Chateau St. Jean, Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004
Smell: Peat, river bank, cinnamon, oregano, pine needles. Plum.
Taste: Plum, raisin, currant. Really tight for the first 20 minutes; and then, it was smooth and yummy.
Finish: Currant. And a very subtle granny smith apple -- not that apple dryness, the actual taste of granny smith.
Cost:
Rating:
7.5
Medici Vineyards, 'East Block', Pinot Noir, 2001
Smell: Vanilla (no, not overly oaked ... nice), and other spices. Dirt and mineral (subtle); maybe slate.
Taste: Currant, some random berry flavors; red cherry. And a slight sourness; cranberry and hints of citrus.
Finish: Currant lingers a bit (after the sourness). Not a long finish. The weight is a bit thin; I think it's starting to get a bit old now. Drink 'em if you got 'em.
Cost:
Rating:
8.0
Westrey, 'Justice Vineyard', Pinot Noir, 2006
Smell: cantaloupe, salomon-berry, red-cherry, red-delicious apple, subtle vanilla, hay, slight pepper, clove
Taste: Quintessential Oregon Pinot "fruit bomb". Wow ... fruit! Red-cherry, raspberry, a bit of blueberry and nectarine.
Finish: Some soury citrus briefly, right at the end of the fruit extravaganza. And then pepper at the very end.
Cost:
Rating:
7.5
Jezebel, Pinot Noir, 2006
Smell: Peach, raisin, plum, straw, squash (vegetable matter).
Taste: Plum and currant. Smooth.
Finish: Pretty short finish. Currant; some sort of subtle berry. A slight citrus bite, and then it's gone.
Cost:
Rating:
6.5(This is from Daedalus Cellars)
St. Innocent, 'Shea Vineyard', Pinot Noir, 2005
Smell: Vanilla/oak, asparagus, butter lettuce, vegetable. Like a brand new head of butter lettuce, slice it down the middle ... like that.
Taste: Purple scenario. Violet something. Dusk. Rain on asphalt ... street rain.
Finish: Currant, pine, and red cherries.
Cost:
Rating:
9.0Quote:
- "This is a really good wine. Fresh. Blooming. Blooming flowers. Don't quote that." -- (a drunk) Kevin
Elena Walch, 'Lagrein', Alto Adige (DOC), 2005
Smell: Cumin, musty, peat moss, tar, fennel. Apricot!
Taste: Definitely dried apricot. Raisin. Fennel. Marionberry. The mouth-feel was a 2% milk consistency.
Finish: Apricot and marionberry, and a granny smith apple driness.
Cost:
Rating:
7.5
Las Rocas, 'de San Alejandro', Garnacha, 2004
Smell: Blackberries and swimming pools (the chlorine). Peppy. Dry like a stone building. Reminiscent of Ferdinand the Bull.
Taste: Gauze. Sterile. Sweet.
Finish: Smooth and smokey. Has a medical hit. Really drinkable.
Cost:
Rating:
2.5
Cima Collina, 'Cedar Lane', Sauvignon Blanc, 2006
Smell: Mustiness, pears, and grape skins. Fresh, pungent, and rich top soil mixed with lemon.
Taste: Citrus--lemons and kiwis. Smells much stronger than it tastes. With eyes closed, it tastes like a ladybug on a rainforest leaf.
Finish: Fades fast. Does not linger in the mouth. Only the sour lingers.
Cost:
Rating:
7.0