2008 Tetra ARTET Premiere Napa Valley

Wine: 2008 Tetra ARTET Premiere Napa Valley
Estate: Tetra Wine
Vineyard: Tourmaline Vineyard, Broken Rock Vineyard, Sugarloaf Mountain East, Suscol Bench Vineyard
Region: Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First Premiere Napa Valley wine, all we could think to compare it too was a similar auction in South Africa known as the Cape Winemaker's Guild. Wine was a deep crimson red close to ruby. Lots of red cherries on the nose, with some undertones of light spices like nutmeg and mint or ecalyptus. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) and moderate body. Palate was full of red fruits, cherries and raspberries. Cherries were plush. A little dry in the moderate plus finish. Easily has a few more years in the bottle. Would be really nice around 2018 or so to help it integrate a little further. Drink till 2023. 

Rating: 92
Price: $$$ - Purchased for $68.53 from Wally's Wine and Spirits.

1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown

Wine: 1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown
Estate: Bryant Family Vineyards
Vineyard: Bryant Family Vineyard
Region: Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First time trying the Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon. Was very excited to crack this and try it out. Wine was garnet red, no bricking on the edges yet. Definitely had an aged nose to it. Olive and truffles on the nose to start. Has some secondary earthy notes underneath. Touched by some dark spices and light dark cherries in the finish. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. Palate was herbaceous but no vegetal notes, and some light dark cherries. Very well integrated and balanced, literally melts in your mouth. Finish is still long and lingers for 10 or so seconds. Overall still holding on with a great body and complexity for an 18 year old bottle. If you are looking for a classic Napa Cab this is not fruity enough for you, but if you love complex wines definitely try one of these if you can find one! Drink till 2017.

Rating: 93
Price: $$$$ - Purchased for around $170.00 from Wine Liquidators.

2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block

Wine: 2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block
Estate: Wirra Wirra Wines
Sub-Regions: Whites Valley, McLaren Flat, Blewitt Springs and Seaview
Region: McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia

Location: At home on 3/3/2016

Tasting Note:

We have been on an Australian wine binge of late and are continually looking for QPR/Value Aussie wines. Wine was dark crimson red. Slightly savory on the nose to start with some grilled herbs and lots of red cherries. Definitely needs a year or two to fully integrate but great potential. Moderate tannins (6/10) and rustic on the palate. Slight heat. Slightly dry finish and moderate plus in length and with a moderate body. Will not touch the next bottle till 2017 for another touch point. Very excited to see how this wine develops! Great value australian wine!
Rating: 89+

Price: $ - Purchased at Costco in Pentagon City for $15.81.

2013 World's End Cabernet Sauvignon Money Talks Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard

Wine: 2013 World's End Cabernet Sauvignon Money Talks Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
Estate: World's End
Vineyard: Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California

Location: At home on 2/28/2016

Tasting Note:

Bright ruby red with violet core. Insanely tight on the nose. A lot of dust and chalk with a few hints of dark fruits and black cherries. Tight on the palate as well, initially started with light cassis. Then opened up slightly with red cherries carrying through the finish. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) with a moderate to long, lingering, slightly dry finish. Grips the front of the palate.  and down the sides. Moderate body with good acidity. Definitely needs to be left alone for two years. Jonathan Maltus (winemaker) is definitely completing what he set out to do, which was make old world wines in the new world. Drink from 2018 till 2025 +. One fun fact about all of the wines in Maltus' World's End line up are named after hard rock songs, such as 'Money Talks' by ACDC.

Rating: 91+
Price: $$ - Purchased for $58.30 from Wine Access but we believe it goes for double that at the Estate.

2011 Judge Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III

Wine: 2011 Judge Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:

Wine was garnet red with brownish edges. Very interesting nose. For us it has some clear signs it was from a wetter and cooler vintage. Started off a little stinky/dirty we like to say. Notes of cheese, slight mold, and subtle chalk. It also had a vegetal element to it with some bell peppers and possibly a little more greenery. Solid undertones of cassis. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and moderate plus body. This wine definitely has some oak characteristics such as vanilla. The palate was very complex, in addition to vanilla there were notes of cassis, dark berries, cinnamon, baking spices, dark chocolate and a little mint. Slightly vegetal undertones as well. Long lingering finish supported by more cassis. Our first wine from any of the Beckstoffer Vineyards and it did not disappoint. We can only imagine how good the 2012 or 2013 will be after trying the 2011. Hopefully we will get to try those out once they are released! Drink till 2028.

