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Comments on my notes

(24 comments on 21 notes)

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Red
N.V. Twisted Oak Cockamamie Calaveras County Red Blend
5/29/2020 - radiolysis wrote:
I get green olive and brine. Not a lot of "fruit" but just rich and deep. Really good!
  • merryberry commented:

    3/22/21, 11:07 PM - Love your Dr Suess-style descriptors, especially because they were right on. I will be stealing them.

Red
2011 Yorba Shake Ridge Red Amador County Red Blend
3/6/2018 - VeniceCalif wrote:
93 points
How important is it to know what you are drinking? Decanted 1 hr. ahead off of some sediment. Very deep garnet color with next to zero orange visible. Rich nose, with black pepper, white pepper, tar, and spice notes. Medium-full on the palate, but smoothed out by bottle age, with good depth of flavors including black cherry and plum. The finish is drying, not tannic, and round. How important is it to know what you are drinking? This wine says "not very much" and it's really good. But not knowing what's in it is a drawback for this reviewer. I'm guessing Syrah and Tempranillo with maybe some Zin.
  • merryberry commented:

    7/22/18, 11:40 PM - Yorba says the blend is 43% Tempranillo, 36% Graciano, 21% Malbec.

White
2012 Woot Cellars F-2 California White Blend
9/5/2016 - rjquillin wrote:
Nice balance on a sweeter Riesling blend that is still holding it's own.
Ladies in the family quite enjoyed this.
  • merryberry commented:

    9/5/16, 10:09 AM - Yes, the ladies really did enjoy it, and so did I. The sweetness makes it important to select the right time to bring it out, and it was perfect for a daytime, weekend sipper.

Red
2008 Roadhouse Winery Zinfandel Russian River Valley
7/13/2013 - merryberry wrote:
87 points
Deep dark ruby. Crushed raspberry, leather and earth nose. Medium to full bodied, dirty cranberries, turbo black cherries, pepper, heat, copious sweet tannins, dark chocolate, and a medium finish. Fruit forward but not out of control.
  • merryberry commented:

    7/29/13, 11:02 PM - Thanks. I might have underscored it; I'm always wary of big fruit, but this was still pretty good.

Red
2007 Wellington Zinfandel Estate Vineyard Sonoma Valley
7/31/2012 - merryberry wrote:
88 points
Slightly cloudy dark ruby. Dirty strawberry, nutmeg, oak, and Dr. Pepper nose. Medium to full bodied, cranberries, sharp red cherries, well integrated dusty tannins, pepper, fizzy acid, a bit of heat, and a medium to long finish. This took a lot airtime to get to its peak.
  • merryberry commented:

    5/24/13, 11:49 PM - Well, it was last summer, but when I said it took a lot of time, I meant until day 2, so 4-6 hours sitting open in the bottle, at least. I never Vinturi a Zin, but maybe I should have done that to this one.

  • merryberry commented:

    5/29/13, 12:34 PM - I usually vinturi only to overcome a wall of tannins so I can drink and enjoy the wine NOW. Most Zins don't have that huge tannin structure, so I never anticipate having to vinturi them. I find I use it mostly on the Bordeaux varietals, and maybe big Syrahs.

  • merryberry commented:

    6/10/13, 12:02 AM - I suppose that "if you're in a hurry, use a vinturi", but most of the time I drink pretty slow so by the time I get to the second glass the bottle's been open for a good long while.

Red
2007 St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
5/11/2013 - merryberry Likes this wine:
89 points
Deep magenta. Blueberry pie, spice and oak nose. Medium to full bodied, blackberries, pepper, black cherries, cedar, sweet tannins, dark chocolate, a flash of heat, and a nice medium to long finish. This was much better on day 2, so be sure to give it plenty of air.
  • merryberry commented:

    6/10/13, 12:00 AM - Don't know - St Supery wasn't one of our tour stops. This cab could certainly be good or even better for many more years, but its only their entry level cab, so I don't feel bad about drinking it.

Red
2007 Wellington Merlot Sonoma Valley
5/18/2013 - merryberry Likes this wine:
90 points
Slightly cloudy ruby-garnet. Crushed cherries, earth, and cola nose. Medium to full bodied, tart cranberries, dirty cherries, eucalyptus, well integrated sweet tannins, cinnamon, and a medium to long finish. Well made and well priced.
  • merryberry commented:

    5/24/13, 11:46 PM - I wrote this on night 2 or 3, but it was good all 3 nights. I usually leave the bottle open for hours on the counter before vacuvining it for the night, so by day 3 its been open to the air for 8-12 hours. I liked the nose on this, so it didn't strike me as that tight.

