BV Georges de LaTour Private Reserve Cabernet

2002

Beaulieu Vineyards

Napa Valley, California

Another exceptional wine review contributed by our friend PasaRoblesCab (be sure to read the bolded text at the end):

Red and black fruit on the nose with some vanilla, and cedar. Beautiful open nose, with some plum.This is definitely one of the top three wines that I have ever had. It is next to the 1998 Mouton-Rothschild.

An incredibly powerful wine that has possibly the greatest mouth feel I've ever tasted; it's like velvet, heavy but smooth. You can see the legs in the pic. Silky tannins balanced with perfect acidity. The mouth has cocoa, slight leather and some plum with a finish that lasts for longer than a minute. It was hard to let this sit and breathe, I wanted to keep drinking. Reminded me of the 2002 Stags Leap which was another gift and way out of the budget.

A little inside story:

I have been fortunate enough in my profession to meet people who have the finances to "collect" and "invest" in wine, most of them are hedge fund traders, Venture Capitalist, or have earned it the hard way, Inherited it!, Regardless, after holding their hand (and their wallet) for a year or so until our project was completed, I have gotten to know them fairly well and have become more or less part of their Non-City existence. I have been invited to parties, vacation homes and on occasion, asked to partake in more than wine and cheese! Anyway, I will save that for my book which has been an ongoing project. Once the topic of wine comes up I have been escorted to some of the finest cellars we peasants could only dream of having. Some in the bellies of mansions, some separate out-buildings on the compound. I have seen cellars that have enough wine to pay for my home and cars twice over. But, whether rich or middle class, it all comes down to taste. I have come across people who have a 10,000 bottle cellar that love to drink an ordinary run of the mill California Cab, the kitchen wine fridge is stocked with Blackstone and Mondavi. All rich people don't drink B.V. Reserve on a daily basis. Their party guests don't guzzle Crystal and Dom by the case. These people need to spend their money and they buy large quantities of good wine that is going to, guess what, increase in value! It's all about the almighty buck. Of course it is nice when entertaining to escort a few guests to the tasting room and have $5,000 worth of wine decanted and ready for the tasting, or let someone randomly pick from the depths of the mahogany racks. What I am trying to get at is, the $100 bottle of B.V. I thoroughly enjoyed and reviewed for "The Guy and The Gal" is just as good as the Donati last night and the J. Kirkwood Merlot that's ready to be opened tomorrow.

Submitted by PasaRoblesCab

WE rating: 92

$99.00 / 750 ml. bottle

http://www.bvwines.com/

Donati Cabernet Sauvignon

2003

96% Cabernet Sauvignon / 4% Cabernet Franc

California

1,825 Cases Produced

This is not my post or "The Guy's", it comes from our friend "PasaRoblesCab" with my gratitude in absence of anything from myself or "The Guy".

When poured it has a nice garnet shade and good long legs in the glass. Medium-bodied mouthfeel. It starts out much milder than I expected. It's mostly dark fruits, cherries and plums. Definitely not a fruit bomb. Medium fruits, medium body, moderate tannins Good dark fruit flavors (mostly cherry) and a tab bit of of licorice.The color is rich and dark.

You may want to let this wine breathe a little before drinking. Maybe let it decant for a while, The moderate tannins and full mouthfeel do a good job standing up against the alcohol.

This 2003 Cabernet reminded me of another wine I have enjoyed from Paso Robles: J Lohr. If you've enjoyed the Seven Oaks Cab from J Lohr, you will love the Donati Cab from Paso Robles. The nose is reminiscent of currant. It reminded me of being in the garden with my grandmother picking currents and eating more than I saved for fresh jam. The Donati Cab has a nice and smooth mouth, and it was a very pleasant wine with almonds as you can see from the pics they were freshly cracked by my 8 year old who just loves to be destructive.

When poured it has a nice garnet shade and good long legs in the glass. I picked up hints of peppercorn, vanilla, and a slight bit of alcohol in the nose. There is a moderate amount of fruitiness, mainly black cherry and currant flavors. As it's pretty young, there is a slight tartness and you do taste some alcohol but it doesn’t overpower the wine. After decanting, the black cherry does come out a bit more to match the alcohol and the tartness dissipates making for a very satisfying wine. It is a mouthful, perhaps in a perfect world it could have used another couple months in Donati’s oak barrels, but it was very enjoyable. I think if cellared for a year or two it would be a knockout. Thats why I bought 3 cases to keep for my future. It makes me feel like I am saving for college tuition for the little one. Buy now at $30 or pay $80 later, with 1,800 cases shipped, get it while you can. This one is definately a keeper.

Submitted by PasaRoblesCab

15.3% Alcohol

$30-$40 / 750 ml bottle

http://www.donatifamilyvineyard.com/

Wine Reviews

I realize a bit of time has gone by. I have not had anything new and would welcome anyone's reviews of ANYTHING until I can post again (hopefully this weekend)!!! Please feel free to click on the "comment" area below. The floor is open.

Rioja Vega

2001
Reserve
Viana, Spain

50% Tempranillo
25% Mazuelo
25% Graciano

Will definitely drink again.

This was a dark cherry color with an ever so slight cloudiness to it. The scent was black cherry and granite. Upon tasting, I was hit initially with dryness, thinness (which did have me worried) then a quick changeover (that kept me interested) to licorice and a hint of smoke. The finish saved it completely. It was a very nice finish with high-end Barossa-like flavor (I can't exactly explain that flavor and finish if you haven't experienced it - it's a distinct experience - suffice it to say it is worth it). The Guy is away, though he will return tomorrow night, and I am trying hard to save some for him to try.

My recommendation is to drink this without food. It loses it's flavor with food, and the "thinness" returns. Otherwise, you're golden.

Robert Parker gave this a 90 rating.

Is it not better to never know,
than to ever have to watch one go?
Is it not better to always wonder,
than to lose the glorious thunder?
Is it not better to have it be,
a happy he and a happy she,
if only ever together under the same sky
and neither ever wanting to say goodbye?
Is it not better to only imagine what won't ever be,
than for them to know complacency?
Is it not better to always have a friend,
than to bitterly lose it all in the end???

8.75 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$19.99 / 750 ml. bottle

Santa Rita Reserva

2005
Merlot
DO Maipo Valley, Chile

Will drink again - good value.

A deep garnet color, this wine has an intense smoky creosote scent - once again, I pick up that very particular smokiness that I immediately associate with the wines of Chile. First mouthful prior to swallowing was an immediate pleasant sweetness. Then I was hit with the smoky-cresosote flavor I've experienced before, but this was immediately followed by a Eucalyptus mint combo that I've often heard described but had yet to experience. It was pretty cool. There was a slight numbing in the back of my throat with the Eucalyptus flavor, then a simple but definite finish. This was very, very good. And, quite honestly, it was nice to NOT have the typical "berry" description I am so tired of giving and tasting. I'm still a little perplexed about how we actually pick up black berry and cherry flavors from grapes, though I definitely tend to taste them. If I had to pick a fruit for the sweetness in this wine, I would finally happily report it as my first-time "plum" experience.

JESSIE

Her beauty radiates, like a Winter Solstice:
so serene and then suddenly wild.
She’s a dazzling composition of woman-child.
Emotional and defiant, then abruptly stoic and full of grace.
On the verge of thirteen, in her breathtaking face,
As if it was yesterday, I can still clearly see,
the incredible babe that was born unto me.

8.25 out of 10
14.1% alc. by vol.
$10.99 / 750 ml. bottle
http://www.santarita.com/

Two Hands Bella's Garden

2005
Shiraz

Barossa Valley (OMG - an absolute "Hands Down" favorite - Big surprise coming from the Barossa Valley [facetious statement - let me lay down forever in the Barossa Valley]), dead even with the likes of Dead Arm and probably Two Hands Gnarly Dudes - though Gnarly Dudes was MUCH cheaper)
Australia

This wine was excellent. The Guy said, and I quote: "This is good with pickles, this is good with ketchup, this is good with anything." He insisted we have this tonight - no special occasion, no decent menu (turkey burgers and salad) - as if The Guy's statement didn't give that one away. I really wasn't ready to open it. Certainly not with tonight's dinner, or on a Tuesday night of all nights - but it held up nicely regardless. Though I'm feeling a little like Christmas is over. Nothing to look forward to now (oh, except for Lily's Garden).

The color of this wine was just beautiful. It was practically black with subdued neon purple on the outside top ring. Very smooth, smooth, smooth blackberry bouquet and taste (did I mention smooth?). Lingering finish with consistent taste. Warmth all the way down but not too much. Just a perfect balance.

This was another "trade" so the price is not "budget" material. But if you've got the dough, lay it down sister, or brother.

Wine Spectator Rating: 94
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 92

Never can say the things I so need to say,
So I keep them running in my head every day;
Running continuously, can't get away.
They give me no peace,
only lost energy spent.
I must say them or force them to forever be acquiescent.
Take the road less travelled and don't look back say some,
Ah, so much easier said then done.

9.0 out of 10
15.2% alc. by vol.
$65 / 750 ml bottle (I've seen it for$35 on sale)
http://www.paternowines.com/

Vitiano Cabernet Merlot-Sangiovese

2005
Falesco
Umbria, Italia

Probably won't intentionally drink again.

