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.
Friday, January 14, 2011
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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