West-End Wine Tasting 1

An eclectic assortment of wines, and a delightfully mixed group of experienced and inexperienced tasters.

• 2010 ArborBrook Vineyards Pinot Gris Croft Vineyard

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Light, fruity nose: grape, tropical fruits
  Light+ body, good acid, simple.
  pear skin?
  Surprisingly old-world in style. Score Mid-80's?

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• 2007 Marcel Deiss Grasberg

  France, Alsace

  Blind:
  Exuberant moscato-detergent nose.
  Med- sweetness, L+ body, decent acidity with lingering malic tartness.
  As it warmed up, a hint of waxiness. I haven't had too many wines of this ilk. I found it pleasant but wasn't picking up on the depth and complexity of this genre/style/producer. A good wine. I don't have the context to score it.

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• 2010 Clos du Bois Chardonnay North Coast 78 Points

  USA, California, North Coast

  Not much going on here. 75-80

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• 1994 Chateau Musar 92 Points

  Lebanon, Bekaa Valley

  Decanted for about an hour, and it made all the difference (K suggested decanting even earlier next time). Besides the usual Musar characteristics - a core of blackberries, an intoxicating mix of brett, vinegar, liquorice, and tamari - I noticed a distinct umami mushroom tone, much like certain Sagrantino di Montefalco's I've had. A new (and rather handsome) face of the '94! 90-93
  (2)

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• 2011 Cortijo Tempranillo Rioja III 85 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Dark, extracted, with strong notes of liquorice and leather. This had some punch to it! Good (85-90).

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• 2011 Mooiplaas Pinotage The Bean 70 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  Burnt ham on the nose. Intriguing. Hint of warm raspberry, blackberry, earth, leaves.
  Palate: Sawdust. Way over-oaked. Med body, med acidity, med+ oaky tannins. I wasn't a fan.

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• 2011 Cocobon Red Wine 75 Points

  USA, California

  N: some good toast, but a bit sawdusty.
  P: fleshy and flabby, possibly acidified. Reminds me of Cline Zin. Not a fan of this one.

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• 2010 Bodega Ruca Malén Malbec Capitulo Uno 83 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  A bit tarter than the cocobon. Dark, good burnt espresso coffee oak integration. I like this one! 80-85

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• 2010 Pasqua Ripasso della Valpolicella Superiore

  Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Ripasso della Valpolicella Superiore

  Dark indistinct fruits on the nose. P: strong alcohol and acidity. Feels sharp and prickly but I'm not getting any distinct flavors. K mentioned the VA was high on the palate.

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• 1986 Château Guiraud 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  This was the highlight of the tasting for me, narrowly squeaking out a typically mesmerizing bottle of '94 Musar due to its pedigree, plus the sheer gravitasse of a birth-year wine.
  
  In the glass, this slightly coppered liquid spun an aromatic web of beeswax, saffron, lightly toasted rice, and cool stones. It evoked a childhood memory of shady spice-shops in India. It fell brightly on the tongue, light and fresh yet simultaneously thick with waves of flavors. A refrain of the waxy saffron and spices echoed through a long finish.
  
  This bottle had been open for a while, and K mentioned it was on its way out. I can imagine, were I to taste this in another setting, on a better day, I would not be listing flavors here, but emotions. 90-95pts.

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WOTN: Tie between 86 Guiraud and 94 Musar.