July 2011: What are you drinking?

1999 Sportoletti Rosso Villa Fidelia Umbria IGT

Saturdays at One Group:

2009 Pulenta Estate Pinot Gris
2009 Tikal Patriota
2009 Manzoni Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir Family Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands
2006 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Terrazas de Los Andes Cheval des Andes
2006 Von Strasser Cabernet Sauvignon Sori Bricco Vineyard
2006 Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Bramare Marchiori Vineyard
2007 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve
2005 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
Saturdays at One Group:

2009 Pulenta Estate Pinot Gris
2009 Tikal Patriota
2009 Manzoni Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir Family Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands
2006 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Terrazas de Los Andes Cheval des Andes
2006 Von Strasser Cabernet Sauvignon Sori Bricco Vineyard
2006 Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Bramare Marchiori Vineyard
2007 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve
2005 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici

What did you think of the Round Pond?

Not as good as the previous vintage in my opinion but still a fairly solid offering. Here is my note:

2006 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
WIML90-91+/-?

Tasted non blind at a retail tasting.

Dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of tobacco, boysenberry, thatch, black berries and plums. Flavors of black berries, black cherries, plums and a bit of boysenberry. Medium to bright acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. Drink now with some air or continue to hold. (90 pts.)

Last night Winemaker Dinner at Wine Vault and Bistro featuring Bokisch wines:
2010 Garnacha Blanca
2008 Garnacha Terra Alta Vineyard
2008 Monastrell
2008 Tempranillo
2007 Graciano

No formal notes, but all of the wines were very good to outstanding, excellent QPRs and paired very nicely with the Spanish tapa themed menu. Definitely worth seeking out.

Small world side note. Markus Bokisch was my brother's freshman dorm mate at UCD. We actually did a Tijuana trip back in the day. I knew he looked familiar, but it took me about an hour to figure out the connection. Markus and Liz are delightful individuals. I wish them all the best.

Cool discovery, Red Guy.

2007 Barnard Griffin Vintage Red - nice Bordeaux blend that opened up after an hour.

2007 Louis Martini Cabernet Alexander Valley Reserve. Ok wine for the $12 I paid for it from a wine rep but only 88 pts for me.

quote:

Originally posted by mpls wine guy:
2007 Louis Martini Cabernet Alexander Valley Reserve. Ok wine for the $12 I paid for it from a wine rep but only 88 pts for me.

In my world, an 88 point - $12 wine is an excellent QPR.

PH

PH, just giving a heads up because Iv'e seen this vintage online and retail for $25 to $30 for the Alexander Valley Reserve. My wine rep said this price was only for restaurants and she had already sold over 1000 six packs in Minnesota. Gallo owns it now but the Martini family still makes the wine.

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
How was the Azelia San Rocco, Steve?

Delicious, but starting to show some signs of age.I think I am going to be drinking my 2000's sooner than later, as Galloni suggested.

Thanks Steve. I'm going to be checking in on more 2000s as the year progresses. 2000 Paolo Scavino Barolo and 2000 Pio Cesare Barbaresco were both delicious this weekend.

Good to know. I've a dozen or so from this vintage.

Time soon, then, to open a 2000 Domenico Clerico Barolo Percristina

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
My favorite is the Uvas Creek Cab.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by KSC02:

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
My favorite is the Uvas Creek Cab.

+1

Wow.... have either of you had the Crimson Clover? My favorite by a bit.

PH

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Wow.... have either of you had the Crimson Clover? My favorite by a bit.

PH

I don't believe I have. I know steve8 recently brought some into QC. Looking forward to trying it.

While I was, at one time, a big buyer of Stefania, I'm down to the few that some are capaable of bringing in (in addition to their own needs). That does not diminish my passion for their juice, however.

I found the Crimson Clover to be the best wine that Paul and Stef have produced to date. If you ever need a Stefania enabler, you know how to reach me!

PH

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
If you ever need a Stefania enabler, you know how to reach me!

PH

A generous heart, as usual. The problem, my very fine friend, is not getting them to you......

Remember, I've vowed to keep my promise to D. No more mass importation.

I like the Uvas Creek cabs better younger, but as the Santa Cruz Mountain cabs age they take on a balanced complexity that I just love. The 2006s are singing right now and IMO better than any of the Uvas Creeks I've had.

I've tried one Crimson Clover and believe with time they will be outstanding - just a bit too primary for my taste right now (although I wouldn't turn one down...) I bought a fair amount and am really excited to see them age.

I've never heard of the Crimson Clover, though the name reminds me of an absolutely horrible song. My cellar is full (actually overfull) so I've bought very little wine the last few years.

quote:

Originally posted by AZCat:
I like the Uvas Creek cabs better younger, but as the Santa Cruz Mountain cabs age they take on a balanced complexity that I just love.

Love em both, but prefer the Uvas Creek.
To each their own

Over the last weekend to celebrate the birth of my son :

NV Ruinart - very good showing and one of my favorite reasonable priced Champagnes
2007 Vine Cliff Oakville- ok at best, loved these guys a while back but recent showings have been average
2010 Merry Edwards SB - Outstanding and more classic Sb than in recent vintages
2005 Meyer Cabernet - Sleeper of vintage, outstanding wine
2007 Fotino Brothers Cab - very modern and ripe fruits but a nice cab
2008 Margerum M5 - Not as good as 2006 and 2007 - but for under $20 a good value

Taking a break for a few days to get some sleep now.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
I've never heard of the Crimson Clover, though the name reminds me of an absolutely horrible song. My cellar is full (actually overfull) so I've bought very little wine the last few years.

