tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73188169741708881132024-02-07T08:04:54.024-04:00NB WinesThis blog is devoted to the wines of New Brunswick. No, not wines made in New Brunswick - it's about wines sold by Alcool NB Liquor.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-68754920172011196902011-04-16T09:02:00.002-03:002011-04-16T09:02:23.763-03:00Bouchard Pere et Fils Premier Cru Beaune de Chateau 2005Kelly and I can’t review many wines on our own - we just don’t drink that much! So we love to get reviews from readers. We’re not experts - we just like wine - and this blog is all about sharing opinions. You can e-mail a review to me here, or, if you want to do it anonymously, post it in a nbwines / at / gmail / dot com. If you want to provide the review anonymously, post it in the “Make a Suggestion” thread, and I will re-post it. <br />
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Here is a review of a Burdundy from Peter. While this wine is no longer available, ANBL does carry a variety of wines from Bouchard Pere et Fils regularly (the white Beaune de Chateau is currently listed), so we may see it again. Let’s hope so - it’s hard to find a good Burgundy at this price. <br />
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— Peter’s Review — <br />
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Nose: Delightful, fresh, powerful springtime nose. Classic Pinot Noir scents with raspberry and cranberry like notes, some earthy and floral notes. You can just anticipate the nice acidity. Mouth watering, complex, and enticing.<br />
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Palate: Again fresh, easy drinking (watch out!), very well balanced! Prominent acidity in line with what you want and expect from a pinot. Light-medium body. Nice raspberry fruit is the predominant flavor. Just faint tannins on medium long finish. More earthy and floral notes on back end. Very drinkable on own, and paired very nice with cedar planked BBQ ginger maple salmon. I always caveat all this for most wine drinkers, particularly new or very casual, this style may not be fruity or approachable enough to impress. But for those who like Pinot, this is great stuff. I didn't mind paying the premium for this one. Would buy again. I presume I drank around the right time frame, but would love to hear opinions on cellar time for such wines.<br />
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I'd score 91-92pt+.<br />
Price approx $45Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-33244859090739275542011-04-10T20:11:00.000-03:002011-04-10T20:11:53.973-03:00Poderi Colla Nebbiolo d'Alba 2003<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxZJNQ1omi4xX1ZbZ14C8HcrA2YtDXBE3uEcA1IBbkfcWj2cySrDO4IQ3MICgvVTkwRRNHcfln28eXCW-Min-Le4g6NcOzNb9av5HML7Ocs7-fVoRyqKIqhRJTDBlSc3iTTRQHH1fUVvn/s1600/PCNebAlba.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxZJNQ1omi4xX1ZbZ14C8HcrA2YtDXBE3uEcA1IBbkfcWj2cySrDO4IQ3MICgvVTkwRRNHcfln28eXCW-Min-Le4g6NcOzNb9av5HML7Ocs7-fVoRyqKIqhRJTDBlSc3iTTRQHH1fUVvn/s1600/PCNebAlba.JPG" /></a></div>She's smiling, and you should be smiling too, if you can find any of this wine left in the stores. It's a Nebbiolo d'Alba - the little brother (or sister, judging from the label) of the great Barolo and Barbaresco. It's the same grape (Nebbiolo), and from the same general region (Alba), but not from the especially favoured sites that are the home of these two more famous wines. While this does not have the flavours and complexity of a good Barolo, it's a great buy nonetheless. If you have ever wondered what a Barolo is like, but you haven't been willing to shell out the $50+ to find out, this has characteristic Nebbiolo flavours at very reasonable price. Also, apart from any comparison with Barolo, this is excellent value at the price, especially if you prefer an old-world style. But if you want to try it, hurry, as there isn't a lot left. I'm only posting this because I already bought a case for myself.<br />
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Price: $19.99<br />
Region: Peidmont<br />
Grapes: Nebbiolo<br />
UPC: 836951000185Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-25320536386749341402011-04-07T11:11:00.000-03:002011-04-07T11:11:55.184-03:00Wine and Food Fest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuBdGTez5QMO9eyquSwQ6gvz5XrDeG4xLigUPfvf4n3fQxtQFxVEqmAH7LJE6CCYdn66YnbFzN0kOgF_myP-3MrjvnQxtZsWt00dhM9m_IPwvPek5KDBt0A2p7Aovpm_00BCId-Pi7Gm5/s1600/sv-WFF_11_Poster_4+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuBdGTez5QMO9eyquSwQ6gvz5XrDeG4xLigUPfvf4n3fQxtQFxVEqmAH7LJE6CCYdn66YnbFzN0kOgF_myP-3MrjvnQxtZsWt00dhM9m_IPwvPek5KDBt0A2p7Aovpm_00BCId-Pi7Gm5/s640/sv-WFF_11_Poster_4+%25282%2529.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-25598073160728694762010-12-22T21:48:00.000-04:002010-12-22T21:48:00.278-04:00Bridlewood 2008 Reserve Viognier<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwPo7FvNMYsGvXMJt8YfSQRAxFZUaEv_1d5RCfMvbOC_Ybi4T-EkSG5RPPstjoJ9h_iFWhIuhydXtRgMH0prDZ1-iHbPqc-mdMlhzmkOEBPBJEpYBluWRdOWwSxbLr82qf6g-BRbgwIQ/s1600/Bridlewood.