Australia, New Zealand, South Africa WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 4

Now this was a interesting class, not because of the wine [ don't get me wrong there was some tasty ones] but because of what Australia has brought to the world of wine, I know what UC Davies has done. Good or Bad take it for what it is [Judgment of Paris 1976 book is a good read to see subtleties]. Being a head of their game in the Science Department, coming together as a region to export, I mean they have what 20million people and they make a whole lot of wine that needs to go somewhere. And for that I do applaud, now they may not be myself, but I have been known to enjoy some Australian wines, fantastic chardonnays, the Riesling Below is pretty darn tasting even if it is a bit young.

Now for South Africa [RSA], I really don't know what to say, I mean there is defintly a distinct style to RSA, its like Burnt Tire, Leather, weirdness that some claim to be Brett, or dirty wine making or whatever it is but I mean in a blind tasting and I get the RSA style I can almost nail it pretty easily. Tho I mean there are exceptions take the Pinotage I tried it was good, and I have had some Leathery++++ Pinotages, that was even more leathery with Steak lol.

Last but not Least New Zealand, I really enjoy NZ across the board from Hwakes Bay Chardonnays to Central Ortago Pinot Noir, to just tasty pinot Gris, oh yeah I did leave out of Sauv Blanc well I don't like Green Pepper Juice soo we will skip that

Anyways here are some notes of wines


WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 4 AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/27/2010)
All Wines were Blind, Guess 5 out of the 6 Right, Yellowtail Fooled Me!!

• 2008 The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
  Clear, Med- Lemon
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Youthful
  Apple[Juice], Almonds tossed in Confectioners Sugar, Mineral, Citrus
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Body, Med Intensity, med+ Length, Med+Alc
  Apple Juice, Mineral
  
  Conclusion: QPR can't complain, Alc makes it a touch out of balance (84 pts.)
• 2006 Grosset Riesling Polish Hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley
  Clear, Med- Lemon Green, showing Significante Legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Inensity, Developing
  Mineral/Savoury, Petrol/Rubber, Lanolin, LIME, Floral - Very Pretty
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, med- body, med+ intensity, long finish, med+ alc
  Lime, Plasticine/Mineral [A Talc/Beeswax Feeling]
  
  Conclusion: My type of Dry Riesling, Really needs time to Develop should put away for a couple of years (89 pts.)

• 2005 Scali Pinotage Voor Paardeberg - South Africa, Coastal Region, Paarl
  Clear, Med+ Ruby
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Stewed Fruit/Dark, Savory, Mineral, Animal, Dill
  T: Dry, med Acid, Med+ Body, Med tannin, med+ intensity, med+ finish, high alc
  Raspberry, Cocoa, Animal/Leather -Seamless Integration
  
  Conclusion: Exceptional Pinotage, amazing balance, Would drink now dont see it aging to much more (90 pts.)
• 2009 Yellow Tail Merlot - Australia, South Eastern
  Clear, Deep Purple, Showing Significant Legs [Alc and RS]
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity
  Spice, Pepper, Ink Blue Fruit,Vanilla Marshmallow, Lipstick, Milk Chocolate, Rubber Balloon
  T: "Dry" not really, Med- Tannin, Full Body, High Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Sweet Concentrated Dark Fruit/Blackberry/Cherry, Minimal Spice/Woody
  
  Conc: This was served blind, guess Shiraz a "Mollydooker" Style, If you like that style this is a screaming buy. Very Fruit Forward has that "Delicious Factor" (84 pts.)
• 2008 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Crimson - New Zealand, North Island, Wairarapa, Martinborough
  Clear[Not Crystal tho], Med Ruby
  A: Clean, med+ acid, developing
  Cherry/Rhubarb Stewed, Spice, Newspaper Ink, Orange Peel Spice [Grand Mariner] -Def has NZ Fruit profile IMO
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Low+ Tannin, Med Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish, Med+ Alc
  Cherry, Earth, "Green" Veg like Cabbage
  
