| Wine Type | Vintage Name Variety Locale | Date Posted Score Helpful Comments More... |
|---|---|---|
| White |
2009 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hillmore |
11/15/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 89 pointsBarrel fermentation in new and seasoned French oak and aged for 10 months, with regularly stirring of the "lees" in barrel with full malolactic fermentation. Pale lemon core with medium legs. The nose is medium intensity with youthful aromas of ripe yellow apple, pear, lemon curd, marzipan and minerals. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, medium alcohol, medium body, medium + flavor intensity of meyer lemon, cream, fresh peach, vanilla and apple custard and medium + finish. This is a very good quality California Chardonnay for the price and considering it is a fairly large production wine its a pleasant surprise. Nice balance between the fruit, oak, acid and alcohol components. Not too complex but just well done varietal Chard at a decent price. $20 US retail. |
| Red |
2009 Giacosa Fratelli Dolcetto d'Alba San Roccomore |
11/3/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 88 points100% Dolcetto from the Langhe hills east of Alba. Medium - ruby core with a pink rim and very light legs. The nose is medium intensity with youthful aromas of cherry, strawberry, dried flowers and a hint of black pepper. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, low ripe fine-grained tannins, 12.5% alcohol, light bodied, medium + flavor intensity of cherries, raspberry, cranberry, spice, minerals and medium length on the finish. A good quality Dolcetto, not overly complex but well balanced with regards to fruit, acid and alcohol. A great deal at around $10-$12 US retail. |
| Red |
2009 Stephane Aviron Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles VignesGamay more |
10/24/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 90 points100% Gamay from 40+ year old vines farmed sustainably. The grapes are sourced from the slopes of an 1150-foot inactive volcano, vines face due south on a well pitched hillside of poor sandy soil. Grapes are vinified separately until time for the final blending and bottling. The must is macerated in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for 12-15 days and then aged for 1 month in a combination of new and used oak casks. Clear pale purple core and light legs. The nose is medium intensity with youthful aromas of blackcurrant, forest floor, meaty notes, fresh plum and fresh fall leaves. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, medium - slightly green tannins, 12.5% alcohol, medium body, medium + flavor intensity of black cherry, black berry, plum, chalk, slight tomato flavors and medium length. This is a good quality red with slightly unripe tannins and fruit though their is good acid and minerality to add a bit of complexity. Drink now or next 2-3 years. |
| White |
2009 Gini Soave ClassicoGarganega more |
11/3/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: NR100% Garganega, hand-harvested, the grapes are soft pressed and the must is then immediately cooled. Thereafter, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. The wine remains on its lees in steel tanks for another six months before bottling. |
| White |
2009 Weingut Willi Bründlmayer Grüner Veltliner Terrassen Kamptalmore |
11/3/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 88 pointsThis Grüner Veltliner is a blend of wines sourced from different terraced vineyards. The elevated terraces consist of stonier soils that bring fruit driven wines with mineral nuances and good aging potential. The vines from lower sited terraces grow partly on layered fertile loess and bring earlier maturing wines that are very expressive in their youth. |
| Red |
2007 Quinta das Maias DãoRed Blend more |
11/3/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 89 pointsA blend of 60% Jaen also known as Mencía in Spain, 25% Touriga Nacional, 10% Alfrocheiro and 5% Tinta Roriz also known as Tempranillo in Spain aged 6 months in French oak cask. |
| Red |
2009 Georges Descombes BrouillyGamay more |
9/27/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 92 points100% Gamay from a small 3.5 hectare plot farmed organically. The wines are fermented with indigenous yeast during a cold, long, natural carbonic maceration period in cement vats and oak cask. The wines are then bottled unfined and unfiltered. Medium purple core with medium legs. The nose has medium + intensity with youthful aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, earthy forest floor and pencil lead. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, ripe medium fine-grained tannins, medium alcohol (13% abv), medium bodied, medium + flavor intensity of juicy black fruit, underlying earthy minerality, black currants and a hint of black pepper on the medium + finish. Overall a very good Beaujolais Cru from a quality producer. Great purity of fruit, concentration, and balance between the acid, fruit, and alcohol. The oak is barely noticeable and the wine is a good value at $17.99 US retail at the Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. Perfectly drinkable now but it should improve and drink well over the next 4-5 years. Another impressive wine from importer Louis Dressner's portfolio. |
| Red |
2009 Eric Texier Côtes du Rhône-BrézèmeSyrah more |
