Fairfield County Wine Tasting Appreciation Society Merlot Dinner

Yes, the name is a bit of a joke. Some friends of mine (6 of them) started coming to BONDA three years ago once a month for Open That Bottle Night.

They would choose a wine theme, Shiraz, California, 2003 Pinot, etc.... and each contribute a bottle and judge who brought the best. Jamie and I would dip in here and there, trying some of the wines and adding our two cents.

The natural evolution turned to pairing 2 people together to bring in better wines, which begat buying wines at auction for the group. I have been participating off an on for the last 18 months, and was lucky enough to make it to last night's Merlot tasting.

The first wine was a 750 ml of 2003 Etude Merlot from Napa Valley. It was sweet on the nose, with a medium body and mild tannins. Not a lot of fruit for a Cali Merlot - which is good -but a handful of oak, and a hint of bitterness in the finish. We were having a bit of Roaring Forties blue cheese, which I thought "muted" the wine - Sam said "it goes well!"

Quotes:

"smooth", "straight forward", "playing it safe", "solid", "I could drink this everyday" - although I think this was facetious.

Next up was a magnum of 2001 Fisher Vineyards 157 Estate Merlot. We decanted this for about an hour, maybe more and drank it with our first course, mostly bacon dishes. I had bacon with fingerling potatoes and onions, which really complemented the vino.

On the nose, I thought the Fisher resembled a Montepulciano, specifically a 1998 Pepe. Super high toned fruit, with acetone, fig and cherry. I was in love with the nose, I wanted to drink the nose. On the palate it was a little disappointing with mild fruit, medium tannins and a touch of bitterness in the finish. It definitely did not live up to the nose. Sam said it tasted like rotten tomatoes.

It was great to try these Merlots as they really bucked the thought of Cali Merlot being big fruit bombs.

The last Magnum we had was a 2003 Peterson Family Merlot. Unfortunately my pen ran out of ink, but this wine was awesome and won the night. Bizarre in that it did not resemble a Merlot, but more like a well balanced Zin. Gobs of black fruit, spice, with a touch of oak. After decanting for two hours, it could have gone longer. This wine with last for at least 15 years. Go buy some now!

Sorry I forgot to take some pics, but it was a busy night at the restaurant and Jamie left early!

2005 Kistler Les Noisetiers

These UStream vids are fun. Here's me and Court talking about Kistler.

No comments:

2006 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red

From Columbia Valley, a six grape blend: Syrah, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Malbec, Merlot and uno mas, I think - no notes. You know I love Washington State wines and funky blends.

On the nose off the bottle, I thought it was all Napa bomb oak. Jamie tried it first: "I really like it, but you won't."

Is it like the Sous Creek I asked? "Yes, but Sous Creek is much better, this has tons of oak".

Definitely charcoaled oak /ash on the palate and nose. Firm tannins, with hints of cellar floor, high toned cherry - but still super young. Plenty of better Wash wines to drink, but Tamarack shows promise and is not so expensive as others.

Would drink Syzygy Red Wine over this right now, but their current release is 2004, and this is 2006 - so lets revisit in awhile. Not going on the BONDA list quite yet, but at $50 it will be an easy wine to sell for Napa Cab heads and I can get behind it!

More Quick Tweet Style Reviews

I have to say I really like the tweet style review of wines from my previous post this evening. I have some notes on some wines from other tastings, so instead of writing full posts, I am going to repeat my quick shot reviews.

Please comment if you like this style or dislike this style. I will not do it for every wine - after all this is a blog, not posterous, tumblr or twitter!

That being said, here are some quick shots. If you didn't know, this is a blog about drinking 365 Wines in 365 Days, so I better fulfill my promise!

2006 Mudhouse Pinot Noir: Screwtop bliss. BTG Pinot from New Zealand for BONDA. Nose: Bright cherry, moss, vibrant violet. Sauteed raspberry on the palate, zip in the finish. great fruit!

2006 Bastianich Tocai: great BTG for BONDA. refreshingly light, interestingly yeasty, with floral notes, light mushroom depth, high citrus notes in finish, perfect for fall!

2005 Betz Family Clos De Betz: sitting down after long night at BONDA with Betz and a filet. much softer than expected. super soft, super mild tannins, hints of oak, black fruit, simply divine.

2005 Betz Family La Serene Syrah: no one buys this at BONDA. cracked a bottle, it was off. Jamie called it!

2006 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir

When I was sick a few weeks back, some friends of Court came to visit and went to dinner at BONDA. I asked Jamie what they cracked and he paused. He then told me this Cristom is drinking mighty fine. As soon as I got better, I opened a bottle for myself.

Here are my notes:

The nose is pure heaven: oregano, green pepper, ripe red fruit, basil, driftwood, yeasty bread dough with a touch of alcohol.

On the palate, medium tannins, tame fruit, touch of oak with roasted plum.

Not as killer as Jamie would have led me to believe, but definitely drinking well now.

Tweeted Wines

Man this blog sucks. You should really follow my twitter feed @365Wines to get an accurate picture of what I am drinking!

Onto the many wines I have to review. Here is a compilation of my wine tweets over the last two weeks or so. These are directly copied from my twitter feed.

If you do not understand Twitter, it is a micro-blogging, instant messaging, text message blast, service that limits your "tweets" to 140 characters.

Mostly people answer: "What Are You Doing?" but it has become a way to share information and to inform your network of followers about your passions of the moment.

I try to tweet about the wine I am drinking and what I am experiencing, as well to ask the question, "What are you drinking?"

2004 Cadence Coda: just cracked a bottle of 2004 Cadence Coda. What are you drinking

Coda is sweetish on the nose, with blackcurrant, tannic dark cherry deliciousness. Classic American Cab Franc. they do it so well in Wash.

chill from the cellar is warming up. developing mocha, rosemary, thyme, stewed tomatoes. really sings with the sausage I am cooking.

