If you're interested enough in wine to be reading this blog you will have had a wine tasting moment where's you said to yourself "This wine is really great / terrible / good value / disappointing - I should tell my friends." This is your chance to tell your friends. If you try a wine and you want to share your impressions, good or bad, post a comment in this thread. You don't need a full review. You can start the conversation going with a brief comment along the lines of "I tried Wine X and thought it was good / bad / overpriced / great value - what does everyone else think?" As I said in About this blog I'm not a wine expert. I want this blog to be an exchange of information.
I haven't quite decided how I'll handle suggestions posted here. I expect that most of the time I'll just let the conversation develop here, but if someone posts a relatively long review I may cut and paste it into a new thread about that particular wine.
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Interesting Thread. Regarding Woody's Recommended over $50, I have been consistently disappointed by Brunellos and often offended by them. I am glad to see someone liked the Lisini as I did recently buy one in a weak moment along with the Poggio Antico. The Barnyard or "brett" smell of these wines in general I find difficult to drink, and usually the sangiovese grape is something to be avoided.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the Guiadalberto in this price bracket, second wine of Sassicaia. But a real gems is not that expensive:
Chateau Bouscasse ($49)and Chateau Montus ($38) from Madiran in the South of France. Beautifully crafted wines with a tannic backbone and brooding dark licorice fruit. These wines could cellar for decades. Get these wines now as they are disappearing quickly.
As i was browsing through vintages on rideau st. in ottawa, i thought i would go in search of an Ontario pinot noir to try. i settled on a 2005 ridgepoint reserve pinot, a gold medal winner - specifically, the Ontario Wine Awards 'Grape Growers of Ontario Pinot Noir Award' Gold Medal. if it was halfway decent at $20, i would be very pleased both at the bargain price and at the ability to buy 'local'.
ReplyDeletethe wine's nose was typical new world pinot - cherry and raspberry and while it started ok on the palate, the fruit gave way to a very harsh finish. perhaps it might soften after a couple of years but the wine wasn't interesting enough for me to give it a try. even at $20.
can anyone recommend an ontario red that is good? not 'good for ontario' but actually good?
Iron Chef - I'm glad to hear you agree with me about the Bouscasse: see Recommended $30-50. It's a shame to see the 2000 still sitting on the shelves at Prospect St. I haven't tried the Montus, but I will.
ReplyDeleteYou say you "enjoyed" the Guiadalberto - how is it for value? The price is starting to get up there.
For value, the Guiadalberto is enjoyable compared to the Sassicaia, but there is better values in ANBL. In the realm of super-tuscans, I believe its well priced but would benefit from a couple of years to tame the tannins. The Fontodi Syrah was recently sold out at $45 was even better.
ReplyDeletebeing storm-stayed in ottawa has given me another chance to try an ontario pinot - this time a 2007 pinot from flat rock cellars. again a $20 wine and again a disappointment. harsh tannins though the winemaker describes them as gentle. strike two.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteTamcred if you are in Ontario any longer you might want to pick up this from the latest Vintages email- a Guado second wine at half the price of the first:
ReplyDeleteGUADO AL TASSO IL BRUCIATO 2006
DOC Bolgheri
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Bruciato is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah that spent eight months in French oak. This brooding, intense wine flows from the glass with the essence of dark cherries, tar, smoke and menthol. It offers excellent length and a long, resonating finish that captures the warmth of Tuscany and the 2006 vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Score - 88. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, June 2008)
674135 (XD) 750 mL $29.95
What we had on Saturday Night:
ReplyDeleteWe started with the Castillo de Molina 2005 Pinot Noir 14%- Very aromatic- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie notes. Very creamy on the palate accented by vanilla bean and crème brulee. Great Acidity for food. Very good value for a Pinot.
Price: $18.79
Value: 5/5
Score: 89
Alcohol: 14%
Tasted: Oct 2008
ANBL UPC: 7804300121693
Next we had a Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2007. Wonderful floral and citrus bouquet- filled in with grassy aromas. The acidity was a great pairing with the Panko Coconut Scallops in cilantro chutney. Very nice seafood wine.
Price: $16.29
Value: 5/5
Score: 90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasted: Oct 2008
ANBL UPC: 089419007138
And finally for desert- Chateau Reynella 2001 Shiraz 15.5% to pair with a flourless chocolate cake with blackberries on top. This Australian wine was huge. I mean BIG- nose of hot chocolate, Mocha coffee with cassis and warm oak. Reminiscent of a high-end Zinfandel except with more cassis and 'Fine wine' aromas. The tannins were still chewy. Overall very Port-like in nature and heavily extracted. But it was almost too dense a wine even for desert. Unfortunately it is no longer available in NB, I miss it. It was about $45, I think.
Value: 5/5
Score: 92
Tasted: Oct 2008
Iron Chef
ReplyDeleteThanks for the detailed reviews. I will cut and paste the two ANBL wines into their own threads. (Note that I deleted your comment on the Newton from this thread because I posted it in its own thread.) I take it you didn't get the Ch. Reynella here? As it happens I have a bottle of the 2000 of that wine in my cellar - got it in Ont a couple of years ago? I'm looking forward to it.
