This wine was opened and decanted for at least three hours before drinking. Not enough. This should still be held. It is a magnificent wine but very young still. It is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Merlot.
For wines that are purchased on release and cellared for years, it is rare to hit a bottle at its exact prime. Often the bottle is opened too early, or too late. Wine lovers often discuss which is better.
This is certainly one of the stars of its region. While not in the category of Haut Brion, neither is the pricing. Of course, it is not inexpensive either. This bottle was purchased on release. It was allowed to breathe for an hour and then consumed over the next few. Still on the young side, it offers up plenty of enjoyment right now. If you have a few, go ahead. If you just have one or two, then it's a hold. Purple in color. The nose has cassis, black cherries, some cedar, spice and a bit of minerality. On the palate, light tannins. Tight layers that unwind in the glass of cass
This is a Trader Joe's wine made from Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an easy drinking rose that is easy on the budget. Deep pink/orange in color. The nose has some watermelons and strawberries. Light bodied. On the palate, a bit of clean strawberries. Drank well enough on its own and worked with a variety of garden and fruit salads. Drink up this summer.
This is coming along quite nicely. It's not yet at peak and still drinks big and young. Purple in color. The nose is big with black cherries, some black raspberry, spice, some chocolate and a bit of coffee. On the palate, this has medium tannins. Lots of black cherry and black raspberry fruit over a bit of char/dark chocolate. Slight black licorice on the finish. This is delicious and great on its own or with bolder roasted meat (or vegetable) dishes. It will continue to improve for another five to ten years, and be good for another ten to fifteen after that if well stored. This bo
Château de Fargues probably doesn't get enough recognition and 2001 is one of the all time great vintages in Sauternes. This was an excellent showing and a great way to finish an evening. A very cool looking orange/red in color. The nose has orange peel and honey. A bit of Crem Brulee. On the palate, this is viscous although not as sweet as expected (which is fine). The orange peel carries thru with good acidity. Plenty of depth. A very long finish. Still on the young side, this should develop further.
This is the second wine of Gracia and is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This sample was drinking very well right now. Purple in color. The nose has black cherries, dark chocolate dust and slight coffee. Certainly no issues with getting ripe. The palate has light tannins. Some depth. Black cherry fruit over a dry earthiness. Good finish. This was not cheap; retailing at $85 compared to the First wines at around $135. But it is a very good wine. Should drink well for a decade as it matures. Probably won't get better.
Thrown into a tasting of First Growths from this vintage, that probably wasn't fair, but it held it's own even if not one of the top wines. And, to top it off Inky purple in color. The nose is very nice with liqueur-like notes of cassis and cherries along with some cedar and spice. On the palate, this has a lot of cassis fruit with firm tannins. It will need another five to ten year to maturity. It is delicious as pop and pour right now. Considering this is available for around $90 right now, it is hard to justify the prices of some of the other "better" wines.
Consumed after a tasting of First Growths from 2008, this more than held its own. It is 51% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. The definition of a sexy wine. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has cassis, floral notes and slight plums. On the palate, this has a wonderful texture. Juicy yet velvety. Lots of cassis and some raspberries over a slight spice/earth. Long finish. There are medium to firm tannins but they are more silky in style. A delicious wine right now, it should improve for a decade and last another couple (at least) after that.
Wow. Served alongside the 2008 Yquem, it just wasn't fair. An amazing wine. Deeper (not too deep) gold in color with just a bit of orange/bronze. The nose is mazing. Apricots and honey, slight burnt orange peel and just a whiff of vanilla. On the palate, this has that great acidity to balance the sweetness. Tons of apricots, slight peach and a bit of orange. Layered and complex, it is both fascinating and delicious. A combination of candy and fruit. The finish goes on forever. It will work with the right dessert but really needs none. It seems to be both mature and will probably
