Mac Murray Ranch Central Coast Pinot Noir 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a garnet core of medium intensity moving to a narrow salmon pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with an initial earthy aroma that moves to a medium intensity of cherry, herbs (i.e. mint) along with hints raspberry and sweet leather.  There seems to be allusive hints of dill seed and sun-dried tomato.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied with low tannin and medium plus mouthwatering acidity.  There is a light alcohol burn although with a second taste the burn seems to dissipate.  (the alcohol level = 13.8%).  The fruit characteristics seem to be pronounced black cherry with hints of raspberry/strawberry and vanilla flavors.  

Finish:
Clean finish and medium-plus length.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$18.00.

Producers Notes:

The MacMurray Ranch Central Coast Pinot Noir possesses an expressive fruit character, exhibiting bright aromas of blue and red fruits of cherry, ripe blueberries and dark current. The flavors are melded together with earthy notes, balanced perfectly with the nuance of sweet vanilla.

Spanish Quater White (Chardonnay / Albariño) 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent pale gold color core moving to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced tropical fruit aromas of grapefruit, mango, and lemon zest.

Palate:
Dry, full bodied with medium-plus mouthwatering acidity with somewhat pronounced fruit flavors similar to the nose. There is a slight alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.3%).

Finish:
Clean finish and medium-plus length.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$11.00.

Producers Notes:

This aromatic, rich white combines the native Spanish white grape varietal Albariño with internationally recognized, yet relative newcomer to Spain, Chardonnay. Chardonnay {60%} gives a deep rich mouth-feel, round tropical fruit aromas, and citrus notes. Albariño {40%} is a thick-skinned Spanish grape contributing intense floral aromas with bright acidity, peach flavors, and hints of spice. This grape is a native of Galicia in Northwestern Spain. Tasting Notes: A lively straw-green color with a fragrant floral nose of exotic fruits with hints of fresh citrus. The rich and luscious palate has highlights of ripe peach, tropical fruit, and a long, clean citrus finish.

Spanish Quarter Red (Cabernet Sauvignon/Tempranillo) 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is almost opaque, with a deep purple core with bluish highlights moving to a narrow dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced spiciness (pepper and cinnamon) combined with a raspberry, baked cherries, dark chocolate with a hint of vanilla.

Palate:
Dry, full bodied with medium plus tannins, medium-plus mouthwatering acidity with somewhat pronounced fruit flavors similar to the nose plus dark chocolate. There is a hint of sweetness. The alcohol level (13.6%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and medium plus length.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$11.00.

Producers Notes:

This full, silky red marries the noble and native Spanish red grape varietal Tempranillo with internationally recognized, yet relative newcomer to Spain, Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon {55%} gives the wine its backbone and vibrant fruit aromas. Introduced to Spain in the 1970s and superbly adapted to Spanish soil. Tempranillo {45%} contributes an elegant depth and color, along with aromas of black fruit, strawberries, licorice, and spice. Tasting Notes: A deep purple-red color with a nose of dark cherry and blackberry, and with hints of exotic spice and chocolate. The full and silky palate reveals layers of juicy ripe berry fruit, dark chocolate, and a touch of sweet oak on the finish.

MERCER Yakima Valley Riesling 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a pale gold color that is uniform from core to rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with a medium plus intensity of fruit aromas of dried peach and apricot.

Palate:
Off dry, light bodied with a medium minus intensity of fruit characteristics similar to the nose. There is no tannin and with medium mouthwatering acidity. The alcohol level (12.5%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and medium plus in length. Although off dry on the palate there is the perception of residual sugar on the finish. (almost like a cotton candy sensation but absolutely not unpleasant)

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

Riesling grapes grown in Washington State's cooler Yakima Valley appellation produce a brisk, tangy and refreshing wine. Flavors and aromas of apricot, peach and tangerine along with the bracing acidity of the Mercer Estates Riesling reflect the unique character of Washington State Riesling. With little less than a percent and a half of residual sugar this Riesling is a bit dryer than many Rieslings and lends itself quite well to food pairings. (www.mercerwine.com)

MERCER Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a pale wheat color that is uniform from core to rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with a hints of the outdoors with its grassy, herbaceous and gooseberry aromas.

Palate:
Dry, light bodied medium intensity of fruit characteristics that hint floral notes, citrus and unripe pineapple. There is no tannin and medium mouthwatering acidity. The alcohol level (12.5%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and medium in length.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

Ripe pear, herb and melon flavors are complimented by a nice oak spice balanced with bright Sauvignon Blanc characteristics. The palate is generous yet elegant with lively fruit aromas and a mouth filling finish. (www.mercerwine.com)

MERCER Columbia Valley Pinot Gris 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a pale gold color that moves to narrow water white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with a hint of honey, lychee and peach. Revisiting the wine there seems to be pronounced peach aromas.

Palate:
Dry, light bodied low intensity of fruit characteristics that hints of grapefruit and a slight hint of honey and peach. There no tannins and medium minus mouthwatering acidity although the wine is not flabby. The alcohol level (13.0%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and short in length.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

Classic melon, peach and mineral aromas and flavors are the hallmark of Pinot Gris grown in the Columbia Valley. (www.mercerwine.com)

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Reserva 2004

kennuncorked Tasting Notes
Note: The wine grape "Cannonau di Sardegna" also known as Grenache, Grenache Noir, Grenacha, Granacha Tinta.

 
Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a moderately pale garnet color that seems almost  uniform (monochrome) from the core to the rim.  There is a very narrow pale pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with hints of pine, pine resin, and eucalyptus.

Palate:
Dry, light bodied almost thin, with moderate complexity of fruit characteristics that hint of leather and earth flavors.  There are medium minus levels of tannins and medium mouthwatering acidity. The alcohol level (13.5%) seems well integrated into the wine because there is no apparent sensation of alcohol burn.

Finish:
Clean and short in length.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$11.00.

Producer's Notes:

Color: Intense bright ruby color.   Aroma:  Project bright red berry, including strawberry and raspberry jam.  In the mouth, coffee, spices, and herbs including sage emerge.  Full, round, fruit forward.  Consumer friendly taste profile.  Oak aged, yet medium bodied for food-friendly matching.  (www.sellaandmosca.com) 

Don Miguel Gascón Malbec 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

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

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced leather (possibly sweet leather) and earthy aromas.

Palate:
Dry, full bodied with a moderate complexity of fruit characteristics that hint of semi-sweet/bittersweet dark chocolate, black cherry with some of the leather and earth flavors.  There are medium minus levels of tannins and medium mouthwatering acidity. The alcohol level (14.2%) 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 semi-sweet/bittersweet dark chocolate and leather.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$12.00.

Producer's Notes:

Since 1884, the wines of Don Miguel Gascon have been recognized for the rich, smooth flavors that come from Argentina's Mendoza wine region.  High altitude vineyards situated along the Cordillera of the Arides Mountains produce full mature grapes for this classic Malbec.  It is full bodied and elegant with soft, round tannins, layered with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, and a hint of mocha.