2005 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc: got home from a K Vintner's wine tasting and my wife was opening an '05 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc /Viognier blend. oh well. might be dying

05 Pine Ridge Chenin much sweeter than I remember. lacks the sophistication it had in '07 - could be turning? i remember austerity

refreshing on the nose, with honeysuckle, thyme. almost reisling like on the palate: slight viscosity and touch of bitter finish

2004 Montenidoli Tradizionale: last night a had a 2004 montenidoli traditionale that was on the edge of turning. still have 4 bottles or so. maybe a BTG at BONDA

1998 Quintarelli Valpolicella: also drank a '98 Quintarelli Valpolicella. pure bliss. in-laws were over for spiral sausage and saffron risotto w/ spinach

2004 Drew Hearthstone Vineyard Syrah: cracked a bottle of '04 Drew Hearthstone Syrah. only 80 cases made. lots of cherry on the nose, robitussiny on the palate. will work.

2000 Manzoni Pinot Nero: just cracked a 2000 Manzoni Pinonero from the Langhe region. What are you drinking?

@winedrip Manzoni Pinonero 2000.at its peak.a little hot.hints of violets.sage.cinnamon.earth.medium tannins but dry.tasty but not fav

@winetweets Manzoni Pinonero 2000.at its peak.a little hot.hints of violets.sage.cinnamon.earth.medium tannins but dry.tasty but not fav

lots of stinky feet and mushrooms on this pinonero. not too much fruit and still a lot of heat. acidic on the tummy as well.

2005 Yves Cuileron Les Pierres Seches: just cracked a 2005 Yves Cuileron Les Pierres Seches from St. Joseph. What are you drinking?

stinky on the nose, violets, mud, rootstock, coffee beans. on the tongue, firm tannins, muted plum, green peppercorn, little bordeauxish

nose is opening up.although beginning to feel that this syrah needs food. not a luscious as new world, not entirely tannic but bone dry

2006 Ramey Carneros District Chardonnay: is drinking the 2006 Ramey Carneros District Chardonnay. charred oak.little effervecence. not as delicate as the 2005 Sonoma coast

anyone had the 2006 Ramey Carneros District Chardonnay? Any thoughts? Going to write blog about it after dinner.

i let the Ramey breathe a bit and warm up - much better. also needed a bit of food and fat on the palate

Wines I did not tweet about, but can wrap up in a tweet-style review:

2007 Cuilleron Marsanne: totally awesome! peach notes, with full mouth feel, hints of acidity, round finish - awesome for the price. maybe WBTG at BONDA.

2007 Drouhin Saint-Veran: present from friend. wife did not like so much. palate flat, notes of oak, crisp and steely but no bite, a little flabby.

2006 Kingston Vineyard Alazan Pinot Noir: Killer Pinot for the price. Soft oak, medium tanins, nice fruit with that Kingston edge of charred vinestock. on list at BONDA.

So, part of me thinks this is a half-assed post, but I covered a lot of wines and in a very condensed format. You don't have to read me prattling on about every sip, and get a succinct review of each bottle.

I promise I will not get behind so far again. Two kids. Corporate gig, co-owner of BONDA, social responsibilities. I love my blog and I love writing about wine, so sorry to keep you waiting for new posts!

Charles Smith /K Vintners Tasting

Has anyone been following my twitter feed @365Wines?  You can also see the last 5 tweets on the left hand feed. I am finding that I can tweet about a wine that I am drinking at the moment - to live the tasting - then go back and create a blog post about how I experienced the wine. If you are on Twitter, please follow, and let me know about your feed and I will follow you back!

I had a focused tasting tonight at BONDA for the Charles Smith /K Vintners' portfolio in CT - a fantastic Washington State producer. Artisan Wines (run by our friend Rob Makin) had K Vintner's in CT and NY for many years, but they decided to go with a larger NY distrib, and thus Rob let them go in CT, as it is a much smaller market. We have carried their Syrahs by in the past and currently have the '04 Milbrandt Syrah on the list.

Luckily, Opici picked up the portfolio and I got to try all the new wines. The wine maker, Charles Smith sold his House Wine label, and with the profits started an eponymous second label, focused on single varietal, single vineyard wines. The wines are all "entry level" at $12 to $20 a bottle, but definitely do not taste like wines that inexpensive.

Our Opici salesperson Anna Lisa arranged the tasting for me with her K Vintners rep who regaled me with tales of the winemaker and the history of the wines. It was the last stop of their for the day at 5:45, so it might have been a little rushed.

First up was the Holy Cow Chardonnay, which was a treat. Great Northwest fruit with little maloactic fermentation, a bit of oak - but great fruit. Very European in style. I think the rep called it a New Old World wine. Next was the Kung Fu Girl Riesling which was also tasty - not at all cloying - with a touch of viscosity, but a great expression of Riesling that wasn't sweet, nor bitter.

The K Vintner '06 Viognier was next. I ordered a few bottles for the restaurant. It was heavenly. Great floral notes, with mild oak, and a great mouth feel. On the red side, Charles Smith Holy Cow Merlot was quite delish - for a Merlot. Sweet notes, but not cherry soda - great backbone of spice, with dark Northwest berries and balanced by soft tannins. I bought a case to do by the glass.

My favorite was the Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah which was named after a voluptuous red head he once dated.  Awesome fruit bursting off the bat with blue and black berries, roasted pluots, mild tannins.  I ordered two cases for the future.  I would definitely have this wine as my winter house wine.

I did not like the Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon, which had 10% Malbec and 5% Cab Franc.  It's not that I didn't like it, per se, but I thought it was a bit over-priced for $20 a bottle retail, and the rep oversold it a bit. If it was served to me I would drink it, but I would be disappointed if I bought it at a store or ordered it at a restaurant.

We have carried the Milbrant Waluke Slope Syrah for a few vintages, '01 - '04, but missed the '05.  The '06 was super tight and showed little fruit.  The rep said it had been flown on on Monday, so it was probably bottle shocked.

Overall I really enjoyed Charles Smith's new wines and would recommend buying a bottle or having a glass if you find it.  Especially the Boom Boom Syrah and the Kung Fu Girl Riesling - because you know, Girls and Rieslings kick ass!

Once Again, I am Behind

BUT THIS IS THE REASON WHY!

2003 St. Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard

Once again, my wife has abandoned me and our two sons, Cooper and Gray. I am supposed to be at BONDA for the 1st Fairfield County Wine Tasting Appreciation Society dinner, however due to a scheduling mix-up, I am with the boys and Court is with her girls at a birthday dinner at the Fat Cat.

As Cooper dances to Jack Johnson's Curious George soundtrack, I am cracking a bottle of my favorite Pinot, the White Rose Vineyard bottling for Oregon producer, St. Innocent. This is a very special wine for me as it is the first Oregon Pinot Noir I had where I realized that this was my thing. I had drunk some Benton Lane, and few other so so producers and liked Oregon Pinot, but the 2002 St. Innocent White Rose really made me say, YES, this is what I like in a Pinot Noir.

I bought a case of 2003 and have two or three bottles left.

10.02.08: I was so disappointed with this wine after all the build-up that I couldn't finish this post. I think I had a dead bottle. It wasn't bad, but it had no life.

09/23/08: Westry Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir 2006

As a follow-up to my previous posting on our new Westry aquisitions for BONDA, here are my notes from the Abbey Ridge:

almost no nose, too young? Jim says "good table wine". slowly developing, little medicinal, with tight tannins.

If I recall, this was the 2nd Birthday Dinner for Jim (F-I-L) in Nantucket with Jamie, Kim, Court, Mellie (M-I-L). We decided to put the Abbey Ridge on hold, and went to the Oracle, then decided on opening a third wine (we were at home and not going anywhere). I didn't take any more notes on the Pinots, but we did enjoy them, however they are still too young for BONDA. One wine we did open was a Queen of Hearts Merlot that was a gift from the Cooper's neighbors. It looked very interesting as a small producer from Mendicino (I think). Unfortunately, it was corked!

2002 Rafferty's Rules Angels Share Shiraz

This is a bit of a cheater post, as I opened a bottle of this Shiraz for a friend, Hillary, who wanted a glass of red wine - and I did not want to drink. I have been sitting on this bottle for a few months, waiting to try it again. It is on the list at BONDA for about $30 and I have always thought it is a great deal. The distributor had been trying to get rid of this vintage to make way for the '03 and was selling it at bargain basement pricing!

Here is my write up from the wine list:

From McClaren Vale, Australia, this Shiraz is blended from three of my favorite sources down under: McClaren Vale, Heathcote, and Langhorne Creek. From the producer: “the ultimate hedonistic expression of Shiraz. Velvety smooth, rich and spicy, packed with blackberry and plum flavours framed by the judicious use of oak. This vintage retains the family identity of Rafferty’s Shiraz – pleasure.”

The "Angel's Share" refers to the portion lost evaporation due to barrel maturation. A few winemakers use this designate for their wines, however I always thought it was the wine at the top of the barrel - which is almost true.

Anyway, I have a little bit of a cold, so this wine tastes (to me) like eucalyptus, Robitussin DM, big black cherry, black plum, medium tannins (but not enough to support the fruit) with a long alcoholic finish. Could definitely use more time in the bottle to mellow these flavors. My friend tastes none of this in her glass, and thinks the wine is divine. Jamie is coming over later, so I will save him a glass, and see how off my palate really is!

2002 Ruston Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Ruston the only Napa Cab we have on the wine list at BONDA right now. We just like it. It has big fruit, anchored with some oak, and character which a lot of Californian wines do not seem to have and a fantastically long finish and we can sell it for $74. We are on the '04 at the restaurant, but my father-in-law still has a few bottles of the case of '02 he bought in 2006.

He grilled a ribeye, which really made the wine sing. It is still a big monster, and can sit for years, but the tannins have mellowed - lots of anise, blackberry, charred oak, with hints of earth and soil. Totally delish.

Please Comment if You Have Any Thoughts

I am trying to improve this blog. Please comment if you have any thoughts on how I could do so, and I will try to add any functionality I can.

I took off the advertising - I made about $0.48 cents in 6 months - not that the point was to make money, but it was an experiment.

I am trying to take bottle pics with a real camera instead of my iPhone - but not always the case. Sam asked for better pics since he is into the labels, so when I can, I do.

I started a Twitter feed @365Wines if you would like to follow - please do so.

I started a Tumblr for 365Wines as well, although I haven't updated it yet. I am looking for a way to write blog posts from my iPhone. I think Tumblr can take text messages, and I also started a Posterous for 365Wines, although I haven't used it yet. If there was some way to feed it all into this blog - email, text and web posts.

I'm sure this technology exists, I just haven't figured it out yet.

Thank you for your input.

Cheers!

2004 Syzygy Columbia Valley Red Wine

This is my review for the BONDA wine list: From Walla Walla, Washington, this blend of Cab Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Malbec is their third vintage, and I think their best. With a beautiful nose of Pacific Northwest red fruit and forrest floor, following on the tongue with slightly sweet hints of raspberry popsicle and alcohol that quickly burn off to reveal lush, richly developed dark fruit. A great Washington “starter” wine.

We sell it for 48 bucks, and it is one of my favorite wines on the list. I had a bottle the other night with a turkey meatloaf, paprika spiked mashed potatoes and my in-laws. Big gobs of Pacific Northwest fruit, medium tannins - simply divine. Still could use a few years in the bottle to tame the fruit, but pretty awesome now. I had the 2002 & '03 but didn't think they were "there" just yet. I am very jazzed this wine rocks so hard.

Jim said it is just the type of wine he likes to drink. I agree.

2007 Harkamp Sauvignon Blanc Steil

Yeah, I know what you are thinking, an Austrian Sauvignon Blanc? A little pricier than a Chilean, but cheaper than the same quality in a Californian Sav Blanc. We have it on the list at BONDA for $42 - and it is killer.

Classic ruby red grapefruit /cat pee on the nose with notes of gravely soil. Following on the palate, but with something more…terrior I dare say? A sensible Austrian soul? Citrus and acid on the back palate with a flinty minerality, limestone, peach pit and citrusy starfruit. Long finish with a hint of a bitter edge.