9/25/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 91 points100% Syrah from 10-15 year old vines grown on rocky clay and limestone soil. No chemicals are used in the vineyard, vinification is done with indigenous yeast and the wine is bottled unfiltered. Deep purple core with light legs. The nose has medium + intensity with youthful aromas of brambly black fruit, violets, ripe plums, earthy minerality and slightly meaty. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, ripe medium plus coarse tannins, medium alcohol (13% abv), medium bodied, medium + flavor intensity of, tart blackberry, liquorice, black cherry with hints of savory, gamey meatiness, the finish is medium +. This a very good quality Syrah based wine, very balanced with great concentration and length despite its youth. Should improve the next 4-5 years and drink well for the next 6-8. A great value at $17.99 US retail from the Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. The Importer is Louis Dressner. |
| White |
2008 Bonny Doon Vineyard Grenache Blanc Ca' del SoloMonterey County more |
9/18/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 90 points100% Grenache Blanc grown biodynamically in Salinas Valley. Bright medium gold core with a watery rim and moderate legs. The nose is fully developed with medium + intensity of baked golden apples, honey, stewed apricots, dried pineapple, lees and minerals. The palate is dry, medium acidity, medium + alcohol (14.5% abv), full bodied, medium flavor intensity of grilled pineapple, baked peaches, honey, ginger, and toffee notes with medium + length on the finish. A good quality white which shows concentration, complexity and length. I would say this is a varietally correct wine that has reached its prime. Drink now or the next 1-2 years. Bought it at a closeout price of $12 retail at the tasting room in Santa Cruz. |
| Red |
NV Coturri Winery ZinfandelSonoma Valley more |
9/11/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: NRThis is multi vintage blend of Zinfandel from Sonoma Valley fruit from 2004, 2005, and 2006. Like all Coturri wines, they are made only with naturally occurring yeast, no chemicals or preservatives and the wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined. Medium + garnet color with bricking towards the rim and long thick legs. The nose has medium + intensity and developed aromas of baked black fruit like plum, red cherry, and blackberry, with other notes of nail varnish remover and sweet spice. The palate is off dry, low acidity, high alcohol (16.5% abv), coarse ripe medium tannins, full bodied, pronounced flavor intensity of unctuous dried red and black fruit with cooked and baked flavors. This was a tough wine to drink and it was just so out of balance, big jammy stewed fruit and very high alcohol without much acidity or finesse mixed with the residual sugar. My wife though it was a fortified wine and could not even drink it and I got a headache after two glasses. I hope this was a just a bad bottle or an off bottling. I'm gonna see what else Coturri has to offer. Only 216 cases bottled. $24 US retail. |
| Red |
2007 Monasterio de Corias Vino de la Tierra de Cangas Ocho Meses BarricaRed Blend more |
8/29/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 86 pointsI don't know very much about this wine, probably a blend of Verdejo Negro, Carrasquín, Mencía and Albarín Negro, all local indigenous varieties. The label states its aged 8 months in barrel. Pale ruby color with a watery rim and moderate legs. Medium intensity on the nose with youthful aromas of violet, raspberry. red cherry, cloves, nutmeg and light toast. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, slightly green fine-grained tannins, medium - alcohol, light bodied, medium flavor intensity of fresh cranberry, red cherry, raspberry, tomato and earthy minerality. A bit thin and angular with some stemmy notes and medium - length on the finish. An acceptable wine made competently with tart red fruit from a cool-climate region. Slightly unbalanced with stemmy vegetal notes and high acid compared to the alcohol and fruit. Drink now, unlikely to improve. About $20 US retail. |
| Red |
2003 Quinta dos Roques Dão ReservaRed Blend more |
8/21/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 91 pointsA blend of Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão from the old vines of the Pessegueiro (Peach Tree) Vineyard. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels and bottled in July 2005. Medium + garnet color with a narrow pink rim and moderate legs. Medium intensity on the nose with developing aromas of brambly fruit, baked plum, kirsch, cedar and earth. The palate is dry, medium + acidity, medium ripe tannins which are well-integrated, medium alcohol (13.5% abv), medium + body, medium + flavor intensity of baked blackberries, dried cherry, earth, gaminess and toasty oak. Concentrated and powerful yet elegant with medium + length. A very good quality premium wine. Rich and powerful yet elegant and harmonious. There is ample acidity and tannin to balance the generous fruit which are starting to develop tertiary flavors and consequent complexity. The oak is subtle and well-integrated. The acidity is rather dominant although there is plenty of fruit to balance this over time. It's entering its drinking window now but should improve for 2 to 3 years and hold for 5+. This was on a closeout sale at K&L Wine Merchants Redwood City at $15 US retail which is a steal as the normal price is $30. |
| White |
2010 Raventós i Blanc Penedès Perfum De Vi BlancWhite Blend more |