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwPo7FvNMYsGvXMJt8YfSQRAxFZUaEv_1d5RCfMvbOC_Ybi4T-EkSG5RPPstjoJ9h_iFWhIuhydXtRgMH0prDZ1-iHbPqc-mdMlhzmkOEBPBJEpYBluWRdOWwSxbLr82qf6g-BRbgwIQ/s400/Bridlewood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552437522381492370" /></a><br />I tasted this wine with Norman, and then later with a group. Both times, I guessed it might be a Riesling. So apparently I think it has Rieslingesque qualities. However, one of the group - correctly identifying it as predominantly Viognier - volunteered “if this is Riesling, I’ll shoot myself.” So maybe it’s not so like Riesling. I don’t taste much white. Others in the group thought it might be Chardonnay. Style-wise, I found it sweeter, fruitier, and smoother than other Viogniers I’ve tasted.<br /><br />The nose is delightful and aromatic: honeydew melon, floral notes, citrus and something a bit spicy, like cloves. On the palate it is slightly sweet and crisply acidic with smooth viscosity. The texture is a bit buttery. We enjoyed it on its own, but I can imagine that it would stand up nicely paired with cheese or maybe seafood. Overall, very nice.<br /><br />Price: $24.99<br />Score: 89<br />Value: 3.5/5<br />Region: Central Coast California<br />Grapes: Viognier 90%, Chardonnay 4%, Marsanne 4%, Rousanne 2%<br />UPC: 085000014615Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12541772277137635000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-30218015310211448142010-12-18T21:43:00.000-04:002010-12-19T10:46:47.674-04:00Sterpato 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdHn5N_3kzmHPoMbHKd2L9Ezz8nmQmSvjSU8yznUBA7mIuMoWSUuMB0PJZ5yZh45xMQbgvapb9hmz1RNb1bqBoZ4h0VOSsFCbjpdigQxft6ONc6ST3qTuA7Tx2xkPFICRq7RXwzsIUgE/s1600/Sterpato.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdHn5N_3kzmHPoMbHKd2L9Ezz8nmQmSvjSU8yznUBA7mIuMoWSUuMB0PJZ5yZh45xMQbgvapb9hmz1RNb1bqBoZ4h0VOSsFCbjpdigQxft6ONc6ST3qTuA7Tx2xkPFICRq7RXwzsIUgE/s400/Sterpato.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552403547612355074" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I tasted this wine with a group, and then, coincidentally, with Norman about a week later. Everyone describes it as a Super Tuscan. What is a Super Tuscan, anyway? I know that historically, wines that didn’t adhere to the blending laws for the region question had to be sold as “table wine.” When in the 1970s some Tuscan producers experimented very successfully with international grape varieties, those wines became known as Super Tuscans. The addition of the looser IGT category to the older DOC/G system embraces some of those wines. But if I find myself with a Tuscan wine designated IGT or “vino da tavola,” how do I determine whether it is a Super Tuscan or plain old undistinguished table wine? Does the term describe a particular style and assemblage of grape varieties, or does the wine have to be in some sense “super”?<br /><br />The first time I tasted this wine, I guessed it was a Bordeaux blend (i.e. mostly Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot). The second time I tasted it, it struck me as unmistakably Italian, and predominantly Sangiovese. Averaging those experiences, I'd wankishly opine that it's a nice hybrid of the international and traditional, and a true expression of its constituent grape varieties. The nose is lovely: dark red berries, stewed fruit, cedar, dried flowers, moss, dusty leather, and spices. All of those follow through on the palate, along with firm tannins and good length and acidity. I found it a bit hollow toward the middle to end palate, with a bit of an edge; but then I tend to find that with Sangiovese. Overall, it’s great value and I would buy more at the price.<br /><br /><br />Price: $22.79<br />Score: 89<br />Value: 4/5<br />Region: Toscana, Italia<br />Grapes: Sangiovese 80%, Merlot 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%<br />UPC: 8029966000512<br /></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12541772277137635000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-33230634623067080012010-12-10T20:56:00.002-04:002010-12-10T21:34:48.699-04:00Collazzi Liberta 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_uvEq0CBmH3WRewD5h3XpK-BRn3mZrbw8RJEczLoOAggi2YN9B-VUWgFoBe3Z1DygP4QOR0wdSRLw-YL8C2Tb4Sic_gdY7WPJIWHlFubGsgE9s3XIVekbo2T7H3Xw9Puz7iU8-xt5Ow/s1600/Liberta.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_uvEq0CBmH3WRewD5h3XpK-BRn3mZrbw8RJEczLoOAggi2YN9B-VUWgFoBe3Z1DygP4QOR0wdSRLw-YL8C2Tb4Sic_gdY7WPJIWHlFubGsgE9s3XIVekbo2T7H3Xw9Puz7iU8-xt5Ow/s400/Liberta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549232086827425986" border="0" /></a><br />Aaron recommended this as a sort of baby sibling to the <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2009/03/collazzi-toscana-2005.html">Collazzi Toscana</a>, which I really like. It’s a winner. The Liberta is very different from the Toscana, but enjoyable just the same. Its nose is relatively reserved, mostly plum, cedar, and something a bit dusty. The same basic flavours follow on the palate, which is full with nice structure, firm tannins, and good length. It seems to stop short a bit mid-palate with a bit of an edge and a gap that I find characteristic of Sangiovese, but that’s fine. Norman says it’s “quite quaffable” and I’d agree. A solid choice at the price. I found it perhaps even better after a night in the <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2008/09/half-bottle.html">half-bottle</a>.