Ch. Fortia Ch. du Pape Cuvee Baron '12 14.5%
French, Southern Rhone, Ch. du Pape
Ch. du Pape blend
$45ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark burgundy, red plum color with a nose of tart black berries. Medium bodied.
Ripe blackberries with a nice peppery spice finish. Light hints of black olive, leather, herbs and fruit punch/berry jam. Got a little gamey/meatyness at the end.
Very long complex finish. Soft, light tannin with mild acidity, but with great balance between the two. Needed a long time to open, about 90 minutes and it really started to sing. Great food wine but not to tannic that it can't be drunk on its own. Slightly chewy, despite sounding gross was a good thing. Drankin' patna' thought it had a "weird" finish, but still enjoyed it overall. While CDP's aren't for everyone, an acquired taste if you will, I would definitely repeat and recommend, Ch. Fortia doesn't disappoint!
Picture pending.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Two Roads Roadsmary's Baby Pumpkin 6.8%
American, Connecticut, Stratford
Ale with pumpkin spices aged in rum barrels with vanilla beans
$12ish/6pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 1.5/5
Overall: 1.5/5
Light amber brown color with rapid carbonation. Nose of pumpkin spices and cinnamon.
Not much alcohol detected, not surprising for 6.8%. For a barrel rested beer was expecting/hoping for a little more alcohol/character/complexity but what you going to do. All artificial pumpkin, cinnamon and caramel flavors. Without knowing by reading the label would never have guessed this was barrel rested, granted rum barrel and not whiskey which is the "new" trend. Maybe the fact that it was a pumpkin beer (which is either bad or good in my opinion, not much middle or high ground), that was aged in rum barrels had my hopes raised; but overall it was lack luster in flavor and just another uninspiring pumpkin beer to add to the legions of others.
Low astringency, mouth coating body, highly carbonated with a long boring finish.
Yet another ho hum pumpkin beer to add to the ilk. The fact that it's "rum barrel aged" seems more like a marketing term then an actual flavor descriptor. Would not recommend or repeat.
Picture pending.
American, Connecticut, Stratford
Ale with pumpkin spices aged in rum barrels with vanilla beans
$12ish/6pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 1.5/5
Overall: 1.5/5
Light amber brown color with rapid carbonation. Nose of pumpkin spices and cinnamon.
Not much alcohol detected, not surprising for 6.8%. For a barrel rested beer was expecting/hoping for a little more alcohol/character/complexity but what you going to do. All artificial pumpkin, cinnamon and caramel flavors. Without knowing by reading the label would never have guessed this was barrel rested, granted rum barrel and not whiskey which is the "new" trend. Maybe the fact that it was a pumpkin beer (which is either bad or good in my opinion, not much middle or high ground), that was aged in rum barrels had my hopes raised; but overall it was lack luster in flavor and just another uninspiring pumpkin beer to add to the legions of others.
Low astringency, mouth coating body, highly carbonated with a long boring finish.
Yet another ho hum pumpkin beer to add to the ilk. The fact that it's "rum barrel aged" seems more like a marketing term then an actual flavor descriptor. Would not recommend or repeat.
Picture pending.
Ch. Greysac Bordeaux '11
France, Bordeaux, Medoc
Bordeaux blend (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
$20ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark burgundy color, good condition with nose of blueberries and bramble. Medium body.
Extremely strong blueberry and bright berries at first sip. Mixed with lighter earthy, soil flavors but a much stronger fruit profile then the '10. Could taste the heavy Merlot (60%) backbone.
Nice tannins with well balanced acidity. Lacked a bit of character but for $20 a bottle I wouldn't be upset at all. Cool bottle and for the price would definitely repeat and recommend.
Picture pending.
France, Bordeaux, Medoc
Bordeaux blend (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
$20ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark burgundy color, good condition with nose of blueberries and bramble. Medium body.
Extremely strong blueberry and bright berries at first sip. Mixed with lighter earthy, soil flavors but a much stronger fruit profile then the '10. Could taste the heavy Merlot (60%) backbone.
Nice tannins with well balanced acidity. Lacked a bit of character but for $20 a bottle I wouldn't be upset at all. Cool bottle and for the price would definitely repeat and recommend.
Picture pending.
Ch. Greysac Bordeaux '10
France, Bordeaux, Medoc
Bordeaux blend (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
$20ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Dark maroon color, good condition, light/medium body. Cedar and bramble on the nose.
Initially tasted very dirty and earthy but with time opened up beautifully. Developed dark berry flavors along with potting soil and a very earthy dampness. Slightly thin. Heavily Merlot based?
Had a slight harsh alcohol finish but with time mellowed out. Leathery mouth feel with great tannins and light acidity. Mildly complex, but not as much as I was hoping from a 2010 Bordeaux. Needed a few hours open to really start showing true character. Not very fruit forward, which isn't a bad thing at all, but brought down poundability factor. Vastly different then many Bordeaux's I've tried recently. Worried it may have been slightly passed its prime, or passing it now; its been in my cellar for a few years now. Was underwhelmed overall, but could be one of those expectations being too high scenarios. For $20 a bottle I wouldn't be upset at all, very enjoyable, just was hoping for a little more character and complexity. All in all would repeat and recommend though.
Picture pending
France, Bordeaux, Medoc
Bordeaux blend (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
$20ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Dark maroon color, good condition, light/medium body. Cedar and bramble on the nose.
Initially tasted very dirty and earthy but with time opened up beautifully. Developed dark berry flavors along with potting soil and a very earthy dampness. Slightly thin. Heavily Merlot based?
Had a slight harsh alcohol finish but with time mellowed out. Leathery mouth feel with great tannins and light acidity. Mildly complex, but not as much as I was hoping from a 2010 Bordeaux. Needed a few hours open to really start showing true character. Not very fruit forward, which isn't a bad thing at all, but brought down poundability factor. Vastly different then many Bordeaux's I've tried recently. Worried it may have been slightly passed its prime, or passing it now; its been in my cellar for a few years now. Was underwhelmed overall, but could be one of those expectations being too high scenarios. For $20 a bottle I wouldn't be upset at all, very enjoyable, just was hoping for a little more character and complexity. All in all would repeat and recommend though.
Picture pending
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Zenato Alanera '13 13.5%
Italy
Corvina
$16ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark ruby color, good condition, medium body. Spices and dark berries on the nose.
Smooth ripe berries with great spice backbone, but not over the top. Dark juicy fruit - crushed blackberries, with hints of coffee, light tobacco and with some earthy dirtiness. Light and smooth.
Classic strong Italian acid backbone along with great fruit flavors and nice soft tannins underneath wrapping it all together. Not incredibly complex but a solid bottle. Medium long finish. Not as good as I remembered past vintages but no major flaws or anything either, just a little....basic. Really like the strong bright berries but lack of complexity brings down overall enjoyment. Wish it were a dollar or two cheaper but would still repeat and recommend.
Picture pending.
Italy
Corvina
$16ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark ruby color, good condition, medium body. Spices and dark berries on the nose.
Smooth ripe berries with great spice backbone, but not over the top. Dark juicy fruit - crushed blackberries, with hints of coffee, light tobacco and with some earthy dirtiness. Light and smooth.
Classic strong Italian acid backbone along with great fruit flavors and nice soft tannins underneath wrapping it all together. Not incredibly complex but a solid bottle. Medium long finish. Not as good as I remembered past vintages but no major flaws or anything either, just a little....basic. Really like the strong bright berries but lack of complexity brings down overall enjoyment. Wish it were a dollar or two cheaper but would still repeat and recommend.
Picture pending.
21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon 4.9%
American, California, San Leandro
Watermelon Wheat Ale
$10ish/6pk
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 1.5/5
Golden color with no visible carbonation. Nose of kiwi esters along with a strong watermelon profile, understandably.
Mild alcohol with a slightly unpleasant harsh burn at finish.
Used to be the standard bearer for watermelon flavored beers; but with New Belgium, Ballast Point and others joining the fry, 21st has lost some of its prestige. Don't know if quality went down when production went up or just with more and more options on the market 21st just doesn't stand up like it used to, but for whatever reason I didn't like it nearly as much as I used to. Tasted too artificial, wish the watermelon was downplayed and a little more restrained like the majority of 21st beers. An easy enough "lawn beer" but a one and doner, no high poundability here. Overall just a little boring, not enough going on the wheat side to make up for all the artificial steeliness. Would reevaluate next year or next batch to see if it was an anomaly but if quality stays the same would not repeat.
Picture pending.
21st Amendment Blah Blah Blah Imperial IPA 8% 63.3015 IBU
American, California, San Leandro
Imperial IPA
$13ish/6pk
Poundability: 1.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Tropical hops blended in with wood, pine, spruce and resin. Bready malt with apple and apricot esters. Classic bitter west coast nose with thin head and fast rising bubbles.
Very noticeable, but not harsh alcohol flavor. Got the same tropical fruity hop flavors from the nose on the palate with the same bready malt flavors. Not overpowering malts, just nice and well balanced but with noticeable bitterness.
Classic bitter west coast, resiny hoppy beer. Reminded me of Sierra Nevada's Imperial IPA. A little harsh for my taste but a good Imperial IPA for this popular style. Glad they didn't ramp up the alcohol which can make many Imperials tough to drink. A nice siping beer after a long day. Well restrained hop profile makes this a nice Imperial IPA, especially for the price. Would recommend for the style but not my cup of tea.
Picture pending.
American, California, San Leandro
Imperial IPA
$13ish/6pk
Poundability: 1.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Tropical hops blended in with wood, pine, spruce and resin. Bready malt with apple and apricot esters. Classic bitter west coast nose with thin head and fast rising bubbles.
Very noticeable, but not harsh alcohol flavor. Got the same tropical fruity hop flavors from the nose on the palate with the same bready malt flavors. Not overpowering malts, just nice and well balanced but with noticeable bitterness.
Classic bitter west coast, resiny hoppy beer. Reminded me of Sierra Nevada's Imperial IPA. A little harsh for my taste but a good Imperial IPA for this popular style. Glad they didn't ramp up the alcohol which can make many Imperials tough to drink. A nice siping beer after a long day. Well restrained hop profile makes this a nice Imperial IPA, especially for the price. Would recommend for the style but not my cup of tea.
Picture pending.
21st Amendment Brew Free or Die IPA 7% 70 IBU
America, California, San Leandro
IPA
$10ish/6pk
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Medium golden amber color with a slight haze, moderate foam and fast rising bubbles. Aromas of tropical hops with a little herbal/green notes mixed in, mild clove at the end.
Mild alcohol detected but not over bearing or too powerful. Strong aggressive hop bitterness with a little bread flour malt to balance the hops.
Slightly to bitter for me but at 7% it's still a pretty good, smooth easy drinking IPA with nice creaminess. Sharp bite at first sip but quickly fades, nonetheless bringing down poundability factor. Nice to find an IPA that's reasonably priced, not overly fruity or absurdly hoppy. Would repeat and recommend.
Picture pending.
America, California, San Leandro
IPA
$10ish/6pk
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Medium golden amber color with a slight haze, moderate foam and fast rising bubbles. Aromas of tropical hops with a little herbal/green notes mixed in, mild clove at the end.
Mild alcohol detected but not over bearing or too powerful. Strong aggressive hop bitterness with a little bread flour malt to balance the hops.
Slightly to bitter for me but at 7% it's still a pretty good, smooth easy drinking IPA with nice creaminess. Sharp bite at first sip but quickly fades, nonetheless bringing down poundability factor. Nice to find an IPA that's reasonably priced, not overly fruity or absurdly hoppy. Would repeat and recommend.
Picture pending.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
21st Amendment Down to Earth Session IPA 4.4% 42 IBU
American, California, San Leandro
Session IPA
$10ish/6pk
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 2/5
Hazy golden amber color. Green hop aroma with bready/flour malts, classic west coast.
Non detectable alcohol flavor, a session after all. Light fruity hop flavors with very restrained bitterness. Light bodied, funky aftertaste with a metallic finish. Soft body with partially sparkling carbonation.
5+ year ago this would've just been an IPA, long before some suit came up with "session" beers, but that's neither here nor there. Had an unpleasant aftertaste that I couldn't quite place. Easy drinking but not a lot of character. Nice that it isn't overly bitter which many session tend to be these days, all big hops with zero alcohol. At 4.4% its a little boozier then some sessions these days but still wish there was more going on.
American, California, San Leandro
Session IPA
$10ish/6pk
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 2/5
Hazy golden amber color. Green hop aroma with bready/flour malts, classic west coast.
Non detectable alcohol flavor, a session after all. Light fruity hop flavors with very restrained bitterness. Light bodied, funky aftertaste with a metallic finish. Soft body with partially sparkling carbonation.
5+ year ago this would've just been an IPA, long before some suit came up with "session" beers, but that's neither here nor there. Had an unpleasant aftertaste that I couldn't quite place. Easy drinking but not a lot of character. Nice that it isn't overly bitter which many session tend to be these days, all big hops with zero alcohol. At 4.4% its a little boozier then some sessions these days but still wish there was more going on.
21st Amedment Toaster Pastry India Style Red Ale 7.6% 74 IBU
American, California, San Leandro
Red Ale
$13/6pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Golden amber color with traditional west coast hop smell - green, pine, spruce, etc. Biscuity bready malts as well.
Mild alcohol, well balanced. Again, traditional west coast hop flavors - light spice, green, spruce, resiny. Nice malt backbone to go with the big hops. Bread and biscuit flavors with a little chocolate.
Drying palate, partially sparkling with a medium long finish. Very well balanced.
Definitely a bitter beer but not over the top. Mildly spicy, pretty cool sipping beer, but strictly a sipper. Easy drinking for 7.6% and more bitter then I was expecting for 74 IBU's. Nice to see a newer experimental style beer that isn't some kumquat IPA. Wish it were a little cheaper, one of those one and done beers, but overall very good. Nice one to keep in the fridge for a rainy day. Would repeat.
American, California, San Leandro
Red Ale
$13/6pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Golden amber color with traditional west coast hop smell - green, pine, spruce, etc. Biscuity bready malts as well.
Mild alcohol, well balanced. Again, traditional west coast hop flavors - light spice, green, spruce, resiny. Nice malt backbone to go with the big hops. Bread and biscuit flavors with a little chocolate.
Drying palate, partially sparkling with a medium long finish. Very well balanced.
Definitely a bitter beer but not over the top. Mildly spicy, pretty cool sipping beer, but strictly a sipper. Easy drinking for 7.6% and more bitter then I was expecting for 74 IBU's. Nice to see a newer experimental style beer that isn't some kumquat IPA. Wish it were a little cheaper, one of those one and done beers, but overall very good. Nice one to keep in the fridge for a rainy day. Would repeat.
21st Amendment Back in Black IPA 6.8% 65 IBU
American, California, San Leandro
Black IPA
$9ish/6pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2/5
Very dark brown color, slow carbonation. Spicy, woodsy green hop aromas with slight roasted chocolate and a hint of smoke at the end.
Mild alcohol taste with a bitter finish. Heavy roasted, chocolate smokey malt flavor fading into bitter, creamy hops.
Not my style but a well balanced black IPA. From the color I was worried it would be to over the top but nice and restrained, like most 21 Amendment beers. Still has that big west coast hop style. Easy enough drinking for 6.8%. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good well priced black IPA.
American, California, San Leandro
Black IPA
$9ish/6pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2/5
Very dark brown color, slow carbonation. Spicy, woodsy green hop aromas with slight roasted chocolate and a hint of smoke at the end.
Mild alcohol taste with a bitter finish. Heavy roasted, chocolate smokey malt flavor fading into bitter, creamy hops.
Not my style but a well balanced black IPA. From the color I was worried it would be to over the top but nice and restrained, like most 21 Amendment beers. Still has that big west coast hop style. Easy enough drinking for 6.8%. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good well priced black IPA.
Vajra Barbera D'Alba '10 (15.5%)
Italy, Barolo
Barbera
$25ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark plum/purple color, medium body.
Spicy flavors with hints of leather and cedar/wood. Mildly floral. Blackberry, plum and light pepper. Very mild leather.
Has a slightly unpleasant alcohol burn at finish, not surprising do to 15.5%, nevertheless alcohol felt restrained. Beautiful color, didn't look old at all. High acidity, bringing down poundability, but could still be sipped on its own without food. Very complex with an incredibly long finish. Will repeat.
Italy, Barolo
Barbera
$25ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark plum/purple color, medium body.
Spicy flavors with hints of leather and cedar/wood. Mildly floral. Blackberry, plum and light pepper. Very mild leather.
Has a slightly unpleasant alcohol burn at finish, not surprising do to 15.5%, nevertheless alcohol felt restrained. Beautiful color, didn't look old at all. High acidity, bringing down poundability, but could still be sipped on its own without food. Very complex with an incredibly long finish. Will repeat.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Carpazo Sangiovese '15 (13.5%)
Italy, Tuscany
Sangiovese (85% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Aligante)
$12ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark ruby color thinning at edge. Medium bodied with nose of bright red fruits.
Big biting red berry flavors off jump, with mild pleasant spices. Light vegetal, in a good way; with hints of tomatoes, black cherries and leather. Didn't get much oak influence at all.
Strong acidity like most Italian wines but not so much that it demands food. Light to mild tannins, much lighter then I was expecting for this style of wine. Nice medium long finish with mild complexity. Soft, easy drinking red that despite strong acid backbone can easily be drank by itself. Great for the price, not blowing anyone away but a solid bottle, would repeat.
Italy, Tuscany
Sangiovese (85% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Aligante)
$12ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark ruby color thinning at edge. Medium bodied with nose of bright red fruits.
Big biting red berry flavors off jump, with mild pleasant spices. Light vegetal, in a good way; with hints of tomatoes, black cherries and leather. Didn't get much oak influence at all.
Strong acidity like most Italian wines but not so much that it demands food. Light to mild tannins, much lighter then I was expecting for this style of wine. Nice medium long finish with mild complexity. Soft, easy drinking red that despite strong acid backbone can easily be drank by itself. Great for the price, not blowing anyone away but a solid bottle, would repeat.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Cave de Tain Syrah '15
France, Rhone
Syrah
$14ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2/5
Dark purple color fading at rim of glass. Medium body with nose of dark berries.
For a Rhone it was surprisingly light in spice and pepper. Mild candied fruit with some spicy berries and pepper, just not over the top. Floral with mild over ripe fruit. Had a funky, bizarre bitter aftertaste - not enjoyable. Other then that it was decent, but the finish really ruined the drinking experience.
Light tannins and acid. Not overly complex, pretty basic wine. Lacked character. Slight harsh alcohol burn at finish. Tasted like a watered down northern Rhone Syrah. Wouldn't repeat.
France, Rhone
Syrah
$14ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2/5
Dark purple color fading at rim of glass. Medium body with nose of dark berries.
For a Rhone it was surprisingly light in spice and pepper. Mild candied fruit with some spicy berries and pepper, just not over the top. Floral with mild over ripe fruit. Had a funky, bizarre bitter aftertaste - not enjoyable. Other then that it was decent, but the finish really ruined the drinking experience.
Light tannins and acid. Not overly complex, pretty basic wine. Lacked character. Slight harsh alcohol burn at finish. Tasted like a watered down northern Rhone Syrah. Wouldn't repeat.
Substance Cabernet Sauvignon '14
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
$16ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark red color, medium body with nose of red fruit - black currant.
Bright ripe fruit flavors, blackberries, cherries and currant. Strong oak influence - vanilla. Got light cedar and eucalyptus.
Soft but with great complexity and a long finish - easily 60 seconds or longer. Not the Cali fruit bomb that is becoming more and more common. Much more restrained then most new world cab's. Mild acidity and tannins. No harsh alcohol finish, leading to high poundability. Lighter then expected as well. Would definitely recommend and repeat.
USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
$16ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark red color, medium body with nose of red fruit - black currant.
Bright ripe fruit flavors, blackberries, cherries and currant. Strong oak influence - vanilla. Got light cedar and eucalyptus.
Soft but with great complexity and a long finish - easily 60 seconds or longer. Not the Cali fruit bomb that is becoming more and more common. Much more restrained then most new world cab's. Mild acidity and tannins. No harsh alcohol finish, leading to high poundability. Lighter then expected as well. Would definitely recommend and repeat.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Marques de Grinon SVMMA Varietalis '08
Spain
Red blend
$30ish
Poundability: 2./5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Deep dark ruby color with a woodsy nose, medium body.
Tasted a lot more wood on this vintage and just more pronounced/stronger flavors then the '05. Spicy, black currant with a strong wood/cedar taste.
Less tannic and much more acidic. Had a harsh alcohol taste at beginning but mellowed after bottle had been open. It tasted like a bigger stronger bolder version then the '05. Took over four hours after being open to really start to show. A few more years in the bottle will really help this wine reach its true potential, especally after witnessing what cellaring it for a few years does to improve the wine and add a lot of complexity and mellow some of the harsh edges out. Would definitely repeat.
Picture pending.
Spain
Red blend
$30ish
Poundability: 2./5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Deep dark ruby color with a woodsy nose, medium body.
Tasted a lot more wood on this vintage and just more pronounced/stronger flavors then the '05. Spicy, black currant with a strong wood/cedar taste.
Less tannic and much more acidic. Had a harsh alcohol taste at beginning but mellowed after bottle had been open. It tasted like a bigger stronger bolder version then the '05. Took over four hours after being open to really start to show. A few more years in the bottle will really help this wine reach its true potential, especally after witnessing what cellaring it for a few years does to improve the wine and add a lot of complexity and mellow some of the harsh edges out. Would definitely repeat.
Picture pending.
Marques de Grinon SVMMA Varietalis '05
Spain
Red blend
$30ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Dark ruby color with a spicy black currant nose, medium body.
Strong oak influence off jump, with vanilla, black currant, black cherries and spices following. Stewed tomatoes and a herbaceous hit at the end.
Amazing tannin/acid combo with a long and complex finish. Needed many hours of being open before it really started to show. Super smooth with a nice tannic finish. The fruity berry flavors were slightly biting, making it a sipper and bringing down poundability. Very cool and unique wine. Big fan of everything I've tried from Marques de Grinon, which is why I had been cellaring this bottle for a few years. Which is also why I had to try the next vintage available the following night.
Picture pending.
Spain
Red blend
$30ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Dark ruby color with a spicy black currant nose, medium body.
