2008
South Africa
69% Syrah /12% Grenache / 10% Cabernet Sauvignon / 7% Cinsault / 2% Viognier
I have posted previously on The Chocolate Block - in December. However, I posted on the 2007.
BIG DIFFERENCE between the 2007 and 2008. I am not too fond of this one. Needs more time I guess.
It is AMAZING to me the difference a year makes. It just goes to show you how volatile wine-making
can be. Each year provides a different taste. It's really intriguing. And sometimes disappointing.
My brother bought a bottle of 2007 in December and we enjoyed it while watching the movie Bottle Shock.
BIG difference in price (almost $20 more for the 2007), but a BIG difference in taste too.
I came home from a SOAKING wet walk with my Gfriend to find The Guy had purchased a bottle of this
and left it on the counter. I was pretty happy to see it. Until I saw the vintage. However, I have not
previously yet tried the 2008 so I tried to have an open mind. :( I am sorry to report that it just wasn't
near as good as the 2007. This one was extremely dry with little distinguishing flavor. It packed a punch,
and wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was expecting.
There's indecision when you
Know you ain't got nothing left
when the good times never stay
And the cheap thrills always
seem to fade away
When will we
When will we fall down
Jump back, got to get out of here
been too long this time
--Toad the Wet Sprocket--
7.50 out of 10
$17 / 750 ml. bottle
(I was unable to find the alcohol content!!)
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Chocolate Block
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Columbia Cabernet Sauvignon
2006
Columbia Valley
Washington State
This vintage actually got some good reviews. For me, it was OK. A little "grape-y" at first taste. The scent was of dark berries and green olives. It was recommended to serve with red meat, especially steak. I don't do that. I actually had it with rice pasta, white beans, roasted asparagus and roasted sweet onion, mixed with olive oil and balsamic and it tasted better than on its own. This is one of those freaky things where it did seem to improve with being exposed to air for an hour. And it seemed to be a good match with the balsamic. The taste was very Spanish olive like. It tasted quite better on its own the next night - smokey. Tonight. I am tempted to change my rating below, but I won't.
Which brings me to a discussion I previously had recently with a friend with regard to decanting. He believes, and was told, that decanting a young wine is necessary. I was always under the impression that you did not need to decant young wines. But older wines, especially ports, should be decanted to separate out the sediment mostly. The idea of airing a young wine didn't seem necessary. But I have to say I've recently found a few younger wines seemed to taste better upon opening up for a bit. I loved the fact that some of their scents filled the room and made my mouth water.
I consulted my Kevin Zraly book to find that he feels there is NO difference whether a young wine is decanted or not. Old wines should only be decanted to separate sediment. However, if you've got a pricey old wine, DO NOT decant for any more than 15 minutes as you may actually miss the best moments of tasting for that particular wine. The longer it sits, the more its taste evaporates. He does state that he's had a few students swear to him that they notice a younger wine tasting better upon decanting for an hour. So, his suggestion is to decant for an hour if you wish, though he doesn't feel it's necessary. At best, it will fill the room with the wine's aroma for the arrival of any guests for the evening. If you have an old wine, with possible sediment, let it sit for 10 minutes, light a candle, and hold the bottle and decanter up to the candle and pour slowly, watching for any sediment arriving at the bottle neck. Then put it down again and let rest for 5 more minutes to let remaining sediment settle again, and do again.
--Men are like wine, some turn to vinegar - the best improve with age.--
Pope John XXIII (was this Pope fond of wine, or fond of men???????? Regardless, I find this statement to be fantastically true)
7.75 out of 10
$12 / 750 ml. bottle
13.5% acl. by vol.