Rating: 93+
Price: $$$ - $115.00 from the Estate.

2013 Judge Palmer Sauvignon Blanc Ellis Alden Vineyard

Wine: 2013 Judge Palmer Sauvignon Blanc Ellis Alden Vineyard
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Ellis Alden Vineyard
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:
We do not have much experience with Sauvignon Blanc, but from our tiny bit of research this seems to fit the bill perfectly! Bright straw yellow and completely clear. Very complex nose covered in floral and fruity notes. Started off with a few white floral notes and honeysuckle. Followed by lots of tree and tropical fruit like apricots, white peaches, pears,  a little bit of green apples. After breathing in the glass for around 30 minutes it started to open up even more with some slightly earthy notes of hay or straw. Moderate plus acidity (6.5/10), with some slight orange peel and a few other tropical fruits such as honeydew melon. Great moderate plus body that worked well with the level of acidity. Started to develop some secondary notes that were a little savory and green. Long crisp and refreshing finish, seemed slightly toasted. Can tell there is a little bit of oak in this bottling. Great with dinner! (General Tso's). Tried this wine again on the second day. Acidity was definitely more integrated and so smooth. Did not know this wine could get more balanced. Highly recommended and an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now till 2020.
Rating: 93

Price: $$ - $35.00 from the Estate.

2012 Judge Palmer Malbec Bavarian Lion Vineyard

Wine: 2012 Judge Palmer Malbec Bavarian Lion Vineyard
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Bavarian Lion Vineyard
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:
Wine was bright ruby red with moderate intensity and clear edges. Tight nose to start, had a few floral notes like violets, some vanilla, and some interesting dark fruits that we could not put our finger on, it was not black cherry but similar with quite a bit of acidity. Undertones seemed a little creamy with cinnamon and some ashes. Light initial attack that started out thin and got thicker as it moved across the palate. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) with solid moderate body that pulls itself together near the finish. Lots of acidity. Crisp and refreshing with a long finish. The strength of the acidity was honestly very surprising for a malbec out of California, not something we were use to. We decanted for an hour and a half prior to tasting. Drink till 2023.
Rating: 91+
Price: $$ - $40.00 from the Estate.

2013 O'Brien Estate Merlot Reserve

Wine: 2013 O'Brien Estate Merlot Reserve
Estate: O'Brien Estate
Region: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California

Location: Drank at home on 2/20/2016

Tasting Note:
Thanks Steve from O'Brien Estate for rushing this out to us! We decided to save it for the weekend after Valentine's Day when we could sit back, watch some netflix and really enjoy this beauty. After reading the reviews online from the likes of Parker etc, we decided that this needed a big decant. We popped it open right before lunch and came back to try it out 8 hours. Deep and dark purple, almost black. Insanely thick and coats the sides of the glass. Fruit bomb on the attack! Tons of fruit, creme de cassis, blackberries, and baking spices like cinnamon. Was still very tight initially, after another two hours started to show some earthy undertones, and mesquite smoked wood. Heavy tannins (8.5/10) and full bodied. This baby is a powerhouse. Heavily extracted, voluptuous, plush and silky with a kick. As soon as you take a sip it coats your throat with cassis and even more dark berries. Long and dark finish, carries the dark fruits throughout. A little heat in the finish most probably just due to age. This wine definitely needs more time in the bottle. If we had anymore we wouldn't touch this until 2017 with a long long decant. A ton of potential! This wine is made from 100% Merlot, and aged 75% new French oak. Only 100 cases produced.

Rating: 94+

Price: $$$ - $125.00 from the Estate.

2012 Bodegas Volver Monastrell Tarima Hill Old Vines

Wine: 2012 Bodega Volver Monastrell Tarima Hill Old Vines
Estate: Bodega Volver
Region: Alicante, Valencia, Spain

Location: Drank at home on 2/23/2016

Tasting Note:
This note is compiled from two days of tasting this wine. Color was an intense crimson red, with a deep and dark core. Nose started off very savory, with some animal leather and meaty notes. Definitely had some floral notes of lavender, clean and fresh. Some light undertones of dark berries. Creamy attack followed by hints of black cherry. Very earthy with some greenery too. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body that grips the sides of your mouth and dries it out. Some heat in the finish that should wear off given a year or two more in the bottle, making this extremely balanced and smooth. Dry long and lingering finish. Excellent QPR that could easily make it to a 90 - 91 with time. Made of 100% Monastrell (commonly known as Mourvedre) aged in French oak for 14 months. 15% alcohol and 4,000 cases produced. Drink from 2017 till 2022.

