S&E Wine Society - Northern Rhone Style

Rules of the event were wines made in the Northern Rhone Style - some exceptions occurred.

French Wines

• 2010 Domaine Duclaux Côte-Rôtie La Germine - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie
  Slight pepper in the nose and a hint of metal shavings. This was a pnp after an hour or so of the tasting a hint of pineapple and lots of pepper came to the nose. 83 (83 pts.)
• 2010 Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie
  Funny story, there were two at the blind tasting. One (mine) was open for 4 hours and the second one was open for 10. The nose was a lot more vibrant on the first one with raw meat, pepper and smoke. The taste was a little harsh needed more time to breathe. The second had a nose of damp newspaper and caramel, and a lot smoother in taste. 90-93 (92 pts.)
• 2007 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Méal - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
  hospital smell in nose, so so on the tannins (90 pts.)

American (California) Wines

• 2012 Lewis Cellars Alec's Blend - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Light on the tannins, very sweet and lots of vanilla and spice. (86 pts.)
• 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Patrina Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley
  My favorite of the night, lovely syrah nose, taste creeps up on you for a balanced full bodied long finish. (96 pts.)

Australia Wines

• 2007 d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
  Leather nose and very fruity. Had a 3 hr decant and smooth medium bodied. (88 pts.)
• 2012 Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Lots of jam and preserves, full bodied full finish (92 pts.)
• 2006 Mollydooker Shiraz Carnival of Love - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
  Seems very young, lots of caramel (94 pts.)

Surprise Wine

• 2008 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection - USA, California, Napa Valley
  great full bodied, really enjoyed this surprise to finish the night off (94 pts.)