Stanley Banquet Wine Selection "Blanc" 2009/05/31

2008 Crios de Susan Balbo Torrontes, Argentina. $n/a. **½

Torrontes is the variety. fragrant, pungent, channel #5, honeysuckle, too feminine for me - so - ws

2006 Monmousseau, Vouray. $n/a. *

off dry, pineapple, lime, hint of cliantro, tired feeling, too sweet - so - ws

2006 Maison Louis Latour, Grand Ardeche. $7. ***

From Trader Joe's. My favorite house white. Pure chardonnay from France. dry, wheat, nutty, butter, elegant, finish short but keep you thinking about it. Enigmatic. - so - ws

2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough. $13. ***½

celery, lime, meyer lemon, very flavorful, a bit grassy may not be liked by all - so - ws

2006 Luna Pinot Grigio, Napa. $12. ***

Nice label. subtle, grapefruit, barley, pleasant - so - ws

2006 Kalinda Niersteiner Riesling, Rheinhessen. $10. ****

K&L club wine... seems like sold out. concentrated, peach, smoke, orange, apricot, phenomenol, very complex - so - ws

K&L Saturday 2009/07/18

2007 Cantelys Blanc, Pessac-Leognan. $29.99. ***½

toasty, thyme, lemon, acidic, very concentrated, almond, long finish - so - ws

2006 Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs. $17.99. ***½

blackberry, plum, chocolate, chalky, hint of insecticide, may be just the glass?? - so - ws

2006 Pierre de Lune, St. Emilion. $46.99. ***½

Raspberry, mineral, coffee, leather - so - ws

2006 Clos Fourtet, St. Emilion. $59.99. ****

mocha, berry, soft tannins, long finish, tight - so - ws

2006 Carbonnieux Rouge, Pessac-Leognan. $29.99. ****

dark, ink, blackcurrants, earthy - so - ws

2006 Malmaison, Moulis. $19.99. ****½

cherry, oak, vanilla, deep, tannic, blackcurrants - so - ws

2006 Poujeaux, Moulis. $29.99. ***½

grapy, simple, silky - so - ws

2006 Langoa Barton, St. Julien. $49.99. *****

Elegant, blackcherry, violet, hint of mint, hint of earth, sweet astringency, hint of green pepper, long finish, like it. Bought 2. - so - ws

2006 Labegorce, Margaux. $36.99. **

insect repellent, prune, volatile acidity, kind of bad - so - ws

Stanley Banquet Wine Selection "Blanc" 2009/05/31

2008 Crios de Susan Balbo Torrontes, Argentina. $n/a. **½

Torrontes is the variety. fragrant, pungent, channel #5, honeysuckle, too feminine for me - so - ws

2006 Monmousseau, Vouray. $n/a. *

off dry, pineapple, lime, hint of cliantro, tired feeling, too sweet - so - ws

2006 Maison Louis Latour, Grand Ardeche. $7. ***

From Trader Joe's. My favorite house white. Pure chardonnay from France. dry, wheat, nutty, butter, elegant, finish short but keep you thinking about it. Enigmatic. - so - ws

2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough. $13. ***½

celery, lime, meyer lemon, very flavorful, a bit grassy may not be liked by all - so - ws

2006 Luna Pinot Grigio, Napa. $12. ***

Nice label. subtle, grapefruit, barley, pleasant - so - ws

2006 Kalinda Niersteiner Riesling, Rheinhessen. $10. ****

K&L club wine... seems like sold out. concentrated, peach, smoke, orange, apricot, phenomenol, very complex - so - ws

Stanley Banquet Wine Selection 2009/05/30

2008 Red Tree Pinot Noir, California. $7. *½

Hailed by James Laube (wine spec blog) but this wine tastes just like any cheap California red: anise bitter, cherry, tea leaves, not very pleasant - so - ws

2007 Angeline Pinot Noir, Sonoma/Mendocino. $n/a. **

restrained, red bean, herbal, long but unbalanced finish - so - ws

2007 Coppola Black Label Claret, California. $13. ***

From Costco. I like the label. the bottle is wrapped in a net made of gold color threads. Leathery, earth, blackberry, dusty, has some depth. - so - ws

2007 Canblau, Monsant. $12. **

From Costco. has some unheard of varietals. pepper, vanilla, short finish - so - ws

2006 Shiloh Road Cabernet, Napa. $12. ***

From Beverages and More. Vanilla, blackberry, med length, stony, one dimension but nice representation of Napa cab profile - so - ws

2006 Juan Gil, Jumilla. $12. ***½

From Costco. Like the silver label. spicy, berry, pepper, vanilla, good med to long finish, nice concentration too. I like this the best. - so - ws

2006 Martin Codax Ergo, Rioja. $n/a. *

chocolate, sherry like, I think this is oxidized - so - ws

2006 Santa Ema 60/40 Reserve, Chile. $7. *

woody, chalky, sour berry, not good at all - so - ws

2006 Chateau de Cugat, Bordeaux. $n/a. *

grilled meat, cumin, very strong aroma like ... stinky fox, green pepper, not pleasant - so - ws

2006 Beringer Cabernet, Knights Valley. $15. ***

I think I like it but this wine feels like it has been heated. Sugary, plummy, flabby, but has concentration. I think it should be good when fresh - so - ws

2005 J. Lohr Cuvee StE, Paso Robles. $50. ***½

From winery. This wine is also flat probably due to heat or exteme cold. Anise, blueberry, vanilla, choclate, aroma is nice. - so - ws

Home 2009/03/03

2007 Layer Cake Cabernet, Napa Valley. $24.99. **½

Severely overpriced. This is a venture by Jayson Woodbrige, owner of cult winery Hundred Acre. Strong Australian like jamminess, fat, big, flat, blackberry jam, herbs, generic ripe Cal Cab. - so - ws

2005 Chateau Bois Chantant, Bordeaux. $13.95. ****

K&L Wine Club Shipment. What a surprise. This non-specific Bordeaux wine tastes like a $40 St. Emilion. Made by internationally famous wine consultant Michel Rolland's team. New world, plum, cedar, tobacco, pencil lead, slightly meaty, very fragrant, toasty, very interesting, soft and chalky, hence lacking aging structure, but peak in 1 hour and very enjoyable. Must buy again to check for consistency. - so - ws

Vicky bday 2009/02/28

1999 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley. $69.99. ****½

explosive blueberry, eucalpytus, plum, chocolate, spice, anise, very complex inky, long finish - so - ws

2000 Lynch Bages, Pauillac. $100. ****

coffee hint of Dong Gwai, red date, plum, chalky, was much better in the beginning, turned fruity and flat in the end, aromatics better than flavor. - so - ws

