WTN: Gago Toro, Phelps Cab, Belle Soeurs

Checked out some of the new wines at Cav this afternoon while the kids were playing in the park outside the restaurant.

Gago Tinto de Toro 2003 - Made by Telmo Rodriguez. Just a touch more oak than I like but not too annoying. Medium bodied. Very dry, spicy. Needs food. A bit rustic. Moderately tannic. Could probably age a bit more. Quite long finish. This is a big hit here in the Philippines as Gago, roughly translated from Filipino, means "Jerk" or "A__hole."

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - Quite a fruity nose. Rather sweet. Soft tannins with some acidity for balance. Good but not too interesting.

Belle Soeurs Pinot Noir 2004 - Good Pinot Noir character. Light, strawberry. Well balanced. Easy drink. Dried fruits. Dry, moderately long finish. Good.

Hi Jay,

I actually almost made it to Cav last Sunday as it was recommended by a friend. That area of Serendra is one busy and bustling place and since I was with a couple of non-wine drinking friends, we ended up having hot chocolate drinks in a cafe across the street.

It’s too bad that I wasn’t able to connect with you as I was in Manila for only 5 days due to some urgent matters and which occupied most of what would have been my libation time. Perhaps, I might make it back sometime closer to the end of this year.

BTW, I remember having the 2002 version of the Telmo Rodriguez Gago and it was an easy-drinking Toro, like a nice Sunday afternoon sipper.

Regards.

RC