Chateau de Segries is an estate in the Lirac area of the Rhone Valley, with a few parcels in other areas. Their Cotes du Rhone is a traditional blend, of mostly Grenache and Syrah, with a bit of cinsault and carignan thrown in as well.
Nice ruby-red in color, with a nice nose of cherry, vanilla (despite it being only 10% in oak), and a hint of spice; as well as something else nice that I can't quite figure out how to describe.
The palate is just what you would want from a Cotes du Rhone; a medium body with a little raspberry, a little blackberry, a nice touch of spice, and a little earthiness, all in a wine dry enough to work very well with food, but fruity enough to drink on it's own.
This would be a good wine to have with most lamb dishes, or with a vegetarian dish with lots of mushrooms. I don't remember the price exactly, but I think this is around $15. At that point, it's a very good wine, a step up in depth from some lesser CdR's.
Recommended
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Terra Barossa Cuvee 2008
I went to a tasting of Australian wines yesterday, and while several were decent, one was outstanding: the 2008 Terra Barossa Cuvee by Thorn Clarke.
Thorn Clarke is better known for their Shotfire Ridge and William Randall Shiraz, wines that are commonly seen in Wine Spectator Highly Rated lists. Terra Barossa is their sub $20 offering, and the cuvee has a new blend for the 2008 vintage; Shiraz (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%), and Petit Verdot (17%). This is the first time I've seen Petit Verdot in a Shiraz blend, or for that matter, anything from Australia.
The downside to the tasting is that I had to sample the wine from a small plastic cup, instead of a proper glass. Despite this, the nose was huge, with notes of cherry, blackberry, and a little tobacco. On the palate, it was very full bodied, with a little more brambly dark fruit, a little spice, and the tobacco still coming through on the finish. And speaking of finish, this one lasted for several minutes.
A great wine to drink on it's own, or with a hearty beef dish or a steak. At $15, this is by far the best valued wine I've had since starting this blog. I hesitate to give a rating when tasting at a tasting, but I feel sure that when I have this at home (and trust me, I'll have it again), it will easily score in the 90s on a 100 point scale.
Very highly recommended. In fact, buy two.
Thorn Clarke is better known for their Shotfire Ridge and William Randall Shiraz, wines that are commonly seen in Wine Spectator Highly Rated lists. Terra Barossa is their sub $20 offering, and the cuvee has a new blend for the 2008 vintage; Shiraz (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (28%), and Petit Verdot (17%). This is the first time I've seen Petit Verdot in a Shiraz blend, or for that matter, anything from Australia.
The downside to the tasting is that I had to sample the wine from a small plastic cup, instead of a proper glass. Despite this, the nose was huge, with notes of cherry, blackberry, and a little tobacco. On the palate, it was very full bodied, with a little more brambly dark fruit, a little spice, and the tobacco still coming through on the finish. And speaking of finish, this one lasted for several minutes.
A great wine to drink on it's own, or with a hearty beef dish or a steak. At $15, this is by far the best valued wine I've had since starting this blog. I hesitate to give a rating when tasting at a tasting, but I feel sure that when I have this at home (and trust me, I'll have it again), it will easily score in the 90s on a 100 point scale.
Very highly recommended. In fact, buy two.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
New Holland "The Poet" Oatmeal Stout
The recent snow storms and a heavy work schedule have been rough, and have seriously cut into my drinking time. Thankfully, I finally got a day off with no snow, so I'm getting back on schedule.
Tonight I'm trying The Poet, an oatmeal stout made by New Holland brewery in Michigan. It's very dark; pretty much black. Nice creamy head. The nose has enough coffee and chocolate that I had to check the label to see if either of these are added. If they are, it's not listed, so I think it's just the malt.
This is a big beer. A little coffee and slight sweetness up front, with plenty of intense dark malt, but a slight bitterness gives a very dry finish, with lingering notes of chocolate and dark malt.
Overall, it's not incredibly complex. But it more than makes up for that with intensity and richness, with a very smooth style for a beer of this flavor level. If you like a good rich stout, this is a great beer to try. If you're new to stouts, this is probably not the one to start with.
Recommended
Tonight I'm trying The Poet, an oatmeal stout made by New Holland brewery in Michigan. It's very dark; pretty much black. Nice creamy head. The nose has enough coffee and chocolate that I had to check the label to see if either of these are added. If they are, it's not listed, so I think it's just the malt.
