Wine Tasting: 2013 EnRroute Chardonnay

It's been a while since I've found time to write up some wine tasting notes.  Actually, I haven't had time to research many new wines to try either.  Have been just enjoying several good wines that I've tried before.

Today's wine is 2013 EnRoute Chardonnay from California's Russian River Valley.

Tasting Notes:
Light straw in color with a petite lemon and grapefruit aroma.   While the aroma may be petite, the flavors are immense and quite vivid!  This chardonnay packs a punch.  Booming lemon with a mix of honeydew and lemongrass.  A soft buttery oak softens and adds a bit of creaminess, though it's very understated, but adds depth and complexity.  The complexity does not stop there as it also carries quite of bit of acidic punch that blends well with the staunch flavors packed into this chardonnay.

Final Thoughts:
Wow, that took me by surprise!  I was not prepared for that at all.  The wine is wonderful, but definitely give it some air prior to consuming.  Out of the bottle, the acidity is very overpowering.   It becomes much more balanced after about 15 minutes.   This is definitely a wine to try!

Wine Tasting: 2014 Orbit Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

I visited my local wine shop today and there was an distributor there offering tastings of their products.  I tried three of them and found one to be to my liking and picked up a bottle of it.  

You would think this wine is it, but it's not.  They were also tasting an Orbit wine, but it was the Cabernet Sauvignon.  The bottle I picked up was also a Cab, just not the Orbit which I did try, but was all that fond of.

While perusing the Pinot Noir section, I noticed they had an Orbit Pinot Noir.  Given the Cab didn't spark much interest, I don't actually know why I was drawn to it.   Well, tonight that is what we're tasting.  2014 Orbit Pinot Noir from California's Russian River Valley.

Tasting Notes:
A beautiful translucent ruby hue. Thin scents of pomegranate and volcanic rock. Buoyant fruit flavors of red cherry, backed with light plum and a red apple rind. Very fruit forward and quite lively.

Final Thoughts:
Better than expected from an $18US Pinot Noir and definitely a surprise from my Orbit Cab tasting initial thoughts.  Though I tend to really like many of the Pinot Noir's coming out of the Russian River Valley. (Miro being one of my favorites)

Wine Tasting: 2012 Martinelli Zinfandel Vigneto di Evo

Up to bat this evening is a big Zinfandel.  To be more specific, Martinelli's 2012 Vigneto di Evo Zinfandel.  This wine was crafted by Bryan Kvamme of Martinelli Winery in California's Russian River Valley and 876 cases were produced.

Tasting Notes:
Full bodied and crimson in color.  Scents of rose petals and red fruit.  Adventurous florals and allspice along with hints of black cherry and plum.  Definitely a muscular alcohol (17.2% ABV) though it surprisingly doesn't necessarily daunt the audacious forward flavors.

Final thoughts:
Very bold in the line of some of the great Australian Barbossa Valley Shiraz.  This is a very good wine though definitely not something you would drink everyday.  Something you pull out when guest come by who enjoy bold wines as I do.

Wine Tasting: 2014 Kukeri Pinot Noir

Back to one of my favorite California regions.  The Russian River Valley.  Today with a 2014 Kukeri Pinot Noir.

A limited production wine, only six barrels were produced. (144 cases)  It is 100% Pinot Noir and aged in 100% French oak barrels with 30% of them new oak.

Tasting Notes:
This Pinot Noir is violet in color and has aromas of black cherry with a centered floral and light citrus backing.  On the palate, impressions begin with an anemic floral overtones, but a delayed saturation of cherry and plum rind quickly increase much of the missing initial piquancy.  The texture is quite silky and smooth.  I would say slightly too much so as it's missing some needed acidity to deliver proper balance.

Final thoughts:  Good, but not great.  Though this vino is young and could definitely improve quite a bit with more time.

Wine Tasting: 2013 Tous Ensemble Syrah

Copain Wines is a vineyard that sits up high on a hill overlooking California's Russian River Valley.  The winemaker is Wells Guthrie who apprenticed with the legendary Michel Chapoutier in France's Rhone Valley. They make a multitude of wines, but today we are tasting their 2013 Tous Ensemble Syrah.

Tasting Notes:
This wine is garnet in color, but shows its youth with a purplish blue hues at the edge.  Fragrances of blueberries, black cherry, and cassis rise off the glass.   Gustatorily a cranberrish pomegranate character with a sort of amaranthine tartness for the finish.  It is also quite dry and has an acute acidity, and while I think it affects the balance a bit.  I do not find it too distracting.

A decent wine for drinking.

Wine Thoughts: 2013 Miro Pinot Noir

So, what's in my glass tonight is something I've already reviewed here. 2013 Miro Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma California.

Normally, I wouldn't post it again except for the fact that I have to reiterate how incredibly good this is. I'm going to use a word I never use. This Pinot Noir is "fabulous".

Very light and soft on the tongue, but it explodes with airy flavors of fruits and florals with perfect balance and acidity. In my opinion, this wine is a deal at $80, but it can be purchased for as little as $28 US.

I only know of one place that has it (you cannot get it from the winery website anymore) and selfishly, I will not share that location. Unselfishly, I will say this, if you can find a bottle (or a case) of it. I would jump all over it. It will reward you for your efforts.

Cheers!

Tasting: 2014 White Oak Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

I didn't record detailed tasting notes for this wine when I drank it, but this had to be one of the most buttery Chardonnays I've had with almost no acidity.  Actually, it seemed almost all buttery and not much other flavors. (well, some honey also)  I can and do appreciate the buttery oak flavor of some Chardonnays.  This one just seemed rather weird.   That said, I did still enjoy it.

Tasting: 2013 Miro Cellars Pinot Noir, Orsi Vineyard

Beautiful ruby color with medium legs.  The wine is clear of any sediment.  I can smell cranberry, raisins, plum, and a hint of raspberry. The taste of strawberry strikes you immediately followed by raspberry and cranberry.  The body is I would say medium light.  The texture is silky and the finish is medium as is the acidity.

Decanting was not required.

I have to say, I haven't drank all that many Pinot Noir.  Of the ones I have tried.  This is by far the best.  It's wine finds like this is the reason I always buy at least two of every wine I purchase online.  I wish I had paired this tonight.