6/16/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 88 pointsA blend of 50% Macabeo and 50% Muscat de Frontignan fermented and produced in stainless steel tanks. Light greenish lemon color. Very perfumed aromatic nose of white flowers, lychee, and melon. The palate is dry, slightly spritzy upon opening, 11.5% abv, light bodied, medium + acidity, bright tropical fruit and citrus on the palate with a bit of mineral backbone. An easy drinking summer wine to have as an aperitif or with light dishes and perhaps soft goat cheeses. About $17 US retail. |
| White - Off-dry |
2009 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Viña Albina Blanco Semi DulceWhite Blend more |
6/15/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 89 pointsA blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasía de Rioja sourced from vineyards in Rioja Alta. Some of the grapes picked are late harvest which may help to explain the slight sweetness of the wine. Fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks with no oak aging. Light straw color. Medium intensity aromas of baked apples, cider, slightly oxidized notes and peaches. Off-dry, medium + body, medium acidity, 12.5% abv, the wine is reminiscent of demi-sec Vouvray though not as complex, yellow apple, wax, honeyed peaches and mineral on the palate. I think this wine may develope another 4-5 years due to the ample fruit and acid components. This is a white style of Rioja that has lost favor to the light crisp wines many bodegas produce today but I like these types of wines and hope they make a come back. About $12 US retail so a pretty good value. |
| White |
2007 Domaine André & Edmond Figeat Pouilly-Fumé Les ChaumiennesSauvignon Blanc more |
5/5/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 91 points100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on Kimmeridgian limestone, gray flint silex, and silacaceous (sandy) clay soil. Farming is done sustainably. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless steel tanks with no malo-lactic fermentation and only lightly filtered. Bright medium lemon-green color with very light legs. Clean nose, medium intensity, some what youthful aromas of lemon zest, fresh herbs and cut grass with a flinty minerality. Dry, pronounced acidity, medium + bodied, medium alcohol (13% abv), and medium + intensity of grapefruit, lemon/lime pith, and mouthwatering minerality on the medium + finish. A great Sauvignon Blanc true to the Pouilly-Fumé terroir. Drinking exceptionally well right now and should continue to do so for the next year or two. About $24 US retail. |
| Red |
2001 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Gran ReservaTempranillo more |
5/4/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 92 pointsA blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano and sourced from the Monte Real estate in Cenicero, Rioja Alta. Aged 24-30 months in American barrique and 36 months in bottle before release. Medium brick red color with pronounced fading near the rim and very long legs. Clean nose, medium + intensity, developing aromas of blood sausage, dried meats, stewed plums, dusty dried cherries, spicy red fruit, cinnamon, leather and strong tobacco. Dry, medium + acidity, medium + body, medium alcohol (13% abv), ripe medium + dry chewy tannins, medium + intensity of dried red fruit, forest floor, dried mushrooms, spice and black tea. A heady intense Gran Reserva Rioja with lots of structure, depth and power. Not quite traditional or new world, it kind of straddles both lines and is modern yet recognizable. Probably needs another 6-8 years to really enjoy but it is drinkable now with some fatty roast pork butt, grilled lamb or pot roast. About $35 US retail, it's well worth every buck. |
| Red |
2004 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Viña Albina ReservaTempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more |
5/4/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 89 pointsA blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano sourced from vineyards in Cenicero, Sonsierra and Villalba de Rioja all located in Rioja Alta. Aged 24-30 months in American barrique with another year in bottle before release. Medium + ruby/garnet color with a faded rim and long legs. Clean nose, medium + intensity, developing aromas of stewed plum tomatoes, prunes, dried cherry and mushrooms, black olives and tea with a slight barnyard and leather component. Dry, medium acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol (13.5% abv), ripe medium + well structured beefy tannins, medium + intensity of dried red fruit, plum compote, chalky minerals and earthy flavors on the medium + finish. A beautifully aromatic Rioja Reserva that just needs time to come together, lots of potential here but the tannins are still too rigid and the fruit needs to mellow a bit more. I'm guessing another 4-5 years in bottle and this wine will be incredible with many more years of drinkability after that. About $22 US retail makes this Reserva a very good value! |
| Red |
2006 Bodegas Corral Rioja Don Jacobo CrianzaTempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more |
5/4/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 91 pointsA blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha and 5% Graciano and Mazuelo all sourced from Rioja Alta. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged 14 months in American barrique. Medium ruby core with a faded rim and medium legs. Clean nose, medium + intensity, developing aromas of dried cherry, cranberry, spice box, sweet tobacco and leather. Dry, medium + acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol (13.5% abv), just slightly ripe tight medium tannins, medium intensity, more dried red spicy fruit, dried jerky and herbs, sweet spice and brown sugar notes on the medium finish. This is a classic crianza Rioja from a old traditional producer. Compelling aromatics, integrated oak and well balanced play between the acid, fruit and earthiness. At $16 US retail I consider this a great value and must buy if you like old school Rioja's. |