This is a big beer. A little coffee and slight sweetness up front, with plenty of intense dark malt, but a slight bitterness gives a very dry finish, with lingering notes of chocolate and dark malt.
Overall, it's not incredibly complex. But it more than makes up for that with intensity and richness, with a very smooth style for a beer of this flavor level. If you like a good rich stout, this is a great beer to try. If you're new to stouts, this is probably not the one to start with.
Recommended
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Samual Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Years ago, this was one of my favorite beers. But I quit buying it because I found that too many of them were skunky, a result of being packaged in clear glass. Recently, I discovered that they have finally moved to brown glass, so I decided it was time to see if it's as good as I remember.
Pouring it, it looks beautiful. Deep rich reddish brown, with a dense white head. Looks almost too good to drink, but I'll manage. Sweet malt with a very slight hoppiness on the nose. On the palate, it has a lot of malt, but only a slight bit of sweetness. There is a flavor that I can't quite describe that I think is the result of the hops, and seems to balance out the malt. The hops linger on the finish, giving just a slightly bitter finish. Perhaps that bitter finish is what made this beer work so well with the chicken wings I used to have at the bar, but for drinking it without food, it's a little more than I'd prefer.
Overall, not quite as good as I remember, and I think I prefer the Newcastle from a few nights ago, but still a pretty good beer. As a bonus, it costs no more now than it did when I first tried it nearly 30 years ago.
Recommended, especially with food.
Pouring it, it looks beautiful. Deep rich reddish brown, with a dense white head. Looks almost too good to drink, but I'll manage. Sweet malt with a very slight hoppiness on the nose. On the palate, it has a lot of malt, but only a slight bit of sweetness. There is a flavor that I can't quite describe that I think is the result of the hops, and seems to balance out the malt. The hops linger on the finish, giving just a slightly bitter finish. Perhaps that bitter finish is what made this beer work so well with the chicken wings I used to have at the bar, but for drinking it without food, it's a little more than I'd prefer.
Overall, not quite as good as I remember, and I think I prefer the Newcastle from a few nights ago, but still a pretty good beer. As a bonus, it costs no more now than it did when I first tried it nearly 30 years ago.
Recommended, especially with food.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Left Hand Milk Stout
Very dark, but not quite as black as I expected for a stout (IOW, it let's a little light through).
The nose is a mix of dark chocolate and dark roasted coffee, with maybe a slight hint of hazelnut. On the palate, rich and full, without being overly heavy. On the dry side for a milk stout, with only enough creaminess to make it extremely smooth. A little more hoppy than the nose would indicate, but that is probably what is balancing the creaminess so well. Lingering notes of mocha just make you want to take another sip. I'm really enjoying this beer.
Highly recommended.
The nose is a mix of dark chocolate and dark roasted coffee, with maybe a slight hint of hazelnut. On the palate, rich and full, without being overly heavy. On the dry side for a milk stout, with only enough creaminess to make it extremely smooth. A little more hoppy than the nose would indicate, but that is probably what is balancing the creaminess so well. Lingering notes of mocha just make you want to take another sip. I'm really enjoying this beer.
Highly recommended.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Two new world reds
Tonight I tasted two different reds; a Shiraz from Australia, and a California Cab.
The first wine was Mandu Shiraz 2007. I was excited to try this for two reasons; I like Shiraz, and this is from the area of Great Western, and I've never had a wine from that area. (Also, since I'm watching the Australian Open, I feel I should drink an Aussie wine). I'm not sure if this wine is characteristic of the area or not, but I wasn't crazy about it. Less fruit forward than most Shiraz that I've had, with roses and lanolin on the nose. Not very complex, and for a wine costing (IIRC) about $15, disappointing. I'm hoping to try another Shiraz from Great Western to find out if it's the area or just this wine, but I won't be trying this one again.
Since the first wine was less than wonderful, I opened another. This time the Inkling Cabernet, from Paso Robles California. A slightly odd nose, that improved considerably upon using the Venturi (if you don't have a Venturi aerator, I highly recommend getting one). After the aeration, it had a nose not too untypical of Paso Robles, with cherry, brambles, and a little earth. But on the palate, pleasant, but lacking depth. At $10, not bad, but not great either. I think this would be a good wine for a burger cook-out, but I would prefer something else in most other settings (like the similar priced Coastline, also from Paso Robles).
Recommended, but only for casual settings.