Rating: 89+

Price: $ - $12.71 from Costco

2009 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2009 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate: Vasse Felix Wines
Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River, South West Australia

Location: Drank at Eno Wine Bar on 2/19/2016

Tasting Note:
This wine was a deep garnet red. Loved the nose from the start. As some of you might know, we love a slightly stinky nose. It is not off putting to us at all. Nose started off dirty with a slight barnyard nose and moldy/smoked cheese. It developed into charred wood, smoke and a few vegetal notes such as green bell peppers. Heavy tannins (7/10), such a beautiful bite to it that we were not expecting. Solid acidity complemented the tannins and moderate plus body. Slightly savory on the palate with some light vegetal notes. Long and lingering dry finish. Would love to find some of this to buy. If this retailed for the price at Eno Wine Bar, it is still worth that, great QPR! Drink till 2027.

Rating: 93

Price: $$ - Purchases at Eno's Wine Bar for $67.00 but you can find the 2012 at Pearson's Wines for $39.99

2009 Vital Vineyards California Syrah

Wine: 2009 Vital Vineyards California Syrah
Estate: Vital Vineyards
Region: Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California

Location: Drank at home on 2/18/2016

Tasting Note:
Very hard to find details about this estate online. From the limited information found online about Vital Vineyards we discovered a few things. Firstly the grapes for this wine come from Santa Barbara County in California but is made by Vital Vineyards which is located in Dundee, Oregon. Secondly it is made by the winemaker of Lillian Wine Estate, Maggie Harrison. Thirdly, this is a killer QPR!

Wine was bright ruby red. Initially started off very tight and closed off with just a few notes of boysenberries and plums. Once it started to open up the complexity grew. A few earthy and vegetal notes started to appear, like herbs (oregano and thyme) and red bell peppers. Finished off with a little bit of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5/10) with a moderate body. Lots of red cherries and grilling herbs. As it opened up the heat turned into a light and soft cherry liquor. Undertones of vegetal notes like dried up jalapenos and light dark fruits. Slightly dry and moderate finish. Tried twice (day one and day two). Definitely more complex on day two with a vinturi aerator. Definitely worth the price and a great QPR wine! Drink now till 2022.

Rating: 91

Price: $ and $$ - $23.23 from Garagiste can be found for $25.99 from GetWineOnline.com

2013 Frisinger Family Vineyards Malbec

Wine: 2013 Frisinger Family Vineyards Malbec
Estate: Frisinger Family Vineyards
Region: Diamond Mountain District AVA, Napa Valley, California

Location: Drank at home on 1/22/2016

Tasting Note:
Frisinger Family vineyards is located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and was purchased back in 1981. Initially the Frisinger Family started off with selling off their grapes to major producers such as Beringer and Chateau Montelana. Since then Karl Frisinger, the son of the first generation owners (Jim and Karen), has turned this estate into a small production/boutique winery that produces a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a specialty red, which at the moment is a Malbec. The winemaker is Karl Frisinger and for the 2013 Malbec they used all French Oak barrels for 24 months.

Decanted for around four hours. Deep and intense dark purpleish ruby. Powerful nose with a ton of dark fruits and baking spices, like blackberries and cinnamon. Whenever we smell a think caramel, it reminds us of an Aussie Shiraz. A little heat and something slightly medicinal underneath all the pleasantries. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) and moderate body. Heavily extracted and rich. Slightly savory long finish. Honestly we were not expecting much after the disappointing experience with the Frisinger Cab a couple months ago, (must have been an off bottle, it was splendid at the estate in October) but this Malbec is why we ordered a shipment from them!

Rating: 91

Price: $$ - $57.50 from the Allocation List, email Karl Frisinger in order to get on the allocation list.

2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells

Wine: 2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells
Estate: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State

Location: Drank at home on 2/10/2016

Tasting Note:
Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest wine estates out of Washington State. One venture that Chateau Ste. Michelle is known for is forming winery partnerships, such as with the Piero Antinori from Tuscany with the Col Solare Estate and with Ernst Loosen from Mosel with Eroica. Additionally, they are specifically known for two things. 1. Riesling and 2. several vineyards in Eastern Washington. The Eastern Washington vineyards include Canoe Ridge, Indian Wells and Cold Creek. 

