Tuesday, July 31, 2012

DaVero Falco Consumnes River Vermentino 2010 Wine Review (NW)


Tasting notes (2009 label shown above, 2010 wine reviewed):

Fragrant spicy pear on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Rich finish of citrus and apples with a nice beam of acidity

Summary:

Here's an extremely small production Vermentino from California.  While DaVero doesn't make much of this wine, it's a beauty that demonstrates the potential for this Italian varietal in California.  There's a lot of expressive fruit flavor with nice acidity and an overall pleasing profile.

I purchased this at the winery for $22 and opened it with family the following evening.  Raise a glass!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Pancake Cellars Big Day White 2011 wine review by (PB)


Straw hue with big fruity bouquet of ripe stone/tropical fruit and touches of vanilla.

Palate--Vibrant acidity--a good start!--with nice summer fruit in abundance with peach and apricot at the end.

This is a Trader Joe's wine from Paso Robles and blended from 7 different grapes. I tend not to like such wines as they come off as what they are; a hodge-podge of non-descript juice. BUT--I actually like this wine so don't be dissuaded by the hokey label.

Chill this puppy down for a hot summer quencher/aperitif and at $7 you can raise a glass or two. It would also pair quite well with a variety of foods from Asian to seafood.


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon wine reveiw by (PB)


Garnet hue with big blackberry and plum aromas that are overcrowded by green vegetal aromas. Alcohol is way overboard.

Palate--Soft, even plush tannins,on a velvety foundation with bready fruit, subdued dark fruit and a charcoal, woody finish. WOW!

After a really poor start on the nose, this Chilean varietal from the Maipo Valley is nothing like what I was expecting after smelling it. In the mouth, this Cabernet is nearly sensual and seductive with strong Cabernet flavors but an elegant texture.

I found this lone bottle on closeout at a local supermarket for $12. I'm glad I grabbed it. This wine used to be a favorite of mine about 5 years ago. It was always a good value and solid. I just eased away from Chilean wines but this may bring me back. Raise a glass!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Qupe Roussanne 2007 wine review by (PB)


Pale golden hue

Loads of creme Brulee with elusive fruit notes--melon?

Palate--Citrus front with a razor edge acidity and long lasting fruity finish.

(NW) of this blog grabbed this on one of our recent hunting trips (wine hunting that is) and it delivered all the way around. Rousanne is typically not a varietal wine grape but a mixing grape in numerous Rhone style white wines.

This one was juicy and well made with sturdy presence all around. My first thought would have been--This is a Chardonnay--and I wondered why this fine grape hasn't been more widely produced as a varietal. I'm still wondering.

At any rate, it was delicious on a hot summer day with a skirt steak salad under a shade tree. About $35--a nice summer treat so raise glass.

Chateau De Manissy Rose (Cuvee Des Lys) Tavel 2011 wine reveiw by (PB)


Beautiful watermelon juice hue that shimmers.

Bouquet is very light due to the chill on the wine; Fresh raspberry/cranberry fruit up front with a slight eraser odor.

Palate--Juicy fresh summer fruit described above with a structured foundation and a minerally finish.

Roses used to be soda pop wines that the wine appreciating public wound not drink. About the only notable region of the world producing a rose of any mention was Tavel, (Rhone) France. Today however, roses are being produced in many parts of the world with some real care and thus the wines are growing in popularity--and price... Expect to pay in the mid-teens and above for a rose with some real wine character if not a sense of place. Raise a glass

Friday, July 20, 2012

Over The Edge Pinot Noir (Marlborough) 2010 wine review by (PB)


Looks nearly rose-ish on the pour and yet rather dark in the glass.

Bouquet is rather straight forward with primarily big strawberry aromas and other light berry scents.

Palate--Wowing presence with loads of vibrant red fruits and immense burst of all kinds of spices and wonderful complexity. Cinnamon and glorious fruit laden Chinese spices with a touch of smoke on the finish and a lingering reminder of fat-laden berry Pinot from New Zealand can be.

This was a $20 wine on sale for $16. Sheer enjoyment; raise a glass!!!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Astoria Sparkling Moscato Lounge wine review by Billy

Nose: citrus and stone smells
Palate: sweet orange flavors in the mouth and a mouth-coating honeydew sweetness.  The bubbles are soft and gentle but provide a nice counterpoint to the sweetness and prevent the wine from becoming cloying.
Finish: gentle orange blossom finish.
Overall: Lazy bubbles meander to the top of the glass. This Italian sparkling wine is a blend of Prosecco and Moscato grapes.  I paid about $10 for this at a local wine store.  It is a nice sweet wine that is great in the summer and with spicy meals. 

 Raise a Glass!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Babich Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) 2011 wine review by (PB)


Straw hue with pronounced aromas of grass and guava paste. Citrus foundation with tropical fruit; nice!

Palate--Mouth watering, razor sharp acidity with vibrant lime, ripe pineapple hint and a lingering finish.

This is classic New Zealand S. Blanc and because of its racy acidity it may be too much for some but I love it. I paid $13 for it on sale from $16 so raise a glass!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 Wine review by (PB)

Solid cherry hue with great cherry bouquet with sweet cocoa, some wood and steal. Awesome!

Palate--Perfectly integrated with cherry, tobacco, loads of herbs and balanced complexities that a harmonious and drinking superbly. Delicious!

I grabbed this from one of my favorite stores out of state and paid $19 for it. I wish I had several more as this is drinking perfectly and will hold for several years.

This is Chianti Classico from the great 07 vintage in all its glory and is worth seeking out. For the money it is a grand deal so raise a glass!

