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Click on Semester below for Tasting Notes.
Fall 2003 Semester, Spring 2004 Semester,
Fall 2004,Semester,Spring 2005 Semester,
Fall 2005 Semester,Spring 2006 Semester,
Fall 2006 Semester, Spring 2007 Semester,
Fall 2007 Semester, Spring 2008 Semester,
Fall 2008 Semester, Spring 2009 Semester,
Fall 2009 Semester,
Oct. 8, 03 Bordeaux Night- Sorry, no tasting notes taken.
Oct. 15, 03 Burgundy Night- 2000 Macon-Lugny, my score 85, closed nose, good balance, nice fruit,
short finish. 2000 Moulin-A-Vent, my score 81, closed nose, full bodied, good tannins, will
improve. 2000 Givry, my score 76, very light in color, nose, body and flavor. (Avoid)
1999 Rully, my score 94, varietal nose w/ some bouquet, perfect balance, a keeper.
Oct. 22, 03 Spanish Night - 2001 Bodegas Montecillo (White), my score 83,
small nose, good fruit, fresh acidity, a pleasant suprise. 2000 Solaz my score 75,
sound wine with no special attributes.1998 Bodegas Montecillo Crianza) my score 80,
nose slightly closed, medium body, drinking well now.1997 Bodegas Montecillo (Reserva) my
score 83deep color, full body, nice finish, recomend keeping for two years. 1995 Bodegas
Montecillo (Gran Reserva) my score 83 the score does not do this wine justice, closed
nose, very dark color, This wine will open up in about 5 or 6 years and last another decade.
Oct. 29, 03 Australia & New Zealand Night - 2002 The Crossings, N. Zealand Sauv. Blanc
my score 85 Floral nose, great balance, good finish.2001 Penfolds "Koononga Hill" Chard.
my score 79 closed nose, not much flavor.2002 Penfolds "Rawson's Retreat" Cab. Sauv.
my score 82 strong varietal nose, decent balance, a small scale Cab. but a great value.
2001 Penfolds "Rawson's Retreat" Cab./Shiraz my score 76 No one in the class liked this one.
2001 Penfolds "Thomas Hyland" Shiraz my score 83 Big,full wine with nice tannins but
needs a few years.
Nov. 5, 03 Italian Night - 2002 Montelpulciano d' Abruzzo, my score 73 a simmple
straightforward wine with high acid balance and zero finish. 2001 Pozzi Primitivo my score
68 a real disapointment.2001 Vitiano my score 80 nice balance, med. body, finished
short.2001 Alaura Chianti my score 81 closed nose, slightly sweet.2002 S. Orsola,
Dolcetto d' Albaa baby, needs time to develope, score82. 1999 S. Orsola, Barolo
Score 89 Needs another 5 years, floral nose developing, full body, nice tannins, long finish.
Nov. 12, 03 Chilean Night - 2002 Santa Maria Sauv. Blanc, score 74 small non-varietal
nose, trace of bitterness,short finish. 2003 Santa Maria Chardonnay class liked this one the least
, Score 70 high acid, poor balance. 2001 Los Vascos Cab. Sauv. score 73 no aroma,
very light in body. 2000 Los Vascos Cab. Sauv. Reserve score 87 developing nose, slightly
tannic, good balance, needs a few years. 1999 Santa Maria Grand Reserva Grand Vidure / Cab. big full nose,
well balanced with berry fruit flavors, soft tannins, long finish. Better in three to five years.
Score 93
Nov. 19, 03 California Night - 2002 River Road Chardonnay, score 85 smooth,
full bodied, buttery. 2001 Muirwood Cab. Sauv., score 83 strong varietal nose, light
body and short finish. 2001 Muirwood Merlot, score 69 closed nose, slightly acidic,
light body, real poor showing. 2000 Rosenblum Zinfandel (Oakley Vineyards) Great floral nose,
good balance, silky texture, long finish. score 90 1999 Marietta Cellars Petite Syrah
score 88 Class favorite, huge body, lots of fruit, good tannins, long finish.
Nov. 26, 03 Blind Tasting No notes, wines listed on main page.
Nov. 26, 03 Special Tasting of Old Calif. Cab. Sauv. - 1986 Kenwood Cab. Sauv., score 90 strong
nose, good color, long finish, will last 5 more years. 1987 Jos. Phelps Cab. Sauv., score 88 nose developed
in glass after a few minutes, with great bouquet, finished sweet. 1988 Jos. Phelps Cab. Sauv. slightly lighter
color than the '87 but great bouquet and drinking at it's peak. score91
Dec. 3, 03 Graduation Night & Champagne Party - Perrier Jouet By far the class favorite. Yeasty nose, crisp
acidity, long finish. Pol Roger Great contrast to the first wine. Stronger flavor, more full bodied.
Charles Heidsieck Reserve Perhaps the 2nd favorite. A bold, toasty wine with powerful effervescence. Mumm Cordon Rouge
Not as impressive as the first three, good balance, short finish. Veuve Hennerick In all catagories a real disappointment,
Put this one on your do not buy list. Piper Sonoma Brut & Blanc De Noir Both wines were fair and probably
good value for your dollar but not in the same league as their distant cousins from Champagne.
March 10, 04 Bordeaux Night Sorry, I could not attend this tasting, due to having back surgery. However my wife was there
and scored the wines as follows: 2002 Chateau Menaut, Graves score82, 2000 Chateau Bonnet, Bordeaux
score64, Chateau Cruzeau, Pessac-Leognan, Graves, Score66, 2000 Chateau La Croix Bonis,
St. Estephe, Score70. Not very impressive scores.
March 17, 04, Burgundy Night 2002 Domaine du Val Lamartien - St. Veran - Good Appearance and color but a strange
off odor and taste score 74 2000 Cote de Beaune Villages - Light color and body, slightly tannic and finished
down, score 80 - 1999 Gevrey Chambertin, Darker color with varietal nose, slightly tannic but good balance and finish
score 90 - 2000 Moulin-a-Vent - Color ok but poor balance, slightly acid, score 79 1990 Moulin-a-Vent - Medium
dark color, slightly floral, varietal nose, good balance, "smooth", finished up, score 87
March 24, 04, German, Austrian Night 2002 Piesporter Michelsberg, Kabinett - Faint green apple nose, slightly
sweet, score 75 2001 Piesporter Michelsberg, Auslese, If the Kabinett had a apple nose then this was the whole
orchard, score 84 - 2002 Graacher Himmelreich, Kabinett, perfect balance of crisp acidity with underlying sweetness,
full bodied with medium finish, score 89 - 2002 Bernkasteler Badstube, Spatlese, pale straw color, great balance,
long finish, score 88 - 2002 Kremser Goldberg, Gruner Veltliner, Kabinett, real disappointment, high acid with touch
of bitterness, score 71
March 31, 04, Italian Night 1999 S. Andrea in Colle, Chianti Classico Reserva - Floral nose, slightly acid,
nice tannins, score 89 - 2000 Poggio alla Salla, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, mild acid, slightly tannic, score
83 - 2000 Villa Maffei, Valpolicella Classico Ripasso, medium body, slightly bitter, score 84 - 1999 Villa
Maffei, Amarone, soft, velvety, underlying sweetness, long finish, 14.5% alcohol, score 91 - 1998 Rocca Felice,
Barolo, typical strong flavor, med. full body, medium finish, score 89
April 7, 04, Chile Night 2003 Santa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc, strong varietal nose, crisp acidity but with perfect
balance, score 84 - 2003 Santa Maria Chardonnay, from start to finish a real disapointment, score 71 - 2002
Santa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon, very strong tannins, not much else, score 77 - 2001 Santa Maria, Cab. Sauv., Gran
Reserva, floral nose, nice balance, med. full body, long finish, a winner, score 87 2000 Los Vascos, Cab. Sauv., Reserve,
slightly acid balance, nothing special, score 80
April 14, 04, Australia & New Zealand Night 2002 The Crossings, Sauvignon Blanc, N. Zealand, Varietal aroma,
with citrus notes, intense flavors with crisp acidity, score 87 2003 Penfolds, Thomas Hyland Chardonnay, lemon on the
nose, complex array of flavors, clean finish, needs 4 or 5 years, score 80 2003 Penfolds, Koonunaga Hill, Semillon -
Chardonnay, Closed nose, medium body, creamy, with crisp finish, nothing special, score 76 2002 Rosemont Estate, Hill
of Gold Shiraz, massive wine with 14.5% alcohol, spicy aroma, peppery fruit, very full bodied with huge amount of tannic acid
that will take years to smooth out, score 89 2002 Penfolds, Koonunga Hill Shiraz - Cabernet, nose withdrawn but with
trace of chocolate, full bodied but with slightly high acidity, score 79
April 21, 04, California Night 2002 Robert Mondavi, Fume Blanc, great pineapple and citrus nose, well balanced,
full bodied with spicy finish. score 90 1997 La Famiglia di Robert Mondavi, Sangiovese, varietal nose, perhaps a little
acid, some tannins remaining, not worth the $17.49 price tag. score 80 1998 Gallo Sonoma, Barrelli Creek Vineyard,
Zinfandel, easy going, full bodied Zin with black cherry flavor, balance leaning toward sweet, probably not worth the $18
price tag. (The third bottle was frizzante) score 83 2000 Kenwood, Sonoma County, Cab. Sauv., Small closed in nose,
not well balanced, short finish, a totaly forgetable bottle of wine. score 77 1999 Meridian Vineyards, Paso Robles,
Shiraz, woodsy aromas, jammy fruit, lightly structured. At $8.99 it was the star of the evening. score 85
April 28, 04, Blind Tasting No notes. Wines listed on main page.
