New Orleans, LA
Tasted Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - Wednesday, November 6, 2013 by isaacjamesbaker with 595 views
I love this wine bar, located in the warehouse district on Tchoupitoulas Street, and I stop in for some wine every time I'm in New Orleans. The wines are set up with self-serve pumps, and you can select one of three different amounts to taste, all of it charged by using a refillable pay card. I visited the bar twice in two days, and had a great time.
The founders of Vending Machine Winery stopped by W.I.N.O. to pour four of their wines. I'd never heard of this small production winery before, but I had a blast talking to the husband and wife duo behind this venture. They live in New Orleans but make wine in Napa. They focus on unique blends, allowing the same amount of each grape in their final blend so the grapes can "battle it out." The wines were surprisingly good, and I love the artistic New Orleans-themed label art.
2010 Bouchard Père et Fils Beaune 1er Cru Clos St. Landry Blanc 88 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
(11/5/2013)
I rarely find white Beaunes, let alone ones I like. This showed a nose of buttered pear and flowers. Tangy acid, full-bodied, with golden apples and ripe pears. The hazelnut and butter is integrated well. Lacking a bit of oomph, but solid stuff for sure.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2012 Orin Swift Sauvignon Blanc Veladora 84 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(11/5/2013)
I wanted more acid and nuance. What I got was one of the most intensely floral Sauvignon Blancs I've had in years. Like drinking liquified white and yellow flowers, mixed in with a hint of jalapeno. Lacks verve and focus.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2003 Chateau Musar 90 Points
Lebanon, Bekaa Valley
(11/5/2013)
Not the best vintage of Musar I've tried, but this is still great. I get pickles, beef, leather and some red hot candies on the nose. Silky tannins, brisk acid, flavors of sour cherries, dried berries, menthol, smoke and beef brisket. Really unique, tasty and food-friendly stuff.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2005 R. López de Heredia Rioja Crianza Viña Cubillo 88 Points
Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
(11/5/2013)
Obviously not as good as Lopez's other reds, but this is still high-quality Rioja. A bit of musk on the nose, berries and plums, tobacco and roasted red peppers. Fine tannins, moderate acid. I like the mix of sour cherry, plum, olive and tobacco notes. Not super deep or complex, but very tasty.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
(11/5/2013)
I'm usually much more enthusiastic about Merry's Pinots, but this one didn't seem to possess the depth or intensity of the other wines I've tasted. Silky and smooth, with plums, red berries and cocoa powder. Tasty and elegant, but lacking the power I usually associate with Merry's wines.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner 83 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(11/5/2013)
I've enjoyed previous vintages of this wine, but this one didn't impress me as much. Rich and high in alcohol (duh!), with flavors of coconut, bourbon, toasted oak and brandied plums. Overblown and lacking nuance. I still enjoy the purple, but this was just too much for me to handle. 51% Zinfandel, 19% Cab, 15% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah with a dash of Charbono and Grenache. Not worth the money for my palate.
Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2010 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
(11/5/2013)
Smoke, fig paste, plums and dried flowers on the nose. Juicy and fleshy on the palate, with firm tannins, some acid for balance. Pure, silky, full of blueberry, blackberry, smoke and green pepper. I need to drink more Howell Mountain Zinfandel.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue