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Tasting Notes for northbridge

(53 notes on 46 wines)

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Red
2/12/2014 - northbridge wrote:
94 points
Even better than last time.
Red
9/29/2013 - northbridge wrote:
91 points
Plush, full bodied and more central coast than Oregon.
Red
9/15/2013 - northbridge wrote:
95 points
Awesome wine. Tanins fully resolved, fruit still abundant. Just a wonderful expression of mature Barolo
Red
9/14/2013 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Still vigorous and worth the experience. I used half of the bottle in "Brasato al Barolo" and enjoyed the other half. Tonight we pour the Scavino Bric del Fiasc with dinner.
Red
8/21/2013 - northbridge wrote:
87 points
Light in color, light in body but a nice clear wine with a very satisfactory balance
Red
7/7/2013 - northbridge wrote:
95 points
Served the '92 La Jota against '92 Dalla Valle...both were spectacular and each will be fine for several more years. In fairness I have cellared them at 55 degrees since their release and last night was a just reward. Decanted 2 hours before dinner and served with grilled leg of lamb. Upon first taste the Dalla Valle was a little more open and fruit forward while the La Jota displayed vegetal notes, was lighter and more "French" in style. Most of us preferred the Dalla Valle while my son was La Jota all the way. An hour later the La Jota showed its stuff and most of us switched our allegiance. Both were perfect with the lamb and roasted red peppers and next year I expect both to still be drinking perfectly.
Red
7/7/2013 - northbridge wrote:
97 points
Served the '92 La Jota against '92 Dalla Valle...both were spectacular and each will be fine for several more years. In fairness I have cellared them at 55 degrees since their release and last night was a just reward. Decanted 2 hours before dinner and served with grilled leg of lamb. Upon first taste the Dalla Valle was a little more open and fruit forward while the La Jota displayed vegetal notes, was lighter and more "French" in style. Most of us preferred the Dalla Valle while my son was La Jota all the way. An hour later the La Jota showed its stuff and most of us switched our allegiance. Both were perfect with the lamb and roasted red peppers and next year I expect both to still be drinking perfectly.
Red
6/14/2013 - northbridge wrote:
After a year this wine has improved. Still want to take it to Asian restaurant but am upgrading score to 90 points. Very pleasant quaff and great QPR but not really exciting.
Red
6/13/2013 - northbridge wrote:
80 points
What this wine has going for it is a $16 price point for Pinot. Not much else to say except that it is disjointed and overoaked. I would not buy again
Red
6/12/2013 - northbridge wrote:
90 points
Big round jammy Syrah. Too heavy for food really but welcome on a cold and rainy night.
Red
2/13/2013 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Really opened up and smoothed out in the past year. Now ready to drink. Classic Washington State Cab.
Red
9/30/2012 - northbridge wrote:
94 points
Perfect match for the venison and rustic Provencal dishes served at dinner. Decanted 1.5 hours before dinner. There was plenty of life left in this CdP.
White
9/30/2012 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
This was a real winner at a dinner party tonight. Everything was integrated, mellow and a true pleasure. The minerality had faded and the oak was not an issue. Butterscotch was showing as the wine had time to breath and warm a little in the glass. Pretty gratifying for a 16 year old CA Chard.
Red
9/29/2012 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
This wine had put on weight since the last bottle and was decidedly improved. I remembered it as a somewhat thin, cool climate pinot and this delivered a full bodied fleshiness I did not expect. It was served from a magnum and perhaps that changed the equation but for whatever reason, it was an unexpected treat. The magnum disappeared before the guest moved on to the other choices.
Red
9/29/2012 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Perfect representation of Rioja. The wonderful dusty grippe of classic Rioja matched with well developed blue fruit is well suited to pair with roast pork or lamb or almost any other roast meat.
Red
9/26/2012 - northbridge wrote:
88 points
Ouch. This bottle was more disjointed and more oaky than the first one. There is fruit in there somewhere but it can be difficult to find and enjoy. after an hour, the bottle pulled itself together somewhat and so I've rated it only two points less than the first bottle. I was pretty harsh in June and the wine is not that bad.
White
2011 Domaine Lafage Cuvée Centenaire Côtes du Roussillon Grenache Blend, Grenache (view label images)
9/26/2012 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Wow. Parker and the other CT raters have it right. This is a spectacular wine with great acid, fruit, flavor and balance. Will see if more is available.
Red
9/9/2012 - northbridge wrote:
91 points
Served with chicken curry soup and it was a successful match. Everytime I try this wine it is a little better.
Red
9/9/2012 - northbridge wrote:
91 points
This wine has really come together nicely. Served it before dinner with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. It delivered.