May 5, 04, Champagne Party NV Taittinger, This semesters class favorite, classic blend with fine bubbles and both
fruity and bready nose, score 92 - NV Perrier Jouet, lighter in nose and on the palete than the Taittinger but well
balanced, score 88 - NV Pol Roger, entirely different nose due to the blend having one third Pinot Meunier, very full
bodied and long finish, score 90 - 1996 Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin, Rose Reserve, a real treat with pinot flavors that
just keep coming in waves, score 93 - 1999 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, all chardonnay and much lighter than the wine
before but strong bubbles and nice balance, score 89 - NV Roederer Estate, very popular with the class, Wine Spectator
rated it a 92 however my score was 88 probably due to tasting too many great Champagnes before - 2000 Domaine Carneros
the least popular among the class, does not stand up to it's namesake Taittinger, score 85
October 6, 04, Bordeaux Night 2003 Chateau Haut La Croix, AOC Graves. Poor example, thin and closed 73/10.4
2000 Chateau Roc Taillade, AOC Medoc. A real "light weight" with off aromas 75/6.81 2000 Chateau D'Arvigny, AOC
Haut Medoc. slightly better but bitter with short finish 85/7.72 2000 Chateau L'Etampe, AOC St. Emilion, easily best
wine of the evening. smooth tannins and plenty of fruit. 89/7.41
October 13, 04, Rhone Night 1999 Cave de Tain L' Hermitage, AOC Hermitage, Dark purple color, Varietal aroma plus
raspberries, full bodied with much tannin, long finish. A real keeper. 90/3 2000 Chateau L' Ermitage (Saint Cecile),
AOC Costieres de Nimes, Very light in color, vinous but not varietal nose, poor balance, short lived 73/5.62 2000
Vacqueyras (Cuvee Du President), high alcohol in nose and taste, better sugar/acid balance 78/6.51 2000 Chante Cigale,
AOC Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the 14% alcohol was present on the nose but not the taste, good balance, medium body, finished well,
83/4.15
October 20, 04, Spanish Night 2000 Artero - Crianza, La Mancha, Light color, tempranillo nose, slightly acid, mildly
tannic, light body, short finish 81/10.13 2001 Martin Berdugo - Crianza, Ribera del Duero, a lot of jammy fruit on the
nose, a decent effort but perhaps not worth the money 88/6.29 1998 Castillo D Clavijo - Riserva, Rioja, good varietal
aroma plus wood on the nose, perfect balance, long lingering finish 89/5.93 Castillo D Clavijo - Gran Riserva, Rioja,
fruit plus oak on the nose, good balance with soft tannins, extremely full bodied, long, long finish. 91/4.55
October 27, 04, Italian Night 2001 Bellini Chianti Classico, Nice color, floral but not varietal nose, well balanced
with lingering finish 88/4.63 2003 Barbera, closed nose, slightly acidic 74/12.35 2002 Dolcetto, closed nose,
full bodied but lacking acid75/10.73 1999 S. Orsola, Barbaresco, (One Bottle Bad) other bottle not balanced well, to
much acid 76/3.80 1999 S. Orsola, Barolo, varietal nose, full, firm body with strong tannins but well balanced, long
finish. This bottle was great but needs three or four more years ageing.88/4.40
November 3, 04, Argentina and Chile Night2002 Vina Santa Carolina, Chardonnay, Light body, lacking acid78/7.81
2002 Finca Flichman, Malbec Reserva, Full floral nose, perhaps a little high in acid, smooth tannins with med. long finish
84/8.412002 Los Vascos, Cab. Sauv., (One bottle was bad)A lightweight wine with a withdrawn nose 79/12.17 2002
Anakena, Carmenere, Nasty amonia type nose (Bottles were dumped, No Score), 2002 Errazuiriz Ovalle, Carmenere Reserve, varietal
nose that opened up in the glass, good balance, fruit forward, med. body, long finish 81/9.01
November 10, 04, Australian NightThanks to a donation by Michele Heaton a 2003 Coopers Creek, Sauvignon Blanc from
Marlborough, New Zealand $8, did not rate the wine but it was great, crisp acidity with a strong varietal nose, 2003 Penfolds,
Rawson's Retreat, Chardonnay $6.49, closed nose, a fruit forward style of wine with a short finish 85/13.10 2002 Penfolds
Koonunga Hill, Semillon / Chardonnay, $7.49, a semillon varietal nose, medium body but lacking acid 84/11.21 2003 Ninth
Island, Tasmanian Pinot Noir, $12.99, More of a Gamay nose than a Pinot, medium body with nice balance, still rather tannic
but nice finish 88/6.77 2003 Lennard's Crossing, Shiraz $7.99, Poor balance, high in acid but also too much residual sugar,
74/9.26 2003 Lennard's Crossing, Shiraz / Cab. Sauv. $7.99, A class favorite, very drinkable now 86/10.76 2002
Rosemont Estate, Grenache / Shiraz $6.49, A beautiful rasberry nose but little else 79/12.17
November 17, 04, California and Oregon Night 2002 Kenwood, Sauvignon Blanc, A varietal nose but nothing else, low in
acid for a Sauv. Blanc, drink now $8.49 78/9.19 2001 Cricklewood, Pinot Noir, closed in nose, high acid, slightly tannic
not recomended $12.99 75/5.77 2001 Ravenswood Zinfandel, $13.99, very dark color, varietal nose plus blackberry bouquet,
full bodied, good finish 86/6.15 2001 Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, $8.49 varietal nose, medium body 78/9.19
2000 Estancia Meritage $23.99, deep color, Merlot strongly present in the nose and flavor, perfect balance, long finish 88/3.67
November 24, 04,Blind Tasting After the wines were uncovered: #1 Dolcetto d' Alba, #2 Ribera del Duero, #3 Gallo
of Sonoma Cab. Sauv., #4 Shiraz / Cab. Sauv., #5 Chateauneuf-Du-Pape.
December 1, 04, Champagne Party
Spring 2005 Semester.
March 22, 05,Spain Night #1 2003 Marques de Caceres (White Rioja) Pale straw color, mineral style nose,
high in acid, short finish 75 not to bad for $5.49. #2 2002 Solaz by Osborne, closed nose, traces of fruit and
fairly good balance but a small wine with a short finish 81 #3 1999 Berberanna Vina Alarde, Rioja Crianza, a major
disapointment 80 #4 1999 Berberanna Reserva, Great peppery bouquet over tempranillo aroma, soft tannins,
fruit developing at mid-palate, strong finish. Winner 89 #5 1996 Berberanna Gran Reserva 1st bottle was
slightly corked. 2nd bottle, not as good as the Reserva. The only flavor was wood. 83
April 6, '05,Sauvignon Blanc Tasting#1 2003 Chateau Monet (Bordeaux) $7.99, Tea on nose, low acidity too much body
and thankfully short finish 70 #2 2003 Christian Salmon, Sancerre, Old Vines $15.99 Fantastic nose, Lemon, butter,
Pineapple, flinty, great balance anf flavor with long finish. 89 #3 2003 Blanchet, Pouilly Fume $15.99, A disapointment
after the Sancerre, traces of quinine or bitterness on the nose, 86 #4 2002 Silverado Vineyards, Napa, $11.99, Nothing
special here, high alcohol on the nose and flavor, low acidity. 74 #5 2002 Selaks, Marlbourough, New Zealand, $10.99,
Grapefruit & honey on the nose but also some off odors, at mid palate, no flavor at all, finished down 67 #6 2003 The
Crossings, Marlborough, NZ, $14.99, Huge, powerful nose, passionfruit, apricot, kiwi fruit, Flavors of fruit keep on coming
perhaps a little to overpowering 84
April 13, '05,Italian Night #1 2003 Dolcetto d' Alba, $7.99, Good fruit, drinking well now, will last another two
years 81 #2 2000 S. Orsola, Barolo, tight, closed but powerful, great potential, hold for 5 years 87 #3 2001
Gabbiano, Chianti Classico $10.99, closed nose, drinking well, slight acid mid palett, hold 1 year 85 #4 2001 Banfi,
Chianti Classico Reserva, $14.99, Nose just starting to develop, lovely soft tannins, great balance and long finish, a real
keeper 90 #5 1997 Mastroberardino Taurasi,$19.99 Plum and jammy aromas with subtle tars, Power with silky texture, great
balance and lingering finish. A great wine at a great price. 94 #6 2000 Masi, Costasera Amarone, $37.99, Inky dark in
color, deep vanilla and berry nose, massive body, finish that just clings to the palett. A great finish to a great night for
the class. 98 Drink now to 2015.***
April 20, '05,Chile & Argentina Night #1 2004 Pascual Toso, Chardonnay, Argentina $10.99, Wine had distinct varietal
aroma with hints of vanilla on nose, slightly high acid balance, low in body and short finish 76 #2 2003 Santa Maria,
Chardonnay Gran Reserva, Chile $11.99, Only slightly better than #1, more body but not much more flavor. Withdrawn 78
#3 2003 Los Vascos, Cab. Sauv.(100%), Chile $7.99, varietal nose with some berry aromas, full bodied with nice soft tannins
flavors developing at mid palate then finishing down (needs two years) 85 #4 2002 Luis Felipe Edwards, Cab. Sauv. (100%)
Gran Reserva, Chile $11.49, Hot with alcohol both on the nose and tip of tongue, it overpowered everything else 77 #5
2003 Septima, Malbec, Argentina $9.99, Inky color, powerfull aromas, good balance, but again slightly hot with alcohol, finished
long 83 #6 2004 Casillero del Diablo, Concha Y Tora, Carmenere $8.50, very dark color, lovely varietal nose, still developing, med. body,
full flavors, needs another year 81
April 27, '05, Australia & New Zealand Night #1 2003 Rosemont Estates, Show Reserve Chardonnay $12.99, Nose opens up
with fruit, vanilla and oak, full body with good balance, many fruit flavors, green apple 89 #2 2003 Rosemont Estates
Chardonnay / Semillon $6.49(Nothing Special) 79 #3 2002 Victorias Crest, Syrah Reserve $11.99, poor showing for a syrah, light body,
light color, light in flavor 74 #4 2003 Rosemont Estates, Grenache / Shiraz $6.49, not recomended at any price 72
#5 2003 Terra Barossa "Cuvee", Shiraz / Cab. Sauv. / Mourvedre $11.99, Very dark "inky" color, interesting blend, the Cab. the
most pronounced. Flavors kept developing, and finished well 85 #6 2003 Kim Crawford, Pinot Noir, New Zealand, dark color
barely varietal nose, balance leaned toward acid, light body, short finish 79
May 4, '05, California Night #1 2002 Jordan Chardonnay $22.99, A major disapointment Not even a varietal
nose, sugar level to high as a result of late harvest, high alcohol and high ph. 70 #2 2002 Clos Pegase Chardonnay $16.99, Much
deeper color than the Jordan, Varietal nose with citrus fruit aromas and a hint of vanilla, Slightly high acid balance and
a long finish 88 #3 2001 Montoya Cabernet Sauvignon, A real nothing wine, light color, closed nose, not much flavor,
soft tannins but that was all, I was grateful for the short finish 75 #4 2001 Franciscan Zinfandel, $15.99, very dark color,
huge floral nose, full bodied, great balance, finished long "A real keeper" 92 #5 Frei Brothers Syrah $18.99, inky
color, strong varietal nose but not much more, for a syrah it was light in body, powerful tannins, maybe try this again in 4
or 5 yrs. 85 #6 2002 Morgan Pinot Noir $19.99, I had tried a bottle of this one month ago and it was a great Pinot. However
the two bottles we had in class did not show well at all. It took several minutes for the aroma to open up and when it did it
was lovely. The flavors at mid palate through finish remained closed. Perhaps this wine requires decanting to open up.80
May 11, '05, Blind Tasting Night No tasting notes.
