5/25/2010 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear light purple. Red licorice, cherry, and oak in a punchy nose. Thin, high acid, a distinct underipe tannin and tartness renders a cranberry inflected wooden taste through a finish with bitter spots.

3/9/2010 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear mahogany. Dried flowers, sweet cumin, dried apricot, bouquet an intense and appealing nose. Soft texture, well balanced medium body with well structured acidity. Mixed dried fruit with wood and flecks of minerality, finishes with a long stretch through a layered toasted caramel. Rounder and lower acid than a true dry Palomino Amontillado but similar oxidized traits and less yeast flavors.

2/13/2010 - Amendolia wrote:

Dark deep clouded purple. Strong toasted oak and black currant nose. Medium acid and body. Oak dominates the palate with smoke and touches of vanilla obscuring sour cherry fruit. A medium length finish continues with smoked vanilla.

2/12/2010 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear medium golden. Bright young nose, forward with pear and straw. Medium bodied, almost dry with enough acid to balance the oak and touch of fruit. Uniform with apple and pears rounded by oak. Flavors are consistent but no further development through the palate, medium length finish. A good companion (and ingredient) to our rosemary and mushroom reduction and sweet potato fries. A good table companion, but could dull as a straight drinker.

12/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

I'm staying with my previous note to the letter after tasting this wine again, it's consistent and one of the best new Sauvignon Blancs I've had of late. The robust acid keeps it fresh even 24 hours after opening. Don't think New World tropical flavor profile with this wine, it's a bright floral green with profound structure.

Previous note:
"White gold, clear. Aromatic, grass, honey suckle, a green perfume. Tremendous acid, medium body with a silken texture. Distinct mineral, lemon, and green almond. A medium plus length finish tinted with lemon pith. Excellent value at 22$. The texture and body makes this wine stand out from other Sauvignon Blanc even those costing far more. Part of a tasting with winemaker Marcelo Papa."

11/15/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Dark clouded purple, heavy extraction. A slightly closed nose at first, decanting required to open up the rich coffee grounds and chalky mineral tones. A full layered body, huge dominating ripe tannins, medium acid. Full fruit, cherry and dark berry. Mid palate shows a strong oak presence with a trace of mint. Long finish. A big wine with big fruit but the oak shows a strong hand that takes some character out of the malbec.

10/25/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Deep peach color lightening to a fair rose at the edges. Aromatic nose, grapefruit, brown sugar. A glycerin slick on the palette, vibrant acid, and touch of tannin. Pomegranate and ruby red grapefruit. Some residual sugar (makes me wonder on the wine making methods). Finishes light on a pithy sweetness.

10/17/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Light clear purple with a violet hue at the edges . Nose of raspberry liquor balanced by a scent of soil, persistent and perfumed. Light body, medium acid, soft fine tannins at the edges of your tongue.Bright raspberry fruit steeped with black tea leaves. A short finish touches a darker fruit tang but fades fast. Reminds me of Gamay. Great QPR at 8.99 for a light hearted drinking wine. I would like to pair this with a walnut, dried cranberry, and gorgonzola salad for lunch.

10/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clouded dark garnet with clear edges. Soft nose, cherries, mint, wet clay with a sulfur note. Medium acid, a full mouth filling wine with jagged tannins. Dark fruit and black tea, dried cranberry.Black licorice through a medium length finish. Old world character with a bit of new world charm. Paid 13$, and I would recommend this wine at that price point, it's well structured but unpolished. I enjoy the tannins but some may find them too much.

10/9/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear, deep amber. Full nose, sweet maple candies, roasted hazelnut, touches of sandalwood. Medium body, young vibrant acid, formal pronounced structure adorned with complexity. Mineral driven golden raisin tang, caramel flowing into white pepper. A long finish with a creamy bread yeast glow. At 20% alcohol but never off balance. I think I enjoyed the lot slightly more last year but still a treat.

10/4/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear dark golden. Highly aromatic; jasmine, lychee, mixed peppercorns, and candied citrus fruits. Full body, mouth coating nectar texture. A joy on the tongue as each swish evolves the palate. A moderate core of acid keeps the structure playful. A mineral first Gewurtz with honey, pine resin on the mid palate, and perky white pepper. A long spiced finish. A great white wine with opulent structure and complexity, a standout Gerwurtztraminer among those sugar-rose-lychee driven low acid examples. 34$ paid.