2008, just released in the last year (IIRC), is the first vintage from this vineyard. Sadly they are no longer producing the Uvas Creek.

quote:

Originally posted by KSC02:

quote:

Originally posted by AZCat:
I like the Uvas Creek cabs better younger, but as the Santa Cruz Mountain cabs age they take on a balanced complexity that I just love.

Love em both, but prefer the Uvas Creek.
To each their own

Hey, I wouldn't say "no" to either!

2009 Elk Cove Pinot Noir Clay Court

quote:

Originally posted by KSC02:

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
If you ever need a Stefania enabler, you know how to reach me!

PH

A generous heart, as usual. The problem, my very fine friend, is not getting them to you......

Remember, I've vowed to keep my promise to D. No more mass importation.

Mass importation is in the mind of the importer. Everything is relative. I'd make an exception in the case of this bottling. I really like the Stefania wines, they're very well made with a distinct personality and very good varietal character. I found the CC to be the first one, however, to make me shake my head. It was that good.

PH

At a great wine dinner last night

Montevertrano 1999
Mayacamus 2000
Lanson Brut 1986
Leoville Barton 1993
Cos D Esoturnel 1993
Dominus 1992
Ridge Monte Bello 1994
Leoville Poyferre 1982
Ch. Rouget 1982
Ch Palmer 1978
Lazarrito Vieta 2001 barolo
Fontana Fredda Barolo 1958
Baumard Quarte de Charmes 1971
La Fleur Petrus 1998

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Mass importation is in the mind of the importer. Everything is relative. PH

I'll be sure to mention that to Customs the next time I blow through with 36 bottles in the trunk

Note to Customs: I'm speaking 'hypothetically', of course

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:

Mass importation is in the mind of the importer. Everything is relative. I'd make an exception in the case of this bottling. I really like the Stefania wines, they're very well made with a distinct personality and very good varietal character. I found the CC to be the first one, however, to make me shake my head. It was that good.

PH

OK PH, stop. I'll open one for him soon.

KSC, I didn't realize that decision about mass importation was driven by your better half?

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
OK PH, stop. I'll open one for him soon.

KSC, I didn't realize that decision about mass importation was driven by your better half?

She grounds me.

That and deciding that it's not 'if', it's 'when' with these types of things. It's I've got no complaints. I freely admit to having a horse-shoe up my bum regarding this for a long time now. It's time.

That said, a 'couple extra' here and there.........

Looking forward to tasting the CC

quote:

Originally posted by KSC02:
KSC, I didn't realize that decision about mass importation was driven by your better half?

She grounds me.


I have seen "the look" and it's enough to make a grown man tremble in his shoes. I saw her give it to KSC one upon a time, and I'm still shaken by it....

PH

2006 Joseph Swan Vineyards Zinfandel Mancini Ranch

2003 Bodegas El Nido Clio- evolving nicely

quote:

Originally posted by PurpleHaze:

quote:

Originally posted by KSC02:
KSC, I didn't realize that decision about mass importation was driven by your better half?

She grounds me.


I have seen "the look" and it's enough to make a grown man tremble in his shoes. I saw her give it to KSC one upon a time, and I'm still shaken by it....

PH

Oh yeah, I've seen it a few times too.

She grounds me. Funny expression. We used to call it something else when we were younger.

2006 Shiraz, Don Cristobal 1492, Mendoza, Argentina, very nice

2005 Foreau Vouvray Demi-Sec.

quote:

Originally posted by on the wine:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
Saturdays at One Group:

2009 Pulenta Estate Pinot Gris
2009 Tikal Patriota
2009 Manzoni Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir Family Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands
2006 Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Terrazas de Los Andes Cheval des Andes
2006 Von Strasser Cabernet Sauvignon Sori Bricco Vineyard
2006 Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Bramare Marchiori Vineyard
2007 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve
2005 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici

What did you think of the Round Pond?

Can't comment on the 2006, but the 2007 is a very, very nice California Cabernet.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
2007 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

wiml - your thoughts? I had this Friday night and couldn't believe how well it showed. From my perspective, it was either opened a day in advance, or it hadn't shut down and become the tannic monster that I am sure it will. I will admit that we had been drinking, not tasting, all day, but both DnVsMom and I could not believe that is wasn't nearly as tannic as we thought it would be. Again, your thoughts would be appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Dom'n'Vin'sDad:

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
2007 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

wiml - your thoughts? I had this Friday night and couldn't believe how well it showed. From my perspective, it was either opened a day in advance, or it hadn't shut down and become the tannic monster that I am sure it will. I will admit that we had been drinking, not tasting, all day, but both DnVsMom and I could not believe that is wasn't nearly as tannic as we thought it would be. Again, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Actually, my bottle didn't show that well. It was definitely behind other vintages/bottles I've had of this wine. Here is my note:

2007 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve – USA, California, Napa Valley
WIML90+/-

Tasted non blind at a retail tasting.

Purple color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of thistle, talc, black berries, soapstone and plums. Flavors of black berries, black cherries and a bit of plum. Medium acidity, firm tannins, medium to full bodied. Drink now with some air or continue to hold. (90 pts.)

2009 Vietti Roero Arneis

2009 Fessy Julieans - starting to lose the structure... Gonna have to drink these quickly.

As to the Stefania - the Crimson Clover is awesome. Although it is a toss up between the 2008 SCM and the 2008 Crimson clover, they are both excellent.

If you like Windy Oak pinots, you'll love the Pinot as well. The only controversial wine Paul makes is the Chardonnay (some love, some dislike)- I love it, but it needs a year in bottle to come into balance. I'm not drinking any of the 09s until this fall.

G

quote:

Originally posted by wine+art:

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
Your opinion of the Nelin?

Excellent, and wish it was easier to find locally.

I really enjoy this wine. Indeed, not easy to find.
I have an '06 that I'm looking for a good excuse to open.