May 18, '05, Champagne Night
October 5, '05, Bordeaux Night #1 2003 Chateau Coucheroy (Graves) $12.99, A varietal nose, light in body and flavor,
finished nicely, needs a couple of years.81 #2 2002 Chateau Guibon (Entre-Deux-Mers) $9.99, Semillon nose, not well balanced,
low in acidity, resulting in lack of freshness. 76 #3 2000 Chateau Chabrot (Cotes de Bordeaux) $9.99, Closed nose, again
poor balance. High in acid with trace of bitterness. 70 #4 2001 Chateau Fonseche (Haut Medoc) $11.99, Another light weight
disappointment. Low acidity and off "dusty" flavors. 70 #5 2000 Chateau La Rose De Jaugue (St. Emilion) $17.99, Merlot
nose plus hints of tar and spice, developing flavors but low in body. 80 #6 2001 Chateau du Grand Carrety (Sauternes)
$17.99, Semilion nose plus faint fruit odors developing, typical Sauternes huge body yet firm texture, perfect balance and
finished "up". Will improve with a few years ageing.92
October 12, '05, Burgundy Night #1 2004 Domaine Saint Martin (Saint Veran) $12.99, Pale straw color, nose still
closed in but with a trace of pear, balance poor, leaning towards acid.82 #2 2002 1st cru La Comme (Santenay) $24.99,
Lovely varietal nose with hints of fruit, perfect balance, a medium bodied, well structured wine. 90 #3 2002 1st cru
Les Puillets (Mercurey) $19.99, Closed nose, thin, poor balance. 76 #4 2003 Moulin-A-Vent (Georges Duboeuf) $10.99, A
big jammy varietal nose, full bodied with good balance. Needs a few more years. 88 #5 1990 Moulin-A-Vent Private Reserve
(Georges Duboeuf), One of our bottles was maderized the other was fine showing a bouquet of fruit with hints of tar and spices,
well structured with plenty of flavor. Not bad for a 15 year old Beaujolais. 87
October 19, '05, Wines of Spain Night #1 2001 Montecillo, Rioja (Crianza) $7.99, Garnet color, varietal nose,
good balance, medium body with lots of fruit. Needs approx. three more years. 87 #2 1998 Montecillo, Rioja (Reserva)
$15.99, Closed nose, very acid, poor example 68 #3 1996 Montecillo, Rioja (Gran Reserva) $19.99, You could smell the French
oak above the varietal and fruit aromas, well balanced, good structure, layers of flavors, nice finish. Good to drink now or
keep 10 more years. 91 #4 2002 Tinto Pesquera, Ribera Del Duero (Crianza) $26.99, Lovely fruity aromas with hint of dark
chocolate, nice tannins, layers of fruit, needs more time but fine now. 89 #5 2003 La Conreria, Priorat, $15.99, The
class was divided on this wine. It was tannic and will need a lot of time to develop. I thought it was high in acid. Robert
Parker gave this wine a 92 but I only gave it a 78. What's he know. #6 2004 Eolo,Navarra (100% Grenacha), $7.99,
Looking young the wine was very light in color, closed nose, disagreable tannins, not well balanced. In time, who knows. 82
October 26, '05, Italian Night #1 2004 Pietro (Barbera) Piedmont $5.99, A simple fruit forward wine, good to drink
now 76 #2 2004 S. Orsola (Dolcetto d' Alba) Piedmont $7.99, Great pizza wine, aroma still a little closed but tannic
enough to improve for two years 82 #3 1999 Rivetto (Barolo) Piedmont $34.99, Garnet color, varietal aroma plus floral
bouquet, good balance and nice structure but not very full bodied. Drinks well now but not for cellaring. 89 #4 2001
Terre Di Rubinoro (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) $16.99, Needs a few years in the cellar. 84 #5 1997 Mastroberardino
"Radici" (Taurasi) $19.99, Dark Color, Wonderful spice and fruit aromas, Perfect balance, a few nice tannins, layers of flavor
and a very long finish. 94 #6 2002 Abbazia Santa Anastasia (Nero d' Avola) Sicily $11.99, A rustic wine that tasted a little
unfinished. Needs some time to develop. 81 #7 2001 Bolla (Amarone) Venato $33.99, Dark color, Light aroma, massive body,
layers of flavor, nice "up" finish 89
November 2, '05, South American Night #1 2004 Santa Maria (Gran Reserva) Sauvignon Blanc $11.99, light color, good
varietal nose, well balanced with crisp acidity 80 #2 2004 Anakena (Reservado) Chardonnay $9.99, Pleasant nose with
hints of vanilla and oak, but that was all, light body, slightly acid and sort finish 74 #3 2003 Santa Rosa (Reserva)
Cabernet Sauvignon $12.99, very dark, closed nose, very tannic but good structure and body. Great potential, needs about three
years of cellaring. 81 #4 2003 Santa Maria (Gran Reserva) Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99, Much less tannic than prior wine,
drinking well now but will not last 83 #5 2004 Casillero del Diablo Carmenere $8.50, Medium color, varietal nose, with
hints of green pepper as well as in the flavor (Jason), 82 #6 2004 Finca Flichman (Reserva) Malbec $9.99, Strong, well
structured tannic wine. Needs a few years. 81 #7 2003 (Un-named from Washington State) Malbec Thanks to Jason, Made from
frozen grapes. Very unusual aromas and flavors. Good Fruit and popular with the class 75 #8 2004 Pisano - Rio De Los Pajaros
(Reserve) Tannat (Uruguay) $10.99, A massive wine to lay away. Tannic with Layers of flavor and a finish that won't stop 86
November 9, '05, Australia & New Zealand Night#1 2005 Fauna, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand $9.99,
Water white color, mixed fruit aromas, fresh, crisp flavors, low in acid, very drinkable 73 #2 The Stump Jump, Riesling,
Sauv. Blanc, Marsanne $9.99, Closed nose, high acid levels69 #3 2003 Penfold's "Thomas Hyland" Chardonnay $10.99, Varietal
aroma plus oak and traces of vanilla, good balance, full bodied with layers of flavor, short finish 89 #4 2004 Ninth Island,
Pinot Noir, Tasmania (One Bad Bottle) light nose, chemical off flavors 69 #5 2003 d'Arenberg "The Footbolt" Shiraz,
McLaren Vale $16.99, Very dark colors, huge varietal nose with traces of chocolate, well balanced, massive body, long finish,
a great wine to lay down 91 #6 2002 d' Arenberg Shiraz/Grenache $17.99, Lighter color than the shiraz, burnt aromas,
high acid, a rather harsh wine 72 #7 2004 The Stump Jump, Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre $9.99, a light weight but ready to
drink right now. "Quaffable"76
November 16, '05, California Night (Sonoma)(Sorry but with a head cold my nose is not working to well>) #1 2003 Rodney Strong
Chardonnay, Chalk Hill $14.99< Closed Nose but good balance with a rich creamy texture 88 #2 2002 Gloria Ferrer Pinot
Noir, Carneros $19.99, Dark color, silky texture, some fruit, finished up but not popular with the class 78 #3 1996 Gallo
Sonoma (Barrelli Creek Vineyard) Alexander Valley Zinfandel $17.99, (One very bad bottle with chemical odors and taste) 2nd bottle
had strong varietal nose, balanced well with layers of fruit, full body 82 #4 2000 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
$15.99, good fruit, soft tannins, not bad but not special 79 #5 2001 Estancia "Meritage" Alexander Valley $23.99, Dark
color with huge varietal plus floral nose, full bodied with balance leaning towards sweet side, layers of flavor and very long
finish. Great now need two more years. 93 #6 2001 Marietta Cellars Petite Syrah $17.99, Inky in color, Huge varietal
nose, body, structure and flavors MASSIVE. A flavorfull powerhouse that will last another decade 90
November 23, '05, Final Exam, Blind TastingNo notes taken. Two persons scored 100%
November 30, '05, Champagne Party
March 8, '06, Bordeaux Night #1 2003 Chateau Lafont Menaut (Pessac-Leognan) $15.99 + tax, light color, varietal aroma
plus earthy aroma, light body, fairly well balanced, short finish 84 #2 2000 Chateau Greysac (Medoc) $14.99 + tax, Cab. plus
plum aroma, slightly acid, light body, not much flavor 80 #3 2000 Domaine des Gourdins (Saint Emilion) $17.99 + tax,
Dark color, aroma of Cab. Franc plus jammy fruit, Light agreeable tannins, well balanced, full body, long finish 92
#4 2000 Chateau La Fleur des Rouzes (Pomerol) $19.99 + tax, dark color, full but undeveloped nose, High sharp tannins, slightly
high acid levels 82 #5 2002 Chateau du Grand Carretey (Sauternes) $17.99 + tax, pale straw color, Semillon plus honey
nose, well balanced with layers of sweetness, finish that goes on forever 90
March 15, '06, Burgundy Night #1 2003 Chablis Premier Cru "Fourchaume" $27.99, water white color, non varietal but
mineral nose, dry lingering finish 88 #2 2004 Saint Veran, Domaine du Val Lamartien $10.99, pale straw coloe, varietal nose,
with hints of pear, full body, short finish 90 #3 2002 Aloxe-Corton, Les Brunettes et Planchots $29.99, Light color,
closed in nose, high in acid, harsh flavors, not recomended 72 #4 2002 Santennay, La Comme,$24.99 as good as last semester
maybe better. Last semester 90 this semester 92 #5 2002 Morgon, Beaujolais $11.99, lovely Gamay nose with jammy
fruit, slightly tannic, needs one or two more years but drinking well now 90
March 22, '06, Italian Night #1 2001 S. Orsola, Barbaresco $15.99, varietal aroma, poor balance being slightly
acid. 78 #2 2002 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo $7.99, fruity arooma, light body 76 #3 2002 Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva,
