RE: Tasting Notes To Note (Full Version)

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mclancy10006 -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (11/22/2008 12:24:49 PM)

This is a wine that has inspired some great notes to note. (Since it is plonk)

2007 R Wines Grenache Bitch (Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley)  11/14/2008will2wine77The name and labeling bring to mind Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan strutting through Beverly Hills in a fur coat, with an obnoxious little shih-tzu peeking out of her handbag. Off-putting to refined tastes, sure, but not without a certain chintzy glamor. But it turns out this wine lacks even that. I have no problem with it being exceedingly light-bodied, thin and almost fizzy on the mouth. I didn't expect depth of flavor or any length on the finish. The problem is that there's no pop to the fruit flavor. It's a simple, cloying thread of strawberry that is too weak to be described as showy. I won't be buying more. A better wine in this style, for less money, is Georges Duboeuf's Beaujolais Villages. And a better choice for pure fun in a $10 bottle of red wine is the more richly fruited "Hey Mambo" blend by The Other Guys. My recommendation is to avoid this one like you would a new Britney Spears reality series




fingers -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (11/26/2008 7:44:39 AM)

This note mentioned two things that caught my interest:

"Dark medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; weird, stewed, berry and prune, oxidized nose; overripe, port-like, berry, hot palate; medium-plus finish (bottled with synthetic cork that new studies show tends to lose its grip at the 3-year point, often causing premature oxidation; Grenache yeast used) (295 views)"
 
 
Anyone else know about this synthetic cork problem?  News to me



(Not sure about this authors use of "meniscus"?  Here's the definition I found:
Main Entry:
me·nis·cus [image]http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif[/image]
Pronunciation:
\mə-ˈnis-kəs\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural me·nis·ci [image]http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif[/image] \-ˈni-ˌskī, -ˌskē, -ˌsī\ also me·nis·cus·es
Etymology:
New Latin, from Greek mēniskos, from diminutive of mēnē moon, crescent — more at moon
Date:
1685
1 : a crescent or crescent-shaped body 2 : a concavo-convex lens 3 : the curved upper surface of a column of liquid 4 : a fibrous cartilage within a joint especially of the knee  


This guy uses the word in several TN's, especially talking about DRC,  yet I'm positive he has no idea what he's saying..

Craig, have you had any meniscus in your wine lately?
 
 
 
 



Colonel Lawrence -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (11/26/2008 8:20:45 AM)

Not scientifically rigorous, but interesting:
"Oxygen barrier
Oxygen permeates the synthetic cork at the rate of only one cubic centimeter per 100 years, a negligible amount by virtually any winemaker's standards.
"There are some who still believe that a small amount of breathing through the cork aids the aging of wine, and that has long been disproved," says Mackey. The purpose of a closure is to create a barrier that prevents oxygen from getting in as well as wine from getting out.
"In fact, we do everything possible to minimize oxidation. We use a sparger to inject nitrogen and displace oxygen in the bottle so when the wine fills, it mixes with only 5 to 6% oxygen versus 21% normally present in air. We also minimize the head space. Thereafter Cellukork keeps oxygen permeation to a minimum.""
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3488/is_/ai_12547423
Also -
http://www.matsci.northwestern.edu/classes/cork_webpage(compressed)1.pdf
L.



kelpcowboy -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (11/26/2008 8:34:02 AM)

The meniscus is formed by a fluid's habit of climbing up the walls of it's container rather than remaining perfectly level.  It creates a lens shape and a thinning of the fluid where it meets the glass.  Most graduated measuring containers are designed to be read at the top of the meniscus.



jhannah27 -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/2/2008 6:21:07 PM)

Pure poetry...

2005 Di Majo Norante Aglianico Molise Contado (Italy, Molise)  12/2/2008fingers90deep ruby/violet, about 90% opaque. Spicy fruit in a moderately intense nose consistent with other's perception. Fine balance and complexity with strong body, easy to please tannins, nice acidic effect. Subtle flavors in a chorus that doesn't show any one note over another. A well-executed performance. (5+12+16+7) = 90 (12 views)
Well done Bob.



fingers -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/2/2008 7:57:25 PM)

That one was easy - you and Maestro already created the objective points.  I was merely giving subjective impressions! 