I have to be careful here to not hurt The Guy's feelings. He brought this home proudly. He even saved it for a few days until I made lasagna. He was disappointed when he tasted it and, I have to admit, the bouquet gave the impression it was going to be very good. The taste started off with immediate blackberry flavor and slight pepper, then it totally petered out into a thin, dry, metallic taste. Disappointing. I was making dinner when we tried it, so we didn't have it with food. The Guy decided it needed some cheddar crackers and cheese. Once he tasted it again following his "appetizer" he said it was "much better". So I did the same only I didn't find it to be much better. However, it was better with the lasagna and a garlic-oregano bagquette.

Bottom line: It tasted it's price.

No poems, no thoughts, just a song occupying my head for days:

Searching for an answer
Where the question is unseen
I don't know where you came from
And I dont know where you've gone
Old friends become old strangers
Between the darkness and the dawn
Amen omen
Will I see your face again
Amen omen
Can I find the place within
To live my life without you

Amen Omen
Ben Harper

7.0 out of 10
$8-$10 / 750 ml bottle
13% alc. by vol
http://www.winebow.com/

Four Vines Zinfandel

2005
Old Vine Cuvee
Paso Robles, California

Highly recommend. Good value - will drink again.

Ok. Last night's wine was over the top expensive. So tonight, I'm back to the budget material. I thought this was a great wine for the price. This was a nice blend of blackberry, oak, and a nice woodsey-spice finish.

The Guy and I had Four Vines The Biker back in May of last year. It was very good, but much more pricey. (Incidentally, I hope to try Four Vines' line of Freakshow wines in the near future - I'm guessing they're pretty fab.) Although this is a different flavor than The Biker, I liked it quite a bit. The Guy purchased it and asked me to guess how much I thought he spent. I guessed $18.99 and was way off - too high. I couldn't believe it.

I enjoyed this very much on its own. I made chili and it tasted especially good with the smoked flavor in the chili. But after adding Habanero Cheddar to the chili (which was very strong and hot), the wine was a little drowned out. Later, the flavor returned as I began to blog and peruse E-mail.

Incidentally, The Guy said this wine had a tasting tag in the store that said it had a 90 rating - but he didn't know from what publication. I saw on-line while looking for a label to paste (because I broke my camera :( and can't take pictures of the bottles I drink from) this wine is listed under the 90+ ratings category.

On Christmas Eve at about the age of sixteen, I sat in front of the fireplace and Christmas Tree at my aunt's and was introduced to the works of Robert Frost, specifically, The Road Not Taken. It is one of those poignant memories I return to again and again in my life. I remember thinking that night: Will I know what road to take when the fork is in front of me? I sometimes wonder if it wasn't the "sign" I've looked for for so long, yet am continually unable to find. I'll never know why I didn't get the message that night to take the road that looks less easy. For I did not take "The Road Less Travelled" and have looked back at the fork ever since, forever wondering if the road not taken was the one that was meant to be. Or, does an extension of the same road reappear on the map some time in the future?

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

8.5 out of 10
$10.99 / 750 ml. bottle
14.6% by vol.
http://www.fourvines.com/

Kistler Chardonnay

2005
Dutton Ranch
Russian River Valley
No. 18222

This was an excellent wine, but very expensive (if you are on a budget). This was another gem from Uncle Bob so I personally did not fork out any cash for it.

I was immediately struck with the smooth butteriness and, my personal favorite, minerality throughout and in the lingering finish. It was slightly lemonlike in flavor but with more butter and oil. I served this with "Pasta a la Passion" (Bow tie pasta with olive oil, garlic, sundried tomatoes, chicken, broccoli, basil and parmesean cheese), and the "Fish Man's" delicioso crab cakes. Excellent accompaniment to both.

I think I like the Russian River Valley for Chardonnays about as much as I like the Barossa Valley for Shiraz.

As this song hit home for me this evening driving home from work, and I sang along with it at the top of my lungs with so much emotion (zapped me right back to the '70's and made me feel all the old feelings as a kid and all the new "old" feelings as an adult), I am posting some of the lyrics here:

Whatever it is, it'll keep till the morning
Haven't we both got better things to do?
Midnight blue
Even the simple things become rough
Haven't we had enough?

And I think we can make it
One more time
If we try
One more time for all the old times . . .

Melissa Manchester

If you care, The Guy doesn't, Robert Parker gave this a 94-96 rating.

