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WSET Level 3 Week 7 Rhone Valley

Better get this one up before Week 8 Starts tomorrow!

What to say about Rhone, There is North and then there is the South, so close and yet so far, its amazing how a little distance plus a valley, can change the wine profile, especially Syrah, since that's really the only commonality between the two.  I enjoy Crozes Hermitage, especially when it gets those Leafy Undertones!  And at the same time a good blend of the south can be just as tasty.  2007 South Rhone, was a pretty good vintage from what has been said especially on the Chateaunuef-du-Pape front.  But for me the most enjoyment from the 07 have been the Entry Level Cotes Du Rhones, inexpensive and properly balanced.

On Chateaunuef-Du-Pape, to me its one of those regions where you have a wine and love it try and different producer and hate it, funny how that works, Domaine de Pague was a fantastic wine! But the one tasted in Class was super nice too and 1/4 of the price.

On Roses, I like em, I'm not afraid to drink pink wine. /end

WSET LEVEL 3 WEEK 7 RHONE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/18/2010)
Rhone Wines this Week, a pleasant inexpensive white, some reds and a rose
  • 2008 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Côtes du Luberon Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Luberon
    Pale Lemon Green, Med+ Intensity, Youthful, Floral! Orange Blossom, Greenfruit/apple, Citrus/Lemon/Lime Ripe.

    On the Palate, Dry, Med- Acid, Alc Med, Body Med, Med Intesnity, Apple, Citrus/Lemon, White Peeach, Pear, Stoney/Mineral, Med- Finish

    Conclusion, This wine is simple and yet pretty and floral I love it!, Ready to drink now/dont wait (85 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Tavel
    Clear, Med Orange. Med Intensity, Developing, Caramalized Red fruit/strawberry, spice, game, watermelon rind

    on the Palate, dry, med acid, low tannin, alc med+, med body, med intensity, strawberry, spice med finish

    Conclusion, Its a good Rose, ready to drink now. (86 pts.)
  • 2006 Cave de Tain St. Joseph Cuvée Prestige - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph
    Clean, Med+Intensity, Developing, Dark Fruit+Red Fruit/Raspberry, Spice, game, cola, coffee

    on the palate, dry, med+ acid, med+ tannin, alc med, body med, med intensity, dark fruit, dark chocolate, spice, vegetal/cabbage, med+ finish

    conclusion, this needs time, atleast a decant for sure, opens up nicely (89 pts.)
  • 2006 Mommessin Côtes du Rhône Villages terroirs de galets - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages
    Med+ Ruby, Med intensity, umami, warm red fruit/cherry/twizzler, clean, mineral, toast. youthful

    on the palate, dry med acid, med tannin, alc med+, med body, med intensity, red fruit/cranberry, short finish

    conclusion, good wine simple/inexpesnvie (86 pts.)
  • 2006 Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau
    deep ruby, no change at rim, med+ intensity, dark fruit, flint, clean, mineral, developing

    on the palate, med acid, med tannin, med+ alc, med+ body, med intensity, spice, stewed red fruit, med+ finish

    conclusion, very good, needs a little time to develop maybe a year? (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
    Deep Purple, No Change at Rim, Pronounced Intensity, developing, spice/warm/baking spice, vanilla, dark fruit, warm baked orange loaf.

    on the palate, dry med acid, med+ tannin, high alc, med+ body, med+ intensity, dark fruit, stewed, plums, chocolate, spice, mineral, Long finish

    conclusion, nice chewiness, but good acidity to keep it fresh, ready to drink can develop further (90 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)
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WSET Level 3 Week 6 Loire Valley


Ah Loire Valley, I am fascinated with this area, maybe its because of  bloggers like Living the Life in Saint-Aignan and Jim's Loire and can not forget The Winedoctor. Or maybe its the incredible deals you find on wines here, from Muscadet, Which By the way I would drink over Chablis, and to think its 1/3 the price easily.

Did this class after doing a Chilean tasting went and tasted everything about 70-90 wines, yeah Sauvignon Blanc totally destroyed my tongue and whatever was left over was done in by the reds hah.

WSET WEEK 6 LOIRE VALLEY - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/11/2010)
Loire Valley Week from Muscadet to Pouilly Fume, with a Rose thrown in!
  • 2007 Gaec Jeannot Père et Fils Pouilly-Fumé Les Riaux - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé
    Pale Lemon Green, Clean Med+ Intensity, green tropical notes Kiwi, Mineral, Herbascious. On the Palate High Acid, Med Alc, Med body, med+ intensity, long finish, lemon, stone, gooseberry. Conclusion Very Good Balance expresses tipicity, 2-3years aging potential (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Huët Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
    Med- Lemon w/Green. med+ intensity developing on the nose with Mineral, Apple, Lemon Zest, Melon, Honey, Dried Fruit, Lanolin.

    On the Palate High Acid, Alc Med, Med+ body, med+intensity, med finish, Rich/oily, Lemon 'Spritz', Green Apple

    Conclusion Very Good quality, initial hit of Residual Sugar [8g/l] but the acid makes it finish bone dry (90 pts.)
  • 2008 Domaine Michaud Touraine - France, Loire Valley, Touraine
    Pale to Med- Salmon, Low+ Intensity on the Nose Youthful, Strawberry, mineral, earth/funk/stemy

    On the palate Dry Med+ Acid, Med- Alc, Med-- Tannin, Med Body, Med Intensity, Med Length. Strawberry Cream, Steely, Spice

    Conclusion, Very Good, Shows what a Loire Rose is all about. Expressive (91 pts.)
  • 2007 Domaine Guion Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Bourgueil
    Med+ Purple, No Change at Rim. Nose Med+ Intensity, Woody/Pencil Shaving, Raspberry/Cherry, Minty, Dry Flowers/Roses/Violets

    On the Palate, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med Alc, Med Body, Med Intesnity, Spicy, Woody, Ripe Red fruit, cherry sour, Med+ Finish

    Conclusion, Grippy Tannins, Solid Good (88 pts.)
  • 2007 Domaine Pierre Chauvin Coteaux du Layon - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Coteaux du Layon
    Med+ Gold, Med+ Intensity of Mushroom, Earthy Botrytis, Developing, Honey , Dried Fruit

    On the Palate, Sweet, high acid, Alc med, med- body, med+ finish, Tropical, Mango, Banana[dried]

    Conclusion: Good, but not super complex or anything to blow me over (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Domaine Pierre de la Grange (Luneau-Papin) Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie - France, Loire Valley, Pays Nantais, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine
    Watery to Pale Lemon, Med+ Intensity, Confectioners Sugar, Green Frut, Clean/Fresh, Ctirus/Yellow Grapefruit, Mineral, Lanolin

    on the palate, dry, med+ acid, med body, med intensity, med length, red apple, round, textured

    Very Good, Simple but so Satisfying (90 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)
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A Fantastic Tasting, A nice size room, not too many wines, and some really great wines to boot.  Must say my favourite new winery goes to Painted Rock, one the Wines Rock and two the own whom I have met twice now is such a great and down to earth guy.  He has a fantastic Site, see my other post on his wines I talked about last week here.

Le Vieux Pin and LaStella both owned by the same company, were interesting the top tier Merlot from Vieux Pin was really nice would like to see where it goes in a the future, the whites defintly were not whimpy, but not goopy either, very nice stuff

8th Generation and Tantalus Quality White/Roses Wine being made at both, would buy and defintly would not turn down a glass if offered.

Crowsnest Merlot for 20$ in the BC Market Unbelievable high altitude Merlot Vines apparently

I am excited about the future of the industry, and to think that our top tier wines are under 100$, Red Icon of Painted Rock 55$, LaStella Top Merlot [did not try, but if its anything to the reserve le vieux pin then yeah should be good and its yields are 1ton/acre] Is I think 85$

BC WINES, BLOOM - (5/20/2010)
Bloom Tasting event put on By BC Wines, Every year BC wine just keep getting better good stuff!
  • 2009 LaStella Chardonnay Leggiero - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Clear, Watery to Pale, Lemon/Green

