Having spent the day off pruning my parent's grape vine, unknown varietal to me, has brought about a sense of calming serenity that is perhaps what I would imagine those who prune bonsai trees. Though with little to no experience in pruning, it still was pleasurable in a sense of almost a level of spirituality that was unique unto itself.
On that day, I had also only need not any further than look to my neighbor to see how a vine that has virtually grown with me has become the way it is. It is a strong gnarly vine that has withstood temperatures no varietal would dare imagine nor should a human endure going from nearly 100 degree below zero to 120 degrees positive.
Vines are simply amazing but we'll have to see how forgiving the vine I had trimmed is this coming year.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde Aveleda - 2008 [informal]
Since looking for a wine to use to cook with the slow cooked Bolognese sauce, I had cracked open the 2008 Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde Aveleda. Having come out of the fridge, it had shown some good floral and fruit scents even though the having been in the cold state tends to mute the nose. However, after a day, the floral notes moved towards perfume-like in the direction of almost fake like but the color had shown a great change moving towards golden near chard levels with initial colors being clear.
Just because it's legendary...
Though, as broad of a statement as it is, the legendary wines from the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape will most likely not be hitting my shelves. However, the price when it does hit a sweet spot may sway. The reason for having come to this is after having tasted wine from that same vintage that was extremely astringent, even though having been opened at least two hours, to say the least. Those CdP's are clearly meant to be aged and held well into the mid to late 2010's.
With that in mind, it is not understandable and now adopted that even CdP's in the lesser vintages can be desired for it's ability to be drank now and stored for later if desired.
With that in mind, it is not understandable and now adopted that even CdP's in the lesser vintages can be desired for it's ability to be drank now and stored for later if desired.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Not all chard's are made equally
Thankfully, not all chard's are truly made equally. A French chard from Burgundy has truly been a saving grace has brought chard's from a no-buy list completely to a buy it outside of the US and perhaps Australia but haven't had many of those.
From memory alone, it has been a total varietal saving experience that alone has merited it's own post. The very scent and flavors that came from this Burgundy white was unlike any chard I've tasted even with such a limited experience I've gone through.
We'll see what tomorrow's wine tasting brings about.
From memory alone, it has been a total varietal saving experience that alone has merited it's own post. The very scent and flavors that came from this Burgundy white was unlike any chard I've tasted even with such a limited experience I've gone through.
We'll see what tomorrow's wine tasting brings about.
Friday, April 23, 2010
and so it begins...
After primarily buying wine from retailers and wholesalers, which unfortunately may have been a proponent of that pesky HR 5034, a wine maker has sparked enough interest to buy directly from the winery itself, largely in part due to WLTV.
The approach of the vintner towards wines really appeals to me on several levels such as affordable and fair shipping, being the key point. Granted, the winery has to charge tax to the state in which it will be shipping to but that still doesn't surpass the price of shipping all these other online wine retailers display at purchase. In addition to this, the winery's approach to wine is aligned with my most recent approach to buying wine, to drink within immediate proximity like now!
The recent change was made since the lack of space and the fact that when I do buy, I buy in triplets, now, later, and later later.
For those interested in what winery has sparked such an interest: http://www.LoringWineCompanyStore.com
The approach of the vintner towards wines really appeals to me on several levels such as affordable and fair shipping, being the key point. Granted, the winery has to charge tax to the state in which it will be shipping to but that still doesn't surpass the price of shipping all these other online wine retailers display at purchase. In addition to this, the winery's approach to wine is aligned with my most recent approach to buying wine, to drink within immediate proximity like now!
The recent change was made since the lack of space and the fact that when I do buy, I buy in triplets, now, later, and later later.
For those interested in what winery has sparked such an interest: http://www.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Louis Jadot gets the spot light
In the latest English release of Kami No Shizuku. Louis Jadot's Chablis has obtained the spotlight.
There are a couple of things that really astounds me about this, one of which is this is widely available to the extent of local grocery stores carrying it. Another point is that this is a non-artisan wine which may come off as wine snobbery, but hear me out. After watching the live adaption of the series, it had struck me that most of the wines selected to debut in the series were either small production or artisan wines with hard to obtain status. The adaptation followed the story line fairly faithful to the series and only a lower end of Chablis was mentioned in the episode reflecting this chapter.
So, true to GaryV's motto, money != quality!
Now with all that said, I shall now stroll to the local super mercado to pick up a Louis Jadot Chablis regardless to the fact of being in a place where Chard's just don't have quite the interest as I'd like it to be.
There are a couple of things that really astounds me about this, one of which is this is widely available to the extent of local grocery stores carrying it. Another point is that this is a non-artisan wine which may come off as wine snobbery, but hear me out. After watching the live adaption of the series, it had struck me that most of the wines selected to debut in the series were either small production or artisan wines with hard to obtain status. The adaptation followed the story line fairly faithful to the series and only a lower end of Chablis was mentioned in the episode reflecting this chapter.
So, true to GaryV's motto, money != quality!
Now with all that said, I shall now stroll to the local super mercado to pick up a Louis Jadot Chablis regardless to the fact of being in a place where Chard's just don't have quite the interest as I'd like it to be.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bordeaux 2009 Futures
So, it would seem that the first "tranche" of the 2009 Bordeaux wineries have released their pricing and has been channeled down to my local wine shop, that I often find myself at. Having seen what the shop offers, one truly stands above the rest since it comes from a region of personal interest for one reason or another that slips my mind.
Anyhow, a great deal of critics have cited that this vintage does not necessarily live or match up to what was considered the "legendary" vintage of 2005 as per those same critics. But, the positive aspect that comes to mind from a lot of those critics is that this wine will have a much earlier drinking window for those who do not wish to wait, like I.
Some of the things that seems pretty odd is a few of the critics noting that it is growing towards the new world style of wines, having greater fruit notes rather than the traditional old world which Bordeaux have come to embody.
For now, an approach of caution and walking the safe lines it is with a hits on the foul like that surely will produce a wonderful learning experience regardless of the level of offensiveness.
Anyhow, a great deal of critics have cited that this vintage does not necessarily live or match up to what was considered the "legendary" vintage of 2005 as per those same critics. But, the positive aspect that comes to mind from a lot of those critics is that this wine will have a much earlier drinking window for those who do not wish to wait, like I.
Some of the things that seems pretty odd is a few of the critics noting that it is growing towards the new world style of wines, having greater fruit notes rather than the traditional old world which Bordeaux have come to embody.
For now, an approach of caution and walking the safe lines it is with a hits on the foul like that surely will produce a wonderful learning experience regardless of the level of offensiveness.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Charles Shaw Nouveau - 2009
Color: Similar to some Pinot Noir, bright ruby red.
1st Glass
Nose:
Aggressively fruity on the initial progressing with iron and graphite minerals blending with soft clay like mud damp after an over night rain with a distant city or lightly populate area.
Taste:
1st Hour
Nose:
Still boldly fruity that has gone in a much darker direction with the earthy tones of the clay mud softening as ground black pepper comes to be prominent.
Taste:
1st Day
Nose:
What was once boldly fruity now comes together as a fruit and berry pie with cinnamon and spice carefully dolloped with sweet creme as the earthy minerals maintain consistency.
Taste:
Evaluation: Worth a try, [85].
CellarTracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=777679
1st Glass
Nose:
Aggressively fruity on the initial progressing with iron and graphite minerals blending with soft clay like mud damp after an over night rain with a distant city or lightly populate area.
Taste:
- Initial: Seemingly, unabashed, unapologetic, and proud to be fruity.
- Mid: Shows no sign of letting down it's pride carrying on to be a bit much more louder about it being a fruit bomb with soft edges and light acidity.
- Finish: Still fruity fruit juice with sour apple, pear with a touch of the damp clay like mud.
1st Hour
Nose:
Still boldly fruity that has gone in a much darker direction with the earthy tones of the clay mud softening as ground black pepper comes to be prominent.
Taste:
- Initial: Remains consistently fruity, however, now featuring a slight hit of cream, dash of black pepper, and a hint seasoning.
- Mid: The fruitiness progresses from the initial as the cream with the cream transitioning more towards a cream made from half and half as the acidity begins to pick up.