$14.99, aromas of fruit, wood leather, perfect balance and structure, medium body, long finish 90 #4 2001 Gattavecchi,
Vino Nobile D'Montepulciano $17.99, nose & flavor of wood, closed in, needs a few more years 86 #5 2002 Nero d'Avola
$11.99, fruit aroma, coarse flavor 79 #6 1997 Mastroberadino Taurasi $21.65, many layers of fruit, soft tannins, good
balance, full body, medium finish 92 #7 2001 Satori di Verona, Amarone Della Valpolicella $28.99 honey and fruits, slightly
high in acid, usual full body 88
March 29, '06, Spain Night #1 2004 Marques de Caceres, Rioja (Viura) $6.49, Clear, Clean , Crisp, rather full
bodied for a white wine 82 #2 2000 Castilo D Clavijo, Crianza $8.99, mild fruit nose medium body with good balance 84
#3 1998 Castilo D Clavijo, Reserva $14.99, dark colors, wood and leather nose, slight acid, med. finish 85 #4 1994 Castillo
D Clavijo, Gran Reserva $19.99, nose still closed, nice balance with soft tannins, layers of flavor and long finish 90
#5 2001 Bodegas Corellanas - Crianza, Navarra $8.99, small nose, good balance but harsh tannins 82 #6 2002 Martin berdugo,
Ribera Del Duero $8.99, Slight varietal nose, Low acidity, slightly sweet, full bodied 85 #7 2003 La Conreria, Priorat
$15.99, Strong Garnacha aroma, very tannic, structured well but needs a few years, short finish86
April 5, '06, Australia and New Zealand Night #1 2004 Matariki "Aspire" Sauv. Blanc $11.99, Marlborough NZ, full
fruit nose, layers of fruit mostly grapefruit, good acid balance 90 #2 2004 Lindemans "Bin 77" Semillon / Chard. $6.79,
SE Australia, a poor effort 70 #3 2003 Lindemans Reserve Chard. $7.49 S. Australia, ripe pear on the nose but little else
73 #4 2004 The Crossings Pinot Noir $19.99, Marlborough NZ, varietal nose plus plum, soft tannins but slightly acid 80
#5 2004 Red Knot Shiraz $12.99 McLaren Vale, very dark, blackberry and strawberry on the nose, full body, short finish 82
#6 2004 Penfolds "Rawson's Retreat" Shiraz/Cab. Sauv. $6.49 closed nose, withdrawn, slightly acid 76 #7 2004 Rosemont
Estate Shiraz/Grenache $6.49 opaque color, grenache varietal nose, good balance, full body, medium finish 89
April 12, '06, South American Night #1 2005 Santa Rita, Chardonnay $5.99 Chile, Still very young but nice pear
aromas, balanced well 82 #2 2004 Colonia Las Liebres, Bonarda $10.50 Argentina, dark color, slightly cloudy, nose similar
to a old Syrah, soft tannins 86 #3 2002 Vila Tinto Fundacion, Bonarda-Malbec-Cab. blend $10.50 Argentina, very light
color, the only aroma was the cab., extremly acid, poor structure, light body, thankfully a short finish 68 #4 2004
Santa Maria, Carmenere $7.99 Chile, med. dark color, varietal aroma, harsh tannins and trace of bitterness 77 #5 2004
Cruz Alta, Malbec $9.99 Argentina, dark but clear,varietal aroma, slightly acid, easy tannins but disagreeable flavor 82
#6 2004 Cruz Alta "Reserve", Malbec $11.99, huge difference, light color and aroma but perfect balance and structure, layers
of flavor (The Class Favorite)92 #7 2003 Ariano, Tannat, $10.50 Uruguay, a massive wine but balanced well, very full
bodied with layers of flavor developing 89
April 19, '06, California Night #1 2004 Turnbull Wine Cellars, Sauv. Blanc $16.99 Napa, Light color, Gooseberry aromas,
Slightly low acidity 86 #2 2004 Merryvale "Starmont" Chardonnay $17.99 Napa, Light color, varietal aroma, well balanced,
full body, finished short 84 #3 2001 Martin Ray "Mariage" Pinot Noir $ 13.99 Sonoma County, pronounced varietal aroma,
smooth tannins but a lingering flavor of alcohol 82 #4 2002 Sterling Vineyards Merlot, $17.07+tax Napa, deep color, nose
a little withdrawn but velvety texture, full body and long finish 90 #5 2002 Geyser Peak Winery, Cab. Sauv. $14.99
Alexander Valley, slightly closed nose, but great structure and balance, layers of flavor, long finish (Class Favorite)93
#6 2001 Edgewood Estate Red Wine (Meritage Style) $19.99 Napa Valley, strong Cab. aromas with a little tar, strong tannins,
needs a little more time 86 #7 2003 Norman Estates, Zinfandel "The Monster" $17.99 Paso Robles, nose withdrawn, soft
tannins and good structure but still developing 84
April 26, '06, Blind Tasting
May 3, '06, Champagne Party
Sept. 27, '06, First Night (Special Tasting, Terroir vs Technology) #1 1999 Santenay, Louis Latour (Burgundy)
$30, The Santenay had a slightly light color but strong varietal aroma plus a bouquet of perhaps violets, well balanced wine
with good structure but not long lived 88 #2 2002 Balletto Vineyards, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, $24, darker color
than the first, varietal aroma but not much else, low in acid but not in Tannic acid 78
October 4th, '06 Bordeaux Night#1 2003 Ch. Menaut, pale straw, nice nose, good balance 90 #2 2000 Ch.
Desire Perriere, Blaye $8.99 acidic, light body and color, poor balance 73 #3 2003 Clos du Cheval Blanc, Bourg $10.99,
very dark, merlot nose, very harsh tannins 78 #4 2000 Ch. Lamothe, Haut Medoc $8.99, closed nose, bitter 69
#5 2000 Domaine des Gourdins, St. Emilion $17.99, dark, merlot nose plus mint, soft tannins, drinking well now 91
October 11th, '06 Burgundy Night #1 2005 Chablis, Domaine J. Chatelain $16.99, varietal aromas, very dry, with
nice fresh and crisp acidity 88 #2 2005 St. Veran, Jean Claude Debeaune $12.99, good balance, short finish 81
#3 2004 Julienas, De Boeuf $13.99, nice fruit levels, drinking well now but not a keeper 78 #4 2004 Mercurey, Les Puillets
$19.99, closed nose, poor balance, alcohol taste 69 #5 2002 Santenay, La Comme $24.99, varietal plus floral nose, great
balance with layers of flavor 93
October 18th, '06 Spanish Night #1 2005 Albarino, Burgans $12.99, light in color and body but fresh, crisp
acidity to go with citrus flavors 89 #2 2003 Osborne "Solaz", nice balance and texture for a everyday house wine $6.99,
#3 2004 La Conreria, Priorat $15.99, dark, closed but showing great potential, needs 4 or 5 years84 #4 2001 Montecillo, Crianza
$7.99, varietal nose, fruity but tannic, needs time 77 #5 2000 Montecillo Reserva $15.99, good structure and balance 81
#6 1998 Montecilla Gran Reserva $19.99, Plenty of wood but none of the flavors of the Reserva 75
October 25th, '06 Italian Night #1 2004 Barbera d'Asti $6.99,fruity but not varietal nose, low acid, short finish,75
#2 2004 Dolcetto d'Alba, Lo Zoccolaio, $12.99 light color, good balance and structure, full bodied 80 #3 2002 Ruffino Chianti Classico
Riserva, $18.99, Sangiovese nose plus oak, perfect balance, nice finish 86 #4 2004 Nero d'Avola,, Acancio $7.49, slightly
acid and a little rough 74 #5 1999 Aglianico Del Vulture Riserva, Tenuta Del Portale $16.99, varietal nose, slightly
tannic, full bodied with layers of flavor 83 #6 2001 Barbaresco, Rivata $12.99, varietal nose plus tar and oak, great
structure and balance, full bodied, long finish, slightly tannic, a keeper 88
November 1st, '06South American Night#1 2004 Santa Rita Cab. Sauv. Reserva $12.49, Aromas of plum and blackberries,
strong tannins, Needs 3 or 4 yeaes 82 #2 2005 Concha y Toro, Carmenere $8.49, good balance and fruit light body, drink now
80 #3 2005 Pisano Cab. Sauv. (Uruguay) $10.99, varietal nose, light body, soft tannins drink now to 1 yr 84 #4
2004 Cruz Alta Malbec Reserva $11.99 closed nose, many off flavors, poor balance a real looser 60 #5 2005 Pisano Tannat
(Uruguay) dark color, floral nose with coffee and slight trace of sulpher, strong structure and finish81
November 8th, '06Australia & New Zealand Night#1 2005 Fauna, Sauv. Blanc, N.Z> $9.99, loaded with tropical fruit84
#2 2005 The Stump Jump, Riesling, Sauv. Blanc, Marsanne blend, $9.99 slightly "frizzante" 7375 #4 2003 d'Arenberg, "Footbolt" Shiraz $15.99, Very dark, varietal aroma
soft tannins, huge body, long finish, needs another 5yrs. at least 87 #5 2005 The Stump Jump, Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre
blend $9.99 Plum aromas, good balance and structure, drinking well now 85 - Best Buy #6 2004 Terra Barossa Cuvee, Shiraz,
Petit Verdot, Cab. Sauv., cherry aromas, nice balance, drinking well now $11.99 84
November 15th, '06California Night#1 2005 Turnbull, Sauv. Blanc $16.99, water white in color, well balanced, high
alcohol, needs a few yrs. to develop 81 #2 2004 Cuvaison, Chardonnay $19.99, pale straw, varietal aroma, over oaked for
many of the class 83 #3 1997 Preston, Gamay Beaujolais (Bought at auction for$3.60) light color, off bacterial odors,
possibly brett., 62 #4 2005 Saintsbury "Garnet", Pinot Noir $15.99, dissapointment, could smell and taste alcohol 70
#5 2004 Estancia, Zinfandel $11.99, good structure,light body, drinking well now but not a keeper 84 #6 2003 Rutherford
Vintners $14.99, varietal aroma, slight acidity but pleasing soft tannins 86 #7 2004 Clo de Gilroy, Bonny Doon, Grenache,
$13.99, strong varietal aroma plus plums, Strong flavored and full bodied wine with medium finish 85
November 22nd, '06Blind Tasting (No tasting notes.) Five people got six out of six correctly, for a perfect score.