<br /><br />Price: $24.79<br />Score: 88<br />Value: 4/5<br />Alcohol: 13%<br />Region: Tuscany<br />Grapes: Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese<br />UPC: 8033844400011Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12541772277137635000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-43421343227474421082010-10-27T20:28:00.001-03:002010-10-27T20:55:13.007-03:00Velenosi Lacrima Di Morro d'Alba 2008This is a very distinctive wine that will probably provoke love-it-or-hate-it reactions. I think 86 is a fair score, but I expect some people will like it a lot more than that, others will like it less. If you're looking for something interesting and different, this is a good choice at the price.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZoZXU5OJcVz6RFdw3Uj4H-61-LZNbJIpFaT1HUaNM8SMILAbjQkPCinRCqlX0c-rWeHFV49bWDmF2W-xF8HitpK-ARi6ISwwauUDstatzKyhfxS2egfJMQo4pQ7VuKqGUflACM0hxzUt/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521384031549543138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZoZXU5OJcVz6RFdw3Uj4H-61-LZNbJIpFaT1HUaNM8SMILAbjQkPCinRCqlX0c-rWeHFV49bWDmF2W-xF8HitpK-ARi6ISwwauUDstatzKyhfxS2egfJMQo4pQ7VuKqGUflACM0hxzUt/s400/IMG_3667.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 256px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 162px;" /></a><br />
--- Kelly's Review --- <br />
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Lacrima di Morro is a grape variety grown only in Morro d’Alba, a tiny wine appellation in the Marches region of Italy. DOC regulations require that the wine must be at least 85% Lacrima di Morro, with Montepulciano and Verdicchio together permitted to comprise up to 15%.<br />
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This particular example of the variety is very distinctive. The nose is ripe and fruity, mostly lychee, blueberries, roses, and a hint of menthol. The flavours are clear and bright and nicely balanced. It’s not a complicated wine, but I don’t expect complicated for $15.<br />
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I tasted this with a group, and there was substantial agreement on the flavour profile, and also on which grape varieties the wine most resembled. We all tasted it blind, and most guessed that it was a Grenache, a Pinot Noir, a Zinfandel, or possibly an extremely atypical Cabernet Sauvignon.<br />
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It’s great value at the price. I suspect that its bright fruitiness would go well with spicy bbq.<br />
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Price: $15.29<br />
Score: 86<br />
Value: 4/5<br />
Region: Marches, Italy<br />
Grapes: Lacrima di Morro<br />
UPC: 666056000236Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-85940153946726296672010-09-26T09:31:00.000-03:002010-09-26T21:30:39.980-03:00Cavit Pinot Grigio 2009Norman asked me to pick up a white for cooking, so I grabbed this one. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5idKrUYFENtsd-i_JUmvqpcqZm5E0HOKrWkl9w-wvPIRh37iaprz7nI9ts7dBS9K_1X2MEZ8Kvu3xs8Yrm0rXzQ2P_bprn2FotD89m9p65_BY8uPSBH4Atnbu9gJ4RIumyyswN0UFahk/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5idKrUYFENtsd-i_JUmvqpcqZm5E0HOKrWkl9w-wvPIRh37iaprz7nI9ts7dBS9K_1X2MEZ8Kvu3xs8Yrm0rXzQ2P_bprn2FotD89m9p65_BY8uPSBH4Atnbu9gJ4RIumyyswN0UFahk/s400/IMG_3666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521383780553231618" border="0" /></a>Ridiculously hungry and waiting for supper to happen, I started drinking it. I enjoyed it. (“Hunger is the best sauce,” says Norman’s mother.) The nose is aromatic and mostly citrus, honeydew melon, a bit of mineral, and a maybe a hint of cloves. The same flavours follow through on the palate, plus something like plasticine. It is medium bodied, dry, and slightly viscous, with good acidity. I find that it ends on a sour note, but I often find that with white wine. At $13.29, it’s good value.<br /><br />Price: $13.29<br />Score: 86<br />Value: 4/5<br />Region: Venetio, Italy<br />Grapes: Pinot Grigio<br />UPC: 8007890229247Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12541772277137635000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-49206832301113735072010-09-11T21:44:00.000-03:002010-09-11T21:44:49.257-03:00Sandhill One 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitESkIIAdBSgYGlaODVhDz5bvOIebVsWk7O0TdqLyZq7YV0k5x0qPpNpSMpHXXmr00ZtAmz0mao2-DPY43EYZm6oCppuobqJQoQ5tokk8xGtBMQu6vlcnSYAdUdfgLaXoE3JoZIsF0FwbY/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitESkIIAdBSgYGlaODVhDz5bvOIebVsWk7O0TdqLyZq7YV0k5x0qPpNpSMpHXXmr00ZtAmz0mao2-DPY43EYZm6oCppuobqJQoQ5tokk8xGtBMQu6vlcnSYAdUdfgLaXoE3JoZIsF0FwbY/s320/IMG_3620.JPG" /></a></div>The Sandhill One is a blend of Cab. Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. It bears a strong family resemblance to the Petit Verdot, but somehow it doesn’t quite strike the right note. It is certainly rich and smooth, like the label says, but it is not particularly complex. Kelly detected a slightly bitter finish, which I can’t say I really noticed, but on the whole it struck me as well done, but in an overly soft, fairly generic new world style. It had me second guessing my positive review of the <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2010/09/sandhill-petit-verdot-2006.html">Petit Verdot</a>, since the two are quite similar in style, but Kelly assures me that the Petit Verdot is just better (I also take comfort from <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2010/09/sandhill-petit-verdot-2006.html?showComment=1284250660699#c32413879363173731">Peanutman’s comment</a>). I tried the 2004 vintage of the One a couple of years ago (when it was four years old) and loved it. Maybe another year or two will improve the 2007.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-58802361813869607592010-09-08T23:06:00.000-03:002010-09-08T22:47:36.553-03:00Sandhill Petit Verdot 2006<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgxnY5Oy-byJMC0e2Lzv3yTEy5OJtOhQbqBiJpQjqKwaEZpbyMhnmGYp462bb-IAdii6JZBLdBtZHk1WnBjbslxSIprrTK654-pxfrNGAgy3UloalXE-ma2jZSkq_4F-CV-RHp3N1w5pA/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgxnY5Oy-byJMC0e2Lzv3yTEy5OJtOhQbqBiJpQjqKwaEZpbyMhnmGYp462bb-IAdii6JZBLdBtZHk1WnBjbslxSIprrTK654-pxfrNGAgy3UloalXE-ma2jZSkq_4F-CV-RHp3N1w5pA/s320/IMG_3617.JPG" /></a></div>I was a bit disappointed by the Sandhill Viognier, not because it's a bad wine, but because Sandhill sets a high standard. This Petit Verdot lives up to that standard. It is inky and long, with rich dark fruit caressing the tongue. It's beautifully structured - enough tannin to give it backbone, but soft at the same time. Maybe not subtle - at least not yet - but impossible not to fall for. But if you're going to try it, you should hurry. This wine is part of Sandhill's Small Lots program - only 233 cases made, and fewer than four are left in the province. The Sandhill release appeared on the shelves only a couple of weeks ago, and the Petit Verdot is already sold out in F'ton. The only reason I'm willing to post this comment is that I've already ordered in a half dozen from out of town for my cellar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-67798316139934786392010-09-07T08:15:00.002-03:002010-09-07T15:00:06.924-03:00Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs550omnkmIUNTD2MpoxTRKimVNb1k5a2vJAeWO1Z0H46z4xbrSePAuDBuSdeooIBlOl9ZA4bFbwizPwUTT93jTe2qpDO8YdINk3SRurcqRq5FAGFNt_0Tx1L3JIqM7XUxMAG6DjJ_ine/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs550omnkmIUNTD2MpoxTRKimVNb1k5a2vJAeWO1Z0H46z4xbrSePAuDBuSdeooIBlOl9ZA4bFbwizPwUTT93jTe2qpDO8YdINk3SRurcqRq5FAGFNt_0Tx1L3JIqM7XUxMAG6DjJ_ine/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" /></a></div>I like cab, but I don't seem to drink very much of it. You can get a great cab for $50+, or a bad one for $15, but a good quality cab at a decent price is a rare bird. So at $24 the Liberty School cab is a welcome find. This is a very solid cab with good varietal character in a New World style, but without being overdone. Kelly says "Full, smooth, fruity, with an edge of tannins for balance - blackberries with a bit of menthol or evergreen." I'd score it around 88, which I would say is a 4/5 for value for a cab. Perfect for drinking now with a steak. It would be very interesting to see how it ages. At the price I wouldn't expect much, but it seems to have good structure and plenty of fruit. If it does improve with age it would be great value.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-10063960830780289122010-09-04T23:05:00.000-03:002010-09-04T23:05:09.762-03:00Bear Flag Red<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkAsY2IOMPtwOLlNy5Rdqj3fNUWU_jwk3iCNbY4hFfEQlU7so1NOHj5Oip2OODaS4Jkv2jFUXaUlyhIfx2bGKPFAVBOT-nOaTjLtdc-PtR-va3L9JG28FvORwpVDHIZF3gNT9eszWIYdy/s1600/IMG_3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkAsY2IOMPtwOLlNy5Rdqj3fNUWU_jwk3iCNbY4hFfEQlU7so1NOHj5Oip2OODaS4Jkv2jFUXaUlyhIfx2bGKPFAVBOT-nOaTjLtdc-PtR-va3L9JG28FvORwpVDHIZF3gNT9eszWIYdy/s320/IMG_3479.JPG" width="132" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The label on this wine gives you a good idea of what it's all about - a bit over the top, but fun. The label says "smoot and juicy" and Kelly says "This wine knows itself." It's a blend of including tempranillo and zin, and the zin really comes through. It's a bit too sweet and candied for my taste, but for $13.99 you can't complain. Not a wine to sip and savour, but would be tasty with a spicy BBQ. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-25657597200142938782010-09-03T22:39:00.004-03:002010-09-07T07:53:34.537-03:00Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 2006<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqQahyphenhyphenWvnJq-FLP4ZQIuIoMighyFvxViiUfoVc6AiF7dvEyWqMAnOCFJTswNN0KbIvj-NOCLiljxecn670Apod7RCAWPagPzk8HbGqObBi4nhROxsvDZElD80M-hZTBNGicQ3CJkptvjl/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqQahyphenhyphenWvnJq-FLP4ZQIuIoMighyFvxViiUfoVc6AiF7dvEyWqMAnOCFJTswNN0KbIvj-NOCLiljxecn670Apod7RCAWPagPzk8HbGqObBi4nhROxsvDZElD80M-hZTBNGicQ3CJkptvjl/s320/IMG_3610.JPG" width="172" /></a></div>I know we've reviewed this <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2010/03/sella-mosca-cannonnau-di-sardegna.html">before </a>- in fact <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2009/10/sella-mosca-cannonnau-di-sardegna.html">twice</a>, with very different views expressed. Now it's back on the shelves at ANBL, so why not give it a third review? I like it just as much as I did last time - well, I'm not sure I'd give it 91+, but I would definitely give it a big thumbs up, so long as you like a fairly austere style. But I would say that whether you like this wine is very much a matter of your personal tastes. Iron Chef called it "an austere Chianti," and I'd say that pretty accurate. The good news is that this time around the price has actually gone down - $18.99 instead of $24.99. So, why not give it a try and let us know what you think?<br />
(BTW, if you're searching for it on the ABNL site, it is misspelled as "Cannonnau").Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-12676820270789720392010-08-29T21:49:00.001-03:002010-08-30T08:21:24.124-03:00Sandhill Viognier 2008Sandhill is probably my favourite Canadian winery, and we get an excellent selection of their products here, so I always look forward to the new release. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP6eUoG9eGFpR_hQd7FZn26hrnl656DRshMc1xCPozjmc-K8zxSX2XNmwH9kqS74-cQxxSMD1nFKyTFM713yA1YdYRCiogNcAHj-TIxEIneB8AFOI05Aw03cZV3H-Vgzi_fHu8PmfekxJ/s1600/IMG_3482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP6eUoG9eGFpR_hQd7FZn26hrnl656DRshMc1xCPozjmc-K8zxSX2XNmwH9kqS74-cQxxSMD1nFKyTFM713yA1YdYRCiogNcAHj-TIxEIneB8AFOI05Aw03cZV3H-Vgzi_fHu8PmfekxJ/s320/IMG_3482.JPG" /></a></div>This Viognier is one of the recent arrivals. I haven’t had much in the way of varietal Viognier myself, but from what I understand, this effort from Sandhill is not very typical. Viognier is usually described as floral and aromatic, and is often added to Shiraz to boost the nose, but the nose on the Sandhill Viognier was quite subdued. It has a viscous palate, with a distinct ‘petrol’ flavor that I always associate with Riesling. I didn’t taste it blind, but if I had, I’m sure I would have picked it for a young Riesling. Apart from whether it is typical Viognier, in its own right it is solid but not spectacular. At the price – $26.48 – I would give it 3+/5 for value; I’m not disappointed, but I won’t rush out for more. <br />
<br />
Kelly tasted it blind - here are her notes:<br />
<br />
White –91 – nose of mostly spicy citrus and minerals, also a bit floral; viscous on palate, ending a bit sharp. Very nice. A manly style of white, but not an extreme example. Has good “oomph.” Guessed pretty much every grape under the sun. Basically, I was generalizing from my experience with reds mixed with Viognier – where the Viognier seems mostly to contribute floral aromas – and didn’t find it all that floral. Also, I’ve never had a Viognier that was citrusy like this. Mostly they’ve been floral with a bit of minerals, and sort of sharp. Riesling or Gewurz were my first guesses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-79554716828155601042010-07-14T22:33:00.000-03:002010-07-14T22:33:11.251-03:00Sandhill Syrah 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkbpJBFoc5Jrz7xDgMaBd8SecvEhZvDBCezolrs25xgPanAwHlSrIBJeCk0_1CF0cnpV9J7wAa3NxUBR2m338M6UWxz6hasYV5A3Qbiqzhc286e6YhUTrEFOF2vvi-Qiy4bLxEYTXo3sy/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkbpJBFoc5Jrz7xDgMaBd8SecvEhZvDBCezolrs25xgPanAwHlSrIBJeCk0_1CF0cnpV9J7wAa3NxUBR2m338M6UWxz6hasYV5A3Qbiqzhc286e6YhUTrEFOF2vvi-Qiy4bLxEYTXo3sy/s320/IMG_3202.JPG" /></a></div>Sandhill has hit one out of the park with this classic Aussie style Shiraz. I like the big Aussie when it’s done well, but too often it’s overdone one way. This Sandhill Shiraz has the big fruity style, but it’s perfectly balanced – delicious without hitting you over the head. Not so much “wow,” as “mmmm.” I won’t give it a score or value rating, but I will say that I had a bottle last week and went out and picked up six more. I had another glass tonight, and I think I’ll pick up another half dozen tomorrow. There’s not much left in the province. $23.49.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-61568702312948224402010-07-12T11:55:00.001-03:002010-07-12T12:25:09.832-03:00D’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie 2007Michelle picked this up at the Wine Expo, and it is no longer available. Sounds like that’s not a bad thing.<br />
<br />
— Michelle’s Review — <br />
<br />
