Saturday, April 30, 2016

Château La Gordonne Vérité Du Terroir Côtes De Provence 2015 Rosé





Château La Gordonne Vérité Du Terroir Côtes De Provence 2015 Rosé, $14.44-$16.99, 89 points, was peach-textured in color.
Delicate aromas of strawberry and green melon were good.
Light-bodied, fair-plus acidity, and flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of black pepper were delicious.
Finished fine on the trailing palate and a noticeable 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my North Atlantic Halibut and chips.
Varietals were Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Syrah.

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Friday, April 29, 2016

Jolie-Pitt & Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence 2015 Rosé






Jolie-Pitt And Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence 2015 Rosé, $16.99-$27.99, 92 points, poured a beautifully delicate Peach Rosé.
Aromatic strawberry, watermelon, and wet stone were excellent.
Light, crisp, mouth-watering acidity, and flavors marked by hints, hints of guava, strawberry, lime, and watermelon rind were also excellent.
Finished long on the trailing palate, quite dry, an accommodating 13% alcohol, and a hint of white pepper.

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Chateau Beauchene 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape




Chateau Beauchene 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape  (GSM), $28.04-$35.99, 91 points, poured a confounding oxblood-red with a broad transparent wine ring.
Lovely strawberry aroma was accented by those of roses, herbaceous notes, and black cherry (excellent).
Medium-bodied with mouth-watering acidity, fine, grainy, and supportive tannin which managed flavors that were a delicate reflection of the aromas.
Finished intense and long with a flavor remarkably similar to Hot Tamales candy, accelerating tannin (dry red wine), the trailing palate, and a balance 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre.

 




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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Michel Lynch Graves Reserve 2014 Bordeaux White Wine





Michel Lynch Graves Reserve 2014 Bordeaux White Wine, $12.74-$16.99, 90 points, poured a bright golden color.
Aromas were good, but shy apricot, coconut, and hazel nut.
Medium-bodied, good acidity, smooth/sleek texture, and dynamic flavors of tropical fruit, primarily pineapple with stone fruit were boldly intriguing; a bit unusual was the Necco Wafer vibe going on here (see: The Fun of Smelling).
Finished long on wet stone notes and hints of cumquat, ginger, and coconut with a well integrated 12.5% alcohol.
Though luscious, this wine was deceptively dry, and paired perfectly with my Yellow-fin tuna salad.
Varietals were 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon.

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Bordeaux White Wines




  Bordeaux white wines takes us on a magical ride of sensuality, especially sweet botrytis enhanced Sémillon, but usually when I think of White Bordeaux Wines I think of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and less often Muscadelle wines in a white blend heavy-weighted with Sauvignon Blanc.
  I also think of wines that are clean, stony, and crisp, but sometimes they are almost oily and flowery.


Château de Bonhoste 2014 Bordeaux Blanc, $12.74-$14.99, 88 points

Château de Castelneau 2010 White Bordeaux, $11.99-$14.99, 88 points (40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 20% Muscadelle)

Château Fage De Vayres Grand Vin 2014 White Bordeaux Wine, $11.99-$14.99, 86 points

Château Grand Renom, Antoine Moueix, Grand Vin 2014 White Bordeaux Wine, $13.49-$14.99, 87 points

Château La Grande Metairie Entre-Deux-Mers 2014 Bordeaux White Wine, $10.19-$11.99, 90 points

Château La Grande Métairie Entre-Deux-Mers 2014 Bordeaux White Wine (Revisited), $10.19-$11.99, 86 points

Château Lamothe De Haux Grand Vin 2012 Bordeaux White Wine, $13.99-$14.99, 84 points

Château Les Pasquets Entre-Deux-Mers 2014 Bordeaux White Wine, $8.49-$9.99, 86 points

Chateau Saint Sulpice Esprit de Saint-Sulpice 2014 Bordeaux White Wine, $9.34-$14.99, 90 points

Chateau Saint Sulpice Esprit de Saint-Sulpice 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.99-$15.99, 89 points

Clarendelle Winery Pessac-Leognan 2013 Bordeaux White Wine, $14.44-$16.99, 88 points

Domaines Baron Rothschild Reserve Speciale 2014 Bordeaux White Wine, $15.29-$17.99, 90 points

Les Portes De Bordeaux 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $7.99, 85 points

Michel Lynch Graves Reserve 2014 Bordeaux White Wine, $12.74-$16.99, 90 points

Salmon And Trout 2011 Bordeaux White Wine (80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon), $7.99, 84 points

Sauvignon De Seguin Vin De Bordeaux 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, $8.99, 86 points

Sauternes

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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Jean-Marie Arnoux Vacqueyras (Rhône) 2012 Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre



Jean-Marie Arnoux Vacqueyras (Rhône) 2012 Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM), $19.54, $22.99, 90 points, poured a deep cranberry red grading bright red at the clear wine ring.
Herbaceous aroma was complemented with red raspberry and lavender.
Medium-plus body, fair acidity, and firm 'sweet' tannins (dry red wine) managed a delicious representation of the aromas plus oak and floral flavors which were dominant.
Finished fine on warm spices and the 14% alcohol with hints of sweet bourbon and the trailing palate.