This specific bottling contains 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. These grapes came from all three of the Eastern Washington vineyards, 67% from Indian Wells vineyard, 26% from Cold Creek vineyard and 7% from the Canoe Ridge Estate. Aged in 51% new American and French oak for 16 months. The winemaker is Bob Bertheau.

Wine was light violet with a deep core. Lovely nose with quite a few different notes. Slightly savory, broken tree branches and blackberry notes. Solid acidity (6/10) and light tannins (4.5/10). Acidity gives the medium body a little bit of a bite or spiciness. Lots of darker fruits notes like blackberries and black cherries. Moderate finish that lingers for around 5 to 6 seconds. Slightly vegetal and earthy in the finish with some green peppers and dry slate rock. Drink till 2019.

Rating: 88

Price: $ - $16.95 from Total Wine & More.

2012 Domaine Guerrin et Fils Pouilly-Fuissé La Maréchande

Wine: 2012 Domaine Guerrin et Fils Pouilly-Fuissé La Maréchande
Estate: Domaine Guerrin et Fils
Region: Pouilly-Fuissé, Maconnais, Burgundy, France

Location: Drank at S&E Wine Club Burgundy on 2/12/2016

Tasting Note:
We wanted to introduce some white wines to the quarterly tastings. This bottling from Domaine Guerrin et Fils is from La Maréchande in the Pouilly-Fuissé sub-region of Burgundy, France. This vineyard is south-ward facing with a soil composition mixed of clay and limestone. Made of 100% Chardonnay.

Aged in 15% new oak for 10 to 12 months with the remaining barrels having been used for up to five years. Prior to aging this wine is extracted using a pneumatic press. A pneumatic press uses air pressure to extract juice from fresh grapes. 

Decanted for 2.5 hours and left open in the bottle, this was set up for a blind tasting. Wine was clear and light yellow. A little tight to start on the nose with slight tropical notes and light green apples too. Low to moderate acidity (4.5/10), and is really smooth. On the palate there were notes of light green apples like granny smith apples, tropical and citrus notes. Undertones of nuts, some white peach and a touch buttery. Moderate body with a moderate plus finish. Acidity and body were beautifully balanced. Smooth and refreshing. absolutely beautiful to drink. Can easily develop secondary notes with a few years in the bottle. Drink now till 2025.
Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $34.46 from Weygandt Wines in Washington, DC.

2006 Bertrand-Delespierre Champagne Brut Premier Cru

Wine: 2006 Bertrand-Delespierre Champagne Brut Premier Cru
Estate: Bertrand-Delespierre

Location: 1er Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne (Chamery) 
Winemaker: Didier Bertrand and Chantal Delespierre
Location: Drank at S&E Wine Club Burgundy on 2/12/2016

Tasting Note:

In honor of Valentine's Day here is one of the many wines enjoyed this weekend in celebration! We started off the weekend with a great vintage bottle of champagne brought over by on of our friends. Bertrand-Delespierre is known as a "Recoltant Manipulant", this means they are a Grower's Champagne. What exactly is a Grower's Champagne? 

Grower's Champagne means that they make champagne exclusively from their own vineyards/estate. A few big differences between Grower's Champagne and mass produced champagne is that it is generally of higher quality and very distinctive in expressing their terroir. The 2006 vintage is made of vines averaging 25 years old and this vintage is comprised of equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The wines made by Bertrand-Delespierre are only made from the first pressing of a traditional Champagne press. Matured for at least three years on the lees before disgorgement. 

Wine was straw yellow. Love the nose. Started off slightly nutty with some yeast, toasted with a bit of oak then finished off earthy and rustic. Moderate acidity (5.5/10) that was balanced throughout. Great bubbles, and the acidity grips and hangs throughout the palate. Moderate body with some kiwis, pears and green apples kind of like Granny Smith apples. Slightly tangy with some rustic and earthy notes. Well integrated and balanced. Very smooth with a lingering moderate plus finish. and the moderate plus dry finish. Great bottle of champagne. We need to look at more grower champagnes in the future. 

Dates: Now till 2025

Rating: 91

Price: $$ - Between $40.00 and $50.00

2006 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Shiraz

Wine: 2006 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Shiraz

Estate: Tait Wines

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Winemaker: Bruno Tait

Elevage: 15 months in 20% new French oak and 80% 1-2 year old toasted American oak.

Varietals: 100% Shiraz

Decant: 45 minutes.