Columbia Valley
Washington State
This vintage actually got some good reviews. For me, it was OK. A little "grape-y" at first taste. The scent was of dark berries and green olives. It was recommended to serve with red meat, especially steak. I don't do that. I actually had it with rice pasta, white beans, roasted asparagus and roasted sweet onion, mixed with olive oil and balsamic and it tasted better than on its own. This is one of those freaky things where it did seem to improve with being exposed to air for an hour. And it seemed to be a good match with the balsamic. The taste was very Spanish olive like. It tasted quite better on its own the next night - smokey. Tonight. I am tempted to change my rating below, but I won't.
Which brings me to a discussion I previously had recently with a friend with regard to decanting. He believes, and was told, that decanting a young wine is necessary. I was always under the impression that you did not need to decant young wines. But older wines, especially ports, should be decanted to separate out the sediment mostly. The idea of airing a young wine didn't seem necessary. But I have to say I've recently found a few younger wines seemed to taste better upon opening up for a bit. I loved the fact that some of their scents filled the room and made my mouth water.
I consulted my Kevin Zraly book to find that he feels there is NO difference whether a young wine is decanted or not. Old wines should only be decanted to separate sediment. However, if you've got a pricey old wine, DO NOT decant for any more than 15 minutes as you may actually miss the best moments of tasting for that particular wine. The longer it sits, the more its taste evaporates. He does state that he's had a few students swear to him that they notice a younger wine tasting better upon decanting for an hour. So, his suggestion is to decant for an hour if you wish, though he doesn't feel it's necessary. At best, it will fill the room with the wine's aroma for the arrival of any guests for the evening. If you have an old wine, with possible sediment, let it sit for 10 minutes, light a candle, and hold the bottle and decanter up to the candle and pour slowly, watching for any sediment arriving at the bottle neck. Then put it down again and let rest for 5 more minutes to let remaining sediment settle again, and do again.
--Men are like wine, some turn to vinegar - the best improve with age.--
Pope John XXIII (was this Pope fond of wine, or fond of men???????? Regardless, I find this statement to be fantastically true)
7.75 out of 10
$12 / 750 ml. bottle
13.5% acl. by vol.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
HJ Fabre Malbec
2008Mendoza - Argentina
I think it needs more time. Then I might drink it again.
Initially disappointing for me. The Guy liked it. It was high alcohol taste for me, and quite bitter. It was definitely better after air time, and rather enjoyable a couple of days later with chicken and sweet potatoes.
Once I got past the alcohol, I got a black fruit flavor and a bit of licorice and warm spice.
Something about the bitterness of the wine and the sweetness of the roasted potatoes made a positive difference. It is recommended to serve with red meats and fine cheese.
I think a re-visit is necessary in the future with some of my brother's NY State sharp, aged cheddar and the decanter.
The rain is like an orchestra to me
Little gifts from above meant to say
Girl, you're falling at his feet
Isn't lovely or stunning today
The rain'll bring me down
--Rachel Yamagata--
8.0 out of 10 (from The Guy)
7.5 out of 10 (from The Gal)
$12 / 750 ml. bottle
14.5% alc. by vol.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Domaine de L'Herbe Sainte Chardonnay
2008
Famille Greuzard
France
I couldn't stand it anymore. I broke down. I've been on an elminiation diet for 8 weeks now to try to determine if I've got food allergies. It's a strict diet with no dairy, no wheat, no sugar, no chocolate, no alcohol (NO WINE!), no garlic, no peppers. All vegetables and fruit and poultry are to be organic, salmon should be wild, and only well-treated, grass-fed beef (if I were to eat beef). I have done 85% well as I have been eating mostly organic fruits, vegetables and poultry (and wild salmon) for quite some time now. I was allowed a couple of times to go off for one special meal or invitation, but I was to not have it be two days in a row. Except for two wine tasting events, and my mother's birthday, (oh and a Fashion Show I just remembered - SHOOT!) I have followed it completely . But tonight, I broke down and opened a bottle of French Chardonnay I've had chilling since Christmas.
