Saperavi of Georgia

My first introduction to Saperavi was in 2001. For awhile, I had heard how “incredible” Georgian wines were. Like many similar comments, I dismissed the possibility due to enthusiasm over local experience and global inexperience. I did try several at the time, though. Pretty consistent ‘producer’ to ‘producer’.

They come dry. They come sweet. The dry could surprise most wine explorers. The sweet wouldn’t.

Serious color. Serious tannins. Serious acidity. Fun for the whole family! Saperavi (translates to “dye” or “paint”) is a red wine grape that is named for its dark pink flesh and very dark skins. Originally from Moldova, the land that puts this grape on the map (along with Rkatsiteli, Mstvane, and Tsolikauri) is the Kakheti District of Georgia. In the days of the Soviet Union, Georgian wines were generally thought of as the jeweled crown and it has been said that the land of Georgia (Europe’s oldest wine-producing region) has been producing wine 7,000 to 9,000 years!

Saperavi (especially the dry) tends to have a barnyard, cinnamon, cigar box, soy-sauced mushroom, gamey-plum thing going on, with a sledge hammer of tannins and a lower PH (medium-plus acidity). It can be brilliant for By-The-Glass programs because some will last for days! And with the right amount of serenading to sleep and nightly brushing the bottles “hair”, these wines can age upwards of 50 years, though most fade at 6 – 10 years. The 3 common styles are Saperavi (aged 1 year or less), Kindzmarauli (aged 2 years), and Stalin’s favorite wine Mukuzani (aged 3 years or more). Also seen are Napareuli and Akhasheni. Though, I’m still looking… I’ve never found evidence to support it, but I’ve often wondered if there is a relation to Syrah or Lagrein.

On the downside, Georgia could probably use some updated wine-making techniques. Two somewhat consistent “barnyard” comments on Saperavi are the perceived Brettanomyces (mousey/horse taste) and 4-ethyl-phenol (lopsided leather turned manure smell/taste). At low levels, these 2 things can be considered an attraction in some Rhones and Burgundies, but the recently trendy American Brett love is not for me. And it should also be noted that the days of grape powder blended with spirit to produce “Georgian Wine” are still here, but there ARE some pretty exciting Saperavi wines out there. Go fish.

Wine For Sale in Texas

For Sale in Texas Only indicates that a label exception has been made. Labels are required to list the source of grapes. If a winery doesn’t want to use an appellation (usually because they are importing grapes from out of state) then they can leave the appellation off, ask for an exception with the caveat that they use the “For Sale in Texas Only” notation on the label.

Now, a winery might get an exception or use the notation for other reasons, so that is not a hard and fast rule, but if there is no appellation listed, you can rest assured that they are importing grapes from California, New Mexico, Oklahoma or somewhere and they don’t want their buying public to know that. They may even be blending their own grapes with out of state grapes, importing made wine and bottling it, importing juice, grapes or even bottled but unlabeled wine. There is nothing illegal about the practice, but it is a bit deceiving to make people think they are buying wine and supporting the Texas winegrowing industry.

When purchasing Texas wine, look for “Texas”, Texas Hill Country, Texas High Plains, or even a county name on the label. It can’t use a vineyard name if it is not in an AVA. If you don’t see anything like that AND it has For Sale in Texas Only, you are buying imported juice.

Ribera del Duero (4/08)

Thanks so much to Lauren and Stephen Shallcross for hosting this round. Having never done a Ribera Tuesday, it was a welcomed theme with the perfect amount of players.

With the arrival of the 2008 vintage, Ribera del Duero will join Priorat and Rioja in the V.I.P. Lounge as only the 3rd region in Spain to have the Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa) certification.

Blind Tasting. Chateau Shallcross.

Group’s Order Preference.

1. ‘04 Pesquera Ribera del Duero (frisbee)

2. ‘05 Atauta Ribera del Duero (speedo)

3. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero (ventures 8-track)

4. ‘01 Eital Ribera del Duero (jimmy buffet)

5. ‘06 Vina Sastre Ribera del Duero (judy bloom novel)

6. ‘05 Gouguenheim Tempranillo (camera)

7. ‘04 Mibal Ribera del Duero (dress shoes)

8. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero (dog)

9. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero Malleolus (paddle ball)

10. ‘04 Pesquera Ribera del Duero (sand)

11. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero (pepper)

12. ‘05 Numanthia Numanthia (crabs)

13. ‘04 Atauta Ribera del Duero (tent)

14. ‘04 Pesquera Ribera del Duero (sand pail)

15. ‘96 Rauda Viejo Ribera del Duero (umbrellaellaella)

16. ‘06 Vizcarra Ramos Ribera del Duero Senda del Oro (flip flops)

17. ‘06 Reinares Tempranillo (bikini)

18. ‘04 Torrederos Ribera del Duero (industrial sun block)

19. ‘05 Atalayas de Golban Ribera del Duero (birthday suit)

20. ‘04 Vizcarra Ramos Ribera del Duero Torralvo (ice chest)

21. ‘04 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero (kite)

22. ‘05 Puygueraud Cotes de Francs (visor)

…………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………..

My order preference.

1. ‘04 Atauta Ribera del Duero (tent) $42 A+ +34 **** 040808

2. ‘05 Atauta Ribera del Duero (speedo) $42 A +22 ***

3. ‘04 Hornillos Ballesteros Mibal Ribera del Duero (dress shoes) $20 A +14 ***

4. ‘05 Numanthia Numanthia (crabs) $66 A- -22 ***

5. ‘05 Atalayas de Golban Ribera del Duero (birthday suit) $22 A +2 ***

6. ‘04 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero (kite) $26 A- -8 *

7. ‘04 Vizcarra Ramos Ribera del Duero Torralvo (ice chest) tl19 A- ** lil corked

8. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero (ventures 8-track) $30 A- -14 *

9. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero (dog) $30 A- -14 *

10. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero (pepper) $30 A- -15 *

