Juliette
Tasted Thursday, February 27, 2014 by brigcampbell with 478 views
All but the Musar were served blind and the objective was to get off the beaten path and try some of the wines made from local varieties in non tradition wine regions. Fantastic idea which required the host to spend some time thinking about it. We've been fortunate to travel and in most areas there's a wine history and culture. Maybe not all regions are as famous as burgundy and Bordeaux but the local communities are equally proud and passionate. This is the spirit we embrace.
Job well done and the food was very good, found a new place to hang my hat.
2001 Chateau Musar Blanc
Lebanon, Bekaa Valley
Thought it was rosé until the label was displayed, ah! This is on my bucket list of wines because of the uniqueness. Push the light peach color on the spectrum driven by the oxidation, it is a white wine. I really struggled to decode the aromas, I was stumped. Palate has a very strong salinity, most forward I've tasted, right from the attack. There is unripe nectarine and lemon flavors. Finish showed a hint of anise. Really cool experience.
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2000 J. Hofstätter Lagrein Steinraffler
Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol
Fairly dark, nearly opaque. Nose starts off with a very mild saddle, leaf tobacco, and heat. Palate is tart initially and then black fruit finishes it. Medium short finish.
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2007 Grgić Vina Plavac Mali
Croatia, Dalmatia, Srednja i južna Dalmacija, Pelješac
Blind. Stewed red fruit nose and a whiff of heat. Can see the resembles to zin in the fruit profile. Rough and tumble with oak and tannins battling it out. Tongue feels coarse at the finish and the texture is coarse.
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2004 Château Montus Madiran
France, Southwest France, Madiran
Blind. Dark purple color. Still plenty of structure after a afternoon decant. Tannins are firm and the wine is very angular. There's a dried leaf quality and a touch of black licorice. Very good, I poured more than my share to pair with the grilled beef. Really nice match.
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2011 A Tribute to Grace Wine Company Graciano Marie Shake Ridge Ranch
USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
Color was muted red and some cloudiness. Nose of stewed red fruits and ripe strawberries. Palate is strawberry, very obvious. Decent mineral notes. Finish was clipped.
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2010 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Guardiola
Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC
Blind. This sat out all day and was still very wrapped up. Color reminded me of a Pinot noir and the fruit was red. The wine is very coarse and significant complexity. Very interesting and I enjoyed it. Medium plus finish with the oak showing as light coffee. Advice, if drinking now then open the night before. No fear of this wine falling apart.
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2012 Clos Saron Cinsault Out of the Blue
USA, California
Blind. Dark wine. Fruit forward dark plum and mixed spices. Sweet cherry, ash, and some limestone notes. Mild flabby finish.
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