All I wanted to do was add a bit to my California Basmati brown rice along with some organic chicken broth to give it a more gourmet flavor. I opened this bottle, and the tropical aromas made me salivate. I told myself I'd have just one glass and ended up having almost two. Nice pear and citrus flavors with a hint of thyme and ever so slight mineral notes and a creamy finish. It was really good.
She's just the way she is, but no ones told her that's OK.
And she would change everything, everything just ask her.
Caught in the in-between, a beautiful disaster,
And she would change everything for happy ever after.
Caught in the in-between, a beautiful disaster.
--Jon Mclaughlin--
8.25 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$15 / 750 ml. bottle
Famille Greuzard
France
I couldn't stand it anymore. I broke down. I've been on an elminiation diet for 8 weeks now to try to determine if I've got food allergies. It's a strict diet with no dairy, no wheat, no sugar, no chocolate, no alcohol (NO WINE!), no garlic, no peppers. All vegetables and fruit and poultry are to be organic, salmon should be wild, and only well-treated, grass-fed beef (if I were to eat beef). I have done 85% well as I have been eating mostly organic fruits, vegetables and poultry (and wild salmon) for quite some time now. I was allowed a couple of times to go off for one special meal or invitation, but I was to not have it be two days in a row. Except for two wine tasting events, and my mother's birthday, (oh and a Fashion Show I just remembered - SHOOT!) I have followed it completely . But tonight, I broke down and opened a bottle of French Chardonnay I've had chilling since Christmas.
All I wanted to do was add a bit to my California Basmati brown rice along with some organic chicken broth to give it a more gourmet flavor. I opened this bottle, and the tropical aromas made me salivate. I told myself I'd have just one glass and ended up having almost two. Nice pear and citrus flavors with a hint of thyme and ever so slight mineral notes and a creamy finish. It was really good.
She's just the way she is, but no ones told her that's OK.
And she would change everything, everything just ask her.
Caught in the in-between, a beautiful disaster,
And she would change everything for happy ever after.
Caught in the in-between, a beautiful disaster.
--Jon Mclaughlin--
8.25 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$15 / 750 ml. bottle
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tobin James Fat Boy Zinfandel
2007
Zinfandel
Paso Robles, CA
We had the pleasure of attending another super fun wine tasting over the weekend. We actually started the event with an AWESOME daquiri that was the favorite of John and Jacqueline Kennedy. This is totally going to be a summer 2010 patio cocktail for me - it was so unbelievably smooth and drinkable. It was made with Oronoco rum and fresh lime and it was fantastic.
Anyway, we also drank Seghesio Vineyards 2006 Old Vine Zin which I have had in the past, but totally loved recently with the lavender chocolate we had later. We were served Cockburn's 2000 Vintage Port with our chocolate, which was enjoyable, but I preferred to revisit the Seghesio with the chocolate.
After the wine tasting, we went back to our friends' for wine in the cellar and we had more Tobin James. This time we had two TJ zins, and an Opolo zin. I really liked the Fat Boy which had been decanting a couple of hours. It was really jammy, with mushroom & oak nuances, and slight thyme which made me very happy. I love hints of herbs in wine.
I had invited the Guy's college friend Patty for dinner and she came with us to the wine tasting. It was really good to see her again and be around her intelligence and wit. It was a great night and I felt blessed to have laughed and drank in happiness.
I know a man of healthy girth,
He's been a lover of beer, quite possibly since birth.
Pleasantly surprised was I to find,
He's let the ale go in favor of fine wine.
Salty chips and M&M's in the past we were sharing,
Have been replaced with fine chocolates and cheeses worthy of wine pairing.
And, I've witnessed an accomplishment most stellar,
He's invested not in a keg house, but a fantastic little wine cellar.
8.5 out of 10
15.4% alc. by vol.
$55 / 750 ml. bottle (I know, not buget material either)
Zinfandel
Paso Robles, CA
We had the pleasure of attending another super fun wine tasting over the weekend. We actually started the event with an AWESOME daquiri that was the favorite of John and Jacqueline Kennedy. This is totally going to be a summer 2010 patio cocktail for me - it was so unbelievably smooth and drinkable. It was made with Oronoco rum and fresh lime and it was fantastic.
