Voluptuous Reds

2008 Chateau du Bois Chantant Bordeaux Superieur

2010-05-14T00:57:00.001-04:00

This was our first 2008 Bordeaux, and interestingly, we purchased it at Total Wines & More in Arizona where we were visiting for a wedding. As we were perusing the selection looking for options to serve at the wedding, we found this gem amongst the offerings. We tried it after the kids went to bed, thought quite honestly, we should have had it with a big fat steak because it was a deep, rich wine. The first visual that I had was that I should have been out in the garden digging a hole for a blackberry bush; I could smell the earth, the leaves of the bush and fruit preparing to ripen. It was a pretty decent wine, though I look forward to having it again in another year or so after it's had some time to fully come of age (and after we've had a chance to jot down some more interesting notes).

Vintage: 2008
Chateau du Bois Chantant
Bordeaux Superieur
Cuvee Laurence H.
No 09443

(On a side note, we were intrigued that many of the Bordeaux's that were available were all individually numbered. I guess that counterfeiting issue that I've heard about is really becoming problematic!

2006 Annabella Cabernet Sauvignon

2010-01-23T19:59:00.005-05:00

After reading an amazing post on a favorite blog, we decided to revamp our way of thinking about the wines we drink. As mentioned in the previous post, we've taken these new questions to review each new wine that we taste, and we've already had some interesting results. Here are the results from tonight's tasting:

2006 Annabella Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley - Michael Pozzan Winery, Oakville, CA

Q1: What color best describes what you see and feel when you drink this wine?
A1: Pink
A2: That rosey/orange/pink color you see in desert sunsets

Q2: What are the top 3 things you smell and taste?
A1: Hot, sweaty body on someone who smells good, you know, someone used to sweating (working out); licorice; and pheromones of someone who's ready for intimate stimulation
A2: Soil, cherries and something else fruity/tart/sweet that I can't put my finger on

Q3: Describe a visual scenario or situation that is this wine to you.
A1: **Censored**
A2: A group of 20/30-somethings (the "cool kids") hanging around at a backyard BBQ at sunset discussing all the games of "poker" they played in college

Buy?
A1: Yes
A2: Yes!

Rating: ?/5
A1: 4.8/5
A2: 4.5/5

Needless to say, we loved this wine. If the immediate, one word description for this wine was "erotic", we can't wait to see how it ages (after we run out to buy another bottle)!

**Big thanks to Whitney at Brunellos Have More Fun for letting us use these questions - I hope she enjoys our rather interesting responses!**

New style for tasting notes

2010-01-23T19:12:00.001-05:00

We've been playing around with a new format to help us really think about the wines we are tasting and distinguish between them. It involves asking creative questions to engage the drinker in a creative exercise. This produces a unique, almost poetic, review for each wine. We'll see how it goes. Here's the format:

What color best describes what you see and feel when you drink this wine?

What are the top three things you smell and taste?

Describe a visual scenario or situation that is this wine to you.

Buy:

Rating: / 5

2006 Ghost Pines Cabernet Savignon

2010-01-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

What color best describes what you see and feel when you drink this wine?

Deep blue, indigo

What are the top three things you smell and taste?

hints of blackberry, an oak rigidity, and a subtle, sweet vanilla

Describe a visual scenario or situation that is this wine to you.

Walking along the bottom of the ocean in a pressurized dive suit. Deep blue, crushing flavor, like blood in the mouth - only savory.

Buy: yes

Rating: 4.5 / 5

2006 Ghost Pines Cabernet Savignon

2010-01-23T19:08:00.000-05:00

What color best describes what you see and feel when you drink this wine?

deepest red bordering on brown clay

What are the top three things you smell and taste?

blackberries, nail polish

In one sentence, describe a visual scenario or situation that is this wine to you.

Well manicured, older women enjoying a glass of wine at a rooftop bar overlooking San Francisco Bay.

Buy? Yes

Rating: 4.5 / 5

2006 Zwei.1 Zweigelt (Austria)

2009-08-15T20:45:00.003-04:00

Can't read the label (German?), but this Austrian wine we received from the Williams-Sonoma Wine Club was nice! Much fruiter and lighter than we normally drink, but it was smooth and had a touch of vanilla. Even though it took a few minutes to get past our strange bias against wines with screw-tops instead of corks, we decided that we would definitely drink this again.

2006 Carmelo Ortega Saxa Loquuntur Rioja

2009-08-15T20:43:00.002-04:00

Delightfully dark and bold, was terrific with soy/balsamic-marinated flank steak and, interestingly, homemade pizza! It was completely unexpected but terrific wine!

