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Cellar Treasures 2018

Cellar Treasures 2018 Oregon Pinot Noir Selections from Frank Geyer 1985-2006 At Emilie and Sylvan’s backyard patio July 23, 2018

Appetizers Crab stuffed Mushrooms Caprese Salad Cheese and Bread

Henri Giraud Rose NV

Deeper rose color with lovely orange and bronze tints; it initially showed oxidized notes on the nose with baked apples on the nose and palate; it is rich, bold, and quite muscular.

Billicart-Salmon Rose NV  Magnum

Pale “apricot, ‘Barbara Bush Rose’” color; it is much more fresh on the nose and palate, but not as much depth or gravitas as the Giraud; it is creamy, notes of berries on the palate and very refreshing.  Scott would love to pound this all day!

Main Course Salmon a la Sylvan Lebanese Bean Salad Rice Casserole

Adelsheim Oregon Pinot Noir 1985 Magnum

Dark ruby color, showing very well with deep baked spices on the nose; very silky on the palate that was full, flavorful without being heavy; as time (a couple of hours) went on the flavors became “muddy” and dull.  What a great experience!

Flight 1

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 1989

Pale ruby bowl, with lovely floral notes on the nose; it is a lovely lady, silky, plum fruit with “vegetable” notes; it has grace, power, and was very balanced.  Just dynamite!

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 1991

Pale ruby bowl, floral notes, “the nose blew my mind!”  It also showed bits of mint, red fruits, and was very silky on the palate, but it turned a little hot and the finish sharpened up with time in the glass.

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2001

Here the color is a darker ruby; much more dense then the previous two siblings; it showed complex dark fruits, touches of herbs, showing celery notes for me, then spices, and black tea on the nose and palate.  It was a favorite of many.

Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2005

Medium dark ruby color; again dense in nature, but showing more raspberry notes with the darker berry notes and spices; it is full on the palate showing a lovely balance and harmony.  It had it acolytes as well.

Flight 2

Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve 1998

Dark ruby bowl; showing dark tea and black fruits on the nose and palate, with touches of oak showing more and more with time in the glass; it is very rich, full on the palate, but it turns too sharp on the finish.

Ken Wright Pinot Noir L & E Cuvee Canary Hill 2004

Dark ruby bowl; dark and “smokey” on the nose; a little red candied fruit on the palate that turns a little muddied with time in the glass; the finish tended to be a little short which detracted from a tasty wine.

Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Beaux Freres Vineyard 2006

Dark and dense ruby bowl; notes of raspberry, strawberry candy, cinnamon, and oak on the nose and palate; it is full, rich, but with too much oak on the sharp finish.

Broadley Pinot Noir Marcile Lorraine 2006

Pale ruby bowl; showing flowers, spices, earth notes on the nose (back to Oregon!); red fruits, beet juice, earth showing full on the palate, but still showing a lightness that is very pleasing; complex; but sadly is fading with time in the glass and is on it’s way down; nice to know you!

Dessert Lemon Pie with something Chocolate Fruit Galette

Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux 2008

Pale golden straw color; nose quince, white flowers, and on the palate toffee, tart pineapple, a bit of butterscotch; very elegant, balanced, flavorful, but overall a quite dry experience.  Very interesting, I was expecting something thicker and sweeter, but a well made wine.

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The David Adair Memorial Tasting

Pinot Noir – Shea Vineyard 2010 Mark Thomasseau February 7, 2018

 “There is a dried cranberry throughout all these wines”

“I could eat mud with a Quilceda Creek and it would taste just fine!”

“These started out smelling of cardboard and burnt toast”

“It started as my 2nd wine, then became my 6th, and then finally dropped to my 8th wine.”

 Starter Wine

Argyle Vintage Brut 2014  $24

Pale straw color; on the nose it shows marzipan, apple, faint pineapple notes that was simple and tropical on the palate.  It was fat on the mid palate, clumsy (?), and lacked on the finish.

Main Course

Broadly Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010  $42

It was initially stemmy and stinky on the nose.  “It took a while to show”, it then showed cranberry, earth, orange peel notes, “the nose promised more then it delivered”; it was smooth, “light in fruit”, “burnt oak” on the mid palate; crisp finish.  Group Rank 1, Points 32

Broadly Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010  $42

This was funky, earthy, “you fell in love with this at the beginning”, “this reminded me of Domaine Drouhin”, dried cranberries, creamy, balanced, good acidity, “dusty finish”.  Group Rank 3, Points 47

St. Innocent Yamhill-Carlton Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010  $38

On the nose it showed some brown sugar, spearmint, herbal notes; on the palate it was “green”, “veggie”, high-toned red fruit, creamy, oak on the mid palate; “it improves with food”, “off dry”, “not great”, “flinty, dry”, “great with food”.  Group Rank 4, Points 50

Shea Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate (Sourced throughout the vineyard) 2010  $32

This seemed candied, with muddled red fruit on the nose, showing more oak on the mid palate; “no thank you”, “it mixed marshmallow and cranberry, almost silly”, “tarry”, “sweet oak”, overall seemed simple.  Group Rank 5, Points 52

Shea Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard Block 31 2010  $45

It was initially stinky, with candied fruit notes on the nose that later showed more loamy earth; great red fruit on the mid palate, “too much oak”, “surprising”, “complete”, “showing some tarryness on the mid palate.  Group Rank 2, Points 46

Shea Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard Block 7 2010  $42

Very dark color, sinewy on the nose; it showed great fruit (!) on the mid palate, “yum (!)”, “complex”, “didn’t change, got better (!)”, “great balance”, “opened up with food”, “cleaner finish.”  Group Rank 6, Points 55.

Boedecker Cellars Yamhill-Carlton Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010  $65

Pale ruby color; also a stinky nose that blew off later, showing “burnt match”, “nuts”, “leather”, “it had the most body”, “richer”, but a little tart; it had more oak on the mid palate, “nice, not distinctive”, “nice fruit”. Group Rank 8, Points 72

Raptor Ridge Yamhill-Carlton Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010  $34

Ruby color, it was candied, with hints of “roses” on the nose with a rich mid palate that showed a lot of black fruits; “it was too sweet”, “it had no nose”. “It started as my 2nd wine, then became my 6th, and then finally dropped to my 8th wine.”  “It improved with food”, “spritzy”, “it had more acidity”, “herbal”, “it seemed old”.  Group Rank 7, Points 63.