11. ‘04 Pesquera Ribera del Duero (sand pail) $30 A- -11 *

12. ‘05 Puygueraud Cotes de Francs (visor) $24 B+ -7 *

13. ‘06 Reinares Tempranillo (bikini) $8 B+ +2 *

14. ‘05 Gouguenheim Tempranillo (camera) $11 B+ -1 lil corked

15. ‘96 Rauda Viejo Ribera del Duero (umbrellaellaella) $17 C+ -10 corked/tired/compromised

16. ‘06 Hermanos Sastre Vina Sastre Ribera del Duero (judy bloom novel) $20 B+ -9

17. ‘04 Torrederos Ribera del Duero (industrial sun block) $11 B+ =

18. ‘01 Eital Ribera del Duero (jimmy buffet) $17 B+ -7

19. ‘04 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero Malleolus (paddle ball) $30 B+ -15

20. ‘04 Pesquera Ribera del Duero (frisbee) $30 B+ -11

21. ‘04 Pesquera Ribera del Duero (sand) $30 B+ -12

22. ‘06 Vizcarra Ramos Ribera del Duero Senda del Oro (flip flops) $15 B+ -5

South by South Wine X (3/08)

Genius Godsends to Gary Chancellor for sharing his beautiful vino playground and hospitality! Truly the perfect host… Sprinkles of epiphany goodness all around 2 Dine 4 Fine Catering for the delicious yummies and attention to detail. Trying to keep the human count to under 50 folks was a bit of a challenge, but well worth it. What a beautiful evening…

Most-talked about of the evening seemed to have been ‘88 Mission Haut Brion, ‘95 & ‘01 Leoville Barton, ‘96 Cos, ‘01 Darmagi, ‘05 Gros Jean Frere, ‘99 Valdicava, ‘03 Pergole, ‘93 Grange, ‘97 Leonardini, ‘99 Colgin, ‘02 Darius II, ‘01 Von Strasser, ‘04 Sea Smoke, and ‘96 Dauvissaut…

The Liquid Element ( 120 bottles )

FRANCE………………….

BORDEAUX………………

’88 La Mission Haut Brion Pessac Leognan

‘95 Leoville Barton St. Julien

’95 Canon La Gaffeliere St. Emilion

’95 Clerc Milon Pauillac

’95 Calon Segur St. Estephe

‘95 Baron De Rothchild (Lafite)- Pauillac

’96 Cos Estournel Saint Estephe

’98 Vieux Chateau Certan Pomerol

’98 Smith Haut Lafite Pessac Leognan

00 Leoville Barton St. Julien

‘00 La Fleur de Bouard - Lalande de Pomerol

‘01 Leoville Barton St. Julien

’01 La Fleur de Bouard Lalande de Pomerol

’03 Cos Estournel Saint Estephe

‘03 Le Cloitre du Chateau Prieure-Lichine –Margaux

’03 Rauzan Segla Margaux

‘04 Leoville Barton St. Julien

 

BURGUNDY…………………

’01 Prince Florent de Merode Corton Les Bressandes Grd Cru

’01 Jean Grivot Nuits St. George Aux Boudots 1er

’01 Girardin Charmes Chambertin Grd Cru

’03 Marche Aux Vins (Joseph Voillot?) Volnay Les Brouillards 1er

’04 Prince Florent de Merode Corton Clos du Roi Grd Cru

’04 Champans Angerville Volnay

’05 Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet Boudriotte

NORTHERN RHONE…………

’96 Chapoutier Cote Rotie

’99 Guigal Hermitage

‘01 Chave St. Joseph Offerus

’05 Chatagnier Saint Joseph

 

SOUTHERN RHONE, ETC…………..

’99 Beaucastel Chat-du-Pape

‘00 Les Hauts de Montmirail – Gigondas

’00 Vieux Telegraphe Chat-du-Pape

’03 Paul Autard Chat-du-Pape Cote Ronde

’03 Saint Cosme Chat-du-Pape

’03 Gros Nore Bandol

’05 Faillenc Sainte Marie

ITALY……………………..
PIEDMONT/NW…………………

’97 Cascina Morellino Barbaresco Ovello

’01 Gaja Darmagi

’01 Cavalatto Barolo Rsv Bricco Boschis San Giuseppe

’01 Boglietti Barolo Fosatti

‘01 Cogno Dolcetto d’Alba

’05 Gros Jean Frere Fumin Merletta

 

TUSCANY…………………..

’99 Valdicava Brunello Madonna Reserva

‘99 Casanova di Neri Brunello

’99 Tenuta Friggiali Brunello

’01 Casisano-Colombaio Brunello

‘03 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte

 

TRE VENEZIE………………

’91 Brigaldara Amarone

’93 Brigaldara Amarone

 

SPAIN………………………
’00 Abadia Retuerta Palomar

’04 Conde Neo Punta Escencia MAGNUM

‘05 Numanthia Termes

’05 El Nido

AUSTRALIA/NZ……………….
’93 Penfold’s Grange

’96 Eileen Hardy

’97 d’Arenberg Dead Arm

’97 Penfolds Cab Sauv 707

‘98 d’Arenberg Dead Arm

’99 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock

’00 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock

’04 CraggyRange Syrah Le Sol

’04 Philip Shaw 17

‘06 Molly Dooker Shiraz “Blue Eyed Boy”

 

USA………………………….

CALIFORNIA BORDEAUX VARIETALS…

’91 Mt. Veeder Cab Sauv

’94 La Jota Cab Sauv Howell Mtn

’94 Pahlmeyer Merlot

’94 ZD Cab Sauv

’95 Larkmead Cab Sauv

’95 Freemark Abbey Bosche

’95 Rubicon

’95 Kathryn Kennedy Cab Sauv

’96 Montelena Cab Sauv Estate

’96 BV George Latour Cab Sauv

’97 Whitehall Lane Cab Sauv Leonardini

’97 Von Strasser Reserve MAGNUM

’97 La Jota Cab Sauv Howell Mountain

‘97 Swanson Alexis

’97 Von Strasser Cab Sauv Diamond Mtn MAGNUM

’98 Araujo

’98 La Jota Cab Sauv Howell Mtn. 17^th Anniversary ed.

