Abstract 2010

Abstract 2010
Rhone Blend $29.99 (Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah)
Napa, CA
15.7% Alcohol
Lauren - 4.5 stars
Judy - 3.5 stars
John - 3.5 stars
Charles - 4.0 stars

Dark, Purple-Red.  Stained legs.  Med/Low contrast.

Sweet and fruity on the nose.  Slight alcohol presence.

Concentrated fruit.  Fruit Forward.

Held up in a taste taste with the Darioush.

Heitz Grignolino 2009

Heitz 2009

Grignolino $19.83

Napa, CA

13.8% alcohol 

Charles - 2.0 stars

Melissa - 1.5 stars

Visual: Pretty, dark ruby in color, low contrast, slight robing. No staining, quick forming legs.

Aromatics: Blackberries, Strawberries, Pear. Earthiness, sweet. Light molasses scent. 

Taste: Tastes as it smells, has an illusive element that remains unidentifiable though you recognize that you have been exposed to it before. Sweet initially on palate followed by tartness that continues throughout with a slight bitterness on the endnote, almost as though the wine is young.  Good dryness, tannic.  Short finish, almost abrupt in nature. Crisp flavoring with little complexity and one dimensional.  The adolescent of wine. 

Pairings: 3 Cheeses : Etorki - Sheeps milk basque from France; Young Tomme- Sharp cheddar with slight bluing through out; Garrotxa - Goat cheese from Spain.  Wine has very little flavor play with pairing. 

Notes:  Known in its native Piedmont, Italy for its acidity, and traditionally used as a table wine.  Recommeded for a hot day as a suitable replacement for a Rose.  The tartness keeps it light on the palate without any warmth provided from spice or multi-dimensional flavor profiles. Upon decanting, the wine becomes increasingly aromatic but is accompanied with a slight bitterness that is now present from start to finish. 

Darioush 2008

Darioush 2008
Cabernet Sauvignon $85.99
14.8% Alcohol
Napa, CA
Lauren 3.5 stars
Judy - 3.5 stars
Charles - 3.5 stars
John Dillon - 4 stars

Moderate contrast, dark color (orangish red), lightly stained legs. Thick high alcohol.  Good clarity

Not very fruity. Dry fruits, leather, earth, rainy day, dirt

Tastes like it smells, low complixity.  Slightly dry.  Very long finish.

Wine opened up a lot after 1 hr.  Should have completed the full tasting again after it opened up.  Completely different wine, and for the better.  Would drink again, but would allow it to breathe before tasting.

The Prisoner 2009

The Prisoner 2009
Orin Swift
Red Blend $35.99
51% Zinfandel, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 3% Charbono, 1% Granache, 1% Malbec
15.2% Alcohol
Napa, CA
4.0 Stars

Deep burgundy color. Nearly opaque
Smelled of blackberries with an oak undertone.
Sweet, extremely smooth and balanced. Long luxurious finish. Concentrated fruit.

I tried the Orin Swift Papillon back in August with my sister and her fiancé. It was extremely good, probably one of the best wines I had tried all year.  The Prisoner is the wine that brought Orin Swift acclaim, so I really wanted to try it for myself.  It did not disappoint!  Now I need to try the Mercury Head!

Clos Du Val 2007

Clos Du Val 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon $14.99 (375 mL)
Napa, CA (Stags Leap District)
3.0 Stars

Vibrant dark red, very little contrast.
Smells like a barrel room.  Overwhelming oak.  Dark fruits and hint of violet.
Tastes of dried fruits, a lot of oak.  Overly oak.  Concentrated flavors with a nice finish.

I bought this after reading so many excellent reviews of the 2007 California cabs. The Stags Leap District in particular felt this vintage was so exceptional that they are actually selling a package of all of the Stags Leap wines. http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/purchase_collection.php

Main Street 2007

Main Street 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99
Napa, CA
2.0 Stars

Dark Beautiful red color, low contrast

Smells sweet and flowery, violets.
Smooth but with a tart finish.