 Dessert

Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – Brought by Frank Geyer!

Black in color; just a dense and brooding nose of sweet dark fruits, “dried to overripe blueberries”;  it was so rich and think on the palate, “just sick”, a monster. “I could eat mud with a Quilceda Creek and it would taste just fine!”  It was quite a bridge from the drier Pinots to the Port.

 Meneres Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2012  $22

Dark, black in color; decanted, so some of the ETOH could blow off; it was very rich with plums, plums, and more plums on the nose and palate; it had great acidity to clean off the sweetness; it was very tasty!

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Champagne 2017

Hosted by Bruce and Chris Champagne Selections by Frank Geyer December 27, 2017

“It tastes like turnips!”

 Starter wine

Costco Rose NV  $27

Beautiful strawberry color with some copper tints; it has a faint strawberry nose, on the palate it is clean, round, with pleasant mid-palate cherry hints added to the bowl of strawberries, on a clean and crisp finish.  Well done!

Main Event

Jacquesson Cuvee n 740 extra-brut  $65

Pale color; very fresh on the nose with apples, grass, and herbal notes; very fresh on the palate with a peppery touch to the apples on the mid-palate; very clean on the finish.  Group Rank 5, Points 51

Louis Nicaise Brut Reserve Premier Cru  $22

Pale yellow color; it showed some dusty oak notes on the nose, followed with some deep and complex Chardonnay and Pinot character; “balanced”, it seemed a little hot on the finish.  Group Rank 4, Points 48

Marie Copinet Cuvee Marie Etienne Saignee Rose NV  $53

Pinot Noir 80%, Pinot Meunier 20% This had an orange tint to the deep straw color; it showed an oaky nose that was deep and wide; rich apple on the palate with a touch of (apricot?); it was full and rich on the mid-palate with “an oily finish”.  Group Rank 1, Points 16

Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Extra-Brut NV  $121

Rose?  Deep pink with a touch of copper; on the nose a touch of soapy roses, almond marzipan; palate, peach cobbler (?), “to good”, a touch bitter on the finish.  Group Rank 2, Points 41

Benoit Dehu Cuvee La Rue Des Noyers 2014  $58

Pale color; it shows rich almonds on the nose; green apple, “jolly rancher”, almond-rhubarb on the “non-effervescent”, and “no-yeasty” dry palate and finish.  Group Rank 6, Points 57

J. Lasalle Cuvee Speciale Club Premier Cru Millesime Brut 2006  $125

Pale color; it pops with citrus and minerality on the nose; with rich, floral, and complex mineral and stony characteristics; I love it!  Group Rank 3, Points 42

Piollot Pere & Fils Cote Des Bar Cuvee de Reserve Extra-Brut NV  $80

Light straw color; it has a deep nose and palate of almonds, bruised apples, tasting young, with strong acidity on the finish.  Group Rank 4, Points 51 points

Jacques Lassaigne La Colline Inspirie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV  $78

Light straw color; complex nose of oak, smoky yeast, oily; on the rich palate “turnips”, “vegetables”, “resins”, “olives”, “grapefruit”; “it was good with food.”  Group Rank 7, Points 58

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Domaine Huet 2006 - 2015

Mark Thomasseau

February 9, 2017 These were very complex wines, and difficult to rate!

“Let’s here it for age! (The older vintages showed much better)  Unless your corked!”

“Lot’s of Lillet is these!”

“These wines are slowly beating the cardboard!”

“This wine is like Trader Joe’s bag lettuce, Tequila, and marshmallows!”

Starter

Huet Vouvray Brut Reserve Petillant 2009  $45

It stared with citrus and pineapple, “lemon custard”, “crisp pear and honeysuckle”, mineral notes; very flavorful on the palate, that had richness, a “nutty, aged, holding on quality”; as it warmed up it showed a smokey note, and a touch of ETOH on the finish.

Wines

Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2015  $39

It initially had a Chamomille soap note on the nose that was exotic, “sweet”, and wild; rich, “peach notes” on the palate that Emile loved, “youthful, with good acidity”.  Group Rank 6, Points 66

Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec 2015  $35

It showed an herbal, mineral, and peach note that also gave off a “sulfur, and burnt match character” on the nose; “this is tasty with a great future”; medium bodied, dirty, “pink grapefruit”, “green grapes”, “not quite as distinguished”.  Group Rank 8, 73 points

Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec 2014  $25

“It was a closed nose initially, that began to be ripe and round on the nose and palate, showing “Lilett and orange flavors”, “toasted marshmallows an un-sweet applesauce”, “honeyed” character.  Points 7, Points 73

Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2010  $32

Initially a very stinky nose that blew off showing more “apricot, butterscotch,” “honeyed”, “burnt banana and mango skin”, that also had a “piney” note as well.  It was rich, round, beginning to show what age can do to these wines.  Group Rank 4, Points 54

Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Sec 2009  $32

Very complex nose; it is firm on the entry that opens up with honeycomb, “leche”, “banana and dried Pound Cake”, and other flavors that are hard to describe; it has good length and acidity.  Group rank 1, Points 33

Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2007  $29

Phew!  Stinky socks on the nose that blew off!  It is big, rich, and round, “dill notes”, “smokey”, “BBQ peaches”, “honeysuckle”, “it just loved fatty cheeses!”  Group Rank 2, Points 50

Huet Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec 2006  $39

Initially stinky nose that blew off to pineapples, “a little oxidized notes”, that had an “older, nutty” character, with hints of “salami”; “I just loved it!”  Group Rank 5, Points 58

Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2006  $24

This had a dense nose that had hints of Botrytis and marzipam.  It was rich and round, but with great acidity to carry it through to a great finish.  Group Rank 3, Points 52

Dessert

Chateau de la Roulerie Coteaux du Layon Chaume Les Aunis 1999  $44

Deep amber/brown color that had a translucent quality; it had a deep nose of brown sugar, dried oranges and other citrus notes; it was full on the palate without being heavy, buttressed with great acidity on the long finish.  It was very tasty!

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Champagne 2016

Stephanie and Emile Ninaud

December 12, 2016

“What could possibly be more important that this (tasting Champagne)!

When is Frank going to start a Champagne import business!

Starter

Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles sur Ource Extra Brut NV  (A Frank Import Selection)

Pale clear color; it is yeasty, toasty on the nose that showed nuts, dry apple notes, great minerality, and later on traces of smoke.  It was “gorgeous”.