November 29th, '06Champagne Night (No tasting notes) The majority of the class prefered the full bodied, toasty
flavor of the Veuve Clicquot over the lighter, more delicate Perrier Jouet.
Feb. 28th, '07German Wines#1 2005 Dr.Von Basserman-Jordan, QBA (Trocken), Pfalz, $12.21=tax, slight pear nose,
high acid, not well balanced 72 #2 2004 Joh. Jos. Prum, Graacher Himmelreich, Kabinett, MSR, $24.43+tax, varietal aroma,
firm structure and good balance, full bodied with good finish 91 #3 2005 Piesporter Goldtropfchen, Spatlese, MSR, $10.17+tax,
nose closed, not well structured and finished down 80 #4 2001 Zimmermann-Graeff, Brauneberger Juffer, Auslese, MSR
$16.50+tax (In 2002), Pale straw color with honey, green apple aromas, excellent balance and long finish 92
March 7th, '07Bordeaux Wines #1 2003 Chateau Lamothe-Cissac, Haut Medoc $18.99, young plum color good fruit on the
nose but slightly acid throwing off entire balance 78 #2 2003 Chateau Carbonnieux, Pessac-Leognan $19.99, Same color as #1
but less acid, more body but some harsh tannind that stayed through the finish 87 #3 1999 Chateau De Rochemorin, Pessac-Leognan
$18.99, Red brick color, closed nose, good structure but finished down 82 #4 2000 Chateau La Fleur Rouzes, Pomerol $24.99,
young plum color, Merlot varietal aroma plus violets, full bodied with lovely soft tannins, long finish 91 #5 2003 Chateau
Grand Carrety, Sauternes $17.99, young looking pale straw color, aromas of apricot and apple covered in honey, well bodied
with luscious flavors, and a finish that lasrs forever 94
March 14th, '07Rhone Wines #1 2001 Gambert de Loche, Hermitage, $49.99 Very dark, inky color, a subdued but varietal
nose balanced very well, structure and body massive, must cellar 5 to 20 years 94 #2 2003 Domaine Grand Romane, Gigondas
$19.99, medium dark color, grenache aromas but also hot alcohol aromas, slightly high acidity and harsh tannins, on finish the
tannins lasted longer than the flavor 81 #3 2004 Domaine Le Colombier, Vaqueyras $14.99, light color, vinous aroma, high
acid, tasted thin and green, short finish 77 #4 2003 Domaine Le Pigeonnier,Cotes-du-Rhone $10.99, light, possible raisins
on the nose 84 #5 2004 Clos Saint Michel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape $24.99, med. dark color, peppery nose, very slightly acid
soft tannins, full body, keep 5 to 8 years 90
March 21st, '07 Spanish Wines #1 2006 Val Do Sosego, Albarino, Rias Baixas $14.99, color - water white, nose
slightly varietal but closed, great structure, extremly dry without being acid, needs two more years ageing 88 #2 2005
Nostrada, Campo De Borja $6.99, acid, lacked flavor, not recomend ed 72 #3 2002 Vina Rubican, Navarra, Crianza $8.99,
deeper color, Cedar nose, poor balance, tastes thin, not recomended 75 #4 2004 Campo Viejo, Rioja Crianza $8.99, solid
color, varietal aroma with traces of paraffin on the nose, great balance but needs several years for flavor to develop 88
#5 1999 Campo Viejo, Rioja Reserva $13.99, beautiful shades of garnet, varietal aroma plus the obvious oak, well structured
with full body, nice finish 90 #6 1997 ampo iejo, Rioja Gran Reserva $19.99, still dark color with many shades, mild oak nose,
well balanced. soft tannins, could last several decades 94
March 28th, '07Italian Wines #1 NV Rocca Felice, Barbera d' Alba $9.99, A slightly sweet but very quaffable wine
to go with your pizza 78 #2 2004 Moccagatta Dolcetto d' Alba $16.99, a light nose over a poorly structured acetic wine,
not recommended at any price 68 #3 2001 Cappallotto Barolo $29.99, deep dark colors, a strong varietal nose with floral
notes, soft tannins, well balanced and a long finish 89 #4 2002 Ruffino Riserva Ducale $17.29, Always a top Chianti, that
goes well with any pasta dish but the 2002 had a little lighter body than usual 87 #5 2001 Gattavecchi / Riserva dei
Padri Serviti, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano $24.99, A beautifully structured wine with long finish, drinking perfectly right now. Wine Spectator only
gave it a 84 but I gave it a 94 Highly Recomended #6 2001 Villa De Moreschi, Amarone $31.99, both bottles
were different but they had one thing in common. They were bad. Aromas and taste of alcohol, highly acetic. Perhaps the worst
example of Amarone I ever had. 59 #7 (Bonus Bottle) 2004 Arancio Syrah, Sicily, in magnum (A class donation)A pretty fair
varietal nose over a full bodied but poorly structured wine. Sweet (probably intentional), lacking acid and syrah flavors 75
April 4th, '07 South American Wines #1 2006 Santa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva $12.99, This youngster is as
expected water white in color, Lovely grapefruit aromas followed by grapefruit flavors, well balanced but a slight harshness
on the finish 87 #2 2003 Cousino-Macul Finis Terrae $16.99, Cab./Merlot blend, Very dark color with blackberry aromas,
well structured but balance perhaps slightly sweet 88 #3 2004 Carmen Reserve $11.99 Carmenere/Cab. Sauv. blend, One very
bad bottle with strong acid flavor 50 the other closed in but balanced well 81 #4 2005 Terrazas de La Andes, 100%
Argentine Malbec $19.58, traces of a floral sweetness on the nose, well balanced, smooth tannins, needs about three years. I
have to agree with Wine Spectator who gave it a 88 #5 2004 Pisano Reserva Tannat $14.99 (Uruguay) dark color changing to
light at the rim, floral highlights on the nose but balance off, leaning to the acid side 74 #6 2005 Pisano Tannat/Merlot
blend $8.99, Another bad bottle one very SOUR 52 the other only marginally better 72
April 11th, '07 Australia and New Zealand Wines #1 2005 Spy Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, N.Z. $12.99, water white color,
light herbal nose, low acidity for a Sauv. Blanc, finished up, needs a little time to develop 88 #2 2001 Crossings,
Cab. Sauv. Reserve "Emily's Run" N.Z. $21.99, dark plum color, off aromas of must, slightly aciditic, tasted thin 79 #3 2002
d'Arenberg Cab. Sauv. "The High Trellis" $15.99, One bad bottle, Bottle #1 was made bad by chemical aromas and flavors,
66, Bottle #2 sweet syrup aroma and high sugar balance 80 #4 2004 Shingleback Shiraz $19.99, Another bad bottle
Bottle #1 (TCA) Cork Taint, killed aroma but not flavor 69 Bottle #2 dark solid color,varietal aroma with hints of violets,
well balanced, full bodied, long finish, needs more time but worth cellaring 90 #5 2004 d'Arenberg Shiraz/Viognier "The Laughing
Magpie" $24.99, dark colors, varietal aroma, well structured with hints of layers of flavor to come, cellar at least three more
years 91 #6 2004 Tir Na Nog, old vines Grenache $24.99, this wine smelled and tasted "HOT" due to it's 15.5% alcohol, it
also displayed a varietal aroma, strong flavors and finish, Wine Advocate rated this wine a 92 but since the hot alcohol taste
will never improve, I rate it a 82.
