Frank's
Tasted Sunday, January 11, 2015 by AllRed with 556 views
The 2nd Sunday group gathered for the normal double blind tasting. For this group, we are presented some whites, double blind, as warm ups before the main flight. The whites are discussed & unveiled before moving on to the themed main flight. We spent forty five minutes or so tasting and evaluation the eight wines for the main flight before ranking the wines and then making guesses as to what we were tasting. Wines are ranked 1-8, one point for each place, and then unveiled from last place to first place. After the tasting, dinner is served with the additional wines brought by the group, nonblind. For this tasting we had 12 tasters and the cost was $25.
All are shown in the order tasted. For this tasting, we had 12 tasters and the cost was $25.
The Berrien was served double blind, while the Champagne served as a nonblind palate cleanser before the reds.
Shown in the order they appeared in the flight. Some guessed "modern" Bordeaux, others cool climate Cabernet from CA, others a mix. I was truly stumped and had no guess as to what these were. You could have told me Cab, Tempranillo or Malbec and I'd have believed you.
Tasted nonblind with chicken chili and birthday cake...happy birthday, Peter!
No surprise that I was stumped during the main flight as I have tasted so very few Douro reds- they simply aren't on my radar. As this tasting proved, there is value in Douro reds, but I doubt my buying habits will change much. That said, if I am in need of something in this range, I will certainly consider these as viable options. Thank you, Frank, for an interesting tasting and expanding my horizon a bit.
2011 Domaine Berrien Cellars Marsanne 75 Points
USA, Michigan, Lake Michigan Shore
Tasted double blind. Pale color. Initial note of citrus blossom and apple with a waxy undertone. Quickly fades and shows alcohol and bitter almond. The palate is thin and acidic and ends with a bitter note as well. No guess.
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1996 Henriot Champagne Brut Millésimé 93 Points
France, Champagne
L04154, tasted nonblind before the reds. Golden color with a bouquet featuring roasted nuts, apple, marshmallow, pear and hazelnuts. Has just a faint hint of oxidation. Light mousse and not much of a bead. Much more youthful on the palate than I expected based on the bouquet and mousse. Apple, vanilla cream, almond and lemon blossom flavors with and nice hint of mineral on the finish. Delightful.
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