Yes I did get the Reynella in NB but haven't see it in a number of years. I still have a Cab and a Cab Merlot blend left from Reynella from NFLD, I think from 2000.
ReplyDeleteAresti Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
ReplyDeleteThe Pinot Noir Reserva is a new offering from Aresti. I have tried the Aresti wine portfolio from top to bottom a few times and have found that overall, Aresti offers good value a >$15 (with exceptions) but struggles at the premium end.
With the Pinot Noir Reserva 2006, Aresti breaks through from reliable to very very good. This wine is made in California style. As I nosed it, I was reminded of some pricy California pinot. I found the aroma slightly more impressive than the taste...at first. It really opened up to deliver the goods. Generous (but pleasant) oak gave way to a solid core of red fruit that was enhanced by a soft but appreciable acidity and enough tannins(soft) to raise this wine above the ordinary.
Pinot Noir is a touchy subject for a lot of wine drinkers. We seem to have our own idea of how PN should taste. Not to mention PN's supposed quality link with "terroir". Please try this wine with an open pallet and let me know what you think.
Price: $13.79
Value: 5/5
Score: 87
Alcohol: 14%
Region D.O Curico Chile
Tasted: Oct 2008
ANBL UPC: 677855001218
CM,
ReplyDeleteSo as a PN where does this Aresti stack up compared to the Cono Sur or for more $$$, the Castillo Molina or the Kenwood or Loredona or Mission Hill. Does this grape demand a $20-25 price tag as an entering point.
I am a fairly new user on the blog and can see it taking over from the CBC as my home page. Not only will it give me a reason to open "that bottle" but the CBC goes days without updating their stories from the Maritimes. Give me an update every other day and I'll be more than happy.
ReplyDeleteAnyway... I've been reading some old reviews while sipping on the 2002 Atalon Merlot (liquidation price $31.99) The initial nose was a bit dank - like wet socks, but it opened up beautifully after fifteen or twenty minutes.
LOTS of red fruit, some anise and spice on the nose. Soft tannins, good finish. I won't hesitate to pick up another bottle. (around 100 bottles left in the province - might not be around for long)
Luke,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. I don't drink much varietal Merlot. At the lower end it tends to taste like Bazooka Joe bubble gum, which I just can't stand. But I've had a couple of higher end offerings that were very good. I'll pick up a bottle of the Atalon and give it a try. I'll also cut this suggestion out into its own thread to make it searchable - recommendations on the Liquidation table are particularly useful right now.
We had the 2006 The Ruins Pinotage, 14%. The nose was plummy and fleshy with aromas of spicy wood vanillas. The palate is spicy with woody acidity. Dried herbs and a short finish. But not alot else. It was just very one dimensional. I heard such good things that maybe I was expecting more. Don't get me wrong, for under $15 this is a solid effort but...it lacks a depth of character that I have had with other Pinotages - the tarry earthy notes that made the Cathedral Cellers such a nice wine.
ReplyDeletePrice $14.99- Liquidation
Value 3.8/5
Score 82
14%
UPC #6009677370052
Guys, this is a great site and I'll be back often. Great job!
ReplyDeleteOne wine that I enjoy that is quite...uh..very inexpensive is Trapiche Pinot Noir, $10 at NBLC 7790240017038.
Recommended under $20 - Aresti Pinot Noir - Chile - $13.79
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan of the Aresti Cab for over a year. A friend suggested trying the Pinot. I admit I was dubious (I'm not usually a fan of Pinots). Surprisingly, it was good! Perhaps a little on the fruity side, but good! And my husband (who has a much better palate) thought it was great for the price-point. Once upon a time (when we had 2 incomes and 0 children) we would buy the higher priced wines... but now we're pretty happy to find some decent wines under $20... this will be a new regular.
Tormaresca Pietra Bianca
ReplyDeleteUPC #802653000007
Retail Price: $28.99
A wine wine made of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Fiano in southern Italy, Puglia. I think this blog has tried all the Tormaresca line from Antinori now at ANBL. This is a rich wine with tons of creamy malolactic fermentation and well integrated oak. The nose is fun with peaches and zesty citrus aromas and lots of buttery vanilla. The palate is very expressive and textured- notes of oak, butterscotch ice cream, dried apricots and smoke. I could see this wine breaking the "Red Meat with Red wine" rule because of its strong favours and texture. An absolute stunner of a wine. WoW. WS gave it 87 points btw.
One draw back was that the cork was very wet, seepage around the foil might affect this wine.
Value: 4/5- although I hate spending that much on a white. It was worth it.
Score: 93
Chef,
ReplyDeleteI have been eyeballing this wine for some time but have been reluctant to buy it. Thanks for the review.
I have to say..I was at the ANBL on site store for the Wine Festival..and the Aresti reserve Pinot was flying off the shelf. At $13.79 I can see, especially from this thread, why. I am always hesitant to buy products at the festival that I see as "regulars" at the NBL stores...this is one time I was dead wrong.
ReplyDeleteLast night I had a couple glasses of the Marques de Riscal Tempranillo and really enjoyed it. Nice deep berry nose. On the palate it was fairly full bodied and smooth with good tannins. Really nice mouth feel too. I had this in a restaurant so not ideal conditions for tasting but i like it enough to buy a bottle and to try it again. Note: I had two glasses and the second one (initially) was a touch cooler and slightly more sharp on the finish. I put this down to opening of new bottle or the like.