Definitely a wine to try if you see it. Only make a few hundred cases make it to the US, so check it out!

2004 Jean-Marc Morey Santenay La Comme Dessus

This Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Santenay to be exact, is pretty damn good - especially for the price. Jamie bought two cases on Mike 's recommendation, and thank you Mike.

On the nose, austere, yet with playful bits of candied red fruit - charred oak in the background, and soil. It is a Rosenthal Selection - hand picked by Neal Rosenthal, the famous wine importer, and there have been maybe one wine or two that have not been delish from his import book - at any price point. I think we will sell this Santenay at BONDA in the $60 range - but I have to check.

The first sip carries the austerity of the nose, with nods to terroir, hints of dirt and stone, raspberry syrup high notes (but not syrupy, just concentrated), cedar on the finish. A really fruity Burgundy - but not in a bad way - it still has depth and soul, but possibly made for a more main stream US palate?

There is an AHA! moment mid palate when I realized that this is a great wine. Not terribly flashy like a California Pinot, and not unapproachable or horribly expensive as I view most Burgundies. Like Cinderella, this wine is just right for me.

I am making an evolved pasta dish. I was at BONDA doing inventory, and remembered I had chipotle butter I made last weekend, and corn from last week's farm share. Jamie suggested throwing in some red pepper and basil, then topping it with cheddar - he asked is I was going to bake it - and then it became a mac and cheese with locatelli romano, 24 month old Canadian Cheddar, 1/2 and 1/2 roux, with shells, corn, red pepper, onions and garlic. A simple dish to throw together.

Tasting this Pinot, I'm sure it will be an awesome complement.

2005 Westry Oracle Vineyard Pinot Noir

From Oregon, we had the 2006 in Nantucket, and I found this bottle in my cellar tonight, so I thought I would try it. I am thoroughly disappointed and am not enjoying it. First off, this Pinot is a little acidic and is making my tummy hurt. On the nose, it is hot, and has an aroma of wet green leaves, dirty soil, and shitake?

On the tongue, no fruit, with hints of wet cigar and cedar, more than firm tannins, and an unpleasant finish. It is a pity because I really love their Willamette Valley bottling and could drink it all day.

2005 Ch. Miraval Coteaux Varois en Provence

From the Rolle grape, this wine could be passing its prime. Fading citrus hints with round floral notes. Much better last summer, but not a big seller at BONDA. I think there are two bottles left, which I will mostly take off the list.

2005 Music Savignon

We had this Sauvignon Blanc down a the beach last week. Flavors of grapefruit are fading with lemon zest, and floral notes. Jamie thinks it is fading and I am inclined to agree.

2006 Cantina Tramin Gerwurztraminer

From Alto Adige, the beloved border region of Italy, this Gewurztraminer is the entry level Gerwurzt for Tramin, and I think it is the bees knees. I first had this wine at Pasta Nostra, when we also had their Pinot Nero. I ordered a few cases for BONDA the next day.

At first sip, a little viscous, with rose petals, pineapple and guava on the nose and a touch of spicy white pepper. Courtenay gets grapefruit and lavender on her palate, which I disagree with - but she is entitled to her opinion. We do agree on a stargazer lilly fragrance - not overwhelming, but comforting.

After awhile, the viscosity gives way to a touch of acidity, and round flavors of anise, rubber plant, petroleum jelly, and citrus zest. These are all very pleasant tastes, and I highly recommend this wine.

2006 Westry Oracle Vineyard Pinot Noir

So tonight we have a very special event. Jim, Jamie and myself are all together working very hard to taste wines for BONDA.

While Jamie and Jim work on grilling BBQ chicken, I am making a risotto of Bartlett Farms cherry tomatoes, and arugula. First up, this Dundee Hills Pinot from Westry.

Dirty socks on the nose at first, opening to a field after a rain filled with red berries. Leather, cedar and a touch of spice finish out the profile. On the tongue, a bit tannic and acidic. Firm earth, good structure. A little young though.

Jamie thinks we should go back to it after awhile.

2003 Ch. St. Jean Cinq Cepages

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot from Sonoma.

A friend brought this bottle over a few weeks ago to compare to a bunch of '00 and '03 Bordeaux.

I liked this blend a lot more than I expected. Big fruit, but actually had a bit of balance. A bit too young, but tasty.

2003 Panther Creek Shea Vineyard

I opened a bottle of this Oregon Pinot on New Year's Eve for the Big Battle of Pinot from around the world. Everyone gave it a favorable review. Tonight my wife was drinking a glass of white (Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonay) so I decided to look for a red to go with our curry, and found this bottle.

Off the bat, really tight, tannic and showing little fruit. I let it rest for awhile and came back to bright cherry (I hate that descrip), with some wild dark red berries, and notes of spice. The tannins dance in and out. Harsh one sip, mellow the next. The Tikka Chicken Curry was a little spicy, with an Algerian Cous Cous of sauteed yellow squash, garlic, asparagus and peas. Possibly not the best pairing, but it worked OK.

I let the wine sit for a little longer. Candied blackberries, leather, developed, following on the tongue - totally fruitier wine with the firm tannins supporting. Definitely can go in the bottle for another 5 years, and in the glass a few hours.

Checking back in, still the big fruit, but not goby and gooey like a Napa Cab. Little oak (probably the least of all the Panther Creeks) developing a vegetal /forrest floor quality - not Bordeaux like - but totally groovy, laid back Oregon style Pinot wet newspaperish. Still has the cherry edge, and stabilizing tannins.

I look forward to trying the '04s and '05s I have.

2004 Cianferoni Doccio a Matteo

Please see my review of the 2001 to see the personal history of this wine.

So after loving the 2001, I ordered a case for BONDA, only to be delivered the 2004. Jamie and I drank a bottle in May, but it was nowhere near ready to drink. Luckily I arranged with Colman to get a few bottles of the 2001 and traded him 3 2004s.

Anyway, I grabbed a bottle of the 2004 to see if it was ready, and it sort of is. I didn't decant it, but poured a glass and let it sit for about and hour. One the nose, wafts of alcohol, black plum, black pepper, with high notes of elderberry. On the tongue, tight tannins, with rich fruit.

