Garagiste Test Drive - Spring 2011
Home
Tasted Sunday, April 10, 2011 - Monday, April 11, 2011 by vanpe003 with 594 views
Introduction
Another semi-annual shipment of wines, another event of "Wine Sacrifice". This year, there were a number of wines in the order that I hadn't tried, and was curious to learn more about before sorting them out for placement in the cellar. A few caveats: a) yes, I opened these within a day of delivery. Perhaps some are "shocked", perhaps some just aren't ready, and b) I didn't open up any of what might be called "higher end" stuff, in that most of that was more familiar to me from prior vintages.
With that context, there weren't many "wow" wines in this tasting batch. I've divided the group simplistically into "winners" and "losers". "Winners" I'll be happy to drink, irrespective of "objective" scoring. They are wines that I enjoy for what they are. "Losers" are either low scoring wines, or wines that don't seem to represent a value in their given genre.
Flight 1 - Winners (6 Notes)
These are wines that I will happily drink over the coming years. Good finds, if few real gems. Mostly good everyday wines as opposed to "special event" wines, but that's to be expected given the nature of what I opened. The Scott Paul La Paulee could be the exception. I think this will evolve into something special with 3-4 additional years in the bottle.
Flight 2 - Losers (4 Notes)
These are wines I struggled with. In the case of the Bookwalter, because I didn't think it was that good for a nearly $30 bottle of Cab. There's better out there at that price. In the case of the Lamery, because it is so different from my benchmark for what something from Bordeaux should taste like. Admittedly, if I close my eyes and think Villages Burgundy, the Lamery isn't all bad.
The Tuderi is just plain weird.
2009 Domaine Brazilier Coteaux du Vendômois Tradition 87 Points
France, Loire Valley, Coteaux du Vendômois
(4/10/2011)
Notes of green, stems that somehow combine with the fruit to evoke a bit of peanut butter. On the palate, some nice layering and a relatively plush mouthfeel that is a surprise for this low price point and alcohol content. The green note keeps it a bit odd, but at the same time very enjoyable. While not overpowering, for my tastes my score would improve a couple of points if this mellows somewhere down the road. Good QPR at $10, and a great everyday wine at lunch or dinner.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
NV Mata I Coloma Cava Reserva Familia Number 2 87 Points
Spain, Cava
(4/10/2011)
More depth on the palate than I'm used to in an "average" Cava, this one still comes across as relatively dry. Has a nutty oxidized character in the background that rather than being a flaw contributes complexity at this point. Not a lot of sparkle or fizz after 20 minutes, this is more of a wine for food than it is a light-hearted celebration wine. Decent if not great QPR.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Scott Paul Cellars Pinot Noir La Paulée 92 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
(4/11/2011)
Pop/pour - preliminary notes - this rocks!! Uncommonly precise, but not in the same austere way as a young burg. An interesting green floral spice on the nose. On the palate, quite tight but shows obvious balance. Will try to check in later. In the meantime, I probably wouldn't look to touch the bulk of these until 2013 and beyond. Score based on potential, though ultimately when at peak, I think it could well exceed 92 points.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Renegade Wine Co. Reserve Red Wine 90 Points
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
(4/11/2011)
Popped/poured. While initially tight, this one is not "hot" like a couple of the other copy machine-labeled Renegades from last shipping season. Initially, a buttered corn note on the nose that quickly blows off replaced by dark fruit and a sweet leather cologne. Tight on the palate, it will be interesting to see if the fruit shows up with some air. All in all, this seems to be better balanced and better behaved than prior Renegade bottlings, even with the less-than-ideal pop/pour treatment. 90 points, give or take.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2003 Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino 88 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
(4/11/2011)
On the nose, opens up with an overt cedar note, which quickly morphs into a richer wood backing strawberry and cherry fruits. On the palate, seems a bit tight, with fruit in the backseat relative to acids. Will check back later. 87 points on pop/pour. Update: much better the second day. A nice leather/tar has developed on the nose. On the palate, fruit is still relatively modest, but has gained enough weight to somewhat stand up to this wine's acidity. Decent if not great QPR. Would've been very disappointed to pay full price for this.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Tua Rita Perlato del Bosco Toscana IGT 89 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
(4/11/2011)
Somewhat country / rustic in character at this point, but with good fruit depth and structure reasonably balanced (acidity/tannins). Right now, this has more depth than something I would normally call a "luncheon" wine, but there a similarities in overall flavor profile. Probably better in a year or two when it rounds out. Would pair well with roasts or savory dishes.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue