WSET Test Results in! A Pass

o after two and half months finally found out how I did on my WSET test. Advanced Level 3.  I passed with Distinction on the Theory and with Merit on the tasting.  All in All It is what I expected since I found out what the wines we tasted were right after the test.   Boy were those "typical" wines of the region not Atypical.  The New Zealand Savignon blanc was not Green Pepper Juice or Mushy Peas or Asparagus just really good wine, which is why I picked Muscadet lol.  And the 2nd the red  a  $40 Bordeaux, which I guessed for a Cheap-o Valpolicella,  I think it did need time to breath and was a "off" year soooo what ya going to do.

Next Week Test Ahhh!

Next week is the big test, have yet to study a whole lot, due to work being super busy, and me just putting things off like I normally do. We in the class had our run through practice test, Multiple Choice, Written, and Tasting scored in the 70% range so not to shabby, but definitely need to improve and do some studying.

I plan on taking a break from WSET for the time being, and need to contemplate doing the diploma program 2.5years and 10grand is a pretty big decision. Since I am not currently working in a wine environment it kind of makes it hard to justify going through.

Sparkling Wines WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Mmmm I do enjoy my Bubbly, its what makes me fancy!  That being said I find too much yeasty/autolytic flavours just too bleh, The Pol Roger is that style I do not like too over powering not Delicate and balanced.  I enjoy Blanc de Blanc champagnes really.  Good Crements of Alsace, Burgundy and Loire Valley, and of course BC Sparkling from Blue Mountain


WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 7 SPARKLING WINE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/17/2010)
All Were Blind

• 2005 Monmousseau Touraine Brut - France, Loire Valley, Touraine
  Clear, Pale+ Lemon Green Bubbles Check
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Just starting to show Development signs but still very youthful with lots of bright fruit
  Apple, Pear, Mineral, Dash Citrus [Candied Citrus]
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, No Tannin,Med Alc, Med- body, Creamy Bubbles, Med Intensity, Med Finish
  Apple, Pear, Rubbery, little Cheese[Umami]
  
  Conc: Good, Ready to Drink (85 pts.)
• N.V. Domaine Chandon Brut Classic - USA, California
  Clear, Med- Lemon some brass/onion skins showing, Small Bubbles
  A: Clean, Low Intensity, Developing
  Mineral[Oyster Shells], Pear, Radish
  *Not very aromatic
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, No tannin, Med Body, Delicate Bubbles, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Apple, Citrus, Mineral, Apple Skin, some mushroom
  
  Conc:Very good, good balance of fruit/acid/body (87 pts.)
• N.V. Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene - Italy, Veneto, Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
  Clear, Pale Lemon Green, big Bubbles
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Youthful
  Seven-Up, Vitamin Citrus
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, med- alc, no tannin, creamy bubbles, med intensity, short finish
  Creamy, Cinnamon Spice, "Apple Water",
  
  Conc: Acceptable, Simple Easy to drink (82 pts.)
• N.V. Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva - Spain, Catalunya, Cava
  Clear, Pale Lemon green, Big Bubbles
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Chemical, Citrus, Herbaceous, Lanolin
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, No Tannin, Med- Body, Creamy Bubbles, Med Intensity, med finish
  Pear, Green Notes, Earthy
  
  Conc: Off Balance a touch to simple (83 pts.)
• 1999 Pol Roger Champagne Brut - France, Champagne
  Clear, Med- Gold, Not a whole lot of bubbles
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developed
  Autolytic+, Dried Porcini Powder, Earth
  
  T: Dry, High Acid, No Tannin, Med Body, Delicate bubbles, med intensity, med+ finish
  Baked Apples, Autolytic, Mineral Chalky, Green Apples, Sour Cream Onions
  
  Conc: Good to Very Good, Ready to Drink, did like the delicate bubbles but found it way to yeasty and out of balance in that sense (88 pts.)
• N.V. Banrock Station Shiraz Sparkling - Australia, South Eastern
  Clear, Med+ Ruby, Small bubbles
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity
  A "Bubble Gum" but Good Quality style, A Sweetness? Caramel
  
  T: Off Dry/Dry, Med+ Acid, Med- Tannin, Med+ Body, med+ alc, creamy bubbles, med intensity, med+ finish
  Raspberry, Cherry, Wood, Mineral, Spice/Pepper, Meaty/Game
  
  Conc: Very Good, Didnt know what to expect going in from the colour but I did enjoy this (87 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)

Canada WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Well I am not too Far behind as I thought for posting.So that good.  The bad news tho is we did Canada blind and the wines were not that exciting.  But! But! In the Okanagan I know what producers I like and are good and thats what I drink and what I'll bring to an event here are a list of wineries I like out of Canada

Ontario
Le Clos Jordanne [For Pinot and Chardonnay]

Thirty Bench Winery [Riesling]

Okanangan
Blue Mountain Winery [Pinot Noir, Sparkling]
JoieFarm Wines [Rose, Recent Vintage of Riesling]
Laughing Stock Vineyards [Syrah, Portfolio Blend]
Poplar Grove [Cab Franc, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, The Legacy]
Painted Rock Winery [Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay]

Also Okanagan does make good Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer on the West Bank.



WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 6 CANADA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/10/2010)
All Wines were poured blind

• 2008 St. Hubertus Estate Winery Pinot Blanc - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Pale almost Water White, "Lemon Green"
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Floral, Green Apple, Big Dose of Citrus and Peach
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Alc, Med body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Ripe Apple, Citrus, Pears, Peach, Little Melon, big ole fruit bowl
  
  Conc: A solid Pinot Blanc, Drink now, simple approachable non offensive (86 pts.)
• N.V. Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc Proprietors' Selection - Mixed, Canada/Imported
  FYI this is not Made from Okanagan/Canadian Grapes
  
  Clear, Med- Lemon Green
  Showing Significant Legs
  
  A: Clean, Low Intensity
  Kiwi[Green Tropical] maybe little herbaceous?
  
  T: Dry, med- acid, med- body, med+ alc, med- intensity, med- finish and finish is hot
  Tropical, creamed mango
  
  Conc: Lacking a lot of stuff really I mean its no really Varietal Correct lol
  
  Side Note: Teacher Pours this wine every 3 months, never the same this surprised him as this was the best he's had so far (75 pts.)
• 2006 Mike Weir Estate Winery Vidal Icewine - Canada, Ontario, Niagara Peninsula, Niagara Peninsula VQA
  Clear, Med+ Gold, Lots of Legs
  
  A: Clear, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Earth[Mushroom], drying out Papaya, I like the nose
  
  T: Luscious, Med+Acid, Full Body, Med Alc, med+ Intensity
  Raisin, Mineral, Finish, little Caramel, dried fruit, toasted nuts
  
  Conc: Not worth the price IMO 44.99 for a 375ml much better Icewines out there for the price (87 pts.)

• 2007 CedarCreek Estate Winery Pinot Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Med Ruby, showing legs
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  Fat, Red fruit, some spice/pepper, mineral
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, med tannin, med+alc, med+ intensity, med+ finish
  Minty, Red fruit, plums[not ripe]
  
  Conc: Good, needs to breath a bit felt little disjointed in the beginning (85 pts.)
• 2008 Sandhill Syrah Sandhill Estate Vineyard - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Deep Core Purple, moving to a med+ruby rim
  A: Clear, Med+ Intensity, youthful
  Grape Candy fruit, Some Meat, Mineral, Pepper, and 'chemical'
  
  T: dry, med- acid , med tannin, med+ alc, med body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Oak, dark fruit/purple fruit, bitter chocolate, a "burnt meat"
  
  Conc: Not my type of Wine, Felt Flat, Acid was way to low no balance (81 pts.)
• 2007 Summerhill Pyramid Winery Baco Noir - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Clear, Deep Ruby
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Cedar, Woody, Red fruit, cranberry Juice, Peanut Butter[Yup]
  
  T: Dry, med acid, low+ tannin, med body, med intensity, med+finish
  Red Fruit, Some Wood
  
  Conc: Average, drinkable for me others didn't find it as much (84 pts.)
• 2006 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin - Canada, British Columbia, Okanagan Valley, Okanagan Valley VQA
  Deep Ruby [ I want to say Garnet but its ruby, but has the look of a good Bordeaux wine]
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  dried red fruit, strawberry/cranberry little floral, cedar, 'cola', sweet tomato leaf, really enjoyed this nose 92pts!
  
  T: Dry, High Tannin, Med+ Acid, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med finish
  Little Green, Red fruit, mild creamy
  
  Conc: good, dont think age will change the palate too much I think there is Potential, just need more age on the vines we shall see. Also seems a little closed on the palate would of liked to decant this wine too (86 pts.)

Dont know if these are the wines I would normally pick to show to people from outside the province.
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)

USA & South America WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 5

Since in WSET class we usually pour Blind and I like to mark down on the side note to guess variety, good for practice ya know, so there is always one wine that throws ya for a loop, last week during the NZ/AUS/RSA it was the darn Yellow Tail Merlot, which I thought was a Syrah first of all.  This week it was a Russian River Zinfandel, and those subtle hints of Mint, which you know you could associate with Cab Sauv, and the ripe fruit with Cali.  So 5 for 6 ain't all bad.

Must say the Torrontes from Michel Torino was pretty darn tasting good body and "muscat" characters and for what 13.99? its fantastic QPR.

The Caramenere Blend, which is more Cab Sauv then Caramenere, but I can pick up that Caramenere like bam unless its just Chilean Terrior for Bordeaux reds, but its good Brambly and Leafy can't go wrong

Now Pinot Noir from Oregon, visited some Oregon wine peeps [@benkearney @hogan777 @pfortier2  ] and they were talking about 2007 being a good vintage that would be hard to make a bad wine.  This wine is pretty darn tasty. I dont think you could go wrong, I do have a 07 Riesling from Willamette I'm going to open monday so we shall see~


WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 5 USA & SOUTH AMERICA - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (8/3/2010)

• 2009 Viña Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva - Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
  Clear, Pale Lemon Green Going to a Water Rim
  A: Clean, Pronounced Nose, Youthful
  Herbaceous/Green Pepper/Aspargus/Peas, Citrus
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med- Body, no tannin, Med Alc, Pronounced Intensity, Med+ Finish
  
  Conc: Inexpensive, Good Quality, Drink Now! NZ Styled lots of green (86 pts.)
• 2009 Michel Torino Torrontés Cuma - Argentina, Salta, Cafayate
  Clear, Med Yellow, Showing Significant Legs
  A: Clean, Pronounced Intensity, Youthful
  Floral, A Honey/Syrup floralness, Popuri, Very Muscat Like, Tropical hints of Banana, Mango
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Body, No Tannin, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Muscat like FloralGrapey, Peach, Tropical Fruit
  
  Conc: Very Good, Inexpensive, Showing well balance between acid/fruit/body excellent (88 pts.)

• 2007 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza
  Clear, Opaque Core moving to a med ruby Rim, showing legs legs legs~
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, I say Showing Signs of Developing Teacher says Youthful nose
  Lil Meat, Lil Clean, Lil Savoury, Toast[Like it], Red Fruit, mineral, Stewed fruit
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med+ Body to Full, Med+ Alc, Med+ Intensity, Long Finish
  Dark fruit Juicy, Cherry Skin, Raisony
  
  Conc: Mid Price, Good, Very fruit forward but A better showing of Malbec for me [not usually a fan] (87 pts.)
• 2008 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Escudo Rojo - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley
  Clear, Deep Ruby, Showing Sig Legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity,
  Herbaceous[Tomato Stalk] Earth Soil, some fruit
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med Body, Med Intensity, Long Finish, Med+ Alc
  Ripe Juicy Cherry/Black, Herbaceous/more tom stalk, spice[Black Pepper]
  
  Conc: Very good, balance of body and acid, could use I think some more bottle age (89 pts.)
• 2007 Andrew Rich Pinot Noir Cuvée B - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
  Clear, Med- Ruby just starting to show signs of Garnet
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, developing
  Cherry, Sassparella, Some stems, dried strawberries, cigar smoke, 'haunting'
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Low Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Med to med+ finish
  Chalky Mineral, Beautiful Cherry/Dried Strawberry, Sassparella Spice, Something else...Elegant
  
  Conc: Outstanding, Premium, Ready to drink but can develop a little more
  So Delicious I had to pretend to spit in WSET Class (92 pts.)
• 2006 Ravenswood Zinfandel Belloni - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Clear, Deep Ruby going to a med ruby wide rim
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Savoury, Cassis, REd Fruit ,Black Raspberry
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, high alc, med+ Intensity, Long Finish
  Ripe Herbs/ Minty, Cassis, Woodsy, Black Raspberry
  
  Conc: Very Good, I tihnk it could use some time to develop but very 'delicious' opens nicely with a little air (89 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)

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)

Portugal & Eastern Europe, WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 3

Poor Austria, getting lumped in with Eastern Europe I bet they wouldn't like that too much lol. That being said the wines this week, well Tokaji Amazing, Acid! Yes More Please. But Oh Grüner Veltliner, when compared to Riesling; Was at a Loimer Tasting with Rieslings and Gruner, the Riesling wins better balance, more acid. Gruner is interesting but I think the lack of acid for me personally just doesnt win me over all the way, the wines are good that for sure.

Here are this Weeks Notes

WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 3 PORTUGAL + EASTERN EUROPE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/20/2010)

• N.V. Borges Vinho Verde Gatão - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde
  Clear, Pale- Lemon Green, some Petillance
  
  A: Clean, Med- Intensity, Youthful
  Mineral, Green Apple, Citrus
  
  T: Dry, High+ Acid, low alc, med- body, med- finish, med intensity
  Frizzante, green apple, grapey
  
  Conc: Simple, Inexpensive, does its job (83 pts.)
• 2007 Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva Old Vines - Portugal, Douro
  Clear, Med+ Purple, showing prominent legs
  
  A: Clean, Pronounced Nose, Developing
  Oak[Vanilla/Coffee Grounds], Dark fruit, Meaty/Spice, Chcolate, Lots of Mineral
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Full Body, Med+ Intensity, Long Finish, Med+ Alc
  Oak, Coffee, Dark Fruit [Cherry] Dark Chocolate
  
  Conc: Very Good, Needs time to develop, even just tasting it about 1.5hr later in Class it started to open and soften (89 pts.)
• 2008 Erich Salomon/Undhof Grüner Veltliner - Austria, Niederösterreich, Kremstal
  Clear, Pale Lemon green, going to water rim, mod legs
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Mineral, Spicey Raddish, Citrus, Pear, Lime Zest, Savoury
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, med+ alc, med+ body, med intensity, med finish
  'oily', lime, lots of pear juice like fruit cocktail
  
  Conc: the nose was better then the taste. Good Drink Now (86 pts.)
• 2003 Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos - Hungary, Hegyalja, Tokaji
  Clean, Med Lemon
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity
  Marmalade, Botrytis notes of Spice, Lanolin, Dried Papaya, Dried Mango
  
  T: Sweet, High Acid, med- alc, full body, med+ intensity, long finish
  Marmalade, Luscious, Tropical, Citrusy Lemon Candy, Orange Crush
  
  Conc: Exceptional, crazy high acid (91 pts.)
• 2007 Boutari Naoussa - Greece, Macedonia, Naoussa
  Clear, Med+ Garnet
  
  A: Med Intensity
  Savoury, Clean mineral, Cedar/Graphite, Sweet Spice
  
  T: Dry, med+ acid, high tannin, med body, med+ intensity, med finish
  Dark Chocolate (80% Cocoa), Cherry/Cranberry/Strawberry Mix
  
  Conc: Not to shabby (84 pts.)
• N.V. Tsantali Retsína - Greece, Attica
  First time having Retsina was scared of all the horror stories
  
  Med Lemon Pee Yellow
  A: Pronounced nose
  Lemon, Pine Neddles, Pine-sol
  T: Dry, Low- Acid, Med- body, Med- Alc, Short Finish[A Good Thing], Med- Intensity
  Lemon, Rosemarry
  
  Conc: Overall not as bad as I was expecting on the palate the pine is not crazy overpowering but it is there (82 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)

Spain, WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 2

Off to Spain, and Yes I want to go there for Vacation, one because of the awesome canaadian dollar, and spain has been hurt a bit in the whole euro mess, with bad employment numbers so that should make it cheaper, but the most important reason is the wine! maybe the sun? Music? Gaudy artwork? ahh soo many reasons.

Well here are some from around the country, the Priorat was a disappointment I have had better even from the same vintage. The Jumilla is well I dont want to say this but Oaky Deliciousness, it is plain and simple not a food wine really a party wine yeah I mean it is 15% Alc.  but the R. Lopez de Heredia is amazing, Just so Elegant and Development just beautiful, to think that "modern" winemaking IE Oaky Fruit bombs took over the region such a shame.

WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 2 SPAIN - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/13/2010)
Spain this week, no Bubbles, that will have its own week, same with Sherry

• 2008 Martín Códax Albariño Rías Baixas Burgáns - Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas
  Clear, Pale+ Lemon moving to a watery Rim, with moderate legs
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Youthful
  Green Fruit[Apple], Opening to Peach, Floral, Citrus, Savoury/Mineral
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Body, med Alc, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Lemon, Apple, 'Creamy Peaches', Floral, Kiwi
  
  Conclusion: Very good wine, mid priced, ready to drink can keep for a couple years (89 pts.)
• 2008 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Blanco - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
  Clear, Med Lemon, Going out to a pale watery rim, showing significant legs
  A: Clean, Med to Med+ Intensity, develping
  Mineral[very clean], savoury, light apple, little animal/lanolin, "floral" more dried tho
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med+ Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Long Finish
  Apple/Pear, Citrus/lime, Mineral
  
  Conc: I enjoyed this a lot, teacher not as much drinking well now (88 pts.)

• 2007 Miguel Torres Priorat Salmos - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat
  Clear, Med+ Ruby, Showing Signicant Legs [15% Alc]
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, develping
  Savoury/Mineral. Cherry[Dark], Spice [Sarsaparilla], Tar
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med to Full Body, Med Intensity, Med Finish, HIgh Alc
  Creamy Oak, Cherry[Dark], Spice
  
  Conc: Awkward finish, might do better with age potential is there but for tonight there were better that's for sure (86 pts.)
• 2007 Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell Jumilla (Silver Label) - Spain, Murcia, Jumilla
  Clear, Deep Ruby, Going to a Med Ruby Rim, showing med+ legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Starting to develop
  Mineral, Oak/Sweet Vanilla, Blackberry, Cherry, Cinnamon Spice, Coffee/Mocha
  
  T: Dry, Med- Acid, Med Tannin, Full Body, High Alc, Med Intensity, Med+ Finish
  Cherry, Blackberry, Cola, COLA!, Spice[Sweetness], Woody/Tobacco, Plum
  
  Conc: This is the "the bottle of the night party wine" so big and massive and ripe and so darn delicious that it will win you over. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Tinto Pesquera Crianza - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
  Clear, Deep Purple going to a med Ruby Rim, showing legs
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity starting to develop
  Cedar, Twigs, BLackberry, Mineral, Grain/cereal, opening up in the glass with Cucumbers/watermelon
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med+ Body, Med+ Alc, Med Intensity, Med Finish
  Red fruit, Tart, Sour Cherry/Dusty Tannin, Cukes/Watermelon
  
  Conc: good wine, simple on the palate, nose shows promise (88 pts.)
• 2001 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
  Clear, Med Garnet moving to a wide rim
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developed
  Spice Box, Warm/Candy, Dried Sour Cherry, Savoury, Tar, Whole Wheat grain/toast, Licorice
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Med Tannin, Med Body, med Alc, Med+ Intensity, Long Finish
  Sour Cherry, Savoury/mineral, Licorice, Dried Flowers
  
  Conc: Absolutely Gorgeous, this is where its at
  
  Side Note: Teacher picked up a lot of oak notes not me tho (93 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)

Germany, WSET Lvl 3 Part 2 Week 1

Oh Germany, Oh Rieslings, the one wine I was about to say I do not have in my cellar, then realized I bought a bottle from Trisaetum Vineyard in Oregon last week, but other then that nope none. I enjoy riesling but for me its a momemt thing, I like Auslese ripness myself as long as it has good acidity.

Tasting wines from Germany is what makes me go and this is why I like, and why I do not like them, on one side we have what gave it a bad name in the first place, uninteresting wines, high yield etc etc.  Then comes the Riesling and sometimes almost to much Residual Sugar, then the Dry Riesling which I think works better in Alsace or Austria then in Germany.