This wine is a 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier. I was assuming from trying similar blends that the Viognier would give the Shiraz a bit of a minerally edge, round out the pepper, mellow the dark fruit. I have to say, I was a bit hesitant buying this wine because of the experiences with other d’Arenberg wines. I found them a bit to “hot” for my liking. Well, this one happened to be the same. Perhaps I should have decanted it, let it breath for at least ½ hour…something. It literally burned my eyes as I brought it up to my nose. At 14.5% its so over the top alcohol. Personally I think that is a bit ridiculous. I lost everything in the tasting because of that hotness. Very disappointed. I would give it 2/5 for value (since it was about $25 from what I remember) and a rating of 75/100. Do people really enjoy that style? Alcohol so overwhelming it burns your eyes before it gets to the lips. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to it and I would love to hear if anyone else had the same experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-61716279346329323042010-06-18T22:32:00.000-03:002010-06-18T22:32:05.853-03:00Sandalford Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3XKx_10L12iS760ut8kZ2wRAxzBgeNh1J-um7FM7IsL9PiMigcnYO3PeXx9RWeOpomAxNEceTpU-KfTI5nTJERaYFuSw-P36A-Il45p49poFG8DjXhn4OFKMd72B21mCZT5Z5i64H4pK/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3XKx_10L12iS760ut8kZ2wRAxzBgeNh1J-um7FM7IsL9PiMigcnYO3PeXx9RWeOpomAxNEceTpU-KfTI5nTJERaYFuSw-P36A-Il45p49poFG8DjXhn4OFKMd72B21mCZT5Z5i64H4pK/s320/IMG_3171.JPG" /></a></div>Wow! I haven’t had much cab lately, as I’ve had a hard time finding one I like at a price I’m willing to pay. So this is a great find. It’s drinking beautifully already – great nose, perfectly integrated tannins, excellent fruit and depth, without being the stereotypical Aussie fruit bomb. I’m very sensitive to the green flavour of under-ripe cab, and there is not the slightest hint of that. But it isn’t in the least jammy either. These grapes must have been picked when they were perfectly ripe. Good complexity already, and only three years old. This is excellent value at the price. I will definitely be picking up a bunch more of this, both for drinking now and to see how it evolves.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-6357428805716812952010-06-17T22:32:00.000-03:002010-06-17T22:32:25.095-03:00Ménage à Trois 2008 White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSDbyuZLfo-P7zliPULopUfrTbnC8LXwqI4fdwfS6UqqeuLUF8OU44JmKfpbIAOhsuBwql9rs2YOhG_7Aa7ULCPYqOq5MF7-Izi8Do1WfgWWa21U4lxA8o25J1oLlexmLWpYQHIGCUAEU/s1600/IMG_3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSDbyuZLfo-P7zliPULopUfrTbnC8LXwqI4fdwfS6UqqeuLUF8OU44JmKfpbIAOhsuBwql9rs2YOhG_7Aa7ULCPYqOq5MF7-Izi8Do1WfgWWa21U4lxA8o25J1oLlexmLWpYQHIGCUAEU/s320/IMG_3157.JPG" /></a></div>I picked this up because of the blend – Chardonnay, Moscato and Chenin Blanc. I was hoping for the richness of Charonnay and the grapiness of Moscato and some of the all-round deliciousness of a Vouvray that Kelly and I had recently. Well, I didn’t quite get all that. Instead of building on each other, the different grapes seemed to dilute each other. It’s doesn’t have the richness of the Chardonnay, the nose of Moscato or the flavour of Chenin Blanc. It adds up to an adequate but generic crisp white. It reminds me of the Hermit Crab I tried a few weeks ago, even though none of the grapes are in common. I’ll give it a 3/5 for value; I don't feel like I've wasted my money, but I won't buy it again.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-5129766030995571532010-06-16T23:08:00.000-03:002010-06-16T23:08:00.954-03:00Lurton Fumées Blanches 2008<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8vUK87V3ZVVYrMrDI4ZHK9VuvVKqQvoCHmZr67bYYADUXSphjXdmH4J2lOO3XiMWGQIQjta5udZFanpa-bN2SaG7vz95_jcdfVC1FyIngxCy6i3WD19FH6OZzf6_3JCRFJK0UOgosWjb/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8vUK87V3ZVVYrMrDI4ZHK9VuvVKqQvoCHmZr67bYYADUXSphjXdmH4J2lOO3XiMWGQIQjta5udZFanpa-bN2SaG7vz95_jcdfVC1FyIngxCy6i3WD19FH6OZzf6_3JCRFJK0UOgosWjb/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" /></a></div>This is about what's you'd expect from New Zealand sauvignon blanc for around $20, except that it’s $13.50 and from France. I have to admit that sauvignon blanc isn’t my favourite grape. I prefer my whites to be fruity and floral, like Gewurz or Muscat, or rich like chardonnay. But for those of you who like the crispness of sauvignon blanc, this is excellent value at the price.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-86822611608245016862010-06-11T23:41:00.000-03:002010-06-11T23:41:36.859-03:00Monte Antico Toscana 2006<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4DXlE95DXFcF2_KMW6Z2COOjtmGsyarSFruI5aOtKeLwpXZSaGuYTdzngIG_YNOxjlEd2LxFN6Y0GckSXufAe-GuQUy2zTyP8zD32g83dwtyAkgbvE7OcwTTXpVu7zESosVYsMPlw1y2/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4DXlE95DXFcF2_KMW6Z2COOjtmGsyarSFruI5aOtKeLwpXZSaGuYTdzngIG_YNOxjlEd2LxFN6Y0GckSXufAe-GuQUy2zTyP8zD32g83dwtyAkgbvE7OcwTTXpVu7zESosVYsMPlw1y2/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I was surprised to see this little gem in ANBL when I popped in the other day. Kelly and I drove to North Carolina for a cycling vacation this spring and we stopped at New Hampshire Liquor on our way down. The Monte Antico was advertised as #61 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2009, and the blurb was something to the effect that it was the best value wine on the whole list. For only $11, we had to give it a try. And it was a winner. Very well balanced, medium to full bodied, with bright fruit and soft tannins. WS gave it a 90. I’m not sure I’d go quite that high, but somewhere in that ball park is about right. At $11 it was a off the charts for value – it’s the best $13 red I can recall. At $19 from ANBL, it’s still good value. <br />