    A: Clean Med Intesnity, Youthful, Citrus, Melon

    T: dry, med+ acid, no tannin, med body, med intensity, med alc, med finish. Canadied Lemon/Grapefruit, Clean,

    Conclusion, Very refreshing Chardonnay, a great summer chardonnay (89 pts.)
  • 2009 Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir Rosé Vaïla - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Pale Pink

    A: med intensity, youthful, rasphberry, cherry

    T: Dry, Med Acid, No Tannin, Med(-) Body, Med Alc, med finish. Strawberry, Clean

    Conclusion ,decent rose (87 pts.)
  • 2009 LaStella Merlot LaStellina - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Med Pink, Slight Salmon Tint

    A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful, Red Summer fruit, strawberry/raspberry

    T: dry, med acid, med+ body, low(-) tannin, long finish. Licourice, Big Nice Texture, good candy cherry/watermelon fruit (90 pts.)
  • 2009 LaStella Pinot Grigio Vivace - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Clean, Med(-), Pale Gold

    A: Clean, Med(-) Intensity, youthful

    T: Dry, Med to Med+ Acid, Med Body, Med Intesnity , Med+ Finish. Okanagan Peach, Stone fruit, ripe citrus, mineral, ruby grapefruit

    Conclusion, Nice Body/Texture Weight on this wine enjoyed this (89 pts.)
  • 2007 Le Vieux Pin Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Med ruby

    A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Dried Flowers, Red Fruit, Developing, Mineral, Zest

    T: Dry, med+ Acid, med tannin, med+ body, med+ finish. Seems tight at the moment picking up Atypical Pinot Fruit
  • 2007 Le Vieux Pin Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Clear, Med+ Ruby

    A: Med Intesnity

    T: Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med body, med+ finish med alc. red fruit (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Le Vieux Pin Merlot Reserve - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    Rating 89-91

    C: Med++ Ruby, tint of Purple

    A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Cherry, Chocolate, Coffee, Mineral[Lipstick]

    T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Finish Med+. Tight on the palate

    Conclusion, Potential is there, needs time to open up hence the 89 - 91 rating (89 pts.)
  • 2009 Road 13 Honest John's - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    C: Pale Lemon

    A: Med+ Intensity, Youthful, Peachy, Floral

    T: Dry, med+ Acid, med body, med finish. Floral, Apple/Green (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Road 13 Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, British Columbia VQA
    Delicious Cherry Skin. Its Delicious, but it doesn't add any thing else to that one tasty note
  • 2009 St. Hubertus Estate Winery Riesling Dry - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    ABSOLUTY A BUY especially at the price!

    Ripe Citrus, Peach, High Acid, Med Body

    This wine is crazy good, hence basically no notes hah a Must buy at 14.99! (90 pts.)
  • 2007 Painted Rock Syrah - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    C: Med+ Ruby

    A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Slowly Starting to Develop. showing mod legs. Cabbage, Ripe Red Fruit[Cherry Twizzlers!!! YUM]

    T: dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med body, long finish. Chocolate, Cherry, Silky Smooth tannins, Charcoal, Lil Meat.

    Conclusion, Great Finish tasted better this week then last [tasted this in the middle of the event so compared to everything else this blows em all away] (89 pts.)
  • 2007 Painted Rock Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    C: Med+ Ruby, Med+ legs
    A: Med+ Intensity, Dark Red Cherry, Great Concentration

    T: dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med body, meD+ intensity. red fruit/cherry, delicious

    Conclusion, Freshness is there! very delicious (89 pts.)
  • 2007 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Med+ Ruby

    A: Med+ Intesnity, Mineral, Cherry, dried roses/potpourri, tar

    T: Med+ acid, med+ tannin, med+ body, long finish. A Ripe Vegetal note, Chocolate, Cherry, raspberry'

    Conclusion: Opened up so much since my last tasting a week ago amazing (90 pts.)
  • 2007 Clos du Soleil - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
    C: Pale, Lemon

    A: Clean, Med++ Intensity, Citrus

    T: dry, med+ acid, med body, med+ finish. Candied Citrus Zest (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Clos du Soleil - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
    C: med to med+ ruby

