- 07 Olsen Ogden Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): Go big or go home. In this case, VERY big. And smoky. And vanilla-y. U get the idea. $32 B #
- 07 Sean Minor Four Bears Pinot Noir (Napa Valley / Carneros): A lot of cherry & spice, but it's hidden behind the smoke screen. $17 C+ #
- 07 Jaboulet Muscat de Beaumes de Venise "Le Chant des Griolles" (Rhone): 1 of THE best Muscats I've EVER had. Asian pear fans rejoice. $25 A #
- 07 Leitz "Eins Zwei Dry" Riesling (Rheingau): Superior to the `08 – steely, crisp with *commanding* acidity. An awesome bargain for $18 B+ #
- 08 Stellar Organics No Added Sulfites Merlot (S. Africa): Makes a very strong argument for the addition of at least *some* sulfites. $12 C- #
- 07 Heron Hill Old Vines Riesling Reserve (Finger Lakes): For those who like their citrus with pith intact & rinsed in mineral water. $25 B- #
- 07 Bargetto Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi): So much sweet incense spiciness, it's like being at the spa, but soaking in blackberry booze. $18 B+ #
- 08 Stellar Organics No Added Sulfites Chenin Blanc / Sauvignon Blanc (S. Africa): Environment-friendly, but not taste-friendly. $12 C- #
- 09 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough): A concentrated shot of passion- & pink grapefruit-juice. Maybe *too* concentrated. $15 B- #
- 08 Jules Taylor Pinot Noir (Marlborough): Slightly awkward but promising juggling act of bright cherry, sweet oak & lively acidity. $22 B- #
- 06 Ch. Tanunda Noble Baron Shiraz (Barossa): She's too smooth & sultry. You'll go to bed w/ her but probably won't call her tomorrow. $50 B+ #
- 08 Fred Loimer "Lois" Gruner Veltliner (Kamptal): GruVe it is, but with that light body, simple aroma & short finish, groovy it isn't. $15 C #
- 08 Stadt Krems Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal): All sultana & citrus, & almost all very good. Pass the Asian salad with nuts & mandarins! $14 B- #
- 06 Revolver Wine Co. 'The Fury' Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley): A fist full o' flowers. And jammy blue & black fruits. And some booze. $45 B #
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Comments
Kimberly
I really liked the Sean Minor Four Bears Pinot Noir when I had it a couple weeks ago, and thought it was a good buy, especially for a Cali Pinot under $20. I'm always trying to better my palate and learn more, so I'd be curious to find out what the cherry and spice being "hidden behind the smoke screen" means in your assessment.
If there were a WSET course available in my area, I'd take in a heartbeat, so I could learn more, and in a more formal setting than just drinking wine on my own, reading about it, and going to tastings, which only gets you so far!
1WineDude
The smoke screen had double meaning: 1) there was oaky smokiness covering up the fruit & 2) the fruit felt "hidden" on the nose as a result. I do agree that the 4 Bears wines are a great deal, but I felt the PN wasn't as strong as their other efforts. Cheers!
Kimberly
Aaah, OK, makes perfect sense. Thanks much!
1WineDude
Thanks for commenting! That's a shame about not having WSET options nearby – they have on-line / distance learning (http://www.wsetglobal.com/london_school_courses/4… but the tasting wouldn't be the same I'm sure.
1WineDude
Thanks for commenting! That's a shame about not having WSET options nearby – they have on-line / distance learning (http://www.wsetglobal.com/london_school_courses/4… but the tasting wouldn't be the same I'm sure.