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Monday, April 25, 2016

Rosé Wines (France)

Côtes de Provence 2015 Rosé, $18.99-$21.99, 88 points
Château La Gordonne Vérité Du Terroir Côtes De Provence 2015 Rosé, $14.44-$16.99, 89 points
Chateau Paradis` Coteaux d`Aix en Provence 2015 Rosé, $12.99-$14.99, 90 points
Chateau Peyrassol 2016 Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé, $21.59-$23.99, 90 points
Château Sainte Marguerite (Cuvée Symphonie) Côtes De Provence 2015 Rosé, approximately $30.00 (Gift), 91 points
Château Val-Joanis Luberon Rhône Valley 2016 Rosé, $8.99-$16.99, 88 points
Domaine de la Petite Mairie Bourgueil Loire Rosé of Cabernet Franc (France), $20.69-$22.99, 87 points
Domaine Fontsainte Corbieres 2018 Gris De Gris Rosé, $13.59-$15.99, 90 points
Domaine La Croix Belle N° 7 IGP Cotes de Thongue 2015 Rosé, $13.99-$16.99, 90 points
Domaine Tempier Bandol 2014 Rosé, $34.84-$40.99, 91 points
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2015 Rosé, $12.74-$14.99, 89 points
Fleur de Mer Côtes de Provence 2016 Rosé, $14.99-$21.99, 90 points
Fleurs de Prairie Côtes de Provence 2017 Rosé, $16.99-$19.99, 90 points
Folie en Provence Côtes de Provence 2016 Rosé, $10.39-$12.99, 88 points
French Blue 2016 Bordeaux Rosé, $8.79-$10.99, 88 points
Gérard Bertrand 2016 Cote des Roses (Languedoc), $13.99-$16.99, 91 points
J. L. Quinson Côtes de Provence 2020 Rosé, $11.99-$15.99, 86 points
Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône Parallele 45 Rosé, $11.99-$14.99, 89 points
Jolie-Pitt And Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence 2015 Rosé, $16.99-$27.99, 92 points
Jolie-Pitt And Perrin Miraval Côtes de Provence 2017 Rosé, $16.99-$27.99, 90 points
L'Argentier Elisabeth And François Jourdan 2015 Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) Rose d' Aramon (Languedoc, France), $11.89-$13.99, 88 points
La Fleur d'Amelie 2015 Bordeaux Rosé, $11.04-$12.99, 90 points
Le Charmel Côtes De Provence 2015 Rosé, $12.74-$14.99, 88 points
Le Val 2015 Grenache Rosé, $9.34-$10.99, 90 points
Les Lauzeraies Tavel 2016 Rosé, $7.49-$15.99, 83 points
Listel Sable De Camargue Grain De Gris Rosé, $8.49-$9.99, 88 points
M. Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche 2015 Rose, $11.04-$12.99, 89 points
Maison De Grand Esprit Rose L'etre Magique, Provence 2017 Rosé, $11.89-$17.99, 89 points
Maison Mont D' Azur 'Cloud Chaser' Côtes De Provence 2016 Rosé, $24.99-$28.99, 88 points
Marsannay Regis Bouvier Burgundy 2009 Rosé, $14.00-$20.00, 89 points
Minuty 'M' Provence Côtes de Provence 2017 Rosé, $13.59-$18.99, 89 points
Moillard Domaine du Château d’Eau 2014 Cinsault Rosé, $13.99-$15.99, 90 points
Ninety + Cellars (90+) Languedoc Lot 33, 2015 Rosé, $9.34-$11.99, 87 points
"Notorious Pink" 2015 Grenache Rosé (France), $17.09-$23.99, 89 points
Sacha Lichine Single Blend 2015 Rosé, $10.70-$11.99, 87 points
Tortoise Creek Le Charmel Côtes De Provence 2015 Rosé, $12.74-$14.99, 88 points
Unparalleled's Cuvée Provence 2016 Rosé, $16.99-$22.99, 89 points

L'Argentier Elisabeth & François Jourdan 2015 Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) Rose d' Aramon (Languedoc, France)




L'Argentier Elisabeth And François Jourdan 2015 Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) Rose d' Aramon (Languedoc, France), $11.89-$13.99, 88 points, poured a pure peach color.
This 100% Aramon wine used to be the most grown grape in France.
Aromas of watermelon and strawberry were good.
Light, crisp, appropriately acidic, and with straight-forward flavors reflecting the aromas managed a yeoman's service in perfectly pairing with my chili with habaneros.
Finished on a touch of hibiscus and black pepper with a righteous 12.5% alcohol.




