Tasting Notes (Oct. 16): Wicked, Good Wines

Tonight's theme of "good vs. evil" gives new meaning to the term "wicked good." Here are the notes:

1. Chateau les Religieuses 2003
This is a very solid, though not mind-blowing, right-bank Bordeaux. It boasts a medium-full body, with flavors and aromas of blackberry, spice, damp leaves, and toast. The fruit is slightly tart, but the finish is long and tinged with an intriguing iron note.

2. Redemption Zin 2005
This is a big, juicy, full-bodied wine, with peppery, wild berry aromas and flavors of sweet cherry, rhubarb, and tobacco--all sheathed in rich vanilla. Think sweet barbecue.

3. Grant Burge "Holy Trinity" 2002
This smooth, full-bodied, ultra-sensuous wine comes at you with unmistakable aromas of dark berries, musk, and soy sauce. Sweetly ripe, it boasts big raspberry fruit, lots of pepper, and--as the nose forecasts--distinct notes of musk and soy. I have to admit that this almost over-ripe style of Aussie wine is not my favorite, but it's well done within that style. Try it for yourself.

4. Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz 2004
Most wine websites put an apostrophe before the "s" in "Angels," but there's not one on the label. Personally, I like the ambiguity of the apostrophe-less version. I also like this wine. It's classic shiraz: Full-bodied, with blackberry, pepper, spice, olive, and vanilla notes. Predictable? Perhaps. Beautifully executed? Absolutely.

5. "Evil" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
This inexpensive cabernet ($10-12, if memory serves) boasts simple, juicy flavors and aromas of sweet cranberry with a touch of leather. Moderate tannins provide some grip and hold up the fruit nicely. Better than the 2006 vintage. A good value.

6. Trio Infernal Cuvee No. 1/3 2004
This Spanish blend of Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan is full-bodied and smooth, with rich, enticing aromas and flavors of black cherry, licorice, tar, and toasty oak. Assertive tannins are still young; this wine drinks very well now but will be even better in 2-3 years.

7. Four Vines "The Heretic" Petit Syrah
This wine is rich, plump, and juicy, with easy-to-love flavors of dark berries, chocolate, spice, and cedar. Very nice.