Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
Weekly tasting group #098; A fully blind test.
@ BS
Tasted November 25, 2013 by Zweder with 226 views
Introduction
We get 10 wines in 10 glasses. All wines of a different varietal or blend and from a different location. We have to tell in approx 1 hour where the wine is produced and of which varietal or traditional blend, the vintage and as many details as we can give. For big ego’s this is the ultimate way to land with both feet on the ground and become humble again ;-) ;-)!
Flight 1 (10 notes)
Red
2012 Bodegas Palacio Rioja Milflores Rioja
82 points
Clear purple red. Cherry yoghurt in the bouquet. Same on the palate. Candy. Bell pepper, spices and white pepper. A lot of acidity. Not much tannin. Simple wine.
Red
2011 Bush Creek Petite Sirah
83 points
Perfumed bouquet with red fruits, cherries, some herbs and lactic impressions. On the palate juicy, a touch of metal, mild acidity, slightly sticky tannin and some bitterness.
Red
2010 Arnaud Ente Bourgogne-Grand-Ordinaire
As far as I know this is a 100% Gamay. In the nose and mouth it definitely is. Purple red color. In the bouquet a candy factory. On the palate as well. Very perfumed. There is acidity and some slightly sticky tannin. Definitely very clean. If you like the style you probably think it is great. I don't score it.
Red
2010 Domaine Léon Barral Faugères
88 points
Deep dark and concentrated wine. Intense bouquet with dark forest fruits and cherries. On the palate ripe dark fruits, some sweetness and a firm dose of good acidity. Will probably improve over the next 2 or 3 years.
Red
2009 Heitz Cellar Zinfandel Ink Grade Vineyard
85 points
The bouquet is a bit reticent at first, but there are ripe red fruits and cherries. On the palate red and dark cherries, a bit dusty and firm acidity. Ok wine. Needs some air or 1 or 2 years of bottle ageing.
Red
2005 Quinta de Foz de Arouce Vinhas Velhas de Santa Maria
90 points
See also previous note. Beautiful bouquet with ripe red and dark forest fruits. Same on the palate. The black fruits dominate. Firm acidity and sticky tannin. The wine needs some more time in the bottle. 2016 and later.
Red
2011 Château du Grand Cardinal Grande Sélection
87 points
Deep dark purple red, high viscosity. The bouquet is a bit locked with bitter dark cherries. On the palate a mouth full. Not extremely friendly because of the high acidity, sticky tannin and firm bitterness. With some more air time vanilla of the oak appeared. Not really a bad wine, but lacking refinement. Needs more time. Until 2017 at least.
Red
2011 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva
88 points
Deep dark purple. intense bouquet with ripe dark forest fruits like blackberries and some flint stone minerals. On the palate a start with a lot of ripe dark fruits. Some pepper and also some sweetness. Concentrated wine. Early maturity now and will drink well over the next 4+ years.
Red
2008 Elvio Cogno Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli
86 points
Transparent light garnet red. Ripe red forest fruits like strawberry in the bouquet. On the palate red fruits, a lot of acidity and bitterness. A Nebbiolo alright, but not one with great refinement.
Red
2009 Stark-Condé Syrah Three Pines
88 points
Deep dark red. Intense and concentrated bouquet. Ripe and good dark cherries. Unfortunately with the rising of the temperature also some smoky rubber appeared. On the palate also concentrated and intense with red and dark forest fruits and cherries. Also some lactic impressions, smoky oak, ok acidity, sticky tannin and bitterness. Big wine. Pity of the burning rubber impressions.