’98 Pahlmeyer Merlot

‘98 Far Niente Cab Sauv

’99 Colgin

’99 Dominus

‘99 Guilliams Reserve Cab Sauv

‘99 Mount Veeder Reserve - Bordeaux Blend

’00 Dominus

’00 Pride Claret Reserve

’01 Darioush Darius II

’01 Von Strasser Reserve MAGNUM

‘01 Jacob Franklin Cab Sauv

’01 Flora Springs Cab Sauv Hillside Reserve

’01 Karl Lawrence Cab Sauv Rsv Herb Lamb

’01 Robert Sinskey Meritage

’01 Gary Farrell Cab Sauv

‘02 Darioush Darius II

’02 Pahlmeyer Merlot

‘02 Vine Cliff 16 Rows Cabernet Sauvignon

’03 Sequoia Grove Cab Sauv

‘03 Clos Pegase Cab Sauv

 

CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIR……

’04 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing

’05 Kosta Brown Pinot Noir Cohn

 

CALIFORNIA OTHER…………..

‘99 Benessere Phenomenon - Tuscan Blend

’03 Robert Biale Zin Black Chicken

 

OREGON …………………………

’05 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Beaux Freres Vyd

‘05 Soter “Beacon Hill” - Pinot Noir

 

WASHINGTON…………………..

‘03 Quilceda Creek

 

CHILE…………………………….

‘00 Montes Folly

 

DESSERT VEIN

‘03 Darioush Shahpar Late Harvest

’03 Far Niente Dolce

’05 Bernadins Beaumes de Venise Muscat

‘?? Delesvaux Coteaux du Layon St. Aubin

 

BUBBLES VEIN

NV Pierre Peters Les Mesnil Sur Oger Grd Cru

NV Laurent-Perrier Rose Brut

‘96 Moet & Chandon Millesime Blanc

WHITE VEIN

’96 Vincent Dauvissaut Chablis Les Clos Grd Cru

‘06 Kistler Chard “Les Noiseliers”

’05 Dampt Chablis Vaillons 1er

’05 Seguinot Bordet Chablis

‘05 Chateau Pech Redon - Coteaux Du Languedoc - La Clape

… and Fuller’s London Pride on tap for an intermission!

Vines With No Soul

One of my favorite parts of playing with wine is the continuous learning-curve epiphany. It’s that whole “the more I learn, the less I know” thing. This rings as true in wine as it does in life.Anybody can walk into a retailer and pay an exuberant price for a cheap-tasting wine. Many of the ‘high-rated’ and ‘cult-status’ wines are great and goofy examples of these ‘auto-pilot’ and ‘resting-on-their-laurels’ blindfolded non-performers. I consider many wines to be extremely overpriced, one-dimensional, and tasteless… especially many of the new world, high alcohol, 18-wheeler-stylin’ fruitblobs.

I’m on a personal campaign to find what I refer to as “Stamp on the Head Wines”, high quality wines that are best-of-breeds in their genre and pricepoint. Occassionally, it is refreshing to have a Cab that actually tastes like Cab. I don’t mind paying serious money for a serious wine, but don’t charge me pretentious prices for seriously plastic-passioned wannabes. Scrape off the makeup and give me an honest wine that actually has character…
Now, don’t take me wrong. I love soul-less, thoughtless, and loveless wine as much as the next guy, but please don’t charge me over $6 a bottle for it…

In order preference.
1. ‘03 Haut Bages-Liberal Pauillac $31 A +5 *** 042406
—It’s a Boy! A few wanted bruises/solid middleweight/currAntly flexed
2. ’03 Moulin de la Gardette Gigondas Ventabren $29 A -3 **
—white peppered-black olive & wild mushroom pizza
3. ’02 Ch Potensac $26 A +6 **
—Las Cases’ Delon Family/black currants, earth, berry plays bass, perfect acidity
4. ’02 Rsv de Comtesse Lalande Pauillac $28 A +4 *
—Pichon Lalande’s 2nd/typical blackberry and herbal cherry-dropped middleweight
5. ’03 Ch La Fleur St Emilion $29 A -2 *
—raisin, plumtime, dark chocolate, with a berry-zip on the side
6. ’01 Les Ormes de Pez St Estephe $30 A = **
—a consistently well-structured straight shooter/Spice with a tad

Station Imports with Penny and Andy Loving

In order preference.

1.  ‘03 Rippon Pinot Noir Central Otago Lake Wanaka 13.5% $41 A +5 *** 022708

2.  ‘03 Shaky Bridge Pinot Noir Central Otago 14% $35 A +9 ***

3.  ‘04 Kawarau Pinot Noir Reserve Central Otago 13% $32 A- +4 **

4.  ‘05 Rippon Osteiner Central Otago Lake Wanaka 13.5% $16 A- = **

5.  ‘06 Kawarau Pinot Noir Estate 13.5% $27 A- -1 **

6.  ‘06 Sleepy Dog Pinot Noir Central Otago 13% $30 A- -4 **

7.  ‘06 Sleepy Dog Chard C.O. Blair Gunn Block 13.5% $18 A- +3 **

8.  ‘06 Shaky Bridge Rose Pinot Noir Central Otago $17 A- -1 **

9.  ‘05 Freefall Sauv Blc Marlborough 12.5% $17 A- -1 *

Station Imports

Truchard with Jo Ann and Tony Truchard

In order preference.

1. ‘05 Truchard Roussanne Carneros 14.1% $18 A- -1 ** 021308

2. ‘06 Truchard Chard Carneros 14.1% $33 A- -4 ***

3. ‘05 Truchard Pinot Noir Carneros 13.9% $33 A- +1 *

4. ‘04 Truchard Zin Carneros 14.2% $26 B+ -8

5. ‘03 Truchard Cab Sauv Carneros 14.2% $38 A- -14 *

6. ‘03 Truchard Merlot Carneros 14.2% $29 A- -10 *

Truchard Vineyards

Cenay and Ramspeck with Gerry Rowland

In order preference.

1.  ‘05 Cenay Cab Sauv RB90 $56 A -5 ** 021208

2.  ‘06 Cenay Pinot Noir Napa Rodgers 13.5% $29 A- = **

3.  ‘05 Cenay Cab Sauv Blue Tooth 13.5% $33 A- +1 **

4.  ‘06 Ramspeck Pinot Noir Napa 13.5% $18 A- +3 **

5.  ‘06 Ramspeck Cab Sauv 13.5% $20 A- +6 **

Rowland Cellars

Galante with Jack Galante

In order preference.