  Conc: Good, taste like a NZ Pinot, can't go wrong tho might be a little on the high price (87 pts.)
• 2007 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra
  Clear, Opague Ruby, Almonst no change at rim
  A: Clean, Pronounced Nose, Developing
  Roasted Red Peppers/Hummus, Green Peppercorn, Dark Cassis, Lil Brambly Fruit, Mineral, Complex, Herbs, Bark
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, High Alc, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Dark Ripe Fruit Good Quality Grapiness, Red Fruit, Roasted Red Peppers,
  
  Conc: Very Good Ready to Drink can develop further, Great Freshness to this wine (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)

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

• 2008 Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc Savée - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough, Wairau Valley
  Sparkling Sauv Blanc who knew
  
  Aroma of Green Onions, Taste of Round Tropical Passionfruit, Great Acidity
• 2008 Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc Reserve - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay
  Mineral Nose, A Riper Style of Green Pepper, on the Palate Veg, Round, Flint. Fantastic Really especially since its 100% new Oak (91 pts.)
• 2009 Elephant Hill Viognier Te Awanga Vineyard - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay
  Nice Fresh Melon, Round Melon on the Palate (87 pts.)
• 2008 Gunderloch Riesling Fritz's - Germany, Rheinhessen
  Green Fruit [nice] Med Sweet, Great Acid Balance, Good Riper Fruit on Palate [Better then Dr Loosen QbA IMO]
• 2008 Gunderloch Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Rheinhessen
  Lemon, Goodfruit, Acid Check!
• 2008 Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Dry - Germany, Rheinhessen
  Flowers! Great Fruit Med- Body, Peachy Finish Yummay
• 2008 Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Rheinhessen
  Smky/Flinty, Flinty/Chalky. Exotic Fruit Um yeah~
• 2007 Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel - Germany, Rheinhessen
  C: Med Gold
  Taste of Ripe Tropical Fruit Mango/Papaya, Almost Sauternes like Does have some botrytis. Pairs Beautifull with Lemon Herbed Olives (92 pts.)

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

• 2008 M. Chapoutier Tavel Beaurevoir - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Tavel
  Nice Nose, Red Tart Fruit (87 pts.)
• 2008 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir Picnic - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago
  Tasty Ripe Pinot Fruit, Gammey
• 2007 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago
  Lovely Nose, Spice, Herb
  Taste of Good Quality Pinot Fruit. Cherry/Rhubarb
• 2008 Two Paddocks Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago
  Mineral Check, Cherry, Ripe Warm Spice, Med to Med+ Acid
• 2007 Stone Paddock Scarlet - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay
  37% Merlot, 35% Cab Sauv, 12% Cab Franc [approx]
  
  Nice Fruit, Soft Tannins, Touch of green, enjoyable
• 2008 Elephant Hill Pinot Noir - New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago
  Richness, Red Fruit, Ripe (89 pts.)
• 2008 Elephant Hill Syrah Reserve - New Zealand, North Island, Hawkes Bay
  Gorgeous Nose, Fruit Check, Dark/Red Ripe, Good Acid, Soft Texture Med Tannins. Enjoyable yes (89 pts.)

Reds - Med/Full [Big Boys]

• 2007 Penfolds Shiraz Thomas Hyland - Australia, South Australia
  Rich, Dark Fruit, Minty
  
  But Amazingly the Body Felt med+
• 2006 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra
  Dark Fruit, Acidity Balance Very Nice
• 2005 Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri - Australia, South Australia
  Nice Beautiful Nose of Fruit, Palate Rich, Texture, Blackberry Jam, Dark Chocolate
• 2006 Penfolds Shiraz RWT - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
  Rich Dark Fruit, Chocolate, Vanilla, Palate not as big as expected/the nose [good], Good Tannins, Dash of Grape Candy
• 2007 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
  Have yet to be disappointed by a 2007 CdR
  Fantastic, Soft Strawberry, Dark Chocolate (90 pts.)
• 2007 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage
  Bright Ripe Fruit, Strawberry/Cherry, Nice Acid (88 pts.)
• 2007 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  A: Ripe Sweet Fruit, Cherry/Strawberry, Med- Acid, Med+ Body, med Tannins.
  
