Thanks to w+a & skosh for talking me into taking a break from getting my tax stuff together for the accountant.
- N.V. Michel Turgy Champagne Réserve Selection Brut Blanc de Blanc - France, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Champagne
Very solid wine, from the southern Champagne site of Mesnil sur Oge--good neighborhood. Classic, but not overwhelming. 89-91 (89 pts.) - 2005 André et Michel Quenard Vin de Savoie Chignin-Bergeron Vieilles Vignes - France, Savoie, Vin de Savoie Chignin-Bergeron
Very forward flavors, with butterscotch, apricot and orange peel. Nice finish with good complexity. (88 pts.) - 2005 Huët Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Clean, and very crisp at first. Became much more complex as the night progressed. Excellent wine. 90-94 (92 pts.) - 2002 Bodegas Pintia (Vega-Sicilia) Toro Pintia - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro
Right now, seemed like a fairly oaky California Cabernet. Interesting, with hints of licorice. Give more time and revisit. (87 pts.) - 1995 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Reserva Onomastica - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
Better thant he previous bottle sampled a few months ago. More Bordeaux in character, with deeper red currant present. By itself, with food, a pleasing wine. (89 pts.) - 2004 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja Veraton - Spain, Aragón, Campo de Borja
100% Granacha & 16% alcohol. Very impressive wine, that was very forward, yet complex with a hint of garrigue. (91 pts.) - 2001 Bodega O. Fournier Malbec Alpha Crux - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
70% Tempranillo, 20% Malbec, 10% Merlot. Very young, with an old world nose. Still very tannic. Needs to open up, but very solid potential. (90 pts.) - 1996 Château Cos d'Estournel - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
Beautiful wine, with dry tannins and a hint of olive initially, with the aromas and flavors becoming very expansive. A classic, yet awesome wine. Had alongside the 1986, which was a treat -- preferred the 1986 slightly. 92-97 (94 pts.) - 1986 Château Cos d'Estournel - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
Classic, amazing wine that was very refined, yet amazingly smooth with good texture. Dry tannins, yet very vibrant wine. What good Bordeaux is all about. (95 pts.) - 2003 Descendientes de José Palacios Bierzo Corullon Las Lamas - Spain, Castilla y León, Bierzo
Very balanced wine, with aromas that reminded me of a good aged Bordeaux. Great complexity, where it stands out, but does not run over you. First vintage was in 2001. 14.5% alcohol. (93 pts.) - 2003 Belle Père et Fils Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
Amazing aroma involving deep raspberries and black currants. Great complexity, that will eventually become more refined. As the night wore on, more of a hint of bacon fat and creosote in the background, which should come to the forefront with age. Young. 91-96 (93 pts.) - 1999 Stonefly Vineyard Cabernet Franc - USA, California, Napa Valley
Very modern nose, with a bit of spice and earth to make it interesting. 87-89 (88 pts.) - 1999 Beringer Vineyards Merlot Bancroft Ranch - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
This wine was showing very nicely tonight. Definitely Howell Mountain Merlot, which tends to always remind me of a fresh Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of perfume were present in the very aromatic nose. Very classic Howell Mountain, but still seemed very young. 90-92 (90 pts.) - 2004 Siduri Pinot Noir Sapphire Hill Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
14.1% alcohol. Very modern with a fair amount of fruit showing. 86-88 (87 pts.) - 1983 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Lang Goldkapsel - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Mosel
Deep golden color, with a bit of petrol on the nose--expected a bit more residual sweetness, but instead encountered complexity mixed with glycerine. Again, surprisingly dry, and an awesome pairing with blue cheese. Awesome wine. (93 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker