Wine Tasting Notes
All of these wines are available and if you order them through the end of August I will be giving a 10% discount on each wine and 15% on cases. Let me know if you want me to put aside any for you. Call 972.403.9463 now! or Shop in our Wine Store for more great wine selctions |
Wine Tasting Steps
Look at the wine
Take a look at the color of the wine. Look for the clarity of the wine and the brilliance of the color. The wines will vary in their intensity of color. Hold the glass towards the light.
Smell the wine
Swirl the wine in your glass by rotating your wrist. This takes a little practice. Most people have trouble at first because they are moving their entire arm to swirl the glass.
The key is in the wrist. Rotate the wrist while holding the rest of the arm still. The swirling of the glass releases the wine's aromas to the top edge of the glass.
Place your nose just over and the edge of the wine glass. Keep your mouth open. The aromas should bounce off this edge straight up the nostrils. Take a very deep sniff. Identify any familiar smells. Repeat, but rest your sense of smell a few seconds before you smell again.
Taste the wine
After smelling the wine it is time to take a sip. Roll it over your tongue for several seconds before swallowing. Exhale through your nose as you swallow. Your taste buds and sense of smell will work together.
On the second sip, try swishing the wine around in the mouth and then swallow and exhale through your nose. Some tasters “chew” the wine in the mouth. Try each and see what works best for you.
Developing the skill of wine tasting takes practice. The more wines you taste, the better you will become with this entire sensory process.
Domaine Magellan Vieille Vignes Languedoc, France
This is a 60% Grenache and 40% Roussanne blend that is “Almost Chablis-like in its minerality and intensity, with firm, pure flavors of grapefruit, lime and sea salt. The finish lingers with smoke and anise. Impressive. Best from 2006-2009. This wine was rated 90 points by Wine Spectator Total Production: 500 cases
Food Match: Warm seafood sausage with tomato aioli; Shaved Manchego cheese on olive bread chips; Polenta crostini with mushrooms
Selling: $15.99 plus tax
REORDER PRICE (15% DISCOUNT) $13.59
Briccotondo Piemonte Barbera Doc Fontana Fredda Piedmont, Italy
This is a ruby-red Barbera with purple highlights. The nose is packed with black fruit, especially blackberries and plums, with slight spicy overtones hinting at black pepper and cinnamon. Sweet, soft tannins come together in a closely-woven texture that merges with the fruit, while a crisp freshness provides a long, tasty finish.
Food Match: a perfect match for starters, cured meats and fresh and medium mature cheeses.
Selling: $16.49 plus tax
REORDER PRICE (15% DISCOUNT) $14.00
Menguante Garnacha Seleccion 2004 Carinena, Spain
The 2004 Menguante Garnacha Seleccion raises the bar a bit. It spent 8 months in a mixture of used French and American oak. Dark ruby in color with its complex nose of vanilla, smoke, cedar, red currants and kirsch. It also offers more structure with ripe tannins nicely concealed by generous quantities of red and blue fruits. There is very good concentration and depth through to the pure finish. Give this outstanding wine several years in bottle for further evolution and drink it over the next 6-8 years.This wine was rated 91 points by Robert Parker
Food Match: BBQ Chicken Wings, bacon, cold cuts, pancetta,
prosciutto, salami, mild Italian sausage. Chicken in mushroom or red wine sauce or chicken marinated in herbs and grilled. Also with Mild Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Jarlsberg & Swiss
Selling: $17.99 plus tax
REORDER PRICE (15% DISCOUNT) $15.29
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is planted at 2,640 feet, atop the Mayacamas range north of Napa Valley. This is the newest American Viticultural Area, named Red Hills Lake County for the distinctive volcanic soils that define this remarkable mountain appellation. With the significant tannins of this vintage, we extended oak barrel aging to 18 months from our typical12 months. As pioneers in the Red Hills appellation, we had no aging regiment “precedent” to follow, but we believed that extended oak aging would accentuate and complement our mountain fruit. The wine in bottle reflects the sweetening effect that this additional barrel aging provides, and the tannins are subtly distributed across the palate. Reflecting the cool September, the aromas occasionally emerge as cedar and olive, providing a contrast to the prominent and beautiful dark chocolate and brambly blackberry on the palate. Mother Nature and extended barrel aging have provided a highly structured wine that will develop well for a decade or more.
Food Match: red meats, especially a juicy barbequed steak, grilled and smoked foods. Also, cheddar & Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts
Selling: $33.99 plus tax REORDER PRICE (15% DISCOUNT) $28.89
Carol Shelton Karma Zin 2004Rue Vineyard, Old Vines
Russian River Valley, Wood Road 670 cases produced
Zinfandel is the dominant grape, and in this vineyard it accounts for about 85-88% of the vines. The Petite Sirah adds black pepper spice and some tannic backbone, while the Carignane offers bright acidity and red fruit flavors, with a softer and rounder mouthfeel if it is ripe enough at harvest. Alicante Bouschet's biggest contribution is obvious, both in the vineyard and in the glass--COLOR!
We love to just drink this Zin for its lush juicy fruit and the layers of interesting spice and earthy richness. Full of freshly-ground black pepper aromas and some nice cedary-spicy oak components, it has a rich creamy mouthfeel despite its firm tannic backbone. This vintage shows a touch that I find quite reminiscent of a nice Cotes du Rhone.
Food Match: Compatible with game meats, especially duck, or actually with any grilled meats. Also had a nice paring which surprised me—Alaskan halibut with a porcini mushroom sauce. Brie & aged cheese
Selling: $36.99 plus tax REORDER PRICE (15% DISCOUNT) $31.44
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C & T Merlot 2005 |
| The Front Porch Merlot is very dark in color and has a fabulous merlot aroma of chocolate, coffee, blackberry and hints of vanilla. On the palate the wine is big and rich with nicely balanced tannins. The wine is fruit driven with lots of blackberry and black cherry flavors, on the mid palate and finish, the wine show nice spice, mocha and mouth watering acidity. |
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Sequoia Grove Cab Sauv 2003 |
Deep garnet in color with aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry with a little bit of cranberry. The fruit intertwines lovingly with the oak, hints of which can be found in aromas of clove, black pepper and a touch of cigar box. Round in the mouth with soft, supple tannins and well-integrated acid, the weight of the wine is delicate and full of finesse but with a silky, long finish. This wine pairs well with many food dishes on your everyday menu. Some of our favorites are Roasted Chicken with Balsamic Vinaigrette or Mushroom Burgers with Garlic Aioli.
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Dry Creek Mariner Meritage 04
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| The Mariner exudes exotic aromas of wild cherry, blackberry, and dried roses. After several more minutes in the glass, additional dark fruit characters are revealed. This is a multidimensional wine that is both compelling and provocative. On the palate, the fruit is rich and succulent with bright cherry, dark chocolate, and cassis flavors that intermingle with seamless, well integrated tannins. The finish displays flavors that are harmonious and repeat the theme of balance and finesse–a wine that truly begs for another sip. |
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Teira Zinfandel 2005 |
| Typical aromas of dark berry fruit on the nose: blueberry, blackberry and cherry. On the palate, the wine leads with round, rich flavors balanced with natural acidity and Zin structure. The mid-palate shows further dark fruits: boysenberry and raspberry. A clean, natural finish lasts for over 30 seconds. This wine shows best after opening it for about 15-30 minutes prior to drinking. |
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Handley Pinot Gris 2006 |
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My initial aromatic impression was of mango, then tangerines and nectarines with some lime zest. The wine has all of these as flavors, plus nut and mineral layers that will make fans of Alsatian Pinot Gris nod in approval. The viscosity of the wine doesn’t quit, even in the finish, because the acidity delivers such good palate spread that you’re feeling the wine all over your mouth even as the last of it is volatilizing into aftertaste.
Reviewed October 5, 2007 by Thom Elkjer. |
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Rombauer Zinfandel |
| Full bodied, fruit forward, and juicy, this wine boasts bright aromas of black cherry and plum, with a light spicy character all it's own. Layers of cranberries, plums, and dark berries flow together for a rich, full flavor with a sensational mouth feel. A dark berry fruit finish lingers on the palate, complementing the rich flavors of this beautiful wine. |
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Telteca Chardonnay |
| Golder yellow with greenish hints. Pineapple and ripe lemon with honey hints. Strong fruity character with ripe tannins, and a touch of oak. |
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Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon |
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Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic production of Los Vascos, and is the grape that made the estate famous. The vintages all share a mature and fruity quality, fresh aromas, and a supple and fleshy structure. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon It is an attractive ruby in color with a very red fruit nose and some very chocolate and bay leaf touches. This wine is pleasant, excellent body, juicy and ripe. Highly concentrated with strawberry & cherries fruit notes and marked spices. Persistent and outstandingly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon.
"Wines like this helped Conchagua earn its Wine Region of the Year Award... for not much cash you get a ripe, smoky Cabernet with black plum and cassis aromas..."
-Wine Enthusiast |
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Valdivieso Cabernet Franc |
| This is a seductive little Latin beauty. It’s dark and complex - minty espresso mixed with ripe dark cherry juice & bitter chocolate - and well structured. Whatever they’re doing down there in Chile (the Rapel Valley) is working for me. Tasty, tasty stuff. |
Mi Sueno 2005 Pinot Noir (Russian River) $49.99
o This Pinot Noir from Russian River is destined to sell out almost immediately. There are only 10 cases left in the state of Texas. It’s easy to see why when you consider it’s depth of color, exotic aromas and intricate layers that envelope the palate. Availability will be scarce but well worth the effort if you're fortunate enough to get your hands on a few bottles!