10/2/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear garnet browned at the edges. Perfumed nose of roses, cherries, and dark chocolate bars. Light body, high acid, brisk young tannins with a firm late palate grip. Cherry immediately gives way to a deep dark chocolate, touches of tar. A long dusty powdered dark chocolate finish. Drinks like a modern style. Good now but would certainly like to return to this vintage in another five years to see if it develops given the modern presentation. 39$ paid.

9/27/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Medium purple. Bright cherry nose. Light body, faint tannin, medium plus acid. Clean cherry and sweet tea leaves. Simple structure, straight forward short finish. Decent value at 8$, not challenging but might make a nice alternative to a Barbera for dinner.

9/26/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Tight nose, cherry, oak. Full bodied, soft fine tannins, a bit overweight without a solid backbone of acid. Fruit first, cherry and black currant. A touch of dill. Medium finish. 50% American Oak, 50% French oak.

9/26/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Inky deep crimson. Tight nose. Thick staining legs. Medium plus body, soft fine tannin, round. Powdered sour cherry candy chased with dark chocolate. Medium length finish. Amiable character leaves me wishing for more aromatics.

9/26/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Medium purple, clear. Nose of green pepper, sour cherry, and a hint of epazote. Full bodied, generous fine tannins, medium plus acid. A touch green; cranberry and cocoa. Grapes ripened over 248 days, Bordeaux barrels.

9/26/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Garnet. Delicate nose, hints of strawberry. A plush medium body, soft micro-tannins and medium plus acid. Blackberry and clove in a detailed structure. Medium plus finish. Grapes ripened over a 248 day period, wine aged in Bordeaux barrels.

9/26/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Pale golden, clear. Sweet toasted oak pineapple nose. Medium body, high acid, a straight well structured Chardonnay in the Burgundy style. Subtle fruit, green apple touched with a caramel wood. Long finish of green apple skins. Tasted with winemaker Marcelo Papa, wine is aged 13 months in Burgundian Oak and method. Grapes ripened over 233 days.

9/26/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

White gold, clear. Aromatic, grass, honey suckle, a green perfume. Tremendous acid, medium body with a silken texture. Distinct mineral, lemon, and green almond. A medium plus length finish tinted with lemon pith. Excellent value at 22$. The texture and body makes this wine stand out from other Sauvignon Blanc even those costing far more. Part of a tasting with winemaker Marcelo Papa.

9/12/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Dark deep purple touch cloudy. A thin dark cherry and charcoal nose. Medium plus acid, full body, fine soft but limited tannins. Dark cherry, medicinal herbs, hint of bitter chocolate. Medium finish leans toward an herbal tone. Slightly disappointed that the wine's elements never come together in any harmony, there's an empty feeling to it, but at the price point of 13$ it would be difficult to demand more.

6/28/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Medium gold. Aromatic; lychee, jasmine, clover honey. Full body, low acid, slightly unctuous. Ginger and lychee touched by white pepper on a medium finish. Lighter concentration and depth than other examples of the varietal, good dark soy sauce, ginger, and black pepper stir fry companion, weak on its own.

6/23/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Dark garnet. Strawberries and cream, artificial grape bubblegum scented nose, potent. Still a hint of the herbal tones of the 2006. Medium body, medium acid, and a layered structure of soft grain tannin. Cherry, sweet paprika, and black peppercorn. Rich concentrated wine with a long herbal finish. Going to hold a bottle back for a few years. Screwtop.

6/23/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear Ruby. Sage, dill, and earth mingled with red berries on an aromatic nose. Light body, medium plus acid, soft fine tannins. Cranberry and raspberry jam, touch of cinnamon. Long finish. Great contrast of a herbaceous nose and fruit driven flavor profile. Matched well with Humboldt Fog cheese. Winemakers stated the use of new French Oak.

6/23/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear ruby. Thin maraschino cherries and vanilla nose. Light bodied, medium plus acid, a background of soft tannins. Blackberry jam with an enjoyable mineral balance. Medium finish. A well balanced subtle wine without any distinct flaws or highlights.