Main Meal

Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles 11 Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut NV  $ 48

Pale color with golden tints; tiny bubbles; it showed some oxidized notes on the nose, brewers yeast, rich and flavorful up front, but seemed to fall away on the mid and back palate that was dominated by the taste of grape skins and some bitterness on the finish (great with goat cheese!).  Group Rank 5, Points 35.

P. Lancelot-Royer Grand Cru 2005  $59

Pale yellow color; an exotic nose and palate of Gravenstein apples, maturing oxidized notes, with honey, caramel, toffee, “sherry”, and coffee flavors.  This is a wild one!  Group Rank 6, Points 36.

Michel Turgy Cuvee Brut Blanc de Blancs “Reserve Selection” NV   $49

Pale straw color; it shows subtle notes of yeasty and earthy apples, lemons, “cream pie”, that tends to have a “sour note”, and at times seemed “too sharp”.  Group Rank 4, Points 29.

Jose Michel & Fils Brut Blanc de Blancs 2005  $59

Golden color, subdued nose and palate of  “pine”, yeast, cream, and toast; “it is complex, with a beautiful”, but a little sharp on the finish.  Group Rank 7, Points 36.

Diebolt-Vallois Brut Blanc de Blancs NV  $69

Pale straw color; rich, but fresh “meaty” nose ; lemon curd, fresh basil on the fine and expansive palate, moving to a fresh, clean, and long finish – fine.  Group Rank 2, Points 18.

Jose Dhondt Champagne et Village Brut Blanc de Blancs NV  $59

Pale watery color; interesting nose of lemons, limes, “onions”; on the palate it included earthy notes with “burnt toast” that was very balanced with great acidity all the way through – tasty!  Group Rank 3, Points 28.

Roland Champion Grand Cru Carte Noire Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006  $80

Deep golden color; it showed a wild nose of caramel, coffee; “This is Magnificent!”  Great weight on the massive palate with apricots, “lots of oak”; it is “Heavy Metal Strung out!”  Group Rank 1, Points 14.

Dessert

Chateau Filhot Sauternes 2001

Deep amber color with bronze tints; nose dominated with orange rind, dried herbal hay notes; on the rich palate were dried orange rind, some dry sherry flavors that were hard to describe on a dry and clean finish.

The Sauternes was THE BOMB with Bruce and Chris’ light orange cake!

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Cellar Treasures 2016

Pete Bjordahl’s “Factory” October 20, 2016

Moutard Pere et Fils Champagne Cepage Arbanne Cuvee Vielles Vignes 2008

Lovely pale yellow color, tiny bubbles, great nose of red apples, nuts and herbs; it shows these notes and a touch of citrus on the fine and persistent finish.  Lovely!

Amuse Parsnip and Black Garlic Soup

Nicolas Joly Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2004

Golden color with hits of orange; such a wild nose (!), honey, lanolin, alum, it is deep and brooding, but with a fino sherry like quality. It needed food to be able to enjoy its character.

Appetizer Hamachi Sashimi, Avocado, Yuzu, Radish Seared Scallop, Green Papaya Slaw

Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont 2008

Deep pale color with yellow tints; it is RICH, “almost too rich”, “like caramelized onions”, complex and complete, sweet oranges, leche notes, “Crème Brule”; tasty alone or with food

Mid Green Chili and Citrus Risotto with Chanterelle Mushrooms

Sinclair Jackson Homage a Pauillac 1995

Bruce Thompson elevage; healthy ruby color; it has a very shy Cabernet nose; deep, dark “cool” black fruit flavors; it is lean and structured that moves on to a dry and sharp finish

Leonetti Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

Translucent ruby bowl, showing a warm fruitcake nose, with “lavender”, “raisin” accents to the sweet red fruits that are just filling your mouth with deliciousness, and ending in a long finish.  Showing well!

Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino Reserva Vigna Ferrovia 2009

Dark, dark, color; it had a nose that you could smell all night! Complex, red fruits, a touch of leather; the mouthfeel is just like velvet!  Lovely!  Bruce’s eyes were lit up as he was smacking his lips!

Thank you Sarah!

Giovanni Manzone Barolo Le Gramolere 2006

Deep ruby bowl, sweet nose, that shows “anise”, “licorice”, “blueberry”; silk texture up front, but the dry tannins on the finish come on like a wall drying everything up!  Needs time!

Main Pork Tenderloin with Pumpkin Puree, Braised Cabbage, and Huckleberry Sauce

Chateau Pontet-Canet Pauillac 1996

Healthy dark ruby bowl; it had tobacco and smoke on the nose that went on for days!  Wow! It had dark cool fruits with chocolate hints; it was structured, balanced, “with a good life ahead of it!”

Chateau Clauzet St. Estephe 2003

Bright ruby bowl, it initially had quite a stinky nose that blew off quite nicely showing a sweet cherry fruit with a “chalky element” that was not heavy nor too sweet despite the vintage.  Bravo!

Dessert Vanilla Crème Brule

Chateau Bastor-Lamontage Cru Bordenave Sauternes 2010

Pale yellow color; it was sweet and rich, but with enough citrus, pineapple and tart green apple fruit notes and clean acidity to balance out the richness.  It went well with dessert.

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New Zealand Pinot Noir

Pete Bjordahl New Zealand Pinot Noir September 21, 2016

“It changed (it’s character) like a women’s mind!”  I think from a male commentator!

Starters

Domaine Servin Chablis Les Pargues 2015

Lovely pale color with yellow tints; it is fresh on the nose, great saline quality on the medium bodied palate which has great acidity.  Tasty!

Domaine Matrot Chardonnay Bourgogne Blanc 2014

Leesy, cheesy on the great Chardonnay nose, it is rich, full, much different that the Chablis – as it should be!  A great basic Bourgogne.