8.75 out of 10
$70 - $100 / 750 ml. bottle
14.1% alc. by vol.
http://www.kistlerwine.com/

Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon

2005
Alexander Valley
California


Will drink again - and will try the Merlot as well.

My cousin is married. The wedding was the first Jewish wedding I've ever attended. The best part? The bride and groom share wine during the ceremony with each other and then with their parents. Had I only known this when I was planning my wedding - I might have converted. But seriously, it was absolutely beautiful - the Rabbi was wonderful. The words spoken and meaning given behind the significance of each phase was just beautiful. As the bride lost her dad suddenly last year, his not being there was felt by all, especially she and her mom and sister. Her mom walked her down the aisle and handed her to my cousin. They then stood with the Rabbi under the Chuppah (a marriage canopy that symbolises the bride and groom's first home together). The bride's dad had a prayer shawl and his shawl was woven into the canopy of the Chuppah so that his presence was enveloping them - very emotional. The significance behind the breaking of the glass spoke volumes to me. Awesome.

The Guy, The Bro and I had a nice time in NYC (see some of my pictures posted so far at http://www.cheznathalie.com/ ). I did not, however, have any memorable wine experiences. The Frei Brothers Cabernet was the one I enjoyed the most out of the weekend. I had a glass at my hotel on Friday afternoon while feverishly trying to write a decent poem for The Cuz and his soon-to-be wife.

It's scent was warm spiced oak. It had a bit of a dark chocolate meets tobacco flavor, with a hint of slight vanilla and oak on the lingering finish.

Other wines I enjoyed but didn't care to bother scoring (mostly due to lack of label information)were a good Tempranillo that I had at the rehearsal dinner at La Palapa with the most delicious fried plaintains and sour cream, Cipriani Prosecco which I had at the wedding reception with the first course of lobster and asparagus in an olive oil and lemon dressing, and Beringer Stone Cellars Cabernet which I had at the cocktail hour before dinner and found it accompanied a juicy marinated beef appetizer nicely.

These beautiful flowers adorned the bar during the reception:


After the wine has been poured and life settles in,
A slight, inadvertent fading begins to vows taken among friends and kin.
So capture this moment, or any moment in the day ahead,
And savor it, return to it, let it ground you long after you have wed.

8.25 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$21 - $25 / 750 ml bottle
http://www.freibrothers.com/

McManis Merlot

2006
Ripon, California

Will probably drink again.

As an aside for a moment, I am having the Cab tonight with chili (and the Cab is in the Chili and the two together are fantastic). I will be posting my organic, vegetarian recipe on http://www.cheznathalie.com/ if interested.

OK. I know, this is not a shoe blog. I am just so excited about my new shoes for my cousin's wedding next week. I mean, look at them. Black satin, pointed toes, V-straps connected to Diamond O-rings (o.k. so MAYBE there's a chance they are zirconia O-rings - whatever). And my matching "O" necklace. How many women can actually say that their necklace matches their shoes? (Yes, my shoes are on the dinner table, however, they are brand new, fresh out of the box and never worn.) By the way, doesn't my necklace make my wine bottle look like a bad-ass rapper? I can't help it, that's what I see when I look at it - it will definitely look much different on me. I'm really excited. The Guy and The Bro are wearing their top-o-the-line Tuxes and I've got my own shindig going (thank you once again MOM) and we are going to look good. I will probably not be able to keep up with the wines we will have over the course of the two days, but I hope to catch a couple of bottle shots and review a few.

I don't believe The Guy or I ever reviewed the McManis Merlot. I did, however, state the other day that the Merlot was not nearly as good as the Cab. I stand by the Cab being better, but for $9.99, the Merlot is decent. The Guy purposely brought it home tonight so we could taste-test it officially.

It had a very berry / grapey scent, had slight oak in the taste, and ended with a slight creosote finish (like the Cab, but the Cab is loaded with oak which I like). For the price, the finish is fairly decent. I think all in all, the Merlot is a good buy and the Cab is a great buy (for the price ranges).

Quotes on my mind this evening (fresh from watching a fabulous movie - I don't care what the majority out there says about it, and, by the way, it's not that "Real men don't eat quiche", it's that "Real men watch chick flicks and actually learn something from them" - other than not to watch one again. I don't know any such "real men" personally but I'm still hopeful as I know you guys are out there).

"We are mysterious creatures, aren't we? And at the end, so much of the mystery turns out to not matter."
-Meryl Streep as "Lilah" in the movie "Evening"

And, this, my absolute favorite, from an old woman on her death bed:

"I thought there'd be so many chances"
-Lynn Redgrave as "Ann" in the movie "Evening"

8.0 out of 10
$9.99 / 750 ml. bottle
13.5% alc. by vol
http://www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com/