The first wine was Mandu Shiraz 2007. I was excited to try this for two reasons; I like Shiraz, and this is from the area of Great Western, and I've never had a wine from that area. (Also, since I'm watching the Australian Open, I feel I should drink an Aussie wine). I'm not sure if this wine is characteristic of the area or not, but I wasn't crazy about it. Less fruit forward than most Shiraz that I've had, with roses and lanolin on the nose. Not very complex, and for a wine costing (IIRC) about $15, disappointing. I'm hoping to try another Shiraz from Great Western to find out if it's the area or just this wine, but I won't be trying this one again.
Since the first wine was less than wonderful, I opened another. This time the Inkling Cabernet, from Paso Robles California. A slightly odd nose, that improved considerably upon using the Venturi (if you don't have a Venturi aerator, I highly recommend getting one). After the aeration, it had a nose not too untypical of Paso Robles, with cherry, brambles, and a little earth. But on the palate, pleasant, but lacking depth. At $10, not bad, but not great either. I think this would be a good wine for a burger cook-out, but I would prefer something else in most other settings (like the similar priced Coastline, also from Paso Robles).
Recommended, but only for casual settings.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Newcastle Brown Ale
I wanted to watch the Australian Open tonight, but since coverage didn't start until late, I put in my dvd of Three Sheets, and watched the episode on Newcastle. Having planned ahead, I had the appropriate beer on hand, Newcastle Brown Ale.
This has long been one of my favorite beers. Slightly sweet, with a lot of malt character. Some fruity esters come through mainly on the nose, but to a lesser extent on the palate. As is typical of beers from the area, it is not very hoppy. This was explained in the show that, because hops do not grow that far north, brewers traditionally used a light dose of hops rather than pay the expensive costs to transport them from the south. Whatever the reason, I'm glad of it, because I think this is a great beer. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it defines the style of British Brown Ale.
While most people don't think too hard about food pairings for beer, I have to point out that Newcastle Brown goes very well with spicy chicken wings. The slight sweetness counters the spice nicely, and it's light enough in body to be very quaffable.
This has long been one of my favorite beers. Slightly sweet, with a lot of malt character. Some fruity esters come through mainly on the nose, but to a lesser extent on the palate. As is typical of beers from the area, it is not very hoppy. This was explained in the show that, because hops do not grow that far north, brewers traditionally used a light dose of hops rather than pay the expensive costs to transport them from the south. Whatever the reason, I'm glad of it, because I think this is a great beer. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it defines the style of British Brown Ale.
While most people don't think too hard about food pairings for beer, I have to point out that Newcastle Brown goes very well with spicy chicken wings. The slight sweetness counters the spice nicely, and it's light enough in body to be very quaffable.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Dessert wine
I'll admit it. I like sweet wines.
There, I've said it.
But I'm picky. They have to be good ones. So tonight, on my never-ending quest for an inexpensive desert wine, I tried the Anakena Late Harvest 2008. It's a blend of mostly viognier (which I love, but have never seen in a dessert wine), and Muscat of Alexandria. At only about $12 for a 500ml bottle, definitely qualifies as inexpensive.
Nice nose, with strong aromas of honeysuckle, a little peach, and a slight hint of other floralness. On the palate, moderately sweet, with a light to medium body, with the same peach and honeysuckle flavors as on the nose. Not as rich as I'd prefer, but considering the price, not bad.
Sadly, the finish was disappointing, lasting only a few seconds. I've had dessert and other sweet wines give finishes that lasted over a minute, and while I didn't expect that from a $12 bottle, I did expect a little more than I got.
Bottom line, good, but not great. This would be a good bottle for a family gathering where you want something sweet for dessert, don't want to spend a lot, and most people wouldn't appreciate a more expensive bottle. But for the most part, I'd recommend spending a little more and getting something richer (such as the Apex II Late Harvest 2007, which is about the same price for a smaller bottle).
There, I've said it.
But I'm picky. They have to be good ones. So tonight, on my never-ending quest for an inexpensive desert wine, I tried the Anakena Late Harvest 2008. It's a blend of mostly viognier (which I love, but have never seen in a dessert wine), and Muscat of Alexandria. At only about $12 for a 500ml bottle, definitely qualifies as inexpensive.
Nice nose, with strong aromas of honeysuckle, a little peach, and a slight hint of other floralness. On the palate, moderately sweet, with a light to medium body, with the same peach and honeysuckle flavors as on the nose. Not as rich as I'd prefer, but considering the price, not bad.
Sadly, the finish was disappointing, lasting only a few seconds. I've had dessert and other sweet wines give finishes that lasted over a minute, and while I didn't expect that from a $12 bottle, I did expect a little more than I got.
Bottom line, good, but not great. This would be a good bottle for a family gathering where you want something sweet for dessert, don't want to spend a lot, and most people wouldn't appreciate a more expensive bottle. But for the most part, I'd recommend spending a little more and getting something richer (such as the Apex II Late Harvest 2007, which is about the same price for a smaller bottle).
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Old Pulteney Scotch
Some nights, especially those where it's really cold out, nothing hits the spot like a good dram of whisky. Tonight I'm having a glass of Old Pulteney single malt, which is from the distillery of the same name that is the northernmost on the mainland (there are two on the Orkney Islands that are farther north). One of the odd things about Old Pulteney was that when they were installing the still, it didn't quite fit. So they cut off part of the gooseneck, resulting in a shorter than designed still. This could be expected to give a fuller bodied slightly oilier whisky, but sometimes it's hard to say what has caused what effects.
On the nose, OP does present a slightly oily character, with hints of spice and smoke (I'm drinking it neat). On the palate, it starts out dry, with a slight herbalness and just a bit of heat. But after a few seconds, a nice slight honey sweetness shows through, countering the spicy warmth perfectly. The finish is just slightly off-dry, leaving you wanting more. The whole time, it is exceedingly smooth.
Adding just a splash of water helps open it up, as is typical with most single malts (if you only drink them neat, I suggest also trying it with a few drops of water; it can make an amazing difference with some Scotchs). The spice on the nose is now shared with a slight floralness, and on the palate, the honeyed sweetness, while still very slight, comes through from the beginning, with the spicyness showing up more on the finish. It's almost as if the splash of water has reversed the tasting sensation, with a little extra complexity.
If you like single malts, I suggest you seek this one out. It's not easy to find, but it's also reasonably priced when you do. While this is technically a Highland malt, it is a little fuller bodied than most Highland malts, with some of the oiliness of an island malt, but without the intense smoke of the Islay malts, or the searing spice of something like Talisker. Overall, one of my favorites.
This tasting was of the 12 year old version. There is also a 17 year old, which I haven't tried.
On the nose, OP does present a slightly oily character, with hints of spice and smoke (I'm drinking it neat). On the palate, it starts out dry, with a slight herbalness and just a bit of heat. But after a few seconds, a nice slight honey sweetness shows through, countering the spicy warmth perfectly. The finish is just slightly off-dry, leaving you wanting more. The whole time, it is exceedingly smooth.
Adding just a splash of water helps open it up, as is typical with most single malts (if you only drink them neat, I suggest also trying it with a few drops of water; it can make an amazing difference with some Scotchs). The spice on the nose is now shared with a slight floralness, and on the palate, the honeyed sweetness, while still very slight, comes through from the beginning, with the spicyness showing up more on the finish. It's almost as if the splash of water has reversed the tasting sensation, with a little extra complexity.
If you like single malts, I suggest you seek this one out. It's not easy to find, but it's also reasonably priced when you do. While this is technically a Highland malt, it is a little fuller bodied than most Highland malts, with some of the oiliness of an island malt, but without the intense smoke of the Islay malts, or the searing spice of something like Talisker. Overall, one of my favorites.
This tasting was of the 12 year old version. There is also a 17 year old, which I haven't tried.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Scuttlebutt Porter
Tonight felt more like a beer night, not a wine night. So I decided to try the Scuttlebutt Porter from Everett, Washington, a brewery I've just recently heard of and never tried.
Very dark in color, with only a few hints of reddish brown around the edges keeping me from calling it black. A nice aroma of roasted malt is almost chocolate-y, and as to be expected from a beer from this part of the world, a noticable, but not over-whelming,Cascade hoppiness.
On the palate, very rich and almost creamy, with pronounced chocolate overtones. The hops are enough to offset the sweetness of the malt, but not enough to start tasting bitter. As someone who has become rather burned out on the high IBU beers loaded with Cascade and/or Centenial hops, this is a refreshing reminder of what a lighter touch can do, while still keeping a Pacific NW character.
After trying this beer, I'm looking forward to trying other Scuttlebutt beers, and at a reasonable price of $4 for a bomber, I have the feeling that I'll drink this one on a regular basis. I like this even better than the Pike's, which is IMO a little too hoppy.
Recommended if you like heavy dark beers. This could easily be called a Stout, and no one would argue.