 The Wines

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014  $22

Deep stemmy cherries, “a bouquet of strawberries”, “allspice”, “herbal notes” on the nose, sweet “cassis” fruit on the palate that is “inviting”, rich, smooth, “that is pretty”. Points 43, Group Rank 6

Clos Henri Petit Clos Wairau Valley of Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014  $16

Great color with menthol, heat?/dust, “Oolong tea”, bright and lively on the “earthy” palate with a wiry core that moves to a crisp finish.  “It was great with food.”  Points 33, Group Rank 3

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009  $21

Lovely flowers, licorice in the midst of red fruits; it is medium balance, that shows some mint on the mid palate that has “finesse and guts”, moving to a finish with good acidity. Points 33, Group Rank 3

Hinton Estate Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008  $15

Spicy on the nose and palate, with cherry sizzlers, “raisin/honey”, “primary candy” on the big, rich mid palate, that “starts fine then falls on the finish.”  Points 52, Group Rank 8

Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012  $24

Brick color, with stewed tomatoes, “exotic”, “latex”, “Eucalyptus”, on the nose, it is stemmy, “paprika”, spices, and “good fruit” that moves to a “harsh” and “peppery finish”. Points 41, Group Rank 5

Mt. Beautiful North Canterbury Pinot Noir 2014  $22

Bright ruby color, with cherry, graham cracker, spicy on the nose, it shows oak on the mid palate, “briny”, “pure flavors”, and “it was light on the palate than improved in the glass”.  Points 50, Group Rank 7

Loveblock Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011  $32

Deep color, showing black cherry, smokey spices, and duck/meat on the nose; it showed “Starbucks coffee”, “sharp cheddar cheese”, “Gouda and ham hock” on the palate “that changed like a women’s mind!”  Points 30, Group Rank 1

Seresin Marlborough Pinot Noir Leah 2010  $30

Initial stinky nose, like socks, that blew off as the evening went on, it showed “most flavorful” graham cracker, cranberry, “violets”, “barrel notes” on the “rich” palate that had some heat on the back palate and finish.  Points 35, Group Rank 4

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Two Arizona Producers

Emilie and Sylvan March 2, 2016

Dos Gabezas Cochise County Pink 2015  $18.50

Pretty pale salmon color; pleasant notes of raspberry, grapefruit, flowers, “bananas”; rich and round on the palate; “it’s a patio pounder!”; “add some sparkling wine, ice, and just enjoy!”

Dos Gabezas Cochise County Meskeoli 2014  $22

Pale straw color, with a sweet nose of honeysuckle, lemons; rich and heavy on the palate with “leche and petrol notes on the nose and palate”; “a Rhone wanna-be”.  Ranked 3rd of whites.

Callaghan Vineyards Sonoita Lisa’s 2014  $28

Medium straw color; subtle, balanced and not as sweet of a nose as Meskeoli of flowers, honeysuckle, “subtle and pretty”, that showed “oak aging”, “it was bigger, deeper color”, clean tasting.  Ranked 1st of the whites.

Callaghan Vineyards Sonoita Malvasia Bianca Ann’s 2014  $28

Pale straw color; similar honeysuckle and flowers on the nose; “Asian pear on the nose and palate”, “delicate, pretty”, “good”, “petrol”, “pungent floral”, “white German sausage!”  “Goes flat; grapefruit meets soap.”  

Dos Gabezas Cochise County Aguileon 2012  $30

Medium ruby color; creamy beetroot on the nose, spicy, “raisins”, “stone fruit qualities”, “at least no green flavors”, “a candied quality”.  Group Rank 2.

Callaghan Vineyards Sonoita Caitlin’s 2013  $38

Dark ruby color; earthy, tar, vegetable notes like V-8; very smooth on the palate with notes of “pepper”, “coffee”, “Marjoram”, “rose petals”, “cedar perfume dresser”, “leather”, “harsh on the finish”.  Group Rank 3

Callaghan Vineyards Sonoita The Padres 2013  $45

Medium ruby color; red berry fruit on the nose and palate, “it’s got Malbec character”, “silky”, “very enjoyable”, young, ripe, “caramelized fruit”, “cherry cola”, “tea notes”.  Group Rank 5

Callaghan Vineyards Sonoita Grenache 2013  $45

Bright medium ruby color; bright raspberry fruit on the nose and palate; silky on the palate, “dry alum”, “tomatoes meets grapes!”  Spice “black fruit notes”, “it’s a beast!” “Fruity on the finish.”  Group Rank 4.

Dos Gabezas Cochise County El Norte 2012  $28

Deep ruby color; nose of smoke, tar, spices, “great fruit!”, rhubarb notes, spicy, “it’s got a cherry on top!”, “chocolate mud”, “maple syrup,” “toasted hazelnuts”, “lot’s of structure.”  Group Rank 1.

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Champagne Rose’

Mark Thomasseau December 3, 2015

Starters

Paul Dethune Grand Cru Brut  $32

Pale color, lovely nose of nuts, oxidized notes; very creamy on the palate, a touch of oak shows through, that moves on to a clean finish.  Excellent!

Roederer Estate Brut Rose   $21

Pale chiffon color; pleasant nose of palate of cranberry, grapefruit, with just a touch of sweet CA fruit on the mid palate, giving it away that it is not French – but it’s a very tasty wine – great value!

Main Course

A. Margaine Brut Rose   $47

Pale rose color that reminded me of “salmon for days!”  It delivered great body and dusty fruit that would pair well with salmon, “man, that’s good”; it had a great fruit core, but finished very dry and linear on the palate. Group Rank 7, Points 67.

P. Louis Martin Brut Rose   $39

Darker in color, it was “stinky” on the nose, “it’s like eating a vegetable, ok with food, but on it’s own it’s too funky.” Group Rank 4, Points 51.

Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose   $58

Deep rose color, very rich and satisfying on the nose and palate, a touch of grapefruit, very small bubbles, and very flavorful on the finish. Group Rank 1, Points 44

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose   $80

Pale rose onion-skin color, complex on the nose, rich on the mid palate, orange peel notes on the long finish – good acidity! Group Rank 4, Points 51

Dosnon & Lepage Rose disgorged 6/13  $59

Pale but bright color, notes of strawberries, red berries, “that’s a steak!” “Meaty notes on the palate”, “it’s an oak-bomb!”  Rich and full on the palate. Group Rank 6, Points 58

Suenen Brut Rose disgorged 1/14 $39

Pale color, with smoke on the “complex nose”; a touch of oak on the palate, with tart peach, savory notes, “minty”, minerals on the dry finish – very tasty!  Group Rank 5, Points 57

Jean Vesselle Rose de Saignee   $55

Pale color, but very forward in personality, “guava”, “persimion and figs”, “Wrigley Juicy Fruit Gum”, minerals, smoky finish.  Group Rank 2, Points 49

Ruinart Burt Rose   $95

Pale dusty rose color; on the nose and palate some oxidized notes, grapefruit, “sweet yellow summer squash”, “strawberries”, “not a fan”. Group Rank 8, Points 75.