ReplyDeleteANBL has this (2006) for $15.79. I think this could make it in the top ten under $20. If anyone else tries this let me know what you think.
Tonight..while I was peddling my trainer watching last years Stage 10....I let a bottle of Le Bonheur Prima 2004 breathe. I didn't decant...because I am the only one drinking it :) Therefore this bottle will be "stopped" and consumed at a later date. I did read, however one review said it didn't lose anything after a day or so. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteThis wine is a blend of 75% merlot and 25% cabernet. I found first on the nose was a deep berry with plum overtones, earthy perhaps. It really reminds me of a muted California Zin. Not the berry bomb though. More subtle. On the palette, its hard to nail it down. Cherry is the most prominent. Characteristic Merlot with subtle Cab nuance. I rather enjoyed it. I think it would be more suitable with a food pairing. Red meat of course..such as a beautifully cooked sirloin but would be stellar with a good blue cheese, brie or a nuttier aged gouda.
The value, I am not so sure its a good value. Yes, I did enjoy it, but would I buy it again if someone gave me $30 to pick out a wine, probably not.
Price: $26.07
Value: 3/5
Score: 88
Region: Simonsberg Ward, Stellanbosch (South Africa)
Alcohol: 13%
I tried the wakefield cab (2006, clare valley) after seeing it on the wine show table at nbliquor. clare valley is an interesting wine growing region - it is cooler than barossa and maclaren vale and so is best known for its crisp zingy rieslings. however there are micro-climates within the clare that support the growth of shiraz and cab grapes, and it is not surprising to see even small wineries producing both rieslings and shirazes on grapes grown on the same estate. this wakefield cab was a typical australian cab with notes of cedar, capers, and plum. probably not a lot of cellaring potential but very drinkable now, with nice structure and longish finish. at a price around $20 (i forget the exact amount) it is great value for a cabernet.
ReplyDeleteI had the Torres Celeste tempranillo last week and was very impressed. I didn't make notes,(I'd give it an easy 92) but I did pick up a few more. I'll give a full review when I have it next. I mention this now because there are less than 100 bottles left. I reccomend getting at least one. ($27.79)
ReplyDeleteThe Celeste has left me in the mood for Spain since I had it, so I opened a 2002 Montecillo Reserva (Rioja) today. I got something different on the nose every time I went back. Cherries, earth, cedar, lavender, spice, and maybe even tea and chocolate. The fruit and vanilla were most obvious on the palate, which had a medium to long finish with a nice hint of chocolate. A very complex wine.
The deep garnet colour has hints of brown that are starting to show quite well. There is still good acidity and tannin, I look forward to trying this in another year or two. Very enjoyable now, however.
2002 Montecillo Reserva (tempranillo)
Price: $24.29
Score: 87
Value: 4/5
Tasted: 30Nov08
UPC: 022851208015
Luke,
ReplyDeleteThanks for both reviews. I'll have to try both of those - I'm not that familiar with Tempranillo, so I'm eager to try some good examples. Unfortunately neither are available in F'ton right now. I'll see if I can order some in.
I should have mentioned that. When I checked for the price/upc I noticed that Fredericton wasn't listed, but I bought both of them there Saturday morning. The Celeste might have sold out - I told a couple friends it was in - but hopefully more will arrive this week. If not, they are pretty good about bringing some in for you.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know what you think about wine bottle closures. Natural cork, synthetic, stelvin etc... Lets start the debate with the latest on-line article from Decanter by Sally Easton;
ReplyDeleteA year-long life cycle analysis (LCA) of the environmental impact of cork, plastic and aluminium screwcap stoppers has found what is already widely accepted: that cork is the most environmentally-friendly stopper.
The was study undertaken by analysts PricewaterhouseCoopers, commissioned by Amorim, the world's largest cork manufacturer.
The report found plastic stoppers, including the plastic capsule that goes over the top of the bottle, are nine times more damaging to the environment - and aluminium screwcaps are twenty-two times - than cork stoppers, including corks with a plastic capsule.
The LCA included an evaluation of a plastic capsule designed for both cork and plastic stoppers to compare 'like with like' against screwcaps, which do not need a plastic capsule.
The first independent survey comparing all three main types of wine bottle stopper, the study was conducted in accordance with
ISO (International Standards Organisation) protocols which require peer
review, and involved representatives from manufacturers of the other types of closures as well as a life cycle analysis expert.
It calculated various environmental impacts: non-renewable energy consumption, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, atmospheric acidification, formation of photochemical oxidants which cause ozone layer depletion, the production of solid waste, and the eutrophication (loss of animal life) of surface water.
Of the seven environmental impacts studied, cork performed best on six of them. But performance was only second-best on water consumption
Tapena Garnacha 2006
ReplyDeleteThe colour is a deep violet purple. The scent is Gamey, meaty with wood vanillas and Asian spices- a real fun smell. The palate is very drying but devoid of grippy tannins. Possibly coriander seed mixed with wild berries, Raspberry and black berry. A slight stemmy nature also. The smell is better than the taste, long mouth feel shorter on the palate though. A fun wine with vibrant fruit, reminds me of an reduced oak Vinsobres.
