Vinorati: recent reviews

Les Creisses 2002 by AJ (5.0/10)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:46:53 -0600

Les Creisses 2002 Philippe Chesnelong Vin de Pays d'Oc blackberry jelly cherry jam over ripe fruits overpriced plums ripe simple too high level of alcohol

Chateau de Viaud Lalande-de-Pomerol 1970 by Dr. Tom (8.4/10)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:12:11 -0600

This wine was bottled the year I graduated from University with my first degree. I might have been great to open after I got my second one 8 years later, but a Jack Benny (that’s 39 to all you who are too young to know what a Jack Benny is) – nah that’s way too long. In truth it wasn’t really that harsh or hadn’t lost its fruit, but it was tainted with that musty smell. One could see that there was some leakage around the cork and I am sure that is what killed it. I will say that it had not gone that brick color that one associates with a mature wine, but that is neither a compliment or a critique
Chateau de Viaud Lalande-de-Pomerol 1970 Chateau de Viaud Lalande-de-Pomerol funky finish musty earth muted old red nonexistent tannins ok slight fruit

Bodegas Monasterio Ribera del Duero Hacienda 2002 by Dr. Tom (9.0/10)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:04:03 -0600

Bold but polished, blackberry and black cherry flavors are framed by toasty, vanilla and oak, Some brutal tannins that come in around mid-palate but truthfully that added to the experience. This is a red that cries out for food though and I think it might be too much to drink alone and certainly not for the newcomer. The finish is long and infused with flowers and spice.
Bodegas Monasterio Ribera del Duero Hacienda 2002 Bodegas Monasterio Ribera del Duero berry bold cherry hearty food strong tannins. long finish vanilla

Steele Pacini Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 by Dr. Tom (8.8/10)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:57:39 -0600

Steele hardly ever disappoints and this was a typical rich, earthy, succulent OVZ with black cherry and blackberry fruit. The nose was cedar and the palate was lightly jammy but tempered by spicy tannins. For me pork cries out for a zin and vice versa. I did not disappoint either of them – great with pork tenderloin.
Steele Pacini Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 Steele Mendocino black fruits deep dark red good bottle jammy pork tenderloin spice spicy tannins

Joseph Drouhin Santenay 2004 by Dr. Tom (8.7/10)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:54:54 -0600

Light red, with a nose of flowers and red fruit. The palate is not overwhelming, but there is lots of fruit just the same. There are strawberries and Queen Anne cherries on top of mild tannins and a respectable finish. Very clean pinot for lighter fare.
Joseph Drouhin Santenay 2004 Joseph Drouhin Santenay cherry light light flowers and fruit light red mild tannins pasta with white sauce strawberry

Goats do Roam Rosé Costal 2006 by Dr. Tom (8.8/10)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:47:33 -0600

I really like most anything Fairview puts out and the Goats do Roam line-up is one of my value “go tos”. None of them are over $10 and all are in the 87-90 range in my estimation. This Rose was tasty and fuller bodied than some and also somewhat less dry. It reminded me of the pure Syrah Rose we had in Languedoc, and we loved that. This is perfect for a light meal of pasta or chicken and just as nice to drink on the patio when it is steamy outside. Strawberry notes and just enough acid to make a clean finish.
Goats do Roam Rosé Costal 2006 Goats Do Roam South Africa clean delightful summer cooler light pink off dry peach relaxing strawberry