1. ‘05 Galante Merlot Carmel 14.1% $39 A = ** 012408

2. ‘03 Galante Cab Sauv Blackjack 14.1% $66 A -2 ***

3. ‘05 Galante Pinot Noir Almond Flat 14.2% $28 A- +6 **

4. ‘05 Galante Cab Sauv Rancho 14.1% $26 A +6 **

5. ‘03 Galante Cab Sauv Red Rose 13.8% $34 A- -2 **

6. ‘06 Galante Sauv Blc $28 A- -9 * (1 day after)

Galante Vineyard 

A Cotes de Beaune Blanc (2/08)

Blind Tasting. Chateau Loving.

In my order preference. (not finished/notes to come)

1. ‘05 Philippe Colin Saint Aubin 1er Combes $50 A+ +26 **** 021108

2. ‘99 Fernand & Laurent Pillot Chassagne Montrachet 1er Vergers $60 A+ +16 ****

3. ‘01 Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 1er Clavoillon $96 A -32 ***

4. ‘04 Ramonet Chassagne Montrachet 1er Morgeot $65 A -7 ***

5. ‘01 Francois Mikulski Meursault 1er Genevrieres $86 A -30 ***

6. ‘96 Brenot Santenay tl42 A **

7. ‘05 Marc Morey Chassagne Montrachets 1er Caillerets $64 A- -30 **

8. ‘05 Frederic Magnien Saint Aubins 1er Coeur de Roches $44 A +2 **

9. ‘05 Duc de Magenta Puligny Montrachet 1er Clos de Garenne $68 A -34 ***

10. ‘05 Fontaine Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet 1er Boudriottes $64 A- -29 **

11. ‘05 Albert Grivault Meursault $44 A- -18 **

12. ‘00 Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet 1er Folatieres $81 A- -55 **

13. ‘04 Ch de Puligny Montrachet Batard Montrachet Grd Cru $225 A- -169 **

14. ‘97 Leroy Bourgogne $28 A- -7 *

15. ‘96 Dom des Comtes Lafon Meursault Desiree $175 A- -151 *

16. ‘05 Albert Grivault Bourgogne $26 B+ -10

Aussie Shiraz (2/08)

Blind Tasting. Chateau Curry.

The last time “2nd Tuesday Winegroup” tasted Australian Shiraz was almost 6 1/2 years ago (October 2001). It was about time!

Group’s preference.

1. ‘01 Darioush Shiraz Napa (peaches)

2. ‘05 Glaetzer Godolphin (senor poopy pants)

3. ‘04 Rolf Binder Shiraz Hanisch (sweet pea)

4. ‘05 Two Hands Shiraz Bella’s Garden (joe)

5. ‘05 Colonial Estate Shiraz Explorateur (valentine)

6. ‘06 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon Ra (baby doll)

7. ‘03 Standish Shiraz (sugar dumplin’)

8. ‘02 D’arenberg Shiraz Dead Arm (lover)

9. ‘02 Vasse Felix Shiraz Margaret River (sweetheart)

10. ‘06 Two Hands Shiraz Angel’s Share (jack nicholson)

11. ‘06 Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutter’s (sweetie magetie)

12. ‘06 Molly Dooker Shiraz Boxer (hunee)

13. ‘05 Yangara Shiraz Single Vyd (pooky)

14. ‘06 Terlato Chapoutier Shiraz / Viognier (shirley maclaine)

15. ‘06 Molly Dooker Shiraz 2 Left Feet (my little chick-a-dee)

16. ‘04 Dutschke Shiraz Willow Bend Single Vyd (tiger)

17. ‘00 Omrah Shiraz (squash blossom)

18. ‘06 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes (min skat)

19. ‘06 Tait Shiraz Ballbuster (studmuffin)

20. ‘04 Syan Shiraz (laekker)

21. ‘04 Two Hands Shiraz Lilly’s Garden (milf)

22. ‘04 Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Rsv (snukems)

—————————————————–

—————————————————–

My order preference.

1. ‘06 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon Ra (baby doll) $86 A+ = **** 021208

2. ‘05 Colonial Estate Shiraz Explorateur (valentine) $30 A +26 ***

3. ‘05 Glaetzer Godolphin (senor poopy pants) $56 A+ +8 ****

4. ‘05 Two Hands Shiraz Bella’s Garden (joe) $70 A -6 ***

5. ‘02 D’arenberg Shiraz Dead Arm (lover) $75 A+ -19 ****

6. ‘04 Syan Shiraz (laekker) $29 A- +7 ***

7. ‘04 Rolf Binder Shiraz Hanisch (sweet pea) $100 A- -82 **

8. ‘06 Torbreck Shiraz Woodcutter’s (sweetie magetie) $22 A- +2 **

9. ‘06 Two Hands Shiraz Angel’s Share (jack nicholson) $29 A- +5 **

10. ‘01 Darioush Shiraz Napa (peaches) $65 A- -19 **

11. ‘06 Terlato Chapoutier Shiraz / Viognier (shirley maclaine) $20 A -1 **

12. ‘06 Molly Dooker Shiraz 2 Left Feet (my little chick-a-dee) $22 A- -3 **

13. ‘03 Standish Shiraz (sugar dumplin’) $86 A- -56 **

14. ‘05 Yangara Shiraz Single Vyd (pooky) $20 A +6 **

15. ‘06 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes (min skat) $28 B+ -12

16. ‘06 Tait Shiraz Ballbuster (studmuffin) $18 B+ = *

17. ‘04 Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Rsv (snukems) $13 B+ +1 *

18. ‘00 Omrah Shiraz (squash blossom) $16 B+ -4

19. ‘06 Molly Dooker Shiraz Boxer (hunee) $22 B+ -12

20. ‘02 Vasse Felix Shiraz Margaret River (sweetheart) $17 F acescence

Jorge Ordonez with Sara Floyd, M.S.

Malaga, Austin, Texas.

In order preference.

1. ‘03 Remelluri Rioja $33 A +3 *** 020708

2. ‘05 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero $35 A +1 **

3. ‘06 Jorge Ordonez & Co. #2 Moscatel Victoria $46 A = ***

4. ‘06 Txomin Etxaniz Txacoli $23 A- -7 **

5. ‘03 Fernando Remirez de Ganuza Rioja $76 A -40 **

6. ‘05 Venta Mazzaron Vinas del Cenit $14 A +3 ***

7. ‘05 Finca Luzon Altos de Luzon $18 A- -1 **

8. ‘04 Finca Allende $32 A- -9 **

9. ‘06 Celler Can Blau Can Blau $16 A- = **

10. ‘06 Casa Castillo Jumilla $11 A- = *

11. ‘06 Finca Luzon Luzon $9 A- +3 *

12. ‘06 Godeval Godello $18 A- -4 **

13. ‘06 Naia Naia $13 A- +1 **

14. ‘06 Ateca Garnacha Atteca $15 A- -2 **

15. ‘06 Finca Luzon Luzon Verde $9 A- +2 *

16. ‘07 Paso a Paso Tinto $10 B+ +1 *

17. ‘06 Borsao Red $8 B+ = *

18. ‘05 Volver Tempranillo $15 B+ -2

19. ‘06 Nora Albarino $16 B+ -3 *

20. ‘06 Hijos de Juan Gil Wrongo Dongo $8 B =

Westcave Selections with Riley Gerber

In order preference.

1.  ‘05 Wild Earth Pinot Noir Central Otago 14% $29 A- -3 ** 013107

2.  ‘05 Quady Orange Muscat Essencia (750ml) 15% $27 A- +2 **

3.  ‘06 Mills Reef Sauv Blc Rsv 13% $14 A- +2 **

4.  ‘04 Foppiano Petite Sirah RRV 14.5% $19 A- -2 *

5.  ‘06 Milbrandt Chard Tradition 13.9% $13 A- = *

6.  ‘06 Milbrandt Pinot Gris Tradition 12.9% $13 B+ = *

7.  ‘04 Mills Reef Merlot/Malbec Rsv 13% $16 B+ -1

8.  ‘06 Gordon Bros. Kamiak White 13.3% $10 B+ =

9.  ‘06 Milbrandt Riesling Tradition 12.5% $13 B -4

Westcave Selections

Horizon with Ian Clark

In order preference.

1.  ‘07 DeWetshof Chard Limestone Hill SAfrica 14% $15 A- +1 ** 013108

2.  ‘07 Mudhouse Sauv Blc $17 B+ -3

3.  ‘06 Steele Zin Pacini $18 B+ -5

Angelini with Rick Pignataro

In order preference.

1.  ‘04 Palagetto Chianti Colle Senesi $15 A- +3 ** 013108

2.  ‘03 Palagetto Sottobosco $35 A- -9 **

3.  ‘nv Carpene Malvolti Pinot Noir/Raboso Rose $21 A- +5 **

4.  ‘06 Angelini Pinot Grigio 12% $13 A- +3 **

5.  ‘05 Zaccagnini Sangiovese Marche $15 A- +1 *

6.  ‘06 Palagetto Vernaccia Santa Chiara $18 A- +1 *

Angelini Wine

Gainey Vineyards with Chris David

In order preference.

1.  ‘06 Gainey Riesling Santa Ynez Valley 12.3% $15 B+ -2 * 013108

2.  ‘06 Gainey Sauv Blc Santa Ynez Valley 13% $14 B+ -4

3.  ‘04 Gainey Merlot Santa Ynez Valley 13.9% $22 B+ -11

Gainey Vineyards

Vias Winemaker Lunch

Zoot Restaurant. Austin, Texas.

A wine industry farewell to Laurie Goyen. She will be sincerely missed. A big loss to the wine market!

I found a few treats in the woods…

In order preference.

1.  ‘04 Camigliano Sant’Antimo Cab Sauv Campo Ai Mori $38 A+ +11 *** 011808

2.  ‘01 Camigliano Brunello Gualto $88 A+ -14 ****

3.  ‘03 Camigliano Brunello $55 A -1 ***

4.  ‘04 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco $35 A +1 ***

5.  ‘nv Bisol Prosecco Cartizze $46 A -12 ***

6.  ‘06 Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo $21 A- +1 **

7.  ‘04 Riseccoli Chianti Cl (2nd btl) $26 A- -4 **

8.  ‘02 San Lorenzo Verdicchio Oche Rsv $44 A -15 **

9.  ‘04 Suavia Soave Cl $17 A- -1 **

10.  ‘04 Mesa Buio Buio $36 A- -17 *

11.  ‘03 Riseccoli Chianti Cl Rsv $55 A- -21 **

12.  ‘06 Suavia Monte Carbonare $30 A -9 **

13.  ‘05 Camigliano Rosso $22 A- +2 **

14.  ‘05 San Lorenzo Verdicchio Vigna delle Oche $25 A- -4 *

15.  ‘05 San Lorenzo Rosso Piceno Di Gino $18 A- -3 **

16.  ‘06 Mesa Vermentino Giunco $24 A- -5 **

17.  ‘00 Riseccoli Vin Santo (375ml) $78 A- -41 ** ethyl acetate

18.  ‘00 Riseccoli Saeculum $84 A- -38 *

19.  ‘nv Bisol Prosecco Crede $21 A -2 **

20.  ‘04 Suavia Soave Cl Le Rive $38 A- -16 **

21.  ‘nv Bisol Prosecco Desierio Jeio $16 A- -2 *

22.  ‘06 Il Cascinone / Poderi Alasia Camillona Sauvignon $25 A- -12 **

23.  ‘05 Mesa Buio $24 A- -11 *

24.  ‘05 San Lorenzo Verdicchio Di Gino $14 A- -3 *

25.  ‘06 Mesa Vermentino Opale $39 A- -21 *

26.  ‘04 Riseccoli Chianti Cl (1st btl) $26 B+ -7 * lil corked

27.  ‘05 Il Cascinone / Poderi Alasia Barbera Rive $26 A- -10 *

28.  ‘06 Araldica Gavi La Luciana $13 B+ -4

29.  ‘05 Araldica Barbera d’Asti Albera $13 B -5

30.  ‘06 Castelvero Cortese $11 B+ -2

31.  ‘05 Castelvero Barbera $11 B- -4

Folio with Gina Della Vedova

In order preference.