Location: At home on 1/17/2016

Tasting Note:

Absolutely delicious, we need to start finding some more boutique Aussie wines, especially some basket pressed ones. Basket pressing is a more traditional way of extracting juice from crushed grapes, pressure must be controlled in order to not release unwanted tannins.
Ruby red with garnet edges. Nose was very intense, you could smell the vanilla and coconut three inches away from the glass. Some slight caramel and some slightly savory undertones with a little smokiness. Low tannins (4.5/10) with a thick, rich and silky body. Classis Aussie Shiraz on the palate. Thick and filled with caramel throughout. Heavily extracted with a long plush finish. Low tannins makes be not so sure about longevity but the body and the finish are stunning. Lots of dark fruits and solid acidity. Very well balanced. The acidity might help this hold out over the low tannins. Excellent wine and will head out to grab a bottle of the Ball Buster this year! 800 cases produced.

Dates: Drink till 2022.
Rating: 93
Price: $$ - Purchased for $35.69 but goes for $50.00 from the estate if you live in Australia. One wine of their's is available in the area. Ball Buster for $19.99 at Total Wine.

2012 Lyeth Meritage

Wine: 2012 Lyeth Meritage
Estate: Lyeth Estate

Location: Sonoma County, California

Winemaker: Katie Carter
Elevage: Unknown
Varietal: 35% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot 

Decant: PnP

Location: Drank at home on 2/7/2016

Tasting Note:

Lyeth is a winery out in Sonoma County that specializes in Meritage wines. Pure ruby red and bright foam. Slightly savory and earthy to start on the nose with a little bit of black cherries. Really enjoyed the nose on this one. Light overall mouthfeel with moderate tannins (5/10) and crisp light to medium body. Soft black cherries throughout that changes to cassis as it breathes. Short to moderate finish with slight acidity that dies off quickly. Overall a great wine for under $15.00, would use this as a great refreshing, lighter, everyday drinker. We really want to try to find their other wines to give them a shot.

Dates: Now

Rating: 88

Price: $ - $14.83 at Total Wine & More

2013 Witchery Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Wine: 2013 Witchery Howell Mountain Zinfandel
Estate: Witchery Wines

Location: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Grant Long Jr
Elevage: 50% new French Oak
Varietal: 92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah

Decant: One hour.

Location: Drank at home on 2/3/2016

Tasting Note:

Let's start by saying we were very impressed with this wine, and it is said to think that this is the only vintage Witchery will be making. The wine was insanely dark, almost black. Love the complexity that this nose carries. Starting off with baking spices and cinnamon, coupled with some sweet dark berry jam and finishing off with some mesquite smoked and maple wood. Moderate plus tannins (7/10), with a moderate body. Great structure and weight to the body. This does not finish like a typical Zinfandel, it starts off jammy on the palate and goes slightly savory before going dry in the moderate plus finish.  and goes dry in the finish. and moderate plus finish. Very happy that we have two more of these!

Dates: Now till 2022

Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $55.00

2009 Raats Cabernet Franc

Wine: 2009 Raats Cabernet Franc

Estate: Raats Family Wines

Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Elevage: 18 months in 25% new French Oak.

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: One hour

Location: Tasted at home on 2/3/2016.

Tasting Note:

Always a huge fan of Raats Cabernet Franc. Deep crimson red. Beautiful Cabernet Franc nose, with a ton of bell peppers to start. Followed by undertones of savory spices and herbs. Moderate tannins (6/10), with a moderate plus body that is quite furry on the tongue. Good weight on the body as it carries through till the mid palate. Moderate plus finish that the dryness lingers after the finish subsides. Great Cabernet Franc, as always one of our favorites!

Dates: Drink till 2022.
Rating: 91
Price: $$ - around $35.00

2013 Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2013 Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Warwick Estate

Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Norma Ratcliffe

Elevage: 18 months in French Oak.

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: Tasted on day five

Location: Tasted at home on 2/3/2016.

Tasting Note:

Supposedly tried this on day five. And boy were we impressed. Garnet red color. Pure South African nose. Was initially a little dirty, with bell peppers and lots of chalk. Moderate tannins (5/10) with a moderate body that was starting to thin a little as time passed. Hints of black cherries and slightly savory near the end as well. Slightly dry and moderate finish. Amazing QPR wine! A great wine for an everyday drinker, will not disappoint.

Dates: Drink till 2019.
Rating: 88
Price: $ - $10.99