April 23, 2007
I get freightened when I see just “California” as the source of juice in any wine bottle. For me it is watered convenience for the maker; I always think of this as a profit motive only; and when I think of that I think quality too is watered down. I am hard on California-designate wines. I want a specific appellation and I think it matters as much as breathing. I have time and again picked up a California Pinot and each time I am wounded. The taste like vinegar. This chardonnay is a nice every day drinking wine. I was not offended as I expected to be. The screw cap and art work certainly are appealing. One thinks that the contents will be good; and in this case that is not a bad assumption. This is a good chardonnay but will not keep you up late at night. Evened oak; simmered green apple, scented Eastern sweet spice.
¡Salud!
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | 
Chardonnay, wine | 
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Posted by jamesthewineguy
April 15, 2007
A friend was gracious enough to give me a bottle of wine but instead didn’t give me not just any bottle of wine; she gave me an extraordinary bottle. Barlow is not infamous like many other Napa Cabernets. Big name cost a lot for marginal, sometimes sub-marginal and sometimes toe curling over the top. But you never know vintage to vintage what the what will culminate and worse you will have paid a handsome sum. This cabernet was a toe curler; it was a bitter-sweet tasting. I wish I had another case of this; the final moment my tongue had the last drop delivered was something that photography can never capture; the sacred spice, the bold tannins, and by the way this wine did not require decanting; it opened amazingly well and over time started from great to brilliant. I love the cedar, bramble, cassis, brandywine tomato tossed with nutmeg, truffle, and leather.
I cannot wait to get my hands on other vintages.
¡Salud!
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
1 Comment | Cabernet Sauvignon, wine | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
April 10, 2007
This bottle and I do not recall the exact price; but I do recall it was a great value. I was sceptical thinking that there must be a synth cork it is silhoutte. I was pleasantly surprised to note there was no such thing. This wine was present and accounted for and was not too high in pepper and just the right dash of wondrous eastern simmer spice it also contained bold and deep rich berries; cedar, leather, a lush blueberry; this was a wonderful wine that I will go back and find many more of these bottles–to enjoy time and time again. The consistencies from nose to taste is everlasting… like fine chocolate is lingers and satisfies. Amazing value!
¡Salud!
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Malbec, Mendoza | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
April 1, 2007
Kaiken produces high quality wines; Kaiken from Argentina also produces the obligatory Malbec… And I don’t mean that in a negative maner. Kaiken’s Malbec is far more compelling; this Cabernet Sauvignon is a delight but it is not impactful or memorable. It does not give me that blissful experience that I expect from Cabernet. Slight pepper, subdued cedar, slight raspberry. Before enjoying this bottle of wine try their Ultra Malbec first.
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Cabernet Sauvignon, wine | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
