Chevalier Aerating Wine Glass Sponsored Review by Billy

From time to time we at The Wine Cask Blog receive wine related objects to review. Click here to see PB's double-blind review of the glass. This is one such object and a very unique one at that. The Chevalier Aerating Wine Glass is a beautiful full size wine glass with a unique, perforated bowl on a stem in the center of the main bowl. As you pour your wine into the small center bowl, the perforations allow the wine to cascade into the main bowl. The idea is that as the wine is split and fountains into the main bowl, its surface area increases thereby increasing its exposure to the air. Most reds and many white wines improve with exposure to air. This is called "breathing" the wine and is one reason why many wines are decanted prior to serving.

I decided to review the glass with a wine I've not tasted before: Penfold's Bin 28 2006 Kalimna Shiraz from Southern Australia. I selected this wine because I typically like Shiraz to breathe before drinking it and because I did not have any predispositions for or against this wine.

I performed a blind test by pouring a newly opened Shiraz into the Chevalier glass and then having my assistant pour this into a "regular" wine glass which I tasted next to another regular glass of the Shiraz that did not first go through the Chevalier. Here are the results:
Glass 1:
Nose: raisin, chocolate and earthy plum spice
Palate: smooth and round with plush tannins and a soft acid core.
Finish: long and even with dried sage, blackberry and more chocolate notes.

Glass 2:
Nose: tobacco, peppery spice and herbal tones
Palate: sharp acids followed by plush tannins for a warm core.
Finish: chocolate and blackberry on a medium long finish

Glass 1 was the Chevalier aerated wine and glass 2 was the wine poured straight from the bottle.

Overall: As this test shows the Chevalier wine glass works. It quickly opens up and softens the wine. This process would otherwise require decanting and/or an hour or so of breathing.

That said, there is one drawback to the glass. The glass is a bit thicker than a traditional crystal wine glass. The lip of the glass, especially, is thick and bulky. It doesn't feel great on my lips. However the time savings in getting a great, pre-breathed glass of hearty red makes up for either the un-elegance of a thicker glass or the bother of pouring it into another glass.

This would make an interesting and fun gift for the wine lover in your life and a conversation piece during the holidays.

Raise a glass!

Luce 2006 sponsored wine review by Billy

Nose:cracked pepper and spicy licorice notes and hints of vanilla . Many layers.
Palate:juicy and lucid with firm acids and understated tannins that are not weak but are not strong either. This creates a less heavy wine with the characteristics of the Sangiovese while retaining the presence and gravity of the Merlot.
Finish: nice juicy finish with spicy heat and berries
Overall:Noticeable Merlot spice complements the juicy Sangiovese. We had this open and breathing for 3 hours before tasting. Accessible, open. The wonderful folks from Folio Wines sent us this wine to review. I brought it with me on a visit / taste-cation with PB so that we could review it together. We both enjoyed this immensely while being impressed specifically with the layered crafting of this incredibly fine Super Tuscan. This is a special bottle on any occasion and will run you a pretty penny for the privilege. I have seen it online for around $85 -95. But, in the words of Ferris Bueler, "...It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Raise a Glass.

Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) Reserve Tapestry 2006 wine review by Billy

This is a classic Napa Valley red. You'll see it in stores referred to as "BV" and it is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec.

Nose: blueberry jam, smoke, cedar
Palate: soft and lush with delightfully smoky notes on the palate. Impressive but not overbearing Tannins, dark fleshy fruit notes (plums) and ever so slight peppery spice.

Finish: lighter berry hints on the finish, even some strawberry.

Overall: Wonderful new world style red. Complex and structured, evenly crafted and juicy. At $26 a steal. This wine typically is seen for $45 - 50. We had this wine at a family reunion with PB and NW and me all in the same place at the same time. These rare occasions always involve reviewing some really special wine and this was no exception. Be sure to see PB and NW's reviews as well.

Raise a Glass!