2005 Chateau Callac Bordeaux - Graves

2009-08-07T19:00:00.000-04:00

Gravelly texture smooth on the tounge, earthy blackberry yeilding to a sweet cherry finish. Superb!

2003 Domaine Saint-Damien Corbieres

2009-04-30T20:25:00.000-04:00

$4 bottle from Whole Foods. Worth half what I paid. Watery and lacking depth, this blend has the flavorful constitution of wet paper. Do not buy.

2007 Remonte Tempranillo - Spain

2009-03-02T19:46:00.001-05:00

As our first Tempranillo, this was a rather interesting wine. We enjoyed the flavor and spiciness. Not watery, slightly sweet, yet still bold. Very nice.

2007 Thierry & Guy Fat bastard Merlot - France

2009-03-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

We thoroughly enjoyed this plump companion. As promised, full-bodied and flavorful. Great with steak!

2006 337 Cabernet Sauvignon - Canada

2009-03-02T19:38:00.000-05:00

Tasty, delicious red. Dryer than most cabernets. You can taste the bordeaux flavor!

2005 Castell del Remei Gotim Bru - Spain

2009-03-02T19:37:00.001-05:00

Interesting to try, but a bit spicy. I didn't care for it with scallops. Perhaps a darker meat or chicken would have been a better pairing.

2006 Da Vinci Chanti

2009-03-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

As always, a crowd pleaser. Keep it up!

2006 Castello Monaci Piluna Primitivo - Salento

2009-03-02T19:29:00.002-05:00

Honestly, I didn't think I'd like it from the bottle. Being made from zinfandel grapes, I was expecting more 'boxed wine' appeal. However, this primitivo surprised me with its bold, dry taste and flavorful ending. Quite pleasurable.

2006 Giordano Toscana Rosso - Tuscany, IT

2009-03-02T19:27:00.001-05:00

Lovely wine with a rich, full flavor. A favorite.

2006 Chateau Foeur de Regaud Bordeaux Superieur - Gironde, FR

2009-03-02T19:20:00.002-05:00

Smooth, inviting, pleasurable. Goes to show the French know how to do it right!

2005 Volpaia Chianti Classico

2009-02-14T20:13:00.000-05:00

Very dry and flavorful. Deep with a tasty finish that lasts. More fruity than oakey. Very enjoyable.

2007 Remonte Tempranillo - Navarra, Spain

2009-01-25T20:39:00.002-05:00

A sweeter wine with tart nighlights, unique in flavor. Not for every meal, but very good with pasta or lighter starch flavors. A pleasure to try for the experience.

2007 Thierry & Guy Fat bastard Merlot - FR

2009-01-25T20:37:00.001-05:00

This was amazingly good. By far my favorite merlot. Rich flavor, very tasty.

2006 Davinci Chianti - Vinci, IT

2009-01-25T20:36:00.001-05:00

Very drinkable. Dry, unbiting. However, not flavorful enough to be the best, but a decent standard.

2006 Giordano Toscana Rosso - Diano d'Alba, IT

2009-01-25T20:34:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite toscanas. Lovely, rich flavor. Smooth.

2004 Biago Toscana - Santa Lucia, Italy

2009-01-04T15:37:00.001-05:00

A bold, fruity toscana with a pleasurable aftertaste. Quite enjoyable with dinner.

2007 La Grange Cabernet Franc - Haymarket, Virginia

2009-01-04T15:34:00.001-05:00

Sucked. We relieved ourselves of the rest of the bottle before finishing. I will consider retrying this wine after they change the formulation to make it less berry juice and more wine.

2006 Santa Cristina Toscana - Santa Cristina Antinore, Italy

2009-01-04T15:33:00.000-05:00

Strong, bold flavor. Tasty, fruity, but not overpowering. Very enjoyable.

2006 Chateau le Gris Bordeaux - Boutielle Region, France

2009-01-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

Surprisingly good bordeaux. Enjoyed until it was gone, then lamented I only had one bottle. I look forward to the next opportunity to reacquaint myself with this pleasurable friend.

2006 Tommasi Poggio Al Tufo Vigneto Rompicollo Maremma Toscana - San Pietro Incariano, Italy

2009-01-04T15:25:00.001-05:00

This wine gets mentioned repeatedly in this blog as it is one of my favorite standbys. Always decent with pasta or just about any meal. A great all-around table wine with a good combination of dry and pungent flavors.

2005 Beaulieu Vinyard Coastal Estates Pinot Noir - California

2009-01-04T15:21:00.002-05:00

I was given this bottle and was expecting it to be a regifted dud. Was I surprised! With smooth entry, this fruity wine was not overly punchy, but left a rather nice taste and was a joy to drink. This gets added to the list for guests who don't like the dry wines, but are looking for a good red to go with a pasta dish.