WSET LEVEL 3 PART 2 WEEK 1 GERMANY - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (7/6/2010)

• 2009 St. Ursula Niersteiner Gutes Domtal Kabinett 'Golden Oktober' - Germany, Rheinhessen
  Clear, Pale Lemon/Bronze
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Youthful
  Green Fruit/Apples, Mineral/Savoury, Hazelnut Shells/Skin
  
  T: med dry sweet, low+ acid, low alc, med body, med intensity, med finish. Apples [Juice/Red/Ripe/Mushy], Hazelnut Skins again
  
  Conc: Acceptable, Drink Now, Mushy No Balance (79 pts.)
• 2007 Selbach-Oster Weissburgunder - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
  Clear, Pale Gold, going to a watery rim
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  Mineral, Citrus, Tropical/Mango
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med+ alc, med- body, med intensity, med+ finish
  Chinese Dessert Style Creamy Mango Puddy [milk]
  
  Conc: Good, Enjoyable drink now, (83 pts.)
• 2007 Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Ayler Kupp Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
  Clear, Med- Lemon/Green, mod legs evident
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Develping
  Petrol, Citrus/Lime, Green Apples
  
  T: Med Sweet, Med+ acid, low+ alc, med- body, med intensity, long finish. Tropical/Mango, Green Apple/Lime that old juice drink, peach/petrol/papaya
  
  Conc: Very Good, Ready to drink but can develop further with age 2-5 easily (90 pts.)
• 2007 Domdechant Werner Hochheimer Domdechaney Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Rheingau
  Clear, Med Lemon, going to a watery rim
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, youthful
  A Sprite play, syrupy lemon/lime, mineral
  
  T: med- sweet, high acid, med alc, med+ body, med intensity, med+ length. Lime, Ripe Green Apples, Richness/Peach
  
  Conc: Very good, ready to drink can develop further, good balance of fruit/acid/sweetness (89 pts.)
• 2008 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling trocken - Germany, Rheingau
  Clear, Pale Lemon showing significante legs
  
  A: Clean, Med+ Intensity, Developing
  Citrus[almost powdery vitamin/redbull], mineral, lanolin qual.
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Alc, Med Alc, Med- body, med intensity, med+ finish. Citrus, Lemon Juice Fresh Squeezed, not as harsh tho. Green Apple Finish/Chalky
  
  Conc: Acceptable, I did not enjoy this others did in the class, found it a touch out of balance. Drink now IMO (81 pts.)
• 2008 Black Tower Dornfelder Pinot Noir - Germany, Pfalz
  Clear, Med- Ruby, to a med pale ruby rim
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity, Developing
  Vanilla/oak, stewed cherry, mineral, meaty, spice
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Low Tannin, Med Alc, Med Intensity, Med- Body, Cherry/Rhubarb stewed
  
  Conc: on the nose reminds me of a Valpolicella. Good Drink Now for sure (85 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)

WSET Level 3 Week 8 Rest of France

Maybe Im to young to know when Alsace made bad wine, but it kind of suck that its lumped with everything else in France, I do enjoy my White grape varieties, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and even Rieslings. Its those darn Flowers. Its amazing all the different soil types in Alsace, I would love to do a tasting of just different soils for Riesling for example would be so fascinating.

South of France is great for inexpensive/rustic wines. Here are my notes

WSET LEVEL 3 WEEK 8 REST OF FRANCE - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (5/25/2010)

Last Section of France, three Regions, Alsace, South France, and South West France

Alsace

• 2005 Pfaffenheim Pinot Gris Steinert - France, Alsace, Westhalten, Alsace Grand Cru AOC
  Clear, Med Lemon Gold Core, Slight hint of Brassiness, showing significant legs.
  
  On the Nose, Clean, Med+ Intensity, Showing Developing Chartaristics, Honey, Pear, Spice, Mineral, White Mushroom [Campbells Mushroom Soup], Touch Floral
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Maybe a touch of Residual Sugar, Low+ Acid, Med+ Alc, Full Body, Med+ Intensity, Med+ Finish. Apple, Pear, Spice, Honey
  
  Good Quality, showing developed characters reading to drink, opens up nicely do not serve to cold, Acidity is low and maybe hurting this now. Also could be a touch more "complex" (88 pts.)
• 2005 Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbés - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC
  Clean, Med(-) Lemon, Tinge Green Colour,
  
  On the Nose, Clean, Med+ Intesnity, Developing, Petrol, Earth[stem/sap], Lime Zest
  
  On the Palate Dry, Med+ Acid, Med(-) Alc, Med (-) Body, Med Intesnity, Med+ Finish. Lime Candy, Petrol
  
  Conclusion, A good Riesling, Ready to drink can develop further, really enjoyed this went back for another glass at the end of class (89 pts.)

