Other than the the 2010 French tasting I posted on this past weekend, I haven't had many exceptionally noteworthy wines the past two months (a shopping to trip to Kansas City is high priority for my four day weekend next week). But, here are some wines that I found interesting enough to take notes on. Some really very good, and others just nice and off the beaten track.
The Crossings, Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2011
Excellent nose: fresh and aromatic, with ripe peach, tropicals, gooseberry, sweet bell pepper, and nice mineral depth, all overlayed by orange blossom. Same notes on the palate, with a prominent orange/lime acid vein. Full bodied with wonderful texture, fresh, sweet fruit, and also a nice sense of depth. 3 to 5 years more, but note that it is rather funky when first opened, and is much better on the second night. 3.5 Stars [8/9/15]
Montecillo, Reserva, Rioja 2008
Medium ruby, clear at the rim. Awesome nose of burly black cherry, lush notes of dried blackberry and blueberry, cassis, and plum, with roses, leather, cured tobacco leaf, earth and mineral/pencil lead, all with mature overtones of game and fruitcake; perfumey and aromatic, and nearly identical to a Margaux. Similar notes on the palate, with sweet cherry and raspberry, with mature gamey notes. Graceful and lovely, but with tannic grip; full-bodied, with a lovely sweet, succulent texture, wonderful spice notes, and wonderful acid tone. I love this wine!!! At its mature zenith, drink now. 3.5 Stars [8/13/15]
Domaine de Vieux Chene, Cuvee Friande, Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2012
Wonderful, Chateauneuf-like nose of black cherry, dried blackberry, heady cassis and meaty currant, and juicy plum, with olive / cured tobacco leaf, hints of sweet suede, cocoa, herbs, and a touch of barnyard; rich and dense. Same notes on the palate; full bodied, rich and palate-filling but with a delightful sweet-and-juicy, succulent texture, and excellent acid tone; toward the finish, dusty tannin and slightly steely mineral. I had a 2012 Chateaunuef last month that wasn’t quite as good as this. Delightful stuff. Drink over the next 3 to 5 years. 3 Stars [8/21/15]
Mezzacorona, Rosato, Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2014
A Lagrein rose. On the nose and palate, a fresh and rich personality of strawberry, black raspberry, a touch of plum and meaty currant, aromatic citrus oil, sweet green notes (tobacco leaf, mint), and chocolate graham cracker (strange but accurate), with a finish of steely mineral. Medium-full bodied. Very nice. 2.5 Stars. [8/30/15]
Rodney Strong, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2012
Dark purple. Excellent nose: rich, aromatic, deep and heady, yet high-toned. On the nose and palate a personality of stewed blackberry and plum with tart red currant, lots of cocoa powder, dried herbs and tobacco leaf, a touch of violets, and cedar. Full bodied and rich but balanced by bright acidity, with very fine tannins. A compelling argument for the virtues of the vintage. Drink over the next 3 to 5 years. 3.5 Stars [9/6/15]
Domaine D’Orfeuilles, Vouvray 2012
Had a cold, couldn’t smell anything, but others reported that the nose had the same basic personality as the palate. On the palate, full bodied and somewhat intense in a rich and burnished style. Loads of apricot and honey, with generous tart lemon, mineral, and spice. Impressive stuff – if only I could have smelled it! 5 to maybe 10 years ahead. 3.5 Stars [9/13/15]
Masseria Parione, Salice Salentino 2012
Nice fruit: juicy and lush black cherry, black raspberry, and plum, with tobacco leaf and fresh minty herbs, smoke, and dusty, chocolatey, stoney earth, all with notes of barnyard and Scotch-like notes of peat and malt. Rustic and unusual. 2 Stars [9/27/15]
Royal, Rioja 2011
Blanco, 100% Viura. Very good nose, low key but rich and deep, with notes of stone and orange blossom overlaying stone fruits. On the palate, fresh pear upfront, with generous nectarine, pleasantly bitter orange/citrus, and a touch of honey. Medium-full bodied with a rich, slightly fat texture balanced but prominent citrus acidity. Needs air to freshen up, and may already be overly mature for some palates, but still very pleasant. Drink up. 2 Stars. [10/9/15]
