Community Tasting Notes 7

• John Dunlap Likes this wine: 89 points

  October 4, 2019 - Pulled from way back in the cellar. I've always found Alicante Bouchet to be an interesting wine mostly because it is part of the small group of red varietals that produce red juice without the need of skin contact and maceration.
  
  As a group these veriatals are know as Teinturier grapes because (according to Wikipedia) their: "... flesh and juice is red in color due to anthocyanin pigments accumulating within the pulp of the grape berry itself." Additionally, "Teinturier varieties, while containing a lot of color, usually make special wines, perhaps due to a higher level of tannins, compounds structurally related to the anthocyanins. Many winemakers blend small volumes of teinturier juices into their wines, to boost the colour, without dramatically impacting the taste."
  
  OK, that was a lot of additional info; nonetheless, this variental's unusual quality makes for a fun wine to try.
  
  Purchased at the winery, this bottle rested in my cool cellar undisturbed until opening. The ullage was excellent, but the cork, though intact and with no sign of leakage, pretty much crumbled when extracted. This bottle was decanted anticipating some sediment, but I had no idea the sediment would coat nearly 2/3 of the bottle's interior. It truly was an "old school" wine in this regard. (I guess wine geeks find this kind of thing interesting.) Anyway, the color was very deep red with no indication of advanced age. The nose was a bit meaty, but quite restrained otherwise. The flavors seemed restrained as well, though they did open up a bit after one-half hour. Later on, I noticed some of the blackberries, teriyaki and more meat elements, but it never became layered and multi-dimensional.
  
  In sum, I like the wine, for its deep robust color, but I wish it had a bit more stuffing. That said it has aged nicely, is very smooth, and interesting to taste.
  
  (Served with a nice steak, baked potato, and tomatoes in a basil red wine vinaigrette.)

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• John Dunlap Likes this wine: 90 points

  May 28, 2016 - Notes based on recollection. Bottle stored since winery purchase and never moved. In great shape. Decanted. Significant sediment coating most of the interior of the bottle (good sign). Very rich, dark color. Nose of rose. Flavors were good and broad. Not searing like some older cabs. Lovely, juicy black stone fruits, with elements of rose. A nice wine overall and fun to drink. Really dig the dense color. Enjoy.

  Comment

• fergus12 wrote: 89 points

  November 20, 2008 - Still very bright - incredible depth of colour. Went very well with steak and sauteed potatoes. An interesting wine bought direct from winery. Everyone should try this at least once.

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• markmontgo wrote: 89 points

  May 10, 2008 - My first AB. Incredibly inky. Almost syrupy in consistency, taste is grapy, but pretty nicely balanced. I would have guessed it was a syrah. Pleasantly surprised.

  Comment

• bahiadave wrote:

  August 23, 2007 - ok

  Comment

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Wine Definition

• Vintage 2004
• Type Red
• Producer Wellington
• Varietal Alicante Bouschet
• Designation Old Vines Noir de Noirs
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Sonoma County
• Appellation Sonoma Valley
• UPC Code 812560000181

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 17 (44%)
• Consumed 22 (56%)

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