South France, Basically Languedoc Area

• 2008 Les Domaines Paul Mas Cabernet-Merlot Arrogant Frog Ribet Rouge - France, Languedoc Roussillon
  Clear, Deep Ruby, Tinges of Purple, Showing Legs
  
  On the Nose, Med+ Intensity, Major Blackpepper, Coffee, Dark Fruit, Earth, Mineral, Vegetal
  
  On the Palate, Dry Med Acid, Med+ Tannin, Med Alc, med Body, Med+ Intensity, Med Finish. Spice, Chocolate, Dark Fruit[Cherry], Vegetal
  
  Conclusion, Rustic Tannin, Very DRY, Now bad of a wine really the nose was exciting but the palate was lacking just a touch but showing good Cab Sauv Characters for a warm climate (86 pts.)
• 2008 Domaine de l'Auster Faugères - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Faugères
  Clean Deep Ruby Tinge of Purple
  
  On the Nose, Clean, Med+ Intensity, Youhtful. Mineral[Motor Oil], Funk, Dark Red Fruit/Dark Raspberry Jam, Plum, Sweet Cinnamon
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, High Alc, Med+ Body, Med+ Intensity, Med Finish. Dark Chocolate, Dark Ripe Fruit/Blackberry Jam/"Glycerol"
  
  Conclusion, Drink now, this wine is hot, my note has "Fire Water" good ripe qualities tho if alc doesn't bother you (85 pts.)

South West France

• 2007 Croix du Mayne (François Pélissié) Cahors - France, Southwest France, Cahors
  Since all the wine were blind, I had this Pegged as a Malbec Question Mark, something about it was malbec but not argentina for sure, we knew that the region was going to be South West France, South France, Alsace soo
  
  Clear, Deep Purple
  
  On the Nose, Med Intensity, Developing, Mineral [Inside Rubber Ballon], Dark Red Fruit, Umami Savoury Qualities
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med Acid, Med+ Tannin, med Alc, Med Body, Med Intensity, Med Finish, Red Fruit, Herbs
  
  Conclusion, wasn't totally feeling this wine justseemed missing something, reading to drink dont think it will gain much with age (85 pts.)
• 2005 Château d'Aydie Madiran - France, Southwest France, Madiran
  Deep Ruby, showing Indication of bricking.
  
  On the Nose, Med+ Intensity, Developing, Red Fruit, Mineral [Inside a Rubber Balloon], Very "Clean", Chlorine Swiming Pool
  
  On the Palate, Dry, Med Acid, High Tannin, Med Alc, med Body, Med Intensity, Med+ Finish. Spice, Red Fruit, Chewy Tannins
  
  Conclusion, Wondering if this 05 vintage is a good vintage like 05 bordeaux, semi close, the tannins wer high but not "OMG TANNAT IS CRAZY TANNINS" high but not very complex (86 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)

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)

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)

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)

WSET Week 9 Fortified + Hard Liquor

So this Week, was Fortified, A Sherry and a Port, and 4 hard Liquors. Cognac, Blended Scotch, Vodka, Gin

My sherry tastes are odd to say the least, when I first taste sherry it always puts me off, but the longer I sniff and have a couple more sips then I start to enjoy it, its maybe the over powering "Umami" yeasty notes that just put me off initially because they are so intense. As for Port I am starting to like Port, especially since My dad has been buying my grandma some good stuff, but this one just didn't do it for me, if anything this would put me off port If i had not had the others

As for the Hard Booze, entry level stuff, interesting but I drink way better scotch then what they poured, Yeah im a Snob so what! lol

WSET WEEK 9 FORTIFIED + HARD LIQUOR - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (3/15/2010)

• N.V. Gonzalez-Byass Jerez-Xérès-Sherry Nutty Solera Oloroso - Spain, Andalucía, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
  I dont know how to score a wine like this since I have no real experience in Sherry.
  
  C: Med+ Amber
  A: Med+ Intensity
  Orange Peel, Molasses, Nutty, Salty Dried Fish[Anchovies]
  Opening Up a bit
  
  T: Med Sweet, Med Body, Long Finish
  Soy Sauce, Hoisin, Seasme Oil, Citrus Acid
  
  Conclusion: I did enjoy this, the hoisin flavour kinda of put me off but after about an hr or so it opened up beautifully with those Umami notes! (89 pts.)
• 2004 Dow Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  A: Med intensity
  Powdery Grape Candy [Kids Flintstones Vitamins], Citrus Peel [Seven Up] Candied Peel, Rubber
  
  T: Powdery Grape Candy, Concentrated, Prune, Crystallized Lemon+Lime+Grapy Candy
  
  Conclusion: not the best example of a late bottle vintage [Ie quinto de crasto 2003 fantastic] IMO I have had better this seemed not together (83 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Also Add
Courvoisier V.S. Cognac
Cognac not my favourite drink, finishes with some oak, hot and you know entry level stuff, I still like the South African Brandy my grandpa use to always buy

Chivas Regal 12yr Old Blended Scotch
This is why I do not buy Blended Scotch [Maybe Blended MALT Scotch] but the Grain Alcohol bsae that is added is so APPARENT its like drinking a bourbon minus the new American oak, so Grainy which is what Scotch doesn't taste like. PEAT PEAT PEAT unsmoked, smoked whatever just give me peat. Dont get me wrong it was good but would never pay the price

Stoilchnaya Vodka
Yup why I do not drink vodka taste like nail polish plain and simple

Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Gin, where is my tonic and lime enough said really lol



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)

WSET Week 8 Sparkling & Sweet Dessert

This Week in WSET Class was Sparkling and Sweet Desserts, You can never really go wrong with these two, I mean one starts a party, and the other ends it on a good note.  Tho I was told if you really want to start a party, you drink Champage at the end of a meal, gets ya going for the rest of the evening.

I must say I have never smelled so much Botrytis in a wine before very very interesting. Also Champagne I am starting to pick up way to much Dried Porcini where it is becoming to much and just distracting.


