Wine Tasting: 2015 Elouan Pinot Noir

Tonight we are back with the finicky varietal.  A Pinot Noir out of the coastal hills of Oregon.

2015 Elouan Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes:
A dark rich crimson color.  Scents of blueberry, licorice, and sea stones.   Very lively cranberries, with a light peppery tobacco tar essence.  Late flare of orange zest as it moves into the pungent finish to complete a terrific balance.

Final Thoughts:
Considering what a good Oregon Pinot Noir is known to go for.  This is not just a fantastic wine, it's a fantastic bargain!  I suppose that is what you should expect from a product created by a member of the Wagner family.

Wine Tasting: 2012 Mullan Road Cellars Red Wine Blend

Tonight's vino is a Columbia Valley, Washington red blend that consist of 51% Cabernet, 37% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc.

2012 Mullan Road Cellars Red Wine Blend

Tasting Notes:
Ink like in color, and aromas of bountiful red fruit and spices.   Black cherry, and relaxed blueberry with hints of ginger and allspice.  Initially fruit forward, yet a wet earthen mossy flavors tame the bouquet of fruitiness to leave you analyzing the depth of it’s complexity.  Finish isn’t substantial and slightly more subdued that I would hope for.  Tannins and acidity just a touch off.

Final Thoughts:
This is a good wine.  Just not spectacular.  In my personal opinion, I do not believe the QPR is there for this wine at around the $40US range

Wine Tasting: 2013 Orin Swift Department 66 Grenache

A tough day at work deserves a great wine to enjoy!

Today's wine is a 2013 Orin Swift Department 66 Grenache. (D66)

Tasting Notes:
Beautiful dark maroon in color. Gravel and dried fruits in the nose. On the palette a very adventurous almost sweet balsamic like flavors without the high acidity and stewed fruit flavors. Long finish and very well balanced.

Final Thoughts:
A stunningly bold out of the gate makes this wine a real eye opener. It is fantastic.

Wine Tasting: 2015 De Morgenzon Chardonnay

This evening we are going with a very nice South African Chardonnay with dinner.

Tasting Notes:
Quite light in color with mellow citrus and rubber scents. Very lightly oaked and lemony with a dry honeydew essence with late hints of earthen overtones. Decent finish and acidity to make this an enjoyable vino with dinner.

Final Thoughts:
As they say, South African wines are some of the best values on the market today.  This one is no different.  It's quite delicious and at a good price.

Wine Tasting: 2013 Luke Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon

Couple of long days at work and tonight.  Just a tasting and then I'm going to kick back and just enjoy the wine.

Tasting Notes:
Dark garnet in color with black cherry, raisin, and licorice on the nose.   Cranberry, dates and lavender on the palette.   Comes off as a bit thin, but the abundance of power flavors surprises and the long finish keeps your attention.   Nice acidic balance.

Final Thoughts:
Not a home-run, but yet.  Still quite good and well worth the $22US.

Wine Tasting: 2014 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

Tonight's wine was an interesting story.  I purchased this wine to "top up" my Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel wine that I'm making. (yes, I'm a home winemaker!)   Topping up is something you do to fill the wine container so their is minimal air in on the wine.  Oxygen turns wine to vinegar, I must minimize my wine's exposure.

2014 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

Tasting Notes:
Medium bodied and crimson in color.   Very interesting cranberry, kiwi, and bubblegum on the nose.  Juicy pomegranate and black cherry with a dried fruit medley.  Bold, but not overly heavy, fruit forward with a long and nicely balanced finish.

Final Thoughts:  This wine was an eye opener.  I wasn't expecting too much, I just wanted to good enough to top up with.  Very flavorful, juicy, without being a heavy jammy wine, but still jammy like you expect from a great Zinfandel.  I like it!

Wine Tasting: 2009 Château La Cardonne

I've been slacking a bit and not taking or posting my notes.  It's been quite busy, but I need not let that stop me.

Tonight Vive la France!

2009 Château La Cardonne

Tasting Notes:
Deep currant in color, with scents of pomegranate, cherry and a wet slate. Flavors of black cherry, sage, Brazil nuts, with a late tobacco finish.

Final Thoughts:
Bit acidic early, so even at seven years old, it still needed a few minutes to breath.  Better paired than on it's own.