6/23/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clean apricot, mineral, and white flower aromatic nose. High acid, medium minus body, classic bruised apple, lemon, and mineral notes. Simple rapid sequence of flavors that makes this wine a good meal companion, I would enjoy it with grilled salmon. A medium length finish touched by white pepper.

6/1/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Bright rich gold. Bruised apple, breadyeast, and mineral aromatics also wet wool. High acid, full body, small coarse bubbles. Bruised apple, mineral, pear, lead into a tart with some apple skin flavors. Long finish touched with lemon. Great QPR.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Green/gold color. Aromatic earth driven nose; potting soil, old button mushrooms, toasted wood. High acid, medium plus body, steamed green vegetables, lemongrass. Long finish. Challenging white, enjoyed this the most of the Spain vs Italy white wine tasting.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Light yellow. High aromatics, candied peach, bright white flowers. Light body, high acid, concentrated peach. Very simple to enjoy.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Medium gold. Aromatic, light playful sweet oak nose. High acid, medium plus body. Blue stone mineral character, nectarine, single concentrated profile. I'd love to have this wine with some well toasted maduros.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clover honey colored. Aromatic nose of caramel and dust. Light body, high acid, mineral front rolling into a pithy citrus bouquet mid-palette. Welcome complexity and pleasing balance.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Medium golden yellow. Neutral nose, very tight but leaning toward mineral. Medium acid, on the border of light and medium body. Honeyed stone fruit, good poise and balance. Not a concentrated or attention grabbing wine but would be a great dinner companion.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Golden yellow. Neutral nose with a mineral character. High acid, light body, noticeable heat. Light muted pineapple with chalk mineral followed through a medium finish. Tasted this wine as part of a series of Italian vs. Spanish whites, did not stand out among the crowd.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Bright gold. Mediumly concentration nose, honeysuckle, mineral. Towering acid, tingling palette acid, (enhanced?). Medium body, good concentration; Lemon, white pepper, moderate length finish carrying the pepper note.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Golden yellow. Tight nose, metallic brass aspect. Light body, high acid. Green herbal, lemon, and nutmeg. Short finish.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Light golden yellow, aromatic nose with lychee, white flowers. Medium plus body, slightly unctuous, medium acid. Concentrated flavors, pineapple, floral perfume, lychee. Would pair well with Thai dishes (reminded me of Zenat's Lugano, will have to taste sidebyside).

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Pale golden yellow. Nose of Pecorino Romano and singed white sugar.Light body, high acid, background heat. Sweaty, mineral, and lemon, inconsistent structure and loose. I find the stinky cheese aspect interesting.

5/14/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Pale straw. Light aromatics of lemon zest and mineral. Light body, high acid, lemon, a diluted drop of tropical fruit. Some nutty spice on a medium finish that bears heat.

5/8/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Dark garnet some brown tones. Concentrated leather, mineral, hay and touch of vanilla. Very high acid, medium-light body, gripping fine tannins, immediate black currant, rhubarb, stone. A long peppered finish with some bitters, chalky after texture. The nose evolves over time, the flavors stay the same. Excellent food wine but I enjoyed it after the meal was done through the night.The acid and tannins keep the wine very interesting despite a lack of evolution on the palette, QPR was high at 16$.

5/3/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Rich Golden yellow. Blood orange and grapefruit nose a touch of dried herbs, bay leaves. Medium body, slightly slippery mouthfeel, medium plus acid. Complex with flavors of dried tropical fruits, green almonds, and touches of nutmeg and white pepper. Excellent well rounded integration and balance. Medium plus finish, paired nicely with hazelnut stuffed mushrooms, eggplant cutlets, and rapini. I was able to challenge a friend with this wine who normally crinkles the nose at Pinot Grigio and it was a success.

4/22/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Very light purple and crystal clear. Medicinal cherry, dust, and roses on the nose. Light body, high acid, gripping but fast fading tannins. Red berries, mid palate tar, and a chalky long finish. There's little concentration to this wine, it can be described like a great rich Barolo cut with 20% water. Still great value at 13$ for nebbiolo.

