J, Lohr Arroyo Seco AVA (Central Monterey County) Chardonnay

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:

Awaiting response - No confirmation regarding use of "Sustainable", "Organic" or "Biodynamic" practices.

Varietal/Blend
100% Chardonnay

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is transparent with a 14 Karat gold core fading to a wide water-white rim. There are some greenish highlights/reflections in the correct light.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced complexity of aromas showing caramel, honey, vanilla with hints of vegetal character/minerality and buttered toast.

Palate:
Dry, medium (+) body, medium (-) acidity (there is a slight perception of flabbiness) along with a slight perception of an alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.5%). The fruit/flavor characteristics are pronounced toast and honey. There are hints of an undefined vegetal flavor along with hints of citrus (pineapple/grapefruit). As the wine warmed to the suggested 55F to 60F degrees there was a hint of Brie Cheese rind.

Finish/Length:
Clean and medium in length with the burnt toast with butter prominent with hints of caramel and vanilla lingering.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$14.00.

Producers Notes:

The 2007 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay has a very attractive straw yellow color of moderate depth. The aromas are of lime zest, pear, nectarine and bubble gum--combined with the perfumed honey and toasty vanilla oak bouquet from the barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging--creating an elegant Chardonnay from Monterey’s Arroyo Seco AVA. The flavors are very clean, with nectarine, citrus, subtle floral notes and vanilla toastiness, producing layers of complexity with an excellent balance of fresh fruit acidity and palate weight. This wine is ideal for pairing with oven-roasted chicken, Dungeness crab or cream-sauced pasta dishes.

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages AC 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:

Awaiting response - No confirmation regarding use of "Sustainable", "Organic" or "Biodynamic" practices.

Varietal/Blend
100% Chardonnay

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is bright, transparent, pale gold that is constant from core to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced peach with hints of tangerine, pineapple, pear, and green (granny) apple.

Palate:
Dry, medium body with high, mouth-watering acidity with no indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13%) indicating the alcohol has integrated well into the wine. The fruit/flavor characteristics are low intensity of peach, pineapple and green apple.

Finish/Length:
Clean and medium in length with crisp green apple and unripe pineapple lingering.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$14.00.

Producers Notes:

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages AC 2007 is a clean, fresh Chardonnay with typical varietal fragrance and elegant, citrus and white fruit flavors on the palate. Vinified without oak contact, the delicate acid balance carries into a refreshing, crisp finish.

The Internet & Restaurant Wine

I wonder what will happen to the "restaurant wine list" prices when more consumers browse the internet to locate the retail price for a bottle of wine before they order? -- Just a philosophical question from Aldo

Domaine de la Grivelière Côtes du Rhône Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Organic - Self-Monitored.

Blend:
80% Grenache - 10% Syrah - 5% Cinsault - 5% Mourvedre

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear, transparent, vivid, rich cherry core that fades gradually to a deep salmon pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with low/medium intensity of raspberry and licorice.

Palate:
Dry, (with a slight sweet attack) with low tannins and medium-low acidity. The light to medium intensity of fruit characteristics are ripe red cherries (ripe red fruit). (I could be incorrect in stating that this is a similar profile to a Beaujolais although this wine is not made from the Gamay grape). No indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 14.5%) indicating alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean, moderate length on the finish of the fruit ripe cherries.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$10.00.

Producers Notes: A little history

The Maison Brotte, is an independent family business for three generations, founded in 1931 in Châteauneuf du Pape by Charles Brotte, a pioneer in of the Rhône Valley. The business of wine merchant-producer developed with the trademark "Père Anselme" due to its emblematic Châteauneuf du Pape wine "La Fiole du Pape", an original and exclusive bottle designed in 1952. It is the bottle with the "dust and the strange shape". Maison Brotte, during the 1980's, began making wine for several appelations of the Rhône Valley in their own cellars in Châteauneuf du Pape. In 1991, by buying the Château de Bord (an estate in Laudun), the Maison Brotte has also become wine growers of the Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun and the Côtes du Rhône appellations. This vineyard grew with the acquisition in 2003 of the Domaine de l'Aube. The Domaine de Barville, a vineyard in Châteauneuf du Pape holding that appellation, as well as the Domaine Grosset, a Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne appellation, are two estates that also belong to the Brotte family. Maison Brotte continues to develop an innovative partnership with wine growers, where each party contributes their know-how and where the two are solidly and inexorably united for the long term under the name of the marketed wine. This has been the case with Domaine de la Grivelière and their Lirac and Côtes du Rhône wines, and more recently with the Domaine du Versant Doré in the Condrieu appellation, the Arlettes in Cornas and the Domaine Bouvencourt in Vacqueras.

Colosi Rosso 100% Nero D'Avola 2007 (Riesi & Sambusa, Sicilia)

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Awaiting Confirmation from Producer.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and moderately transparent. The core is a vivid, deep cherry red core that fades to a narrow dark pink rim that appears to have bluish highlights.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium intensity of leather, smokey wood, and possibly cedar.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied, medium tannins and medium mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics are similar to the nose - especially the rustic leather and smokey wood flavors. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 12.5%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a medium/lingering finish of the smokey wood and leather. This seems to be a more "rustic" version of the Colosi Nero D'Avola wine noted on this blog.

The tannins and rustic flavors might be a consequence of the 6 months in Slavonian oak versus all stainless steel processing for the other Nero D'Avola offering from Colosi mentioned on this blog.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$10.00.

Producers Notes:

This wine is a red ruby colour with an expressive nose, intense with complex fruit aromas of plum cherries. On the palate it is dry, medium bodied and well-balanced, and excellent accompaniment for hearty pasta, beef, roasted meats and cheese.

Colosi 100% Nero D'Avola 2007 (Agrigento, Sicilia)

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Awaiting Confirmation from Producer.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and moderately transparent. The core is a vivid, deep cherry red core that fades to a narrow dark pink rim that appears to have bluish highlights.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium intensity of cherries.

Palate:
Dry, medium tannins and medium mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics are similar to the nose - red cherries. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 14%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a medium/short finish of cherry fruit. This is a smoother, more refined, version of the Colosi Rosso

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

Nero D'Avola is the time-honored grape variety behind this modern wine. Ruby red in colour, it has an intense and fruity aroma with notes of cherry and blackberry. Its fresh flavour and well-balanced tannins make it the ideal accompaniment for red meats and game.

Snoqualmie "Naked" Riesling Columbia Valley Horse Haven Vineyards 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Certified organically grown grapes in a certified organic facility. Certified Organic by Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a medium gold core that fades to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium intensity grapefruit, peach and pear. There might even be a hint of marmalade.

Palate:
Light-medium sweet style with medium mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics are similar to the nosealthough there seems to be some hint of a tropical fruit such as pineapple. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 12.3%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a lingering aftertaste of a delightful sweetness and marmalade.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$12.00.

Producers Notes:

“Organically farmed and produced, this Riesling offers bright aromas of spicy apple and pear. These spice characteristics are carried through the palate. The off-dry finish is clean and soft. This wine pairs wonderfully with assorted cheeses.”
-Joy Andersen, Winemaker

Chateau La Grange Clinet - 2005 - Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOC

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Sustainable Production Practices - Self-Monitored.

Blend:
63% Merlot - 21% Cabernet Sauvignon - 16% Cabernet franc

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear, transparent, vivid, rich cherry core that fades gradually to a deep salmon pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium intensity of mint, green herbs, black-currant and a hint of cedar wood.

Palate:
Dry, medium/light-bodied with medium tannins and medium mouth-watering acidity. The light to medium intensity of fruit characteristics are fresh herbaceous (green herbs), raspberry with hints of mint and cedar-wood. No indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.0%) indicating alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean, moderate minus length on the finish of herbs, mint and cedar.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes:

La Grange is a one unit property, where vineyards blend with meadows, forests, and ponds, forming a rich natural biotope where wildlife thrives. The development of wild animals and their predators enables us not to use insecticides and pesticides. We only use organic fertilizers. For the 2005 vintage, we bottled all 182,186 bottles in April 2007. One of the best, ever, for this property. Peak ripeness led to beautiful grapes, giving a high standard wine. This wine can be laid down, but also may be enjoyed now. Awarded a Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris with these laudatory comments: fruity, well balanced, ample: Beautiful wine! First Release October 22nd 2007

Bertani Velante Pinot Grigio 2007 Veneto IGT

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Awaiting clarification from producer

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is bright, clear and transparent. The core is a pale gold to white wheat color that is constant to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with moderately pronounced aromas of unripe pineapple and grapefruit.

Palate:
Dry, light body with medium level of acidity. The fruit characteristic are a low intensity of grapefruit and unripe pineapple similar to the nose. There is an initial sweetness that gives way to the bitter almond and vanilla attributes. There is no indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 12.5%) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a medium minus length on the finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

Color: Pale gold. Bouquet: Complex bouquet with scents of golden apple, ripe pear and peach. Taste: Fruit aromas carry through on to the palate. Medium-bodied and dry, with a crisp, refreshing acidity

Haras de Pirque Estate 100% Chardonnay 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Sustainable Production Practices - Self-Monitored. Advised they have begun a certified program of organic viticulture (2009-2014).