| Red |
2008 Bodegas Corral Rioja Don Jacobo EcologicoTempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more |
5/4/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 88 pointsA blend of 50% Mazuelo known as Carignan in France and 50% Tempranillo all sourced from organically estate grown vineyards in Rioja Alta. Deep ruby purple core with light legs. Clean nose, medium intensity, youthful aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberries, rosemary and thyme and freshly ground black pepper. Dry, medium acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol (13.5% abv), medium - ripe chewy tannins, medium intensity of dark ripe fruit, earthiness and sweet spice. Opened for the second day, as first yesterday the nose was very funky and earthy but much of that has blown off today. A good value organic Rioja wine which showcases alot of Mazuelo flavor. About $16 US retail. |
| Red |
2009 Bodega Viña Mambrilla Ribera del Duero Alidis TintoTempranillo more |
5/4/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 89 points100% Tinto Fino or the local name for Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel tank and aged six months in French barrique. Deep ruby purple core with medium legs. Clean nose, medium + intensity, youthful aromas of ripe red fruit, touch of toasty oak, spice and new leather. Dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol (14% abv), medium bodied, medium + ripe grippy tannins, medium intensity, juicy spicy red fruit, cherry, ripe plums, minerals and slight bitter chocolate notes of the medium + finish. A very good entry level Ribera that shows a little bit more than just ripe fruit, its well balanced and lighter than most in its class. About $16 US retail. |
| Red |
2010 Bodegas Filón CalatayudGarnacha, Grenache more |
5/4/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 87 points100% Garnacha from 30-40 year old vines with very low yields (2 tons per hectare) grown at 3,000 feet above sea level. Stainless steel fermented with no oak aging. Deep purple core with very light legs. Clean nose, medium intensity, youthful aromas of ripe red and black fruit, plums, cherries and raspberries. Dry, medium acidity, medium plush ripe tannins, medium + body, medium + alcohol (14.5% abv), medium + intensity, tons of ripe red berry and dark cherry fruit, cassis and a hint of anise and licorice. This is a pretty straight fruit forward Spanish red made for new world palates with new world packaging. Should be a guaranteed winner considering the price of about $10 US retail. A great wine for the masses but lacking some soul for me. That said its still heads and tails better than most mass produced wines made here in the US at the same price point. |
| Red |
2008 Paulo Laureano Vinho Regional Alentejano SingularisRed Blend more |
4/30/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 89 pointsA blend of 40% Aragonez, 40% Trincadeira and 20% Alicante Bouschet aged 6 months in a combination of new American and French oak. Medium purple core, with medium legs. Clean nose, medium + intensity, youthful aromas of dark ripe fruit, plums, dusty black cherries, garigue, brown sugar and spice box. Dry, medium acidity, medium + alcohol (14.5% abv), dense ripe medium tannins, medium + body, medium + flavor intensity, dark ripe plums, licorice, earthy minerality and black berry with a medium finish. A very good new world style red from southern Portugal, lots of ripe lush fruit with enough nuance and earthiness to keep old world palates interested. About $18 US retail. |
| White |
2002 Gabriel Meffre Côtes du Rhône Blanc La Châsse du Pape PrestigeWhite Rhone Blend more |
4/30/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 80 pointsA blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Rousanne. Heavily oxidized and over the hill. |
| Red |
2007 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Puerta Vieja CrianzaTempranillo Blend, Tempranillo more |
4/30/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: 88 pointsA blend of Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano aged in American oak. Deep ruby/garnet color with medium legs. Clean nose, medium intensity, developing aromas of dried cherry, mushrooms, forest floor, dried meat and dried wild flowers. Dry, medium acidity, medium body, medium alcohol (13.5% abv), medium slightly under-ripe chalky tannins, medium intensity, of dried red fruit, earthy minerality, spice and a touch of brown sugar and sweet tobacco. A good traditional styled entry level crianza Rioja with balance and food friendly acidity. This is not a cocktail wine so it shows much better with food like my red marinara pasta and ground pork. About $12-14 US retail. A good value. |
| Red |
2007 Luis Pato Baga Vinho Regional Beirasmore |
4/30/2011 - tvinoronquillo wrote: NR100% Baga from Luis Pato's estate grown vineyards located in Bairrada, Portugal. Luis uses the wider regional designation Vinho Regional Beiras to protest against what he deems are lax wine making regulations in Bairrada. Stainless steel fermented the wines then aged in very large neutral oak cask for 4-6 months before bottling. |
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- Tasting notes: 315 notes on 314 wines