It may also have helped that I read an article today in World of Fine Wine that discussed the similarities between music and wine [image]http://www.cellartracker.com/forum/image/s4.gif[/image]



tacman -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/2/2008 8:07:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: fingers

This note mentioned two things that caught my interest:

"Dark medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; weird, stewed, berry and prune, oxidized nose; overripe, port-like, berry, hot palate; medium-plus finish (bottled with synthetic cork that new studies show tends to lose its grip at the 3-year point, often causing premature oxidation; Grenache yeast used) (295 views)"
 
 
Anyone else know about this synthetic cork problem?  News to me



(Not sure about this authors use of "meniscus"?  Here's the definition I found:
Main Entry:
me·nis·cus [image]http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif[/image]
Pronunciation:
\mə-ˈnis-kəs\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural me·nis·ci [image]http://www.merriam-webster.com/images/audio.gif[/image] \-ˈni-ˌskī, -ˌskē, -ˌsī\ also me·nis·cus·es
Etymology:
New Latin, from Greek mēniskos, from diminutive of mēnē moon, crescent — more at moon
Date:
1685
1 : a crescent or crescent-shaped body 2 : a concavo-convex lens 3 : the curved upper surface of a column of liquid 4 : a fibrous cartilage within a joint especially of the knee  


This guy uses the word in several TN's, especially talking about DRC,  yet I'm positive he has no idea what he's saying..

Craig, have you had any meniscus in your wine lately?
 
 
 
 

As ugly as I find them, the Behrens & Hitchcock synthetic corks have not seemed to pose any problems .. maybe any other color than the ugly purple!

As for meniscus ... this is a physical/observational property unrelated to taste.  Maybe the "pale meniscus" is the rim of age that we see in older wines?  I do not know the entire reference.



fingers -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/3/2008 9:21:27 AM)

Wow!  Pretty condemning from one of the CT heavyweights:

2005 Château Smith Haut Lafitte


rated 68 points: 2005 Bordeaux Test Drive (North Square): S.H.L., R.I.P. It's hard to overstate my disappointment here. Going back to the 1998 vintage, Smith Haut Lafitte has always been one of the only modern-styled Bordeaux I actually liked. More than liked, actually. The '98, '00, '01, and '02 were all delicious, black-fruited and scorched in a way that underscored the natural scorched-earth characteristics of Graves terroir. Yes, they were soup, but they were Graves soup! Not so here. It opens with a strange gamey aroma that's attractive but not at all the S.H.L. I know; the fruit isn't the usual sinister blackness but reddish and intensely -- undrinkably -- sweet. More like a sweetened cup of coffee than a glass of wine, this tasting note is just a long-winded way of saying that what we have here is a total piece of crap and I find the critical accolades it's gotten not just disagreeable but incomprehensible. (20 views)
 



Colonel Lawrence -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/3/2008 11:17:08 AM)

But Paul - our own CT Forum heavyweight - has a rather better opinion, and seems to be in the majority.
Must remember the debate when I open mine.
L.



fingers -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/3/2008 1:35:35 PM)

I expected you to chime in on this.  I have a few bottles, too.  Would this be considered "Style-rage"?  Although it plays havoc with score average, everyone's entitiled to their opinion.  [image]http://www.cellartracker.com/forum/image/s6.gif[/image]



Hollowine -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/3/2008 5:12:01 PM)

2005 Cayuse Grenache God Only Knows - Rated 95 points: the first vintage of this wine and what a kickin' wine it was. Mary Jane, stinky cheese, strawberries, and cherries on the nose. So delicate in the mouth but also possessing a presence. Very feminine and silky. Angelina Jolie comes to mind.

I had been thinking about trying to relate tasting notes to women, but I'm not sure Angelina would like the stinky cheese reference...