2005 Conn Valley Reserve Cabernet, Napa. $55. ***½

herbaceous, jammy, tight, berry, flabby - so - ws

Sequoia Grove, Montelena, Freemark with Vincent 2009/03/01

2006 Sequoia Grove Chardonnay, Carneros. $28. ***

Vincent has membership in all these wineries, so we get VIP treatment and completely free tasting. This chardonnay is acidic, simple, butter, nose is tight, lemony, volatile - so - ws

2007 Sequoia Grove Chardonnay, Carneros. $28. ****

honeysuckle, floral, meyer lemon, concentrated, oak, lemon peel finish - so - ws

2005 Sequoia Grove Merlot, Napa Valley. $33. ***½

cedar, acidic, cherry, chocolate, mint, velvety - so - ws

2005 Sequoia Grove Stagecoach Syrah, Napa Valley. $28. **½

pomegranate, astringent, grilled herbs, boysenberry, strangely unbalanced - so - ws

2005 Sequoia Grove Cabernet, Napa Valley. $34. ***½

cedar, bell pepper, black pepper, black currants, earthy, acidic - so - ws

2004 Sequoia Grove Reserve Cabernet, Rutherford. $70. ****½

opulent, olive, cedar, earth, black cherry, eucalyptus - so - ws

2005 Sequoia Grove Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley. $65. ****

astringent, black current, herbs - so - ws

2005 Sequoia Grove Healy Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley. $80. *****

black cherry, pine wood, cedar, tight, velvety, long finish. This is a complex wine currently very tight because it was taken out of a cellar and poured for us immediately after opening. This has great potential. I like it. Overall, Sequoia Grove has very good value. The regular cab at $34, club member 27, K&L 30, is very good for the value. - so - ws

2006 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa Valley. $42. ***

This is a sit-down members-only Library Reserve tasting event. This is my 3rd time tasting 2006 Montelena chardonnay in a month. This is unfortunately the worst. flabby, earthy, hint of petroleum, apple, very full body and toasty. No acidity, no crispness. I think this is an off bottle. I think the host, Ed, agreed but I spoke to him only after the event as there had been many other strangers in the same table. - so - ws

2003 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley. $30. ****½

cedar, tobacco, what a strong aroma, very good smelling, porcini mushroom, pepper, blackberry, concentrated, minty, flavor not as strong as aroma. I like this. Could have bought one. But considering the winery's bottle variation problem, I resisted the temptation. - so - ws

1999 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley. $175. ****

earthy, astringent, acidic, blackberry, medicinal, herbs - so - ws

2000 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley. $140. ***½

fennel seed, sage, raspberry, tart, sweet, no structure, what? US$140? you are kidding, right? I still had Sequoia Grove Healy Cabernet in my mind $80 regular, club member $64. - so - ws

2002 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley. $160. ****

chalky, sage, cassis, wet earth, started out with a short finish, later becomes somewhat medium to long. A more powerful wine than the above two. If I have to choose, I slightly prefer this more than 1999. They have given us a small marketing postcard. On it, you find Parker scores for their Estate Cabernet starting 1990 to 2004. They are 93 (1990), 95, 95, 91, 95, 94, 93, 95+ (1997), 93, 95, 90, 95+, 95+, 93+, 94+ (2004). To give a more balanced perspective, let me list WS scores for the same: 94 (1990), 91, 90, 90, 95, 92, 92, 95 (1997), 87, 94, 90, 69, 72, 87, 86 (2004). - so - ws

2007 Freemark Abbey Viognier, Napa Valley. $27. ***

I have to say Freemark Abbey has the nicest staff. They make many, many varietals from Viognier to late harvest Riesling. Since Vincent is a VIP, we tasted all free of charge and with smiling staff pouring. This viognier tastes like apricot/orange/peach juice, with a hint of white pepper, kind of candy like, alcohol, a hint of melon finish - so - ws

2007 Freemark Abbey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley. $24. ***

grapefruit, celery, crisp, long finish - so - ws

2005 Freemark Abbey Pinot Noir, Napa Valley. $28. ***½

wet earth, cherry, spicy, vanilla, sandalwood, concentrated, hot. This one has Brett. - so - ws

2003 Freemark Abbey Zinfandel, Napa Valley. $28. ***½

blackcherry, black forest cake, raisin, black pepper, cedar, astringent, slightly grassy in finish - so - ws

2003 Freemark Abbey Syrah, Napa Valley. $28. **

pepper, tart, pickle, sour blackcherry, not pleasant - so - ws

2004 Freemark Abbey Petite Sirah, Napa Valley. $30. ***½

chalky, very astringent, dark chocolate, blackberry, cola, low key, subtle, pepper - so - ws

2004 Freemark Abbey Cabernet, Napa Valley. $35. ***½

cedar, raspberry, astringent, spicy, hint of milk chocolate, silky body, smells like Sequoia Grove's regular cab. The latter slightly better in structure. This one is soft. - so - ws

1995 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley. $95. ****½

Brett, cedar, earth, chocolate, berry, very concentrated, but brett is getting in the way - so - ws

2003 Freemark Abbey Bootleg Cabernet, Napa Valley. $45. ***

cherry, plum, cedar, light, med finish, herbs - so - ws

2003 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet, Napa Valley. $55. ****

hint of earth, jammy, raspberry, floral, plum, simple, astringent, spicy - so - ws

2004 Freemark Abbey Bosche Cabernet, Napa Valley. $65. *****

hint of Brett, blackcherry, chocolate, dusty, clove, long finish. Brett again. I think this is a systematic Freemark Abbey problem. I typed Freemark Abbey Brett at google and instantly found 4 bloggers agree with me on the first page. This can be really nice with a faint hint like this one. But I'm afraid as the wine ages, it will get more prominent like the 1995. - so - ws

2005 Freemark Abbey Josephyn, Napa Valley. $80. ****½

red currants, berries, mint, nutmeg, cranberry, long finish, plum, dusty - so - ws

Chi Poem

正气歌 文天祥
原序：
余囚北庭，坐一土室，室广八尺，深可四寻，单扉低小，白间短窄，污下而幽暗。 当此夏日，诸气萃然：雨潦四集，浮动床几，时则为水气；涂泥半朝，蒸沤历澜，时 则为土气；乍晴暴热，风道四塞，时则为日气；檐阴薪爨，助长炎虐，时则为火气； 仓腐寄顿，陈陈逼 人，时则为米气；骈肩杂沓，腥臊汗垢，时则为人气；或圊溷、或 毁尸、或腐鼠，恶气杂出， 时则为秽气。叠是数气，当之者鲜不为厉。而予以孱弱， 俯仰其间，于兹二年矣，幸而无恙， 是殆有养致然尔。然亦安知所养何哉？孟子曰： 「吾善养吾浩然之气。」彼气有七，吾气有一，以一敌七，吾何患焉！况浩然者，乃 天地之正气也，作正气歌一首。

