Fun With Vino and Cheese

I always seem to lose these notes, following one of these events. So, I decided to post them so that does not continue to be an issue...

Wine Tasting Notes

"I drink it when I’m Happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I’m thirsty.” Madame Lily Bollinger, founder of Bollinger Champagnes

WINE (with CHEESE PAIRING, below)

White:

Charles Shaw, Two Buck Chuck

Just Kidding… BTW, this is a very good, everyday type of wine. For the price, there is no better Chard, Cab or Merlot (Yes, contrary to Sideways, there will always be Merlot lovers).

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2006

Concentrated and complex, with vivid passion fruit, grapefruit and tangy peach flavors. Vibrant minerality and tangy lime juice acidity keep thumping through the finish. Wine Spectator: 92 points

Fromage: Brie, Cow, France

Incognito, Viognier, Lodi, 2005

The appearance is light straw, with a greenish tint. It has aromas of peach, cold blossoms, and noble apricot. The mouth feel is creamy, smooth, weighty, medium-bodied and tart, and the mouth filling peaches and cream flavors are joined by a big warm kick in the glass. Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

Fromage: Humboldt Fog, Goat, California

Treana, Viognier/Marsanne, Central Coast, Mer Soleil Vineyard, 2004

This wine displays the elegant varietal characteristics of Viognier and Marsanne. This alluring blend offers floral aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and jasmine followed by ripe flavors of stone fruit with rich honey overtones. High-toned citrus notes and a solid minerality lend excellent balance. The mouthfeel is lush and full with a broad mid-palate while bright acidity cleans the palate and lends ease and versatility to food-pairing. Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

Fromage: Comte, Cow, France

Red:

A to Z, Sangiovese Rose, Oregon, 2006

This beautiful pink/magenta Rose with inviting aromas are full of fresh pure strawberries, watermelon (yes…watermelon) raspberries, cherries, wildflowers, herbs de Provence and what the French call petit fruits rouge with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. This stunning wine is juicy, bright and lush at the same time, finishing clean and crisp. Great for hot Texas days.
Scooter Speak: 90 points

Fromage: Mimolette, Cow, France

Belles Soeurs, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir, 2003

Supple, silky and generous. Not a huge wine, but has enormous flavors, from raspberry to cherry to smoky spice and weaving in floral and mineral notes, persisting on the long, long finish. Tremendous refinement.
Wine Spectator Score: 93

Fromage: Gruyere, Cow, Swiss

Kilikanoon, Clare Valley, Prodigal, Grenache, 2004

On the nose, perfumed aromas of cherries, chocolate and leather, that combine well with the dusty, spicy oak flavors. A big Grenache style, with richly perfumed plum, cherry and chocolate fruit flavors. Although dry, the wine possesses a real "sweet fruit" character that is reinforced by the warm alcohol finish. Subtle oak influence and firm tannins have produced a wine that is balanced with pronounced flavour persistence. Wine Advocate Score: 92 points

Fromage: Petit Basque, Sheep, Spanish Basque Country

Altos de LUZON, 2004, Jumilla

The seriously endowed 2004 Altos de Luzon is a blend of 50% old vine Mourvedre (52 years) and equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by beautiful aromas of smoky licorice, black currants, cherries, and earth. Offering wonderful ripeness, an alluring texture, sweet tannin, and adequate acidity, it certainly over-delivers for its price. Drink it over the next 2-4 years.
Wine Advocate Score: 90 Pts.

Fromage: Mancheca, Sheep, Spain

Dessert/Port:

Chateau Guiraud, 1st CRU, Sauternes, 2001

Golden yellow in color. Butterscotch and vanilla, with hints of ripe apples. Full-bodied, with lots of sweetness and a spicy apricot and honey aftertaste. Excellent concentration and balance. Loads of botrytis character on the finish. Intense and hard not to drink it all because it's so luscious and rich. Wine Advocate: 94pts; Wine Spectator: 96 pts

Fromage: Verde Dolce, Gorgonzola, Cow, Italy

Royal Tokaji, Aszu 5 Puttonyos, 2000

Alluring aromas of gingersnap cookies, apricot and orange marmalade. Sweet, yet deftly balanced by lively structure. Fine lingering finish, where the harmony really shows. It’s easy to see why the Royal Hungarian Family so loved this stuff…
Wine Spectator Score: 93

Fromage: Mille Foglie, Cow, Italy


Alvear Pedro Ximenex, Solera, 1927

The impressive 1927 Pedro Ximenez Solera, from a Solera system begun nearly 80 years ago, boasts a dark amber color as well as an extraordinary nose of creme brulee, liquefied nuts, marmalade, and maple syrup. Huge and viscous, yet neither cloyingly sweet nor heavy, it is a profound effort. It is meant to be drunk alone at the end of a meal. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 96 Points

Pairing: Skip the cheese… Chocolate Nibits & Pecan Halves

Have a Great Weekend, everyone !!