Colonel Lawrence -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/3/2008 10:23:04 PM)

I like the debates and variations of opinion - a pretty dull world if we all agreed.
But I'm guessing I'll like the 2005 SHL,
Mr Levenberg looks likes he's out on his own:







Tasted by Keith Levenberg on 12/2/2008 & rated 68 points:




Tasted by pawine on 11/15/2008 & rated 94 points:




Tasted by RJennings on 9/27/2008 & rated 86 points:




Tasted by phlin on 6/12/2008 & rated 93 points:




Tasted by Alex H on 6/1/2008 & rated 85 points:




Tasted by Paul S on 5/26/2008 & rated 92 points: Rather closed at this point of time, so much so that the oak clearly dominates with lashings of burnt toffee, caramel and spice. However, the wines breeding still certainly shows thought the tremendously clear, balanced and elegant palate. Very plush, with firm tannins and a wonderful high-toned freshness. After some swirling, cassis fruit with really good purity began to peek out from under the oak before subsiding again. This will be really nice down the road, but I'm not going to touch my bottle for the next 10 years.




Tasted by winenewb068 on 5/17/2008 & rated 91 points:




Tasted by Vino Me on 1/22/2008 & rated 94 points:




Tasted by winefool on 1/21/2008 & rated 92 points:




Tasted by tanglenet on 1/19/2008:

















Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2008 93 points


View From the Cellar, Jan/Feb 2008 89 points



Wine Advocate 170, 4/1/2007
gorgeous .... dense blue/purple color .... aromas of lead pencil shavings, espresso roast, blue and black fruits, and violets. Rich and dense with good acidity, high but sweet tannin, and an underlying minerality that is a characteristic of a top Graves, this beauty will require 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades or more
I know it sounds like a broken record, but this may be the best Smith-Haut-Lafitte ever made. A prodigious effort, the 2005 boasts an inky/blue/purple color, sweet aromas of graphite, white chocolate, espresso, and blue, red, and black fruits, extraordinary density, moderately high tannin, medium body, fabulous layers, and an enticing texture. However, it comes across as delicate and fresh because of its acidity. This ageworthy Graves should last for 25-30+ yrs(93-95) points



JancisRobinson, 4/1/2006
Very lively nose with lots of richness underneath. Fine sandy tannins. Very zesty with some quite obvious sweetness. Lots of punch.
Jancis Robinson (drink 2016-2026)  17.5 points



Decanter, 4/1/2006
Rich and modern with unctuous dark fruit and integrated mocha notes. Palate full and generous with firm, ripe tannins that build and lift. Warm, round texture and finish. 18 points



Wine Spectator, 3/1/2006
....blackberry and smoky wood. Full bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Delicious already. Could be the best ever. Balanced and long. Gorgeous. Almost classic quality.(92-94) points



wine-journal.com, 3/1/2006
Deep inky purple colour. The nose is quite reserved: black cherries, violets, quite feminine. Very good definition. Very smooth entry, firm, toasty tannins. Excellent acidity, very noticable on the crisp, very complex finish of blackberry and espresso. Very elegant and natural. Excellent.  22 points
17 Farr Vintners April 2006



Maestro -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/5/2008 2:39:30 AM)

N.V. Golden Gate Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasted by kkkkt on 9/29/2008 & rated 75 points: Yikes! Just as you nudge your nose over the edge of the glass you are hit with old sneakers and poo. Nudge deep into the glass and the situation improves with cleaning solution and sweet cranberry. Taste was nothing other than sour cranberry with a somewhat gritty lingering aftertaste. This wine serves well to justify spending $10 on any else. Wines in this price range are like walking by a 25 cent slot machine with a 25 cent coin in your pocket - you must stop and pull the arm once while being fully aware the odds are totally against you.



gbm -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/9/2008 11:11:12 AM)

Ch. Palmer 1995.

"Like other 1995s it is has more masculinity than it showed in its youth, but has great delineation and poise with cedar and a touch of graphite towards the slightly foursquare (for Palmer) finish."

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "foursquare finish"?



