Fred MacMurray was an actor who played many roles. You wouldn’t know what the man was truly like, just by seeing him in a movie. The same thing applies to the Pinot Noir from the MacMurray Ranch (which the actor used to own). You would never know from the words “Pinot Noir” printed on the…
And in summation, ladies and gentleman, the winery in question did choose to blend many grape varieties. This lead to a wine that offered far more intensity of complex dark fruit aromas and flavors that clearly favored those people who enjoy inexpensive yet rich wines. The mostly Syrah, Zinfandel and Merlot grapes with a…
Better late disgorged than never. Truly superb. Domaine Carneros Late Disgorged 2007. Of course it’s yeasty, biscuity, creamy, nothing new here. And delicious. Also an obvious truism. But what a superb balance of almonds, pears, slight citrus and even a touch peachy. The late disgorged Brut has always been one of Domaine Carneros’ best wines,…
Big House White California A white wine in a big box. 3 Liters and a thousand varieties of grapes. Contains Gruner Veltliner, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Malvasia Bianca, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, Riesling, Other. Drinking this wine is like hanging out with a woman (or man) wearing far too much perfume or cologne. All you can smell is…
In its declining years (but then who isn’t?), the Chateau d’Armailhac Pauillac 1999 is more tobacco, leather and earth with remnants of cassis, blackberry and spice. And when I say remnants I do mean mere scraps. But still, it tasted like a truly old-world Bordeaux (yes, I know it is the old world, but I’m…
Marques de Riscal Proximo. 2009. “Proximo” means the “next” thing in Spanish and Marques de Riscal produced this wine as an introduction to their lines of Rioja wines (made from the Tempranillo grape). The wine is certainly well priced at about $10 retail. Usually $10 wines, even the better ones, are generic in quality and…
Michel Chapoutier. In a word, yummy. In several words, blackberry fruit with earthy, smoky and peppery aromas and tastes. Under $15. Really delicious. It’s Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. It’s similar to a Cotes du Rhone, but better than Chapoutier’s version of that. Found this in Costco in Summerlin.”
There’s an intensity of dark almost raisiny blackberry fruit, but it’s nowhere over the top. It’s gentle, yet keeps on coming. The acidity does not announce itself but it is there. It’s definitely not soft, but also not aggressive. The blend is typically Veronese: Corvina and Rondinella mostly, a touch of Sangiovese. It’s relaxing to…
Tonight’s dinner was brought to you by Costco Tri-Tip. And by fresh brussels sprouts. Guest appearance of Louis M Martini 2010 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. You may remember Martini as a great value producer from many years ago introducing wonderful varietal wines. This wine was “inspired by Cabernet Sauvignon” but really wasn’t the original. Pleasant, well…
Mezzacorona Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva 2008 Teroldego is a Northern Italian grape from Trentino-Alto Adige. It is grown in Campo Rotaliano, a flood plain formed by the Adige and Noce rivers. The color is an intense red. The aroma starts as ripe red cherry and shortly becomes redolent of darker fruit, blackberry, plums and dark cherry.…
Over a Barrel: Selling and Drinking Wine 