Bridlewood Zinfandel 2008

Another Tuesday night so time to go to MA4. Tonight I chose to bring along a bottle of Bridlewood's Zinfandel. Now I've had a lot of Bridlewood Syrah and it's been quite lovely so I had high expectations for their Zinfandel. Alas the hope was not fulfilled. At first it showed great promise, a deep dark rudy in the glass and a lovely nose of blackberry and spicy cedar with a hint of smoke. Once in the mouth though I was crestfallen. After a very brief flash of raspberries I was overwhelmed with a gamey, smokey taste and hits of what seemed to me to be ash. My friend Sarah agreed that the little bit of fruit evaporated quickly in the mouth so I don't think it was just my tongue was off. Now I will say that the cheeseburger I ordered seemed to improve the taste of the wine, but on its own I was disappointed. Oh well, Bridlewood has many lovely Syrahs to try.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 35

Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2006

When having a spicy, tomato-based pasta I turned to an interesting little wine on the list at Racines in Denver, an IGT classified wine, Di Majo Norante Sangiovese. As you can see from the picture the wine is a lovely bright violet in the glass, hinting at the nose of violets, blackberries, and currants, with just a touch of spice. The wine is medium bodied and being a Sangiovese it had a pretty high level of acidity with good dark fruits and a spicy oakish taste and tight tannins that combined to give a long finish.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 34

Brassfield Estate Zinfandel, Monte Sereno Vineyard 2004

Last night I met my friends Sarah and Efrain at temple for our usual Tuesday night libations. For fun I bought along a bottle of Brassfield Estate Zinfandel, Monte Sereno Vineyard. The High Valley region of Lake County was declared an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2005 and is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California. Brassfield has produced a great little Zin that contrary to the trend isn't super hot (14.8% alcohol) but rather very balanced. The nose is greeted by blackberries, cedar, and a touch of peppery mint. The wine is medium-full bodied with supple tannins and good acidity combining with the jammy fruit created a lingering finish that was a great experience.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 33

Brander Cabernet Sauvignon "Santa Ynez Valley Reserve" 2006

Ah Brander, one of my favorite wineries (regardless of the pink chateau). It was nice to take a break from the delicious whites and open a bottle of their sadly sold out 2006 Santa Ynez Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was quite bright for a younger vintage with a lovely bouquet of currants, blackberries, black cherries, and green olives with just a touch of earthiness on the nose. The wine is medium bodied with soft tannins and a good level of acidity that all comes together with the fruit to create a silky, medium length finish. If you do come across a bottle be sure to let it breathe, it's still a youngster and should age quite well for the next 5 years.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 32

Fess Parker "Ashley's Vineyard" Chardonnay 2007

Another Tuesday, another evening at temple with my friend Sarah. It had been a long day (starting about 1 am and going non-stop until 4:30pm) and I was definitely in need of leisurely conversation in a comforting environment... and a glass of good wine. The bottle I brought with me, Fess Parker's Chardonnay "Ashley's Vineyard" 2007 was, as expected, lovely. The nose was fruitful with hints of citrus, apple and pear (and Sarah got melon) with a touch of butter that was delightful, all of which appeared on the palate to combine with just the right amount of acidity to create an elegant experience providing a medium-long finish. I am not a huge fan of Chardonnay but this I liked... another excellent offering from the folks who wear the coon skin cap.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 31

Two Fine Wines For One Fine Night

Saturday night was housewarming night for my hubby and me. For that special event I had two excellent Cabernet Sauvignons: Beaulieu Vineyard "George De LaTour" Private Reserve 2006 and Chateau St. Jean "Cinq Cepages" 2005 (thanks for that gift Dustin!).

The George De LaTour (a prize from a drawing at temple) is the flagship of the BV offerings and it definitely showed why. The color is deeply violet indicating a richness that was to come. The wine is medium-to-full bodied with concentrated black fruits (blackberries are very prominent) with a hint of dustiness. The wine was strong yet supple with fine black fruit and licorice with silky tannins and a nice dryness that was hinted in the dusty nose, all coming together to a long delicious finish.

The Chateau St. Jean "Cinq Cepages" was a treasure. A Bordeaux-style blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Each component is aged separately for two years in small French oak barrels (47% new) before blending. Once the wine is assembled, it spends six months in the bottle before release. Wow! This wine was a deep violet as well with a beautiful nose of black and blue fruits with just a hint of cola. This full-bodied wine had dryness similar to the De LaTour with likewise silky tannins and hint of red cherries wrapped up in the finish that made it a pleasure to imbibe.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 30 (boy am I behind)