Tapena Garnacha 2006
$14.99
UPC #033293051008
Alc- 13%
Value 4/5
Score 82
Another wine from the show...
ReplyDeleteSt. Urbans Hof Reisling Kabinett 2007 (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
Clear and pale yellow color wtih a green tinge. Very viscous at 8.5% alcohol. Nose is fresh, with honeysuckle and tropical fruit: most obvious are pineapple and passionfruit. Also some petroleum.
Very nice mouthfeel - off-dry, medium body with great acidity and a slight fizz. Fruit follows through with some hints of citrus, which may be due to the acidity, then gives way to a long minerally finish.
We had this earlier with a medium-plus spiced veggie stir-fry, and I'm having it now on its own. Very enjoyable in both cases, and at 8.5% there's no shame in finishing the bottle! (for me, there's no shame until multiple bottles have been finished). I May lay one down for a few years.
St. Urbans Hof Reisling Kabinett
Price: $24.29
UPC: 4013231000097
Alc: 8.5%
Tasted: 7Dec08
Value: 4/5
Score: 88
Hey! The wines by grape and region feature is much appreciated. I look forward to coming back and seeing some Gewurtz recommendations. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIn preparation for my wine test in January, I decided to buy 20-some bottles of wine, mostly single varital, and put them in a box. For the past 3 days, I have been tasting one or two blind, making notes, and studying the region while having a glass. (And taking the leftovers to work and testing other people in my course...) I put some wines I had in the mystery box, bringing the total to about 30.
ReplyDeleteSo far so good. I do have a "university exam" coming up on Tuesday, but studying wine is so much more enjoyable. I think it may be the wine...
Today I had Jaclyn pour me a random bottle at 12:30. I may have been because it was so early in the day, but my senses were either working very well or this was a great wine.
Before I even tasted, I wanted to say Australian Shiraz. The deep garnet core and the way it stuck to the glass looked familiar. The nose was very pronounced - dark fruit - cerries, plum, and white pepper. Not too heavily oaked. Very nice.
On the palate, medium body, soft tannin, and a very long finish. Lots of fruit and spice. I was very impressed by this wine. Greath depth and length. My conclusion was South Australian Shiraz, 2004.
The wine was:
St Hallett Faith Shiraz Barossa, 2004
UPC #9316920000084
Price $27.99
score: 91
value: 4.5/5
BTW - this week's tastings gave me the idea to see if there is are any valuable learning tools on youtube. So far there isn't, except for this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLdfeeXpJYc&feature=related
He says he has allergies, I say he has a coke problem.
Does anyone know why NBLiquor (probably Chris can answer) doesn't carry wines from Vouvray. I really like Sauvignon Blanc, but the Vouvray wines (chenin blanc) are a little better according to my taste buds (everytime I'm in Bedford, I stop at Pete's fruitique wine store and get half a dozen bottles) Unless I'm mistaken, they are from the Loire Valley (I should simply google it).
ReplyDeletePoggio Antico Altero Brunello di Montelcino 2000
ReplyDeleteRetail Price: about $60- last years wine sale at ANBL.
Alcool 13.5%
Christmas Eve get-together in New Maryland, decanted 2-3 hours. I have been waiting to spring this on a friend as a blind tasting as I know he thinks that Brunellos are Poo wines, and I have somewhat agreed in recent tasting. But after I had the Costanti Brunello di Montalcino 2001 at the Muriel McQueen Ferguson Wine event and I was shocked how good it was, I had to try another Brunello. The first sip out of the bottle once it was opened was that familiar scent of Barnyard and Brett as the professionals term it. I hate that smell. But after a couple of hours a beautiful wine emerged. The nose was full of Black Bart chewing gum, Liquorish. Also an interesting scent of dried Roses and lavender. Heady alcohol and old old wood smell. The palate was mouth puckering dryness- very tannic, Red Cherries and Petrol, it was probably too early to open it, but Wow … this was really good. I wish I had bought more at the time. The nose of dried roses was really impressive. This wine could have evolved for a really long time.
This is neat:
http://tv.winelibrary.com/2006/03/24/episode-20-old-world-wines-vs-new-world/
Value 4.5/5
Score 95
Donnafugata Anthilia 2006
ReplyDeleteRetail Price: $17.79
Alcool 13%
UPC #8000852000113
I had this wine recently at the Muriel McQueen Ferguson Wine and Food event at the Delta sponsored by ANBL and it stole the show in front of Brunellos and massive super Tuscans. But I was skeptical as wine Tastes/Values can be unfairly influenced by exterior elements, such as friends, fun and such. I had to try it again. What initially struck me as impressive was the way this Sicily wine was able to draw out and accent the Salt favours of a Blue Cheese and Tomato appetizer at the event prepared masterfully by Chef Gower at the Delta. I wanted to recreate that experience by having an equally salty dish, a Lobster Risotto with homemade chicken stock with lots of fresh herbs, especially Tarragon made with a combination of Parmesan and Goats cheese. The Anthilia did not disappoint. The wine displayed notes of sherry, its dryness and nuttiness. Lots of dried fruits like apricots. Fresh acidity that worked to focus the saltiness of dish and an underlying crisp acidity that livened the palate. A really special wine. It was just as I had remembered, maybe better. I believe this to be the best white wine I have had in 2008.
