Pomar Junction Paso Robles Merlot - 2005 - 8.5 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 13, 2008

Pomar Junction Paso Robles Merlot possess profiles of toasted pecan, dried sour cherry, and hints of backing spice.  This wine is higher in alcohol at 15.3% and I felt on the final taste of the wine by obscuring fruit and spice notes.  

 

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Portugal: The Undiscovered Wine Country - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 12, 2008

Portugal strength in it’s name sake wine Port has made all of it’s other wines less than sought after—a second class citizen.  That is very unfortunate because Portuguese non-fortified wines need to be discovered.  There are so many Portuguese beauties out there.  The appellations are apt for some wondrous reds.  The Iberian Peninsula is a great place for growing hearty reds.

 

Do not fear an appellation like Alentejo, Dao, Douro, Bairrada; actually seek them.  Do not fear what may sound like un-recognizable grapes like Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Aragonês, Trincadeira, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Arinto, Alvarinho, Fernão Pires, Baga, Sousão, Alfrocheiro, Antão Vaz, Arinto, Moreto, Alicante Bouschet, Seara Nova, Rabigato, Viozinho, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao, Jaen, Loureiro, Azal, Trajadura, Maria Gomes, Verdelho, Codega do Larinho, Viosinho, Roupeiro, Encruzado, Malvasia Fina, Camarata, Tinta Miúda, Preto Martinho, Cerceal, Tinta Amarela, Trajadura, Pedernã, Rabo-de-Ovelha, —instead embrace them.   The Tinta Roriz and Aragonêz is what is known as Tempranillo in Spain.

 

If you seek food friendly white wines with generous acid—you have come to the right country.  Think Alvarinho and Arinto these wines are hauntingly gorgeous; delicate, light, crisp and their acid will encapsulate memories of these wonderful wines.

 

Many Portuguese reds are bold; not only do the Portuguese use native grapes they have been growing wines everyone knows – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, etc.  While these wines are delicious I am a fan of the Trincadeira Preta, Tinta Roriz / Aragonês, and Castelão.  These wines are evocative of exotic spice, wood, bramble, herbs, mushrooms and deep red fruit.

 

These wines are hard to find—despite Portugal being a very large producer; it is hard to find in almost any U.S. wine retailer; but don’t let that discourage you.  Keep searching….. many of these wines are tremendous values that need discovery and need attention.  Portugal the soon to be discovered still wine country.

 

¡Salud!

 

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Rosenblum Cellars Rominger Vineyard Yolo County Syrah – 2006 – 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 8, 2008

 

I think American Syrah’s when compared with it’s brethren in Australia stand out and are well done;  Australian Shiraz get a lot of attention and in some ways have a monopoly on this grape.  But there are more Shiraz or Syrahs in this country and in particular California are very well done.  This wine has bright and bold acids; coupled with baked plum, bramble, flint and Eucalyptus.

¡Salud!

 

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Rosenblum Cellars St. Peter’s Church Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel – 2005 – 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 8, 2008

If you look for this vineyard you will notice that there is a Church that is next to the vineyard.  This is 100% Zinfandel wine with Eucalyptus, black berry confit, and an exotic touch of cardamom.

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Rosenblum Cellars Eagle Point Mendocino County Zinfandel – 2005 – 8.9 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 8, 2008

I am always fascinated by a varietal born and raised is not always expected.  Zinfandel in Mendocino is unusual.  But the fact that it is from Mendocino promises a unique experience.  This wine is well structured; the wine is 89% Zinfandel and 11% Petite Sirah which gives plenty of smoke, Pioppini mushroom, underbrush and cinnamon.

 

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

 


Rosenblum Cellars Annette’s Reserve Redwood Valley Zinfandel - 2005 - 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 8, 2008

Well structured Zinfandel; this wine avoids heat from alcohol—though this is 14.7%.  This wine exhibits a delicate balance of wood, dark red fruit, and mace.

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Ayala Brut Majeur N.V. - 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

May 5, 2008

45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Meunier; superbly crisp, freshly baked Brioche, crisp green apple and rich citrus zest. 

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Arancio Nero d’Avola Sicilia - 2004 - 8.8 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 19, 2008

Arancio Nero d’Avola Sicilia exhibits stewed dark cherry, warm winter spices and elegant cedar notes.   A nice wine for Monday through Thursday dinners.

¡Salud!

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Aquinas Napa Valley Pinot Noir – 2006 – 7.7 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 13, 2008

Aquinas Napa Valley Pinot Noir had a synth cork; immediate disappointment; the wine was tart and had some heat from the black pepper.

 

¡Salud!

 

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© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez


Woodenhead Buena Tierra Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – 2005 – 9.1 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

April 11, 2008

This is the best of the Woodhead Pinot Noirs that I have tasted; harmonious acids; beautiful structure; abundant dark cherry, plum, Eastern simmering spices, and Turkish fig.

 

¡Salud!

 

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Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com

 

© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez