Ryan's Wine Tasting #002 - Compare and Contrast

A low-key, relaxed tasting with friends and food. The focus was 4 head-to-head battles of the same grape, but from different regions.

• 2007 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Russian River Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Nice golden color with a bright fruit-driven nose of stone fruit. The mouthfeel was rich with a touch of buttery oak. Overall, a nice CA Chard, even if too young.

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• 2005 Domaine / Maison Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 90 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet

  Golden in color with a fantastic smokey mineral nose. The mineral notes flowed through on the palate and paired nicely with the grilled chicken.

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• 2008 Coleman Nicole Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  Bright strawberry and raspberry nose to go along with the brighter red color. The fruit is abundant on the palate and teams with fantastic acidity. This will be a fun wine to follow for several years.

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• 2005 Louis Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges 92 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges

  Maybe the score was influenced by my low expectations, but this was a beautiful, smooth, medium-bodied Burgundy. Smoked cherries on the nose with cherry and red fruit on the palate. A well-balanced wine that just kept getting better over the 4 hours.

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• 2007 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas 86 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  This bottle did not show as well as a previous bottle. The acidity and alcohol were somewhat overbearing. However, the concentration of dark fruit flavors were consistent as before.

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• 2007 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages 87 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages

  A nice, simple CdR. Dark ruby in color and nice fruit on the palate. The surprise was the smoother mouthfeel and the alcohol being in check. For $10-$12, this is a good mid-week wine.

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• 2005 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

  Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley

  The nose was a bit muted. Dark purple in color. Firm tannins and oak on the palate with a good amount of dark fruit. Medium finish.

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• 2004 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Nice dark purple/red color. Nose of vanilla, mint, and chocolate. The tannins are rounding out, and there is a well-balanced mouthfeel.

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• 2005 Domaine de Marcoux Châteauneuf-du-Pape 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Excellent CDP that will only get better over the next 10 years. Popped the cork 6 hours prior, with the last 2 hours in the decanter. Dark in color with a nose of kirsch, meat, and some earth. Plenty of dark fruit on the palate and the alcohol is in check. Long finish.

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• 2005 Château Lascombes 93 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Popped the cork 7 hours prior, with the last 3 in the decanter. A wonderful Margaux. Incredibly dark purple, with a classic perfumed nose. Well balanced and extremely elegant, smooth mouthfeel. Good acidity and lovely long finish. This is tasty now with a long decant, but I am looking forward to following this over the next 10-15 years. At $50, this is a great classified Bdx QPR.

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