Strong oak influence off jump, with vanilla, black currant, black cherries and spices following. Stewed tomatoes and a herbaceous hit at the end.
Amazing tannin/acid combo with a long and complex finish. Needed many hours of being open before it really started to show. Super smooth with a nice tannic finish. The fruity berry flavors were slightly biting, making it a sipper and bringing down poundability. Very cool and unique wine. Big fan of everything I've tried from Marques de Grinon, which is why I had been cellaring this bottle for a few years. Which is also why I had to try the next vintage available the following night.
Picture pending.
Squadra Rosso '15 13% (Organic)
Italy, Sicily
Red blend (75% Nero d'Avola 25% Nerello Mascalese)
$14ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2/5
Light purple color with a spicy over ripe fruit nose. Medium body.
Spicy pepper, light cinnamon with black over ripe fruit. Hints of licorice and banana (drankan' pantna' did NOT agree on the banana). Got some slight raisin, umami smoke and plums after it was open awhile. Tastes "organic" as well, dirty and earthy.
Super acidic, almost the first thing I noticed/thought of after trying. Has some nice tannins but acid over powers. Tastes "hot" like a lot of Sicilian wine. Not a knock, just an opinion. Not very complex and a short finish doesn't help matters. Harsh alcohol burn at finish. While some of the rough edges on the wine mellows as it's open, the harshness is still to overpowering to give a higher rating. Overall I don't think I would repeat, not a terrible wine but can get better wine in a similar style at same price point.
Picture pending.
Italy, Sicily
Red blend (75% Nero d'Avola 25% Nerello Mascalese)
$14ish
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2/5
Light purple color with a spicy over ripe fruit nose. Medium body.
Spicy pepper, light cinnamon with black over ripe fruit. Hints of licorice and banana (drankan' pantna' did NOT agree on the banana). Got some slight raisin, umami smoke and plums after it was open awhile. Tastes "organic" as well, dirty and earthy.
Super acidic, almost the first thing I noticed/thought of after trying. Has some nice tannins but acid over powers. Tastes "hot" like a lot of Sicilian wine. Not a knock, just an opinion. Not very complex and a short finish doesn't help matters. Harsh alcohol burn at finish. While some of the rough edges on the wine mellows as it's open, the harshness is still to overpowering to give a higher rating. Overall I don't think I would repeat, not a terrible wine but can get better wine in a similar style at same price point.
Picture pending.
Karl Kaspar Kabinett Riesling '15 7.5%
German, Mosel
Riesling
$12ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 3/5
Pale yellow color with a slight petrol and lime/citrus nose. Light in body and sweetness.
Got flavors of honey suckle, pear and peach. Some lime as well but not in that New Zealand sauv. blanc style, much softer and restrained. Very fruit forward with some hints of tropical fruit - melons and mango's. Hints of minerality at the back end.
Slightly to sweet for my taste - but not cloying at all. Strong acidity with a short and mildly complex finish. All in all would repeat!
Picture pending.
German, Mosel
Riesling
$12ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 3/5
Pale yellow color with a slight petrol and lime/citrus nose. Light in body and sweetness.
Got flavors of honey suckle, pear and peach. Some lime as well but not in that New Zealand sauv. blanc style, much softer and restrained. Very fruit forward with some hints of tropical fruit - melons and mango's. Hints of minerality at the back end.
Slightly to sweet for my taste - but not cloying at all. Strong acidity with a short and mildly complex finish. All in all would repeat!
Picture pending.
Dom. Boisson Cote du Rhone '15 13%
France
Cote du Rhone
$14ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Dark purple color, medium bodied with black pepper on the nose.
Thyme, black pepper, slightly floral. Hints of glycerol and dried plums. Pretty standard C-D-R profile, nothing to special or offensive.
Strong tannin and acid profile with mild complexity. Easy drinking enough but with that light alcohol burn at finish, naturally bringing down enjoyment and poundability. Certainly not a bad wine by any stretch but overall I just found it to be....meh. With the competition at the $14 price point I wish there was a little more going on. Honestly, probably won't repeat.
Picture pending.
France
Cote du Rhone
$14ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Dark purple color, medium bodied with black pepper on the nose.
Thyme, black pepper, slightly floral. Hints of glycerol and dried plums. Pretty standard C-D-R profile, nothing to special or offensive.
Strong tannin and acid profile with mild complexity. Easy drinking enough but with that light alcohol burn at finish, naturally bringing down enjoyment and poundability. Certainly not a bad wine by any stretch but overall I just found it to be....meh. With the competition at the $14 price point I wish there was a little more going on. Honestly, probably won't repeat.
Picture pending.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Tilia Bonarda '15
Argentina, Mendoza
Bonarda
$10ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Purple color thinning at rim with a jammy raspberry nose. Medium/light body.
Black raspberrys, spices, slightly jammy with hints of light green vegetables, not in a cheap pinotage way. Strong oak influence with a lot of vanilla, luckily not overpowering. Near the end, my drankin' patna' and I both got hints of raisins, not very desirable.
Mild to light tannins. Similar to Malbec, but more body, tannin and structure. Not overly jammy fruit bomb that many Argentinian wines are becoming. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting an easy drinking, light bodied wine that still posses some nice complexity, especially for the price point. With that being said it also has that shitty/harsh alcohol burn at the finish, like many $10 bottles. Which naturally brings down poundability and overall enjoyment. One of those good value wines but not going to win over anyone.
Picture pending.
Argentina, Mendoza
Bonarda
$10ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Purple color thinning at rim with a jammy raspberry nose. Medium/light body.
Black raspberrys, spices, slightly jammy with hints of light green vegetables, not in a cheap pinotage way. Strong oak influence with a lot of vanilla, luckily not overpowering. Near the end, my drankin' patna' and I both got hints of raisins, not very desirable.
Mild to light tannins. Similar to Malbec, but more body, tannin and structure. Not overly jammy fruit bomb that many Argentinian wines are becoming. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting an easy drinking, light bodied wine that still posses some nice complexity, especially for the price point. With that being said it also has that shitty/harsh alcohol burn at the finish, like many $10 bottles. Which naturally brings down poundability and overall enjoyment. One of those good value wines but not going to win over anyone.
Picture pending.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Vega Demara Tempranillo '15
Spain
Tempranillo
$8ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Deep dark purple color with a little bramble and floral notes. Medium bodied.
Stony/earthy quality with dried red fruits mixed in. Leather. Slight candied cherries with a strong oak/vanilla influence. Some glycerol characteristics as well. Overall juicy with a little bit of potting soil at the back end.
Good tannins with strong acidity. Has that big alcohol finish you get from a lot of "hot" wine regions, but for $8 a bottle I'm not complaining. Zero complexity, but again $8 bottle. Taste ends abruptly with a fast finish.
One of those wines that tastes like it was made in a lab, no character. Just designed to be easy drinking and unoffensive. Which it succeeds at. By no means is this wine shitty or overly harsh like many wines at this price point, it's not going to win any snobs over either. But good riddance to them anyway.
Picture pending.
Spain
Tempranillo
$8ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Deep dark purple color with a little bramble and floral notes. Medium bodied.
Stony/earthy quality with dried red fruits mixed in. Leather. Slight candied cherries with a strong oak/vanilla influence. Some glycerol characteristics as well. Overall juicy with a little bit of potting soil at the back end.
Good tannins with strong acidity. Has that big alcohol finish you get from a lot of "hot" wine regions, but for $8 a bottle I'm not complaining. Zero complexity, but again $8 bottle. Taste ends abruptly with a fast finish.
One of those wines that tastes like it was made in a lab, no character. Just designed to be easy drinking and unoffensive. Which it succeeds at. By no means is this wine shitty or overly harsh like many wines at this price point, it's not going to win any snobs over either. But good riddance to them anyway.
Picture pending.
Alain de la Trelle Cabernet Franc '15
France
Cabernet Franc
$10ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Bright purple color, medium bodied.
Diced strawberry and blueberry's with a slight jammy-ness. Spicy finish.
Strong acidic finish with mouth coating tannins. Very smooth and easy drinking.
Almost a more American style of cab franc, which while not bad tasting by any means brings down overall rating. Great French wine has depth, complexity and character while this just tastes a little to......crowd pleasing. All in all for $10 a bottle I can easily get over that slight gripe and would definitely recommend. For this price.
Picture pending.
France
Cabernet Franc
$10ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Bright purple color, medium bodied.
Diced strawberry and blueberry's with a slight jammy-ness. Spicy finish.
Strong acidic finish with mouth coating tannins. Very smooth and easy drinking.
Almost a more American style of cab franc, which while not bad tasting by any means brings down overall rating. Great French wine has depth, complexity and character while this just tastes a little to......crowd pleasing. All in all for $10 a bottle I can easily get over that slight gripe and would definitely recommend. For this price.
Picture pending.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Hugel Gentil '15
France, Alsace
White blend
$18ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Pale yellow golden color, light bodied.
Flavors of candied apple, with a nice zestyness. Lemony at tip of tongue while also having a delicious tangy flavor that didn't taste cheap.
Very dry but still containing a bright, vibrant acidity that doesn't overpower at all. Incredibly complex despite a relatively short finish. Acidity brings down poundability along with zestyness but not in a bad way at all. Prime introduction to Alsace wine, would repeat.
Picture pending.
France, Alsace
White blend
$18ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Pale yellow golden color, light bodied.
Flavors of candied apple, with a nice zestyness. Lemony at tip of tongue while also having a delicious tangy flavor that didn't taste cheap.
Very dry but still containing a bright, vibrant acidity that doesn't overpower at all. Incredibly complex despite a relatively short finish. Acidity brings down poundability along with zestyness but not in a bad way at all. Prime introduction to Alsace wine, would repeat.
Picture pending.
Paul Mas Estate G.S.M. '(?)
France
Grenache - Syrah - Mourvedre
$15ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark ruby color thinning at edge. Medium bodied.
Dried, dark cherries with a dirty earthyness to it, in a good way. Juicy with slight oak influence giving a great round, vanilla taste. A large spiciness is present at back end.
Long mildly complex finish. Different then many French GSM styles which is cool, although not always better. More tannic and acidic then I would like, bringing down overall enjoyment. Not bad by any means, just a minor gripe.
Picture pending.
France
Grenache - Syrah - Mourvedre
$15ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark ruby color thinning at edge. Medium bodied.
Dried, dark cherries with a dirty earthyness to it, in a good way. Juicy with slight oak influence giving a great round, vanilla taste. A large spiciness is present at back end.
Long mildly complex finish. Different then many French GSM styles which is cool, although not always better. More tannic and acidic then I would like, bringing down overall enjoyment. Not bad by any means, just a minor gripe.
Picture pending.
Callejon Petit Verdot Grand Reserve '08
Argentina, Mendoza
Petit Verdot
$25ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Deep dark ruby color with a cherry/floral nose. Medium bodied.
Great floral/spice flavors jump out the glass with a strong oak/vanilla influence. Also got tart, bright cherry's with a dirty/earthyness. Hints of green tea, blueberries and smoke as well.
Chewy mouth feel with mild tannin's. Strong acidity. Highly complex - taste changes dramatically from start to finish.
Would definitely repeat. Great example of Argentina becoming a leading producer in great complex wine and not just every day table wine. Everything I've had from Callejon has been incredible.
Picture pending.
Argentina, Mendoza
Petit Verdot
$25ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Deep dark ruby color with a cherry/floral nose. Medium bodied.
Great floral/spice flavors jump out the glass with a strong oak/vanilla influence. Also got tart, bright cherry's with a dirty/earthyness. Hints of green tea, blueberries and smoke as well.
Chewy mouth feel with mild tannin's. Strong acidity. Highly complex - taste changes dramatically from start to finish.
Would definitely repeat. Great example of Argentina becoming a leading producer in great complex wine and not just every day table wine. Everything I've had from Callejon has been incredible.
Picture pending.
Diamondback Green Machine IPA 6.1% 16 oz
American, Maryland, Baltimore
IPA
$9ish/4pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Hazy golden color, opaque with a copper nose.
Not as bitter as I was expecting for an IPA, especially this day and age. Almost more of a pale ale. Little creamy, little shwaggy, but easy drinking enough for a 6% beer. Also had a mild metallic shittyness to it. Bitter, dry, harsh finish brings down poundability.
I like to support all local brewers, Diamondback especially, and with a $9 4pk price tag it's definitely well priced. All in all not a great beer, just serviceable.
Picture pending.
American, Maryland, Baltimore
IPA
$9ish/4pk
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Hazy golden color, opaque with a copper nose.
Not as bitter as I was expecting for an IPA, especially this day and age. Almost more of a pale ale. Little creamy, little shwaggy, but easy drinking enough for a 6% beer. Also had a mild metallic shittyness to it. Bitter, dry, harsh finish brings down poundability.
I like to support all local brewers, Diamondback especially, and with a $9 4pk price tag it's definitely well priced. All in all not a great beer, just serviceable.
Picture pending.
Radeberger Pilsner 4.8% 16 oz
German
Pilsner
$11ish/6pk
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Clear, light golden color.
Slightly sweet, smooth taste. Light bodied. Faint metallic hint with a funky finish, but not awful. More American style then some Euro versions tend to be. Not heavy on the malt/barley either, luckily.
For a $11 16oz 6pk I would repeat but not for much more duckets. Has that slightly gross metallic taint that some imported cans tend to have.
Picture Pending
German
Pilsner
$11ish/6pk
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Clear, light golden color.
Slightly sweet, smooth taste. Light bodied. Faint metallic hint with a funky finish, but not awful. More American style then some Euro versions tend to be. Not heavy on the malt/barley either, luckily.
For a $11 16oz 6pk I would repeat but not for much more duckets. Has that slightly gross metallic taint that some imported cans tend to have.
Picture Pending
Monday, February 20, 2017
Dom. de Chevilly Quincy '15
France, Quincy, Loire
Sauvignon Blanc
$18ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Pale yellow color with a honey nose. Light bodied.
Flavors of honey, butter but not in that Cali chard' oak bomb way. Light mineral/stone with a hint of grass - but not in a New Zealandy way. Light lemon/lime, pear and tropical fruit notes.
Great acidity - lives up to Loire valleys "vibrant acidity" reputation that I've read about. Awesome complexity with a very long finish. Crisp. Due to the high acidity (not a knock), brings down poundability but still a great wine. Would repeat.
Picture pending
France, Quincy, Loire
Sauvignon Blanc
$18ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Pale yellow color with a honey nose. Light bodied.
Flavors of honey, butter but not in that Cali chard' oak bomb way. Light mineral/stone with a hint of grass - but not in a New Zealandy way. Light lemon/lime, pear and tropical fruit notes.
Great acidity - lives up to Loire valleys "vibrant acidity" reputation that I've read about. Awesome complexity with a very long finish. Crisp. Due to the high acidity (not a knock), brings down poundability but still a great wine. Would repeat.
Picture pending
Four Roses Lmd. Ed. Small Batch 2016 Barrel Strength 55.6% abv.
