WSET Intermediate Course, Session 5 Tastings

Tasting notes from fifth and final session of WSET Intermediate Course at Washington Wine Academy (Spirits, Fortified Wines, and Sweet Wines). Notes taken using WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting, with some additional commentary of my own.

First set of fortified wines, both Sherry, tasted sequentially.

• NV Gonzalez-Byass Palomino Fino Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Tío Pepe (Muy Seco-Extra Dry) 87 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry

  Appearance: clear, pale intensity, lemon. Nose: clean, medium-plus intensity, salt (primary component), hazelnut. Palate: dry, very low acidity, low tannin, light body, salt, nuttiness - hazelnut, almonds, woodiness, medium-plus finish (very salty). Conclusion: good (solid expression of the style).

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• NV Gonzalez-Byass Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Alfonso, Oloroso Seco 86 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry

  Appearance: clear, medium intensity, amber. Nose: clean, medium intensity, nuttiness, caramel, butterscotch. Palate: dry, low-medium acidity, medium body, roasted nuts, salt, maple syrup, caramel, woodiness, medium-plus length/finish. Conclusion: good (again, another solid expression of the style).

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Only set of fortified wines, both Port, tasted sequentially.

• NV Ferreira Porto Ruby 84 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Appearance: clear, medium, ruby. Nose: clean, light-medium intensity, dark black fruits - blackberry, black raspberry, cassis, some oak. Palate: medium sweetness, medium acidity, light-medium body, low tannin, black fruit, some cinnamon, short-medium finish. Conclusion: acceptable (not bad, but not very complex and a little too cloying).

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• NV Graham Porto 10 Year Old Tawny 85 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Appearance: clear, pale intensity, tawny (duh). Nose: clean, medium intensity, cherry, burnt caramel, woodiness, nuttiness. Palate: medium sweetness, low-medium acidity, low tannin (from oak), medium body (from residual sugar), candied fruit, raisins, candied nuts, caramel, brown sugar, medium-plus length/finish. Conclusion: acceptable-good (not terrific, but not bad).

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Only set of dessert wines, tasted sequentially.

• 2008 Château Sahuc lès Tour 83 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Appearance: clear, pale intensity, lemon. Nose: clean, light intensity, distinct botrytis mustiness, peach, lemon, tangerine. Palate: sweet, medium acidity, medium body, candied fruit, citrus, medium length/finish. Conclusion: acceptable (not bad, but a bit lazy and unimpressive for a Sauternes).

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• 2009 Heinz Eifel Eiswein 88 Points

  Germany, Rheinhessen

  Appearance: clear, medium intensity, lemon. Nose: clean, light intensity, stone fruits - peach, apricot, citrus - lemon, lime, a hint of minerality. Palate: sweet, medium acidity, full body, candied citrus, stone fruit, tropical fruit, pineapple, medium-long finish. Conclusion: good-very good.

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