DAILY WINE TASTING

2005 Waterbrook Syrah 92 points

fireontop06 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 01:57:54 +0000

2005 Syrah; Columbia Valley $19

Very interesting blend of 91% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 4% Viognier; bold and concentrated flavor profile. It roars with aromas of plum, blackberries and earth that caress the palate with black cherry, blueberry jam, and dark chocolate. A juicy and delicious finish with creamy oak and tar makes this a top 20 and one of my favorites of the year.

2007 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 90 points

fireontop06 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:47:24 +0000

Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, $14

This white is very tasty from a noble grape at a great price. Bright and vibrant, with pineapple, mango, pear and spice on the palate. Zippy and fresh with honeyed notes coming thru a balanced finish. Drink this best buy thru 2010.

2006 Clos de la Siete Super Red Blend 93 points

fireontop06 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:51:18 +0000

2006 Red blend; Argentina, $19

A beautifully blended red wine with 50% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah. Big fruit nose of blueberry liqueur and spice leeding to a restrained palate of black cherry, blueberry, spice and oak. This well balanced red will get better with age, drink now thru 2015.

2004 Twisted Oak Syrah 90 points

fireontop06 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:47:19 +0000

Syrah, Calaveras County, $19

Year after year Twisted Oak produces some great wine’s and this one does not disappoint. On the palate you get cassis, blackberry, chocolate and spice with restrained tannins. With notes of cedar, leather, and oak pushing forward on a long legged smooth finish. Drink now thru 2011.

2006 Holy Cow Chardonnay 89 points

fireontop06 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:43:23 +0000

Chardonnay, Washington, $12

A new world style Chardonnay , clean, crisp and all fruit. I love a fruit bomb; Zesty lime, grapefruit and gooseberry flood the palate from start to finish. This uncomplicated chard is a great value at $12 bucks, drink this best buy now.

Black Box Reserve NV 88 points

fireontop06 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:14:27 +0000

Merlot, Sonoma County, 3 L, $25

I have to say I was served this Merlot and was not told it was out of a box. With that said, I was surprised how well rounded and polished it was. Flavors of Bing cherries, earth, cedar and oak wash across the palate nicely. The finish adds more oak and leather to make this a nice Merlot at a great price. Drink now, well done!

2005 Barnard Griffin Fumé Blanc 91 points

fireontop06 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:31:44 +0000

Fumé Blanc, Columbia Valley (WA), $10

Very much in the french style of Sancerre, dry, crisp and clean. Packed with tart flavors of mango, melon and peach, with light spice winding it’s way from start to finish. Dry with lingering tropical on a light finish. Drink this best buy at a great price now.

2007 Gianelli Vermentino 89 points

fireontop06 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:03:06 +0000

2007 Gianelli Vermentino (Tuolumne County); $18

This white wine is very interesting; refreshing with crisp acidity. The palate opens with orange peal, pears, and summer flowers. This easy drinking white finishes off with notes of vanilla and crisp green apples, drink now

2006 Luchador Shiraz 93 points

fireontop06 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:56:04 +0000

2006 Shiraz; Australia $18

Velvety texture and rich aromas of cedar, spice and dark fruit. Full on fruit on the palate, blueberry jam, blackberry, eucalyptus, and vanilla. It’s big and rich in the mouth, with a medium body and a long finish that sings of more vanilla and eucalyptus. Drink this great beauty of a wine thru 2014. Bravo!

2006 Masi Modello delle Venezie 88 point

fireontop06 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:06:42 +0000

2006 White Blend, Venezie, $10

This white blend is very different, fruit and nuts. The palate open up with honey, banana, peach and almonds, that are well integrated and crisp. A creamy mouth-feel with notes of vanilla and acacia flowers finishes off this nice summer white.