Score 95
Value 5/5
Loredona Pinot Noir 2005
ReplyDeleteRetail Price: $24.79
Alcool 13.5%
UPC #0822420323435
I can’t remember a Monterey PN I have had off the top of my head, so it was good to try. The wine was fragrant notes of Raspberry and cranberry cocktail. Unmistakable New World PN. The taste was light and lively with a very appealing Vanilla Core. But beyond that it was very unremarkable and forgettable.
Value 2/5
Score 82
That old world/new world wines is another good video. And check out Vaynerchuk's more recent material (e.g. What Wines go with Gingerbread Houses): it seems that he may have gotten into coke too.
ReplyDeleteWe're definitely going to add the Donnafugata Anthilia to our "to try" list.
Kenwood Russian River Pinot Noir 2006
ReplyDeleteUPC #010986002813
Retail Price: $19.99
Alcool: 14.5%
I was anxious to buy this PN because of the AVA – Russian River, we do not tend to see many in this neck of the woods. I remember a quote from one of the Wine mags calling Russian River PNs as a Dark Chocolate in comparison to the milk chocolate PNs from Coastal areas of Cali. Anyways I digress. This wine was definitely fuller with a high octane edge. Aromas of Strawberry/ rhubarb pie, some creamy oak notes. Finish was Caramilk bar with cherry coke. But all the while an under current of florals and berries. A very nice example of a fuller style PN with balanced acidity.
I think this is on sale if my memory is correct, I was also able to buy a few 2005s to go along with the 2006s, I will try to contrast them someday.
Value- 4/5
Score 89
Peanutman,
ReplyDeleteWe hope to get a Vouvray at the Moncton wine show in 2009. Probably not earlier, unless Yellow Tail or Fat Bastard release a Vouvray...:)
Travaglini Gattinara Vendemmia 2001
ReplyDeleteAlcool 13.5%
UPC- Sold out at Wine Show
Thanks to Luke for getting me a couple. This was a fantastic example of Nebbiolo at its best- the low rent district of Piedmont in northern Italy. We had it New Yrs eve with Surf and turf witha a nice Lavit Rosado Brut from Spain UPC #033293653004 Retail Price: $16.29 BTW 88 pts for the Lavit. The Gattinara looked to be 25 yrs old by sight, and by tannin seemed to be 6 months old. High Bricking on the Rim with a smell of dried Roses and Liqorish. A scent of old world oak with a distinctive class of a Great Great Wine. I am tempted to call this the best Red of 2008 but it was too young and we had a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux. A dried Clove and Bay leaves enhanced the aromas and brought the senses in focus. The palate was Tannic with subdued friut with that "Fine Wine" quality first discribed to me as that sense of being in the presence of greatness. A true wine experience.
Value 5/5
Score 96
I was thinking a thread on the wines people drank to celebrate the new year would be a good idea. Or maybe people's first bottle of '09? I was working last night so my celebratory wine will be opened tonight.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the Gattinara, Chef. I should have scrolled up before my first comment, but it looks like you've got a good first entry to my proposed "first wine of 09" thread!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSanta Rita Medalla Real Chardonnay 2006
ReplyDeleteUPC #089419007213
Alcool 14.5%
Retail Price: $22.99
The nose was full of malolactic Treatment (from Wikipedia- Malolactic fermentation (or sometimes malolactic conversion) is a process of a change used in winemaking where tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer-tasting lactic acid). Aromas of Pears + Peaches reminded me of elementary school lunches of Del Monte Fruit Cocktail. Other than that the alcohol was front and centre on the nose- Hot Hot Hot.
On the Palate -again the Pears in heavy sauce and a smooth texture- like milk. Some spicy wood favours emerged- nutmeg maybe. I found that baking spice characteristic to be something that separated the wine from its peers that I have had in the past. Complex- a lot going on. And Hot Alcohol. A really enjoyable glass of wine. But not your unoaked version of the grape 4 sure.
Score 91
Value 4/5
this evening we tried the katnook founder's block cab-shiraz 2004, a coonawarra blend of 60% cab and 40% shiraz. my first impression based on an initial taste just after the pour was disappointment - it had a bit of that cheap wine taste that norman talks about. however it developed nicely, and quickly, in the glass. the nose was classic cabernet, with olive and mineral notes. the palate reflected the shiraz in the blend and was nicely balanced and more interesting than a straight varietal. this wine is typical australian coonawarra - and very good value for money. a great introduction to a quintessentially australian blend. some market research is warranted with katnook though, since i have experienced some significant variance in quality across vintages.
ReplyDeletetancred,
ReplyDeleteI have had similar experiences with Katnook. I really like their wines even their entry level Deakin range because they usually display varietal character and are an honest expression of the vintage.
During the holidays, I've tried two bottles of Carmen Reserve Cab Sauv 2005. It is around $20. The bottle states intense bouquet. I agree. I'd go a little further and state wonderful bouquet. Blackberries were evident. My better half indicated coffee and cherry, and we both thought we smelled vanilla (not totally certain) The taste; somewhat complex but evidently cab sauv with oak. Pretty good finish with an intense first minute on the palate. We never got to the second day on either bottle. Value 4.5 out of 5. My score would be an 88 and when I looked it up in Wine Spectator they also had it as an 88. I will be buying at least half a case and leaving it to rest for at least a year. My conclusion is very good for the price.