Drappier Rose NV  $32

Dark color, dark fruit “brioche on the nose”, rich on the palate, “creamy”, “with food works well”, “off-dry”, “it’s a good boring BF!”   Group Rank 9, Points 80.

Dessert

Broadbent Madeira Colheita 1996

Lovely tawny color, with a great nose of toffee, caramel, nutty, lifted with some citrus notes, “it tastes like a good IPA!”  Rich, full, sweet on the palate, but it has the acidity to reign it all in.  Delightful!

[crucutters]

Northern Rhone White and Red

September 23, 2015

Chartogne-Taillet Sainte Anne NV Disgorged 09/13 $45

Lovely biscuit, mineral, smoke, citrus and some funky character on the nose; it is creamy on the palate, “lemon chiffon”, “tart apples”, medium bodied that lacked length on the finish.

A Tale of Two Different Whites!

St. Joseph Blanc 2012 $36

Initially too cold and mute on the nose, as it warmed up it gave subtle notes of honey, “coconut”, “marzipan”, “center-ripe pears”, “petrol, nectarine, and hints of basil”; viscous on the palate, but with great acidity on the mid palate and finish.  This was very refined and versatile, pairing well with food.

St. Cosme Condrieu 2012 100% Viognier $75

Deeper yellow color; it is a fruit basket of MUCH, exotic, white flowers, “tangerine”, “honeysuckle”, “lychee fruit, peaches”, mineral notes over a texture as thick at motor oil; the nose just blasted out of the nose, but by the end of the evening is was a little less intense – but what an intense wine!

The Reds

Domine Faury IGP Syrah “L’Art Zele’ 2012 $32

Initially notes of sulfur that blew off showing beautiful crunchy raspberry, cherry flavors, “peppery”, “spicy”, “very rocky”, “great minerality and structure”. 

Group Rank 3, Points 34

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2011 $32

Notes of band-aides that blew off; dark cherry fruit and smoke showing through the deep “briary” fruit on the rich palate that brought along “olives”, “mushrooms”, and “plums”, on this tasty wine. 

Group Rank 4, Points 38

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2005 $32

Deep ruby color; notes of black cherry, asphalt, charcoal, and “herbal notes” on an aged round palate that showed “spice”, “pepper”, “leather, dusty”, “feels like a motorcycle!” 

Group Rank 2, Points 32

Domaine Durand Cornas Empreintes 2004 $40

Pale ruby bowl, “I think this is cooked!”  It had a nose of vegetable garbage, “Worcestershire Sauce”, olives, V-8 juice, brown sugar, “flat Kahlua!”, “soy sauce”, “balsamic vinegar”. 

Group Rank 5, Points 44

E. Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde 2003 $40

Deep healthy ruby color; initially it had a closed down nose, but then opened up with great black and red fruits and touches of menthol on the nose and palate; medium bodied; “f is a lovely wine!”  This was a lovely balanced wine that was a fine exclamation point to a great collection of wines. 

Group Rank 1, Points 18

We had another Guigal at Pete’s Cellar Treasures 11/13 that was lovely as well

Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde 1998

Lovely light ruby bowl color; on the nose is was a complex collection of spices that opened up with air to show fruit and vegetable notes that reminded me of V-8 (?); silky on the palate, mineral undertones with more oak coming through later in the glass.

[crucutters]

White and Red Tasting

Stephanie and Emile July 16, 2015

Domaine des Baumard – Comet Cleanser in a bottle!

Ampelidae Le S – this was like Churchill, flawed, but charming!

Pithon-Paille Cremant de Loire Brut de Chenin NV  $28

Deep straw color; on the nose oxidized notes, a little sharp, and on the palate of caramel, shellac, “nutty, pistachio”, “Normandy Apple Cider”, “lemon meringue”, “if you drank it quickly, not bad!”  Group Rank 6,

Vincent Caille Domaine Fay D’Homme 2009  $30

Pale color, “shellac nose”, very creamy and unctuous on the palate, “soft and pleasant”, with pear, touches of pineapple, and some salinity on the finish.  “It tastes like wood!”  “I hate puppies”.  Group Rank 5, Points 41.

Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2009  $25

Pale color; the nose smelled of “who farted?”  But fortunately it blew off with time in the glass.  Smelled of “Chenin”, “Retsina?”  “It makes my eyes itch”, “burnt marshmallows; it was rich, creamy, some egg pie on the palate, at the same time showing a line of minerality, “candied tar”, and “Comet Cleanser!”  Group Rank 7,

Ampelidae Le S 2006  $35

Deep yellow color, with diesel oil, beeswax, and lanolin on the nose; it is very thick and rich on the palate, “oh my, yummy!”  “Very wooded”, past its prime, but “a wonderful old lady!”  “Bitter almond on the finish, but I kept going back!”  Group Rank 3, Points 34.

Paul Buisse Chinon L’Exceptionnel 2005  $26

Healthy ruby color, but with an evolved nose of coffee, smoke, licorice, Luden’s cough drops, “hint of kerosene”, and charcoal; it was medium bodied, “green pepper city!”, but “hollow and short on the finish.”  Group Rank 2, Points 32.

Pithon-Paille Saumur-Champigny Dents de Pierre 2010  $35

Sweet cherry on the nose, spicy, very full and rich, with cranberry, “old charred oak”, “damp forest” and “lead pencil” notes on the mid palate and finish, “soft”, “charming”, “wonderful equilibrium and balance”.  Group Rank 4, Points 35.

Ampelidae Le K 2003  #35

Deep ruby color, very youthful!  It showed notes of soil, black cherry, “chocolate” and smoke on the nose and palate; very rich, “it’s a brute!”  “It’s a wine to spend the evening with!”  Group Rank 1, Points 15.

Domaine des Quarres Coteaux du Layon Rablay La Chesnaie 2005  $39

Deep straw color; lovely nose of butterscotch, grapefruit, quince; it is rich on the palate without being heavy; great acidity, “it is pure pleasure!”

[crucutters]

Cellar Treasures Dinner 2015

Café Presse June 4, 2015

Les entrees divers

Croque monsieur bites NW Grass Fed Beef tartare on toasted baguette with tomato-mustard chutney Yakima asparagus, oil poached albacore tuna, fingerling potatoes, creamy garlic-caper vinaigrette

Dom Perigon Oenotheque 1992

Pale, pale, copper (?) color; it is very rich on the nose, “that’s crazy good”, but very subtle, smoke and minerality; complex, still showing great acidity that brings it all together on the long finish.

Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut 2004 in magnum

This just blasts out of the glass, slaps you in the face with Champagne goodness!  Rich, bready, yeasty, “it is loud, young”; it’s got a lemon, citrus core that is almost like lemon custard; great finish, this has a long life.

Palourdes sautees a la crème safranee Penn Cove clams simmered with cream, saffron, jowl bacon, and spring onions, with garlic bread crumbs

Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2013

Watery color; a subtle nose of tropical and floral notes; it is creamy and full on the palate without being heavy; great balance; it went really well with the Penn Cove clams.

Chateau Guiraud “Le G de Chateau Guiraud” 2011

An intense nose dominated by the Sauvignon Blanc; sweet pea, grass, pea shoots; it is big, rich, oily and thick on the palate with oak showing through on the mid-palate; it turned a little sharp on the finish.

Saucisse a l’agneau et au porc, ragout aux flageolets et aux morilles Grilled house made lamb-pork sausage served on a spring ragout of flageolet beans, asparagus, peas, morels and watercress

Archery Summit Estate Pinot Noir 2005

Deep healthy color; it showed a lovely raspberry, berry and spice on the nose and palate; it was rich and deep on the palate, but had a great lightness and acidity to keep it interesting.  “This is the wine that paired really well with the sausage!”

Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 1988

Great ruby color!  It had a great nose of iron, spices, and fading plum fruits – I just loved the nose, very fresh, but the palate showed it’s age with earth and dirt taking front stage over the faded fruit; the finish was thinning out and fading; but what a treat!

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2001

Great ruby color!  These Italians are tight!  Black cherry with a touch of brown sugar, floral notes on a lithe and structured frame; there is great acidity and tannins on the long finish; this has a way to go!

Tenuta Carlina Brunello di Montalcino La Togata 2004

Quite tight!  But this shows a lot of power on a more elegant frame; great deep fruit that turns long on the tannic finish.  This will have a great life, but is quite tight now.

Assiette de fromage et sa salade verte aux noisettes Selection of house aged cheeses, served with Bibb lettuce salad dressed with hazelnut-orange vinaigrette

Pavie Les Aromes de Pavie 2005

Deep, dark color; the nose was muted – very frustrating, because you knew there was so much more that could be shown, but NOT!  The palate showed more red fruits, and the acidity from the Right Bank was keeping everything in check.

Chateau Duhart-Milon 2003

My god, what a slut!  This wine was rockin’ the house tonight.  Right out of the box it came on like gangbusters, with great black fruits, smoke, tobacco, and great velvety mouth-feel.  It all came together!

Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2007

Black in color; deep black berry fruit on the nose and palate; great depth and intensity of fruit on the palate; for me the oak on the mid-palate became a distraction, but for others they thought it reminded them of a Bordeaux, and loved it.

Araujo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard 2006

Deep color; smoke “gets in your eye”, black fruit on the nose and palate.  This was Frank’s WTON, but for me, again, the oak overran the mid-palate, and I just couldn’t get past that.  Maybe it needs even more time to let things integrate.  The good thing is it is very flavorful without being heavy or thick.

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2001

Deep ruby color, with a nose that just sucked you in, it was subtle, but deep.  Great fruit on the nose and silky palate that showed a great streak of minerality, and a finish that goes on and on – “that is so good!”

Gateau au chocolat Dense chocolate cake served with crème anglais and local strawberries

Graham Porto Vintage 2000

What a way to end a FABULOUS evening!  Deep in color, sweet juicy boysenberry fruit and intense spices that went well with the chocolate cake!  This wine was deep, rich, balanced, and drinking SO FINE.

[crucutters]

Leonetti Smackdown 2005-08 - Scott and Shelby Milne: April 30, 2015

Cherrier Freres Sancerre les 7 hommes 2012  $9 Stephanie called this after a sniff, “Sancerre?”  You go girl!

Great nose of citrus, grapefruits, and minerals; very viscous, sweet citrus fruit on the palate that was cleaned up beautifully with great acidity.  What a deal at $9!

Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2005

Deep dark color with dark fruit on the nose, black cherries, chocolate notes, and some secondary notes; on the palate it was big, rich, like velvet, “egg and iodine that is just great!”  Group Rank 5, Points 45

Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2006

Black in color; this had a dirty note on the nose, earthy, horsey, with some ETOH on the nose that blew off much later; this was BIG, rich, beautiful “crushed plums” on the palate, but for me lacked length on the finish.  Group Rank 7, Points 62

Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2007

Again, deep, dark color; a great nose of dried cherries, graphite, chocolate, bringing “quite amazing flavors on the nose”; very rich on the palate with chewy fruit leather, “charred fruit”, “burned cranberries”.  Group Rank 6, Points 47

Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2008

Black in color; sour cherry and plum notes; this was a massive, gorgeous wine, that was rich, ripe, with some “spicy sausage and anchovy thing going on”; it was great on the mid-palate on long finish.  Group Rank 4, Points 42

Leonetti Cellar Reserve Walla Walla Valley 2005

A nose of sweet cherry fruit, it reminded me of Grenache!  It had great fruit, “yummy!”  “It had 12 pack abs!”  It had good balance, tannic structure, and a great finish.  Group Rank 2, Points 29

Leonetti Cellar Reserve Walla Walla Valley 2006

Deep, dark color; there was dark Raspberry blasting out on the nose and palate; great silky fruit that was polished, dense and massive on the palate.  This is a baby, showing a little ETOH heat glow on the finish that blew off with time in the glass.  Group Rank 1, Points 23

Leonetti Cellar Reserve Walla Walla Valley 2007

Sweet Bing Cherries on the nose and palate, with beautiful “faint pepper, olives, and green pepper”, “chocolate notes”, “pepper steak and chocolate”; a great balance of richness and tannins on the finish.  Group Rank 3, Points 32

Leonetti Cellar Reserve Walla Walla Valley 2008

Can we take more black color in the wine?  This is an abundance of richness!  Notes of menthol, cherries, and herbs on big primary fruit that shows a lot of promise, but is not as developed.  Group Rank 8, Points 80

[crucutters]

Greek Reds - Joshua Curtis: January 15, 2015

Starter

Forge Cellars Finger Lakes Riesling 2012 $20+

Lovely nose of petrol, a deep core of minerality, with “lemon custard”, and “leche nut” on a delicate frame, but very flavorful and satisfying; it seemed more German in style than most WA Rieslings.

