January 29th, 2009 Tasting Notes.
(by Raymond R. Wells, Ed.D.)
Kudos to those who braved the icy streets to attend this 5th Thursday “bonus” tasting. It was actually fairly well attended considering the conditions. Of the six wines that were sampled, some had been tasted in the past but had been somewhat forgotten. All six were good to very good; and we simply needed to be reminded why they had been initially introduced. Mike discounted them all to make them especially good deals for those brave souls who were there. The prices listed below are the regular prices.
2006 Bivio Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, Italy, Indicazione Geografica Tipica, $9. Lemon peel, raw almonds, and apples on the nose. Good fruit, medium length and finish. A very good choice for simple seafood dishes. The Raymond Rating = 86 points.
2005 Rutherford Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, $14.75. Citrus with a touch of melon. A crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc with very good fruit and finish with some complexity. The Raymond Rating = 88 points.
2007 Forest Glen Riesling, California, $8. A pretty nose of nutmeg, honey, and pine needles. Decent, though simple, fruit with a medium short finish. It was well-paired with Gayle’s stuffed mushrooms. The Raymond Rating = 84 points.
2006 Little Black Dress Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d’Oc, $11.75. Raspberries, milk chocolate, and lightly earthy notes on the nose. Soft, velvety tannins. A rather simple, but pleasant and easy drinking Pinot Noir. The Raymond Rating = 85 points.
2006 The Spanish Quarter, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Tempranillo, D.O. Costers del Segre (the banks of the River Segre), Spain, $14.50. Pretty aromas of blackberries and dark chocolate cherries. Good fruit and finish, though not much complexity. The Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2006 Big Tattoo Red, 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Colchagua, Central Valley, Chile, $13. A bold nose of tar, berries, and smoky notes with eucalyptus highlights. Big fruit with a medium long finish. Try with BBQ or grilled meats. The Raymond Rating = 87 points.