Honig Sauvignon Blanc
Sat, 13th February, 2010
VINTAGE: 2008
APPELATION: NAPA
COLOR: Gold, almost clear
NOSE: Grapefruit right up front, with hints of green apple, peach, and grass
TASTE: Light, mellow grapefruit flavor, with hints of lime and lemon peel. Well balanced, crisp and clean finish.
OVERALL: After smelling the wine, I almost expected to be blown away with high levels of acid and unbalanced tropical fruits. However, the wine was surprisingly well balanced, and the acid was under control, evident of the winemaker's use of malolactic fermentation. While the aroma was certainly characteristic of a New Zealand style sauvignon blanc, the actual flavors represented what you would typically expect from California. VERY competitively priced, this sauvignon blanc is a true value, an homage to Honig winery, who also makes arguably my favorite cabernet in the $20 price range.
APPELATION: NAPA
COLOR: Gold, almost clear
NOSE: Grapefruit right up front, with hints of green apple, peach, and grass
TASTE: Light, mellow grapefruit flavor, with hints of lime and lemon peel. Well balanced, crisp and clean finish.
OVERALL: After smelling the wine, I almost expected to be blown away with high levels of acid and unbalanced tropical fruits. However, the wine was surprisingly well balanced, and the acid was under control, evident of the winemaker's use of malolactic fermentation. While the aroma was certainly characteristic of a New Zealand style sauvignon blanc, the actual flavors represented what you would typically expect from California. VERY competitively priced, this sauvignon blanc is a true value, an homage to Honig winery, who also makes arguably my favorite cabernet in the $20 price range.
January 21, 2010
Sat, 13th February, 2010
WINE: Austin Hope, Syrah
VINTAGE: 2006
APPELATION: Paso Robles, CA
COLOR: Deep purple, garnet, good clarity
NOSE: Plum, ripe black cherry, raspberry
TASTE: Strong flavors of stone fruits, blackberry, blueberry, plum, baked red apple
OVERALL: The wine is very approachable, simple, and easy drinking. Not much to it. Quick and clean finish. Not a lot of overwhelming complexity. Overall acceptable, but nothing too exciting.
VINTAGE: 2006
APPELATION: Paso Robles, CA
COLOR: Deep purple, garnet, good clarity
NOSE: Plum, ripe black cherry, raspberry
TASTE: Strong flavors of stone fruits, blackberry, blueberry, plum, baked red apple
OVERALL: The wine is very approachable, simple, and easy drinking. Not much to it. Quick and clean finish. Not a lot of overwhelming complexity. Overall acceptable, but nothing too exciting.
January 15, 2010
Sat, 13th February, 2010
Mara, "Dolinscek Ranch" Reserve Zinfandel
VINTAGE: 2004
APPELATION: NAPA
COLOR: Dark Purple, Ruby, inky
NOSE: Bright rich aroma of blackberry, raspberry, tree bark, cinnamon
TASTE: Stone fruits, mint, deep blackberry, plum, cedar, cinnamon, toffee.
OVERALL: Surprised that the current release is from 2004, I soon understood the reasoning. This wine is unfiltered and unfined, giving the wine outrageous amounts of body, and overall complexity. I can't say enough about this wine, as its strong and well rounded flavors evolved into an elegant and complex finish. Although priced higher than most Napa Valley Zinfandels in the current market, the wine certainly delivered.
VINTAGE: 2004
APPELATION: NAPA
COLOR: Dark Purple, Ruby, inky
NOSE: Bright rich aroma of blackberry, raspberry, tree bark, cinnamon
TASTE: Stone fruits, mint, deep blackberry, plum, cedar, cinnamon, toffee.
OVERALL: Surprised that the current release is from 2004, I soon understood the reasoning. This wine is unfiltered and unfined, giving the wine outrageous amounts of body, and overall complexity. I can't say enough about this wine, as its strong and well rounded flavors evolved into an elegant and complex finish. Although priced higher than most Napa Valley Zinfandels in the current market, the wine certainly delivered.
January 13th, 2010
Wed, 13th January, 2010
Today, I was fortunate enough to taste the newest release of Caymus Special Selection Cabernet... Here are my tasting notes...
WINE: Caymus Special Selection Cabernet
APPELATION: Napa
COLOR: Ruby, dark purple; good clarity
NOSE: Cedar, plum, fresh mint, vanilla
TASTE: Begins with a good bit of pepper on the front of the palate, and balances out with bold jammy fruit, black licorice, and cherry cola. The brightness of the fruit can almost make the wine feel tight, or a little green. Ends with a velvety, long finish, and leaves the palte slighty dry.
Overall: Could use some more time in the cellar, but this Cabernet will not disappoint you if you are looking for great quality, or something to pair with a big ribeye!
WINE: Caymus Special Selection Cabernet
APPELATION: Napa
COLOR: Ruby, dark purple; good clarity
NOSE: Cedar, plum, fresh mint, vanilla
TASTE: Begins with a good bit of pepper on the front of the palate, and balances out with bold jammy fruit, black licorice, and cherry cola. The brightness of the fruit can almost make the wine feel tight, or a little green. Ends with a velvety, long finish, and leaves the palte slighty dry.
Overall: Could use some more time in the cellar, but this Cabernet will not disappoint you if you are looking for great quality, or something to pair with a big ribeye!
Some of us are fortunate enough to taste wine daily, and actually get paid to do it! Here you can keep up with the wines I have tasted from day to day, and more importantly, respond and let me know what you thought of the same wine when YOU tasted it!
Also, if you happen to come across that special bottle that you want everyone to know about, feel free to add your tasting notes too... Cheers!
-Josh
Also, if you happen to come across that special bottle that you want everyone to know about, feel free to add your tasting notes too... Cheers!
-Josh