Very dark in color, with only a few hints of reddish brown around the edges keeping me from calling it black. A nice aroma of roasted malt is almost chocolate-y, and as to be expected from a beer from this part of the world, a noticable, but not over-whelming,Cascade hoppiness.
On the palate, very rich and almost creamy, with pronounced chocolate overtones. The hops are enough to offset the sweetness of the malt, but not enough to start tasting bitter. As someone who has become rather burned out on the high IBU beers loaded with Cascade and/or Centenial hops, this is a refreshing reminder of what a lighter touch can do, while still keeping a Pacific NW character.
After trying this beer, I'm looking forward to trying other Scuttlebutt beers, and at a reasonable price of $4 for a bomber, I have the feeling that I'll drink this one on a regular basis. I like this even better than the Pike's, which is IMO a little too hoppy.
Recommended if you like heavy dark beers. This could easily be called a Stout, and no one would argue.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Montoya Napa Cab
Last night I had the 2007 Montoya cab. 2007 was a great year in Napa, and when I opened this bottle, I was immediately hit by the amazing nose. On the palate, there was some nice dark fruit, and the first few sips were delightlful.
But even with the great fruit, it lacked depth and complexity. After the first glass, it frankly got a little boring. At $15, it's at the lower end of the price range for Napa cabs, and certainly gives a hint of what Napa is about, but I think there are far better Napa wines that are still under $20, and wines from other areas that are at least as good without paying the Napa premium.
If you're at a party where the host is serving this, it's worth having a glass. But not worth buying a bottle.
Not recommended.
But even with the great fruit, it lacked depth and complexity. After the first glass, it frankly got a little boring. At $15, it's at the lower end of the price range for Napa cabs, and certainly gives a hint of what Napa is about, but I think there are far better Napa wines that are still under $20, and wines from other areas that are at least as good without paying the Napa premium.
If you're at a party where the host is serving this, it's worth having a glass. But not worth buying a bottle.
Not recommended.
Great riesling
I've had some problems posting, so I'm now catching up. Actually had this a few nights ago.
Dr Heidemanns-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2009.
Loads of honeysuckle on the nose, with a hint of orange citrus and just the faintest touch of petrol (which is typical of high quality rieslings from the Mosel). Intense flavor, with pear, apricot, tangerine, and honey, balanced by a slight minerality. Fairly sweet (I'd guess around 7-8% sugar), but perfectly balanced by the acidity. The most amazing part is the finish, which actually builds for 30-40 seconds, then lasts close to two minutes before finally fading away.
Great by itself, or should be wonderful with spicy food like Thai. Also great with roast turkey if you're celebrating Thanksgiving a little late.
An outstanding wine. I gave it a rating of 94 points, and highly recommend it, even at the $25 price.
Dr Heidemanns-Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2009.
Loads of honeysuckle on the nose, with a hint of orange citrus and just the faintest touch of petrol (which is typical of high quality rieslings from the Mosel). Intense flavor, with pear, apricot, tangerine, and honey, balanced by a slight minerality. Fairly sweet (I'd guess around 7-8% sugar), but perfectly balanced by the acidity. The most amazing part is the finish, which actually builds for 30-40 seconds, then lasts close to two minutes before finally fading away.
Great by itself, or should be wonderful with spicy food like Thai. Also great with roast turkey if you're celebrating Thanksgiving a little late.
An outstanding wine. I gave it a rating of 94 points, and highly recommend it, even at the $25 price.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Bubbly!
To celebrate my passing of my CSW exam (Certified Specialist of Wine), we opened a bottle of sparkling wine tonight, a Clairette de Die called Jaillance. It's a blend of Muscat and Clairette, and made in the "Methode Ancestrale", a technique that pre-dates the "Traditional Method" used for Champagne and other top level sparkling wines.
As for drinking, this was very nice. The muscat really shows through, with lots of honeysuckle and a hint of apricot on the nose, and apricot and orange on the palate. Lots of fruit, and just a little sweetness; enough to make it very easy drinking, but also enough to make it possibly clash with some foods. But that's okay, it's so delicious that you don't need anything with it (and unlike Champagne, it might actually work with strawberries!)
If you're looking for the finesse and richness of Champagne, this doesn't have it. But if you want a change of pace, this is well worth trying. (side note: it's only 7% abv, so you can drink the entire bottle if you so desire).
