For me, the tobacco was too overpowering and I was surprised to see it was this particular wine once they were revealed. It was better the 2nd day, but I'd give it 87pts at best...
I really love the tobacco, oil, coffee flavors hence the reason I score it so high, just really my style of wine.
Just curious as well, what 05's were you drinking this against, that could have a very large bearing on the perception of this wine depending on what you were comparing it to.
agreed ... if this was up against a bunch of CA Cabs., this would surely stick out as being obviously different ... I personally prefer the DM style to most CA Cabs ... but that's just me.
Posts: 853 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: Dec 04, 2007
Good points. It was definitely an outlier in the group. Either way, I guess it just isn't really my style or the style of the group as indicated by the ratings. I'm not necessarily a fan of the fruit-forward CA style at all times, this particular wine just didn't appeal to me. The other 05's tasted in order from top to bottom of the final rankings were:
1. Shafer One Point Five 2. Amavi Walla Walla Valley 3. Mount Eden Vineyards 4. Syzygy Columbia Valley 5. Syzygy Saros (mainly a blend of temp/malbec put in to throw people off).
Posts: 234 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: Feb 18, 2004
Originally posted by T Dub: Be sure to tell us what you think. I had to pick some more up before it goes off the charts at WOTY! lol.
I'd put it damn near the top of my list for wines I've had this year, I really enjoyed it.
I might have been a bit typsy by that point in the night though so I'm looking forward to your thoughts.
Will do.
At least the #7 & #8 wines today are outstanding wines.
Yes, I was lucky enough to run in to a case of the Pontet Canet at Costco a month or so ago (81.99) as well as a few bottles of the Beaucastel (75.99). I still cannot believe the wine we see at the Scottsdale Costco.
Posts: 260 | Location: Arizona | Registered: Aug 07, 2008
Yes, I was lucky enough to run in to a case of the Pontet Canet at Costco a month or so ago (81.99) as well as a few bottles of the Beaucastel (75.99). I still cannot believe the wine we see at the Scottsdale Costco.
I had this wine last night, and was pleased there was no evidence of bell pepper that I all too often get with Cabernet from Chile.
My bottle was almost brutal in its youth, with the tannins causing the wine not to show the depth and complexity I would have liked. I also picked up a little fig that caught me by surprise. I always enjoy this flavor profile in Malbec, but was surprised to find it here. Not a bad thing at all, just surprised.
Overall, I can understand the hype and excitement over this wine, and look forward to trying again in 2010 forward.
Drank 1 glass per day over 4 days (vacuum sealed in between). On day 1, strong initial aromas of dill-infused tar eventually gave way (after an hour) to aromas of charred log with a side of ash; interesting non-fruity smokiness. On the palate, mouth-searing tartness and acidity with none of the tannin that others have mentioned. One-dimensional primary fruit with an underlying pruny grapiness. Not much change on day 2, 3, and 4. Was not an off bottle, but maybe was not from the best of barrels? Who knows if it will improve with age, but I did not find a lot of balance in the palate or in the structure. Did my best to give it a chance, but at $62 at the LCBO it is not worth the price to either pop another bottle or wait and see what it might do, in spite of the consistent accolades on cellartracker. Looks like another batch I have to haul back to the store. I would say 87-88 pts.
"No TV and no beer make Homer...something, something"
Originally posted by Machine: log with a side of ash
(In my best Beavis voice) Huh, huh......huh,huh. He said log.
Sounds like an off bottle or not your cup of tea. I haven't tried this vintage, but have enjoyed recent years. I was able to score a mag of this at Costco for a little over $100.
---------- "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams . If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."
- Jack Handy
Posts: 1107 | Location: San Diego | Registered: Jan 17, 2006
Completely agree, and tasting over several days always confuses me.
Decanting, tasting over several days, etc. will obviously change any wine, but will never mimic what aging a wine will offer in my opinion.
Did not seem off in any way, maybe not a great example compared to other batches of bottles. Agreed it may not be my cup of tea.
Did not really change much over the 4 days. Was substandard on day one with no complexity or structure or tannin and loads of acidity, and merely gradually fell off in terms of acidity over the next 3 days. Again, for $62 I don't think its worth risking opening another to see if this bottle was off; enough other goodies out there that I can let this one go. Not a bit fan of south america I suppose, though the very cheap perez cruz reserve cab always seems like an inoffensive choice for an everyday red.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Machine,
"No TV and no beer make Homer...something, something"
2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor (Private Reserve) - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto (10/24/2009) Inky black, Nice nose of smoke, earth and dark fruits: Plums, blackberries figs... Nice smooth texture with well balanced acidity. Nice medium to long finish of cocoa, coffee and more dark fruits. Did not seem closed or restrained. Seem approachable now with a long life ahead. (94 pts.)
2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor (Private Reserve) - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto (10/24/2009) Inky black, Nice nose of smoke, earth and dark fruits: Plums, blackberries figs... Nice smooth texture with well balanced acidity. Nice medium to long finish of cocoa, coffee and more dark fruits. Did not seem closed or restrained. Seem approachable now with a long life ahead. (94 pts.)
*********************** "I have drunk not to the clouding of my reason, but just so much that I can still surely distinguish the syllables with my tongue." Athenaeus
Posts: 3383 | Location: montreal | Registered: Feb 21, 2004