Anyway, we also drank Seghesio Vineyards 2006 Old Vine Zin which I have had in the past, but totally loved recently with the lavender chocolate we had later. We were served Cockburn's 2000 Vintage Port with our chocolate, which was enjoyable, but I preferred to revisit the Seghesio with the chocolate.
After the wine tasting, we went back to our friends' for wine in the cellar and we had more Tobin James. This time we had two TJ zins, and an Opolo zin. I really liked the Fat Boy which had been decanting a couple of hours. It was really jammy, with mushroom & oak nuances, and slight thyme which made me very happy. I love hints of herbs in wine.
I had invited the Guy's college friend Patty for dinner and she came with us to the wine tasting. It was really good to see her again and be around her intelligence and wit. It was a great night and I felt blessed to have laughed and drank in happiness.
I know a man of healthy girth,
He's been a lover of beer, quite possibly since birth.
Pleasantly surprised was I to find,
He's let the ale go in favor of fine wine.
Salty chips and M&M's in the past we were sharing,
Have been replaced with fine chocolates and cheeses worthy of wine pairing.
And, I've witnessed an accomplishment most stellar,
He's invested not in a keg house, but a fantastic little wine cellar.
8.5 out of 10
15.4% alc. by vol.
$55 / 750 ml. bottle (I know, not buget material either)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Reunion
2006Mourvedre, Shiraz & Grenache Blend
Rutherglen, Victoria
Australia
Hints of cherry, herb, and vanilla encompass this Australian blend. Although good on its own, it moves up a few notches when paired with aged Gouda. It especially tasted fantastic with gemelli pasta, vegetable tapenade, and shredded Gouda.
Twisted words
Falsified assumptions
A master retreat
Silence
Mind games
A cracked heart
A friendship severed and bleeding out
8.0 out of 10 (8.5 out of 10 with the Oakvale Aged Gouda cheese pairing)
14.5% alc. by vol.
$20 / 750 ml. bottle
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Favorite Wines of Late
November 2009
Turley Zinfandel
Howell Mountain
Dragon Vineyard
California
2004
December 2009
Kistler Cuvee Natalie
Pinot Noir
Silver Belt Region
California
2007
Cesari Amarone
Classico
Italy
2005
January 2010
Tobin James
Blue Moon Reserve
Syrah
Paso Robles
California
2006
No surprise to me, but I tend to be a California Girl :)
And as we drank our wine and let the world fade away, the sunrise tried to end it while we tried to stay.
--Joshua Radin--
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Twomey Merlot
2001
NAPA Valley
Oakville, CA
This was a highly enjoyable wine. A Christmas gift from my partner in crime during the work week, we drank this with my mom's birthday dinner. Terrific on its own, it accompanied my Rioja Chicken with prunes and olives nicely. It also tasted great with our chocolate cake dessert.
Herb and earth scents opened upon pouring. The taste was on par with the bouquet, with a little of cocoa and black berry mixed in. This was delicious overall.
I'm sorry, again :( Not a budget wine.
Rioja Chicken called for Rioja wine. As I didn't have any, I turned it into Merlot chicken just as well. I made long grain brown rice, caramelized carrots and fresh popovers to accompany it.
This Devil's Food chocolate cake recipe of my grandmothers tasted good with the wine as well.
Night and day, you are the one
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
It's no matter darling where you are
I think of you
Day and night, night and day, why is it so?
--Cole Porter--
$75 / 750 ml. bottle
8.25 out of 10
14.4% alc. by vol.
Chateau Les Vallees Bordeaux
2005
Grand Vin De Bordeaux
Gironde - France
We got this at Christmastime and decided to open it tonight for my mom's birthday as our opening wine. Although it was disappointing for me on first sip, it tasted much better with roasted cashews. It at first had a watery-musty brief finish but it became much more meaty and enjoyable with the nuts.
