Light straw color. Strange, smells like rubber bands/ band aids, with some flowers and minerals. Lighter styled wine with a nice mouth feel. Drank by itself, but would probably do better with food. Think shrimp cocktail. As it sat in the glass it improved. While still strange, I am also still drinking. Original grade was [...]
Archive for July, 2007
2004 Rhys Syrah Alesia Chileno Valley
Something is off here. Lots of funk and forrest on the nose, but there’s a sticky syrup behind that conflicts. Same with the palate. Nice fruit, but on the back I’m getting smacked by a 2X4 of wood and tannins. Many nice elements in this wine, but the entire package is not working for me. [...]
2001 La Chapelle de Lafaurie-Peyraguey
I love this wine. Must, dried apricots, liquid honey, and lemon jolly rancher. Continues to expand during the very long finish. Changes with each sip. With carrot cake and cheese cake from the Capital Grille. Will live forever. Grade: A Our night at the Capital Grille illustrates a good lesson about bringing your own wine. [...]
2005 Pax Syrah Obsidian
Everyone else at the table preferred Turley, but not me. This one has a lot of potential. This is the entire package. Right now it is still closed and wa too young. Funk, smoked meats, very tannic (smooth). Long, long finish. Don’t touch until 2010. With an excellent fillet from Capital Grille. Grade: A- www.whatwouldmikeydrink.com
2001 Turley Juvenile
Sharp aromas of alcohol and anise. Dark and slight bricking. Candied chocolate cherries. I feel drunk from the first few sips. Drink up, the alcohol is starting to dominate the fruit. It is probably over the hill already, but it is still yummy. Drank while waiting for appetizers at Capital Grille. Grade: B www.whatwouldmikeydrink.com
2003 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico
Drank after the Ornellaia at San Domenico. Not fair to this wine. Lighter ruby. Very funky nose with truffle, herbs and flowers. Lovely on the palate. Medium bodied, nice persistent finish with smooth tannins. Solid and well made. Most interesting Chianti. $90 on the list at San Domenico. Grade: B+ www.whatwouldmikeydrink.com
2003 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia
Dark, big and bold. Almost over-ripe. Smells like pencil shavings and cigar box with dark fruits. Fruit forward and charming. Drinking very well right now. It is unusual for Ornellaia, but it is sensual and delicious. Love it. With wonderful company and food at San Domenico. Mikey paid $72. Great deal- below wholesale. Grade: A [...]
2004 Palazzo Napa
Make friends with a knowledgeable person at your local liquor store. That is how I found this wine, and many other good wines. As a test, tell the person the name of the best wine you’ve ever had. Describe the qualities that made it amazing. The right person will have tried almost all wine in [...]
2005 Agro de Bazan Albariño Rías Baixas Granbazán Ambar
Lovely golden. Looks slightly hazy and effervescent. Very complex nose hints at musty citrus. Smooth, stony minerality, creamy green apple, with fresh squeezed lemon and white grapefruit. Excellent Albariño. With cajun catfish made by Mikey. Outstanding pairing. Very versatile wine. Worth a try. Thank you Benjamin and Jeanne! Grade: A- www.whatwouldmikeydrink.com
2004 Quilceda Creek Merlot
Lovely work of art. Changes over and over, from at first closed like baker’s chocolate, to stout with sharp but smooth tannins, to a massive, complex, infinite complex wine. This only hints at what it will become. Can be served in many contexts, but should be treated as the headling act. Open many hours prior [...]