4/19/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear purple. Strong black currant and vanilla nose. Medium but loose body, medium plus acid, thin layer of sandy tannin. Sweet prune fruit, tobacco, and a spiced coffee finish of medium length a tad bitter. Tighter integration and body would make a nicer wine of some good flavor components. A little too much sugar in front and bitter on the end.

4/19/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Clear dark purple. Aromatic nose of blackberry jam, currant. Medium body, medium acidity, smooth small rounded tannins. Jammy blackberry, cedar, and tea leaves muddled with a touch of black olive on the mid-palate. Spicy medium plus finish, a trace of heat. Recommended.

4/13/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Garnet complexion. Soil, raspberry, and vanilla in medium concentration nose. Medium body, medium plus acid, slightly rough small grained tannin. Cherry, a touch of pencil lead and a floral hint. Cabernet Franc black pepper on the medium plus finish. Good qualities that just don't come together in the right timing to be anything but a reliable dinner companion, the mid-palate is hollow. 50% Merlot 50% Cabernet Franc.

4/11/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Dark deep purple clear but only can see through at the edges. Sandalwood, plum, in a perfumed and well concentrated nose. Full body, medium acid, medium round tannins. Cranberry and dark chocolate with a candy shell presentation, surprised by a touch of smoke. Big concentration, great balance, new world. Black pepper on a long lingering finish. Sometimes you hit the spot for just 12$, great QPR ! I'd like to come back again at 3 & 5 years. 13.7% alcohol. Stated as aged in new french oak for 6 months, 1 year in bottle.

4/10/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Ruby red color, clear body, even toned. Medium concentrated nose of red berries, sweet vanilla, like an ice cream cone with sprinkles. Medium-light body, after some exposure the soft fleeting tannin. Pronounced strawberry flavor, monotone. There is a presence of residual sugar and at 13.5% alcohol for a Zinfandel it may not be a surprise. Significant heat and a lackluster short finish. Lacks balance, lacks anything unique, pass this one up for better values.

4/4/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Mid-depth gold tone, clear. Aromatic nose, dried pineapple, honey, and white flowers. Medium plus acid, medium body, slightly slippery mouth feel. Pineapple, honey and grapefruit flavors well concentrated and forward. A touch of sweetness on the mid palate, finishes quick and dry on the grapefruit tartness. An easy drinking wine but not very complex and is upfront with its flavors. Importer rated at 0-3 years suggested aging, 13% alcohol.

4/2/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Pale gold tone, medium fine bubbles. Tight nose even after letting the fizz expire; herbal citrus tone like lemongrass. Light body, very high acid, a bit austere, the bubbles are coarse. Lemon and lemon pith, a very simple flavor profile which does not evolve. A finish that almost makes it to the medium length dry. Paired well with our romaine salad with papaya seeds and cherry tomatoes but made a superb match with the end of meal strawberries.

3/31/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

A dark deep crimson with some haze. A concentrated nose with olives and bell pepper highlighted with a warm loam. Full body, high acid, and grainy medium tannins are all well integrated for a sumptuous mouth feel. Kalamata olives jump out of the textured layers of red fruit. After being open for an hour violets and black pepper appear. The almost medium length finish cuts short the pleasure of the blend. Another weakness of this wine was the slight heat on the swallow.

3/29/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

Black cherry color. Blackberry and sweet pipe tobacco in a concentrated fruit driven nose. The medium plus body has excellent concentration but could benefit from higher acid as it feels flat after the initial taste.Soft fine tannins that are a nice feature but are not well integrated. Cherry is the prominent flavor chased with a touch of black pepper on a medium plus finish. At 8.99 this wine is an excellent value and easy to enjoy but fails to excite, I recommend decanting it for 2+ hours.

3/23/2009 - Amendolia wrote:

An even toned amber and leggy swirl. Vivid nose of honey roasted nuts, sandalwood, and a small white raisin componentt. Toward the medium spectrum of a light body with a good acid backbone. Toasted almonds and walnuts touched with a dab of buckwheat honey. Bitter herbs on the long dry finish that invite you to refresh your palette with another sip to catch that drop of sweetness on the mid-palette. The alcohol is present but well carried and this Sherry never feels hot on the swallow. I think this is an excellent value. Better 1-2 days after opening.