WSET WEEK 8 SPARKLING & SWEET DESSERT - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (3/8/2010)

• N.V. Codorníu Cava Clássico Brut - Spain, Catalunya, Cava
  C: Pale Lemon [Tinge Green] Smallish Bubbles, Persistant (-)
  
  A: Clean, Light Intensity
  Vanilla Frosting, Lemon, Almost a Floralness
  
  T: Dry, High Acid, Med Body, Med Length
  Bready, Green Apple Skins
  
  Conclusion: Coats the Palate with a Milky Like Film, A Simply Quaffer, Going back to this after the Champage it did taste like Seven-up sooo (85 pts.)
• N.V. Georges Gardet Champagne Brut Cuvée Saint Flavy - France, Champagne
  C: Med Lemon, Small and Persistent (+) Bubbles
  
  A: Clean, Intense
  Yeasty Bread, Cream Cheese, Walnuts, Baked Apple Pie with a Dark Toasty Crust, earth/dried porcini which picked up more intensity as it opened almost becoming too much
  
  T: Dry, High Acid, med Body, Med Length
  Lemony, a Red Apple coming through
  
  Conclusion: Good Yeasty Notes, teacher recommended it pairs awesome with Original Pringles (89 pts.)
• N.V. Santa Margherita Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut - Italy, Veneto, Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
  A: Light Lemon [Tinge Green]
  
  A: Clean, Light Intensity
  Very, Very Light almost picking up nothing
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Light Body
  Ripe Red apples, Red Sauce
  
  Conclusion: very simple one dimensional prosecco soft foamy bubbles (85 pts.)
• N.V. Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante - Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Asti Spumante
  C: Light Light Lemon
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Pure Muscat Fruit, Floral/Peaches/7-up [true to varietal]
  
  T: Med Sweet, Med(-) Body, Med Finish
  Creamed Peaches
  
  Conclusion: A Guilty Pleasure, Soft Mousse, Wish there was more acid personally (85 pts.)

• N.V. Pellegrino Passito di Pantelleria - Italy, Sicily, Passito di Pantelleria
  A: Med Gold to Amber
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Orange [Zest/Marmalade, but made with Mandrain organes not regular sunkist] Chemically [As one Class mate said New Carpet Smell teacher suggested Volatitly Acid] Peachy, Caramalized...Opened up later with A "Chinese Food Vibe" Lemongrass, MSG, Sesame Oil
  
  T: Sweet, Low Acid, Med(-) Body
  A Fruit Cake made with Concentrated Golden Raisons
  
  Conclusion: I Wish it tasted like it smelled so interesting, The Low Acid Hurt this wine I think, but intersting to say the least (87 pts.)
• 2006 Château Partarrieu - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
  C: Med Gold
  
  A: Clean, Intense
  Botrytis Just Singing through, Oily [like from a Semillon], Almond, Richness, Nutty, Papaya
  
  T: Sweet, Med+ Acid, Med Body
  Grape, Peachy
  
  Conclusion: Tasted thin I do not understand why but mmm still a good wine tho (88 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

WSET Week 7, Italy, Spain, Portugal

The only problem with doing 6 wines a week, somewhere someone gets left out or well not shown as well.  Italy well represented with  4 Wines, and Spain and Portugal get to show us what they have with one single wine.  The Italian wines were all good, the spain not so much, and Portugal was good but wish there was atleast one more white from Spain or Portugal

WSET WEEK 7 ITALY, SPAIN, PORTUGAL - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (3/1/2010)

Week 7 of WSET Italy, Spain and Portugal no Whites from Portugal or Spain so that kinda of sucks ah well

Italy

A good cross section of Italy not to shabby, and I got to drink Nebbiolo so really can't go wrong

• 2008 Cantine Torresella - Italy, Veneto
  C: Clear, Pale Lemon
  
  A: Clean, Light to Medium Intensity
  Fruit - Ripeness, Apple, Citrus, Delicate
  
  T: Dry, Med + Acid, Med minus body, med finish
  Rich Mouthfeel, Apple/Pear, Good Texture
  
  Conclusion: Good, Simple, Nice Texture, Roundness what you would expect from a Pinot Grigio (86 pts.)
• 2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Ovello - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
  C: Clear, Med Garnet
  
  A: Clean, Med Plus
  Milk Chocolate, Bread/Porcini, Sour Cherry/Raspberry, A Twizzler Licourice Action going on, opening up to a BEAUTIFUL Fig/Anise Bread from Terra Breads OMG SO GOOD
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, High Tannin, Body Med+
  Sweet Tannins, Ripe Cherry concetrated mmmm
  
  Conclusion Long Finish, I like a lot (90 pts.)
• 2007 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
  C: Clear, Dark Ruby little Purple
  
  A: Clean, Pronounced
  Tar, Light Fruit, Cola, Mineral [Grill Brick]
  
  T: Dry, High Acid, High Tannin, Med Body
  Sweet Vanilla Cherry, Cola, Grape Candy, Polished
  
  Conclusion well Polished wine a lot of upright fruit not my style but can see a lot of people liking this, apparently there is 15% Syrah in here (88 pts.)
• 2006 Tormaresca Primitivo Torcicoda Salento IGT - Italy, Puglia, Salento IGT
  C: Clear, Dark Ruby
  
  A: Clean, Pronounced
  Freshness, Ocean/Mineral, Plum, A Interesting nose to say the least
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Med Tannin, Med + Length, Full body
  Good Dark Fruit, Rich, Licorice
  
  Conclusion can see this having a good appeal to the masses very delicious (88 pts.)

