Wine tastings in full swing
This week was chock-a-block with wine tastings. I love this job! Let’s start with a couple of interesting Zinfandels. Paydirt Paso Robles Zin 2013 is lovely dark purple. The nose is a typical Zin profile. Briars, blackberries, baked pie crust and jammy preserves. On the palate wonderful fruit/acid balance, medium body and subdued tannins. The fruit is the story here, luscious. Winemaker MacPrice “Mac” Myers is noted for his flavor profiles and this under-$20 lovely shows his stuff, 91 McD. Next a 2010 that your wine dealer will need to order, Ottimino Vineyards Little Eight Biglieri (bilyearri) Vineyard Dry Creek Valley 2010 or 2012. This upscale Zin can be had under $36, but there may be shipping involved and it may take time. These are comparable to Teldeschi, Monte Rosso, Klinker Brick and Limestone Lane. Remember when you search for Sonoma Zinfandel Limestone terroir is huge. The 2012 was a very dark ruby color that opened to a mixed bouquet of raspberry, pie spice and cherry notes. On the palate juicy crushed fruit, firm tannic grip and hints of pomegranate, 91 McD will cellar past 2020.
Be careful with 2014 Bordeaux. Barrel sample info is not promising. My favorite quote was, “2014 is the best of the recent, non-exceptional vintages.” The French wine writers are trying to buff the image by writing best since 2010 vintage. In fairness, I must admit I have not sampled any. However I am just providing a heads-up for several readers who buy futures. Christie Canterbury, a “Master of Wine” wrote these up April 17. You may find the article by searching "snooth investing in bordeaux 2014." While I’m providing info, check out this map of favorite beers worldwide: http://vinepair.com/wine-blog/most-popular-beer-every-country-map/.
Frei Brothers Alexander Valley Reserve Cab 2012 is a heck of buy priced under $20. WS gave it a 92 and WE an 88, but the wine won a slew of gold medals. Reminds me of the 2009. The wine snobs whack this Cab because it is low priced, and that is a bonus for us. Folks who have properly curried favor with their hardworking wine shop owner should be able to buy a mixed case of these. I advise 2008, '09, '10 and '12. Avoid the 2011. All won gold at San Fran Chronicle Competition. I’m guessing you can buy a mixed case under $250 and your wine dealer can eat also. The 2009 shows opaque garnet-colored with black currant, blackberry, and truffle bouquet. On the palate more currant, blackberry, truffles, hints of oak-driven cedar and vanilla. Firm tannins and truffles repeat through medium-long finish. The 2012 needs time in cellar. Chewy tannins, still-tight Cabernet fruit, slightly herbaceous and lots of body. It will bloom in the bottle, 90 McD. The 2012 are being sold well under $20. Very dark purple says needs time. Plenty of fruit supports solid tannins on the palate. Tannins repeat through very long, full-bodied finish. Will start drinking well 2016 thru 2025 at least, 91 McD.
Three famous writers describe 2010 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino. Suckling 98, “Crazy nose with chocolate, smoke, grilled meat, ripe fruits and walnuts. The palate is super and goes on for minutes with plum, berry, spice, chocolate and nuts.” Galloni 95, “Sweet red cherries, smoke, tobacco, cedar and wild herbs lift from the glass in a perfumed, silky Brunello.” Larner WA 93, “Delicate nuances of red berry, bramble, rose petal, dusty earth, crushed mineral, licorice and grilled herb.” One thing is certain, none can be accused of plagiarizing. This gem came on line at $18 and popped when they wrote it to $69. It has since backslid to $57. My notes from 2014, ”Pronounced aromas of cherry, mocha, leather and oak-driven cedar, vanilla with a touch of red peppercorn. Fruit, acidity, tannin are balanced for aging. Dry as a bone but fruit sweet, silky, long finish. Drink now or hold," 93 McD when bought under $55.