原诗：
天地有正气，杂然赋流形。
下则为河岳，上则为日星。
于人曰浩然，沛乎塞苍冥。
皇路当清夷，含和吐明庭。
时穷节乃见，一一垂丹青。
在齐太史简，在晋董狐笔。
在秦张良椎，在汉苏武节。
为严将军头，为嵇侍中血。
为张睢阳齿，为颜常山舌。
或为辽东帽，清操厉冰雪。
或为出师表，鬼神泣壮烈。
或为渡江楫，慷慨吞胡羯。
或为击贼笏，逆竖头破裂。
是气所磅礴，凛烈万古存。
当其贯日月，生死安足论。
地维赖以立，天柱赖以尊。
三纲实系命，道义为之根。
嗟予遘阳九，隶也实不力。
楚囚缨其冠，传车送穷北。
鼎镬甘如饴，求之不可得。
阴房阗鬼火，春院闭天黑。
牛骥同一皂，鸡栖凤凰食。
一朝蒙雾露，分作沟中瘠。
如此再寒暑，百疠自辟易。
嗟哉沮洳场，为我安乐国。
岂有他缪巧，阴阳不能贼。
顾此耿耿在，仰视浮云白。
悠悠我心悲，苍天曷有极。
哲人日已远，典刑在夙昔。
风檐展书读，古道照颜色。


译文：
天地之间正气存，赋予形体杂纷纷。地上江河与山岳，天上日月和繁星。人有正气叫浩然，充塞环宇满盈盈。生逢圣世清明年，平平和和效朝廷。国难当头 见气节，永垂青史留类名。齐国太史不惧死，崔杼弑君载史籍；晋国董狐真良史，手握"书法不隐"笔；韩国张良雪国耻，椎杀秦皇遭通楫；苏武留胡十九年，终日 手持汉朝节；巴郡太守老严颜，甘愿断头不妥协；晋代侍中名嵇绍，为救国君酒热血；张巡当年守雎阳，咬牙切齿讨逆贼；常山太守颜杲卿，骂敌骂断三寸舌；辽东 管宁"着皂帽"，清操自励若冰雪；诸葛《出师》复汉室，鞠躬尽瘁何壮烈！祖逖渡江誓击楫，奋威慷慨吞胡羯；秀实夺笏击狂贼，贼头破裂直流血。浩然之气多磅 礴，志士英名万古存。每当正气贯日月，谁把生死放在心。 地靠正气得以立，天靠正气成至尊。三纲靠此得维持，道义以此为本根。可叹我生逢乱世，竞无才力救危亡。被俘仍戴南国帽，囚车押我到北方。折磨摧残何所惧， 酷刑只当饮糖浆。牢房死寂见鬼火，春来紧闭黑茫茫。老牛骏马共槽食，鸡窝里面栖凤凰。一旦染病便死亡，枯骨弃野多凄凉。如此恶境囚两载，各种毒害不能伤。 牢房阴森令人哀，是我安乐之天堂。岂有智谋与巧计，能防邪毒来伤身。光明磊落忠义心，我视生死如浮云。我心悲伤悠绵绵，好似苍天哪有边？贤哲虽然已远去， 榜样令我心更坚。檐心展读圣贤书，光华照彻我容颜。

Black Sheep La Grand Noir

Like the label. The wine is not bad either.
2005 La Grand Noir (Black Sheep) Cabernet-Shiraz, Vin de Pays, France

After Valerie Bday Party, watching Bottle Shock, sipping Chardonnays 2009/02/15

2005 Clos du Chateu de Puligny-Montrachet, Borgogne Blanc. $30. ***

mineral, citrus, lime, complex but somewhat thin - so - ws

2006 Chateau Montelena Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley. $42. ****½

honeysuckle, pineapple, toasty, nut finish - so - ws

2006 Domaine Maroslavac-Leger "Les Murgers des Dents de Chien", Saint-Aubin Premier Cru. $30. ****½

honey, thyme, meyer lemon, lime, fruity new world style with some mineral, balanced - so - ws

2007 Le G de Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux Blanc. $n/a. ***½

Not a chardonnay but an interesting variation. Guava, celery, apricot, acidic, nectarine, fruity, lacking depth. Made by Sauternes maker. This one is dry. Also sipped 2004 Freemark Abbey Bosche and two versions of NV Overture, no notes. The Freemark Abbey is not as long as the same one tasted right in winery. Both Overtures are excellent, almost identical. - so - ws

Valentine's Day at Home 2009/02/14

2003 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages, Sonoma. $59. ****

prune, cassis, earth, hoisin sauce, smoky, faint hint of bell pepper and musk, velvety body - so - ws

K&L Club Wine 2009/02/12

2005 Chateau de L'Estang, Cotes de Castillon. $13.95. **½

I wonder if this is an off bottle, not much flavor, gritty chalky tannin, cedar, leather, blackberry, not typical of Cotes de Castillon. Want to try a different bottle. - so - ws

2006 Domaine Maroslavac-Leger "Les Murgers des Dents de Chien", Saint-Aubin Premier Cru. $29.99. ****½

not a club wine, just want to find a suitable white burgundy to pair with Chateau Montelena this sunday. This is a surprise. Lemon meringue pie, cream brulee, very fresh, complex and subtle. - so - ws

Home 2009/02/08

2006 Cambria Julia Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria. $18. ****

very high recommendation by K&L. very good value, very elegant, little hint of spice, pomegranate, cherry, orange, sweet, floral, little faint hint of mushroom. - so - ws

2005 Hacienda del Plata "Mayoral" Malbec Grand Reserve, Argentina. $25. ***

club price 13.95, loamy, leather, mint, very concentrated, blood, unnameable dark fruit, very very long Chinese medicine finish not too pleasant - so - ws

Silver Oak open house 2009/02/07

2004 Silver Oak, Napa Valley. $100. ****½

blackberry, red currant, sometimes tannic, sage, american oak, playing cards, bottle variance is very wide, from lean to full, soft to astringent, sometimes really good - so - ws

1999 Silver Oak, Napa Valley. $100. *****

raspberry jam, cocoa, chocolate, integrated, aroma is jammy but flavor is very well balanced, long finish - so - ws

