Some wines over the last week including Labor Day weekend:
2003 La Vieille Cure Fronsac
Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has cassis, charred earth, smoke and dark cherries. On the palate, this is quite ripe. Lots of black raspberries and dark cherries. A bit hot but not bad. Not sure where this goes from here. This would be a good wine to watch and see how the 03’s progress. Pretty enjoyable right now though and I will drink mine in the next five years. 50+4+12+17+7=90
2007 Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone “Les Deux Albion”
Purple in color with some ruby at the rim. The nose is nice with black raspberries, grilled meats, cherries and spice. Full bodied. On the palate, this drinks quite well. Black raspberries, spice and pepper. Some cherries with air. Nice balance. Nice finish. I really liked this and will get some more. I think it is good for 3 to 5 years easily. 50+4+13+17+7=91
2006 Terry Hoage Vineyards Syrah The Hedge
I was somewhat surprised to see the recent WA score this as an 89 with such a short drinking window. I decided to pop one and see for myself. I agree with most of RP’s descriptors but I liked the wine a bit more than he did. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, bacon fat, minerals and smoke. The wine has a lush texture but with a nice streak of acidity. Some smoky oak along with lots of black raspberries on the palate. We save some for Day 2 and it was slightly better although pretty much not evolved over night. 50+4+13+18+7=92
NV Laurello Pinot Grigio Grand Rivery Valley Ohio
Light golden in color. The nose has nice fruit, a bit tropical and a bit citrus. On the palate, this is simple but drinks well. A bit over priced at $12, or at least there are better wines, but not bad. 50+3+11+16+5=85
2004 Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco
Its getting there. Ruby/crimson in color, clear and bright. The nose has cherries and tar and some rose notes. Medium bodied. On the palate, this still has lots of fruit and firm tannins. Nice acidity. Drinks well now, but no reason not to think it has another 5 years until maturity. A steal for $20. 50+4+12+18+7=91
2004 Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Ruby in color with some sherry hues. The nose has cherries, tar and minerals. On the palate, this has a soft, accessible texture. Nice balance with a streak of acidity. Probably better with food of course. Cherries and minerals on the palate. My first wine from this producer, but quite enjoyable. No hurry on this as it was just as good on day 2. 40+4+12+17+7=90