Masi Campofiorin 2006 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

At the pour this Masi 2006 Campofiorin (aka Ripasso) looks like a deep Zinfandel or Merlot but with the clarity and dazzle of a lighter bodied red.
Nose: Blueberries, lavender, smoke and a hint of spicy vanilla.
Palate: Thin on the palate with soft acids and weak tannins. It is balanced but lacks the plush feel and well defined layers of a heartier wine.
Finish: More berries on the finish and, here is the interesting part, this is where the majority of the character from this bottle emerges. There is some acid and tannin play intermingled with the smoky berries.
Overall: This bottle of Masi Campofiorin 2006 red wine was sent to the Wine Cask Blog free of charge for a review. I have seen it in stores and online for about $15.00. Thanks to Folio Wine Partners for providing the samples. If you are looking for a fruit forward red wine this is not it. With time this wine is opening to reveal additional layers that add more character. However, the layers are phyllo dough thin. This is a wine that can be enjoyed by sitting down and studying it. But for an easier drinking and more accessible wine, select something else.

Either way, Raise a Glass!

Maryhill Winery 2006 Sangiovese Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose:Heady plum, spicy cloves and dry loam
Palate:Spicy and warm. Lighter body than the nose would suggest. Vanilla notes come forward.
Finish: warm and lingering with some heat and "spikiness" that slightly detracts from an otherwise delightful wine.
Overall: This wine was sent to The Wine Cask Blog by Maryhill Winery for free in exchange for a review. This is a heavier Sangiovese wine that is packed full of flavors and character. With very nice spice and plum smells the mouth feel is quite nice. The spikiness at the back may come from tightness that will open up and relax as the wine continues to breathe. It shows mature and even slightly older in the glass than I would have expected.

After about an hour of breathing the spikiness at the back of the finish has given way to delicious violets and vanilla notes. Delightful.

A very nice Sangiovese from the Columbia River Valley in Washington state.

Raise a Glass!

Elk Cove Vineyards 2006 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Wine Reveiw by Billy

Nose:Classic Pinot nose of earthy musk (which is just a nice way of saying "sweaty gym socks") and lush berry undertones.
Palate: juicy strawberry around a firm acid core. The tannins are a bit prickly.
Finish: Red Berries persist as does the lush and juicy texture. Some chalk stone characteristics underlie a medium finish.
Overall: I paid about $25 for this if I remember correctly. This is a bit steep though not unfair. If I saw this for 5 or 10 less I would pick up several bottles to have on hand. If you are looking for a solid pinot made in the US of A you really cannot go wrong with Elk Cove 2006 Pinot Noir. This is a lighter red wine. Not as dense as a Cabernet or Shiraz. It is easy to drink and classy. Look for it at your local store and pick up one bottle at any price. If you see it for under $20 pick up several.

Raise a Glass!

Clary ranch Grower's Reserve 2006 Shazzam! Syrah Sponsored Review by Billy

Nose: Earthy, Stony, and Vegetal. Jammy asparagus and wild mushroom nose. Interesting for a Syrah.
Palate: Pepper emerges on the palate. Good balance of smooth tannin and acid core for a lush mouth feel.
Finish: Long with jammy plum and pepper after time.
Overall: This wine was provided to The Wine Cask Blog free of charge by Clary Ranch. The usual syrah/shiraz flavor profiles are swapped in this 2006 Clary Ranch Shazzam! for more vegetal, earth centered flavors. The flavors of the land are much more prominent here than in other Syrah wines which makes this unique. The rich jammy character of this wine combined with good crafting yields a great mouth feel with an interesting nose and flavor profile. If you are looking for a Syrah that is unique while still well crafted, raise a glass of Clary Ranch Grower's Reserve 2006 Shazzam! Sonoma Coast Syrah.

Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2006 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose:Deep jammy plum, cherry and cracked black pepper predominate. Cedar and leather undertones provide complexity.
Palate: Excellent balance with good acid structure and tannins that are not overbearing or underyoung. Hints of vanilla and cherry emerge on the palate.
Finish:Soft and lingering vanilla cherry cola taper off to a slight tannin pucker.
Overall: This wine was sent to The Wine Cask Blog free of charge for review. However, I have seen it online in the $9-$15 price range. It is a deep inky red in the glass showing youth and character. 2006 was a good year in South Australia for the wineries and this 2006 Jacob's Creek shows it. The crafting is solid allowing the best characteristics of the Shiraz to emerge without overcomplicating the wine. This is a very affordable hearty wine that is worth having on hand. Easily as good as wines 2 or 3 times the price. It will stand up to and complement hearty fall and winter dishes.

Raise a glass to this Jacob's Creek Reserve 2006 Shiraz

Bogle Phantom 2006 Wine Review by Billy

Nose:Jammy Blackberry, Charcoal and tar, heady oak.
Palate:Very oaky in the mouth with rich tannins that overpower the acid under structure. Thick and hearty. Brawny but lacking elegance.
Finish: Short lived with some green Thistle stems and plum
Overall:A blend of 54% petite sirah, 43% zinfandel and 3% mourvedre. I paid $19 for this wine. It is a beefcake of a wine. All muscle and brawn and power and no brain. Fruit and Oak forward and ready to serve with raw steaks, burgers or charred anything. A nice full hearty Bearded Man of a wine. Be sure to serve it with the appropriate fare. A dainty wine this is not. Perfect for Fall and Winter. Raise a Glass!

Clary Ranch 2006 Pinot Noir Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose:Earth and asparagus, juicy strawberry and cherry notes. Moist tobacco leaf Multilayered and fine.
Palate:Expertly balanced and crafted. Juicy feel, light flavors of strawberry flavors. WONDERFUL!
Finish:Short and complex. A movie finale that doesn't overdo the credits.
Overall:This wine was provided free of charge to us at The Wine Cask Blog for review. It is a lucid but mature brick red approaching brown at the edges. Showing age but drinking very well now. Though showing older, the wine has a youthfully spry taste and nose. Remarkable. This Clary Ranch 2006 Pinot Noir is a delight of a very approachable wine with complexity and crafting to satisfy the expert wine drinker while retaining a very drinkable flavor profile to invite the wine novice. While this wine was provided free to us, it retails online for $30-$40 a bottle.

Cathedral Ridge 2006 Syrah Sponsored Review by Billy

Nose:Hearty spice of cracked black pepper, charcoal, cherries and plum. Big and bold and wonderful.
Palate:Big rich mouth feel with hearty tannins and a fine acid balance. Tobacco earth and smoky oak flavors. Huge.
Finish: Lingering with sour cherry notes and some green stem at the back.
Overall:This wine was sent to The Wine Cask Blog for free to review. The 2006 Cathedral Ridge from Oregon is HUGE! A wonderfully hearty and spicy syrah that retains a sense of the land. No fruit bomb here. A well crafted Oregon wine that delivers on big flavors and feels. Served with a hearty wild rice soup, home baked bread and butternut squash. A fantastic accompaniment to a hearty fall meal. On the Cathedral Ridge website this wine goes for about $32 a bottle.

Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2006 wine review by Billy

Nose:butter cream, daisy and melon
Palate:creamy texture, even and soft feel. Thick but not cloying for a full elegance. A Botticelli Woman of a wine.
Finish:Tapered and floral with apricots. Short.
Overall: I paid about 36 bucks for this wine. It is a wonderful extravagance. Rich feeling, not overly complex or pretentious. A splurge but a nice one. Get a bottle for a special occasion like a weekend date with your lover.