2006 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet - South Australia

2009-01-04T15:19:00.001-05:00

Very enjoyable wine. The mix of the two wines leads to a full flavor, dry, with lingering tastes that complement the meal. Would buy again.

2004 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro

2009-01-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

My favorite! Dry, flavorful and potent. One glass outshines bottles of other wines. Expensive, but a pleasurable experience.

Dom du Joncier Lirac Rouge

2008-12-13T18:40:00.002-05:00

Light flavor, biting attack that tapers into a wonderful aftertaste. Great with fish or a sweet pork with sauteed apples or cranberries.

Flying Goat YNOT

2008-12-13T18:35:00.003-05:00

Distinctly bold flavor. Smooth, lasting flavor that doesn't bite or go sour. Adding to the regulars list.

2006 Barons de Rothschild Bordeaux

2008-11-16T20:30:00.002-05:00

I wish winemakers would take into consideration that the cork is the first impression a client has of their wine. A crappy cork indicates a crappy wine. This bottle had the worst cork i've yet experienced, having disintegrated around the corkscrew. Wine was tangy and overly fruity. It's a merlot faking a bordeaux. Not to a future buy.

2005 Chateau Suan Bordeaux - Cotes de Bordeaux

2008-11-15T19:50:00.002-05:00

Dark, dry red flavor. Great with dark chocolate. Aftertaste is bitter. A bit expensive.

2005 Chateau du Lort Bordeaux - Gironde

2008-11-15T10:55:00.002-05:00

A pleasing good wine.

2004 Monte Antico Toscana - Tipica

2008-11-15T10:53:00.003-05:00

A tasty, bolder red than the standard bordeaux. Not biting, slightly acidy, but pleasant with sweet foods.

2005 Meritage - Pollak Vinyards - Charlottesville, VA

2008-11-11T20:09:00.005-05:00

Dark and tangy, yet smooth with a sweet aftertaste. A refreshing change of pace from the standard red. I can definitely taste the franc, and its a good mix!

Toscano Rosso 'Super Tuscan' - Meleto

2008-11-11T20:09:00.004-05:00

Very fruity cabernet, so much so I puckered and had to cleanse my palette with bisque and bread. Too punchy. My wife liked it, though, which proves that there is no accounting for taste. And since she wrote that laste stsement, she can't hoild it against me. ;)

2007 Fabbioli Cellars Chambourcin - Loudon County, VA

2008-10-25T20:18:00.001-04:00

This bottle was advertised as bordeaux-like. While it is a drier red, it is too tangy and biting to be comparable to a decent bordeaux. It could be because of the recent vintage. Let age tell the tale in three years.

2006 Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo Maremma Toscana - Tommasi

2008-10-15T20:07:00.001-04:00

Tastes like a sweet chianti. Light and friendly, I drank through the first glass effortlessly. Very pleasurable.

2003 Chateau Prieure-Lichine Bordeaux - Margaux

2008-10-12T14:48:00.000-04:00

Smokey wine with a biting attack. This will take a glass or so to work into.

2004 Chateau Lucia Bordeaux - Saint Emelion

2008-10-12T14:46:00.000-04:00

Dark, earthy, pleasing. Strong flavor. Good with a hearty meal, such as lamb. Great with dark chocolate (glad I brought some).

2003 Chateau Boyd-Contenac Bordeaux - Margaux

2008-10-12T14:44:00.000-04:00

A smokey twist on a perfectly balanced glass of bordeaux. Invited to my bar-b-queue anytime. Mom's favorite of the day.

2005 Chateau D'Aiguilhe Bordeaux - Cotes de Castilion

2008-10-12T14:41:00.000-04:00

Flavors of blackberry mix with chocolate essence to form a dark, pleasing flavor. Kind of bittersweet.

2005 Chateau La Crock Bordeaux - Saint Estephe

2008-10-12T14:39:00.000-04:00

Overpowering licorice and currants make this rather earthy wine go bitter.

2006 Topiary, Boxwood Winery - Middleburg, VA

2008-10-12T14:37:00.000-04:00

The description claims to be bordeaux-like, but it's a rather complicated taste. Strawberry essence with smoked-meat flavors clash to make this vintage hard to identify, much less drink. Not one I'd try again.

2003 Chateau Malmaison Bordeaux

2008-10-12T14:34:00.000-04:00

From the Moulis en Medoc. Earthy, easy-drinking wine. Not biting, very palletable. Definitely earthy, so not for those liking a lighter flavor. Great with fillet mignon.

Chateau de Camarsac 2005 Bordeaux Superieur

2008-08-26T20:35:00.000-04:00

We thoroughly enjoyed this bottle... until we got to the end. Smooth, easy-drinking red with plenty of head. So good, we scarcely realized when we reached the bottom and were slightly disappointed. Next time we'll take two.