Serge Birbrair -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/9/2008 10:25:37 PM)

Foursquare finish is the term not applicable to threesomes.



vinopkm -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/11/2008 7:02:55 PM)

I saw this and thought it was interesting- sheep butt is unique smell- not familar with it and don't want to be.
I was also suprised to see the Bogle doing so well- I think the Phantom is a great wine (killer @ 14.99) but not a 95 wine.





2005 Bogle Vineyards Phantom (USA, California) [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/camera.gif[/image] [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/wish.gif[/image]
11/29/2008

95


Tasted blind against four other wines

Wine #3 - More aromatic then the others, almost like a white wine. Smells like food with a hint of light maple syrup. More cherry but drier than the other wines with dusty tannins and cacoa nib dust. Interesting short spicy finish.

My rating = 2nd place / 95+ pts

Group rating = 1st place / 7pts (1+2+2+1+1) (175 views)
FIND ON WINEZAP | FIND ON VINQUIRE | REPORT ISSUE | FAVORITE AUTHOR

[image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/red.gif[/image]
2005 Pomum Cellars Shya Red (USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley) [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/camera.gif[/image] [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/wish.gif[/image]
11/29/2008

96


Tasted blind against four other wines

Wine #2 - Smells like fresh sweetened aloe juice over a melted multi-berry jolly rancher with a bit of cinnamon. Less acidity with more fruit than wine number one. A cherry berry fruit bomb with balance. Spicy finish with a hint of raisin.

My rating = 1st place / 96+ pts

Group rating = 2nd place (tie) / 13pts (3+3+1+3+3) (231 views)
FIND ON WINEZAP | FIND ON VINQUIRE | REPORT ISSUE | FAVORITE AUTHOR

[image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/red.gif[/image]
2001 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, Washington) [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/camera.gif[/image] [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/wish.gif[/image]
11/29/2008

94


Tasted blind against four other wines

Wine #1 - Nose of cherry and spice with a touch of true cinnamon. Cherry with smooth well integrated tannins and bright acidity. This wine has a 30 second plus finish with a touch of raisin and hint of metal on the finish.

My rating = 4th place / 94 pts

Group rating = 2nd place (tie) / 13pts (2+1+4+4+2) (282 views)
FIND ON WINEZAP | FIND ON VINQUIRE | REPORT ISSUE | FAVORITE AUTHOR

[image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/red.gif[/image]
2000 Château Léoville Barton (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien) [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/camera.gif[/image] [image]http://www.cellartracker.com./images/wish.gif[/image]
11/29/2008

94


Tasted blind against four other wines

Wine #4 - Some manure / sheep butt / fertilizer on the nose with dark cherry and a hint of black licorice. Very different from the other wines. Dark cherry with road tar.

My rating = 3rd place / 94+ pts

Group rating = 4th place / 17pts (4+4+3+2+4) (392 views)
FIND ON WINEZAP | FIND ON VINQUIRE | REPORT ISSUE | FAVORITE AUTHOR



Birch -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/11/2008 7:58:02 PM)

I can't even, and don't want to, begin to imagine what sheep butt must smell like.  In any event it scored a 94, so he must like it.



Colonel Lawrence -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/12/2008 4:42:21 AM)

He'll probably really like the wines from this dealer -
http://www.city-visitor.com/ramsbottom/winemerchants.html
L.



J2K -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/13/2008 6:07:03 AM)


Always proof read. Some sentences conjure up other images.....or maybe it was intentional. You decide on the last sentence in this tasting note.


2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor
Tasted by mye on 12/12/2008 & rated 95 points: Decanted for 30 mins before drinking. Did a quick taste upon opening.
Smooth, rich, plush. had nose of berries, earth, and coffee. Spectacular balance of acidity and ripe tannins. Heavy weight, and gained with air - Commented to my partner that it almost feels buttery/creamy in your mouth.




 
 


 



Maestro -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/13/2008 6:31:40 AM)

The wisdom of our own Serge:

2000 Domaine de Chevalier
Tasted by Serge on 4/28/2006 & rated 88 points: wine with no face, memories or charecter and may be mistaken with few hundreds of others from Bordeaux.