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Sunday, April 24, 2016

Château Boston Margaux 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine






Château Boston Margaux 2010 Bordeaux Red Wine, $24.64-$31.99, 88 points, poured a rich purple/red typical of crushed blackberries; the wine ring was clear and moderately broad.
Aromatically shy with only hints of plum, loam, sandalwood, and cedar.
Medium-plus and texturally rather smooth body with good acidity and firm layered tannins carried straight-forward flavors of the aromas with dominant violets, a hint of mint, and marjoram. Finished on a mysterious 11%-14% alcohol (think 13.5%) and soft easy spices.
Paired fine with my pasta and marinara with bacon.

Steely Dan: Boston Rag


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Saturday, April 23, 2016

Unnecessary Fear And Loathing Of French Wine Labels; Well, Maybe Not Unnecessary!

 
Unnecessary Fear And Loathing
Of French Wine Labels;
Well, Maybe Not Unnecessary!
 
 
  I began my wine tasting with my hands gripping, eyes glazed over, and turning French wine bottles back and forth, filled, not so much with wine (of course they were), but filled with trepidation, especially when the prices were usually at least 25% more than my average Cali wine, though my curiosity was filled to the rim.
  What at first I displayed here through photographs are French wine labels that should accentuate the "Unnecessary" (above are wines clearly marked Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, and Malbec--no problema), but the later displays should be quite a bit tougher and can only be explained in encyclopedic-like taxonomy; fear not, for some simple rules will get you through the thickets and into the grass just to pour a "simple" glass of wine.





  No need for fear from the Alsace Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée; we can easily see French wines labeled Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris (Grigio).
 
 
 
   Oh no, it's the Bordeaux boondocks; what to do!
 
 
 
 
  The simplest thing to do is look at the back label. Right? The Château De Ribebon's back label says it's 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc (a rather typical red wine), but the Château Croix De Jaugue says nothing; it's hit or miss, and that's a problem for those that haven't a clue (see that encyclopedia of Bordeaux wines for clues as to what's in that bottle); most Bordeaux red wines will be some blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and or Malbec.
  When it comes to exploring Bordeaux red wines, the caterpillar-like exploration will metamorphose into a flight of winged white wines taking us on a magical ride of sensuality, especially sweet botrytis enhanced Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc, and less often Muscadelle wines; for the most part think blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
 
 
 
 
  Moving on to a more south-easterly region of France we'll sample another, in kind, wine label quandary. France's Rhône Valley is famous too for wonderful wines, but where to begin? Domaine Fond Croze's back label says it's 100% Grenache, but the Philippine De Saint-Cyrille gives no varietals; it's hit or miss again for the uninitiated; refer to a Rhône Valley encyclopedia, but my cheat-sheet of France's Rhône Valley Red varietals is crudely reduced to GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre).
  As for Rhône white wines, since the number of white wines here are typically three times as many as those in Bordeaux, I'll refer you to an encyclopedia of French wines, but I do have an affinity for Rhône Viognier.


 
   It really doesn't get any easier! The Loire Valley has something like 87 appellations, and those darn regional (place indicative) wines can make one feel a little like Sisyphus.
  Loire Valley is a complex group of three regions, broken-up into many different appellations, but my foothold here is mostly with Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc) and Vouvray (Chenin Blanc); otherwise refer to the "advanced" Winefolly "encyclopedia".


 

  Two thoughts concerning French wine novices not seeking to be a sommelier:
1: Locate one or two areas of French wines to explore; I chose Bordeaux as a whole, and Chablis of Bourgogne where great (think Burgundy: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) wines come from; I'm slowly reaching into The Loire Valley and The Rhône Valley (this is an adventure, not a conquest).
2: Look for wine labels that indicate 100% varietal and express the more familiar Merlot, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc type wines on the labels.




 
Finally, here's another encyclopedia of French wines:  Wikipedia of French wine.
À votre santé!

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Cinquante Cinq 2014 Viognier






Cinquante Cinq 2014 Viognier, $15.29-$16.99, 90 points, was a lovely bright golden color grading clear at the glass shallows.
Aromatic tangerine, orange peel, and honeydew melon with a floral component were wonderful.
Light-bodied, good acidity, and excellent flavors of wet stones, citrus, and melon fruits were outstanding.
Finished well on the trailing palate, a pale spearmint, and an innocuous 12.5% alcohol.
This was a rather bold Viognier, and whether you want your white wine to complement or contrast with your cuisine will determine what you serve this with (think drink by itself too); I complemented mine with broccoli and carrots in a cheddar cheese sauce.
Bought at the Whole Foods of Bedford, NH.