Spain

Typical Spanish A Rioja

• 2005 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
  C:Clear, Med Fuschia[Ruby]
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Wood, Light Fruit, Acetone Qualities
  
  T: Dry, Med+ Acid, Soft Tannins, Med Body
  Red Fruit, Ripe, Not alot going on one dimensional
  
  Conclusion I say boring it did open up a bit but still not enough for me to enjoy (84 pts.)

Portugal

Portugal under rated? the wine was inexpensive and held its ground

• 2007 Sociedade dos Vinhos Borges Dão Meia Encosta - Portugal, Beiras, Dão
  C: Clear, Ruby Medium
  
  A: Clean, Med Intensity
  Animal, Mineral, A Tar quality, Dark Fruit Black
  
  T: Dry, Med Acid, Soft Tannins, med Body, med minus finish
  Lush, Dark Fruit, Soft tannin, Black Tea
  
  Conclusion awesome QPR would recommend and would buy myself, tho it did not hold the next day (86 pts.)

I love Nebbiolo nuff said?

Posted from CellarTracker

WSET Lvl 2 Class [Sauv Blanc, Semillon, Riesling

I should of did this for my other wines at class for the other days  but hey Im on the ball now
Gotta love it when the instructor gets super excited about a wine [the german riesling] that we are about to taste, I think he bought it more for himself then for us haha

WSET CLASS, SAUVIGNON BLANC, SEMILLON, RIESLING - Downtown Vancouver [AI School] (2/1/2010)
From Our WSET level 2 Class, on Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

• 2008 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre
  Appearance: Clear, Pale Plus, Lemon Tinge of Green
  
  Nose: Clean, Pronounced,
  Fruit, Gooseberry, Floral, A Confectioners Icing Sugar, Touch of Veg not really green tho
  A very pretty nose
  
  Taste: Dry, Grassy, Red apple, Gooseberry
  High High Acid, med body, Long finish
  
  Conclusion: I enjoyed this riper then a NZ style, not super complex on the palate, but well made (87 pts.)
• 2008 Shepherds Ridge Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough
  Appearance: Clear, Pale, Lemon
  
  Nose: Clean, Pronounced
  Vegetal, Pepper, Herbs, Leafy, Mild Fruit, Tropical Red Apple, Confectionist Sugar
  
  Taste: Dry, Med + Acid, Med Body, Finish Med minus
  Ripe Fruit, tropical, Herbs
  
  Conclusion: Simple in its approach but it is that NZ style so it is true to its place (87 pts.)

Semillon

Semillon and Semillon Blends

• 2007 Château Saint-Jean-Des-Graves Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Graves
  Appearance: Clear, Medium, Med Lemon
  
  Nose: Clean, Med Plus Intensity
  Waxy, Melted Butter/Brown Sugar[light] Apple, Oak[light balanced] Opened up with lots of Lanolin nice and musky good way
  
  Taste: Dry, med Plus Acid, med body, finish med
  Good use of Oak nicly balanced, Apple, Raison, Yellow Grapefruit Pith[the bitterness] Creamy
  
  Conclusion: I really did enjoy this wine, as again not super complex could see this going really nice with a White Fish and Butter Sauce (86 pts.)
• 2006 Peter Lehmann Sémillon The Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa
  AppearanceL Clear, Pale Plus, Lemon
  
  Nose: Clean, Med Intensity
  hazelnut, lanolin, plastcine, waxy, light fruit
  
  Taste: Dry, med plus acid, med plus body, finish med
  Fruit Apple, Green Fruit, Waxy, Toasty BRioche
  
  Conclusion: As mentioned by some other people tasting with it did seem to have a...different sensation as if there were "tannins" some people thought maybe the Acidification was balanced properly as it high acid for a barossa which can't really be natural
  Not a bad wine, but the graves we tasted was much better tho it was blended with SB and Oak (85 pts.)

Riesling

One Off Dry and One Dry

• 2007 Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
  Appearance: Clear, Pale, Lemon tinge Green
  
  nose: Clean, Light Intensity
  Little Rubber, Very light Peach, apple lime
  
  Taste: Off Dry to Medium [7.5% alc] High Acid, Medium Minus Body, Finish LONG
  Green Fruit, Citrus, fantastic Balance, Purity exceptional
  
  Conclusion: Kickass Balance and Purity, Clean! but not in your face intensity very delicate (89 pts.)
• 2008 Wolf Blass Riesling Yellow Label - Australia, South Australia
  Appearance: Clear, Pale, Lemon
  
  Nose: Clean, Med + Intensity,
  Seven Up [Sugary Lemon/Lime] Rubber Cement
  
  Taste: Dry, High Acid, Med Minus Body Finish Medium Plus
  Citrus Grapefruit [mix of Yellow/Ruby] Touch of Rubber, Bitter Grapefruit Pith also
  
  Conclusion: has that dry riesling "bitterness" that personally doesn't suit me, also the wine isn't overly complex not like a german riesling can be (84 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)