The tannins really need to settle on this vintage. It went well with the bolognese I made, but on its own, it is way too tight.

Needs to sit for 2 years probably as the 2001 is now drinking awesomely!

2007 Gerard Schueller Vin De Table

Man, I love this wine. I have been a fan of Schueller's for many years. His Gewurztraminer,Pinot Blanc, and Rieslings have been favorites of mine for many years, however the past few vintages have not been to my liking - both single vineyard varietals and his blends.

This table wine though, hits the mark.

100% Pinot Blanc, and imported by the fountainhead, Mark couldn't stop gushing about this reasonably priced wine. I bought a few bottles and have cracked them here and there.

On the nose, floral without being overbearing, with hints of white pepper. Light and crisp, on the palate with a nice viscosity, and a touch of sweetness are the first impressions. Big grip on the tongue, with slight tannins, adding to a complex mid-palate, and a touch of minerality.

A must buy for the end of the summer that will last a few years. Will be great in the cold weather with a cheesy fondue. I would love to get it for BONDA.

Thank You To All My Readers

Thank you to all my 277 unique visitors this month (225 from the United States). Just a quick breakdown of where you are coming from:

21% California;
13% New York;
8.9% Connecticut;
8.3% Oregon;
8.2% Washington.

Very interesting stats. I use Quantcast, which I highly recommend for looking at traffic. They have great breakdowns.

It is great to see so many people reading my blog and commenting. Please feel free to add your thoughts to any wines I have reviewed - either yeah or nay.

Everyone's palate is different, and I have never said I have the best one. Wine is meant to be shared and evoke passion. Look at these comments for my negative post about Thumbprint Pinot that got people talking about how much they love the wine.

Keep sharing!

1998 Quintarelli Valpolicella

To start of, this is one of the wines that really got me excited about Valpolicella. Tony from the fountainhead and fat cat gave me a bottle of the 1996, and I have been smitten ever since. Unfortunately, the wine took a sharp upswing in price for the '97 and '98 vintages, so we were not able to buy a lot of it for BONDA. I still have a few bottle which I bring out from time to time.

My friend Jay (also Godfather to Cooper) was passing through, and after a pathetic golf game, I made a quick pasta of cauliflower and cherry tomatoes. I did a quick pass of my cellar, and saw a bottle of the Quintarelli, and thought it would be a perfect compliment.

At first, it was a little medicinal, with tight tannins and a bit acidic. It turned totally awesome after I decanted it for 45 mins of so. I hate to say it, but bicycle tire on the nose, with hints of mocha, cherry, plum jam, yeast developing into pure pleasure on the palate. Difficult to describe, with touches of linseed oil, alcohol, sandal wood, allspice and pink peppercorn.

Jay described it as a "dirty" wine, but I would equate that to rustic and old world. To recreated the pasta, saute onions, garlic and cauliflower with a bit of red pepper flakes. 1/2 cherry tomatoes, and cook down til there is a nice sauce. Toss with whole wheat pasta and parmesan.

2005 Ken Wright Pinot Blanc

I've been sitting on the last bottle of this Oregon Pinot Blanc for awhile, thinking it would fatten up and enrich. It has, however, turned very interestingly different than I imagined. Overwhelming taste of alcoholic dry cold sake, with big flavors of cucumber, honeydew melon with a crisp pineapple-y finish.

The nose hints of something richer with notes of butterscotch and hyacinth that the palate just does not deliver. I liked it much better as a really young wine with potential than a 3 year old that tastes like a sake. It could keep changing. I honestly think I hid a bottle somewhere that I look forward to finding some day.

2003 Domaine Serene Chardonnay Cote Sud Vineyard

This Oregon Chard is one of our favorites that I have been saving for a couple of years. Not for anything in particular, but we burned through about 10 bottles in two years, and I wanted to see how it would age, considering it is oft compared to a Grand Cru Burgundy.

Court recognized the bottle when I pulled it out and got excited. I cracked the top, poured a little sip and was disappointed. Either it was a cooked bottle or the wine was past its prime. I'm hanging onto the hope that it was just an off bottle. I down played my disappointment, but Court recognized right away it wasn't what she expected and almost spit it out.

Cry cry, wah wah. I think we drank half of it anyway before opening something else.

2006 Denner Vineyard Theresa

I believe this is Denner's signature white blend: 73% Roussanne and 27% Viognier. It is pretty awesome, and just gets better as it breathes and evolves. A classic Rhone blend that smells like grapes grown in limestone rich soil. Saffron on the nose and following on the palate with a full mouth feel and tart finish - hints of baby aspirin which Court agreed with.

Great example of what a talent can do to interesting grapes in Central California. I drank with wine with a chipotle spiked gazpacho with shrimp and avocado. It really tamed the spice, and the tomato really brought out an interesting depth of flavor in the blend.

Buy it if you can find it and hold onto it for a few years. Great now, but can go interesting places.

2005 Denner Vineyard Syrah

My college friend, Brian Denner, makes this Syrah for his family vineyard in Paso Robles. I have had the 2002, which was made by a different winemaker, but never one that Brian has crafted (2003 and beyond). They started growing and selling grapes, then built a state of the art winemaking facility and tasting room (only seen the pics). Brian came on after stints at Kingston Vineyards, Peachy Canyon, Williams Seylem and others.

I had this wine with Sam Kingston a few months back during a GSM Central Coast wine tasting, but wanted to write about it with a fresh palate. Jim, my father-in-law was in town two weeks ago and we cracked a bottle at BONDA. Unfortunately no Denner wine is sold in CT, but sometimes the Wine Library has it for sale.

On the nose, sweet rubber plant, windex and wild blackberry. "Definitely wild" was one of Jim's comments as he looked at the color and viscosity in the light. "Really good. Can we get any of this?" was his next comment. I have always thought Denner is a great American Syrah, with a nod to the French. New Worldish in style with big jammy fruit but more complexity than 95% of American wines.

Flavors of roasted plum, hints of fig intermingled with bitterness, mellow tannins, and an edge of baby powder. I have 1 bottle left of the 2005, and two of 2002, which I am reserving for Connecticut College graduates.

07.11.08 / 2003 Drew Syrah Rodney and Lardner Vineyard

As I have mentioned before, Drew is one of my all time favorite Syrah producers. I have been eying this 2003 for awhile, and decided to crack it a few weeks ago, jotting down some notes and stuffing them in the back pocket of a pair of pants. I put on said pants last night and found a crinkled washed envelope, with some notes scribbled on the back.

Totally awesome. Buttered blackberry. Pepper leather on the nose. Hints of allspice and clove.

If you can find any of this wine, I would recommend buying it, and drinking it. It will probably last for another 5 to 8 years, but is really good now. Oh yeah, only 80 cases were made.

2004 Poggio Trevalle Larcille

This is the new vintage of my favorite wine from Morellino di Scansano, a Coastal region in Tuscany. To pair, my wife envisioned a Tuscan Style pasta with roasted cauliflower, garlic, onions and tomato. The 2003 Larcille is one of my favorite Italian wines for everyday drinking.

The nose on the 2004 is closed, with elderberry, fennel, violet and notes of alcohol. Also closed up on the palate, with black licorice, anise, and cough syrup dominating. Mild tannins, but great structure and a bit dry. Will revisit in a 1/2 hour or so. Very jazzed to put this wine on the BONDA list for next week. Our Italian selection has been neglected over the warm weather.

I took the bottle from Jamie's cellar about 2 hours ago, but it is a little warm. Either my kitchen is too hot, or we need to adjust the temp in the cellar.

Sean Thackery Pleiades XVI Old Vines

The new shipment of Pleiades for BONDA arrived today. 4 cases to start. I haven't tried it yet, so I just opened a bottle. It is a lot more expensive than the XIV, but well worth it - will be $62 or so on the list as opposed to $52.

The label is still the same:

"The object of Pleiades is to be delicious, delight the jaded, offend the snob and go well with anything red wine goes with."

Bottle in January of 2008, a very late bottling for Thackery; he gives nothing up as far as composition:

"...includes Syrah, Barbera, Carignane, Petite Syrah, Sangiovese, and Viognier to name but a few."

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you know that this is my favorite wine, year after year. Each bottle is always different, always delish.

This bottle of the new vintage is lighter than the last XV I had, with a dark rust color, slightly opaque in the light. Big alcohol on the nose (probably because of its youth) with high cherry cola notes, earthy sweet pine, mint chocolate, with an earthy mushroom and coffee depth.

On the tongue, pure delight! Light and delicate at first, surprisingly medium tannins, with a roasted dark fruit, edgy coffee, thyme, and a bit of funk. I love this wine.

I originally wasn't going to open a bottle as the wine is probably travel shocked, but my father-in-law just got back and was visiting the boys. He loves Pleiades as well, he saw the case, and asked when we were going to try it. I said "Right now", and cracked the bottle.

His thoughts: "there is a certain softness, that is building Cinnamon, subtle cherry, What I love about the wine is the flow of oil that carries all the flavor. When I love a wine, that is what it has - that flow carrying the flavors".

Thanks Jim for the help in tasting the new vintage!

2005 Ramey Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

New vintage of the Ramey Chard we sell at BONDA. I couldn't find a post of the 2004, but it is one of the few Cali Chards that I really like, and one of Court's favorite all time wines that is under $50.

Sweet like candy corn on the nose, with a slight alcoholic edge. On the palate, definite oak, but mellow, and not the first taste. Soft floral notes with hints of blanched almonds. An easy wine, but not as good as the 2004. Perhaps it is too young? Or an off bottle?

2006 Ridge Zinfandel East Bench

A very small production of East Bench gets made every year and rarely makes it to Connecticut. Our distributor only had a case, and offered it to me as we buy a lot of Ridge for BONDA. I liked the wine, but it was a little hot (too much alcohol) and surprisingly did not have a lot of fruit.

Jamie had stored it in his cellar, so it was a perfect temp, but wasn't like any Ridge I had from the 00's. 100% Zinfandel, it was mellow. As it opened up and warmed up a bit, the big raisiny Zin flavors came out, taming the alcohol. I think it needs more time in the bottle as the '03s and '04s from Ridge are drinking awesome now.

This pic is just cute!

Here is a pic of Cooper at Jamie and Kim's last night. I accidentally loaded it, but I'm sure you wanted to see him eat some pizza! Not the best dinner, but he also had carrots, a banana and milk.

2006 Heller Estate Chenin Blanc

Another wine to try for BONDA. I really did not like this. Really sweet and cloying. A Chenin Blanc in the style of a heavy Australian wine. Court really liked it though and ended up drinking most of the bottle over a few nights.

2003 Pompois Anjou

Another red that has been sitting around to try for BONDA. Here is my review for the list:

From Anjou, France, this solid Cab Franc features old vines and soil on the nose, with dusty subtle fruit on the palate and a touch of sweetness.

2003 Nicolas Reau Garance

This is a great red that has been sitting around for a few weeks that I needed to try for the restaurant. Here is my review for the wine list: From Chinon, France, this Syrah blend features a spicy nose, with notes potting soil and blackberries. Following on the tongue with roasted peppers, muted fruit and soapstone dryness and hints of Ribeye grizzle. Awesome example of French terrior.

2006 Thumbprint Cellars Pinot Noir Schneider Vineyard

So a couple of times Sam has told me about Wines Til Sold Out, which is a site that sells one wine at a discount until they are sold out, then they offer a new wine until it is sold out. It took me a month to figure what he meant exactly, and then I subscribed to their mailings and get two or three emails a day touting the wines.

They generally give you free shipping on three or four bottles and Sam takes fliers here and there on wines around $10 or $15. Thus I saw the Thumbprint up, a Russian River Valley wine for $12 a bottle, so we split 4 bottles. I emailed Sam about them a few days back and he did not like it.

I popped a bottle tonight to try it with my friends Clara and Aaron. At first I thought Sam was wrong, but it had a very alcoholic nose with hints of cranberry and cedar. A little bitter on the palate with muted fruit. I agree with Sam as it tastes like a cheap Pinot.

06.02.08 /2005 Two Hands Harry and Edward's Garden Shiraz

Jamie and I have tried a few of the Two Hands' wines for the restaurant. This was our favorite and from Langehorn Creek which is my favorite appelation in Australia for Shiraz.

Although very expensive ($120 on the list), it is pretty delish. I couldn't find my tasting notes, but I remember it needed time to open up, and maybe more time in the bottle. Big juicy blackberry and cassis flavors - not too big on the alcohol - with medium tannins.

Not a wine to drink everyday, or in the summer, but it will be awesome in the fall.

06.02.08 /2005 Baileyana Chardonnay Firebreak Vineyard

So we had this Cali Chard at the Cooper's the other night. I love Edna Valley wines, and wanted to try a Chard from the Firebreak Vineyard, but I did not really like it.

Here are my notes that I typed on my iPhone: touches of oak with mellow mild vanilla. Hints of Kraft caramels, ocean breeze on the nose. Could be better, sweet like a Carneros chard.

Here is Jamie and Jim enjoying a glass waiting for the steaks to cook. Jim liked the wine a lot, and chided me for my snobery, while Jamie went back and forth, but eventually sided with me that it was too over blown without the structure needed to support that faux vanilla /carmel flavors.

2005 Radio Coteau Pinot Noir Savoy

Wow, this wine is really delish. Jamie bought me a few bottles of different vineyard designates for Xmas. This is is the second one I have opened. RC only makes about 400 cases of the Savoy, so I was pretty jazzed to try it.

It was a little hot at first, all alcohol, but after a bit fine tannins gripped the rip roaring roasted plum, fig, and earthy flavors. I usually blast California Pinots for being one dimensional, but this has soul. Not overly fruity or oaky, with a nice depth of dried quince, blackberry jam, and red currant. From the Anderson Valley, but with the heart in Ribbon Ridge.

2006 Brick House Les Dijonnais Pinot Noir

From the Ribbon Ridge appelation, this blend of mayonnaise and dijon is superb. Ha, ha - this 100% Estate Grown, Demeter certified biodynamic, organic wine rocks! We bought a case of Dijionnais and Tonnelier blind, but have been enjoying them for the last few years as the fountainhead gets a small allotment.

The ladies went to see Sex and The City, so Jamie came over while I watched the boys. It is so GD hot out (90ish), that we chilled the Pinot a bit to refresh our palate. The nose is a little hot and spicy, with cedar chest, sweet pine, brandied cherry and kirsch.

On the palate, big Oregon Pinot Noir flavors (although the nose is more alluring and complex). Touches of cherry cola, brambleberry, light tannins and a strong finish. Now that the bottle is empty - I want more!

This is sweaty Jamie and New Baby Graydon! I do not think Courtenay would approve!

Two Whites BTG For BONDA

I hate it when I love a wine from a tasting, then am not so hot on it when I get the case and taste the first bottle. It's not that I do not really really like these wines, but I do not want to make love to them as much as I did when I first tasted them. It's like when you hook up with... well you get the idea.



Here are the write ups for the BONDA list. I really do like these wines, but I was so jazzed about them when I tasted samples, that I miss that first kiss.

MAXe Riesling
From Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany, this off dry Riesling is just what the summer deserves. Sharp, tart flavors of green apple balances with a hint of refreshing sweet peach and a touch of viscocity. Great mouthfeel, with a lingering finish.

Terlaner
From Alto Adige, Italy, this bend of Sav Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chard is a refreshing alternative to Pinot Grigio. Bright flavors of citrus and white flowers add to the rich mouthfeel with a touch of acidity. Great balance to have as an aperitif of with food.

04.12.08/ SWT 2004 Arrocol

I was leaving when Kelly wanted to have another glass, so Sam opened a bottle of some Argentine or Chilean Cab, or Syrah blend. I did not take a picture or right it down. In Sam's handwriting: Alex HATES, think likes it smells like a used condom on fire. His notes: "tannic, Big League Chew Grape".

Maybe we will revisit on a fresh palate. It is really hard to drink anything after the beauty that is the Turley White Coat!

04.12.08/ SWT 2002 Turley The White Coat

Call me Ishmael. I have bagged my whale. It all started about 7 years ago when I heard a fair amount about Helen Turley's wines. Some called them over priced, over extracted, over blown - while others called them fantastic. I had a Zin about five years ago and didn't think that much for the price. BUT I have always wanted to try The White Coat - a Rhone white blend - just have never had the opportunity to drink it. I have seen it on some wine lists, but it is hard to get a $125 wine when you don't know what it will taste like or if you will like it.

About three years ago, a couple that will remain nameless, came into the restaurant with a bottle of The White Coat. They asked if I had tried it, and I said no, but I have always wanted to. They said it was fantastic, one of their favorites. Did they offer me a taste? NO. Bastards.

Anyway, as we were trying different reds at Sam's house while his wife, Kelly, was in NYC, I saw three bottles of The White Coat in his wine fridge. When he wanted to switch up to white, he offered a bottle of the Turley and I said yes please! He said it was one of Kelly's favorites, and guess what, she arrived with a cheese plate from Murray's and was psyched to open The White Coat. The stars were in alignment.

On the nose, sticky rice, marijuana, butterscotch, sweet stink. On the tongue, big dried apricot, saffron and white raisin - maybe some wild yeast? It was like biting into a perfect danish - sort of.

From my notes: Sam loves the Turley. His notes: I am loving this wine, buy it like no tomorrow for $28! He got four bottles from WineBid - way below retail. I love this wine too. Maybe I can find some to buy for myself!

04.12.08/ SWT 2004 Soos Creek Artist's Series #5 Red Wine

This is the 2nd Soos Creek we have tried, and it is still not drinking right. "Tight as a....", was Jamie's comment - you can add your own allusion. It took forever to show some fruit.

Red currant and white pepper on the nose - with tons of alcohol. On the tongue, bIg candied strawberry, jammy jam jam of raspberry. Sam: "Gobs of inkberry on the nose, plum, inky, raspberry tart." He really liked it.

