Notes from this week's series of repertoire dinners at Cafe Ysabel. Although we had lots of wines, these were the ones that stood out.
De Puta Madre Verdejo 2008 (?) - I wasn't able to get the vintage but it's a new import so probably 2008. Literally translated, it roughly means "From a Mother Whore" but, as I understand it, it means something like "F***ing awesome!" This is a Verdejo from Rueda, Spain, and produced by the Lurtons of Bordeaux. A little hot with a very subtle oxidative character. Sweetish and a little heavy. A satisfactory aperitif. The wine's name is more interesting than the flavor.
Chateau Giscours 2004 - Dark. Leather, meaty. Wood smoke. Very dry but good fruit on the finish. This has a bit of barnyard on the finish. Quite complex. Needs a few more years to really come together. Long finish. Very good.
Chateau Cantenac Brown 2003 - Sweet nose. Tart. Closed. A bit lean. Not really giving much now. Try again in another 2 years or so.
Chateau Siran 2004 - Fragrant, cigar box. Very dry, savory, fleshy. Medium-bodied. A bit of earth. Dried berries and a touch of cocoa powder. Surprisingly soft and ready. Good length. A very good Bordeaux which seems a good candidate for early drinking.