Kentucky
Bourbon
$100ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5
Light amber color. Strong aromas of almonds and cherries.
Flavor of spice box, almonds, cedar and cherries. Hints of butter scotch, green apples and molasses. Slightly smokey with a tongue coating sensation.
Long, complex finish. Strong alcohol sensation at start but quickly mellows, as blaze bourbons should.
Drinks way smoother then 55.6% would suggest. Four Roses continues to crush the whiskey game, especially the small batch series. Been a fan of them for awhile, so admittedly a little biased, but the Ld. Ed. Small Batches continue to be the shit.
Picture pending.
Kentucky
Bourbon
$100ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5
Light amber color. Strong aromas of almonds and cherries.
Flavor of spice box, almonds, cedar and cherries. Hints of butter scotch, green apples and molasses. Slightly smokey with a tongue coating sensation.
Long, complex finish. Strong alcohol sensation at start but quickly mellows, as blaze bourbons should.
Drinks way smoother then 55.6% would suggest. Four Roses continues to crush the whiskey game, especially the small batch series. Been a fan of them for awhile, so admittedly a little biased, but the Ld. Ed. Small Batches continue to be the shit.
Picture pending.
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas '12
California
Bordeaux blend
$25ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Light ruby color with a candied red fruit nose. Medium bodied.
Leathery, light spices, candied fruits with a little floral and earthiness.
Leathery mouthfeel, very smooth and easy drinking. Soft with a great acid/tannin balance.
Overall thought it was good, just slightly underwhelming. Smooth, easy drinking; nicely integrated. Not a Cali "fruit bomb" which has recently become the norm', unfortunately. Has some nice subtlety and complexity just doesn't wow me like some previous Tablas' have.
Picture pending.
California
Bordeaux blend
$25ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Light ruby color with a candied red fruit nose. Medium bodied.
Leathery, light spices, candied fruits with a little floral and earthiness.
Leathery mouthfeel, very smooth and easy drinking. Soft with a great acid/tannin balance.
Overall thought it was good, just slightly underwhelming. Smooth, easy drinking; nicely integrated. Not a Cali "fruit bomb" which has recently become the norm', unfortunately. Has some nice subtlety and complexity just doesn't wow me like some previous Tablas' have.
Picture pending.
Alto Moncayo Garnacha '11
Spain
Garnacha
$20ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Dark purple color with a deep ripe cherry/cassis nose. Light/medium bodied.
Dark, tart ripe fruits; possible red plums. Cassis bomb, but not in a shitty way. Got some vanilla from the oak influence. Light spice with a nice mild leathery taste. Gets ever more dark ripe fruits developing as it stays open.
Light tannin with mild acidity, great balance between thee two. Extremely long complex finish - really get a whirlwind of taste over an easily 60 second finish. Ever so slight alcoholic burn at finish, but hardly a complaint. For 15.5% alcohol it doesn't taste to hot and soupy like some shitty high alcohol wines can taste. Bought a few years ago so glad I had it now, could be just starting to fade/dull with age.
Picture pending.
Spain
Garnacha
$20ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Dark purple color with a deep ripe cherry/cassis nose. Light/medium bodied.
Dark, tart ripe fruits; possible red plums. Cassis bomb, but not in a shitty way. Got some vanilla from the oak influence. Light spice with a nice mild leathery taste. Gets ever more dark ripe fruits developing as it stays open.
Light tannin with mild acidity, great balance between thee two. Extremely long complex finish - really get a whirlwind of taste over an easily 60 second finish. Ever so slight alcoholic burn at finish, but hardly a complaint. For 15.5% alcohol it doesn't taste to hot and soupy like some shitty high alcohol wines can taste. Bought a few years ago so glad I had it now, could be just starting to fade/dull with age.
Picture pending.
Veglio Dolcetto D'Alba '15
Italy, Piedmont
Dolcetto
$14ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark purple color, thinning at edge. Light/medium body with a nose of bramble.
Slightly grape juicy, not in a shitty way. Much more fruity then was expecting. Floral, dirt/earth with a slight chocolate finish.
Relatively light bodied, not very complex not complex. Easy drinking quaffer.
Overall I liked it as an easy drinking table wine. Nothing crazy going on, just easy drinking with or without food. Italy often gets a rep as a strictly food wine but there's a lot of quality, inexpensive, fruity, everyday pounde's available. Case in point.
Picture pending
Italy, Piedmont
Dolcetto
$14ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark purple color, thinning at edge. Light/medium body with a nose of bramble.
Slightly grape juicy, not in a shitty way. Much more fruity then was expecting. Floral, dirt/earth with a slight chocolate finish.
Relatively light bodied, not very complex not complex. Easy drinking quaffer.
Overall I liked it as an easy drinking table wine. Nothing crazy going on, just easy drinking with or without food. Italy often gets a rep as a strictly food wine but there's a lot of quality, inexpensive, fruity, everyday pounde's available. Case in point.
Picture pending
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Heavy Seas/Union Olde Ale 8.5%
Baltimoe, MD
Ale (?)
$10ish (?)
Poundability: 2.3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark brown with a chocolate nose.
Flavors of vanilla, smoke (rauch-esque), light chocolate, molasses and I got a hint of banana (got a few raised eyebrows on that one, f 'em). Definitely light bodied and easy drinking for an 8.5% beer, alcohol isn't very detectable. Low carbonation, but by no means English/flaty.
This style in general doesn't lead itself to high poundability, but the light body makes it much smoother. In the past some of these Heavy Seas collab's have.....underwhelmed at best. Could be my bias toward Union (big fan) but this is one of the better joint efforts they've done. Hopefully more interesting ones like this is in the works.
Picture pending
Baltimoe, MD
Ale (?)
$10ish (?)
Poundability: 2.3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Dark brown with a chocolate nose.
Flavors of vanilla, smoke (rauch-esque), light chocolate, molasses and I got a hint of banana (got a few raised eyebrows on that one, f 'em). Definitely light bodied and easy drinking for an 8.5% beer, alcohol isn't very detectable. Low carbonation, but by no means English/flaty.
This style in general doesn't lead itself to high poundability, but the light body makes it much smoother. In the past some of these Heavy Seas collab's have.....underwhelmed at best. Could be my bias toward Union (big fan) but this is one of the better joint efforts they've done. Hopefully more interesting ones like this is in the works.
Picture pending
Vajra Lange Rosso '14
Italy
Piedmont
$15ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Light maroon color, very clear with a floral/spicy nose, light bodied.
Had a very nice fruity, almost plummy nature that went along with the floral spiciness. Almost had a zesty, rustic nature to it. Could definitely notice the oak influence but not in a shitty way, not trying to cover any faults. Leathery feeling on tongue but not overdone/sandpaper.
Great mouth gripping acidity, perfect food wine. Although all that acid makes it tough to drink on its own, bringing down poundability. Long finish - taste lingers in mouth for easily 60 seconds.
For the price I really enjoyed it. Had pulled pork with lunch and beef stew for dinner (bad AND bougie) and it held up great with both. One of those wines that drinks like it should cost much more. Would definitely repeat. Anything from the Piedmont region is a perfect fit with most food, especially rich ones.
Picture pending.
Italy
Piedmont
$15ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3/5
Light maroon color, very clear with a floral/spicy nose, light bodied.
Had a very nice fruity, almost plummy nature that went along with the floral spiciness. Almost had a zesty, rustic nature to it. Could definitely notice the oak influence but not in a shitty way, not trying to cover any faults. Leathery feeling on tongue but not overdone/sandpaper.
Great mouth gripping acidity, perfect food wine. Although all that acid makes it tough to drink on its own, bringing down poundability. Long finish - taste lingers in mouth for easily 60 seconds.
For the price I really enjoyed it. Had pulled pork with lunch and beef stew for dinner (bad AND bougie) and it held up great with both. One of those wines that drinks like it should cost much more. Would definitely repeat. Anything from the Piedmont region is a perfect fit with most food, especially rich ones.
Picture pending.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Nicolas Perrin Syrah Viognier '14
France
Rhone, North
$17ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Medium purple color, translucent at edge, medium/light body.
Mild spices - light peppery - not the super white pepper overload that some northern Rhones can take on. Notes of leather, red plums, earthiness and blackberries. "Tastes like a nutragrain berry bar" said my drankin' patna' after first taste. Not really in my taste profile so cannot confirm nor deny but definitely get a lot of dark black berry flavors.
Great tannin, classic northern Rhone in that regard. Very acidic but just balanced enough to not be a major negative. Long finish, easily 45 seconds, with decent complexity. Alcohol is very present (12.5%), not a distractor but a factor.
No faults really at all, slightly different then most northern Rhones I've tried. Much better as a food wine; I think it would pair well with red meat. Wish it were sightly less acidic, but at $17 still pretty damn good. All in all would revisit, but not for more duckets.
France
Rhone, North
$17ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
Medium purple color, translucent at edge, medium/light body.
Mild spices - light peppery - not the super white pepper overload that some northern Rhones can take on. Notes of leather, red plums, earthiness and blackberries. "Tastes like a nutragrain berry bar" said my drankin' patna' after first taste. Not really in my taste profile so cannot confirm nor deny but definitely get a lot of dark black berry flavors.
Great tannin, classic northern Rhone in that regard. Very acidic but just balanced enough to not be a major negative. Long finish, easily 45 seconds, with decent complexity. Alcohol is very present (12.5%), not a distractor but a factor.
No faults really at all, slightly different then most northern Rhones I've tried. Much better as a food wine; I think it would pair well with red meat. Wish it were sightly less acidic, but at $17 still pretty damn good. All in all would revisit, but not for more duckets.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Ch. Tour Bayard, St. Emilion, '10
France
Bordeaux
$23ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Deep dark purple color with a nice of light cherries, medium bodied.
Super ripe, tart, dark cherries and plums meet you at first sip. Slight notes of damp earth, graphite, fig and tiny bit of dark chocolate.
Not overly tannic or acidic but great harmony between the two. Nice leathery mouth feel, Good complexity, not great. My drankan' patna' thought it wasn't very complex at all - but "not boring." Which is always good.
Kermit Lynch imports rarely disappoint and this is no exception. Great Bordeaux expression and to get a quality St. Emilion 2010 for under $30 is a great steal. Would repeat as much as possible. Have two more bottles. Blaze.
Drank on 1/23/17.
France
Bordeaux
$23ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
Deep dark purple color with a nice of light cherries, medium bodied.
Super ripe, tart, dark cherries and plums meet you at first sip. Slight notes of damp earth, graphite, fig and tiny bit of dark chocolate.
Not overly tannic or acidic but great harmony between the two. Nice leathery mouth feel, Good complexity, not great. My drankan' patna' thought it wasn't very complex at all - but "not boring." Which is always good.
Kermit Lynch imports rarely disappoint and this is no exception. Great Bordeaux expression and to get a quality St. Emilion 2010 for under $30 is a great steal. Would repeat as much as possible. Have two more bottles. Blaze.
Drank on 1/23/17.
Duff Light
USA, Springfield (via Florida)
Pilsner(?)
$8.50/pint
Poundability: 3.5/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Light golden color and light bodied.
Great body/taste for the style. Not sure, but tasted like a Pilsner and the nice bartender said she thought it was, but can't guarantee. Little sweet, nice yeasty profile. Very easy drinking, like a higher end Miller lite, which I am a fan of as far as cheap beer's concerned.
Again, all the Duff's were much better then I was expecting. Would repeat even if it weren't for the iconic Duff brand. Ohhhhh yeaaaaaaa.....Duffman voice.
Duff Light on the left, Duff on the right.
USA, Springfield (via Florida)
Pilsner(?)
$8.50/pint
Poundability: 3.5/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Light golden color and light bodied.
Great body/taste for the style. Not sure, but tasted like a Pilsner and the nice bartender said she thought it was, but can't guarantee. Little sweet, nice yeasty profile. Very easy drinking, like a higher end Miller lite, which I am a fan of as far as cheap beer's concerned.
Again, all the Duff's were much better then I was expecting. Would repeat even if it weren't for the iconic Duff brand. Ohhhhh yeaaaaaaa.....Duffman voice.
Duff Light on the left, Duff on the right.
Duff
USA, Springfield (via Florida)
(?)
$8.50/pint
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Amber color. Fast rising head, light hops with a strong malty nose.
Light chocolate, biscuit flavors. No alcohol detected but an ever so slight....shwaggyness. But again, way better then anticipated. Almost a shittier Fat Tire, not a knock, just a reference point.
Was nice to see that all the Duff beers weren't just Coors Light-esque which is what I thought they would be. Shouldn't have doubted Homer. On the back said they were brewed by Florida Brewing Company which I'm pretty sure I've had before although can't be certain.
Duff on the right, Duff Light on the left.
USA, Springfield (via Florida)
(?)
$8.50/pint
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Amber color. Fast rising head, light hops with a strong malty nose.
Light chocolate, biscuit flavors. No alcohol detected but an ever so slight....shwaggyness. But again, way better then anticipated. Almost a shittier Fat Tire, not a knock, just a reference point.
Was nice to see that all the Duff beers weren't just Coors Light-esque which is what I thought they would be. Shouldn't have doubted Homer. On the back said they were brewed by Florida Brewing Company which I'm pretty sure I've had before although can't be certain.
Duff on the right, Duff Light on the left.
Duff Dry
USA, Springfield (via Flroida)
(?)
$7.50/bottle
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Dark black color.
Roasted brown chocolate flavors. Fairly light bodied despite the look. Easy drinking but low poundability, due to the style of beer, not quality.
Obviously paying for the prestigious Duff name and resort prices, but still overall impressed with quality. Not nearly as shitty as I was expecting. No wonder Homer, Barney and the gang love it so much.
USA, Springfield (via Flroida)
(?)
$7.50/bottle
Poundability: 2/5
Value: 2/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Dark black color.
Roasted brown chocolate flavors. Fairly light bodied despite the look. Easy drinking but low poundability, due to the style of beer, not quality.
Obviously paying for the prestigious Duff name and resort prices, but still overall impressed with quality. Not nearly as shitty as I was expecting. No wonder Homer, Barney and the gang love it so much.
Chapoutier Bila Haut Cotes Rousillon '15
France
(?)
$15ish
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Dark purple color with a nose of crushed dark fruits with a light/medium body.
Off the jump you get flavors of plum, cassis, earth and spices. Mild floral, mineral and bramble notes as well.
I get a slight sweetness from the wine but still dry by a long shot. Some alcohol "heat" but not in a harsh way. More tannic then anticipated. Not overly complex, bringing down the overall score.
A solid quaffer fo' sho' but for $15 wish there was slightly more going on. Not a disappointment but for the price I wish there was a little more going on. Just sorta....basic. Would still revisit when looking for an easy drinking, inexpensive wine but not one I would seek out either. Which is a slight let down as most Chapoutier wines I've tried have been quite good.
Groot Constantia Pinotage '15 (?)
