Text 12696, 83 rader
Skriven 2007-03-06 14:35:00 av MICHAEL LOO (1:123/140)
Ärende: tastes 165
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At Vino Volo again: as before, their descriptions, with
my comments in brackets. A v stands for a check mark (i.e.,
I agree); a ? indicates I found the "expert" description
dubious; an x, an x (I disagree totally but usually offer
an alternative).

Ash Hollow Merlot (Ash Hollow Vineyard, Walla Walla) 03
Bright Cherry & Cedar. Notes of cedar [v] and cherry [v]
combine with black currant and creamy cocoa [x][coffee]
flavors, resulting in a silky, elegant finish [decent
acid and structure; good legs. Meaty flavor, cedary finish].
$25 bottle

Ross Andrew Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley) 02
Black Cherry & Smoky Oak. This densely structured [?] wine
combines black cherry [x][black raspberries] and boysenberry
flavors with notes of cocoa powder [v][distinctly so] and
oak. A hint of woodsmoke adds complexity. [Plastic. Black
raspberries. Cocoa and Camembert; a bit of TCA] $36 bottle

Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills) 04
Black Cherry [v] & Violets [?]. Aromas of black cherry and
cola [yes, unfortunately] combine with flavors of violet and
mocha in this rich wine. Supple tannins and a distinctive
earthy character lend a lingering [almond, honey] finish.
$33 bottle [definitely not worth it]

Cristom Pinot Noir (Mt. Jefferson Cuvee, Oregon) 04
Raspberries [v] & Cassis [maybe]. This youthful Pinot Noir
provides luscious fruit flavors of strawberry [yes], ripe
raspberry [?], and tart pomegranate [some] with an enduring
finish of cassis syrup and cedar [v][or pine]. [Lowish
acid by comparison to Rex Hill and Sokol Blosser] $36 bottle

Rex Hill Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley) 05
Blackberry & Cherry[x][apricot]. Dark fruit flavors of
blackberry and black cherry are complemented by aromas of
crushed violets, vanilla, and baking spices [none of these]
for a long complex finish. [Lots of acid, some volatile -
pretty dull in all] $25 bottle

Apex II Syrah (Yakima Valley) 02 [somewhat corked!]
Blackberries [yes] & Sweet Spice [no]. Lush and spicy
[no: woody], this Syrah is dominated by dark fruit flavors
of blueberry [maybe] and blackberry [v]. Velvety complexity
comes from star anise [maybe], sweet spice [no], and smoke
[yes][Dark] $25 bottle [!!]

L'Ecole Syrah (Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley) 03
Plum Jam [yes] & Black Currant [seedy - this quality blows
off]. This ripe wine combines flavors of jammy plum [v], dense
blackberry [v], and black currant [a little] with a long
elegant finish of sweet oak and spice [tobacco].[Sweetish
finish; intriguing][very dark; good legs; memorable] $43 bottle

Owen Roe Syrah (Ex Umbris, Columbia Valley) 05
Blackberries & Smoke. Leading off with flavors of blackberry
and plum [v], this multifaceted Syrah finishes with notes of
rich meats, smoke, and spice. [plums, honey, quite dark]
$29 bottle

=

And a side-by-side Scotch tasting:

Cragganmore 12 (Speyside) - light gold, rather too grainy aroma.
On the palate, nice smoke overlaying stone fruit and almonds.
Pleasant finish, not too long though.

Glenkinchie 10 (Edinburgh) - quite unimpressive, rather sour.
Woody aroma and taste. This bottle had probably sat around
too long. Weak finish of cedar shavings and dust.

Macallan 12 (Speyside) - nice aroma, spicy, citrusy, nutty,
smoky, all in balance. Rich color. Very smooth on the palate.
Long nutty-dried-fruit finish.

Glenlivet 12 (Speyside) - a really nice dram, woodier than the
Macallan, and a touch harsher.

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