April 18th, '07 California Wines #1 2004 Silverado Vineyards Sauv. Blanc. $14.29, varietal aroma, tight balance
though light in body, no finish at all 87 #2 2004 River Road Vineyards, Chardonnay $18.99, one bad bottle, skunk aroma,
second bottle low in acid #1 45 #2 70 #3 2004 Clos du Bois Zinfandel $11.99, several garnet colors, varietal aroma
plus hint of rasberries, slightly high acidity, medium body and short finish. Drinking well now, not a keeper 85 #4 2003
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Merlot $16.99, very dark color, low level Cab. and fruit aromas. Extremly high acid, ruining all
other flavors 69 #5 2003 Truchard Pinot Noir $28.99, one light color, light pinot nose but everything about this wine was
light and thin (perhaps a wet vintage) 79 #6 2003 Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99, Best of the evening dark colors,
a pleasant cab. aroma with other floral things happening, well balanced, full bodied, soft tannins, finished up. Needs at least
two or three years cellaring 89
April 25th, '07 Blind Tasting #1 2004 Campo Viejo, Rioja Crianza 89 first time tasted 86 #2 2003
Alexander Valley Merlot 84 first time tasted (bad bottle) 69
March 16, '05 Bordeaux Tasting #1 2003 Chateau Bonnet (Entre-Doux-Mers)A easy going low acidity Sauv. / Sem. blend
with nothing special to offer. 72 #2 2000 Chateau Gloria (St. Julien) Dark color, varietal nose, soft tannins but a
bit high in acid, medium finish 89 #3 2000 Chateau La Tonnelle (Haut Medoc) Medium dark color, Varietal aroma plus a
floral "violet" nose, soft tannins but also slightly high acid, medium length finish 85 #4 1996 Domaine des Gourdins (St. Emilion)
lighter in color but 4 yrs. older, Merlot nose with near perfect sugar / acidity balance, perfect for drinking now, the class
favorite. 88 #5 2001 Clos de La Vielle Englise (Cotes de Castillon) Almost no nose, light color, no body, no balance,
no finish, no way 74
May 2nd, '07 Champagne Night (Party, no notes taken)
September 26th., '07 Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris Tasting #1 2004 Rocca Bernarda, Friuli, Italy $20.91. Pale straw color with presence of tartaric acid crystals. Varietal aroma, well structured with medium body, short finish. (78) #2 2005 Vino Con Brio, Lodi, Calif. $18.91. Water white color, closed in nose, wine out of balance, lacks acidity. Poor showing (68) #3 2005 Barth Rene, Bennwihr, Alsace $20.01. Deep golden color, looking mature. Varietal aroma with some citrus fruit and honey to it. Very full bodied, balance, low in acidity, long finish. Popular with class. (83) #4 2004 Dopff & Irion, Riquewihr, Alsace $14.98. Much lighter in color, (this wine will last) varietal nose plus hints of green apples, perfect balance, flavors develop at mid-palate and wine finishes long. (88)
October 3rd, '07 Bordeaux Wines #1 2005 Chateau Coucheroy, Graves (Sauv. Blanc)$12.99 A very young water white color, varietal aromas plus grass and grapefruit, crisp acidity at front palate, short finish (86) #2 2003 Chateau Tour de Boyrin, Graves (Cab. Sauv.) $14.50 Clear, light color, aromas of plum and leather, good structure but lacking in flavor (77) #3 1995 Chateau Meyney, Saint Estephe $21.19 back in 1999 Dark brick in color, huge varietal nose, complex flavors at mid palate, including licorice, plus soft tannins that suggest this wine will last another 5 yrs., long finish (90) #4 2003 Domain des Gourdins, Saint Emilion $15.99 A real disappointment. Dark color, unpleasant off aromas, powerfull, rough tannins that dominated all levels of taste (67) #5 2003 Chateau du Grand Carrety, Sauternes $17.99 Lovely pale golden color, aromas of apricot and honey, full bodied with lingering flavors. A real buy. (87)
October 10th, '07 Burgundy Wines #1 2005 Domaine du Val Lamartin, St. Veran $12.99 Aromas of pear and peach lead off this full bodied, well balanced Chard. (90) #2 2004 Chambolle Musigny, Les Caves de la Colombe $15 at auction, Young looking, Pinot with cherry aromas, good structure but soft tannins suggest this wine won't be ready for another two years or so. (88) #3 2003 Chorey-les-Beaune, "Les Beaumonts" $24.99, Varietal aroma, a well balanced wine to drink now. (87) #4 1999 Santenay by Louis Latour $16 in 2002, Starting to show age, browning colors, and tar aromas, slightly acid at mid pallet (81) #5 2005 Morgon (Beaujolais) $12.99 Young purple color, gives way to one dimensional "fruitbomb" with lots of natural sugar. Drinking well now but will last a few years more. (86)
October 17th, '07 Spain & Portugal Wines #1 NV Neblina, Vino Verde, Portugal $8.99, Living up to it's reputation as a "green" wine, this had a grassey, Sauv. Blanc type of nose. Light bodied and acidic it was not a class favorite. Short finish (69), #2 2006 Burgans Albarino, Rias Baixas $12.99, Pale straw color, fruity nose hinting of apricots, well balanced and medium body, short finish (84), #3 2004 Solaz, Spain $7.49, Tempranillo aroma, low acidity with soft tannins. Fifteen second finish (79), #4 2004 Vina Regia, Douro Portugal $6.99, Dark plum color, merlot style aromas, slightly low acidity, fruit forward, drinking well now. Not a keeper but a great deal now for everyday drinking. (84) #5 2001 Montecillo "Reserva", Rioja $16.99, Dark colors, varietal aroma but slightly closed, good structure but strong harsh tannins. This baby needs much more time to develop. (82), #6 2000 Berberana, Vina Alarde "Gran Reserva", Rioja $19.99, Strong oak aromas with hint of vanilla, great structure and balance, full bodied with layers of flavor. Drinking well now but can last for many years more. (89)
October 24th, '07 Italian Wines #1 2005 S. Orsola, Barbera d'Asti $6.99 Vinous aromas, slightly high acidity, one dimensional wine with a 20 second finish (79) #2 2005 S. Orsola, Dolcetti d'Alba $8.99 Fruit aromas, slightly sweet but overall good balance, full bodied, short finish (82) #3 2004 Masi "Campofiorin"- (Supervenetian) $13.99 Deep colors, Blackberry fruit on nose, good structure with layers of flavor and soft tannins. Needs a few more years for perfection but drinking well now. (90) #4 2006 Tenuta Di Trecciano, Chianti $9.99 Fruit forward and nothing at mid palate full bodied, short finish. A simple "Pizza" wine but a good buy. (82) #5 2003 Poggio alle Sughere, Morellino di Scansano $16.99 Dark with three colors, blackberry aromas, soft tannins but short on flavors. (79) #6 2001 Gattavecchi, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano $24.99 Dark colors, raspberry and blackberry aromas, a perfectly balanced wine with initial fruit flavor, followed by many more complex flavors at mid palate. (95) #7 2006 Cusumano, Sicily Nero d'Avola $10.99 Although not high in alcohol it smelled "hot", one dimensional, straight forward but with much harshness, even on the finish. More time will probably not smooth this wine out. (74)
October 31st, '07 South American Wines #1 2005 Los Vascos, Cab. Sauv., Chile $8.79 Nice deep colors, varietal aromas with traces of plum but then I tasted it. Very thin, high acid and slight bitterness (69) #2 2006 Pisano Cab. Sauv., Uruguay $10.99 Garnet color, varietal aroma with hints of tar and violets. Well balanced with smooth tannins but fruit forward and short on finish. Still at this price a great buy. (86) #3 2005 Concha Y Toro, Carmenere, Chile $8.49 Dark color, flowery aromas, very full bodied. One of the class favorites and another great buy. (87) #4 2005 Pascual Toso, Malbec "Reserve" Argentina $17.99 Dark, inky, purple colors, sharp, cutting aromas, soft tannins but high acid, finished long but not worth the extra money. (84) #5 2005 Montes, "Alpha" Syrah, Chile $17. Prune aromas, full bodied and balanced well. Showing a lot of potential but need a few years to develop. "A keeper" (90) #6 2006 Pisano, Tannat, Uruguay $10.99 Very dark color and mixed fruit aromas, huge body, soft tannins, good structure, finished very long. The best Pisano Tannat, I've tasted to date. (88)
November 7th, '07 Australia & New Zealand Wines #1 2007 Kim Crawford, Sauv. Blanc, N.Z. $11.99 Water white in color, Varietal aroma plus typical gooseberry bouquet, clean crisp acidity but bitter at finish. (88) #2 2006 Casella "Mallee Point", Chardonnay,SE Australia $5.99 Pale color with butter oak flavors also traces of vanilla, full bodied but poor structure and very bitter at finish. (71) #3 2006 The Crossings, Chardonnay N.Z. $14.99 A light, slightly closed nose but with traces of peaches, balance leaning toward acidity, mineral overtones (84) #4 2006 The Crossings, Pinot Noir $19.99 Multicolored, slight varietal aroma, lean, one dimensional, slightly acid, short finish. (80) #5 2004 Shingleback Shiraz, McLaren Vale $19.99 Opaque in color, Huge fruity nose, great balance with layers of flavor opening up at mid palate, very full bodied but faint trace of heat from high alcohol. This wine keeps getting better every semester. (93) #6 (Two Vintages)2006 d'Arenberg "The Laughing Magpie" Shiraz/Viognier $26.99 Dark color, fruity nose, very acid, fruit forward and slightly bitter. A disapointment after past tastings. (72) #7 2005 d'Arenberg "The Laughing Magpie" Shiraz/Viognier $26.99 A much better sample. 15% alcohol but no trace of it in the flavor. Great balance, full bodied, long finish (91) Same as last semester.
November 14th, '07 Wines of California #1 2006 River Road Vineyards, Sauv. Blanc $12.99 Russian River. Clear, water white in color, soft hay aroma, slightly low acidity, a light weight wine, drinkable now. (84) #2 2005 Dry Creek Vineyard, Chardonnay $15.99 Russian River. Pale golden color, butter oak aromas with trace of honeysuckle, full body with balance leaning toward sweetness, short finish. Needs a few more years.(88) #3 2002 Ramspeck, Pinot Noir $16 in '05, North Coast, Garnet color, varietal aroma with traces of leather, balance slightly acidic, round long finish. (85) #4 2005 Dry Creek Vineyard, Zinfandel $15.99 Russian River. Dark colors, varietal aromas of Zin. plus the 15% Syrah, very full bodied, with layers of flavor at mid palate, trace of alcoholic heat in it's long finish. (91) #5 2004 Geyser Peak Winery, Cab. Sauv. $14.99 Alexander Valley. Dark colors, varietal aroma plus something else undefined, harsh tannins, short finish. (79) #6 2001 Marietta Cellars, Petite Syrah $16 in '04 Sonoma. Inky dark color, Tons of "black fruit" aromas, black cherries, black current etc.. Well balanced, full bodied and a very long finish. This wine will last another 10 yrs.. (94)
November 21st, '07 Blind Tasting. No notes taken. / Grand prize winner of tasting John Arters.
November 28th, '07 Champagne Night Party - No notes taken. Roederer Estate and Nicolas Feuillatte the clear class favorites.
February 27th, '08 Blind Sauvignon Blanc Tasting #1 2006 Chateau de la Vielle Tour, Bordeaux $10,Water white in color, acidity softened by the Semillon 84 #2 2006 Kenwood, Sonoma $10, Water white, pronounced varietal aroma with slight hints of oak, full bodied with a medium finish 90 #3 2006 Nobilo, Marlborough, New Zealand $10, Pale straw color, varietal aroma plus citrus notes. 88 #4 2004 Les Deux Tours, Tours, Loire, France $16, pale straw color, light body with flavors developing at mid palate. 87 All four wines could benefit from a couple more years ageing. The class favorites were #2 & #3.
