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Mini ESTG at Asadero Kent
Kent, WA
Tasted December 1, 2023 by Eric with 66 views
Introduction
Mmm, smoky steak. Chimichurri. Cheesy side dishes. Smoky and hot salsa. Big red time!
Flight 1 - Starters (2 notes)
Doesn't get much more interesting than a classy Champagne and one of the world's greatest Rose wines.
White - Sparkling
2008 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare
Mmmm, smoky, bruised apple, creamy texture. A very complete and delicious Champagne.
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Rosé
2011 R. López de Heredia Rioja Rosado Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia
Salty, oxidative, amazing acidity. This is such a unique and special wine.
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Flight 2 - Ripe Bordeaux (1 note)
Just before the steak, let's contemplate a great, young, ripe-vintage Bordeaux.
Red
2003 Château La Mission Haut-Brion
Mmm, smoky, chicory, deep and ripe fruit. It gained some funky and a moldy edge that made me think of a touch of TCA. Still a truly impressive wine.
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Comments (1)
Flight 3 - Aussie Ooze (2 notes)
Time has not rewarded these...
Red
2001 Two Hands Shiraz Ares
Decent. Quite big. Went back a few times after the meal to really focus on it. Chocolate covered cherry. Very high octane. Absolutely no Syrah character to be found. Just a big, ripe red wine.
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Red
2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz Integrity
79 points
Wow, just pure cough syrup. This thing is an utter disaster. Just terrible, really one of the worst things I have tasted in years. I kept going back, tried it three times. Nope. Simply awful.
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Flight 4 - SQN (2 notes)
Time also does not seem to work here. Younger SQN Grenache is darned impressive!
Red
2016 Sine Qua Non Grenache Dirt Vernacular
Huge, young, raspberry cocoa. It is unabashedly massive with a balanced yet utterly ebullient character. It did spark an extended debate about the virtues of aging SQN Grenache. And I can say, compared to the 2007 SQN EBA Grenache, this was largely more pleasurable and impressive.
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Red
2007 Sine Qua Non Grenache Dangerous Birds
Mmm, very polished, silky, surprisingly delicate. It's not tired, but it lacks the raw energy and intensity of the 2016 Dirt Vernacular. It makes one ask, should you age SQN Grenache or just pounce on it when young? (I have no doubt on the Syrah side, those reward aging endlessly.)
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Closing
Super fun, meat doesn't get a lot better than this!