ReplyDeleteTommasi Amarone 2000
ReplyDeleteUPC #8004645402108
Retail Price: $50.79
Alcool 15%
Another class of wine that I have been disappointed about over and over. For the most part I fine these Amarones to be expensive and a waste of time. I find them to smell very plastic-y and industrial - a high octane, cheap tasting Valpolicella.
Its always refreshing to say I am wrong and the Tommasi proved that.
Age was visible on the rim, orangish hue. The nose was dominated by Leather, Tobacco, and cocoa powder. Smelled like a real classy wine. The taste was hot berries, minerals, dried cloves, and apple pie spices. Drying tannins and good acidity was a welcomed sense after all that alcohol. Really liked this wine, maybe the age calmed down the volatile aspects and rounded the edges. I have had the Sartori (sucked) and the Masi (not much better) and the Tommasi was dramatically better. Of the three at ANBL now, there is only one worth buying.
Score 91
Value 3.5/5
Chef,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right in saying that Amarones get better with age. My experience with "younger" versions were not pleasant. One in particular..the Boscaini (now-delisted by ANBL) was one of the worst wines I have tried in the last 5 years.
NB Wine Blog Spot Wine & Food
ReplyDeleteI think most of you guys are in Fredericton. buuut if someone was willing to host...I'd frigging come. How fun would that be! Blind tastings; pair a food with the bottle you bring...
What a way to wile away a winter evening..AND get together with our fellow bloggers.
I think that is a great Idea. I need a break.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! I'm going to discuss logistics with people this weekend...and now for a Don David Malbec 2002 ($16.49)...
ReplyDeleteClay Station Viognier 2006
ReplyDeleteUPC #082242229432
Retail Price: $21.99
Alcool 13.5%
I tried this wine at the Tasting Machine at Prospect and thought it had aromas, so I got one for the weekend. Paired it up with Scallops and Shrimp with a Cilantro sauce. The wine was hugely fragrant- wild flowers and with hot alcohol. Nice scent of carmel and baked spices were the high points of the wine. But the wine was not balanced- low levels of acidity- the term is Flabby or Fat. It just was not what I was looking for in a white wine, it felt like I had drank a Scented Candle- soapy mouth finish.
Value 1/5- too too expensive
Score 77
has anyone tried the nautilus pinot from new zealand? it is now available for tasting in the nbl wine cabinet
ReplyDeleteKelly and I tried it out of the tasting machine. It seemed great - but it's a pretty small sip. I didn't pick one up, but it was very tempting, even at the price.
ReplyDeleteyou were right - the amount dispensed was not enough to taste it properly, or even get a good sense of the nose. and $2.50 for the taste plus $4 for the (non-refundable) card was a ripoff. i won't be doing that again.
ReplyDeleteI like the tasting machine- I would rather taste it for $2.50 and decide I am not thrilled that the $45 expense to find out I am disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI love the tasting machine. Speaking of which, has anybody else tried the Chateau Fuisse 1996? As the oldest white I have tried, I was very impressed. I splurged and bought one as my birthday wine for next weekend. Its really the only occasion that I spend that much ($57 I think) on a white, but I believe this one will be worth it. Full review to follow...
ReplyDeleteLuke,
ReplyDeleteWhen is the McCain's Deep and Delicious being cut- I'll be there if its paired with the '96 Fuisse.
I tried the '96 Pouilly-Fuissé at the Expo and loved it. Then I had it out of the tasting machine, but honestly it didn't make much of an impression, I think because the sample was so small. (Ah, I don't think I can endorse the Deep & Delicious pairing; but it's your b-day.)
ReplyDeleteI really like the tasting machine, but I think I'd use it a lot more if I could get a bigger sample at a better price. As it is, a decent sample of a good wine costs enough that we're not doing a lot of casual sampling - and we're pretty keen on sampling wine.
i like the tasting machine in theory but not at all in execution. what is the point of it after all? presumably it is a try-before-you-buy opportunity that should lead to increased sales of more expensive wine, rather than a moneymaking venture in of itself. i think it just makes basic business sense to lower the sampling price or increase the sampling amount.
ReplyDeletetancred,
ReplyDeleteThe $4 for the sampling card is refundable. As for the bottles in the machine...they are treated like any other product used for public sampling..somebody has to pay for it.
i agree that someone has to pay for the public sampling but of course the sampling is a means to an end - to advertise products and sell more wine. it seems to me that the wine machine is calibrated to be a break-even or profit-making venture on its own, which doesn't make sense to me. granted, i might be in the minority in viewing the sample dispensed as too small to taste the wine properly. however, i gather that machine sales aren't going so well. i'm not cranky about it but i do think that the machine is not delivering on its potential the way it is currently set up.
ReplyDeletebtw, i was told by nbliquor people that the card is replaceable if lost but is not refundable. is this incorrect?