- Finish: Fruits, and fruits, and fruits galore mixing with a sweet apple, pear and chocolate similar to popular candy bars as cream and acidity from mid palate continues to follow through ending with a grape flavor common in children's medicine.
1st Day
Nose:
What was once boldly fruity now comes together as a fruit and berry pie with cinnamon and spice carefully dolloped with sweet creme as the earthy minerals maintain consistency.
Taste:
- Initial: The earthy notes from the nose now carries into the initial palate and flows into the mid.
- Mid: Maintains consistency from the previous times of tasting it; though in addition to the fruit, berries, and cream, earthiness of soft soil, acid and spice enters the fray.
- Finish: The mild earthiness as found from the mid palate enters the back ground and begins to leave the stage as the fruits become more profound with sweet apple, pear, and cream.
Evaluation: Worth a try, [85].
CellarTracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=777679
Charles Shaw International Chardonnay [Downunder] - 2008
This review predates the formatting decision.
Straight from the bottle:
+ Bouquet: Apple and pear like scent to it but wasn't so distinct.
+ Taste: I can't exactly recall it at the top of my head.
Decanted [0-3 Hours]:
+ Bouquet: The apple and pear came through with a bit more creamy scent to it with perhaps a little spice
+ Taste: Considerably better showing some nice acidity to it as well as a bit of a nuttiness with a finish that was surprisingly clear with a fruit that came to my mind as I examined it but don't know it.
+ Note: It has shown a much more vivid and yet deeper yellow.
Decanted [20-24 Hours]:
+ Bouquet: It would seem that the bouquet has been more integrated with each other rather than being distinct to each other
+ Taste: Almost the same but the acidity slightly dialed up a bit and the finish changed somewhat to a spice with the fruit.
+ Note: Slightly darker
Interesting spectacle.
Evaluation: Worth a try, [81].
CellarTracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=720222
Straight from the bottle:
+ Bouquet: Apple and pear like scent to it but wasn't so distinct.
+ Taste: I can't exactly recall it at the top of my head.
Decanted [0-3 Hours]:
+ Bouquet: The apple and pear came through with a bit more creamy scent to it with perhaps a little spice
+ Taste: Considerably better showing some nice acidity to it as well as a bit of a nuttiness with a finish that was surprisingly clear with a fruit that came to my mind as I examined it but don't know it.
+ Note: It has shown a much more vivid and yet deeper yellow.
Decanted [20-24 Hours]:
+ Bouquet: It would seem that the bouquet has been more integrated with each other rather than being distinct to each other
+ Taste: Almost the same but the acidity slightly dialed up a bit and the finish changed somewhat to a spice with the fruit.
+ Note: Slightly darker
Interesting spectacle.
Evaluation: Worth a try, [81].
CellarTracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=720222
Charles Shaw Shiraz - 2008
Yes, yes, yes. El cheapo presidente del vino.
Color: Dark Velvet with a little ruby
1st glass
Nose:
Fresh baked bread, melting margarine, little cedar action, some soft dirt, over ripe strawberry, plum, a dark rose that has been sitting a little below room temperature on the back end
Taste:
1st hour
Nose:
Strawberries are much more prominent, baked white bread now midway, black pepper on the back end in addition.
Taste:
1st Day
Nose:
Fresh baked bread takes the lead once again, dried strawberries, crushed berries, soft currant, dark plum, ground black pepper, slight mineral, drying rose on the back end
Taste:
So far, pretty fair and in all consideration pretty good with an interesting nose to say the least. Will see how it develops toward the last glass.
Evaluated as: Worth a try, [83].
CellarTracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=772625
Color: Dark Velvet with a little ruby
1st glass
Nose:
Fresh baked bread, melting margarine, little cedar action, some soft dirt, over ripe strawberry, plum, a dark rose that has been sitting a little below room temperature on the back end
Taste:
- Initial: Butter cream on the attack as well as black cherry
- Mid palate, crushed sweet red cherry, candied plum, mild acidity, oak prominent but not over whelming
- Finish: Soft acidity with spice, fresh ripe strawberry on the finish with a tad touch of heat.
1st hour
Nose:
Strawberries are much more prominent, baked white bread now midway, black pepper on the back end in addition.
Taste:
- Initial: The black cherry seems take center stage with no butter cream present now
- Mid palate: the palate seems pretty similar though a hint of strawberry and slight tannic
- Finish: fresh strawberry, cherry.
1st Day
Nose:
Fresh baked bread takes the lead once again, dried strawberries, crushed berries, soft currant, dark plum, ground black pepper, slight mineral, drying rose on the back end
Taste:
- Initial: Dominant crushed sweet cherry and spice
- Mid Palate: Plum, Strawberry, Cherry, touch of acidity
- Finish: Mid palate continues on through as tannins take grip towards the end
So far, pretty fair and in all consideration pretty good with an interesting nose to say the least. Will see how it develops toward the last glass.
Evaluated as: Worth a try, [83].
CellarTracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=772625
Quinta da Aveleda Douro Charamba - 2007
Color: Dark like black midnight in the forest day where light can only go through when in direct sight burnt maroon.
1st Glass:
Bouquet:
Large bouquet as it had well extend beyond the glass as I was preparing dinner that almost came off merlot like. Plenty of spice, black pepper, cardamon; blue and black berry following it through with soft earth like after a light rain, plenty of dark fruit moving towards the back jammy as sweet butter creme just rounds it off at the end.
Taste:
1st Hour
Bouquet:
The bouquet has come through more now as moist forest floor with moss, wood breaking down to mulch, and a touch of mushrooms. Along with this, a pungent spice of fresh green pepper and ground black pepper come through midway. Dark fruit comes on the back end with blue berry and ripe strawberry being more prominent.
Taste:
1st Day
Bouquet:
Unlike yesterday where the bouquet had soft damp forest floor, it would have come to a much more firm earth that had time to dry out. The berry scent that was once there seem to grown to be a bit more prominent rather than seated in the background with sweeter fruit. It's grown to be much more new world over time with some black pepper and fresh baked bread coming through on the back end.
Taste:
Excited about how it turns out the longer it stays in the decanter airing.
Evaluation: Worth a try, [87].
Cellar Tracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=694884
1st Glass:
Bouquet:
Large bouquet as it had well extend beyond the glass as I was preparing dinner that almost came off merlot like. Plenty of spice, black pepper, cardamon; blue and black berry following it through with soft earth like after a light rain, plenty of dark fruit moving towards the back jammy as sweet butter creme just rounds it off at the end.
Taste:
- Initial: Old world on the initial with a muddy black berry plum combo attack that's sweet and a touch of acidity.
- Mid: Acidity begins to pick up with spices varying from black pepper with the dampness of the forest floor continuing through as the berries and very dark fruit washes around.
- Finish: Acidity peaks with black cherry, dark strawberry that isn't over ripe and spice to boot.
1st Hour
Bouquet:
The bouquet has come through more now as moist forest floor with moss, wood breaking down to mulch, and a touch of mushrooms. Along with this, a pungent spice of fresh green pepper and ground black pepper come through midway. Dark fruit comes on the back end with blue berry and ripe strawberry being more prominent.
Taste:
- Initial: Light earth with bright crushed berries largely cherry as acidity mingles softly across.
- Mid: Acidity takes the foreground with largely cherry crushed berry as the soft soft mud mingling along.
- Finish: The spices come forth striking followed by slicing acidity and then ripe ripe cherries softening the sting.
1st Day
Bouquet:
Unlike yesterday where the bouquet had soft damp forest floor, it would have come to a much more firm earth that had time to dry out. The berry scent that was once there seem to grown to be a bit more prominent rather than seated in the background with sweeter fruit. It's grown to be much more new world over time with some black pepper and fresh baked bread coming through on the back end.
Taste:
- Initial: Plum skin comes out the moment striking the tongue following into darker cherry juice transitioning into a drying strawberry as it moves to the mid pallet.
- Mid: The acidity wasn't prominent but there were some bitterness to it. There were dusty dry earth among the sour crushed cherries dancing about.
- Finish: Finish is a bit light with the spices having grown softer rather than stronger with cherry continuing through as strawberry stem becomes clear.
Excited about how it turns out the longer it stays in the decanter airing.
Evaluation: Worth a try, [87].
Cellar Tracker: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=694884
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