1.  ‘05 Tenuta di Castilione Toscana $27 A +7 *** 012408

2.  ‘04 Luce Della Vite Lucente Toscana $26 A- = **

3.  ‘05 Tenuta del Ornellaia Le Volte Toscana $28 A- -9 *

4.  ‘04 Castelgiocondo Campo ai Sassi Rosso Montalcino $20 B+ -3 *

5.  ‘05 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castiglione Chianti $14 B+ -5

Folio Wine

5th Annual “A Taste of Scotch in Winter”

A Good Taste Report Single Malt Tasting.

— hosted by Mitch Mooney, Aimee Randle, and Greg Randle.

January 19, 2008.

6 P.M. - 10 P.M.

Not blind tasting. Chateau Randle.

…………………………………………………………….

A brilliant evening. Most talked-about of the night seemed to have been ‘75 Ardbeg, ‘77 Ardbeg, ‘78 Ardbeg, Ben Nevis 23, ‘78 Dallas Dhu, ‘69 Glenburgie, ‘75 Port Ellen, ‘69 Springbank, ‘65 Springbank, and ‘67 Tomintoul.

A huge “Thanks” to those who played… the makers of its success.

…………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………

Scotch List of Attendees.

At least 52 single malts. (in alphabetical order)

1. ‘83 Aultmore 13yr 43%

2. Ardbeg 10yr

3. Ardbeg 17yr

4. ‘77 Ardbeg 20yr

5. ‘78 Ardbeg 22yr 43%

6. ‘75 Ardbeg 22yr (Connoisseur’s Choice) 40%

7. Ardbeg Uigeadail 54.2%

8. Balvenie 10yr

9. Balvenie 15yr Islay Cask

10. Banff 23yr (Signatory Silent) 54.5%

11. Ben Nevis 23yr (Malt Whisky Society) 61.8%

12. ‘94 Benriach 12yr 57%

13. Bowmore 12yr 40%

14. ‘82 Bowmore 21yr (Duncan Taylor) 59%

15. ‘79 Braes of Glenlivet 19yr (Signatory) 58.2%

16. Caol Ila 10yr (Gordon & Macphail)

17. ‘82 Caol Ila 12yr (Cooper’s Choice) 43%

18. ‘92 Caol Ila 14yr (Signatory)

19. Clynelish 14yr 46%

20. Cragganmore 12yr

21. ‘92 Cragganmore 14yr (Double Matured-Port)

22. ‘78 Dallas Dhu 20yr (Signatory)

23. Dalmore 12yr

24. ‘89 Glenallachie 11yr (Cadenhead) 61.7%

25. ‘62 Glenburgie-Glenlivet 28yr (Cadenhead) 57.8%

26. ‘69 Glenburgie 34yr (Duncan Taylor)

27. Glenmorangie 10yr

28. Glendronach 15yr

29. ‘77 Glentaucher’s 18yr (Cadenhead) 60%

30. Glentromie 17yr

31. ‘92 Highland Park 14yr (Signatory) 46%

32. Highland Park 15yr

33. Highland Park 16yr Single Cask (GrapeVine Market 10132) 56.3%

34. ‘79 Highland Park 17yr (Murray McDavid) 46%

35. ‘77 Highland Park 19yr (Hart Bros.)

36. Lagavulin 16yr (old batch-2001)

37. Laphroaig 10yr

38. Laphroaig Quarter Cask 48%

39. Macallan 15yr Fine Oak 43%

40. Macallan 15yr (old batch - 1999)

41. Macallan Cask Strength 58.2%

42. Oban 14yr 43%

43. Old Pulteney 12yr

44. ‘75 Port Ellen 22yr (Hart Bros.) 43%

45. ‘79 Royal Brackla 18yr (Murray McDavid) 46%

46. ‘97 Springbank 10yr (Mitchell’s Park Avenue Liquors) 58.7%

47. ‘69 Springbank 28yr (Murray McDavid) 46%

48. ‘65 Springbank 29yr 46%

49. ‘89 Talisker 14yr (Double Matured-Amoroso)

50. Tamnavulin 10yr

51. ‘68 Tomatin 20yr (Cooper’s Choice) 40%

52. ‘67 Tomintoul 40yr (Gordon & Macphail)

………………………………………………………………………..

sidebar.

1. Compass Box Asyla 43%

2. Connemara Irish Peated 40%

3. McCarthy’s Single Peated

4. Mitchell’s 12yr 43%

5. White Horse 40%

A Cotes de Nuits Treat (1/08)

Blind Tasting. Chateau Cameron.

In my order preference. (notes to come/not finished)

1. ‘96 Mongeard Mugneret Richebourg Grd Cru mag (not blind) $675 A+ -345 ***** 011408

2. ‘05 Lucien Boillot Gevrey Chambertin Les Corbeaux 1er (H) $60 A +50 **** lil corked

3. ‘04 Maume Gevrey Chambertin Lavaux Saint Jacques 1er (B) $65 A+ +45 ****

4. ‘04 Henri Gouges Nuits St. Georges (A) $53 A +11 **

5. ‘04 Bruno Clair Gevrey Chambertin Petite Chapelle (G) $53 A- -5 ***

6. ‘04 Dujac Morey Saint Denis (C) $80 A -24 ***

7. ‘05 Drouhin Laroze Bonnes Mares Grd Cru (E) $175 A+ -89 ***

8. ‘05 Regis Bouvier Marsannay Longerois (D) $38? A- +13 **

9. ‘05 Rene Bouvier Marsannay En Ouzeloy (F) $50 A- -14 **

Borie-Manoux with Michel Perrot

In order preference.