2005 Twomey Merlot, Napa Valley. $50. ****

licorise, fennel seed, chinese herbs, plum, tannic, earth - so - ws

2006 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa Valley. $42. *****

little hint of butter, mineral, lime, fine herbs, acidic, nice oak, long finish - so - ws

2005 Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley. $30. ****½

pomegranate, fig, lively but very concentrated, a hint of tca, long finish, very different from warm weather zin - so - ws

2005 Chateau Montelena Cabernet, Napa Valley. $45. ***½

cedar, blackcurrant, green pepper, hint of berry jam, simple but pleasant, Bordeaux like - so - ws

2004 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley. $125. ****

paint, cedar, acidic, tight, licorice, astringent, raspberry, bitter, velvety, long finish. Great wine but masked with paint aroma. I have no doubt James Laube is right: systematic tca taint in the winery (source WS James Laube blog November 2004, "Recently, I found noticeable off flavors in two new Cabernet Sauvignons from Chateau Montelena: the Napa Valley and the estate bottlings. After independent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of TCA in these wines, I felt I couldn't recommend them to Wine Spectator readers.") - so - ws

2005 Duckhorn Estate Merlot, Napa Valley. $85. ***½

Ka Shun See soap, blackcherry, soft - so - ws

2005 Duckhorn Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley. $95. ****½

sage, plum, chocolate, powerful, integrated, everything is now $90, $100, etc... - so - ws

2005 Duckhorn Patzimaro Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley. $95. ****

cedar, bacon, mint, chocolate, soft, med finish, black currant, violet - so - ws

2005 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, Napa Valley. $85. ****½

chalky, plum, vanilla, choclate, coffee, cinnamon - so - ws

2004 Duckhorn Howell Mountain Red, Napa Valley. $75. *****

mostly merlot, grilled potato, balanced, tannic, sage, cedar, black currant, tight and lean but long finish, good representation of Howell Mountain appellation. - so - ws

2005 Duckhorn Estate Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley. $50. ****

floral, sandalwood, dried plum, milk chocolate, interesting - so - ws

2006 Migration Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley. $30. ***½

raspberry jam, strong, one dimension - so - ws

2007 Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley. $27. ***

Obama's Inaugural Luncheon wine. Not sure how they got this honor? There are so many good value wineries around, Duckhorn/Golden Eye is not one. Melon, honeydew, sweet, floral, parsley, hollow - so - ws

2003 Freemark Abbey Bootleg Cabernet, Napa Valley. $45. ****

cherry, plum, eucalyptus, chocolate, cassis, mint - so - ws

2003 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet, Napa Valley. $55. *****

Medoc earth, rosemary, blackcherry, raspberry, lavender, very long finish - so - ws

2004 Freemark Abbey Bosche Cabernet, Napa Valley. $65. *****

deep, cherry, menthol, chocolate, astringent, nutmeg, spicy, long finish - so - ws

1995 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet, Napa Valley. $95. *****

Medoc earth, milk chocolate, plum, concentrated, long finish - so - ws

2004 Freemark Abbey Josephyn, Napa Valley. $n/a. n/a

mildly corked. The host didn't know and unable to detect the taint. She checked with a big guy and he agreed with me ("very very little hint of tca" said he) then all acted as if this is something absolutely normal. Very strange experience. - so - ws

Generic 2009/02/05

2005 Foodies Cabernet, California. $6.99. **

Generic cheap Cal Cab. Nice label - a diagram of a cow with labels showing the names of cut: chuck, filet mignon, sirloin, etc. jammy, generic, sweet, stuffy - so - ws

The label is really nice:

At Lure Restaurant with Fe and Be 2009/02/04

2003 Gaetane d'Aquine, Brunello di Montalcino. $29.99. ***½

aroma stronger than flavor. Berry, black truffle, chocolate, flavor very pleasant. Hollow. - so - ws

Home with friends Jonson, Pau, Tony, Kevin, Bigland and spouses 2009/01/31

2006 Domaine Jean Tardy & Fils "Les Athets", Chambolle-Musigny. $50. ***½

blueberry, strawberry, a hint of earth, fragrant, tight - so - ws

2003 Concha y Toro Almaviva, Chile. $70. ****

hint of loam, coffee, berries, elegant, a little hint of herbaceousness - so - ws

2004 Bennett Lane Cabernet, Napa Valley. $45. ****½

chocolate, spicy oak, green pepper, dark, blackberry jam, long finish - so - ws

2006 Shafer Merlot, Napa Valley. $39. ****½

cherry liqueur, fruit, cassis, spicy oak, vanilla, anise, complex, med to long finish - so - ws

Home 2009/01/29

2003 Maison Louis Latour, Bourgogne. $13.99. ***½

My regular cheap burgundy from Marina Market. need a bit of airing. cherry, roasted nuts, herbs, orange peel, slightly astringent, a long elegant finish. - so - ws

K&L Saturday Tasting: Bordeaux 2009/01/17

2006 Les Tours de Peyrat, Cotes de Blayes. $15.99. ***½

Merlot based. blackcurrants, tart, cherry, robitussin? - so - ws

2006 Haut-Vigneau, Pessac-Leognan. $14.99. ***½

floral, plum, leather, complex, raspberry, hint of earth, lighter body simple finish - so - ws

2006 Kirwan, Margaux. $46.99. ***½

smoke, beef, raspberry, acidic, hint of citrus zest, concentrated - so - ws

2006 Lascombes, Margaux. $79.99. ****

dark chocolate, plum, vanillin, bitter coffee, med to long finish, less exciting and exotic than the previous vintage - so - ws

2005 Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs. $26.99. ***½

espresso, jammy, astringent, balsamic, very new world, chalky, exotic - so - ws

2005 Benjamin de Sansonnet, St. Emilion. $26.99. ***

berry, sweet, hint of cumins, simple - so - ws

2005 Sansonnet, St. Emilion. $49.99. ***½

berry, sweet, tart, good balance, concentrated, new world, some herbs, long finish - so - ws

2005 Quinault L'Enclos, St. Emilion. $56.99. ****½

tight nose, herbs, smoky, very concentrated, blackberry, long finish - so - ws

2005 Mejean, Pessac-Leognan. $30. ***½

toasty, tannic, berry, long but simple finish - so - ws

2005 Bahans Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan. $74.99. ****

2nd wine of Chateau Haut Brion, blueberry, fine tannins, tobacco, earth, dried plum, long but simple finish, does feel like it has potential to evolve nicely. - so - ws

1996 B.R. Cohn Reserve Cabernet, Sonoma. $59.99. ***½

served blind as mystery wine. olive, herbs, blackberry, new world, sage. Thought it's an 2000 or 1998 Stags Leaps. Rather tired and close to over the hill. - so - ws