Shafer "Red Shoulder Ranch" 2006 Napa (Carneros) Chardonnay wine review by Billy

Nose: lightly oaky, banana, apple and citrus flower spice. Pleasantly minerally and expertly layered.
Palate: Even and crisp and dry. Old world style chardonnay lacking the butter cream weight of a chard bomb but rather presenting a lovely and sophisticated elegance of steely feels, cleansing acids and crisp mouth play. An ever so slight spritzig adds a hint of playfulness and elegance to this even wine.
Finish: lingering and enjoyable. Lasting with hints of pear and summer grasses.
Overall: I paid about $35 for this bottle of wine which was a fair price though no bargain. its elegance and simplicity makes it almost understated. It is the supporting actor who steals the show. An enjoyable bottle with an unpresuming character. Write the name down or text "Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch 2006 Chard" to yourself lest you forget this wine after you drink it.

Raise a Glass!

St. Francis 2006 Old Vines Zinfandel wine review by Billy

Nose: Peppery Cedar spice (classic Zin!) and a dark berry cream on the nose.
Palate: Good structure, unassuming and uncomplex but sticking to what it knows well and doing it well!
Finish: soft and dark berries come back for a small but fine finish.

Overall: a nice 2006 california (sonoma) zin. I am eating it with pizza with which it goes perfectly! PB paid about $24 for this.

Tapestry Shiraz 2006 wine review by Billy

Nose:Jammy plum and an almost sweet strawberry layer. Peppery, nutmeg and cedar spices are wonderful.
Palate: Warm balance that spreads evenly throughout the mouth giving a full, warm and spicy feel. Soft tannins that are well balanced against an even acid core makes this a delightfully well crafted and even drinking wine.
Finish:soft and slightly acidic. blackberry and plum with some chocolate and spice hints briefly make an appearance.
Overall: This is the bakers gully vineyard from Mclaren vale Austrailia. I paid about $26 for this bottle. A wonderful bottle at a moderate price. Definitely get a bottle or three to have on hand for nice dinners - even if you are dining alone. Worth it!

Marques Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 wine review by Billy

Nose: jammy plum and blackberry
Palate: thin palate that is well balanced while skinny. Big tannins but little pucker. Great redflesh fruit flavors spread out over the tongue.
Finish: cherry pit and some rind or husk like bitterness emerge here but only a touch. Very drinkable
Overall: Beautiful inky dark purple on the pour. This Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon from the well known Concha Y Toro producers delivers. It is very drinkable while retaining the character of a more expensive bottle. A touch thin in the mouth means that I wish this was about $5 less expensive. I paid about $18 for this bottle.

Centine Banfi 2006 wine review by Billy

Nose:musky oak and pine needle spice with luscious candied cherry and coconut husk. Delightfully layered and playful
Palate: big mouth feel with chewy tannins and plush fruit.
Finish: warm, long and spicy.

Overall a very nice Italian blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Toscana which makes this a super tuscan at very affordable prices ($14)

McWilliam's Hanwood Estate 2006 Riesling wine review by Billy

Nose: creamy sweet lemon custard aroma
Palate: very dry, sprightly citrus with robust acid for strength and structure.
Finish: lively finish of green grass that is over too quickly.

Overall: I am blown away by the quality of this Australian Riesling. I paid 6 dollars for this on sale but it usually doesn't go for more than 12. This is an excellent value white. Absolutely brilliant in its simplicity which adds elegance. Perfect for parties and entertaining.

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon wine review by Billy

Nose:fruity nose of plum and cherry and some hints of savory spice.
Palate: decently crafted with moderate tannins and a good mouth feel.
Finish: big cherry fruit finish that ends abruptly.

Overall: I ended up paying only about $6.99 for this (in a buy one get one free sale). For that price I cannot complain. You can tell it is a 10-12 dollar wine but it is easy drinking and the quality is good for the price.

Raise a glass.

Sonoma Seghesio Zinfandel 2006 wine review by Billy

Nose: deep rich nose. Tight but will open with time. Peppery with Kola nut and berry.
Palate: Rich palate, tight tannins with open with time. Good structure with a touch of acid bite at the back
Finish: long and lingering with cracked pepper and smooth pepper tapering off

Overall rich and savory.

I paid about 31 GBP (about $45 usd) for this at an upscale London restaurant.