L'X de Larrivaux Haut-Medoc AOC 2005

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is moderately transparent with a dark garnet, almost violet, core moving to a dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced black currant and cherry fruit with hints of mint and spice.

Palate:
Dry, full bodied with fruit characteristics similar to the nose with the added complexity of dark chocolate and a hint of cedar-wood. There are medium levels of tannins and acidity. The alcohol level (13.5%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and medium++ in length, especially the notes of cedar-wood and semi-sweet dark chocolate.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$14.00.

Producer's Notes:

There seems to be none available at this time.

Chateau Saint - Sulpice Bordeaux AOC 2005

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a deep garnet core hinting of violet highlights. moving to a narrow dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with hints of cherry, damp clean earth, green spice (rosemary or thyme) and wood.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied wine with hints of fruit characteristics similar to the nose.  There are medium levels of tannins and acidity.  The alcohol level (13%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and short.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$8.00.

Producer's Notes:

There seems to be none available at this time except for the varietal blend which is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc.

TIZ red California 2004

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a deep purple core that moves to a narrow dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced dark red fruit aromas similar to ripe cherry and even a slight hint of black currant. There also seems to be hints of mint and vanilla.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied wine with medium levels of tannin, acidity. There was a VERY slight, almost insignificant, alcohol burn on the tongue (although one might describe this as "a hint of black pepper"). The fruit characteristics are similar to the nose (black red fruit (ripe cherry) with hints of black currant, mint, and vanilla.

Finish:
Medium++ length with hints of the fruit characteristics..

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$12.00.

Producer's Notes:

A fusion of several classic varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. This wine has refreshing, luscious fruity flavors with a deep color hue. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon give the bright, crisp flavors of summer berries. The Syrah lends a hint of pepper and jammy black fruit notes to the mid-palate. The tannins are delicate and velvety with a hint of spice in the finish.

Toasted Head Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2005

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:

With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a medium salmon color core that moves to a broad pale salmon rim.  In some light the core seems not to exist leaving the impression of a solid light to medium salmon color throughout the liquid.

Nose/Aromas:

Clean with moderately pronounced earth/top soil with a hint of sweet leather.

Palate:

Dry, light body although there is a quick sensation of oiliness when the wine first enters the mouth.  There is a slight alcohol burn on the upper palate and back of tongue.  The tannins are undetectable and the acidity seems low.  The low acidity might account for the perception of oiliness (flabbiness) on entering the mouth.

Producer's Notes:

Flavors of strawberry and ripe raspberry lead to intriguing smoke, spice and earth notes on the palate. The wine is medium bodied with soft, silky tannins and a long, complex finish.

Cost of Wines to Consumers

It seems that there is an inverse relationship that the wine consumer is dealing with today.  Wine prices are increasing and the quality and flavor characteristics of the wines available seem to be decreasing at an alarming rate.