Excuse Club January 2009 at Brandywine 2009/01/17

1994 Leoville Barton, St. Julien. $69.99. ****½

chalky, green pepper, acidic, flavorful, black and red currants, tobacco, long finish - so - ws

2006 Chateau de Saint Cosme, Gigondas. $35. ***½

blackpepper, tight, thyme, blackberry, was complex and flavorful but flattened - so - ws

2005 Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs. $29.99. ***½

overripe, cherry, balsamic, oak, new world style, flatten quickly - so - ws

2005 Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet, Columbia Valley. $29. ****

vanilla, spicy oak, very dark, some creamy butter notes, toffee, full body, aroma quite unusual, objectively very good wine. WS95? That's a bit of an exaggeration - so - ws

2005 Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Day 2, Columbia Valley. $29. *****

One inch left. Vanilla, blackcurrant and plum, very integrated, pencil lead, violet, coca cola, very long smooth finish - so - ws

2006 Justin Justification, Paso Robles. $40. ****½

Cabernet Franc based. Green pepper, tobacco, blackberry, hint of thinner in the beginning, concentrated, full body - so - ws

Home 2009/1/11

2006 Joseph Drouhin Vero Pinot Noir, Bourgogne. $19.99. ***

tight raspberry, balanced, simple but delicious. after Disney Live show. - so - ws

2005 Joseph Faiveley, Bourgogne. $15.99. **½

lean, chalky, astringent, tart cherry, citric zest - so - ws

Home Trying K&L Shipment 2009/01/08

2005 Chateau Saint-Hilare, Medoc. $13.99. ***

K&L Jan Shipment. Tannic, mineral, blackcurrant, dusty spicy oak, simple but pleasant. An interesting combination of new world-ness and old world-ness. A faint hint of Brett - so - ws

Home 2009/01/02

2007 Beringer California Collection Pinot Grigio, California. $4.50. **½

fruity pear, green apple, thinner, fragrant - so - ws

2007 Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay, Aconcagua Valley, Chile. $5.99. **½

pale hay, apple, mineral, light and pleasant, hint of loamy soil. Trader Joe's - so - ws

2003 Raimat Tempranillo, Costers del Segre, Spain. $4.99. **

Black pepper, cheap green dragon well, earth, blackberry, toasty oak, long but not so pleasant finish. Trader Joe's - so - ws

Bryan Family Xmas Dinner 2008 2008/12/25

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
1999	Dom Perignon, Champagne (Retrospective) very concentrated, lemon, almost tropical fruit, bread toast, a hint of shell fish minerality, complex, super long finish, fine bubbles - so - ws	139	*****
2006	Sbragia Gamble Vineyard Chardonnay, Napa Valley (Retrospective) Consistent notes as before. Buttery, pear, tropical, vanilla, deep full body. The previous tasting matches better (with crab legs and melted butter). - so - ws	32.99	*****
2003	Vincent Girardin, Gevrey-Chambertin (Retrospective) blackberry, bacon, hint of mushroom, dusty, black tea, complex. A successful match with Roasted Vegetables In Reduced Beef Broth. - so - ws	54	*****
2005	Vincent Girardin, Gevrey-Chambertin (Retrospective) Mixed berries, hint of orange peel, tangy, floral - so - ws	50	****
2004	Honig Bartolucci Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley (Retrospective) Located at the base of Spring Mountain, this cabernet is dusty, has black cherry, licorice, vanilla, Spring Mountain earth, and tannic. - so - ws	75	****
2001	Tenimenti Angelini, Brunello di Montalcino (Retrospective) Reminder: #3 of 2008 mmhwd. Tar, sage, plummy, full body, balanced - so - ws	40	****
2005	Darioush Shahpar Late Harvest, Napa Valley (Retrospective) Limited Edition of Darioush Winery. This is botrytised sauvignon blanc and semillon. Very well made and sauternes-like. - so - ws	n/a	*****

The Wine Club Saturday Tasting: Cabernets! 2008/12/20

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2005	Cakebread Cabernet, Napa Valley cassis, plum, chocolate, full body, chalky, hint of mint and licorice - so - ws	65	****
2005	Cain Five, Napa Valley olive, blackberry jam, slightly bitter like orange peel, full body, long finish - so - ws	109	****
2005	BV Georges de la Tour Private Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley Dusty oak, red plum, concentrated but simple, hollow metallic finish - so - ws	90	***½
2004	Hewitt Cabernet, Rutherford blueberry, lively, currant, chocolate, med finish - so - ws	65	****
2006	Caymus Special Select Cabernet, Napa Valley orange spice, blackcurrant, Earl Grey, long finish, soft tannin, very attractive. Still grapy due to young age. - so - ws	150	*****
2003	Silver Oak, Napa Valley cherry, long but abrupt finish, hint of curry - so - ws	100	****½
2005	Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley balanced, blackberry, vanilla, spicy oak, med body, med finish, rather simple, disappointing - so - ws	100	****
2005	Provenance Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, Napa Valley herbal, licorice, vanilla, olive, concentrated long finish, med body. - so - ws	70	****
2005	Palazzo Cabernet, Napa Valley dusty tar, blackberry, eucalyptus, simple - so - ws	65	***
2005	Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley complex, cedar, blackcurrant, blackberry, hint of dust, licorice - so - ws	125	*****
2005	Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley chalky oak, raspberry, mint, over oaked, long finish. Not my taste. Second time with same note. I need to refund my remaining bottle and get a ... Groth - so - ws	90	****
2005	Dominus, Napa Valley This is weird. Every time I taste Dominus, it is ... no nose, shut down, complex but unable to judge. I don't know if it will ever open up. I would rahter buy 3 Napanooks (Dominus 2nd wine) with this price (and still have $10 left) - so - ws	132	n/a
2005	Groth Reserve Cabernet, Oakville Wine of the day or perhaps wine of the year... blueberry, beautiful floral nose, chocolate, raspberry, complex, hint of eucalyptus. Need to have a bigger mouthful... this is new vine. They have stopped producing reserve cab since 2000 to wait for the new vines to produce. 2nd time a brand new vine impressed me... remember 2000 Rudd Oakville Red - so - ws	140	*****
2005	Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet, Napa Valley orangle flower, jelly candy, raspberry, astringent, chalky, tannin, long finish - so - ws	113	****½