Casa LaPostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Cuvee Alexander "Apalta Vineyard" wine review by (PB)


Deep, black cherry/garnet hue to the rim, nearly inky in appearance.

Bouquet--Cherry black cherry up front but soon eclipsed by vegetal notes of green pepper, cedar and perhaps some licorice.

Palate--Bold, stern wine that is immature yet showing what it's made of. The fruit is subdued by the other complexities and is utterly angular with a chewy tannic foundation.

This is a good example of a wine that is going to be really NICE but needs a few years to allow all the separate elements to come together in complimentary fashion. This is a Chilean Cab which sells for around $22 or higher. I found this one lone bottle in a close out bin for $11.50. I wish I had another to lay down for another 5 years as this should be one powerful Cabernet! Raise a glass in a few more years!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Simonnet-Febvre Chabils 2009 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Bright apple and melon on the nose

Medium bodied on the palate

Tart finish with good acidity, citrus and mineral tones

Summary:

Chablis is remarkable wine!  Made from Chardonnay, it can exhibit tropical fruit and apple along with a tartness and acidity like no other Chardonnay in the world.  Top Chablis can age for several decades in the cellar, but this wine is meant to be enjoyed young.  It's extremely versatile with food and with the setting, so don't be afraid to pop the cork and pour this any time.  Expect to pay around $18 or so, and raise a glass!

Bodegas Ondarre Rioja Reserva 2004 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Rich, stewed black cherry and berries with spice on the nose

Medium bodied and silky on the palate

Ultra-smooth finish with fine-grained texture, dark plum, smoky notes, and vanilla

Summary:

Integrated, relaxed, and smooth, this wine is drinking beautifully right now.  Rioja, made from the Tempranillo grape, has the ability to show elegance, rich flavor, and silky texture when done well.  Here's a real treat for under $20.  In fact, this is an extraordinary bargain at $16 which is what I paid.  Grab it if you find it because this vintage is probably sold out in a lot of places.  Raise a glass!

Friday, July 06, 2012

Santa Cristina 2009 wine review by (PB)


Gripping dark black cherry hue with intense Sangiovese bouquet of rich cherry, a touch of cocoa, daffodil and spice.

Palate--Artisinally made with rich varietal fruit, slightly sour pie cherry, and Tuscan all the way. Cabernet/Merlot lends a bit of the intense color I suspect.

One swallow and this wine continues to a nice finish.

This is a great wine for the price made by the master Antinori. I paid $9 and it is well worth half again as much.

Raise a glass to this classic Italian!

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2010 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Leather and blackberry
Palate: Nice feel of rich tobacco and plum  Very soft acids and tannin that only hint they are there.
Finish: Too quick and short..
Overall: We were sent this bottle free of charge to review.  Special thanks to Megan Carroll of Allison+Partners for providing the samples to The Wine Cask Blog. This is a very accessible wine with a nice nose and a rich mouth feel.  It is an easy entry into more complex wines for the casual drinker. Raise a Glass!

Trinchero Sauvignon Blanc 2011 wine review by Billy

Nose: fig, oak & pineapple
Palate: smooth, soft acids, with pear and apple flavors
Finish: bright finish of grass and green grapes.
overall: shared the bottle with NW.  I picked up two on a BOGO sale for $25.  Serve this well chilled.  It is light and easy drinking.  Overall it is an average Sauvignon Blanc.  If you want an easy drinking summer white, this is ok.  If you're looking for a killer Sauvignin Blanc at a similar price, go for the Marlboro New Zealand wines.  Raise a glass

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne NV Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Lively, bubbly nose of green apple and lemon

Medium bodied on the palate

Good acidity and tartness on the finish with fresh fruit and floral notes

Summary:

Here's one of the classic non-vintage Champagnes.  The bubbles are intense and persistent on opening, and the flavors are fresh and inviting.  Enjoy as an aperitif, with appetizers, or as a late night toast as I did with Billy of The Wine Cask Blog and our wives.  Thanks for the treat, Billy!

Expect to pay around $40, which is right in the range for good non-vintage Champagne from the classic Champagne houses.  And raise a glass!


Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2006 wine review by (PB)


Pretty gentle to stronger lemon yellow Hue

Vibrant bouquet of cantaloupe, melon with solid mandarin orange and a touch of stone fruit with a hint of pineapple Lifesavers!

Palate – awesome structure with vibrant acidity carrying wonderfully ripe mandarin orange. A beam of oh-so slight citrus and prominent apricot with a ripe apricot finish that lingers.

I have had several bottles of this wine finding it on closeout for $10 when it runs twice that or more.

This is now at absolute peak perfection from all the ones that I judged it against of the same year. Worth seeking out but drink it NOW and raise a glass!

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010 Wine Review (NW)


Tasting notes:

Pear and tropical fruit notes on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Rich finish of stone fruit and spice with a touch of vanilla

Summary:

This wine packs in lots of flavor, with ripe fruit notes accented by spice and vanilla.  If you like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you should give this wine a try.  It's a bit less acidic and has rounder edges than a Sauvignon Blanc, but it still has the bright fruit character.  Expect to pay around $15 and raise a glass!

Domaine Galevan l"Esprit Devin Cotes du Rhone Village 2009 Wine Review (NW)


Tasting notes:

Big, spicy cherry and raspberry on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Long, dense finish with spicy dark fruit, fig, and spice

Summary:

This wine is an excellent Cotes du Rhone Village, possibly the best I've ever had.  It tastes like a Chateauneuf du Pape with dense fruit and spice layers that deliver intensity and a depth of flavor.  I paid $20, which is a good price.

Serve with hearty food, like roasted meat with rich sauces.  Raise a glass!