1. ’01 Dom de L’Eglise Pomerol $60 A +16 *** 051506

—what Merlot strives to be/oldest vineyard in Pomerol/Plum, black cherry, & truffles

2. ’03 Ch Batailley Pauillac $50 A -8 **

—positively-curious about the future/Deep ruby, black currant & cedar

3. ’01 Ch Batailley Pauillac $47 A- -10

—5^th Growth/a solid force of Cab/typical Pauillac representative

4. ’01 Ch Beau-Site St. Estephe $33 A- -4 *

—70Cab,30Merlot/solid treat/next door to Calon-Segur/one of oldest St. Estephe props

 

Drop off.

5. ’03 Ch Trottevieille St. Emilion $84 A- -34

—is this French?/fruit-forward blackberry & perty smoke

6. ’03 Ch Beau-Site St. Estephe $36 A- -10

—70Cab,30Merlot/straight shooter

7. ’02 Ch Trottevieille St. Emilion $71 A- -25

—Pahlmeyer Merlot?/fruit-forward, anti-Bordeaux

Garonne Paddles

In order preference.

1. ‘96 Pichon Longueville Comtesse Pauillac $190 A+ -100 * 072406

2. ‘86 Batailley Pauillac $80 A -35 *

3. ‘89 Mouton Rothschild Pauillac $420 A+ -235 **

4. ‘95 Pontet Canet Pauillac $43 A +3 ***

5. ‘96 Pibran Pauillac $30 A- +13 **

6. ‘90 Pibran Pauillac $165 A -60 *

7. ‘00 Gartieux Pichon Lalande Pauillac $30 A = *

8. ‘04 Epsilon Shiraz Coalsack $23 A +3 *

9. ‘02 Dom de Beaurenard Rasteau $19 B+ -9

10. ‘02 Dominique Rocher Cairanne $19 B+ -8

Interesting Reds of the Golden (1/08)

Welcome to the grocery jungle. Notice how well the joke ringers weathered? The stats below do not coincide with the usual voting preferences. What’s wrong with this picture? See you at the wine stack next to the diaper aisle.

Group’s Results.

1. ‘05 Clayhouse Adobe Red (drill press) 010808

2. ‘04 Conn Valley Right Bank (screw driver)

3. ‘04 Bogle Phantom (hammer)

4. ‘05 Vina Robles Red 4 (safety pliers)

5. ‘nv Frontier Red Lot 12 (monkey wrench)

6. ‘02 Robert Young Scion (channel locks)

7. ‘05 Cornerstone Stepping Stone Cab Franc (bandsaw)

7. ‘96 Ch. St. Jean Cinq Cepages (ratchet)

8. ‘01 Benessere Aglianico (jackstand)

9. ‘01 Doobie Brothers Doobie Red (biscuit clamp)

9. ‘02 Tractor Shed Red (lug wrench)

10. ‘04 Von Strasser Sori Bricco (hacksaw)

10. ‘nv Sean Thackrey Pleides XV (wet tile saw)

10. ‘04 Seghesio Venom (claw hammer)

10. ‘05 Clayhouse Adobe Red (dremmel)

11. ‘nv Sean Thackrey Pleides XV (mitre)

11. ‘05 Renwood Barbera (hoe)

12. ‘04 Elyse Le Corbeau Hudson (belt sander)

13. ‘01 Duckhorn Decoy (impact chisel)

14. ‘03 Sean Thackrey Aquila (level)

14. ‘03 Titus Cab Franc (wedge)

14. ‘04 Four Vines Anarchy (allan wrench)

14. ‘03 Zaca Mesa Z3 (nail gun)

15. ‘05 Stephan L’Aventure Cote a Cote (hammer drill)

16. ‘04 Sean Thackrey Sirus Petite Sirah (inclined plane)

no votes.

17. ‘96 Mount Veeder Meritage Rsv (coil spring compressor)

17. ‘05 Dom. de L’Ameillaud VdP Orange (pipe wrench)

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

My preferences.

1. ‘04 Seghesio Venom (claw hammer)

2. ‘04 Von Strasser Sori Bricco (hacksaw)

3. ‘nv Sean Thackrey Pleides XV (mitre)

4. ‘05 Cornerstone Stepping Stone Cab Franc (bandsaw)

5. ‘02 Robert Young Scion (channel locks)

6. ‘04 Conn Valley Right Bank (screw driver)

7. ‘04 Elyse Le Corbeau Hudson (belt sander)

Wine of the Year (12/07)

A Special Thanks to Sandra and Ian Spalding for championing this tasting. This was the 5th year for December’s “Wine of the Year”. The first two (of 7) December tastings were raid-the-cellar tastings. The Spaldings came up with the idea for WOTY and it’s been the perfect theme for December since. I thought it might be fun to review what some of the past bottle guests were, so click on the links at the bottom of this post if you are interested!

Blind Tasting. Chateau Spalding.

Group’s Preference.

1. ‘03 Girard Artistry (Lufkin)

2. ‘04 Ornellaia Le Serre Nuova (Crystal City)

3. ‘05 Rutherford Grove Petite Sirah Spg Crk Vyd (Henderson)

4. ‘05 L’Angevin Pinot Noir Son. Stage Vyd (Waskam)

5. ‘05 H. Lun Lagrein (George West)

5. ‘04 El Nido Clio (Comfort)

6. ‘05 Lafond Syrah Santa Rita Hills (Sandy)

7. ‘97 Fontodi Chianti Classico Sorbo (La Grange)

8. ‘06 Michel Rolland Clos de Los Siete (Mart)

9. ‘05 Chatagnier Saint Joseph (Pharr)

9. ‘04 Vall Llach Priorat Embruix (Itasca)

10. ‘06 Michel Rolland Clos de Los Siete (Paris)

10. ‘04 Plan Pegau Rouge (Ennis)

11. ‘96 Truchot Clos de La Roche Grd Cru (Middleton)

11. ‘99 Fabrizio Bianchi Chianti Cl Il Poggio Monsanto (Nacogdoches)

12. ‘00 LeSec Chat-du-Pape Galets Blonds (Marfa)

13. ‘04 Wild Earth Pinot Noir (Mexia)

14. ‘04 Abbaye de Tholomies Minervois (Brenham)

15. ‘02 Duckhorn Three Palms (Grapevine)

16. ‘04 Atauta Ribera del Duero (Freer)

17. ‘06 Barahonda Carro Tinto (Cold Spring)

18. ‘05 Chatagnier Saint Joseph (Marlin)

18. ‘04 Casa Zuliani Cab Franc (Bend)

18. ‘03 Curtis Syrah Vogelzang Vyd (Port Aransas)

19. ‘02 Quinta de Roques Touriga Nacional (Waxahachie)

no votes.