Steak at Fred 2008/12/06

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2006	Sbragia Gamble Vineyard Chardonnay, Napa Valley Fresh, vibrant and deeply concentrated at the same time. Pear, lime, melon, honey, butter, perfectly balanced with medium toasty oak. Perfect match with my lazy microwaved snow crab legs served with clarified butter and lemon. Memorable. - so - ws	32.99	*****
1997	Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet, Napa Valley Well aged. No tiredness. Blueberry, eucalyptus, mildly spicy, chalk, some dark chocolate and earth. Delicious. - so - ws	50	*****
NV	Overture, Napa Valley Opus One's second wine. Non-vintaged but believe to be 1998. Dark plum, prune, vanilla, very good performer consider the cool vintage. Well aged. No tell-tale dried leaves that's too common in 1998 Napa Cabs. Lacking the spicy, clove-like oak that I often find in Overtures and Opus Ones. It demonstrates clearly Overture can age. - so - ws	45	****
2001	Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet, Oakville I often think 2001 cannot live up to its fame. This wine is unstable, beginning with an excellent blackberry, Oakville fruit forwardness, then becoming green with bell pepper, leaves notes, and finally opens up again becoming more traditional blackcurrent, cherry profile. Ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 stars. Averaging 4. - so - ws	80	****
2005	Lascombes, Margaux Tight, concentrated, earthy, milk chocolate, graphite, blackberry. Multidimensional finish. - so - ws	85	*****
NV	Americano, n/a Fred and Anita made absolutely fabulous Americano (espresso + hot water). He made it on stove top. A very tedious process (including cleaning I imagine). Silky smooth like HK-style milk tea. The Peets Arabian Mocha Java is best, nutty, long, long, long finish. - so - ws	n/a	*****

K&L 2005 Bordeaux Tasting 2008/11/29

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2007	Grand Village Blanc, Bordeaux 60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, made by Chateau Lafleur. Acidic, meyer lemon, fruity, hint of vanilla, melon, long finish, like it. - so - ws	17.99	****
2005	Chateau Canon, St. Emilion 55% merlot, 45% cabernet, blackcherry, chalky, spicy oak, plum, very smooth med to full body, long finish, raspberry, tart, a faint flashback of a St. Francis Reserve Merlot - so - ws	119.99	****½
2005	Chateau Meyney, St. Estephe 52% cabernet, 28% merlot, 29% petit verdot. dried plum, pruny, hint of leather, vanilla oak, hollow mid palate, med finish - so - ws	31.99	****
2005	Chateau Duhart Milon, Pauillac 71% cabernet, 29% merlot. bay leaves, wet earth, astringent, blackcurrant, well balanced, hint of tobacco, med body, med finish - so - ws	59.99	****
2005	Pichon Lalande, Pauillac 45% cabernet, 35% merlot, 12% cabernet fanc, 8% petit verdot. red currants, very closed, astringent, majoram, hard to judge - so - ws	159.99	****½
2005	Chateau d'Armailhac, Pauillac 60% cabernet, 29% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot. smoky plum, leather, a bit hollow, leaves - so - ws	49.99	****
2005	Cos d'Estournel, St. Estephe 78% cabernet, 19% merlot, 3% cabernet franc. tight, chalky, toasty, cummin, blackberry, plum, vanilla, long finish, absolutely stunning wine, has a lot of stuff in it but closed. Easily best of this line up. new world style. a hint of Cardinale in it. - so - ws	249.99	*****
2005	Chateau Leoville Barton, St. Julien 72% cabernet, 20% merlot, 8% franc. blackberry, caramel, butter, pencil shavings, black currant, spciy, acidic, very very good and quite ready to drink although it may shut down for development soon. Very Insignia like. And now cheaper than Insignia! Boycott Joseph Phelps. - so - ws	128.99	*****
2005	Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 81% cabernet, 14% merlot, 1% franc. cassis, licorice, violet, mineral, toasty bitter oak, hint of orange flower, super long finish. Good. But not as good as Leoville Barton and not even close to the Cos d'Estournel. $699? Laugh out loud. #$*@?&%! - so - ws	699.00	*****

Thanksgiving at KK/Crystal 2008/11/27

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
NV	Kalinda Riesling Sekt Dry, Pfalz K&L found a great sparkling riesling from Germany. Made by Fitz-Ritter. Sekt means sparkling, I guess. Smooth, creamy but not as sharp and explosive as a champagne. Peach and rose. Complex and refreshing. - so - ws	12.99	***½
2006	Landmark Overlook Chardonnay, California 77% from Sonoma, 14% from Santa Barbara, and 9% from Monterey. vanilla, oak, pineapple, butter, caramel. full body. - so - ws	20.99	****
2004	Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa Valley Fabulous wine with great elegance. Fuji apple, honeysuckle, melon, pear, lemon peel. med to full body, long lingering finish. - so - ws	45	*****
2003	Pio Cesare, Barolo The 2004 vintage of this wine is #6 of wine spectator's top 10 this year. black cherry, rose, sandalwood, med body, elegant long finish. Available at Costco, Foster City. - so - ws	45	*****
2001	Beringer Cabernet, Howell Mountain tar, mushroom, toffee, plum, very dark fruit, chalky, smooth full body, very well aged. - so - ws	70	****½
NV	Epicuro, Salice Salentino Reserva jammy plum, fruit punch like, pleasant, simple - so - ws	n/a	**
2006	Kosta Brown Pinot Noir, Sonoma It starts with elegance, strawberry, herbs but evolves into jammy sweet later in the evening. Long finish. - so - ws	n/a	****
2005	Chateau Corbin, St. Emilion Blackcurrants, herbs, raspberry, hint of coffee and cedar. med body, med to long finish - so - ws	35	****
NV	Chateau Langoa Barton, n/a Not available. I have forgotten whether the last bottle was Langoa Barton or what... I have forgotten why it was brought out and opened... I did ask for a Bordeaux because the line up lack an earthy French red, upon which KK took out the Corbin. I thought the Corbin was still half full when I noticed they were pouring a Langoa-Barton look alike to my glass... and I seem to have lost some memory right there... an indication of serious good time! - so - ws	n/a	n/a

K&L Saturday Tasting: Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008/11/15