    A: med+ intensity, woody, cherry

    T: med+ acid, med tannin, med+ body, jolly rancher red, woody, needs some time
  • 2009 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rosé - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    Pinot Muenier 24hr Skin Contact

    C: Pale Pink

    A: Earthy, Cherry, Strawberry

    T: med- Acid, med body, Cherry rhubarb

    Conclusion, this is a very nice Rose, I enjoyed this, this year and last year, and its already or almost sold out (88 pts.)
  • 2009 8th Generation Vineyard Dry Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    Also Called the "Classic"

    C: Watery in Colour

    A: Med Intensity, Marzipan yummay~

    T: High Acid, Med Body, Ripe Citrus, Marzipan

    tasty
  • 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    C: Watery to Pale Lemon slight tint of green

    A: Petrol, Umami

    T: Off-Dry Med+ Acid, Med- Body, Appley Goodness, Tropical Fruit (89 pts.)
  • 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Gris - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    Umami on the Nose, Round Texture Stone Fruit on the Palate
  • 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    A: CHerry, Rhubarb

    T: Cherry, Mineral/Rocks, Rhubarb, Creamy (89 pts.)
  • 2008 8th Generation Vineyard Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    Vegetal Notes on this [all I had written down for notes]
  • 2009 Tantalus Vineyards Dry - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    C: Med(-) Pink

    A: Med Intensity, Earth, Game, Mineral

    T: dry, Med+ Acid, low Tannin, Med body, cranberry

    Conclusion Very Tight, needs a little decant, was pop'n'pour funk blew off after 30secs but still needs a mini decant (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Tantalus Vineyards Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    50% German Clones, Rest Dijon I think

    A: Vanilla, Cherry, Rhubarb [Oak notes present]

    T: Med acid, med+ tannin, med body, med+ finish a Big wine needs time to settle so young and tight
  • 2009 Tantalus Vineyards Riesling - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    A: Med+ Intensity, Ruby/Pink Grapefruit
    T: Med+ acid, Med+ body, med+ finish, citrus/apple (89 pts.)
  • 2008 Tantalus Vineyards Riesling Old Vines - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    C: Watery to Pale
    A: Med+ Intensity, Petrol

    T: High Acid, Med(-) Body, med+ Finish, green apple, Mosel Like in its approach very different then the Regular Riesling (89 pts.)
  • 2007 Crowsnest Merlot Barcello Canyon - Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley VQA
    This wine is a High Altitude Merlot from Okanagan
    Wine was showing Beautifully Was decanted for an hour

    A: Med+ Intensity, A Interesting Nose so different, changing couldn't take notes really

    T: Soft Tannin, Med Acid, Med Body, Showing Beautifully right now (91 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker


THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)
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Painted Rock Winery

Went to a Painted Rock Wine Tasting this week, one of Okanagans' new premium wines. First the History of this piece of land, was owned by Hillside Estate for approx 10years, never developed, no idea why as it was rated #1 meso-climate [now I know they say its Micro-Climate, but really micro is under every leaf where the grapes grow, Meso is the Vineyard, Macro is the Appellation] by BC Wine Institue, property originally called "BlackHawk".  To Illustrate the how good this site is, In 2009 there was some heavy freezing, Painted Rock suffered no damage, The Vines are sloped so that they go towards the water, where they get a good vacuum effect allowing the Lake Skaha to Moderate the vineyard. Also there is Amphitheater at the back of the vineyard reflecting the heat back into the vines during the growing season, and of course lake reflection where the Petit Verdot is planted

What made me want to try these wines was that the Red Icon blend had a heavy amount of Petit Verdot, 20% in the 2008 Vintage, unheard of in a "cool" climate.  Amazingly these vines were planted mostly in 2005, and the quality of wine coming from such young vines not to shabby. Another interesting point someone made at the tasting was that the Syrah tasted a lot like Walla Walla syrahs when the vines were young, sooo that could mean good things for this syrah and I may have to get on that but right not super fruit forward due to youngness but ya know still tasty

PAINTED ROCK PORTFOLIO TASTING - Wine Vault (5/12/2010)

Whites
  • 2008 Painted Rock Chardonnay - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    C: Pale Lemon.