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is bright, clear and transparent. The core is a pale gold with slight greenish highlights that is constant to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with moderately pronounced aromas of peach, pineapple and (I maybe crazy) but it seems that it is almost like a fresh fruit salad with a hint of vanilla.

Palate:
Dry, medium to full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be pronounced vanilla, almonds or walnuts with hints of apple and citrus. There is an initial sweetness that gives way to the bitter almond and vanilla attributes. There is no indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 14.8%) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a long finish with the vanilla and bitter almond prominent with hints of pineapple. prominent.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes:

Colors of golden yellow, with greenish hue. The aromas are a rich, intriguing nose with some herb-citrus notes. Marvelous grapefruit in mouth feel. Ripe, nutty, full flavored palate shows lots of fruit character. Very tasty.

Haras de Pirque Estate 100% Sauvignon Blanc 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Sustainable Production Practices - Self-Monitored. Advised they have begun a certified program of organic viticulture (2009-2014).

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is bright, clear and transparent. The core is a pale gold that is constant to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with moderately pronounced aromas that one would expect from this varietal -- grassy, herbaceous, along with some warmer climate /riper fruit aromas of citrus (lemon and grapefruit rind). There was even a hint of green bell pepper.

Palate:
Dry, medium-bodied with crisp mouth-watering acidity. The fruit flavor characteristics seems to be moderately ripe tropical fruit along with the citrus and herbs similar to the nose. There is no indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.5%) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with medium length finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes:

Bright greenish-yellow color with intense grapefruit aroma and subtle mineral notes with underlying typical grassy character. The flavors are fresh and young, crispy. Lively and balanced. Presents mineral and citrus finish, quite elegant and fine.

Viña Haras de Pirque Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Sustainable Production Practices - Self-Monitored. Advised they have begun a certified program of organic viticulture (2009-2014).

Blend:
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet franc

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is bright, clear and opaque. The core is dark garnet with hints of blueish highlights that is constant to a narrow dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium intensity of blueberries, cherry, with hints of dark chocolate, mint and vanilla. There was even a hint of green bell pepper.

Palate:
Dry, full-bodied with medium tannins and medium minus mouth-watering acidity. The first sensation is a pleasant chalkiness followed by a medium minus intensity of blueberries with a hint of dark chocolate and cedar wood. There is no indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 14.5%) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with medium length finish that has a very slight hint of bitter-sweet chocolate.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes:

This wine has a generous fruity and cedar nose, with some fresh mint notes blended with a very attractive leather and spicy touch. The palate is full with a nice balance of ripe fruit finish. Smooth tannins, fresh minerality and a core of concentrated fruit.

Bonterra Vineyards Merlot Mendocino County 2005

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Made with "Organically Grown Grapes" CCOF Certified.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a deep cherry that fades to a medium plus dark pink rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium minus intensity red berry fruit with subtle hints of dark chocolate/vanilla and refreshing mint. (swirling of glass brings these aromas to the forefront).

Palate:
Dry, medium minus bodied with low (almost imperceptible) tannins and acidity. The fruit characteristics are low intensity of flavors similar to the nose with the addition of a hint of refreshing bell pepper. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 13.9%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with medium to short finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

Nothing contributes more to making great wines than purity of fruit. Our organically grown Merlot benefits from the hospitable climate of Mendocino County in the development of perfectly ripe, flavorful grapes. Barrel aging in handcrafted French oak accentuates the distinctive cherry-berry flavors in this elegant Chardonnay.

Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay Mendocino County 2006

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Made with "Organically Grown Grapes" CCOF Certified.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a pale gold that is consistent to a narrow water white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium intensity vanilla with hints of green apple unripe pineapple. A second sniff offers a ripe pineapple aroma. You can be the judge of the aromas.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied with medium minus mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics are similar to the nose especially the unripe pineapple. There is no indication of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.8%) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with medium minus to short, finish. There is a very slight hint of sweetness on the finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$14.00.

Producers Notes:

Nothing contributes more to making great wines than purity of fruit. Our organically grown Chardonnay benefits from the hospitable climate of Mendocino County in the development of perfectly ripe, flavorful grapes. Barrel aging in handcrafted French and American oak accentuates the distinctive apple-citrus flavors in this elegant Chardonnay.