I’m afraid I don’t quite understand how the prices are required to cover the cost of the wine. The size of the sample is 15ml. If the whole bottle goes, that means there are 50 tastes in a bottle. At $2.50 per taste that is a $125. The most expensive wine in the machine right now at $2.50 a taste is Chateau Fuisse Pouilly Fuisse 1996 at $57.49, which gives a markup of 217% over regular retail, or an additional profit of $67 over regular retail. For the Dante Robino Grand Dante at $40.99, which was also $2.50 a taste, the markup over regular retail is 305%, or a profit of $84. At $1.50 a taste the price of a bottle is $75. The most expensive wine now in the machine at $1.50 a taste was $30 (I can’t remember the wine). That gives a markup of 250% and a profit of $45.
ReplyDeleteSo, the minimum markup over regular retail on wines currently in the machine is 217% over retail – that is in addition to markup / profit reflected in the regular retail price. The only way that is just enough to cover costs is if ANBL normally sells only 1/3 to ½ of a bottle in the 2-3 weeks before the bottle expires and has to be replaced. If the problem is not selling enough tastes, then it seems to me that the obvious response is to try lowering the price to see if you can sell more tastes. I can't the problem being amortization - even if the machine is $10,000, that's only about $5 a day to amortize over 5 years. The gas costs something, but it can't be much, especially if they're using nitrogen.
Of course, ANBL is run for profit, and it's their privilege to charge whatever they think the market can bear. If it makes business sense to charge an extra markup on the tasting machine, then I don't have any problem with ANBL doing that. Then it's my decision as to whether I want to buy at that price. But I find it hard to believe that ANBL's taste pricing policy isn't intended to make a profit on the tasting machine rather just trying to boost sales of the featured wines.
Whoops, I used the wrong definition of "markup." I said the "markup" on a bottle of Chateau Fuisse was 217%, when what I meant is that it costs 2.17 times more out of the machine than it does at retail; that's a markup of 118% over retail. (Though the markup over cost is of course higher.) Same with the others. It doesn't affect my point though - the profit numbers are right.
ReplyDeleteFor me the price of the wine samples is an issue. It’s not really about the markup - but I do admit that even though I know that ANBL is entitled to charge whatever the market will bear, I feel ripped off when I pay triple the price for a tiny sip. That does make me less likely to use the machine.
ReplyDeleteBut I could get over that. For me the more important issue is that I think the size of the sample is too small to be really useful and it’s too expensive to double up. So for example, I tried the Nautilus Pinot Noir, priced at just over $40, from the machine and I really liked it. But it’s basically just one sip and while I liked it, I would have liked to confirm that impression with a second sip before putting down my $40. But then it’s up to $5, and if Kelly is there and wants a taste as well, it’s $10. And by that time it’s getting to be a significant part of the price of the wine just to decide whether it’s worth buying. So instead of buying the wine, or buying more tastes, I made a note and went home to research it. I discovered that Steven Tanzer gave it an 87, which is good, but not for $40. So I decided not to buy. With a larger taste I would have felt confident in making my own decision.
Another example is the '96 Pouilly-Fuissé. As Kelly mentioned we tried it at the Expo and loved it. I intended to buy a bottle when I saw it in the machine. I tried it, and it didn’t seem as good as I remembered, so I decided not to buy. On the up side, the taste cost me $2.50 and it saved me $57. But Kelly thinks our experience at the Expo was more reliable and we just didn’t have enough out of the machine to appreciate the subtleties. We’ll never know if she was right.
I did buy some of the Gallo Barrelli Vineyard Cab after tasting it out of the machine. But it was only $22 and I have had that wine before and liked it, so I’m sure I would have bought a bottle anyway. In that case it was the fact that it was featured rather than the taste that led me to buy. And even then I bought one bottle and took it home to try before I decided to come back for more.
In summary, I haven’t used the machine to make a positive buying decision - there hasn’t been a time when I’ve tasted a wine from the machine and bought based solely or primarily on that taste. On the other hand, I have used the machine to make negative decisions (not to buy a wine). But I’m not sure if those decisions are really justified - I’m not sure I gave the Pouilly-Fuissé or the Nautilus Pinot a fair chance.
On the whole, the wine machine is fun, but it’s not as helpful as I would have hoped in making buying decisions. I still rely primarily on Wine Spectator and other reviews and not my own tasting experience from the machine when I decide whether to buy an expensive wine. I put $40 on the card last time I filled it up, and I still have about $25 left. I’ll probably put some more money on it when that runs out - but I won’t be in any hurry about it.
In my quest for a cheap drinkable wine I picked up the Carmen Cab sav (Valle del Maipo 2006) for $12.99 the other night. I believe this is different from, but a relative of, the Carmen Cab sav reviewed by Peanutman. I like it. Dark berry nose, and a nice structure / balance. Overall, I find it pretty cab-like; as good as the Montes of which i was so fond, but $3 less. Scoring? Perhaps i'd give it 4/5. Definitely think its worth a try if you want a basic cab.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone been following this Cooepr Krebs thing ? I heard about it on Shift on Friday evening- Interesting. Watergate comes to NB. I see a blog has sprung up- http://cooperkrebs.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteCooper Krebs Could be an Anagram for "Beer Cork Ops"
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure what the fuss is about. Of course they fix prices. That's the point of having a monopoly. It's hard to get excited about anti-competitive behaviour when we're talking about a government monopoly - monopolies are anti-competitive by definition, and a government monopoly means a deliberate political decision to be anti-competitive. Maybe it would be useful to have a debate about whether ANBL should have a monopoly on alcohol sales in the province, but until we have that debate, I don't see the point in getting worked up about price fixing.