    A: Med+ Intensity Initially oak is on the nose, and was quiet scared because I know this is 100% New French Oak, started to blow off, peachy, pear, toast, burnt popcorn [good!]

    T: med Acid, med+ body, med+ finish
    Lemon, Apple, Pear, Mineral, CLEAN,

    Conclusion reminded me a Mersault I had couple weeks ago, so good and clean fruit, the Oak Integrates/disappears so WELL, I would drink this wine and Im not a Chard/Oak Fan (92 pts.)
Released Red
  • 2007 Painted Rock Merlot - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    A: Med+ Intensity
    Perfume. Licorice, Dark Cherry/Plum, Spice Cake, High Toned

    T: Med_ Acid, Med Tannin[dusty/silky], med body, med+ finish
    Red Fruit, Smooth, Clean, Purity of Fruit, Paired really well with Duck Prosciutto

    Conclusion: This wine was showing the best out of the reds straight out of the bottle so good (91 pts.)
  • 2007 Painted Rock Syrah - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
    First 6month in New French Oak, then 30% Transferred to American Oak [New] Then rested for 24motnhs[I think]

    A: Sweet Caramel, Red Fruit/Stinky/Earth, Brocolli, Fatty, Meaty, Cabbage

    T: Round, Creamy, Red Good Fruit, Spice, Earth

    Conclusion These vines are only 5years old I think if that, the potential is there I would love to see how this shows with older vines, maybe the 2012-2015 vintage. Its Delicious right now but does not have that depth of Character (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    33%Cab Franc, 20% Petit Verdot, 16% Merlot, 16% Cab Sauv 15% Malbec

    This wine is very tight At the Moment

    A: Eucalyptus/Mint, Lipstick, Vanilla, Spice/Pepper, Earth/Stemy

    T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin [ Smooth Silky Tannins], Good Balance
    TIGHT~ , Chocolate, Dark Fruit,

    Conclusion, Needs time very tight
Barrel Sample
This was a Barrel Sample, Final Blend, Now Sitting for another 4 months in Oak
  • 2008 Painted Rock Red Icon - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley
    !!!!THIS IS A BARREL SAMPLE, Final BLEND still in Barrel for another 4 Months!!!
    20% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, 25% Malbec

    A: med+ Intensity, Cherry, Rich

    T: Med Acid, Med+ Tannin[Silky], Red Fruit, Opening up with "Sweet Tannins and Ripe Fruit'

    Conclusion: Would like to see this affter a year in bottle to calm down, but the Vines are still young and not getting a lot of 2nd'ry Complexitiies yet
Posted from CellarTracker



THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84)
• Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)
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WSET Level 3 Week 4 Burgundy



This Week it was Burgundy, mmmm some good stuff really, It almost makes me not dislike Chardonnay so much, Maybe there is something I just don't find appealing in Overripe [warmer climate] and Over Oaked Chardonnays no balance? no finesse? But these Just seem different yeah I do pick up the oak but it intergrates in a bout 30mins. And Pinot Noir, Bruno Clair I mean that wine is meant to drink in a couple years for sure. Beaujolais for me is still hit and miss.

WSET LEVEL 3 WEEK 4 BURGUNDY - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/4/2010)
Week 4 of WSET level 3, Burgundy
Showing the Difference between A Chablis, Macon, Burgundy Chard and Two Different Burgs and a Beajolais Cru
  • 2007 Terra Incognita Chardonnay Mâcon-Villages Terra Incognita - France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Villages
    Clear, Med Lemon

    A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
    Apple[Ripe], Pear, Mineral, Dried Tropical, Spice, Honey

    T:Med+Acid, Med- Intensity, Med- Body, med- Finish
    Apple Juice [Yellow Apple]

    Conclusion I really like the nose, but the finish is just meh, not very complex on the palate (85 pts.)
  • 2007 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Montmains - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru
    Clear, Pale Lemon, Watery Rim