I liked it better than the Sundance, but want to try more of their other wines. I was also in a bit of a palate funk as everything tasted really sweet to me.

04.12.08/ SWT 1996 Ridge Lytton Springs

In follow-up to the last post, about our wine tasting at Sam's house in April, the next wine was this '96 Lytton Springs. I love Ridge wines, and it was a pleasure to try a Lytton with some age. We tend to drink a fair amount of it from the 2003, 2004, 2005 vintages.

Jamie declared: "This baby's all grown up!" Featuring a nose of fig with hints of pink peppercorn achored with a load of spice.

Sam was impressed by the wine's ageability - letting it breathe for about an hour enhanced the flavor, yet it could have been decanted.

It tasted like an aged Ridge, but still has the fresh zintastic roasted plum, dried raisin, touch of cedar flavors. It is bordering on closing out, so it was good that we opened it that night!

03.18.08 /RGWD 2006 Sangiovese "Ca del Solo"

Interesting that this wine is only 80% Sangiovese, with other Italian Varietals thrown in as well - Colorino, Nero de Avalo, and Cinsault. It was paired with a seared organic squab with brussels leaves, dried cranberry and heirloom potatoes with a mushroom glace. The question I had was do I like squab and do I like this wine? The pairing was superb, but I did not really like the two elements.

Sometimes it works when you try to make a European blend with American grapes - sometimes it does not. To me it tasted over cooked with rich, raisiny flavours. Tons of earth on the nose with a heavy prune. The squab breast was really gamey and rare - but chewy. The leg was fantastic.

03.18.08 /RGWD 2003 Le Cigare Volant

To close out the evening, we had one of Randall's signature wines, Le Cigare Volant, of the famed 2003 vintage. He said it was his homage to Chauteauneuf de Pape with a 5 grapes blend of Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah, Cinsault and one other grape. I did not like this wine as much as everyone else seemed to moon over it. I found it to be a little acidic and featured a lot of sweet cherry and pine flavours. I did not order any for the restaurant, even though our sales person really wanted us to put it on our list.

2003 Nigl Gruner Veltliner Kemstel Freheight

Unfortunately like the Brundlmeyer, this Gruner is a little lacking. I am used to very high end Gruner. Not to sound snobby, but the Nigl Privat and Nigl Alte Reben are far superior to this vineyard. I do not know if it is the age or vintage - usually Gruners age like great burgundy.

Watered down, somewhat bitter and flaborious.

2006 Brundlemeyer Gruner Veltliner

A little flabby and watered down. Not as good as their rieslings! Although it is their entry level Gruner, so I won't be too harsh.

05.08.08 /2004 Walnut City WineWorks Reserve Pinot Noir

My father really likes this wine, and brought four bottles to my house last summer when he came to visit to see Cooper and the fam. At the time, I did not really like this wine. Again, there are so many great Oregon Pinots at $25 that I do not need to waste my time drinking this one.

We had some folks over for dinner last Friday and I needed a decent wine to braise some short ribs to make short rib and beef burgers. I saw the Walnut Creek and thought it doesn't suck. I took a swig off the bottle and it was decent. A lot more balance and structure than the last time I drank it.

I used most of the bottle for the braise, but took a few more pulls from the bottle. Note: a very classy way to drink wine if you do not want to dirty a glass. I remember when I was in Prague in the summer 1996, we bought some bread, cheese, a cheap bottle of burgundy, pushed the cork in and drank it on the bridge, straight from the bottle. Or in Napa the summer of '95 on the lake with a bottle of Don Quixote, taking pulls. But I digress.

This wine is better than I originally thought, but I still wouldn't buy it, but I would drink it if I liked the person who was serving it to me. That is the rating!

2007 Loosen Bros Riesling "Dr. L"

Disappointed with this wine. I wanted to put it on by the glass at BONDA, but it is too sweet and cloying for the price. It is what gives Riesling a bad name - not really, but sort of. There are so many great Germany Rieslings out there for a good price, that I do not need to sell this one to people.

2006 Culley Marlborough Riesling

This wine is OK. I bought a case for my father-in-law last summer for Nantucket. It is inexpensive and tasty for the summer. I wouldn't go out of my way to drink it, but I wouldn't spit it out either.

05.13.08 /2002 Roccolo Grassi Valpolicella

I used to love this wine and think of it as a benchmark for Valpolicella, but maybe my palate has changed? We had the 2003 on Christmas Eve and it was all jumbled fruit and oak - no balance. My father-in-law didn't like it, nor I. I told Jamie and he thought I was crazy, but I took it off the list at BONDA nonetheless.

I was in the mood for something, & the '02 caught my eye. Generally I would share this wine as I only have two left and it is kind of expensive ($65), but I made a nice ragu of beef and heritage breed sausage from Ox Hollow Farms, so I wanted something to match it. I was disappointed.

Not so much jumbled as the 2003, it just didn't gel with me and my taste buds. A little oaky and sweet, I kept wanting to like it, but it just kept coming back unworthy. This has been a problem for me of late, and without anyone to taste with, I cannot validate if it is me or the wine. It is time for whites anyway!

05.10.08 /2004 Rimu Grove Nelson Pinot Noir

Court and I ran into Liz Fath who invited us to her house for a drink. Her husband, John, gave me this bottle of New Zealand Pinot and asked me to drink it and give him my opinion. He has more wine than he can drink in his lifetime, 1000s of cases of bordeaux, burgundy, cult californians, rhones, etc.... and is the nicest guy, knows more about wine than anyone I know, and very generous. HE believes like me that wine is meant to be drunk!

The Pinot is better than I thought it would be. An interesting flavor of inflating water wings, or any sort of polyurathane inflatable device. That taste when you start to blow into it. I like that taste. Hints of fruit came out with bruised raspberry, and cherry oak. Very subtle, which I thought was surprising. Jamie liked it a bit more than me, and it would be great to do by the glass at BONDA, depending on the price.

This was the last wine I drank before Courtenay gave birth, just 5 hours after I finished the bottle.