March 5th, '08 Bordeaux #1 2005 Chateau Menaut, Pessac-Leognan, $12.99 Clear and pale straw in color. Clean varital aroma with traces of citrus fruit. Medium body, well balanced with a fresh, "bright" flavor. Finished long. 89 #2 2006 Chateau de Cornemps, AOC Bordeaux Rose, $9.99 Dark rose color with a aroma of sweetness and tar. Dry, balance ok but rustic barnyard flavors. Not recommended. 71 #3 2003 Chateau Greysac, Medoc $16.99 Dark colors, Cab. varietal aromas with bramble, well balanced but still a lot of strong tannins. This bottle needs another 3 to 5 years to reach it's potential. Short finish. 89 #4 2003 Chateau Haut Maillet, Pomerol $39.99 Deep red colors, varietal aroma plus hints of leather, slightly acid, a lighter body than the Greysac, layered flavors with "black olives", med. finish. 85 #5 2005 Chateau du Grand Carretey, Sauternes, $17.99 Lovely golden honey color. Aromas laid back. Well balanced, full bodied with a 45 second finish. 91
March 12th, '08 Burgundy #1 2001 Chateau Fuisse, St.Veran, Macon $3.99+tax Straw color, varietal nose, dry, good balance, medium body, layers of flavors 90 A great buy. #2 2005 Domaine des Buyats, Regnie Beaujolais $12.99 Plum colored, Gamay nose mixed with other fruit, medium full body, soft tannins, deep flavors at mid palate. Needs another two years ageing. 89 #3 2005 Domaine Des Michelons, Moulin-A-Vent Beaujolais $16.99 Much darker than previous wine, full bodied, slightly acid, did not have the flavors or tannins of the Regnie. 82 #4 2004 Chambole Musigny, Cote de Nuits, Caves de la Colombe $20, Light color of old brick, thin, watery tasting, slightly tannic, and that was the good bottle 69 NOT recommended. #5 Pommard, Cote de Beaune, Caves de la Colombe $20, Slightly darker than the Chambole Musigny, varietal aromas mixed with barnyard aromas, again thin and slightly acid. Also we had another bad bottle. 72
March 19th, '08 Spain & Portugal #1 2006 Burgans Albarino $12.99, Rias Baixas, Clear, water white in color, Citrus aromas, fresh, medium bodied with great balance. Will peak in two years. 90 #2 2004 Vila Regia, Douro $6.99, Multi colored, Nice black cherry aroma, medium bodied, great fruit forward and soft tannins. Finished short. 88 #3 2002 Post Scriptum de Chryseia, Douro $12, Darker color than previous wine, Deeper nose without the fruit, slightly acid in balance, tasting slightly acid at mid palate. 78 #4 2005 Tres Ojos, Calatyud $7.99, Garnet in color, Grenache varietal aromas, good structure with slight firm tannins, traces of heat from the high alcohol (14.5%), 30 second finish. 88 #5 2003 Monticello Crianza, Rioja $8.99, Dark garnet color, varietal aroma plus traces of tar and oak, well balanced, fruit forward. 87 #6 2001 Monticello Reserva, Rioja $12.99, Multicolored, deep fruit and oak on nose, balanced well but with a rasping dryness, finished well. 86
March 26th, '08 Italy #1 2004 Bootleg Chianti $8.55, Multi colored with fruity nose, dry with soft tannins, medium bodied, fruit forward, well structured. Needs a few more years. 86 #2 2005 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico $9.99, Much lighter in color than the Bootleg, varietal aroma plus oak, balance slightly aciditic, med. body with long finish. Drink now. 82 #3 2006 Caleo (Nero d'Avola) Sicily $7.99, Sharp nose, well balanced with layers of fruit flavors, long finish. A class favorite. 91 #4 2005 Tenuta Del Portale "Starsa" (Aglianico/Basilicata) $8.55, Dark plum color, nose slightly closed, perfect balance, medium body, fruit flavors at first and more at mid palate, medium finish. Enjoy now. 88 #5 2001 Terre Di Orazio (Aglianico del Vulture) $19.99, Dark at center to light brick color, varietal aroma plus smokey undertones, good balance, still some tannins left, flavors of oak and tar. (One bad bottle. Oxidized.) 81 #6 2004 Rivata Barbaresco $14.99, Color looked like a light Burgundy, nebbiolo nose but not overpowering, good balance, full bodied with strong pronounced flavors, long finish. 91 #7 2003 Sartori di Verona (Amarone) $28.99, Deep colors, aromas that keep drawing you back, balance on sweet side as expected, super full bodied, sweet fruit flavors, med. finish. 88
April 2nd, '08 South America #1 2004 Santa Ana (Chardonnay) Argentina $3.99, Pale straw color, nose closed and neutral at first but opened a little as the wine warmed up, very dry with various citrus flavors. A great buy. 82 #2 2006 Casillero del Diablo (Carmenere)Concha Y Toro, Rapel Valley, Chile $8.49, Dark plum color, Cab. variety nose with traces of tar, good balance with fruit forward with tannic burn at mid palate which lasted through finish. 81 #3 2002 Teranyo, (Carmenere)Concha Y Torro (bought at auction for $10.61 but retails for $25), Inky like color, very long legs (Alcohol 14.8%), aromas of Merlot variety, current fruit plus trace smell of leather, perfect balance for a huge, full bodied wine with layers of fruit and a very long finish. Hands down class favorite. 93 #4 2006 "Misterio" Finca Flichman (Malbec) Mendoza, Argentina $7.99, Closed nose, good structure with soft tannins, medium finish. 81 #5 2006 "Cisplatino" Pisano Family, Uruguay $8.99,(Tannat/Merlot) Red brick color, blackberry fruit on nose, wine tasted thin and balance leaned toward acid. (We had 1 bad bottle) 69 #6 2006 "RPF" Pisano Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Uruguay $10.99, Classic color of a young cab., varietal aroma plus lead pencil aromas, again wine tasted thin, watery but also was loaded with harsh tannins, fruit flavors drying at mid palate, medium finish. 78
April 9th, '08 Australia & New Zealand Sorry, no tasting notes due to a bad cold. #1 2006 Nobilo "Icon" (Sauv. Blanc) $16.99 Marlborough, N.Z. The class thought that the Nobilo from the first night, at $8 was just as good. #2 2004 Amisfield (Pinot Noir) Central Otago, N.Z. $17, Pretty fair pinot but we had one bad bottle. #3 2001 Palandri Vineyards (Cab. Sauv.) Western Australia, closeout price of $3.99+tax, Well structured and at that price a "best buy". Drink now. #4 2005 Rosemont (70% Cab. Sauv. + 30% Merlot) S.E. Australia $9.99, A little too much sugar left in the blend, probably to hide defects in the wine. #5 2005 d'Arenberg "The Stump Jump" (southern Rhone blend) $9.99 Distinct Grenache nose, medium body, full flavored. A good buy for short term drinking. #6 2004 Shingleback (100% Shiraz) McLaren Vale, S. Australia $19.99, A very good full bodied shiraz with layers of flavor but the heat from the 14.5% alcohol comes through to the finish.
April 16th, '08 California Sorry, still have bad cold. Tasting comments are from class. #1 2006 Kenwood Vineyards (Sauv. Blanc) Sonoma *8.99, Clear, pale golden color, varietal aroma plus hints of grapefruit, grapefruit flavors continue into this medium bodied wine. #2 2005 Martin Ray (Chardonnay) Russian River $16.99, Pale straw color, well balanced, medium body with traces of vanilla and oak on flavor. #3 2005 Silverado Vineyards (Sangiovese) Napa $17.99, Well balanced with true varietal flavors and 30 second finish. But is it worth the price tag? #4 2005 Steltzner (Claret) Napa $17.99, Dark plum colors, pronounced varietal aroma plus a little floral thing on the nose. Full bodied, with layers of flavor, perhaps a slight trace of heat from the 14.2% alcohol. Class Favorite #5 2005 Ravenswood Winery (Zinfandel) Napa $13.99, Red brick color, Typical blackberry & bramble aromas but with a smell of the heat to follow. The creamy, fruity flavor was overwhelmed by the heat from this 15% Zin. &bvsp; #6 2006 Montoya (Petite Sirah) Paso Robles $12.99 As expected rich and full bodied but the balance sort of leaned a little to much to the sweet side.
April 23rd, '08 Blind Tasting (No tasting notes taken) Highest scoring new student, Derik Frymire.
April 30th, '08 Champagne (No notes taken) Class favorites: Heidsieck & Co. Monopole, and Roederer Estate
Sep. 17th, '08 Germany - #1 2005 Diedsheimer Nonnenstuck, Riesling, Kabinett, Trocken, Pale straw color, varietal aromas plus hint of green apple, dry but well balanced, finished long. $15 (92) #2 2006 Gau-Bishofsheimer Kellersberg, Riesling, Kabinett, Trocken, $9.62 Very light in color, lighter body, balance leaning toward acid side. This wine needs more time to develop. (82) #3 2006 Selzer Osterberg, Riesling, Auslese $9.62 Again very light in color, rich, fullbodied flavors, finished well. Needs 2 or 3 years in bottle. #4 2006 Nierstiner Kirchplatte, Kerner, Auslese $9.62 Pale straw color, varietal aroma plus vanilla, huge honey and peach flavors. Enjoy now or for the next ten years. (89) The class experimented with trying spicy, pepper cheese with sweet "Auslese" wines. The combination worked very well together.