ReplyDelete"Competition is a sin."--J.D. Rockefeller
ReplyDeleteSloth, gluttony, competition... I even envy Chef's clever anagram. My prospects for the afterlife are not looking good, so it's fortunate that I'm enjoying the present.
ReplyDeleteMy anagrams are Newest Evils or Vine Less Wet
ReplyDeleteanyone know what is up with that bordeaux display near the front of the cash at the prospect st nbliquor? are those wines any good? are they really in short supply?
ReplyDeleteAre those the ones on display about 2005 vintage being rated 99/100 points, and get them while they're available?
ReplyDeleteI don't think those wines are particularly noteworthy, although 2005 could go down as one of the best Bordeaux years ever. If you are looking for a good 2005 at a "reasonable" price (reasonable as far as quality Bordeaux's go), I think the Chateau Senejac from the Haut Medoc region for around $50 will be a wine that could last quite a while and reward down the road.
Anyone else have any 2005 Bordeaux that were cellar-orthy and memorable
I thought the Chateau Martinat Epicurea was good value at $28, a Cotes de Bourg blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Malbec. Near term cellaring could be good. I think this is also on sale. But for real 2005s the hot spot in Atlantic Canada is NFLD.
ReplyDeleteA number of wines went on sale on Friday, don't have a list but I noticed Gabriel Liogier Chateauneuf du Pape Montjoie 2003 + Chateau Senejac 2005 seemed to be good prices- not updated on the website yet.
ReplyDeletereally...good to know...will have to try to take a run up...thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteKelly and I are having a bottle of 2003 Château de Nages Costières-de-Nîmes Cuvée Joseph Torrès White (Roussanne 95% with 5% Grenache). I can't write a full post of about it, as it is not available in the Atlantic region - but the current vintage is available at SAQ. Anyone who is headed that would should look for it. Kelly calls it "a viscous, musky, cologne-y, manly style of white." We gave it 92 points - for only $20!!
ReplyDeleteFrom Robert Parker's wine pick of the day- a wine we have here at ANBL:
ReplyDelete2007 Concha y Toro Chardonnay Marques de Casa Concha
The 2007 Chardonnay Marques de Casa Concha offers up toasty oak, butterscotch, pear, and tropical fruit notes. Creamy-textured, round, and full-flavored, all of its components are well-integrated in this serious, flavorful effort meant for drinking over the next 2-3 years. 91 points
http://www.erobertparker.com/newsearch/wotd.aspx
Is this where you would like a review posted?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Yes. Or e-mail it to me at nbwines /at/ gmail /dot/com - as you choose.
ReplyDeleteWhat I am drinkin this fine weekend-
ReplyDeleteRymill Coonawarra Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon and Torres San Valentin Parellada
I'm sure you'll let know how it turns out. I'm especially interested in the Parellada - it's pretty much getting to be white wine weather (about a month early).
ReplyDeleteHelp- I am bored- I was think about diving into Burgundy- but I know nothing- any advice on offerings at ANBL ?
ReplyDelete2010 Moncton Wine show's list of wines is now available.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wineexpo.ca/2010-wine-list.php
Anything particularly noteworthy on the list? It'll be tricky to make the trip, so I'm a bit on the fence...
ReplyDeleteNot into it this yr- There isn't anything that I would make a special trip for.
ReplyDeleteThat settles it. Anyway, there's always fun stuff to try once the show wine arives in F'ton.
ReplyDeleteFound a couple or two of nice wines for a decent price. Trius Red by hillebrand Winery in Niagara on the Lake. I tasted a couple of Nero D'avola's and bought one, Feudo Disisa. I'll provide feedback when I taste them. I also got the Primitivo that was a medal winner for under $15. I like Primitivo therefore I may be a little biased when I taste it. I also got the $10 Monastrell (can't believe it was that price, but if you do not like Monastrell, you will not like this one either. The Robert Mondavi Meritage was good with the 11% Petit Verdot coming out to town in a good way (if you like PV). I thought those big California Cabs were way too earthy and had way too much tannins. All in all, some very good wines but not as good as recent years in my mind.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon this blog and was quite surprised and impressed! I am now at the point where I can enjoy a red wine. The first red I truly liked was the Wolf Blass Red Label Shriaz Cabernet and would like to get your thoughts on it as well.
Dan
Hi Dan. Thanks for the note. You've reminded me that I'd like to drink - and blog - more wine!
ReplyDeleteShiraz Cabernet a favourite blend of mine. It's been a while since I had that particular wine, but I'd say it's a solid choice, and a classic sort of big, tasty Australian red. If you're looking to try other reds, you may find that you like other "new world" style ones (e.g. from Australia, Chile, South Africa, Canada) more than "old world" ones (mostly from Europe). And if you're interested in suggestions, at the left sidebar you can see some we've liked by choosing "recommended" or "top 10" or whatever.