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2007	Domaine de la Becassonne, Cotes du Rhone Blanc lemon, hint of nut and butter, simple - so - ws	13.99	***
2005	Raspail-Ay Reserve, Gigondas meaty, sherry, plum, chalky, pepper, complex flavor, simple finish - so - ws	24.99	***½
2006	Chateau du Saint Cosme, Gigondas closed nose, pepper, tightly knitted, tannic, blackcurrant, mint, long finish, hint of thyme - so - ws	34.99	****
2005	Moulin de la Gardette Cuvee Ventabren, Gigondas closed nose, fruity, elegant, hint of meat, berry, herbs - so - ws	31.99	***½
2006	Cecile Chassagne IDS-Image du Sud, Chateauneuf-du-Pape raspberry, strawberry, cherry, chalky, short - so - ws	24.99	***
2006	Chateau Fortia Cuvee due Baron, Chateauneuf-du-Pape cherry, robitussin, astringent, candy, lavender - so - ws	32.99	***½
2006	Grand Veneur, Chateauneuf-du-Pape spicy red plum, fruity, peppery, olive, long finish - so - ws	34.99	****
2005	Domaine la Barroche Reserve, Chateauneuf-du-Pape sherry, astringent, closed, raspberry, alcohol - so - ws	39.99	**
2006	Domaine Olivier Hillairem, Chateauneuf-du-Pape cherry, Petz candy, strawberry, astringent, long finish - so - ws	44.99	***½
2006	Domaine de la Charbonniere "Brusquieres", Chateauneuf-du-Pape plum, complex, astringent, tight nose, spicy, orange peel - so - ws	49.99	****
2006	Vieux Telegraphe "La Crau", Chateauneuf-du-Pape strawberry, hint of vanilla, tight, short - so - ws	69.99	***½

Wanna be Uncle So: Tasting with Mike Kwok, Vincent and Fred 2008/10/27

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2006	Flowers Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast Combination of power and elegance, herbs, citrus fruit, peony, evolving to extreme glycerin like full body with peachy/nectarine notes especially when less cold. Long finish. Great match with oven-baked buttery prawns with garlic herbs. - so - ws	44	****½
2002	Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Monthelie-les-Duresses Clos de la Barre Incense, floral, mineral, raspberry, sour cherry. Simple but enjoyable. - so - ws	n/a	***
2002	Louis Latour, Corton Grancey I bought 3 bottles of this in a K&L clearance without tasting. First time and glad it showed up well. Dark quiet nightfall feeling, good sign when a burgundy evokes feelings other than aroma and flavor. Tight. Dark fruit, tannic, bay leaf, forest. Still tight towards the end. Attract you to keep going back. - so - ws	59	****
2004	Domaine G. Roumier, Morey Saint Denis Clos de la Bussiere Fantastic nose of spice, strawberry, mild earth, like a combination of Gwevrey Chambertin and Chambolle Musigny. Flavor is a mismatch with the nose. mixed berry, lighter body and med finish. Nose is 5 star. - so - ws	n/a	***½
2001	Torre Muga, Rioja I would have guessed this is a Brunello by the nose. tar, truffle, chocolate. Flavor is a different story, blackcurrant, roasted oak, mildly earthy, has chalky body. Exotic and unusual. This wine should be tasted alone. It's a mismatch to follow 3 burgundies unless you have 3 riojas to back it up. - so - ws	n/a	****½
1989	Domaine des Baumard, Coteaux du Layon demi-sec a chenin blanc. No notes taken. From memory: honey, botrytis type of mushroom, soy aroma, sweet, a bit dusty in the palette - so - ws	n/a	****
2005	Pontet Canet, Pauillac This is really indistinguishable from a good Cal Cab, say a nice non-over jammy Cardinale or Mondavi Reserve. vanilla, plum, blackcurrants, mocha, and some Alexander Valley earth (really), baked cake. This is classic description of a young Mouton Rothschild. I wonder if a good Mouton produced say in the 19th century would be exactly like this when tasted young and somehow the Bordeaux mens room earth developed more recently? Tannic but wrapped in velvet. Super long finish. - so - ws	150	*****
2006	Lewis Mason's Cabernet, Napa Valley Disappointment. Recently I have tasted 3 wines with the same description: Del Dotto has a cabernet with Missouri Oak, Kalinda's 2006 cabernet, Kirkham Peak's 2006 cabernet. Kirkham Peak and Kalina are one and the same thing. K&L's own label. The description is a one dimension super strong fresh american oak aroma and taste. with some powerful plum and anise in the background. The oak is actually a very nice touch if it were used sparingly. This is way too much and in my opinion will not go away with age. This is not corked meaning you will probably get the same in the next bottle. I am not going to risk. I did try two Kirkham Peaks to confirm this. This is like covering a perfectly cooked filet mignon with a bottle of spice. - so - ws	56	**
2000	Grand Pontet, St Emilion Great integrated wine. A gentleman bordeaux with elegance. Milk chocolate, green pepper, cedar, tobacco, a hint of curry and coffee, very balanced. Memorable. - so - ws	n/a	*****

K&L Saturday Tasting: California Cabernet 2008/09/13

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2005	Castle Rock Reserve Cabernet, Napa Valley ripe, plum, tea leaf, simple, slight bitter tar finish - so - ws	15.99	**
2005	Tenacity SWRA Red, Oakville oak, chalky, plum, blackberry, chocolate, hint of licorice, pleasant, proceeds go to fund a campagne to allow wine retailers to freely ship wines across state borderlines. - so - ws	19.99	***
1993	Burgess Vintage Selection Cabernet, Napa Valley bbq smoke, hint of mushroom, blackberr, thin med body, med finish, reasonably well aged - so - ws	29.99	***½
2001	Mayacamus Cabernet, Mount Veeder-Napa Valley blueberry, chalky, sour plum, med body, long finish - so - ws	64.99	***½
2005	Ridge Cabernet, Santa Cruz Mountains blackberry, hint of meat in herbs, tight, elegant nose, tea leaves, full body, long long finish. One of the best non-Montebello Ridge cabs. Supposedly larger proportions of Montebello fruit was used in this blend. - so - ws	34.99	****
2005	Lancaster Estate Cabernet, Alexander Valley smoky grilled bell pepper, nutty, licorice, super long finis but with a slight hollow feeling - so - ws	59.99	****½
2004	Petit Batard Cabernet, Napa Valley old room dusty aroma, dark plum, dark chocolate, jammy sweet in the palate - so - ws	27.99	***½
2005	Wolf Family Phaedrus, Napa Valley pomegranate, guava, jammy, concentrated, herbs, long finish, different - so - ws	3.5	n/a
2005	Nickel & Nickel Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet, Oakville Eucalyptus, blackberry, very chalky, astringent, hint of earth, med to full body, long finish, closed - so - ws	79.99	****
2005	Continuum, Oakville 58% cabernet, 23% cab franc, 19% petit verdot. Tim Mondavi's new wine brand after leaving Robert Mondavi. Chocolate, violet, pencil lead, plum, chalky, very well balanced, elegant, have an almost Stags Leap like silky-ness. Lacking a strong finish, a 5-star wine otherwise. - so - ws	129.00	****½

K&L Saturday Tasting: Bordeaux 2008/08/16

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2006	Lynch Bages Blanc, Pauillac 40% Sauvignon blanc, 40% Semillon, 20% Muscadelle, smoky, acidic, herbs, citrus, strong - so - ws	54.99	***
2005	Domaine du Bouscat "Gargone", Bordeaux Superior raspberry, simple - so - ws	14.99	**
2005	Bad Boy, Bordeaux 95% merlot, 5% cab franc. jammy, full body, hint of earth, blackberry, long finish - so - ws	19.99	****
2005	Rocher Bellevue Figeac, St. Emilion 80% merlot, 20% cab franc. elegant, blackberry, silky, hint of tobacco, slightly sweet - so - ws	29.99	****
2005	Les Trois Croix, Fronsac complex, earth, saffron?, wheat, mildy astringent - so - ws	24.99	***½
2005	Senejac, Haut Medoc cassis, hint of pesticide, sour, blackcurrant, hint of toffee - so - ws	29.99	***
2005	Reserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac 49% merlot, 27% cabernet, 13% cab franc, 11% petit verdot. Second label from Pichon Lalande. tight, green pepper, blackcurrants, med to full body, interesting sugary finish - so - ws	54.99	***½
2005	Pagodes de Cos, St. Estephe 50% cabernet, 50% merlot. Second label from Cos d'Estournel. green peppe, blackberry, chalky, sweet, long finish - so - ws	53.99	****½
2001	Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Leognan 50% cabenet, 35% merlot, 15% cab franc. chocolate, plum, finishing short, med body - so - ws	79.99	****
1997	Du Tertre, Margaux 60% cabernet, 20% merlot, 15% cab franc. mushroom, raspberry, past prime, ok to drink but terrible to sell this at $39.99 - so - ws	39.99	**

8th man-man-has-wine-drink 2008/07/26

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2006	Tormaresca Neprica, Puglia IGT Bag A. Rank 10. Tony's. Red currant, mineral, tight, leafy - so - ws	9.99	***
2006	La Mozza, Tuscany Bag B. Rank 9. I selected this for Dad, never tried this, k&l said RP90. candle, simple, vanilla, meaty, light - so - ws	15.99	**
2001	Gaja Darmagi, Langhe Bag C. Rank 2. This is my wine. This original costs $179 but is on sale at $135. blueberry, cherry, tar, coffee, deeply concentrated, aroma is very pretty - so - ws	135	*****
1997	Icardi Suri di Mu, Barbera d'Alba Bag D. Rank 15. Jason's. earthy, cranberry, tobacco - so - ws	21.99	*½
2003	Casale Triocco, Sagrantino di Montefalco Bag E. Rank 11. Pau's. Strawberry jam, grassy, tannic - so - ws	32	***
1998	Camigliano, Brunello di Montalcino Bag F. Rank 5. Henry's. strawberry, tar, chocolate, chalky, mineral - so - ws	45	****
2003	Mastroberardino "Radici", Taurasi Bag G. Rank 12. Mike Kwok's. earth, sage, long finish, pepper, tannic - so - ws	27	***
2004	Vietti Castiglione, Barolo Bag H. Rank 1. Thomas'. green pepper, tannic, berry, astringent, very well balanced. cabernet-like. - so - ws	40	*****
2001	Tenimenti Angelini, Brunello di Montalcino Bag I. Rank 3. Stanley's. balanced, tar, green pepper, mixed herbs, lavender - so - ws	40	****
2004	Collazzi, Toscana Bag J. Rank 7. KK's. strawberry, simple, vanilla, astringent - so - ws	44.99	**
2003	Querceto, Chianti Classico Reserva Bag K. Rank 8. MMC's. good nose, toffee, tar, simple berry flavor, vanilla - so - ws	23	***½
2004	Epicuro, Salice Salentino Bag L. Rank 14. Best Value Winner. Kevin's. sugary, jammy, inelegant, vanilla, plum - so - ws	4.99	*
1997	Capanno, Brunello di Montalcino Reserva Bag M. Rank 4. Dom's. choclate, earth, mirepoix, complex, tar, chalky - so - ws	79	****
2003	il Molino di Grace, Chianti Classico Reserva Bag N. Rank 6. Herman's. Cherry, generic, astringent, strawberry - so - ws	26.99	***
2006	Friuli Isonzo Cabernet Franc, Italy Bag O. Rank 13. Vincent's. mineral, herbal, green - so - ws	10	*½

K&L Saturday Tasting: Burgundy 2008/07/26

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2006	Domaine Goisot, Cremant de Bourgogne Burgundy blanc de noir sparkling wine. fruity, acidic, a hint of berry, refreshing and surprisingly pleasant - so - ws	14.99	***½
2006	Domaine Anne & Arnauld Goisot, Saint Bris "Sauvignon" The only Sauvignon Blanc appellation in Burgundy. New Zealand like, citrus peel, complex - so - ws	10.99	***½
2006	Domaine Anne & Arnauld Goisot, Bourgogne Aligote, Vieilles Vignes peachy, full body, fragrant, toasty oak - so - ws	11.99	***½
2004	Domaine Anne & Arnauld Goisot, Bourgogne Aligote, Vieilles Vignes not for sale. Nut, mixed herbs, fragrant, buttery - so - ws	n/a	****
2002	Domaine Anne & Arnauld Goisot, Bourgogne Aligote, Vieilles Vignes not for sale. acidic, nut, light, ash - so - ws	n/a	**
2006	Domaine de Bieville, Chablis, vieille vignes grass, lemon, mineral, stone, rounded - so - ws	18.99	***½
2006	Domaine Gerard Tremblay, Chablis, Vieille Vignes acidic, lemon, concentrated, toasty nose, too tart - so - ws	21.99	***
2006	Domaine Gerard Tremblay, Chablis "Fourchaume", 1er cru elegant, lemon lime, pineapple, very full body, long finish - so - ws	29.99	*****
2006	Maison Joseph Drouhin, Chorey Les Beaune smoke, dark berry, balanced - so - ws	22.99	****
2005	Domaine Daniel Rion, Cote de Nuits "Le Vaucrain" mineral, meat, capers, med body, long finish - so - ws	24.99	***
2005	Domaine Henri Delagrange, Volnay, Vieilles Vignes toast, toffee, acidic, berry, plum, med to long finish - so - ws	40.99	****
2005	Domaine Jean-Paul/Stephane Magnien, Morey St. Denis "Faconnieres", 1er cru licorice, plum, full body - so - ws	49.99	***½
2005	Domaine Daniel Rion, Nuits St. Georges "Les Hauts Pruliers", 1er cru coffee, balanced, sweet tannin (water melon???), interesting - so - ws	59.99	*****
1999	Domaine des Chezeaux, Chambolle 1er cru Charmes mushroom, blackberry, fragrant, pickles, long finish - so - ws	81.99	*****