Thymiopoulos Xinomavro Uranos 2009 $28

Dark ruby color; it has a candied fruit nose with spices, white pepper, and a touch of asphalt; on the palate it was “blowsy”, “lots of residual sugar on the finish”. Group Rank 2, Points 33

Domaine Spiropoulos Agiorgitiko Red Stag Nemea 2010 $19

Medium ruby bowl; light flavors of “tea, peat”, “dried cherries, wet wool”, “80% cacao”, “and a metallic fishiness!” It was “tannic and bitter” on the dry finish. Group Rank 4, Points 38

Ktima Pavlidis Thema Red Drama 2008 $27 (60% Syrah)

It was very dark in color; with sweet dark raspberry twizzlers on the nose; dark, rich and sweet berry fruit on the palate. Group Rank 1, Points 28

Domaine Mercouri 2007 $27

Dark ruby color; it had a sweaty horse nose that would not blow away! Emile loved this wine! It also showed an asphalt character, “poopy diapers”, earthy, “leathery”, “pruned”, “past it’s prime”, but “complex with richness”, “good body”, “not over oaked”. Group Rank 5, Points 40

1. The traditional estate red Refosco in two styles: Refosco Mercouri and Refosco dal Penducolo Rosso. This variety is Italian in origin, but it is also found in France under the name Mondeuse Noir, and in Dalmatia and elsewhere.

Gaia Agiorgitiko by Gaia 2011 $30

Dark ruby color; it had a muted nose that never really opened up! On the palate it was candied twizzlers; “garlic pits”, sweet, reminded Dave of CdP, “cherry plum”, “more personality”, “balanced”, “ETOH on the finish”, “delightful but overblown! Group Rank 6, Points 42

Thymiopoulos Xinomavro Young Vines 2012 $17

Cherry Kool-Aid on the nose, with candied raspberries, “tomato juice meets Kool-Aid”, “cherry cola and polished wood”, but it does have a dry finish. Group Rank 3, Points 34

[crucutters]

Champagne 2014 - Vintage 2002 and some Surprises: December 3, 2014

Great consistency among the Vintage 2002 wines - Bravo to Champagne!

Avennia Yakima Valley Sauvignon Blanc Oliane 2013 $25

Pale straw color; it had a great vanillin, pear, and citrus notes on the nose; very rich and full in the mouth with the oak coming through on the center of the palate to a long finish that shows it balancing acidity. It was great with food.

Veuve A. Devaux Cuvee Millesimee 2002 $85

Fresh nose of bread, almonds, “caramel”, “raised donuts that are glazed”, very smooth on the broad palate with great acidity keeping things taut. Group Rank 4, Points 73

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Millesime 2002 $75

Fresh and clean on the nose showing great minerality, green apple fruit; bold and creamy on the palate, “that improved” with “minty”, “hazelnut” notes. Group Rank 6, Points 83

Saint-Chamant a Epernay Brut Cuvee de Chardonnay 2002 $63

Aged oxidized notes on the nose with almonds, brioche, “briny”; on the broad and rich palate that was “super malty, like nut brown ale!” It also showed “Cantaloupe musty character with dry cider notes”. Group Rank 7, Points 87

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Cuvee Palmes d’Or 2002 $101

It began with a very fresh nose of almonds, pear fruit, “cedar”, and “floral” notes; very clean on the palate, “most consistent through the evening”, “spice”, “great balance”, “delicious”. Group Rank 3, Points 72

Moutard Pere & Fils Vieux Millesime 2002 $45

Varnish on the nose joined with toasted almonds, “hard cider” notes; on the palate it showed a green apple meets egg nog, “meaty”, “yeasty”, very rich in the mouth, but just lacking a little on the finish to give it enough zest to push it all the way. A QPR leader! Group Rank 5, Points 75

Boizel Brut Millesime 2002 $48

It’s a great cream nose, that was rich, with broad oak and brioche notes; yeast, “cola”, “caramel”, “nuts”, and pear flavors on the palate that were great up front, but turned “sharp and acidic” on the finish. Group Rank 10, Points 96

Charles Ellner Brut Prestige 2002 $48

Good color, but an oxidized and flat nose, showing “cigar”, “almond marzipan into honey” notes; “it was not precise”, “Aha – crisp, bold, good color”, “big citrus”. Frank says, “I have a lot of these in my cellar.” Group Rank 11, Points 106

Bruno Paillard Assemblage Brut 2002 $75

Pale color; it had a creamy brioche nose, with almonds, baked pie, and “bread pudding notes; it was “consistent”, “great with the butter nut soup (which rocked on it’s own!). Group Rank 8, Points 90.

Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2002 $120

Very rich on the nose, with cream, lanolin; sweet on the palate with egg whites, “less toast”, “grapefruit notes”, “light on the palate”. Group Rank 9, Points 93

From Frank

Henri Giraud Grand Cru “Code Noir” NV $110

This nose just popped out from the rest of the pack with a metallic smoke (in a good way), “that just got better and better”; fresh, “mouth-filling bubbles”, “steely”, “brilliant”, “like great stinky cheese!” It had a great long finish. Group Rank 1, Points 31.

Claude Genet Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvee de Prestige Millesime 2005 $57

High-toned, “K is for Kick Ass!” “It had a slow build-up then it opens up”, “creamy, “rich”, “luscious” with “caramel”, “apple cider”; “the finish is amazing”. Group Rank 2, Points 59

Dessert

Vilmart & Cia Ratafia de Champagne 2004 (100% Pinot Noir) $63 – From Stephanie and Emile

A fortified dessert wine from Champagne! A pale rose color that showed sweet brandy roses; very rich on the palate that went wonderfully with the Orange Cake brought by Chris and Bruce!

[crucutters]

Cellar Treasures 2014 Pete’s Burien “Lair” October 26, 2014

Assorted cheeses and breads

Taittinger Champagne NV It is very fresh and crisp, with apples, ginger, and a touch of citrus on the nose and palate; a wonderful starter for the evening.