Not bad for the price.
$12 / 750 ml. bottle
8.0 out of 10
13% alc. by vol.
Tobin James Syrah
2006
Blue Moon Reserve
Paso Robles, CA
I'm sorry for apologizing yet again for another non-budget wine. I LOVED this wine. But I don't think I would pay the $150 price tag for it on my own. It was oh so fantastically SMOKEY. NICE distinctive flavor and finish. Great with dark chocolate.
I am on an elimination diet and have done well until tonight. My doc told me I could afford one or two nights during my (30) days to go slightly astray. Tonight was the night. But I've had too much. This has been a totally tough week for me. I immersed myself in old movies and LOVED "Night and Day" (the Cole Porter story) with Cary Grant. It helps (sometimes) to go back to a simpler time of romance and life.
Anyway, we had some good wine and food pairings tonight with some friends. And, when I shouldn't have had anymore, the Tobin James Blue Moon Reserve was opened up and I enjoyed it immensely. I would have enojoyed more but my little one (who was at a sleepover) got homesick and needed to be picked up.
This is a distinctive, delicious wine if you've got $ to blow. Mussels are the recommended accompaniment for this wine. I've got a great Gourmet magazine recipe that includes garlic, organic chicken broth, white wine and chicken flavored stuffing mix and fresh parsley that might be awesome with this wine (maybe just replace the recipe's white wine with the red).
Defense is paper thin
Just one touch and I'll be in
Too deep now to ever swim against the current
So let me slip away, so let me slip away
So let me slip away, let me slip against the current
so let me slip away, so let me slip away
so let me slip away, so let me slip away
Vindicated, I am selfish, I am wrong, I am right
I swear I'm right, swearI knew it all along
And I am flawed, but I am cleaning up so well
--Dashboard Confessionals--
$150 / 750 ml. bottle
8.75 out of 10
15.8% alc. by vol.
Blue Moon Reserve
Paso Robles, CA
I'm sorry for apologizing yet again for another non-budget wine. I LOVED this wine. But I don't think I would pay the $150 price tag for it on my own. It was oh so fantastically SMOKEY. NICE distinctive flavor and finish. Great with dark chocolate.
I am on an elimination diet and have done well until tonight. My doc told me I could afford one or two nights during my (30) days to go slightly astray. Tonight was the night. But I've had too much. This has been a totally tough week for me. I immersed myself in old movies and LOVED "Night and Day" (the Cole Porter story) with Cary Grant. It helps (sometimes) to go back to a simpler time of romance and life.
Anyway, we had some good wine and food pairings tonight with some friends. And, when I shouldn't have had anymore, the Tobin James Blue Moon Reserve was opened up and I enjoyed it immensely. I would have enojoyed more but my little one (who was at a sleepover) got homesick and needed to be picked up.
This is a distinctive, delicious wine if you've got $ to blow. Mussels are the recommended accompaniment for this wine. I've got a great Gourmet magazine recipe that includes garlic, organic chicken broth, white wine and chicken flavored stuffing mix and fresh parsley that might be awesome with this wine (maybe just replace the recipe's white wine with the red).
Defense is paper thin
Just one touch and I'll be in
Too deep now to ever swim against the current
So let me slip away, so let me slip away
So let me slip away, let me slip against the current
so let me slip away, so let me slip away
so let me slip away, so let me slip away
Vindicated, I am selfish, I am wrong, I am right
I swear I'm right, swearI knew it all along
And I am flawed, but I am cleaning up so well
--Dashboard Confessionals--
$150 / 750 ml. bottle
8.75 out of 10
15.8% alc. by vol.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Chateau Lafite Rothschild
1994
Grancru - Pauillac
France
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
My stepbrother-in-law posted on his Facebook page last night that he wondered what Martin Luther King, Jr. would think today about how far we've come. Sadly, it's no way near far enough in my opinion. I am shocked and dismayed in the last couple of months to witness (or be told of) remarks, comments and actions of blatant prejudice from people who I respect and/or consider friends. The ignorance of those who I deemed educated and/or caring comes as a great surprise. Prejudice makes even beautiful people ugly.
