Terroirist Blogger Tasting #2

David White's House
Tasted Saturday, August 6, 2011 by davidwhitedc with 792 views

Introduction

Opened up some wine samples with fellow Terroirists Robby Schrum, Rebecca Canan, and Ainsley Adams. All wines were provided at no charge, as press samples.

Flight 1 - Light whites (3 Notes)

  • 2009 Cantina di Soave Soave Classico Rocca Sveva 89 Points

    Italy, Veneto, Soave Classico

    Nose is incredibly floral -- white flowers, fresh grass, lemon, lime, green apple, interesting subtle notes of sunflower seeds and hazelnuts. Palate is the same -- but creamier than expected, with some lemon curd coming through. Great acidity throughout the palate. Finishes short. Perfect summertime quaffer.

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  • 2009 Benessere Pinot Grigio 84 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Nose of sweet lemon drop, apricot, hazelnut, crème brule, and butter. Behind all that, some bright citrus notes. A simple, pleasurable wine, if not varietally pure. Good acidity.

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  • 2009 Cantina di Monteforte Soave Re Teodorico 83 Points

    Italy, Veneto, Soave

    On the nose, smells like sweet lemons and pink grapefruit -- with a subtle (but offensive) note of plastic. On the palate, the pink grapefruit hits you hard, and tastes very sour.

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Flight 2 - Some Chardonnay (3 Notes)

  • 2009 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Chardonnay Russian River Valley 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    This wine was fantastic. The nose is incredibly seductive -- lots of green apple, lemon, lime, lemon rind, white flowers, hint of oak and butter. On the palate, a bit more tart than the nose suggested. Mouth-watering acidity. Great wine.

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  • 2009 Francis Ford Coppola Chardonnay Diamond Collection Gold Label 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    On the nose, kiwis, lemons, some butter, some smoke, and some oak. The palate is the same, with the butter remaining in check. Definitely a good QPR -- one that would please those looking for a typical California Chardonnay and also those who hate movie theater popcorn in their wine.

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  • 2008 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 87 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    On the nose, sweet lime juice, rose water, vanilla, and a bit of oak. The palate is the same, with stronger citrus notes (lemon and lime juice) coming through. Mouth-coating, but not from the acidity -- from the alcohol. The wine finishes with a bit of heat.

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Flight 3 - A Rosé and some Pinot (5 Notes)

  • 2010 Benessere Rosato 81 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    On the nose and palate, Ocean Spray cranberry juice meets Ludens Wild Cherry cough drops. Not flawed or offensive in any way, but not my cup of tea.

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  • 2009 Sequana Vineyards Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley

    The nose screams Russian River Valley pinot -- but more restrained and green. Tart, slightly under-ripe cherries, some real red cherries, some stems, graphite/riverbed minerality, some interesting black pepper. On the palate, wonderful, juicy acidity and a long finish. Great wine.

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  • 2009 Francis Ford Coppola Pinot Noir Director's Cut 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    On the nose, sweet strawberries, ice-cream sundae cherries, and vanilla, with some subtle wild herbs (sage!) underneath. Palate is the same, with surprisingly strong tannins.

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  • 2009 Sequana Vineyards Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    The nose screams delicious Pinot Noir. Bright cherries, lots of rasberries, and some wonderful funky, earthiness and dirt. On the palate, the wine is similar and super concentrated. Very, very young -- but fruit, tannins, and acids are perfectly in balance. This one will last for a long time.

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  • 2008 Waterstone Pinot Noir 86 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    On the nose, baked tart cherries, some vanilla and oak, some nutmeg and allspice. The palate is similar, but with some noticeable heat.

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Flight 4 - Big reds (6 Notes)

  • 2007 Waterstone Study in Blue 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    On the nose, blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, sweet herbs, green herbs, brandy. On the palate, the fruit is opulent -- with the Syrah really coming out strong, along with the black pepper and meat one would expect on a syrah. Strong tannins, nice acidity. A fun wine.

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  • 2007 Benessere Sangiovese 84 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    On the nose, ripe plums and blackberries, along with some prunes and raisins. And some oak. On the palate, noticeable heat. Not nearly enough juiciness for a sangiovese. For the price, would make for a good house red.

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  • 2007 Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

    Right away, this cab smells beautiful. Opens with restrained black currant and blackberry, dark cherry, blueberry, and some lavender and other great floral notes. On the palate, nice acid, soft tannin. I revisited this wine two hours later, and it was still quite impressive. A delicious wine!

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  • 2005 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 86 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    On the nose, tobacco, cigar box, cedar, restrained black currant and blackberry, some anise. On the palate, the wine shows surprising age for an '05 -- very muted fruits, lots of tertiary flavors. Huge tannins that last much longer than the fruit. When I revisted this wine two hours later, most of the fruit was gone.

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  • 2006 Benessere Phenomenon 86 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Dense nose of sweet cherries, blackberry, vanilla, nutmeg, oak -- and unfortunately, a hint of VA. Similar palate, with a bit of heat at the back end.

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  • 2009 Bodega Colomé Malbec Estate 86 Points

    Argentina, Valles Calchaquíes, Salta, Calchaquies

    On the nose, stewed berries, tart cherries, black fruits, coffee, tar, and tobacco. On the palate, some green pepper that wasn't obvious on the nose. And disappointingly, the acid and tannins seem a bit disjointed.

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Flight 5 - Bigger reds (4 Notes)

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