A bunch of wine with non-Geeks

Tasted Monday, April 22, 2013 by Loren Sonkin with 434 views

Introduction

This weekend we hosted a bunch of people over. These were people who like wine but are not geeks.

Flight 1 (10 Notes)

  • NV Vinícola Aurora Moscato Carnavál 87 Points

    Brazil

    From Brazil. This was actually a pretty big hit among non-geeks. Pale golden in color. The nose has some seltzer water and a bit of burnt caramel. Smooth, and ever so slightly sweet. Lots of medium bubbles. I believe this can be found for under $15 and it represents a fine wine, nice packaging and a good story.

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  • NV Vinícola Aurora Moscato Carnavál 89 Points

    Brazil

    I liked this better than the white. Pale rose/copper color. The nose has berries, a bit of cherry bubble gum and some minerals. On the palate, this is sweet but drinks quite easily too. The crowd loved this one. Worked well with food too. Again, at under $15, this is real value and a great wine to serve at a party.

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  • 2011 Quivet Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Tench Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Light silvery gold in color. The nose has some minerals, a bit of hay and some lemons. A bit reticent. On the palate, this is smooth and works well with food. Less so as a cocktail as it is not expressive in style. More "Loire"-like in style. That said, this is a very nice wine and the crowd enjoyed it.

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  • 2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc Kick Ranch 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    More typical of what I expect from California Sauvignon Blanc (in a good way). Light golden in color. The nose has some grassiness to it, some limes and some alfalfa. On the palate, some fresh and vibrant lemon/lime notes. A rich, slick texture. Drinks very easily on its own. Gone quickly.

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  • 2006 Johann Donabaum Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Berglage Loiben 92 Points

    Austria, Niederösterreich, Wachau

    I thought this was in a great place. I have had mixed results ageing Gruner's but this was young and fresh. Medium golden in color. The nose has some limes, minerals and a bit of a light metallic (copper?) quality that works. On the palate, this has developed complexity and layers. Plenty of lime fruit left but also great minerals. Nice balance. Lovely with food. delicious. Wish I had more.

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  • 2011 Sineann Pinot Noir Oregon 90 Points

    USA, Oregon

    Pop and poured, I haven't tasted much from 2011 yet. This is a very good wine and was better than I expected. Nice cherry flavors with some sour sherry notes. Room for some development.

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  • 2010 Sineann Pinot Noir Wy'east 91 Points

    USA, Oregon/Washington, Columbia Gorge

    Still quite primary but developing. The nose has a lot of cherry notes with a slight undertone of damp forest floor. On the palate, tight layering. Easy to drink and a wonderful texture. I would hold these for a while.

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  • 2005 Domaine Besson Beaune 1er Cru Les Champs Pimont 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    I haven't checked in on many 05's lately, but this looked good. It seems to be ready to drink although perhaps it may develop a bit more. I doubt it gets much better. Nice sour cherry fruit. Not a lot of complexity, but past any exuberant fruit. Certainly seems open for business.

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  • 2007 Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard 95 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    Pop and poured. Bottle consumed quickly. The nose is big with black raspberries, dried meats, black pepper. On the palate, this is big and juicy with tons of black raspberry fruit. Just a fantastic wine.

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  • 2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    What awesome value here. Purple in color. The nose is great with raspberries, dark cherries, some bramble. Smooth and easy to drink. It is a big wine, but light on its feet. If i had patience, it will probably improve a bit from here. I doubt I will know.

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