Renzo Masi Rufina Chianti Reserva 2004

2008-08-26T20:30:00.000-04:00

Very fine, indeed. Definitely a red to take to bed with you after a fine meal. Dry, yet satisfying. Not biting. Definitely a wine to enjoy again... with a fine red. ;)

Chateau de Goelane 2005 Bordeaux

2008-08-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

This wine was very drinkable and pleasant on the palette. Not biting or overly fruity. I would definitely not refuse this if offered.

Chateau Haut-Piquat 2005 Bordeaux

2008-08-26T20:17:00.000-04:00

Drinking this was a tart punch for the first sip that I grew accustomed to as I proceeded through the meal. Very fruity for a bordeaux, from the Emilion appellation. Not something I'd buy again in this vintage, but maybe try again in a year or two.

Chateau Mirefleurs Bordeaux 2005

2008-08-03T17:33:00.001-04:00

Well balanced, flavorful with a tart, fruity, yet not overpowering flavor. Very drinkable dinner wine. Enjoyed thoroughly.

Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti, Reserva 2003

2008-07-12T08:20:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite bottles. Enjoyed again last evening. Smooth to drink, great flavor. An absolute joy!

Montegiachi Chianti Classico Riserva 2004

2008-07-06T23:16:00.001-04:00

I've been happy with the 2004 Chianti's for the most part. This one left me a little flat. It was fruity, lighter than I would have liked. It did not have the flavor or staying power of my standard Ruffino Du Cale Oro 2003. Still, a good dinner wine compared to Antinori.

Chateau Saint Leon Bordeaux Superieur - 2005

2008-03-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

I was hesitant at first when my wife brought this home, but for the price of a mere $15 compared to the $30/bottle chianti I have been drinking, it's a winner. It is only slightly more fruity than the a good-quality, dry chianti, but makes for a more versatile dinner wine when pairing with meals. Its very enjoyable taste along with the reasonable price has made this bottle a regular at our table.

Ruffino Il Ducale - 2005

2008-03-22T22:51:00.001-04:00

I had a second bottle of Il Ducale in the 2005 vintage after the Ruffino Oro. I must say, it was more tart and less flavorful than the Oro. 2003 must have been a good year for chianti. Still, enjoyable.

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro 2003

2008-03-22T22:46:00.000-04:00

This was a fabulous bottle of wine. I went straight back to the store where I bought it and cleaned out their other two bottles. Wonderful flavor! Not harsh, smooth and lingers. This is my current 'gold standard' for chainti.

Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico - 2000

2007-08-06T03:38:00.000-04:00

I purchased a bottle of this chianti on a whim today to go with spaghetti dinner at a family dinner party. It's price was a little hefty at $39, but I thought it worth a taste and a nice gift for my hosts. It has a classic chianti dryness, but was bold, almost biting at first taste. It is a bit of a departure from most chiantis I've tried, which tend to emphasize the dryness and a consistent flavor. This was much more fruity, like a cabernet, yet dry as chianti should be. I enjoyed the departure from expectation. My hosts were not as forgiving, only politely finishing the first glass. Nobody else had a second glass. Personally, I'd buy it again.

Ruffino Il Ducale

2007-05-07T21:14:00.000-04:00

I treated myself to this blend at Macaroni Grill. It was a sweeter red than the typical chianti, had medium body, and was not as dry. It was also not acidy, so sat well with dinner. Quite enjoyable.

Ruffino Chianti Classico Reserve 2003

2006-11-29T01:40:00.000-05:00

Chainti is my favorite kind of wine. It has a smooth, dry flavor that is rough, but not overpowering like some merlots or cabernet savignon I've tried. I first fell in love with the Banfi basket-clad chianti, but I thought I'd branch out.

The Ruffino opened well. The cork wasn't degraded and didn't fall apart, break in half or any such blunder, so that's always a good sign. :) I poured into a glass tumbler and took a whiff. Mmmm, smell the grapes of Italy. God bless! The glass was a little more tart than my standard Banfi, but still very tasty, though it clashed a bit with the flavor of leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Or maybe it was the sweet potatoes. Perhaps it would be better with steak or lobster. Ooh, lobster ravioli with marsala sauce sound like it would be a wonderful match to this wine. I'll have to try it sometime.

Why Reds?

2006-11-29T01:35:00.000-05:00

I guess you could say I'm a bit of a sucker for red wines. I like that hearty flavor or the grape, dry, almost tangy flavor. I'll be posting about the wines I try to help track what I like and what I don't. Perhaps you will find my musings useful, or just silly. As long as it's entertaining...