Stone Balloon Members Only Tasting Event #1

The Stone Balloon Winehouse is a restaurant in Newark, DE. In addition to fine dining they offer a bar and lounge area, and they have an off-premise license which allows diners to purchase bottles from the list to take home. The Balloon has a wine club which gives a discount on food and wine to members, and they hold special events for club members. This tasting was one of those events, 12 wines served at two stations, one for whites and a rose, the other for reds.

• 2010 Vinhas Altas Vinho Verde 85 Points

  Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde

  Very light and crisp, some grass and grapefruit flavors. Finish short. Not bad cocktail white for warm days.

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• 2010 Remy Pannier Vouvray 84 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray

  On the sweet side, a bit flabby -not great balance here. Flavors correct for type, but not my favorite.

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• 2010 Saint M Riesling

  Germany, Pfalz

  Fairly sweet and flowery Riesling, with a long finish. Has enough acid to give it good balance. Fine cocktail white.

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• 2011 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 89 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

  A grapefruit explosion. Finish fairly dry and abrupt, the launches a second round from the corners of your mouth. Well done.

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• 2010 Cuvaison Chardonnay ATS 84 Points

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  Vanilla and butter. Medium to light body, no complexity at all, but pleasant plonk. Sadly, it is priced well above the pleasant plonk level.

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• 2011 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 82 Points

  France, Provence, Mediterranée

  Light, a bit flabby in the finish. There are better choices out there.

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• 2008 Brazin Zinfandel Old Vine Lodi 84 Points

  USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

  Briary zin, with a noticeable zing to the flavors. Not a fan of this one.

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• 2010 Bodega Septima Malbec 83 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  Has a sharp element to it. Tannins light but evident. Finish is round and smooth.

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• 2010 MontGras Carménère

  Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley

  This is a smooth, correct version of Carmenere. I am just not a fan of this style, so no score given.

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• 2008 Buena Vista The Count - Founder's Red Wine 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  Oaky, rich but with noticeable alcohol heat on the mid palate. Good amount of tannin in the finish. Big and flavorful but the dominance of the heat brings it down a bit.

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• 2006 Conn Creek Anthology 84 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Very round and smooth but soulless easy drinker. No inspiration at all here.

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• 2009 Justin Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Rich, flavorful cab. Loads of black fruits, integrated tannins. Very pleasant drinking.

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