    A: Med Intensity, Youthful
    Mineral, Earth[white mushrooms], Pear, Zest

    T: High Acid, Med+ Intensity, Med- Body, Med- Alc, Med+ Finish
    Green Apple, Lemon Juice, Mineral

    Conclusion Opens up nicely (88 pts.)
  • 2007 M. Doudet-Naudin Meursault Au Village - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault
    Clear, Med-Gold

    A: Med+ Intensity, Youthful
    Eggnog spice, Freshly Grated Nutmeg, Apple, Floral, Candied Zest/Orange Peel

    T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Med Alc, Long Finish
    Creamy Apple Pie, Nutmeg, A Chinese Style Egg Custard, Pear

    Conclusion Opens up beautifully especially once you let it breath and let the oak intergrate for 30mins. Very Good use of Oak (90 pts.)
  • 2006 Domaine Bruno Clair Vosne-Romanée Champs Perdrix - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée
    Clear, Med- Ruby

    A: Med+ Intensity
    Earthy, Woody [Forest Floor], Red Fruit/Plums/Cherry/Strawberry, Spice/Thyme, Mineral, Floral, Tobacco!

    T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med Alc, Med- Body, Med+ Intensity, Med Finish
    TIGHT! Red Fruit, Ripe Cranberry/Dried Cranberry

    Conclusion TIGHT, needs a good decant, or some aging tannins and acid yeah are there good quality for sure (91 pts.)
  • 2006 Domaine Pavelot (Jean-Marc et Hugues) Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Vergelesses - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru
    Clear, Med Garnet

    A: Med+ Intensity, Developing
    Vanilla, Spice/Cinnamon, Cola, Cherry, Red Currant, MILD->"Ammonia like from a Aged Brie"

    T: Med Acid, Med- Tannin, Med Alc, Med- Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
    Ripe Cherry/Tart/Cranberry, Creamy, Compost

    Conclusion, Very good (88 pts.)
  • 2006 Dominique Piron Moulin-à-Vent Les Vignes du Vieux Bourg - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent
    Clear, Med+ Garnet

    A: Med+ Intensity, Developing
    Cheesy/Savoury, Earthy/Rock Aquarium, Darker Fruit/Grape Jelly, Licourice

    T: Med Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Med Finish
    Grape Jelly, Stemy/Earthy, Soil

    Conclusion, Lots of Tannins, more so then fruit. Very Dry (88 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker

Overall/Reflection: Score: 88 THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.) • Extraordinary (96-100 points) • Outstanding (90-95) • Very Good to Excellent (85-89) • Good (80-84) • Average (75-79) • Below average (70-74) • Avoid (50-70)
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A Blind Tasting, Completly Random


There is something about tasting wine with people who are just as passionate about you without being, pretentious, I mean good decissusion it is what makes us feel good about what we do. Its even better when you have a disagreement and that passion, really how can you not love a good fight [no malice] just pure fun disagreement.

This was Bring a Random Bottle Night I brought the 2006 Domaine De la Roche Costières-de-Nîmes from Southern Rhone the last time I brought this wine to a tasting it was not hated lets say and yet again it held its ground against some expensive wines, 17$ for mine [cheap in the BC market] against 30-50$. GO ME! hah now only If I can repeat

BLIND TASTING MONDAYS - Holiday Inn Downtown Vancouver (4/26/2010)
White
  • N.V. Paul Zinck Crémant d'Alsace Brut - France, Alsace, Crémant d'Alsace
    C: Light Lemon
    A: Clean, Nuts, Very Yeasty and Rich/Bread
    T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Creamy Bubbles, Golden Apple/Skin, Touch Caramel/Butterscotch, Finish Creamy/Cheese

    Good Quality, Lots of yeast, warmish climate feel, Ripe (90 pts.)
  • 2008 Gipsie Jack Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
    A: Clean, Started with Floral, Serbert/Orange, Melon, then opening with Greenness/Grass

    T: Dry, Med+Acid, med Body, Med Finish, Greeness/Herbs, Passionfruit

    Conclusion, Has a odd Off balance finish in the beginning, a young style warm climate feel, easy drinking, opening up with a more A-Typical SB of NZ Marl (89 pts.)
  • 2008 Jaffelin Bourgogne-Aligoté - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne-Aligoté
    C: Clear, Pale lemon Green
    A: Confectioners Sugar, Floral/Soap, Rich?
    T: High Acid, Body Light, Finish Med, Green Apple/Skin, Lemon Zest, Finish Med

    Conlusion, Very High Acid, need some Cheese hard to drink solo (88 pts.)
Red
  • 2005 Querciabella Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
    C: Med Ruby
    A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Meaty/Game/Pepper, Cherry, Warm
    T: High Acid, Finish Short, Med- Tannin, Sour Cherry/Skin, Rubber/astringent, Some Oak Use, Chocolate, Dirty

    Conclusion, at first was thinking a Syrah/Grenache on the nose, new world but once you started to drink this yeah Sang coming through opened up nicely (87 pts.)
  • 2006 Domaine De la Roche Costières-de-Nîmes - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Costières-de-Nîmes
    C: Med+ Ruby
    A: Clean, Rich, Cherry Skin, Stinky, Mineral/Earth
    T: Med- acid, Med- tannin, Med Finsih, Body Med +, Rich, Cherry, Ripe, Creamy Strawberry, Mineral [Ocean/Shells]

    Conclusion my entry into the blind tasting and it held up yet again! (89 pts.)
  • 2007 Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Reserve - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
    C: Clear, Med+ Ruby
    A: Warm Raison, Orange Peel, vanilla
    T: Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Finish, Red fruit/sour Cherry, cream/Coffee, Chocoalte (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Familia Zuccardi Malbec Santa Julia Reserva - Argentina, Mendoza
    A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Cola, Cherry, Richness, Cherry, Coffee/Grounds, Lipstick
    T: Acid Med+, Body Big, Finish Long, Cherry Juice, I like, Spice

    Conclusion Good Juice! (90 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
Overall/Reflection: Score: 88 THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.) • Extraordinary (96-100 points) • Outstanding (90-95) • Very Good to Excellent (85-89) • Good (80-84) • Average (75-79) • Below average (70-74) • Avoid (50-70)
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Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival 2010


So this year at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival 2010 it was New Zealand and Argentina Showcase! This is some Random Tasting notes, Way to many wine and I went to one day for tasting ah well.

Must say I am starting to like NZ Sauvignon Blancs Again, Riesling pretty good too, and Pinot Gris.  Pinot Noir always fantastic.  Elephant Hill has impressed me two years in a row so that gets abig thumbs up.  Another thing I found out is that I really do enjoy hawkes bay Chardonnays! Really good from a number of producers, stone paddock, and some other one I cant think of


VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL - Vancouver Convention Centre [West] (4/22/2010)
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, Trade Tasting Day 1 [Thursday] Theme this Year New Zealand, Argentina and Rose.
Whites - Light/Med
White - Med/Full [Oaked Maybe]
  • 2006 Louis Latour Meursault-Blagny - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault-Blagny
    Great Acid, Balance Green Apples
  • 2006 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
    A: Clean
    T: Delicate Fruit, Spice [Eggnog] Soft, Lite

    Not Worth the Money IMO
  • 2008 Stone Paddock Chardonnay - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay
    Good Fruit Tropical/Stone Fruit Touch of French Oak [8% New]

    This wine is really really Super Amazing Awesome, Just good I can still remember it (91 pts.)
  • 2009 Elephant Hill Chardonnay - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay
    Mineral, Flinty on the palate of Oak, Apple, Round Good Balance of Oak tho for sure (88 pts.)
  • 2007 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
    Still Thinking about this wine 2 days later, It did have some oak [not my style] but with air it opened up and I think this would be amazing in a cpl years or atleast decanted a bit.
    A: Beautiful Tropical Fruit
    T: Round, Rich Texture, Little Ginger Spiciness! (90 pts.)
Reds - Light/Med
Reds - Med/Full [Big Boys]
All In All a Great Big Old Tasting lots of Wine, A lot
Posted from CellarTracker
THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.)
• Extraordinary (96-100 points)
• Outstanding (90-95)
• Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
• Good (80-84) • Average (75-79)
• Below average (70-74)
• Avoid (50-70)
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Blind Tasting, NZ Pinots