  • merryberry commented:

    5/29/13, 12:29 PM - I don't think it will be possible for me to have too much of his '09 Merlot, based on our blending trials sample.

Red
2008 Roessler Pinot Noir La Brisa Sonoma Coast
3/18/2013 - merryberry Likes this wine:
91 points
Translucent magenta. Strawberry basket and cinnamon spice nose. Medium to full bodied, pomegranates, bing cherries, white pepper, well integrated tannins, big acid, and a slightly fizzy medium finish. For an entry-level wine, this is really very good.
  • merryberry commented:

    3/26/13, 11:38 PM - I agree with you. It was a Roessler "entry level" pinot with a mid-level price. I had this on the tour back in 2010, and wasn't that impressed, at least for the price. But this week, 2 1/2 years later, it was much better. Not to the level of their vineyard designates, but very good. Becoming "more Californian" is a good thing, IMHO.

Red
2008 Vino Noceto Sangiovese Amador County
3/10/2013 - merryberry Likes this wine:
89 points
Translucent garnet. Lots of strawberry and cinnamon on the nose. Medium bodied, pomegranates, bing cherries, white pepper, sweet tannins, zippy acid, and a medium+ finish. Drinks like a pinot, but a good one.
  • merryberry commented:

    3/21/13, 11:24 PM - I have not yet had the 2009. I have 4 in the cellar; I'll probably open the first one later this year. Looking forward to it - Vino Noceto has never disappointed!

Red
2008 Keating Merlot Sonoma Valley
2/5/2013 - merryberry wrote:
87 points
Magenta with ruby highlights. Smokey wood, spice, and just a bit of dark fruit on the nose. Medium to full bodied, fresh blackberries, white pepper, soy sauce, chocolate cherries, woody tannins, tobacco, and a slightly tart medium length finish. Had more fruit last night; I think I liked it better then.
  • merryberry commented:

    2/14/13, 11:24 PM - I think it will continue to evolve away from fruitiness toward spices and leather for a while. Its your call if you consider that improvement or not. At this point, I prefer the younger profile. But I still have a couple more bottles, so we'll see where it goes.

Red
2007 Kent Rasmussen Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
9/29/2012 - merryberry wrote:
92 points
Dark magenta with ruby edges. Violet, blueberry, black cherry candy, and oak nose. Medium bodied, cranberries, pepper, cherries, sweet tannins, chocolate, good acid, and a long fruity finish. Delicious.
  • merryberry commented:

    10/27/12, 10:03 PM - I didn't decant it, but I also didn't review it until day 2. I loved it in 2010, and I love it now. It's at least as good now as it was then.

Red
2005 Wellington Victory Reserve Sonoma County Red Bordeaux Blend
10/11/2012 - merryberry wrote:
90 points
Consistent with last note; maybe a little older, a little less fruit. Still a great nose. Drink up!
  • merryberry commented:

    10/27/12, 10:01 PM - I'm reconsidering that advice. Now I think the wine is entering its "dumb" phase. I'd say hold for about 5 years and be rewarded with a terrific bottle in 2017+.

Red
2007 MacRostie Pinot Noir Carneros
5/14/2012 - merryberry wrote:
86 points
Dirty garnet. Strawberry, cinnamon, and earth nose. Light to medium bodied, fresh raspberries, spices, slightly tart cherry, dust, soft tannins, and a touch of bitter cola on a short to medium finish. Decent low priced - but not generic - pinot.
  • merryberry commented:

    5/16/12, 10:43 PM - When I said low priced, I meant the $15 close-out I paid (and I've seen it recently for $13-$14). It lists for $30, and that's not a low price and I can't say this would be worth that. But I liked its character when compared to other $15 Cali Pinots. I remain a big fan of their Ramal Vineyard Pinots, which are a big step up from this.

Red
2007 García Carrión Rioja Crianza Antaño Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo
1/19/2012 - merryberry wrote:
86 points
Semi-translucent magenta. Raspberry, vanilla, and cedar nose. Light to medium bodied, plums, tart cherries, pepper, oaky tannins, tea, and a medium finish (no bitterness this time). Better now than last year.
  • merryberry commented:

    1/22/12, 9:56 PM - I bought it during a BevMo 5 cent sale, so I got 2 for $11. Definitely worth that price, once they were old enough.

Red
2006 MacRostie Syrah Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast
10/15/2011 - merryberry wrote:
89 points
Inky purple with some ruby when the light hits it right. Crushed blueberry, leather, and a hint of minty meat on the nose. Full bodied, plums, blackberries, black pepper, figs, spices, good acid, cedar, supportive tannins, and a long, slightly tart finish. Good now, could be better later.
  • merryberry commented:

    11/9/11, 11:07 PM - I was saying that I think a couple of more years in the cellar and it would likely improve. Decanting or a vinturi would probably get it there quicker if you want to open it now.

Red
2007 C.G. di Arie Petite Sirah Estate Grown California Shenandoah Valley
7/31/2011 - merryberry wrote:
90 points
Opaque purple. Brambly black fruit, raisins, and leather on the nose. Full bodied, blueberries, plums, black cherries, firm (but definitely not harsh) tannins, a dash of pepper, good acid, and a medium to long finish. Smooth and generous, this is the friendliest PS I've had in a quite awhile.
  • merryberry commented:

    8/5/11, 10:15 PM - This definitely didn't have the bitter tannins of an "in your face" PS. It has a few years left for sure - 2015, maybe 2017 - but its really meant to drink near term. Let your Turley sit and enjoy this one in the next year or 2.

Red
2006 Scott Harvey Zinfandel Old Vine Reserve Amador County
6/11/2011 - merryberry wrote:
88 points
Dark, sun-burnt red. Raspberry, spice and leather nose. Medium bodied, tart cherries, pomegranates, pepper, dusty drying tannins, a bit of heat, and a medium finish with a touch of dark chocolate. Didn't taste the port varietals, which is a good thing. The wine was good, but not great.
  • merryberry commented:

    6/20/11, 4:08 PM - This struck me a much more classically-styled Zin than his mountain selection. The touch of port varietals was very light.
    I agree that his Barbera's are very good.

Red
2002 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
6/19/2011 - merryberry wrote:
92 points
Clear and deep crimson. Spice and cigar box nose, with a touch of floral accent. Medium bodied, an amazing amount of elegant black and red fruit on top of well-aged tannins, tobacco, good acid, and a medium to long finish. Super wine.
  • merryberry commented:

    6/20/11, 4:06 PM - I did not decant. I opened the bottle and let it sit for a bit over an hour, then enjoyed a couple of glasses over the next 3-4 hours. I write most of my notes during or after my second glass, so the wine's usually been exposed to air for a while.

Red
2006 Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Vineyard Blend California
5/18/2011 - merryberry wrote:
89 points
Deep purple with ruby highlights. Blueberry and spicy oak nose. Medium bodied, plums, blackberries, smokey tobacco, surprisingly soft tannins, a bit of dark chocolate (without any bitterness), and a dry medium finish. A very friendly and drinkable PS.
  • merryberry commented:

    5/22/11, 12:07 AM - I don't usually decant, and I didn't decant this. However, I rarely do a note before the wine's been open for at least a couple of hours and I'm on my second (or third!) glass. The Ursa was fairly simple but tasty; definitely not a classic in-your-face PS. I thought it was a real good value at $12.

Red
2001 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
3/14/2010 - g.cosenza.nj@gmail.com wrote:
92 points
The 2001 has a spice profile unlike other Corison bottlings....white pepper, allspice, and hints of gingerbread are layered over dried cranberry, plum and black olive. Wonderfully balanced and structured for the long-haul.
  • merryberry commented:

    5/11/11, 11:02 PM - Richard, drink a 2002 - its out of its dumb phase - and save your precious 01's for something real special.

Red
2007 Super Hero Wines InZINerator California Zinfandel
5/5/2011 - merryberry wrote:
86 points
Inky ruby. Red fruit and spice fight to break through the port-dominated nose. Unsuccessfully. Medium bodied, rich, chocolate-covered cherries, cedar, a touch of pepper, and a dry yet sweet medium length finish. A good party wine, and thankfully it doesn't have the overwhelmingly cloy sweetness of the 2006, but I don't think I'll be buying any more of this brand. When I want a port, I'll have a port. When I want a Zin, I'll have a Zin. This is neither.
  • merryberry commented:

    5/11/11, 10:57 PM - Ah, but I have. In most of his SH wines (not Jana) he adds some port, and even if its 1% I can smell it. However, on the palate the Reserves are very nice and varietally correct, even if they have a touch of KC BBQ on the finish.

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