Red
2009 Bodegas Mano a Mano Ribota Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Tempranillo (view label images)
9/8/2012 - northbridge wrote:
91 points
A year of bottle age has clearly improved this wine. We poured two bottles with a meal of grilled chicken with spicy black beans and sweet corn on the side A great combo and our guests loved the wine and the meal. A strong 90 or as I rated here a 91
Rosé
2011 Burt Street Cellars Rosé Sonoma Coast Pinot Blend, Pinot Noir (view label images)
9/1/2012 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Served on warm late summer day with buffet of cold salads and it was the perfect foil. With the spicy Asian noodle dish the acids cut straight through and complemented both the wine and noodles. It was also well matched against the corn salad and cucumbers with onions. In short, just the occasion for this CA Rose. I usually go for Spanish pinks or sometimes Provence but I'll change my habits for this one. I'm rating this wine a 92 on its own merits...I won't compare it to a 1997 Cali Cab that I paid $100 and have stored for more than a decade. In the right situation, it's just a better match for the food and circumstance.
White
2009 Sparrow Hawk Chardonnay Russian River Valley
8/23/2012 - northbridge wrote:
91 points
Sparrow Hawk is interesting. The oaky partisans think it needs more wood and is too steely. The non oak advocates want some toothpicks subtracted. I think it swings both ways and I enjoy the nuanced balance. It appears that 2009 was a "one off" probably based on some purchased grapes in the aftermath of the economic troubles. If you've got, enjoy it.
Red
6/19/2012 - northbridge wrote:
88 points
Pleasant enough but not very exciting. We usually take this to our favorite Thai BYOB where it serves very well. Tonight I decided to taste it on its own merits and conclude that it is best with somewaht spicy food and doesn't make much of a splash on its own.
Red
6/10/2012 - northbridge wrote:
88 points
Not bad; not bad at all. Mocha, dark fruit, round and easy. Great QPR at $9.00
Red
6/9/2012 - northbridge wrote:
85 points
This bottle did not show well. The flavors were flat, not much fruit and somehow even the oakiness was gone or it just overpowered everything else. I won't buy this wine again.
Red
10/13/2011 - northbridge wrote:
100 points
Drunk to the memory of Lawson Mooney with his friends Ken and Carol. The rating reflects the love of Lawson and the magic of the evening. We knew the wine would have a message for us...wonderful and the message would be not to rush through life...beyond its time and we'd know not to delay life's pleasures too long. The wine was wonderful, the companionship marvelous and we are reassured to take our time.
Red
10/8/2011 - northbridge wrote:
88 points
Smooth round easy enjoyable but no grip or sense of place
Red
10/6/2011 - northbridge wrote:
90 points
This rating is a gift because I love vanilla. Soft round fruit and oh so approachable as long as you are willing to embrace the oak. Z preferred the more pinotesque alternative.
Red
9/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
88 points
An interesting effort for a Canadian red. Reminded me of New Zealand Pinot Noir with good fruit, a little thin but on the balance very pleasant.
Red
2009 Bodegas Mano a Mano Ribota Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Tempranillo (view label images)
9/23/2011 - northbridge wrote:
89 points
Lots of mouth filling tempranillo. The Wine Advocate (Jay Miller) called it a 90 pointer. I can't quite get there but it is a fantastic price/value ratio at $10 delivered. The tanins are a little rough even on the second day but I think a little time will smooth them out. After a week, another bottle is showing much more fruit and I may even order more. I think I'm tasting the 90 points now
Red
9/20/2011 - northbridge wrote:
90 points
There was a funky nose that blew off in 30 minutes and what was left was a rich, round core of fruit. I agree with the other tasters description but this bottle had pulled itself together and deserves a 90.
Red
9/18/2011 - northbridge wrote:
89 points
Reliable friend with more ripeness than customary in New Zealand. Suits Suzanne with light body, fresh and vibrant with red fruit.
Red
9/18/2011 - northbridge wrote:
95 points
A perfect match for the enhanced Pasta Fagoli with sage and rosemary, ham, beans and pasta. The wine has gotten better each time but I think it is not yet at peak...give it another year or two. Decanted 1 1/2 hour before serving. Blue fruit with stone, perhaps some licorice.
Red
9/17/2011 - northbridge wrote:
90 points
It opened so strong with so much fruit and structure I was ready to believe the impossible. It was an oh, wow moment and then the mid palate was less and finish less. The wine was very consistent with the barrel sample I had in 2009 which enticed me to buy but it had not developed. It is a pleasurable wine but I don't see this going beyond 90 points
Red
9/17/2011 - northbridge wrote:
93 points
Classic taste of an aged CdP. Meat/blood/game and in this case a slightly roasted character. After 1/2 hour the wine opened and settled down and was perfect accompaniment to Flatbread and arugula salad with walnuts, pear and blue cheese.
Red
9/15/2011 - northbridge wrote:
89 points
This bottle was distinctly better than the one I had a few months ago as part of a tasting for my old law firm. At that time if was 6th out of 6 wines and even the Oregon Pinot lover preferred the California wines. The nose is the strongest feature but the balance of the wine is becoming more clear and I think I'll wait a year or two before I try it again. Can't see how Jay Miller at the Wine Advocate rated this a 93.
Red
9/14/2011 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Rich, Round and mellow. More Central California than New Zealand in style. Great earthiness, I was surprised how smooth it was.
