Tasting Notes Archives | Page 36 of 40

DeSante, Sauvignon Blanc 2004

June 24, 2005 By Tim Elliott

DeSante, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2004 ($20) – Light green/yellow color, grassy citrus aromas, strong lemon/lime flavors with a good dose of acidity. A nice food wine. Score: 8.5/10

On Monday, we had dinner at the Hitching Post II in Buellton, CA. Yes, this is the same place that was a key location in the movie “Sideways”. I stopped by not for the food, but for their wines that are only available at the restaurant or online. The food was surprisingly good (love the meat rub!) and the wines lived up to expectations:

Hartley Ostini-Hitching Post, Pinot Noir, “Highliner” 2003 ($40) their top of the line Pinot from the best lots. Dark ruby color, raspberry and spice nose with tight raspberry and black cherry flavors and some white pepper and oak. Opens up in the glass nicely after 15 minutes. Delicious now but better in a year or two. Score: 9/10

Hartley Ostini-Hitching Post, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara Country 2003 ($24) Deepest garnet color (but the lighting was bad in the dining room), lean black cherry nose, very tight raspberry fruit. Needs some time in the cellar to show it’s best. Score: 8.5/10

White Rose Vineyards, “Quiotee’s Lair” Pinot Noir 2002

May 31, 2005 By Tim Elliott

From the personal stock of Grape Radio’s Jay Selman:

White Rose Vineyard, “Quiotee’s Lair”, Yamhill County, Oregon, Pinot Noir 2002 ($45) – Dark ruby color, intense black fruit nose, concentrated flavors of blackberry, wild cherry and cassis with a touch of oak and silky mouthfeel; a little hot on the finish but with excellent concentration. A little tight right now so it might be better in a couple of years, but delicious none the less. Not your average Pinot. Score 9/10

Thanks, Jay!

Renwood, “Old Vine” Zinfandel 2002

May 14, 2005 By Tim Elliott

Renwood, “Old Vine” Zinfandel 2002 ($20) – Dark ruby color, herb and blackberry aromas, boysenberry and plum flavors with a bit of oak and ripe tannins. Nice berry finish. Delicous. Score: 9/10

Peter Lehmann, “Clancy’s”, Barossa, 2002

May 3, 2005 By Tim Elliott

Peter Lehmann, “Clancy’s”, Barossa, 2002 ($16) – A blend of 54% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Garnet color, bell pepper and eucalyptus aromas are more like Cabernet Sauvignon, but there is an undercurrent of plum from the Shiraz, nicely balanced plum fruit with bell pepper flavors and soft tannins. Very good now and will maintain for 2-3 more years in the cellar. An unexpected pleasure. Score: 8.5/10.