12
Jan
2015
- Details
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Category: Uncorked Tonight
(November 9, 2014) ... A Zinfandel in France? Talk about an American in Paris ... This grapes seems almost out of place here, as if it lost its way on the way from Italy to the New World. Actually the story is a little less mysterious, but just as intriguing. The owner of this winery fell in love with Zinfandel during a trip to the US and decided to bring some back and try his hand at making wine from it in French soil. The result is Zinfandel with a French flair for balance. A smoky character kicks things off then delivers up dark plum, black cherry, cassis, white pepper, and tobacco. This really is a full bodied wine with a dark chocolate finish and long luxurious linger. Didn't think it would be as delicious as it was, but those French can still make great wine even when using the quintessential American grape. It's about time the roles were reversed.
12
Jan
2015
- Details
-
Category: Uncorked Tonight
(November 8, 2014) ... Holiday get togethers begin now ... I think this was suppose to be a Thanksgiving thing but there were just too many conflicts so it was pushed to now. Not only was it a friendly get together but a themed one as well, Pinot Noir. The host asked me to recommend some recent Pinot selections and in one case went off script picking his own (turned out to be everyone's least favorite of the night) ... I, on the other hand, grabbed a couple of older bottles of Pinot from my cellar to share and see how they are aging. Below I do not review all the wines of the night, just the older bottles.
I started with a Winery of Good Hope 2009 Pinot Noir, I have mixed reviews of recent South African wines but this one did not disappoint. Definitely an earthy aroma with a smoky palate, there was also some grippy tannins and oaky notes. With time it developed a big punch of dark fruit with balancing acidity. You wouldn't think South Africa as a place for Pinot Noir that's what makes this such a surprising addition to the evening.
Next up a wine from Coyotes Run in Ontario and the oldest bottle in my arsenal tonight, a 2007 Red Paw Pinot Noir ... The full review can be found here.
My final older Pinot can hardly be classified as "older" considering it is only 3 years from vintage, but I am a fan of Tasmanian Pinot and wanted to share my love of these wines with all those in attendance. Turns out the Devil's Corner 2011 Pinot Noir was the first bottle finished of all the Pinots present, which seems to prove my point about the Tassie's and their Pinots. This was such a pretty Pinot with violet aromas being the first to hit the nose followed by strawberry, cherry and cranberry. The palate had such a pleasant mouthfeel, there was wonderfully balanced acidity along with red berries and the delicacy of fine tannins.