Red
2004 Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo (view label images)
9/6/2011 - northbridge wrote:
93 points
Just what I have in mind for a modern Rioja. Enough of the dusty character I expect and look for without being dry or astringent. Textbook Rioja with more years of improvement ahead. I tasted lead pencil, tea and pain grille. If drinking now decant and give it 30-40 minutes of air.
White
7/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
93 points
Crisp, bright, refreshing and delicious. I served it colder than I would a Chardonnay and would do so again.
Red
7/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
96 points
Served 3 Napa Cabs from '94 (Insignia, La Jota, Montelena) and a '95 Pichon Lalande with grilled lamb. Decanted in cellar 2 hours before dinner and took decanters to table 1 hour before drinking. All were sensational, an OMG experience. One serious cab guy, with Insignia in hand, said, "This is exactly what an aged cabernet should taste like." And it did. The wines were all mature, well integrated with tannins fully resolved. The La Jota was the most youthful, the Montelena was latest in its cycle. The Pichon Lalande was the most "spicy" as 1 person put it. Wines were tasted blind. Consensus ranking: 1. Insignia, 2. La Jota, and then a tie between Pichon Lalande and Montelena for 3rd.
Red
7/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
96 points
Served 3 Napa Cabs from '94 (Insignia, La Jota, Montelena) and a '95 Pichon Lalande with grilled lamb. Decanted in cellar 2 hours before dinner and took decanters to table 1 hour before drinking. All were sensational, an OMG experience. One serious cab guy, with Insignia in hand, said, "This is exactly what an aged cabernet should taste like." And it did. The wines were all mature, well integrated with tannins fully resolved. The La Jota was the most youthful, the Montelena was latest in its cycle. The Pichon Lalande was the most "spicy" as 1 person put it. Wines were tasted blind. Consensus ranking: 1. Insignia, 2. La Jota, and then a tie between Pichon Lalande and Monterlena for 3rd.
Red
7/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
98 points
Served 3 Napa Cabs from '94 (Insignia, La Jota, Montelena) and a '95 Pichon Lalande with grilled lamb. Decanted in cellar 2 hours before dinner and took decanters to table 1 hour before drinking. All were sensational, an OMG experience. One serious cab guy, with Insignia in hand, said, "This is exactly what an aged cabernet should taste like." And it did. The wines were all mature, well integrated with tannins fully resolved. The La Jota was the most youthful, the Montelena was latest in its cycle. The Pichon Lalande was the most "spicy" as 1 person put it. Wines were tasted blind. Consensus ranking: 1. Insignia, 2. La Jota, and then a tie between Pichon Lalande and Monterlena for 3rd.
Red
1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley Red Bordeaux Blend (view label images)
7/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
99 points
Served 3 Napa Cabs from '94 (Insignia, La Jota, Montelena) and a '95 Pichon Lalande with grilled lamb. Decanted in cellar 2 hours before dinner and took decanters to table 1 hour before drinking. All were sensational, an OMG experience. One serious cab guy, with Insignia in hand, said, "This is exactly what an aged cabernet should taste like." And it did. The wines were all mature, well integrated with tannins fully resolved. The La Jota was the most youthful, the Montelena was latest in its cycle. The Pichon Lalande was the most "spicy" as 1 person put it. Wines were tasted blind. Consensus ranking: 1. Insignia, 2. La Jota, and then a tie between Pichon Lalande and Monterlena for 3rd.
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Suduiraut Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend (view label images)
7/28/2011 - northbridge wrote:
98 points
This wine is showing beautifully. It is a pale yellow, less dark than my other 2001's and the taste is equally light in a nice way. Next time we'll match the dessert with the Sauternes to bring out more of its nuances.
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Guiraud Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend (view label images)
7/7/2011 - northbridge wrote:
89 points
Disappointing for an '01 and especially compared with the Suidiraut. The color was wonderful but the flavor was unresolved and even discordant.
Red
7/7/2011 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
At dinner served with grilled lamb it was excellent but did not measure up to the '98 or '02. Next time I'll serve it on it's own and all will find it wonderful.
Red
6/21/2011 - northbridge wrote:
92 points
Pulled and popped from the cellar at 56 degrees. Very plush RRV, with great fruit and easy all the way through. Enough acid to give balance and make a food friendly match with grilled pork and curried cauliflower. A little lighter than a corresponding Kistler but comparable to the Sonoma Coast or perhaps even a bit smoother.
Red
6/20/2011 - northbridge wrote:
88 points
What a disappointment. I had high expectations but they were not fulfilled. Thin, hot, and not my impression of RRV on a good day.
Red
6/12/2011 - northbridge wrote:
96 points
As far as I am concerned the results are in: Parker 1, Laube 0. In 2006 Laube called this a 72 and Parker a 95+ and Parker was on the money. We had it with dinner at HB Home Bistro in Chicago and it was fully resolved with sweet and integrated tannins and fruit comparable to the '97 Estate my personal favorite of the last 21 years.
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  • Tasting Notes: 53 notes on 46 wines
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