20. ‘03 Malescot St. Expuery Margaux (West)

20. ‘04 Ch du Cedre Cahors Prestige (San Elizario)

……………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………..

My results.

1. ‘04 Atauta Ribera del Duero (Freer) $42 A+ +36 **** 121107

2. ‘05 Chatagnier Saint Joseph (Pharr) $40 A+ +24 ****

3. ‘03 Girard Artistry (Lufkin) $33 A +9 ***

4. ‘04 Ornellaia Le Serre Nuova (Crystal City) $60 A- -34 **

5. ‘96 Truchot Clos de La Roche Grd Cru (Middleton) $160 A- -108 **

6. ‘05 H. Lun Lagrein (George West) $29 A- -10 **

7. ‘04 Wild Earth Pinot Noir (Mexia) $29 A- -5 **

8. ‘04 Abbaye de Tholomies Minervois (Brenham) $16 A- +3 **

9. ‘04 Ch du Cedre Cahors Prestige (San Elizario) $23 A- -7 **

10. ‘04 Vall Llach Priorat Embruix (Itasca) $38 A- -21 **

11. ‘97 Fontodi Chianti Classico Sorbo (La Grange) $55 A- -22 **

12. ‘05 Rutherford Grove Petite Sirah Spg Crk Vyd (Henderson) $36 A- -12 **

13. ‘05 L’Angevin Pinot Noir Son. Stage Vyd (Waskam) $53 A- -29 **

14. ‘04 El Nido Clio (Comfort) $65 A- -47 *

15. ‘02 Duckhorn Three Palms (Grapevine) $96 A- -78 *

16. ‘00 LeSec Chat-du-Pape Galets Blonds (Marfa) $27 A- -9 *

17. ‘06 Michel Rolland Clos de Los Siete (Paris) $15 A- +3 *

18. ‘06 Michel Rolland Clos de Los Siete (Mart) $15 A- -1 *

19. ‘06 Barahonda Carro Tinto (Cold Spring) $9 B+ +2

20. ‘05 Lafond Syrah Santa Rita Hills (Sandy) $17 B+ -6

21. ‘02 Quinta de Roques Touriga Nacional (Waxahachie) $29 B+ -11

22. ‘05 Chatagnier Saint Joseph (Marlin) $40 B+ -26

23. ‘04 Plan Pegau Rouge (Ennis) $15 B+ -5

24. ‘04 Casa Zuliani Cab Franc (Bend) $17 B -8

25. ‘99 Fabrizio Bianchi Chianti Cl Il Poggio Monsanto (Nacogdoches) off

26. ‘03 Malescot St. Expuery Margaux (West) off/lil corked

27. ‘03 Curtis Syrah Vogelzang Vyd (Port Aransas) corked

……………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………..

Here are links to previous years…

December 2006

December 2005

December 2004

December 2003

December 2002 (Free-for-All Cellar Raid)

Cantina Terlano Luncheon with Whit Meyers

 

 

I’ve loved this cooperative for years! Founded in 1893, this crew now has 100 associates trained in natural viticulture. Consistently, the whites hold their own with time in bottle. They have structure, balance, body, and delight. Throw in Whit Meyers as guide and you’ve got the goods.

In order preference.

1. ‘05 Terlano Gewurztraminer Lunare $50 A+ -12 **** 103007

—m+ body/m+ acd/m+ alc/clean,beautiful,super complex,baking spices,lychee

2. ‘05 Terlano Chard Kreuth $25 A+ +3 ***

—m+ body/m+ alc/yellow apple, pear, structure, balance

3. ‘06 Terlano Sauv Blc Winkl $27 A+ -3 ***

—m+ body/m+ alc/m+ acd/clean, citrus lemon rind with finesse

4. ‘06 Terlano Pinot Grigio $20 A+ +3 ****

—m+body/m+acd/m+alc/lemon, lime, definite mineral stone

5. ‘06 Terlano Terlaner Classico $19 A+ +5 ***

—m+body/m+acd/(soap in glass?)/ripe apple, hard pear, lemon zip

6. ‘06 Terlano Pinot Bianco $19 A+ +3 ***

—mbody/m+acd/clean, solid, real, wet rock, lemon rind, lime, lil hazelnut

7. ‘05 Terlano Sauv Blc Quartz $50 A -28 ***

—m+body/m+alc/m+acd/nose of NZ SB at first/fresh fish mkt.

8. ‘04 Terlano Lagrein Porphyr $50 A -26 **

—m+toFull body/m+alc/m+tann/flashiest of all/inky dark purple

9. ‘05 Terlano Gewurztraminer $25 A+ -6 ***

—m+body/m+acd/lil particles?,extremely food-vers,full-flesh

10. ‘05 Terlano Torilan $22 A +4 **

—m+body/60Merl,25Cab,15PN/slt coffee,lil currant,earthy,shredded chanterelles

11. ‘04 Terlano Lagrein Gries Riserva $29 A -13 **

—m+body/m+acd/m+alc/clean, inky purple, gamey

12. ‘06 Terlano Chard $19 A -2 **

—m+body/m+alc/m+2High acd/clean,vibrant/green apple skin, lemon zest,citrusy

13. ‘06 Terlano Muller Thurgau $19 A -2 **

—m body/m+acd/m+alc/clear,straw green,lt. honey, zippy, vibrant, alive

14. ‘02 Terlano Merlot Rsv Siebeneich $29 A- -12 **

—m+body/lil orange rim/tl slt age/dark & ripe cherry

15. ‘05 Terlano Pinot Nero $20 A- -3 **

—clean,neutral oak,red cherry,plum,fresh mushroom

16. ‘03 Terlano Nova Domus $50 C (OFF) revisit.

—slt ethyl acetate

Cantina Terlano