South Africa
Pinotage
$20ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Deep dark purple color. Earthy nose with a light/medium body.
Flavors of earth, light vegetables, red cherries and a mild menthol taste when swished in mouth. Also got light amounts of fig/jam, tobacco, bbq/smoke. Slightly to vegetably for my liking, but some pinotage's can be like that.
Got a little tannin and acidity but not over powering. Solid complexity with a mildly long finish. Very smooth.
Overall it was pretty good for the price. It didn't have that overly gross green herbalness that a lot of inexpensive pinotages can have. Drank like a $20 bottle, and not a complaint. One of the oldest wineries in South Africa and one that I visited so there is a slight nostalgia to tasting this I must admit. Overall if you're looking for a nice easy drinking pinotage you wouldn't go wrong with Groot Constantia bu you're also not going to win any one over nor wow any snobs. But f them anyway.
South Africa
Pinotage
$20ish
Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 2.5/5
Deep dark purple color. Earthy nose with a light/medium body.
Flavors of earth, light vegetables, red cherries and a mild menthol taste when swished in mouth. Also got light amounts of fig/jam, tobacco, bbq/smoke. Slightly to vegetably for my liking, but some pinotage's can be like that.
Got a little tannin and acidity but not over powering. Solid complexity with a mildly long finish. Very smooth.
Overall it was pretty good for the price. It didn't have that overly gross green herbalness that a lot of inexpensive pinotages can have. Drank like a $20 bottle, and not a complaint. One of the oldest wineries in South Africa and one that I visited so there is a slight nostalgia to tasting this I must admit. Overall if you're looking for a nice easy drinking pinotage you wouldn't go wrong with Groot Constantia bu you're also not going to win any one over nor wow any snobs. But f them anyway.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Confidencial Reserve Red '12
Portugal
Table red
$12ish
Overall: 2.5/5
PBF: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Very dark purple/ruby color. Medium bodied with a nose of black fruit/violets.
Upfront jammy fruity flavors of blackberry with a little brambleness. Slight vanilla from oak barrel aging. Hints of earthy/dirt in good not great way. Picked up a little bit of the violet taste but not much.
Nice tongue gripping tannins with decent acidity. Wish that were downplayed and the acidity boosted up a notch but at $12, picking hairs. Very easy drinking but not a whole lot going on but again, $12. Was good with food (mediterranean chicken) but just as good by itself.
With that being said it does have some of the tell tale signs of an inexpensive wine. Harsh alcohol burn when swallowed, not a lot of complexity, short finish, slightly thin, etc.
All in all for the price I would recommend. Easy drinking, like a lunch wine if you will. Really see Portugal on the come up for inexpensive easy drinking wines. Not going to blow anyone away but a crowd pleaser fo' sho'
.
Portugal
Table red
$12ish
Overall: 2.5/5
PBF: 2.5/5
Value: 3/5
Very dark purple/ruby color. Medium bodied with a nose of black fruit/violets.
Upfront jammy fruity flavors of blackberry with a little brambleness. Slight vanilla from oak barrel aging. Hints of earthy/dirt in good not great way. Picked up a little bit of the violet taste but not much.
Nice tongue gripping tannins with decent acidity. Wish that were downplayed and the acidity boosted up a notch but at $12, picking hairs. Very easy drinking but not a whole lot going on but again, $12. Was good with food (mediterranean chicken) but just as good by itself.
With that being said it does have some of the tell tale signs of an inexpensive wine. Harsh alcohol burn when swallowed, not a lot of complexity, short finish, slightly thin, etc.
All in all for the price I would recommend. Easy drinking, like a lunch wine if you will. Really see Portugal on the come up for inexpensive easy drinking wines. Not going to blow anyone away but a crowd pleaser fo' sho'
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Union Rye Baby 6.5%
USA, Maryland, Baltimore
IPA
$12ish/6 pack
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Visually copper/orange with a slight haziness and fast rising bubbles.
Aromas of pine, spruce with a touch of resin. I find most Unions to have a similar smell/taste to them. Not a complaint, I like the variations off the base profile. Annnnway, also got a little biscuit/breadyness from the malts.
Not overly alcoholic tasting and at 6.5% it shouldn't be. Got some pine flavor along with delicious chocolaty/malty/bready overtones, but not overwhelming. Great integration of hops and malts, neither one over powering the other. Standard IPA bitterness but not a hop bomb which has become the norm in recent years, regretfully. I'm all for a nice bitter hop profile but not when it's at 1,000,000,000 IBU's. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnway found it had a nice spice character as well, due to the Rye no doubt.
Overall I found it had a nice creamy mouth feel. High poundability despite the bitterness of the hops and the dry hopping which I find can make many beers way to......dry tasting. Totally biased as they're from Baltimore but I hate on some Maryland beers (not naming names) FYI. Many IPA's can lose there poundability due to the bitter nature of the style but Union balances it perfectly! Would revisit and recommend!
USA, Maryland, Baltimore
IPA
$12ish/6 pack
Poundability: 3/5
Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Visually copper/orange with a slight haziness and fast rising bubbles.
Aromas of pine, spruce with a touch of resin. I find most Unions to have a similar smell/taste to them. Not a complaint, I like the variations off the base profile. Annnnway, also got a little biscuit/breadyness from the malts.
Not overly alcoholic tasting and at 6.5% it shouldn't be. Got some pine flavor along with delicious chocolaty/malty/bready overtones, but not overwhelming. Great integration of hops and malts, neither one over powering the other. Standard IPA bitterness but not a hop bomb which has become the norm in recent years, regretfully. I'm all for a nice bitter hop profile but not when it's at 1,000,000,000 IBU's. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnway found it had a nice spice character as well, due to the Rye no doubt.
Overall I found it had a nice creamy mouth feel. High poundability despite the bitterness of the hops and the dry hopping which I find can make many beers way to......dry tasting. Totally biased as they're from Baltimore but I hate on some Maryland beers (not naming names) FYI. Many IPA's can lose there poundability due to the bitter nature of the style but Union balances it perfectly! Would revisit and recommend!
Carrel Languedoc Rouge Les Darons '14
France
Cotes Du Rhone
$15ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark purple color. Good condition, some spice and dried red fruits on nose. Medium-light bodied.
A nice spice at the front but not overly peppery, like some Rhones. I got dried cranberries and dark purple fruits - plums, blackberries. Also an ever so slight vegetable quality, but not in the gross way that sounds. Maybe earthy? Large percentage of Grenache (60%) with 25% Carignan and 15% Syrah, is classic Rhone. Luckily it isn't overly fruity like some or excessively peppery like others at this price/style.
Great acidity. Awesome food wine but just as easy to sip on its own. Mildly complex with a moderately long finish, steal for $15. A great representation of Languedoc wine. Would definitely recommend to any one looking for a slightly different Rhone then the standard 'ish.
Picture Pending
France
Cotes Du Rhone
$15ish
Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Dark purple color. Good condition, some spice and dried red fruits on nose. Medium-light bodied.
A nice spice at the front but not overly peppery, like some Rhones. I got dried cranberries and dark purple fruits - plums, blackberries. Also an ever so slight vegetable quality, but not in the gross way that sounds. Maybe earthy? Large percentage of Grenache (60%) with 25% Carignan and 15% Syrah, is classic Rhone. Luckily it isn't overly fruity like some or excessively peppery like others at this price/style.
Great acidity. Awesome food wine but just as easy to sip on its own. Mildly complex with a moderately long finish, steal for $15. A great representation of Languedoc wine. Would definitely recommend to any one looking for a slightly different Rhone then the standard 'ish.
Picture Pending
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