Although I have not yet become compulsive about entering tasting notes for every wine I experience, below gives you a glimpse of some of the wines that have graced my glasses (and lips) recently. The links go to CellarTracker.com, where you can get more details about each wine and read tasting notes from others. Let me know what you think.
Cheers!
- 2007 Purple Hands Oregon Red Wine – USA, Oregon (4/24/2010)
Very interesting blend of Pinot and syrah, creating a medium-body red with some of the subtleties of Pinot. Very easy drinking. (90 pts.)
- 2005 Argyle Brut – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (4/24/2010)
Surprising strong aroma of honey on the nose. Pear dominates the flavor, with a tight, short finish. An interesting wine but not one I’m likely to look for again. (84 pts.)
- 2005 Michel-Schlumberger Coteaux Sauvages – USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (3/28/2010)
Very pleasant Bourdeaux blend… heavy on the blackberry but lovely, dry lasting finish. Would pair best with a red meat meal. Opened up nicely after about 1 hour.. (90 pts.) - 2006 Kendric Vineyards Syrah – USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Shenandoah Valley (3/3/2010)
Great value. Opened up beautifully after about an hour. Slightly spicy, light bodied, mellow. Remainder of bottle consumed 24 hours later had opened up to a much richer wine – slightly earthy with tones of dark berries. (I raised my score from 86 to 89 based on this second-day taste.) (89 pts.)
- 2007 Jeff Runquist Barbera – USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County (3/2/2010)
Inky, masculine wine with scents of forest floor, plum and pencil. Taste has hints of blackberry and apricot. Medium finish. Hearty wine, nice feel on the tongue. (89 pts.) - 2007 Cep Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (3/2/2010)
Crimson-colored, light/medium body with medium legs, this pinot is softer than Sonoma pinots from farther inland. Has a cool menthol aroma, and the taste reminds me of tea and light toast. Bright texture and a short finish. Easy drinking, good value, but not especially memorable. Definitely improved after being open 20+ minutes. (87 pts.) - 2004 Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley (2/20/2010)
Tight nose gives way to bold ripe currant flavor. Long smooth finish. Excellent now; probably would benefit from another year or so of integration. (96 pts.)
- 2004 Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley (2/20/2010)
Tight nose gives way to bold ripe currant flavor. Long smooth finish. Excellent now; probably would benefit from another year or so of integration. (96 pts.)
- 2005 Keller Estate Chardonnay La Cruz Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/3/2010)
Tasted a bit tight, with a mildly astringent finish. Middle flavor mostly butter. (80 pts.) - 2004 Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir Estate – USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros (12/25/2009)
Mild, easy-drinking Pinot. Might have been better if opened sooner. Some berry, cuurant. Moderate tannins on the finish. (84 pts.)
- 2006 Bounty Hunter Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Justice Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard – USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (12/19/2009)
Tasted at Bounty Hunter wine bar. Slightly sweet nose with a spicy flavor with currant and a soft, lasting finish. Likely will improve with another year or so in the bottle. (92 pts.) - 2007 Hollywood & Vine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Short Ends Napa Valley – USA, California, Napa Valley (12/11/2009)
Very drinkable right from the start. Short finish, soft mid-palate and nice nose. Great value drinking wine. (89 pts.)
- 2006 Michel-Schlumberger Pinot Noir Le Fou – USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley (11/27/2009)
After decanting for about two hours, this pinot opened up to a velvety softness and a lingering mild finish. Slightly oaky, the flavor had a tinge of cherry cola. Wish I had more of this. (91 pts.) - 2006 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon Estate – USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (11/26/2009)
Earthy for a cab, has a pleasant, soft nose, long legs and mild lasting finish. Some bing cherry. Very good food wine. (90 pts.)
- 2005 Ampelos Syrah Gamma – USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills – Sta. Rita Hills (11/21/2009)
When first opened, this was a fruity, full-bodied syrah that felt a bit tight. After around 30 minutes, it mellowed considerably to reveal almost a woody tartness with an exceptionally long finish that resembled unripened raspberry. Definitely a wine that works well when lingering on the tongue. (89 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
Former USA Today reporter Doug Levy lives in New York City and spends a lot of his free time searching for great food and wine. As a PR pro, he specializes in healthcare and life sciences. Doug enjoys sharing his culinary observations which you can also read on his personal blog at Food and Wine World.
