Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Ridge Tasting at Google

All 06 Vintage.

Geyserville Zin - best of tasting. Lots of fruit up front with a very long finish. Had a bit of earthiness that I really liked also. Paired w/bleu cheese, pair, and brioche

Lytton Chard - the only white - not great, but paired really well with the scallops wrapped in bacon...

Paso Robles Zin - had some medicinal qualities that put me off a little. I wouldn't purchase this wine.

Ponzo Zin - Very good. Probably 3rd best of tasting (after Geyserville and Syrah) (also Russ.River)

Syrah - very nice. Had about 6% viognier which tamed it a bit. I would have like a little more structure though. paired with a chocolate tart

Monday, April 21, 2008

Di Arie Zinfandel 06

Amador County, CA

Spicy fragrance - with a lot of dark berries. Took a while to open up, but was quite pleasant. A nice drinking wine (drank with pepperjack and bread) that actually overpowered the food a little, but it was my own fault for pairing so poorly. I'd repurchase if I saw it for less that $15. Had a very quick finish which really let me down though.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Chateau Beauregard 02

Coteaux du Languedoc

Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah.

Very nice bouquet of black pepper, sausage, and a day-old cigar. Color was dark with a brown tint - Almost like a ruby port. Body was surprisingly lacking though. Initial reaction was of greatness, but upon the mouthful, it fell apart and disintegrated into nothing. Left a very weak and confused flavor in my mouth. If this had a bit more syrah maybe it would have been nicer.

UPDATE: I left this bottle open for a few days. On the third, it seemed to round out better and was more appealing (although I was in a happier mood - so this could be the cause too)

Terrazas Chardonnay 06

$7.5/glass - Cascal --- Chile?

Heavily oaked and buttery. Pretty crisp though. It was a fairly good glass and I enjoyed it while relaxing. Nothing I would pay over 12/bottle for though.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Baglio di Pianetto: Ficiligno

Ficiligno. 06. 50% Viognier, 50% Insolia. Sicily

Very delicious. Strong white-flower aroma. med-body.

I'd repurchase. I'm also interested in trying more Insolia (native grape to Sicily)

Angove's Riesling

06 Clare Valley, AU - $12
Vineyard Select

Very dry and crisp with a definite aroma of mustiness. If it wasn't a screwcap, I would have thought it was corked. I'm not sure if it was a fault. I actually read that Australia dry rieslings usually do have a sense of the mustiness. Either way, I wouldn't repurchase.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Zolo Torrontes 06

Mendoza, ~$12

Very refreshing. Exactly what I was looking for. Another great wine from Mendoza. I think the area is Lujan de Cuyo. Not overly fragrant. Repurchase for a nice SB-like wine.