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Penfolds Barossa Valley Bin 138 2007 GSM Red Wine






Penfolds Barossa Valley Bin 138 2007 GSM Red Wine, $21.99-$24.99, 91+ points, appeared as a prism on red color, but notable were it's variations of ruby, blood red, purple/red, flashes of maroon, and grades of orange red toward the glass shallows with a surprisingly broad clear wine ring (TMI); I mention all of this, because I was struck by the unusually vivid colors (possibly due in part to a twist-off cap, and partly to the varietals themselves).
Aromas of black pepper, soft floral notes, blackberry, and just a hint of orange peel were outstanding.
Medium-plus body managed good acidity, remarkably firm, but soft tannins (decant), and pure flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished quite spicy and amazingly fruity with a hint of mint and a comfortable 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 66% Grenache, 21%,
Mourvèdre, and 13% Shiraz.

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Friday, April 22, 2016

Neyers Pato Vineyard 2008 Zinfandel Revisited






Neyers Pato Vineyard 2008 Zinfandel Revisited, $29.99, 85 points, was deep purple/red grading bright red bleeding into the clear wine ring.
Aromas of red raspberry and a sweet/sour plum were okay.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, mostly resolved tannins, and flavors which mirrored the aromas with noticeable oak and good warm spices were just passable.
Finished long with a metallic note, mint, and an appropriate 14.6% alcohol.
Paired okay with my peperoni pizza; still, after all these years, a passable red wine.

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Domaine Lafage "Tessellae" Old Vines Côtes du Roussillon 2013 GSM Red Wine




Domaine Lafage "Tessellae" Old Vines Côtes du Roussillon 2013 (GSM) Red Wine, $9.34-$12.99, 89 points, poured a deep maroon grading bright red toward the transparent wine ring and moderately leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic flowers and sweet ripe red raspberry were excellent.
Barely more than medium-body, good acidity, furry, almost astringent, but not annoying tannin, and intense spicy/fruity flavors marked by white pepper and blueberry were quite good.
Finished long on the trailing palate with little variation from that flavor profile, and a well-integrated 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my meatloaf, mashed potatoes with beef gravy, and butternut squash.
Varietals were 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre.

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Francis Coppola Monterey County "Sofia' 2015 Rosé







Francis Coppola Monterey County "Sofia' 2015 Rosé, $14.99-$17.99, 85 points, poured a cranberry-red graying toward the glass edge.
Smells of jasmine and strawberry were just okay for me.
Light-plus body managed good acidity and flavors reflective of the nose with hibiscus notes, but were just okay as well as the aromas.
Finished fair on a balanced 12.8% alcohol and the trailing palate.

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Z. Alexander Brown North Coast 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon









Z. Alexander Brown North Coast 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.99-$19.99, 86 points, poured opaque ruby trending purple red and bright red near the clear wine ring.
Aromas were dominated by toasty blueberry and raspberry jam.
Medium-plus body with fair acidity and lumbering tannin carried a straight-forward juicy blueberry flavor with hints of coffee and Nordic red fruit.
Finished on a restrained 13.5% alcohol, mild spice notes, and a more defined tannin.





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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars Columbia Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon




Arbor Crest Wine Cellars Columbia Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.99-24.99, 89 points, poured a dark ruby trending rosewood red toward the clear wine ring and the leggy glass wall.
Amazingly aromatic cedar, roses, red raspberry, black currant, and just a hint of blackberry with tobacco were excellent.
Medium-plus body with good acidity and a grainy underlayment of tannin managed bright lively flavors of cola, black currant, mint, savory, and plum.
Finished fine on a well-integrated 13.9% alcohol and good spice notes.



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Cabernet Sauvignon (USA North West)

Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Well, Columbia Valley, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.99-$20.99, 86 points
Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $8.99, 88 points
Columbia-Crest Horse Heaven Hills 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, $11.99-$14.99, 87 points
Columbia Crest Reserve 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $27.99, 91 points
Columbia Winery (Washington) 2016 Merlot, $11.04-$15.99, 90 points
Desert Wind Washington State 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.29-$18.99, 90+ points
Goose Ridge Columbia Valley 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.74-$18.99, 90 points
Intrinsic Columbia Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.54-$22.99, 87+ points
K-Vintners The Creator Powerline Estate Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, $47.59-$55.99, 92 points
L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28.99-$33.99, 91 points
L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.99-$33.99, 91 points