If I had more, I'd keep it for another 30 years, as in 30 years all of the above probably wouldn't matter anyway.



Wrighty -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/13/2008 7:16:47 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: J2K


Always proof read. Some sentences conjure up other images.....or maybe it was intentional. You decide on the last sentence in this tasting note.


2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor
Tasted by mye on 12/12/2008 & rated 95 points: Decanted for 30 mins before drinking. Did a quick taste upon opening.
Smooth, rich, plush. had nose of berries, earth, and coffee. Spectacular balance of acidity and ripe tannins. Heavy weight, and gained with air - Commented to my partner that it almost feels buttery/creamy in your mouth.


Only if that's the way your mind works - as mine does!



Pavie Princess -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/13/2008 7:39:45 AM)

SHL is a great wine that is now fully closed for 15 yrs.................



pjaines -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/13/2008 8:46:54 AM)

I'm with PP on the SHL.

Had a taste of the 2005 - certainly serious quality there.  Needs a tonne of time. 

We get into a debate on how soon it is to judge a good wine.  Personally I think 5 years +.  That doesnt stop people judging them en-primeur though, eh?



Colonel Lawrence -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/14/2008 12:38:12 AM)

I've set aside SHL from 1998-2005, but missed out 2001,2002.
Can't for the life of me remember why I didn't fancy them?
L.



jhannah27 -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/17/2008 9:30:54 AM)

2002 Columbia Crest Merlot Grand Estates (USA, Washington, Columbia Valley)  12/16/2008grafstrb
-- decanted for a couple hours before tasting--
-- tasted non-blind over 6 hours --

Very similar to my 9/1/2008 and 10/13/2008 notes...just read those, I don't think I have anything new to say. This is a wonderful QPR. Perfect for those times when I don't want to feel guilty about barely thinking about what I'm drinking. Paired well with prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella and spinach.
Wine sounds good....food sounds better.  Brian, do you have a recipe for this?  PM with it if you do.  Thanks!



grafstrb -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/18/2008 2:49:56 AM)

Jeremy ... will do ... it's a fluke I even saw your message as I (for some unknown reason) rarely read this thread ... I'm off to bed now but will get you the recipie in a couple days ... send me a PM if I forget ... I take no responsibility for anything entering my memory right now that isn't related to Constitutional Law (blech![:'(]), so that includes this promise.  I had leftovers of the same tonight ... so tasty!  Had with a side of rather simple romano-risotto.



jhannah27 -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/18/2008 8:47:07 AM)

Will do.  Good luck with the last few exams!



wadcorp -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/22/2008 1:40:11 PM)

Loved this one, referring to 2005 Clos LaChance Meritage, Central Coast:

Tasted by docmckay on 10/28/2007 & rated 87 points: Damn it! I just dropped my glass on my foot, and it broke into a million pieces. Damn thin glassed Reidel! And yes it was on carpet. And yes the glass was half full. Or was it half empty? Well it doesn't freaking matter because it's all over the f'ing place now!

Anyway I really enjoyed this wine. It was certainly a pleasurable drink (until I poured out the last bit for my homies). However this wine was really nothing special. Good yes. Great no. It lacked any sort of depth or big flavors. There's certainly has some bright red fruits going on here. Like I said I really liked it. I've liked everything I tried from Clos LaChance so far. This one just doesn't blow me away, which is what I expect from a Meritage.

Oh well I recommend this one if you can get it for a good price, but it won't impress. (439 views) - report issue | favorite author

.



jhannah27 -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/22/2008 2:24:43 PM)

I love tasting notes that relate an experience...however good or bad.  [;)]



Hollowine -> RE: Tasting Notes To Note (12/30/2008 7:43:22 AM)

LMAO [:D]

Posted by one of our own - Nice Job, but remember, her daughter knows how to access your wish list now...

"It is like an elegant Rottweiler in a hannibal-lecter restraining costume. This will be utterly amazing in about 10 years. Buy it if you have the chance. I was given 6 bottles of this for christmas by the mother-in-law and it is so good I could almost forgive her for being a mad old cow."



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