under bottle of wine that you have had that was undervalued?