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Posts Tagged ‘strawberry’

2005 Monteviejo Petite Fleur

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

90 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 08 Dec 2008

Thick purple core with ringed by a maroon rim with fuchsia highlights. Very rich aromas leap from the glass, and intensify as the wine sits. Thick fruit - blackberry, blueberry and black cherry - with smoked mint and other herbs are all surrounded by wet clay, violets and lingering wild strawberries. Fairly bold (yet integrated) tannins from the front palate through the lingering finish. Dark fruits flood the palate supported by tannins and acid, expanding on the mid-palate and leading to a long creamy vanilla finish with swirls of roast coffee beans, dark chocolate and ripe black cherries.

A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and a few other reds. Owned by Catherine Pere-Verge, the owner of Chateau Le Gay, one of the best Chateaux in Pomerol, Bordeaux. Using the same wine making team (harvest is 6 months different due to the northern/southern hemisphere thing) this is a very high quality wine made by people with tons of skill for a fraction of the price.

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NV Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rose North Coast

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

91 / A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 11 Dec 2008

A pale salmon color in the glass, producing very pink foam. Strawberry and toast surrounded by yeast, coconut and gummy peach candy with a wild brine hint. Rich on the palate with aggressive mousse and nice bold acidity. Candied strawberries backed by dark raspberry lead to red delicious apples and a hint of caramel on the finish.

There is no better New Year’s resolution than to drink more sparkling wine - it is not only for special occasions! Finding a rose produced in the traditional method perfected in Champagne at this price is almost unheard of. A delicious, complex and rich sparkling wine that is, most importantly, affordable. 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir.

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2004 Juslyn Perry’s Blend

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

93 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 02 Dec 2008

Dark core with a bright ruby rim. Ripe, rich and smooth aromas of plum, black cherry and cassis fruits are surrounded by sweet vanilla, coconut and hints of banana with a darker charcoal tone. Dark entry in the mouth with smooth, dark plum and cherry accented by spicy cinnamon and nutmeg. The fruits are sweet and dark making a lush and full bodied yet very balanced wine that is easy to drink with low tannins and great acidity. Lingering flavors of strawberry surrounded by baking spices and vanilla cream. Delicious!

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2007 R Wines Bitch Grenache

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

89 / A+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 04 Sep 2008

Classic lighter grenache color with a medium ruby core and a lighter garnet rim. The aromas are very spicy and floral with some candied cherry, fresh grape and a hint of dark scorched earth. Incredibly smooth in the mouth making it easy to drink. Cinnamon spice surrounds strawberries and cherries. Round in the middle with just enough acid to keep it fresh. The finish comes in strong with a huge red gummy bear kick and a touch of spicy cumin.

Grenache is a great wine for people who are looking for something not quite as heavy as a Cabernet, but that still packs an impressive punch of smells and flavors. Grenache can get pretty pricey (particularly from the South of France) so finding one in the $10 range is a rarity. Finding one in the $10 range that delivers with this quality fruit is unheard of. The grapes come from vines that vary in age all the way up to 80 years, which really gives some added fruit and spice. This is the perfect wine to bring to a friend’s house as it appeals to all drinkers; seasoned wine veterans and newbies alike. Plus who’s going to make fun of you for drinking wine that’s called the Bitch? (Also makes a great gift for the hostess with a sense of humor…)

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2006 Domaine Sainte Leocadie Cuvee Fernand Averoux

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

89 / A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 21 Oct 2008

Clear purple core with a vibrant ruby rim. Hints of violets float around candied strawberry and raspberry aromas with a darker streak of smoke, black cherry and fresh herbs. Smooth, easy entry on the palate bringing lush sweet fruits backed by smoke, a touch of game and a streak of minerality. Good supporting acid makes this an easy choice for dinner. Lingering touch of caramel on the finish.

A blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. Delivers quite a bit of flavor and power for such an approachable young wine. Minervois is a great region to find some of the best values not only from France, but in the world right now.

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2007 W. H. Smith Pinot Noir Marimar Estate Vineyard

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

92 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 17 Nov 2008

Medium ruby core with a touch of garnet to the rim. Complex, heady aromas. Light floral notes quickly yield to spicy fresh anise, earth and white truffles all surrounding a dark core of wild blackberry and strawberry. Very fruity on the front palate followed quickly by darker earth and truffle flavors. Creamy vanilla over black cherry in the mid palate leads to a long, lingering cream and spice finish underscored by dark scorched earth. Balanced and delicious.

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2007 W. H. Smith Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

91 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 17 Nov 2008

Bright ruby core with a vibrant rim. Lots of violets and roses float over earth, caramel and ripe cherry aromas. Restrained and elegant on palate entry. Solid core of acidity from front to back. Strawberry with a hint of orange zest is followed by scorched earth and lingering vanilla oak. Smooth and fresh with a long, bright finish.

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2007 W. H. Smith Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

90 / A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 17 Nov 2008

Medium ruby core with a lighter rim. Ripe black cherry and wild strawberry fruit aromas all surrounded by cooler notes of wet earth and spicy cola. Very round on the entry into the mouth; smooth and silky. Hints of game surround tons of ripe strawberry with a touch of charcoal and dark earth on the finish. Great balance making this an easy drinking, smooth Pinot all the way down.

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2004 Terrabianca Campaccio IGT

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

91 / B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 25 March 2008

Dark ruby on the core with a lighter pink rim. Sweet cocoa powder surrounds bright red cherries, plum and strawberries on the nose with a darker leather and dried mint note leading to a touch of sweet tobacco and blueberries. Very smooth entry on the palate. Round, ripe fruit tannins on the mid-palate. Good overall balance with black cherry, leather and truffle flavors backed by dark toasted oak. The wood tannins build on the back palate leading to a lingering finish of cherry and spicy vanilla.

Ready to drink now or over the next 5 years. Good acid, so drink this bad boy with any tomato-based pasta dish. The tannins from the oak will probably carry it longer, but the fruit will likely fade.

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2007 Chateau Le Gay Festival Rose

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

90 / A+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 04 Apr 2008

Nice deep pink color with a hint of salmon tint. Bright and fresh on the nose. Candied strawberries, raspberries and rose petals with an underlying hint of honey and cool minerality. Nice complexity on the palate. Big strawberry flavors followed by blackberry, raspberry and a touch of cherry. The terroir of Pomerol really comes through with a nice clay and chalk minerality leading to a lingering strawberry and honey finish.

This has amazing complexity for a rose, while maintaining good acid to keep it refreshing. Coming from an outstanding piece of Bordeaux (next door to Chateau Petrus - one of the most expensive and sought after wines in the world), this is a screaming deal. The perfect wine to drink all spring and summer by itself and with appetizers. Light enough to go with fish and vegetable dishes, yet bold enough to pair with meatier pork, chicken and duck. Made from 100% Merlot.

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