Went to Blind Tasting, Theme was Pinot Noir from New Zealand, and there was one non-Pinot non-New Zealand, very interesting to say the least.  First of all the Morgon Cru Beaujolais well made, and since I was not getting any bubble gum notes I enjoyed it, could see it totally passing for a Light bodies Pinot Noir, especially with some Entry Level NZ Pinots.  


New Zealand Pinot Noir, Well Made, good quality, at every price point they are tasty, its almost like you can not go wrong with them.  I almost feel comfortable just grabbing a random one off the shelf and not worrying about it being bad





YVRWINE - THE HEARTBREAK GRAPE - CENTRAL OTAGO - Scott Landon Antiques (4/19/2010)
A Pinot Noir Tasting of NZ, Focusing on Central Otago, One Non NZ Wine was snuck in. This was a Blind Tasting Format
Pre-Game
Pre Wine, Not Tasted Blind really good way to start off a tasting
  • 2006 Pyramid Valley Riesling Lebecca Vineyard - New Zealand, South Island, Canterbury
    Pale Lemon, Aromas of Nuts, Ripe Pear and Good ole Petrol, On the Palate Lemon, Petrol, Apple, Very Round, Med Body, Med Sweet. Good Balance just a beautiful wine great acidity just makes this wine not taste super sweet good thing (90 pts.)
  • 2007 Flying Kiwi Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island
    Clear, Pale+ Ruby, Aromas of Ham, Richness, Opening up with some Minty, Steamy, Bark. On the Palate, nice Tart Red Fruit Cranberry/Sour Cherry, Med+ Acid, Opening up with Some Earthiness, Minty.

    Conclusion, this did amazingly well after opening up for an hour or so, and the price not to shabby (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Marcel Lapierre Morgon - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Morgon
    Clear Ruby, Aromas Closed, A little ripe fruit coming through, Palate, Kirsh Liquer, Dash Astringent [Good] opening up with Cherrys and Strawberrys.

    Conclusion I totally enjoyed this wine, I would of not guessed Gamay I know there were some others at the tasting getting the banana/bubble gum notes which I would of hated and would of guessed Beaujolais but I was not picking up any of those (89 pts.)
  • 2006 Pyramid Valley Pinot Noir Eaton Family Vineyard - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough, Omaka Valley
    Aroma of Campbell Alphabet Soup, Spice, Bready. On the Palate Tomato Stalk, Veg, Red Cherry, Med Body, Med+Acid, Big cherry a funny balance tho

    Conclusion I found the breadiness of the wine to much to truly enjoy, with so air the Balance did harmonize but a bready pinot (85 pts.)
  • 2007 Rippon Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Lake Wanaka
    Aroma a sweetness of rich fruit, meaty, Gamey, Mint, A Dash of Oak in Balance. On the Palate Cherry Skin, Meaty, Good Acid, Good Balance. This opens up Beautifully and was my WOTN

    Conclusion, needs air then its just beautiful and maybe a little cheese but oh so good [89-91] (91 pts.)
  • 2006 Felton Road Pinot Noir Calvert - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago
    Aroma of Watermelon Peel, Veg [Tom Stalk] Cabbage. On the Palate med Body, High Acid, High toned fruit, floral, spice, sweet ripe fruit.

    Conclusion, a good wine i found when it opened up a became a little to "sweet" the ripeness just came through, (89 pts.)
Yeah I like Pinot, and NZ Pinot is pretty good too, all the wines were good beside each other so it was hard to find that stood out as being number but there were some
Posted from CellarTracker

THE 100-POINT RATING SCALE (Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate describes this in more detail.) • Extraordinary (96-100 points) • Outstanding (90-95) • Very Good to Excellent (85-89) • Good (80-84) • Average (75-79) • Below average (70-74) • Avoid (50-70)
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