Sep. 24th, '08 Bordeaux - #1, 2005 Ch. Menaut, Pessac Leognan, Sauv. Blanc $12.99, Clear with varietal nose, acidic, light body, finished short (80) #2, 2006 Ch. Bonnet, Entre Deux Mers, Sauv./ Semillon $13.99, Pale straw color, aromas of Semillon plus hint of vanilla, fine balance and much more body than number one. (86) #3, 2003 Ch. Beaulieu, Comtes de Tastes, Cotes de Castillon, $14, Aromas of merlot, dark cherry and raspberry. Sweet, mild tannins. Medium body with mid palate flavors, short finish. (87) #4, 2003 Ch. de Laussac, Cotes de Castillon, $14, I had "off" bottle. Much lighter in color with musty and sulphur aromas. (67) the other bottles did much better. (86) #5, 2005 Ch. La Tonnelle, Haut Medoc, $16.99, Dark plumb colors. Sweet cherry aromas but balance slightly acidic. High amounts of harsh tannins. (76) #6, 2005 Ch. Bertinat Lartigue, Saint Emilion, $17.99, Colors ranged from deep red to garnet. Varietal aromas plus more of the sweet cherry smells. Good structure, balance and body. Layers of flavor and mild tannins with medium finish. (90)
Oct. 1st, '08 Rhone - #1, 2003 Laurus "White" Chateauneuf-du-Pape $18.17+tax Pale straw color, white grenache varietal nose plus pear and hint of vanilla, slightly high in acid, fresh and crisp. (85) #2, 2003 Laurus "White" Hermitage $26.33+tax Deeper golden color, perfectly balanced, full body, apricot flavors, finished long. (91) #3, 2004 Delas Freres, Cotes de Ventoux $9 Light brick color, varietal aroma, slightly acid with harsh tannins. (81) #4, 2001 Laurus, "Rasteau" Cotes du Rhone $14+tax Dark colors, initial must on nose but that blew off, well balanced, finished short. (85) #5, 2003 M. Chapoutier "La Bernadine" Chateauneuf- du Pape $31, Light garnet color, subtle floral bouquet, full bodied, finished well. (87) #6, 2003 Laurus Hermitage $26.33+tax, Medium dark colors, huge varietal nose, full bodied, slightly sweet balance, a 30+ second finish. A great wine to drink right now but perhaps not for long time cellaring. (93) #7, 2006 Laurus, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise $12.75+tax (500 ml bottle) Golden color, honeysuckle nose with aromas and flavors of orange zest. A rather average dessert wine. (84)
Oct. 15th, '08 Spain & Portugal - #1, 2007 Aveleda, Vinho Verde, Portugal $8.99, Water white in color, lovely citrus and pear aromas, fresh crisp acidity, plus a 25 second finish. (The class enjoyed this one.) (90) #2, 2007 Burgans, Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain $14.99, Pale straw color, Lacking acidity. Normally a great wine but evidently not in 2007 (82) #3, 2005 Vila Regia, Douro, Portugal $7.99, A gamay, plum color, nose somewhat closed but traces of cedar and vanilla, soft tannins makes it drinkable now. A rather average everyday table wine but under ten bucks. (84) #4, 2001 Casa Ferreirinha "Esteva", Douro, Portugal $4.27, I guess you get what you pay for. The wine was cloudy, off aromas, reminded me of shoe polish, low acidity and very low flavors. Do not attemt this at home. (65) #5, 2001 Castillo D Clavijo, Rioja Reserva, $14.99, Brick color, nose somewhat subdued but showing promise, perfect structure and balance, layers of flavors, zero tannins, 20 second finish. Drinking very well right now. Do not lay this one away. (93) #6, 2001 Castillo D Clavijo, Rioja Gran Reserva $19.99, A slightly lighter brick color, a fantastic bouquet of aromas but lacking in flavor, also slightly acid, 10 second finish. Everyone preferred the Reserva over the Gran Reserva. (89) #7, 2000 Ramos Pinto, "Vintage Port" ($40 at auction $70 retail), Color opaque, nose not yet developed, massive body, seamless flavors and a finish that goes on forever. Lay this baby down for another twenty years. (94)
Oct. 22nd, '08 Italy - #1, 2008 Bollini, Pinot Grigio, Trentino $3.20, Very pale straw in color, somewhat closed nose, lacking acidity but this medium bodied wine had some interesting flavors. A exceptional buy. (83) #2, Domenico Clerico "Trevigne", Barbera D'Alba $15, garnet colors, pronounced vareital noe, strong coarse tannins, full bodied with lasting flavors. This wine would benefit from another few years in the bottle. (86) #3, 2005 Campolieti Valpolicella, Classico Ripasso $12, Light brick in color, ripe fruit and floral aromas, well balanced, fruity flavors, finished short. Not a keeper but drinking very well now. (89) #4, 2005 Gattavecchi, Vino Noble Di Montepulcian $19.99, Medium dark colors, big Sangiovese nose, plus traces of blackberry, layers of flavor nad finished long. (91) #5 2005 Tenuto Del Portale "Starsa", Basilicata $11.99, Dark brick color, pronouced varietal aroma, soft tannins with a slight trace of bitterness, very long finish. (88) #6, 2004 Rivata, Barbaresco, Piedmont $16.99, Light color, varietal aroma plus an earthy "forest floor" aroma, well structured with a slight sweetness, medium finish. Again, not a keeper but drinking well now, at a great price. (93) #7, 2003 Bolla, Amarone $35, Medium dark color, huge bouquet of aromas, ranging from floral to vegetal, balance good but just a trace of acidity, finished very long. A class favorite. Drinking well now and probably will for another 5 or 6 years. (94)
Oct. 29th, '08 South America - #1, 2007 Montes, Sauv. Blanc, Chile $15.99, Water white color, citrus, grapfruit nose, good balance, layered flavors, medium finish. (89) #2, 2005 Sol Alto, Cab. Sauv., Argentina $5.29, Brick color, closed nose, low acidity, off petrol flavors. (78) #3, 2006 BrisAndes, Cab. Sauv., Chile $9.99, Dark plum color, dark fruit aromas, slightly high acidity, soft tannins, short finish with trace of bitterness. (84) #4, 2007 Concho Y Toro, "Casillero del Diablo", Carmenere, Chile, $8.49, Opaque in color, cab., varietal nose, soft tannins, good balance, long finish. (91) #5, 2007 Pascual Toso, Malbec, Argentina $10.79, Dark plum colors, strong Cab., varietal nose, good structure and balance, seamless flavors, long finish. A class favorite. 90) #6, 2007 Pisano Reserve, Tannet, Uruguay $12.99, Very dark color, massive aromas, high acid level, coarse tannins, off flavors of burnt tea possibly. (74) #7, 2005 Montes, Syrah, Chile $18, Deep garnet colors, varietal aroma plus a sweet honeysuckle nose, great balance, full bodied, smooth mild flavors through mid palate. (93)
Nov. 5th, '08 Australia & New Zealand - #1, 2007 Spy Valley, Sauv. Blanc, Marlborough N.Z. $15.49, Water white in color, great citrus bouquet, flavors of grapefruit and lime, finished long. (91) #2, 2004 Heath "Southern Roo", Chardonnay / Viognier, Barossa Valley, South Australia $7.50, Pale straw color, Viognier varietal aroma, well balanced, nothing outstanding. (85) #3, 2007 The Crossings, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, N.Z. $19.99, Light violet color, small varietal aroma, sharp tannins, balance leaning towards sweet side. Needs a few years. (85) #4 2001 Palandri, Cab. Sauv., Western Australia, $5.34, (One bottle was off.) Dark colors, slight varietal aroma, balanced well but body light, tasted thin. (83) #5 2005 Rosemont, Shiraz / Grenache, S.E. Australia $9.79, Dark garnet color, Grenache aroma, slightly acid, finished short. (76) #7 2004 Shingleback, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia $19.99, Inky plum color, massive sweet aromas of Syrah and wood, very full body, great structure and balance, finished very long. (The class favorite.) (93)
Nov. 19th, '08 California & Northwest - #1, 2006 Rodney Strong, "Charlette's Home", Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley $12.99, Water white in color, subtle grassey, herbal varietal aromas. Low in acidity and full bodied, finishing with a mineral and metallic aftertaste. Not your typical Sauv. Blanc. (84) #2, 2005 Dry Creek Vineyards, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley $15.99. Very pale straw color, varietal and vanilla aromas, low acidity, slightly sweet, full bodied with the vanilla flavors coming out at mid palate and at the finish. (83) #3, 2007 Williamette Valley Vineyards, Oregon, Pinot Noir, $19.99. A strange, light pinkish color, nose completely closed, high acidity with soft tannins, light weight, tasting thin and mercifully a short finish. (78) #4, 2004 Gallo Family, Sonoma, Zinfandel $11.99. Garnet in color, deep bramble and varietal aromas, good structure and well balanced, medium full body, sweet tannins and a 20 second finish. (89) #5, 2005 Gundlach Bundschu, Rhinefarm Vineyard, Sonoma, Mountain Cuvee (71% Merlot) $12.99. Dark plum color, aromas of mixed red fruits, plus violets, low acidity with some coarse tannic acid. This wine needs at least 2 or 3 years in the bottle. (86) #6, 2005 Estancia "Meritage", Paso Robles $23.99. Very dark colors, Cab. nose plus traces of oak, good structure and balance, smooth tannins, seamless flavors, long finish. Drinking well now but will only improve over the next 5 years. (93)
Dec. 3rd, '08 Blind Tasting: No notes taken. Grand prize winner, Ray Fratti.
Dec. 17th, '08 Champagne Night (No tasting notes) The class ranked their favorites in this order. #1, Heidsieck & Co. Monopole, #2, Nicolas Feuillatte, #3, Roederer Estate, #4, Chandon Reserve, #5, "J", #6, Chandon Blanc de Noirs, #7, Chandon Brut Classic, #8, Don Conde Cava
Feb. 25th, '09 1st. Night, White wines of Spring - #1, 2004 Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes, Pinot Blanc, Alsace $9.75. Clear, pale straw color, mild distinct aromas, good structure and balance, dry, flavors of lime, pineapple and grapefruit,medium body and finish. (90), #2, 2004 Baron Philippe Rothschild, D'Oc, Chardonnay $8. Although these wines were very good last spring, they now are showing signs of oxidation. Golden color, off aromas, drinkable but poor. (68) #3, 2004 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nims, Rhone blend $7.48. Straw color, strong aromas of the Marsanne grape plus floral aromas, slightly high in acid but a very long finish. Drinking well now. (89) #4, 2003 Falstaff, Alsace, Gewurztraminer $5.34 Pronounced varietal aroma, slightly acidic, medium full body, many spicy flavors that lasted. Drinking well now. (88) #5, 2006 Niersteiner Kirchplatte, Rheinhessen, Riesling Auslese, $9.62 A good buy. Water white in color, green apple aromas, good structure, naturally sweet, full and lasting. This wine will be great in a few years. Lay away for two years at least. (92 NOTE: Wines 4 & 5 were tasted with hot pepper cheese. The spicy Gewurztraminer made the cheese even hotter. The sweeet Riesling, balanced well with the hot cheese. The cheese did not taste as hot and the wine did not taste as sweet.
March 4th, '09 Wines of Bordeaux - #1, 2007 Ch. Guibon, Entre Deux Mers, Semillon/Sauv. Blanc $11.99. Water white color, varietal aroma still slightly closed, fresh acidity with mineral flavors, med. finish. (86) #2, 2006 Ch. Bel Air, Lussac St. Emiliom $18.99. Plum color, sweet merlot aroma, thin, watery, acidic effort. Not recomended. (59) #3, 2005 Ch. Tour Canon, Fronsac $17.99. Very dark in color, closed nose, medium tannins for a '05, this wine needs a few years to develop. (84) #4, 2003, Ch. Larose Trintaudon, Haut Medoc $16.99. Colors ranging from dark brick to garnet, nose still closed, high in tannins, slightly high in acid, otherwise drinking well. (79) #5, 2005, Ch. Le Grands Marechaux, Cotes de Blaye $18.50. Aromas open up in the glass, fruit flavors at first changing at mid palet, med. finish. with the absence of tannins, this wine is drinking fine right now but not suitable for long term ageing. Who cares, drink it now. (85) #6, 2005, Ch. De Rochemorin, Pessac Leognan $29.99. Dark brick in color, varietal cab. aroma plus a bouquet of dark cherries and other dark fruits. Perfect balance and structure with long finish. Enjoy now and for the next 6 or 8 years. (93)
March 18th, '09 Wines of Italy - #1, 1998 Fattoria di Montechiari, Tuscany, Pinot Nero $22.50. Mature looking color, Red fruit nose, black cherry, balance was slightly acid, harsh tannins that stayed right through the finish. (82)
