Tried these two w/ Susan this weekend:
1. Iruai LoungeLizard Calif Rose of Teroldego (12%; 250 cs); Methode Sauvage/Etna 2021:Med. garnet/cranberry bit cloudy color; rather fragrant floral/marigolds some earthy/dusty/herbal very slight funky/natty rather interesting nose; bit soft very slightly off-dry rather pretty/floral/herbal/marigolds/pungent very slight funky slight rose petal rather interesting flavor w/ little tannins; med.long slightly off-dry/soft some floral/roses/rose petal/herbal slight earthy/funky interesting finish w/ little tannins & a slight bitterness; does not speak of Teroldego but a rather interesting rose that seems a bit too clunky/off-dry for my taste; a very slight funky/natty character that just adds a bit of interest; a sort of old-world character that reminds a bit of some Sicilian or Corsican roses. $21.50 (KK)
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2. Iruai Syrah blood&flowers ApplegateVlly/OR (13%; 350 cs) Etna 2021: Med.dark color; beautiful high-toned some w-c/peppery very Rhonish/spicy strong blackberry/Syrah slight espresso/smokey/Rhonish quite complex very interesting nose; quite tart/tangy very strong/Rhonish/w-c/peppery/espresso/smokey slight earthy/bit rustic some blackberry/Syrah light toasty/smokey/oak rather complex flavor w/ light tangy tannins; very long/lingering tart/tangy very Rhonish/w-c/peppery smokey/espresso bit earthy/rustic some floral/spicy/violets/blackberrys light toasty/oak quite complex finish w/ light tangy tannins; needs another 2-5 yrs; very atypical of Calif or OR Syrah but more like a lighter Cornas Syrah than anything w/ an old-World sensibility to it; a bit rustic but not at all unclean or natty; maybe a slight touch of brett to give it that old-World character; a quite interesting very Rhonish Syrah at a very good price. $26.00 (KK)
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More frickeetter from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. After a very nice writeup in PUNCH about Iruai & their interest in making Alpine wines:
PUNCH:IruaiWnry ,
I went back to Kokomans to try a few more. The wines are not at all like most Calif wines and sorta have an old-World sensibility to them. I was quite impressed by the Syrah.
Tom