December 30, 2007
I finally found a bottle of Cruz Alta at Specs in Austin. This wine promises much on first inspection–dark, inky and upon first scent the nose was a powerful Malbec. This Malbec gave a power beginning and middle taste yet the finish was weak; the wine does not have the complexity one might expect. I had hoped an abundance of spice–Oaxacan simmering spices and blackberry and dark red berry confit. Instead some gentle mid-red fruit to a dusting of Cinnamon were the only highlights.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | 
Malbec, Mendoza | 
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Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 20, 2007
Belle Glos has a beautiful bottle and expectations are always on high alert. Upon seeing the bottle I have a set expectation on how spectacular this wine will be. But that is where the comparison ends. The wine is nice; but I want more than just nice. The wine exhibits bramble, hint of persimmon and clove.
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 20, 2007
A lovely Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast showcase of Hartford Courts wines. A pleasing Pinot with bold structure encompassing wild strawberry, rose bouquet, and baking spices.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 20, 2007
Not my favourite Hartford Court Pinot Noir but still enjoyable. Love the vineyard name– what evocation. Abundant acid; less vitreous than it’s Sonoma Coast Pinots. This wine has characteristics of field mushroom, cherry, fallen leaves, and roasted red plum.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Green Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County | Permalink
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December 20, 2007
I don’t usually think of Tasmania and Pinot Noir and, in fact, I don’t think of Australia at all when it comes to Pinot Noir. This Pinot Noir gives just picked cherry, cranberry, leather, cinnamon and cinnamon.
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
1 Comment | Pinot Noir, Tasmania | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 19, 2007
Scherrer Fort Ross High Slopes Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2004 is tightly focused with rose petal, a hint of allspice, Malabar pepper, and Morel mushroom.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 19, 2007
This dazzling Portuguese red wine consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Touriga Nacional, and Merlot. This wine exhibits sensual qualities of suede, forest floor, leaves, cedar box, flambé deep red fruit, and cardamom.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Touriga Nacional | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 17, 2007
This Tempranillo is dry and imparts some raisin; this wine has some cinnamon and juniper but does not give the characteristic deep spice, pepper and seared red fruit.
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
1 Comment | Tempranillo | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
December 17, 2007
This is Pedro Ximenez imparting gorgeous clover-lavender honey notes dusted with a baked apple and allspice and slight raisin on back end.
Purchased at The Wine Club San Francisco $17.99
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2008 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Pedro Ximenez | Permalink
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