Michel Torino CUMA malbec 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Made with "Agencert Certified" Organic Grapes.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a deep cherry core with bluish highlights that is consistent almost to the dark pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with light intensity of a red fruit jam and a hint of sweet leather (but you really need to swirl the glass to get this aroma).

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied with low plus tannins and medium mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be pronounces ripe black cherry with a slight hint of bitter-sweet dark chocolate.  There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 13.5%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a long sweet fruit (ripe black cherries or red grapes) finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$11.00.

Producers Notes:

Cafayate has become a top area for the production of Torrontes as its soil and climate conditions enhance this grape's varietal character. Intense perfumed aromas of tropical fruits with some floral hints of roses. Elegant and complex wine with a rich, mellow, and fruity taste.

Michel Torino CUMA Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Made with "Agencert Certified" Organic Grapes.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a deep cherry core with bluish highlights that is consistent almost to the dark pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with light intensity of licorice and vanilla.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied with medium minus tannins and medium++ mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be hints of blackcurrent, black cherry and licorice.  There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 13.5%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a long sweet blackcurrent finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$11.00.

Producers Notes:

Cafayate has become a top area for the production of Torrontes as its soil and climate conditions enhance this grape's varietal character. Intense perfumed aromas of tropical fruits with some floral hints of roses. Elegant and complex wine with a rich, mellow, and fruity taste.

Bodega SUR DE LOS 100% Malbec 2007 (Mendoza, Argentina)

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Reported not produced using "Sustainable", "Organic" or "Biodynamic" practices.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a deep violet that is consistent to a narrow deep pink (with bluish highlights) rim..

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with medium minus intensity of sweet leather, black currents (raisiny) with a hint of dark bitter-sweet chocolate (might be a baker's chocolate aroma).

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied with medium minus tannins and medium yet mouth-watering acidity. bodied with medium mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be medium minus similar to the nose.  There seems to be no perception of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.9 %) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a medium finish that seems to focus on the black currents and dark bitter-sweet chocolate.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$12.00.

Producers Notes:

No tasting notes available from producer.

Ochoa Merlot 2001 (Navarra DO, Spain)

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Reported not produced using "Sustainable", "Organic" or "Biodynamic" practices.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and opaque.  The core is a dark cherry core that is consistent until reaching a narrow dark pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with prounounced red berry fruit (i.e. cherry) with hints of mint and vanilla in the background..

Palate:
Dry, medium plus bodied with medium mouth-watering acidity, and medium minus tannins. The fruit characteristics seem to be medium plus intensity (similar to the nose) of cherry with hints of mint and vanilla.  There is this refreshing hint of fresh green bell pepper (am I imagining this?). There seems to be no perception of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 12.5 %) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a medium plus finish that focuses on the cherry and the refreshing green bell pepper (again I do not know if the green pepper is my imagination).

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$14.00.

Producers Notes:

No Tasting Notes from producer.

LAXAS Albariño 2007 (Rias Baixas, Galacia, Spain)

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
Reported not produced using "Sustainable", "Organic" or "Biodynamic" practices.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a pale to medium gold color (14k gold) fading to a narrow water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with hints of flowers combined with hints green apples, pear and peach.

Palate:
Dry, medium bodied with a slight hint of a tingle (think seltzer with most of the fiz gone) on the tip of the tongue (why I am perceiving this I do not know) with medium but yet mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be medium plus intensity of green apple, lemon and grapefruit. There seems to be no perception of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 12.5 %) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with long finish that focuses on the lemon flavor.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$15.00.

Producers Notes:

A clean, bright, straw-yellow wine with greenish sparkles. Presents and intense aroma on the nose, perfectly blending fruity and flowery notes, highlighting apple and fruits with stone (apricot). On the mouth, the freshness typical of the Albariño wine is noted, with a low, perfectly balanced acidity balanced with the structure and body of the wine. Tasty, sweet and glyceric.

Ochoa Blanco 70% Viura (aka Macabeo) 30% Chardonnay (Navarra DO , Spain)

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:

Reported not produced using "Sustainable", "Organic" or "Biodynamic" practices.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a pale wheat (almost water-white) that seems consistent to a water-white rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with pronounced intensity of flowers with hints of unripe pineapple, ripe pear and peach.

Palate:
Dry, light bodied with medium minus acidity.  The fruit characteristics seem to be of light intensity with the citrus (unripe pineapple) and lemon zest.  Interesting that (retro-nasal flavors are the peach and the pear). There seems to be no perception of alcohol burn (the alcohol level = 13.0 %) indicating that the alcohol is well integrated into the wine.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a short finish.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$10.00.

Producers Notes:

No tasting notes available from producer.