<br />
Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
$18.79<br />
4/5Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-63695244521167725602010-06-07T01:00:00.003-03:002010-06-07T01:00:00.575-03:00d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab 2008<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWpyqCvyxLhmkKoLwQRFlb2jF2FqJHt7_w4SOISJgsma4xyo9phulRIWo9vKYf8GdyphDmyWgdtoHbq-45m-sYURC3aR54cGxR7tEJqG9-2IQiTnJpzwnZSTekdPZpXki-oFp2fZwBuzP/s1600/HermitCrab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWpyqCvyxLhmkKoLwQRFlb2jF2FqJHt7_w4SOISJgsma4xyo9phulRIWo9vKYf8GdyphDmyWgdtoHbq-45m-sYURC3aR54cGxR7tEJqG9-2IQiTnJpzwnZSTekdPZpXki-oFp2fZwBuzP/s200/HermitCrab.JPG" width="138" /></a></div>I can't say anything bad about this wine, but I don't have a lot of good to say about it either. Reasonable nose, on the green apple side of things, well balanced, good body, but there isn't anything that stands out for me either. Kelly and I had it on one of those hot weekend afternoons a couple of weeks ago, side by side with another white (an Aus Verdelho, not an ANBL product), and it didn't stand up very well. We didn't finish it that day and I put it in the fridge. Pulled it out a couple of times since then, but it just never particularly appealed to me. A perfectly decent white wine, but I won't buy it again at this price.<br />
<br />
$19.79<br />
Value 2.5/5<br />
Viognier, MarsanneUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-58188294134749601762010-06-05T22:18:00.000-03:002010-06-05T22:18:18.250-03:00Vilafonte Series C 2003The blog has been moribund – but it’s not dead yet. Let’s get it kick started with a review from Michelle, along with a food pairing – and even the recipe!<br />
<br />
— Michelle’s Review — <br />
<br />
Ok I have to admit, I did not purchase this little gem. Last night Don and I were having pork loin medallions with an apple cider reduction along with mushroom/quinoa pilaf. The inevitable question came up "Do we have any wine?". Yes, its funny, but I have a very small rack and there are certain ones in it, that cannot be touched. The top row, is usually the every day ones that I open at the drop of a hat (you know, under $20/bottle). As you go down all three rows of the rack, the price goes up or my affection grows (my last Chianti skuttled in a suitcase from Italy is on the bottom). So, I say yes, take one from the top. Now, imagine my surprise when this unknown bottle shows up. I am perplexed. I didn’t buy it and I don’t remember adding it to the rack. I read the back and say "Sounds nice, it’s a blend that should go great with the pork".<br />
<br />
The nose had the deep berry, slighly earthy hints with a smattering of vanilla. In the glass deep, dark indigo. I got the anticipation giggles. Woo. I was completely surprised. Gorgeous dark fruit cake with plums and tobacco. The finish was velvet smooth with little or no tannic aftershock. WOW. I was in heaven. Went nicely with the pork without overpowering it. I just kept topping up my glass. Its one of those pleasant surprises. I just wish I knew who brought it over, so I could congratulate them. <br />
<br />
Pork Loin with Apple Cider<br />
<br />
1 pork loin<br />
3 TB each thyme, mint, oregano<br />
3 T Olive oil<br />
½ onion sliced<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
3 fresh rosemary sprigs<br />
½ cup apple cider or apple juice<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine herbs. Pat pork loin dry and rub on the herbs (I usually put it in a ziplock and toss it around). Slice loin into medallions about 1 inch thick. Heat olive oil over medium heat an oven proof pan. When hot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes stirring frequently. Add pork medallions and brown for 3 minutes each side. Add rosemary & apple cider. Place in the preheated oven. Cook for about 10 more minutes and then broil for about 2 minutes until the pork is browned. Lots of fresh ground black pepper to serve.<br />
<br />
Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf<br />
<br />
2 cups chicken broth<br />
1 cup quinoa<br />
1 cup sliced mushrooms<br />
1 green onion<br />
2 TB of fresh thyme<br />
<br />
Bring stock to a boil and add mushrooms quinoa and onion. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes or until stock is absorbed. Add the fresh thyme and fluff with a fork. <br />
<br />
Price $39.99<br />
Value 3/5<br />
Merlot 41%, Cabernet Sauvignon 39%, Malbec 16%, Cabernet Franc 4%<br />
South Africa, Paarl RegionUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-80115219751609978002010-03-29T08:35:00.000-03:002010-03-29T08:35:05.350-03:00Rymill Coonawarra MC2 2003This blog is intended to be about diversity of opinion, so I checked out the review this wine at Nick’s, a major Australian retailer that usually provides well balanced reviews (given that they are trying to seel the stuff). <a href="http://www.nicks.com.au/Product/View/2003-Rymill-Coonawarra-MC2-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Merlot-Cabernet-Franc/476517">They didn’t much like this wine.</a> This makes me think of Gallo Barrelli Creek Cab - WS gave it an 86 in 2003, but <a href="http://nbwines.blogspot.com/2009/01/e-gallo-berrelli-creek-vineyard.html">we liked much better</a> than when we tried it in 2009. There’s lots of it left, so if anyone else has tried this wine, please let us know whether you agree with Nick’s or with Iron Chef.<br />
