Hi everybody. Lance here. I've been a regular at Stimmels' tastings since August of 2006, and Bill recently tapped me to post my notes on the wine side of Thursday's wine/beer tastings. I'm thrilled to be a part of Stimmels' effort to bring great craft beers and fine domestic and imported wines to BG and the surrounding area. So, without further ado, here are my notes on "Around the World," the tasting for Thursday, November 29.
1. Faively Bourgogne 2005. (France/Burgundy; 100% Chardonnay) $21.99/bottle
The first thing I noticed about this very interesting (and good) white Burgundy was that it smells like movie popcorn, with a combination of toast and butter aromas. On the palate the wine is buttery, with sour apple fruit and just a hint of smoke and minerality. Good acidity for pairing with food.
2. Chateau Gigognan Clos du Roi Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 (France/Rhone). $49.99/bottle
This red is very different for a CdP, but if you give it a chance I think you'll like it. Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of black olive and brine followed by pronounced black licorice on the long finish.
3. Justin Orphan 2005 (California/Paso Robles; blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petite verdot, and petite syrah) $24.99/bottle
Simple but good, with bright, ripe cherry fruit and lots of vanilla. A bit on the oaky side for my taste, but lots of people will love this easy-to-drink red.
4. Planeta Syrah 2004 (Italy/Sicily) 39.99/bottle
Very nice wine. Loads of black currant and dark berry fruit with well-integrated herb, black pepper, and salt/blood flavors. With efforts like this, it's no surprise that Sicily has recently begun to get international attention for its wines.
5. Numanthia Termes 2005 (Spain/Toro; Tinta de Toro) $39.99/bottle
Wow. Robert Parker gave the 2004 vintage of this wine 94 pts., and I think this one is right on 2004's heels. Deep, rich, lush, and powerfully tannic, this very young red is already elegant and smooth--hedonism in a bottle. Still, I'd wait five, even ten+ years to drink it. If you would ever consider spending $40 on a wine, make it this one (which easily drinks like a $100+ wine).
6. Tait Ballbuster 2006 (Australia/Barossa; 80% shiraz, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot) $17.99/bottle
Very ripe, concentrated dark berry fruit, layered with earth, minerality, and a touch of oak. More complex, and more enjoyable, than the average Aussie "fruit bomb."
7. Churchill Vintage Porto 1997 (Portugal) 76.99/bottle
I don't usually fall in line with "expert" opinions, but the Wine Spectator's description of blackberry and lead pencil are right on. Richly-textured, dense, and lightly sweet, with still-discernable tannins.
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3 comments:
Hey Lance! Congratulations for the tasting notes: they're very good and detailed.
And that Termes IS an investment!
PS. Did you see the comment for the "Kill Ugly Radio" post? Maybe Monique will show up also for you! :)
BTW, Atreyu is Daniele... Arthax, my horse, is not with me because he was a bit depressed.
Thanks, Daniele--see you Thursday. As for other potential commenters, I'm ok the way things are.
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