06 August 2006

Tasting Notes for August 5, 2006

The theme for this blind tasting was South America.

Wine 1: 2005 Casa Silva Sauvignon Blanc. Colchagua Valley, Chile. Powerful fruit, mostly peach flavored but dry, light, and refreshing. Lovely wine. $15.

Wine 2: 2005 Casa Lapostelle Sauvignon Blanc. Casablanca Valley, Chile. Thin and creamy, slightly bitter finish. $13.

Wine 3: 2004 Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay. Maipo Valley, Chile. Thin, mild wine. Some banana aromas and flavors with a hint of lemon. $17.

Wine 4: 2004 Finca La Escondida Reserva Chardonnay. San Juan, Argentina. Buttered toast aromas, mild flavors and smooth finish. Classic Chardonnay. $16.

Wine 5: 2005 Don Rodolfo Torrontés. Argentina. No website found. Honey and flower aromas, dry but with full fruit flavors. Wonderful. $12.

Wine 6: 2004 Tikal Patriota Bonarda-Malbec. Mendoza, Argentina. Black cherry, dry and complex. Medium tannins and overall excellent balance. $26.

Wine 7: 2003 Antis Malbec. Mendoza, Argentina. Dry and mild, very thin with a few hints of raspberry. $15.

Wine 8: 2004 Paul Hobbs El Felino Malbec. Mendoza, Argentina. Plum aromas and flavors, great construction. Nice wine. $31.

Wine 9: 2004 Ruca Malen Yauquen Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec. Mendoza, Argentina. Great black cherry flavors, firm tannins, and a long finish. Oddly savory for an inexpensive wine. $10.

Wine 10: 2005 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec. Mendoza, Argentina. Harsh alcohol/cough syrup aroma, but a fruity and slightly creamy taste. Mild tannins. Might need some time to breathe and open up. $15.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey, I was at this tasting. I pretty much agree with your assessment of the wines. Hobbes' "cat" malbec is really good, but I wish it didn't cost so much. Don Rodolfo's Torrontes is always a great bargain.