Petalos Bierzo 2006

March 22nd, 2008

Petalos Bierzo 2006This was chosen on the recommendation of a lovely sommolier at OLA in Miami.  Very intense and complex with layers of cherry and chocolate and a hint of tobacco.  It’s a very young wine and certainly improves with a little air, it was opened about 30 min before we ate and it still wasn’t completely unwound.  It paired extremely well with the roasted duck and was nicely balanced between fruit and spice.

Costasera Amarone Classico Masi

March 21st, 2008

Costasera Amarone Classico MasiThis wine had a nice color and hints of berry on the nose as well as a touch of minerality. It needed virtually no time to open and was smooth and complex from the first sip to the last. With plenty of dried cherry and a touch of cocoa it was the perfect wine to pair with my espresso coated pork tenderloin.

Nicholas Potel Bourgogne 2005

October 24th, 2007

Nicholas Potel Bourgogne 2005A medium to full bodied red wine. Notes of bright cherry and chestnut on the front with a nice bit of terroir on the finish. Definitely a bit tangy when first opened, needs to be decanted or allowed to breathe for at least 30 min. but opens up beautifully given time. Pairs quite nicely with red meat or fish, and flavorful cheeses.

Orin Swift Prisoner

September 22nd, 2007

Orin Swift PrisonerA soft and subtle meritage with the fruitiness of a zin and the solid, full body of a cab. The grapes that comprise it are Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Charbono. It’s extremely well balanced, it has everything, a little smoke, a little fruit a little terroir. The blackberry fruit from the Zin leads perfectly into the vanilla from the oak and the finish is smooth and perfect. One of my current favorites.

Contratto Barbera D’Asti Panta Rei 2000

August 28th, 2007

Contratto Barbera D'Asti Panta Rei 2000A full bodied red wine with notes of blackberry and the lovely warm toast of oak, finished with a touch of spice. Borderline in need of decanting due to the age but opened up nicely in the glass. Embodied what I expect from a 100% Barbera. Enjoyed with friends at Enoteca Carbonari.

Surh Luchtel Syrah

June 23rd, 2007

Surh Luchtel SyrahWhile not as luxurious as the Pinot Noir the Surh Luchtel Syrah has some gorgeous hidden surprises. The flavor of black cherry that emerges after it’s been open for an hour or so caught me off guard as did the silky texture after about 5. It’s a full bodied wine with complex layers so take your time to discern what exactly it is you’re tasting. For me, each sip was different.

Bought at: Murphys

Price: $21.06(case price)

Rating: 6.5 out of 10