Bruce Cass Class #2

Today we learned about different major varietals, regionality, and quality.

Major regions for Sauvignon Blanc. I'm moderately fond of this varietal, especially the clean crisp versions. I don't think I enjoy the bell pepper green versions.

• 2008 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva

  Chile, Casablanca Valley

  Light yellow, fairly pale. Flinty nose with a bit of bell pepper. Structure was balanced with good acidic tension. Palate was minerally and flinty. Enjoyable.

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• 2007 Voss Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Light yellow-green in color. Nose is fruity with lots of peach. Structure is flabby, not much acid. Palate is tropical/fruity, with some melon and a reasonably long finish. Simple, enjoyable, but not that interesting.

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• 2004 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

  New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

  Deep yellow-green. Nose is very vegetal and green with cooked bell pepper. Lots of acid, but still smooth so good balance. Flavor is full of bell peppers, very round, 15-20 second finish. Interesting.

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I'm not a fan of Chardonnay, and this flight was no exception.

• 2008 Lindeman's Chardonnay Bin 65

  Australia, South Eastern

  Yellow-green. Good balance with butter, apple, oak on the finish. Familiar flavors, average wine.

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• 2006 Grgich Hills Chardonnay

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Yellow, on the light side. Nose a big nose, but light and balanced. Some citrus, some green.

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• 2005 Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru

  Yellow-green, nose is very vegetal and mushroomy with some staleness. Lots of acid, palate also very vegetal. Not ready yet.

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The Burgundy should have had much more age. I liked the Bethel Heights Pinot the best in this flight.

• 2007 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

  France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages

  Light red. Nose of pure fruits. Balanced light tannin, light body. Palate is not too strong with some fruit and a short finish. Enjoyable and simple.

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• 2005 Albert Morot Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes

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

  Garnet red. Nose very earthy/vegetal. Far too much tannin and needs to age for many years before trying again.

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• 2007 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Eola - Amity Hills

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  Quite light red. Candied fruit with a perfumed nose. Balanced sweetness with good fruit. Reasonably complex. Quite good.

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The merlot was fantastic and aged appropriately. I find that tannins in very young reds interferes with my enjoyment.

• 2001 Carter Cellars Merlot Truchard Vineyard

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  Reddish-brown color with a wood/cedar bouquet. Structure was very balanced with integrated tannin. Palate had good fruit, soft medium finish. Excellent.

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• 2005 Château Dauzac

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Reddish-purple/garnet colored. Vegetal nose. Tannins too overwhelming. Age much more.

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• 2006 Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

  Reddish-purple/garnet. Smoky sweet nose with balanced structure. Good flavor on the palate, lots of fruit with cherry and cassis. Approachable and very good.

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