Claude Genet Champagne Grand Cru Brut 2005 Light golden color with a broad and rich nose of bread dough, yeast, nuts, and a bit of cream; on the palate the richness continued but with a very fresh beam of acidity that brought wonderful life to those great flavors. This was one of the WOTN for Frank.

King Salmon filets caught and cooked by David with help from Frank

Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut 1995 Magnum This wine is a bruiser! Deep yellow color; big, rich, with notes of brioche, honey, nuts, burnt sugar; “buttered popcorn, theatre in a good way!” It has great length, power and intensity, but still clean and crisp on the finish.

Arnaud Ente Meursault 2005 Pale straw color; it is very fresh, subtle, but unfortunately was bludgeoned by the power of Cristal! It showed butterscotch notes, dill, a touch of cream and hazelnut, with a pleasant crisp finish. It’s a very tasty wine.

Adelsheim Polk County Seven Springs Vineyard 1996 Magnum Warm ruby bowl that showed a touch of aging; it was “a lovely old lady, that was like a Gentleman’s farmer’s version of earthy”; “big yum”, showing spices, black cherry notes, stemmy, candied rose hips, that held it’s flavors nicely in the glass. It was very tasty.

Sage and Fennel rubbed Pork Shoulder Roasted Winter Vegetables Vegetable Gratin

Henri Badoux Le Lizard Rouge (Gamay, Pinot Noir, Gamaret) Vaud Switzerland 2012 Dark ruby color; it showed high-toned berry fruit that had cranberry notes; flowery on the nose, that was intense and ferocious on the palate. Quite interesting!

Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2000 Great color, very healthy; talk about tobacco, this wine has it on the nose in spades! “Green pepper notes that blew off”; delicious, “fuzzy herbal notes; rich, great black fruits that was very elegant and refined in nature. Very tasty!

Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1973 Dark ruby bowl with some bricking on the edge; such promise! It delivered with dark red fruits on warm bricks; some tomato juice, charcoal, and pruned notes; it was amazing with good power, length, and a fine finish that lasted over an hour in the glass before it started to fade. Bravo!

Sleight of Hand Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain The Black Circle Scooteney Flats Vineyard 2010 in Magnum Talk about dark color; very hedonistic with fresh crushed berries, black cherries, spices, that was fat and rich. Talk about a sloppy kiss! You walk away smiling and woozy!

Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Dark color in the bowl that showed charcoal, blackberry, herbal notes, “mint, basil” that was deep, concentrated, tightly wound, that had power but still had some elegance as it delivered it’s youthful fruit. This has a long life ahead!

Cardinale Napa Valley Red Wine 2004 Dark, very tight that opened up with decanting; spicy, yummy, “young Napa at it’s finest!” Big black fruit, with big tannins on the finish to match; another tasty wine!

Francisco Rinaldo et Figli Barolo 2007 A classic styled Barolo that spent @ 2 hours in the decanter; lovely deep color; it had a high-toned flowery nose with notes of tar and roses; great cranberry tones on that palate that was rich, youthful and quite flavorful. Again, another youthful wine that needs some years to unfurl its’ riches.

Fruit tart, Flourless Chocolate Cake

Theo Schmitz-Schwaab Reisling Urziger Wurzgarten Spatlese 1994 Pale color that was very fresh on the nose with fragrant flowers, “honeysuckle”; great flavors that was light and lingering on the palate. Great flavors on a lithe frame – very tasty!

Weins-Prum Reisling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 2001 A little more weight than the Theo that was more intense on the nose with pear, tangerine flavors that filled the mouth with “staying power”, it then went on to a long finish – excellent.

Christophe Riefle Grand Cru Steinert Gewürztraminer 2004 Deep golden color; what a powerhouse of leche nuts and spicy fruit; it is big and rich up front that turned a little short and bitter on the finish.

Blue Cheeses

Cockburn’s Vintage Port 1983 Corked! But underneath was great sweet fruit that would have been such a treat, but it was not to be.

[crucutters]

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Bruce, Chris and Tobias Vino Nobile di Montepulciano April 30, 2014

“Put A on the side of the house! It’s like purple paint!” “C smells like when you’re pulling up carrots from the garden”, “yes, like beef and carrots.”

La Colombera Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Il Montino 2009 $35 Yellow golden color with notes of citrus, orange peel, nectarine and minerals on the viscous palate that tended to show a little alcohol heat as it warmed up in the glass. It is very complex, with a lot of character.

Masciarelli Marina Cvetic S. Martino Rosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009 $26 Ruby/purple color, dusty, rich and spicy nose; deep, extracted, with rough tannins; “this is like a Gigolo”, “Purple Haze”, “it smells like rubber with sweat.” It is aged in oak from Turkey. Group Rank 2, Points 38

Tenuta TorCalvano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2009 $24 Ruby color; cranberry, menthol, and tomato on the nose; “cherries”, “marshmallows”, “jammy”, very smooth and rich up front, but tends to thin out on the simple and light finish. Group Rank 7, Points 63

Tenuta Valdipiatta Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2010 $27 Deep color with a stinky, leafy tobacco nose, “that smells like when you’re pulling up carrots from the garden”, “beef and carrots”; medium bodied, a touch of vanillin on the finish; “it reminds me of Tuna Melt and Cheddar cheese.” Aged in Slovenian Oak. Group Rank 3, Points 43

Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2010 $25 Cherry, “shellac”, and “Mesquite smoke on the nose, sweet cough drop notes, elegant, that had a lot of class, balanced. Group Rank 1, Points 25

Fattoria Del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2010 $17 Medium color; complex cherry, leaf, stems, and minerals, “light on the nose”; bright”, “soft, vanillin, and balanced”, “meaty on the palate”, but “disappears on the finish”. Group Rank 5, Points 54

Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2007 $27 Lighter ruby bowl; notes of saddle, lanolin, black cherry, and “maple bar”; rich and smooth, showing “green pepper”, “elegant”, “tomato acid”, “balanced” on the mid-palate, that turns a bit rough on the finish. Group Rank 4, Points 50

Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2011 $30 Deep color; high toned on the nose, with touches of “varnish” on the “open nose”, “peppermint”; less rich than E; smooth up front, “lovely balance”, caramel notes? It is very tasty. Group Rank 6, Points 62

Azienda Agricola Canneto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2009 $19 Medium ruby color; lavender soap, “cedar”, “smoky” and “metallic” notes on the nose; smooth, a mouthful of wine, “structured”, “tart”, with a “beautiful finish.” Group Rank 8, Points 63