The depth of color is truly mesmerizing. Deep ruby red with garnet rings. True to its variety it offers a dazzling & complex bouquet of ripe red fruits, pomegranates, cranberry, freshly cut figs accented with a pinch of all-spice and pure Mother Earth. Rich, complex & full-bodied this wine strikes an intriguing balance between fruit, tannins, acidity and toasty oak. My term for this “Big” Pinot Noir is opulent. More details...
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa) $75.99
o Deep, Deeep, purple-black in color with a precious garnet ring. You can taste the concentration of this wine with your eyes. This is a guaranteed teeth & wine glass stainer! Very expressive in its youth this wine taunts you with an exotic aroma of black & red fruits, fig, cassis, chocolate and black berries. It lures you in further with a complex bouquet of white chocolate, vanilla beans and coffee. The appearance and bouquet hint of what’s to follow. This is a rich, full-bodied wine with great concentration. The smoky, meaty flavors mingle seductively with dark fruit, sweet vanilla, toasty oak and classic ripe, chewy tannins. A beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, oak and tannin lingers for what seems to be an eternity. A WOW wine!
2005 Chardonnay (Russian River) $35.99
o Brilliant, yellow-gold in color with ringlets of glistening platinum this wine reveals an alluring grace & elegance. If you could unite the best elements of a white Burgundy and the Russian River Valley, this could very well be its offspring. A gentle, yet intricate nose of citrus, fresh green apple, honey, vanilla, white chocolate and toasted bread tickle the senses. An old-world character adds to its ever present charm. While quiet upon entry, a silky, velvety suppleness gently unfolds on the palate. Mouth watering acidity, a true to terroir minerality and a well integrated compliment of toasty oak contribute to the persistent yet clean finish.
2005 La Croix Lartigue- Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux $19.99
o This wine is superb and perhaps the best value of the vintage among its peers. Quite concentrated and full of the kind of tannins that hold a wine together. It has the structure to keep it interesting and help it age gracefully for another 10 years. The wine is deep, brooding, long and intense with a welcoming finish. Merlot is the primary grape variety (70% in La Croix) with the remainder being Cabernet-Franc (30%). The Labarre family, owners of the estate (Arnaud de Labarre, son of Madame Claude, late co-director, on behalf of her family at Château Cheval Blanc, is installed at Château La Croix Lartigue.) has done a great job with this wine. An excellent wine, never minding the value!”
2000 Fagan Creek Cabernet Sauvignon- Napa $18.99
o I’ve been waiting for this wine for 3 months. It has finally arrived. After tasting this wine I ordered 20 cases since Ken Nerlove the owner has stopped producing the Cab. This is the last of Fagan Creek Cabernet. The structure and taste reminds me of a subtle and elegant Left Bank Bordeaux. This is definitely not your big fruit California Cab. This wine normally goes for $29.99 More details..
Eagle Eye Voluptuous- Napa $23.99
o Ripe red fruit, soft tannins and fruit forward give Eagle Eye style. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese is one of the softest wines I’ve had lately. It has a deep violet color with a core aroma of blackberry and dark cherry with earthy spice. The mouthfeel is soft and powerful with silky tannins and bright fruit. In the long finish the fruit and spice of the Zinfandel is ever present. More details
2005 Luna Sangiovese- Napa $24.99
o The 2005 Napa Valley Sangiovese is 75% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot & 5% Petite Sirah with the color of garnets, a deep and vibrant crimson. On the nose, there are enticing aromas of Bing cherries and spicy white pepper. The palate is filled with the sweet-tart flavor of rhubarb, accented by anise, rosemary and rose petals. The robust, velvety tannins linger for several minutes on the finish, like chocolate laced with red raspberries. This wine should drink well through 2013.
2004 Grandi & Gabana Pucinvm- Venezia, Italy $38.99
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I can’t pronounce it either. Heavy pruning makes for some highly extracted Cabernet and Merlot. This wine in a new world style with chewy flavorful tannins. Currant and black cherry are the core flavors and very explosive! Drink now for 5 years. Grapes:Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.
Vineyard area: Friuli Latisana DOC district, 30 kms southwest of Udine, Northern Italy. Best served with: Excellent with game, red meat and cheese. Allow the wine to breathe at least a couple of hours before serving. Food Choices: This is a steak grillers dream.
Call 972.403.9463 now! or Shop in our Wine Store for more great wine selctions. | |