ONTO THE WINE:
I find myself once again feeling the need to apologize for reviewing a big-time expensive wine on a "Budget" wine blog. It really doesn't happen that often, but when I am fortunate enough to have such an experience, I must let you know my thoughts just in case.
My stepfather-in-law held a birthday party for his wife (my mother-in-law) and shared this wine with us for the occasion. It was gifted to him upon his retirement from Merrill Lynch. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and a tiny bit of Petit Verdot, I must say that on first sip I was disappointed. So I let my glass remain out in the open for more air time and it was slightly better, but for the price, disappointing. Although there were some interesting and promising scents and flavors of leather, slight herb, and mushroom with hints of blackcherry, the fullness just wasn't there that I truly expected, and the finish wasn't as long as I anticipated. My mother-in-law commented to me on how surprised she was that it didn't open up like a big juicy cab, which is what she thought it would be like. I don't know how my stepfather-in-law stored it over the last few years, but I don't think it was mistreated, though it definitely wasn't in a temperature-controlled environment. But my gut really doesn't think that was the issue. I would love to know what others' experience with this label have been.
I want to get out of this
I wonder
Is there anything I'm going to miss
I wonder
How it's going to be
When you don't know me
How's it going to be
When you're sure I'm not there
How's it going to be
When there is no one to talk to, between you and me
'Cause I don't care
How's it going to be
How's it going to be
Where we used to laugh
There's a shouting match
Sharp as a thumbnail scratch
A silence I can't ignore
Third Eye Blind
8.0 out of 10
12.5% alc. by vol.
>$275.00 / 750 ML bottle
Grancru - Pauillac
France
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
My stepbrother-in-law posted on his Facebook page last night that he wondered what Martin Luther King, Jr. would think today about how far we've come. Sadly, it's no way near far enough in my opinion. I am shocked and dismayed in the last couple of months to witness (or be told of) remarks, comments and actions of blatant prejudice from people who I respect and/or consider friends. The ignorance of those who I deemed educated and/or caring comes as a great surprise. Prejudice makes even beautiful people ugly.
ONTO THE WINE:
I find myself once again feeling the need to apologize for reviewing a big-time expensive wine on a "Budget" wine blog. It really doesn't happen that often, but when I am fortunate enough to have such an experience, I must let you know my thoughts just in case.
My stepfather-in-law held a birthday party for his wife (my mother-in-law) and shared this wine with us for the occasion. It was gifted to him upon his retirement from Merrill Lynch. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and a tiny bit of Petit Verdot, I must say that on first sip I was disappointed. So I let my glass remain out in the open for more air time and it was slightly better, but for the price, disappointing. Although there were some interesting and promising scents and flavors of leather, slight herb, and mushroom with hints of blackcherry, the fullness just wasn't there that I truly expected, and the finish wasn't as long as I anticipated. My mother-in-law commented to me on how surprised she was that it didn't open up like a big juicy cab, which is what she thought it would be like. I don't know how my stepfather-in-law stored it over the last few years, but I don't think it was mistreated, though it definitely wasn't in a temperature-controlled environment. But my gut really doesn't think that was the issue. I would love to know what others' experience with this label have been.
I want to get out of this
I wonder
Is there anything I'm going to miss
I wonder
How it's going to be
When you don't know me
How's it going to be
When you're sure I'm not there
How's it going to be
When there is no one to talk to, between you and me
'Cause I don't care
How's it going to be
How's it going to be
Where we used to laugh
There's a shouting match
Sharp as a thumbnail scratch
A silence I can't ignore
Third Eye Blind
8.0 out of 10
12.5% alc. by vol.
>$275.00 / 750 ML bottle
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