As for drinking, this was very nice. The muscat really shows through, with lots of honeysuckle and a hint of apricot on the nose, and apricot and orange on the palate. Lots of fruit, and just a little sweetness; enough to make it very easy drinking, but also enough to make it possibly clash with some foods. But that's okay, it's so delicious that you don't need anything with it (and unlike Champagne, it might actually work with strawberries!)
If you're looking for the finesse and richness of Champagne, this doesn't have it. But if you want a change of pace, this is well worth trying. (side note: it's only 7% abv, so you can drink the entire bottle if you so desire).
Monday, January 3, 2011
Edgewood Merlot
I have to admit up front, I'm not a big fan of most California merlots. Other than Duckhorn or Matanza's Creek, I'd rather have my merlot from Washington or Bordeaux.
That said, the 2007 Napa Valley Merlot from Edgewood (part of the Underdog Wine Merchants, a name I'm seeing cropping up a lot lately)* is pretty good. Lots of dark fruit, but more of a "finesse" wine than a "fruit bomb". And a nice little peppery spice on the finish that I seldom see. Unlike most merlots, I think this is more of a food wine than a "fits everything" party/cocktail wine, although it could work there too.
For $15, this is a pretty decent wine. Surprisingly, it's not that full bodied, even though it is 14.5% abv. With rather soft tannins, this is a good wine for someone who doesn't want to be over-powered, but wants a good match for a steak or beef-roast.
Recommended.
*So far, I've noticed that Underdog Wine Merchants are behind the production and/or import of Cupcake wines, the Ports from Osborne, Monticillo Rioja, and Kimblefield Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
That said, the 2007 Napa Valley Merlot from Edgewood (part of the Underdog Wine Merchants, a name I'm seeing cropping up a lot lately)* is pretty good. Lots of dark fruit, but more of a "finesse" wine than a "fruit bomb". And a nice little peppery spice on the finish that I seldom see. Unlike most merlots, I think this is more of a food wine than a "fits everything" party/cocktail wine, although it could work there too.
For $15, this is a pretty decent wine. Surprisingly, it's not that full bodied, even though it is 14.5% abv. With rather soft tannins, this is a good wine for someone who doesn't want to be over-powered, but wants a good match for a steak or beef-roast.
Recommended.
*So far, I've noticed that Underdog Wine Merchants are behind the production and/or import of Cupcake wines, the Ports from Osborne, Monticillo Rioja, and Kimblefield Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Elderton Friends Shiraz
Tonight I opened the 2008 Elderton 'Friends' Shiraz. I've always been a fan of Elderton wines, especially their Shiraz, so I was excited about trying this vintage. Sadly, I was disappointed. Not that it wasn't good; it was. But it wasn't up to the level I expected. I guess I've just been spoiled by their other wines and vintages (the previous 'Friends' shiraz I've had was outstanding).
The '08 has a medium body, with some decent fruit and a nice hint of smoke/spice, and just a little mustiness (in a good way). Moderate finish of about 20 seconds.
Not a bad wine; it actually is nicer than most $10-12 Aussie Shirazes that I've had, but at $17, while not a terrible deal, it's not a great one either.
If you can get this on sale, grab it. But if you're paying over $15, there are other wines to go for instead. And if you get a chance to try their estate wines, go for it; their Command is still the best Shiraz that I've ever tasted.
The '08 has a medium body, with some decent fruit and a nice hint of smoke/spice, and just a little mustiness (in a good way). Moderate finish of about 20 seconds.
Not a bad wine; it actually is nicer than most $10-12 Aussie Shirazes that I've had, but at $17, while not a terrible deal, it's not a great one either.
If you can get this on sale, grab it. But if you're paying over $15, there are other wines to go for instead. And if you get a chance to try their estate wines, go for it; their Command is still the best Shiraz that I've ever tasted.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Red wine tonight
Tonight, I'm drinking Coastline Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007. This is one that's been sitting in my cellar for a year or so, and seems to have benefited from the time.
Raspberry and currant on the nose, with a little bit of spice. Palate shows lots of fruit, with a faint hint of tar typical of Paso Robles cabs. Very enjoyable on its own, would also work well with a burger or some cheese. This is one of my favorite inexpensive cabs, at only $10. Highly recommended.
Raspberry and currant on the nose, with a little bit of spice. Palate shows lots of fruit, with a faint hint of tar typical of Paso Robles cabs. Very enjoyable on its own, would also work well with a burger or some cheese. This is one of my favorite inexpensive cabs, at only $10. Highly recommended.
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