<br />
— Iron chef’s Review — <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpTTfuxgpSdiOV1PsYiMRmW_LYZYKCwk7baAy7A9DNp-mon9bFlGZs_9ZVV7PKcNJdk9PRL6xMS0mdjJ4CAxlQWCM2p3qoUQjKjk8VzlTGtHjHJGOxxeLa38zFNsjPEVkXWxZDcmVD_Vl/s1600/IMG_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpTTfuxgpSdiOV1PsYiMRmW_LYZYKCwk7baAy7A9DNp-mon9bFlGZs_9ZVV7PKcNJdk9PRL6xMS0mdjJ4CAxlQWCM2p3qoUQjKjk8VzlTGtHjHJGOxxeLa38zFNsjPEVkXWxZDcmVD_Vl/s320/IMG_0315.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My Coonawarra adventure continues.<br />
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Colour - Ruby core, to orangish rim.<br />
Nose - Dried spices - cloves, green peppers, currants and plums. Some hot notes mixed with Vicks. New shoe leather. Floral components. Deeply aromatic and interesting.<br />
Taste - Currants and plums - more dried cooking spices. Mint and menthol. Some sweat. Very drying palate somewhat austere. Faint coconut and stewed apples late on the palate. Good tannins.<br />
Overall - Loved this wine. Not as peppery as the Yearling, but more complex. I have a feeling that this would improve in my cellar. Screw cap - decanted 45 minutes.<br />
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Are there any other Coonawarras except for the Jacob's Creek St Hugo at $40 at ANBL?<br />
<br />
Score 91<br />
Value 5/5<br />
Australia – Coonawarra<br />
65% Cab Sauvignon 23% Merlot, 12% Cab Franc<br />
13.5% Alcohol<br />
Price: $19.99<br />
UPC: 9315128981089Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-85079480312345846352010-03-26T08:17:00.001-03:002010-03-26T08:18:20.534-03:00Torres San Valentin Parellada 2008A new grape! Too bad the wine wasn’t better. <br />
<br />
— Iron Chef’s Review — <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpe8MsNGyZG0VcRdXsHaS0XnGjG088RGVPOtBC5fDXl2JcL3QgP6NKNm-lrw-U2hMAEx01cXHqQIAsycXOcXg4aa2wbf2IgLab4LRFv3ccf9AiQjXLlTS5K1zJf3ofAv3ZP4Vm6HwYU_O/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpe8MsNGyZG0VcRdXsHaS0XnGjG088RGVPOtBC5fDXl2JcL3QgP6NKNm-lrw-U2hMAEx01cXHqQIAsycXOcXg4aa2wbf2IgLab4LRFv3ccf9AiQjXLlTS5K1zJf3ofAv3ZP4Vm6HwYU_O/s320/IMG_0312.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The grape, Parellada, is one of three grapes used in the Spanish sparkler Cava. Never had this before.<br />
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Nose- Lemon and honey. Some floral notes and seashells by the seashore.<br />
Taste- Fresh lemon rind, watermelon and more honey. Good mouth-watering acidity. Some vicious notes on the palate. Also a plasticine taste on the palate that I did not care for.<br />
Overall- certainly smelled better than it tasted- it was fun to try once, probably not a second time.<br />
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Price: $12.99<br />
Value 2.5/5<br />
Score 83<br />
Spain, Catalunya<br />
Grape Parellada<br />
Alcohol 11%<br />
UPC 8410113001177Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318816974170888113.post-67511618008277443142010-03-24T22:05:00.000-03:002010-03-24T22:05:54.849-03:00Rymill Coonawarra Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon 2006After the early spring we're back to red wine weather, so here's a red wine review.<br />
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(BTW - tancred, I know this wine is right up your alley, so leave a comment and let us know if you agree with Iron Chef. No excuses.)<br />
<br />
— Iron Chef’s Review —<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_wxNQ9WQf4KxoTmcwQPWWTx_cnxHJ0YKyQnMTIzs5gliajqIWAJpvK7-LrxD-6GqkHkgHk_KO9GadXRvMgMUSNq6eIU43HSMKLKLRuBjPWS47N3JLECIBDymYbHk5YyhK_F8lviIJ-L9/s1600/IMG_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_wxNQ9WQf4KxoTmcwQPWWTx_cnxHJ0YKyQnMTIzs5gliajqIWAJpvK7-LrxD-6GqkHkgHk_KO9GadXRvMgMUSNq6eIU43HSMKLKLRuBjPWS47N3JLECIBDymYbHk5YyhK_F8lviIJ-L9/s320/IMG_0310.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Recently I had an aged (1999) Coonawarra Cab and was blown away; I had to try another, not aged though.<br />
Nose- Very pronounced Menthol and Mint. Somewhat Hot. Grenadine mixed with coffee and cocoa. Had an aroma of a very good wine.<br />
Taste- Very peppery, hot alcohol and rich cassis. Again loads of menthol and mint. Smooth tannins and a slight red apple taste. Very happy with the reduced levels of sweetness, drier and peppery.<br />
Overall- highly impressed with this wine- a real step up from the ‘animal wines’ of Yellow tail and Little Piguin. At this price point, comparable to the Merlot Trio from Concha y Toro, Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec, or The Wolftrap. Can’t wait to try the Rymill Coonawarra MC2 this weekend.<br />
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Price: $14.99<br />
Value: 4.5/5<br />
Score: 90<br />
Alcohol: 14%<br />
UPC #9315128051010Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0