Here are the wines we tried, and in the order that we tasted them:
1). 2005, Panilonco, Reserve Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile - I was curious when I saw this at Trader Joes, so I picked up a bottle since I like Carmenere. This wine was a bit disappointingbut for $3, you really can't complain... the wine was off-dry (almost sweet).
2). 2005, Concha y Toro - Casillero del Diablo, Carmenere, Chile- Another Carmenere. This however was very satisfying.. good body and very cabernet-like, with lots of plums and blackberries. For $6, this would make a good every-day kind of wine. My workmates enjoyed this as well.
3). 2004, Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis en Medoc, Bordeaux, France - A left-banker from the Medoc.. this Cabernet based blend had a light body, with cigarbox on the nose, and red berries and spice on tasting. This was the 2nd least favorite of the wines according to my workmates, but it was my #1 favorite. Price: $30.
4). (NOT PICTURED)2005, Montes, "Alpha", Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile - Color: Dark. Aromas: Mushroom, licorice and some green pepper. Medium bodied, and well-balanced. Taste: Spicy, some wood, and black berries. Nice finish. Everyone across the board liked this wine. $16.
5). (NOT PICTURED) NV, Grove Street, Meritage, Napa Valley, California - Tastes like a wine you would pay $30 for. Appearance: Dark, opaque plum. Taste: Tart cherry and some oak. There was a little heat, but also a long finish. All in all, very tasty and would make a good everday wine. My peeps were fans of this as well, which is why someone took this bottle home with them.. they took the Montes, too. Price: $10.
6). 2005, Kirkland, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California. - From Costco! I was shopping around there one day and my curiousity got the best of me. Had to try this. Lots of black fruit, cherry and spice with good acidity, this was an enjoyable wine. A little alcoholic, but overall, enjoyable. Unattractive label. My female workmates said they would buy this wine, but use a decanter when they served it. $18
7). 2004, Penfolds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bin 407, South Australia - This dark, medium-to-full-bodied wine was ripe with red berries, cedar and eucalyptus. This was a favorite of my male workmates. $24.
8). 2004, Torbreck, Woodcutter's Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia - A bit fat, this plummy wine had loads of cherries, more plums and blackberries. Definitely lacking in structure. I was expecting a bit more, but, oh well. $18.
3 comments:
Veronica,
Chasse-Spleen is always a steal. Keep your eyes open especially in very good vintages like 2000 or 2005. On february I drank a `89, simply lovely.......
1989 Chasse Spleen, Moulis-en-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
Not such a good nose. But a wonderful balanced palate with dark chocolate flavors and coffee. Fine complexity and good length . Everything is perfect in place combined with a perfect harmony. Drink it now!
91-92pts.
Take care,
Martin "BerlinKitchen"
U continue to rock it hard!
I recently discovered Carmenere, and I think it is one of the most interesting red varietals for the money that I have had. It's history as one of the original Bordeaux varietals, forgotten for nearly 100 years, is also fascinating. The Calina reserve carmenere, from Trader Joes last summer, was excellent. Panilonco was the next one they carried, and it's not as balanced.
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