  Not my style but can see why RP likes this style of wine and a lot of others
• 2007 Bodega Renacer Enamore - Argentina, Mendoza
  40% Amarone Style, 60% Reserve Blend
  Good Dark Concentration, but not over Concentrated like most Amarones, Has Fantastic Balance (90 pts.)
• 2009 Bodega Renacer Malbec Punto Final - Argentina, Mendoza
  Creamy! And no Oak! Seriously Eh? Good Stuff

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)

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)

On Deals, plus Review NZ Pinot

So with this Recession happening world wide we all know the prices are dropping/going on sale, especially in the wine world.  Lots of article on the sale of $50+ California wine not really moving at all. And the start up of Cinderella Wine we can see what type of deals are out there and what wines are not selling well.

In BC here we are under a government run liquor board, agent import but can't discount too much its just illegal [max 30%] but the LBD can do what they want.[well they are government they always do what they want].  Via Twitter I found out that one of the Stores had a bunch of clearance wines up to 50% off, one being a NZ Pinot Noir I had at a tasting which I loved, 2008 Delta Vineyard Pinot Noir.  So I got down there as fast as I could, found out it was '06.  I was a little bummed since I had not tasted the vintage, but bought 6 bottles anyways [Regular 27.99 on for 19.59 which btw if you are not from BC is Cheap] Plused grabbed a Valpolicella, and a Reserva Spanish 2000 vintage.

The Stats:
Delta Vineyards
2006 Pinot Noir

13.0%
Marlborough, New Zealand
100% "New" Dijon Clones
Grown on Clay Soils, 5 Day Cold Soak

The Eye:
Medium Plus Intensity, Ruby,

The Nose:
Day 1
Dark and Rich off the bat, Some Kirsch Liquor, Stawberry, Milk Chocolate
Day 2
Now opening up with Stewed Strawberry/Rhubarb,  Mild Pepper, Sweet Mushrooms

The Mouth:
Day 1
Red Fruit [Cranberry/Strawberry], Floral, Fungal, Dash of Creaminess
Day 2
Stewed Strawberry/Rhubarb

Overall/Reflection:
I like this wine, I really have a soft spot for New Zealand Pinot Noir, Marlborough and Central Otago, I did find this a touch on the "big" side for me but still delicious and am glad I have two more bottles to savour

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)

New Zealand Wine Tasting Part 1 - White....err Sauv Blanc

Part 1 White Wine! Oh who am I kidding its like 99% Sauvignon Blanc and a bunch of them smell and taste like Green Peppers or for the New Zealanders, Capsicums. I think this picking of Sauv Blanc at low brix 21-22 is too much under ripe green pepperness coming through, I like grassiness! not Green pepper damnit

Sauvignon Blanc (The first Bunch were tasted a Room Temp)

Esk Black Label Hawke's bay 2008
I like the Grassy, round, imo could use a touch more acidity. Tho I think if slightly chilled it wouldn't matter

Alexia Wairarapa 08
Aroma of Good tropical Fruit, Taste good fruit apples

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon/Semillon Waipara 08
Aroma was a little dirty, not poppy just dirty

Mt. Difficulty Central Otago 08
Aroma of Green Peppers straight up, taste of Veggies sprinkled with Lemon Juice mmmm tasty =P

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series 08
Oily Nose, Light Taste

Wither Hill Rarangi Single Vineyard 08
A: Green fruit, hint of veggie not over powering in the GP aspect. Taste of Papaya greeness of veggies

Konrad 08
Boring~ yawn

O:TU Single Vineyard 08
A interesting wine, it had the smell of ripe veggies not green peppers something riper. and the taste was of a veggie Dip like veggies with ranch dip or something

Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Hawke's Bay 08
A: Good amount of Mango, Passionfruit, and Griddle Brick (I suppose some people call this minerality) T: Creamy, white peach

Matahiwi Estate Holly 07
all my notes say is "Nice" So I guess I liked it


Auntsfield Estate ( I think I liked everyone of their wines)
Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc 08 - A very good Sauv Blanc not offensive at all I like it
Orchard Hill Chardonnay 08 UnOaked - First of all I don't like Chardonnay Grapes, and not a fan of Oak in white wines. This Chard really good almost reminds me off a Chablis or some Burg wine really good

Kim Crawford SP Waipara Riesling 2005 - A: Petrol, good fruit T: Petrol (minimal) very nice served a little to chilled tho

Waitiri Creek [Central Otago]
Pinot Gris 08 - Fantastic Pinot Gris, and the vines are like 5 or 6 years old. I mean this wine was awesome. Okanagan grows alot of Pinot Gris and this beats all the ones I have had hands down. Tho the price is more then 50% more its worth it ($30Canadian/BCLD)

My First Post! Tua Tua Bay Sauv Blanc and CHICKEN!!! (Sous-Vide Duh)

Ok this is my first wine “review” with food pairing. So bare with me. Didn’t do to well in high school with the grammar and such. More of a math geek. Also a big thanks to Lou for giving me this wine tasting / journal very nicely done helped me break down flavor and go through the wine step by step.

I knew what I was cooking and decided to pick a wine from my mini wine fridge (holds about 30 about 15 types of wine in it).

How I came across with wine was through the opimian wine society of Canada I'm a member and ordered this last year

For Dinner

Sous-Vide Free Range Chicken Breast glazed with Chestnut Honey, Bird eye Chili and Fresh Thyme (from my backyard) served with Israel Couscous; Carrot Scented (hints of brussel sprouts and tomatoes in it), and for veg (just because I should be healthy) wilted Swiss Chard [Champagne Vinegar, and no its not fizzy hah, Caramelized Onions and Garlic and Butter]

What I paired it with

Tua Tua Bay

Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc

2007

13.5% Alc

Why Did I pick this wine you ask, well I didn’t want to drink red wine for dinner firstly I looked through all my wine saw some reds that could of went but really with the bird eye chili glaze (not really that spicy when I ate it) Chestnut Honey (has a medicinal taste can be over powering) and carrots (sweet duh!) I figured I nice NZ Sauv Blanc would work [Though the Alsatian Gewurtz was calling my name too btw and the Mini bottle of Champagne was looking mighty tasty]. I went with the Sauv Blanc.

The Wine First off

Sight:

Clear with pale yellow / tinge of green colour very light.

Taste:

The Nose med intensity had a sweet smell of Tropical fruit Guava I would say with touches of Grass/hay combination on the green side hints of Herbaceous’ness to it mixed with maybe a little of the methanol family (eucalyptus)

Taste:

Taste of lime, pears, pineapple, grass meets wet dampiness? Crisp clean medium finish didn’t linger on and on but at the same time it lingers where you don’t want it to go on forever it has the right lingerness (mm got to love the English language add ‘ness to everything and it makes it sound just right) soft texture too

For the Pairing:

The big question you are all asking is did it pair?!?! Well with the swiss chard I thought it was perfect because the high vinegar content of it made me want to drink the wine because it just washed away that acid on your tongue in a good way. The Israel couscous was too mild and the wine did over power it think Israel Couscous “Macaroni and Cheese” minus the cheese hah. The chicken it did go with the sweetness/acid from the wine went nice with the sweetness/”spiciness” of the chicken remember chestnut honey is a funny thing can be Way to strong on certain items especially the one I have. It isn’t made for Granola and yogurt in the morning; it will put hair on your chest.

All and All A tasty meal, wish I had more Couscous it was a good comfort food, and the wine almost finished the bottle as I write this.